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Bill Could Expand Indiana’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ Law

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Bill Could Expand Indiana’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ Law

JANUARY 29TH, 2019 MEGAN DIVENTI INDIANA

A 2017 case in Indianapolis is being used as an example of why some say Indiana needs a change in its ‘Stand Your Ground Law.’

Two years ago, Kystie Phillips shot and killed a man who was attacking a police officer during a traffic stop outside her home in Rising Sun, Indiana.

Prosecutors said she acted lawfully, but she’s now being sued by that person’s family.

A proposed House Bill is now being debated in Indiana and would keep people like Phillips from being sued. State Representative Jim Lucas introduced House Bill 1284 and more or less it would create a ‘Stand Your Ground’ Law in the Hoosier state.

There are plenty of passionate opinions on both sides of this debate.

“I couldn’t just stand there and watch a police officer murdered in front of my eyes when I had the ability to help that day, and so I helped,” says Kystie Phillips, being sued.

Monday, Phillips went before state lawmakers stating her case for expanding the state’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ law which is exactly what one Hoosier lawmaker is trying to do.

“The only thing we want to do is just protect the victim and not force them to go bankrupt defending themselves in a justified use of force,” says State Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour.

That’s where House Bill 1284 comes in. It would expand the law and keep people like Phillips from being sued after using justifiable force.

“I think that’s wonderful. We have a natural right to defend ourselves, our families,” says Curt Mardis, Doc’s Guns owner.

Mardis says gun owners have a right to protect their home in self-defense.

“I think we all know there are lots of frivolous lawsuits in our society and there are people who are looking to take advantage of unfortunate situations and I think civil protections are very needed,” says Mardis.

Indiana laws currently provide immunity for justifiable use of force protecting themselves, their property, or someone else protecting them from criminal penalties, but not civil.

“I think that’s one of the biggest dangers is homeowners think they want a gun to protect themselves, they buy a gun, they buy the gun, they take it home, and they don’t pursue any kind of training with that firearm. That’s something that’s something that the homeowners need to be more proficient and more knowledgeable on the weapon that they have in their home,” says Chief Daryl Saltzman, Boonville Police Department.

As of now the committee has decided to table the bill and will bring it up for discussion at a future date.

Over $60 Million In Unclaimed Property Returned To Hoosiers In 2018

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Attorney General Curtis Hill returned $61.01 million in unclaimed property during 2018 – $2.1 million more than the amount returned in 2017.

“Our responsibility to collect, hold and disperse unclaimed property sets us apart from attorneys general across the rest of the United States,” Attorney General Hill said. “We take this role very seriously and work aggressively every single day to return unclaimed property to its rightful owners.”

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 (MOC) also help constituents search for unclaimed money. During 2018, in fact, staff members with the MOC helped Hoosiers find $430,030 in unclaimed money on the Unclaimed Property Division’s online database.

In the spring of 2018, the Unclaimed Property Division (UPD) upgraded to a more streamlined claiming process to make the experience more efficient for claimants. Internally, the changes have enabled the claim review process to go paperless, allowing for a more fluid and trackable system.

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 the owner before reporting the assets to the state in which the owner was last known to reside.

In 2018, the UPD received $126 million in unclaimed property – $29 million more than the amount received in 2017.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY UPDATES

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Central Committee:
   Wayne Parke,
Mary Jo Kaiser,
 Dottie Thomas,
Farley Smith,
Kevin Harrison,
 
 Chairman
 Political Director
 Vice Chairman
 Treasurer

 Editor
News and Upcoming Events Tuesday, January 29, 2019

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Councilwoman Michelle Mercer
Mercer will not seek re-election to City Council at Large
On Monday,  January 28, 2019, City Councilwoman Michelle Mercer released the following statement:
It is with deep disappointment, I announce I will not seek re-election for City Council at Large. This has been a very difficult decision. A citywide campaign for an at large seat in IN’s 3rd largest city requires an extensive time commitment and effort.
Personally, it is not a good time for me to be able to devote the time required to run a successful citywide re-election campaign.
I will continue to devotedly serve the remainder of my term with the same deep commitment, energy, passion, and fervor that I have throughout the past three years. Serving as City council at Large is an honor and a privilege that I continue to cherish.
This term has been and continues to be probably the most exciting ever in Evansville’s history to serve on City Council. Evansville is moving forward with business and economic developments and quality of life developments like never before. I am proud to be a leader in those vibrant advancements for our city.
I am hopeful there will be another opportunity to seek election to public office at a better time. I thank all those who have supported me to gain this seat and continue to support me in serving out my term.
Michelle Mercer
City Councilwoman at Large

 Declaration of candidacy for primary election continues through February 8 –
The period to file a declaration of candidacy for the Municipal Primary Election continues now through Noon Friday, February 8, 2019. Refer to the Indiana Secretary of State Election Division’s Candidate Information webpage for candidate forms and additional information.
Contact VCRP Political Director Mary Jo Kaiser at beamerjo59@gmail.com or 812-425-8207 if you have any questions.

 County Commission Meeting-   Date: Tuesday, January 29, 2019

 Time: 3:00 PM

Location: Room 301, Civic Center Complex

1 NW Martin Luther King Blvd, Evansville
 For more information visit County Commissioners

County Council Meeting- Date: Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Time: 3:30 PM

Location: Room 301, Civic Center Complex
1 NW Martin Luther King Blvd, Evansville
 For more information visit County Council

Meet your Legislators Meeting-
Date: Saturday, February 9, 2019
Time: Doors open at 9 am. Sessions start at 9:15 am and end at 11 am.

200 SE Marin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Evansville, IN 47713

Local state legislators are invited to make themselves available to answer questions on the second Saturdays of each month during each year’s legislative session.

 City Council Meeting-   Date: Monday, February 11, 2019

 Time: 5:30 PM

Location: Room 301, Civic Center Complex
                1 NW Martin Luther King Blvd, Evansville
 For more information visit

City Council

EVSC Board of School Trustees Meeting-
 Date: February 11, 2019
 Time: 5:30 PM
 Location: Board Room, EVSC Administration Building
                  951 Walnut St., Evansville

VCRP Central Committee Meeting -  Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: GOP Headquarters
815 John Street, Evansville
Meetings are open to all Vanderburgh County Precinct Committeemen 

Vanderburgh County Republican Party Breakfast: Saturday, February 16, 2019
Where: C.K. Newsome Center, Room 118A-B
100 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN 47713
Time:  7:30 am – Doors Open; Program begins at 8:00 am and adjourns at 9:00 am.
Contact Mary Jo Kaiser at 812-425-8207 for more information.

Cracker Barrel Meeting–
Date: Saturday, February 16, 2019
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: First Methodist Church (Activity Hall)

601 Main Street, Mt. Vernon, IN

The Posey County, Vanderburgh County, and Warrick County Farm Bureau Inc. join the Southwest Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Warrick County Chamber of Commerce to host the Cracker Barrel sessions on the third Saturday of each month during the 2019 Indiana Legislative session. Join local state legislators in the second of four scheduled public forums Saturday, February 16, 2019.

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 Indiana Workforce Update  (from 1/25/19 post):
According to a 2018 employer survey by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, 51 percent of Hoosier employers left an open job unfilled in the past year because they could not find a qualified applicant.
This alarming statistic is one reason workforce development is crucial to the success of Indiana’s future economy.
Over the past few years, the Indiana General Assembly has passed various initiatives aimed at improving our state’s workforce, and we are already seeing returns on those efforts. One workforce development initiative, the Next Level Jobs Program, launched by Gov. Eric Holcomb, aims to take Indiana’s workforce to the next level by focusing on the industries and jobs integral to Indiana’s 21st-century economy. Since the launch of the program, our state has seen more and more Hoosiers enroll in high-value certificate programs, and completion rates have consistently risen. For more information on career-training opportunities, visit NextLevelJobs.org.
Our unemployment rate stands at 3.6 percent for December and remains lower than the national rate of 3.9 percent.
Additionally, the Senate Republican Caucus recently announced our legislative priorities for this session, which include advancing our state’s workforce development. Legislation introduced in 2019 would benefit Hoosiers as they enter the workforce by focusing on long-term changes and ensuring our existing training programs result in meaningful career paths.

Visit www.in.gov/dwd for more information on Indiana’s workforce development programs.

“Southwest Indiana is now providing the state leadership in the innovative approach they fostered to help at-risk mothers, and are therefore helping reduce our state’s infant mortality rate.”
-Holli Sullivan
“Vanderburgh County health officials have worked extremely hard to provide the best services to at-risk mothers. “Expanding this program to areas of the state with the highest infant mortality rates and least access to perinatal care is a primary goal and reason for this legislation.”
– Wendy McNamara
 
Indiana House supports legislation to provide perinatal care for at-risk mothers:  ( from Post by VKlimczak 1/24/19)
The Indiana House of Representatives voted last week (1/24/19)  in favor of legislation co-authored by State Reps. Wendy McNamara and Holli Sullivan that would provide at-risk mothers with better access to health care and reduce Indiana’s infant mortality rate. Under House Bill 1007, medical providers would check for signs of substance abuse in pregnant women through a consultation, referring women to substance abuse treatment programs as early as possible.
The proposal would also establish a perinatal navigator pilot program, which would help connect expecting mothers with prenatal care and wrap-around services. The pilot program would be based on Vanderburgh County’s Pre to 3 program, which is one of the most successful Safety PIN grant programs in the state. This free program was designed to provide consistent care for families from pregnancy until the baby reaches age three.  This legislation would connect at-risk pregnant women with more obtainable resources and health care providers.
House Bill 1007 now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Read more here

  Lugar Series Next Generation:
In 2017, The Lugar Series founded a training program for young women, ages 13-18, called Lugar Series Next Generation. As an organization, we feel it is our duty to teach young women the process of government, how to think through policy issues and implementation and how to communicate her best ideas for solving public problems at an early age. Our goal is for these young women to foster a love for government and politics, and to encourage them to pursue elected or appointed office in the future.
 The Lugar Series is hosting another Next Generation Training Day this March to help more talented young women get involved! Applications are due January 31st.  Apply HERE!

Keeping Schools Safe –
House Republicans are working to further improve safety for students, teachers and school staff across Indiana. Two bills (HB1004 and HB1063) have been proposed that would ensure better protection in our schools. Indiana is a national leader in school safety, but it is clear more must be done. The proposed legislation would continue strengthening physical security and mental health resources in Hoosier schools, and place first-aid kits to help in emergency situations in public schools.  Read more..

Follow Bills introduced for the 2019 legislative session HERE.

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President Trump’s pro-growth policies are unleashing economic growth and providing opportunities to workers across the country. Learn more here and at Two Years Of Monumental Accomplishments.

Remarks by President Trump on the Government Shutdown:  Last Friday, January 25, 2019,  President Donald Trump announced a temporary deal to end the government shutdown, providing immediate relief for government workers affected by the impasse created by open border  Democrats.
The President ended his remarks with the following, “So let me be very clear: We really have no choice but to build a powerful wall or steel barrier.  If we don’t get a fair deal from Congress, the government will either shut down on February 15th, again, or I will use the powers afforded to me under the laws and the Constitution of the United States to address this emergency.  We will have great security.”
Read the full text of the President’s remarks HERE

 
Stay in touch with GOP members of Congress representing our area at these links:

            Visit the Vanderburgh GOP 

page for daily updates.

  Mark Your calendar                CLICK on the event for more information
January 29 (3:00 pm) County Commission Meeting
January 30 (3:30 pm) County Council Meeting
February 8 (NOON) Last Day to file candidacy for Municipal Primary
February 9 (9:00 am) Meet Your Legislators
February 11, (5:30 pm) City Council Meeting
February 11, (5:30 pm) EVSC Board of Trustees Meeting
February 13 (11:30 am) VCRP Central Committee Meeting
February 16 (9:00 am) Cracker Barrel Meeting
February 16 (7:30 am) VCRP Monthly Breakfast
February 21 (5:00 pm) Rascher for City Council Fundraiser

  Make sure you add vandygop@gmail.com to your address book so we’ll be sure to land in your inbox!

         If you have any questions, contact Mary Jo Kaiser, VCRP Political Director, at

or (812) 425-8207.
                                                       Visit www.vanderburghgop.com
for more info. Thank you.

Gilda’s Club, A Cancer Support Community – Celebrating 5 Year Birthday!

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Open house set for Wednesday, February 6, 2019 between 4-6pm

Gilda’s Club 5 year birthday party will be Wednesday, February 6, 2019 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Gilda’s Club Evansville, 5740 Vogel Road, Evansville, IN 47715.   The celebration is open to the public.  There will be a timeline of pictures and inspiration highlighting the impact Gilda’s Club has brought to our community over the last 5 years. 

Gilda’s Club Evansville’s mission is to serve as a community of caring individuals that provide social, emotional and educational support to anyone impacted by cancer.   100% locally funded, together we share a vision that no one should face cancer alone. 

Gilda’s Club Evansville is an affiliate of the Cancer Support Community (CSC), a global organization providing psychosocial cancer support to tens of thousands of people through a network of nearly 50 local affiliates, more than 100 satellite locations and online.  

School Bus Involved in Minor Crash

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Yesterday, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office responded to a motor vehicle collision involving an Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation School Bus
and a pickup truck at the intersection of North Saint Joseph Avenue and Allens Lane.
It was reported that the EVSC school bus was attempting to turn east onto Allens Lane
when it collided with a 2010 Ford F-150 traveling northbound on Saint Joseph Avenue.

There were only three students aboard the school bus at the time of the accident and each complained of minor pain at the scene. The children did not require any further medical treament and were released to their respective guardians to be taken to school. According to the investigating deputies no injuries were reported by the drivers. The intersection had a lane restriction for a short time so the vehicles could be removed by wrecker services.

The above image depicts the scene as deputies investigated the collision.

USI Visits #1 Bellarmine Saturday

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University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball visit number-one ranked Bellarmine University Saturday at 7 p.m. (CST) in Louisville, Kentucky to begin the second half of the GLVC schedule. Saturday’s showdown is the start of a three-game road trip for USI, the longest of the year for the Screaming Eagles.Game coverage for all of USI’s GLVC games, including live stats, the GLVCSN, and audio broadcasts, is available at GoUSIEagles.com. The games also can be heard on ESPN97.7FM and 95.7FM The Spin.The road swing continues next week when the Eagles visit the University of Indianapolis February 7 in Indianapolis and Lewis University February 9 in Romeoville, Illinois.USI Men’s Basketball Week 13 Quick Notes:

USI splits homestand. The University of Southern Indiana split its homestand last week with a 96-64 victory over Missouri University of Science & Technology and a 76-72 loss to Drury University. Senior guard Alex Stein led USI with 18.0 points, while junior guard/forward Kobe Caldwell and sophomore forward Emmanuel Little averaged 15.5 points and 15.0 points per game, respectively.

Eagles’ longest win streak of the year snapped at five. After the loss to Drury, the Eagles had their longest winning streak of the season snapped at five games

Eagles on the road in 2018-19. USI is officially 3-1 on the road in 2018-19. Senior guard Alex Stein is averaging 19.8 points per game on the road, while junior guard/forward Kobe Caldwell and sophomore forward Emmanuel Little are posting 18.5 points and 10.0 points per road game, respectively.

USI in January. The Eagles were 6-2 in the month of January, which included a five-game winning streak. USI averaged an impressive 80.4-68.4 margin versus opponents and won the battle on the glass, 38.2-29.9. During the first two months of the season, USI was 4-1 in November and 4-2 in December.

Stein closing in on 100 double-digit games. Senior guard Alex Stein has 97 double-digit scoring in his USI career and has scored in double-figures in the last 14 games, three games shy of a personal best of 17 last season.

Little notches 6th & 7th double-doubles of the year. Sophomore forward Emmanuel Little notched a two-year best last week with his sixth and seventh double-doubles of the year. Little, who has had back-to-back double-doubles three times this season, had 15 points/10 rebounds in the win over Missouri S&T and 15 points/11 rebounds in the loss to Drury.

USI vs. Bellarmine. USI leads the all-time series with Bellarmine, 50-43, but has lost the last six to the Knights and nine of the last 10 (2014-15 to 2018-19). The last USI win over Bellarmine in Knights Hall was in the 2013-14 season, 68-66, in overtime.
 
USI vs. Bellarmine in December. The Knights took the first meeting of the year, 92-80, at the PAC. Senior guard Alex Stein led the Eagles with 25 points, followed by sophomore forward Josh Price with 22 points.
 
Bellarmine in 2018-19. The Knights saw their record rise to 19-0 overall and 9-0 in the GLVC with their 90-61 victory over Missouri S&T. Bellarmine is one of two undefeated teams in the NCAA Division II.
 
USI vs. #1 Teams. USI is 4-7 historically versus number one ranked teams (2-3 vs. Bellarmine; 0-3 vs. Kentucky Wesleyan College; 0-1 vs. University of Findlay; 1-0 versus Michigan Tech University; 1-0 versus Metropolitan State University of Denver).

Documentary and Public Forum on School Funding

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The Indiana State Teachers Association and LPAC-20, a local political action committee for education, is hosting a screening of the critically acclaimed 2016 documentary “Backpack Full of Cash” on Saturday, February 2 at Harrison High School.

The film explores the cost of privatization efforts to public schools across the country and it will be followed by a panel discussion including Sen. Vaneta Becker, Rep. Ryan Hatfield, EVSC Superintendent Dr. David Smith, Warrick County School Corporation Superintendent Brad Schneider, EVSC School Board member Andy Guarino, and Education Justice Advocate Dountonia S. Batts.

The free and open-to-the-public event will take place in the Harrison High School Auditorium, beginning with a reception at 9:30 AM. The film will begin at 10:00 AM with the panel discussion to follow.

 

Aces Basketball Game To Be Played As Scheduled

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Game time is 6 p.m.

While the University of Evansville campus is set to be closed on Wednesday, the Purple Aces men’s basketball game against Bradley will go on as scheduled.

The Aces and Braves will meet up at 6 p.m. inside the Ford Center.  Tickets are still available up until game time.  The Carson Center ticket office WILL be open on Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and tickets will also be available for purchase at the Ford Center.

 

AMERICA’S BEST RACING ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH OLD SMOKE CLOTHING

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America’s Best Racing today announced a partnership with Old Smoke Clothing Co., establishing the American-made, American-owned brand as the official T-shirt of America’s Best Racing (ABR), a multimedia fan-development and awareness-building platform initiated by The Jockey Club and designed to increase the profile and visibility of North America’s best Thoroughbred racing events with a primary focus on the sport’s lifestyle and competition.

As part of the collaboration, Old Smoke Clothing, which is based in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., will become the presenting title sponsor of America’s Best Racehorses and be featured in other content appearing at AmericasBestRacing.net throughout the year. Additionally, Old Smoke Clothing will be a presenting prize sponsor on ABR’s app, Stay Lucky, and will outfit ABR guests and influencers with T-shirts from its collection.

“We’re very pleased to announce this partnership with Old Smoke Clothing Co.,” TJC Media Ventures President Stephen B. Panus said. “Old Smoke uniquely offers racing fans across the country high-quality products made from premium materials that reflect the passion for horse racing and the lifestyle, as well as celebrating the sport’s fascinating and illustrious history. We very much look forward to the association with Old Smoke Clothing Co. as the official T-shirt of America’s Best Racing.”

“The team at Old Smoke Clothing Co. is honored to partner with America’s Best Racing,” said Kurt Rossner, co-founder of Old Smoke Clothing Co. “The opportunity to align with a company that shares the same passion for the sport we love and actively engages the next generation of fans has us extremely energized.”

 

ADOPT A PET

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Axel is one of four bunnies in a litter – aptly named Axel, Rose, Gene, and Simmons! Gene & Simmons have been adopted already. These four bunnies were part of a group of thirteen total from one household. As usual, pet store bunnies are not fixed when you purchase them, and their population can get out of hand very quickly! Axel’s adoption fee is $40 and includes his neuter & microchip.

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