http://www.vanderburghsheriff.com/jail-recent-booking-records.aspx
“IS IT TRUE” AUGUST 7, 2018
We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUEâ€Â 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?
IS IT TRUE that former Vanderburgh County Sheriff  Brad Ellsworth and Eric Williams, Vanderburgh County Commissioner Ben Shoulders and Old National Bank President and CEO Bob Jones hosted an impressive political fundraiser for the current United States Senator Joe Donnelly (D) last weekend at Just Rennie’s?
IS IT TRUE that this political fundraiser raised a bunch of money for the re-election committee of United States Senator Joe Donelly (D)?
IS IT TRUEÂ we are told that this event clearly demonstrates that the local Democrat party of Vanderburgh County is starting to make a political come back? Â …that former Mayors Mike Vanderveer and Mayor Jonathon Wienzapfel, a large contingency from local labor unions and many other Democratic party movers and shakers attended this big-ticket political event?
IS IT TRUE we were also told that there were several well known Republicans that attended the political fundraiser for the incumbent United States Senator from Indiana?
IS IT TRUE we been told that the United States Senatorial candidate Mike Braun’s (R) political handlers are predicting that he will win Vanderburgh County by a couple of percentage points?  …we are told if anyone from Mike Braun’s campaign committee would have attended the Shoulders, Ellsworth, Williams, and Jones sponsored political fundraisers for the United States Senator Joe Donelly (D) they may re-evaluate their prediction?
IS IT TRUE we are told that several people are wondering why DMD isn’t doing some street and sidewalks renovations in the Center City and West Franklin Street areas?  …they would also like for the DMD to give facade grants to existing businesses and low-interest loans to develop loft apartments in the Center City and  West Franklin Street area?
IS IT TRUEÂ recently Saratoga Race Track and Casino recently purchased Ellis Park for an undisclosed amount of money? …at a recent news conference held at Ellis Park, the individuals representing the owners of Saratoga Race Track and Casino pledged that they are going to immediately address the obvious maintenance issues in order to make the track and casino more modern and customer friendly? …this is great news for the regular patrons at Ellis Park?
Todays“Readers Poll†question is: Do you feel that the race between Mike Braun (R) and the United States Senator Joe Donelly (D) will be a political barn burner?
Please take time and read our articles entitled “STATEHOUSE Files, CHANNEL 44 NEWS, LAW ENFORCEMENT, READERS POLL, BIRTHDAYS, HOT JOBS†and “LOCAL SPORTSâ€.  You now are able to subscribe to get the CCO daily.
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Senator Donnelly Discusses Supreme Court Nominee
Senator Donnelly Discusses Supreme Court Nominee
AUGUST 7TH, 2018 
JOYLYN BUKOVAC EVANSVILLE, INDIANA
“My concern is what Hoosiers think and so one of the great parts of traveling around this state which is what I do every weekend is to try to hear what folks have to say,†says Senator Joe Donnelly.
On August 15th, Senator Donnelly will meet with Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh. To prepare for that meeting, he is listening to the concerns of Hoosiers as well as keeping a close eye on Kavanaugh’s previous work. Donnelly says Hoosiers want to make sure the Supreme Court nominee will use common sense to help move this nation forward.
“And so with Judge Kavanaugh, my concerns are and what I’m focused on is making sure he is impartial, that he has judicial temperament, and that he is highly qualified,†says Senator Donnelly.
This isn’t the only decision on Senator Donnelly’s plate. He says he’s fighting to protect healthcare and keeping healthcare in place for those with preexisting conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and arthritis.
“The Administrations Department of Justice just joined a lawsuit that’s trying to take coverage for pre-existing conditions away,†says Senator Donnelly. He says if that happens, it could mean 30% of Hoosiers could lose their healthcare.
“We are working nonstop to make sure health care remains in place and that we can get this right,†says Senator Donnelly.
He says he is also working to fight the opioid epidemic. Senator Donnelly was one of the driving forces behind Indiana’s law, limiting opioid prescriptions to seven days. In July of 2017, Indiana put a law in place to limit opioid prescriptions to seven days.
“I was the sponsor of an amendment to change prescribing practices in the United States so that we could lower the amount of opioids that would be prescribed,†says Donnelly.
Even in the recently debated farm bill, he included a provision that would expand telemedicine to rural communities. The idea is to give people in small towns better access to things like addiction treatment, no matter where they are.
“So that they can get the very, very best care in the world right here in Southwest Indiana,†says Senator Donnelly.
National Night Out Aims to Promote Safer Communities
National Night Out Aims to Promote Safer Communities
AUGUST 6TH, 2018 MITCH ANGLE EVANSVILLE, INDIANA, OWENSBORO
An event that is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness in the community will be at Wesselman’s Park on August 7th.
National Night Out is celebrated every year on the first Tuesday of August. The event is free to the public and offers food, refreshments, and activities for attendees to take part in. Educational booths are set up to provide citizens with valuable information.
This is an annual community building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods a safer, more caring places to live.
Various city and county organizations will be present, including Evansville Police, Evansville Fire, and United Neighborhoods of Evansville.
A kick-off breakfast was held at Wesselman’s Shelter this morning at 9 a.m., at which Mayor Winnecke proclaimed Tuesday as National Night Out Evansville. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. on August 7th.
Owensboro Police Department will also be hosting their 35th Annual National Night Out day on August 7th. This event will be held at Moreland Park from 5:30-8 p.m.
Evansville Schools Must Allow Transgender Teen To Use Boys’ Bathroom
Olivia Covington for www.theindianalawyer.com
A transgender Evansville teen will be permitted to use the boys’ bathroom this school year after a district court judge issued an injunction against the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, finding the school district cannot require the teen to use the girls’ restroom because his birth certificate identifies him as female.
Indiana Southern District Court Judge William T. Lawrence entered the injunction against the school district Friday after the ACLU of Indiana sued in February on behalf of J.A.W., a now-17-year-old senior at North High School in Evansville. J.A.W. was born female but has publicly identified as male since the time he was in eighth grade.
When J.A.W. entered high school, he and another transgender student began using the boys’ restroom to change before and after gym class, an action they took without permission and that drew complaints from parents. J.A.W. was instructed not to use the boys’ restroom and was instead told to use a girls’ locker room, not in use and to use the gender-neutral restroom in the school nurse’s office.
J.A.W., however, claimed the nurse’s office was far from his classes and was often locked, so he did not use that option. Instead, the teen began limiting his fluid intake during the school today to avoid having to use the restroom.
J.A.W.’s request to use the boys’ bathroom during his sophomore year also was denied, and he was once again instructed to use an empty girls’ locker room before and after gym class. The teen then began counseling in September 2016 and was diagnosed with gender dysphoria. He began hormone therapy in the fall of 2017 and, according to Lawrence, is “very unlikely to be mistaken for a girl at this point.â€
Then in 2018, relying on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision in the Wisconsin case of Whitaker By Whitaker v. Kenosha Unified Sch. Dist. No. 1 Bd. Of Educ., 858 F.3d 10134, 1044 (7th Cir. 2017), J.A.W.’s attorney told EVSC that he was entitled to use the boys’ restrooms. EVSC’s counsel disagreed, prompting the instant lawsuit.
Lawrence relied heavily on Whitaker to support the issuance of the injunction against the school district. Starting with J.A.W.’s Title IX claim, the judge rejected EVSC’s argument that “Whitaker did not hold that ‘schools are prohibited from requiring a parental request prior to allowing transgender students to access restrooms in alignment with their gender identity’ or that ‘schools are prohibited from requiring some evidence that access to such facilities is medical, psychologically, and developmentally necessary and appropriate for the individual student.’â€
“That is true – Whitaker did not specifically hold either of those things,†Lawrence wrote. “But that is irrelevant to the issue now before the Court because EVSC has made it clear … that its decision to prohibit J.A.W. from using boys’ restrooms was not based on either a requirement that there be a parental request or a requirement of any sort of evidence regarding what is necessary and appropriate for J.A.W.
“Rather, EVSC’s position unequivocally is that unless and until J.A.W. obtains a birth certificate that states that his sex is male — something that appears to be legally impossible for him to do at this point in time — he will not be permitted to use the boys’ restrooms,†Lawrence continued, writing in a footnote that the law the school district cites for its birth certificate argument would not allow J.A.W. to have his birth certificate changed.
The judge also rejected EVSC’s arguments against J.A.W.’s Equal Protection claim, finding the district’s justification for requiring J.A.W. to use the girls’ restrooms — “preventing disruption and protecting the safety of all of its students, both transgender and cisgender†— was “based on sheer conjecture and abstraction.†He noted students have begun complaining about J.A.W., who now appears masculine, using the girls’ facilities. Further, students who might complain about him using the boys’ restrooms likely “would be unaware of the content of his birth certificate,†Lawrence said.
Finally, Lawrence held J.A.W. has no adequate remedy at law for his “discomfort, distress, and anxiety when he is forced to use a girls’ restroom because it is inconsistent with his male identity,†finding the continued denial of his use of boys’ facilities would constitute irreparable harm. The judge also determined a monetary award would be inadequate compensation “for the type of stress and anxiety J.A.W. likely would experience for the remainder of his time in high school if an injunction were not granted.â€
The ACLU of Indiana celebrated Lawrence’s ruling on Monday, saying transgender students such as J.A.W. may confront bullying if they are denied access to restrooms that align with their gender identity.
“Today’s decision affirms that denying a student his right to use the correct restroom is discrimination, plain and simple,†legal director Ken Falk said in a Monday statement. “This is consistent with the great wealth of authority and many Indiana school corporations follow the law in this regard.â€
“Schools should be a safe place for kids and the refusal to allow a student to use the correct restroom can be extremely emotionally damaging,†Kit Malone, ACLU of Indiana advocate and educator, added. “Today’s ruling will help ensure that J.A.W. does not have to endure the emotional hardships, and often increased bullying, that arises from such discrimination.â€
For its part, EVSC said its legal counsel is reviewing Lawrence’s ruling.
“We remain committed to maintaining safe and caring learning environments for all of our students,†spokesman Jason Woebkenberg wrote in an email to Indiana Lawyer.
Friday’s ruling marks the second time J.A.W. has won a legal victory in the case of J.A.W. v. Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, 3:18-cv-37. https://ecf.insd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show_public_doc?32018cv0037-68 Lawrence allowed the case to proceed in June after he rejected the school district’s argument that only the teen’s parents could act as his next friend in the litigation. https://www.theindianalawyer.com/articles/47205-transgender-teens-restroom-suit-against-evansville-schools-proceeds
The complaint originally named Wyatt Squires, a transgender advocate and mentor acting as J.A.W.’s next friend, as a plaintiff. Lawrence ultimately removed Squires from the case and allowed J.A.W. to litigate in his own name.
University of Evansville to Dedicate Interfaith Peace Bell
The University of Evansville will dedicate its new Interfaith Peace Bell on Thursday, August 9 at 3:00 p.m. between Ridgway University Center and the Bower-Suhrheinrich Library. Evansville’s interfaith community will participate in the event, which is open to the public.
UE’s International Peace Pole will also be rededicated at its new location near the west side of Memorial Plaza. The peace pole was originally dedicated to the University of Evansville by the International Students Club in 2002.
With the installation of the Interfaith Peace Bell, the University has created a new focal point on campus dedicated to peace and reconciliation.Â
“The bell is a symbol of the University’s commitment to making the world a more peaceful, understanding, and compassionate place,†explained Tammy Gieselman, University Chaplain. “It will ring to commemorate significant campus and community events and will symbolize harmony and goodwill at UE. The Peace Bell will be a constant reminder for us to work for peace together, as a campus community.â€
The bell was cast at the White Chapel Bell Foundry in London, England. An appropriate choice as the University of Evansville’s Harlaxton College is located in Grantham, England.
“UE’s Interfaith Peace Bell will also serve as a visual and aural symbol of the University’s strong connection with England and our beloved Harlaxton College,†noted Gieselman.
UE’s Interfaith Peace Bell is a copper and tin cast, 24¼†diameter bell and weighs 322 pounds. It is accurately and harmonically tuned on the five-tone principal to note F. Its deadstock is made from Iroko, a large hardwood from the west coast of tropical Africa. One side of the bell is inscribed “Yearn for Peace,†and the other side reads “Work for Peace.†The bell’s pedestal is made of solid granite, weighing 8,247 pounds and is modeled after UE’s Olmsted Administration Hall bell tower.
UE’s Peace Bell was one of the last bells to be cast at the historic White Chapel Bell Foundry before it closed permanently in May 2017. It was Britain’s oldest manufacturing company, stretching back to 1570. It was responsible for many acclaimed bells worldwide, including London’s Big Ben, Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell, and bells for the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. The foundry also made a tribute bell one year after 9/11, the Bell of Hope, as a gift from the people of London to the people of New York City.Â
On February 24, 2017, a casting ceremony for UE’s bell was carried out at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. Witnessing this ceremony were Harlaxton College principal Gerald Seaman and spouse, Patricia Vilches; Ian Welsh, vice principal for business and technology, Harlaxton College; Megan Janasiewicz, director of student development, Harlaxton College; Harlaxton students Rebecca Clark, Ahmad Ismaiel, and Sara Cannaday; and Tamara Gieselman, University Chaplain.Â
The following Monday, February 27, the bell was consecrated by the interfaith community in London. Those who participated were Katherine Baxter, Wesley’s Chapel; David Chapman, West London Synagogue; Gieselman; John Heyderman, Beit Klal Yisrael; Ishaque Uddin, East London Mosque; and Aslam Uddin, East London Mosque.
Braun Praises President Trump’s Strong Policy Toward Iran
Senator Donnelly Continues to Support Obama’s Failed & Dangerous Iran Deal
 Mike Braun released the following statement on President Trump’s executive order to reimpose sanctions on Iran following his withdrawal from President Barack Obama’s Iran nuclear deal which Senator Joe Donnelly strongly supported:
“President Trump’s foreign policy of maximum pressure toward our enemies is getting results where career politicians have failed for decades,†said Mike Braun. “Unlike career politician Senator Donnelly, who is a fervent supporter of President Obama’s failed and dangerous Iran nuclear deal, I strongly support President Trump’s decision to reimpose sanctions on the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism: Iran.â€
Grants Help Teachers And Nonprofits Provide Experiences, Opportunities For Students
Grants Help Teachers And Nonprofits Provide Experiences, Opportunities For Students
Exciting new grants are now available that help teachers and nonprofits provide arts experiences and opportunities for students in Vanderburgh County.
The Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana announced Monday schools and 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations can apply for the grants. Applications are available at artswin.org/grants.
There are two grant options: The Arts Opportunity Grant and the Sponsorship of the Arts Grant. Both grants can only be awarded to schools or nonprofits and are for programs and experiences that will benefit kindergarten through 12th-grade students in Vanderburgh County.
The Sponsorship of the Arts Grants is available up to $5,000 for development or advancement of arts opportunities and experiences for students. New, sustainable programming that impacts underserved populations are preferred, but all are welcome to apply. Applications for the Sponsorship of the Arts Grant are due Nov. 2, with fund disbursement in January 2019.
The Arts Opportunity Grants are available up to $500 for arts opportunities and experiences for students that crop up outside the normal budget and curriculum for schools and organizations – arts contests fees, bringing in visiting artists, exposure to traveling exhibits or performances, etc. Applications for the Arts Opportunity Grant are reviewed monthly and awarded based on merit and availability of funds.
The Arts Opportunity and Sponsorship of the Arts grants are just part of the many ways the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana helps promote arts and help educators in the community. The Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana is a 501(c)3 dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and supporting economic development through advocacy and promotion of the arts, arts education, and arts organizations in Southwest Indiana.
Grant applications are available at artswin.org/grants.
WILDFIRE HEATS UP TROPICANA EVANSVILLE’S 421!
When Wildfire rages into Tropicana Evansville’s 421 lounge this weekend, the scorching hot band will deliver some sizzling country music!
Composed of three girls and three guys, this talented sextet burst onto the band scene in St. Charles, Missouri on the outskirts of St. Louis, performing Pop Country hits, along with Classic Country, Southern Rock and Top 40.
Crowds enjoy singing along with their high-energy arrangements by Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Luke Bryan and Johnny Cash. You can even catch a tune or two from the likes of Police or Joan Jett.
See Wildfire at 421, located inside the Tropicana Evansville Casino, on Friday and Saturday, August 10 & 11, from 7PM-10:30PM.
After the concert, DJ Jones Capone keeps the late-night party fires burning from 11PM – 2AM with just the right mix of party tunes. No admission fee, just a two-drink minimum for a night of red-hot fun!
For more information, contact Bobbi Warren, Bobbi Warren Productions, at 812-401-0094 or bobbi.warren@att.net.