Indiana Woman-Owned Technology Company Adding Hundreds of Hoosier Jobs
 Indianapolis – Knowledge Services, an information technology and professional services company, announced plans today to grow its Indianapolis headquarters, with plans to employ 1,200 Hoosiers by 2019.
“Indiana’s talented workforce, favorable business climate and low cost of living have helped put the Hoosier state on the national stage as one of the fastest growing tech hubs,†said Governor Mike Pence. “We have worked diligently to cut costs, lower taxes and reduce regulations, allowing companies like Knowledge Services to see the benefits of doing business in a state that works. Over the next decade, we will build on this momentum and invest $1 billion to support Hoosier entrepreneurs and innovators, ensuring that Indiana continues to be the best place to start a business, grow a business and get a job.â€
The woman-owned company, which provides cloud software and services to large, complex organizations, committed to creating 400 new jobs by 2019 and has already made significant strides in its job commitment. This is Knowledge Services’ third expansion announcement in five years, following a 2011 announcement to add 200 jobs and a 2013 announcement to add another 400. The company continues to outpace its job creation goals and has increased its Indiana employment by 70 percent in just the last three years.
Knowledge Services will invest $2.1 million to expand its office space over the next four years to accommodate its growing team. Based on increased demand for the company’s workforce management solution systems, Knowledge Services must grow to meet the needs of its client base across the U.S. The company moved into its 23,000-square-foot office at 5875 Castle Creek Parkway North Dr. on Indianapolis’ north side in 2009 and is currently evaluating options to expand its footprint to 40,000 square feet.
“Indiana continues to be a great place that is conducive for growth and prosperity,†said Julie Bielawski, chief executive officer at Knowledge Services. “Many factors played into Knowledge Services’ commitment to growing in the Hoosier state. Not only does Indiana offer a favorable business climate, but they also have placed a great emphasis on growing the advanced technology sector.â€
Founded in 1994, Knowledge Services now employs 2,000 associates across the United States, including approximately 1,100 in Indiana. The company is continuing to hire experienced software developers, program specialists, client service associates, sales team members and marketing professionals. Interested applicants may apply online through the company’s website.
Knowledge Services designs, develops and markets cloud Software as a Service (SaaS) and mobile applications for workforce management solutions, which provide cost savings, process efficiencies and improved governance. Serving clients throughout the U.S., Knowledge Services’ customers include government agencies and Fortune 500 companies such as Hill-Rom, Disney and Mattel. The company gives back to the Indianapolis community by supporting the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Toys for Tots.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered GuideSoft Inc. (dba Knowledge Services) up to $2,100,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Indianapolis supports the project in partnership with Develop Indy, a business unit of the Indy Chamber.
“Information technology in Indianapolis is stronger than ever,†said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. “With the increasing number of technology companies calling Indianapolis home, organizations like Knowledge Services provide much-needed talent and workforce management solutions to keep our community competitive in a 21st century economy. We applaud today’s announcement of over 400 new jobs in Indianapolis and support the continued growth of Knowledge Services to meet the needs of a booming industry sector.”
Knowledge Services’ growth follows Governor Mike Pence’s announcement of a plan to invest $1 billion in innovation and entrepreneurship in Indiana over the next 10 years to advance growth and solutions across all Hoosier sectors, including the state’s growing tech industry. From 2012 to 2014, Indiana’s technology sector added jobs at a rate of 18 percent, which is three times faster than the national average, and the Indianapolis area ranks No.5 in the nation for women in tech (Fast Company).
Today’s BPS Agenda
Wednesday, September 14th, 2016
Building Commission – Ron Beane Police Department – Chief Billy Bolin
Transportation & Services – Todd Robertson Fire Department – Chief Mike Connelly
~ Pledge of Allegiance ~
Business with Representatives:
A. Henrietta Jenkins requests permission to close Morton Avenue between Lincoln Elementary and the Boys  and Girls club for a community event on 24 September 2016 from, 12pm – 7pm, for Boss Prep Academy and M.A.S.K.
Departmental Reports:
- Police Department – Captain Stephanie Cox
- The Evansville Police Department requests approval to enter into a contract with D-Patrick Inc to lease a 2016 Ford F150 truck. The amount would be for $1.44 for 1 year. The vehicle will be assigned to the Crime Prevention Unit.
- The Evansville Police Department requests permission to bid out the purchase of modems and peripheral equipment to upgrade the remainder of our fleet off of data radio technology onto cellular technology. This would involve approximately 140 units. This request is pending the final approval of funding by the city council.
- The Evansville Police Department requests permission to surplus 2015 Ford Interceptor. (Car 1507). The vehicle was totaled in a wreck in July and is not repairable.
- Fire Department - Chief Connelly
1. The Evansville Fire Department requests approval to “Recommend the award of bid #RFB-V09-011-16 submitted by Global Emergency Products and reject the bid submitted by Mid-America Fire and Safety.â€
Note: The justifications have been reviewed by Legal and funding is in place.
2. Â The Evansville Fire Department requests approval to accept $75 donation from Baskin Robbins Ice cream for the purchase of Fire Safety Education materials.
3. Â The Evansville Fire Department requests approval of E.L. Walters HVAC Service Contract for the Evansville Fire Department Administration Center, Mechanic Shop, Training Center and Fourteen (14) Stations.
4. Â The Evansville Fire Department requests approval of EFD Monthly Report.
5. The Evansville Fire Department requests approval of amended Job description for Special Services Chief/Planning Officer. Amends job description to say the position will report directly to Fire Chief.
6. The Evansville Fire Department requests approval of amended General Order-100.005-Progressive Discipline.
7. The Evansville Fire Department requests approval of EFD-FORM 100.000E – Supervisory Reprimand; AND approval of EFD-FORM 100.000E1 – Verbal Counseling, which go with go 100.005 above.
8. The Evansville Fire Department requests approval of Policy 200.007- Converting Time. Amended paragraph II(b) to say, “Converted hours shall not be sold as part of the annual comp time “buy back” option.”
- Building Commission – June Maples
1. City of Evansville Evansville-Vanderburgh County Building Commission requests approval to extend Crane Environmental’s contract one additional time, until December 31, 2016.
D. Transportation and Services – Todd Roberts
1. Arcadian Subdivision – Install “Pedestrian Walking†signs at Arcadian Highway & Washington Ave., Arcadian Highway & Southfield, Audubon Dr. south of Newburgh Rd., Taylor Ave. west of Fuquay Rd. and near the triangle at Monroe Ave.
2. Glenmoor Rd. & Monroe Ave. intersection – Install “Stop†& “Stop Ahead†signage on Glenmoor Rd. and “Turn†(W1-1) with “5 MPH†(W13-1P) advisory speed plaque & “Directional Arrow†(W1-6) signage on Monroe Ave.
Consent Section:
A. Special Event Request
1.  The City of Evansville requests approval of the “Lilly King Celebration†on 24 September 2016 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Closing W Morgan Ave in the area of Don Mattingly Way, Maxwell Ave at Reiss Ave, Maxwell Ave at Heidelbach Ave, and Don Mattingly Way at Maxwell Avenue. *** BARRICADES REQUESTED. ***
2. Jacobsville Area Community Corp requests approval of “JACC Christmas on North Main Parade†on 20 November 2016 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closing Ninth Street, Sycamore Street, Locust Street, Main Street, and North Main Street from Division Street to Morgan Avenue. *** BARRICADES REQUESTED. INSURANCE APPROVED. ***
3. Hadi Shriners request approval of “Hadi Shriners Toy Run†on 25 September 2016 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closing Walnut St at 1st St and Walnut St at Riverside Dr. *** BARRICADES REQUESTED. INSURANCE APPROVED. ***
4. HIMB Inc. requests approval of “Harrison Invitational Marching Band†on 1 October 2016 from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Closing the north bound lane of Cullen Ave adjacent to Harrison High School from the Lloyd Expressway South until the roadway changes from a boulevard to a single one way road. *** BARRICADES REQUESTED. INSURANCE APPROVED. ***
5. University of Evansville AceCARE requests approval of “Ace Race Fun Run†on 15 October 2016 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Closing Walnut St from Weinbach Ave to Runnymeade Ave and E Olive Street from Runnymeade Ave to Rotherwood Ave. *** BARRICADES REQUESTED. PENDING INSURANCE APPROVAL. ***
6. Backstage Bar and Grill requests approval of “Florida Georgia Line Concert Pre-Party†on 14 October 2016 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Closing Main Street from 5th to 6th Street.
*** PENDING INSURANCE APPROVAL. ***
7. Reitz Memorial High School requests approval of two “Homecoming Parade†events on 23 September 2016. One is from 7:00 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. to move floats and the other is form 6:45 p.m. to 7:10 p.m. for the actual parade. Streets affected by parade will be Benninghof, Lincoln, Lodge, and from Memorial HS to Enlow Field. *** PENDING INSURANCE APPROVAL. ***
8. Backstage Bar and Grill requests approval of “I Love the 90’s Pre-Party†on 22 September 2016 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Closing Main Street from 5th to 6th Street.
*** PENDING INSURANCE APPROVAL. ***
9. Rotary Foundation of Evansville requests approval of “2016 Rotary Santa Run†on 3 December 2016 from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Temporary road closures will be along the following route: Beginning at the back of the Boy Scout Building, left on Vann Ave, right on E. Sycamore St, left on S Dexter Ave, right on E Gum St, Right on S Alvord Blvd, Right on Walnut St, left on S. St. James Blvd, right on E. Sycamore St, left on Vann Ave, and right onto the running path to finish at back of Boy Scout Building. *** BARRICADES REQUESTED. INSURANCE APPROVED. ***
10. EPD Foundation requests approval to amend the dates on the previously approved “SWAT Challenge†– Original approved dates were 6 May 2017 at 12:00 p.m. through 7 May 2017 at 4:00 p.m. Request dates be changed to 5 May 2017 at 12:00 p.m. through 6 May 2017 at 4:00 p.m. as previous dates were off by one day and should have been for the Friday and Saturday of the event.
B. Parking Permit
1.  Chad Winter requests a parking permit for an ABNF moving trailer to be parked along the street in front of his residence at 900S. Alvord Blvd. He will need it for 3 days, between October 1 – 7, 2016, as they load household items for transport.
2.  Evansville Eyecare Associates requests temporary parking permits for six of their employees to park in the downtown area, as their parking lot is not accessible due to the demolition of the fire damaged buildings. (Vehicle and driver information has been supplied to the BPS Secretary.)
3.  Staub Excavating requests parking permits for five of their employees to park in the downtown area, as they are working on demolition of the fire damaged buildings. (Vehicle and driver information to be supplied to the BPS Secretary.)
C. Road Closure
1. West Side Nut Club requests to add a closure of West Illinois St. from Wabash to 10th Ave on October 4th, 2016 from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. for Special Kids Day. This is the day EVSC brings the special needs children to the festival to ride rides and play games. The Nut Club also feeds them lunch at the VFW. Closure is necessary for unloading and loading the buses and a safe walkway from the Park to the VFW.
2. Officer Kent Walker/Kurt Chapman of the School Safety Unit request street closures on Sept. 28 at the Old National Events Plaza as they will be holding the annual Career Day. This event is from 7am-1pm. This event has a large number of students and school buses. Due the construction in downtown area they will do it different this year. They will keep all Locust and 9th Street open. They need to take the one hour parking on 9th street between Walnut and Locust and a corner of the back 40 approximately three rows in the south/west corner to park the buses. Police officers will be directing traffic. *** NO POLICE PARKING signage requested. ***
3. Officer Kent Walker/Kurt Chapman of the School Safety Unit request street closures on March 15,16,17 of 2017. They will be having the Young People Concert at the Victory Theater between 8am-1pm. This event will have a large number of school kids and buses. They are requesting to close 6th street between walkway (Main Street) and Sycamore Street. This will keep the main traffic flow of the walkway and Sycamore open. They will have officers working to direct traffic and assist the business with customers on 6th.
4. EBN Incorporated requests permission to close Columbia Street between Oak Hill Road and Dewey on September 16, 2016 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., for their annual customer appreciation day.
D. Dumpster Request
1. Gerald Tutt requests an extension of his dumpster permit, for the Shed Fitness construction project at 205 Main Street, through 15 October 2016.
E. Handicap Parking
1. 1413 Russell Avenue – Resident requests installation of “handicap†designated parking space. Site review conducted and property appears to qualify for an on-street “Handicap†space.
2. 1010 W. Iowa St – Resident requests installation of “handicap†designated parking space. Site review conducted and property appears to qualify for an on-street “Handicap†space.
3. 225 E. Florida St. – Resident requests installation of “handicap†designated parking space. Site review conducted and property appears to qualify for an on-street “Handicap†space.
4. 1300 A Olive St – Resident requests installation of “handicap†designated parking space. Site review conducted and property appears to qualify for an on-street “Handicap†space.
OTHER BUSINESS:
- Approve claims.
- Approve the minutes from Wednesday, August 24th, 2016.
Announcements:
Next Meeting, September 28th, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.
Adjourned:Â ________________________
OTTERS TAKE GAME ONE BEHIND WIVINIS’ ARM
The Evansville Otters start the Championship Series with a two to one victory over the River City Rascals. Matt Wivinis and Austin Warner had a pitchers’ duel, and Wivinis came out on top for the Otters.
Wivinis pitched for eight innings for the Otters allowing four hits, one run and had five strikeouts. Warner pitched for six innings allowing five hits, two runs and had six strikeouts on the night.
Christopher Riopedre helped start the scoring with a SAC-fly hit into left field to bring home Rolando Gomez. In the fifth, the Otters extended the lead by one with another RBI from Riopedre to bring home Julio Rodriguez from third.
In the seventh, the Rascals finally put up a run. Kyle Gaedele blasted a line-drive off the left field wall for an RBI-single. In the top of the ninth, the Otters brought in Randy McCurry to shut down the Rascals. Alexi Colon started the ninth with a double for the Rascals, but that is all the Rascals could manage. McCurry, with the help of the defense, finished the game with three straight outs.
The Otters and Rascals will be back at it again Wednesday, September 13. First pitched will be scheduled for 6:35pm at Bosse Field. Tickets can be purchased at www.evansvilleotters.com or by calling 812-435-8686 ext 21.
SEPTEMBER 14 “READERS FORUM”
 WHATS ON  YOUR MIND TODAY!
EDITOR FOOTNOTE: “IS IT TRUE†will be posted on this coming FRIDAY
Todays READERS POLL question is: Do you agree with Hillary Clinton statement that “Half of Trump supporters fit in ‘what I call the basket of deplorable.'”?
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CHANNEL 44 NEWS
IN Video Gambling Advocates Search for Support in Evansville
Lobbyists made a stop in Evansville Tuesday at River City Eagles lodge to ask people to get on board with a bill allowing video gambling in liquor licensed establishments like taverns and bowling alleys.
Advocates of the bill say they want voters to take the issue up with candidates this election.
People interested in what video gambling could mean for them and their business gathered to learn more and ask questions to lobbyists with the Indiana Amusement and Music Operators Association.
Advocates of the bill use Illinois as an example of what could happen in Indiana. A bill was passed there in 2012. According to presenters, the average establishment nets 60-thousand dollars a year in Illinois.
Lobbyist Bill Smythe says, “We’re expecting roughly 3,000-3,500 businesses would benefit directly and those dollars would stay in the state. Small business owners would go out and employ more people. It would expand economies in all of the communities. So, whereas there is somewhat of a monopoly with the thirteen properties now, we’re talking about something that would be much more robust for everyone in the state of Indiana.â€
Part of the bill includes language allowing communities to opt out. Voters could say video gambling is not what is best for this community.
Advocates of the bill say it would mean big bucks for the state and small business. Eighty percent of the tax money collected would go to roads and infrastructure, split between the state and local government.
The bill allows for five machines for establishments that limit entry to 21 and older and ten machines for truck stops.
In Illinois, lobbyists say the average machine in a bar makes a hundred dollars a day and two hundred dollars a day at a truck stop.
Unofficial Results from Maceo’s Wet-Dry Election
The question on the ballot said “Are you in favor of the sale of alcoholic beverages in the Maceo precinct?
63 people voted yes, 51 voted no.
Out of 927 registered voters, 12.3% in Maceo cast ballots.
Officials say, only 55 people needed to vote “yes†for this to but put into effect, which did happen today.
Henderson Officials Set Property Tax Rate
The compensating rate on real estate property was set at .61¢ per $100 of market value, which is a 2¢ increase on real estate property.
For personal property, the rate was set at .81.8¢, which is no increase.
Officials say the levy will generate more than $312,000 in additional revenue.
The 2016 tax bill is due in full on January 3rd.
But if property owners pay by November 16th, they will see a 1% discount.
Justice Reform Is At An Historic Crossroad
Justice Reform Is At An Historic Crossroad
Bob Barr Bob Barr for TOWNHALL
While professional athletes like second-string NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick engage in immature “protests†over some perceived peeve with our country’s criminal justice system, Republicans in Congress are diligently working to meaningfully improve America’s justice system. Whether they succeed in their historic effort, however, remains up in the air and its future may very well be decided this week.
Currently, three bills pending in the U.S. House – the Sentencing Reform Act, the Recidivism Risk Reduction Act, and the Criminal Code Improvement Act — remain backed by bipartisan coalitions both inside and outside the government. As anyone who has maintained even a passing acquaintance with congressional goings-on in recent years knows, cooperation between Left and Right on any issue is unusual; and something that is extremely rare on a matter as substantive as criminal justice reform.
While the “social justice†movement espoused by far Left radicals like Black Lives Matter has poisoned much of the public debate surrounding justice reform, genuine criminal justice reform lead by Republicans in the House and Senate, is a truly worthy cause that all conservatives should support. As highlighted recently in remarks by FreedomWorks CEO Adam Brandon in support of the proposals, “Our justice system is in crisis. Our prison populations and budgets have ballooned out of control. Americans are being crippled by sentences disproportional to their crime. Our system should rehabilitate and reform those in need, not warehouse nonviolent offenders and burden our nation.â€
Far more than in the past, support for criminal justice reform among conservatives is growing; with many of the reforms touching on principles long-favored by conservatives. For example, even as the current proposed reforms strengthen due process rights – a principle not always championed by traditional conservatives – at the same time they would begin to reverse the trend toward systemic over-criminalization that long has bothered conservatives, and which distracts police officers from pursuing real criminal activity such as violent crimes.
Also, the reforms incorporated in the pending legislation would help to keep families together; a benefit conservatives have argued for years would dramatically help reduce poverty and steer young people away from future criminal behavior. And, perhaps most important to conservatives, the Sentencing Reform Act alone is estimated by the Congressional Budget Office to save $769 million in taxpayer funds, by finally addressing prison overcrowding.
Criminal justice reform truly is a historic win for conservative values. Unfortunately, this is precisely why its critics resort to fear-mongering, not facts, in attempting to derail this landmark effort.
One need only look to several conservative states that have enacted similar criminal justice reform bills, to see the benefits of what is now being proposed nationally. States including Georgia, Texas, and South Carolina have witnessed significant drops in incarceration rates and criminal recidivism, as a direct result of state-level criminal justice reforms. Taxpayers in these states have enjoyed the added benefit of saving millions of dollars that would otherwise be spent on a broken system. “Texas used to spend billions locking people up for minor offenses,†former Texas Governor Rick Perry, who helped spearhead reform in his state, remarked on his efforts. “We implemented common sense policies that made not only Texas tough, but also smart on crime.â€
Perry justifiably calls these results “extraordinary,†noting that already the crime rate in the Lone Star State has dropped to its lowest levels since 1968, while saving its taxpayers nearly $2.0 billion.
This is why the efforts now underway in Congress, spearheaded by GOP leaders Sen. Mike Lee of Utah and House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte of Virginia, are so critical. The current prison crisis worsens with each new inmate added to the federal prison system by an outdated sentencing structure that allows for little, if any discretion for judges to differentiate between drug kingpins and non-violent, low level offenders. And, with more than 4,000 federal criminal laws on the books already, and countless more overlapping regulatory and state laws, criminal justice reform reduces the risk that innocent and otherwise non-violent offenders will be swept into the ruinous criminal justice system that should be focusing on the truly heinous criminals.
We stand at the crossroads of a truly historic moment in America, in which a decades-overdue overhaul of the criminal justice system promises to make our country a far better place in which to pursue the American dream. The conservative case for sentencing reform is clear, and the time for action is now.
Holly’s House Hires Charlene Wiethop as a Prevention Educator.
Holly’s House, a local child and adult victim advocacy center, has hired Charlene Wiethop as a prevention educator. Before coming to Holly’s House, Wiethop was employed by South Terrace and North Elementary Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern Indiana.
Holly’s House Executive Director, Sidney Hardgrave, said, “Charlene’s experience in the classroom, and her professional and caring attitude works well in engaging and teaching elementary students the “Think First & Stay Safe†child abuse prevention program. She is very thorough in her presentation of the curriculum, and we are pleased to have Charlene as our newest member of the Holly’s House staff.
Holly’s House is a non-residential child and adult advocacy center providing services for victims of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault in Southwest Indiana. The mission of the organization is to empower victims of intimate crime and abuse by providing support, promoting justice and preventing violence. For more information, please visit www.hollyshouse.org.
Alcoa Warrick Operations Donates Fire Truck to EVSC’s SICTC
Students in the Public Safety Program at the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation’s Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center now have a fire truck to use for hands-on training thanks to Alcoa Warrick Operations. On Tuesday, Alcoa Plant Protection Chief Harold Grossman and Location Manager, Warrick Operations, Jeff Boris, officially handed over the keys to the fully equipped fire truck to SICTC Public Safety Instructor Rick Schnautz.
“This fire truck will really help give our students real-world training and give them a leg up when they graduate if they want to pursue a career in public safety,” Schnautz said. “It will give them the opportunity to get familiar with the equipment used on fire trucks as well as the equipment used for Jaws of Life.”
The fire truck is officially being retired from use at Alcoa Warrick Operations, and because of Alcoa’s long commitment and support of SICTC, the decision was made to donate the truck to the program.