http://www.vanderburghsheriff.com/recent-booking-records.aspx
JULY 30,16 “READERS FORUM”
WHATS ON YOUR MIND TODAY?
“IS IT TRUE†will be posted on this coming MONDAY.
Todays READERS POLL question is: Do you feel that Councilman Dan McGinn has done a creditable job as Finance Chairman of City Council?
Please take time and read our newest feature articles entitled “HOT JOBS†and “LOCAL SPORTS†posted in our sections.
If you would like to advertise in the CCO please contact us City-County Observer@live.com.
City County Observer has been serving our community for 15 years.
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Super Saturday at EllisÂ
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Cement Manufacturer Cemex Agrees To Reduce Harmful Air Pollution
Cement Manufacturer Cemex Agrees To Reduce Harmful Air Pollution
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) today announced a settlement with Cemex, Inc., under which the company will invest approximately $10 million to cut emissions of harmful air pollution at five of its cement manufacturing plants in Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee and Texas to resolve alleged violations of the Clean Air Act. Under the consent decree lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, Cemex will also pay a $1.69 million civil penalty, conduct energy audits at the five plants, and spend $150,000 on energy efficiency projects to mitigate the effects of past excess emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from its facilities.
“This settlement requires Cemex to use state of the art technology to reduce harmful air pollution, improving public health in vulnerable communities across the South and Southeast,†said Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “EPA is committed to tackling clean air violations at the largest sources, cutting the pollutants that cause respiratory illnesses like asthma.â€
“The cement sector is a significant source of air pollution posing real health risks to the communities where they reside, including vulnerable communities across the U.S. who deserve better air quality than they have gotten over the years,†said Assistant Attorney General John C. Cruden for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This agreement will require Cemex to pay a penalty and install important pollution controls to achieve reductions in harmful air emissions, thereby making Cemex a better neighbor to local residents.â€
The five Cemex facilities produce Portland cement, a key ingredient in concrete, mortar, and stucco, and are located in Demopolis, Alabama, Louisville, Kentucky, Knoxville, Tennessee, and New Braunfels and Odessa, Texas. The Knox County, Tennessee and Louisville, Kentucky air pollution control authorities participated in this settlement.
Cemex is required to install pollution control technology that will reduce emissions of NOx and establish strict limits for sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, which will improve air quality in local communities. Cemex will install and continuously operate a selective non-catalytic reduction system for controlling NOx at the five plants and meet emission limits that are consistent with the current best available control technology for NOx. EPA estimates this will result in NOx emissions reductions of over 4,000 tons per year. Each facility will also be subject to strict SO2 emission limits.
NOx and SO2, two key pollutants emitted from cement plants, have numerous adverse effects on human health and are significant contributors to acid rain, smog, and haze. The pollutants are converted in the air into fine particles of particulate matter that can cause severe respiratory and cardiovascular impacts, and premature death. Reducing these harmful air pollutants will benefit the communities located near the Cemex plants, particularly communities disproportionately impacted by environmental risks and vulnerable populations, including children.
This settlement is part of EPA’s National Enforcement Initiative to control harmful emissions from large sources of pollution, which includes cement manufacturing plants, under the Clean Air Act’s Prevention of Significant Deterioration requirements. The total combined SO2 and NOx emission reductions secured from cement plant settlements under this initiative will exceed 75,000 tons each year once all the required pollution controls have been installed and implemented.
The settlement is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval. Information about submitting a public comment is available at:www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees
For more information on the settlement visit:
https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/cemex-inc-global-clean-air-act-settlement
“JUDGE, SEE ASHLEYâ€
Gavel Gamut  By Jim Redwine
(Week 1 August July 2016)
“JUDGE, SEE ASHLEYâ€
The note “See Ashley†appears regularly on matters of Divorce, Paternity, Protective Orders and, especially, Child in Need of Services cases in the Posey Circuit Court. When I see that directive from Court Reporter Ashley Thompson I get the same feeling I had whenever my mother would say, “James Marion Redwine …†Mom’s use of my full name always preceded bad news. When Ashley calls my attention to a situation it is not because things in a case are going well.
My four court reporters are prohibited by law from giving legal advice. However, almost every citizen who is in need of court services also needs legal advice and expects the court reporters to give it. We actually have public information papers that explain this dilemma to citizens who either voluntarily seek justice from the court or who are brought into the legal vortex by some other person or entity such as a former spouse, the Division of Family and Children’s Services or the Prosecuting Attorney’s office.
Ashley Thompson has been a court reporter for ten years. While she cannot practice law she can and does assist people who come into contact with the court. Most people do not see a trip to a court as something good. The legal process is often both bewildering and scary. It can also affect the most dearly cherished aspects of life such as one’s children or freedom. Ashley can and does carefully and gently explain the procedure as she refers citizens to attorneys who can provide legal advice. The court is not allowed to recommend specific lawyers but the court reporters do have general information on which attorneys might concentrate in certain areas.
Ashley and her husband Bryan Thompson have four children and their whole family is deeply involved in their Point Township Nazarene Church. Bryan is a lay minister who is working toward ordination. Ashley managed to care for her family, her job and her community while completing her bachelor’s degree from Oakland City University in 2015.
Bryan and Ashley’s daughter Cassandra will graduate from Western Kentucky University this year. Their daughter Emma will start the 8th grade at Mt. Vernon Junior High this fall and eleven year old Levi will be in the 6th grade. Emma and Levi are both soccer players and active members of their church.
Eighteen-year-old Luke Thompson just returned from a church mission trip to Honduras where he gave of his time and hard work to paint school classrooms, roof buildings and fill food bags for those in need.
Ashley’s parents, Dennis and Bobbette Marshall, are both police officers. She grew up with the legal system ingrained in all aspects of her life. Her public service in the court is a natural progression. Ashley is the volunteer secretary for the Mt. Vernon Soccer Booster Club. She was honored as the Business and Professional Women’s Woman of the Year in 2006. And to cleanse her mind of the flotsam and jetsam in the court, Ashley regularly runs half-marathons.
Ashley and Bryan lead the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace course through their Nazarene church and provide volunteer marital counseling. Bryan also conducts a lay ministry at the Posey County jail.
Not all court contacts are traumatic. However, many of those who need the services over which Ashley has responsibility are embarrassed, confused and frightened. She can and does help assuage the pain. So, when citizens must “See Ashley†they need not feel as I often do.
Final “Gary’s Ride†Marks 10 Year Anniversary of ISP Lt. Gary Dudley’s Death
“GARY’S RIDE†is a recreational bicycle ride to honor Indiana State
                       Police Lt. Gary Dudley. All proceeds from the ride benefit The Gary
                       Dudley Memorial Scholarship Foundation, which provides college
                       scholarships to the children of Police Officers killed in the Line of         Â
                       Duty in Indiana. To date, over $180,000 is scholarships have beenÂ
                        awarded.
    Saturday, August 13, 2016  Registration is fromÂ
                       7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with an open start
                       This will be our 10th and FINAL GARY’S RIDE
    Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield, IN 5402 Sugar Grove Rd, Plainfield, IN 46168
      Bicyclists of all ages and experience levels are welcome. Routes range
                       from a “Family Fun Ride†(0-10 miles) up to a Century (100 miles).Â
                      Six distance levels are available. You can ride as little or as much asÂ
                       you want. Helmets are required.
   On-line registration is available at: www.getmeregistered.com. For Â
                       information about this event, please go to www.garysride.com
                        Day of registration will be availableÂ
                      Please direct any questions to Carolyn Dudley at: Â
                        bikecentury@comcast.net
EVENTS:     In addition to the ride, there will be activities for kids of all ages to enjoy at the ILEA, including a large display of Police, Fire, & EMS vehicles and equipment. The displays are free and open to the public and are available from 9:00a.m. until 12:00p.m.
Registration PDF Form is Attached
About Gary Dudley:
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
Appointed to Indiana State Police: December 14, 1979
District: Headquarters – Commander Indiana State Police Training Academy
Born April 7, 1955, Died August 22, 2006
While participating in a bicycle ride to honor fallen police officers, Lieutenant Gary Dudley and retired Lake County Sheriff’s Department Chief of Police Gary Martin were killed when a box truck struck the riders’ support vehicle shoving the support vehicle into the group of cyclists. Lieutenant Dudley and Chief Martin died at the scene of the crash on State Road 63 in Vermillion County. A third cyclist, retired Indianapolis Police Officer Spencer Moore was injured in the crash.
Volunteers needed for weekend search for Aleah Beckerle. Important info to know before arriving to help search.
Members of the Texas EquuSearch organization will be coordinating a public search for Aleah Beckerle this weekend. Searches will begin on Saturday and Sunday at 8:00am. Anyone who wants to assist in the search must meet at Delaware Elementary School no later than 8:00am. Delaware is located at 700 N Garvin Street in Evansville.
There are important things to know before joining the search efforts.
You MUST be at least 18 years old to help the EquuSearch team. You must bring a valid ID with you.
You will need to dress appropriately. They suggest long pants, long sleeve shirt, hat, and boots.
You will need to bring plenty of water and a way to carry it into the areas to be searched.
Search team leaders will provide more information for the volunteers prior to the search beginning. The search coordinators have final say on who they can allow to participate. Please ensure you are have reviewed the listed requirements prior to arriving at Delaware school.
FORGIVING JOHN HINCKLEY
Making Sense by Michael Reagan
A federal judge has ruled that John Hinckley Jr., the mentally disturbed man who tried to assassinate my father 35 years ago, will be set free in about a week.
Many people, including members of my own family, think it’s a terrible injustice that Hinckley, now 61, will be allowed to leave the mental hospital and live permanently with his elderly mother in Virginia.
I don’t.
Before I explain, I’d like to remind people of what my father said and did in the days following the events of March 30, 1981.
When I walked into his hospital room the next day and saw my wounded father, the first thing he said to me, after “Good morning,†was “Michael, if you’re ever going to be shot, don’t be wearing a new suit.â€
What? I thought to myself.
“Well, yesterday I was shot.â€
“I know, father. I know.â€
“Well, I was wearing a brand new suit I had just picked up the day before. And I’m telling you, if you’re going to get shot don’t be wearing a new suit.
“When I was on the gurney they cut that suit off me and the last time I saw it it was in shreds in the corner of my hospital room. That’s what they do. They cut it off you.â€
My father was only half done with his story.
“That young man who shot me, John Hinckley Jr., I understand his parents are in the oil biz.â€
“Yes they are, Dad.â€
“I understand they live in Denver.â€
“Yes they do, Dad.
“Do you think they have any money?â€
“Dad,†I said, “they are in the oil business and live in Denver. Of course they have money.â€
My dad looked at me and said, “Well, do you think they’d buy me a new suit?â€
Humor was my dad’s way of making strangers feel comfortable in his presence. He was the same way with his family.
Before my father was well enough to go back to the White House he did something completely serious. He said he had forgiven Hinckley.
Not only that, he wanted to go to meet Hinckley face-to-face and tell him that he had forgiven him.
Hinckley’s doctors didn’t think that was a good idea because Hinckley was too mentally unstable, so it never happened.
But it proves, as I always like to say, that my father didn’t just recite “The Lord’s Prayer,†he lived it.
A lot of people can’t forgive Hinckley even today.
They were shocked in 1981 when he was found not guilty by reason of insanity and they were angry when they found out he’d become eligible for release some day.
Because of Hinckley, the laws were changed. Today if you shoot at the president you stay in prison for life, no matter how crazy you are.
Over the years all of us in the families hurt by Hinckley have watched the courts and doctors slowly but surely release him through the mental health system.
Hinckley’s not a threat to my family or anyone else’s. But he’s not totally free and never will be.
He may not have bars to look through, but he has his own type of jail. People will be watching him all the time. So will the Secret Service.
At first I was very upset and angry when Hinckley got off on the insanity defense. How could a person shoot the president of the United States and be allowed to ever have any freedom at all?
Fifteen years ago I was still angry. But 15 years later I want to be more like my father and have a forgiving heart, not an angry heart.
So at the same time John Hinckley has been set free, maybe I have been too.
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS AGENDA
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
KEVIN WINTERNHEIMER CHAMBERS
ROOM 301, CIVIC CENTER COMPLEX
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2016
12:00 NOON
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. MINUTESJuly 20, 2016
3. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Â Request Re:Â Approve and Execute Park Use Application with Alex Mourer for ParksFest
at Garvin Park September 9 & 10, 2016. – Hayes
4. Â Â Â Â OLD BUSINESS N/A
5. Â Â Â Â NEW BUSINESS
a. Â Request Re:Â Approval for Toast Evansville, LLC to Cater and Provide Alcohol Services for
Thunderbolts Games at Swonder Ice Arena. -Â Brandon/Ashley Hallman
b. Â Request Re:Â Any Other Business the Board Wishes to Consider and Public Comments.
6.    REPORTS
a. Â Danielle Crook, Swonder Ice Arena
b. Â Charlie Mangold, Maintenance
7.    ACCEPTANCE OF PAYROLL AND VENDOR CLAIMS
Â
8.    ADJOURN
EVSC First Day of School Wed., August 10
The first day of the school in the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation is quickly approaching and to help parents get ready, we have compiled a list of important need-to-know information. All the information below can be found online by visiting www.evscschools.com and clicking on “Back to School.†For specific information related to individual schools, parents can visit school websites at www.evscschools.com/schoolname. A Back to School folder can be found under “Parents†on each school website.
Enrollment
Enrollment in the EVSC officially begins Monday, August 1, for the 2016-2017 school year. Students who have never enrolled in the EVSC or who are transferring from another EVSC school, need to enroll at his/her new school before the first day of school.
To enroll, parents/guardians must be present and will need to present a legal birth certificate. Students enrolling in kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before August 1.
Enrollment times for this year are:
August 1: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
August 2: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
August 3 –9 (Monday – Friday): 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
High school enrollment is by appointment only. Please call your student’s school to schedule an appointment.
School Hours
Elementary schools: 8:15 a.m. – 3:10 p.m.
K-8, Middle and High schools: 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
AIS-Diamond Campus: 7:55 a.m. – 1:55 p.m.
AIS-First Avenue Campus: 8 a.m. to 2:55 p.m.
Bus Transportation
Students needing bus transportation for the 2016-2017 school year should receive a postcard in the mail from the Office of Transportation that includes the student’s morning pick up bus number, pick up time and pick up location, if applicable. It also will include the student’s afternoon bus number, drop off time and drop off location.
Parents who have questions after receiving the postcard should call 812-435-1BUS (1287).
Free/Reduced Lunch Applications
Again this year, families wishing to apply for free/reduced lunch and textbooks can do so online which will help speed up the process. To apply online, families should go to www.evscschools.com/family_services and click on “Food and Nutrition,†then “Free & Reduced Lunch.â€
Extended Daycare Applications
Students needing before and/or after-school care can do so through EVSC’s Extended Day Centers. Our Centers are open at 6 a.m. for before school care and again afterschool until 6 p.m. Applications are now available by going to www.evscschools.com/family_services and clicking on “Extended Day Centers.â€
Dress for Success Uniform Policy
A number of EVSC schools have enhanced dress code policies that are designed to keep students focused on classroom activities and make it easier for families to provide school clothing. To see a list of schools and the policy, visit www.evscschools.com/family_services.Â
Textbook Rental and Rates
Textbook invoices are distributed to elementary and middle school families during the first week of school and to high school families in late August/early September. For more information on textbook rental and rates, visit www.evscschools.com/about_us, then click on “Learning Tools & Resources,†then “Rental Rates & Fees.â€