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Medical malpractice bill killed in Senate
Dave Stafford for www.theindianlawyer.com
A proposal to allow clear medical malpractice claims to go directly to court rather than through medical review panels was defeated Monday in the Indiana Senate.
Senators voted 27-22 against Senate Bill 55, which would have allowed malpractice claims to be filed directly to court in two situations: when the wrong body part has been removed, or when the claim is based on the existence of a foreign object in the patient’s body.
Under current state law, any claim for damages in excess of $15,000 must go before a medical review panel consisting of three medical professionals. Panels render opinions on proposed claims before they may be heard in court. An attorney also is appointed to chair these panels but doesn’t vote.
Previously, senators stripped the bill of a provision that would have raised the $15,000 limit, which has not been increased since 1985. Bill sponsor Sen. Brent Steele, R-Bedford, proposed raising the threshold to $187,500, but the Judiciary Committee he chairs sent the bill to the floor with the limit increased to just $50,000. The increase was stripped out entirely on the Senate floor, where the provisions concerning foreign objects and removal of wrong body parts were added.
SB 55 is one of two medical malpractice bills introduced in the General Assembly this session.
Rep. Jerry Torr, R-Carmel, authored House Bill 1043 that would increase the medical malpractice award cap from the current level of $1.25 million to $1.65 million. The bill also would raise insurers’ liability to $300,000 from the current limit of $250,000.
HB 1043 on Monday passed the House Judiciary Committee on a 9-2 vote.
I am Second Teams with Local Non-Profits to Bring Hope to the Tri-State with I am Second Live
Event’s importance reinforced by recent reports showing Indiana among highest rated in the U.S. for teen suicides
 A new report from the Indiana Youth Institute has shown Indiana has the highest rate in the country of teens who have considered suicide and the second highest rate of those who attempted it. Seeking to give the residents of the Tri-State area hope in life, I am Second is hosting I am Second Live on Feb. 26 to raise funds for local non-profits helping those in need.
“Even before we heard these newest study results, we knew that people in the Tri-State were hurting,” said Marie Harris, I am Second’s local coordinator in Evansville. “I am Second is all about hope, and we believe strategic partnerships with other local non-profits can reverse recent disheartening statistics like these. I am Second Live is an opportunity to celebrate what has been done and what can be done in the future in our community through sharing a message of hope and serving our residents.”
I am Second is a movement centered on storytelling through powerful short films with a significant message. Its website, iamsecond.com, features more than 100 films of athletes, actors, models, musicians, politicians and everyday people who have stepped in front of the camera and declared, “I am Second.”
Organizers of I am Second Live will donate the first $20,000 raised during the event to Community One and the Evansville YMCA. Additional proceeds from the event will benefit future I am Second Evansville films and activities.
Hosted by New York Times No. 1 bestselling author Eric Metaxas, I am Second Live will feature American Idol alum Danny Gokey, who will perform and speak about his personal experience with city transformation in Nashville through his non-profit, Sophia’s Heart, as it relates to the impact I am Second is having on Evansville; local musicians Gina Moore and After Hours; and individuals who have shared their personal stories through films on iamsecond.com, including television personality Randy Moore and hip-hop artist Sean Little.
Additionally, Lindsay Schroer, wife of Evansville Police Detective Nathan Schroer who lost a nine-year battle with leukemia in November 2013 shortly after filming his story with I am Second, will also attend.
I am Second Live will be held Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. at the historic Victory Theatre. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.victorytheatre.com/events/view/1328 or at the Ford Center Ticket Office by calling (812) 422-1515.
“We have heard numerous stories of how I am Second is making a difference in the lives of those in our community,” Harris said. “Through I am Second Live, we hope to garner support to grow that impact with the help of local organizations who are also working to make the Tri-State a better place.”
A recent survey of men and women across 19 counties in the Tri-State completed by KES Research Group validates the positive impact of I am Second on the community: 72 percent said they had a positive life change including improved life management abilities, relationships, work/school efforts and health choices because of I am Second while 73 percent have experienced spiritual life changes.
I am Second was created in 2008 and first launched in Dallas, Texas. After an overwhelming response, I am Second expanded its grassroots efforts to additional markets.Evansville became the third official launch city in January 2011 with the release of the iamsecond.com short film featuring Moore. Since this time, I am Second Evansville has continued to grow in influence and size, releasing additional films highlighting local individuals. For additional information, visit http://www.iamsecond.com.
Board of School Trustees of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation will have Executive Session Meeting
The Board of School Trustees of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation will meet in executive session at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2015, in the John H. Schroeder Conference Center at the EVSC Administration Building, 951 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN 47713, Evansville, IN. The session will be conducted according to Senate Enrolled Act 313, Section 1, I.C. 5-14-1.5-6.1, as amended. The purpose of the meeting is for discussion of collective bargaining, (2)(A).
Holly’s House’s Elfreich Awarded 2015 Journey Fellowship
Molly Elfreich, Holly’s House Forensic Interviewer, awarded the 2015 Journey Fellowship for New Professionals.  She will be joining twenty-four other youth development professionals from across Indiana who are participating in a year-long professional development experience.Â
(Evansville, Ind.) In response to a growing need to grow the pool of talented professionals in the field of youth work, this Journey Fellowship was created in 2010 and is funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc. Participants in the program are nominated by past Journey Fellows and participate in a competitive application process.
The New Professionals Journey Fellows will embark on an expedition to develop themselves and their careers in youth development. This unique opportunity is meant to support emerging leaders in their quest to get grounded, get connected and get going; making their mark in the field and making a difference in the lives of young people throughout Indiana.
“This Fellowship is about keeping these young youth workers in the field of youth development and helping them become the new leaders in the field to improve services and programs for young people.â€Â says Tom Plake, Journey Leader.
Each of the twenty-five participants in the Journey Fellowship for New Professionals will attend a series of residential retreats designed to create new ways of thinking about and practicing youth work within existing systems and youth programs. Fellowship participants will be awarded career advancement scholarships, and be supported to make a difference within their local organizations or communities.
Sidney Hardgrave, Holly’s House Executive Director, said, “Holly’s House is proud of Molly and her hard work as we strive to provide services to some of our most vulnerable citizens. Molly’s dedication has enabled Holly’s House to collaborate with law enforcement officers and local prosecutors by making sure even the smallest voice is heard. She is very deserving of this recognition.â€Â  Holly’s House, established in 2008, is a child and adult victim advocacy center serving nine counties in Southwest Indiana.
The Journey is home to a variety of programs that seek to support the renewal and professionalization of youth workers in Indiana and around the country. To learn more, visit www.thejourneyonline.org
Holly’s House is a non-residential victims advocacy center providing services for victims of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault in southwest Indiana. The mission of the organization is to empower victims of intimate crime and abuse by providing support, promoting justice and preventing violence. For more information, please visit www.hollyshouse.org.
Indiana State Police Investigate Three Vehicle Crash Involving Gibson County Sheriff’s Deputy, Two Drivers Injured
At approximately 11:30 this morning, Indiana State Police responded  to a three vehicle crash involving a Gibson County Sheriff’s Deputy on SR 64 at C.R. 400 West.
Preliminary investigation revealed Gibson County Sheriff’s
Investigating Officer: Trooper Matt Jacobs, Indiana State Police
Assisting Agencies: Princeton Police, Gibson County Sheriff’s Department, Princeton Fire, Gibson County EMS and Wabash Co. EMS
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Governor Pence Appoints Gwen Horth as Chair of Parole Board
Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence appointed Gwendolyn (Gwen) Horth (Marion County) to the Parole Board to serve the remainder of an unexpired term through June 30, 2016. In addition to her appointment, the Governor has selected Horth to serve as Chair of the Board.  Horth graduated from Valparaiso University, is a founding board member of the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana and has been a volunteer at the Indiana Women’s Prison for several years. Previously, Horth served as chair of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) Nominating Committee, as Washington Township Trustee in Marion County and as an aide to former Indianapolis Mayor Steve Goldsmith.
In addition the Governor made the following appointments:
Director of Special Education
Pamela Wright (Johnson County)
Alcohol and Tobacco Commission
Marjorie Maginn (Marion County), former Commissioner for the Indiana Department of Insurance, appointed to serve the remainder of an unexpired four-year term through September 30, 2017
Indiana Election Division
Trent Deckard (Monroe County), reappointed to serve as co-director
Thoroughbred Breed Development Advisory Committee
Peter Sacopulos (Clay County), appointed to serve a four-year term through January 31, 2019
Jonathan Schuster (Shelby County), appointed to serve a four-year term through January 31, 2019
Wendy Brown (Marion County), reappointed to serve a four-year term through January 31, 2019
Executive Board of the Indiana State Department of Health
Naveed Chowhan (Jefferson County, Kentucky), appointed to serve a four-year term through January 31, 2019
John Gustaitis (Lake County), reappointed to serve a four-year term through January 31, 2019
Stephen Tharp (Clinton County), reappointed to serve a four-year term through January 31, 2019
Antonio Stewart (Howard County), reappointed to serve a four-year term through January 31, 2019
Brenda Goff (Posey County), reappointed to serve a four-year term through January 31, 2019
Richard Martin (Howard County), reappointed to serve a four-year term through January 31, 2019
Oversight Committee on Public Records
Kurt Webber (Marion County), appointed to serve the remainder of an unexpired four-year term through December 31, 2017
Healthy Hoosiers Foundation
Gregory Larkin (Marion County), appointed to serve a three-year term through January 31, 2018
Native American Indian Affairs Commission
Peter Magnant (Morgan County), appointed to serve the remainder of an unexpired four-year term through July 31, 2018
Counter Terrorism and Security Council
Mark Bowen (Hamilton County), appointed to serve at the pleasure of the Governor
Occupational Safety Standards Commission
Luciano Mezzetta (Marion County), appointed to serve the remainder of an unexpired three-year term through November 1, 2015
Indiana Plumbing Commission
James Johnson (Marion County), appointed to serve a three-year term through January 31, 2018
Indiana State Police Board
Thomas Wyss (Allen County), appointed to serve the remainder of an unexpired four-year term through September 30, 2018
Commission for Higher Education
John Conant (Vigo County), appointed to serve the remainder of an unexpired term as well as a full two-year term through June 30, 2017
One Life Church Celebrates Evansville with Community Art Exhibit
One Life Church announces today that they will host a community art exhibit titled Places: Art of the Beautiful, Broken Down, Restored, and Abandoned. The exhibit is free and open to the public, and can be viewed on Sunday, March 15 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., and on Sunday, March 22 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. There will also be an opening reception on Saturday, March 14, from 5-8 p.m. Both the reception and exhibit will be held at One Life’s East Campus, located at 333 Plaza East Blvd. in Evansville.
All members of the community are encouraged to submit artwork, and all mediums will be accepted. Participants are asked to register online at www.onelifechurch.org/places and submit a high-resolution digital image of their artwork by Friday, March 6. The exhibit will be juried by Brian Knicely, Executive Director of the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science.
Community Art Exhibit
Places: Art of the Beautiful, Broken Down, Restored, and AbandonedÂ
Opening Reception: Saturday, March 14th, 5-8 p.m.
Exhibit: Sunday, March 15th and Sunday March 22nd from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
One Life Church – East Campus
333 Plaza East Blvd.
Evansville, IN
Free & Open to the Public
“We want to celebrate art, and celebrate our city through it,†said One Life Church Lead Pastor, Bret Nicholson. “Our hope is to add to the life and vibrancy of Evansville by recognizing its art and by giving people an inspiring experience.â€
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IS IT TRUE February 18, 2015
IS IT TRUE the proposed North Main repaving and bicycle path project is a $14 million bond?…if they bond for engineering and real estate purchases, it will push it to nearly $17 million?…the arena was 122.4 million in bonds in 2010 making the Weinzapfel administration the highest borrowing administration in the City’s history?…all of this borrowing was done for fun and games by the Weinzapfel Administration while they kicked the can down the road for the $800 million in sewer upgrades mandated by the EPA?…the Winnecke administration, not to be outdone has borrowed or agreed to borrow $44 million for Johnson Controls, $57 million for a medical school, $20 million to give to a downtown hotel developer?…the North Main project would give Winnecke the title of biggest borrower and push him to at least $135 million from what is a tie at this point in time?…of course the $44 Million for Johnson Controls was something etched in stone by a last hour signature by former Mayor Weinzapfel right before his speech in Vancouver to champion Smart City Initiatives for Johnson Controls?…it is also a fact that if former Mayor Weinzapfel had been truthful about getting a hotel for free if we build an arena that his successor would not have been thrown into the cluster of nonsense known as the Phantom Hotel?…the reality is that Weinzapfel either borrowed or caused borrowing of nearly $200 Million with his reckless spending?…the real mystery is why the Winnecke Administration has followed that irresponsible lead and kept the debt fest going?
IS IT TRUE the amount of borrowing that has taken place without acknowledging the $800 million we will have to spend on sewers and millions more needed for water lines and road repairs is a classic example of failing to maintain touch with reality?…there is no development plan for the City of Evansville and the North Main project constitutes the last bit of borrowing this city can do without annexation or raising taxes?…it remains to be seen if this City Council will go down in history as the biggest borrow and spend council in the history of Evansville?…that distinction currently belongs to the last council of the Weinzapfel era?
IS IT TRUE with all of the snow and ice that the recent storms have brought to town, the need for infrastructure improvements will be playing itself out graphically in the next few weeks?…there is a high probability for sewer line failures, pot holes the size of cars, and runoff that will cause sewage to flow in the streets?…every year when inclimate weather comes along Evansville is reminded of the legacy of neglect that has made our town a laughing stock without leaving home?
IS IT TRUE in continuing to peel the onion about the comedy of unbelievable errors that happened down at Marina Point last Saturday, it has been learned that just last week the Evansville Building Commission cited Inland Marina for a laundry list of code violations?…we are not sure at this point just what the violations were or if any of the events that started the fire were connected but this is just one more oddity in this most unusual convergence of events?…at this time the identity of the three supposed boat cleaners who allegedly started the fire has not been officially released?…there is one Facebook post that implies who one of the people were but nothing real has come out?…of all of the Keystone Cops events, the secrecy around the three midnight boat cleaners in freezing weather is the most intriguing?…the geography of the place also has the potential for some of the clown car antics to have happened in Kentucky opening up a whole new can of worms that may involve the FBI?
IS IT TRUE the IU Medical School slated for downtown Evansville got a much needed affirmation from a House subcommittee budget proposal?…it really seems like the medical school is going to happen in spite of the fact that it could have been free in another location?…this is one more reason to defer any activities on handing out money to anyone to build a downtown convention hotel?…if Evansville can’t get a private investor to back a downtown hotel with the Ford Center, The Centre, the Victory Theatre, and a Medical School, then A HOTEL IS OBVIOUSLY NOT NEEDED?…the only way to find out is to shelve it until after the medical school opens?