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INDIANA GOVERNOR MIKE PENCE DECLARES AUGUST 25-31, 2013 RAIL SAFETY WEEK

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ISPIndiana Governor Mike Pence declared August 25 through August 31, 2013 as Indiana Rail Safety Week. Indiana Operation Lifesaver, Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Transportation, local law enforcement and railroad companies have partnered together to raise the public’s awareness about the dangers of disregarding railroad crossings laws and trespassing laws.

“Every collision between a vehicle or person and a train is preventable,” states Jessica Feder, Executive Director of Indiana Operation Lifesaver. “Indiana law enforcement agencies and railroad special agents will be out monitoring railroad crossings during Indiana Rail Safety Week, which is being held August 25 – 31. The laws about obeying railroad traffic control signals as well as the laws pertaining to pedestrians trespassing on railroad rights-of-way will be strictly enforced. We have to change the public’s mindset regarding rail safety. Lives can be saved!”

Indiana Operation Lifesaver has scheduled numerous enforcement blitzes throughout Indiana involving law enforcement agencies. There will also be PSA’s throughout the state, safety information distributed at college campuses, posters on South Shore trains and at stations, Operation Lifesaver night at the Gary Rail Cats baseball game, and media coverage of events. Indiana is also taking a proactive lead in the elimination of trespassing and pedestrian fatalities at railroad crossings.

In 2012, there were 106 railroad crossing collisions resulting in 38 people injured and 17 fatalities in the state of Indiana. There were also 11 trespasser deaths last year. These numbers only reflect people who were injured or killed, not those people who broke the law and suffered no consequences. Indiana is currently ranked 4th nationally for railroad crossing collisions.

“We are constantly striving to improve the railroad crossings in Indiana,” said Feder. “However, more than 75 percent of the collisions at these public crossings occur where active warning devices, such as flashing lights and gates, exist. We encourage everyone to take these warning devices seriously and pay attention at all railroad crossings. It’s the law!”

Indiana Operation Lifesaver is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating collisions, deaths and injuries at highway-rail grade intersections and on railroad rights-of-way through public education, engineering and enforcement. To learn more about Indiana Operation Lifesaver, please visit them online at www.oli.org or call 317-267-4011.

MMA KNOCKOUT WEEKEND COMBINES MUSIC AND ACT

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Fists and guitar picks flew at the MMA Knockout Weekend at the Ford Center Friday and Saturday, August 23 and 24. Fists Will Fly and MMA Extreme produced the event that featured music, lots of MMA (mixed martial arts) action and special appearances by MMA personalities.

The weekend kicked off at the Tropicana Evansville on Friday morning with a press conference and an MMA Experience featuring

Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz that gave fans a chance to get up close and personal with the fighters. Ortiz and Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino returned for day two of the Experience on Saturday. The fun moved to the Ford Center on Friday night with a concert headlined by veteran rockers Kansas and openers Badhorse. On Saturday night, Ford Center played host to the MMA Tri-State Showdown with an action packed evening in the ring. The fight card included a number of tri-state area fighters as well as co-headliners John Troyer vs. Anthony Lapsley and Nate Moore vs. Dominique Steele.

“This was the first major MMA event at the Ford Center, and it was an honor to host this caliber of mixed martial arts competitors here this weekend,” said Executive Director Scott Schonike. “We certainly appreciate the big names like Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz and

Cris Cyborg making the trip to Evansville, and we’re pleased with the welcome that Evansville has given them.”

The Ford Center is gearing back up for a busy event season with Kirk Franklin August 31, Sesame Street Live September 6-8, Rascal Flatts October 12 and Lady Antebellum November 10.

Scholarship contest for high school girls

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McNamara_eNews
I view myself through many different perspectives including American, Hoosier, educator, elected official and wife; each help to define who I am as a person and as a woman. Women have not always had a prominent role in politics, but our voice is a growing force in Indiana’s General Assembly.

There are currently many Hoosier women who hold elected office at the Statehouse. These roles range from freshman and veteran legislators, Caucus Chairwoman, State Superintendent, Secretary of State and the Lieutenant Governor.  I have been able to spend time with many of these empowering women during my time as state representative, and it has been a truly unique experience watching each of them work for the betterment of Indiana.

The women at the Statehouse have a passion to build to a bright future for all Hoosiers. We are steadfast in our belief that the strength to do that comes from working together, which is why I want to have more women get involved in public service at an early age, and an upcoming essay scholarship contest offered by the National Foundation of Women Legislators (NFWL) and The National Rifle Association (NRA) is the perfect opportunity. Each year, NFWL and the NRA join forces to provide six female high school juniors or seniors an award, a $3,000 college scholarship and an all-expense-paid trip to NFWL’s Annual Conference, November 20 through 22.

This year, the essay topic for the contest is focused on the Bill of Rights. The essay must be between 400 and 600 words and will tackle very serious issues facing women today including personal privacies and sexual assault in the military. I would love to hear where young women stand on these issues,and I hope that it can be a great outlet for expression. The deadline for the contest is Sunday, September 15, and the submission must include all of the application requirements. The application requirements are:

1. Completed Essay Contest Verification Form (with a copy sent in advance)

2. Two copies of your essay
3. Two personal reference letters
4. The name of applicant’s sponsoring female state legislator
Every applicant must be sponsored by a legislator, and if selected must be accompanied to the NFWL’s Annual Conference by her sponsor. I would be thrilled to sponsor a young woman from our district who wishes to apply for this scholarship. If you are interested I encourage you to contact my office at 1-800­-382­-9841 or email me at H76@iga.in.gov.

For all of the application requirements please visitwww.womenlegislators.org/events/scholarship-program. This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know some of you driven girls that are looking for all the opportunities your future holds.

Fatal Motorcycle Crash on I-164

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Sheriff LogoThe Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched at approximately 11:09 AM to I164 near Covert Ave regarding a crash with injury. When deputies arrived they found an orange and black, 1984, Harley Davidson Motorcycle. The driver of the motorcycle was deceased at the scene. The passenger of the motorcycle was transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center for treatment of her injuries.

A witness to the crash stated to deputies that he heard a load metallic snapping sound come from the motorcycle just prior to an apparent tire blow out. The driver of the motorcycle attempted to keep control of the motorcycle, but was unable to prevent it from going down on its side. Both the driver and passenger were ejected from the motorcycle. The driver and passenger were not wearing helmets. Drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor at this time.

Identification of the driver and passenger will be released upon notification of the family.

The crash remains under investigation.

Ford Center Nearly Empty for 70’s Rock Act Kansas

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Mega 70’s rock and roll act roared into Evansville last night for what was expected to be a vibrant and respectable crowd of fans in a new state of the art facility. What the members of Kansas faced when they took the stage was a cavernous but nearly empty stadium. Official attendance numbers are not available yet but a quick look at the seats would lead one to conclude that less than 1,000 people were willing to cough up the price of admission ($50 and up) to see this iconic band known for the platinum hits “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry on my Wayward Son”. The sparse attendance is a threat to future concerts because bands simply do not like to play before crowds that are smaller than they see at rehearsals.

Kansas at Ford

Fleetwood Mac, another monster rock and roll band of the 70’s and 80’s passed on Evansville as a stop on their current tour. Mick Fleetwood, the legendary drummer recently spoke with CCO editor Joe Wallace at his restaurant Fleetwood’s in Lahaina, Maui about Fleetwood Mac’s upcoming tour. Fleetwood, 67 described how putting on a rock and roll act is very much like running a restaurant in the sense that “one has to perform worthy of an encore every night or lose your edge”. Fleetwood also spoke about touring and the little pains that come with aging and how such things make performing difficult. “That being the case, we only choose to perform in venues that guarantee a sellout crowd” continued Fleetwood.

CCO Editor Joe Wallace, Karen Wallace, and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac
CCO Editor Joe Wallace, Karen Wallace, and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac

Impaired Driver Arrested with Nine-Year-Old Grandson in Vehicle

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Gibson County – Friday night, August 23, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Trooper Aaron Kaucher was patrolling US 41 near Fort Branch when Gibson County Dispatch received a 911 call regarding a possible impaired driver traveling southbound on US 41 in a red Ford F-15 pickup truck. Moments later, Trooper Kaucher spotted the vehicle traveling 62 in a 50 mph zone. The pickup truck was stopped on US 41 near Coal Mine Road and the driver was identified as Anthony Preske, 53, of Vincennes. Trooper Kaucher immediately detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage. An open 12 pack of beer was also located in the bed of the pickup. Preske was transporting his 9-year-old grandson and his 25-year-old son. Further investigation revealed Preske was impaired and was taken to the Gibson County Jail where he is currently being held on bond.

Arrested and Charges:
• Anthony Preske, 53, Vincennes, IN
1. Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (REFUSAL) with a Passenger under 18 years of age,
Class D Felony
2. Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated with a Prior DWI Conviction, Class D Felony

VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

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nick herman Below is a list of felony cases that were filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday, August 22, 2013.

Thomas Bevinger             Theft-Class D Felony

Resisting Law Enforcement-Class A Misdemeanor

 

Richard Case                      Theft-Class D Felony

(Habitual Offender Enhancement)

 

Cedric Williams                Theft-Class D Felony

(Habitual Offender Enhancement)

 

Lucienne White               Maintaining a Common Nuisance-Class D Felony

Possession of Paraphernalia-Class A Misdemeanor

Assisting a Criminal –Class A Misdemeanor

 

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.

 

EVSC Announces Text to Donate Campaign

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EVSC

Individuals wishing to help the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation bring learning to life now have another option. Today, the EVSC is rolling out its brand new mobile giving campaign which will benefit EVSC and its schools. The campaign is sponsored by EVSC Foundation through the generosity of corporate donations.

 

Anyone with a cell phone can now send a $10 donation to the EVSC by texting EVSC to 20222*.  Donors can give multiple times a month depending on your carrier. Donations are tax deductible, and billed through their monthly cell phone bill. Messaging and data rates may apply.

 

To send donations to all the schools in a high school district, text:

  • “EVSC Bosse” – to donate $10 to the Bosse High School District
  • “EVSC Bears” – to donate $10 to the Central High School District
  • “EVSC Warriors” – to donate $10 to the Harrison High School District
  • “EVSC North” – to donate $10 to the North High School District
  • “EVSC Reitz” – to donate $10 to the Reitz High School District
  • “EVSC NTI” – to donate $10 to New Tech Institute
  • “EVSC AIS” – to donate $10 to the Academy for Innovative Studies
  • “EVSC SICTC” – to donate $10 to the Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center

 

After texting to 20222, reply Yes to the confirmation text.

 

“Everyone is texting these days and this is just another way that individuals in our community – parents, supporters, alumni and others – can easily give back to our public schools,” said Ellis Redd of Vectren, who serves on the EVSC Foundation Board of Directors. “The EVSC is committed to providing a wide variety of opportunities so students can excel in school and extra funding is often needed to ensure those opportunities continue.”

 

The EVSC’s text giving program is certified by the Mobile Giving Foundation and is administered through Give by Cell. EVSC is the first K-12 school system utilizing the tools available from Give by Cell.

 

About Give by Cell:

Give by Cell is one of a select group of approved providers of mobile giving technology, licensed by the Mobile Giving Foundation (MGF) to provide text message donation services. The company provides qualifying nonprofits with services to capture text message donations and reach a new generation of first-time donors. Give by Cell is a division of Guide by Cell Inc., the world’s largest provider of mobile technologies to nonprofits and cultural institutions. Services include cell phone audio tours, text message services, iPhone and Smartphone applications mobile web, and mobile training. For further information, visit www.givebycell.com.

 

About Mobile Giving Foundation:

The Mobile Giving Foundation (MGF) was founded in 2007 to create a “mobile giving channel” that empowers non-profit organizations and donors. Working with North America’s top mobile carriers, the MGF enables the mobile channel for charitable giving by providing the organizational layer, operational guidelines and technical infrastructure for non‑profit organizations and donors to use the incredible power and convenience of mobile technology. The “Mobile Giving Channel” gives wireless users a simple and immediate way to receive and respond to appeals from worthy causes with the donation charged back to the carrier bill and 100% of the donation going to the designated charity. For further information, refer to the MGF Web site at www.mobilegiving.org.

 

*A one-time donation of $10.00 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. All donations must be authorized by the account holder. User must be age 18 or older or have parental permission to participate. By texting YES, the user agrees to the terms and conditions. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers.  Donations are collected for the benefit of the EVSC Schools by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t. Message & Data Rates May Apply. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to short code 20222; text HELP to 20222 for help. The EVSC Foundation Privacy Policy is located at http://www.evscfoundation.org/index.php/aboutus/faqs

 

Hiker brings stories of trail adventures to the Library

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EVPL Outdoor enthusiast and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year Jennifer Pharr Davis will share stories of her hiking journeys at three Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library locations in September. Meet her at Appalachian Adventures on Wednesday, September 4th at 6:00 pm at Oaklyn Branch, and Thursday, September 5th at 10:00 am at McCollough Branch and 6:00 pm at North Park Branch.

 

Davis has trekked over 12,000 miles on six continents and is the current overall record holder on the Appalachian Trail, having completed the 2,181 mile trail in 46 days – an average of 47 miles per day. She has been featured in the New York Times, on NPR’s Talk of the Nation, and on the CBS Morning Show. However, her message is not about records or numbers, instead she believes “that the trail is there for everyone at every phase of life and that the trail is a metaphor for life.”

 

The author of five books, Davis has written three North Carolina guidebooks and two Appalachian Trail hiking memoirs, Becoming Odyssa and Called Again. She has also written for, or appeared in, the magazines Men’s Journal, Shape, Fitness, Blue Ridge Outdoors, Backpacker, and Trail Runner.

 

The Appalachian Adventures program is free to attend and will be enjoyed by all ages.

 

Organizers wish to give a special thanks to Dunn Hospitality Group.