This cutie is Chica, a 4-year-old female longhaired Chihuahua. Volunteers say I do great out in public meeting new people, and riding in the car! I am heartworm-positive, but VHS will pay for my treatment at no cost to my adopter. Visit www.vhslifesaver.org or call (812) 426-2563 for adoption information!
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The Evansville IceMen, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators and AHL’s Binghamton Senators, and Head Coach Al Sims announced Tuesday that the IceMen have signed SPHL goaltender Matt Zenzola.
Zenzola, 22, was 8-4-1 with a 2.51 goals-against average and .915 save percentage in 14 games this season for the Pensacola Ice Flyers of the Southern Professional Hockey League. The 6’5, 229 goalie from Menifee, CA near San Diego signed a professional tryout contract with Colorado in October and was in the Eagles’ ECHL camp this fall.
With Christoffer Bengtsberg (lower body) still on injured reserve until he is ready and Cody Reichard (concussion) out at least a week after an injury suffered December 4 versus Fort Wayne, the IceMen will bring Zenzola and Keegan Asmundson to Toledo for Evansville’s game Wednesday at Huntington Center against the Walleye at 7:15pm EST.
Additionally, emergency backup goaltender Brent Troyan has been released, after dressing for Evansville’s December 6 game against Quad City.
A new grant from Eli Lilly and Companies will offer funding for 100 new prescription drug disposal sites at pharmacies in Indiana so that Hoosiers can safety turn in unused medications and deter abuse, said Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller.
Eli Lilly and Companies recently gave a $30,000 grant to Yellow Jug Old Drugs, a program under the Great Lakes Clean Water/US Clean Water organization that provides prescription drug disposal services to pharmacies, so that members of the public can turn in unused medications for safe disposal and avert potential misuse.
An estimated 46 Americans die each day from prescription drug overdose, and more than six million people suffer from prescription drug abuse disorders in the U.S. Three out of four heroin users say they started out abusing prescription drugs.
Yellow Jug Old Drugs provides participating pharmacies with collection jugs and ongoing disposal services. Currently, 29 pharmacies in Indiana participate in Yellow Jug Old Drugs program. With the new grant, 100 new Indiana pharmacies will be able to participate at no cost for up to a year.
According to Yellow Jug Old Drugs, this is the first time a pharmaceutical company in the U.S. has provided support for a drug disposal program. The Indiana Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force helped facilitate this unique partnership.
“This type of collaboration – among government, nonprofit, the medical community and now the pharmaceutical industry – is exactly what we need in the fight to reduce controlled substance abuse in Indiana,†said Zoeller, creator and co-chair of the Task Force. “Urging proper and frequent disposal of prescription medications is critical to getting old, unused drugs out of home medicine cabinets where they are ripe for abuse. We know that a majority of Rx abusers obtain the drugs from family members or friends, so getting people to dispose of these medications before they lead to abuse can have a major impact.â€
Zoeller thanked Eli Lilly for making a commitment to expanding Rx disposal options in Indiana and helping to reduce prescription drug abuse. Eli Lilly is a global health-care leader based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“The Yellow Jug Old Drugs program is a great example of how the public sector, nonprofit organizations and the private sector can work together to address challenging issues,†said Bill Reid, Senior Director of Global Public Policy and Anti-Counterfeiting Operations at Lilly. “Lilly is proud to partner with Great Lakes Clean Water, Attorney General Zoeller and participating pharmacies in this program.â€
Zoeller and his partners are urging any Indiana pharmacy that does not currently operate a drug disposal program to contact Yellow Jug Old Drugs and be among the pharmacies to utilize the new Lilly grant. Pharmacies interested in participating should call Yellow Jug Old Drugs at 989-736-8179 for more information.
“The Yellow Jug Old Drugs program is currently funded primarily by participating pharmacies who like our approach and the nonprofit model that keeps costs low,†said Chris Angel, president of Great Lakes Clean Water/US Clean Water. “In the near future we believe that more support will come from the pharmaceutical industry as well from individuals who are concerned about water quality. We all know first-hand the benefits we derive from pharmaceuticals, and we should all play a part in supporting programs that provide proper disposal of Rx-Waste.â€
Eskenazi Health recently started the Yellow Jug Old Drugs program at 10 pharmacies in the greater Indianapolis area.
“Eskenazi Health has been interested in developing an unwanted medications take-back program for our community due to concerns for both the environment and the prescription drug abuse epidemic,†said Jim Young, Quality Assurance/Regulatory Pharmacist at Eskenazi Health. “The Great Lakes Clean Water/US Clean Water group has developed a well-designed program to help us safely take-back unwanted medications and dispose of them appropriately.â€
Zoeller said encouraging safe disposal is one of the key goals of the Indiana Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force. The Task Force’s Drug Take-Back Committee has helped encourage permanent Rx disposal locations in all but four of Indiana’s 92 counties.
For a list of permanent disposal sites, click here. For more information on the Task Force and resources for the public, visit www.BitterPill.in.gov.
Since 2008, the Yellow Jug Old Drugs Program has collected more than 108 tons of Rx-Waste. The Yellow Jug Old Drugs program is currently available in the Great Lakes region, but by January 2016 it will be available to all states that allow Rx collection by pharmacies.
GLCW/USCW is the first nonprofit organization in the U.S. to be licensed as a Reverse Distributor by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Reverse Distributor designation is required to accept controlled substances from pharmacies for proper destruction. GLCW/USCW is one of 27 Reverse Distributors in the country.
More information about Yellow Jug Old Drugs including a complete list of participating locations can be found at www.GreatLakesCleanWater.org or www.USCleanWater.org.
Governor Mike Pence will join state and local leaders to cut the ribbon for I-69 Section 4 in Greene and Monroe counties. Following the ceremony, Governor Pence will lead a caravan of vehicles to open the new 27-mile stretch between U.S. 231 near Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division and State Road 37 south of Bloomington. Details below.
Wednesday, December 9:Â
11:30 a.m. EST – Governor Pence to cut the ribbon for I-69 Section 4 in Greene and Monroe counties
*Media are welcome to attend.
WestGate Academy Conferencing and Training Center – 13594 E. WestGate Drive, Odon, IN
 Below is a list of felony cases that were filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office on Monday, Dec. 7, 2015.
Jurel Oneil Bennett Possession of methamphetamine, Level 6 felony
Possession of a narcotic drug, Level 6 felony
Possession of a synthetic drug or synthetic drug look-alike substance, Class A misdemeanor
Damon Dwayne Lehman Battery resulting in bodily injury to a pregnant woman, Level 5 felony
Domestic battery, Level 6 felony
Devin Ray Morton Voyeurism, Level 6 felony
Obstruction of justice, Level 6 felony
Brooke Alexandria Baker Assisting a criminal, Level 6 felony
Corey Michael Connolly Intimidation, Level 5 felony
Mickey Shawn Owen Theft, Level 6 felony
Governor Mike Pence today announced plans to widen Interstate 65 in Lake County to three lanes in each direction from Merrillville south to at least State Road 2 (Exit 240) near Lowell. This project is part of Governor Pence’s Major Moves 2020 highway program, which is fast tracking the widening and rehabilitation of heavily-traveled highways across the state.
“As Governor, I’ve set out to ensure that Indiana remains the Crossroads of America, and today’s announcement to expand Interstate 65 is another positive step in our efforts to ensure that our transportation infrastructure can support the economic and employment growth our state has seen over the last decade,†said Governor Pence. “Hoosiers can rest assured that my administration will continue to prioritize our roads and bridges in a responsible and aggressive manner.â€
The budget for this plan is $70 million. Funding would come from the Major Moves 2020 program, which was increased in the most recent biennial budget. On December 17, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will seek State Budget Committee approval to use the funds and publish an initial request for contractor and designer qualifications.
“Job creation and economic growth depend on our State’s willingness to invest in key infrastructure improvements,†INDOT Commissioner Brandye Hendrickson said. “Governor Pence’s vision with Major Moves 2020 is to enable INDOT to move proactively in investing in projects that will strengthen Indiana’s competitiveness now and in the future.â€
Other Major Moves 2020 contracts have already been awarded. In late October, crews opened new I-65 lanes on a four-mile contract between Southport and Greenwood. Additional construction continues on a separate, nine-mile contract between Greenwood and Franklin and construction is underway to widen and rehabilitate seven miles of I-65 near Lafayette and another seven miles of I-65 in Clark County.
Since taking office in 2013, Governor Pence and the General Assembly have budgeted $1.26 billion in additional state funds for transportation. The 2014 legislative session provided the initial $400 million, and the current two-year state budget added $200 million to the Major Moves 2020 program.
In October, Governor Pence announced his 21st Century Crossroads proposal, a plan that would make $1 billion in new road funding available over the next four years without raising taxes. 21st Century Crossroads would put INDOT on a path to resurface 16,000 miles of state highways and repair more than 5,200 bridges over the next 15 years.
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Following Catholic Charities’ decision to settle Syrian refugees in the state of Indiana, Governor Mike Pence’s spokesman Matt Lloyd issued the following statement:
The governor holds Catholic Charities in the highest regard but respectfully disagrees with their decision to place a Syrian refugee family in Indiana at this time.
“Prior to the terrorist attacks in Paris, which involved a Syrian refugee as one of the attackers, the Obama Administration’s own FBI Director said there are ‘gaps’ in the Syrian refugee resettlement program.
“Yesterday, the Chairman of the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee stated that ‘The U.S. government has information to indicate that individuals tied to terrorist groups in Syria have already attempted to gain access to our country through the U.S. refugee program.’
“Despite these facts, the Administration continues to ignore calls from governors of both parties, as well as a bipartisan majority in the U.S. House, to pause and strengthen the program.
“The safety and security of the people of Indiana is Governor Pence’s top priority. The State of Indiana will continue to suspend its participation in the resettlement of Syrian refugees in Indiana until the federal government takes action to address the concerns raised about this program.â€
Background:
In accordance with standard practice, the Indiana Department of Health will continue to reimburse county health departments for screening of all refugees, including those from Syria.
In 2009 the Obama Administration paused the Iraqi refugee program for six months after the FBI found evidence that terrorists from Iraq infiltrated the United States through the refugee program in Bowling Green, KY.
Indiana continues to welcome refugees from other countries. Since Governor Pence paused the Syria program last month, the state has resettled 28 refugees from Burma and Congo in Indiana.
Governor Pence also supports calls for humanitarian aid from Senator Coats and others in order to help innocent victims of the Syria crisis.
IS IT TRUE we would like to congratulate  Channel 44 General Manager Jeff Fisher and his talented young staff of news reporters for providing our Community with fresh and accurate news?  …Channel 44 News General Manager Jeff Fisher is giving the so called “established main stream media” types a run for their money?
IS IT TRUE we are hearing that the slogan of Democratic candidate for State Representative seat #77 Brandon Lee Ferguson is getting peoples attention? Â …his campaign slogan states the “American made is the only way”?
IS IT TRUE that George Lumley has identified $3 million in funding that could go directly to demolishing homes, repairing sidewalks and incentives to renovate reparable homes?  …that this funding is new money from the River Boat fund and the expected value of properties that Brownfields Corp. is asking the City and County to give them?  …that the Brownfields  Corp. will do some demolition but intend to use the funds for land banking?  …that their idea of land banking is actually land control?  …that they want the taxpayer to continue to fund their “investment” activity of deciding who owns or develops the properties they chose to buy or acquire from money given to them by the county taxpayers?
IS IT TRUE that the new City Council is looking for new City Attorney?  … the next President of the Evansville City Council Missy Mosby, D-2nd Ward,  declared that the position will be contract-based and the City Council Attorney will no longer be classified as a city employee?  …Mosby also declares that all applicants must submit their resume, qualifications and proposals to the City Clerks’ office by noon Dec. 15?  …the application must be sealed and include the rates and fees of the applicant?
IS IT TRUE our “MOLE” tells us don’t be surprised that the new City Council Attorney will have strong Republican connections?
IS IT TRUE we would like to thank the out going City Council Attorney Scott Danks for doing one ‘Hell of a Job” during the last 4 years dealing with the unpredictable personalities on City Council?
IS IT TRUE a four-term Elkhart County Prosecutor said Monday that he will seek the Republican nomination to be the State’s next Attorney General?  …yesterday Curtis Hill  Jr disclosed his intentions to run for this position and announced he is forming a campaign committee to consider a run?  … that County Prosecutor Hill states he has more than 30 County Prosecutors and numerous police and law enforcement officials have endorsed him for this position?  …we wonder if our popular Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Nick Hermann was one of the 30 County Prosecutors that endorse him?
IS IT TRUEÂ we predict that Vanderburgh County Republication Party can now deliver the votes needed to help elect any serious candidate on the State GOP Â ticket? …Evansville/Vanderburgh County is now considered a safe Republican strong hold for many years to come because of the results of the last Mayoral election?
IS IT TRUEÂ we give special thanks to the Vanderburgh County Democratic Party Chairman, local Union leaders, Â City Council members Missy Mosby and Jonathan Weaver, and the political power brokers of the 4th and 6th Wards for making Evansville/Vanderburgh County a safe Republican strong hold for many years to come?
IS IT TRUE we can’t wait to see how the above individuals and groups are going to convince the Rick Davis and the Gail Riecken Democrats to support anyone running on the local or State Democratic party ticket?
IS IT TRUE todays “READERS POLL” question is: “Do you feel that Missy Mosby will do an outstanding job as the next President of the Evansville City Council”?
