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“READERS FORUM” JANUARY 12, 2018

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WHATS ON YOUR MIND TODAY?

We hope that todays “Readers Forum” 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?”
Todays “Readers Poll” question is: Do you feel that the not-for-profit City of Evansville Redevelopment Commission and ECHO Housing should use taxpayers money to fund a grocery venture on North Main?
Please take time and read our articles entitled “STATEHOUSE Files, CHANNEL 44 NEWS, LAW ENFORCEMENT, READERS POLL, BIRTHDAYS, HOT JOBS” and “LOCAL SPORTS”.  You now are able to subscribe to get the CCO daily.
If you would like to advertise in the CCO please contact us City-County Observer@live.com.

 

EDITOR’S FOOTNOTE:  Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City County Observer or our advertisersR

Students Take A Stand For Retired Research Animals

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By Bryan Wells
TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS – Freezing temperatures, icy roads and a little snow couldn’t keep Eastwood Middle School students away from the Statehouse Monday morning to testify in favor of adoption of retired research animals.

Senate Bill 16 would require universities and facilities across the state that use dogs or cats in experiments of any purpose to offer retired animals for adoption to the public or animal care facilities. The animals must be healthy and cannot have a significant medical diagnosis.

The Eastwood sixth graders were joined by Jamie Archer of Illinois and her beagle, Daphne, Monday in an attempt to urge lawmakers to pass the proposed legislation.

 

Katelyn McConnel, a sixth grader from Eastwood Middle School in Indianapolis testifies in front of the Senate in hopes of encouraging the passage of Senate Bill 16. Photo by Amari Thompson, TheStatehouseFile.com

“The whole reason why we want this bill to pass is to give beagles and other animals a second chance at having happiness,” said Katelyn McConnell, a sixth grade student at Eastwood.

The Senate Agriculture and Rural Committee listened as sixth grader after sixth grader testified in support of SB 16, authored by Sen. John Ruckelshaus, R-Indianapolis.

“I just want [the animals] to get in to a good home because they really have been stuck in cages their whole life and it is really just not fair to them,” said Nora Cesljarev, 12. “They should just be put in a loving home.”

Archer and Daphne also had the chance to testify in front of the committee Monday. Archer used the opportunity to show lawmakers the scars Daphne received from researchers in past experiments.

“Steve [Auslander] had contacted me and when I found out he was organizing this with a group of students, without a doubt, since I adopted a beagle from a lab, I would come,” Archer said. “He got special permission for the beagle to be here, and so we were here.”

The committee did not vote on the measure during Monday’s hearing because lawmakers had questions about how the bill would work.

FOOTNOTE: Bryan Wells is a reporter for TheStatehousefile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

Kathryn Martin Files For Re-Election.

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Evansville, Indiana – On Wednesday, January 10, 2018, current Trustee of Knight Township, Kathryn Martin filed to run for re-election. Her submission took place at Evansville’s Civic Center at 4:00 p.m. yesterday afternoon. Martin’s dedication to the community and passion for helping people have solidified her as a positive figure in the Evansville Area.

Trustee’s main responsibility is to provide aide to those in need. For those who qualify, that assistance may include assistance with shelter (rent or mortgage), utilities (gas, electric, water), medical, and burial expenses, with the goal of helping to bridge a temporary financial gap. The trustee’s office serves more than 65,000 residents on the east side of Evansville and in the surrounding unincorporated areas.

It is home to nearly 40% of Vanderburgh County’s citizens. Other duties include providing fire protection to unincorporated areas of the county; assisting with the burial of the indigent; managing the township budget and financial records; and preparing an annual financial report.

Kathryn Martin has been Trustee since 2010.  As proven by her ability to help citizens of our tri-state, earning the designation of ‘Indiana Trustee of the Year’ in 2014, as well as other states, Martin makes a great public servant for the residents of Knight Township.  Martin believes that ‘township government provides a crucial service to the residents of Knight Township, as it provides immediate help to people in times of need.’

Martin is married to her husband, John, and is a mother of six (with two of them being fraternal twins).  Martin worked on the building of a memorial park and playground at Eastbrook Mobile Home Park and because of this effort she received the Lampion Center Community Service Award.

In June 2007, she received the prestigious Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award, as well as the Mark Trail Award presented by the National Weather Service.  In February 2008, she was recognized by MONTEL and Charming Shoppes with the VOICES award.  Martin also received the Ivy Tech Distinguished Alumnus Award for 2009.

Steve Hammer Officially Files for Vanderburgh County Commissioner

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Yesterday, restaurant owner and real estate investor Steve Hammer officially filed as a candidate for Vanderburgh County Commissioner Thursday.

Hammer said the idea started four months ago when political and business leaders asked him to run.

His campaign focuses on being business friendly, creating more tax income for the county, and creating wealth in the private sector.

The first-time candidate is excited to take this symbolic step.

The District 2 seat is currently held by Bruce Ungethiem.

Mr. Hammer told the many supporters that attended his official announcement that as a first time candidate, it’s humbling and gratifying to see friends standing with you.

Almost four months ago, a group of Evansville business and political leaders asked me to consider running for this seat. It’s a soul searching endeavor to decide to subject yourself to public scrutiny, and one I don’t take lightly. If I wasn’t the right person for the job, we all wouldn’t be standing here today.

As a real estate investor and restaurateur in our community, I’ve been fortunate to have a successful career in the private sector. I’m prepared to devote my skills and experience to better our County in the public sector.

Here are three things I will do…

Make government business friendly. Economic growth creates more tax income for government in the public sector and more jobs and wealth in the private sector. They go hand in hand. Make it easy to do business in our community and everyone wins. It’s that simple.

Surround yourself with talented people. I will appoint the correct and appropriate men and women to our community boards and commissions, people who want to serve the community, not themselves.

Be conscientious in your decision making. I will find creative and innovative solutions to our problems and make responsible business-like financial decisions

That is what business people like me do every day and that is what government should be doing more of. I’m committed to our community, I care about my fellow citizens and I’m the most capable candidate for this office and we need more of us in public service.

Thank you all for your time.

 

Mike Duckworth Announces Candidacy for Vanderburgh County Commissioner District 2
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Campaign Centered on Experience, Focused on Community

Yesterday, Mike Duckworth made a formal announcement declaring that he has officially filed as a Republican candidate for District 2 Vanderburgh County Commissioner. Surrounded by family, friends, and supporters Duckworth reiterated his commitment to serving the residents of Vanderburgh County.

“I will collaborate with other public officials and other key decision makers and I will always be accessible to hear all sides of an issue, AND, rest assured I can and I will make decisions.”

Duckworth stated that his lifetime of experience working with local leaders to better our community makes him uniquely qualified for the position of Commissioner.
“As a lifelong resident of Evansville and Vanderburgh County, I bring to this race over 40 years of relevant work experience in government and community service.”
“In the coming months, you may hear others say, ‘We need a fresh set of eyes’ and ‘experience doesn’t matter’ in this role. And I’ll tell you, if I didn’t have experience I might say the same thing, but MY relevant and specific public service experience is critical in this role.”

Duckworth is a life long resident of Vanderburgh County and has worked to better his community his entire working life. He served 17 years as a Sheriff’s Deputy and has 21 years of service on the School Board (5 times as its President). He has spent 35 years as a Coach and Commissioner of Evansville Youth Baseball. He has served on the Board of Directors for Freedom Fest and was the 2003 President. He’s served as Executive Director for the Department of Transportation, Superintendent of the Highway Department, Superintendent of the Evansville Water Department.

Duckworth held an announcement party at the F.O.P. Lodge 73. Gathered among the 50 plus guests were County Councilor and former Commissioner Joe Kiefer, State Senator Vanetta Becker, current GOP County Chairman Wayne Parke, many small businessmen, friends, and former officers who served with Duckworth at the Sheriffs office.

Mike Duckworth is a 1974 Graduate of Bosse High School. He earned both a Bachelors and Master Degree from the University of Southern Indiana. Mike and his Wife Traci have 3 Children and 1 grandson.

The University of Evansville Women’s Basketball Team Travels To Iowa

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. — The University of Evansville women’s basketball team travels to Iowa for a pair of road Missouri Valley Conference contests this weekend. The Purple Aces open the weekend against UNI at 7 p.m. on Friday night in Cedar Falls, Iowa before traveling to Des Moines, Iowa to face Drake at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

A full week separates the Aces from their last competition when Evansville fell to Indiana State, 56-48, in a defensive struggle in Terre Haute last Friday night. The Aces controlled the opening half, taking a 25-15 lead to the halftime break. Indiana State battled back in the third quarter, cutting its deficit to just one at 36-35 heading into the final period. In the fourth quarter, the Sycamores went on a 20-13 run as Indiana State grabbed the 56-48 win.

UE at UNI (Friday, 7 p.m.): Watch Live | Listen Live I Live Stats | UNI Website | Game Notes
UE at Drake (Sunday, 1 p.m.): Watch Live | Listen Live I Live Stats | Drake Website | Game Notes

The Aces head to Iowa for a two-game set  starting with a Friday night showdown with UNI. UE and the Panthers have met on 51 previous occasions with UNI owning a 32-19 advantage in the all-time series. The two sides last met on March 11, 2017 when UNI earned an 82-58 win over the Purple Aces in the MVC Tournament semifinals in the iWireless Center in Moline, Illinois. The Panthers enter Friday’s matchup with a 6-9 overall record and a 2-2 mark in MVC play and are coming off a pair of losses on the road to Southern Illinois and Missouri State.

Evansville wraps-up its three-game road trip on Sunday with a matchup with Drake. UE and the Bulldogs have met on 53 previous occasions with Drake owning a 39-14 advantage in the all-time series. The two sides last met on February 5, 2017 when Drake captured a 73-48 win over the Aces at the Ford Center in Evansville. The Bulldogs enter Sunday’s showdown with a 9-7 overall record and an unblemished 4-0 mark in MVC action. Drake is currently riding a four-game winning streak since starting MVC play and is led by this week’s MVC Player of the Week, Becca Hittner.

Barnes To Retire From Court of Appeals In June

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January 11, 2018
Olivia Covington for The IndianaLawyer

 

Longtime Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Michael Barnes has announced he will retire from the appellate court bench on June 1.

Barnes, who serves as a judge from the third district of the Court of Appeals, was appointed to the bench by Gov. Frank O’Bannon in May 2000. He has authored more than 2,800 opinions during his appellate court career.

“I have been honored to serve as a Judge on the Court of Appeals,” Barnes said in a Thursday statement announcing his retirement. “I hope that the decisions we’ve made have positively affected the litigants, the bar, and the citizens of our State. I am grateful to all who have assisted me, and am particularly indebted to the late Governor Frank O’Bannon and Governor Joe Kernan for the confidence they placed in me.”

Aside from his work on the Court of Appeals, Barnes has served as an adjunct faculty member at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law and as a bar association and legal organization lecturer. Prior to ascending to the bench, Barnes worked as the St. Joseph County prosecutor and served as president of several associations, including the National District Attorneys Association, the American Research Institute, the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council and the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Association.

“I’ve had two wonderful careers,” Barnes said. “I’m deeply grateful for both of them.”

The appellate judge was honored last year as an Indiana Lawyer Leadership in Law Distinguished Barrister. In addition to his legal work, Barnes’ community involvement has included work on the boards of multiple South Bend and St. Joseph County not-for-profit organizations.

Bitter Cold Forces Spike In Gas Deliveries

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Evansville, Ind. – Extreme temperatures the last half of December 2017 through the first half of January this year have led to gas usage in volumes which rival the highest ever seen. The volume of gas delivered through Vectren’s 3,200-mile pipeline network to its 110,000 customers in southwest Indiana from Dec. 15, 2017 through Jan. 15, 2018 is projected to be among the highest ever delivered.

“It goes without saying the bitter cold weather has forced furnaces to work harder, and the spike in gas deliveries demonstrates just how cold it’s has been over the past few weeks,” said Brad Ellsworth, president of Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana – South.

The average customer will see a bill that is 25 to 30 percent higher than the bill they received during this same four-week period last year.

“With usage up this sharply, customers will see higher bills than last winter, and we encourage those that are challenged to pay to reach out to us for payment options,” added Ellsworth. “On a positive note safe, reliable delivery is enhanced with the Smart Energy Future infrastructure projects that Vectren continues to perform on our energy delivery system.”

Customers who need assistance managing costs should contact Vectren at 1-800-227-1376. Qualifying customers can set up a payment arrangement whereby they can pay the bill in smaller increments over a set period of time. This is a free service with no interest charges. In addition, Vectren can offer guidance on income-qualified energy assistance. Energy efficiency tips and resources can be found at Vectren.com/saveenergy.

Customers utilizing electric space heating can expect to see a difference in bills as well. Bills during this same 30 day timeframe due to extremely cold temperatures are forecasted to increase around 25 percent.

 

Adopt A Pet

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Jonsey is a 3-year-old neutered male. He can be described as a “loving lapcat.” He gets along fine with around 20 other cats in the Cageless Cat Lounge where he lives. Jonsey’s adoption fee is $40 and also includes his microchip, vaccines, and more. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 for adoption details!

 

Board of Public Safety: Minutes

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MINUTES

JANUARY 10TH, 2018

Building Commission – Ron Beane Police Department – Chief Billy Bolin Transportation & Services – Todd Robertson Fire Department – Chief Mike Connelly

~ Pledge of Allegiance ~

Business with Representatives:
Motion by Mike Lauderdale, 2nd by Mike Retter and so ordered to approve the opening of the bids:

1. Debbie Spalding, City of Evansville Purchasing Department, requests approval to open responses received for RFP-01-003-2018-20 for the Towing & Storage of Nuisance, Wrecked & Impounded Vehicles. (Tri-State Towing & Recovery, Feller Towing & Recovery, Inc.)

Departmental Reports:

A. Police Department – Captain Stephanie Cox

  1. Notify the board of Lieutenant Wayne M. Wargel of his retirement, serving 36 years, 4 months and 6 days from the Evansville Police Department as of January 10th, 2018.
  2. Notify the board of Lieutenant David G. Molinet of his retirement, serving 32 years, 2 months and 8 days from the Evansville Police Department as of January 10th, 2018.

Motion by Mike Lauderdale, 2nd by Mike Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

3. Request approval for the reimbursement to Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office for inmate transfer.

Board of Public Safety Evansville, Indiana

Michael Retter, President Mike Lauderdale, Vice President Kayce Zeller, Member Aaron Trump, Counsel Attorney

Motion by Mike Lauderdale, 2nd by Mike Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

4. Request approval to surplus a Sony Voice Recorder, 10 years old no longer operates.

Motion by Mike Lauderdale, 2nd by Mike Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

5. Request approval for the renewal contract with Deaconess Urinalysis Contract.

Motion by Mike Lauderdale, 2nd by Mike Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

6. Request approval for the renewal of the contract with Dr. Luzio.

Motion by Mike Lauderdale, 2nd by Mike Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

7. Request approval for the renewal of the contract with Deaconess for employment physicals.

B. Fire Department – Battalion Chief Charles Hertzberger

Motion by Mike Lauderdale, 2nd by Mike Retter and so ordered to approve the following:
1. Request approval for the Medical Direcort Contract with Dr. Peter Stevenson.

Motion by Mike Lauderdale, 2nd by Mike Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

2. Request approval to accept $2,500.00 donation from West Side Nut Club for the purchase of Dive equipment.

C. Building Commission – Ron Beane – NO AGENDA

D. Transportation & Services – Todd Robertson

Motion by Mike Lauderdale, 2nd by Mike Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

1. Request approval for the following:

a. Install a “No Parking Anytime” signs and paint curbs yellow at Rotherwood Ave, on the west side of the street from Lincoln Ave to Walnut Street.

Board of Public Safety Evansville, Indiana

Michael Retter, President Mike Lauderdale, Vice President Kayce Zeller, Member Aaron Trump, Counsel Attorney

E. Special Event Permit – Sgt. Josh Wittmer

Motion by Mike Lauderdale, 2nd by Mike Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

1. University of Evansville requests approval for the “MLK March Reenactment” on January 15th, 2018 from noon to 1:30 p.m. No road closings, police will be escorting the parade. ***PENDING INSURANCE APPROVAL***

Motion by Mike Lauderdale, 2nd by Mike Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

2. Franklin Street Events Association requests approval for the “Mardi Gras Grand Parade” on February 10th, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closing Franklin Street from St. Joseph Avenue to Fulton Avenue. ***PENDING INSURANCE APPROVAL, BARRICADES REQUESTED***

Tabled until next meeting.

3. Rise Up and Run requests approval for the “Run of Luck” on March 17th, 2018 from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Closing West Franklin Street from 7th Street to 11th Street. ***PENDING INSURANCE APPROVAL, BARRICADES REQUESTED***

Motion by Mike Lauderdale, 2nd by Mike Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

4. Evansville Courier & Press requests approval for the “Heritage Federal Credit Union Home Show” on April 4th, 2018 from 5:00 a.m. until April 9th, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Closing 9th Street between Locust Street and Walnut Street; Locust Street between 9th Street and Martin Luther King Blvd. Additionally request approval for the first row of parking spots in parking lot be block to allow outdoor vendors to unload. (Back 40 Parking Lot, no HCP parking spots will be blocked, Friday only, Carolyn Franklin (event organizer) attended the meeting)

Motion by Mike Lauderdale, 2nd by Mike Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

5. Funk in the City requests approval for the “9th Annual Funk in the City Spring Art Festival” on April 21st, 2018 from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closing 2nd Street between Washington Ave and Jefferson Ave; Adams Ave between 1st Street and Putnum Street. ***PENDING INSURANCE APPROVAL, BARRICADES REQUESTED***

Board of Public Safety Evansville, Indiana

Michael Retter, President Mike Lauderdale, Vice President Kayce Zeller, Member Aaron Trump, Counsel Attorney

 

Motion by Mike Lauderdale, 2nd by Mike Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

6. National Kidney Foundation of Indiana requests approval for the “Evansville Kidney Walk & Kidney Health Risk Association” on April 21st, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Closing NW Riverside Drive at the Main Street walkway crossing to the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passages. ***PENDING INSURANCE APPROVAL***

Motion by Mike Lauderdale, 2nd by Mike Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

7. Evansville Police Department requests approval for the “EPD Foundation SWAT Challenge” on May 4th, 2018 from noon until 4:00 p.m. Closing Riverside Drive from Cherry Street to Court Street; Vine Street from Riverside Drive to 2nd Street; Sycamore Street from Riverside Drive to 2nd Street; Main Street from Riverside Drive to 2nd Street; Locust Street from Riverside Drive to 2nd Street; Walnut Street from Riverside Drive to 2nd Street; Chestnut Street from Riverside Drive to 2nd Street; and 1st Street from Vine to Cherry Street. ***PENDING INSURANCE APPROVAL, BARRICADES REQUESTED***

Motion by Mike Lauderdale, 2nd by Mike Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

8. National Eating Disorders Association requests approval for the “NEDA 1 Mile Walk” on May 19th, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Closing Main Street from Riverside Drive to 5th Street, 5th Street from Sycamore Street to Main Street; Sycamore Street from Riverside Drive to 5th Street; Riverside Drive from Sycamore Street to Main Street. ***PENDING INSURANCE APPROVAL, BARRICADES REQUESTED*** (Attorney suggested to move closure from Riverside Drive one block east to avoid closing Riverside Drive for the allotted time.)

Consent Section:

A. Taxi Cab Driver Permits

Motion by Mike Lauderdale, 2nd by Mike Retter and so ordered to approve the following (a.-k.):

1. Request approval for the following taxi cab permits:

  1. Cary Grant – new 2018
  2. Jeff Howlett – renewal 2018
  3. Terry Huey – renewal 2018

    Board of Public Safety Evansville, Indiana

Michael Retter, President Mike Lauderdale, Vice President Kayce Zeller, Member Aaron Trump, Counsel Attorney

 

  1. Gerry Bubenzer – renewal 2018
  2. Robert Douthitt – renewal 2018
  3. David K. Cleaver – new 2018
  4. Michael Mitchell – renewal 2018
  5. James Roddy – new 2018
  6. George R. Shuttle – renewal 2018
  7. Bart J. Stinson – renewal 2018
  8. Michael J. Weaver – new 2018

B. Dumpster In the Street Permit

Motion by Mike Lauderdale, 2nd by Mike Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

1. Request approval for the following:

a. 517 N Kerth Ave – Tony Rhew – cleaning out a home 1/10/2018 to 1/24/2018

C. Handicap Parking

Motion by Mike Lauderdale, 2nd by Mike Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

1. Request approval for the following handicap parking:

  1. 301 N.W. MLK Jr. Blvd – Tracy J. Benbrook
    This residence does not have any off-street parking, the property qualifies for an on- street handicap parking space which will be located on Court Street in the first parking space east of N.W. MLK Blvd.
  2. 1616 Delmar Ave – Dena Hollis
    This residence qualifies for an on-street handicap parking space.
  3. 917 S Dexter Ave – Dexter School
    Approved for on-street handicap parking space, paid for by EVSC, work by City.

Board of Public Safety Evansville, Indiana

Michael Retter, President Mike Lauderdale, Vice President Kayce Zeller, Member Aaron Trump, Counsel Attorney

 D. Massage Clinic Permit

Motion by Mike Lauderdale, 2nd by Mike Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

1. Request approval for the following:
i. DuKane Skin Care, Inc. – 2805 Lincoln Ave – Renewal 2018

OTHER BUSINESS:
1. Approve claims. (No Claims.)

Motion by Mike Lauderdale, 2nd by Mike Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

2. Approve the minutes from Wednesday, December 6th, 2017.

Motion by Mike Lauderdale, 2nd by Mike Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

3. Request for comments from public. Announcements:
Next Meeting, January 24th, 2018.

Adjourned: 1:20 p.m. ML/MR

Board of Public Safety Evansville, Indiana

Michael Retter, President Mike Lauderdale, Vice President Kayce Zeller, Member Aaron Trump, Counsel Attorney

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