EPD Activity Report: February 3, 2014
IS IT TRUE February 4, 2014

IS IT TRUE February 4, 2014
IS IT TRUE we hear that 6th Ward City Councilman Al Lindsey is considering filing a civil law suit against the Evansville Courier and Press and WEHT Channel 25 for displaying his social security number that was part of a rental contract they publicly posted in stories about his legal place resident?…that City Councilman Lindsey shall allege in his law suit that both media outlets violated federal law when they posted his private social security number to the masses?…that Mr. Lindsey’s attorney Scott Danks contacted Channel 25 TV and the Courier and Press last evening about them posting Mr. Lindsey’s social security to the masses and as of yesterday evening both media outlets have taken down Councilman Lindsey’s social security number?
IS IT TRUE that we hear from extremely reliable sources within in the Vanderburgh County Democratic party that Democratic 2nd ward leader and present Superintendent of City of Evansville Cemeteries Chris Cooke shall no longer be allowed to participate in any future political activities sponsored by them?…Mr. Cooke’s act of publicly insulting a Democrat elected official in a recent Facebook posting will force the party leadership to make this ruling concerning his future in the Democratic party of Vanderburgh County?…it looks like Mr. Cooke shall now be forced to become a bone fide member of the Vanderburgh County GOP?…it will be most interesting to see if the local GOP will welcome Mr. Cooke with open arms or keep their distance after this recent dust-up and some other aggressive statements made in the past?
IS IT TRUE the CCO would like to pose this question to any CEOs or Senior Managers among our readership regarding the Facebook post that City of Evansville Cemetery Director Chris Cooke put up about City Councilman John Friend?…given that the Mayor is the CEO of the City and the City Council is the Board of Directors we ask the following question, “what would a real world CEO do if a department head made such a statement about a board member?”
IS IT TRUE today should have been the two week anniversary of the GOLDEN SHOVEL and PLATINUM HARDHAT CEREMONY to officially break ground on the new downtown convention hotel?…if was only 4 weeks ago that City of Evansville officials including Mayor Winnecke postponed the GOLDEN SHOVEL CEREMONY over some “small issue with pilings that should be rectified within two weeks?â€â€¦if that two week thing were true we would be downtown for the GOLDEN SHOVEL CEREMONY today?…not a peep has come from the Office of the Mayor about the “pilings†since that fateful decision to postpone a photo op with the GOLDEN SHOVELS?…we guess the light bulb may have gone off about just how hard the ground is in February in Southern Indiana and the GOLDEN SHOVEL BRIGADE does not want to scratch their wingtips trying to dig a shovel full of dirt?…that problem is easily solved by bringing in a scoop of fresh sand so the GOLDEN SHOVEL BRIGADE can easily smile while scooping a pound of sand?…the City County Observer would like to offer to provide that scoop of sand if the City of Evansville can show loan approval for HCW and a sufficient amount of funding in escrow to guarantee this project will have the funding to move forward?
IS IT TRUE that the Dow Jones Industrial Average is now down by about 7.5% just since New Year’s Day?…it will now take an 8.1% rise to get back to where it was just 35 days ago?…there was no fundamental reason for the market to have increased by 26% last year and there is no fundamental reason for this year’s losses?…this is for the most part all about the federal reserve’s efforts to prop up the market for a number of years by printing money to buy bonds that increased the money supply for professional money managers to scoop that printed money into their own accounts?…when the money party was slowed down the stocks pulled back?…most of the market makers expect a full correction of over 10% before things stabilize and we are only about 350 points from that?…there are going to be a lot of shocked faces come early April when those 401k statements go out and remind people that last year’s money party has ended?
TSGS (Tri-State Genealogical Society) Meeting Notice
When: Tuesday February  11 2014 at 6:30 PM
Where: Willard Library – Bayard Room on the Second Floor
What: Monthly Meeting
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The Tri-State Genealogical Society will have a brief business meeting followed by our program:
TSGS Program Chair Person Barbara Manzi has announced that the program will feature  Rob Wick – reference librarian at Barnes & Noble.  We all have read the stories of Abraham Lincoln and his Indiana roots.  We look forward to learning something new about our 16th President.  This promises to be a very interesting and informative program.  For more information contact: tsgs.membership@yahoo.com or phone 812-499-5542.
This is a program you will not want to miss.   You do not have to be a member to come and participate at the society’s monthly meetings (except, no meetings in July and August).
Oak Hill School to Host 3rd annual World Culture Bazaar
Families in the Tri-State area will have the opportunity Saturday to learn a little more about world cultures and contribute to local and international philanthropies, thanks to an event hosted by Oak Hill School. On Saturday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the school will host the Third Annual Oak Hill World Culture Bazaar, a day that will include food, crafts, games, world culture goods and multi-cultural music performances.
Vendors at the event will include: Alli Hope, Bead for Life, Bridges of Hope, Fair Trade Market of Old North United Methodist Church, Solid Grounds Coffee Shoppe, Uncharted International, Women at Risk, and Wildcats Building Bridges Art Club.
Admission is $10 for families or $5 for adults and $2 per child. Food tickets for five samples of international foods are $5 per person or a bowl of spaghetti and a breadstick for $3.50 per person.
Proceeds from the event will go to benefit the local food banks, Ozanam Family Shelter, Rakai Children’s Village, and Oak Hill’s Outdoor Constitution Classroom.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.wildcatsbuildingbridges.org or at the door the day of the event. Donations can also be made online.
This Week @ USI
All week

USI Warhol Collection Photographs and Prints on display in the McCutchan Art Center/Pace Galleries, Liberal Arts Center.
The Grapes of Wrath: The Indiana Experience on display in the McCutchan Exhibition Space in the Wright Administration Building. (In conjunction with the Big Read.)
Student Success Week, week of activities to boost student academic success and retention.
Wednesday
Big Read Keynote Address, 7 p.m., Mitchell Auditorium, Health Professions Center. Presented by Dr. Robert Reid, academic vice president emeritus. Reid will discuss the relationship between “The Grapes of Wrath†and documentary photography in four books Reid has published featuring photographs from the 1930’s depicting rural life, agriculture labor floods and droughts in the states of Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota and Texas.
Thursday
Big Read: Civil war reenactor Nell Jordan will talk about “Heritage Quilts,†noon to 1:30 p.m., Willard Library. Quilts from 1940s and print reproductions from 1930.
Friday
USI College of Liberal Arts Faculty Colloquium, 3 to 5 p.m., Kleymeyer Hall, Liberal Arts Center. Dr. Oana Popescu Sandu, assistant professor of English, will present, “American Experience: Romanian Writers see New York.â€
Student Veterans Resource Fair, 3 to 5 p.m., Carter Hall, University Center. Free and open to the public, the resource fair will host a number of University and local non-for-profits and businesses who are devoted to a wide range of resources targeted to military and veteran personnel.
Harmoniefest, 6:30 p.m., Thrall’s Opera House, New Harmony, Indiana. Dr. Silvia Rode and Dr. Bartell Berg of USI’s World Languages and Cultures Department will discuss their work translating Harmonist works from German to English.
Saturday
Hearts on Fire 5KÂ including costume contest and Cupid Fun Run for kids, 9 a.m., USI Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness Center.
Early next week
Terri “Detroit†Hughes, “The Soloist†free public showing, 6 p.m. February 10, Mitchell Auditorium, Health Professions Center.
Symposium on Homelessness with Hughes as keynote speaker, February 11.
VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES
Below is a list of felony cases that were filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office on Friday, January 31, 2014
Garrett Plumlee Operating a Vehicle as a Habitual Traffic Violator-Class D Felony
Annie Adelman Possession of Paraphernalia-Class A Misdemeanor
(Enhanced to D Felony Due to Prior Convictions)
Joshua Hutchison Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance-Class D Felony
Dealing in a Synthetic Drug or Synthetic Lookalike Substance-
Class D Felony
Maintaining a Common Nuisance-Class D Felony
Amber Jesop Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person with a
Passenger Less than 18 Years of Age-Class D Felony
Neglect of Dependent-Class D Felony
Failure to Stop after Accident Resulting in Non-Vehicle Damage-Class B
Misdemeanor
Operating a Vehicle with an ACE of .15 or More-Class A Misdemeanor
Aron Jochim Operating a Vehicle as an Habitual Traffic Violator-Class D Felony
Unlawful Possession or Use of a Legend Drug-Class D Felony
Philip Norris Operating a Vehicle with an ACE of .08 or More-Class C Misdemeanor
(Enhanced to D Felony Due to Prior Convictions)
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
CEO SELECTED FOR NEW ST. MARY’S MEDICAL GROUP
 St. Mary’s Health is pleased to announce Dr. William Millikan, MD has been named CEO of the newly-formed St. Mary’s Medical Group (SMMG), a physician-led, patient-centered organization that combines all four St. Mary’s physician groups into one collaborative team.
SMMG employs approximately 100 physicians in 14 specialties throughout the Tri-State in addition to approximately 50 hospital-based physicians. In his role, Dr. Millikan will work with SMMG Vice President Suzette Hershman to lead the growth and development of SMMG. “Dr. Millikan is exactly the kind of strong physician champion and advocate we need to set the standard of excellence in patient experience and clinical outcomes,†said Hershman. “I’m looking forward to partnering with him to deliver on our promise of providing the most efficient, high-quality, patient-centered care.â€
Dr. Millikan brings significant experience and credibility to this new position. Most recently, he served as Medical Director of the Level II Pediatric Trauma Center at St. Mary’s and as a senior partner at Evansville Surgical Associates.
“An extensive search for this crucial position led us to Evansville’s own Dr. Millikan,†said St. Mary’s President Keith Jewell. “He is not only a highly skilled and respected surgeon,
but also a proven leader. We are thrilled to have someone of his caliber guiding this organization to become the model for this collaborative approach.â€
Dr. Millikan graduated from Wabash College and Indiana University School of Medicine. After completing a residency in Internal Medicine at IUMC, he joined in the Department of Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia.
After completing a residency in General Surgery and Trauma at Emory, he was awarded a National Institute of Health sponsored fellowship in surgical metabolism. Millikan stayed at Emory and rose to tenured Professor of Surgery and Chief of Liver Transplantation.
In 1991, Dr. Millikan’s Air Force Reserve Unit was activated to Operation Desert Storm.
As Commander of the 94th Medical Squadron, Dr. Millikan was nominated for the Legion of Merit. Upon completion of Desert Storm, Dr. Millikan joined Dr. G. Tom Shires as his Vice Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Texas Tech School of Medicine. Dr. Shires is acknowledged to be the father of American trauma care. Dr. Millikan became medical director of the first Level I Trauma Center in Texas to be verified by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma.
In 1999, Dr. Millikan left academic surgery and joined Evansville Surgical Associates. Dr. Millikan was recruited by Dr. Michael Hoover who had trained with Dr. Millikan at Emory. Since coming to Evansville, Dr. Millikan has been instrumental in developing the trauma program at St. Mary’s. In 2005, St. Mary’s was the first and only hospital in the region to be verified by the American College of Surgeon Committee on Trauma as an Adult and Pediatric Level II Trauma Center. St. Mary’s then developed a collaborative agreement with Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center that allowed St. Mary’s to maintain verification as the only Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in the region. This partnership has expanded into a nationally recognized collaborative program.
Dr. Millikan has authored or co authored more than one hundred articles in peer reviewed journals and published more than twenty book chapters. He is a member of more than twenty surgical and scientific societies.
Grant opportunities available for Jacobsville Neighborhood
ECHO Housing Corporation’s initiative Jacobsville Join In, announces a second round of early action grants is available for the Jacobsville neighborhood. Jacobsville Join In (JJI) is a quality of life planning project to develop residents’ and stakeholders’ vision and goals for the Jacobsville neighborhood, and to create a plan that can be used to leverage resources, including funding, to implement the vision for the neighborhood.
The capital ($5,000) for the early action grant funding comes from support of Jacobsville Join In through a grant received last year through the Vectren Foundation. The purpose for the early action grants are to build on the quality of life process taking place now in Jacobsville. Grant projects may include a wide range of themes, from community gardens or greenscapes; organized events, such as litter cleanups or block parties; or forming organized groups like a neighborhood crime watch.
Jacobsville residents and stakeholders’ are eligible to apply for early action grants beginning February 5, 2014. Grants will be awarded for a minimum $250 up to $1,000 total for projects. Projects should engage and bring together residents and stakeholders throughout the Jacobsville neighborhood.
“Early actions are opportunities for small improvements that demonstrate progress. Any project that could help improve the neighborhood should be submitted. Now is the time to be creative…think outside of the box, and submit ideas,†said Jennifer Mason, Jacobsville Join In Community Mobilizer.
In 2013, JJI awarded grant funds totaling $5,071 to implement early action projects in the Jacobsville neighborhood. Eight organizations were awarded $250 up to $1,000 per project.
Project proposals were asked to incorporate four goals to benefit the neighborhood which comprise of, having an immediate impact on the quality of life in the neighborhood; involving a diverse representation of residents and stakeholders; building collaboration among neighborhood organizations and businesses; and building a foundation for future impact through the Jacobsville Join In process. The funded projects included:
 Jacobsville Area Community Corporation’s North Main Christmas Parade banners  Community One, Inc. exterior improvements for two homes located in Jacobsville
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 Throw Your Worries Away & One Life West “Flower Power†neighborhood event at
Jacobsville Park
ï‚· Jacobsville Neighborhood Improvement Association communication efforts to foster neighborhood relationships
ï‚· Jacobsville Join In neighborhood litter cleanup
ï‚· Lucas Place Shining Stars art show benefit at Jacobsville Park
 Deaconess Family Medicine mom’s group summer program
 Jacobsville Area Community Corporation’s Jacobsville property recognition program
“Since the neighborhood is nearing the end of the decision phase with big goals being planned, we decided to release a second round of early action grant opportunities. Plus, ideas have continued to blossom by residents and stakeholders to implement smaller early actions in Jacobsville – so let’s keep the momentum going as we continue to strengthen the big scale goals and planning,†said Mason.
Grant requests can be submitted to: Jennifer Mason/Community Mobilizer, Jacobsville Join In at 621 N. Main Street, Evansville, IN 47710, or by email jennifer-mason5@sbcglobal.net. Grant applications are due by March 14, 2014 5:00 p.m. The application and guidelines are available online at jacobsvillejoinin.com/takeaction/, Jacobsville Join In Facebook page, or can be picked up at the Jacobsville Join In office. For questions contact Jennifer Mason, Jacobsville Join In at 812-746-8933.
ECHO Housing Corporation’s initiative Jacobsville Join In is a quality of life planning project originally funded by the City of Evansville to develop residents and stakeholders’ vision and goals for the Jacobsville neighborhood and to create a plan that can be used to leverage resources, including funding, to implement the vision for the neighborhood.
Rep. Bacon’s sudden cardiac arrest awareness bill passes the House
STATEHOUSE — State Representative Ron Bacon (R-Chandler) has authored a bill to help protect student athletes and raise awareness of sudden cardiac among this demographic. Today, the bill was passed by the House of Representatives with bipartisan support and a vote of 87-9.
Specifically, this legislation adds athletic trainers to the definition of “health care provider.” It also requires the Department of Education (DOE) to disseminate guidelines, information sheets and forms to schools so that they can inform and educate coaches, student athletes, parents and legal guardians of the nature and risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
At the post-secondary level, the Commission on Higher Education will also be required to disseminate such documents to the educational institution’s athletic department to inform their coaches and student athletes.
As a result of this bill, any high school athlete who is suspected of experiencing a symptom of sudden cardiac arrest would have to be removed from the athletic activity at the time symptom is identified. The student could not return to play until their parent or legal guardian has been notified and they have provided permission to return. The same is true of university athletes except they have to get permission from the team’s or postsecondary educational institution’s athletic trainer or physician before returning to play. Under current law, high school and university athletes and their families do not have to be informed of the signs of sudden cardiac arrest prior to playing a sport.
“Each day, this medical emergency affects about 16 people under the age of 18,†said Rep. Bacon. “Here in Indiana, and across the country, we literally have students collapsing during high school and university sports games. Having worked in the healthcare industry for over 40 years, I felt compelled to take the lead on this issue, and I am honored to have the American Heart Association’s full support on this legislation as I work to increase awareness of this issue.â€
In addition, this legislation would require each school corporation and accredited nonpublic school to include instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of an automated external defibrillator in their high school health education curriculum.
The bill will now be considered by the Senate.
For more information on HB 1290, please visit https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2014/bills/house/1290/#document-6da94a0f.
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Rep. Bacon (R-Chandler) represents portions of Warrick, Pike and Spencer counties.
Bill imposes stricter standards for moped driversâ€
INDIANAPOLIS – Drivers of mopeds will be required to register their vehicle under legislation coauthored by State Rep. Gail Riecken (D-Evansville).
The Indiana House of Representatives passed House Bill 1343 today, which would require operators of motorized scooters to register their vehicle with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and pass a special examination testing their knowledge of traffic signs. The law would also prohibit these drivers from carrying passengers.
“We are looking to protect moped owners from theft and make sure that they know the basic traffic laws,†said Riecken. “We have seen a major increase in the number of people who have their mopeds stolen and in accidents where moped drivers are at fault.â€
Indiana currently does not require riders to have a license, registration or insurance to operate low-powered mopeds or scooters. However, the recently passed legislation will require these drivers to register their vehicles and prove their competence.
The bill will not require these drivers to obtain a driver’s license or insurance, but Riecken believes that by registering the vehicles with a license plate, law enforcement will be able to better identify vehicles and crack down on the number of untraceable vehicles on the road.
In its current form, the bill could generate an additional $70,000 in extra registration fees for the state.
The bill now moves to the Senate for further action.