Stacy Mauser, chief technology officer for the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, recently earned the Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL) designation by passing a rigorous certification exam.
The CETL certification, awarded by the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), signifies that Mauser has mastered the knowledge and skills needed to bring 21st century technology to our K-12 school systems.
“Earning the Certified Education Technology Leader certification demonstrates a commitment to bringing 21st century learning to our nation’s schools. Because of the CETL recertification requirements, certified leaders pledge to stay current in this ever-changing field of education technology,†said Keith Krueger, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of CoSN.
To become certified, the candidate must have demonstrated experience in the education technology field and pass a comprehensive two-part examination based on the 10 skill areas in CoSN’s Framework of Essential Skills of the K-12 CTO. Once the CETL certification is earned, the ed tech professional must complete 60 hours of professional development activities every three years to maintain the designation.
The CETL certification is awarded by the Consortium for School Networking. Founded in 1992, CoSN is the premier professional association for school system technology leaders and its mission is to empower educational leaders to leverage technology to realize engaging learning environments. CoSN is committed to providing the leadership, community, and advocacy tools essential for the success of these leaders.
INDIANAPOLIS – Gov. Mike Pence will let a bill that eliminates an energy conservation program become law without his signature, prompting harsh words from environmental leaders who opposed the bill.
Pence said he’ll look to lawmakers next year for help developing “a new energy efficiency program for our state that will encourage conservation and promote a strong Indiana economy.â€
And Pence said he’s asking state utility regulators to make recommendations for a new program that includes an opt-out for large electricity consumers.
“By reducing our need for electricity, we reduce our need to build expensive power plants at a cost to Hoosier ratepayers,†Pence said in a statement issued Thursday, the last day he could take action on the bill.
“For this reason, I believe that energy efficiency is an important part of our ‘all of the above’ energy strategy,†Pence said.
The change will eliminate a fee now added to the electric bills of all Hoosier households and businesses to pay for the conservation efforts that include weatherization and other programs.
Pence said maintaining the Energizing Indiana program – created by Gov. Mitch Daniels’ administration – is too expensive for Hoosiers and makes “Indiana less competitive by denying relief to large energy consumers.â€
But the governor said he didn’t want to sign the bill into law either because it eliminates what he called a “worthwhile†energy efficiency program.
“For that reason, I have declined to sign this bill and acknowledge that this bill will become law without my signature,†Pence said.
The decision makes Pence the first governor in the country “to repeal a successful, ambitious and foresighted program aimed at significantly cutting energy bills for Hoosiers,†said Jesse Kharbanda, executive director of the Hoosier Environmental Council.
He accused Pence and lawmakers of a “rushed decision†to end the Energizing Indiana program.
“The governor’s decision needlessly creates instability in the energy efficiency market, when a careful deliberation – before any radical shift in policy is made – was what was merited,†Kharbanda said.
Environmentalists say the Energizing Indiana program has created more than 1,500 jobs and served more than 200,000 Hoosier households and businesses. The Sierra Club estimated the program resulted in $80 million in savings for utilities in 2012.
“It is critical that Gov. Pence and the Indiana General Assembly now follow through on their promise of creating an improved energy efficiency program for Indiana,†said Jodi Perras, the Indiana representative for Sierra Club’ Beyond Coal Campaign, in a statement issued late Thursday.
“There’s no denying that hundreds of energy efficiency workers will be out of a job next January when utilities cancel or scale back home energy audits, appliance rebates and low-income home weatherization programs,†Perras said.
Critics of the Energizing Indiana program complained that it cost too much – especially for manufacturers and other big businesses – while providing few tangible benefits.
The bill’s author, Sen. Jim Merritt, R-Indianapolis, originally sought to exempt businesses from paying the Energize Indiana fee. But the House amended the bill to eliminate the program.
Merritt has said the program costs too much too little benefit. He said previously that the program had cost ratepayers $500 million since 2009 and would have cost as much as $1.9 billion more by 2019.
Lesley Weidenbener is executive editor of TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
Joe Wallace, Managing Director, Coachella Valley Innovation Hub
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2014
Study Suggests Potential $12.5 Billion Economic Impact
For Coachella Valley iHub Network Over 20 Years
Economist John Husing estimates iHubs may create 3,500 desirable jobs,
facilitate 81 new businesses, and diversify the Coachella Valley economy
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — A new report on the long-term potential of the Coachella Valley iHub network — which includes the Palm Springs Accelerator Campus and the forthcoming east valley iHub for advanced manufacturing — suggests billions of dollars in economic impact, including 3,500 high-skill, high-wage jobs at about 80 new companies engaged in clean and renewable energy, high-tech, health and medicine, and advanced manufacturing.
Economist John Husing of Economics & Politics Inc. in Redlands based his study on modest assumptions (see executive summary) such as annual iHub company graduation rates, number of employees they hire, average salaries, and profit-to-revenue ratio. He projects that by the 20th year, the impact would be:
• 81 new companies operating
• 3,544 new jobs
• $711 million in revenue
• $174 million in payroll
• $142 million in profits
Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet was an early leader in the California Innovation Hub program as a participant in the development of a white paper that established its vision. Cathedral City Mayor Kathy DeRosa and former Desert Hot Springs Mayor Yvonne Parks joined him in 2009 to form the Coachella Valley iHub, one of the first six in California, which now has 16 with others in development.
“While our tourism industry continues to thrive, it is critical that we also focus on diversifying the economy in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley†Mayor Pougnet says. “The iHub program is the path for us to do so with its focus on renewable energy and clean technologies. This valley is a global center for key renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and geothermal, and we can capitalize on the enabling technologies that will bring them to the consumer. The Husing report validates that these good-paying jobs are there and will help build the future economic vitality of the Coachella Valley.â€
Responding the Husing report, Joe Wallace, managing director of the Coachella Valley iHub, says, “To secure an economic impact projection of this magnitude by a respected economist like Dr. Husing validates the investments made by the founding stakeholders of the Coachella Valley iHub as visionary, and also demonstrates the profound positive impacts that public-private partnerships with the perseverance to focus on long-term objectives have the potential to achieve.†The numbers in the study are contingent on financial support of public and private stakeholders and generated revenue to ensure continuous operation of the iHub network.
“In September, CVEP received a U.S. EDA planning grant to expand the iHub to focus on advanced manufacturing,†says Tom Flavin, president/CEO of CVEP. “Sixteen of the 20 current iHub/Accelerator businesses, with others in the pipeline, clearly fit the definition of advanced manufacturing. We also identified advanced manufacturing opportunities associated with the Salton Sea, agribusiness, and other industies throughout the Coachella Valley.
With the federal grant, seven of the region’s 10 jurisdictions have engaged in the program. In addition to Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Desert Hot Springs, the iHub has garnered the support of La Quinta, Palm Desert, Indio, and Riverside County.
The Coachella Valley iHub is helping to diversify the economy with sustainable businesses that create desirable jobs that will retain the Coachella Valley’s brightest high school and college graduates, many of whom are already preparing in career pathways programs.
John Raymond, director of the City of Palm Springs Community & Economic Development, adds, “To grow companies focused on renewable energy and advanced technology is important to the goal of diversifying the region’s economy. It makes sense for all jurisdictions to work together to pull resources and commit to a long-term strategy, because industrial development jobs have no borders, and those jobs benefit all the communities.â€
“The long term economic impact of the Coachella Valley iHub is, without question, significant, and we are proud to be a founding partner in this program,†says Cathedral City Mayor Kathleen DeRosa.
About Coachella Valley Economic Partnership
The nonprofit Coachella Valley Economic Partnership promotes a diversified, year-round economy through its Workforce/Jobs Collaborative, based on business attraction, expansion, and retention, and developing a workforce aligned with the needs of business. CVEP and its various programs — Workforce Excellence, Coachella Valley iHub, Coachella Valley Small Business Development Center, and Creative Resource Center — focus on planning and nurturing the growth of three emerging industry clusters: Healthcare and Life Science; Clean Technology and Energy; and Creative Arts, Media, and Design. Visit www.cvep.com or call 760-340-1575.
About Coachella Valley iHub and Palm Springs Accelerator Campus
The Coachella Valley iHub and Palm Springs Accelerator Campus, part of a statewide innovation hub network, consist of 20 high-tech and renewable energy companies in their “incubation†stage. The iHub provides them with an office, conference area, consulting, and administrative support. The Palm Springs Accelerator Campus will open a Health and Medical Innovation Center in May.
To request a copy of the full impact study email Joe Wallace at hadannahbusiness@aol.com
Sable is a beautiful 1-year-old female orange tabby. When she arrived as a stray, she weighed around 7 lbs. But since she lives in the lap of luxury in the cageless cat room, she just may be the next face of Weight Watchers! Sable gets along well with other cats. She’s been waiting for a home since October, and is now our longest feline resident! Her adoption fee is $30, which includes her spay, microchip, vaccines, and more. Visit www.vhslifesaver.org to learn how to adopt Sable!
 DON’T GO TO COURT ALONE. CALL IVAN ARNAEZ @ 812-424-6671.
Evansville Police arrested 35 year old ADAM HARTZEL on several charges stemming from a dispute on Sunday afternoon.
Police responded to 1412 Gibson St at 3:30pm after Hartzel intentionally rammed his truck into a truck parked in front the garage. Donald Stahl was in the bed of the parked truck when Hartzel hit it. Stahl was thrown from the truck and landed on the concrete floor of the garage. He was knocked unconscious when he hit the ground.
Police believe Stahl was at the home helping Christina Stephens retrieve her belongings. She had recently been in a relationship with Hartzel. Stephens had obtained a protective order against Hartzel after the relationship ended.
Stephens and Stahl saw Hartzel driving towards them at a high rate of speed. Stephens was standing at the rear of the truck and was able to get out of the way. Stahl was not able to get out of the bed of the truck before Hartzel rammed it.
Stahl was treated at a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Stephens was not injured.
Hartzel was charged with:
Battery C Felony
Criminal Recklessness D Felony
Criminal Recklessness D Felony
Invasion of Privacy (violation of protective order) A Misdemeanor
 DON’T GO TO COURT ALONE. CALL IVAN ARNAEZ @ 812-424-6671.
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Below is a list of felony cases that were filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office on Friday, March 28, 2014
Megan Hodges                Possession of Methamphetamine-Class D Felony
Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance-Class D Felony
Unlawful Possession of Syringe-Class D Felony
Possession of Paraphernalia-Class A Misdemeanor
Angela Stewart                Theft-Class D Felony
(Habitual Offender Enhancement)
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
Freedom, IN- Republican Congressional Candidate Andrew McNeil seeks to continue his Walk Across the District by spending one full day in each of the 19 Counties included in Indiana’s 8th District.
Beginning March 31st, every County from Vanderburgh to Vermillion will receive one day devoted to visiting with the residents of the County. To accomplish this, McNeil is scheduling meet and greets at locally owned restaurants, visits to historical landmarks throughout the district, and interviews with local newspapers. No matter what McNeil schedules in each County, he will continue to go door to door in each city he visits.
McNeil has focused on making the cornerstone of his campaign direct interaction with the voter. Every day sees McNeil loading himself—and often his family—into his truck to drive to a new town in the District. Once there, Andrew and the family will begin to canvas the area, introducing themselves to every individual and business they come across.
“Americans have become accustomed to Congressmen who are distant and hard to reach.†McNeil remarked while driving to a meet and greet in Clay City. “It’s a shame. Congressmen are known as representatives for a reason. Visibility and engagement should be the two defining qualities of a representative. That is what I will to bring to the table when elected.â€
If you know of the perfect place for Andrew to visit when he comes to your County let him know on his Facebook page or on Twitter at mcneil4congress. You can also keep updated on his travels at both websites.
Indiana’s 8th District includes all or parts of Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick Counties.
Governor Mike Pence has designated April 2014 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and Child Abuse Prevention Month in Indiana. Albion Fellows Bacon Center joins rape crisis centers and child advocacy centers across the state in commemorating Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Awareness Month to promote awareness and encourage support of these issues. This year’s theme, “Healthy Sexuality and Young People: It’s time to Talk About It!,†is motivating Albion Fellows Bacon Center to participate in the following events: April 1: Day of Action, April 6th-12th: National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 7 & 8: Let’s “ACT OUT†for a Change, April 8: Walk a Mile in Her Shoes and April 24, 2014: Take Back the Night. Individual Press Releases will be distributed for each event.
According to a CDC report released in 2010 Indiana ranks second in the nation for high school females in grades 9-12 indicating that they have been victims of sexual assault. Â In Indiana one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually assaulted before age eighteen. Â If this type of violence was classified as a disease it would be at epidemic levels.
Sexual violence is a form of oppression, and it is linked to all other forms of oppression. In order to create a world without sexual violence, it is imperative that each of us takes a stand against all forms of oppression – whether based on gender, age, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity, ability or economic class. “It’s time for all of us to stand up and speak out against sexual violence. This is a societal problem that is impacting everyone,†commented Anita Carpenter, CEO of INCASA In order to foster healthy communities, all citizens must support the effort to end sexual violence and child abuse every month of the year.
A woman is raped every 90 seconds in America. Albion Fellows Bacon Center provided sexual assault services to 513 primary and secondary victims in 2013. Albion is a non-profit agency serving victims of domestic and sexual violence.  We provide emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, individual crisis counseling, support groups, and legal and medical advocacy to victims, their friends and family. All of the services are free of charge. For more information about a Sexual Assault Awareness Month event or how to get involved, please contact Christina Wicks at Albion Fellows Bacon Center, 812-422-9372 or by email at christina.wicks@albionfellowsbacon.org. To find out more information on Albion Fellows Bacon Center please visit our website: www.albionfellowsbacon.org
The National Sexual Assault Hotline number is 1-800-656-HOPE. For local service provider please call 812-424-7273 or (800)-339-7752.
