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A Tale of Two Cities: Winnecke vows to “fight like the dickens” By: Brad Linzy

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A Tale of Two Cities: Winnecke vows to “fight like the dickens”
By: Brad Linzy

In a recent statement to an Indianapolis radio show, Mayor Lloyd Winnecke said his Administration would “fight like the dickens” to bring a proposed 4-year IU Medical School to downtown Evansville.

In his statement, Winnecke suggested he would fight both developers without and developers within the City of Evansville who want the med school built anywhere but downtown. “We are in the early stages of putting together what we think will be a dynamite plan for downtown,” Winnecke said, “and we know that we will be competing with developers who will want it in another county. We know we will compete against developers who will want it in other parts of the city, but we’re gonna fight like the dickens to get it right downtown.”

The Mayor’s remarks follow a trend of politicians supporting downtown growth in Evansville by pumping millions into downtown projects. The Ford Center, the Loft developments, Front Door Pride, and now the new convention hotel are just a few examples of this trend.

According to statements released by several City Council members, a majority of them also support a downtown IU development, although it is unclear how many would support a development in another part of the city.

John Friend, a Councilman from Ward 5, the most remote Ward in relation to downtown, has publicly stated support for a downtown development, but has also expressed reservations, “I think we should keep our options open as much as possible. We don’t know what [IU] are looking for exactly. We do know they’ll probably want access to teaching beds.”

Dan McGinn, the Councilman from Ward 1, also represents a remote ward with relation to downtown. He could not be reached for comment.

Ward 3 is the home to three of the proposed sites for the IU medical school (Roberts Stadium, Evansville State Hospital, and Old North High School). Stephanie Brinkerhoff-Riley, the Councilwoman from Ward 3 is adamant about finding out more about what IU wants. “We really need feedback from IU, because we haven’t asked. Warrick County has an active committee and they’re getting information somehow. We’re behind,” said Brinkerhoff-Riley.

She also thought the idea of pitching the Roberts Stadium site had merit and could reinvigorate the Boeke area. “Roberts would be a great site,” she said. “It’s an idea that eliminates a lot of problems. It’s already razed for development. It doesn’t put it on the tax rolls, but the dog park wouldn’t have done that anyway. At the Roberts location it bridges east and west. Boeke could be a Broadripple type development in the future with the right planning. East side has stretched out so much Roberts Stadium might be a perfect bridge.”

Mapping Possible IU Med School Locations by: Brad Linzy

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Brad Linzy

Mapping Possible IU Med School Locations
by: Brad Linzy

As the debate raged over the expense of the recently approved hotel project downtown, one predominant reason emerged among six City Council Members for rejecting the $37.5 million public bond issue – the need for the City of Evansville to maintain its financial leverage to attract an IU Medical School.

In statements issued by several Council Members, including Dr. Dan Adams who sits on the steering committee for the med school, it was clear that most Council Members endorsed the idea of a downtown location for the proposed medical school. “I know for the best bang for our buck, we must put all of our ‘eggs’ in the downtown medical school basket first,” said Councilman Dr. Adams in a statement.

Some city politicians seem predetermined in attracting IU with a proposal for a downtown location. Mayor Lloyd Winnecke has stated he supports a downtown IU Medical School and has explicitly stated he will only support a downtown development.

In an interview with an Indianapolis radio station Winnecke said, “We are in the early stages of putting together what we think will be a dynamite plan for downtown, and we know that we will be competing with developers who will want it in another county. We know we will compete against developers who will want it in other parts of the city, but we’re gonna fight like the dickens to get it right downtown.”

In addition to a possible downtown site, the exact location of which remains unclear, a handful of other locations have also been discussed – USI campus, Old North High School, Evansville State Hospital Grounds, Burkhardt area land owned by Promenade, the Gateway Women’s Hospital Grounds in Warrick County, and the old Roberts Stadium Site.

To better understand each proposed location, click the map below. You will find the locations of all area hospital facilities (in red), all area educational facilities (in black), and the proposed locations of the IU Med School (blue stars).

CLICK FOR MAP: https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?hl=en&mid=zl7L8cNHY9EI.k2mpnNQ2oObA

USI Campus

USI was named as a possible location in a recent Courier article. Although it has merit with its proximity to another educational facility, it lacks proximity to teaching beds at established medical facilities.

Old North High School

Located at Diamond and Stringtown, the Old North High School facility is a favorite of local activist Jordan Baer. The site suffers from a lack of proximity to teaching beds and existing Universities, and has other shortcomings that required even an area high school to relocate.It is unclear why IU would want North High School’s second hand buildings in a location that offers few if any advantages.

Deaconess Gateway Campus

There are a couple of undeveloped sites near the Deaconess Gateway Women’s Hospital. A site adjacent to the Women’s Hospital is considered the foremost rival site not located in Evansville city limits. It is unclear exactly where such a development could occur, but there is a patch of farmland near Deaconess Urgent Care which might work.

Promenade on Burkhardt

While the Burkhardt area has boomed from a retail perspective attracting big box stores and chain restaurants it is unclear why this location might be attractive to IU. It suffers from high traffic and lack of pedestrian access. Furthermore, this site offers no practical advantages over the rumored Warrick County location just down the road.

Downtown Evansville

It’s unclear where a med school might actually go downtown, but this is the preferred location of most politicians, including many Council Members and the Mayor. There is one city block currently empty behind the old Greyhound bus depot, but any downtown location will suffer from a lack of proximity to teaching beds and existing educational facilities. It is also unclear why a downtown location would be preferable to IU over more centralized locations like the State Hospital or Roberts Stadium, or why it would be superior to a Warrick County location near the Gateway Hospital.

Evansville State Hospital Grounds

Due to its proximity to St. Marys, the Lloyd Expressway, the University of Evansville, shopping centers and recreational areas, the State Hospital Grounds are considered a good contender, although it’s unclear yet how such a deal would work out or if a development would disturb the park grounds or the soccer or ballfields. It is also unclear whether a med school complex would face Lincoln, Vann, or the Lloyd Expressway.

Roberts Stadium Site

This might be the best option to pitch the IU board. Its proximity to St. Mary’s, two recreational areas (Wesselman Woods and the State Hospital Grounds), the Lloyd Expressway, and the University of Evansville would make it a good location which would also be central to east and west side medical facilities. In addition, the City already owns the property and it’s already cleared for development. It would have the added benefit of saving taxpayers the estimated $1.5 million to complete a dog and skate park at this location.

Mayor Winnecke on Indianapolis Radio

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Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke
Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke

Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke was a guest on the Indy Politics radio program recently and spoke with them about the City of Evansville. During the 10 minute clip the Mayor spoke on the following issues and expressed some interesting views including:

1. I-69 is a wonderful road that saves him 20 minutes on a trip to Bloomington for a ballgame.

2. The new convention hotel will allow Evansville to compete for some of those 55 conventions that Fort Wayne is having this year.

3. He will fight to get the IU Medical Center downtown even if the opponent is a private developer in other parts of the City of Evansville.

4. The IU Medical School will create 2,000 to 3,000 jobs

5. Evansville’s #1 challenge is the combined sewer repair job mandated by the EPA.

6. The EPA has not yet approved the $540 Million plan the city submitted.

7. Evansville does not have the crime problems that Indianapolis is dealing with (No Statistics Stated)

8. Meth is our #1 public safety issue.

You can hear the radio show on the following link by clicking on the triangle on the left of the sound bar.

Dr. Bucshon votes to fund life-saving research, open parks as Senate continues to stall

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220px-Larry_Bucshon,_official_portrait,_112th_Congress(Washington, D.C.) – On Wednesday, the House passed separate funding bills that continue funding the vital life-saving research done at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and open our national parks and museums.  The bills are awaiting Senate approval and the President’s signature.

Rep. Bucshon released the following statement:

“While the Senate Democrats and President refuse to negotiate with House Republicans and force a government shutdown, we are working to protect the American people by passing legislation that should find common ground among everyone,” said Bucshon. “Tonight, we passed bipartisan legislation to mandate that life-saving research continue at NIH and we open our national parks and museums like the World War II memorial.  These are areas where we can all agree.  If the President can negotiate with dictators in Iran and Syria, he can surely meet Republicans at the table to end this shutdown.”

According to a CBS report, the NIH Director estimated that the agency would be forced to “…turn away about 200 patients, 30 of them children” each week if the Democrats continue to force a shutdown. Many of these patients have “exhausted other options.” (CBSNews; 10/1/2013)

Today, CNN reporter Dana Bash pressed Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) on why the Senate refuses to consider H.J. Res. 73, the Research for Lifesaving Cures Act, by asking, “If you can help one child who has cancer, why wouldn’t you do it?” Senator Reid shockingly responded by saying, “Why would we want to do that?” Watch the full exchange here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0lFyFJeZSY.

The NIH is the primary hub for federal health research and provides tens of billions of dollars in grants to tens of thousands of scientists in thousands of research institutions.  To read the CRS breakdown of NIH functions, click here.

BACKGROUND:

Bucshon sent a letter to the Chief Administrative Officer of the House requesting that his pay be withheld until an agreement is reached is the government is opened. Read the letter here.

Full text of each bill can be found by clicking on these hyperlinks: H.J.Res 73 – Research for Lifesaving Cures Act and H.J. Res. 70 – Open Our Nation’s Parks and Museums Act.

Losing a Mentor and Good Friend

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wendyThis week Indiana lost a true pioneer. State Representative Phyllis Pond passed away Sunday September 22 after being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. Rep. Pond was elected to the state legislature in 1978 and was the longest serving female state representative in the history of Indiana. She was also the first female lawmaker to earn a seat in the front row in the House Chamber, which is reserved for House leaders with the most seniority.

Before being elected to the legislature, Rep. Pond was a kindergarten teacher. She used her experience in the classroom through her years of service in the legislature where she authored the Primetime Education Bill which capped kindergarten through third grade classroom sizes at 18.  She was always looking for new ways to improve her district and the state of Indiana.

It was an honor to serve with Phyllis, who has accomplished so much.  Her life was spent in service to the State of Indiana and she was a model Stateswoman.  I had the opportunity to sit on committees with Phyllis and she always asked questions to illicit deeper understanding. She provided thoughtful reflection to vet the issue at hand and had the perfect mixture of quick wit, plenty of spunk and a touch of feistiness.   Phyllis was a shining example of kindness, selflessness, and firmness when necessary. Any aspiring leader would do well to emulate her service in office.

Rep. Pond served as a friend and mentor to female legislators. Of all the things she taught us, one stands out. Always listen more than you talk. This very simple message went a long way for many of us, especially our first few years serving our constituents.

I look forward to honoring Rep. Pond on Organization Day, November 19 in the House Chamber. Her name will be added to the “In Memory Of” plaque that is displayed in the House Chamber that lists legislators who have died while serving the citizens of Indiana in the House of Representatives.

Rep. Pond has left a lasting legacy. As we remember her in the weeks to come, each person who knew her will recall her unwavering commitment to the community she served. We will carry on this legacy and I will always remember this pioneer for Indiana.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

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nick hermanBelow is a list of felony cases that were filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday, October 02, 2013.

 

Vimount Hughes                             Domestic Battery-Class D Felony

Christopher Noon                           Armed Robbery-Class B Felony

Larry Weigle                                      Burglary-Class C Felony

Theft-Class D Felony

(Habitual Offender Enhancement)

Jeffrey Bunch                                    Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated-Class C Misdemeanor

(Enhanced to D Felony Due to Prior Convictions)

                                                                Resisting Law Enforcement-Class D Felony

                                                                Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated-Class C Misdemeanor

Trevin Colglazier                              Battery by Body Waste-Class D Felony

                                                                Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated-Class C Misdemeanor

Richard Crane Jr                               Performing Sexual Conduct in the Presence of a Minor-

Class D Felonies (Four Counts)

Corbin Fisher                                     Possession of Cocaine-Class D Felony

Eric Harding                                       Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated-Class C Misdemeanor

(Enhanced to D Felony Due to Prior Convictions)

                                                                Operating a Vehicle as an Habitual Traffic Violator-

Class D Felony

 

 

 

 

Dallas May II                                      Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person

with a Passenger Less than 18 Years of Age-Class D Felony

Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance-Class D Felony

Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated-Class C Misdemeanor

Possession of Marijuana-Class A Misdemeanor

 

Jerry Phillips                                      Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated-Class C Misdemeanor

(Enhanced to D Felony Due to Prior Convictions)

Resisting Law Enforcement-Class A Misdemeanor

Battery-Class A Misdemeanor

 

Mark Wayne                                      Possession of Methamphetamine-Class D Felony

Possession of Marijuana-Class A Misdemeanor

 

EPD Activity Report: 10-2-13

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EPD PATCH 2012

EPD Activity Report: 10-2-13

Harvest Season is Time to” Watch Out” for Deer

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ISPEach fall the annual crop harvest along with the beginning of hunting season, (which begins today,) makes deer movement more prominent and the number of car/deer crashes increase. Motorists are reminded to use extra caution when driving in rural areas of Indiana.

Deer are generally more active in the early morning (pre-dawn) hours or the hours just after dusk. They also become more active during late October into early November during the “rut,” or deer mating season. But because of the crop harvest going on now deer could be on the move at anytime.

Motorists should take the following precautions when driving in rural areas to avoid having a crash involving a deer.

•When possible use high beam headlights at night and be aware that deer could be standing on or near the side of the roadway.

•Drivers should watch approaching vehicles and observe what may break their headlights beams; it could be a passing deer. This technique allows extra time to slow your speed and be alert for the deer.

•Watch for reflections from the deer’s eyes.

•Where there is one deer there are often several. Do not assume you missed the deer because more could follow. BE ALERT!

•If your vehicle strikes a deer do not touch it. A frightened or wounded deer can cause you serious bodily injury. Remain in your car, make sure you and your passengers are safe, and call the police to obtain a crash report for your insurance company. You should report this as you would any other crash.

•Finally, as always, BUCKLE UP!

The Arts Council announces October Brown Bag Schedule

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 artscouncil The Brown Bag Performance Series is a free program offered to the community by the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana. The series runs from October through April at the Arts Council’s BSF Gallery, located at 318 Main Street in downtown Evansville. The Brown Bag Performance Series is every Wednesday at noon. It is encouraged to bring your lunch and a friend and enjoy the free local performances. Below is the weekly schedule for October.

 

10/2/13 – Eulalie Wilson and Mark Hatfield: Kicking off the Brown Bag Series are two accomplished keyboard artists in the Evansville community. They will be performing a series of ragtime piano duets.

10/9/13 – Eykamp String Quartet: Dedicated to bringing the accessibility of chamber music to all audiences, the members of ESQ have performed regularly on the international stage as well as the most intimate settings. Passionate about performing the works of living composers as well as the 20th century masters, the members of the ESQ have commissioned and performed many works by composers including David Dzubay, Don Freund, Eugene O’Brien, Gabriela Ortiz, Augusta Read Thomas, and Pierre Boulez. The members of ESQ include Jessica Tong, Violin I, Alicia Choi, Violin II, Rose Wollman, Viola, and Schuyler Slack, Cello.

 

10/16/13 – Shadetree Players: A Brown Bag Series favorite, the Shadetree Players are a group of talented musicians who enjoy the preservation and playing of mountain, gospel, and folk music. The instruments played include the washtub base, dulcimer, washboard, ukulele, jaw harp, mandolin, guitar, and many more!

10/23/13 – Newburgh Dance Academy/Sean Holleran: Enjoy two performances on the 23rd, starting with the Newburgh Academy of Dance. Excerpts from Ballet Carnival of the Animals, Sleep Beauty and Broadway Baby will be performed. The second performance will be from Sean Holleran, talented local musician who will perform an array of selections on piano.

10/30/13 – Douglas Reed: A distinguished performer, teacher, church musician, and recording artist. He has performed widely in the United States, Europe, and the Far East. The success of his students and his devotion to the art of teaching are acknowledged throughout the organ performance and sacred music fields. Join us a Douglas Reed rounds out the month of October for the Brown Bag Series.

Upholding Honor & Justice

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damour-1The Honorable Judge Richard G. D’Amour

By Scottie Thomas

 

Originally from Woodbury, New Jersey, the Honorable Judge Richard G. D’Amour moved to Terre Haute, Indiana with his family.  He earned his undergraduate degree from Notre Dame and his law degree from Indiana University in Indianapolis.  It was not until 1981 when D’Amour moved to Evansville.  He has been married for 38 years to his wife, Holly.  They have no kids but an adorable dog, Enzo, named after Ferrari.  D’Amour.

 

The Honorable Judge D’Amour was elected Superior Court Judge in 2010 and his term will run for six years.  A magistrate is a judicial officer appointed to serve by the elected judges.  His term will conclude at 2016 for Vanderburgh County.  Unlike judges in most of the 92 counties, Vanderburgh County, one of two counties, has their judges run on a non-partisan basis.

 

Some of the philanthropy D’Amour participates in: the Evansville Museum, Green River Kiwanis Club, The Salvation Army’s Soup Kitchen and his Church, which is St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  He and his wife sing in the choir and are very active with their church.  From time to time, D’Amour also enjoys going to a cigar lounge, ‘Cigar!Cigar!’

 

One of the defining moments for Judge D’Amour is after spending twenty-four years as a lawyer; he helped establish the Alternate Dispute Resolution Fund (ADR Fund).  It is a program that helps low-income litigants in family law disputes obtain mediation services at little or no cost to them. It is funded by an additional $20 added to the filing fee for divorce actions.

 

There was one case that stood out to D’Amour.  He shared it was about a man who allegedly murdered his step-daughter, age seven.  With the help of another colleague, they were able to prosecute, leading to a verdict of ‘guilty.’  Years later, the family of the victim still expresses their gratitude and appreciates to D’Amour for his efforts and work in the case.

 

If Judge D’Amour was not doing practicing law, or serving as an Honorable Judge, he would be heavily involved in the church, serving as Deacon.  ‘Faith is very important to me,’ said the Honorable Judge Richard G. D’Amour.

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