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IS IT TRUE January 16, 2015

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IS IT TRUE we are pleased to report that the Owen Block Preservation group is having some impressive success in trying to raise sufficient cash to save the classic structure from the wrecking ball?…they are reporting to have about a third of the required money to get this place into private hands raised?…the part about the City of Evansville using some federal tax dollars to cement the deal is not something we were hoping to see?…if the preservation group can come up with three fourths of the required money, it serves to reason that they could also come up with the last $100,000 making this whole endeavor a private personal rescue of this once magnificent building?…that aside, as they get closer to their goal, this writer will be increasing the pot to support this grass roots effort?

IS IT TRUE with the recent freezing and thawing and freezing again, the old dilapidated water distribution pipes of Evansville are going through their annual failure cycle and taking roads with them?…old pipes and old roads combined with freeze-thaw cycles is the death knell of both the pipes and the roads?…the next pot hole you hit you can blame it on a compulsive obsession by our elected officials to chase after shiny objects and ignore the infrastructure improvements that we all truly NEED?

IS IT TRUE it seems as though Evansville is once again the home to a theft ring and this time it is expensive capital equipment that the thieves have been fencing?…they even found some unsuspecting local government employees down in Union County, Kentucky to buy their stolen goods?…we are certain that the receivers of stolen goods did not go through the public bidding process to purchase these expensive pieces of equipment?…those civil servants should have followed the old adage of “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”?…the egg is now on the face of these taxpayer funded marks who thought they were getting a deal?

IS IT TRUE that yesterday’s action of removing the peg that held the euro to the Swiss Franc set off panic in European currency markets that saw the Swiss Franc fall by 20% relative to the Euro?…that makes a European vacation look very attractive to this writer to take advantage of a favorable exchange rate for the first time since the late 1990’s?…the strong dollar is however as much of a two edged sword as the falling gas prices are?…that $2 a gallon gas does indeed put energy workers out of a job?…the same think happens with American exports when the dollar is strong because foreign customers see price increases on American products due to the exchange rate trends?…what this verifies is the age old premise that everything is connected?

IS IT TRUE it had been expected that the Christmas retail season would have been a banner year in 2014 due to the uncharacteristically low cost of gasoline in the United States?…Oil prices have plunged by over 50% since last summer making $2 a gallon gas a reality in a market that has about the highest psychological effect on American consumers?…in most cases people have experienced a real life experience of saving roughly $25 per fill up as compared to last summer and the conventional wisdom was that these dollars would be going for Christmas presents?…for once, the American consumer must have chosen to do something other than run out and spend their new found money leaving the retail industry aghast because the projected sales just didn’t happen?…this is evidenced by the closure of two chain stored that have had local branches for many years and with the announced closing of Target Canada?…the unpublished casualties that have announced significant store closings includes Radio Shack, Barnes & Nobles, Office Depot, Staples, Abercrombie & Fitch, Aeropostale, American Eagle, Sears, Coach, Express, and Guess all that will be closing more than 50 stores?…we do not know if this poor retail season was due to a new frugality stimulated by the Great Recession or the continual fear of losing a job but this was unexpected and did not give the economy a shot in the arm that nearly everyone was expecting?

Please take time and vote in todays “Readers Poll”.

Copyright 2015 City County Observer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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 January 15, 2015

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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

Mock Jurors Needed for University of Evansville Research Project

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The University of Evansville’s Psychology and Law Research Laboratory is looking for people to play mock jurors in a mock trial, as part of a grant-funded research project. Any U.S. citizen who is 18-years-old or older can participate. Those participating will receive $40 for their time.

The mock trial will last no more than two hours. All participants will read a description of a mock trial and watch video-taped evidence depicting an alleged murder. All participants will then deliberate as a group to attempt to reach a consensual verdict.

Those who would like to participate or who have questions, should contact research laboratory manager Evan McCracken at em157@evansville.edu.

Board of Public Safety Minutes

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MINUTES

Wednesday, January 14th, 2015

Building Commission – Ron Beane Police Department – Chief Billy Bolin

Transportation & Services – Todd Robertson Fire Department – Chief Mike Connelly

~ Pledge of Allegiance ~

Motion by Steve Bagbey, 2nd by Mr. Michael Retter and so ordered to vote in Ms. JoAnn Smith as the Board of Public Safety President.

Motion by Steve Bagbey, 2nd by Ms. Smith and so ordered to vote in Mr. Michael Retter as the Board of Public Safety Vice President.

Business with Representatives:

Motion by Steve Bagbey, 2nd by Mr. Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

  1. Amy Word, Lamasco Bar & Grill, requests approval for the Mardi Gras Grand Parade on February 14th, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.  Closing Franklin Street from Fulton Ave to St. Joseph Ave.  Sgt. Evans has a few suggestions regarding closing down Franklin Street in certain areas.  Ms. Word and Sgt. Evans came to the agreement to close Franklin St. from Fulton to the railroad tracks for the staging/setup time, and 15-20 minutes before the parade begins close Franklin St. from Fulton Ave to St. Joseph Ave.  Ms. Word stated that they have contacted the railroad asking if they could hold off at train through that area for the first hour, the railroad company explained they would try, but couldn’t guarantee anything.

Departmental Reports:

  1. Police Department – Captain Andy Chandler

Motion by Steve Bagbey, 2nd by Mrs. Smith and so ordered to approve the following:

  1. Request approval for the renewal of the sector office cleaning contract.

Motion by Steve Bagbey, 2nd by Mr. Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

  1. Request permission to send out quotes for the purchase of 168 Ballistic Vests for the new officers and officers that are due for a new vest, with the intent of opening the bids on January 28th, 2015.

Motion by Steve Bagbey, 2nd by Mr. Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

  1. Request approval for the Settlement Agreement of Jane Ellis.
  1. Fire Department – Chief Mike Connelly

Motion by Steve Bagbey, 2nd by Ms. Smith and so ordered to approve the following:

  1. Request approval for the November 2014 Monthly Report.

Motion by Steve Bagbey, 2nd by Ms. Smith and so ordered to approve the following:

  1. Request approval for the renewal of the Pro Air Inc. contract.

Motion by Steve Bagbey, 2nd by Mr. Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

  1. Request approval for the updated Policy 100.005 Take-Home Vehicles.

Motion by Steve Bagbey, 2nd by Mr. Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

  1. Request approval for the Department Chaplains and the signed Medical Director contract.

Motion by Steve Bagbey, 2nd by Mr. Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

  1. Request approval for the Knight Township Fire Protection Services agreement, recently expired.
  1. Building Commission – (no agenda submissions)

Consent Section:

  1. Horse-Drawn Carriage

Motion by Steve Bagbey, 2nd by Mr. Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

  1. Requests approval of the renewal of carriage business license for the following:
  1. Sheila & Randy O’Risky – application in order.
  1. Taxi Cab Company License

Motion by Steve Bagbey, 2nd by Mr. Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

  1. Requests approval for the renewal of taxicab company license for the following:
  1. Dave’s Taxi Service – application in order
  1. Parking Permit

Motion by Steve Bagbey, 2nd by Mr. Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

  1. American Red Cross requests approval for a parking permit on January 22nd, 2015 from 6:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. as they will be parking the blood donation bus in front of Signature School at 310 Main Street.
  1. Dumpster in the Street

Motion by Steve Bagbey, 2nd by Mr. Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

  1. Request approval for a dumpster in the street for the following:
  1. Sara Anne Corrigan – 639 S Norman Ave  – January 15th, 2015 until January 30th, 2015 – removing debris from yard after garage demolition
  1. Massage Clinic or School

Motion by Steve Bagbey, 2nd by Mr. Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

  1. Request approval for renewal of a massage clinic or school of the following:
  1. Golden Spa – Yuhua Tan – 2504 E Tennessee St.
  1. Taxicab Driver’s Permit

Motion by Steve Bagbey, 2nd by Mr. Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

  1. Request approval for the new or renewal of the following:
  1. Sherry L. Bass
  2. Vernon K. Beal
  3. Laurie A. Bogan
  4. Greg Culbertson
  5. Brian Devoy
  6. Robert Dyson
  7. Lisa English
  8. Brenda Everson
  9. Krista Gardner
  10. William Gardner
  11. Michael Kobie
  12. Kevin Kreutle
  13. Charles Milligan
  14. Rachel Milligan
  15. Stuart Mosby
  16. Ronald Noble
  17. Randy Paddock
  18. James R. Roddy
  19. David J. Vulpo
  20. Russell Weymouth
  21. Lawrence E. Will
  22. Murray Wilson Jr.
  23. Robert L. Young Sr.
  24. Mark Mattingly
  25. Andrew J. Nelson

OTHER BUSINESS:

  1. Approve claims. [no claims were submitted]

Motion by Steve Bagbey, 2nd by Mr. Retter and so ordered to approve the following:

  1. Approve the minutes of Wednesday, December 3rd, 2014

Announcements:

Next Meeting, January 28th, 2015

Adjourned:  1:20 p.m.

Dr. Bucshon Votes to Fund DHS, Defund President’s Executive Action

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(WASHINGTON, DC) – On Wednesday, Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. voted for and the House passed H.R. 240, the FY15 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill, which fully funds the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through September 30, 2015 and defunds President Obama’s unconstitutional executive actions on immigration.

Dr. Bucshon released the following statement after H.R. 240 passed the House:

“The United States is and will continue to be a nation of immigrants. It’s our tradition.  It’s the foundation that helped mold who we are today.  And we are continuing that tradition – the U.S. has more people immigrate legally to our country annually than any other country in the world. 

“At the same time, we are and will continue to be a nation that respects the rule of law. This is what separates us from so many other nations. The Constitution has been our guiding document and every elected federal official has sworn an oath to uphold it at all times, not just when it is convenient.

“The immigration challenges we face are many.  That’s why I support reform of our legal immigration laws; however, we must start by securing our borders and enforcing our current laws. Unfortunately, President Obama’s administration has ignored these important first steps and has attempted to legislate through executive fiat, ignoring the will of the American people as well as the separation of powers written in the Constitution.  In fact, the President has argued over 20 times that he could not act alone on immigration, but did so anyway. 

“The DHS appropriations bill fully funds the department, making sure they continue to have the resources needed to protect our citizens at home and abroad. In addition, with the added amendments, the bill reestablishes the Constitutional roles of Congress to write laws and the President to enforce them.

“We can find common ground on these challenges so long as the administration and Senate Democrats are willing to work on strategic solutions that reform our broken immigration system. We can begin with passing legislation that protects American workers here at home, secures our borders, bolsters immigration and customs enforcement, and modernizes our legal immigration system for the 21st century.”

BACKGROUND: 

The Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, became law on December 16, 2014. It fully funds 11 of the 12 regular Appropriations bill through September 30, 2015 and funds the Department of Homeland Security under a Continuing Resolution (CR) until February 27, 2015.

H.R. 240, the FY15 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill, will fund the Department of Homeland Security at $39.7 billion in discretionary funding through September 30, 2015. This funding level is $400 million over FY14 and ensures our nation’s security needs are met while maintaining fiscal discipline.

Highlights:

  • Prioritizes funding for border security with additional funds to prevent cuts to border patrol agents, provides additional funds for border fencing, infrastructure and technology, and maintains constant air, sea, and land surveillance.
  • Increases funding for immigration enforcement to address the surge of unaccompanied children crossing the border with additional staffing and detention beds.
  • Deters future illegal migration, facilitates removal, fully funds E-Verify, and combats human trafficking, drug smuggling, and gang activity.
  • Maintains TSA priorities for passenger and cargo security and reforms passenger screening options through risk-based screening and privatized screening.
  • Prevents cuts to the U.S. Coast Guard and ensures the acquisition of a USCG National Security Cutter and additional aircraft and vessels to fulfill mission requirements provides necessary funds for FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund and first responder grants.

Important amendments to H.R. 240 supported by Dr. Bucshon:

An amendment offered by Reps. Aderholt, Mulvaney, and Barletta that: 

  • Prevents any funds from being used to carry-out the Executive actions announced on November 20, 2014 to grant deferred action to certain people who are in the United States illegally.
  • Declares that no funds may be used to carry-out any substantially similar policies to those defunded.
  • Declares that the policies defunded and any substantially similar policies have no statutory or constitutional basis and therefore no legal effect.

An amendment offered by Rep. Blackburn that:

  • Provides that no funds may be used to consider new, renewal, or previously denied DACA applications.

An amendment offered by Reps. DeSantis and Roby that:

  • Requires that DHS treat any person in the United States illegally convicted of any offense involving domestic violence, sexual abuse, child molestation, or child abuse or exploitation be subject to DHS’s highest civil immigration enforcement.

An amendment offered by Reps. Salmon and Thompson (PA) that:

  • Provides a sense of Congress that the Executive Branch should not pursue policies that disadvantage the hiring of U.S. citizens and those lawfully present in the United States by making it economically advantageous to hire workers who came to the country illegally.

An amendment by Rep. Schock that: 

  • Provides a sense of Congress that the Administration should stop putting the interest of immigrants who worked within the legal framework to come to the US behind those who came here illegally.

2015 Broadway In Evansville

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Sunday, February 8          at 7:00pm
FLASHDANCE: THE MUSICAL		 find tickets
Celebrating its 30th Anniversary, the pop culture phenomenon of FLASHDANCE is now live on stage. With electrifying dance at its core, FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and a bar dancer by night with dreams of one day becoming a professional performer.
more link
Monday, March 2
at 7:30pm
DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST		 find tickets
Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the smash hit Broadway musical, is coming to Evansville! Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide.
more link
Tuesday, April 21
at 7:30pm
MEMPHIS: THE MUSICAL		 find tickets
TURN UP THAT DIAL… From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love.
more link

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rush proposes business court, makes pitch for e-filing funding

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Dave Stafford for www.theindianalawyer.com

In her first State of Judiciary speech, Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush on Wednesday said the judiciary is “currently working on the development of a business court model focused on complex commercial litigation,” and urged the General Assembly to help fund the courts’ electronic filing initiative.
“We’re excited to roll out e-filing this year, and we’re asking for your assistance to make it successful,” Rush said in her first State of the Judiciary address.

Rush offered few details about the proposed business court. “Creating this specialty court will bring together judges experienced in handling business and commercial law cases to preside over a specialized docket with business-specific resources,” she said.

“Our goal in this endeavor, along with the introduction of electronic filing, is to promote an attractive, predictable and consistent climate for doing business in Indiana.

Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathryn Dolan said the court estimated the cost to run a statewide e-filing system is about $5 million, but the source of funding for the initiative hasn’t been identified. The state last year solicited bids for a statewide e-filing manager, but no formal selection has been announced.

“Your Indiana judiciary is strong,” Rush said, “and over the next year we will grow stronger still, taking on new initiatives to stay modern and responsive as we strive to fulfill the promise of justice in Indiana.”

While looking ahead at court modernization efforts, Rush also paid tribute to her predecessor. “In countless ways, the sound current state of our courts is attributable to former Chief Justice Brent Dickson – a man of integrity whose calm, civil and thoughtful approach was instrumental in leading our judiciary during the last several years – a period of much change.”

Dickson, who last year stepped down as chief but remains an associate justice, received the first of several standing ovations during Rush’s speech, not all of which were reserved for members of the judiciary.

Rush also told the story of Army Specialist Christopher Bunch, a veteran of the Iraq war who returned home with post-traumatic stress, anxiety, night terrors and drug and alcohol dependence due to his wartime experience. “Christopher said, ‘It took me five years to get into trouble.’”

But through a veterans court in Floyd County, he completed a VA substance-abuse treatment program, moved into transitional housing and a relapse prevention program and received mental-health treatment, all of which was paid for through his veteran benefits.

“Chris is once again a supportive partner to his wife, a role model for his sons and a productive member of his community,” Rush said in saluting Bunch. She said the 68 certified problem-solving courts in the state “continue to be one of our greatest success stories.”

Among other court programs Rush highlighted were those aimed at juveniles, such as the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, which now covers 56 percent of Indiana’s at-risk youth, and the Children’s Commission established last year.

She also noted creation of the nation’s first statewide Guardian Registry for adults who are subject to guardianships. The registry has been implemented in just a few counties to date.

“Rest assured, your Indiana judiciary is vibrant and ever poised to meet the challenges of the future,” Rush concluded.

Governor Pence Leading Jobs Mission to International Auto Show

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Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence will depart on a day-long jobs and economic development mission to the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit tomorrow to strengthen Indiana’s relationships with automotive industry leaders and market Indiana’s business development success story.

 

“Indiana has a legacy in automotive innovation, beginning with our early days in auto racing and continuing today,” said Pence. “That legacy has helped Indiana become a leader in developing and implementing automotive technologies and is a chief reason why top players in the industry are dedicating their valuable time to meet with our team, providing the opportunity to tell Indiana’s story as a state that works for the automotive industry.”

During the trip, the governor will attend the NAIAS at Detroit’s Cobo Center where he will visit exhibition booths and meet with leaders from the world’s most influential automotive companies, including Honda, Subaru, Chevrolet, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Toyota. He will also visit the NAIAS exhibition booth of Japan-based AISIN. In addition to his visit to the auto show, he will hold a meeting with Mary Barra, chief executive officer of General Motors, as well as meetings with Italy-based companies OMR and Sirmax.

 

NAIAS is one of the most prestigious automotive shows in the world. With more than 34,000 attendees joining automotive professionals representing 2,000 companies from around the globe, NAIAS previews more than 500 vehicles, providing first looks at new vehicle models and automotive technologies and innovations.

 

“Indiana-built cars are keeping the world—and Indiana’s economy—moving,” said Pence. “Our state’s automotive industry is the second largest in the nation, creating jobs for Hoosiers at assembly plants and hundreds of companies across the state. At the North American International Auto Show we’ll be meeting with global auto companies and suppliers, strengthening our existing ties and continuing the conversation of why Indiana works for their industry and why our Hoosier workforce has the experience and skills to build the best vehicles in the world.”

Secretary of Commerce Victor Smith and Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) staff will accompany the Governor for the one-day trip, building practical connections and strengthening existing relationships between Indiana and the automotive industry. The cost of the state delegation is being covered through private donations to the Indiana Economic Development Foundation.

 

Home to four original equipment manufacturer assembly plants and more than 650 automotive suppliers, Indiana’s motor vehicle industry is the second largest by gross domestic product in the United States, producing more than $9.8 billion in goods annually. With manufacturers and suppliers across the state, Indiana produced more than 1.1 million cars and light trucks in 2013. In addition, the automotive industry directly employs more than 124,000 workers in Indiana and experienced a 32 percent growth rate since 2010.

 

The governor will depart for Detroit tomorrow morning and return to Indiana that afternoon.

 

Governor Pence Urges Congress to Reform Corporate Tax Code, Repeal Medical Device Tax

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Indianapolis – In a letter sent today to Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Governor Mike Pence encourages Congress to take on reforming the corporate tax code and repealing the medical device tax.

In 2014, Governor Pence signed into law legislation that will reduce Indiana’s state corporate tax rate to 4.9 percent by 2022, making Indiana’s corporate tax rate one of the lowest in the nation. And thanks to pro-growth and pro-business policies enacted in recent years, Indiana led the nation in manufacturing job growth in 2014 and ranked 6th in the nation last November for largest growth rate in private sector jobs.

In his letter, the Governor explains, “Our economic success and ability to grow jobs, however, is significantly impacted by policies at the federal level. Indiana cannot compete for investments with other states if companies will not even consider locating in any of our United States due to the federal corporate tax rate.  Reducing the corporate tax rate will allow states to compete more effectively on the world stage and encourage the kind of job growth we hope to see for all Americans.”

In a state that ranks second in the nation in exports of life sciences products at a value of more than $9.7 billion, Governor Pence has worked tirelessly for the repeal of the medical device tax.

“Medical device entrepreneurs should be allowed to innovate and grow without facing an industry specific tax,” writes the Governor. “Repeal of the medical device tax will let these companies expand and grow jobs in Indiana and across the country.  It is the right thing to do, and I hope the Congress will be able to move forward with repeal legislation early this year.”

The life sciences industry provides a $55 billion impact to Indiana’s economy.  Life sciences companies employ more than 55,000 Hoosiers, with 20,000 of them in medical device-related jobs.  Between 2002 and 2009, Indiana added 5,600 medical device sector jobs. In addition, medical device companies pay 56 percent more than the average wage in Indiana, and 53 percent of jobs in the medical device industry do not require a college degree.

The Governor’s letter in full can be found attached.

 

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