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Problem-Solving Courts Address Issues Underlying Criminal Acts, Says Indiana’s Chief Justice

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TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS—Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush told lawmakers Wednesday how problem-solving courts are addressing the underlying problems of drug addictions and mental illnesses that lead to many crimes.

“These courts work because judges get out from behind the bench, convene community partners, and truly connect with those standing before them in desperate need of a new path,” Rush said as she addressed lawmakers in the Indiana House Chamber at her sixth State of the Judiciary Address.

Rush laid out court initiatives aimed at addressing underlying problems of crime, jail overcrowding and access to the court system.

As of 2020, 107 problem-solving courts have been established and Rush plans on setting up more to deal with problems faced by drug addicts, veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress syndrome and other issues. Rush gave a shout-out to some of the problem-solving court graduates and court judges during her address.

Rush said that after co-chairing the National Judicial Opioid Task Force she has made three major discoveries. First, those with an opioid use disorder are 13 times more likely to be involved in the criminal justice system. Second, the justice system is the largest referral source to get someone treatment. Third, the justice system has to take opioid and substance abuse disorders as a chronic, treatable brain disease-not as a moral failure.

“This epidemic in no small part, has caused our jail populations to increase. And it is one more, very pressing reason to examine and reform how we do business in our criminal justice system,” Rush said.

Rush said that the number of people incarcerated has skyrocketed. She said she has no intention of releasing dangerous people into Indiana’s communities, but wants to see the number of people in jail decrease.

“Some people need to be incarcerated,” she said. “More people just need help. A strong justice system must do both.”

Rush did say that Indiana needs to do better representing the more vulnerable Hoosiers in the legal system. She asked that her request for increased legal aid funding be revisited. She mentioned visiting a small claims court where she witnessed 275 eviction cases where none of the defendants had legal representation.

“That is not the model of a legal system where the poor, disadvantaged, and vulnerable are protected,” she said.

Rush also shed light on the fact that last year, for the first time in history, five courts were led by women. She introduced the women as her “sister chiefs.”

House Speaker-Elect Todd Huston, R-Fishers, shared his support for the topics Rush talked about during her address.

“Chief Justice Rush set the right tone today during her address, and we look forward to working with her to ensure we are doing everything we can to support a more fair and efficient court system for all Hoosiers,” he said.

Haley Pritchett is a reporter with TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

 

Bill To Raise Smoking Age Undergoes Small Changes In House

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By Victoria Ratliff

TheStatehousefile.com

INDIANAPOLIS—A bill to raise the smoking and vaping age from 18 to 21 underwent minor changes on the floor of the Indiana House Thursday to add penalties for those who are caught with tobacco products.

House Bill 1006 follows the federal government’s Dec. 20 law which raises the legal smoking and vaping age to 21. The author, Rep. Cindy Kirchhofer, R- Beech Grove, said her bill was filed to establishes penalties so the violations of the new anti-smoking law can be prosecuted.

Kirchhofer’s original version of the bill had no penalties for users, which had been in state law when smoking under age 18 was illegal. Her amendment, which passed in a unanimous voice vote, restored those penalties. Vendors also face penalties for selling to minors.

An amendment by Rep. J.D. Prescott, R-Union City, also passed in a unanimous voice vote to make it a Class B infraction for retailers who are caught selling tobacco or nicotine-containing Vitamin E acetate. The maximum fine is $1,000.

The Centers for Disease Control found that when Vitamin E acetate is inhaled it could interfere with normal lung functions and could lead to EVALI, which stands for E-cigarette, or vaping product use-associated lung injury and a newly-identified disease linked to vaping.

Not all agreed that the small fine was enough. Rep. Terri Austin, D-Anderson, filed an amendment to make the penalty for retailers who are caught selling tobacco or nicotine-containing vitamin E acetate a Class A infraction, which has a penalty of up to $10,000.

Rep. Terri Austin, D-Anderson, lost an effort to raise the penalty for adding Vitamin E to vaping products. Photo by Lacey Watt, TheStateHouseFile.com.

Austin argued that vitamin E acetate isn’t found in legal cigarettes or e-cigarette liquids but in “underground” or off-market products.

“If you’re someone engaged in the underground market, $1,000 is probably not much to you,” she said. “I think we need to hit people where it hurts. We have got to send a strong message, and the truth is we have to have a strong penalty.”

Kirchhofer said the discussion should have taken place in the health committee to learn about the consequences of changing the infractions.

The amendment failed 40-57.

The bill now goes to House for a final vote.

FOOTNOTE:  Victoria Ratliff is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

 

ATTORNEY CHARLES BERGER REQUEST THE OPPORTUNITY TO INSPECT EVSC RECORDS

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University of Southern Indiana’s Men Track And Field Team Notched Seven Top-Ten Finishes Saturday At The John Craft Invitational

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University of Southern Indiana’s Men Track And Field Team Notched Seven Top-Ten Finishes Saturday At The John Craft Invitational

University of Southern Indiana’s men track and field team notched seven top-ten finishes Saturday at the John Craft Invitational.

The 600 meters were dominated by the Screaming Eagles. Senior Darius Payne took third with a time of 1 minute, 25.87 seconds earning six points for the team and senior teammate Demontrae Lapsley finished just inside the top-eight scoring for the Eagles with a time of 1:29.09 which had him in seventh place. Senior Almustapha Silvester (1:30.91) and Fabian Becerra (1:32.23) rounded out the top-ten finishing ninth and tenth, respectively.

Junior Nathan Hall claimed sixth place in the mile with a time of 4:22.58 tallying three more points for the Eagles.

In the field events, junior Tyrell Nickelson nabbed the fifth spot in the high jump with a mark of 6 feet, 4.75 inches while adding five more points to USI’s team total. Freshman Kyle Crone also scored for the Eagles as he finished in eighth with a leap of 6’ 0.75”.

Other Notables: The Eagles had four other athletes who found themselves in the top-15 in their respective competitions. Freshman Zack Gresens in the triple jump (11th- 39’ 10.5”), freshman Jake Brantley in the shot put (13th- 40’5.5”) along with freshmen Silas Robbins (12th- 41’ 11.5”) and Caleb Madden (13th- 41’ 0.5”) in the weight throw.

Up Next: USI will travel to both the Gladstein Invitational held in Bloomington, Indiana and the Don Denoon Invitational held in Carbondale, Illinois on Jan. 24-25.

University of Southern Indiana freshmen Aubrey Swart, Kaylee Lane, and Miranda Anslinger all scored for the Screaming Eagles Saturday at the John Craft Invite.

Swart’s top-eight finish came in the 3000 meters, where she took seventh place with a time of 10 minutes, 37.4 seconds in a field of 25.

Lane was also impressive as she added eight points to USI’s total by placing second in the 600m with a time of 1:40.10. Lane yet again set a new USI record with her performance in the 600m besting the previous time of Jordan Mornout (1:41.21) back in 2011. Sophomore teammate, Franchesca Laurencio, snuck inside the top-ten with a time of 1:50.13 good for the ninth spot.

In the field events, the Eagles picked up another eight points thanks to Anslinger’s mark of five feet, three inches in the high jump vaulted her into third place out of 21.

Other Notables: The USI women had two athletes finish in the top-15. Freshman Vannesa Van Bibber nabbed 11th in the 600m with a time of 1:52.16 and freshman Cassie Janas took 14th in the weight throw, upping her personal best by more than five feet with a mark of 42’6.25”.

Up Next: USI will travel to both the Gladstein Invitational held in Bloomington, Indiana and the Don Denoon Invitational held in Carbondale, Illinois on Jan. 24-25.

A REVIEW OF THE FIERCEST ENEMY BY EVANSVILLE’S OWN RICK REED

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A REVIEW OF THE FIERCEST ENEMY BY EVANSVILLE’S OWN RICK REED

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Xavier Hugonet‘s review

Jan 19, 2020
The Fiercest Enemy is the ninth novel in the Jack Murphy series by author Rick Reed. It was also my first foray into this series, which means I now have to read the first eight books.
No previous knowledge of the series is required to enjoy this story. Rick Reed does a good job of giving us enough information about Jack Murphy and his partner, Liddell Blanchard, their current occupation (detectives on loan to an FBI task force against unsolved serial and organized crime), and the state of their personal lives. Along with the pages, some previous cases are even referenced so we know what these two have been up to so far (and are even more coerced into buying the previous entries).
Angelina Garcia, computer wiz consulting for the task force, has developed a new algorithm to detect serial patterns. Testing it randomly on unsolved murders and missing persons in Indiana, she uncovered several seemingly connected deaths, some ruled accidental at the time of the investigation. This brings Murphy and Blanchard to two little mining towns sharing jurisdiction over a lake from which several bodies have been recovered, including a new one on the very day of their arrival.

All victims have in common the fact they were quite unsavory characters but, as Harry Bosch often states in his own series: « Everybody counts or nobody counts »

Soon enough, a shadowy vagrant character appears to be the main suspect. However, Jack Murphy has doubts about his involvement in the serial deaths, and so does the reader, thanks to events witnessed in the opening chapter.

The book is well crafted, and gives that vibe of authenticity that comes from authors who have been cops themselves, or have done extensive field research (Author Rick Reed is a former detective). Murder is always a serious business but humor is omnipresent in the book, mainly stemming from the interactions between Murphy and his partner who constantly act like an old couple. All characters are well defined, each with a personality of their own, and the same can be said about the locales described, helping to immerse the reader in the story.

As we follow the detectives and the local police gather clues about the aforementioned vagrant, and about the victims, we can play the guessing game. And, if we pay enough attention, we can figure out what really happened a few paragraphs before the author let us know Jack Murphy has figured it out himself. This reinforces the feeling of authenticity. No miracle clue, happy coincidence, or godsent informer in this story. All the cards are on the table.

Most thrillers would end there with an explosive confrontation, but Jack Murphy is a detective who leaves no stone unturned when it comes to building an airtight case. Do not worry, though. There is an explosive final confrontation, but not before all plot points have been neatly resolved, and a few side twists have been thrown our way.

If you have read my review that far, it must appear obvious I have greatly enjoyed that book. I’m flabbergasted at having never heard of this series before, and I certainly won’t miss future installments.

Thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the ARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Seniors’ Sweet Tax Breaks Have Become a Target

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Seniors’ Sweet Tax Breaks Have Become a Target

STATELINE ARTICLE

By: Elaine S. Povich
A couple of retirees hold hands as they walk under trees down a path at Alta Plaza Park in San Francisco. Many states give seniors all kinds of tax breaks, but is it fair to the young and middle-aged?
Jeff Chiu/The Associated Press

Editor’s note: This story was updated to include news from Maryland.

As Americans begin the challenge of filling out their tax returns this year, one taxpayer demographic generally pays less than others: senior citizens.

Tax breaks for seniors cost states approximately $27 billion a year and will more than double in the next decade, according to a recent study from the progressive Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, D.C. That money could pay for schools, roads and other needs, critics argue.

Giving a break to seniors based on their age rather than their income or financial status dates from a time when people had shorter lives and fewer investments. But the financial situation of seniors has improved overall, leaving some experts to question whether the tax breaks make sense.

“I think part of it is because there is sort of an image of seniors living on fixed incomes struggling to get by,” said Elizabeth McNichol, who wrote the study. “I think that’s stuck in peoples’ heads. The reality is the senior poverty rate is less than for other people and certainly less than for younger people and children.”

In 1970, about a quarter of the over-65 population had below-poverty income, the report pointed out, citing the U.S. Census Bureau’s official poverty measure. Since then, retirement income, including Social Security, has expanded. Today, only 10% of those over 65 are poor, according to the same measure.

By comparison, the rate of children under 18 living in poverty is 16%, according to the latest U.S. census figures.

But, the report noted, senior poverty is higher within minority groups and among the very old — leading to greater disparities in wealth among senior citizens. “As a result, many longstanding state tax preferences for seniors now benefit taxpayers with much better ability to pay taxes than lower-income households,” the report said.

The state income tax liability of seniors varies. Seniors in Georgia paid just 42% of what they would have paid as non-seniors, compared with 90% in Rhode Island, according to a 2016 study in Public Finance Review. However, state lawmakers have little incentive to stop handing tax advantages to seniors.

Older folks vote more, and they have powerful lobbyists like the AARP to look after their interests. In fact, a half dozen states — including West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York and Virginia — already are gearing up with new or carryover senior tax break legislation for the coming legislative sessions.

Those would be in addition to 28 states and the District of Columbia, which exempt Social Security income from state income tax. Another 26 states exempt private pension income from taxes, in full or in part. And all but six states give additional age-based benefits such as personal income tax exemptions, higher standard deductions or extra tax credits.

Elaine Povich

Elaine S. PovichStaff Writer

DEATH LIST REPORT FOR VANDERBURGH COUNTY

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DEATH LIST WK 1-13-2020 TO 1-17-2020

Seven Eagles record top-ten finishes at the John Craft Invite

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University of Southern Indiana’s men track and field team notched seven top-ten finishes Saturday at the John Craft Invitational.

The 600 meters was dominated by the Screaming Eagles. Senior Darius Payne took third with a time of 1 minute, 25.87 seconds earning six points for the team and senior teammate Demontrae Lapsley finished just inside the top-eight scoring for the Eagles with a time of 1:29.09 which had him in seventh place. Senior Almustapha Silvester (1:30.91) and Fabian Becerra (1:32.23) rounded out the top-ten finishing ninth and tenth, respectively.

Junior Nathan Hall claimed sixth place in the mile with a time of 4:22.58 tallying three more points for the Eagles.

In the field events, junior Tyrell Nickelson nabbed the fifth spot in the high jump with a mark of 6 feet, 4.75 inches while adding five more points to USI’s team total. Freshman Kyle Crone also scored for the Eagles as he finished in eighth with a leap of 6’ 0.75”.

Other Notables: The Eagles had four other athletes who found themselves in the top-15 in their respective competitions. Freshman Zack Gresens in the triple jump (11th- 39’ 10.5”), freshman Jake Brantley in the shot put (13th- 40’5.5”) along with freshmen Silas Robbins (12th- 41’ 11.5”) and Caleb Madden (13th- 41’ 0.5”) in the weight throw.

Up Next: USI will travel to both the Gladstein Invitational held in Bloomington, Indiana and the Don Denoon Invitational held in Carbondale, Illinois on Jan. 24-25.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

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

Brandon Lee Myers: Residential entry (Level 6 Felony)

Dustin Patrick Beman: Intimidation (Level 6 Felony), Harassment (Class B misdemeanor), Criminal mischief (Class B misdemeanor)

James Ray Howard: Intimidation (Level 6 Felony), Intimidation (Level 6 Felony), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor)

Samantha Lee Clark: Theft (Level 6 Felony)

Erin Michael Worman: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)

Brandon Dewayne Gage: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 5 Felony)

Shawn Michael James: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Possession of marijuana (Class B misdemeanor)

Trinity Ramon Taylor: Dealing in marijuana (Level 6 Felony), Carrying a handgun without a license (Class A misdemeanor)

Jaqueal Rashad Jones: Carrying a handgun without a license (Level 5 Felony), Dealing in marijuana (Level 6 Felony)

Jennifer Nicole Kemp: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), False informing (Class B misdemeanor)

Roy L. Stokes: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Possession of controlled substance (Class A misdemeanor), Possession of marijuana (Class B misdemeanor)

Chandler Leshane Martin: Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony), Strangulation (Level 6 Felony)

Joseph Michael Otte: Residential entry (Level 6 Felony), Criminal recklessness (Level 6 Felony)

Jacqueline Denis Poiles: Residential entry (Level 6 Felony), Criminal mischief (Class B misdemeanor)

Eddie Dewayne Rodriguez: Intimidation (Level 6 Felony), Intimidation (Level 6 Felony), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor)

James Paul Thole: Attempt Auto theft (Level 5 Felony), Attempt Auto theft (Level 6 Felony), Criminal mischief (Class B misdemeanor)

Romello James Woodard: Residential entry (Level 6 Felony), Criminal mischief (Class B misdemeanor)

Joshua Alex James: Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony), Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony)

Tammy Lynn Russell-Cain: Theft (Level 6 Felony)

Terry L. Holder: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 5 Felony), Possession of marijuana (Class B misdemeanor), Carrying a handgun without a license (Class A misdemeanor)

Rhonda Michelle Latta: Possession of a narcotic drug (Level 5 Felony), Neglect of a dependent (Level 6 Felony), Neglect of a dependent (Level 6 Felony)

Christopher Alan Gunther: Dealing in marijuana (Level 6 Felony), Neglect of a dependent (Level 6 Felony), Neglect of a dependent (Level 6 Felony)

Christopher E. Clem: Unlawful possession of syringe (Level 6 Felony)

HOT JOBS IN EVANSVILLE

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Office Assistant/Receptionist
A & A Precision Heating, Cooling & Refrigeration – Evansville, IN
At times, more than 40 hours may be required. In your submission, please provide a cover letter telling us why you are the ideal candidate and the reasons why…
Easily apply
Sponsored
Administrative Assistant
Stella-Jones 2.8/5 rating   13 reviews  – Evansville, IN
Paid sick hours and personal hours. O 401k plan with a company match of 150% on the first 4% deferred. Ability to work flexible hours as necessary.
Jan 18
Office Assistant/Receptionist
A & A Precision Heating, Cooling & Refrigeration – Evansville, IN
At times, more than 40 hours may be required. In your submission, please provide a cover letter telling us why you are the ideal candidate and the reasons why…
Easily apply
Jan 17
Front Office Receptionist
DLB Custom Extrusions – Evansville, IN
We are currently looking for a highly experienced receptionist that loves what they do! Receptionist needed in the Evansville, IN area for a growing…
Easily apply
Jan 14
Secretary (Moran Center)
Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. 3.3/5 rating   20 reviews  – Evansville, IN
Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare is currently seeking a full-time Secretary to add to our team of professionals. Generous Paid Time Off plan.
Jan 17
Administrative Assistant
The Eagleson Team – Evansville, IN
$15 – $18 an hour
We are in search of an Administrative Assistant for our real estate team. We are looking for an exceptional candidate who is willing to go “above and beyond”…
Easily apply
Jan 15
Office Secretary
Becher Brothers Construction – Evansville, IN
$11 – $14 an hour
Family owned and operated construction company is seeking an Office Secretary to join our team!*. Candidates should be professional, well organized, detail…
Easily apply
Jan 16
Part Time Office Administrator
Weichert Realtors, The Schulz Group – Evansville, IN
$10 – $12 an hour
1-3 years office administration experience. This position is responsible for providing day to day administrative duties for our agents and staff.
Easily apply
Jan 13
Secretary to Principal
Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation 3.8/5 rating   53 reviews  – Evansville, IN
$17.35 an hour
It is scheduled 5 days per week at 8 hours per day. Our people are the single most important asset we have in the EVSC. This position works 44 weeks per year.
Jan 14
Medical Office Assistant
Deaconess Health System 3.7/5 rating   457 reviews  – Evansville, IN
Maintains positive patient oriented services in the provision of medical office services to the patient, family members, visitors and physicians in the office…
Jan 16
Office Assistant
D-Patrick Ford Lincoln – Evansville, IN
$9 – $12 an hour
Issue payoff checks and send to financial institution along with appropriate paperwork. _*401K with 2.5% match after 6 months*_. Must get along with others.
Easily apply
Jan 17
Office Manager
Service Corporation International 3.1/5 rating   957 reviews  – Newburgh, IN
Trains associates in the proper administration of policies and procedures. Uses customer feedback in conjunction with Sales to improve location administration…
Jan 17
Executive Assistant
St. Vincent, IN 3.7/5 rating   5,023 reviews  – Boonville, IN
Executive Assistant – Administration – Full-Time, Day, 40 hours a week. Ascension St.Vincent Warrick Acute Care Hospital. As an Associate with Ascension St.
Jan 16
Crop Insurance Clerical Support Admin
CGB Enterprises Inc 3.5/5 rating   116 reviews  – Mount Vernon, IN
This position provides support to our sales office providing clerical administrative assistance to our sales agents and sales support staff.
Jan 15
Front Desk Agent-Holiday Inn
General Hotels Corporation 2.8/5 rating   36 reviews  – Evansville, IN
The Front Desk Agent is a member of the Front Office team. Maintaining and promoting hospitality at all times; Accurately handle cash and charges;
Easily apply
Jan 15
Full Time Receptionist/Clerical Assistant
Data Mail, Inc. – Evansville, IN
$10.00 – $11.50 an hour
Hours are Monday thru Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm. We are looking to fill a long term full time receptionist/clerical assistant position.
Easily apply
Sponsored
Front Desk Receptionist
Confidential – Evansville, IN
FT Front Deck Receptionist. Medical office. Fast paced office. Communication and teamwork a must. Able to multi-task. Prefer medical office experience x 1 year…
Easily apply
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Medical Receptionist
Ohio Valley Eye Institute – Evansville, IN
Please send resume for consideration. Excellent compensation and benefit package including 401K with match and profit share, health, dental, life insurance for…
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