http://www.vanderburghsheriff.com/jail-recent-booking-records.aspx
“READERS FORUM” FOR DECEMBER 9, 2016-LINKS TO 2015 CITY AUDITS
HERES WHATS ON OUR MIND TODAY! Â
Todays “READERS POLL†question is: Do you feel that our city officials told the truth concerning the real status of unpaid city employees medical bills for 2015 and 2016?
POSTED BELOW ARE THE LINKS TO BOTH OF THE STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS AUDIT REPORTS FOR 2015 THAT OUR CITY OFFICIALS DECIDED NOT TO MAKE PUBLICÂ
POSTED BELOW IS THE LIST OF THE THOSE WHO ATTENDED THE SBOA EXIT CONFERENCE:
 The contents of these reports were discussed on October 25, 2016, with Lloyd Winnecke-Mayor; Russell G. Lloyd Jr-City Controller; Jenny Collins-Chief Financial Officer of Utilities; Allen Mounts-Director of Utilities; Steve Schaefer-Chief of Staff; Missy Mosby-President of the City Council; Jonathan Weaver- City Council member; Dan McGinn,-Finance Chairman and City Council member; Anna Hargis-CPA-City Council member; Dr. H. Dan Adams-City Council member and Marty Amsler-President of the Board of Public Works.
 FOOTNOTES: Posted below are the links of the final the State Board of Accounts 2015 Audited Financial Statements for the City of Evansville that was quietly released to our city officials at a meeting on October 25, 2016.
A) Â One thing you need to know is that the post employment Health Care Benefit liability went from $234,000,000 to $281,000,000. Â This was an increase of over 20% in just one year.
B)  You should also notice that zero funding to Employee Health Care Fund occurred in 2015.  What is most disturbing is the failure of the SBOA to disclose in the audits that Mayor Winnecke failed to fund the Hospitalization Fund by $5,000,000 during the same year.
C) Â No reference were made that the General Fund transferred of $12,500,000 without the official authority of the City Council from the Riverboat fund to the General Fund.
D)  If the $5 million dollar transfer had properly occurred and the illegal transfer of $12.5 million dollars had not occurred, instead of the General Fund showing a balance of $6.5 million dollars to the positive, it would had been negative by over $11,000,000.
E)  We believe that the failure to disclose the above transactions makes the City’s financial statements misleading to the taxpayers of this community
THIS IS THE MAIN AUDIT REPORT Â LINK CONDUCTED BY THE SBOA FOR THE CITY OF EVANSVILLE FOR 2015
http://www.in.gov/sboa/WebReports/B47235.pdf
THIS IS THE SUPPLEMENTAL AUDIT REPORT LINK CONDUCTED BY THE SBOA FOR THE CITY OF EVANSVILLE FOR 2015
http://www.in.gov/sboa/WebReports/B47236.pdf
CHANNEL 44 NEWS : Charges Will Not Be Filed Against 4 EPD Officers In Excessive Force Case
Charges Will Not Be Filed Against 4 EPD Officers In Excessive Force Case
 The prosecutor’s office will not file any charges against the four EPD officers accused of using excessive force during an arrest in October.
The officers, Mark Decamps, Marcus Craig, Nick Henderson, and Sergeant Kyle Kassel were suspended after allegedly using force while arresting Mark Healy. They filed documents saying Healy fought with them during his arrest, but the body camera footage shows that was not the case.
Police Chief Billy Bolin recommended that Craig, Decamps, and Henderson be fired and Sergeant Kassel be demoted.
Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Nick Hermann says his office will dismiss the charge of resisting arrest against Healy.
Charges will not be filed against any of the officers involved in this case. The Police Merit Commission will determine if the officers will be terminated and demoted.
Kentucky Downs’ Johnsen To Deliver Keynote Address At HBPA Convention
Kentucky Downs’ Johnsen To Deliver Keynote Address At HBPA Convention
Corey Johnsen, President and part-owner of Kentucky Downs, will give the keynote address at the National HBPA’s 2017 convention March 8-11 at Las Vegas’ South Point Hotel and Casino.
Johnsen heads the management team that has taken Kentucky Downs from novelty to industry leader, offering some of the most lucrative purses in America during its boutique all-grass meets. Johnsen, Ray Reid and their partners in Kentucky Downs began operating Historical Horse Racing terminals on Sept. 1, 2011, and have used that innovative pari-mutuel technology as a game-changing force for the good. In the last five years, the track’s purses have mushroomed from $746,810 for the meet to $7.8 million in 2016.
Kentucky Downs also is using its economic firepower to benefit the entire state circuit, including working with the Kentucky HBPA to transfer $1.35 million in purses to Ellis Park for its 2016 meet. That largesse, enticing trainers and jockeys to stay in Kentucky for the summer, sparked the best racing at Ellis Park in years, if not ever.
Eric Hamelback, chief executive officer for the National Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, said he wanted a keynote speaker in the mode of Tampa Bay Downs president Stella Thayer and Oaklawn Park general manager Eric Jackson, who gave the featured addresses the past two conventions.
“One thing that I have tried to bring to the National HBPA’s platform is the importance and proclamation of being positive in our industry,†said Eric Hamelback, the National HBPA’s CEO. “It’s unfair at times to our owners and to our participants that all they hear is negativism. We have got to get out of that mindset. That’s been my goal in setting up our conventions, starting with Mrs. Thayer and Mr. Jackson.
“Corey Johnsen clearly fits that bill. He is positive. He is upbeat and believes in being a team player and working together with horsemen and other tracks. He is very appreciative of the participants and our national owners and trainers, what they go through and what they have to give to this sport. Being a horseman himself makes him idealto set off our convention. If everybody had his attitude, racing would be in great shape.â€
Johnsen calls being the HBPA’s keynote speaker one of the biggest honors in a career that saw him start as a teenage $2 bettor at Longacres Racetrack in Renton, Wash., and groom at Centennial in Littleton, Colo., the summer before his graduation from Arizona State University.
He shot up the management ranks through the publicity and marketing departments at Turf Paradise, Arlington Park, Louisiana Downs, Remington Park and Lone Star Park, being instrumental in the development, construction and launch of the latter two. Johnsen, who rose to become president and part-owner of Lone Star Park before its sale, also has been involved in the opening or re-opening of four tracks in the Americas, including in Mexico City and Uruguay.
An innovator, Johnsen helped build Louisiana Downs’ Super Derby into one of the country’s top 3-year-old races at the time and was a key player in getting slot machines at Oklahoma horse tracks, bringing the Breeders’ Cup to Lone Star Park in 2004 and Historical Horse Racing to Kentucky. At every track stop, he has been immersed in the local market’s civic and charitable works and tourism.
Johnsen has owned horses since 1979, when he began putting together partnerships to race claiming horses. He and Reid were so enchanted with Kentucky Downs when there for the first time to watch their Argentine mare Honey Rose make her U.S. debut (narrowly losing the Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf) that they wound up buying the track in 2007.
Since the Kentucky Downs purchase, Johnsen has been heavily involved with the Kentucky Equine Education Project, including succeeding co-founder Brereton Jones as KEEP’s second chairman. The multi-breed coalition, created to increase awareness of the benefits of the commonwealth’s horse economy and to promote jobs and economic influences for Kentuckians through the world-class industry, was a driving force in creating an additional $190 million to be paid out through the Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund, purses and Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund since 2006.
“When I was grooming horses the summer before my senior year in college, to even dream that I would have the honor to address the National HBPA conference was beyond comprehension,†said Johnsen, who also is a breeder. “Throughout my career, I’ve always tried to remember that this is about the horse and all the participants involved in the sport. That’s been my guiding light. So it’s really gratifying to have this opportunity.â€
Johnsen also will be part of a convention panel comprised of track operators discussing how strong working relationships with their owners and trainers is good for business.
“There are so many things positive about our sport, sometimes we get lost in all the negativity,†Johnsen said. “I think it’s important that we all discuss those positive advantages we have over other sports and entertainment to allow us to work together and maximize our success.â€
Founded in 1940, the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association is the world’s largest thoroughbred horsemen’s organization, representing approximately 30,000 owners and trainers throughout the United States and Canada. The responsibilities of the NHBPA and its affiliates have greatly expanded as the racing industry has become more complex. In addition to its original general benevolence mission, the HBPA is the leading force for horsemen in negotiating contracts with tracks as well as the advancement of the sport through safety and integrity initiatives, promoting racing and assisting in the development of aftercare programs for retired racehorses.
 The National HBPA is proud partner with its corporate sponsors: Lavin Equine Insurance Services, Xpressbet LLC, Jockey Club Information Systems, Big Dee’s Tack & Vet Supplies, Finish Line Horse Products, Horseman Labor Solutions, Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Inc, NTRA Advantage Program and Equine Savings Group.
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Indiana’s King, Miller Win Gold Medals at World Championships
Indiana’s King, Miller Win Gold Medals at World Championships
WINDSOR, Ontario – Indiana University had another golden night at the 2016 Short Course World Championships in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
Indiana’s Lilly King and alum Cody Miller won gold with Team USA in the mixed 200 medley relay. In the evening final, King split a 50 breaststroke of 28.74 to help the Americans post a Championship record winning time of 1:37.22. In the morning prelims, Miller clocked a 50 breast time of 25.82 to help Team USA qualify first for the final.
The gold medal is the third for King at the World Championships this week, as the IU sophomore took the titles in the 50 breaststroke and women’s 200 medley relay on Wednesday.
In the women’s 100 IM semifinals, King tied for eighth overall with a time of 1:00.05, setting up a swim-off for the last spot in the final, but King withdrew from the swim-off to participate in the mixed 200 medley relay.
Earlier on Thursday, IU junior Kennedy Goss just missed qualifying for the final of the 200 backstroke, finishing ninth overall with a time of 2:05.41 for Team Canada.
The 2016 Short Course World Championships will continue on Friday in Windsor, Ontario, with prelims beginning at 9:30 a.m. ET and finals beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Be sure to keep up with all the latest news on the Indiana men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams on social media – Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Mixed 200 Medley Relay
1. Lilly King – 28.74 (Team USA – 1:37.22)
1. Cody Miller – 25.82 (Team USA – 1:38.82)
Women’s 100 IM
9. Lilly King – 1:00.05
Women’s 200 Backstroke
9. Kennedy Goss – 2:05.41
Court Abused Discretion In Letting Public Defender Withdraw Appearance
Court Abused Discretion In Letting Public Defender Withdraw Appearance
Olivia Covington for www.theindianalawyer.com
An attorney seeking a motion to withdraw appearance had to prove there was justification for his withdrawal and provide sufficient notice to the party he represented before the motion could be granted, the Indiana Court of Appeals found Thursday.
In July 2014, M.G. and Je.G. filed a petition for adoption, alleging that Je.G. was the natural father of two children, A.G. and Ju.G., and that M.G. was married to him. The children’s natural mother, A.R., asked the court to deny the petition and asked for a civil public defender to be appointed to her for the proceedings. William Byer Jr. was appointed as A.R.’s civil public defender in the case.
But in November 2015, the Madison Circuit Court granted a motion to withdraw appearance for Byer, who argued that A.R. had failed to cooperate or communicate with him. A.R. asked in December if she could request another attorney, telling the court that she learned of Byer’s departure immediately before being taken to jail for an unrelated matter.
The trial court chose not to appoint replacement counsel for A.R. A court entry from Dec. 17 read, in part, “Because (A.R.) offered on (sic) satisfactory explanation for Byer’s withdrawal, no new PD will be appointed. However, the record will be left open until 12/29/15 to provide (A.R.) with an opportunity to privately retain counsel…†A.R. never had counsel during the proceedings.
An amended decree of adoption was issued Feb. 11, 2016, and A.R. appealed, arguing that the Madison Circuit Court abused its discretion in granting Byer’s motion to withdraw appearance that did not comply with local rules. Further, A.R. said the Indiana Court of Appeals requires the appointment of counsel in an adoption case. But Je.G. and M.G. argued that A.R. invited the error by failing to cooperate or communicate with Byer and that the denial of replacement counsel was harmless.
Judge Elaine Brown, writing for the unanimous panel on Thursday, said that people whose parental rights are in jeopardy have the right to counsel, whether retained or appointed. Further, Brown pointed to a Madison County local rule that requires attorneys seeking to withdraw to meet certain conditions and to give 21 days’ notice to the litigant of their intent to withdraw.
Byer’s motion did not state that one of the required conditions – the presence of another attorney to litigate the matter, a discharge of the attorney by the litigant or the litigant’s acceptance of the withdrawal – was met. Further, the motion did not state whether Byer had met the 21 day notice requirement.
Thus, Brown wrote, the trial court’s decision to grant his motion to withdraw appearance was an abuse of discretion in violation of Local Rule LR48-TR3.1-26. The case of In Re the Adoption of A.G. & J.G. A.R., v. M.G. and J.G., 48A02-1603-Ad-709, was remanded for further proceedings.
New Hires at Ivy Tech Community College
New Hires at Ivy Tech Community College
Tennille Baxton-Vaughn has accepted the position of director of student life at Ivy Tech Community College. She holds a master’s degree in Student Affairs/Higher Education from ISU, a bachelor’s degree from USI and an associate’s degree in Business Administration from Ivy Tech. She previously worked for Ivy Tech as a grad assistant and most recently as part-time in the Student Life Office.
Sarah Cason has accepted the position of manager of apprenticeship programs for Ivy Tech Community College. She previously worked as the apprenticeship office coordinator.
Logan Martin has accepted the position of assistant director of safety and security for Ivy Tech Community College. He previously worked for Allied Universal.Â
Tom Dickison has accepted the position of IT systems administrator at Ivy Tech Community College for both Evansville and Terre Haute campuses. He has been with the college since 2004 providing IT support.
Vectren Issues Safety Reminders For The Winter Heating Season
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As cold air pushes its way into southwestern Indiana, Vectren Energy Delivery (Vectren) wants to remind customers to be aware of heating safety throughout the winter months. Having a furnace tune-up by a professional; knowing how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and detect a gas leak; and being aware of the safety precautions associated with the use of space heaters are simple ways to keep your household safe throughout the year. “As temperatures continue to drop and the need for heating your home increases through the winter season, it’s important to keep safety in mind,†said Brad Ellsworth, president of Vectren Energy Delivery- South. “Safety begins with simple, key steps such as ensuring your furnace, space heaters and fireplaces are properly ventilated and the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working condition.â€Â Customers should consider safety precautions associated with home heating, the use of natural gas and the use of electric space heaters. Furthermore, don’t forget to change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home on an annual basis. Space Heater Safety According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) supplemental heating equipment, such as electrical and kerosene heaters, is the leading cause of home fires during the months of December, January and February. To help prevent fires and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the use of space heaters, adhere to the following tips as recommended by the NFPA.
Carbon Monoxide Safety Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas produced by the incomplete burning of different fuels including gasoline, kerosene, wood, coal, propane, natural gas and fuel oil. High concentrations of CO can cause illness and excessive levels can be fatal. If you suspect CO in your home, get fresh air immediately and call 911. To prevent CO in your home: Â
If you smell natural gas Natural gas contains an odorant called mercaptan that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur. In the event a gas leak is suspected inside of a home or business, residents are reminded of the following: [if !supportLists]·        [endif]Leave the home or business of the gas leak immediately and distance yourself from the building once outside, as well as areas where the odor of gas is noticeable. [if !supportLists]·        [endif]Do not use the phone, cell phone, or text anyone while in the building or who may be in the building. If you notice the leak while talking on the phone, do not hang up. [if !supportLists]·        [endif]Do not turn any lights, appliances or any electrical sources on or off. [if !supportLists]·        [endif]Do not light matches. [if !supportLists]·        [endif]Do not open or close windows. [if !supportLists]·        [endif]Do not start a vehicle if it’s parked in a garage that’s attached to the home/business of the suspected leak nor utilize an automatic garage door opener upon exiting. [if !supportLists]·        [endif]The activities listed above could trigger an ignition if gas has significantly accumulated. [if !supportLists]·        [endif]Call Vectren at 1-800-227-1376 from somewhere other than the location of the gas leak. [if !supportLists]·        [endif]Remain in a safe area until emergency personnel arrive and do not re-enter the premises.  Please note: There is no charge to the customer for calling Vectren to inspect a potential gas leak. Vectren will respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  In the event a gas line has been struck or odor detected outside of a home or business, residents are reminded of the following: [if !supportLists]·        [endif]Leave the area of the gas leak immediately and distance yourself from source of the odor/struck line, as well as areas where the odor of gas is noticeable.  [if !supportLists]·        [endif]Do not attempt to re-start or move powered equipment. [if !supportLists]·        [endif]Call Vectren at 1-800-227-1376 from somewhere other than the location of the gas leak. The party responsible for the damage to the gas line should also call 911 and report the incident to police and/or fire officials and the state’s 811 center. [if !supportLists]·        [endif]Remain in a safe area until emergency personnel arrive and do not enter the home/business or neighboring premises.  About Vectren Vectren Corporation (NYSE: VVC) is an energy holding company headquartered in Evansville, Ind. Vectren’s energy delivery subsidiaries provide gas and/or electricity to more than 1 million customers in adjoining service territories that cover nearly two-thirds of Indiana and about 20 percent of Ohio, primarily in the west-central area. Vectren’s nonutility subsidiaries and affiliates currently offer energy-related products and services to customers throughout the U.S. These include infrastructure services and energy services. To learn more about Vectren, visit www.vectren.com.    |
Technology Firm Adding High-Wage Jobs in Boone County
Zionsville – Clear Software, the market leader and sole provider of simplified business software, announced plans today to expand its operations in Boone County, creating up to 190 new high-wage jobs.
“Indiana’s tech sector is thriving, and today I am proud to celebrate another success story as Clear Software continues to grow its footprint,†said Governor Mike Pence. “Indiana ranks among the top five states for business and we offer companies low-taxes, fiscal predictability and a skilled Hoosier workforce so they can focus on what matters most – their employees and their business. With a strong tech community and a business climate that is designed for job creation, I am confident Clear Software is equipped with the tools needed for sustained growth right here in a state that works.â€
Clear Software, which currently operates out of the zWORKS co-working space at 85 E Cedar St., plans to invest $700,000 to lease a larger office at 10 S Main St. in Zionsville. With relocation expected to begin at the end of December, the new office building will allow the company to accommodate its growing team and will provide space for pingpong tables, movie screens and other unique employee benefits.
Clear Software plans to immediately begin hiring sales, marketing, client services and software development candidates. Positions are expected to offer average salaries two times higher than the county’s average wage. Interested applicants may inquire by emailing info@clearsoftware.com.
“Indiana’s pro-business policies and geographically-centric location are strategic for our long-term growth,†said Jon Gilman, chief executive officer of Clear Software. “Additionally, Indiana’s booming technology industry continues to provide a fantastic talent pool of highly-skilled employees and easy access to capital.â€
Clear Software provides businesses with a cloud-based platform-as-a-service (PaaS) that makes business software easy to use, serving clients throughout the U.S., including Blue Cross Blue Shield and Seventy Seven Energy. Since its launch, the company has secured $2 million in venture capital funding and has utilized the state’s venture capital investment program to help attract investment.Â
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Clear Software up to $2,500,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $100,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The town of Zionsville and the Boone County Economic Development Corporation support the project.
“The town of Zionsville is thrilled to see another innovative company grow out of zWORKS and build their business in Zionsville,†said Zionsville Mayor Tim Haak. “We know that more and more tech companies are setting up shop in Zionsville and expanding here. We are proud of Clear Software’s success and commitment to stay local.â€
Clear Software’s growth plans continue a trend of technology companies choosing to expand and add new jobs in Indiana. Indianapolis added 5,423 tech jobs between 2013 and 2015, growing at a rate of 28 percent and ranking fifth in the nation for tech growth (CBRE).