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IS IT TRUE January 27, 2014

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IS IT TRUE January 27, 2014

IS IT TRUE it is being reported that as of Sunday morning, it does not appear that proponents of the constitutional marriage amendment have the votes necessary to pass the legislative package on Monday in the Indiana House (Howey, Howey Politics Indiana)?…there appears to be a growing segment of the House Republican caucus who will oppose HJR-3 and the companion HB1153 due to the second sentence which would make civil unions and domestic partnerships illegal in Indiana?…the first head count indicators when the House debates the measure – expected to begin Monday afternoon – will likely come on amendments that will seek to remove the second sentence?…ff that were to occur, the amendment process would have to restart and the amendment would not appear on the ballot next November?…it will be an step forward from an unnecessary abyss of unconstitutionality to see this quixotic quest come to an end before Indiana rushes down a gauntlet of wasting money to lose in a higher court?…according to a comment he posted in the CCO even Vanderburgh County Republican Chairman Wayne Parke sees HJR-3 and HB1153 as fool’s errands even though his expressed beliefs are otherwise?

IS IT TRUE that gangland shots rang out in downtown Evansville again this weekend leaving one hospitalized and several on the local most wanted list for attempted murder?…this is the fourth such instance in the last few years starting with at drive by shooting at 2nd and Main, followed by two 100 person plus brawls in parking lots, and finally with this weekend’s shooting?…we can build lofts, bars, temples to entertainment, and hotels until the sky burns and unless this kind of behavior is ceased or moved out of the downtown it will not be a desirable place to recreate or live for most people?…perhaps the signs warning of petty crime that were installed last year should have included a warning to watch out for drive-by shootings?…if parts of Evansville continue to behave like Compton it will turn to Compton?…let this be a word to the wise?…little has changed the race to the bottom?

IS IT TRUE Dexter Elementary School is closed today because of water main breaks?…we have to ask if we should be ringing the “fix the infrastructure” bell any louder to get our local government to table the fund and games and use what few dollars we have left to start fixing things like sewers, water distribution, sidewalks, and roads?…there are things that cities are supposed to do and they are not getting done?…there are things that cities that already have working infrastructure sometimes choose to do and that is about all the seems to occupy the minds of local officials?

IS IT TRUE that the State of the Union address is tomorrow night and President Obama will be addressing the American people about the state of our union in his perspective?…as his speechwriters are putting the final touches on the speech the following indisputable facts should be included to accurately reflect the true state of our union on January 28, 2014?…6.5 Million people have thrown their hands up in despair and left the work force leaving work force participation at an all time low and still shrinking?…food stamp use had increase by 46% since 2009?…poverty has increased by 23% since 2009?…transportation (gas) has increased in price by 79% since 2009?…the federal debt has increased by 55% since 2009?…an old adage says that when one realizes one is in a hole it is time to stop digging?…no matter what the employment statistics that have been rendered moot by the exit of 6.5 Million people from the workforce say, America is still in a hole?…it is time to stop doing the same things we have been doing?…platitudinal talk of income inequality only serve to fan the fires of envy and stifle the entrepreneurial spirit which is about the last hope this economy has?…we hope the President concentrates his words on unleashing the innovative power of American ingenuity and dispenses with the slogans of class warfare?

IS IT TRUE Michigan State took it on the chin Saturday opening up a path to a #3 ranking for Wichita State?…the CCO is rooting for two more upsets so a #1 ranked team can come to the Ford Center on February 16th?

EPD Activity Report: January 26, 2014

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EPD PATCH 2012

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 DON’T GO TO COURT ALONE. CALL IVAN ARNAEZ @ 812-424-6671.

EPD Activity Report: January 26, 2014

EPD hiring, promotion, and awards ceremony being held January 27th

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

EPD PATCH 2012The Evansville Police Department will be holding a ceremony Monday, January 27th at 1:00pm. The ceremony will be held at The Centre in Ballroom “A”.
The ceremony will welcome 8 new Officers. They are:
Matthew Taylor
Bryan Schmitt
Nathan Jones
Ahmed Affifi
Mario Reid
Ray Smith Jr
John Porter Jr
Herbert Adams

During the ceremony, Chief Billy Bolin will also present 14 Officers with Merit Awards for their actions during incidents in 2013.

Detective John Cox will be promoted to the rank of Corporal.

The ceremony is open to the public.

Vanderburgh County Booking Record Reports

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JUSTIN MICHAEL LOUCK
Race: White / Sex: Male / Age: 22
Residence: 4775 SOUTH OLD STATE RD WABASH, IN
Booked: 1/26/2014 8:51:00 PM
CHARGE BOND AMT
ALC-PUBLIC INTOX [BM] 50
Total Bond Amount: $50
JAMES LEROY FRAKES
Race: White / Sex: Male / Age: 24
Residence: 1900 NW WOODLAND RIVERSIDE, MO
Booked: 1/26/2014 8:36:00 PM
CHARGE BOND AMT
FALSE INFORMING/REPORTING [AM] 100
DISORDERLY CONDUCT [BM] 50
Total Bond Amount: $150
DALTON CHARLES JOSEPH KIDDER
Race: White / Sex: Male / Age: 19
Residence: 6646 S 200 E MARKLEVILLE, IN
Booked: 1/26/2014 8:24:00 PM
CHARGE BOND AMT
TRAFFIC-ACCIDENT HIT & RUN /UNATT/PROP [BM] 50
Total Bond Amount: $50
AARON MATTHEW MAUCK
Race: White / Sex: Male / Age: 37
Residence: 215 OAK ST EVANSVILLE , IN
Booked: 1/26/2014 5:55:00 PM
Released
CHARGE BOND AMT
ALC-PUBLIC INTOX [BM] 0
Total Bond Amount: $0
COURTNEY LEE CONGER
Race: White / Sex: Female / Age: 18
Residence: 3701 STRATFORD RD EVANSVILLE, IN
Booked: 1/26/2014 4:25:00 PM
CHARGE BOND AMT
THEFT-SHOPLIFTING THEFT OTHER <200 [DF] 0
Total Bond Amount: NO BOND
MARCELLUS DARNELL WASHINGTON
Race: Black / Sex: Male / Age: 29
Residence: 2260 SUNBURST BLVD EVANSVILLE, IN
Booked: 1/26/2014 9:52:59 AM
CHARGE BOND AMT
COURT ORDERED CONFINEMENT 0
Total Bond Amount: $0
JONATHAN DUNCAN SPEIS
Race: White / Sex: Male / Age: 28
Residence: 3815 WASHINGTON AVE EVANSVILLE , IN
Booked: 1/26/2014 9:24:00 AM
CHARGE BOND AMT
COURT ORDERED CONFINEMENT 0
ALC-PUBLIC INTOX [BM] 0
Total Bond Amount: $0
KEITH BRYAN NORBERG
Race: White / Sex: Male / Age: 49
Residence: 1414 E TENNESSEE ST EVANSVILLE, IN
Booked: 1/26/2014 8:26:00 AM
Released
CHARGE BOND AMT
FAILURE TO APPEAR-ORIGINAL CHARGE MISD 250
Total Bond Amount: $250
DONALD JAY CUPP
Race: White / Sex: Male / Age: 25
Residence: 3017 HAWAII DR EVANSVILLE , IN
Booked: 1/26/2014 7:07:00 AM
CHARGE BOND AMT
VCCC FILED PTR 0
Total Bond Amount: NO BOND
TARA MARIE BUSTOS-GAYTAN
Race: White / Sex: Female / Age: 30
Residence: 25 W IOWA ST EVANSVILLE , IN
Booked: 1/26/2014 5:29:00 AM
CHARGE BOND AMT
FAILURE TO APPEAR-ORIGINAL CHARGE MISD 250
FAILURE TO APPEAR-ORIGINAL CHARGE MISD 250
CHILD NEGLECT [DF] 1000
NARC-POSS METHAMPHETAMINE [DF] 0
TRAFFIC-DRIVING W/LIC SUSP PRIOR INF [AM] 0
NARC-POSS PARAPHERNALIA [AM] 0
OMVWI-PRIOR OR PASSENGER <18 IN VEH [DF] 0
OMVWI [AM] 0
Total Bond Amount: $1500
JASON EUGENE AYSCUE
Race: White / Sex: Male / Age: 32
Residence: 1105 STANLEY AVE BOONVILLE , IN
Booked: 1/26/2014 4:54:00 AM
Released
CHARGE BOND AMT
OMVWI-B A C .15% OR MORE [AM] 0
OMVWI [CM] 0
Total Bond Amount: $0
MITZI NICOLE AEBERLE
Race: White / Sex: Female / Age: 33
Residence: 1550 HAPPY HALLOW WORTHVILLE, KY
Booked: 1/26/2014 3:37:00 AM
CHARGE BOND AMT
OTHER AGENCIES CHARGES 0
Total Bond Amount: NO BOND
REED ALLEN BOEGLIN
Race: White / Sex: Male / Age: 19
Residence: 8194 LINCOLN AVE EVANSVILLE, IN
Booked: 1/26/2014 2:45:00 AM
Released
CHARGE BOND AMT
OMVWI-PRIOR OR PASSENGER <18 IN VEH [DF] 200
OMVWI [AM] 0
OMVWI-B A C .08 <1.5 [CM] 0
NARC-POSS MARIJUANA, HASH OIL, HASHISH, < 30 G [AM] 0
NARC-POSS PARAPHERNALIA [AM] 0
Total Bond Amount: $200
MASON RYAN ROBERSON
Race: White / Sex: Male / Age: 18
Residence: 6202 N COUNTY ROAD 1000W HAZELTON, IN
Booked: 1/26/2014 2:15:00 AM
CHARGE BOND AMT
ALC-MINOR, POSSESS, CONSUME, TRANSPORT [CM] 25
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF TO VEH [BM] 50
Total Bond Amount: $75
JAMES LEE TINGLE
Race: White / Sex: Male / Age: 23
Residence: 706 N THIRD AVE EVANSVILLE , IN
Booked: 1/26/2014 1:59:00 AM
CHARGE BOND AMT
FAILURE TO APPEAR-ORIGINAL CHARGE MISD 250
PETITION TO REVOKE PROBATION 0
Total Bond Amount: NO BOND
ROBERT EUGENE TROXELL
Race: White / Sex: Male / Age: 36
Residence: 1001 ODONNEL CT MT VERNON, IN
Booked: 1/26/2014 1:42:00 AM
CHARGE BOND AMT
WRIT OF ATTACHMENT 5000
WRIT OF ATTACHMENT 5000
FAILURE TO APPEAR-ORIGINAL CHARGE MISD 500
Total Bond Amount: $10500

Letter To The Editor By Chad Avery

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Posted without bias, opinion, or editingGetAttachment.aspx-9
Dear Citizens,

 

A few years ago my family and I were driving to Atlanta, Georgia to visit family. I had my SUV loaded down with luggage, snacks, and three children, two of whom were my niece and nephew. Oh, and did I mention that my wife was pregnant?! As I am traveling I-24 I realize that we had missed our I-75 South exit to Atlanta! I don’t know about those of you reading this article, but I when I am driving and find myself lost, for whatever reason I turn down the radio and slow my speed. As I am trying to determine where I got off track it became evident that folks with Tennessee and Georgia license plates wanted to share the meaning of “southern hospitality” by showing me I was number one, if you get my drift. Eventually we were able to find the proper exit to arrive at our destination but only because we had to backtrack first. Was it time consuming? Yes. Was it frustrating at times? Most definitely! But was it worth it in the end? You betcha! The point to my story is that I believe it is time for this community and its elected officials to “turn down the radio.”

 

For Evansville to move forward, we must first backtrack to find the proper exit; the exit that will lead us, together, to fulfill the potential of this great city.

It is well documented that, within our local political parties, a fracture exists that some believe is un-fixable. I, however, believe the fracture is quite fixable and necessary to address. In both parties, select individuals have gathered on a cold day, drank cold coffee, began cold conversation, and kept cold company. When this happens within a group of people, the landscape begins to resemble the reality that Evansville faces today:  a bankrupt battlefield of special interests which does not encompass the necessary framework for moral discourse that is necessary for a strong foundation. Who among this city’s respected groups will stand up for the greater good and proclaim, “Folks, we are not who we once were. Not only have we lost our edge, we have dropped the ball both spiritually and politically.”

As another election cycle approaches, we are hearing a common theme in Evansville:  “Revitalization of Downtown.” Though this term is very important, I propose a “Revitalization of Community and Moral Values.” We all have fallen short, myself included. We are all cut from the same cloth and were bought for the same price. I strongly believe that it is our civic duty to address the issues of our community, but we must locate where we “got lost” to begin with. As a united front, we must find a new moral and political language that transcends old divisions and seeks a common good. Only when our local government and community adopt attitudes that include grace, humility, forgiveness, and peace can our city free itself from the shackles that have held us down.

This attempt to start anew will not only be led by elected officials, lawyers, and their financial backers. Local government needs to broaden relationships with community organizers, social entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, faith based communities, and parents in order to lay the gravel for a new path, one that will lead Evansville in a better direction.

I highly doubt that most of us has ever truly been inspired by a celebrity, but many of us have been inspired by a teacher, caregiver, parent, or stranger who took the time to mentor and mold us. These are the “silent saints” within our city, and frankly, we need more to step up to the plate. Let this be a call to the unnamed and “silent saints” who dwell amongst us.

It is time…… to remove self-made crowns.

It is time…… to put the last in our community first.

It is time…… to form a plan for city infrastructure.

It is time…… to make the focus on crime/drugs a priority.

It is time…… to erase party lines and work together.

It is time……

Respectfully Submitted,

Chad R. Avery

(Former) Democrat 1st Ward Leader

(Current) Democrat Committeeman 1-10

Court affirms higher home assessment as compared to neighbors

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by jennifer Nelson of the indianalawyers.com

images-10The Indiana Tax Court Thursday affirmed the 2007 assessment of a property in an upscale community on Lake Michigan, rejecting the homeowner’s argument that the assessment should be lower because surrounding homes were assessed at a lower ratio when taking into account the prices at which the homes were sold.

William Thorsness appealed the $1,647,800 assessment of the property he purchased on Jan. 31, 2007, for $1.65 million. He argued that his assessment should be reduced to $1,311,750, which is 79.5 percent of the purchase price. He came up with this percentage after looking at six other residential properties in his neighborhood and found, on average, they were assessed at 79.5 percent of their recent sale prices.

The Indiana Board of Tax Review affirmed the assessment, finding Thorsness’ “ratio study” didn’t meet the criteria for ratio studies.  Because of that, it was not probative in demonstrating that his property was inequitably or non-uniformly assessed.

He appealed in February 2011, and the Tax Court heard arguments in August 2011.

In William W. Thorsness v. Porter County Assessor, 49T10-1102-TA-14, Thorsness claimed the tax board erred in determining that he, and not the assessor, bore the burden of proof at the administrative hearing. Second, he claimed that the board erred in determining that his evidence was not probative in demonstrating that the assessor’s assessment lacked uniformity.

In 2009, the General Assembly established an exception to the rule that a taxpayer always bears the burden of proof when challenging property tax assessments – I.C. 6-1.1-15-1(p), “the burden-shifting rule.” The exception occurs when the assessed value increases by more than five percent over the preceding assessment date.

“[T]he Indiana Board’s mistake does not constitute reversible error in this case because the burden-shifting rule contained in Indiana Code § 6-1.1-15-1(p) (and its progeny) applies only to valuation challenges, not to uniform and equal constitutional challenges for the following reasons,” Judge Martha Blood Wentworth wrote.

She noted that while Thorsness’ data on his neighbors’ assessments is relevant, the board didn’t err in determining it was not probative in demonstrating that his property was assessed and taxed at a level that exceeded the common level within the township overall. The standards outlined by the Department of Local Government Finance require a statistical measure of assessment uniformity must be calculated for the entire taxing district and each stratum therein.

Commentary: Amendment opponent’s actions warranted getting tossed

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John Sittler is a reporter at TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS – Respect.

Commentary button in JPG - no shadowI’ve heard that word thrown around a lot lately as the General Assembly continues its debate of the controversial constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Indiana.

Almost every time I’ve heard the word, the context has been that conservatives don’t respect the views of gay rights supporters.

But I seem to remember learning in elementary school: You have to give respect to get it.

House Joint Resolution 3 has had two hearings, before two different committees, both held in the House chamber.

Both times, one member of the public was ejected by the chairman of the committee.

Once, it was a woman who was obnoxiously yelling and clapping after a man testified in support of the amendment.

More recently – and far more newsworthy – an Air Force veteran was expelled after giving Elections Committee Chairman Milo Smith, R-Columbus, a double thumbs down gesture.

 Opponents of HJR 3 exploded across social media, condemning the expulsion and turning Scott Spychala into a martyr.

But let’s think about what actually happened and why he was removed from the public gallery.

Before both hearings, the committee chairman acknowledged the sensitive and emotional nature of the debate and asked for respect from both sides.

During the first hearing, Judiciary Committee Chairman Greg Steuerwald, R-Avon, had to ask for quiet and respect multiple times after Freedom Indiana supporters in the gallery were laughing and making other noises after people testified in support of HJR 3.

Last Wednesday, Freedom Indiana supporters again filled the public gallery and had taken to giving a double thumbs down gesture, often while standing, during the testimony of anyone in favor of the amendment. Finally, Smith stopped someone mid-testimony and asked for respect. He said he didn’t think the thumbs down sign was respectful.

As Smith said that, Spychala looked straight at the chairman and gave him a double thumbs down.

Is the gesture itself bad enough to deserve being kicked out of a public hearing?

No.

Should Spychala have been expelled?

Yes.

Lost in the public backlash was the true reason behind his expulsion. In committee meetings, the chair is more or less all powerful. He or she sets the rules, within reason.

Smith asked for no thumbs down gestures.

Spychala looked at him and gave a thumbs down.

Smith kicked him out. Seems pretty logical to me.

Maybe Spychala was trying to make a statement. And there is certainly something to be said for that. History is filled with people who faced consequences (often much worse than Spychala’s) for standing up for what they believe in.

But that doesn’t mean Smith was in the wrong.

Throughout my coverage of this debate, I’ve done my best to be impartial, to be a quiet observer. In fact, I haven’t even made up my mind as to how I would vote if HJR 3 makes it to the ballot in November.

But there’s one thing I have learned. The debate isn’t good for anyone without respect.

For everyone.

From everyone.

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

Temporary Sign Advisory Committee Recommends Changes to City and County Ordinances

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cityofevansville
The Evansville-Vanderburgh County Temporary Sign Advisory Committee has recommended proposed changes to existing City and County ordinances regulating signs that would address temporary sign permits.

The grassroots committee – consisting of small business owners, sign companies and representatives from Keep Evansville Beautiful and the Chamber of Commerce of Southwestern Indiana – was appointed by Mayor Lloyd Winnecke and Vanderburgh County Commissioner Marsha Abell. The committee, led by Area Plan Commission Executive Director Ron London, met twice in December. London drafted changes to the sign ordinance based on committee members’ comments and suggestions.

“The committee’s proposed changes would make the process of permitting signs much easier for businesses because the revised ordinance would establish some exemptions and eliminate temporary sign permits,” said Mayor Winnecke. “As I’ve stated before, I am committed to making Evansville a place where businesses not only survive but can thrive, and signage advertising their goods and services is just one way to get more customers in the door.”

County Commissioner Marsha Abell added, “I am pleased with the constructive input from our committee. Their ideas will create a proactive environment that fosters businesses and helps them grow.”

The committee’s proposed new sign ordinance will be sent to the Area Plan Commission for discussion at its meeting on February 13 at 4 p.m. in Room 301, Civic Center Complex. Copies of the proposed ordinance are available for review and can be found on the Area Plan Commission website at www.evansvilleapc.com .

“The discussion will continue at the Area Plan Commission meeting, and I hope anyone who wants to comment on the sign ordinance will attend the session and share their ideas since this is the entire community’s ordinance,” London said. “My goal is to reach a consensus, revise the ordinance based on the agreed upon comments and bring it back to the Area Plan Commission for final approval in March or April.”

Once the proposed ordinance is approved by the Area Plan Commission it must go before the Evansville City Council and the Vanderburgh County Commission for final approval.

Subject of SILVER ALERT Found Deceased

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Yesterday afternoon, a Silver Alert was issued for a Ronald Hayes, who had been missing for nearly 24 hours at the time.

Earlier today, deputies with the assistance of the Indiana State Police and the Indiana State Police airplane observed a car matching the description of the car Hayes was believed to have been operating when he was last seen. The car was found in a remote part of the Knight Township river bottoms in a place that was not readily observable from any nearby roads. With the assistance from the Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers, deputies determined that the car was the car Hayes had been operating. Hayes was not in the car.

With the assistance of Ohio Valley Search and Rescue and an area farmer (also a former Knight Township Firefighter), Hayes was located in an open field. Hayes was deceased at the time he was located. There was positively identified. There were no apparent indications of foul play. The body was turned over to the Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Office.

Investigators believe that on the evening of Friday, January 24, Hayes became disoriented after picking up dinner and drove in the area of the Knight Township river bottoms. At the time he drove into the area, the ground was substantially more solid from the below freezing temperatures and he was able to drive well off the roadway. However, he eventually became stuck near a tree line and a depression in the ground. With the ground more solid at the time, he was able to walk over two miles before succumbing in an open field.

Due to the warmer temperatures yesterday and today, the area had become very soft and wet and very difficult to traverse. It was with the help of an area farmer and some of his large equipment that we were able to recover Hayes vehicle from the area as well as some of the equipment utilized by emergency responders.

Details regarding Hayes’ cause of death will be released by the Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Office when available.

BREAKING NEWS: WARD SHAW RESIGNS POSITION WITH TROPICANA-EVANSVILLE

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City-County Observer has  just confirmed this evening, that General Manager of Tropicana-Evansville, Ward Shaw, is resigning his position affective immediately.

21da9cd-2Mr. Shaw is highly regarded in the national gaming Industry.  He is also extremely well thought of as a positive community leader in this community.

Mr. Shaw has accepted a position with Pinnacle Entertainment, St. Louis.  Pinnacle is considered one of the top Gaming Corporation in America.  Mr. Shaw shall be the new Vice President and General Manager of the plush River City Casino, St. Louis.
This is a developing story and we will keep you abreast as we attain more information.
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