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IS IT TRUE SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

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IS IT TRUE that that 4th Ward City Councilwomen Connie Robinson is totally feed up with At -Large City Councilman Jonathan Weaver nipping at her heels?  …at last night FOP “MEET THE CANDIDATE” gathering  Jonathan Weaver made insulting remarks towards Mrs. Robinson?  …the political gloves are off  because Connie Robinson told the CCO last night she going to support Michele Mercer (R) At -Large candidate for City Council over Jonathan Weaver?  …it looks like Mayor Winnecke’s main Democratic supporter Jonathan Weaver may have major re-election challenges?

IS IT TRUE did you know that an area Auto Dealership is providing the EPD Chief with new Dodge pickup truck wrapped in advertising to drive?  …do you feel that our Chief of Police should be driving a vehicle wrapped in Auto Dealership advertising is appropriate? 

IS IT TRUE  according to the 2013 990 FEDERAL Tax Return for Evansville Brownfield Corp. reveals that Principal Officer Carolyn Rusk salary was ZERO?  …we wonder if Mrs Rusk salary for being the Principal Officer of the Evansville Brownfield Corp. is paid by the DMD?

IS IT TRUE that the final tally of our recent “Readers Poll” that ask; “Has Mayor Lloyd Winnecke and City Council been a Good Steward of the Public Trust is very interesting?  …383 people voted in this poll?  41 people voted YES?  …312 voted NO and 30 voted Don’t Know?

IS IT TRUE we encourage you to go todays “READERS POLL” that ask “DO YOU FEEL THAT MAYOR WINNECKE IS MAKING A BIG MISTAKE BY NOT ATTENDING THE VETERANS “CALL TO ASSEMBLE” event?

IS IT TRUE that  yesterday City Controller Russ Lloyd Jr sent a memo out to all City Department heads telling them not to allow any more purchase orders until further notice?  …we can’t wait for the Mayor or Russ Lloyd  Jr to blame City Council for this action?

IS IT TRUE  at last night  political forum sponsored by the FOP we were surprised that members of the panel didn’t ask Mayor Winnecke if the city ever took money from the Firemen and Police pension to pay city bills?

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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without our permission.

CITY COUNCILMAN DAN McGINN PROPOSES A 25% TAX INCREASE

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PRESS RELEASE FROM GAIL RIECKEN FOR MAYOR

SEPTEMBER 17, 2015

GAIL RIECKEN PROMISE TO CUT WASTEFUL SPENDING IF ELECTED MAYOR

During Monday night’s City Council meeting, Republican City Councilman Dan McGinn, a close advisor to Mayor Winnecke, discussed increasing the local income tax as a way of a fixing the city’s financial problem. This increase would bring the local income tax from 1% to 1.25% or a 25% increase.  This would raise an extra $4 million per year into the city’s coffers.

“City Councilman McGinn’s comment that we could raise the local income tax 25% to solve the city’s financial problem’s proves to me that the administration’s post-election surprise will be to raise income taxes 25% instead of making the cuts that are needed.” said Riecken.  “This tax increase would only add a pittance to the deficit in the General Fund.  We need real changes in how Mayor Winnecke and his administration spends money.  Over the last 4 years, the current administration has continued to increase spending, without regard for the city’s cash flow.

This over-spending has caused the current cash flow crisis that has placed at risk the city’s ability to make its payroll.  Rather than increasing taxes, the city needs to cut wasteful spending and improve efficiency.  Many city residents feel overburdened with the cost of living in Evansville now, this increase would only add to that burden.”

Gail Riecken is running for Mayor of Evansville and is a former Evansville City Council-woman, Evansville Parks Director, and a current member of the Indiana State House of Representatives.  She is a lifelong Evansville resident, has been married for 47 years, and has 2 children and 3 grandchildren.

Daily Off Topic Forum September 17, 2015

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VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

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

 

Below is a list of felony cases that were filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015.

Darin William Chamberlain Resisting law enforcement, Level 6 felony

Reckless driving, Class C misdemeanor

No valid driver’s license, Class C infraction

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.

 

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