John

I have had the opportunity to read the article concerning Mr. Garrett, and the slant the writer placed on cronizism. For the record, Mr. Garrett has NEVER been an associate of our firm. I have known him for several years and have had the opportunity to review many of his analytical reports, and, I can assure you and the citizens of Evansville, that we will be well served by his analytical abilities. He was the one that discovered the $1.6 million dollar error concerning the Ford Arena that led to the SBOA’s audit, now underway. I informed our Council President of this situation back in July of 2012. His resume is very clear that he holds a CPA, and CMA certificate. It is well known that CPA’s & CMA’s can be classified in two categories, (1) active, and, (2) Inactive. Every three years, a CPA must submit their continuing professional education [so many hours in tax subjects, and so many in Accounting & Auditing] equaling a total hours of 120. If the CPA wishes to go inactive, meaning that he/she wishes not to maintain the CPE requirements, they will be considered inactive, NOT DISBARRED. The same situation goes for the CMA. So, the C&P’s slant that, somehow, this individual is no longer a CPA/CMA is grossly inaccurate. The council needs a consultant and, I, without any reservation, stake my reputation as a CPA for 35 years, stand behind our decision to engage Mr. Garrett. And the suggestion, that we should bid out this contract, as Mr. Weaver seems to indicate, well, he should review the record. Over the past five years, this City has never required a bid in the utility department relative to services, totaling over $31,000,000. The two accounting firms engaged to reconcile had open ended service arrangements and one still continues, i.e. Harding Shymanski = $76,000 and Umbaugh through December 2012 = $52,000.

Mr. Lloyd referred a document, precisely, the timeline analysis that Mr. Garrett prepared after interviewing Tyler Technologies and other documentation. Consequently, the CP should have his referred document. ( See Attached) His assessment was sent to all council members, mainly to present the landscape and to answer some council members questions on Mr. Garrett’s activities. Unfortunately, it was intended for my review, not the entire council. If the records are in order upon the SBOA arrival, it will only represent an unfortunate, but, forgotten assorted affair.

In summary, John, this article represents a total distraction from what could very well be in store for this community should the Gateway reporting, just days aways, be inaccurate. As such, Mr. Lloyd indicated that the accounts are reconciled through December 2012, off only $4,000, at the last Council meeting, than, Mr. Garrett should be able to begin his analysis forthwith.

As always, please feel free to contact me.

John Friend,CPA and 5th Ward City Councilmen

Foot note: This letter was sent to the CCO by Mr. Friend this evening and he ask us to post it as a letter to the Editor. This letter was sent to Courier and Press writer John Martin. We hereby post it without opinion or bias.

Russ,

During the last Council meeting, two weeks ago, the Administration indicated that ALL bank reconciliations are now complete, and, as reported, the unreconciled difference is approximately $4,200 + out of balance.

So, the council’s consultant needs these bank reconcilations, TODAY…Please email to me, I will be expecting them. This also includes the Utility Department and the DMD arena fund.

John

This e-mail was sent to City-CountyObserver by Councilman John Friend. We posted this without opinion, editing or bias.

The American Legacy Magazine’s “Know Your History” Mobile Truck will be stopping in Evansville on Feb. 14 and 15, for area students and the public to learn more about the historical contributions of African Americans. The traveling museum tour is funded through the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation and was brought to Evansville through the efforts of EVSC School Board Member Karen Ragland.

The mobile truck, which begins its national tour in Ohio on Feb. 8, will be located both Feb. 14 and 15 at the Southern Indiana Career & Technical Center, 1901 Lynch Road, and will be open for students to tour throughout the school day. From 3-5 p.m. each day, the exhibit will be open to the public, free of charge. The exhibit is wheel-chair accessible.

“The EVSC is pleased to bring this exhibit to our community,” said EVSC Superintendent David Smith. “We so appreciate Karen Ragland’s efforts to bring this unique experience to Evansville and also acknowledged the work of Dionne Blue, EVSC’s Chief Diversity Officer, for all of the behind the scenes effort that makes an event like this possible.”

The tour showcases the mobile museum of memorabilia and interactive learning stations, photos, and video focusing on the contributions of African American Pioneers in aviation, sports, science, as well as other historical contributions of African Americans. A curator with the exhibit will conduct 20-30 minute guided tours.

The “Know Your History” mobile museum includes:

· American Legacy’s cover exhibit

· “Always in our Sight: The Fight for Civil Rights,” an exhibit of artifacts and memorabilia from slavery to civil rights courtesy of the Gene Alexander Peters Collection.

· Black History in Aviation exhibit

· Buffalo Soldiers Exhibit

· American Legacy’s Black History Trivia Wheel

“American Legacy” is a magazine showcasing African-American history and culture. It brings to light new stories of great men and women and their struggles, triumphs, and accomplishments. American Legacy celebrates an exceptional group of pioneers and leaders, whose contributions have impacted not only the African-American community, but also society as a whole.

The Precision Machine Technology program at the EVSC’s Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center (SICTC) placed first, overall, at the 2013 Indiana Statewide Machine Trades Contest at Vincennes University last Saturday. The contest is sponsored by the Precision Machining Department, College of Technology and Vincennes University. SICTC’s first place award marks the first time that a program from Evansville has earned first place status.

SICTC’s first place team was comprised of Neil Trotter and Kameron Higginson from Gibson Southern High School; Jake Cron, Shawn Miracle and Zack Doleh from Castle High School and Cole Lile from Harrison High School. The class is instructed by James Niehaus.

In addition to winning first place as a team, the following students placed, individually, at the event:
•Neil Trotter (Gibson Southern), 1st place beginning division, received $2,500 worth of tools
•Jake Cron (Castle), 2nd place, beginning division, received $1,000 worth of tools
•Cole Lile (Harrison), 3rd place beginning division, received $200 worth of tools
•Zack Doleh (Castle), 3rd place, CNC division, received $1,500 worth of tools

In addition, Kameron Higginson (Gibson Southern) won $1500 worth of tools for participation.

The Statewide Machining contest is a process set to challenge students in a variety of areas of the precision machining world. Students are required to use math, English, and problem-solving and print-reading skills in all areas of the competition.

In the Beginning division, students are tested on their manipulative skills in the operation of a milling, lathe, and grinding machine. Each student is evaluated on the proper operation of each machine and by producing a particular part off of each machine. The students also are tested on their knowledge of precision machine through a written test.

For the Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) division, students may select to compete in one of two areas – lathe or milling machine. In both areas, students are tested on their knowledge in precision machining with a focus on CNC machining through a written test. Students also are tested on their manipulative skills in the operation of the machine. IN addition, students also create a coded program for a particular part and the program must be able to create the desired part.