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VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

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Below is a list of felony cases that were filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Michael Paulin Jr           Battery Against a Public Safety Officer-Level 6 Felony
Domestic Battery-Class A Misdemeanor
Resisting Law Enforcement-Class A Misdemeanor

James Ruby                        Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated-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 uphold fired DWD employee’s ban from executive branch employment

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Jennifer Nelson for www.theindianalawyer.com

A fired Indiana Department of Workforce Development employee who argued that she shouldn’t be sanctioned and barred from future executive branch employment because of her misuse of state property lost her appeal before the Indiana Supreme Court Thursday.

Patricia Sanchez won her argument in state court and before the Court of Appeals that the Indiana State Ethics Commission shouldn’t have sanctioned her in 2011. Sanchez, director of the Indiana Commission of Hispanic/Latino Affairs, a division of DWD, was fired in January 2010 after allegations of ghost employment and other misconduct came to light.

A state investigation discovered that Sanchez had in her possession at the time of her termination a television set, a luggage cart and a label maker that were all state property. A search warrant executed several months after her firing led to the discovery of those items in her possession, which led to criminal charges alleging theft and official misconduct.

But those charges were dropped after the judge suppressed the evidence found during the search, citing the information in the warrant was stale. A few months later, the Office of the Inspector General filed the ethics complaint against Sanchez, alleging she violated 42 Indiana Administrative Code 1-5-12 (2004), which provides a state employee shall not make use of state materials … or equipment for any purpose other than for official state business … .

The commission found probable cause to support the complaint and later found she committed the alleged violation. It barred her from future state executive branch employment.

Sanchez had claimed that double jeopardy barred the proceeding before the commission, but Justice Mark Massa quickly disposed of that claim. He also pointed out that the criminal court’s probable cause determination is not binding upon the commission. The search warrant alleged Sanchez had committed theft, whereas the probable cause affidavit for the ethics complaint alleged she had violated administrative code.

“Moreover, we also believe that, to a certain extent, the Ethics Commission is to State employees as the Disciplinary Commission is to members of the Indiana Bar,” Massa wrote, in that acquittal on criminal charges does not prohibit the filing of professional misconduct charges arising from the same conduct against attorneys.

Sanchez also had argued that the commission shouldn’t have considered the evidence resulting from the search – that was later thrown out – and without that evidence, the commission’s decision lacked adequate evidentiary support. Even assuming without deciding that the exclusionary rule does apply to administrative proceedings, there was enough other evidence to support the commission’s decision, Massa wrote.

Indiana State Ethics Commission, Office of Inspector General, and David Thomas, in his Official Capacity as Inspector General v. Patricia Sanchez, 49S02-1402-PL-80, is remanded for further proceedings.

Vanderburgh County wins WeTip “National Safety Award”

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A top executive of WeTip’s National Anonymous Crime Hotline program presented Vanderburgh County with a national award for community safety during an annual national conference Friday, April 11, 2014.

Susan Aguilar, Chief Executive Officer, presented Vanderburgh County with WeTip’s top award, their National Safety Award for their community effort to curb crime in Vanderburgh County.
Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Nicholas Hermann said he is “extremely honored” by the award and recognition from WeTip. “When we decided to bring WeTip to Vanderburgh County, we knew it was a program the community could get behind. There are several victims or witnesses’ who have knowledge of crimes but for fear of retaliation or fear of talking directly to the Police, this was an avenue to give them a voice,” Prosecutor Hermann said. “It is extremely fitting that this award comes during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Our number one goal is justice, and this is another step the community is taking to achieve that.”
Ms. Aguilar of WeTip said: “Vanderburgh County has gone above and beyond any first year city we have ever worked with. Not only are they on top in terms of tips received, but the quality of the tips is remarkable. We are getting solid details that we are able to relay to Police to help curb criminals beahaviors. We are relaying information on wanted fugitives, drugs, weapons, and a huge variety of other crimes. Vanderburgh County is a model area for WeTip.”
Vanderburgh County was also praised by Kristin Arnel, the WeTip liaison for Vanderburgh County. “The work from the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office has been tremendous. It was a culmination of an effective effort to spread the WeTip number and message, mixed with a community that was willing and ready for a program like this,” she said. “I’ve worked with communities who are much bigger than Evansville and they’ve been WeTip participants for much longer, and in under one year, Evansville has already blazed past them in terms of tips. More than just the sheer number tips we receive from Vanderburgh County (around 18 per week) the quality of the tips is tremendous. We are getting license plate numbers, we are getting specific times and dates, car makes and models. It’s one thing to get out the number and let people know it’s an anonymous tip line, it’s quite another to achieve the quality of the tips that we see from your area.”
Nationwide, more than one million anonymous tips have led to the arrest of over 17,000 criminals since 1972, all made possible because WeTip provides total safety and anonymity to the caller. Wetip has also aided law enforcement in the seizure of over $350 million in illegal drugs and narcotics.
If a caller has information about any crime, they can call anonymously at 1-800-78-CRIME. An operator will answer the hotline by saying “this is the WeTip Anonymous Crime hotline, do not give your name or identify yourself in anyway.” The operator then will ask some questions about the crime to obtain the maximum amount of information possible for the police investigator. All informants are eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 when information results in an arrest and conviction. They are available 24/7 and have English/Spanish bi-lingual operators working at all times.
Vanderburgh County adopted the WeTip Program in late June, 2014. In that time, Vanderburgh County has received over 750 anonymous tips and has launched hundreds of investigations leading to the arrest of dozens of dangerous suspects.

ST. MARY’S HIRES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

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St. Mary’s Health is pleased to announce it has named Eric Jost, CPA, as its new Executive Director of Finance. In this role, he will oversee the financial planning and budgeting of St. Mary’s, further enhance finance processes and systems, and provide support for critical strategic initiatives.

Jost brings more than 10 years of experience to this position, most recently as the Chief Financial Officer of Crossroads Community Hospital, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Prior to that, he served as Assistant CFO at Gateway Medical Center in Granite City, Illinois, and Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, Illinois. Crossroads, Gateway, and Heartland are each owned by Community Health Systems where he also served as Senior Internal Auditor in Franklin, Tennessee. Jost was also a Senior Audit Associate with KPMG in Nashville.
“Eric is a very talented individual who brings for-profit experience and technical expertise to our Ministry’s Finance function.  His background and abilities will serve St. Mary’s well today and in the future,” said John Zabrowski, Chief Financial Officer of St. Mary’s Health.   “I am exceptionally pleased to have Eric join our team and look forward to the accomplishments to which he will contribute in the coming years.”
Jost received his Masters of Science in Accountancy and his Bachelors of Science in Accounting in from the University of Southern Indiana. Born and raised from Evansville, Jost returns with his wife Amanda and three children, Dawson, Harper, and Katelyn.

First Lady Karen Pence Awards Grant to Youth First, Inc.

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Award Will Support Mission to Strengthen Youth and Families

Indianapolis – First Lady Karen Pence hosted the second award reception for grant recipients of the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation at the Governor’s residence on Wednesday, where she awarded $15,000 to 19 organizations and charities that serve Hoosier families and children across the state. Youth First, Inc. was represented by President & CEO Parri O. Black and Carol Lynch, Youth First supporter and board member, who were on hand to receive the award.

“When Mike was elected Governor, I was overwhelmed with requests from so many worthy organizations to get involved in their efforts. However, it quickly became clear that I couldn’t be at every event nor could I champion every cause. That is why I, along with a team of dedicated board members, started the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation as a way to shine a light on the organizations across Indiana who lift up our communities and make our state strong,” First Lady Karen Pence continued.

“Youth First is one of those organizations that is doing great work for our Hoosier children and families, and it is an honor to recognize them today,” said First Lady Karen Pence.

First Lady Karen Pence started Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation in August of 2013 as a way to recognize organizations and charities across the state. At the inaugural First Lady’s Luncheon held in April 2014, the Foundation awarded its first major grant of $100,000 to the Art Therapy Program at Riley Hospital for Children. Throughout the year, the Foundation will recognize organizations with smaller grants.

“These grants are a first step toward making a big impact in recognizing these deserving organizations. We hope it can help give them a boost and bring more interest to their causes,” said First Lady Karen Pence. “These organizations are the backbone and the heart of our communities. Youth First represents the very best of what it means to be a Hoosier, and we thank them for their service.”

Youth First’s mission is to strengthen youth and families through evidence-based programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors, and maximize student success. Youth First partners with 50 schools across southwestern Indiana to provide 34 social workers who assess needs, develop and implement prevention plans, and connect students and their families to community resources. Youth First also offers afterschool programs involving parents and caregivers to strengthen families.

Parri Black, Youth First’s President & CEO, shared her appreciation. “We are extremely grateful for the recognition and support given to us by the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation. We would like to sincerely thank First Lady Karen Pence for the opportunity to use this gift to reach more youth and families in our community.”

First Lady Karen Pence presented a check to each organization ranging from $500 to $1,000 in grant money from the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation, including:

– Center for Early Childhood Education
– Camp Rave www.casyonline.org
– Deaconess Jacobsville Playhouse www.deaconess.com/foundation
– Indiana Parenting Institute ipi@indianaparentinginstitutue.org
– Youth First, Inc. www.youthfirstinc.org
– Leadership Hendricks County www.leadershiphendricks.org
– Stair Steps to Success, Inc. www.stairsteptosuccess.com
– Legacy House www.Legacy-House.org
– Ft. Wayne Children’s Choir www.fwchoir.org
– Kids Dance Outreach www.kidsdanceoutreach.org
– Booker T. Boosters of Evansville
– VSA Indiana www.vsai.org
– Indy Honor Flight www.indyhonorflight.org
– Fortune Academy www.thefortuneacademy.org
– Middle Way House www.middlewayhouse.org
– St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf-Indpls www.sjid.org
– Fischoff Natl. Chamber Music Assoc. www.fischoff.org
– Buttermilk Mountain, Inc.
– Joe’s Kids www.joes-kids.org

Wednesday’s reception is the second reception this year. An additional reception is scheduled for March of 2015 with next year’s luncheon scheduled April 23, 2015.

The Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation is a 501 ( c ) (3). The First Lady receives no compensation. Donations are tax deductible. Learn more about how to make a donation or request a grant or monetary award on the Foundation’s website at: www.IndianaFirstLadysCharitableFoundation.org

University of Evansville Announces New Physician’s Assistant Program

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The University of Evansville is proud to announce that it will launch a new physician assistant program, the first in the Tri-State area, to build on its existing strength in health professions education and help meet the growing need for health care providers. The master’s-level program is slated to begin classes in January 2017 at the incoming multi-institutional academic health science and research center heading to downtown Evansville.

The University began investigating the feasibility of a physician assistant program more than two years ago. A physician assistant program will be beneficial to our area because the prevalence of physician assistants (PAs) in the Tri-State is lower than the national average and Evansville is surrounded by many medically underserved areas. In addition, experts in the health care field project significant shortages of primary care providers, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for physician assistants will grow by 30 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than average.

The University is currently conducting a national search for a physician assistant program director and pursuing provisional accreditation, a status granted to new PA programs, from the Accreditation Review Council on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

The program will be just one of the University of Evansville offerings to be housed in the new downtown medical research facility, including the doctor of physical therapy program and possibly others in the future. This facility will provide collaborative research opportunities open to all entities involved, and all institutions will benefit from shared learning spaces such as the simulation laboratory and the gross anatomy laboratory.

UE’s physician assistant program will last approximately 24 to 30 months and will include both classroom and clinical education in topics such as medical sciences; behavioral and social sciences; clinical medicine, patient assessments; and health policy and practice issues.

“Although PA classes don’t begin until 2017, students can come to UE right now and get started on a preparatory undergraduate degree or individual prerequisites for the program,” says Dr. Lynn Penland, senior vice president of academic affairs for the University of Evansville. “UE offers many degrees which are compatible with preparation for entry into a master’s program for physician assistants. Starting fall, 2015, we look forward to welcoming new freshman students, who are interested in becoming physician assistants.”

Physician assistants work as part of a physician-led team to provide a broad range of diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive, and health maintenance services: performing physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting tests, prescribing certain medications, and more. PAs work in diverse medical and surgical settings, including family and internal medicine, emergency departments, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, general surgery and surgical sub-specialties, and mental and behavioral health care.

IS IT TRUE October 17, 2014

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IS IT TRUE Vectren has created a financial problem for roughly 5,000 of their ratepayers by failing to do readings in a timely manner?…timely in this case is monthly?…most of us assume when we get our energy bills that the reading is accurate and is indicative of our use in the immediate past month?…what happened is that rather than reading the meters monthly, in some cases Vectren only estimated the use based on the past account activity?…in cases where customers had an increase in use relative to the period used for the estimated bills, people got 3 artificially low electric bills followed by one big “reconciliation” bill that made up for the blown estimates?…it is important to understand that Vectren is not billing anyone for electricity they did not use?…that being said many people who try to adjust there use to what they can afford had a false sense of financial security by artificially low bills?…the danger with these  estimates is that people who would have set their thermometers at a higher temperature of say 79 degrees chose to enjoy the false economy of a nice 74 degree house thinking their last bill was accurate?…many of the electrons sold by Vectren due to the false sense of security would not have been sold if the bills were accurate?  …in a world where smart meters and computer controls are commonplace it should be a priority of Vectren to eliminate the possibility for a full 3 months of estimates?

IS IT TRUE the Ebola scare has people focused on demanding for flights into the United States from countries with outbreaks be banned?…of all of the sources of Ebola that may well be the easiest thing to control?…what there are no words about in the media is the possibility that an Ebola sufferer from Liberia could fly into Mexico or Canada and walk across the border into the United States?…this writer assures you that the CDC and many hospitals are acutely aware of this possibility and are taking some rigorous precautions on how to identify and sequester a case?…the real problem however is not so much about someone walking into the emergency room, it is about the ones who don’t?…the Dallas exposures which now top 150 happened outside of the hospital?…this is a serious problem and the CCO continues to wish for good judgement and flawless execution of effective policy by our elected leaders?

IS IT TRUEthat there are a couple of economic realities that were announced yesterday?…one of these announcements is good news and the other is bad news?…the good news is that for the first time in many years the federal deficit is below $500 Billion dollars?…the bad news is that the federal direct debt obligations have exceeded $18 Trillion?…the disturbing thing about the good news is that it really is good news that the federal deficit is only $500 Billion?

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Reports

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

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

EPD Activity Report October 16, 2014

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

EPD Activity Report 10-15-14

Education board postpones vote on A-F grades for schools

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By Lesley Weidenbener
TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS – The State Board of Education voted Wednesday to delay approving letter grades for schools because members said they were unsure about the underlying data.

The decision came after two school administrators complained about the appeals process for their grades and board members learned that the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency has not finished running the numbers, a process meant to verify the Department of Education results.

“I see somehow a lack of leadership, a lack of detail, that places us” in a bad situation, said board member David Freitas, who was addressing state Superintendent Glenda Ritz and her staff at the Department of Education.

“You have not provided us some of the key ingredients to make an intelligent decision,” Freitas said. “We need to ensure the data is accurate.”

Ritz, who chairs the education board, said later she had also sought to delay approving the grades until the legislative agency had finished its work. But she didn’t say why the issue landed on the agenda anyway.

The board plans to reconsider grades at a meeting Nov. 5 when Ritz said the data issues should be resolved and the LSA review would be completed.

Meanwhile, the board launched a rules making process to create a new A-F system, one that will put more emphasis on individual student growth. However, the board decided Wednesday that overall achievement – meaning do students pass standardized tests and other measures of proficiency – will count slightly more than how much individual students improved.

The school grades that will be approved next month will be based on the current system, which Ritz acknowledged doesn’t always fairly represent the work a district is doing. Still, she urged board members to follow the existing rules as they considered appeals and questions from districts who disagreed with their proposed grades.

The board voted, for example, to change the way that the grade for the Cristel House Academy will be calculated this year. That’s the Indianapolis charter school that caused problems for former state Superintendent Tony Bennett, who also changed the way grades were calculated to raise the school’s rating.

Department of Education officials had recommended that this year, the school receive a grade based on partial information because the high school hasn’t been in operation long enough to collect all the data points used in the typical calculation. Still, Ritz said the rules allowed for the use of partial data.

Board members disagreed, voting instead to base the school’s rating only on its middle and elementary school performance, a move that will raise the school’s overall grade.

“Above all else we want the system to have integrity. I want them to mean something,” said board member Sarah O’Brien, who voted for the change. The letter grades produced by the rules need to “match what we’re seeing in these buildings.”

In addition, Guerin Catholic High School Principal James McNeany told the board that his school had discovered an error in the data used to determine its grade but had initially been unable to convince the Department of Education to make a change. Eventually, the department acknowledged that some data may not have been included and is working now on a change.

But education officials acknowledged that the change could affect as many as four other schools.

“That’s making me nervous,” said board member Andrea Neal.

Other board members were frustrated that the Legislative Services Agency had not finished running the numbers to confirm the grades calculated by the Department of Education. A study of the issues involving Bennett and Cristel House led to the recommendation that LSA serve as a backup or a check on the education department.

Ritz said the information had been sent to LSA several weeks ago but the agency – which writes and analyzes legislation for the General Assembly – had not finished its work. She said it should be completed next week.

That prompted board member Brad Oliver to propose delaying the vote on all the grades. “Let’s table it” until the comparative analysis is done, he said. “Then we’ll know beyond a shadow of doubt it’s as good as we can get it right now.”

Lesley Weidenbener is executive editor of TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.