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INDIANAPOLIS – Attorney General Curtis Hill is working with a bipartisan coalition of a majority of attorneys general from across the country in an ongoing investigation to evaluate whether manufacturers have engaged in unlawful practices in the marketing and sale of opioids. The attorneys general are investigating what role, if any, the opioid manufacturers may have played in creating or prolonging this epidemic. The coalition of attorneys general is using its investigative tools, including subpoenas for documents and testimony, to determine the appropriate courses of action to address this opioid epidemic. In Indiana and across the nation, opioids — prescription and illicit—are the main driver of drug overdose deaths. Opioids were involved in 33,091 deaths nationwide in 2015, and opioid overdoses have quadrupled since 1999, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In 2015, there were 1,245 opioid-related deaths in Indiana, up nearly 10 percent from 2014. Though the coalition of attorneys general is not identifying any targets of its investigation at this time, Gen. Hill wants to assure Hoosiers that he is taking steps to help address this opioid epidemic in Indiana. |
AG Hill announces ongoing investigation to help address opioid crisis
IS IT TRUE JUNE 15, 2017
IS IT TRUE that our nation’s capital was shaken yesterday when a lone gunman opened fire on a group of Republican members of congress and staffers who were practicing for a baseball game against Democrats that is played annually for charity?…for the first time in a long time there was bi-partisan agreement that charity is good and that shooting randomly at people is bad?…if our elected leaders can’t agree on those two things we had just as well close up shop and Balkanize into a dozen independent republics?…for one day out of what seems like years partisan bickering, juvenile name calling, and outright lies did not dominate the mainstream media reports?…it took a sick hate monger with intent to kill to get congress to treat each other with respect in a civil manner?
IS IT TRUE that is about as far as the kindness goes because once the shooter’s identity was known a quick search of his Facebook page revealed a deeply seated hate for President Donald Trump and anyone associated with the Trump administration?…the full of hate shooter was a 66 year old Caucasian from Belleville, Illinois (near St. Louis) who had been a vocal supporter of Senator Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign?…he also advocated to raise taxes on the so called “rich†up to levels of 70%?…more importantly the shooters own words calling for Trump and the Republicans to be “taken out†should have and could have been sufficient reason for law enforcement to knock on his door for a heart to heart talk about posting such things?…the shooter has paid the price for his actions with his life?…one can only ask what pushed this person over the edge to attempt to become a mass murderer?
IS IT TRUE we wonder if he found inspiration from entertainer Kathy Griffin holding up an effigy of President Trump’s severed head or if he had become empowered by watching the New York City production of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar where a President Trump look alike was stabbed to death in the Roman Senate for entertainment?…we wonder if this supposedly quiet guy who stayed to himself was inspired to attempt to kill by watching the barbaric hoards of anti-Trump protests that destroyed property, tossed projectiles at those who think differently, and shouted down free speech at the place where free speech was born?…that one thing is becoming obvious and that is that civility, tolerance, respect for the constitution, and even embracing basic human rights is under attack from a faction of American society that is so consumed with hate for President Trump that they have forgotten where they came from and rejected what they have professed to believe in?
IS IT TRUE that things my get worse in America before they get better unless the lies and rejection of differing opinions are ceased?…from many people’s perspectives, the supporters of Hillary Clinton who labelled Trump supporters as deplorable based on their opinions are the ones who are in the streets committing deplorable acts of violence?…the seal of the State of Kentucky says “United We Stand, Divided We Fall?â€â€¦unless mutual respect and love for ones fellow citizen without regard to ideology return, we are headed for a great big fall?…the CCO says “come one people, we are better than that so let’s prove it by stopping the hateful speech and violent actions?â€
Todays “READERS POLL†question is: Do you feel that that its time for individuals to mutually respect and love one another without regard to ideology?
We urge you to take time and click the section we have reserved for the daily recaps of the activities of our local Law Enforcement professionals. This section is located on the upper right side of our publication.
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MEET VANDERBURGH COUNTY COMMISSIONER BEN SHOULDERS
MEET VANDERBURGH COUNTY COMMISSIONER BEN SHOULDERS
The role of County Commissioner can be a challenging and sometimes an ardent task. County Commissioners serve as both the Executive and Legislative branches of county government. This means the commissioner’s responsibilities include signing ordinances, awarding contracts, addressing personal matters, among many others. When executive decisions are made that effect a county, many of its residents will look at the County Commissioners for explanations.
Recently, CCO had a chance to interview Vanderburgh County Commissioner Ben Shoulders.
Shoulders is a lifelong Evansville resident.  A graduate of Harrison High School and Indiana University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts, Shoulders is currently employed at Old National Bank where he serves as a corporate relationship manager. He is currently serving in his first term as Vanderburgh County Commissioner – District One.
While 2016 wasn’t a good election year for democrats locally, Shoulders was the one bright spot as he defeated his opponent Sean Selby by 1,600 votes. “I was born and raised in Vanderburgh County,” Shoulders said. “I strongly believe in servant leadership and I felt I had the confidence, passion, and skill set to serve our community in this capacity; and the experience to make Vanderburgh County a better place…..were my reasons for running,” Shoulders went on to say.
Shoulders certainly came from an upbringing that would make him suitable for the political arena. His uncle, Pat Shoulders, is a prominent Evansville attorney who currently serves on the IU Board of Trustees and also had a local television show, Shively & Shoulders, where he would debate politics with co-host Les Shively and have political guests on the show as well. Shoulders’ father, Michael, a local prominent architect, also influenced young Ben to give back his time, talent, and treasure to the community. Shoulders’ political influences aren’t just limited to his father’s side of the family. Shoulders’ grandfather, C. Bernard Noelting on his mother’s side, served as city controller during former Evansville Mayor Frank McDonald Sr. third term.
Since being elected county commissioner, Shoulders and his fellow commissioners ran into some initial controversy. Earlier this year, the commissioners voted to replace the manager of Burdette Park, Jacob Murphy, with Pat Tuley who worked on Shoulders’ campaign. Shoulders, along with fellow commissioner Cheryl Musgrave, insisted that Murphy wasn’t fired but replaced; due to a cross opportunity. Due to the political controversy, Tuley declined to take the position. However, Shoulders says the decisions that were made have been beneficial to all involved. Jacob Murphy has since accepted the manager position with the Weights & Measurements Department, which is a position Murphy is excelling in, according to Shoulders. Shoulders has also said since the decision was made to replace the Burdette Park manager earlier this year (by naming longtime assistant manager, Jerry Grannon, the interim manager), attendance at the park has skyrocketed and he has the numbers to prove it. The attendance this year at the park so far has been 7,535. From the years 2013 to 2016, the attendance was 4,375 people per day (through first 10 days of park operations).
So does Ben Shoulders have any aspirations for higher office? Perhaps Mayor? “I’m currently very happy with my professional career, blessed for the opportunity given to me by my employer, Old National Bank, and continuing to learn the role of County Commissioner. My laser focus in my life continues to be on faith, family, work, and serving the people of our community. My three goals as County Commissioner are infrastructure, economic development, and public safety. We must continue to collaborate, engage and include everyone as a shared voice for the future and greater good of Vanderburgh County.”
USI Volleyball 2017 schedule
University of Southern Indiana Volleyball has announced its 2017 schedule, beginning with a pair of non-conference tournaments before starting Great Lakes Valley Conference play.
USI hits the road for its first four matches of the season with the University of West Florida Hampton Inn-vitational in Pensacola, Florida, September 1-2. All four of USI’s opponents, the University of North Alabama, the University of West Florida, Southwest Minnesota State University, and the University of South Carolina-Aiken, were NCAA II Tournament participants a year ago.
The Screaming Eagles return home to host four games in the Dunn Hospitality Invitational September 8-9. USI will once again play UNA as well as NCAA II Tournament participant Cedarville University.
A visit to Maryville University September 14 begins GLVC play for the Eagles, who then return home to host four straight games, including Lewis University, who made the NCAA II Tournament national semifinals.
The Eagles play four more conference games and host Oakland City University to wrap up the first half of the schedule before the Midwest Region Crossover October 13-14 in Aurora, Illinois.
USI has one non-conference game in the second half, as it will host Trevecca Nazarene University October 24 in its Dig for the Cure match. Senior Day will be November 4 against the University of Missouri-St. Louis. USI plays six of its final nine GLVC matches on the road, ending the regular season at Lewis and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside November 10-11.
The GLVC Tournament will be held November 17-19 at the EastSide Center in East Peoria, Illinois. The Eagles are looking to bounce back after a 9-21, 3-15 GLVC campaign a year ago, ending a streak of 17 consecutive postseason appearances.
Evansville Will Host The 2017 National Theatre On Ice Competition At The Ford Center
The national competition will be comprised of 80 teams who will compete in one of eight divisions, including a Special Olympics division. Teams will be traveling from cities around the country including Seattle, Chicago, Newark, Los Angeles, Boston, and Houston.
Teams are comprised of 8-24 skaters who have qualified for specific levels of competition. Evansville will have two teams participating – one in the Preliminary and one in the Open division. This is the sixth year of competition for the Open team who are currently the National Bronze Medalist for their division.
Organizers describe the competition as a cross between Disney on Ice for the costumes and pageantry and the Olympics for the adhering to the elements, rules, and requirements of the competition. Performances are choreographed to be lively and entertaining for spectators and fans of all styles of figure skating. The organizers hope to see the seats filled at the Ford Center for daily competition beginning on Thursday, June 22 through Sunday, June 25. Tickets for the four-day event are $50 in advance or $60 at the door. Daily ticket prices are $15 for adults – kids 3 & U are free. For more information on tickets and the schedule, go to their website at http://2017nationaltoi.com/
To recognize this prestigious event, there will be an Opening Day Parade in Downtown Evansville on Wednesday, June 21 beginning at 5PM in front of the Ford Center. The parade theme is “Americana†and teams along with their coaches, friends, and family members are encouraged to incorporate this theme in fun and unique ways that capture their team’s personality. A Team Spirit Award will be given to the team that best demonstrates their spirit using the theme during the parade. The parade will proceed down Main Street to the riverfront where teams will be feted at a private party at Shrinersfest.
For interview or other information, please contact Jill Plough at 812-204-0308 or Danielle Crook at 812-598-4988.
FOOTNOTE: For the first time, Evansville will host the 2017 National Theatre on Ice Competition at the Ford Center beginning Wednesday, June 21 through Sunday, June 25, 2017, thanks to the successful bid by The Greater Evansville Figure Skating Club and Evansville Sports Corporation.
Attorney Disbarred For Falsifying Statements, Evidence To Disciplinary Commission
Attorney Disbarred For Falsifying Statements, Evidence To Disciplinary Commission
Olivia Covington for www.theindianalawyer.com
An Indianapolis attorney charged with making false statements and submitting false evidence to the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission in an attempt to be reinstated to the practice of law has instead been disbarred.
After T.G., assisted by another attorney, obtained a settlement of a personal injury action, she established a special needs trust in 2004 to hold the settlement proceeds and prevent rapid depletion by T.G., who had a history of drug and alcohol abuse, or others not acting in her best interest. Later that year, T.G. asked Indianapolis attorney Everett Powell to help her get access to the trust funds.
Powell agreed to take the case for a fee of one-third of the trust, and “after expending only minimal work,†became successor trustee and disbursed $30,000 to T.G. and $15,000 to himself. As a result of that conduct, Powell was suspended from the practice of law in Indiana for 120 days without automatic reinstatement in 2011.
After receiving the funds, T.G.’s share was quickly spent on drugs and expenditures for T.G.’s partner and his family. Powell was initially denied reinstatement, then denied again in March 2014 for various reasons, including failure to make restitution to T.G.
Powell then drove to Iowa, where he met with T.G. and asked her to sign a document stating he had given her $15,000, yet only paid her $1,500. T.G. signed the document, and Powell told her she would not get in trouble for signing, but that she should not say anything if anyone from Indiana called with questions.
When she realized she had been taken advantage of, T.G. called the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission. Meanwhile, Powell filed a third reinstatement petition and sent a letter to the commission, falsely claiming he had made full restitution and submitting the falsified document.
When the commission served a notice of deposition on T.G., Powell moved to withdraw his petition, but the commission proceeded with T.G.’s deposition. The commission ultimately charged him with violating Indiana Professional Conduct Rules 3.3(a)(1), 3.4(b) and 8.4(c).
Powell gave an unsworn statement challenging T.G.’s credibility and claiming he gave her $15,000 in cash, yet declined to testify. A hearing officer report filed in December 2016 concluded Powell had violated the rules as charged and recommended he be disbarred.
The Indiana Supreme Court agreed and disbarred the Indianapolis attorney in a Wednesday opinion, effective immediately.
In its opinion, the court rejected Powell’s argument that his false statements were attributable to his counsel. The predicate false fact was supplied by Powell, the court said, and even had it been the fault of his attorney, Rule 3.3(a)(1) imposes a duty on attorneys to correct any false statements previously made.
Similarly, “the act of falsifying a document need not occur contemporaneously with its tender as evidence…in order for a violation of Rule 3.4(b) to occur,†the justices said. Further, the hearing officer in the case adjudged evidence of a Rule 8.4(c) violation as credible, and Powell declined to offer any counter-evidence on his behalf, the court said.
Finally, the high court said the admittance of T.G.’s videotaped deposition as evidence was not precluded under Trail Rule 32(A)(3) or Evidence Rule 804(b)(1). Thus, because Powell’s reinstatement proceedings “brought to light numerous additional uncharged instances of misconduct committed in the wake of our prior suspension order,†his conduct warrants disbarment, the justices wrote in the per curiam opinion.
“The grounds for the instant charges – Respondent’s elaborate scheme to convince to Commission and this Court that he had made full restitution to T.G. when in fact he had not – are but the culmination of a years-long endeavor to game the system,†the opinion states. “That endeavor ends today.â€
Koewler Named Director Of USI Special Events and Scheduling Services
Cindy Brinker, Vice-President for University and Government Relations at the University of Southern Indiana, has named Donna Koewler as director of Special Events and Scheduling Services with the University. Koewler will assume her new duties on July 1.
As director, Koewler will be responsible for executing major events, overseeing the planning and implementation of several thousand campus-wide activities throughout the calendar year and scheduling all campus events and activities, including academic classes.
Prior to being named as director, Koewler served as assistant director of Special Events and Scheduling Services at USI since 2014 and has been part of the Special Events and Scheduling Services team since 2004. She also worked in student activities at Florida Southern College and the University of South Florida.
Koewler has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and psychology from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. She has completed programs with the Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors International, Association of College Unions International and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.