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State Auditor Launches 21st Century Government Transparency Tour

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Joining local business leaders at a Southwest Indiana Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Evansville today, State Auditor Suzanne Crouch launched the21st Century Government Transparency tour. The tour seeks input from the public to improve Indiana’s Transparency Portal, a website administered by the State Auditor’s office that gives Hoosiers the opportunity to see exactly how their tax dollars are being spent.

“After traveling to all 92 counties last year and speaking with individuals across the state, it’s clear Hoosiers want their government to be transparent, accountable, efficient and interactive,” said Auditor Crouch. “I look forward to starting a conversation with everyday Hoosiers and community leaders, as we take our presentation across the state and listen to their ideas for improving Indiana’s Transparency Portal.”
While serving as a State Representative, Crouch advocated for legislation creating the Transparency Portal in 2011. Now as State Auditor, she is charged with maintaining Indiana’s award winning portal. In an effort to increase accountability in government by providing greater access to the state’s financial information, Auditor Crouch is seeking input from members of the community for ways to make it easier for Hoosiers to use and understand the data.

“Once again, Indiana has an opportunity to lead the nation in setting a positive example of good government through this project,” Auditor Crouch said. “Improving access to government data and increasing transparency offers an opportunity for the public, the media, legislators and others to scrutinize State spending and look for ways to increase efficiencies, thus providing a way for the State to save taxpayer dollars. Ultimately, greater transparency will give us a more educated citizenry and a more accountable government.”

Governor’s Office Announces Standing Honors, Public Statehouse Memorial Service for Former Governor Edgar D. Whitcomb

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The Office of Governor Mike Pence announced the following details for the standing honors and a memorial service for former Governor Edgar D. Whitcomb. Governor Mike Pence encourages Hoosiers from around the state to pay tribute to former Governor Whitcomb by signing condolence books at memorial events on Thursday and Friday. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view former Governor Whitcomb’s portrait and bust and learn more about his career and extensive background in public service. In addition, Governor Mike Pence has directed that flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of former Governor Whitcomb’s public memorial, Friday, February 12, to honor former Governor Whitcomb’s military and public service to Indiana and the nation.

Thursday, February 11:

12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST – Members of the Indiana State Police and the Indiana National Guard to hold standing honors for former Governor Whitcomb. Members of the public are welcome to attend to pay respects and sign condolence books.

Statehouse – Rotunda, 200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN

Friday, February 12:

11:15 a.m. EST – Military Department of Indiana Ceremonial Unit Funeral Cortège departs Indiana War Memorial, joined by the Indiana National Guard’s 38th Infantry Division Band and Indiana State Police. Members of the media may attend and shoot B-roll and take pictures; members of the public are asked to join the ceremony at the Statehouse instead of meeting at the Indiana War Memorial.

Indiana War Memorial, 431 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN

*The cortège will travel south on Meridian Street from the Indiana War Memorial, will turn west on Market Street, and then south on Capitol Avenue. Traffic will be restricted on this route, starting at Meridian Street south of Michigan Avenue, beginning at approximately at 10:45 a.m. EST. Capitol Avenue and Washington Street will also be restricted during the 19-Round Howitzer cannon salute towards the end of the memorial ceremony.

11:20 a.m. EST – Cortège will pause on north side of Monument Circle for flyover (weather permitting)

North spoke of Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN

11:30 a.m. EST – Cortège arrives at the south entrance of the Statehouse

Statehouse – South Doors, 200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN

12:00 p.m. EST – Memorial ceremony begins in the rotunda of the Statehouse. Members of the public are welcome to attend the program, pay respects and sign condolence books. Governor Mike Pence, First Lady Karen Pence, and former Governor Whitcomb’s wife Evelyn Whitcomb will lay a wreath at the public memorial.

Statehouse – Rotunda, 200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN

Starting at approximately 12:30/12:45 p.m. EST –19-Round Howitzer cannon salute, 3 Volley Rifle Salute, and military honors on the south lawn of the Statehouse

Statehouse – South Lawn, 200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN

 

Mary Kessler Named UE’s Dean of Education and Health Sciences

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Mary Kessler has been appointed dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences at the University of Evansville, effective March 1.

Kessler began her career at the University in 1991 as a member of the faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy. She also served as that department’s chair for 17 years. Her leadership was instrumental in transitioning UE’s physical therapy program to an entry level doctoral degree program. She also helped develop the University’s AceCARE pro bono physical therapy clinic, and remains the organization’s faculty advisor and a volunteer.

Michael Cullen, senior vice president for academic affairs, noted, “Mary is dedicated to the mission of graduating young men and women who will lead informed, ethical, and productive lives. She is role model for students and faculty.”

“I know that Mary will continue to offer the outstanding leadership and vision that has characterized her career at UE, said UE president Thomas A. Kazee. “We’re fortunate to have someone of her ability, energy, and passion in this position.”

Kessler earned her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Evansville. She earned her master’s in health science, with an emphasis on the treatment of neuromuscular conditions, from the University of Indianapolis.

Kessler has been the recipient of the University’s Global Scholar award, and the Dean’s Teaching Award for her outstanding teaching and work with students. She has also been a recipient of the Berger Award for Scholarly Activity, and the University’s Dean of Students Award for Advisor of the Year.

“I am honored to be able to serve the University in this capacity and to continue to work with the dedicated faculty and students in our College and the University community,” Kessler said. “I am looking forward to continuing to advance the mission of our college and prepare our students to become competent and caring service-oriented professionals.”

She is a member of many professional organizations, including the American Physical Therapy Association, Phi Beta Chi, honorary science fraternity, and the Community Advisory Council for the Indiana University School of Medicine – Evansville Campus.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

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 Below is a list of felony cases that were filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016.

Reginald Wayne Griffin Battery against a public safety official, Level 5 felony

Battery against a disabled person, Level 6 felony

Resisting law enforcement, Level 6 felony

Domestic battery, Class A misdemeanor

Jeffrey Jewel Cunningham Battery in the presence of a child, Level 6 felony

Governor Pence Pleased by Supreme Court Decision to Halt Anti-coal EPA Rule

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Calls Decision “Win for Indiana”

 

Indianapolis – Governor Pence issued the following statement following the Supreme Court’s decision to halt the enforcement of the EPA’s Clean Power Plan while litigation against the rule continues.

 

“Hoosiers know that coal means jobs and low-cost energy for our state, and tonight’s Supreme Court decision to put President Obama’s carbon dioxide regulations on hold is a win for Indiana.  The Clean Power Plan exceeds the authority granted to the EPA under the Clean Air Act, and I am pleased that it will not be enforced while the lawsuit filed by Indiana and 28 other states and state agencies moves through the courts.  Hoosiers may be assured that our state will continue to use every legal means available to fight President Obama’s war on coal.”

 

Governor Pence announced on October 23, 2015 that Indiana would join a coalition of states in challenging the legality of the Clean Power Plan.

Rutkowski Powers IceMen Past Komets in Overtime

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Defenseman nets Evansville’s game-winning goal over Fort Wayne with one minute left in OT

Records:  Evansville: 17-22-4-1; Fort Wayne: 27-14-3-0

Goalies:   FW – Nagle (OTL), 20-8-3-0, 29 saves

               EVN – Greenham (W), 5-3-1-0, 41 saves

Scoring:

1st Period: 1. EVN – Rumble 8 (Leveille, Hobbs, 14:16)

2nd Period:  2. EVN – Hobbs 7 (Sims, Fawcett, 4:18); 3. FW – Embach 22 (PP, Szydlowski, Perlini, 11:08); 4. FW – Cheek 9 (Bourke, Belzile, 15:10)

3rd Period:  No Scoring

Overtime: 5. EVN – Rutkowski 4 (Fawcett, Moon, 4:00)

EVANSVILLE, IN – The Evansville IceMen have turned into the cardiac kids the last two games at the Ford Center. Tuesday, the IceMen knocked off the Midwest Division-leading Fort Wayne Komets 3-2 thanks to a dramatic overtime goal from defenseman Troy Rutkowski. The win follows a thrilling 2-1 shootout victory Saturday over Rapid City.

The Komets outshot Evansville 17-10 in the opening period, but Chris Rumble scored the game’s first goal for the IceMen with a backhander from the point that made it through traffic and past Fort Wayne goalie Pat Nagle late in the frame. Evansville goalie Scott Greenham stopped all 17 Komets shots.

After killing off the first of three Fort Wayne power plays, Danny Hobbs extended Evansville’s lead to 2-0, when he snapped a shot into the top corner 4:18 into the second period. The Komets scored on their second man advantage of the period when Mike Embach corralled a bouncing puck in the slot and fired a shot past Greenham.

Trevor Cheek tied the game for Fort Wayne in the final five minutes of the frame, when Alex Belzile won an offensive zone face-off and Cheek ripped a quick shot over Greenham’s glove.

There were 26 combined shots in the third period, but Greenham and Nagle were up to the task as game headed to 3-on-3 overtime. In the extra period, Troy Rutkowski broke free in front of the Komets net and buried the game-winning goal over Nagle’s glove with one minute left to send the IceMen to their second straight victory. Greenham stopped 41 shots in his fifth win of the season, while Nagle saved 29 in the loss.

The IceMen finish off the week with three games in three days Friday through Sunday. First, Evansville hosts the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:15pm Friday at the Ford Center. The first 1,000 kids under 12 will receive IceMen backpacks, courtesy of Old National Bank.

The IceMen then travel to Cincinnati Saturday for a 7:35pm EST face-off against the Cyclones. Evansville wraps up the weekend on Valentine’s Day Sunday, when the Cyclones come to the Ford Center at 6:15pm.

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Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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

YESTERDAY-Main Street Fire

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One of the costliest fires in Evansville’s history ravaged the 300 block of Main Street on January 2, 1951, destroying businesses and inflicting damage on others. A Walgreens drug store and the Economy Department store were completely leveled before firefighters finished unrolling their hoses. Despite the frigid temperature, intense heat from the inferno caused buildings across the street to burst into flames. Arson was ruled out, and the cause of the fire was attributed to inferior construction methods. A year later, the Evansville Store opened on the site.

FOOTNOTE: 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.

IS IT TRUE FEBRUARY 10, 2016

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IS IT TRUE we would like to see Brad Byrd do the same kind of interview with Jonathon Weaver that he did with Stephanie Brinkerhoff-Riley and John Friend CPA when they faced allegations of improper behavior?…we believe that the allegations made by the Courier and Press Editor Tim Ethridge concerning Weaver behavior are more serious than the ones they faced,? …Missy Mosby stated at Monday night Council meeting that that Mr. Ethridge comments about Mr. Weaver are slanderous? … by Mr. Weaver appearing on the Bryd Byrd show he will be able to defend that the allegations leveled by Courier Editor Tim Ethridge against him are incorrect?

IS IT TRUE our readers are asking about details on the owner of the new hockey team that is to play at the Ford Center?…that we have very little information on Mike Hall? …our readers are curious about the patents he holds and the businesses he has owned? …our readers wonder if he has been vetted properly by the Winnecke administration? …our readers find it is highly unusual that someone with enough personal wealth to own a hockey team is so relatively unknown in the community? …our readers are waiting to hear the details of the agreement, between him and the city and hope they are made public soon?  …some of these questions could had be answered if he would had invited us to his news conference?

IS IT TRUE at the end of the month Special Agents of the Investigations Division of the Office of the Special Inspector General For The Troubled Asset Relief Program located in Washington, D C will also be conducting additional interviews with individuals that had dealings with TARP Funds?  …we won’t be surprised if they decide to ask questions about some financial transactions concerning Evansville Brownfields Corp?

IS IT TRUE that George Lumley attended an open meeting of the Evansville Brownfields Corp. Inc. recently? … EBC, is a not-for-profit corporation operating under IRS Code Section 501c,?   …during this meeting it was mentioned that an audit of the organization was being conducted?  …that Mr. Lumley has informed us that he has information regarding EBC funding sources and disposition of those funds that he would like to provide directly to the “auditors”? …he asked Mr. Coures to provide him with the contact information of the agencies or firms performing any pending audit of the EBC.?  …to date he hasn’t heard from Mr. Coures? …we would highly recommend that Mr. Lumley by-pass DMD Director Kelly Coures and send this information directly to the Special Agents of the Investigations Division of the Office of the Special Inspector General For The Troubled Asset Relief Program located in Washington, D C?

IS IT TRUE we made a correction to  a post we made yesterday concerning John Graybill ?   …the corrected post reads? …Mr. Graybill has apparently been grinding an ax for a number of years with Ron and Gail Riecken and their family over having his boat slip being “reassigned” by the Rieckens and Mr. Graybill decided to take his boat else where? …the reference that Mr. Grayvile was “evicted” from Inland Marina was incorrect?  …Mr. Graybill payments on per both of his contracts were current when he left?  …the City-County Observer is not going to take sides in the Graybill and Riecken dispute because its up to them to work things out?

IS IT TRUE that if the City of Evansville’s books and records are so clean according to the Mayor and his City Controller why does it take one year and two months for the taxpayers to really know the findings of the State Board of Accounts 2014 audit of the City of Evansville?

IS IT TRUE that the candidate for State Representative District 77 Brandon Ferguson has just received a major political endorsement? …that the Plumbers and Steamfitters, Local 136 has just announced that they support Mr. Ferguson State Representative District 77 seat?

IS IT TRUE that we are asking our readers to “like” us on Facebook and encourage friends and family to do so, as well?

Todays “Readers Poll” question is “Do you feel that a one hour speech is worth $625,000?

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

Dr. Bucshon Releases Statement on LG Announcement

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(WASHINGTON, DC) – Eighth District Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. released the following statement after Governor Mike Pence announced his intention to appoint Eric Holcomb to replace current Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann:

 

“Sue Ellspermann is a good friend and tremendous advocate for Southern Indiana. I am confident that Hoosiers will continue to benefit from her leadership and service, and I look forward to working with her in the years to come,” said Bucshon.

 

“As the governor said today, Eric Holcomb is uniquely qualified to hit the ground running on day one. Not to mention, his experience serving the constituents of Indiana’s 8th District under Congressman John Hostettler is a bonus. I look forward to working with Eric as he and Governor Pence continue Indiana’s record of success.”x

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