When does enough become too much? In the arena of public service it must be when office holders begin to see their service as a career or possibly when they begin measuring their tenure in decades. This is the case with County Commissioner Marsha Abel, an office holder who has done many good works over her long career of service as Clerk of the Courts, County Councilman, and now County Commissioner. I, like many, appreciate her many years of service. However, I, like others, believe it’s time for let someone else serve for the benefit of the community. I think the example former Commission Bill Nix gave is one that more in office should show by serving a term or two and then giving someone else a chance to provide their service. With the upcoming primary election on May 6th, I think that a new voice and perspective should be given a chance. Bruce Ungetheim is a voice and perspective whose time has come and who is certainly worthy of being heard and entrusted with the public good. With numerous infrastructure projects on the horizon, having the perspective and insight of an engineer like Bruce will be invaluable. In addition, his view of a limited role of local government will be a welcome addition as we continue to watch the growth of public debt. Bruce understands the importance of transparency in government and will work to bring easier access to the county’s audited financial statements, something not currently available. On May 6th join me in supporting Bruce Ungetheim for Vanderburgh County Commission, District 2, a new voice needed in Vanderburgh County Government. Richard A. Clements Evansville, Indiana. Editors Footnote:  This letter is posted by the CCO, Without opinion, Bias and Editing.  The CCO invites any candidate or their supporters to submit a letter to the editor and we will publish.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR SUPPORTS UNGETHEIM
Legislation regarding municipal utilities signed into law
Legislation authored by State Representative Ron Bacon (R-Chandler) regarding municipal utility services was signed into law by Governor Pence.
House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1187 arose from constituent concerns in Warrick County and specifies in Indiana Code that a municipal utility’s offering or providing of water or wastewater service in an area outside of their corporate boundaries is under the jurisdiction of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC).
“HEA 1187 is a preemptive measure that prevents communities from having to turn to the courts when conflicts arise as to who provides sewage services to overlapping areas,†said Rep. Bacon. “Historically, such conflicts like in Chandler and Newburgh have negatively impacted both ratepayers and taxpayers, so my goal in authoring this legislation is to provide a shorter, clearer path to resolving these problems.â€
HEA 1187 also establishes the specific criteria that the IURC must consider in resolving service disputes involving municipal utilities.
“This is not about alleviating just one confined disagreement,†said Rep. Bacon. “Rather, this is about enacting good policy that ensures the well-being of Indiana’s communities, customers and businesses alike.â€
Reitz’s Feel the History to Host Video Walking Tour Premiere
For the past semester, students enrolled in Reitz High School’s Feel the History class have been working to develop a video walking tour with City Preservation Officer Dennis Au. The video, which will be part of the Historic Preservation Month activities, tells the stories of more than 30 homes in Evansville’s Historic Riverside District. The videos highlight local architectural features and give biographical information about the men who built them.
To give the public a chance to learn more about the project, Feel the History is planning a premiere at the Reitz Home Carriage House on Tuesday, May 6, at 6:30 p.m. The premiere will include a discussion of the project, explanation on how the public can access the videos on personal devices and personal stories from students who worked on the project. The premiere is free and open to the public.
After the premiere, Feel the History will utilize QR codes in locations around Evansville’s Historic Riverside District, making the videos available for viewing on mobile devices while visitors are walking the district. Each video runs from about 1 ½ to 2 ½ minutes in length.
Katyun Marsh Sentenced
SPONSORED BY DEFENSE ATTORNEY IVAN ARNAEZ.
DON’T GO TO COURT ALONE. CALL IVAN ARNAEZ @ 812-424-6671.This morning, Judge David Kiely sentenced Katyun Marsh to 60 years in the Indiana Department of Corrections for the murder of Angie Dixon.
On April 4, 2014, a jury deliberated for Nine (9) hours before finding Marsh guilty of murder.
Marsh was convicted of murdering Angie Dixon in her apartment at the Arbors in June of 2013. Camera footage from across the street placed Marsh and two co-defendants at Dixon’s house at the time of the murder.
“We are pleased with the jury’s verdict and the sentence Mr. Marsh received today,†said Prosecutor Nicholas Hermann. “Deputy Prosecutor Levi Burkett did a fantastic job on this case and we hope this can help the family of Ms. Dixon begin to heal. We want to thank the jury, court staff and Police Department for their work in this case.â€
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
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 Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Jason Beasley                         Domestic Battery-Class D Felony
Strangulation-Class D Felony
(Habitual Offender Enhancement)
Saivon Berry                             Theft-Class D Felony
Identity Deception-Class D Felony
Mario Butler                                Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated-Class C Misdemeanor
(Enhanced to D Felony Due to Prior Convictions)
Richard Davis                                Domestic Battery-Class A Misdemeanor Enhanced to D Felony
Daymond Foster                          Theft-Class D Felony
Identity Deception-Class D Felony
Christopher Good                        Domestic Battery-Class D Felony
Anthony Jackson                         Theft-Class D Felony
Identity Deception-Class D Felony
William Lawrence IIIÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Causing Serious Bodily Injury When Operating a Motor Vehicle with an
ACE of .08 or More-Class D Felony
Failure to Stop after Accident Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury-
Class D Felony
Possession of Paraphernalia-Class A Misdemeanor
(Enhanced to D Felony Due to Prior Convictions)
Operating a Vehicle with an ACE of .08 or More-Class C Misdemeanor
Norman Schmidt                          Theft-Class D Felony
Identity Deception-Class D Felony
Chardae Smith                          Theft-Class D Felony
Criminal Mischief-Class B Misdemeanor
(Habitual Offender Enhancement)
Melissa Spradley                     Domestic Battery-Class D Felony
Yusef Williams                           Possession of Marijuana-Class A Misdemeanor Enhanced to D Felony
Operating a Vehicle as Habitual Traffic Violator-Class D Felony
Anthony Anderson                     Theft-Class D Felony
Criminal Mischief-Class B Misdemeanor
Andres Gonzalez-Chavez          Theft-Class D Felony
Identity Deception-Class D Felony
Charles Hardy Jr                          Dealing in Methamphetamine-Class B Felony
Operating a Motor Vehicle after Forfeiture of License for Life-
Class C Felony
Dealing in Marijuana-Class D Felony
Carl Holland                               Intimidation-Class C Felony
Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury-Class A Misdemeanors (Two Counts)
(Habitual Offender Enhancement)
Timothy Rice                              Dealing in Methamphetamine-Class B Felony
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by Serious Violent Felon-Class B Felony
(Habitual Substance Offender Enhancement)
Timothy Swope                         Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon-
Class B Felony
Phillip Velasquez                           Child Molesting-Class B Felonies (Three Counts)
Child Molesting-Class C Felony
Jonathan Wildeman                   Theft-Class D Felony
Lucinda Williams                       Theft-Class D Felony
False Informing-Class B Misdemeanor
Dion Payne                        Domestic Battery-Class D Felony
Strangulation-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
Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records
SPONSORED BY DEFENSE ATTORNEY IVAN ARNAEZ.
DON’T GO TO COURT ALONE. CALL IVAN ARNAEZ @ 812-424-6671.
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Evansville Man Arrested for Domestic Battery
SPONSORED BY DEFENSE ATTORNEY IVAN ARNAEZ.
DON’T GO TO COURT ALONE. CALL IVAN ARNAEZ @ 812-424-6671.
Indiana State Police arrested a 21-year-old Evansville man yesterday afternoon for Domestic Battery after a concerned neighbor heard screams coming from an Evansville apartment.
At approximately 1:15 yesterday afternoon, Trooper Wes Alexander was in the area of Covert Avenue west of U.S. 41 when a concerned neighbor informed him that screams for help were coming from a nearby apartment. Trooper Alexander immediately approached apartment 1111 on Covert Avenue and heard a woman inside screaming for help. Alexander entered the apartment and observed Steven Ray Rose, 21, battering his 24-year-old wife. Rose resisted arrest, but eventually was taken into custody without further incident. They were visiting the resident of the apartment when the argument escalated into a physical altercation. Their 19-month-old daughter was also present during this incident. Rose’s wife did not require medical attention. Rose was taken to the Vanderburgh County Jail where he is currently being held without bond.
ARRESTED AND CHARGES:
• Steven Ray Rose, 21, 860 East Riverside Drive, Apartment C, Evansville, IN
1. Battery-Strangulation, Class D Felony
2. Domestic Battery with a Child Present, Class D Felony
3. Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor
Arresting Officer: Trooper Wes Alexander, Indiana State Police
Assisting Agency: Evansville Police
IS IT TRUE May 1, 2014
IS IT TRUE that today is celebrated in many countries as May Day and is somewhat similar to Labor Day in the United States?…May Day is a celebration of laborers and the working classes that is promoted by the international labor movement and occurs on May 1 every year?…May 1 was chosen as the date for International Workers’ Day by the Socialists and Communists of the Second International to commemorate the Haymarket affair in Chicago that occurred on May 4, 1886?…May Day is celebrated in 80 countries around the world and except when something of political significance to the labor movement is in political play is largely ignored in the United States?…this happens to be a year when political hay is being made over the federal minimum wage and it is no coincidence that the leader of the United States Senate used this occasion to attempt to hold a vote in the Senate to increase the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10?…the Republicans blocked this showmanship with another form of showboating called a filibuster?…at the end of the mutually orchestrated circus nothing happened and May Day changed nothing in these United States?
IS IT TRUE it is also doubtful that any change in the federal minimum wage would alter many personal circumstances by much over time?…the biggest reason for that is that the cost of living is very different across the country as evidenced by the recent article showing that one would have to make over $50 an hour to be able to afford the average home in San Francisco while one can afford an average home in Evansville with an hourly wage of $11.21?…for this reason for a minimum wage to be meaningful and have the potential to make a difference it needs to be determined locally and not at the federal level?
IS IT TRUE that unbeknownst to many people in Evansville, there is a local flavor to the NBA playoffs outside of the dumb ass of the week spectacle that the media has made out of the owner of the LA Clippers?…the head coach of the Toronto Raptors is Duane Casey who played high school basketball for the Union County Braves down in Morganfield, KY and went on to the University of Kentucky under Coach Joe Hall?…Coach Casey was on the Kentucky Wildcats team that won an NCAA Championship in 1978 and is a childhood friend of this writer?…while the world has been focused on the idiocy of the owner of the Clippers, the City County Observer would like to encourage our readers to concentrate on the Pacers and the Raptors and and ignore the frenzy around the dope from LA?
IS IT TRUE that Mayor Winnecke has announced that there will be no conventions in Evansville until 2016 due to the uncertain construction schedule of the new downtown convention hotel?…the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau has even gone so far as to announce they will not even start to market Evansville as a convention destination until a real construction start has happened?…a real construction start has nothing to do with the golden shovel event held in early March that had the same level of credibility as the Earthcare Energy LLC business plan?…the Mayor is still trying to blame Dunn Hospitality for the delay because they requested a market study by the Hilton Corporation as soon as they were notified (March 24, 2014) that a competing franchise had been applied for by HCW of Branson, MO?…Mayor Winnecke is quite disingenuous in his claims that Dunn Hospitality’s choice to exercise their contractual rights has delayed anything?…the reality of the situation is that there are three main reasons that construction is not happening right now and they are as follows?
- HCW did not apply for the Hilton Doubletree franchise until the last minute after stating in an interview with Evansville Living Magazine that they had done so in December.
- Financing details have not been released so the funding is still not secure
- The lot where the hotel may be if a franchise is approved and financing is secured IS NOT YET SHOVEL READY
IS IT TRUE with literally none of the basic needs to start construction completed it is misleading and offensive that a private business that has invested many millions of dollars in Evansville, filled the coffers of local charities, and employs way more people than the downtown hotel ever will is the focus of blame?…if one really wants to affix blame for the delay in this 4th time around the May Pole for the hotel it is in the failure of local government to adequately VET the developer, the site, and the pro-forma?…if the Mayor of Evansville wants to properly affix blame for the problems we have had in getting a hotel downtown he needs to look at the pictures of the last 60 years of Evansville Mayors up on the 3rd floor of the Civic Center?…this cast of characters are the ones whose failed leadership has precipitated a dilapidated sewer system, a stagnant economy, population loss, dilapidated houses, crumbling sidewalks, and rusted out water pipes?…if these 60 years of Mayors had concentrated on infrastructure and economics instead of fun, games, and cronyism Evansville, like Lexington would most likely have two downtown hotels with little or no public handouts needed to get them?…the Civic Center needs a Mirror of Blame installed somewhere with instructions on how to affix blame?
IS IT TRUE there is no 2012 City of Evansville audit posted on the SBOA website today?…it is approaching 2 months since the exit interview was held?…it will be interesting to see if the SBOA actually publishes what was discussed in that exit interview or if something gets whitewashed?…there are several people who will know?
Turner cleared, committee pushes for ethics reforms
By John Sittler
TheStatehouseFile.com
INDIANAPOLIS – While House Speaker Pro Tem Eric Turner did not violate House rules, his actions did not achieve “the highest spirit of transparency,†a bipartisan committee found Wednesday.
“As state representatives and elected officials we’re expected to go beyond†the pure letter of the law, said Rep. Clyde Kersey, who is the lead Democrat on the House Ethics Committee.
While the committee’s chair, Rep. Greg Steuerwald, R-Avon, said Turner didn’t break the rules, those rules may need revisions.
Steuerwald said committee members “want to look further†and review rules surrounding how lawmakers disclose financial interests and potential conflicts. The committee plans to reconvene this summer.
House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, sent the issue to the committee after Democratic Party Chairman John Zody asked the leader to look into accusations that Turner allegedly lobbied for a proposal that could have helped his family’s nursing home construction business.
Indiana placed a moratorium on nursing home construction in 2009 in part to curb private-paying residents from switching to newer facilities. Proponents of that law say without it, older facilities would have a harder time affording the care for Medicaid patients who would be left.
Hoosier lawmakers were considering legislation that would have extended the moratorium but it died on the session’s last day. A report by the Associated Press says that happened after Turner lobbied in a private caucus against it. That’s when the Democrats requested an investigation.
Toby McClamroch, Turner’s attorney, said he was very pleased with the committee’s opinion.
“It’s clear that they came to the same conclusion as we had,†he said. “Which is, all of the evidence that was submitted to the committee, all the evidence that was before the committee, supports the idea that he complied in every way.â€
But Julia Vaughn, policy director for Common Cause Indiana, said Hoosiers deserve better ethics in state government.
“We should be disgusted that this type of self-serving behavior is not against the rules, and we should all be calling for significant legislative ethics reform,†she said.
Turner said in a statement Wednesday that he is in favor of a reform.
“I fully support the recommendation from the House Ethics Committee to further examine disclosure requirements in the coming months,†he said. “In fact, I willingly provided greater transparency in my answers to the Committee’s interrogatories.â€
Vaughn also said public behavior and private behavior need to match.
“If it doesn’t, the things that happen on the House and Senate floor are an act,†she said. “It’s a charade it doesn’t mean anythingâ€
John Sittler is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
RECYCLE DAY
Recycle Day
Saturday  5/3/2014 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Old Walmart west parking lot
4595 University Drive
ITEMS TO BRING: (Please be sure items are clean and sorted.)
Aluminum cans
Metal food cans
Cardboard
Catalogs/magazines
Newspaper
Mixed paper
Glass containers
#1 thru #7 plastic containers – no Styrofoam or plastic bags
Vanderburgh County Residents Only
*weather permitting*
Dates & Locations subject to change.