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Explore call-blocking options to reduce unwanted calls

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New reference sheet available online

INDIANPOLIS – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller is encouraging Hoosiers who are still receiving unwanted, intrusive phone calls to explore available call-blocking options using a new call-blocking reference sheet offered by the Attorney General’s Office.

Though the state’s Do Not Call list is effective in preventing legitimate telemarketers from contacting people, Zoeller said, it does not stop illegal telemarketers and robocallers who disregard state and federal laws. Unwanted calls remain the top complaint received by the Indiana Attorney General’s Office, with 7,500 complaints filed in 2015.

The Attorney General’s Office created its new call-blocking reference sheet to inform the public about available options and encourage development of new options. The non-exhaustive reference sheetoutlines different call-blocking applications and information about each option, including who is able to use it, the cost, benefits, weaknesses and how to get it.

The Indiana Attorney General’s Telephone Privacy Director, Marguerite Sweeney, presented these options and analysis on what types of call-blocking services work best at a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) workshop on the subject today. More information on the workshop is available here.

“My office works diligently to prosecute callers who make illegal telemarketing and scam calls, but our efforts alone cannot stop the problem,” Zoeller said. “A majority of unwanted calls are coming from scam artists, criminals and massive robocall operations overseas. The best way to stop these types of intrusive calls is to block them before they ever reach your phone. Thankfully technology is advancing and more of these options are becoming available.”

At the urging of Zoeller and his fellow state attorneys general, the FCC declared in June that federal law does not prohibit phone carriers from blocking robocalls and robotexts before they reach residential landlines or cell phones. This ruling cleared legal hurdles that some say were preventing the phone carriers from offering call-blocking services.

Zoeller has been urging phone companies that do not currently provide comprehensive call-blocking service to make it available to customers as soon as possible and to take steps to better inform their customers that the service exists. He led 45 state attorneys general in a letter to five major phone carriers in July urging action on call-blocking.

Until more comprehensive services are available, Zoeller urges Hoosiers to explore call-blocking options that currently exist.

Several of the options outlined in the Attorney General’s reference sheet are applications that people can install themselves on their cell phones or internet-based telephone services (VoIP) or are available through their phone contracts, including:

  • NoMoRobo for VoIP;
  • Call Blocker and Call Rejection for Android users;
  • Block this Caller for iPhones; and
  • Various blocking features through service providers.

Some of these applications are free while others are available for a fee. The Attorney General’s Office will update the reference sheet as more services become available.

To sign up for the Do Not Call list, visit www.IndianaConsumer.com or call 1.888.834.9969. Individuals do not need to re-register unless their address has changed.

People who receive an unwanted call or are targeted by a phone scam can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office by visiting www.IndianaConsumer.com or calling 1.888.834.9969.

Attorney fees award was reasonable, COA rules

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Marilyn Odendahl for www.theindianalawyer.com

After a former employee was awarded nearly $100,000 in attorney fees, R.L. Turner Corp. asserted the amount was unreasonable given the employee’s total award for damages was less than $12,000.

However, in R.L. Turner Corp. v. William Wressell, 06A05-1411-PL-540, the Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed the award of attorney fees.

“Despite RLTC’s argument, there is no precedent which provides for a definitive cap to attorney’s fee awards based on the potential or actual recovery,” Judge Cale Bradford wrote for the court. “The recovery is only one consideration which the court may take into account when determining what amount of fees are reasonable. RLTC is free to lobby the legislature to promulgate such a rule but it is not this court’s place to do so.”

Wressell had sued R.L. Turner Corp. after he worked on two constructions projects for the company at Purdue University and Indiana University. Successfully arguing he did not receive the wages he was entitled to under the Indiana Common Construction Wage Act, he was awarded $11,558.46.

Also, the Boone Superior Court awarded Wressell attorney fees in the amount of $99,870.

Before the Court of Appeals, RLTC blasted the award. In addition to claiming the fees were unreasonable because they far outpaced the damages award, the general contractor also questioned whether Wressell’s attorney had actually worked the 332.9 hours which were billed at a rate of $300 per hour.

The Court of Appeals agreed with the trial court’s analysis. The appellate panel concurred the fees were reasonable given the complexity of the issues along with the protracted nature of this litigation, primarily because of RLTC’s obstructive behavior.

“Were we to find that the fees awarded in this case were unreasonable solely in light of the ultimate compensatory award, there would be a chilling effect on the ability of injured employees to find attorneys willing to take their cases,” Bradford wrote.

Members of the Evansville Bar Association are volunteering at “Annual Day of Service.”

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Members of the Evansville Bar Association are volunteering their time on Saturday, September 19, 2015, to spruce up the Pigeon Creek Greenway for their second annual “Annual Day of Service.” September 19, 2015 is a state-wide Day of Service for Indiana attorneys, during which attorneys from across the state will come together in their local counties to engage in hands-on community service.

The Evansville Bar Association members will assemble at the Garvin Park fountain at 8:00 a.m. and will begin to work from the trailhead at Garvin Park  and work toward the Evansville riverfront. From the riverfront, the volunteers will move toward the Highrail, which is the next section of the Greenway to be completed. The volunteers intend to remove graffiti, weeds, and litter.

Chair of the 2015 EBA Day of Service Project, Jean Blanton of the law firm of Ziemer, Stayman, Weitzel & Shoulders, explained the reason the Bar Association selected the Pigeon Creek Greenway for their community service project:  The course for the Evansville Half Marathon includes the length of the Pigeon Creek Greenway.  The Bar Association in conjunction with the City of Evansville and the City of Evansville Department of Parks and Recreation wish to put our City’s best foot forward as we welcome many people to our great City.

For more information, please contact Jean Blanton at jblanton@zsws.com or (812) 424-7575.

Governor Pence Names Deborah Frye Director of the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency

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Also Names Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions

 

Governor Mike Pence named Deborah Frye as Executive Director of the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA), effective today. She has served as Deputy Director/Chief of Staff for PLA since September 2014 and previously worked as Compliance Director at PLA. Prior to her role with PLA, she owned a small business and served as Deputy Fire Marshal and subsequently as Director of Fire Code Enforcement at the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

 

The Governor also recently named the following individuals to various boards and commissions.

 

Indiana State Commission on Aging

Judith D. Schoon [Lake County], appointed to serve a four-year term through August 31, 2019

 

Boiler and Pressure Vessel Rules Board

John P. E. Companik [Lake County], appointed to serve a four-year term through August 31, 2019

James O. Dillard [Hendricks County], appointed to serve a four-year term through August 31, 2019

 

Certification Appeal Board

Terry M. Dove [Marion County], appointed to serve at the pleasure of the Governor

John B. Good [DeKalb County], appointed to serve at the pleasure of the Governor

Vicky K. Haire [Clark County], appointed to serve at the pleasure of the Governor

Robert T. Pendergast [LaPorte County], appointed to serve at the pleasure of the Governor

 

Indiana Charter School Board

Dr. Virginian B. Calvin [St. Joseph County], appointed to complete an unexpired four-year term through June 30, 2018

 

Emergency Medical Services Commission

Dr. Sara A. Brown [Allen County], appointed to serve a four-year term through August 31, 2019

 

Emergency Medical Services Commission – Technical Advisory Committee

Dr. Edwin M. Eppler [Marion County], appointed to serve at the pleasure of the Governor

 

Healthy Hoosiers Foundation Board

Amy McConkey Robbins [Marion County], appointed to serve a three-year term through August 31, 2018

 

Historic Preservation Review Board

April K. Sievert [Monroe County], appointed to serve a three-year term through August 31, 2018

 

Mental Health & Addiction Services Development Program Board

Dr. R. Andrew Chambers [Marion County], appointed to serve at the pleasure of the Governor

Richard J. Hooker [Howard County], appointed to serve at the pleasure of the Governor

Dr. William G. Kronenberger [Hamilton County], appointed to serve at the pleasure of the Governor

Dr. Angela M. McNelis [Marion County], appointed to serve at the pleasure of the Governor

 

Physical Therapy Committee

Megan B. Certo [Marion County], reappointed to serve a three-year term through August 31, 2018

 

Rehabilitation Services Commission

Tony D. Cross [Hancock County], appointed to serve a three-year term through August 31, 2018

 

Speech Pathologists & Audiologists Board of Examiners

Balaraju Chinthala [Hamilton County], appointed to serve a three-year term through December 31, 2018

 

Committee for the Purchase of Products and Services of Persons w/Severe Disabilities – State Use Committee

William S. Coleman, Jr. [Marion County], appointed to serve at the pleasure of the Governor

 

West Central Economic Development District

Charles F. McLean [Hendricks County], appointed to serve a one-year term through December 31, 2015

 

THUNDERBOLTS OPENING NIGHT ALMOST HERE!!

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THE GRAND PREMIERE OPENING WEEKEND FOR THE BRAND NEW THUNDERBOLTS IS ALMOST HERE!! EVANSVILLE’S FIRST-EVER ELITE JUNIOR HOCKEY TEAM DEBUTS THIS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS THE ‘BOLTS BATTLE RIVAL POINT MALLARD DUCKS AT SWONDER WITH STATE HOMEGROWN FLAVOR

EVANSVILLE, IN— We are one day closer to the ThunderBolts grand opening home weekend bonanza extravaganza. The countdown to this Friday and Saturday nights is on! Mark it down, Circle it in bold on your ‘Bolts pocket schedules. Make it a date as the ThunderBolts attain the lofty distinction of ushering- in an all new era of hockey in the city of Evansville and the Tri-State region. The new brand, the new wave is ThunderBolts elite junior hockey, NA3HL style and profile.

When they hit the ice opening weekend, both Friday and Saturday nights, the Evansville ThunderBolts will write a new chapter of hockey history. The ThunderBolts will be the lone, exclusive elite junior hockey team in the entire State of Indiana and the first-ever Indiana-based team to play in the NA3HL.

Opening night and opening weekend; this Friday and Saturday nights; Hockey Swonder the site; 7:30 pm face-off both nights; the ‘Bolts battle the Point Mallard Ducks from Decatur, Alabama.

FAN-FAMILY-FRIENDLY ThunderBolts ticket prices. Single game seats are ONLY $5!! Season tickets for all 22-weekend home games; (9-Friday nights, 11-Saturday nights, 2-Sunday matinees) are ONLY $70!!! Visit the ThunderBolts website at www.evvbolts.com.

This is a ThunderBolts team that the great hockey fans and total community can relate to and truly identify with through and through. Nine aspiring hockey stars on their roster are Indiana homegrown with three of those being of the ilk and stripe of local hockey heroes. ZACK FAITH, JON GRIMM and BRYSON LINENBURG will don the ThunderBolts colors proudly representing our city while standouts the constellation of BRANDON BORNKAMP, ADAM CONKLING, BRIAN CRINK, MICHAEL KELLEY and TRISTON THERIOT boast of Indiana state roots.

The ThunderBolts team is on TV Thursday morning at 6:00 am on WFIE-TV 14 News/Sunrise; one day before opening night. All the ‘Bolts games are broadcast live on Evansville’s WVHI-AM 1330.

It Can Wait Campaign visits Bosse High School

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On Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at 10:00am representatives from the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, AT&T and the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation met at Benjamin Bosse High School to speak to students about the dangers of distracted driving.

AT&T Indiana President Bill Soards and Director of External Affairs Pepper Mulherin demonstrated the new “It Can Wait” virtual reality app, which uses 3-D technology to simulate the dangers of texting while driving.

Bosse High School Principle Sheila Huff stated, “We all know that the problem is bigger than just texting. Emailing, posting in social media and even video chatting behind the wheel are commonplace today.” Principal Huff added, “Let’s break this deadly habit”.

New research from AT&T indicates that nearly 4-in-10 users make use of social media while operating a vehicle and almost 3-in-10 access the internet.

Sheriff Dave Wedding stated, “As our worlds become increasingly connected, so does our desire to stay as connected as possible to our friends and family… but those connections aren’t worth a life.”

After speaking to a group of students at the high school, Mr. Soards invited everyone in attendance to sign an “It Can Wait” pledge board. “Working together, we can share solutions to this problem. We can inspire others to keep their eyes on the road, not on their phone,” Soards said.

Pictured above: Sheriff Dave Wedding addresses students at Bosse High School

Pictured above: AT&T Indiana President Bill Soards demonstrates the new It Can Wait virtual reality app.

 

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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SPONSORED BY DEFENSE ATTORNEY IVAN ARNAEZ. 
DON’T GO TO COURT ALONE. CALL IVAN ARNAEZ @ 812-424-6671.

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

EPD Activity Report

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SPONSORED BY DEFENSE ATTORNEY IVAN ARNAEZ.
DON’T GO TO COURT ALONE. CALL IVAN ARNAEZ @ 812-424-6671.

EPD Activity Report

Little Lambs Fashion Show Photos and the Safety Fair!

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INTRODUCING OUR FAMILIES TO COMMUNITY RESOURCES:

Discovery: Health and Safety Fair

We are excited to host our 2nd Annual:

Discovery Fair
September 16, 2015
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church

This family-friendly event is open to the public and includes a free Car Seat Inspection Clinic sponsored by Little Lambs and Safe Kids of Vanderburgh/Warrick County.

We are excited to treat our families to a day of learning with community organizations.

Want to be a part of this exciting event? Please Contact Tiffani Trulock at 812-425-5262 to volunteer.
Click Here for our event Flier and help us promote the Discovery Fair!

Our Models were all ‘Style and Smiles’ on the Red Carpet!

Thank you for making our Fashion Show fundraiser a success!
Sweet expressions and giggles were plentiful at our 5th Annual “Little Lambs in Chic Clothing” Fashion Show and Luncheon.

Shelly Kirk from WEHT/WTVW was the emcee for our event. She highlighted our models’ unique personalities as they walked the red carpet in the santuary of First Presbyterian Church.

Every year our models walk a little taller — bolstered by the confidence our Fashion Show gives them. Click Here to view more photos of our models sporting looks from La Petite Demoiselle, Le Petite Monsieur, and Dillards. Photos courtesy of Nikki Davis Digital Photography.

Join us for next year’s Fashion Show in July!

We are so thankful for our Community’s support!

Partner of the Year Award 2015

ECHO Community Health
Pediatrics and Prenatal

We are delighted to recognize ECHO Community Health for so many reasons!

#1 They passionately provide affordable and accessible healthcare to the uninsured, under insured, and the homeless.

#2 We are proud of the way ECHO encourages mothers to look after their own health and the well-being of their children right from the very start — offering vouchers for medical visits and social work assessments.

#3 We want to thank ECHO for supporting our mission by throwing a ‘Baby Shower’ for us and helping us to stock our store.

Thank you to the caring professionals at ECHO Community Health – Pediatrics and Prenatal!

A Special Thank You for Making the Fashion Show a Success!

First Presbyterian Church
Shelly Kirk, Emcee
Patron Sponsors:
Members of Tri-State Medical Alliance
Vectren
Clothing:
La Petite Demoiselle
Le Petite Monsieur
Dillards
Photographer:
Nikki Davis, Davis Digital Photography
Food
Biaggi’s

All our Silent Auction Donors.

Our tireless Board Members and Staff!

We Love our United Way Volunteers!

Friday, September 11th was ‘United Way Day of Caring’ and once again we had the bestvolunteers!!

Thank you to the following companies for participating: Leed Samples, Vectren, and USI School of Nursing.

Our enthusiastic volunteers helped prepare our ‘Change for the Future’ fundraiser, clean the store, basement, and storage areas, stock the store, prepare vouchers, organize our fall appeal, and wrap presents for ‘Cookies with Santa’ in December.

Thank you, volunteers, for a great day!

Pictured above: Our always smiling team from USI.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY VETERANS COUNCIL COMMANDER MARK ACKER DISAPPOINTED IN MAYOR WINNECKE DECISION NOT TO ATTEND “THE CALL TO ASSEMBLE” EVENT

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Earlier this week Mayor Winnecke declined  the invitation by the Commander of the Vanderburgh County Veterans Council, Mark Acker to attend the “CALL TO ASSEMBLE” gathering.  This event is an nonpartisan  political forum to be held on September 23, 2015 at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.  Posted below is Commander of the Vanderburgh County Veterans Council, Mark Acker statement concerning Mayor Winnecke declining to attend this event.

OFFICIAL  STATEMENT  FROM VANDERBURGH  COUNTY VETERANS COUNCIL  COMMANDER, MARK  ACKER 

When told  that current Mayor Lloyd Winnecke declined his invitation to attend the “Call To Assemble” event on September 23, 2015, that would benefit the Vanderburgh County Veterans Council and Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Commander Mark Acker stated that he is “deeply saddened and disappointed.”

“I don’t understand  why the Mayor would decline this invitation in order to attend the ongoing Traveling City Hall event that are poorly attended and could easily be represented by one of his staff.”   “I hope he will reconsider his decision because the area Veterans would like to know what we can expect from him the next 4 years if he’s reelected Mayor.”

MARK ACKER

COMMANDER, COUNTY VETERANS COUNCIL COMMANDER,

 

Just in case you missed Mayoral; Candidate Gail Riecken  e-mail she sent to Commander Acker accepting his invitation  to attend the “CALL TO ASSEMBLE”  we have attached  her acceptance e-mail.

GAIL RIECKEN ACCEPTANCE LETTER TO ATTEND THE “CALL TO ASSEMBLE”.

Dear Commander Mark Acker

As a wife, who’s husband was a Navy Veteran and served three (3) consecutive tours in Vietnam, it’s an honor for me to accept your invitation to speak at the Veteran’s Council of Vanderburgh County’s “Call to Assemble” event on September 23 held at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

When our county called upon the brave men and women to serve their Country for the cause of Freedom, they did. Today our Veterans are calling our local political candidates to “Assemble” at the Veteran Memorial Coliseum and I consider it to be a privilege and honor to participate in this event.

I also share the Veteran’s Council of Vanderburgh County’s commitment to encourage honest, open governance, with transparency and better accountability to our beloved City. As your State Representative, I have work tirelessly on issues that effect our Veterans and shall continue, if I’m elected Mayor of Evansville.

I strongly feel the “Call To Assemble” will give me the opportunity to discuss the present and the future of our great city in an open and honest dialogue.

I look forward to attending this event and excited about discussing the real issues with my opponents.

Sincerely,

Gail Riecken
Mayoral Candidate For the Great City Of Evansville

Please take time and vote in today’s “Readers Poll”. Don’t miss reading today’s Feature articles because they are always an interesting read. Please scroll at the bottom of our paper so you can enjoy our creative political cartoons. Copyright 2015 City County Observer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without our permission.

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