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CHANNEL 44 TV NEWS: Local ISTEP Board Member Reacts To Delay In Test’s Replacement

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Local ISTEP Board Member Reacts To Delay In Test’s Replacement

OCTOBER 13TH, 2016

WILLIAM WOLKOFF EVANSVILLE, INDIANA

 The future of the ISTEP exam is still on the line, as the debate continues over how to replace the annual exam.

Principal Julie Kemp of Chrisney Elementary in Spencer County sits on the board, and says the group will draft a proposal on a new testing system for Indiana students. However, she says they haven’t even drafted a proposal for grades three through eight.

State superintendent Glenda Ritz was in town Thursday, and 44 news reporter William Wolkoff caught up with her to talk about the test.

 

St. Mary’s NICU Receives Special Surprise from Unlikely Donors

OCTOBER 13TH, 2016

MATT PEAK EVANSVILLE, INDIANA

The St. Mary’s NICU gets an unexpected surprise from some of their past graduates.

A set of twin boys from Fairfield delivered some donations.

Instead of getting birthday gifts for themselves this year, they chose to donate to the St. Mary’s NICU.

They brought baby onesies, socks, diapers, wipes, blankets and cash.

The twins graduated from the St. Marys NICU and are now five years old.

Rep. Messer Urges Dept. of Education To Restore Pell Grant Eligibility To ITT Tech Students

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Rep. Messer Urges Dept. of Education To Restore Pell Grant Eligibility To ITT Tech Students

WASHINGTON (Oct. 12, 2016) — Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) is urging the U.S. Department of Education to restore Pell Grant eligibility to approximately 16,000 students nationwide who were using the grants to attend ITT Technical Institute when it abruptly closed last month.

Federal Pell Grants are provided to low-income students pursuing postsecondary education, and lifetime eligibility for the need-based grants is limited.

The Department of Education is currently telling former ITT Tech students it will not restore or “reset” their Pell Grant eligibility, leaving many of these students with few options to finish their degrees.

“For many low-income students, Pell Grants are their best shot to attend college and secure a better future for themselves,” Messer said. “ITT Tech closed largely at the hand of federal bureaucrats at the Education Department, and for them to now leave these students high-and-dry is a disgrace.”

In a letter sent to the Education Department, Messer urged the Department to immediately reverse its decision so that these students are not harmed and questioned why the Department is not using its statutory authority to take such action.

According to U.S. House of Representatives legal counsel, Section 437(c)(3) of the Higher Education Act requires the Education Department to restore Pell Grant benefits for students who are unable to complete their course of study due to the closure of an institution.

“It’s frustrating that the Department did not do its homework to ensure students were protected and had options before taking action against ITT Tech,” Messer said. “Students should not be blamed for this closure, and we must do everything we can to ensure they have the opportunity to continue their education.”

Based in Indiana, ITT Tech operated 130 campuses nationwide and served about 40,000 students when it announced on Sept. 6, 2016 that it would close. The announcement followed an Aug. 25 decision by the Education Department to prohibit the institution from enrolling new students using federal student aid.

Messer has also authored a bill that would allow veterans to recover their GI Bill educational benefits if they were using their benefits at a college or university that closes, preventing them from completing their degree.

The bill (H.R. 6003) would apply to the nearly 7,000 veterans who were enrolled at ITT Tech at the time it closed.

Vanderburgh County Food Inspection Link For 10-13-16

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food-inspection-reports-10-13-16

YESTERYEAR: Evansville Cotton Mill

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EVANSVILLE COTTON MILL 

by Pat Sides FOR WILLARD LIBRARY

A few years after the Civil War ended, the Evansville Cotton Manufacturing Company was built on seventeen acres west of St. Joseph Avenue near Ohio Street, employing at its peak nearly a thousand women and older children, who operated 50,000 spindles and 1,200 looms. In 1889, a local newspaper reported that the company was the largest cotton mill in the South or West, but labor problems led to its demise by 1910. This photo shows a group of business leaders who are inspecting the abandoned mill for possible use as a country club. Part of the old mill was incorporated into the Mead Johnson Company when it acquired the site in 1915.

FOOTNOTES: We want to thank Patricia Sides, Archivist of Willard Library for contributing this picture that shall increase people’s awareness and appreciation of Evansville’s rich history. If you have any historical pictures of Vanderburgh County or Evansville please contact please contact Patricia Sides, Archivist Willard Library at 812) 425-4309, ext. 114 or e-mail her at www.willard.lib.in.us.

AG Zoeller, Department of Financial Institutions Return $1M To Consumers

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Indiana Consumers Will Also See Over $11M In Debt Canceled

INDIANAPOLIS, IND.– Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller and the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) have reached a settlement agreement with Western Sky Financial LLC, CashCall, Inc., WS Funding, LLC, Delbert Services Corporation, and John Paul Reddam affecting more than 10,000 Indiana residents. A settlement administrator, at Defendants’ expense, will mail refund checks to the consumers identified in the settlement. Borrowers affected by the unlawful lending will also see their loan balances canceled and any information on the loans removed from their credit reports.

The Attorney General and DFI reached a settlement agreement with the companies to resolve allegations that they made, serviced, and collected high-cost loans in violation of the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act and the Indiana Uniform Consumer Credit Code. As part of the settlement, the companies are banned from making consumer or small loans in Indiana for two years, and are required to apply and obtain a license from DFI before resuming consumer or small loan lending activities in the state.

“There are few cases that are as outrageous as this one where consumers were taken advantage of during a time of need,” Zoeller said. “Not only will consumers receive some restitution but these kinds of acts will be halted for years to come.”

The lawsuit filed against CashCall alleged that the company engaged in a “rent-a-tribe” scheme. CashCall’s front company, Western Sky Financial, LLC, was falsely associated with a Native American tribe and originated unlawful loans. Immediately, these loans were then transferred to CashCall, which collected and charged excessively high interest rate payments.

Western Sky and CashCall serviced and collected personal loans with annual percentage rates greatly exceeding those authorized by Indiana law and obligating more than 10,000 consumers to re-pay many times over the amount they borrowed in unlawful fees and interest.

As part of the settlement, the defendant companies have been ordered to:

  • Repay $1 million dollars in restitution for illegal loan costs to Indiana consumers impacted by the high-priced loans.
  • Cancel and adjust to a zero balance on loans that they own, service or collect.
  • Notify credit reporting agencies to remove credit information for the loans from the consumers’ credit files.
  • Cease all consumer and small loan lending activity within Indiana for two years.
  • After the two year ban, not participate in direct or indirect servicing, collecting, consumer lending activity, or attempt to service or collect consumer loans without a proper license issued by the DFI.
  • Notify all persons and entities who previously purchased or who were assigned loans from the defendants that the loans have been discharged, forgiven, and that the Court has determined the loans are legally unenforceable.
  • Comply with the Indiana Uniform Consumer Credit Code and the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act.

Zoeller thanked Deputy Attorneys General Tom Irons, Justin Hazlett and Betsy Isenberg for their work on this case.

Brereton Jones, Old Friends to Receive KEEP Industry Vision Award

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The Honor Was Established To Recognize Distinguished Leadership In Kentucky’s Equine Industry

Lexington, KY- The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) has announced former governor and founding KEEP member, Brereton Jones, and Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm as recipients of the inaugural Industry Vision Award during the KEEP Equine Industry Conference on October 18 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Lexington. A committee made up of KEEP Board members chose nominees with recipients determined by secret ballot.

“We are very proud to recognize Brereton Jones and Old Friends for their significant contributions to Kentucky’s horse industry,” said Joe Clabes, KEEP Executive Director. “The committee could not have selected two more deserving ambassadors for this recognition. We look forward to expressing our appreciation for all they have done to advance Kentucky’s signature industry and how it is perceived around the world.”

The lunch program on October 18th will also feature an address by Julie Broadway, who was named President of the American Horse Council (AHC) earlier this year. Ms. Broadway will discuss AHC initiatives, including the effort to update the National Economic Impact Study. She will also provide insight into what the horse industry can expect from Washington in the coming months.

The two-day Equine Industry Conference will begin Monday afternoon with partner organization meetings and other breakout sessions, followed by an evening welcome reception providing casual networking opportunities. During Tuesday’s sessions, equine industry leaders and experts will participate in panel discussions regarding the current state of the equine economy and how to improve the outlook for the future. Presentations will include a review of economic data, legislative and regulatory discussion by key policy experts and information about innovative programs to support the equine economy through improved business marketing, tourism opportunities and new industry-based initiatives.

For those that are not able to attend the full conference, KEEP is offering a lunch-only registration special for just $40. Additional information, including the conference agenda and online registration are available online at: www.horseswork.com

ABOUT KEEP

The Kentucky Equine Education Project is a grassroots organization created in 2004 to preserve, promote and protect Kentucky’s signature horse industry. Support for KEEP’s activity comes directly from the horse industry and horse industry supporters that we represent. To learn more about how you can become a member or make a contribution, please visit www.horseswork.com.

Catch the Latest Edition of “The Indiana State Police Road Show”

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Indiana - Catch the latest edition of the “Indiana State Police Road Show” radio program every Monday morning at your convenience.

This week’s show features Indiana State Police Sergeant Anthony Emery and ISP intern and IUPUI college student Connor Davidson. Sgt. Emery discusses the process and requirements to participate and Mr. Davidson talks about his experiences since being accepted into the ISP intern program.

Download the program from the Network Indiana public websites at www.networkindiana.com.  Look for the state police logo on the main page and follow the download instructions. The ISP Road Show can also be viewed via YouTube.

Go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu5Bg1KjBd7H1GxgkuV3YJA or visit the Indiana State Police website at http://www.in.gov/isp/   and click on the YouTube link. This 15 minute talk show concentrates on public safety and informational topics with state wide interest.

The radio program was titled “Signal-10” in the early sixties when it was first started by two troopers in northern Indiana. The name was later changed to the “Indiana State Police Road Show” and is the longest continuously aired state police public service program in Indiana.

Radio stations across Indiana and the nation are invited to download and air for FREE this public service program sponsored by the Indiana State Police Alliance and Cops for Kids, a subsidiary of the Indiana State Police Alliance.

UE Athletics And Ford Center Announce Contract Extension

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UE Men’s Basketball To Play At Ford Center Through 20-21 Season

The University of Evansville Athletics Department and the City of Evansville Redevelopment Commission have announced a contract extension that will see the Purple Aces men’s basketball team continue to play at the Ford Center through the 2020-21 season.

“We are excited to announce the extension and continue our relationship with the City of Evansville, VenuWorks and the Ford Center,” UE Director of Athletics Mark Spencer said. “The Ford Center is a first class venue that helps us to showcase our program to the Evansville community and all the Aces fans around the area.”

As part of the agreement, the Aces women’s basketball team will play its games for the 2016-17 season at the Ford Center before moving onto the UE campus to play in the Carson Center. The team will join the Aces volleyball team at Meeks Family Court inside the Carson Center starting in the fall of 2017.

Beginning in the summer of 2017, a full renovation of the Carson Center facility will take place that will see the addition of bleacher and chairback seats on the West side of the floor, which will bring the total capacity to 1,100. Other new amenities include new scoreboards, videoboard, sound system, basketball baskets, LED press tables, padded courtside floor seats and a portable volleyball flooring system. That project will be completed before the start of the 2017 volleyball season and will have its public debut as the UE volleyball team will take on Indiana University in September.

“Moving to the Carson Center will be a nice boost for our program, as well as volleyball,” Aces women’s basketball coach Matt Ruffing said. “The renovations we will be implementing are going to improve the atmosphere for the student-athletes and fans of both sports and provide a real home court advantage.”

Evansville’s men will continue to play at the Ford Center. Since opening in 2011, the arena has played host to 98 men’s basketball games, with the Aces winning 63 of those contests. Highlighting the tenure at the arena for UE are three wins over ranked opponents and the 2015 CIT Championship game, which saw the Aces earn a win over Northern Arizona. The Aces also opened up the arena in 2011 with a dramatic win over defending national runner-up Butler.

Adopt A Pet

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Guppy is a 2-year-old female orange tabby! She was mom of the “fish” kittens, who have all been adopted. Guppy has FIV, or feline immunodeficiency virus, but no worries! She can still live a long, healthy life and can also live with FIV-negative cats. Her $30 includes her spay, microchip, vaccines, and more. Contact the Vanderburgh Humane Society at (812) 426-2563 for adoption information!

UE Head Softball Coach Mat Mundell Signs Contract Extension

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Mundell directed massive turnaround in just two seasons 

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville Director of Athletics Mark Spencer has announced the signing of UE head softball coach Mat Mundell to a contract extension with the Purple Aces program

“I want to thank President Kazee and Athletic Director Spencer for their continued support and commitment that they have shown to help the softball program grow,” Mundell said.  “I am proud of the job the players and the staff and done to move our culture in a positive direction.  My family and I are extremely thankful and blessed to be able to continue in the Evansville community.”

Mundell orchestrated one of the top turnarounds in the NCAA in 2016, more than doubling the win total from the previous season.  The 14-win improvement was the 9th-best jump among the 295 NCAA softball programs.  He also helped the Aces to 12 league wins, its highest total in nine seasons.  Mundell, along with assistants Ashley Balazs and Aubrey Watson, were named the 2016 Missouri Valley Conference Coaching Staff of the Year for their efforts.

“Coach Mundell and his staff have done an excellent job in a short time at the helm of our softball program,” Spencer said.  “Our student-athletes have bought into Mat’s vision and we are extremely excited about the future of the program.”

Originally picked 10th in the preseason Missouri Valley Conference poll, Evansville recorded 12 league wins, its highest total in nine years while tying Bradley for 5th place in the league.  The turning point of the season came in the fourth inning of game two against Wichita State.  UE was 2-8 in MVC play at that point, had lost the first game of the series to the Shockers, was trailing the game 4-0 and had not won an MVC series in three years.

One swing changed the course of the season.  With the bases loaded, Morgan Lambert hit a grand slam before Hayli Scott notched the game-winning hit in a 5-4 win.  A day later, the Aces won the series with a 3-2 triumph, dealing the eventual MVC champs one of only two conference series losses in 2016.  That was the first of four MVC series wins in a row as the Aces won finished the season winning five of their final six conference series.

Leading the way for the Aces in her first season was MVC Freshman of the Year Morgan Florey.  Finishing third in the MVC with a 1.95 ERA, Florey won a total of 16 games.  She was also the top power hitter on the team, leading UE with 8 home runs and 26 RBI.  She joined Chandra Parr on the All-MVC First Team.  For Parr, it marked her second appearance on the list.  She batted .306 and knocked in 23 runs in 2016.  Susan Norris also garnered postseason accolades, earning a spot on the All-Defensive Team as she registered a .977 fielding percentage.

“We have taken many steps forward in 2016 but the team and I have many goals we look forward to achieving this season and in the future,” Mundell added.

 

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