 SPONSORED BY DEFENSE ATTORNEY IVAN ARNAEZ.
 DON’T GO TO COURT ALONE. CALL IVAN ARNAEZ @ 812-424-6671.
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Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records
PET OF THE WEEK
Dixie is a 1-year-old female Beagle/pitbull mix! She was one of the Pike County rescue dogs. Her personality is very friendly & outgoing. She’s also treat-motivated, which will help her learn new tricks! Her $100 adoption fee includes her microchip & vaccines. Best of all, she’s already spayed, so she can go home TODAY!
Helping Hoosier Veterans
This past week, Michael Barrentine, a former student of mine, asked me to speak at an event in Evansville for an organization called Soldier Dogs for Independence. Michael serves as the President for Solider Dogs for Independence, a nonprofit organization designed to help local veterans who live with physical and/or mental injuries. I personally know many veterans in the area and love to hear their stories of courage and strength while serving our country.
Solider Dogs, which is located in Evansville chooses dogs from local shelters that are available for adoption to enroll with their new owners in a 20 week training program. Veterans may also enroll their own dog with the organization’s approval. With the help of volunteers, veterans will train their dogs to provide services and help them lead their daily life. Not only can these dogs provide service, but also companionship. These dogs are capable of doing many day-to-day tasks and have potential to make life easier for veterans.  Tasks can include bringing a ringing phone or unloading towels from the dryer.
Solider Dogs goal is to “give freedom back to American heroes.†The cost to provide this training program ranges from $600 through $1000. The veteran does not pay any of these costs. These services would be impossible if it weren’t’ for donations from supporters. If you would like to make a monetary donation or donate dog treats, dog food, leashes, or collars please mail to Solider Dogs for Independence PO Box 6895 Evansville, IN 47719. You can also visit their website at soliderdogs.org
I recently learned of a letter writing campaign for World War II veterans taking place in Indiana. On May 10, the Honor Flight Network will fly 69 World War II veterans to Washington D.C., and as a thank you for their service, coordinators are working, to ensure that each veteran receives 10 letters to read.
A simple thank you card can go a very long way for these Hoosier veterans, if you would like to participate in this letter writing campaign you can send a store-bought card, handwritten letters and pictures drawn by children to:
Indy Honor Flight
ATTN: Mail Call
9093 S. SR 39
Mooresville, IN 46158
The salutation on each item should be “Dear Veteran†and should not be dated. These letters must be received by May 2nd in order for the veterans to receive them in time for the flight.
These organizations are working to honor our American heroes, so please join me in letting every veteran know how much we appreciate their service to our great nation.
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS MEETING
REGULAR MEETING
KEVIN WINTERNHEIMER CHAMBERS
ROOM 301, CIVIC CENTER COMPLEX
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014
12:00 NOON
REVISED AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. MINUTES April 2 & 9, 2014
3. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Â Request Re:Â Approve and Execute Park Use Application with March of Dimes for Usage of
Sunrise Park April 25 – 26, 2014 for March for Babies Walk. – Hayes
b. Â Request Re:Â Approve and Execute Agreement Extension with Maximum Solutions for
Software Service. – Johnson
c. Â Request Re:Â Approve and Execute Amendment and Contract Extension with Golf Sense
for Markers and Tee Signs. – Johnson
4. Â Â Â Â OLD BUSINESS
a. Â Request Re:Â Approve and Execute Professional Services Agreement with Alta Planning +
Design, Inc. for Parks and Recreation Master Plan. – Johnson
5. Â Â Â Â NEW BUSINESS
a.  Request Re: Award Quotes for Pool Chemicals. – Schall
b. Â Request Re:Â Approve and Execute Engineering Services Agreement with Americas
Engineering, Inc. for Hartke Pool Waterslide. – Holtz/Schall
c.  Request Re: Consideration of New Batting Cage for Golfmoor Park. – Ron London
d.  Request Re: Approve Budget Transfers and CIP Reprioritizations. – Johnson
e. Â Request Re:Â Any Other Business the Board Wishes to Consider and Public Comments.
6.    REPORTS
a. Â Denise Johnson, Executive Director
7.    ACCEPTANCE OF PAYROLL AND VENDOR CLAIMS
8.    ADJOURN
Declaration for the Right To Libraries Signing Event
Â
 As a kickoff to National Library Week, the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library will host a community signing ceremony for the “Declaration for the Right to Libraries†on Monday.
WHO:Â The Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library, the Library Board of Trustees and library supporters.
WHAT: Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke will begin with brief comments about the importance of libraries and will unveil the Library’s declaration. Also scheduled for brief comments are:
Tracy Gorman           CEO, Evansville Rescue Mission
Dr. John Mosbo         Sr. VP, Academic Affairs, University of Evansville
Chris Kiefer                President, EVSC School Board
Erika Taylor               CEO, YWCA Evansville
Following the presentation, all attendees and members of the community will be invited to sign the declaration. Signing sheets will travel to different EVPL locations throughout the week.
WHEN: Monday, April 14 at 2:00 p.m.
WHERE:Â Central Library Lobby, 200 SE Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
WHY: Libraries nationwide are organizing declaration signings as part of Libraries Change Lives, an initiative of the American Library Association. The signings are meant to illustrate the critical role that libraries play in the community, to generate dialogue about the needs of the community and how the library can be a solution to those needs. The photos and signed declaration sheets, both nationally and locally, will be shared in a ceremony in Washington, D.C. in May.
Judge grants temporary restraining order in same-sex marriage suit
Marilyn Odendahl for www.theindianalawyer.com  
A same-sex couple’s plea that Indiana recognize their marriage was granted Thursday by a federal judge in Evansville, a significant ruling in one of the five separate lawsuits that are challenging the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana Chief Judge Richard Young issued a temporary restraining order, instructing the Indiana State Department of Health on how it should issue a death certificate in the future regarding the same-sex couple Nikole Quasney and Amy Sandler.
The order is in effect until May 8. Before that date, a preliminary injunction hearing will be scheduled to hear arguments on the plaintiffs’ request to extend the order indefinitely.
Lambda Legal, a national organization, had filed a motion March 31 for emergency relief on behalf of Quasney, who has stage IV ovarian cancer; her wife, Sandler; and their two young children. The couple asked the court for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction prohibiting Indiana from enforcing the state’s marriage ban as it applies to them.
Quasney and Sandler have a civil union in Illinois and were legally married in Massachusetts in 2013. They fear if Quasney dies without Indiana recognizing their marriage, she will not be allowed to have Sandler by her side at the hospital and Sandler will not be eligible for surviving spousal benefits.
Lambda Legal, which advocates for the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV, heralded the ruling as a victory.
“We’re greatly relieved for Amy, Niki and their two young children,†said Paul Castillo, staff attorney for Lambda Legal. “They are a loving family coping with a terminal illness. The State of Indiana has no justification for denying them dignity, legitimacy and respect as a family during this inexpressibly difficult time.â€
The Indiana Attorney General’s Office emphasized the limited scope of Young’s ruling, applying only to Quasney and Sandler. It does not apply to the other plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits against Indiana’s ban on same-sex marriage.
Quasney and Sandler are plaintiffs in the suit Baskin v. Bogan, 1:14-CV-355, which was filed by Lambda Legal March 10.
Solicitor General Thomas Fisher of the Indiana Attorney General’s Office argued Thursday that under current law, the state’s marriage statute does not allow for hardships exceptions. He maintained the relief the plaintiffs are seeking should not be granted.
“We are so relieved. We are so thankful that we can move forward and concentrate on being with each other,†Quasney said.
A same-sex couple’s plea that Indiana recognize their marriage was granted Thursday by a federal judge in Evansville, a significant ruling in one of the five separate lawsuits that are challenging the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana Chief Judge Richard Young issued a temporary restraining order, instructing the Indiana State Department of Health on how it should issue a death certificate in the future regarding the same-sex couple Nikole Quasney and Amy Sandler.
The order is in effect until May 8. Before that date, a preliminary injunction hearing will be scheduled to hear arguments on the plaintiffs’ request to extend the order indefinitely.
Lambda Legal, a national organization, had filed a motion March 31 for emergency relief on behalf of Quasney, who has stage IV ovarian cancer; her wife, Sandler; and their two young children. The couple asked the court for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction prohibiting Indiana from enforcing the state’s marriage ban as it applies to them.
Quasney and Sandler have a civil union in Illinois and were legally married in Massachusetts in 2013. They fear if Quasney dies without Indiana recognizing their marriage, she will not be allowed to have Sandler by her side at the hospital and Sandler will not be eligible for surviving spousal benefits.
Lambda Legal, which advocates for the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV, heralded the ruling as a victory.
“We’re greatly relieved for Amy, Niki and their two young children,†said Paul Castillo, staff attorney for Lambda Legal. “They are a loving family coping with a terminal illness. The State of Indiana has no justification for denying them dignity, legitimacy and respect as a family during this inexpressibly difficult time.â€
The Indiana Attorney General’s Office emphasized the limited scope of Young’s ruling, applying only to Quasney and Sandler. It does not apply to the other plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits against Indiana’s ban on same-sex marriage.
Quasney and Sandler are plaintiffs in the suit Baskin v. Bogan, 1:14-CV-355, which was filed by Lambda Legal March 10.
Solicitor General Thomas Fisher of the Indiana Attorney General’s Office argued Thursday that under current law, the state’s marriage statute does not allow for hardships exceptions. He maintained the relief the plaintiffs are seeking should not be granted.
“We are so relieved. We are so thankful that we can move forward and concentrate on being with each other,†Quasney said.
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 09, 2014
Zachary Ashby                  Operating a Vehicle with an ACE of .15 or More-Class A Misdemeanor (Enhanced to D Felony Due to Prior Convictions)
Layhanna Bond                Possession of a Schedule III Controlled Substance-Class D Felony
Cary Fetcher                     Possession of Methamphetamine-Class D Felony
Possession of Paraphernalia-Class A Misdemeanor
(Habitual Substance Offender Enhancement)
David Gray                         Criminal Recklessness-Class C Felonies (Two Counts)
Criminal Recklessness-Class D Felonies (Two Counts
Criminal Gang Activity-Class D Felony
Steven Loehmann          Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated-Class C Misdemeanor
(Enhanced to D Felony Due to Prior Convictions)
Dejuana McNary             Unlawful Possession or Use of a Legend Drug-Class D Felonies
(Two Counts)
Theft-Class D Felony
False Informing-Class B Misdemeanor   Â
Classena Sloan                 Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance-Class D Felony
David Underhill               Auto Theft-Class D Felony
Operating a Vehicle with an ACE of .08 or More-Class C Misdemeanor
Zachary White                 Theft-Class D Felony
Unlawful Possession of Syringe-Class D Felony
Keshaun Beckton            Criminal Recklessness-Class C Felonies (Two Counts)
Criminal Recklessness-Class D Felonies (Two Counts)
Criminal Gang Activity-Class D Felony
Jimmy Foster                    Operating a Motor Vehicle after Forfeiture of License for Life-
Class C Felony
Darius Hamell                  Criminal Recklessness-Class C Felonies (Two Counts)
Criminal Recklessness-Class D Felonies (Two Counts)
Criminal Gang Activity-Class D Felony (Two Counts)
Larry Lawrence                Domestic Battery-Class D Felony
(Habitual Offender Enhancement)
Derrick McKinley            Criminal Recklessness-Class C Felonies (Two Counts)
Criminal Recklessness-Class D Felonies (Two Counts)
Criminal Gang Activity-Class D Felony (Two Counts)
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
Â
Pence’s chief of staff – Bill Smith – leaves to create public affairs firm
By Andi TenBarge
TheStatehouseFile.com
INDIANAPOLIS – One of Gov. Mike Pence’s most trusted advisers announced Tuesday that he would leave the administration about 16 months after the Republican took office.
Bill Smith, the governor’s chief of staff at the Statehouse and in his congressional office, resigned to form a public affairs and strategic communications firms to work with the future campaigns.
Smith worked with Pence in several campaigns and roles since 2000. He worked as then U.S. Rep. Pence’s chief of staff in Washington, D.C and senior advisor to the 2012 gubernatorial campaign.
“Bill Smith’s contributions since the outset of our administration have been incalculable and I will always be grateful for his tireless service to the state of Indiana.†Pence said. “His integrity and strong leadership as director of our transition team and then as my chief of staff contributed significantly to our success.â€
Smith mentioned in his resignation letter to the governor that it has been an honor “serving you and the people of Indiana.†He continued to praise Pence’s staff as “an outstanding group of public servants.â€
“Bill Smith made a difference for the people of Indiana,†Pence said. “We wish him well in his new endeavor and look forward to working with him often in his new capacity.â€