Home Blog Page 3567

Lawmakers Vote to Put ‘In God We Trust’ in Schools

0

March 1st, 2019 MEGAN DIVENTI KENTUCKY

Kentucky lawmakers are taking steps to put God in public schools across the state.

The State House of Representatives passed a bill that would allow the motto ‘In God We Trust’ to be displayed in public schools next year.

First stamped on a two-cent coin during the Civil War and on all U.S. coins starting in 1938, ‘In God, We Trust’ owes its debut on our bills to the Cold War. It’s a phrase we see on the back of money, but that motto could very well become prominently displayed in public schools across the Bluegrass.

Passing in the house Wednesday by a vote of 72-25, House Bill 46 calls for the motto to be shown in public elementary and secondary Kentucky schools beginning in the 2019-2020 school year.

Some parents say they support the bill.

“I’m all for God being in schools and all that. I feel like it would help things really in the whole country,” says Vikki Buckboro, supports the bill.

“It should be. Well I’m somewhat religious and I believe the man died for us you know no matter if people believe in God or not,” says Jeremy Macken, supports a bill.

The bill defines a ‘prominent location’ as a school entryway, cafeteria, or common area where students are likely to see the national motto. The display could also be in the form of a mounted plaque or student artwork.

Others feel there should be a separation.

“It’s not the state’s business and it’s not the schools business to be taking sides in this very personal decision,” says August Berkshire, opposes the bill.

Legal experts say there aren’t any penalties in place if schools don’t comply, but this could open up a lawsuit against public schools.

House Bill 46 will now move to the Kentucky Senate to be debated.

Comments

Senators Mike Braun, Rick Scott Work To Implement a Permanent Lobbying Ban On Former Members of Congress

1

As former Members of Congress and elected officers are using their former positions to lobby Congress, today U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) and U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) are introducing the Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust (BLAST) Act.

“One of the reasons I left the private sector for Washington was to help President Trump drain the swamp and we can accomplish this by permanently banning Congressmen and Senators from lobbying Capitol Hill,” said U.S. Senator Mike Braun.  “Together we can end the revolving door of career politicians coming to Washington, spending time in Congress, then enriching themselves from their service to the American people.”

Senator Rick Scott said, “I’m proud to introduce this bill that imposes a permanent ban on members of Congress becoming lobbyists. Rather than serving the public, too many in Washington spend their political careers preparing for a lucrative job at a DC lobbying firm where they can cash in on their connections and their access. Congress should  never serve as a training ground for future lobbyists, and putting an end to the revolving door is a common sense way to make Washington work for families.”

This legislation is a companion bill to legislation introduced by Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN-9), H.R.1145.

A CAT IS NOT A DOG

0

A CAT IS NOT A DOG

GAVEL GAMUT By Jim Redwine

I read the reports of the death of 85-year-old Karl Lagerfeld (1933-2019) who was one of the Western World’s most famous fashion designers. Lagerfeld had his own design company and designed for Chanel and Fendi. Although I had never heard of him until he died as my clothes designer is Levi Strauss, apparently a lot of people had heard of him as he left a fortune worth between 200 and 300 million dollars.

Lagerfeld never married and had no children. He did have a cat named Choupette (sweetheart). Lagerfeld was German but lived and worked in Paris most of his adult life. Although cats are fairly well challenged when it comes to understanding the benefits of being a beneficiary, Lagerfeld was able to execute a will and create a trust that directed Choupette’s ashes (when she dies) shall be buried with Lagerfeld’s. Such a beau geste probably will mean little to Choupette but the life-long pampered care set up by the trust surely will mean quite a bit.

As Lagerfeld had no family survive him who could care for Choupette it appears to me to have been the responsible thing to provide for the cat after the designer shuffled off this mortal coil. Whether a lifestyle of the rich and famous is morally defensible for a cat when there are so many surly French waiters demanding exorbitant gratuities is another matter. I thought the French were still somewhat miffed about Germans and that World War II thing. I wonder what the Parisians will think about German lavishing money on a Burmese cat. Perhaps some of Choupette’s inheritance will be needed for around-the-clock security detail.

When Peg and I consider providing for our cat, Phantom, we usually discuss how concerned Phantom would be if he was asked to provide long-term care for us. I do not know about your relationships with your pets, Gentle Reader, but if any of us seriously believe our cats would lose even one cat nap over our welfare then a Brooklyn Bridge sale is a real possibility.

Phantom views us as about as worthwhile as North Korea’s Kim Jong-un does his half-brother and uncle. As some wag has already said, to cats we humans are merely staff. Phantom will occasionally not bite or scratch us if we keep his food dish filled and do not disturb him when he is snoring.

Oh, the difference between cats and dogs. Dogs curry our favor; cats desire our absence. Dogs only bite strangers; cats seek every opportunity to sharpen their claws on our hands. Dogs come when called; cats pretend to be deaf. Dogs run into burning buildings or icy ponds to save us; cats observe our distress much as our high school English teachers did when asking us to explain Shakespeare.

Perhaps you think I am being overly critical of cats or perhaps you sense some envy of Choupette’s life of millionaire ease. Perhaps you can address these issues with your cat. Well, perhaps you can if your cat can be convinced to acknowledge your existence. Phantom will not ours.

Want to read other Gavel Gamut articles?

Go to www.jamesmredwine.com

Or “Like” us on Facebook at JPegRanchBooksandKnitting

Bills At The Statehouse: A Work In Progress

0

Written by Gail Riecken, Statehouse Editor For The City-County Observer

The Statehouse File in its article about mid-session bills didn’t mention some bills that we, locally, have shown interest. Here are three of those.

Grandma has had a hard time convincing DCS she should have her grandchild.
But SB 1, now in the House of Representatives, addresses, among other issues of the Department of Child Services, a long-held opinion among child advocates that relatives should be fully considered when the courts are placing a child outside the home.

SB1 states:  “A dispositional decree must require the department to continue exercising due diligence to identify all adult relatives of the child and adult siblings who may be considered as out-of-home placements for the child”.

There’s another important youth bill with a timely idea.

SB423 authorizes a court-appointed youth advocate pilot program. The bill “provides that office of judicial administration may establish a youth advocate pilot program (pilot program) until July 1, 2021, for purposes of providing early intervention and mentoring services for children who are adjudicated delinquent.” SB 423 is in the House and has strong leadership on its side.

Last, a session isn’t a session without a gaming issue. This one may affect us.
SB 552 might impact gaming revenues for Evansville. The bill authorizes “sports wagering at riverboats, racinos, a Vigo County casino, and satellite facilities. It provides for the administration and conduct of sports wagering and the relocation of a Gary riverboat to Vigo County. The bill allows live table games at racetracks in 2019. This bill passed the Senate ( 38-11). The discussion in the House will be interesting.

I’ll be watching these and other bills over the next few weeks especially bills about how to keep water and sewer and utility costs reasonable. Keeping rates reasonable and affordable is a challenge; Evansville could certainly use some help.

BROADWAY OVER LOUISVILLE

0

VANDERBURGH COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY HAPPENINGS

0
Date Time Event Location
March 4 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Councilwoman Missy Mosby: Karaoke Night Fundraiser Marigold Bar
2112 S. Weinbach Ave.
March 5 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Councilman Weaver 10th Annual Mardi Gras KC’s Timeout Lounge
March 9 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Indiana Red for Ed Rally. Hosted by Indiana State Teachers Association Indiana Statehouse.
200 W Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204
For More Info
March 9 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Meet your Legislators Evansville Central Library
200 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
March 11 5:30 p.m. Evansville City Council Meeting Civic Center Complex, Room 301
1 NW MLK Boulevard
March 11 5:30 p.m. School Board Meeting EVSC Administration Building
March 12 3:00 p.m. Evansville Vanderburgh County Public Library Board Meeting Civic Center Complex, Room 301
1 NW MLK Boulevard
March 16 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Vanderburgh County Democratic Party: Precinct Committee Person Training Teamsters Local 215. 825 Walnut Street
Reserve Your Seat here!
March 18 5:30 Evansville City Council Meeting Civic Center Complex, Room 301
1 NW MLK Boulevard
March 19 3:00 p.m. Vanderburgh County Commissioners Meeting Civic Center Complex, Room 301
1 NW MLK Boulevard
March 19 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Indivisible Evansville Meeting EVPL Red Bank
March 21 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Ben’s Birthday Bash KC’s Timeout Lounge
March 22 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast with Zach Heronemus Veterans Memorial Coliseum
300 Court Street

Evansville Otters Extends Wynne, Davis, Long and Hillson Contracts For 2019

0
March 2, 2019
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Evansville Otters have signed pitchers Randy Wynne and Jake Davis, infielder Ryan Long, and utility Taylor Hillson to contract extensions for the 2019 season.
Wynne, the Santee, Calif. native, found great success on the mound in 2018, transitioning from the bullpen to one of the top starting pitchers in the Frontier League and 2018 all-star.
“Randy was a huge part of our playoff run last year,” said Otters manager Andy McCauley. “He was a steady, reliable starter who gave us a chance to win every time out.”
“I’m excited to have another opportunity to play Otters’ baseball,” said Wynne. “After last season’s postseason run, I’d like to see us build off that and go farther this year.”
Wynne came to the Otters after two seasons in the United Shore Professional Baseball League with the Birmingham-Bloomfield Beavers. In two seasons with the Beavers, Wynne was 12-8 with a 3.31 ERA, striking out 131 batters and walking 19. He played collegiately at Grossmont Junior College and Missouri Baptist.
The right-hander made four relief outings before making 19 starts in the Otters’ starting rotation. Wynne finished 2018 with a 9-9 record and recorded a 3.55 ERA in 134.1 innings pitched. He also struck out 114 batters, walked only 16, and tossed four complete games.
“I think for the most part, I gave us an opportunity to win games. Every time out my goal is to dominate, and I’m looking to do just that more consistently this year,” said Wynne.
“We are looking forward to another quality year out of Randy,” said McCauley.
In 2018, Wynne was one start shy of tying the Otters’ single-season record, tied for the fifth-most complete games in a season, seven innings pitched shy of the Otters’ season record, and tied for fourth for wins and strikeouts in an Otters’ season.
“The key is trusting my stuff and the catcher giving the signs. When those things come together, I’m confident I can throw any pitch, in any count, where I want it,” said Wynne.
Davis is from Cypress, Texas and was a midseason signing for the Otters in 2018. The left-hander joined the Otters’ bullpen, making six appearances and a start in the last game of the regular season at the Normal Cornbelters.
“Jake did a good job for us last year as a rookie left-handed pitcher,” said McCauley. “We’re looking to see him take his game to the next level and become a larger part of the bullpen.”
“During the summer last year, I was looking for exposure and an opportunity,” said Davis. “My friend and I drove across the country until we played and met with an old summer league coach, Eric Coleman, who got us in contact with Evansville and a few other independent league teams. I had a tryout, and two weeks later, I had an opportunity as Otter.”
In 8.1 innings pitched, Davis had 14 strikeouts and seven walks. He struck out six batters in four innings in the season finale at Normal.
“I want to play a bigger role in the team’s success this season,” said Davis. “My command was not where I wanted it last season which limited my opportunities on the mound. I am seeking to turn that around this season.”
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to compete for a job and excited to be under the lights at Bosse Field again soon.”
Long signs with the Otters for his third season with the club in 2019. In 2018, the Crandall, Texas native picked up where he left off in 2017 and took tremendous steps forward in 2018, earning a league all-star selection.
“I felt really confident at the plate last season, and I think it showed in my performance,” said Long. “Overall, I was pleased with the strides I made in my first two seasons in Evansville.”
Long joined the Otters in June of 2017 following his senior season at Texas Tech. In 49 games played in 2017, Long batted .286 with the Otters, but in 2018, Long played in 90 games and increased his batting average to .292.
“Long has been and will continue to be one of the top hitters in the league,” said McCauley. “He should be a middle of the lineup guy who has proven he can score and drive in runs.”
“I did a better job of separating balls and strikes, and I was more aggressive in my approach in previous years,” said Long. “This season, I will be looking to decide when to be aggressive versus selective, taking advantage of pitchers’ mistakes, and do not miss a good pitch to hit.”
Long saw time at third base and in left field in 2018. Overall, Long added a team-best 12 home runs, scored 59 runs, hit 15 doubles, seven triples, had 55 RBIs and walked 48 times. Seeing his name toward the top of McCauley’s lineup card daily, Long’s seven triples tied him for third-best in Otters’ single-season history after having only one triple in 2017.
“With a lot of guys coming back from last year’s team, I am definitely excited to see what’s in store for the Otters this year,” said Long. “I am excited and looking forward to lacing them up and getting after it this season.”
Hillson, from Mansfield, Pa., will be entering his third season with the Otters in 2019. Seeing limited appearances and at-bats in his first two seasons, Hillson has shown spurts of ability at the plate and strong defense for the Otters.
“I am excited to be coming back to Evansville where the atmosphere between the fans, coaches, and players is second to none,” said Hillson.
“Taylor is a big part of our club,” said McCauley. “He is a very versatile player that can play any position on the field and also help us on the mound.”
In 2018, Hillson appeared in 20 games, recording ten runs, six RBIs and 11 walks while collecting 11 hits. Defensively, Hillson saw time on the left side of the infield and in the outfield for the Otters, posting a .955 field percentage.
On the mound, Hillson made an appearance in last year’s regular-season finale at Normal. He pitched 3.1 innings, giving up two unearned runs and allowing two hits.
“I have to show up on a daily basis with the mindset to be prepared and ready to play in the lineup at any position,” said Hillson. “That mindset is what makes embracing my role easy for me. I want to be on the field, giving the Otters my best play, and continuing to win ballgames.”
“We are looking for Taylor to continue to improve and become an everyday player, getting consistent at-bats,” said McCauley.
Hillson played collegiately at Mansfield University. As a senior in 2016, he started all 46 games at shortstop, and he had a .921 fielding percentage in his career at Mansfield.
“I have spent time in the offseason doing some tweaking to find a better rhythm at the plate and make strides offensively,” said Hillson. “I’m looking forward to getting the season started and swinging the bat well at a higher level and more consistently.”
The Otters will open the 25th season celebration against the Southern Illinois Miners on May 10 at Bosse Field.
To purchase a season ticket or group outing package, call (812) 435-8686 or visit the Bosse Field front office at 23 Don Mattingly Way, Evansville, Ind. The front office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Evansville Otters are the 2006 and 2016 Frontier League champions.
The Otters play all home games at historic Bosse Field, located at 23 Don Mattingly Way in Evansville, Ind. Stay up-to-date with the Evansville Otters by visiting evansvilleotters.com, or follow the Otters on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
For more information, visit evansvilleotters.com or call 812-435-8686.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY DEATH LIST

0

 

WK 2-25-19 TO 3-1-19

Top U.S. Trampoline, Tumbling Gymnasts To Compete At 2019 VIP Classic

0

EVANSVILLE, Ind., March 1, 2019 – Many of the USA’s top trampoline and tumbling gymnasts are expected to compete in this weekend’s 2019 VIP Classic at the Old National Events Plaza in Evansville, Ind. Scheduled for March 1-2, the two-day event features competition in trampoline, tumbling, double mini-trampoline and synchronized trampoline.

The VIP Classic is the first of three events that are part of the selection process to determine the athletes who will represent the United States at the 2019 Pan American Games (trampoline) and 2019 World Age Group Competitions (trampoline, tumbling, double-mini trampoline and synchronized trampoline). Performances in Evansville will also be considered when selecting athletes for 2019 World Cup events this fall.

The VIP Classic roster is expected include 2018 World Championship double-mini medalists Kristle Lowell of Orland Park, Ill./Morgan Park Sports Center, and Ruben Padilla of Oakley, Calif./Wasatch Trampoline and Tumbling; and 2018 World Cup trampoline silver-medalist Jeffrey Gluckstein of Atlantic Highlands, N.J./Elite Trampoline Academy. Additionally, four reigning U.S. champions are anticipated to compete: tumbling – Eliza Floisand of Salt Lake City, Utah/Wasatch Trampoline and Tumbling, and Brandon Krzynefski of Centreville, Va./Capital Gymnastics National Training Center; synchronized trampoline – Paul Bretscher and Cody Gesuelli, both of Huntsville, Ala./Merino Trampoline Gymnastics Academy; and trampoline – Gluckstein.

The schedule for the senior elite sessions is listed below:

March 1, preliminary rounds
1 p.m. – Tumbling
3 p.m. – Double mini-trampoline
6:30 p.m. – Trampoline

March 2, finals
6 p.m. – Trampoline
6:30 p.m. – Tumbling
7:30 p.m. – Double mini-trampoline
8:30 p.m. – Synchronized trampoline

 

USI holding inauguration of fourth president, Ronald S. Rochon, April 5

0

The public is cordially invited to attend the inauguration of Ronald S. Rochon as the fourth president of the University of Southern Indiana at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 5 at the newly-opened Screaming Eagles Arena on USI’s campus (Guests should be seated by 10:15 a.m.).

Attendance is free and seating will be open, but guests who plan to attend the ceremony are asked to RSVP at USI.edu/inauguration by Friday, March 1. Following the ceremony, a luncheon for all guests will be held in the Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness Center, located adjacent to the Arena.

The ceremony, with a theme of “Building Community by Celebrating Diversity, Engagement, and Service,” will highlight the University’s impact on its students and alumni, as well as the local and global communities. As part of the ceremony, presidents and other delegates of colleges and universities from around the country will participate, along with USI students, faculty, alumni and other special guests. Processional participants will wear traditional academic regalia, many wearing the colors of the institution they represent or graduated from.

Additional guests include, but are not limited to the governor of the State of Indiana, military generals, USI trustees, mayor of Evansville, members of the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, former USI presidents and other University representatives.

The official inauguration ceremony will serve as a culmination of inauguration events held throughout the week beginning Sunday, March 31. On Thursday, April 4, Gen. Colin Powell, USA (Ret.) will present a conversation on leadership moderated by Rochon. These events will also be the first public events to be held in the new, 4,800-seat Screaming Eagles Arena.

For more information, a complete list of inauguration events, to RSVP, or to leave congratulatory remarks, visit the inauguration website at USI.edu/inauguration.

If you require disability-related accommodations to fully participate, contact Special Events at 812-464-1930 or email inauguration@usi.edu by March 1, 2019.

1...3,5663,5673,568...7,199Page 3,567 of 7,199