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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

Jennifer Nelson for www.theindianalawyer.com

Whether a security guard, who shot a woman during an argument while he was on duty, was acting to further his employer’s business when he shot her is a matter that should be decided by a judge or jury, the Indiana Supreme Court held Tuesday.

Stacy Knighten sued Donnell Caldwell, his employer Davis Security, and the East Chicago Housing Authority after Caldwell shot Knighten in the back with his handgun after they got into a confrontation near the guard shack of the housing complex where Caldwell worked as a security guard. Knighten and Caldwell were romantically involved. He allowed her to use his car to go to the liquor store and she returned to the housing complex intoxicated. At some point in the confrontation, she damaged the entrance gate to the complex. Knighten was paralyzed from the waist down from the shooting.

At issue in Stacy Knighten v. East Chicago Housing Authority, Individually and d/b/a West Calumet Complex, Davis Security Service, LLC, and Donnell Caldwell, 45S04-1512-CT-686, is whether the trial court and Court of Appeals erred in granting Davis Security’s motion for summary judgment on Knighten’s claim for negligent hiring and supervision.

Her case is premised on the doctrine of respondeat superior, under which Davis Security who is not liable because of its own acts, could be held liable for wrongful acts Caldwell committed within the scope of his employment.

There is conflicting evidence as to what Caldwell’s duties and responsibilities were as security guard. Davis Security asserted that his position at the guard shack included traffic control and he was only allowed to monitor traffic and allow in residents and authorized individuals. Caldwell testified he was only allowed to monitor traffic. Justice Robert Rucker pointed out that Davis Security used the word “included,” and the contract between the housing authority and Davis Security shows that armed security guards would also work to deter theft of property and threatening or unruly conduct.

Caldwell said his supervisor told him he should not be armed, but five months before Caldwell shot Knighten, Davis Security informed him that his handgun permit had expired and he needed proof that it was current.

There are genuine issues of material fact precluding summary judgment, the justices held in reversing the trial court and remanding for further proceedings.