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with Special Guests MANDISA and CAPITAL KINGS |
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TOBYMAC with Special Guests MANDISA and CAPITAL KINGS
Rep. Bacon honors South Spencer softball team
STATEHOUSE – State Representative Ron Bacon (R-Chandler) honored the South Spencer Lady Rebels, the 2014 state champion fast pitch softball team, with a resolution at the Statehouse. Rep. Bacon was joined in the House Chamber by the softball team and their coach Tara Compton.
“It is an honor to recognize the South Spencer softball team for their achievements both on and off the field,†said Rep. Bacon. “I commend these dedicated athletes for their hard work and commitment to excellence, as well as Coach Tara Compton for leading them to victory.â€
The South Spencer Lady Rebels won the Class 2A state softball championship defeating Crawfordsville’s Southmont High School team 1-0. After finishing with a season record of 27-5, this was the school’s first state title for any girls’ sports program.
The Lady Rebels were led by Kaylea Horn who threw a two-hitter and struck out 11 batters. Freshman Hannah Epperson delivered the game winning hit to centerfield, driving home senior Chandra Schroeder. Chandra was also chosen as the Mental Attitude Award recipient in 2A softball. This award honors athletes, nominated by their principal and coach, who excel in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability
“I am extremely proud to see another school from our community earn a softball state championship,†said Rep. Bacon. “I congratulate the athletes and their coaches on this accomplishment and wish them much future success.
 Rep. Bacon (R-Chandler) represents portions of Warrick, Pike and Spencer counties.
 a photo of Rep. Bacon presenting the resolution on the House floor.
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Wintery Mix, Ice Could Affect Indiana Hoosiers are Encouraged to Prepare Now for Potentially Hazardous Weather
In partnership with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security the Indiana State Police is sharing this important weather related message.
INDIANAPOLIS – There is a potential for sleet and freezing rain in much of Indiana tonight, with snow possible for the northern portion of the state. In southern Indiana, warmer weather has promoted snowmelt, which could lead to slick surfaces as the temperature drops below freezing overnight.
State agencies advise Hoosiers to prepare now for potentially deteriorating conditions, which could extend into Tuesday’s commute.
Travel
Hoosiers should carefully consider if travel is necessary, especially if roads become hazardous. If travel is necessary, the Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Transportation and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security encourage motorists to use a variety of resources to make an informed decision.
One source is the Indiana County Travel Advisory Map. It’s updated with travel information determined by county emergency management agencies and describes the conditions for a travel warning, watch, advisory and caution.
The map is available online at http://www.in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory/ or on a mobile device by downloading the Indiana Travel Advisory app for iPhone (https://appsto.re/us/QHVw4.i) in the App Store, and Android (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.in.traveladvisory) in the Google Play Store.
Keep an eye on road conditions and closures across the state using the Indiana Department of Transportation’s TrafficWise service at trafficwise.in.gov or by calling 1-800-261-ROAD (7623.)
In addition to these tools, stay aware of changing travel conditions by monitoring the local news, travel, weather and trusted social media sites and apps.
Citizens that must travel should let someone know the planned route, expected time of arrival and contact information. Charge cell phones before leaving. Pack essential items such as high protein snacks, water, first aid kit, flashlight, warm blankets, extra prescription medications and important documents or information that might be needed during an emergency.
Develop a Plan
Winter weather, especially ice, can cause power outages. Hoosiers should be prepared to take action should the power go out. Citizens should look up their electric utility’s outage reporting phone number and add it to their cell phone contact list.
Other ways to get ready include:
– Charge cell phones, laptops and any other battery-operated accessories to ensure maximum battery life when without power.
– Know where to go should the power go out. Identify a friend or family member’s house, or a nearby shelter or warming station that can be used. If none of these are available, identify the most insulated and interior room available and gather extra clothing, warm blankets and sleeping bags to help stay warm.
– Prepare an emergency kit, including food and water for three days (includes three gallons of water per person, per day), a battery operated or hand crank all hazards radio, a flashlight and extra batteries and any other special items (baby formula, insulin, medications).
Take the time to check with neighbors and see if there’s anything they can do before, during or after weather events.
For more winter weather preparedness information, visit www.GetPrepared.in.gov.
Sen. Vaneta Becker: Vanderburgh County Graduate, Student Gain Experience at Statehouse
Vanderburgh County residents Brittany Held and Hunter Renschler are serving as interns for the Indiana Senate Majority Caucus during the 2015 legislative session, State Sen. Vaneta Becker (R-Evansville) said.
Held, a resident of Newburgh, is the daughter of Barry Held, Lori Jaquess and Vicki Held. She graduated from Castle High School and received her bachelor’s degree in History from Ball State University in Dec. 2014.
Renschler, also a resident of Newburgh, is the son of Barry and Beth Renschler. He graduated from Castle High School and received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Butler University, where he is currently a senior.
Held is a legislative intern for Sens. James Buck (R-Kokomo) and Doug Eckerty (R-Yorktown), and Renschler is a legislative intern for Sens. Michael Crider (R-Greenfield) and Susan Glick (R-LaGrange). As part of their work, Held and Renschler correspond with constituents through phone calls, letters and emails. They also help staff Senate committees and floor proceedings.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to assist my senators in serving their constituents and the great state of Indiana,†Renschler said.
Senate Majority interns work through the duration of the legislative session, which is scheduled to end by April 29.
VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES
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 Friday, February 27, 2015
Quincy Franklin      Child Molesting-Level 1 Felonies (48 Counts)
Child Molesting-Level 4 Felonies (32 Counts)
Dealing in Marijuana-Level 6 Felony
Jeffrey Kohler               Intimidation-Level 6 Felony
Resisting Law Enforcement-Class A Misdemeanor
Patrick Adams            Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon-Level 4 Felony
Dealing in Marijuana-Level 5 Felony
Dealing in a Schedule IV Controlled Substance-Level 6 Felony
Ryan King                 Auto Theft-Level 6 Felony
For further information on the cases listed above, or any pending case, please contact Kyle Phernetton at 812.435.5688 or via e-mail at kphernetton@vanderburghgov.org
Under Indiana law, all criminal defendants are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty by a court of law
Justices reverse grant of motion to suppress based on pat-down search
Jennifer Nelson for www.theindianalawyer.com
In a 4-1 decision Monday, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled it is not inherently coercive for police to give conditional permission to step out of a vehicle during a traffic stop, subject to the motorist’s consent to a pat-down search.
The state appealed the grant of Michael Cunningham’s motion to suppress drug evidence found in his pocket and in his car during a traffic stop. Police pulled Cunningham’s truck over because the red lens over one of his taillights was missing. Cunningham asked if he could step out of his truck to look at it and the officer told him that he would be pat down for any weapons for safety reasons. Cunningham agreed and got out of the car. The officer patted him down and found a pill bottle in his front pocket. Cunningham freely admitted that it was marijuana. He also said he had a pipe in the car.
The trial court granted his motion to suppress, finding that Indiana statute only requires one red taillight, so the traffic stop was invalid. The COA affirmed 2-1 on Cunningham’s other claim, that his consent was not valid since the officer had no reasonable suspicion of danger.
Chief Justice Loretta Rush, writing for the majority, noted that it is not inherently coercive to choose whether to get out of a car and be frisked or to stay inside the vehicle unsearched. The majority also held that Cunningham’s right to refuse consent to search was implicit in his choice to get out of the truck or stay inside.
“The circumstances of Defendant’s request, and the officer’s response, reflect Defendant’s knowledge that he could avoid an unwanted search simply by choosing not to get out of his truck. It may have been preferable in retrospect if the officer had stated that choice explicitly. But regardless of any imprecision in the officer’s language, Defendant recognized from the circumstances that he could refuse the search simply by changing his mind about inspecting the taillight. Accordingly, his choice to step out of the truck and submit to the pat-down it entailed was free and voluntary,†Rush wrote in reversing the trial court in State of Indiana v. Michael E. Cunningham, 19S05-1409-CR-599.
Justice Robert Rucker dissented, finding Cunningham’s purported consent to the pat-down search was constitutionally invalid.
“It is of course the case that police officers have the authority to maintain control of a traffic stop, including ordering someone to either stay in or exit a vehicle. However, it goes too far to permit a police officer to be able to barter an individual’s constitutional right to be free from warrantless, unreasonable searches in exchange for the individual to verify he in fact was committing a minor traffic infraction as the officer alleged,†he wrote.
Ivy Tech Corporate College to Announce New Program to Assist Local ManufacturersÂ
Ivy Tech Corporate College will host a breakfast tomorrow, Tuesday, March 3, 2015, to announce the rollout of a new manufacturing program that addresses the states predicted skills gap in the manufacturing industry.
Approximately 50 manufacturing and community leaders are expected to attend the breakfast where details about the new program will be shared. The new Ivy Tech training program will address a critical issue that employers across the state are facing, the need for more skilled workers.
Southwest Indiana Manufacturing Project
Breakfast Meeting/Discussion
Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 3, 2015
7:30 – 9 a.m. (CST)
Ivy Tech Community College
3501 N. First Ave., Evansville IN
“The Indiana Career Council estimates that the state will experience a skills gap of 675,000 workers by 2025; as the need for skilled workers continues to rise in our community, the demand is greater than ever for programs that provide industry-specific training,†said Ivy Tech Chancellor Jonathan Weinzapfel. “Customized skills are no longer just a luxury, they are a necessity for current employees as well as those just starting out in their career.â€
Ivy Tech’s training will provide job applicants and individuals currently employed in manufacturing with the industry specific skills necessary for their success. Students will experience customized training in a work-like atmosphere, preparing them for the transition from classroom to job site. They will gain the foundational skills needed to work in a manufacturing setting, and a knowledge base to help them add value for their employer from day one.
Riecken bringing legislative office to Evansville on Saturday, March 7
- 12:30 to 2 p.m. (CST): Penny Lane Coffeehouse, 2004 Washington Ave. [get a map]
- 2:30 to 4 p.m. (CST): Penny Lane Coffeehouse, 600 SE Second St. [get a map]
“I will be available at both locations to discuss the current legislative session, answer any of your questions, and help you with any issues related to state government,†Riecken said.
“Please join me on Saturday, even if you just want to talk and have a great cup of coffee.â€
IS IT TRUE MARCH 3, 2015
IS IT TRUE yesterday that we broke the local internet? ….the traffic to this website ranked as one of our busiest days of all time ?….the publisher was forced to expand his real estate in cyber space? ….if you were unable to read and comment yesterday, we apologize and invite you to try again today?
IS IT TRUE the Indiana Senate is poised to vote on repeal of our Common Construction Wage statute? ….State Representatives Holli Sullivan and Wendy McNamara cast their votes for repeal when the measure cleared the Indiana House? ….the history of state prevailing wage laws stem from the Davis-Bacon Act of 1931? ….the legislation mandates that local prevailing wages be paid for federally assisted public works construction projects?….there was a movement for state prevailing wage laws thereafter with 33 states taking such action, and Indiana passing prevailing wage legislation in 1935?….the Indiana Prevailing Wage Act, now known as the Common Construction Wage Act, was passed to establish wage rates paid to construction workers on public works projects in the state, with the wage rates determined by a board in the county where the project is located?….the boards are made up of five representatives from the local community: an industry representative appointed by the awarding agency, a labor representative appointed by the Indiana AFL-CIO, a contractor appointed by the Associated Builders and Contractors, a taxpayer appointed by the awarding agency and a taxpayer appointed by the County legislative body?….projects costing less than $350,000 and federally funded or partially federally funded are exempted?….private entities that receive tax credits or other economic development assistance from the state or local governments are also exempted?
IS IT TRUE the genesis of the Common Construction Wage law was to combat out-of-state contractors from the South who were entering the market and undercutting the bids of local contractors?….Indiana and local governments have laws which basically require that they accept the lowest bid?….public construction accounts for approximately one fourth of the construction market throughout the nation?….the requirement to take the lowest bid by public bodies creates downward pressure on wages, benefits and working conditions, along with the seasonal and temporary nature of construction projects?….construction workers are always working themselves out a job and are vulnerable to accepting reduced wages while they wait for another project?….at the same time, the skills necessary to build our buildings, roads and bridges require years of training and experience?….there is an inherent rub between the short-term relationship of public entities and contractors and creating incentive for contractors to invest in their workers?
IS IT TRUE the Common Construction Wage Act prevents government from using its substantial purchasing power to reduce wages and benefits in a community and is an example of one of this country’s oldest public policies to regulate labor markets?….by taking labor costs out of the equation of competitive bidding, contractors are left to compete based on productivity, quality, material costs, technology, management practices, logistics and profit margins?….stable wages are good for a community, as they incentivize the best and the brightest to enter the construction industry and they force businesses in the industry to train their workers to maximize productivity?….it is a myth that the law promotes only the interests of unionized construction workers?….studies done at both the federal and state level demonstrate that the prevailing wage is often set by non-union rates and union contractors are not typically higher bidders on projects than non-union contractors?….this myth in Indiana most likely stems from the high rate of unionization within the constructions trades in the state, which was 33% in 2013?….ultimately, there is no evidence that prevailing wage laws increase construction costs, and therefore repeal would not save money for taxpayers?….the real myth in this debate is that lower wages have no impact on productivity, quality, worker experience and worker skill?
IS IT TRUE that the potential to harm Indiana businesses and families is great if the Common Construction Wage Act is repealed?….over 90% of public projects in Indiana are completed by in-state contractors?….undermining a local labor market negatively impacts the ability of contractors and workers to support their family, and in turn the community?….repeal of the law would annually drain nearly $250 million dollars from other industries throughout the state, such as retail trade, health care and professional services?…..the existing law boosts the Indiana economy by about $700 million dollars a year by increasing consumer demand throughout the state?….the status quo also increases tax revenue to all levels of government with $21 million dollars in local and state tax revenue and $66 million in federal tax revenue from higher wages and increased spending?
IS IT TRUE that the current split in the Indiana Senate is 17 to 17 with 16 undecided or unknown?….it’s good for the soul to pick up the phone today and make 16 calls or send 16 emails?….the names of the Senators needing to hear from you and what you learned today are Pete Miller (3172329414 s9@in.gov); Chip Perfect (3172329541 s27@in.gov); Jeff Raatz (3172329488 s2@in.gov); Jim Smith (3172349426 s44@in.gov); Brent Steele (3172329814 s40@in.gov); Joe Zakas (3172329490 s11@in.gov); Ron Alting (3172329517 s22@in.gov); Phillip Boots (3172349054 s23@in.gov); Mike Delph (3172329541 s29@in.gov); C. Susan Glick (3172329493 s46@in.gov); Ron Grooms (3172349425 s18@in.gov); Randy Head (3172329488 s7@in.gov); Luke Kenley (3172329453 s14@in.gov); Dennis Kruse (3172330930 s25@in.gov); and Jean Leising (3172349054 s16@in.gov) ….I made my calls yesterday, and each call took less than one minute?  …our Mayor has quietly sent a letter to Indianapolis expressing his political opinion on this issue?….we hope that the Mayor’s letter will be made public?
IS IT TRUE I’ll be back tomorrow with some scathing commentary about something going on in our part of the world, but for today we should pull together for Indiana?….our readers from Indiana should make the calls or send the emails, because this change will impact everyone, and we should take a stand against such an act that lacks credibility?….we thank you for your support and look forward to bringing you the news in a way that not only brings you into the discussion but makes you feel compelled to participate?
Response to the Mayor’s State of the City Address By Gail Riecken
This past week Mayor Winnecke gave his State of the City Address. As usual, there was a great delivery, and he was very positive. One gets the feeling everything is fine in River City. However, the facts are at odds with the Mayor’s claim our city is “fiscally strong.â€
And it isn’t just me. Mayor Winnecke’s City Controller Russ Lloyd Jr. reported there are problems with city finances (See Langhorne, Thomas Lines Drawn in the Sand over City Fund Transfers, Evansville Courier and Press, 31 January 2015). Despite the Mayor’s cheerful spin, Russ Lloyd Jr says that the city’s cash balances are declining.
Evansville Redevelopment Commissioner and fellow Republican Cheryl Musgrave agrees with her statement “there are real problems with the finances†(See Evans, Zach. Strong City Finances? Not necessarily, some say, Evansville Courier and Press, 24 February 2015).
Far from accepting the challenge to answer these concerns of a negative trend in our finances, the Mayor has continued over the last three years to overspend his operational funds on a monthly basis. In 2012, the administration spent more than it took in by $6.8 million dollars. In 2013, it was $7.1 million dollars, and although it’s not yet official, 2014 will show $7.4 million dollars in overspending.
How can the Mayor claim the strong finances when, under his leadership, our city’s cash balances have declined so rapidly?
The Mayor’s answer to his overspending is just as troubling. City Controller Russ Lloyd, Jr. said recently, “We’re paying bills out of the general fund and using other accounts to offset it…†(See Lines Drawn in the Sand over City Fund Transfers).
Mayors have transferred funds before to cover expenses, but they make sure that expenditures don’t exceed revenue by controlling spending. As early as last July the Administration said they were designing a spending plan. Where is that plan today?
The administration’s lack of transparency and poor planning has effected economic development in Evansville. The prime example is the downtown hotel. This project suffered from poor planning from the start. As the Mayor admitted in his speech, the hotel project first stumbled over geotechnical issues due to his proposed site location. There were additional problems with private partner financing and bids for construction that were nearly $13 million more than what was budgeted. The Mayor’s office led the community through a symbolic groundbreaking in March of 2014 and followed that with press release after press release that the real groundbreaking was just weeks away.
All of this happened before we were finally told in December of 2014 by the Mayor that the project “cannot move forward†(Martin, John, Winnecke: City cannot move forward on current hotel deal, Evansville Courier and Press, 18 December 2014). The poor planning and a lack of transparency cost city residents and development partners $1.6 million as of September 30, 2014 with more bills to come.
Poor planning and a lack of transparency led to the downtown hotel project as originally proposed by this Mayor failing. The public endured yet another attempt to build a hotel that lasted eighteen months with over half of that time spent assuring the public that the project was about to start. When it failed, the City Council was blamed despite the Mayor agreeing in September of 2013 that a $20 million bond was sufficient for the project.
As Mayor, I will always be forthright about our challenges, and engage the community at every opportunity with the truth. As I’ve done as State Representative, I will continue to ask people their opinion and even more so when we disagree. I want to serve the community, not blame others. I will always take responsibility for the actions of my administration.
Given the Mayor’s lack of leadership on the hotel project, I am concerned that he is celebrating too early on the funding allotted by the state legislature for the transformative project proposed as the IU/UE/USI/Ivy Tech medical campus. The Mayor talked a lot about his recent meetings with the Governor where he asked for funding for the project, but the Governor’s budget fails to provide enough money to complete the project as envisioned. I offered an amendment within the Ways & Means Committee to fully fund the project and did not get Republican support.
Like with the hotel, the Mayor is holding celebrations before getting enough funding and will be satisfied with less than what our community wants and needs. Without the funding, these projects don’t get done, and without getting done they can’t bring jobs and development to Evansville.
We cannot afford four more years of Mayor Winnecke’s reckless spending, poor planning, and lack of transparency. This administration fails to understand that words and press conferences are not enough to pay our bills. The Mayor is blind to our current financial struggles and therefore cannot offer a solution.
I know that you are worried about our spending and our recent failures to complete important projects. I hear your concerns and will continue to be your voice. As Mayor, I will be a good steward of your tax dollars while we all dare to dream of what this community can achieve.
Gail Riecken
IN State Representative and Candidate for Mayor