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LETTER TO THE EDITOR FROM SMOKEFREE EVANSVILLE

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sevv_wide.2c4876bDear CCO Readers

A lot of information has been going around regarding the recently overturned smoke-free air ordinance by the Indiana Supreme Court. There is one simple solution to all of this; pass a new smoke-free ordinance that includes the casino. Those who work in the smoky environment cannot afford another day of having their health put on the line for a paycheck. In an interview with Tropicana’s general manager Jason Gregorec said, “People have a choice to game or not and with this gamers like adult beverages and like to smoke.” This is an interesting statement considering that Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights says that studies show that 80% of casino patrons do not smoke. He goes on to say that allowing smoking is a “competitive advantage” over the Illinois casino. This is also hard to believe when 73% of Illinois voters support Illinois’s smokefree law that includes casinos, racetracks, and other gaming facilities according to “Commercial tobacco-free Illinois Frequency Questionnaire,” Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, June 1, 2008. Ohio Voters also approved smoke-free casinos in their state survey and Nate Forbes co-owner of Horseshoe Casino Cleveland said that one of the top two comments he has received about the casino is how people are so thankful for it being a completely smoke-free environment.

Gregorec also went on to say how he saw firsthand how the casino industry in Illinois was negatively affected after going smoke free in 2008. This is true but the state of the economy was more to blame and not the smoke free law. The Center for Policy Analysis (CFPA) conducted a survey in 2011 of reasons why Illinois patrons stopped going to the casinos as much and 40% said the cost of gasoline and 35% said it was because of the increased cost of living. Following the recession Illinois unemployment rate went from 6% to 12.4% and the cost of gasoline went up over a dollar a gallon. In this survey not a single person indicated that the smoking ban was the reason for gambling less frequently in Illinois.

Evansville has already proven that we accept the smoke free ordinance and want all workers to have the same chances when it comes to their health. There are more than 500 state-regulated gambling facilities across the United States that are required to be 100% smoke-free indoors. Tropicana needs to get with the times and show that they stand up for their workers and patrons by accepting that the future is smoke-free.

Sincerely,

Vanderburgh County Smoke Free Committee

 Upcoming Events.  Show your support!

The River Run
May 17, 6:30-8am
Red Banks Park, Henderson, KY

Evansville Streets Alive
May 18, 12-4
Garvin Park

Smokefree Evansville Coalition Meeting
May 20, 5:30 pm
Downtown Library

Relay for Life
June 14-15, 3pm-6am
Goebel Field

 

Pence Honors Veteran In Paralympics

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By Paige Clark
TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS – Gov. Mike Pence honored Paralympic skier Joe Hunt as a “Distinguished Hoosier” Wednesday.

“I got to represent my country for a second time,” Hunt said. He joined the Army in 1998. On his third tour in Iraq he was hit by a roadside blast and suffered several injuries.

He earned a Purple Heart for his injuries and left the Army in 2007.

“I got a Purple Heart because I was at the wrong place at the wrong time,” Hunt said. “I wasn’t a hero.”

Hunt suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, a traumatic brain injury and a paralyzed left leg.

“I was told I would never walk again, never run again,” Hunt said. ““I’ve been told my whole life I couldn’t do something, but I’m proving it now.”

In 2008 Hunt attended a ski camp for disabled veterans, even though he had never tried the sport before. He skied for 125 days in the 2009-2010 ski season and was ranked in the top ten nationally.

In 2012 his mother passed away from cancer. She left Hunt some money and a piece of paper that said “Russia.”

“God had a plan for me,” Hunt said.

Hunt competed in the 2014 Paralympics in Sochi, Russia. Although Hunt did not get to stand on the podium, he was the first Alpine Skier with a traumatic brain injury to compete in the Paralympics.

“I wasn’t expecting this recognition, I wasn’t focused on that,” Hunt said. “It’s kind of like gravy on top of mashed potatoes.”

Hunt said he is committed to helping disabled veterans and giving the military the recognition they deserve.

“The spotlight should be on them, not me,” Hunt said.

Hunt is hosting the “Buddy Bowl” at Northwestern High School this weekend for disabled veterans. There will be flag football games and other individual events.

“Newly disabled people would be amazed at what they could do,” Hunt said.

Hunt said he asked for a $40 donation to those who attend, but said it’s not necessary.

“It’s not about the money, it’s about the soldiers,” Hunt said. “I’m doing this for (veterans).”

Once confined to a wheel chair, Hunt walked out of Pence’s office with the help of his service dog Barrett.

“I’m just a regular Joe, I’m nothing special.” Hunt said. “If a regular guy like me can do it, I’ll see you on the hill in Korea.”

Paige Clark is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

PET OF THE WEEK

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Hazel web small CCOHazel is a 1-year-old female cat! She’s a hefty girl, weighing in at just under 10 lbs! She was found as a stray, and is very sweet! Her all-inclusive adoption fee is $30. Contact VHS at www.vhslifesaver.org or (812) 426-2563 for adoption details!

VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

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

Below is a list of felony cases that were filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Christopher Fehn            Dealing in a Schedule I Controlled Substance-Class A Felony
Dealing in Marijuana-Class D Felony
Maintaining a Common Nuisance-Class D Felony

Leshauin Cook                  Possession of Marijuana-Class A Misdemeanor
(Enhanced to D Felony Due to Prior Convictions)

Sherry Ellis                        Theft-Class D 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 considered to be innocent until proven guilty by a court of law

Friendly Fire Cartoon

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Early College High School

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Early College High School Senior Recognition Ceremony   EVSC
Thursday, May 15, 8:30-10 a.m.
Ivy Tech Community College, Vectren Auditorium

EVSC Early College is celebrating its FIRST graduating class of students who have attended this innovative program for four years. Twenty-two students will be featured as completing their four-year program in Early College during this ceremony. Preliminary information indicates that seniors in Early College this year have earned 677 college credits to date. And, with the addition of four who graduated early last year – the graduates for this cohort have earned a total of more than 757 college credits. Final figures will be available in a few weeks.

Also during the ceremony, Senior Class awards will be presented, as well as comments from the participating colleges where students attend classes – Ivy Tech, and the University of Evansville, Superintendent David Smith, and Early College Director Wendy McNamara.

Early college high schools are small schools designed so that students can earn both a high school diploma and work toward an associate’s degree or up to two years of credit toward a bachelor’s degree.

Early college high schools have the potential to improve high school graduation rates and better prepare students for high-skill careers by engaging all students in a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum and compressing the number of years to a college degree.

For more information on EVSC’s Innovative Programs, go to http://www.evscschools.com/academics-and-programs/innovative-school-programs

Contact at the Event:

Wendy McNamara, director, EVSC Early College High School

Showcase Of Service Provided To Non-Profits

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Center for Family and Community Outreach ShowcaseEVSC
Thursday, May 15, 1-2:30 p.m.
Harrison High School, Graf Media Center

Background: The Center for Family and Community Outreach is one of the EVSC’s innovative programs for high school students. Housed at Harrison High School, the CFCO is a two-hour class that connects the talents of students to local non-profit organizations. Students are able to act in a “marketing” capacity for these organizations, creating documents, flyers, brochures, promotional videos, websites, etc., for the organizations. They also take numerous field trips to these nonprofits, collaborate with business people in the community and work with the newest forms of technology. Many of the students participate in service opportunities even outside school hours with these non-profits, as well.

The class fulfills the requirements of English 12, Interactive Media, Marketing, and Community Service.

This event will showcase the work performed this semester, as they present to the non-profits they worked with. Interviews will be available with students in the program, as well as representatives of the nonprofit organizations. More background available at: http://www.edlinesites.net/pages/EVSC/Innovative_Programs/Center_for_Family___Community_/Program_Design

Contact at the event: Brandon Kneer, CFCO teacher.

Mayor Announces Sites For “Fitness in the Park” Program

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Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke
Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke

Mayor Lloyd Winnecke announces the next Energize Evansville monthly “Fitness in the Park” program will offer two fitness opportunities at two different locations on May 17 in conjunction with the Deaconess Healthier U Walks and the annual Pushups for Charity fundraising event.

Fitness in the Park will start with the Healthier U Walk in partnership with Deaconess Health System from 9 to 10 a.m. at Wesselman Park, 551 N. Boeke Rd. The walk will be followed by a Boot Camp exercise session from 10 to 11 a.m. with instructors provided by the YMCA. Participants of all fitness levels are welcome and should exercise at their own pace. The program is free.

The two-hour fitness session is also an opportunity for residents to participate in Pushups for Charity, which benefits wounded veterans and their families. This is the fifth year for the charity event in Evansville hosted by Tony Maslan, Director of Personal Training for Custom Fit at Bob’s Gym, and the third year Energize Evansville has participated in the event.

Individuals will have the option to participate in Pushups for Charity at Wesselman Park or Downtown on the Evansville Riverfront during River Run festivities. To register, or to make a donation, visit www.PushupsForCharity.com or contact Tony Maslan at 812-305-5037. All proceeds will go to the Boot Campaign.

“Fitness in the Park” is a health and fitness program launched by Mayor Winnecke as part of his Energize Evansville initiative to promote healthier lifestyles. The program is held on the third Saturday of each month at a different city park featuring local fitness experts leading group exercises.

Commentary: Benghazi

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By John Krull
TheStatehouseFile.comJohn-Krull-column-mug-320x400

John Krull, publisher, TheStatehouseFile.com
John Krull, publisher, TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS – Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives want to investigate, yet again, September 2012 terrorist attacks on the U.S. embassy in Benghazi that killed four Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens.

A Hoosier – Rep. Susan Brooks, R-Indiana – will be among those doing the investigating. She’s supposed to bring “fresh eyes” to the work.

Commentary button in JPG – no shadowDemocrats have howled that the investigation, the eighth to be conducted on the Benghazi attacks, is nothing more than a partisan witch hunt designed to embarrass President Barack Obama and hinder former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s likely 2016 presidential candidacy.

There is justice to the Democrats’ complaint, but it’s also beside the point. They should embrace the opportunity to establish a model for the way attacks on U.S. citizens should be studied.

The truth is that the U.S. government, whether in Republican or Democratic hands, often has behaved shamefully when it comes to investigating deadly attacks on Americans.

Sometimes the efforts to suppress scrutiny are harsh.

When Richard Clarke, former U.S. anti-terrorism czar, argued that George W. Bush and his advisors had paid insufficient attention to national security warnings about Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda in the weeks before Sept. 11, 2001, the Bush administration and its Republican allies in Congress – including many people now demanding a thorough airing of the facts surrounding the Benghazi attack – responded in savage fashion. They accused Clarke of being a partisan. They questioned his patriotism. And they attacked both his honesty and his sanity.

They cared more about protecting “their” president than they did about getting at the truth about an attack that claimed American lives.

Sometimes the efforts to suppress scrutiny are done to gain a political advantage.

When homegrown terrorists turned a rental truck into a bomb in Oklahoma City in 1995 and killed 168 men, women and children, President Bill Clinton saw an opportunity to discredit House Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Georgia, and Republicans in general by linking the GOP-backed shutdown of the federal government and the bombers’ anti-government ranting. It helped Clinton gain the upper hand in his political battle with Gingrich, but also made it more difficult to find out how many people might have helped the bombers plan the attack. Democrats supported Clinton’s efforts because he helped them gain momentum going into the 1996 presidential election.

They, too, cared more about helping “their” president than they did about getting at the truth about an attack that claimed American lives.

And sometimes the efforts to suppress scrutiny are done just to avoid embarrassment.

In 1983, a suicide bomber driving a truck loaded with explosives attacked barracks housing U.S. service personnel in Beirut. The attack claimed the lives of 241 U.S. Marines, sailors and soldiers. President Ronald Reagan sent the Marines to Lebanon as part of a peacekeeping mission but gave them orders to avoid conflict. After the attack, Reagan proclaimed that he accepted sole responsibility. Critics argued that he did so to avoid a thorough investigation of the attack. Preliminary fact-finding indicated that, among other things, the orders to avoid conflict produced security procedures that were so lax that guards didn’t even carry loaded weapons in a war zone. Republicans at the time rallied around Reagan, who was up for re-election in 1984.

Again, they cared more about supporting “their” president than they did about getting at the truth about an attack that claimed American lives.

Maybe the investigation of the attack on the embassy in Benghazi has partisan motivations. Maybe nothing more can be learned by taking another look at what happened with “fresh eyes.”

But the fact is that American lives were lost. In such cases, we owe a duty to those who died, their loved ones and ourselves to determine what happened and what we might do to avoid such tragedies in the future.

When our fellow citizens get killed, we stop being Republicans and Democrats and we become simply Americans.

Or at least that’s what we should do.

John Krull is director of Franklin College’s Pulliam School of Journalism, host of “No Limits” WFYI 90.1 Indianapolis and publisher of TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

Evansville Receives Bicycle Friendly Community Honor

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In celebration of National Bike to Work Week, Mayor Lloyd Winnecke is pleased to announce the City of Evansville has received an Honorable Mention from the League of American Bicyclists in its first attempt to become a designated Bicycle Friendly Community. The League’s Bicycle America program recognizes efforts to make bicycling a viable option for transportation and recreation for all people.

“Receiving an Honorable Mention as a Bicycle Friendly Community means the League of American Bicyclists consultants and cyclists believe our city is on the right path toward making biking and walking safer,” said Mayor Winnecke. “It is particularly gratifying that the recognition was announced less than six months after the local Bicycle Friendly Task Force was established and made obtaining Bicycle Friendly status one of its top goals.”

Drew Hays, chairman of the Mayor’s Bicycle Friendly Task Force, said he is pleased and pleasantly surprised the city received an Honorable Mention in its first attempt. A letter from the League of American Bicyclists said with a few additional improvements the city could earn a Bicycle Friendly Community award in the future.

“We need to build off this momentum,” Hays said. “In July, the Task Force will receive the league’s feedback report for our city that will provide numerous suggestions for much needed improvements in infrastructure, policy, education, law enforcement and planning. The Task Force will then begin identifying the recommendations that may be easily implemented and those that may be more challenging yet worthwhile to make our city more bicycle friendly. ”

Bicycle Friendly Task Force member Roberta Heiman used the opportunity to raise awareness about Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 16.

“Our goal is to promote bicycling as a viable mode of transportation in Evansville and for all to consider the benefits from biking,” said Heiman. She offered, “Such as a more active lifestyle, less traffic congestion and a healthier community. We want to encourage people to leave their cars at home for the day and ride their bikes to work.”

Heiman said employers bicycling teams can register on the Evansville-area Trails Coalition website at: www.evansville-areatrailscoalition.org.

A full list of Bicycle Friendly Communities and the additional 28 Honorable Mentions is available on the League of American Bicyclists website at: http://bikeleague.org/.

 

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