Home Blog Page 2786

“IS IT TRUE” JUNE 30. 2022

0
We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUE” will provoke honest and open dialogue concerning issues that we, as responsible citizens of this community, need to address in a rational and responsible way.
City-County Observer Comment Policy: Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will be tolerated and will be removed from our site.”
We understand that sometimes people don’t always agree and discussions may become a little heated.  The use of offensive language and/or insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.
WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE
We apologize that our site crashed during the entire day because of unprecedented reader traffic.   Because of that issue, we have also decided to republish all the feature articles that were posted in yesterday’s City-County Observer.
IS IT TRUE  that we highly recommend that you read the article written by Joe Wallace the former City-County Observer Editor and past CEO of GAGE in today’s CCO?  …that Mr. Wallce is starting a not-for-profit Journalism Foundation in order to keep a Gannett’s owned publication Opinion page from fading in the darkness?
IS IT TRUE that the EVSC Superintendent of Schools, Dr. David Smith is urging school board members to approve a multi-million dollar temporary loan in order to pay for the current operations costs of the Vanderburgh School system?
IS IT TRUE that it’s our understanding that the interest rate for the temporary loan is around 1.5%?  …We been told if members of the EVSC school board sign this temporary loan agreement it could obligate them to pay up to a 4.5% percent interest penalty if they don’t meet the original terms of the loan contract?
IS IT TRUE we wonder what is the total amount of money does the EVSC school board needs to borrow in order to cover current operations costs for this year?  …reliable sources tell us that the loan amount could be many million dollars?
IS IT TRUE it’s been alleged by a reliable source that the members of the EVSC school board have been passing a temporary loan resolution since 2018?  … that high school accounting instructors teach their students when you have to borrow millions of dollars to cover current operating costs for three years in a row you have major money management and cash flow challenges?
IS IT TRUE the Vanderburgh County Commissioners recently voted to continue to proceed with BroadBand in the county?… if this comes to fruition, Vanderburgh County would have aLL rural areas with high-speed internet capabilities?
IS IT TRUE that 2022 will be an interesting year in local politics?…that with an open County Commissioner seat, an open County Sheriff position, an open County Assessor seat, all four County Council districts seat up, all four School Board district seats up, all Township Trustees up, all State Reps, County Prosecutor, 8th District US Congress and one of two Indiana US Senate seats up, and numerous other down-ballot seats, we predict that the 2022 midterm elections will be a record-setting voting event?
IS IT TRUE that in seven weeks, US President-Elect Joe Biden will be sworn in and inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States?…that the Dow Jones hit 30,000 for the first time in US history last week in anticipation of a Biden administration?
IS IT TRUE that the biggest surprise in the recent General election was that Amy Word blew all her competitors away? …what made this achievement profound was that several groups and individuals attempted to smear and attack Ms. Word at every turn? …we hear that Amy Word is pledging to serve on the EVSC School Board with honor?
IS IT TRUE that Vanderburgh County Council-elect Jill Hahn was impressive in her victory? …that political newcomer Jill Hahn ran a positive race and promise to use her education and business skills for the betterment of the taxpayers? …we been told that Ms. Hahn is already being considered as a potential Vice President of the County Council?
IS IT TRUE that the City-County Observer newspaper is a proud supporter of our law enforcement?
IS IT TRUE that the current printed edition of the City-Council Observer is being distributed throughout select sub-divisions in Evansville/Vanderburgh County proper?  …free copies of the CCO will also be available at the area Schnucks grocery stores this week?
IS IT TRUE we are please in the way that the good folks at local TV Channel 14 are providing the masses with up-to-date local news, weather, and sports?  …we are so impressed by the way they are providing current and accurate news that we have included Channel 14 TV in our 2021 advertising budget?
IS IT TRUE when the people fear the Government we have Tyranny!  When the Government fears the people we have Liberty!
Todays ‘Readers Poll” question is: Do you agree with the way that Mayor Winnecke is handling the COVID-19 virus dilemma?
Please take time and read our newest feature articles entitled “OBITUARIES, LEFT JAB, AND RIGHT JAB,  BIRTHDAYS, AND HOT JOBS” posted in our sections.
 Oh, you now are able to subscribe to the CCO on a daily basis at no cost.
If you would like to advertise in the CCO please contact us City-County Observer@live.com.

 

Holli Sullivan Drivers Hands-Free Device Law Takes Effect July 1

0

INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Eric J. Holcomb is reminding drivers that beginning Wednesday, Indiana law will prohibit drivers holding mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, in their hands while driving to reduce distracted driving and improve safety on Hoosier roadways.

The effort to make Indiana’s roads safer was a key piece of Gov. Holcomb’s 2020 legislative agenda and was sponsored by State Representative Hollie Sullivan of Vanderburgh County and approved by the Indiana General Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support. Gov. Holcomb signed the measure into law on March 18.

“As drivers, we all have a responsibility to our fellow Hoosiers to limit eye and hand distractions that can result in tragic injuries and deaths,” Gov. Holcomb said. “This law is about protecting those who travel our roads and those who build and maintain them by preventing as many crashes as possible through smart education and enforcement.”

Once the law takes effect, drivers on Indiana roads will be prohibited from having a mobile device in their hands while their vehicles are moving, with the exception of dialing 911 in an emergency. The law permits the use of voice-operated or hands-free technology such as speakerphone, Bluetooth, or headset.

“Drivers need to keep their eyes up, hands on the wheel and stay focused on driving to keep everyone on our roads safe,” Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Joe McGuinness said. “The Hands-Free While Driving law will save lives by reducing the number of senseless crashes that happen as a result of distracted driving.”

Across the United States, serious traffic crashes and fatalities have sharply increased in recent years due in large part to distracted driving. In 2019, the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute reported that distracted driving from mobile devices was a factor in at least 1,263 crashes and three fatal crashes. Requiring drivers to put smartphones and other devices away and focus on driving is proven to reduce crashes and deaths. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, states that have passed hands-free driving laws have seen a nearly 20 percent decrease in traffic deaths in the two years after passing the law.

“Nothing on your phone or tablet justifies taking your focus off the road and putting lives at risk,” Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter said. “Our mission is to educate drivers on the dangers of distracted driving and enforce the hands-free while driving law to get every person traveling and working on our roads home safely.”

During the first few months with the “Hands-Free  While Driving” law in effect, Indiana State Police will focus on educating drivers on the new law and safety benefits of going hands-free. However, following the initial education campaign, drivers found in violation of the hands-free while driving law can be subject to fine. Beginning in July 2021, drivers may also have points assessed against their driver’s licenses for violating the law.

Utilities Will Not Be Able To Raise Prices To Make Up For Revenue Lost To COVID-19

0

Utilities Will Not Be Able To Raise Prices To Make Up For Revenue Lost To COVID-19

June 29, 2020, Posted by 

Staff Report 
TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, or IURC, has denied a petition by state utility providers to charge customers more to make up for revenue lost in shutdowns that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The commission announced the ruling Monday morning and noted they unanimously denied the request on the grounds the additional cost to Hoosiers would not be a reasonable way for companies to make back lost funds.

“The balance of this order seeks to work toward allowing customers to meet their obligation while providing utilities the reasonable relief they need to help such customers do so,” officials wrote in the decision. “However, asking customers to go beyond their obligation and pay for service they did not receive is beyond reasonable utility relief based on the facts before us.”

In addition to this finding, the commission extended a temporary ban on utility disconnections until Aug. 14 and has required the companies to offer payment plans of at least six months to all customers. Officials said this would give customers enough time to negotiate payment plans and other alternatives with their providers without losing needed services like electricity.

Ten Indiana utility providers petitioned the commission to raise prices in May, including Indianapolis Power & Light Co. and Duke Energy Inc., after closed businesses and factories caused the providers to lose revenue at an unprecedented rate. At the time, the companies asked to raise prices to make up for the loss and to charge customers for the debt they incurred even as the companies could not shut off utilities for nonpayment.

The initial petition spurred criticism from several citizens advocacy groups, including the Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana, who called the move a mark of company greed.

The IURC will continue to investigate the petition by the utility companies. In Phase 2, the IURC will evaluate a request related to increased operations and maintenance and pensions expenses.

FOOTNOTE: TheStatehouseFile.com is a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students. 

Ascension St. Vincent Evansville Welcomes Inaugural Class

0
Ascension St. Vincent Evansville Welcomes Inaugural Class of Southwest Indiana Internal Medicine Residents
Congratulations to the inaugural class of the Southwest Indiana Internal Medicine Residency Program! Last week, the 26 Residents took part in a White Coat Ceremony. Long white coats represent their transition from medical school to residency and symbolize the professionalism that Residents must embody while providing care to patients. We are privileged to have the Evansville Campus of the residency program located here, at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville, on the third floor of our Medical Office Building East.
Pictured to the right, Ascension St. Vincent Evansville welcomes its first class of Internal Medicine Residents at a White Coat Ceremony. Dr. Heidi Dunniway, Regional Chief Medical Officer and Dan Parod, President, Ascension St. Vincent Southern Region joined valued partners Dr. Steve Becker, Rob McLin, Dr. Margaret Beliveau-Ficalora and Dr. Robert Ficalora.
Internal Medicine Residents Share
What Program Means to Them
Dr. Elizabeth Cho
“Being a resident is an honor and privilege. Having an opportunity to be able to shape the future of a residency program is very rewarding and a once in a lifetime experience. I am looking forward to serving my patients and the community. I believe this program offers the best opportunity for me to do so. The white coat ceremony is the manifestation of everything I’ve worked toward for the past few years. To be given a white coat was a defining moment in my life.”
Dr. Andrews Adjapong
“Four years ago, I didn’t know what was in store for me after medical school. But today, I stand here and I can boldly say I am blessed to be part of a group of dedicated and hardworking group of individuals I can call my co-residents, and also be a part of an amazing organization that is so vested in the training of young up-and-coming physicians. The amazing reception received right from day one of landing foot in Southwest Indiana and the great support by the hospital administration during the White Coat Ceremony made me realize how lucky I was to be here…”
Dr. Neil Corbett
“…Moving to this part of the country, and being welcomed into this residency program has felt like coming home, home to a place where my family and I can feel comfortable, secure and content that all is going to be okay.
The importance of the White Coat ceremony cannot be understated for me. It is a great honor to wear this coat as a symbol of the service I hope to provide to my community.”
Ascension St. Vincent Evansville Foundation proudly supports the work of our Residents and the Southwest Indiana Internal Medicine Residency Program here at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville. We were honored to support all Residents with the purchase of their American College of Physicians (ACP) Membership Cards, so all could start their journey as Residents being members of the ACP.
Support our dedicated Residents and the ongoing needs of our residency programs.
Click the button above and select the fund from the designation dropdown menu.
Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville Designated Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
We’re pleased to announce that Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville has been designated as a Level III NICU and High Risk Maternal Care. As such, we have board-certified neonatologists and maternal fetal specialists on staff 24/7, ready to provide compassionate care for high risk pregnancies and the sickest newborns.
Support our tiniest patients and their families through our OB/GYN and Women’s Services Fund. Click the button and select the fund from the designation dropdown menu.
Ascension St. Vincent Evansville Associate
Improving After Stroke
Dawnelle Neighbors of Newburgh had a miraculous recovery from a massive hemorrhagic stroke that she suffered on March 3, 2020, while working at the Wellness Center at Epworth Crossing. Up until that moment, she had no signs of illness.
She was treated for four days at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville ICU, then the Neurological Unit before moving to Ascension St. Vincent Evansville’s Rehabilitation Institute, located on campus.
Due to COVID-19 visitor restrictions, Dawnelle’s long road to recovery was done without her family by her side. Because of this, she relied heavily on the caring staff.
“For her impairments, and the size of her stroke and what she looked like coming in, I don’t think anybody, including myself, expected her to walk out by herself,” Physical Therapist, Hannah Lamar, said.
Dawnelle had six rehab sessions per day. Her spirit, hard work and determination to get better was something that was unbelievable. Her doctors said that her desire to go home kept her going strong with occupational, speech and physical therapy.
“The doctors, nurses, therapists and the entire hospital were absolutely remarkable,” stated her husband, Herb Neighbors.
After 66 days at Ascension St Vincent Evansville under nursing care, Dawnelle walked out of
Ascension St. Vincent Evansville. She is continuing home therapy three days a week and is improving daily with walks up and down her street without a cane.
“I am amazing and praise God every day!” exclaimed Dawnelle. She also looks forward to returning to work and helping others in recovery in a support group.
Support patients like Dawnelle as they recover from serious neurological or orthopaedic injuries. Click the button and select the fund from the designation dropdown menu.
Ziemer Society Member Spotlight: Anita and Brian Corne
“We became members of the Ziemer Society because we wanted to get out in the Tri-State community and meet more people…We have really enjoyed all of the outings such as the Cardinals Baseball trip, the campfire and Pizza Revolution night, the U of E Aces night and much more. We look forward to many more years with the group.”
The Ted & Clare Ziemer Society, named after long-time supporters Ted & Clare Ziemer, is a philanthropic giving society within Ascension St. Vincent Evansville Foundation. As a Society, our purpose is to make a difference in the lives of children, while networking and having fun along the way.
Thank you for your support, Tri-State Medical Alliance!
Thank you to Tri-State Medical Alliancefor their donation of a Biaggi’s meal and bags of chocolate to our Emergency Department staff. Pictured in the photo are Ann Almquist and Dr. Aditi Jindal with the Tri-State Medical Alliance along with our staff. Thank you for your generous support!
Thank you to the many community organizations, companies and individuals who have donated food, PPE and cash donations to our Foundation and local ministry throughout the pandemic.
3700 Washington Ave.
Evansville, IN 47750

AG Curtis Hill’s Unclaimed Property Division Continues Returning More Than $1 Million Per Week

0

Division Launches New Facebook And Instagram Accounts

Attorney General Curtis Hill’s Unclaimed Property Division has returned approximately $27 million to rightful owners during the first half of 2020.

“Overseeing this particular function of government makes us unique from other attorneys general around the country,” Attorney General Hill said. “We work hard to give this important work the priority it deserves.”

To reach owners of unclaimed property, the Office of the Attorney General uses mailings; social media; online and print advertisements; and local media coverage. Staff members crisscrossing the state in the Attorney General’s Mobile Operations Center also help constituents search for unclaimed money.

“On a daily basis, our team proves its dedication to all Hoosiers,” Attorney General Hill said. “The COVID-19 pandemic might have disrupted some of the ways we do business, but it has not touched the spirit of public service that pervades our work for the people of Indiana.”

Unclaimed property refers to any financial asset with no activity by its owner for an extended period of time. This includes unclaimed wages or commissions; savings and checking accounts; stock dividends; insurance proceeds; underlying shares; customer deposits or overpayments; certificates of deposit; credit balances; refunds; money orders; and safe deposit box contents. Organizations holding potential unclaimed property are expected to make every possible effort to contact owners before reporting the assets to the state in which the owner was last known to reside.

From 2017 to 2019, the Unclaimed Property Division returned more than $188 million in unclaimed property to Hoosiers.

Greg Peete Wins House District 77 Caucus

0
Greg Peete Wins House District 77 Caucus
On Saturday, June 27, a caucus of Indiana House District 77 Precinct Committeemen selected Greg Peete to be the District 77 Republican Candidate for State Representative in this year’s General Election. Peete defeated fellow Republican Steve Ary to fill the District 77 ballot vacancy, receiving 60% of the caucus vote.
Peete, a life long Republican, is a Veteran, an advocate for Veteran issues, and a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment.  In his Campaign, Bio Peete states,”I chose to run for this seat for all Veterans in the State and Community. My Passion is wanting to be able to help straighten out the Indiana Veterans Affairs and get them the help they deserve.
Also, I want to get policies in place to help with homelessness and mental health issues that reside in our community. I want to help with providing programs to underprivileged youth and help create jobs to help keep them out of trouble and in school.
I also vow to make myself available to the district so you can reach me with problems that arise, and we will work together to fix the issues. “
Peete will face incumbent Democrat Ryan Hatfield for the Indiana House District 77 seat this November.
Learn more about Greg Peete HERE

EPD DAILY REPORT

0

EPD REPORT

Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab” June 30, 2020

0

Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab” June 30, 2020

“Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab” was created because we have a couple of commenters that post on a daily basis either in our “IS IT TRUE” or “Readers Forum” columns concerning National or International issues.
The majority of our “IS IT TRUE” columns are about local or state issues, so we have decided to give our more opinionated readers exclusive access to our newly created “LEFT JAB and Middle Jab and RIGHT JAB”  column. They now have this post to exclusively discuss national or world issues that they feel passionate about.
We shall be posting the “LEFT JAB” AND “MIDDLE JAB” AND “RIGHT JAB” several times a week.  Oh, “LEFT JAB” is a liberal view, “MIDDLE JAB” is the libertarian view and the “RIGHT JAB is representative of the more conservative views. Also, any reader who would like to react to the written comments in this column is free to do so.

ADOPT A PET

0

Kitty is a 1-year-old female brown tabby cat! She was found as a stray (and aptly named just “Kitty”) by a local good samaritan, and no one ever came forward to claim her. She is litterbox-trained and friendly. Her adoption fee is $40 and she’s ready to go home TODAY already spayed, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations. Kitty is currently the longest resident at River Kitty Cat Café downtown! Apply online atwww.vhslifesaver.org/adopt!

 

VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

0

 Evansville, IN – Below are the felony cases to be filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office today.

Derrick Terrence Davis: Battery by means of a deadly weapon (Level 5 Felony), Criminal recklessness (Level 6 Felony), Criminal recklessness (Level 6 Felony)

Corren Dejon Sanders: Domestic battery (Level 5 Felony)

Kenneth R. Schmitt: Battery against a public safety official (Level 6 Felony), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor), Public intoxication (Class B misdemeanor), Disorderly conduct (Class B misdemeanor)

Hayden Samuel Sparrow: Dealing in a narcotic drug (Level 4 Felony)

Latorryeon Elijah Shamarr Haywood: Armed robbery (Level 3 Felony)

Scott Sheperd: Strangulation (Level 6 Felony), Domestic battery (Class A misdemeanor), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor), Invasion of privacy (Class A misdemeanor)

Briauna Faye Burcham: Intimidation (Level 5 Felony)

Dalton Avy Keller: Dealing in a schedule I controlled substance (Level 2 Felony), Possession of a controlled substance (Level 6 Felony), Dealing in marijuana (Level 5 Felony), Possession of marijuana (Level 6 Felony)

Justin Tyler Robb: Operating a vehicle with an ACE of 0.08 or more (Level 6 Felony), Operating a vehicle as an habitual traffic violator (Level 6 Felony), Operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person (Class A misdemeanor), Reckless driving (Class C misdemeanor)

1...2,7852,7862,787...7,316Page 2,786 of 7,316