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IS IT TRUE MAY 4, 2017

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IS IT TRUE it looks like were being forced to file a Freedom of Information Request with the city to find out how much are the yearly utilities costs at the Ford Center?  …we shall also ask the powers that be who is responsible for paying for the utilities at the Ford Center?

IS IT TRUE we wonder if corporate citizen Vectren could help the Evansville Park and Recreation Department  to replace the damaged and obsolete lighting bollards along the downtown riverfront walkway?

IS IT TRUE that this week in Indianapolis Indiana Senate Bill 309 was passed into law?…this law essentially establishes a timeline for changes to net metering practices for electricity in the State of Indiana?…net metering is one of two tools used in states that are concerned with consumers being able generate their own electricity through solar panels or with wind power?…passing this bill follows other jurisdictions in the United States but some believe it signals that the State of Indiana is dedicated to the proposition that all monopolies are created equal and that they have nothing to fear from residents who are interested in making investments in renewable energy on their own properties?…that some believe this is a short-sighted piece of legislation that will blunt the returns of people interested in minimizing their carbon footprint with solar energy for a while yet supporters of the bill believe it provides certainty for those wanting to invest in private generation as they will be grandfathered and receive a very favorable compensation rate for the power they generate for 30 years?…when battery storage prices come down as solar panels have, Hoosiers will have options to decouple from the grid completely?…that customers interested in installing private generation have the next five years to connect their devices and still be grandfathered, like existing net metering customers, at the favorable compensation rate?…. and for those who install after five years will be paid a compensation rate that is a premium price of 25% above the wholesale price for energy?…customers who are considering net metering should act now…the clock is ticking?

 IS IT TRUE that on the heels of having a regulated utility governed by the Indiana Utilities Regulatory Commission, Vectren is also asking for permission to bill their customers for over $500 Million in capital investments in grid improvement technology?…the price increases associated with this $500 Million increase will come in the form of annual increases in fixed charges over a number of years?…this means if you turn your power off and maintain a connection to Vectren’s grid that you shall not escape the fees?…it is important to realize that the fees will amount to roughly half of what the Billion dollar fix to the Combined Sewer Overflow problem will cost?…between these two increases, one of which is a federal EPA mandate and the other which is has been proposed as system upgrades to ensure reliable electric service, living life in Evansville and its immediate Indiana surroundings is going to be costing several dollars more per month for the average homeowner?…that rising utility costs, healthcare costs, the recently passed gasoline tax and other cost of living pressures will be a challenge for Hoosiers, many of whom are not seeing their monthly incomes keep pace with inflation?

IS IT TRUE we have been told by reliable sources that former County Councilman Ed Bassemier is going to run as a Democratic in the upcoming City Council race?  …over the years Mr. Bassemier has proven to be an extremely popular vote getter?  …last year Mr. Bassemier lost re-election to the County Council by only a few votes?  …the main reason why he was defeated was because Republicans running on the national and state ballots had long political coat tails which contributed to his unexpected defeat?  …Mr. Bassemier will be running as a Democrat on the At-Large primary ballot for City Council?  …we would highly recommend that the two (2) At-Large Democratic council members presently serving on City Council beware of a well known political figure named Ed Bassemier?

IS IT TRUE another person that shall be running in the At-Large Democratic primary is a highly educated female with good moral compass?…she’s telling people the main reason why she is running for the City Council At-Large seat is to send Jonathan Weaver packing because she feels he lacks the moral compass to serve another term of council?

IS IT TRUE we are pleased to hear that the newly elected Democratic party Chairmen of Vanderburgh County, Scott Dank’s just announced that he shall not endorse any political candidates running in the Democratic primary?  …we say; “three cheers for Chairman Dank’s for doing the right thing”?

IS IT TRUE we are hearing that some disgruntled voters of the 3rd Ward are looking for a replacement for City Councilwoman Ann Hargis- CPA?  …she promised the 3rd Ward voters if elected to Council she had the educational skills to be a fiscal watchdog for the people of the that area?  …so far she has proven to be a political lap dog for the Mayor and not a fiscal watchdog for the voters of the 3rd Ward?

IS IT TRUE Democrat Missy Mosby won her last primary re-election campaign by a mere 12 votes over a little known opponent? …we can’t wait to see how she does against a well funded and known political opponent?  …it looks like Ms. Mosby wii be experiencing the biggest political battle of her career?

FOOTNOTES: TODAYS “READERS POLL” question is: Are you disappointed in the Evansville City Council for not being more concerned with the contract between Thunderbolts/VenuWorks and the City?

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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CHANNEL 44 NEWS: Vanderburgh County Sheriff And Prosecutor Discuss Possible Jail Overcrowding Solution

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Vanderburgh County Sheriff And Prosecutor Discuss Possible Jail Overcrowding Solution

The issue of overcrowding in the Vanderburgh County Jail is not a new topic. Vanderburgh County Sheriff Dave Wedding has been trying to come up with a solution to fix the problem. At Wednesday’s County Council meeting, Sheriff Wedding and…

Dr. Bucshon Votes to Give Working Parents More Flexibility

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Eighth District Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. released the following statement after voting this week to pass legislation giving private-sector workers the choice to accrue paid time off rather than cash wages for overtime hours worked — a choice that has long been afforded to government employees.

 

“The concept of this bill is simple. If an employee works overtime hours, he or she should be free to choose between receiving compensatory time off or traditional overtime pay. For some working Americans, paid time off from work may be more valuable than more money in their next paycheck.  Providing this kind of flexibility to hardworking moms and dads will allow them to better manage work and family responsibilities, and gets Washington out of the business of dictating to working Americans how they’re compensated for overtime work,” said Bucshon. “This commonsense legislation gives private-sector employees the same freedom and control over their work-life balance that is currently afforded to government employees. It’s a win for Hoosier families.”

 

BACKGROUND

 

H.R. 1180, the Working Families Flexibility Act, amends the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to give private-sector employees the option of selecting compensatory time off in lieu of cash for overtime wages. An employee will be able to choose, based upon a voluntary agreement with his or her employer, to have his or her overtime compensated with paid time off. This option has been available for federal, state, and local governments for many years.

 

The legislation does not change the 40-hour work week and does not change the rate of compensation of non-exempt employees. The legislation provides employees strong protections against the coercive use of compensatory time. For example, the arrangement must be an expressly mutual agreement between employee and employer, and may not be a condition of employment. To be eligible, an employee must have worked at least 1,000 hours in a period of continuous employment with the employer during the preceding 12-month period and an agreement must be affirmed by a written or otherwise verifiable statement.

 

An employee can accrue up to 160 hours of compensatory time each year and any unused time must be paid out at the end of the year or at the end of employment with the employer.

 

Bill Watch Update from Governor

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Governor Holcomb signed 10 bills today. He offered the statements below on three of those bills.  You can view more details at the 2017 Bill Watch webpage: www.in.gov/gov/2923.htm.

House Enrolled Act 1496: Alcohol Matters

“I sign this bill with the understanding we need to review and make common-sense changes to Indiana’s alcohol laws.”

Senate Enrolled Act 309: Distributed Generation

“I support solar as an important part of Indiana’s comprehensive energy mix. I understand the concerns some have expressed, but this legislation ensures that those who currently have interests in small solar operations will not be affected for decades.”

Senate Enrolled Act 213: Support Structures for Wireless Facilities

“We must support technology to keep our state moving forward, and this bill achieves that goal. Even so, we will work closely with local governments to ensure it is well implemented.”

St. Vincent Hospital for Women & Children Birth Records

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Darcee Chavis and Marquel Payne, Evansville, son, Marquel Dionate Jr., Apr. 22

Starr Frankenberger and Danny Porter, Evansville, daughter, Alaura Joy, Apr. 22

Jennifer Farrar and Prentice Carter, Evansville, son, Braxten Glenn, Apr. 24

Jennifer Farrar and Prentice Carter, Evansville, daughter, Brynlee Catherine, Apr. 24

Larren and Jim Maloney, Newburgh, son, Abell James, Apr. 24

Michelle Casey and Andrew Everett, Evansville, daughter, Willow Carol Addalynn, Apr. 24

Rose and Christopher Duran, Evansville, son, Wesley Michael, Apr. 24

Crystal and John Bollinger, Mount Vernon, Ind., son, Ryker Gabriel, Apr. 25

Ashley and Brett Allega, Evansville, son, Ezekial James, Apr. 26

Jessica and Derrike McDaniel, Evansville, daughter, Paislee Rae, Apr. 26

Miriah Spann and Brandon Mattingly, Mount Vernon, Ind., son, Bryr Rose, Apr. 26

Christie and Caleb Pfohl, Fort Branch, Ind., daughter, Savannah Jade, Apr. 27

Jessica Smith and Phillip McCallister, Boonville, Ind., son, Phillip Matthew Jr., Apr. 27

Madaline Gray and Luis Cejas, Evansville, daughter, Rosaleigh Elaine, Apr. 27

Madeline Wilm and William Walker, Haubstadt, Ind., son, Kaygeth Allen, Apr. 27

Leticia and Joshua Bahr, Newburgh, son, Dorian Aloysius, Apr. 28

Sessily Bruner and Trey Mcgillicuddy, Evansville, son, Kamari Lashaue, Apr. 28

Samantha and Bruce Ripple, Evansville, daughter, Alice Victoria, Apr. 29

Eagles Hold Down Top Spot In MW Region Rankings

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University of Southern Indiana Softball held on to the top spot in the final NCAA II Midwest Region rankings of the 2017 regular season.

USI, which slipped to No. 6 in the latest NFCA Division II Top 25 Coaches’ Poll, opens the Great Lakes Valley Conference Championship Tournament Thursday at 10 a.m. against William Jewell College. The Screaming Eagles ended the regular season with a 40-10 overall record and a 19-7 mark in the GLVC, earning the top seed in this week’s GLVC Tournament

William Jewell (25-25, 14-14 GLVC) enters the GLVC Tournament as the No. 8 seed. USI split its regular-season doubleheader with the Cardinals to begin GLVC play in March.

 

Attorney General Hill Launches Summer-Long Consumer Protection Campaign

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Attorney General Hill Launches Summer-Long Consumer Protection Campaign

Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill this week launched his new consumer protection campaign aimed at educating Hoosiers and safeguarding them from fraudulent business practices in the wake of severe weather that leaves homes, vehicles or other property damaged.

Originally debuted in April, “Double check before you write a check” is a public outreach initiative aimed at informing Hoosiers and protecting them from individuals posing as roofing, tree-removal and window-replacement companies, among other types of restoration and repair businesses that target residents after severe weather damages property.

In this, the first week of May, it is vital that the office educates Hoosiers about the financial risks that present themselves after a natural disaster, Hill said.

The threat of severe weather will only increase as the summer months approach. The Consumer Protection Division (CPD) of the Office of the Indiana Attorney General wants to ensure Hoosiers are informed and prepared after severe weather has damaged property. Throughout the next four months, the Office of the Indiana Attorney General will revisit its “Double check before you write a check” strategy, presenting tips and statistics – among other information – provided by the CPD.

This week, Hoosiers are encouraged to follow Attorney General Hill on Twitter and Facebook, where valuable information such as data and consumer protection tips will be available. On Tuesday, Press Secretary Corey Elliot will go on Facebook Live and interview members of the office’s CPD to discuss scams that are most common following severe weather. At noon on Tuesday, May 2, Elliot will interview Consumer Protection Division Director Betsy Isenberg. At noon on Thursday, May 4, Elliot will interview Section Chief of Consumer Litigation Justin Hazlett.

In the aftermath of storms that leave destruction in their paths, property owners are vulnerable — making perfect targets for scammers pretending to offer help cleaning up wreckage and making necessary repairs. Many people will attempt to reach out and offer a helping hand. With this comes the likelihood that restoration or home repair companies – some legitimate, some not – will also try to contact those affected the most.

“When severe weather rips through Indiana, the damage can be significant,” Hill said. “In the worst cases, the devastation can be heartbreaking. Many Hoosiers face the stress of out-of-pocket costs to make repairs to personal property. No Hoosier should face the additional nightmare of becoming the victim of a scam.

“This spring and summer, I strongly urge all Hoosiers to double check a company’s name, reputation, history and authenticity before writing a check to a person claiming to represent such a business.”

Hill advised Hoosiers to do their due diligence and avoid letting the emotional toll of the situation influence their decisions about repairing or replacing what is damaged or lost. It is often wise to be skeptical of anyone immediately offering their services.

Hill offered several tips to Hoosiers: Avoid agreeing to any repair or restoration work on the spot during initial contact with someone offering services – this includes contracts. Avoid signing any legally binding agreements without first gathering information and researching a business being represented. Obtain information about the individual offering his or her services. Research the company the individual claims to represent. Look for signs of credibility such as an official website. Seek reviews and testimonials from former customers.

“The best decision is an informed decision,” Hill said. “Double check before you write a check.”

Hoosiers are encouraged to contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Indiana Attorney General if they believe they have been scammed, or suspect someone may be trying to scam them after a severe weather event. You can reach the CPD by visiting IndianaConsumer.com or calling 1-800-382-5516.

INDIANA LIBERTARIANS WELCOME NEBRASKA SENATOR LAURA EBKE TO 2017 CONVENTION IN EVANSVILLE

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Nebraska Senator Laura Ebke will give a keynote address with a message of  “All in for Liberty” at the convention banquet during the Indiana Libertarian Party State Convention on Saturday, May 6th at Tropicana Evansville.

Sen. Ebke is the current head of the Nebraska Judicial Committee.  The Committee is responsible for hearing bills that deal with criminal and civil procedures, corrections issues, issues that touch on assorted civil liberties and constitutional rights.  Elected to the Nebraskan legislature in 2014 as a Republican, Sen. Ebke officially changed her party registration in 2016 to Libertarian after becoming disillusioned with the Republican Party.  Sen. Ebke felt  that most people wanted to be left alone to pursue their own interests, and that the Libertarian ideal moved in that direction.  In an open letter to her donors announcing the switch she stated “My view of conservatism has always been [based] on smaller government, lower taxes, fiscal responsibility, respect for constitutional rights.” During her time in office she has introduced and co-sponsored bills to legalize medical marijuana, partially repeal asset forfeiture, prohibit local governments from having more stringent requirements for gun possession than the state has.

 

The Convention will be taking place May 5-7th at Tropicana Evansville.  Libertarians from across the state as well as country will be in attendance to elect new officers, participate in campaign related workshops, and plan for the 2018 election cycle.  The business meeting in which officers will be elected is free and open to the public.  The workshops and speaking events are open to the public as well, but will require tickets that may be purchased online.  Additional information including ticket prices and a full schedule can be found at www.lpin.org/2017convention.

The Libertarian Party is America’s third largest  and fastest growing political party.  The Party was founded in 1971 on a belief of liberty, enterprise, and personal responsibility.  The Party’s platform consists of a dedication to civil liberties, personal freedom, a foreign policy of non-intervention, peace, and free trade. For additional information about the Libertarian Party visit www.lp.org.

EVANSVILLE IS NEXT RALLY STOP FOR GABRIEL SWAGGART

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EVANSVILLE IS NEXT RALLY STOP FOR GABRIEL SWAGGART

BATON ROUGE, LA—Gabriel Swaggart, the grandson of Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart, will preach his third rally of 2017 in Evansville, Indiana, on Friday, May 5, at the Old National Events Plaza (The Aiken Theatre). Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the service starts at 7 p.m. This event is the third of four U.S. rallies planned for 2017 and follows the theme, “I Just Feel Like Something Good Is About To Happen.” Admission is free and open to the general public.

For the past 14 years, Gabriel Swaggart has served as the youth pastor of Crossfire Youth Ministries, an extension of his grandfather’s church, Family Worship Center, and Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, now in its 61st year.

Each summer, Pastor Gabe and his wife,  Jill, host the annual International Youth Conference in Baton Rouge that draws thousands of young people from the United States and other countries to the five-day event.

Pastor Gabe’s television ministry includes Generation of the Cross, a program designed to meet the challenges that young people face with Bible-based answers. Generation of the Cross is one of several programs broadcast on Jimmy Swaggart Ministries’ SonLife Broadcasting Network (SBN), which airs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. SBN is now available to nearly 2 billion people around the world by television, radio, and the Internet.

Pastor Gabe also ministers alongside his grandfather and his father, Donnie Swaggart, during the ministry’s two annual camp meetings and regular church services at Family Worship Center that broadcast live over SBN.

Gabriel Swaggart said the Lord began dealing with him nearly three years ago about holding rallies in cities across America.

He said, “Once I had confirmation from the Lord that this was the direction He wanted me to go, I immediately began discussing it with my family. My grandparents, who blazed the trail with their national and international crusades in the 1980s, have been invaluable to Jill and me in the planning of what I consider a bridge from their crusades to our rallies. So we’re very excited about what the Lord will do in this rally in Evansville and in the others we have planned for the coming months. We are praying for a tremendous moving of the Holy Spirit that will change the hearts and lives of all those who attend.”

For more information about the ministry of Gabriel Swaggart and his meeting schedule, please visit gabrielswaggart.org.