| On February 23, Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter promoted Lieutenant Mark R. Davis to the rank of captain to serve as assistant commander of the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division is responsible for enforcing both state and federal regulations on all commercial motor vehicles.
Davis is a native of Fort Wayne and a 1973 graduate of Fort Wayne Northside High School. He attended Ball State University and graduated in 1979 with a BS in Criminal Justice. Davis began his law enforcement career in 1983 upon graduation from the 41st Indiana State Police Academy.  He was assigned to the Lowell Post and patrolled Jasper and Newton Counties.  In 1987 he transferred to the Seymour Post.  In 1992, Davis was promoted to Squad Sergeant and supervised troopers in Bartholomew, Jackson and Jennings Counties. August 2003, he was promoted to Lieutenant to serve as commander of the Seymour District. Upon the closing of Seymour he transferred to the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division to serve as Lieutenant. Captain Davis will be the Assistant Division Commander for the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Division. He will be the assistant commander to 120 employees, both enforcement and civilian, statewide. Captain Davis resides with his wife, LuAnn in Bartholomew County. |
Lieutenant Davis Promoted to Captain at Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division
Regional Cities Initiative to Support Campus Infrastructure, Medical Services in Southwest Indiana
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) has approved Regional Cities Initiative funding to support housing and mixed-use developments at Oakland City University and the construction of a Regional Medical Center in Poseyville.
“As our state’s economy continues to advance, it is crucial that we address the greatest economic threat facing the state, population stagnation,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. “The expansion of Oakland City University provides a means to grow enrollment, strengthen alumni relationships and spur economic opportunity in surrounding communities while the construction of the Regional Medical center will give residents quicker access to medical treatment, a core element of quality of place.”
“Both the Oakland City University Boulevard Commons and the Regional Medical Center perfectly align with the goals of the Indiana’s Great Southwest plan for attracting and retaining talent while building a better quality of place,†said Beth McFadin Higgins, president of the Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority.
OAKLAND CITY UNIVERSITY
Oakland City University will construct two structures - a student residence complex and an alumni lodge. The two-floor, 30,000-square-foot student resident hall, which will be located just west of the J. Michael Dunn Art Gallery on Williams Street, will allow the university to accommodate approximately 100 more students.
The second facility, a mixed-used space, will comprise commercial retail space and a 13,000-square-foot alumni lodge with overnight accommodations for guests, a conference center and hospitality suite. The new alumni lodge will be located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Williams Street on Oakland City University’s campus.
Total Project Investment: $14.9 million
State funding: $2.9 million
“Oakland City University is pleased to be a part of the Regional Cities Initiative,†said Dr. Robert Yeager, vice president for administration and finance at Oakland City University. “We believe the outcome of this project will open up opportunity for students and the overall economy of Oakland City and Gibson County, as well as aid in the overarching goals of Indiana’s Great Southwest.â€
REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
The Poseyville Medical Foundation will construct a medical facility to house two family practice physicians with room to expand. The Regional Medical Center will update local medical services, including laboratory services, for residents of Posey, Gibson and Vanderburgh counties.
The facility will be located at 40 West Fletchall Street in Poseyville. Located near I-64, the medical center will enhance the region’s quality of place by ensuring convenient access to medical treatment and will expand access to quality health care for rural residents in southwest Indiana.
Total Project Investment: $700,000
State funding: $135,247
“The Poseyville Medical Foundation Inc. saw a great need in our rural communities for quality medical care for area residents,†said Bruce Baker, vice president of the Poseyville Medical Foundation Inc. and Poseyville Town Council president. “With assistance from the Regional Cities funding, the Regional Medical Center will be on its way to fulfill this need swiftly as well as helping retain resident doctors.â€
Regional Cities Initiative in Southwest Indiana:
These projects were recommended for funding by the Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) and are part of the region’s Indiana’s Great Southwest plan, which outlines a goal of 11 regional development projects in four counties totaling $926 million in quality of place investments.
Southwest Indiana was one of three Indiana regions selected to receive state funding through the Regional Cities Initiative, which will allocate a total of $126 million toward 100 quality of place projects totaling more than $2 billion in combined state, local and private investment in order to retain and attract top talent to the Hoosier state.
Adopt A Pet
 Marty McFly is a 1-year-old male black cat. He’s extremely affectionate and loves to be held! He came into the VHS as a tiny baby on October 21, 2015 – on Back to the Future Day, hence the name! His $30 adoption fee includes his neuter, microchip, vaccines, and more. Contact the Vanderburgh Humane Society at (812) 426-2563 or adoptions@vhslifesaver.org for adoption details!
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COA Affirms Damages Award To State
COA Affirms Damages Award To State
Olivia Covington for www.theindianalawyer.com
The state of Indiana was entitled to more than $1 million in costs and treble damages after a township auditor criminally misappropriated funds, the Indiana Court of Appeals held Tuesday, though it reduced the total amount of damages owed to the state.
In 2010, Alan Mizen, chief financial officer for Center Township in Marion County, deposited a check for nearly $350,000 into an account held by “Alan S. Mizen DBA Attorney’s General Clearing Tr.†He transferred the funds into his personal accounts and used the money to make various personal purchases. The check was supposed to be made payable to the treasurer of the state of Indiana, but instead was made payable to “Attorney’s General Clearing Tr.â€
A routine audit of the township in 2014 revealed discrepancies related to the check, and Mizen was subsequently charge with theft in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. He pleaded guilty and agreed to pay restitution in the full amount of the check.
Then in June 2015, the state filed a complaint to recover public funds against Mizen, seeking nearly $55,000 in costs related to the State Board of Accounts’ special investigation into the township, as well as roughly $1 million in treble damages, court costs, attorney fees and other costs under the Crime Victims Relief Act.
Both parties moved for summary judgment, which was granted to the state in April 2016. The Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed that decision in part Tuesday, with Judge Patricia Riley first noting that, despite Mizen’s argument to the contrary, the state’s CVRA claims were filed within a two-year statute of limitations because they earliest the state could have known of the criminal misappropriation was January 2014.
Further, Riley wrote that the attorney general had specific authority to recover the nearly $55,000 because Indiana Code 5-11-5-1(a) gives his office authority to recover public funds that are diverted as a result of a public employee’s malfeasance.
Finally, Riley wrote that the state is entitled to recovery treble damages that equal no more than three times its actual damages. But because Mizen has already paid the nearly $350,000 in restitution, the case was remanded for the $1 million treble award to be reduced to roughly $687,000, plus attorney fees and costs.
The Gabriel Iglesias Show has been cancelled
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PELATH ON 2017 SESSION’S FIRST HALF: DESTINED TO BE LITTLE-KNOWN AND LONG-FORGOTTEN
INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana House Democratic Leader Scott Pelath from Michigan City today issued the following statement on the first half of the 2017 session of the Indiana General Assembly:
“I don’t think Ronald Reagan would recognize the Republican Party of today in Indiana.
“While I’m sure that the Indiana House Republicans are pleased with what they’ve done this session, I’m not so sure anyone else is joyful.
“They rammed through a road plan that taxes too much and gives unlimited power to toll.
“They passed a budget that certainly will be applauded by the testing companies who will get millions for ISTEP or ILEARN or whatever bogus name they can conjure up to try and make people forget they are selling the same old test that no one liked. However, the same budget doesn’t do enough for our public schools, and returns to the same old formula of diverting more and more toward private subsidies and charters.
“They said that the people of Indiana do NOT have the right to choose who serves as the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
“They simply could not resist the impulse to interfere in the private health care decisions of women across Indiana.
“Yes, they may feel they’ve done a wonderful job, but the storm clouds for the remainder of the session have formed.
“Already we have heard the rumblings from the Senate gurus that the House Republican road plan takes too much from Hoosier taxpayers, and the House Republican budget isn’t that great, either. And as for the idea that the people of Indiana shouldn’t elect a Superintendent of Public Instruction…well, the Senate went bipartisan to vote against that idea.
“As the people of Indiana watch the warring Republican factions in the House and Senate prepare for battle, House Democrats remain ready and able to help.
“Our road plan doesn’t raise taxes or tolls.
“Our budget cuts excessive state spending, and assures that our schools don’t see funding cut…again.
“Whenever the Republicans get finished deciding whichever plan of theirs is in more trouble, give us a call and we’ll lend a hand.â€
Kentucky Senate Agriculture Committee Unanimously Passes Bill Designating Horses as Livestock
The Kentucky Senate Agriculture Committee today unanimously passed a bill that would designate equines as livestock, an action that if approved will provide tremendous benefit the entire horse industry. Securing livestock classification of horses and equine has been among the top policy priorities of the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP), since being founded in 2004.
Sen. Robin Webb of Grayson County sponsored Senate Bill 139, which she said she’d been working on for several years.
“Our statutes have been historically inconsistent with the designation of the horse as livestock. We have the support of AAEP, which has taken this position publicly, as well as our major horse-industry groups,†Webb told her fellow committee members before their vote, referencing the American Association of Equine Practitioners, which represents veterinarians of all horse breeds and disciplines. “Seven years ago today, I got my favorite horse. He’s a big part of my life, and I love him. He’s my companion, but he’s not a companion animal. He’s livestock. It’s important to myself as an owner and him as a horse to be so designated, and designated consistently for protections that designation does allow.â€
Sen. Damon Thayer, the Republican’s majority floor leader from Georgetown, hopes the bill can go to the Senate floor later this week. “I think it has a great chance to pass the Senate,†added Thayer. â€Then
we’ll send it on over to the House and see if we can get agreement from them.â€
“SB 139 would be a great step forward for the horse industry as a whole,†stated KEEP executive director Joe Clabes. “Designation as livestock is the most reflective of the realties of breeding, owning and caring for horse and we’re proud to stand in support of this bill with the AAEP and the numerous Kentucky horse organizations from across the state.â€
Webb stressed the designation is important to make sure that horses are not classified as companion animals, similar to household pets. She emphasized that her bill did not deal with taxation, with the state’s 6-percent sales tax required when buying feed, bedding and equipment used for equines, with all other livestock exempt.
“We hope to address that at another time, with tax reform or in another measure,†Webb said. “It’s designation of the horse being what it is: And that’s livestock.â€
Several of the committee members clearly were sympathetic toward tax equality for the horse industry.
“As chair of the horse farm subcommittee in the Senate, I couldn’t vote any other way on this legislation,†said Sen. Steve West, who lives in Paris and whose district includes some of the most famous Thoroughbred farms in the world. “Basically, it’s equity and fairness for the horse industry.â€
“In this state, for years, there seemed to be walls and barriers between one livestock group and another. But this seems to be a way we can bring some of our producers together and put equine on the same page as all the other livestock groups. It’s not a complicated thing. Horses are livestock. Unfortunately this doesn’t apply to taxes, but as we go into tax reform in the fall, maybe we can take a look at that.â€
Said Thayer: “I think horses are livestock, and should be treated as such in the tax code. I’m hopeful some day, when we do tax reform, we can get tax parity for the equine industry. I think this bill is a good step in the right direction.â€
Agriculture commissioner Ryan Quarles, who represented Scott County as a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives, applauded the action.
“It’s a clarification that has been attempted for several years now,†Quarles said. “As agriculture commissioner, I always remind people of the economic impact that horses have in Kentucky. It’s a
signature industry, one that creates literally tens of thousands of jobs, and billions of dollars of investment here in Kentucky. As I continue my term as commissioner, I will be supporting not only our family farms, but our family horse farmers as well.â€
Said Sen. Dorsey Ridley of Henderson, whose district includes Ellis Park: “It just puts them all (livestock) in one classification. It’s an effort to make sure that horses are certainly not taken advantage of, but by the same token, it’s to protect our property. I was glad to be a part of it. It is a big thing for the Thoroughbred industry — and for all horses.â€
“This legislation is a significant step for the horse industry and our membership,†said Martin Maline, executive director of the Kentucky division of the Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, which represents about 6,000 owners and trainers involved in horse racing in the commonwealth. “The livestock designation offers other important protections for everyone who owns and works with horses. We applaud members of committee, and hope Senator Webb’s bill sails through the full Senate and state legislature.â€
Clabes added, “I’d like to congratulate Senator Webb, Chairman (Paul) Hornback, and Majority Floor Leader Thayer in advancing this long awaited legislation. Success in Frankfort doesn’t happen overnight and they and many of their colleagues in the Senate and the House have put in a lot of work on this issue over the years.â€
EPD investigating vandalism at east side synagogue
Evansville Police are investigating an act of vandalism at the Adath B’Nai Isreal Temple at 8440 Newburgh Rd. The damage to the Jewish synagogue was reported to police on Tuesday morning.
A window at the synagogue was damaged by a small projectile. Police believe the damage was intentional. Police are working to determine who caused the damage, what they used to cause the damage, and when the damage occurred.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call EPD at 812-436-7979 or WeTIp at 1-800-78-CRIME.
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Eagles start GLVC Tournament action Thursday
The 12th-ranked University of Southern Indiana men’s basketball team tips off post-season play in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana. The third-seeded Screaming Eagles (25-3), who earned a first round bye in the conference tournament, enters the quarterfinals against sixth-seeded Truman State University (21-8).
In addition to USI and Truman, the lower half of the GLVC Tournament bracket includes second-seeded and West Division champion Quincy University (24-5) and seventh-seeded Lewis University (17-12). The winners advance to the semifinals Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
The upper half of the GLVC Tournament bracket includes fourth-ranked and top-seeded Bellarmine University (25-3), fourth-seeded University of Wisconsin-Parkside, fifth-seeded University of Indianapolis, and eighth-seeded Drury University (18-9). Game time for Bellarmine, the GLVC East Division champion, and Drury is noon Thursday, while the UW-Parkside and UIndy contest is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
Live coverage of USI’s games in the GLVC Tournament, including live statistics and audio/video broadcasts are available at GoUSIEagles.com. The games also can be heard over the airwaves on WEOA 98.5FM/1400AM and 95.7FM The Spin.
USI Men’s Basketball vs. Week 18 Quick Notes:
- USI in national rankings.The University of Southern Indiana fell in the NCAA Division II rankings this week, dropping two spots to 12th in the NABC Division II Top 25 and in the D2SIDA Media Top 25. USI also is ranked 14th in the HeroSports.com and ninth in the NCAA Division II power rankings.
- Eagles win streak ends at six .USI saw its winning streak ended at six games with the 67-61 loss to fourth-ranked Bellarmine University. Sophomore guard Alex Stein led the way for USI with a game-high 20 points.
- Drummond has season-best vs. Bellarmine.Senior guard Bobo Drummond posted a season-high 18 points and five three-point field goals in the loss to Bellarmine.
- USI on neutral court in 2016-17.USI is 6-0 on a neutral site this year, averaging 92.0 points per game and shot 51.0 percent from the field. Senior guard Jeril Taylor is averaging 21.8 points per game, while sophomore guard Alex Stein is posting 18.2 points per outing. Junior forward Julius Rajala rounded out the double-digit road scorers with 15.5 points per game.
- Overall away from the PAC in 2016-17.USI is a combined 13-2 away from the PAC (neutral and road) this year, averaging 89.5 points per game and outrebounded the opposition, 40.0-32.8. Senior guard Jeril Taylor is averaging 20.9 points per game, while sophomore guard Alex Stein is posting 16.7 points per outing. Junior forward Julius Rajala and senior guard Bobo Drummondrounded out the double-digit road scorers with 11.4 and 10.8 points per game, respectively.
- Stein heating up.After suffering through a three-for-26 slump from behind the three-point arc, sophomore guard Alex Stein is heating up. Stein is 12-of-his-last-19 from downtown over the last four games.
- USI vs. the GLVC Tournament Quarterfinal field.The Eagles are 222-118 all-time against the GLVC Tournament quarterfinal field, 18-6 on neutral courts. USI is 4-3 against the quarterfinal teams this season and led by senior guard/forward Jeril Taylor with 22.1 points per game.
- USI andRodney Watson in the GLVC Tournament. USI Head Coach Rodney Watson has led the Eagles to two GLVC championships (2012, 2014) and four of the last six GLVC Tournament championship games (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014) since taking the helm in 2009-10. USI also is 13-4 in the GLVC Tournament under Watson.
- USI has won four GLVC Tournament crowns.The Eagles have won the GLVC Tournament title four times since the creation of the tournament in 1998 (2005, 2007, 2012, 2014).
- GLVC Championships for USI.The Eagles have won the GLVC men’s basketball championship 12 times since the start of the league in 1979. USI took the regular season championship eight times before the GLVC began deciding the league’s top team in the conference tournament in 2002.
- USI on neutral court in GLVC Tournament.On a neutral court in the GLVC Tournament, USI is 25-10 in 13 different tournaments.
- USI at the Ford Center in the GLVC Tournament. USI is 5-1 at the Ford Center in the GLVC Tournament, winning the title in 2014.
- USI vs. Potential Opponents in the GLVC Tournament. In the lower half of the GLVC Tournament bracket, third-seeded USI is 3-0 against the potential quarterfinal and semifinal opponents during 2016-17.
- USI vs. sixth-seeded Truman State.The Eagles are 4-1 all-time against Truman State University after posting a 111-89 victory on the road this year and will be playing the Bulldogs for the first time on a neutral court. USI, which has won three-straight match-ups with Truman, was led by senior guard/forward Jeril Taylor, who scored a school-record 50 points in the January victory over the Bulldogs.
- USI vs. second-seeded Quincy. USI is 30-10 all-time against Quincy University after posting an 88-85 victory on the road this year and 2-1 all-time on a neutral court. The Eagles, who have won six of the last seven versus Quincy, was led by sophomore guard Alex Stein, who had 18 points and 10 rebounds in the January win at Quincy.
- USI vs. seventh-seeded Lewis.The Eagles are 45-24 all-time against Lewis University after recording an 80-57 win at the Physical Activities Center and have a 6-0 lead on a neutral site. USI, which has won three of the last four meetings, was led by sophomore guard Alex Stein‘s 18 point effort in the January victory.
Captain Smithers Promoted to Major at Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division
On February 23, Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter promoted Captain Jon Smithers to the rank of Major to serve as commander of the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division is responsible for enforcing both state and federal regulations on all commercial motor vehicles.
Smithers is a native of Indianapolis and a 1984 graduate of Southport High School. He attended Ball State University and graduated with a BS in Business in 1988.
Smithers began his law enforcement career in 1994 upon graduation from the 51st Indiana State Police Academy. Â He was assigned to the Indianapolis Post and patrolled Marion County. Â In February 2000, Smithers was promoted to Squad Sergeant and supervised troopers in Marion County. September 2008, he was promoted to First Sergeant to serve as assistant commander of the Indianapolis District. August 2011 he was promoted to Lieutenant to serve as commander of the Indianapolis District.
In November, 2013 Smithers was transferred and promoted to captain in the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division to serve as the assistant commander. Major Smithers will now serve as the Division Commander for the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Division and will be responsible for 120 employees, both enforcement and civilian, statewide.
Major Smithers resides in Marion County.