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Aces fall to Kent State in Kokomo 

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KOKOMO, Ind. – Five early runs from Kent State on Tuesday night would prove all the Golden Flashes would need as the University of Evansville baseball team dropped a 6-3 decision in a neutral site contest at Kokomo Municipal Stadium.

“We just couldn’t get a big inning, and that’s been important for us this season,” UE head coach Wes Carroll said. “We hit into four double plays, and that was really the difference in the game. We created some opportunities, but we just couldn’t get the big hit to drive in the runs.”

Zach Beckner started things off quickly for the Golden Flashes (14-5) as he laced a one-out single to right in the bottom of the first, and Dylan Rosa followed up later in the frame with a two-run blast to center to put the Aces (9-10) down 2-0 after the first frame.

A Jonathan Ramon error would come back to haunt the Aces in the next frame as a two-out Luke Burch triple and Zarley Zalewski double brought home three more runs to make it 5-0.

Alex Weigand, who picked up his first loss on the year, was credited for all five runs but only two were earned. He would leave the mound in the fourth after surrendering six hits and striking out two.

UE got on the board for the first time with a Boomer Synek double in the fifth, and he’d bring another home with a fielder’s choice in his next at-bat in the seventh to cut the deficit to three.

Josh Jyawook drove in another in the eighth, but the Golden Flashes answered in the bottom half of the frame to maintain the three-run cushion.

Both Jyawook and Synek finished the day with two hits apiece, and overall, UE and KSU both ended with 10 hits.

The Aces will be back in action on Thursday evening as the team will begin a three-game set against Eastern Kentucky in Richmond, Ky.

NOTES: UE is 2-3 in midweek games this season … Since 1978, the Aces are 52-26 against schools that hail from the state of Ohio … Tuesday marked the first-ever meeting between UE and KSU, and the game represented the fourth this season against a MAC opponent … Earlier this month, the Aces swept Northern Illinois.

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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http://www.vanderburghsheriff.com/recent-booking-records.aspx

IS IT TRUE MARCH 23, 2016

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IS IT TRUE it looks we. started a firestorm by inquiring about the annual salaries paid to the CEO positions of St Mary’s and Deaconess Hospitals? …over the last several months some of our readers have been pushing us to find out how much these positions  are paid annually? …posted below are the links of the 2013 990 Federal Tax Returns that show the CEO’S of our local hospitals could be making around $1.5 million dollars a year?

IS IT TRUE we know that hard facts speak for themselves? …we have attached links of the 2013 tax returns for St Mary’s and Deaconess Hospitals for you review?

LINK OF ST MARY’S 990 TAX EXEMPT REPORT FOR INCOME TAX FOR 2013

 http://990s.foundationcenter.org/990_pdf_archive/350/350869065/350869065_201406_990.pdf?_ga=1.261447373.1392677525.1456252802

LINK OF DEACONESS 990 TAX EXEMPT REPORT FOR INCOME TAX FOR 2013

http://990s.foundationcenter.org/990_pdf_archive/350/350593390/350593390_201409_990.pdf?_ga=1.41844321.2138777471.1456258981

IS IT TRUE according to 2014 data released by the Social Security Administration that 24,140 individuals in the United States had a reported income between $1,500,000. and $1,999,999.? …it looks like both CEO”S  positions of St Mary’s and Deaconess Hospital are in this group”?

IS IT TRUE this post has nothing to do with the individuals that are CEO’S at St Mary’s or Deaconess Hospitals but has to do with the positions?  …we also are extremely pleased with the quality of health care that both institutions provide to our community?  …our only question is do you feel that CEO”S  positions at St Mary’s and Deaconess Hospitals should be paid (in 2013) around $1.5 million dollars a year?  ……we wonder what these positions are being paid in 2016?

IS IT TRUE the question of yesterdays “Readers Poll” question was If the Republican primary was held today for Vanderburgh County Commissioner who would you vote for?  …the results are as follows: Cheryl Musgrave 252, Brenda Bergwitz-100 and Alexander Schmitt-60 votes?

FOOTNOTES: Our next “IS IT TRUE” will be posted on this coming Friday?

Please take time and read our newest feature article entitled “HOT JOBS”posted in this section are from Evansville proper.

If you would like to advertise in the CCO please contact us citycountyobserver@live.com

Todays “Readers Poll” question is: Do you feel that the CEO positions at our local hospitals should be paid $1.5 million plus annually?

Copyright 2015 City County Observer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed

Official Media Statement: Vectren Retirement Benefits Legal Matter

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Official Media Statement: Vectren Retirement Benefits Legal Matter

On March 12, 2015, a lawsuit was filed by 17 current or former Vectren employees, all of whom were also former non-bargaining unit employees of Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company, Inc. (“SIGECO”). The employees assert, among other things, that nearly 15 years ago they were not provided full and sufficient information to make an informed decision when choosing whether to have their retirement benefits calculated under their current benefit formula or an alternative formula.

SIGECO became a Vectren subsidiary in 2000. Shortly thereafter, the SIGECO retirement plan for non-bargaining unit employees (“SIGECO plan”) was merged into the Vectren Combined Non-bargaining Retirement Plan. Before the plan merger, participants in the SIGECO plan, including the employees filing suit, were given the option of having their future benefits calculated under the existing SIGECO plan formula or through Vectren’s cash balance plan formula, which included an increased level of company contributions into the employee’s 401(k) plan. Of approximately 365 eligible participants, around 160, including the 17 employees filing suit, chose the new cash balance formula, which was a competitive, market-based plan that, unlike the SIGECO plan, offered portability should the employee choose to leave the company prior to retirement age. In the 15 years since the choice was made, two recessions and historically low interest rates have resulted in lower benefits under the cash balance formula.

As Plan administrator, Vectren fully investigated the employees’ claims and confirmed that before making their election, participants were provided with detailed written information about their options, and this information warned them that estimates included with the information were based on stated assumptions and not a guarantee of future benefits. The information demonstrated that an employee who intended to remain with the company until at least age 55 likely fared better under the SIGECO plan formula. In addition, in-person informational sessions were held to allow participants to ask questions regarding their choices. Participants were also encouraged to seek independent financial advice as to the best choice for them. Finally, participants who chose the cash balance formula had to do so by signing a form indicating their desire to opt into the cash balance formula. This same process and information led roughly 205 participants to stay with the existing SIGECO plan formula.

Vectren appreciates that the individuals who filed this suit may regret their decision to opt into the cash balance formula in light of economic conditions over the last 15 years. However, in its role as Plan administrator, it found no basis for allowing those employees to avoid the consequences of their choice and intends to defend this suit accordingly. While Vectren remains committed to providing the competitive compensation and benefits needed to attract and retain our high-quality workforce, we cannot control the consequences of the economy. We look forward to resolving this issue and moving forward in a positive manner with all parties involved.

Indiana Eighth Congressional District Primary Election Candidate Debate‏

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Indiana Eighth Congressional District Primary Election Candidate Debate‏ Invitation From Tea Party Group

To: Nick McGee
jim.bratten@gmail.com

Nick,

I sent a request for feedback on this topic (asking yes or no) last week, pertaining to a debate among the primary candidates for the Eighth, through Congressman Bucshon’s campaign website, and have yet to receive an answer. I also sent the request to bucshonforcongress@gmail.com (older address I had) and also have received no response. In addition, I inquired at the Congressman’s district office; they referred me to the website.

As the Congressman’s time is limited, only back here in the district for short periods, and I noticed he will be in town next week, yesterday a date and location to hold a short debate was secured. Would Congressman Bucshon be interested in partaking in a debate on the issues we face heading into this election with the other candidate(s) running for the office?

The date is next Wednesday, March 30, 2016. The place is the Eykamp Scout Center, 3501 E. Lloyd Expressway, Evansville.

Refreshments will be served in the reception area outside the meeting room at 6:00 p.m. The debate will begin at 6:30 p.m. and finish at 8:00 p.m.

Please let me know at your earliest if Congressman Bucshon is available to participate.

Much appreciated and thank you for your consideration.

In Liberty,

Jim Bratten
​jim.bratten@gmail.com

Supreme Court: Consolidating Precincts Is Not Unconstitutional

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Supreme Court: Consolidating Precincts Is Not Unconstitutional

Scott Roberts for www.theindianalawyer.com

The Indiana Supreme Court ruled an effort to consolidate small Lake County precincts to reduce election costs was not unconstitutional, finding it is neither an impermissible special law nor a violation of the separation of powers doctrine.

The case, State of Indiana v. John Buncich, in his capacity as chairman of the Lake County Democratic Central Committee, et al., 45S00-1409-PL-587, came on direct appeal from the Lake Circuit Court under Indiana Appellate Rule 4(A)(1)(b). The court ruled 4-1 in the decision, with Justice Robert Rucker dissenting in a separate opinion.

The Indiana General Assembly enacted Indiana Code 3-11-1.5-3.4, which aimed to reduce the cost of elections by consolidating small precincts, defined as those with 500 active voters or fewer. Of the county’s 525 precincts, 130 fell into the category at the time.

A small precinct committee was formed in Lake County to identify the precincts, determine potential cost savings, and see who could be joined together. This would also mean some recently elected committeepersons would lose their jobs. The Lake County Democratic Central Committee and five Democratic precinct committeepersons sought declaratory judgment and an injunction, saying the statute was unconstitutional as special legislation under Article 4, Section 23 of the Indiana Constitution and violated the separation of powers doctrine recognized in Article 3, Section 1.

The trial court granted LCDCC’s motion to consolidate a ruling on the merits, saying all Indiana counties have small precincts and have an interest in consolidating precincts, and there are no unique circumstances that justify the application of the statute to just Lake County. The court also ruled the statute violated Article 3, Section 1. The state appealed.

Justice Mark Massa wrote the decision for the majority and said the LCDCC did not carry its burden of proof in the case. Because Lake County has more small precincts than the next seven counties combined, Massa said the legislation was justified. “Because the rest of the counties in the state have significantly fewer small precincts, we decline to second-guess the legislature’s decision not to set up a small precinct committee in counties that don’t need it,” Massa wrote.

Massa said the statute also does not offend Indiana’s separation of powers doctrine. The precinct committeepersons do not perform a state government function, but are bound to their precinct, and the separation of powers clause only applies to those who perform a state government function.

Rucker dissented, writing speculations on what the Legislature could have found should not substitute for actual findings. He said the state’s arguments that the reducing the number of small precincts likely leads to administrative efficiencies and the Lake County Board of Elections and Registration’s estimate it carried substantial financial burden does not mean it actually did, and the court should not make its decision on those claims without solid proof.

Also Rucker, who grew up in Gary, is concerned about the effect the statute will have on voting strength. Many of the precincts that will be eliminated are in the Gary area, which will give that city less say in county elections. While it’s not required a city has so much sway, Rucker wrote, it does give disparate treatment the justices are trying to avoid and has many political implications.

St. Mary’s Hospital for Women & Children Birth Records

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St. Mary’s Hospital for Women & Children Birth Records

Cassaundra and James Carter Jr., Haubstadt, Ind., son, Henry Lee, Mar. 13

Emma and Stephen Garcia, Mount Carmel, Ill., daughter, Sophie Claire, Mar. 13

Timmyra Wallis and Max Calvert, Evansville, daughter, Myleigh Victoria Rae, Mar. 13

Courtney and Adam Brock, Haubstadt, Ind., son, Everett John, Mar. 14

Madison Eagan and Ronald Benedict, Evansville, daughter, Riley Shae, Mar. 14

Lindsey and Josh Summers, Eldorado, Ill., son, Remington Rocco, Mar. 15

Joy and Justin Bingman, Evansville, daughter, Selah Grace, Mar. 15

Therese Porter, Evansville, daughter, Rowan Elyse, Mar. 15

Nicole and Brandon Pettit, Rockport, Ind., son, Zylan Lee, Mar. 15

Elizabeth Swanson and Daniel Dudley, Mount Carmel, Ill., son, Jonah Michael, Mar. 15

Nicole and James Carrie, Vincennes, Ind., son, Owen James, Mar. 16

Skylar Wiethop and Tyler VanBibber, Evansville, son, Jasper Grayson, Mar. 16

Emily Johnson and James Sweeney, Evansville, son, Keagan James, Mar. 16

Mary and Kenneth Horn, Newburgh, Ind., son, Michael Anthony, Mar. 17

Jennifer Batteese and Jerrod Reid, Carmi, Ill., daughter, Hadlee Nicole, Mar. 17

Mary Stanley and Zachary Hicks, Chandler, Ind., son, Garrett Zhayne, Mar. 18

AG Zoeller files lawsuits against four auto dealers for failing to deliver titles to customers, other deceptive acts 

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Auto complaints to AG’s Office more common than any other retail category

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller today filed lawsuits against four auto dealers and their owners accused of failing to deliver customers’ vehicle titles and other deceptive acts. The auto dealers – all of which have gone out of business – were located in Fort Wayne, Fortville and Indianapolis.

Zoeller said without a vehicle title, it is impossible to obtain a state vehicle registration in order to operate a vehicle legally.

“The 48 Hoosiers impacted in these cases spent thousands of dollars on cars which they now can’t prove they own,” Zoeller said. “This can be a common problem, especially when used auto dealers go out of business. Our office is able to step in to help these customers get what they purchased.”

He said his priority with these legal actions is to secure the titles for these consumers as quickly as possible.

In lawsuits filed today, Zoeller alleges the following former auto dealers violated Indiana’s Deceptive Consumer Sales Act, and he seeks restitution for impacted customers – including title delivery – in addition to investigative costs and civil penalties.

  • Prestige Auto in Fortville, lawsuit filed in Hancock County court – Accused of failure to deliver titles to at least 10 customers and failure to provide a purchased warranty to one customer. According to the lawsuit, Prestige also agreed to pay-off remaining loan amounts on three trade-in vehicles, which they never did, resulting in the consumers facing repayment on loans of $23,800 and $3,500 after purchasing their new vehicles.
  • AnyCredit Auto Superstore Inc. in Fort Wayne, lawsuit filed in Allen County court –Accused of failure to deliver titles to at least 10 customers, misrepresenting the price of a vehicle and failure to perform repairs on a vehicle it represented it would perform.
  • Southport Motors in Indianapolis, lawsuit filed in Marion County court – Accused of failure to deliver 21 titles to customers. Additionally, Southport failed to pay off the remaining loan balance on one customer’s trade-in vehicle in the amount of $16,500.
  • US Fleet Liquidators LLC in Indianapolis, lawsuit filed in Marion County court – Accused of failure to deliver titles to 7 customers.

Under state law, car dealers and individuals from whom a customer has purchased a vehicle are required to deliver the title to the purchaser at the time of sale or delivery or within 21 days of the date of the sale.

Often, the titles to the cars sitting on the lots of used car dealers are owned by a “floor planner” not the dealer. When a customer purchases a car from the dealer, the dealer must pay a portion of that money to the “floor planner” who would then transfer the title to the customer. In cases like these, the auto dealer continues to sell cars but stops paying the “floor planner” for the titles, leaving the customer high and dry.

In recent years, the Attorney General’s Office has filed lawsuits regarding title non-delivery in 20 cases, and has resolved numerous other such cases without the need for litigation.

Top complaint area

The Attorney General’s Office receives more auto sales complaints each year than any other retail category, with 1,340 such complaints filed in 2015.

“Each year, auto sales complaints flood into my office,” Zoeller said. “The reality is car buyers will always be at a disadvantage because the seller has more information about the cars and may be in a position to deceive. Car buyers need to know and understand their rights and practice smart strategies to avoid getting scammed.”

This week, March 6-12, is National Consumer Protection Week, aimed at educating the public about fraud, scams and strategies to avoid becoming a victim.

Zoeller said his office recently created the Auto Buyer’s Bill of Rights to educate consumers and provide a helpful guide for those making a vehicle purchase, whether new or used. He is calling on the auto industry to also alert consumers of their rights and place a higher emphasis on consumer protection.

In 2015, the Attorney General’s Office took legal action against 13 auto dealers in Indiana for deceptive practices and secured more than $1.1 million in consumer restitution.

More tips for consumers when purchasing a car can be found here.

Zoeller thanked Deputy Attorneys General Steven Frank, Ruth Rivera, Martha Showers and Mark Snodgrass for their work on these cases.

IceMen Make Final Trip to Missouri

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IceMen Make Final Trip to Missouri

Evansville IceMen (26-29-6-2) vs. Missouri Mavericks (48-10-3-2)

Wednesday, March 23rd – 7:05pm

Silverstein Eye Centers Arena – Independence, MO

Broadcast: www.evansvilleicemen.com and ECHL.TV (away audio), Coverage starts at 6:50pm.

 PREVIOUS MEETINGS

This Season – Sixth meeting of six.

  • 12/2 – Mavericks won 3-0 (in Evansville)
  • 1/2 – Mavericks won 4-3, OT (in Evansville)
  • 1/26 – Mavericks won 6-5, OT (in Missouri)
  • 2/20 – Mavericks won 4-3, OT (in Missouri)
  • 2/21 – IceMen won 2-1 (in Missouri)

Last Season 

  • IceMen were 1-0-0 against the Mavericks

All Time, including in CHL (2010-12):

  • IceMen are 3-5-5 against the Mavericks

 THIS WEEK

Wed. 3/23 – Evansville at Missouri (7:05pm) – Silverstein Eye Centers Arena

Fri. 3/25 – Evansville at Quad City (7:05pm) – iWireless Center

Sat. 3/26 – Evansville at Fort Wayne (7:30pm EST) – Memorial Coliseum

FINAL HOME GAMES

Fri. 4/1 – Cincinnati at Evansville (7:15pm) – Ford Center

                        Autism Awareness Night

Sat. 4/2 – Tulsa at Evansville (7:15pm) – Ford Center

                        Home Finale – TRCI Mini Stick Giveaway – Zooperstars

COMEBACK KIDS

Trailing by two goals in the third period Sunday against Cincinnati, the Evansville IceMen scored twice in the final seven minutes to force overtime, and eventually won the game 6-5 in a shootout. Rookie defenseman Curtis Leonard scored his first pro goal, before first-year forward Alex Wideman tied the game with less than four minutes to play. Wideman and Tyson Fawcett scored in the shootout, while Scott Greenham stopped both Cyclones shooters.

WELCOME BACK, SEABASS

IceMen forward Sebastian Strandberg returned to the lineup Saturday in Toledo after missing 12 games with an injury. The native of Visingso, Sweden picked up two assists in Evansville’s 3-1 win against the Walleye, and added a highlight reel goal in Sunday’s 6-5 shootout win over Cincinnati.

DOWN THE STRETCH THEY COME

Evansville hits the road for three games this week still in pursuit of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The IceMen are eight points behind the Quad City Mallards with nine games left in the regular season. The road trip starts in Independence, MO for the final meeting of the season with the top-ranked Missouri Mavericks on Wednesday at 7:05pm. The IceMen then face the Mallards one last time Friday at 7:05pm in Moline, IL, and wrap up the trip Saturday in Fort Wayne at 7:30pm EST.

ONE MO MAVS

The IceMen meet Missouri one last time Wednesday at 7:05pm at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena, where Evansville beat the Mavericks 2-1 in their last matchup February 21. Next to Tulsa, Evansville has had the most success against Missouri, with a record of 1-1-3 in five meetings. The Mavericks have already locked up the Central Division and top seed in the Western Conference playoffs, and reached 101 points with a win Sunday at Wichita. Missouri is without top scorer Jesse Root for the rest of the season, and went 2-2-0 last week.

AUTISM AWARENESS NIGHT – APRIL 1ST

The IceMen only have two home games remaining at the Ford Center. Evansville hosts the Cincinnati Cyclones on Friday, April 1 at 7:05pm on Autism Awareness Night. Representatives from Inspiring Autism Spectrum Families will be in attendance and have a booth on the concourse with information to raise awareness, and the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive bandanas.

FRIDAY HAT PACKS

Get a ticket and a limited edition IceMen hat for only $20 for the game Friday, April 1 against the Cincinnati Cyclones at 7:05pm. This is the final Friday game of the season, and the last chance to take advantage of this offer. Call the IceMen front office at 812-421-GOAL (4625) for details.

 

Evansville plays its final game at the Ford Center Saturday, April 2 at 7:05pm against the Tulsa Oilers. As a part of “Memories Weekend”, the IceMen will celebrate memories of the organization’s eight years in Evansville from the AAHL days, to the CHL to the ECHL, including the team’s Davidson Cup Championship in 2010. The first 1,000 fans into the arena will receive team autographed mini goalie sticks, presented by TRCI.

ZOOPERSTARS RETURN

Saturda, April 2 also marks the much anticipated return of the ZOOperstars, when the IceMen take on Tulsa at 7:05pm at the Ford Center for the Home Finale. Dance along with the likes of “Mario Lemule”, “Whale Gretzky” and “Squidney Crosby” as they perform during the first and second intermission. For more information about the ZOOperstars or to see a sample video of one of their performances, visit: http://www.zooperstars.com/top-intermission-entertainment-act-for-nhl-minor-league-hockey.html

Visit us at www.evansvilleicemen.com, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @EvvIceMen for more information about your hometown professional hockey team.

 

Master Trooper Mike Meinczinger Promoted to Sergeant

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Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter has announced the promotion of Master Trooper Michael J. Meinczinger to the rank of Sergeant to serve as the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program Grant and Training Administrator.

Meinczinger is a native of Greenwood, Indiana and a 1991 graduate of Center Grove High School. While studying criminal justice at IUPUI, he began working as a telecommunications operator for the Indiana State Police in 1992 and eventually was promoted to telecommunications supervisor in 1998. Meinczinger was chosen to attend the 57th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy beginning in January of 1999.  June 13, 1999 upon graduating from the Indiana State Police Academy he was assigned to the Putnamville Post to patrol Hendricks County.  In 2003, Meinczinger transferred back to his home district of Indianapolis to patrol Johnson County, and is most recently assigned to the day shift on the west side of Marion County.

Meinczinger is a field training officer, report management systems (RMS) trainer and a level 2 certified commercial vehicle inspector.  Mike currently resides in Hendricks County with his wife and five children.

Sergeant Meinczinger will be assigned to the Indiana State Police Commercial Enforcement Division (CVED) to facilitate the Federal Safety Assistance Program Grant (MCSAP) and coordinate Training for CVED personnel and Troopers. He will be responsible for reviewing, maintaining and filing all reports associated with the MCSAP Grant, as well as seeking new grant opportunities for the division.

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