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IS IT TRUE JANUARY 5, 2016
IS IT TRUE that last nights City Council meeting was a major public relations disaster? Â …in our 15 years of following City Council meetings we never seen anything like this before? Â …City Council President Missy Mosby allowed the organizational meeting of the newly elected City Council to turn into a three ring political circus from the onset? Â …we are ashamed that seemly intelligent newly elected City Council members would sit and allow their first City Council meeting to turn into full blown political and public relations disaster without asking one question?
IS IT TRUE we agree with 4th Ward City Council member Connie Robinson comments that Police Merit Commission appointment vote was rigged from the start?
IS IT TRUE we also agree with Rev. Brooks statement that “the relationship between the poor and minority community with the City Administration will suffer because of the actions taken at last night City Council meeting”?
IS IT TRUE when local race relations go South we hope the citizens of Evansville will give proper credit to the FOP and some of our our newly elected City Council members for allowing this to happen?  …in fact, we were told by friends of the black community what happened at last nights City Council meeting has set race relations in Evansville back 20 years?
IS IT TRUEÂ City Councilwoman Robinson said that she’s concerned that members of the FOP and the EPD Â may try to cause her future problems? Â …she also stated if the FOP and EPD try to cause her problems she shall contact the United States Civil Rights Commission signal a new low for race relations in Evansville?
IS IT TRUE we have no idea who the newly elected Police Merit Commissioner Brandon Scott is?  … that its alleged that Brandon Scott works for 10 Adams advertising agency? …it was reported when Mr. Scott was asked to comment on his appointment  by a Courier & Press reporter he declined to comment?  …it was reported that he also declined to allow a reporter to take his photo?  … he allegedly said he wouldn’t be willing to talk to reporters about his appointment to the Evansville Police Merit Commission?  …all we can say is we believe that local main stream media will dog Mr. Scott for answers about his background until they get answers?  …this is definitely a developing story?
IS IT TRUE we were told that a newly elected City Council member told Rev Brooks they felt that a younger person should serve on the Evansville Police Merit Commission is an insult to every Senior Citizens of this community?
IS IT TRUE does anyone know anything about the background of Dave Clark the newly appointed member of the ERC?
IS IT TRUE we hear other Federal agencies may take an interest in how Indiana expends it’s Federal Tax dollars on  the “Blighted Property” program?  …we hear that a public hearing will be held to discuss how cities shouldn’t spend Federal Tax dollars on “Blighted Property” program?….that just because someone at the Indiana Housing and Community Development Agency (State Level) approves an expenditure does not mean it is acceptable?
IS IT TRUE there will be a Congressional Hearing on January 8th in Washington, D C concerning the United States Treasury Department Oversight of the Hardest Hit Funds?….that these funds include the Blight Elimination Program?…..we won’t be surprised if Indiana or possibly Evansville will be mentioned at this hearing?
IS IT TRUE the Congressional Hearing will be conducted by the House Oversight & Government Reform Committee? Â …that no members of the committee are from Indiana? Â …that this committee claims to exist because Americans deserve an efficient, effective government that works for them?
IS IT TRUE the House Oversight & Government Reform Committee’s responsibility is to hold government accountable to the taxpayers?  …this hearing is a long time coming?
IS IT TRUEÂ todays “Readers Poll” question question is; Are you pleased with the way Monday night City Council meeting was conducted?
Virtual Academy School@Home Information Session Planned in Jasper
A meeting to learn more about the benefits of enrolling in the Virtual Academy “School@Home†program is planned for Tuesday, Jan. 5, for families who home school their children, and others interested in learning more about other virtual opportunities. The free informational session tomorrow is from 6-7:30 p.m. (ET) at the Jasper Public Library Annex Meeting Room, 1116 Main Street, Jasper IN.
The School@Home program is available for students in kindergarten through 12th grade and uses online curriculum that meets all of the State of Indiana’s academic standards. For high school students, Apex Learning provides the online coursework. This digital curriculum takes advantage of the power of technology to create active learning experiences that keep students attentive and engaged as they read, watch, listen, inquire, write, discuss, and manipulate. Multimedia tutorials provide students with opportunities to explore and understand new concepts, allowing each student to move at his or her own pace. Information is presented in “chunks†consistent with the way students read successfully on the web. Students are required to make decisions as they progress through the material. Prompts and interactive exercises give students frequent opportunities to check their understanding and apply what they learn.
The K-8 curriculum includes lessons designed by the teachers utilizing the Compass Learning software and teacher created lessons for project based assignments. The teachers work closely with students and parents to ensure students achieve mastery of each assignment. The high school curriculum utilizes Apex Learning software to provide mastery based learning for high school credits including core courses, elective courses, and Advanced Placement courses in English, World Language, Social Studies, and Mathematics.
School@Home students can turn to their teachers for help and guidance. Shannon Souder, a parent of an 8th grade student currently enrolled in the School@Home program, says that whenever help is needed, it’s only a phone call away. “That’s one of the things I really like about this program. It is not so large, that we can’t get help when we need it. We can call or sometimes we do a ‘Google Hangout’ and talk with the teacher face to face. They also provide tips for us as the resource person to help us when working with our children.â€
Janet Leistner, director of the program, says she and the teachers also work with students to help them be accountable and to plan specific time frames each day in which to do the coursework.
Eagles are #33 in preseason poll; release 2016 schedule
University of Southern Indiana Baseball was ranked 33rd nationally in theCollegiate Baseball Newspaper Preseason Poll as it prepares for the first pitch of 2016 on February 19 at the USI Baseball Field. The last time the Screaming Eagles were ranked 33rd in the Collegiate Baseball preseason poll, they won the national championship in 2010.
The Eagles have been ranked six times in the last nine years, topping the poll in 2011 and 2015.
USI throws out the first pitch in seven weeks when it hosts a three-game series with 35th-ranked Grand Valley State University February 19-21 to start a 10-game non-conference homestand. The homestand includes the Dunn Hospitality Classic (February 26-28) and the USI Invitational (March 4-6). The Dunn Hospitality Classic has USI scheduled to take on the GLVC West Division’s and defending Midwest Region champion Truman State University February 26 and 28 and 28th-ranked Ashland University February 27.
The Eagles hit the road during spring break to play in the Perfect Game’s Spring Swing in Marietta, Georgia, March 8-9. USI’s opponent on March 8 is to be determined and is scheduled to play Georgia College and State University on March 9.
USI will play non-conference games against the GLVC West Division’s 40th-ranked Drury University (March 11-13), 22nd-ranked Quincy University (19-20), and the University of Missouri-St. Louis (March 30 and April 27).
Locally, the non-GLVC schedule has the Eagles traveling across the city to play the University of Evansville (March 18) and across the Ohio River to visit Kentucky Wesleyan College (April 12), while hosting Oakland City University (April 20).
The 2016 GLVC Schedule features a 28-game conference slate against teams only from the East Division. League play starts March 25 at the USI Baseball Field with a weekend series against Bellarmine University (March 25-26). USI’s final home series of the year is April 30 and May 1 when Saint Joseph’s College visits Evansville before the Eagles finish the regular season against the University of Indianapolis on the road May 7-8.
The GLVC Tournament is scheduled to be at Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana, May 12-15. The NCAA II Midwest Regional is set for May 19-22 (site to be determined), while the NCAA II Championship Series is May 28-June 4 in Cary, North Carolina.
Collegiate Baseball Div. 2 Poll 12-22-15
Rank  Team (2015 Final Record)
1. Tampa (43-13)
2. Catawba (47-15)
3. Mercyhurst (40-11)
4. Franklin Pierce (48-4)
5. Minnesota St. (43-9)
6. St. Cloud St. (54-5)
7. Florida Tech. (38-13)
8. West Alabama (42-11)
9. Colorado Mesa (48-9)
10. Cal. Poly Pomona (46-15)
11. St. Edwards, TX (40-13)
12. St. Mary’s, TX (41-16)
13. Angelo St. (42-18)
14. Southern Arkansas (40-18)
15. North Georgia (38-17)
16. Henderson St. (33-21)
17. Nova Southeastern (39-13)
18. Millersville (45-11)
19. Seton Hill (43-13)
20. Lynn (35-15-1)
21. Winston-Salem St. (42-15)
22. Quincy (40-17)
23. S. New Hampshire (31-14)
24. Missouri Southern St. (40-14)
25. Armstrong St. (34-14)
26. U.C. San Diego (36-21)
27. West Georgia (33-15)
28. Ashland (38-19)
29. Mt. Olive (39-16)
30. Alabama-Huntsville (36-11-1)
31. Colorado St.-Pueblo (41-16)
32. Lander (22-26)
33. Southern Indiana (28-21)
34. Azusa Pacific (34-10)
35. Grand Valley St. (34-18)
36. Trevecca Nazarene (36-18)
37. Flagler (32-15)
38. Emporia St. (39-16)
39. West Florida (30-18)
40. Drury (33-24-1)
Mockevicius earns 4th MVC weekly award
Senior recorded his 1,000th career rebound on Saturday
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- LOUIS – For the fourth time this season, University of Evansville senior Egidijus Mockevicius has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week. Mockevicius splits this week’s honor with Anthony Beane of Southern Illinois.
An unbelievable start to MVC play saw Mockevicius average 21.5 points and an 18.5 rebounds per game to lead the Purple Aces to a 2-0 start to its Valley season. In the opener against Indiana State, Mockevicius drained 7 of his 10 shots on his way to 22 points. He also grabbed 16 rebounds and blocked four Sycamore shots.
He followed that up by hitting 6 out of 7 shots on his way to 21 points in a road win at Missouri State. Entering the game, Mockevicius had 979 career rebounds, just 21 short of 1,000. An energized effort saw Mockevicius do exactly what he needed, posting 21 on his way to becoming the 15th player in MVC history to record 1,000 caroms in his career. Mockevicius is also the only player in the nation to haul in 20 or more rebounds on two occasions this season, also recording 21 against Santa Clara.
Next up for the Aces is a trip to Wichita State to take on the Shockers on Wednesday evening at 7 p.m.
Vaping industry sues state over new regulations
Scott Olson for www.theindianalawyer.com
The advocacy group that represents Indiana’s vaping and electronic cigarette industry is suing the state, claiming new safety regulations are unconstitutional.
The not-for-profit Hoosier Vapers Inc., along with several vaping retailers and manufacturers, filed the lawsuit Dec. 18 in Marion Superior Court that names David Cook, chairman of the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, and Matt Strittmatter, superintendent of the Indiana State Excise Police.
The companies are requesting a permanent injunction to prevent the state from enforcing the regulations passed by state lawmakers during the last legislative session.
If the law remains unchanged, all but a few e-liquid manufacturers will be forced to shut down or move out of state, said Evan McMahon, chairman of Hoosier Vapers, in a Facebook post. He could not immediately be reached for comment Monday morning.
The lawsuit draws a distinction between “electronic cigarettes” and “vapor pens.” Both are relatively new technologies that allow a user to simulate smoking a tobacco product but without producing smoke. In both devices, electric coils heat a specially manufactured “e-liquid” in the device that produces a vapor to be inhaled and exhaled.
However, an electronic cigarette uses a pre-packaged and sealed cartridge of e-liquid that is not designed to be refilled, aka a “closed” system. A vapor pen is typical of an “open system,” in which unsealed tanks are used to fill and refill the e-liquid.
Hoosier Vapers claims the law selectively regulates only one segment of the electronic vaping industry—the manufacture, distribution and sale of e-liquids that are used in open vaping systems. The law seeks to ensure the safety of users by addressing the e-liquid’s strength, quality and purity, as well as the potential for contamination.
Closed vaping systems are not regulated by the new law, the suit contends.
“Public Law 176 does not apply to any liquid, no matter how toxic, contained within an electronic cigarette,†the complaint says. However, the e-liquids used in both open and closed systems are “virtually identical.”
Manufacturers for open-system e-liquids will be forced to incur costs related to hiring specialized security firms, as well as meeting food-safety qualifications that have little to do with the production process, the suit claims.
“Because there is no rational basis for regulating only e-liquid used in open vaping systems while granting immunity to similarly situated closed vaping system,” the law is unconstitutional. And because it likely will be much more difficult, if not unconstitutional, for the state to inspect manufacturing facilities outside of Indiana, those producers would have an unfair advantage over Indiana-based producers.
In addition, the lawsuit notes, the state law eventually will be rendered moot by federal action. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to issue a comprehensive rule this year that regulates e-liquid and electronic vapor devices, the suit further says.
The state law requires that e-liquid manufacturers get a permit from the commission by June 30 before bottling or selling. Businesses would pay $1,000 for the permit, which would be good for five years. Renewals would cost $500.
The law also bans the sale of e-liquids to minors and requires manufacturers to use childproof caps.
A spokesman for the Indiana Attorney General’s office told IBJ on Monday morning that it intended to defend the state laws and would file a response in court at the appropriate time.
Governor Pence Announces 2016 Legislative Agenda
Governor Mike Pence today announced his legislative agenda for the upcoming session of the Indiana General Assembly, which commences tomorrow, January 5, 2016.
“Our 2016 legislative agenda puts jobs, roads, education, and health care at the forefront of this session of the Indiana General Assembly, right where they belong,†said Governor Pence. “Our agenda prioritizes funding for state and local roads, ensures that schools and teacher salaries are not negatively impacted by the transition to a new test, and combats drug abuse and addiction through tougher enforcement and expanded treatment. I look forward to working with members of the Indiana General Assembly, and I am confident that together, our legislative agenda will strengthen Indiana by implementing the kinds of policies that improve the lives of Hoosiers.â€
A complete list of the Governor’s 2016 legislative agenda is included below, and a one-pager of the agenda is attached. The Governor’s 2015 legislative successes can also be found attached. Bill numbers for those marked with an asterisk (*) are forthcoming.
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Jobs & Economic Development
21st Century Crossroads*
Author: Senator Carlin Yoder (R-Middlebury)
Makes $1 billion in new state road funding available over the next four years without raising taxes.
Local Road Funding (SB 67)
Author: Senator Brandt Hershman (R-Buck Creek)
Makes immediately available $418 million in Local Option Income Tax (LOIT) reserves to local governments to help improve local roads and bridges across the state.
Regional Cities Funding*
Author: Senator Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville)
Amends Indiana law to authorize an additional $42 million in tax amnesty collections to provide funding for three Regional Cities proposals instead of two.
State Certification for Veteran-Owned Businesses*
Author: Representative Doug Gutwein (R-Francesville)
Provides the Indiana Department of Administration with the authority to certify a business as a veteran-owned small business.
Promote Use of Ethanol Fuel Blends*
Author: Representative Don Lehe (R-Brookston)
Promotes the use of ethanol-blended fuels by expanding the misfueling immunity statute.
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Education
A-F School Grades (SB 200)
Author: Senator Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn)
Holds schools harmless for their A-F accountability grade for the 2014-2015 year to accommodate the transition to more rigorous academic standards.
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Teacher Bonuses and Evaluations*
Author: Representative Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis)
Ensures that teacher bonuses and evaluations are not negatively impacted by the transition to a new test during this year.
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Health & Well-being
Increase Penalties on Drug Dealers*
Author: Representative Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon)
Increases penalties for drug dealers convicted of serious and aggravated offenses.
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Indiana Commission to Combat Drug Abuse*
Author: Senator Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis)
Establishes the Indiana Commission to Combat Drug Abuse to comprehensively address drug abuse issues at the state and local level.
Expansion of the Lifeline Law (SB 89)
Author: Senator Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis)
Expands the Lifeline Law to allow immunity for certain individuals who call emergency personnel when an individual is at risk of a drug overdose.
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Standing Order for Naloxone*
Author: Senator Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis)
Ensures that lifesaving overdose intervention drugs are available statewide by requiring a licensed prescriber at the Indiana State Department of Health to issue a statewide standing order (prescription).
Codify Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) 2.0 (SB 165)
Author: Senator Patricia Miller (R-Indianapolis)
Codifies the basic structure and overall policy objectives of the HIP 2.0 program.
Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE Act) (SB 11)
Author: Senator Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville)
Creates a savings program for Hoosiers to better provide for their loved ones with special needs by allowing them to save money for disability-related costs without placing other benefits at risk.
Add Human Trafficking to the DCS Statute*
Author: Senator Randy Head (R-Logansport)
Ensures that children who are victims of human trafficking are able to be served by the Department of Child Services (DCS) by adding human trafficking to the Child In Need of Services (CHINS) statute.
NEWSBOYS’ MEGA ‘WE BELIEVE…GOD’S NOT DEAD’ TOUR COMING TO FORD CENTER APRIL 3
Lineup To Feature Audio Adrenaline and Ryan Stevenson Tickets on sale January 8 at 10 AM
Evansville, IN- Following the blockbuster success of their “We Believe…God’s Not Dead†2015 Tour—which saw sellouts nearly each night—Platinum®-selling, GRAMMY®-nominated Newsboys are set to embark on the popular tour’s final leg with a 20-city spring run next year. Sponsored by Feed the Children, the tour will feature GRAMMY@-winning Fair Trade Services recording artist Audio Adrenaline and GRAMMY®-nominated Gotee singer/songwriter Ryan Stevenson
Newsboys, who will return to the big screen for April’s highly-anticipated Pure Flix release, “God’s Not Dead 2,†will perform the film’s theme song and the band’s latest single, “Guilty,†during the tour. In addition, the iconic group will showcase hits from their unparalleled career and forthcoming new studio recording.
“Duncan, Jody, Jeff and I are really at home on the stage, and we can’t wait to hit the road again,†said Newsboys frontman Michael Tait. “Over the past year this tour has given us amazing opportunities to connect with our fans around the country. We’re thrilled to get back out there and share new music along with the message of ‘God’s Not Dead 2.’â€
Helping define the sound of Christian music for more than two decades, Newsboys’ live performances continue to sell out venues across the country. Comprised of lead vocalist Michael Tait, Jody Davis (guitar), Jeff Frankenstein (keys) and Duncan Phillips (drums), the band has sold more than 8 million units, amassing eight Gold® certifications, 33 #1 radio hits, four GRAMMY® nominations, two American Music Award nominations and multiple Dove Awards. “God’s Not Dead,†Newsboys’ chart-topping, Platinum®-certified single, inspired Pure Flix’s 2014 hit film of the same name.
Since their debut in 1986, Audio Adrenaline has been one of Christian music’s best-loved bands. They have garnered two GRAMMY® Awards for Best Rock Gospel Album (Worldwide, Until My Heart Caves In); five GMA Dove Awards; a Gold®-certified recording (Bloom); and 14 #1 Christian radio singles, including signature songs “Big House,†“Get Down†and “Hands And
Feet.†Sound of the Saints, the band’s critically-acclaimed FairTrade Services release, debuted at #1 earlier this year onBillboard’s Top Christian Albums chart.
GRAMMY®-nominated Gotee recording artist Ryan Stevenson’s full-length debut,Fresh Start, released to critical acclaim in September and includes the multi-week #1 “Not Forgotten†(feat. TobyMac), as well as the recent hit “All Yours.†Nominated for a 2014 GRAMMY® Award as co-writer of TobyMac’s hit single “Speak Life,†Stevenson—who spent seven years as a paramedic before signing an exclusive agreement with Gotee Records—hails from the Pacific Northwest and is a husband and father of two boys.