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Mitch McConnell Hopes To Negotiate A Stimulus Agreement In The Next Few Weeks

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Mitch McConnell Hopes To Negotiate A Stimulus Agreement ‘In The Next Few Weeks

 

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Friday he would like to negotiate a new stimulus package with Democrats “in the next few weeks.”

The time frame could spell financial calamity during a pandemic for millions of Americans collecting boosted unemployment checks, a $600 emergency federal supplement to state benefits that Congress approved in March. People on enhanced unemployment face a sharp income drop of 50% to 75% depending on their state’s benefits.

The final beefed-up payments in 49 states are being distributed on Saturday, followed by New York on Sunday. The lapse also coincides with Friday’s expiration of a federal moratorium that’s guarded one-third of the nation’s renters from evictions — or those living in buildings or homes with government aid.

Republicans have struggled to craft and release their anticipated $1 trillion legislation this week, due to fierce GOP infighting over priorities and the size of the spending package. It delayed their plan’s release until early next week when negotiations with Democrats are expected to begin in earnest.

McConnell said at an event in Ashland, Kentucky: “Hopefully we can come together behind some package we can agree on in the next few weeks.”

Unemployment remains high at 11.1%. On Thursday, the Labor Department said 1.4 million people filed for unemployment last week, up from 1.3 million the week before. It was the first increase since March, indicating the recession may deepen as the coronavirus pandemic rages on with rising infections in the US.

In May, House Democrats passed a $3 trillion aid package that would send additional stimulus checks to Americans, direct federal dollars to states and cities grappling with budget shortfalls, and extend the $600 weekly unemployment supplement through January. But Senate Republicans assailed it as a progressive wish-list and did not put it for a vote.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California released a joint statement on Friday ripping into Republicans for delaying the rollout of their bill, saying “time is of the essence and lives are being lost.”

“This weekend, millions of Americans will lose their unemployment insurance, will be at risk of being evicted from their homes, and could be laid off by state and local government, and there is only one reason: Republicans have been dithering for months while America’s crisis deepens,” Schumer and Pelosi said.

Gov. Beshear Provides Update on COVID-19

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Gov. Beshear Provides Update on COVID-19

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 25, 2020) – Gov. Andy Beshear on Saturday, once again, announced the second-highest single-day total of novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Kentucky.

“Today’s numbers continue a concerning increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in our commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “We expect to take additional steps next week if the case numbers don’t stabilize.”

Case Information

As of 4 p.m. July 25, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 26,764 coronavirus cases in Kentucky, 836 of which were newly reported Saturday. Twenty-two new cases were from children ages 5 and younger.

“Yesterday, there were more than 74,000 new cases and more than 1,000 deaths reported across the country,” said Gov. Beshear. “We know how to control this virus. We’ve seen states like New York – which had hospitals overflowing with sick patients in March and April – now reporting a positivity rate of 1% or less. If they can do it, we can do it. But we have to work together, stay smart, and wear face coverings.”

Unfortunately, Gov. Beshear reported five new deaths Saturday, raising the total to 696 Kentuckians lost to the virus.

“This is the part that never gets easier and never will,” said Gov. Beshear. “Every day that we do the right thing, we are protecting each other from the worst pain imaginable. My heart is with these families every waking moment.”

The deaths reported Saturday include a 79-year-old man from Casey County; an 80-year-old man from Christian County; two women, ages 68 and 93, from Fayette County; and a 66-year-old man from Ohio County.

As of Saturday, there have been at least 582,521 coronavirus tests performed in Kentucky. The positivity rate currently stands at 5.41%, the highest rate reported in the last few months* and a sign the disease is spreading more actively in our communities.

“The number of positive cases in Kentucky is on the rise, but we can still avoid the crises confronting other states,” said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Department for Public Health, referring to other states’ filled ICU beds and increasing deaths. “Our personal choices, right now and every day, will directly determine Kentucky’s situation in early August. Small acts of kindness and personal sacrifice will make a big difference. We can choose to delay a party or picnic. We can shop for groceries or go to the pharmacy when it’s less crowded. We can opt for an online or drive-up worship service. We can wear a face mask. Every one of us has a role to play in determining Team Kentucky’s future.”

At least 7,421 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.

For additional information, including up-to-date lists of positive cases and deaths, as well as breakdowns of coronavirus infections by county, race, and ethnicity, click here.

Week in Review

Visit the Governor’s website for more information on this week’s updates, including those on: the new travel advisory, social gatherings limited to 10 people, Kentucky Commercialization Ventures, the state budget, long-term care testing and Healthy at School.

More Information

Read about other key updates, actions, and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov, kycovid19.ky.gov and the Governor’s official social media account Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Kentuckians can also access translated COVID-19 information and daily summaries of the Governor’s news conference at teamkentuckytranslations.com.

FOOTNOTES: Friday, we incorrectly stated that 5.28% was the highest positivity rate ever reported in the state. Until today, it was the highest positivity rate reported since the earliest months of the pandemic, when limited testing elevated the positivity rate even more.

The IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local Union16′ Offers Extensive Apprenticeship Training Programs

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The IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local Union16’s jurisdiction includes Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Lawrence, Martin, Orange, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties in Indiana, and Wabash county in Illinois.

If you’re planning a project within their jurisdiction, click the contractor’s button for a list of our signatory contractors.

IBEW Local 16 was chartered on December 13, 1899.  Our members are divided into several categories of electrical work including Inside Construction,  Maintenance Electrician, Residential Wiring, and Sign classifications.

Inside Construction
Inside Construction includes commercial, industrial, high voltage, motor controls, instrumentation, lighting, power distribution, parking lot lighting, traffic signals, etc.

Residential Wiring
Residential members meet the wiring needs of private residences including apartments, condominiums, etc.

Sign
Sign members assemble and install an assortment of signs including vinyl, electric, and neon signs.

Local 16 offers extensive and thorough apprenticeship training programs in the following fields:

Inside Journeyman

Wireman Installer/Technician Journeyman

Residential Journeyman Wireman

They also offer many advanced training courses for our Journeyman members at our J.A.T.C. training facilities located in Evansville.

Address and Contact Numbers:
9001 North Kentucky Avenue
Evansville, Indiana 47725-1397
Phone: (812) 867-9670
Fax: (812) 867-9675

Jobline:
Book I (after 6:00 pm): (812) 867-9705
Book II (after 6:00 pm):  (812) 867-4132

Website:  www.ibewlocal16.com

Business Manager: Paul Green
Business Agent: Don Beavin / Kim Musgrave (Dispatch)
Business Agent:  Ryan McRoberts (Field Agent)
Business Agent:  Brandon Wongngamnit (Organizer)

Business Manager / FinancialSecretary:  Paul Green
President:  Greg Hebbeler, II
Vice President:  Ben Ipock
Recording Secretary:  Daniel Gretler
Treasurer:  Nick Vaught
Executive Board:  Donald Beavin, John Brady Jr, Stephen “Bubba” Fenton, Ryan McRoberts, James Stidham,
Examining Board:  Jeff Brady, Ray Pritchett, Scott Woolsey

 

IT’S COMPLICATED

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IT’S COMPLICATED

Gavel Gamut By Jim Redwine

Gentle Reader, should you have read last week’s column you may recall it involved issues of how our legal system processes non-violent illegal drug users. Well, I know at least one person besides Peg read it as that person sent me an email outlining his views about my views. As I was surprised that anyone had read my article and had even taken the effort to respond to it, I carefully considered his positions. It also helped that the reader has been a good friend of mine for several years and is well informed and thoughtful on issues of public interest. Sometimes we agree; sometimes we do not. However, he, and, I hope I, always respectfully hear out the entire discussion.

To recap last week’s topic, it contained my chance encounter with a convicted drug dealer who is still on probation after doing four years in prison. He shared the details of his crime and current status on his “split” sentence with me after it came out in our generally casual discussion that I, as a trial judge, had the experience of confronting a defendant in court who had stolen my car twenty years earlier. That surreal coincidence developed as set out below.

In 1965 I had just received my honorable discharge from the United States Air Force and had moved to Indianapolis, Indiana with my wife and son. I found a job selling encyclopedias for P.F. Collier Company door to door. One of my co-workers was a young man I knew as Sam whose last name was of the three-syllable type and hard to forget. Sam and his wife were as poor as we were but he fell in love with my 1956 Ford Fairlane convertible. I had paid $350 for it but planned to replace it with a more family suitable model.

Sam implored me to sell him my car for cash with the promise he’d pay me $50 per week for seven weeks as we received our Collier paychecks, assuming of course, that we sold anything. I acquiesced, and gave him the keys and never saw the car again. The next time I saw Sam was when he appeared in front of me charged with a home burglary to which he offered to plead guilty per a deal he and his attorney had worked out with the Prosecuting Attorney. 

When I read the pre-sentence investigation a dim light began to glow. In open court, in the presence of Sam’s attorney and the Prosecutor the following colloquy occurred:

Judge:“Mr. ( ), your first name is in the pre-sentence as ( ). Have you ever been known as Sam?”

Sam: “Yeah, that’s an old nickname.”

Judge: “Mr. ( ), the pre-sentence lists your residence as in the state of Oregon. Did you ever live in Indianapolis?”

Same (somewhat surprised): “Yeah, but I left there pretty quickly.”

Judge: “Mr. ( ), when you were in Indianapolis did you ever sell encyclopedias for P.F. Collier?”

Sam (really surprised): “Yeah, I did.”

Judge: “Mr. ( ), you stole my car!” 

Naturally, I offered to recuse and get Sam another judge and I took a recess so Sam and his attorney could discuss the situation. But, as Sam had had about as much experience with our legal system as I had between 1965 and 1985, he just advised me that he only came to Posey County, Indiana to burglarize a home. Then he told me, “Judge, I just want to get out of your county jail and get back to prison as soon as possible.” After his attorney agreed and with the Prosecutor’s blessing, Sam got his wish.

This true story of how the system handled a defendant led the probationer I told it to to describe how his sentence had afforded him an opportunity to work and support his family versus simply serving out his entire ten-year sentence. In last week’s article I wrote approvingly of a system based more on forgiving 70 x 7 than long-term incarceration. My friend who disagreed with that approach supported his views with sound reasoning, albeit not as sufficient to persuade me.

 When I prosecuted drug offenses for seven years my views were similar to my friend’s but after forty years of judging such situations, I find myself doubting the efficacy of spending $20,000 per year of taxpayer funds to house non-violent offenders. However, I do understand those who think the way I used to. I am glad I serve in a legal system and live in a country where all rational views can be fairly debated and tested; that does remain true, right? And I am glad to have friends with the fairness to discuss such matters with an open mind.

For more Gavel Gamut articles go to www.jamesmredwine.com

Or “Like/Follow” us on Facebook & Twitter at JPegRanchBooks&Knitting

Zlatkovska Named Interim Lead Of USI Center For International Programs

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Zlatkovska Named Interim Lead Of USI Center For International Programs

 Benjamin Luttrull

News PhotoDr. Emilija (Emi) Zlatkovska has been named the interim Executive Director for International Programs and Services at the University of Southern Indiana. She began her duties in her new position on July 1 and assumes the position previously held by Heidi Gregori-Gahan, who retired from USI after 22.5 years of service.

As interim Executive Director, Zlatkovska will oversee USI’s Center for International Programs, which provides information, services, and programs designed to meet the unique needs of international students and scholars as well as the development and coordination of overseas study programs.

Prior to accepting this role, Zlatkovska served as the Director of USI’s Intensive English Program (IEP) within the Center for International Programs. Under her leadership, the IEP attained accreditation from the Commission on English Language Accreditation, for which she also serves as an on-site reviewer.

Zlatkovska has served as a network leader for NAFSA, the Association of International Educators’ International Enrollment Management Knowledge Community, since 2017 and is professionally affiliated with TESOL and EnglishUSA.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from St. Cyril and Methodius University in her native Macedonia and master’s and doctoral degrees in language education, specializing in English as a Second/Foreign Language, from Indiana University.

For more information about the Center for International Programs, visit the Center’s website or call 812-465-1248.

ADOPT A PET

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Bessy is a 4-year-old female brindle pit bull mix. She likes some other dogs and would like a meet & greet with yours, if you’re considering adopting! $110 Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 or adoptions@vhslifesaver.org for details!

 

Hot Jobs In Evansville

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Executive Administrative Assistant
D-Patrick Ford Lincoln – Evansville, IN
Responsive employer
$14 – $15 an hour
As a administrative assistant at D-Patrick Ford Lincoln you will need the follow skills: Following proper policies and procedures.
Easily apply
Jul 24
Support Service Specialist
Uniseal Inc. – Evansville, IN
Uniseal is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and as such will recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color,…
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Jul 24
Dental Office Assistant – Business Assistant
Diamond Valley Dental Care – Evansville, IN
Dental Office Assistant – Business Assistant. Come Join our Successful Dental Practice as an Office Assistant – Business Assistant.
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Jul 24
Human Resources Coordinator, Benefits, Human Resources – N20031N1
University of Southern Indiana 4.3/5 rating   114 reviews  – Evansville, IN
$17.62 an hour
As Human Resources Coordinator, you will temporarily assist the Human Resources Generalist in COVID-19 related leaves, contact tracing, and permanently assist…
Jul 24
OFFICE COORDINATORS
ResCare Residential Services 3/5 rating   5,993 reviews  – Evansville, IN
Are you the super-star multitasker type, strong in administration skills? Our affiliates include Brightway Community Living and A Place To Call Home, among…
Jul 24
Enrollment Marketing Specialist, Undergraduate Admissions – A20013A1
University of Southern Indiana 4.3/5 rating   114 reviews  – Evansville, IN
The University of Southern Indiana’s Undergraduate Admission Office seeks applications for an Enrollment Marketing Specialist.
Jul 24
Kennel Assistant
Pampered Pet Nanny Doggie Daycare – Newburgh, IN
$9 an hour
Multi-task successfully and prioritize time and duties. Responsible/ Prompt/ Dependable is a MUST. Excellent communication skills and a calm demeanor are a must…
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Jul 24
Business Office Manager
Heritage Woods of Newburgh 3.1/5 rating   10 reviews  – Newburgh, IN
Are you organized have great customer service skills? Our beautiful Assisted Living Community is currently hiring a Full time Business Office Manager.
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Jul 24
1st Shift Part Time Commercial Office Cleaning(East-side Evansville)
Jani-Clean, Inc. – Evansville, IN
Responsive employer
$10 – $11 an hour
\*Weekly Average – 20 hours a week\*. We are looking for a responsible and reliable Commercial Office Cleaner for day shift hours for Monday-Friday.
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Jul 24
Inside Sales Representative
Preferred Tank and Tower Maintenance Division – Henderson, KY
$40,000 – $75,000 a year
Preferred Tank & Tower Maintenance Division Inc.*. We’re a growing family owned company looking for a team member. Field customer questions and inquiries.
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Jul 24
Entry Level Data Analyst
ABG Operating LLC – Evansville, IN
$16 – $18 an hour
American Bath Group/Bootz Industries – Evansville, Indiana. Interpret data, analyze results using statistical techniques and provide ongoing reports.
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Jul 24
Full-time Office Assistant/HR Specialist for local family business
Confidential – Evansville, IN
Responsive employer
$11 – $15 an hour
A job for which military experienced candidates are encouraged to apply. Full-time office manager/office assistant position.
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Jul 21
Loan Operations Specialist
United Fidelity Bank – Evansville, IN
Review and send out escrow analysis & send escrow overpayment. United Fidelity is hiring for a **Loan Operations Specialist. Pays PMI on monthly basis.
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Jul 21

HEALTH DEPARTMENT UPDATES STATEWIDE COVID-19 CASE COUNTS

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INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today announced that 934 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. That brings to 61,520 the total number of Indiana residents known to have the novel coronavirus following corrections to the previous day’s dashboard.

A total of 2,698 Hoosiers are confirmed to have died from COVID-19, an increase of 11 over the previous day. Another 197 probable deaths have been reported based on clinical diagnoses in patients for whom no positive test is on record. Deaths are reported based on when data are received by ISDH and occurred over multiple days.

To date, 690,274 tests have been reported to ISDH, up from 678,749 on Friday.