Governor Pence to Sign BMV Overhaul, Supporting Women Leaders Bills Into Law Today
Will also join city of Shelbyville for an economic development announcement
Governor Mike Pence will join Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Greenwood staff, legislators and regional leadership to sign House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1087 to streamline and simplify the agency’s operations. Later in the morning, he will join executives from a leading agriculture equipment company for an economic development announcement involving the company’s plans to relocate to Indiana. In the evening, Governor Pence will attend the Lugar Series Spring Reception to sign HEA 1173 to support women leaders. Details below.
Thursday, March 24:
9:40 a.m. EDT – Governor Pence to sign HEA 1087 to overhaul the BMV
*Media are welcome to attend.
Greenwood BMV –  349 S. Washington St., Greenwood, IN
11:00 a.m. EDT – Governor Pence to join executives from a leading agriculture equipment company for an economic development announcement involving the company’s plans to relocate to Indiana
*Media are welcome to attend.
Shelbyville City Hall –  44 W. Washington St., Shelbyville, IN
6:00 p.m. EDT – Governor Pence to sign HEA 1173 to support women leaders
*Media are welcome to attend.
Ivy Tech – 2820 N. Meridian St. (2nd floor), Indianapolis, IN
Pence Approves Mandatory Minimums For Drug Dealing
Pence Approves Mandatory Minimums For Drug Dealing
by Marilyn Odendal for wwww.theindianalawyer.com
Gov. Mike Pence toughened sentences for drug dealers Monday, signing legislation that would mandate repeat offenders serve at least 10 years if their crime involves methamphetamine or heroin.
The measure, House Enrolled Act 1235, was included in a bill-signing ceremony the governor held this morning at Hope Academy in Indianapolis, a high school for students recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.
“Drug abuse problems are not unique to our state, but I’m determined to meet this challenge head-on here in Indiana,†Pence said. “To start, I believe that any strategy to address drug abuse must start with enforcement. We need to make it clear that Indiana will not tolerate the actions of criminals, and I’m pleased to sign into law HEA 1235 to increase penalties on drug dealers.â€
The other three bills Pence signed focused on treatment and were based on recommendations from the Governor’s Task Force on Drug Enforcement, Treatment and Prevention. All coming from the Senate, the measures were:
•   SEA 271, which repeals the Commission for a Drug Free Indiana and establishes the Indiana Commission to combat Drug Abuse;
•   SEA 187, which issues a statewide standing order for overdose intervention drugs, such as naloxone, and is expected to increase access to the medication; and
•   SEA 297, which requires Medicaid coverage for inpatient treatment of opioid or alcohol dependence.
HEA 1235 was authored by Rep. Greg Steuerward, the architect of the state’s criminal code reform that took effect July 1, 2014. The bill prohibits a judge from suspending the sentence if the offender has been convicted of a Level 2 controlled substance felony that involves meth or heroin and has a prior conviction for dealing. These felons will now have to serve a minimum of 10 years in state prison.
An analysis by the Legislative Services Agency noted the bill would not significantly increase the Department of Correction’s population. Of the 119 offenders sentenced to DOC as Level 2 felons since July 2014, only 14 had prior convictions for dealing in either cocaine, heroin or meth. And of those 14, four offenders received a sentence of less than the minimum of 10 years.
Still, the Indiana State Bar Association’s Criminal Justice Section and the Indiana Judicial Conference along with the Indiana Public Defender Council spoke out against HEA 1235. They argued the state should continue to emphasize treatment over incarceration and give judges the freedom to impose the sentences they believe are appropriate.
The bill also drew opposition from legislators. Although mostly Democrats voted against the measure, some Republicans, including Sens. Luke Kenley and Pete Miller and Reps. Robert Behning and Dave Wolkins, also cast no votes.
Still awaiting the governor’s signature is Steuerwald’s funding bill, HB 1102, which allows the DOC to make grants of up to $11 million total to county jails for mental health and addiction treatment. The money is coming from savings realized because the criminal code reform is lowering the state prison population by keeping lower-level offenders in the county jails where they can participate in treatment and rehabilitation programs.
Key provisions in the measure emphasize cooperation among the agencies and programs serving offenders. Under the bill, the DOC must coordinate with the Division of Mental Health and Addiction. Also, the counties that seek financial aid must have a plan of collaboration among the probation department and community corrections program along with other local criminal justice agencies such as the courts, prosecuting attorneys and public defenders.
The bill gained overwhelming bipartisan support with the lone no vote coming from Kenley.
Greenham Shines as IceMen Earn a Point in Missouri
Evansville goalie stops 42, as IceMen take Mavericks to the brink but fall in overtime.)
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| Scoring | 1 | 2 | 3 | OT | Final |
| Evansville | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Missouri | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Shots | 1 | 2 | 3 | OT | Total |
| Evansville | 7 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 22 |
| Missouri | 11 | 18 | 12 | 3 | 44 |
| Â | PP | Penalties |
| Evansville | 1/3 | 9 for 21 minutes |
| Missouri | 1/6 |
7 for 28 minutes
|
Records:Â Â Evansville: 26-29-7-2; Missouri: 49-10-3-2
Goalies: MO – Robinson (W), 26-1-0-1, – saves, 1 GA
EVN – Greenham (OTL), 10-6-2-1, 42 saves, 42 GA
Scoring:
1st Period: No Scoring
2nd Period: 1. EVN – Sims 16 (PP, Rumble, 17:41)
3rd Period: 2. MO – Dziurzynski 22 (Courtney, 19:41)
Overtime: 3. MO – Holmstrom 15 (Carzo, 1:32)
INDEPENDENCE, MO – The Evansville IceMen had the Missouri Mavericks on the brink of their first shutout of the season Wednesday at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena, but the Mavericks scored a power play goal with 19 seconds left to force overtime and won the game 2-1 just 1:32 into the extra period.
Missouri outshot Evansville 11-7 in a scoreless first period, as the Mavericks were unsuccessful on the only power play of the frame. IceMen goalie Scott Greenhamstopped 11 shots, and Mavericks goaltender Josh Robinson stopped seven attempts.
Mavericks defenseman C.J. Ludwig was given a game misconduct midway through the second period for an open-ice elbow to the head of IceMen forward Ryan Penny, who did not return. Late in the frame, Jordan Sims broke the scoreless tie, when he snapped a power play goal over Robinson’s glove into the top of the net with 2:19 left.
The IceMen fought hard to preserve the 1-0 lead through the third period, but with a late power play, Missouri’s Darian Dziurzynski spoiled the shutout with a goal on the doorstep with 19 seconds to play. In overtime, after the Mavericks failed to convert on the second part of the double-minor, Josh Holmstrom ripped a wrist shot under the cross bar at even strength to give Missouri its fourth overtime win over the IceMen this season.
Greenham stopped a season-high 42 shots in the overtime loss, while Robinson stopped 21. With the single point, Evansville moves within seven points of the Quad City Mallards for eighth place in the Western Conference standings with eight games remaining.
The IceMen next travel to Moline, IL for the final meeting with the Quad City Mallards at 7:05pm CST Friday at iWireless Center. The team wraps up the week with a 7:30pm EST Saturday contest against the Fort Wayne Komets at Memorial Coliseum.
NEXT 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
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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
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.
“MEMORIES WEEKEND†– HOME FINALE – APRIL 2nd
Evansville plays its final game at the Ford Center Saturday, April 2 at 7:05pm against the Tulsa Oilers. As a part of “Memories Weekendâ€, 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 Lemuleâ€, “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
Adopt A Pet
 Jefferson is a 1-year-old male chocolate American Staffordshire terrier mix, also known as a “pit bull!†Like many pit bull-type dogs, he scored a GREEN on his temperament test which is the best rating possible. It means he’d do great in a household with kids of any age! He also does well with other dogs. Jefferson has lots of energy and needs an active family. He’s $100, neutered, and ready to go home TODAY. Call (812) 426-2563 or visit www.vhslifesaver.org for adoption details!
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VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES
 Below is a list of the felony cases filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office today.
David Wayne Clark Sr. Invasion of privacy, Level 6 felony
Terry Delane McNary Possession of methamphetamine, Level 3 felony
Possession of cocaine, Level 6 felony
Possession of a narcotic drug, Level 6 felony
Katlynn Michelle Orange Dealing in methamphetamine, Level 4 felony
Possession of a synthetic drug or synthetic drug look-alike substance, Class A misdemeanor
Possession of a controlled substance, Class A misdemeanor
Christopher Edward Robertson Domestic battery, Level 6 felony
Charles Edward Smith Battery resulting in serious bodily injury, Level 5 felony
Battery, Class B misdemeanor
Kyla Dorisann Krueger Theft, Level 6 felony
Criminal trespass, Class A misdemeanor
Shane Garrett McCool Domestic battery, Class A misdemeanor
Intimidation, Level 6 felony
Strangulation, Level 6 felony
Samantha Michelle Utley Operating a vehicle while intoxicated, Level 6 felony
Helfrich Park Caddies
These caddies pose in Helfrich Park in 1936, a little more than a decade after the large tract of land northwest of St. Joseph Avenue and Maryland Street was developed for recreational use. The city acquired the property in 1922 from West Side businessman Michael Helfrich, and two years later, the park formally opened. To encourage public use, the park featured tennis courts, football and baseball fields, and an 18-hole golf course. Recreational development of the area continued, and by the end of the decade, Mesker Zoo opened just north of the park.
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.
Board of Commissioners of Vanderburgh County will conduct an annual road hearing
The Board of Commissioners of Vanderburgh County will conduct an annual road hearing on Tuesday, April 19th following the County Commissioners meeting at 4:00 pm in room 301 of the Civic Center, 1 NW MLK Blvd.
This public forum will provide citizens with information on road projects scheduled for 2016 and allow citizens to identify specific county roads to be included in the 2016 paving list.
Residents who wish to address the Board with specific road concerns or suggestions are asked to contact the County Commissioners office prior to April 12th so the issue can be investigated prior to the meeting. The Commissioners Office can be reached at 435-5241 between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm or you can email your concerns or suggestions to commissioners@vanderburghgov.org.
The County Highway Superintendent and the County Engineer will also be on hand to field questions relating to county road projects.
Governor Pence to Sign Road Funding, Regional Cities Bills Into Law
Will also recognize donation of 50 automatic external defibrillators to Indiana State Police
Indianapolis – Tomorrow, Governor Mike Pence will recognize the private foundation Bolt for the Heart for its donation of 50 automatic external defibrillators to the Indiana State Police. Following, he will travel to Westfield to ceremonially sign House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1001 and Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 67, which provide more than $1.2 billion in new road and bridge funding and funding for the third Regional Cities award. Later in the day, he will join regional leadership in Fort Wayne to sign HEA 1001 and SEA 67 into law. Details below.
Wednesday, March 23:
10:00 a.m. EDT – Governor Pence to recognize Bolt for the Heart’s donation of 50 automatic external defibrillators to Indiana State Police
*Media are welcome to attend.
Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indiana Farm Bureau Building – 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN
11:30 a.m. EDT – Governor Pence to ceremonially sign road funding, regional cities bills (HEA 1001 and SEA 67)
*Media are welcome to attend.
Grand Park Administration Building –  711 E. 191st St., Westfield, IN (parking lot B)
2:30 p.m. EDT – Governor Pence to sign road funding, regional cities bills (HEA 1001 and SEA 67)
*Media are welcome to attend.
Allen County Court House Rotunda –  715 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, IN