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Today is Armistice Day by: Brad Linzy

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Peace Dollar

Today is Armistice Day
by: Brad Linzy

Today is Armistice Day. It marks the end of World War I, The Great War, the War that would End All Wars. IT began as a result of rapid chain reactions of alliances after the assassination of one man. By the end of the fighting, more than 9 MILLION combatants lay dead and Europe was plagued by a legacy of economic depression, ethnic cleansing, mustard gas, and human tragedy, not to mention the seeds of the next Great War.

“Armistice Day” is a day that marks the end of this terrible war – a war people vowed never to fight again. In America, we were so disgusted by the tragic loss of human life and senseless destruction our US Mint issued the “Peace Dollar”. (I can’t imagine that happening today.)

We are a culture of hero worship. Outwardly, we decry the necessity of war, but effectively we glorify war through the subliminal proliferation of heroic symbolism. In America we call this day “Veterans Day” instead of “Armistice Day”. It holds no particular connection with World War I. We choose, instead, to remember all our veterans while perhaps forgetting the senselessness of the wars in which they fight and the actions of the politicians, industrialists, and bankers who drive us into conflict. In Europe, they hold two minutes of silence at 11:00 a.m. to mark the end of the Great War and to remember all the men who died senselessly in it. That is perhaps the last thing our leaders in this country want – 300 million people standing in silence reflecting on the senselessness of war.

I’m not a pacifist. Some wars are justified because an enemy is attacking and all diplomatic avenues have been exhausted. There are also avoidable wars that didn’t need to be fought, save for the greed of a select few who treat the common man as so much cannon fodder. I submit to you most of the wars fought by Americans have been of the latter variety.

Today, let us observe Armistice Day. Let us remember the dead and long for peace, if possible.

Introduction Of Republican Candidate For Vanderburgh County Sheriff

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Kirk2-1Keeping you and your family safe!  This will be my first priority as your new Sheriff with new ideas.  I’m Lieutenant Kirk Byram, a 20 year veteran with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and senior active lieutenant.  I’m 43 years old, a father, a husband, and a Sunday school teacher.

I believe every law abiding citizen has a right to own a gun.  You should be able to protect your family just as I can mine.  I’m anti-consolidation, unlike my opponent, who worked hard for a bad plan that failed to save money or improve county government.

Currently, I’m serving the citizens of Vanderburgh County as a motor patrol commander and I am the agency’s lead firearms instructor and former lead emergency vehicle operations instructor.  I also instruct new law enforcement cadets at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.

One of my new ideas to save the taxpayers money and improve the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s office is to revitalize the volunteer reserve deputy program.  One example, active reserve deputies could work in our jail.  This can help improve the booking process thus freeing up city and county officers from a long wait and putting them back on the streets protecting you and your family.

Reserve deputies can also help in serving subpoenas, warrants, and with community policing.  This puts more active deputies on the street preventing and solving crimes, so taxpayers get more for their money.

I started my career as a reserve deputy while working part-time and attending the University of Southern Indiana.  Next, I graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.  Then while serving as a deputy, I earned a Masters Degree in Criminology.  I continue using my education as a department instructor and to teach Criminal Justice courses at Ivy Tech.  I know and understand the value and importance of education, communication, and involvement in the community.

When I was sworn in as a merit deputy sheriff, I was the youngest deputy within the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office.  I later went on to become the youngest Field Training Deputy, Instructor, Sergeant, and Lieutenant at the time of each appointment.  Throughout my career, I have served in various leadership positions including motor patrol, detention, and criminal investigations.

As Sheriff, I will stress community policing.  Our deputies should be spending more time patrolling neighborhoods and businesses.  We need to spend more time speaking and working with the residents to make our community safer for our families.  This will also include more use of social media so there is an ongoing dialogue with the residents of Vanderburgh County.  I will focus on saving money and better allocating our existing resources to protect and serve you and your family.

While off-duty, I spend time with my family and stay actively involved in the community.  My family and I teach Sunday school at our church.  We stay actively involved with our sons at their school where I also coach various sports.  I am also involved in Leadership Evansville and other community organizations.

My wife, Trina and our two sons have and will continue to meet as many of you as possible.  We want the citizens of Vanderburgh County to know they have a choice at the next election and that choice is clear.  Do you want a Sheriff’s Office with new ideas for our community or one that continues with the same policies of the past 30 years?  Elect me, Kirk Byram, as your next Sheriff.  My family and I would appreciate your support and vote.

Find us on Facebook or byram4sheriff.com

This article posted  t City County Observer without bias, opinion or editing.

EPD Activity Report: November 10, 2013

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EPD PATCH 2012

EPD Activity Report: November 10, 2013

IS IT TRUE November 11, 2013

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Mole #3 Nostradamus of Local Politics
Mole #3 Nostradamus of Local Politics

IS IT TRUE that many East Side business owners are wondering why 1st Ward City Council member, Dan McGinn hasn’t pushed the City of Evansville to follow through with the commitment to install new street lights on the North end of Burkhardt Road once they were annexed into the city?…it’s been 3 years since the North Burkhardt business owners were annexed by the City of Evansville?…we respectfully request that City Councilman McGinn take an evening drive down North Burkhardt so he can see for himself that the city street lights stop right after you pass Sam’s Super Discount Store? …we suggest that he turn his bright lights on after he passes Sam’s Super Discount Store for obvious safety reasons?…when the city annexed this cluster of Eastside businesses the city added about $3 million dollars of tax revenue for the city per year?…that we are surprised to learn that Republican Councilman McGinn didn’t push his Republican Mayor to add money to the 2014 city budget to install new street lights on North Burkhart?…we respectfully suggest that Councilman McGinn to spend less time worrying about the financial issues of the Zoo and pay more attention to the needs of the business people of the 1st Ward?

IS IT TRUE the City County Observer has learned of an gentleman who owns a business that takes over poorly maintained public parks and privatizes them?…after privatization the parks that Dan Biederman has taken over are cleaner, safer, have corporate sponsorships for services like free WiFi, and are still open to the general public and free?…this gentleman’s business is profitable, provides superior services in parks than the local governments did and accepts ZERO tax dollars?…there are similar services for public libraries and even public protection?…the common denominator these outsourced managers of public assets say influences their success is that the prevailing wage rules and de-facto tenure agreements with unions do not apply to them as they do to public employees?…Evansville tried this once way back when with the Sewer and Water Utility before former Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel reversed that decision?…it could be that repatriation of a private managed asset into the open arms of government has driven the recent problems of the City of Evansville that seem to originate in the Sewer and Water Utility?

IS IT TRUE the sign ups for ObamaCare continue to defy gravity and fall flat on their backside?…the latest numbers released for the District of Columbia (Washington DC) are FIVE ENROLLEES, while Delaware checks in with FOUR ENROLLEES, and Oregon that has not released any numbers has embarked upon an acid trip psychedelic ad campaign to sign people up?…you can see this ad campaign straight out of the 60’s at the end of this IS IT TRUE?

IS IT TRUE President Obama feeling the heat for lying to the American people has now proclaimed that “I want to fix the healthcare.gov website but don’t know how to write code?”…most of us knew the President could not write code when he ran for president but we did assume he had the good sense to hire someone who could?…the longer this debacle continues the more the United States of America looks like an impotent third world nation incapable of accomplishing anything?…the only question remaining is how low the ratings must go before a real apology is crafted for the President to read to us?

IT IS TRUE that we wish all our Veterans a joyful and blessed day.  We are very thankful for your service to our county.  May God Bless America and also our Veterans!

Mike’s Car Wash is giving free basic car washes to active service members and Veterans alike.  The time for free car washes are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Krispy Kreme Donuts are giving free donuts and coffee to our Veterans between 6 a.m. and 11 am. and 6 pm. to 11 p. m.  If any of our readers know about any other free or discounts offering to our Veterans today please post on this site.

Dr. Bucshon on ObamaCare Enrollment Numbers

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220px-Larry_Bucshon,_official_portrait,_112th_Congress

 

(Washington, D.C.) – Wednesday afternoon, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) revealed that only 701 Hoosiers have selected healthcare plans via the failing healthcare.gov website in the first month.  In comparison, according to state officials, more than 108,000 Hoosiers have received cancellation notices due to the law.

 

“As a physician, I want every American to have access to quality, affordable health care, but this law is only creating obstacles for families, not solutions,” said Bucshon. “More Hoosiers have lost coverage than have signed up for plans under ObamaCare.  The flawed website is only a symptom of more systemic failures.  Despite the President’s promises, Hoosiers are receiving cancellation notices for plans they like, they are at risk of losing their current physician they know and trust, and many are faced with higher costs for inferior coverage. These are real stories that affect real hardworking families who are just trying to make it.”

 

Nationally, 27,000 Americans have enrolled in federal run exchanges and 79,000 Americans have enrolled in state-based exchanges, bringing the total to only 106,185.  An enormous failure when compared to the President’s September projection of 494,620 enrollees.

 

According to the Washington Times, “more than 4.2 million Americans have had their health insurance policies cancelled thanks to ObamaCare” and “the number could triple over the next few months.” (Washington Times; 11/13/13)

 

HHS classifies enrollees as individuals “who have paid the first month’s premium and those who have not yet paid the first month’s premium.”

 

Bucshon has asked 8th District constituents to share their healthcare stories or experiences through the webpagewww.bucshon.house.gov/yourstory.

Veterans Day: Discounts and Freebies

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Veteran's Day Parade

Military.com| by Heather Sweeney

The following is a list of nearly 100 Veterans Day discounts on goods, services and dining for 2013. Please check back frequently as the list is updated.

Keep in mind that most businesses require proof of military service, which can include a VA Universal Access Card, Military I.D., DD-214 (Discharge Papers), Veterans Service Organization Card (VSO’s include groups like the VFW, DAV, AmVets, MOAA, FRA, and the American Legion), or in some cases businesses will accept a picture of the veteran in uniform.

Note: Not all franchise locations participate in their national chain’s Veterans Day programs – be sure contact your nearest establishment to make sure they are participating.

Sign up for the Military Deals and Discounts Newsletter to get even more discounts and information on how Military Families can save big.

2013 Veterans Day Restaurant Offerings:

Applebees - Veterans and active duty military receive a free meal from a limited menu, on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11.

Bar Louie – On Sunday, Nov. 10 and Monday, Nov. 11, all Bar Louie locations are offering veterans and military personnel a free meal up to a $12 value.

Bob Evans – Veterans and active military personnel receive free all-you-can-eat hotcakes on Monday, Nov. 11.

Boston Market – Boston Market is offering a free whole chicken with the purchase of a family meal on Monday, Nov. 11 with a military ID.

California Pizza Kitchen – Veterans and active military receive a free pizza on Monday, Nov. 11.

NEW! Carrabba’s – All active and retired veterans get a free appetizer of your choice from Nov. 9-Nov. 11.

Champps — On Monday, Nov. 11, Champps will offer a free handcrafted burger with waffle fries to veterans and active duty military

Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse – Charlie Brown’s is offering a free meal to veterans and active duty military all day on Monday, Nov. 11.

Cheeseburger in Paradise – Veterans and military personnel receive a free All American Burger with fries on Monday, Nov. 11 with the beverage purchase of $1.99.

Chili’s – Veterans and active duty get a free entrée all day from a limited menu on Monday, Nov. 11.

Coffee Beanery – Veterans and active duty military receive a free tall cup of coffee all day on Nov. 11.

Denny’s – Active, inactive and retired military personnel can get free all you can eat pancakes on Veterans Day nationwide from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Einstein Bros. Bagels – Active, inactive and retired military personnel receive a free Signature or Classic Bagel and Shmear (or any other topping) on Monday, Nov. 11.

Famous Dave’s – Famous Dave’s is offering various discounts and free meals on Monday, Nov. 11 with proof of service. Specific offers vary by locations.

FATZ – Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free entrée at FATZ, up to a $15 value. Veterans who dine at FATZ on November 11 will also receive a $2 coupon for use on their next visit.

Fox & Hound Bar and Grill – Veterans and active duty military receive any burger for free on Monday, Nov. 11. Limit one burger per person, and proof of service is required. Offer good for dine-in only.

Friendly’s – Veterans and active military receive a free Big Two Do Breakfast and coffee on Monday, Nov. 11.

Golden Corral – Golden Corral is offering a free dinner on Monday Nov. 11, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves are all welcome.

Hooters –Veterans and active duty military receive a free meal on Monday, Nov. 11.

Hoss’s Family Steak & Sea House – Veterans eat for free on Monday, Nov. 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

NEW! IKEA – From Nov. 9-11, active, reserve or retired servicemembers receive a free entrée, which includes a sandwich, hot dish or entrée salad. Offer good for dine-in only. Military ID or proof of service required.

Jersey Mike’s Subs – Jersey Mike’s Subs is giving customers a free cookie when they make a donation to Wreaths Across America (WAA) Nov. 9 – Nov. 11.

Krispy Kreme – Krispy Kreme stores are offering a free doughnut and small coffee on Monday, Nov. 11 when presenting a military ID or wearing a uniform.

Little Caesars – Veterans and active military members get a free order of Crazy Bread on Monday, Nov. 11.

LongHorn Steakhouse – Veterans and current servicemembers receive a complimentary Texas Tonion appetizer and non-alcoholic beverage from Nov. 11 to Nov. 14.

Max and Erma’s – On Monday, Nov. 11, participating Max & Erma’s locations are saluting veterans and active military personnel with a free Best Cheeseburger in America Combo meal.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants – On Sunday, November 10, participating McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants will offer a complimentary entree to vets from a special menu.

Menchi’s —  All veterans will receive a free 6 oz. frozen yogurt on Monday, Nov. 11.

Noah’s New York Bagels — Active, inactive and retired military personnel receive a free Signature or Classic Bagel and Shmear (or any other topping) on Monday, Nov. 11.

O’Charley’s – Veterans and active duty servicemembers get a complimentary meal from a limited menu on Monday, Nov. 11.

Olive Garden – On Monday, Nov. 11, all veterans and current servicemembers get a free meal from a limited menu. Family dining with them will also receive 10% off their meal.

On the Border – Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free meal from the “Create Your Own Combo menu” on Monday, Nov. 11.

Outback Steakhouse – All active and former servicemembers receive a free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage on Nov. 11. Outback is also offering active and former servicemembers 10% off their meals Nov. 12 through Dec. 31.

Paciugo Gelato Caffè – Paciugo is offering a free 12 oz. Gelatte® to veterans and active duty military on Monday, Nov. 11 at participating locations.

Red Hot & Blue — Veterans receive a free entrée with the purchase of a second entrée on Monday, Nov. 11. Coupon required.

Red Lobster – Veterans and current servicemembers receive a complimentary appetizer from a limited menu from Nov. 11 to Nov. 14.

Red Robin – Veterans and active duty military get a free Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on Monday, Nov. 11.

Shoney’s – Shoney’s will be offering a free All-American Burger to veterans and active duty servicemembers on Monday, Nov. 11.

Sizzler – Sizzler is offering active duty and veteran military members a free lunch from a limited menu on Monday, Nov. 11 until 4 p.m.

NEW! Souplantation – From Saturday, Nov. 9 through Monday, Nov. 11, current and former military personnel eat free with the purchase of one full price meal and 2 beverages. You can also purchase a single meal at 50% off with the purchase of a refillable fountain beverage.

Spaghetti Warehouse – On Sunday, Nov. 10 and Monday, Nov. 11, choose one original spaghetti entrée or 15-layer lasagna and get the second entrée free. This deal requires a coupon, which is available starting Nov. 6 at the Spaghetti Warehouse website, the Facebook page, and can be presented from a mobile phone.

Starbucks – Former and active duty servicemembers and their spouses get a free tall brewed coffee on Monday, Nov. 11.

Sticky Fingers Smokehouse — Veterans, receive a free entrée with the purchase of a second entrée on Monday, Nov. 11. Coupon required.

NEW! Sweet Tomatoes — From Saturday, Nov. 9 through Monday, Nov. 11, current and former military personnel eat free with the purchase of one full price meal and 2 beverages. You can also purchase a single meal at 50% off with the purchase of a refillable fountain beverage.

NEW! Texas Corral – Active duty servicemembers and veterans receive a free entrée from a limited menu on Monday, Nov. 11.

Texas Roadhouse – Texas Roadhouse locations nationwide will offer veterans a free lunch on Monday, Nov. 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Offer is good for active duty, retired or former U.S. military.

TGIFridays – Veterans and active duty military get a free lunch from a select menu on Monday, Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Greene Turtle – Veterans and active duty military receive a free lunch from a limited menu on Monday, Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tim Hortons Café & Bake Shop – Active duty military and veterans receive a free donut all day long on Monday, Nov. 11.

NEW! Tony Roma’s – Current and former military members can come in on Monday, Nov. 11 and receive a voucher for a free entrée ($15 maximum value) to use on their next visit.

Tucanos Brazilian Grill — Active duty, reserve and retired military and veterans receive a free Churrasco meal on Monday, Nov. 11. They are also offering 10% off the entire bill for veterans and troops who dine with their families, from Friday, Nov. 8 through Veteran’s Day, Monday, Nov. 11.

Travel Centers of America — On Monday, Nov. 11, all CDL drivers who are military veterans eat free at participating full-service restaurants.

Uno Chicago Grill – Veterans and active military get a free entrée or individual pizza with an entrée or pizza purchase of equal or greater value on Monday, Nov. 11. Valid military ID or proof of service required. No coupon necessary.

Village Inn – All veterans and active military personnel receive a free breakfast on Monday, Nov. 11. Choose between Buttermilk Pancakes, Belgian Waffle, or French Toast.

2013 Veterans Day Travel and Recreation:

24 Hour Fitness – Servicemembers receive a weekend of complimentary workouts at clubs nationwide Nov. 8 – Nov. 11.

Colonial Williamsburg – Active duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans and their dependents receive free weekend-long admission tickets Nov. 8 through Nov. 11.

Knotts Berry Farm – Knott’s Berry Farm is offering free admission for veterans and active duty military personnel and one guest from November 4, 2013 to January 5, 2014.

National Parks - On Veterans Day weekend (Nov. 9-11) veterans will have access to over 100 National Parks that require entrance fees for free.

Red Roof Inn – Red Roof Inn is offering 15% off at more than 350 properties nationwide in the month of November to veterans, active duty military and their families.

Sea World Parks and Entertainment – Veterans and active duty military can get 50% off single-day admission tickets through Nov.11, 2013.

NEW! The McGladrey Classic – Active and retired military receive free tickets with official military ID, and veterans pay $25 with verified coupon from Nov. 7 through Nov. 10.

World of Coca-Cola — Military members receive complimentary admission year-round, but in honor of Veterans Day they also may purchase up to four half-price tickets for their friends and family Nov. 9-17.

2013 Veterans Day Retailer Offerings:

ACE Jiffy Lube – On Sunday, Nov. 10 and Monday, Nov. 11, veterans and active duty military receive a 50% discount on a Signature Service Oil Change at participating ACE Jiffy Lube locations.

Bed Bath and Beyond – Bed Bath and Beyond is offering veterans 20% off their entire purchase on Nov. 9, 10, and 11. This is good for active duty, DoD, reserves, guard, retirees, veterans, and military spouses.

Big Lots – Veterans, active duty, reserve, and retired military personnel and their immediate family receive 10% off their entire purchase on Saturday, Nov. 9.

Buy Buy Baby – Active duty, DoD, Reserves, Guard, retirees, veterans and military spouses get 20% off their entire purchase on Nov. 9, 10 and 11.

NEW! Build-a-Bear Workshop – Build-a-Bear is offering 15% off all military-themed gifts online and 15% off entire in-store purchase with military ID. Offer good now through Nov. 11.

Dollar General – Veterans, active military, members of the National Guard and Reserve and immediate family members get 11% off the total purchase on Nov. 11.

Grace for Vets – Car washes from around the world who join this program offer free car washes to veterans and servicemembers on Nov. 11.

Great Clips – On Monday, Nov. 11, customers who come in for a service can get a free haircut card to give to their favorite veteran. Veterans can also receive a free haircut or get the free haircut card. Haircuts are redeemable until Dec. 31.

Home Depot  – Home Depot offers a 10% discount to all veterans during Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day. Home Depot offers the 10% discount year round to for active duty and retirees.

JCPenney – Veterans, active duty and family members receive an extra 20% off in stores Nov. 6-11 with coupon.

NEW! Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores – Past or present members of the armed forced and their families receive 20% off their total purchase Sunday, Nov. 10 through Friday, Nov. 15.

NEW! Jos. A. Bank – Customers who purchase a regular-priced men’s suit (excluding Traveler and Signature products) in-store or online will receive an additional two free suits of equal or lesser value from Nov. 12-17.

Lowe’s – All veterans receive a 10% discount on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The offer is available in stores only.

Massage Envy – Participating Massage Envy locations in the Washington DC, Maryland, and northern Virginia region are offering a complimentary 1-hour massage to active military, veterans and spouses on Monday, Nov. 11.

NEW! Meineke Car Care Centers – On Monday, Nov. 11, all veterans and active duty military personnel, as well as spouses of deployed members receive free basic oil changes.

Sport Clips – Participating locations are offering veterans and active duty servicemembers free haircuts on Monday, Nov. 11.

Steve Madden – Steve Madden is offering 20% off the entire purchase with a valid military ID on Monday, Nov. 11.

Toys“R”Us – At Toys“R”Us and Babies”R”Us, military members and their families can get 20% off one regular-priced item from Sunday, Nov. 10 through Saturday, Nov. 16.

Under Armour – Veterans and active duty servicemembers get 15% off plus free shipping on all orders from now until Monday, Nov. 11.

Walgreens – Walgreens is offering 15% off eligible store items and 20% of Walgreens, Nice! And W brand products on Monday, Nov. 11. This discount is available to all veterans and active duty military personnel.

Other:

Amazon – Amazon.com is offering a free MP3 album download of “Veterans Day Honor” on Monday, Nov. 11.

America’s Parade – Veterans are invited to march in this New York City parade on Nov. 11.

“Honor Flight” movie – Veterans can see the movie “Honor Flight” for free in theaters nationwide on Monday, Nov. 11.

Kiplinger’s, Social Security Solutions and Wells Fargo – On Nov. 11, Kiplinger’s Social Security Solutions will offer veterans free one-day access to its online tool for a personalized report to help maximize retirement benefits.

Medal of Honor Stamps – The U.S. Postal Service will issue special Medal of Honor stamps on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

NEW! NFL Salute to Service – To honor Veterans Day, the NFL will donate $100 to each of its non-profit partners (the Pat Tillman Foundation, USO and Wounded Warrior Project) for every point scored during the 32 Salute to Service games.

Year-Round Veterans Discounts:

Foot Locker – Veterans, servicemembers (active, guard, and reserve), and their immediate families with a Foot Locker Veterans Advantage Card receive a 20% discount every day of the year. That offer is good both online and at any store location, including Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Footaction and Champs Sports — even on sale items.

Home Depot  – Home Depot offers a 10% discount (up to a $500 maximum) to all active military, reserve, retired or disabled veterans and their family members with a valid military ID. All other veterans qualify for a 10% discount during Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Lowe’s – Lowe’s offers a year-round 10% discount offer for all active duty, National Guard and Reserve, retirees and disabled servicemembers and their immediate families. All other veterans receive the 10% discount on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The discount is available on in-stock and special-order purchases of up to $5,000. The offer can’t be used on sales at Lowes.com, on previous sales or on sales of services or gift cards. You must present a valid military I.D. card to receive the discount.

Analysis: Ritz shares blame in problems with ed board

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By Lesley WeidenbenerLesley Weidenbener, managing editor, TheStatehouseFile.comTheStatehouseFile.com

 

INDIANAPOLIS – Members of the State Board of Education have taken some flack for going behind the back of state Superintendent Glenda Ritz to ask lawmakers for help with calculating A-F grades for Indiana schools.

Analysis button in JPGAnd Ritz – who chairs the state board – ensured that everyone who follows education was talking about the move when she took the other 10      members to court, accusing them of acting illegally to undermine her authority.

But it’s clear from the last state board meeting – and the couple before it – that the problems plaguing the group are far from one-sided. In fact, it may be that Ritz has simply done a better job telling her side of the story.

At issue in part is the way the board actually operates, including how much authority Ritz – as the chair – can exert over the agenda, discussion and votes.

Last spring, the board attempted to deal with the issue by approving a deal that gives both the superintendent and members power to put items on the agenda for discussion and votes.

The key terms say that the “chair and the board members may add items to each board agenda. Reporting or discussion items may be added to the agenda before the meeting, or may be added during a meeting as is consistent with Ind. Code § 5-14-1.5. Items that require a board resolution or a vote must be submitted to the State Board Administrator at least 10 business days before a board meeting.”

But despite what seems to be a fairly explicit agreement, members of the board say they’ve been unable to get items on the agenda. They complain they’ve requested items in writing than either don’t end up on the agenda or do in ways that limit discussions or votes.

The issue exploded at last week’s meeting when David Freitas of South Bend complained that he’d asked that a discussion on board operational issues be put on the agenda. That morning, the agenda posted online didn’t include it and Freitas was not happy.

He complained that he’d asked more than 10 days before the meeting that the item be placed on the agenda, which would have made it eligible for a vote, and it wasn’t there. But Ritz countered that she’d put it on a revised agenda in a discussion section and then it would be on what’s called a “consent agenda” for the group’s next meeting on Wednesday.

Freitas said that’s not what he wanted. But as he tried to discuss it further, Ritz kept trying to push past the discussion and move on.

“I’d like to hear from other board members and not constrain conversation,” Freitas said.

“I’d like to go on,” Ritz said.

The meeting did eventually move on with Ritz promising the group would come back to the operational issues later in the meeting. And they did – with just minutes to go. Still, it was enough time for more debate.

At that point, Freitas kept asking Ritz whether she was willing to follow the original agreement for board operations. And Ritz kept saying that she was working with the governor’s office on new board procedures. That didn’t go over too well with the members, including one who insisted that they – not the governor’s office – should be deciding how the board would operate.

And Freitas asked for a promise from Ritz that the next meeting could include action on board operational issues. She just refused to go there, insisting instead that the item was on the so-called “consent agenda.” But typically, the consent part of the agenda is reserved for items that are approved as a group, with little discussion and no amendments.

That’s definitely not what Freitas was seeking and it’s clear Ritz knew it. But with every question he brought up, she would repeat that the item would be on the consent agenda. Finally, he and other members gave up. And when Ritz asked for a motion to adjourn so she could head to Muncie for an event with the Ball State University Democrats, she got it.

But while the meeting may have finally ended, the operational issue is far from resolved – and it’s unlikely that educational policy will be done well until it is.

Lesley Weidenbener is executive editor of TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

 

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EPD Activity Report: November 9, 2013

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EPD PATCH 2012

EPD Activity Report: November 9, 2013

Guest column: Let’s take a closer look at college value in Indiana

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By Teresa Lubbers
Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education

An investment in higher education may be the most important purchase Hoosiers ever make.

Guest columnInvesting in a college degree pays off in terms of more job opportunities and higher earnings, but the benefits extend far beyond financial returns. The advantages include increased social mobility, greater civic involvement, improved health and wellness, and a higher standard of living.

Indiana Higher Education Commissioner Teresa Lubbers says an investment in a college degree is worthwhile. Photo by Lesley Weidenbener, TheStatehouseFile.com

Indiana Higher Education Commissioner Teresa Lubbers says an investment in a college degree is worthwhile. Photo by Lesley Weidenbener, TheStatehouseFile.com

Despite the undeniable benefits of higher education, some have begun to question whether college is still worth it in response to rising tuition costs, growing student debt, and anecdotes about graduates who can’t find a job. Though these concerns are understandable, it’s clear by every meaningful measure that individuals with education beyond high school today are better off than those without it.

College graduates earn an average of $1 million more over their lifetimes and experience half the unemployment risk of those with only a high school diploma. As a group, college degree-holders represent a better-prepared workforce that increases Indiana’s ability to attract outside investment, create jobs and spur new innovation. Moreover, as the state’s college graduates increase their standard of living, Indiana’s per capita income and tax revenues grow as well, paving the way for a higher standard of living for all Hoosiers.

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education’s new “Return on Investment” report shows these realities in compelling detail. The report, available online at www.che.in.gov, is designed to empower students and families to make more informed decisions as they consider their higher education options. Through consumer-friendly profiles of Indiana’s colleges and universities, the report provides essential information about the average cost students will pay for college, the level of debt they incur, which industries graduates are likely to be employed in and what their earnings are likely to be over time depending on their program of study.

There is no mistaking the value of a college degree, but the data clearly show that the outcome also depends on individual choice — where students go to school, what they study, how long it takes them to graduate and how much debt they incur. Hoosiers also benefit from understanding which degree programs offer direct paths to specific professions versus those programs that may require more research, planning or advanced education to determine a career pathway.

Beyond future earnings, students should also consider other factors, such as personal interest, career development potential and value to society when selecting an area of study. Harder to quantify but no less important, these factors underscore the importance of purposeful planning, proactive college advising and effective career counseling.

Our goal — with the new “Return on Investment” report and through other ongoing efforts — is to present students and families with the facts, equipping more Hoosiers to complete college, maximize their return on investment, and achieve the passport to opportunity that a higher education provides.

Teresa Lubbers is the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and is a former state senator.

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Evansville Kings Semi-Professional Indoor Soccer Team Wins 1st Game

 

By Scottie Thomas

Last night, Saturday, November 9th, 2013, Metro Sports Center played host to the Evansville Kings Semi-Pro Indoor Soccer Team’s first Home Pre-Season game. The final score was 7-6 Kings over the Paducah Premier.

Head Coach Josh Tucker took the team into Halftime down 5-2. The second half told a different tale about Evansville’s new ‘royalty.’ With goals from Nick DeSalvatore, Ryan Moll and Daniel Dormeier, the Kings responded in the third and fourth periods on a 5-1 differential, which also closed out the game.

Thank you to our sponsors: Metro Sports Center, Husk Signs, Tyler Saxe, Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors, Beans & Baristas, Complete Nutrition, Shoe Carnival, City-County Observer, John Friend Financial Group, D-Patrick: German Cars, The Shades 4 U Foundation & Buffalo Wild Wings on Evansville’s east side.

The exhibition friendly served as a prelude to an in Division match up to come for two Premier Arena Soccer League’s powerhouses. The next game for the Evansville Kings is next Saturday, November 16th away at River City Legends in Louisville, KY.

The following weekend on Saturday, November 23rd, 2013 is the Pre-Season Finale at Metro Sports also vs. River City Legends. That game will have Kick-In time of 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 for all wearing their favorite college gear or present their college ID. Otherwise the price of admission is $4 for kids and $8 for adults (cash only).

For more information about the Evansville Kings, visit them on Facebook or on Twitter @EVVKings, or visit their website, http://evansvillekings.wix.com/PASL.

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