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IS IT TRUE April 22, 2013

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The Mole #??
The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE that a convention attraction death match is being touted as something to watch in about 2015 between the Cities of Evansville and Owensboro?…these two places are absolutely going to be competing for the same exact conventions and neither will be able to effectively compete against the larger cities that are less than a day’s drive from the Tri-State?…Owensboro has a tremendous head start on Evansville in that arena with two hotels under construction, a system a little league parks drawing tournaments, a new convention center, and a brand new riverfront park that is functional?…with the exception of the Casino Aztar complex that was totally developed with private money, Evansville has had government handouts involved in everything that has been built?…that Owensboro is having two hotels built with entirely private funds each of which will have restaurants?…Evansville on the other hand is determined to put up over half the cost ($48.5 Million after tax abatements) as a direct subsidy to the only developer that expressed real interest in the project?…of course Owensboro has guaranteed a certain occupancy rate but if all goes well and the free market send them 65% occupancy the City of Owensboro will be contributing no money to the two hotels?…Evansville should be a better market but it obviously is not?…Evansville should be capable of attracting private investment but it can’t?…in 1960 Evansville’s population was 250% more than Owensboro’s and that today that number has dropped to 100%?…that other city in that other state on the Ohio River has gone from being a quaint little place to go for a BBQ sandwich for the people of Evansville to a full-fledged competitor for entertainment and convention dollars in the last 50 years?…if the same trends continue and that same tired old Evansville leadership keeps it up in 50 more years Evansville will be smaller than Owensboro and will be a quaint little city of under 100,000 to come to for gambling and brain sandwiches?…it has been time to clean house at the Civic Center for years but today it has some urgency attached to it?

IS IT TRUE indications coming from the Kentucky Department of Transportation are that the price tag for an I-69 bridge to connect the long awaited interstate is too high for the State of Kentucky to bear in the foreseeable future?…the price tag is supposedly $1.4 Billion using the present route?…there is a way to cut $90 Million (6.4%) off of the tab by altering the route slightly and the speaker in Henderson stated that may just be enough savings to make the bridge affordable?…while $90 Million is a lot of money it is only twice what the City of Evansville is wanting to spend on a Doubletree hotel incentive?…from a big picture perspective if I-69 really is the economic engine that the Chambers of Commerce asserted then an extra couple of freeway hotels ($90 Million) is just a drop in the bucket?…Kentucky is planning to charge a toll which seems like a good way to finance a bridge if we really need it?…if this bridge comes to fruition it should be done as fast as the existing state parkways in Kentucky can be upgraded to interstate specifications and it needs some of those fast passes so paying a toll does not require coming to a stop?

IS IT TRUE after a short lock down of the City of Boston the two young men who bombed the Boston Marathon have been brought to justice?…one got a short trial as he was killed during the chase and the other is struggling to survive after having a couple of serious wounds and hiding in a boat?…in the event that the surviving bomber comes about enough to talk it will be interesting to learn just what kind of mind rationalizes enough to commit an act of domestic terrorism?…the CCO is glad to see this chapter come to a rapid conclusion and that it really seems as though this was the act of two deranged people as opposed to organized foreign terrorists?…it is appalling just how much the actions of four deranged American citizens (two from Boston, one from CT, and one from CO) have disrupted life in the United States during the last year?…when four people can make 310 million people feel the pangs of paranoia there is something feeding the paranoia frenzy and that thing is the mainstream media?…one would think that there is some ulterior motive to whipping up such fear over the actions of four people?

Get information you need to make better financial decisions

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EVPL

Are you money smart? We all need to know how to spend it, save it, and borrow it wisely. Money Smart Week® is a series of free classes and activities designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances sponsored by the Federal Reserve. The following Money Smart Week classes and events will take place at Central Library:

* Money Smart Week Kickoff – Sunday, April 21 • 2:00-4:00 pm

Financial information booths from local businesses and organizations, activities for all ages, giveaways, refreshments.

* FICO Scores and Credit Reports – Monday, April 22 • 6:00 pm

Learn free and easy ways to locate your credit report and FICO score and how you can improve your numbers. Presented by Bob Boxell of Gates Financial Services.

* Saving Money for College – Monday, April 22 • 7:00 pm

Find out about ways to save money for college and avoid student loan debt. Presented by Bob Boxell of Gates Financial Services.

* Homebuyer Education – Wednesday, April 24 • 5:00 pm

Learn what you need to know when preparing to buy a new home. Presented by First Federal Savings Bank.

* Budgeting Basics – Thursday, April 25 • 5:30 pm

Learn how to review and track your spending and tools to use for successful budgeting. Presented by Andrea Collins of Apprisen.

Local Money Smart Week activities are sponsored by EVPL, Apprisen Financial Advocates (CCCS), Fifth Third Bank, Ivy Tech Community College, Old National Bank, OTPL Central Library, Tri-State Better Business Bureau, United Way of SW Indiana, and YMCA of Southwestern Indiana.

The BLT: Legislation addresses local issues of health, supreme court leadership

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We now stand in the finals weeks of session here at the Statehouse, and there has been a noticeable shift in the atmosphere. Conference committees, a committee of legislators appointed by the House of Representatives and Senate to come to a conclusion of amendments on a particular bill, have begun to meet. After a level of agreement has been reached, representatives will take the version of the bill back to their respective legislative body, and present to the General Assembly to concur or dissent. With this new level of finality, you will begin to see a noticeable amount of legislation being signed by the governor and enacted into law.

Two notable bills that I have authored and sponsored have gone to conference committee. Senate Bill (SB) 554 and House Bill (HB) 1061 are two bills addressing local issues for us in Southwest Indiana. SB 554 addressing improved convenience in healthcare through telehealth and telemedicine services, while HB 1061 speaks to issues in my home district of Warrick County with the Warrick County circuit and superior courts.

As a healthcare professional, I believe that the topic of telehealth and telemed will revolutionize the way that medicine is practiced. Through enacting SB 554, authored by my fellow state legislator Sen. Veneta Becker (R-Evansville), Hoosier taxpayers would save millions of dollars each year under Medicaid.

Telehealth refers to patient monitoring that occurs in the home by a health care provider from a distance. The shortage of physicians and psychiatrists is a limiting factor on patients’ access to care, especially in rural areas like ours. Telehealth and telemedicine services allow physicians and psychiatrists to care for their patients without having those patients travel to receive them, or having physicians use precious time and money to visit the patients in their homes.

The bill will require the office of Medicaid Policy and Planning to reimburse home health agencies, rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers for doing medical consultations, diagnoses and monitoring using videoconferencing, telephones or computers.

There may be monitors that transmit blood pressure and other vital data in the home to the provider in a hospital. St. Francis Health has done this for a while and has noticed greater savings. Specifically for congestive heart failure, there is normally a 1 in 4 readmittance rate. With telehealth, there is a one in twenty readmittance rate.

Reducing the readmission rate means that patients are having healthier outcomes, and are being done with lower costs. SB554 would allow providers to receive reimbursement, which would decrease health care costs by reducing hospital readmission rates.

House Bill 1061 allows the judges of the Warrick County circuit and superior courts to jointly appoint a magistrate. According to the 2010 census, the Warrick County population has grown by almost 10,000 people in past ten years, making it one of the fastest growing counties in Indiana. The attractiveness of our region has spurred economic development and consequently, more work for county judges. County judges will hold magistrates accountable for their work, creating a higher level of efficiency within the judicial system.

Adding a new magistrate will also assist with the increased workload of the judges. This legislation will streamline the county’s court system and ease some of the burden that the county is currently facing by allowing for more reasonable hearing dates.

Throughout the 2013 legislative session my thoughts are with the communities of Indiana and how I can help improve the lives of Hoosier families. These bills address key issues within District 75, as well as across the state. As session begins to draw to a close I am proud of what has been accomplished and I look forward to working these next few weeks in committees to do what is best for Hoosiers.

As always, feel free to connect with me on my website at www.in.gov/h75 or by phone at 317-232-9674. I look forward to continuing to support legislation that positively impacts Hoosiers in our state.

Rep. Bacon represents House District 75, serving portions of Pike, Warrick and Spencer counties.

Indiana State Police Partners again with the DEA for the Sixth Prescription Drug Take Back Day

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On Saturday, April 27, 2012 the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is sponsoring the sixth nationwide “Prescription Drug Take Back” initiative. The initiative seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft. Collection sites will be set up nationwide for expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs to be disposed of for destruction. This service is free and anonymous with no questions asked. The only restriction is we will not accept new or used needles. This program is intended for liquid and pill medications.

The Drug Take Back events have proven to be a popular and safe method for the public to legally and safely dispose of prescription drugs that are no longer needed or have expired. Citizens wishing to participate in this program may drop off their prescription drugs for disposal at any Indiana State Police Post throughout the state (except the Toll Road) on Saturday, April 27, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

To locate a collection site closest to your home or business, visit https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/NTBI/ntbi-pub.pub?_flowExecutionKey=_c9A72F226-1A39-29CF-5E86-1546A21F7C7C_k4FB902E6-E157-D32E-1F0A-17127551AD25

Local March Against Hunger food drive

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Greg Zoeller
Greg Zoeller

Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller
Director of Tri-State Food Bank Mary Blair
Local March Against Hunger food drive participants

3 p.m. (CST) on Monday, April 22

Civic Center Complex, Room 301

Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller will recognize local March Against Hunger food drive participants for their outstanding contributions.

Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Nicholas Hermann will also accept the Attorney General’s Cup for his office winning the nonprofit/public service division by donating 2,295 pounds of food and $5,000 to the Tri-State Food Bank.

Evansville’s bank is one of 11 regional food banks in Indiana that partner with Feeding Indiana’s Hungry or FIsH – an organization which helps link Indiana’s resources to feed those in need. For the fifth consecutive year, the Attorney General’s office has joined FIsH and the Indiana State Bar Association to challenge law firms to donate goods and raise money for these banks.

This year, 44 Indiana and Kentucky law groups competed and raised $55,455 and 10,065 pounds of food total for local food banks

LITTLE BIG TOWN BRINGS A “TORNADO” TO EVANSVILLE

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Grammy Award-winning country vocal group Little Big Town blew into Evansville on Thursday night with their “Tornado Tour,” and even the city’s weather was anticipating their arrival. It may have been cold, dark and stormy outside the Victory Theatre, but inside the atmosphere was decidedly warm and light thanks to the group’s lively, upbeat show. Little Big Town and opening act David Nail were enthusiastically received by a sold-out crowd that was determined to have a great time no matter what the weather.

“We were excited for Little Big Town to play at the Victory,” said General Manager Ben Bolander. “The atmosphere in this smaller setting lets fans feel close to the group, and the acoustics in the theatre really showcase their four-part harmonies. It was good to see them welcomed by a packed house.”

The Victory Theatre continues to be active with upcoming shows that include Here Come the Mummies April 19, SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody May 22, B.B. King June 5, Jagged Edge June 15, and Gregg Allman June 25. The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra will also present performances on April 27, and May 18 & 19.

The Victory Theatre is managed by VenuWorks of Evansville, LLC.

For event information or to purchase tickets, please call (812) 422-1515, or visit
www.facebook.com/VictoryTheatre www.twitter.com/Victory_Theatre

VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

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Below is a list of felony cases that were filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday, April 18, 2013.

Allyson Hudnall Dealing in a Schedule II Controlled Substance-Class B Felony
Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance-Class D Felony
Possession of Marijuana-Class A Misdemeanor

Joseph Peek Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance-Class C Felony
Possession of Paraphernalia-Class A Misdemeanor

Joanna Barnefarger Forgery-Class C Felony

Kalib Powell Intimidation-Class D Felony
Disorderly Conduct-Class B Misdemeanor

Brian McCurry Dealing in a Schedule II Controlled Substance-Class B Felony
Dealing in Marijuana-Class A Misdemeanor
(Enhanced to a Class D Felony due to Prior Convictions)
Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance-Class D Felony
Possession of Marijuana-Class A Misdemeanor
(Enhanced to a Class D Felony due to Prior Convictions)
(Habitual Substance Offender Enhancement)

Scott Simmons Possession of Methamphetamine-Class D Felony

Jason Vandenburgh Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance-Class D Felony
Possession of Marijuana-Class A Misdemeanor
Possession of Paraphernalia-Class A Misdemeanor

For further information on the cases listed above, or any pending case, please contact Regene Newman at 812.435.5156 or via e-mail at rinewman@vanderburghgov.org

Under Indiana law, all criminal defendants are considered to be innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

OUTREACH MINISTRIES TO HOLD FIRST EVER “CHEESECAKE FOR CHARITY” FUNDRAISER

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Outreach Ministries is in the final planning stages for its “Cheesecake for Charity” fundraiser. Anthony’s Heavenly Cheesecakes in Downtown Evansville will supply cheesecake bites for the event. Flavors include fruit varieties, chocolate, and even some unique savory flavors such as tomato basil cheesecake. In a show of continued support for the community, Ron Romain’s United Companies is our primary event sponsor.
“Cheesecake for Charity: a night of entertainment, wine, and food to benefit the working poor through Outreach Ministries” will take place Friday, May 3rd from 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. at Vectren Headquarters in Downtown Evansville. The cost is just $25 per person or $40 per couple. For more information or to reserve your tickets call (812) 464-3098. Tickets can now be paid for by credit card over the phone.
Along with cheesecake, the event will include hors d’oeuvres, wine, live music by Monte Skelton, and live auction. Auction items include: Indianapolis Colts tickets, gift certificates to local businesses, and vacation getaways. For a complete list, please visit www.outreachministriesevv.org/events.
As a partner of United Way of Southwestern Indiana, Outreach Ministries provides emergency financial assistance for those who need help with rent, utilities, eye exams, some prescriptions, and transportation. In 2012, we provided emergency financial assistance to 3,644 households – a total of 12,754 people.

Indiana State Police Awarded Bronze Medal Award from Indiana Special Olympics

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Indianapolis: Yesterday Indiana State Police Superintendent, Douglas Carter accepted a certificate on behalf of the Indiana State Police recognizing the Department as a Bronze Medal Law Enforcement Torch Run Agency. An agency is recognized as a Bronze Medal Torch Run Agency for raising between $5,000 and 9,999 in donations toward Special Olympics Indiana. This presentation was made in recognition of funds raised by the Indiana State Police in 2012. The presentation was made by Stephanie Stewart, Manager of Community Partnerships Law Enforcement Torch Run and Paul Philhower, a 26 year Indiana Special Olympics Athlete. Miss Stewart commented, “We are also very excited to have the Superintendent on board with the growing of the relationship between Special Olympics Indiana and the Indiana State Police! He has participated in LETR events in his law enforcement career and has a great support for the program.”

For more information regarding Special Olympics Indiana visit their website at http://soindiana.org/.

Media note: Pictured in the attached photo (L-R)- Paul Philhower, Master Trooper Tommy Walker, Stephanie Stewart, and Superintendent Douglas Carter.

Suspect in Adams Ave home invasion is possible suspect in February home invasion on Linwood

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Evansville Police are looking into the possibility that the suspect in a home invasion robbery on Adams Ave this week was also involved in a home invasion robbery on S. Linwood Ave on February 3rd, 2013.
Earlier this week, Dennis Anderson forced his way into a home in the 500 block of Adams after asking the resident for some water. He assaulted the 80 year old homeowner and demanded money. The resident was able get his handgun and shoot Anderson. Anderson fled, but arrived at Deaconess Hospital a short time later to get treatment for a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
In the February case, a 72 year old woman was robbed by a man police believe to be Anderson. The victim told officers a man had knocked on her door and asked for water. The man forced his way in and assaulted her. He then stole her wallet and ran from the house.
Anderson is still in the hospital. His condition is not available. Anderson will be arrested as soon as he is medically able to be housed at the jail.