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U.S. Attorney Presents City of Evansville with Nearly $400,000 to Prevent Domestic Violence

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EVANSVILLE – The federal Safe Havens Program provides an opportunity for

communities to support the supervised visitation and safe exchange of children in situations
involving domestic violence, dating violence, child abuse, sexual assault, or stalking. Studies
have shown that the risk of violence is often greater for victims of domestic violence and their
children after separation from an abusive situation, especially when the victim does not have a
safe place to comply with court-ordered visitation or shared custody of children.

To combat this problem, and on behalf of the Safe Havens Program, Joseph H. Hogsett,
the United States Attorney, today presented Mayor Lloyd Winnecke and the City of Evansville
with a check for $397,221 to assist local victims of domestic violence. These funds will bolster
critical community efforts to provide supervised visitation and safe exchange services in the
Evansville area.

“Instances of domestic violence aren’t just terrible personal tragedies – they adversely
affect this entire community,” Hogsett said. “That’s why I am so encouraged to see a true team
effort here in Evansville to address this scourge, from city leadership, to law enforcement, to
social services and the courts.”

Even after separation, batterers often use visitation and exchange of children as an
opportunity to inflict additional emotional, physical, and psychological abuse on victims and
their children. Visitation and exchange services reduce these opportunities for violence, and
allow for a structured, secure exchange of children as part of shared custody or visitation orders.
Services provided through the program reflect the dynamics of domestic violence, dating
violence, sexual assault and stalking; the impact of domestic violence on children; and the
importance of holding offenders accountable for their actions.

The City of Evansville will partner with the Vanderburgh County Superior Court and a
number of local social service agencies to launch this three-year program, which will develop and
implement supervised visitation and safe exchanges of children by and between parents in
situations involving domestic violence, dating violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and/or
stalking.

Participating shelters named within the award notice include the Albion Fellows Bacon
Center, the YWCA, Holly’s House, and the Parenting Time Center. In addition to providing
supervised visitation and safe exchange services, specific activities during this stage will include
developing a referral system, increasing communication with the local court, and creating a
training program for center staff and community service providers.

For more on the Safe Havens Program: http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/safehaven_desc.htm

Hermann, Zoeller Join Forces to Put Retailers on Notice About Sale of Illegal Synthetic Drugs

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Indiana retailers can expect a formal notice and warning from state and local officials that continued synthetic drug sales could cost them their business.

Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Nick Hermann joined Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller today to help launch a statewide initiative aimed at getting synthetic drugs like “bath salts” and “spice” off retailers’ shelves. According to a new state law, retail merchants – like smoke shops and convenience stores – caught selling the drugs will face penalties including the loss of their retail merchant certificate of business for one year.

“This synthetic drug enforcement initiative is intended to send a strong message to businesses who continue to sell synthetic drugs despite the law and the risks to the public,” Zoeller said. “Law enforcement and health officials agree that the danger of having these drugs in the open marketplace and available to the public is significant. It is our responsibility to use the resources available to prevent these unregulated and illegal drugs from being available on the shelves at the corner store.”

The Indiana Attorney General’s Office, Indiana State Police, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana Department of Revenue, Indiana Board of Pharmacy and Indiana Sheriffs Association partnered on the to issue a legal notice to all Indiana retailers.

Zoeller said this statewide notice details the penalties and consequences for legal violations in relation to synthetic drug production and distribution. The document also emphasizes that retailers’ reliance on packaging representations, supplier representations and lab reports are done at their own risk.

“These products have no legitimate use.” Prosecutor Hermann said, “They are being sold over the counter for human consumption without any regulation or oversight. Their effects are unpredictable and dangerous. By partnering with Attorney General Zoeller and his office, we are sending the message that our community will not tolerate the distribution of these drugs. Through our combined efforts, we will be pursuing all available remedies to halt the sale of these products.”

Synthetic drugs are made to mirror the highs associated with marijuana or cocaine, but sold openly under the guise of “plant food,” “bath salts,” “potpourri,” “incense” or “spice.” While the packaging is labeled not for human consumption the products are often taken orally, inhaled or injected. These drugs can cause dangerously high body temperatures, racing heart rates, high blood pressure, and permanent organ damage, and the psychotic effect of these substances can last for several days.

The Attorney General’s Office is also asking retailers to sign a “Synthetic Drug Community Protection Agreement” to stop selling the illegal products and relinquish related inventory to the Drug Enforcement Administration. If the agreement is violated, the document will be used to establish the owner’s knowledge of and intent to violate applicable Indiana and federal law.

State legislators added bath salts and more than 60 other substances this year to the list of banned synthetic drugs. Zoeller said criminals alter the chemical make-up of the drugs to include substances not on the list to skirt the law. To help combat this problem the Indiana Board of Pharmacy now has rulemaking authority to add any substances that have been listed by other states or the federal government.

In June, Zoeller hosted an inter-state summit in Evansville to tackle the growing threat of synthetic drugs and small-batch methamphetamine production. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office, law enforcement authorities, public health experts and other prosecutors’ offices from both states participated in the meeting. Zoeller said this statewide initiative was developed during that meeting and he plans to continue building partnerships with other prosecutors’ offices and law enforcement groups across the state.

Greenway Advisory Board Tours Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage

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(EVANSVILLE, IN) –September 6, 2012– The Greenway Advisory Board will take a bus tour of
the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage on Monday, September 10, 2012, from 1:30pm – 4:30pm. The Board will leave from the C. K. Newsome Community Center and go to the Heidelbach Canoe Launch Trailhead; Garvin Park Trailhead, the Mead Johnson Trailhead/Shirley James Gateway Plaza and the Riverfront Corridor. The Board will also view the current construction of the Phase 3C-4, from Dresden Street to Louisiana Street. The tour will conclude with visits to the proposed new routes to the Arts District, Glenwood Learning Academy and the route to the Angel Mounds State Historic Site.

The Greenway Advisory Board members are appointed by the Mayor, County Commissioners and the City and County Councils. The Board provides recommendation to the elected officials and Board of Park Commissioners related to the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage.

Commissioner Marsha Abell’s Statement on Defunding of the Human Rights Commission

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ISSUES REGARDING THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION AND VANDERBURGH COUNTY

There is a written agreement between the City and the County setting up the Human Relations Commission. The county’s financial participation is minimal.

The HRC presented to the county commissioners an ordinance that they wanted passed by the county. They, by their own admission, had been working on this ordinance for over two years. Yet, in all that time, they could not find enough time to talk to the commissioners about the ordinance so that the commissioners would be well informed about this ordinance priorto being asked to vote on it.

The timing of the HRC is an issue with the county commissioners.

The HRC, by their own admission, have presented an ordinance that cannot be enforced because the local government does not have the authority to pass an ordinance such as this as that power lies with the State. That makes this ordinance illegal because an ordinance is, by definition, an enforceable law of government. This illegal act is an issue with the county commissioners.

The HRC could, if this ordinance is passed, investigate, publicize and harass a business for a perceived violation of this ordinance although they have no legal basis for this. The attorney for the HRC could not guarantee the county commissioners that they would not be on the receiving end of a lawsuit if a company had to defend itself against an action based on this illegal ordinance. This exposure of companies to baseless lawsuits is an issue with the county commissioners.

The HRC director has said to each commissioner individually and separately that she serves at the pleasure of the mayor and not the county commissioners. Thus, it is obvious that she does not feel she must respond to our questions and suggestions. The county commissioners serve at the pleasure of the taxpayers and we must have a voice in any agency that wholly or partially funded. This treatment of the county commissioners by the executive director of the HRC is an issue with the county commissioners.

The HRC has made many comments to employers and conducted investigations that have led to complaints from citizens to the county commissioners. They commissioners have attempted to discuss
this with the executive director but she has refused to discuss it citing confidentiality. However, the commissioners questioned procedure; not individual cases. The hiding behind confidentiality as a reason to dismiss the commissioners is an issue with the county commissioners.

The HRC has made more than one financial contribution to agencies that are not advertised as a recipients of money from the tax funded entity. This type of fiscal mismanagement is an issue with the
county commissioners.

For these reasons, the Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners presented a budget request for 2013 to the Vanderburgh County Council which reduced the county’s contribution to the HRC by 20%.
The Vanderburgh County Council has funding authority and they may elected to fund this agency at any level they wish.

Candidate Profile: Judge Brett Niemeier

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Several months ago we profiled Judge Niemeier`s opponent, Barry Blackard, today we profile Judge Brett Niemeier.

Judge Niemeier is said to have a passion for his job. When discussing his job and all of the things that he has accomplished it becomes quite apparent those reports are true. Judge Niemeier, an Evansville native, was elected in 2000. He defeated a former judge and two magistrates to gain his seat on the Superior Court bench. Niemeier, a former prosecutor of 15 years, had always worked with children before winning election. When asked what led to his involvement with kids he stated, “My father passed away while I was in high school, so after I turned 18 I decided to become a Big Brother. It was an incredible experience. While my family never had much money I was blessed compared to my Little Brother. The reward you receive from helping other people is the best reward a person can receive.”

Niemeier has been given numerous awards for his work as a judge. The most impressive is the Kinsey award, which is the highest honor a Juvenile Court Judge can receive in the State of Indiana. Niemeier has also won six other state and local awards due to his Court`s programming for youth and their families. Niemeier stated the one thing most people do not understand about Juvenile Court is all of the different types of cases that are heard. “Most people think I just handle juvenile offenders, but delinquencies are just a small part of what I do” stated Niemeier. Niemeier stated, for instance, that he created an emergency guardianship program for the elderly and disabled. He also created a foundation for families who might have emergency needs. “The other aspect of Juvenile Court that a lot of people do not realize is that I have a large staff. While most judges have 3-4 staff members I have 27. Fortunately, I had a lot of experience as a supervisor and manager before taking office.”

Niemeier was also asked about his opponent`s claim that the Court should have a community minded and family oriented judge. Niemeier chuckled and named off several community Boards and family projects that he has been a volunteer. The boards included the YMCA, St. Mary`s Women`s & Children’s Hospital, and the United Caring homeless shelter.
On a personal note, Niemeier said he and his wife`s family consists of two daughters and two step-sons. His wife works in the Civic Center for the Building Authority. His two daughters are still in college, one in law school the other a senior at USI. One of Niemeier`s stepsons works as a correctional officer for the VCSD and the other recently enlisted in the Navy. Niemeier has two grandchildren.

In closing the interview, Niemeier stated how much he loves his job. Obviously, his passion and devotion are still there. If you want to learn more about Judge Niemeier his website is www.niemeierforjudge.com. The site has several testimonials from community leaders and from the some of the individuals that he has helped. His supporters include EVSC Superintendent David Smith and several not-for-profit agency directors that work with children. Niemeier also touts his unanimous support from the officers in the juvenile divisions of the EPD and the VCSD.

Judge Brett Niemeier’s Collaboration with the EVSC at the Academy of Innovative Studies (old North) Blazes New Trails

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Judge Brett Niemeier recently detailed his newest collaboration with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation. Niemeier, who has had multiple collaborations in the past with the EVSC, said this newest effort rises to a whole new level of cooperation. The EVSC has partnered with the Judge Niemeier by entering into a contract, so that the judge can be involved with children and families who attend the new alternative high school, The Academy of Innovative Studies, located within the old North High School. The students do not need to be on probation.
Niemeier said the contract, made possible by a new state law, gives him the authority to bring parents and children in front of him to do education reviews and recommend services that the parents or children should undergo. The Judge can remove teens from school, notify Child Services, request criminal charges to be filed, and require parental involvement. Niemeier stated he has already met with several teenagers and their parents and the meetings have gone well.

A.I.S. has given Judge Niemeier and his probation officers their own office to use for meetings. The use of probation officers in the schools was first started almost ten years ago by Judge Niemeier. Niemeier said this is the next logical extension of that service, plus allows the Court to be involved with teenagers who are not on probation. “The goal is for these teens to get an education and stay off probation,” stated Niemeier.

A.I.S. already has a different look than most schools. Almost all of the students who attend have been suspended or expelled from the previous school. Hallways have tape on the floors, so students should not cross over to the other side of a hallway. This cuts down on horseplay and opportunities to start problems with other students. Further, students are subjected to drug screens. Niemeier hopes his presence will deter teenagers from getting into trouble and being kicked out. Just like a police officer can deter certain kids from doing something they shouldn`t, Judge Niemeier is hoping his presence does likewise. Niemeier stated, “Time will tell, if this effective, but we are hopeful, since A.I.S. provides the discipline and structure that a lot of these kids need. If they are successful they will be given the chance to go back to their home school. Of course, some kids do not like the new rules, but they need to earn the privileges that a regular school gives them.”

Mole Alert! Human Rights Commission Drops Complaint Against Evansville Rescue Mission

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The City County Observer has learned that the embattled City of Evansville managed Human Rights Commission has dropped the discrimination complaint they had filed against the Evansville Rescue Mission.

The HRC was in the news recently when the Vanderburgh County Commissioners cut their budget by 20% citing a failure to communicate and arrogant behavior toward certain commissioners.

This is a developing story.

IS IT TRUE September 6, 2012 “NATIONAL”

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IS IT TRUE September 6, 2012 NATIONAL

IS IT TRUE that the City County Observer commended the Democrat Party yesterday for taking a controversial step and taking references to God out of the party platform?…we took some heat for that but that comes with the territory and our position stands?…our position is as it is out of love and respect for the United States Constitution and out of the stark reality that every time a theocracy is formed and put in control of weapons that name of God is used to do evil?…our founding fathers put in place a system where powers of governance of men come from the consent of the governed and not from God as kings, clerics, and despots always seem to claim?…this is a good system, a just system, and that the other thing that our founding fathers got perfect was that certain inalienable rights like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, do indeed come from our creator whatever that name may be?…that the way to cover this in a party platform is for both parties to include the Constitution in their party platform?

IS IT TRUE that the Democrats surely could not stand to let the right thing stand and that today after the personal intervention of President Barack Obama a reference to God is right back into the partly platform just like it is with the Republicans?…it seems as though neither the party leaders nor President Obama could stand the heat so they did as politicians normally do which is to flip-flop and get out of the kitchen?…it took three voice votes that required a 2/3 super majority to get the Los Angeles Mayor’s courage up to read the lie on his teleprompter declaring the amendments to include God and Jerusalem in the party platform?…that none of these voice votes were a super majority and that they were not even close but the scripted conclusion was read anyway?…with puppets like this who needs supporters?…that with vote counting like this who needs an election?…the dismissing of the clear non-majority of their own delegates was a clear case of convention voter fraud?…the teleprompter cast the deciding vote in this kangaroo court?…between the dust up over God that was flip-flopped, moving the Thursday coronation inside to avoid a half empty stadium, and the inability to manage a balloon drop the Democrats were looking pretty inept until former President Bill Clinton took the stage?

IS IT TRUE that President Clinton is one of those guys who always puts some real numbers in his speeches and explains things so that regular people can understand them?…his presence alone is enough to make people reminisce about the 90’s which were a very good economic time for America?…President Obama knows this which is why he asked President Clinton whom he has a very tumultuous past with to come to Charlotte to save his re-election campaign?…that President Clinton gave the spin machine heartburn up to the last minute because he refused to be scripted by the “you are better off than you were four years ago but don’t have the sense to know it” crowd?…as much as it would be easy to listen to President Clinton’s admonishments it is impossible to correlate the world that Clinton presided over to this campaign?…that in 1996 things really were better than they were in 1992 so Clinton could answer that tough question with a YES?…in President Clinton’s second term things got so good that Alan Greenspan actually raised interest rates to constrain the runaway growth and wealth creation?…President Clinton came to power when businesses were poised for a good run and technology like the internet, graphical user interfaces, and IT were spurring prosperity never before seen from young companies like Microsoft, Apple, Cisco Systems, Intel, and Oracle?…it was a perfect time to streamline government, end welfare as we knew it, raise marginal tax rates to constrain growth, and sit back and watch the money roll in?…the conditions are very different now and the actions that President Clinton took will not have the same outcomes when enacted on a collapsed economy?

IS IT TRUE that President Clinton boiled it all down to failing arithmetic last night?…he aimed this critique at the Republicans and he was right in the case of President Bush but he exempted President Obama from the same critique?…it is safe to say at this point that neither Presidents Bush or Obama have governed as though they know anything at all about arithmetic?…the economic problems facing this country may come down to arithmetic but that to get to that bottom line a real knowledge of calculus, differential equations, and economics will be needed to fix the massive debt that President Clinton rightly called out as our future Waterloo?…the question is whether or not a person who does not understand arithmetic has the wherewithal to make this happen?…the other question we must ask is whether a person without the knowledge of simple arithmetic can reproduce Clinton or Reagan results?

IS IT TRUE that last night felt good to those of us (and there are many) who prospered under Reagan and Clinton?…that this morning our country is still not as well off as it was four years ago, a full 67% of the American people think the country is on the wrong track, and presidential job approval is negative?…that the morning sun came up today on a country where unemployment is higher, housing is still in distress, local and some state governments are contemplating bankruptcy, wages are lower, the social safety net is expanded, and family wealth has diminished?…that tomorrow the self love fests called conventions that seem to indoctrinate the already indoctrinated will be over and it will be time for the American people to awaken from their recession induced stupor and for once think about what is right for the country as opposed to themselves?

IS IT TRUE September 6, 2012

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The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE September 6, 2012

IS IT TRUE yesterday was one of those days for those who are interested in politics in Evansville and in the United States that is hard to be replicated for backstabbing, flip flopping, and lying?…there may be a need for two IS IT TRUE’s today just to address the chaos that played itself out on every stage that the City County Observer watches?…let us start with Evansville?

IS IT TRUE that yesterday started out with a 7:35 email from the Parks Board that contained a revised agenda for the meeting they had scheduled for noon?…SNEGAL must have worked overtime on Tuesday because what was snuck into the agenda intentionally at the last minute was a vote to terminate the contract between SMG and the City of Evansville to manage the Victory theatre and Mesker Amphitheatre?…prior to calling for the vote to FIRE SMG City Parks Director Denise Johnson and Parks Board Chairman Jay Ritter praised their 20 year record of serving the City and actually even said “they were great citizens who went far beyond what they were asked to do,”?…that is the truth as the SMG staff has been doing their job well after being shafted by the Weinzapfel Administration and have even been frequent participants in Mayor Winnecke’s litter removal events?…at the end of the day the orchestrated vote of the Parks Board was unanimous to terminate the contract?

IS IT TRUE that the city of Evansville added a new meaning to the word “TRASHED” today? …that SMG employees have supported the Mayors passion of making Evansville clean from litter since the beginning the day he launched this worthy program? …that today showed his appreciation to SMG for being an outstanding corporate citizen by FIRING them?…that Mayor Winnecke gave his matching orders to his puppets serving on the Evansville Parks board to void the Victory Theatre contract they have with SMG? …we can say that the good people at SMG were truly “Trashed” today?…for the City of Evansville to express displeasure over the non-schedule at Mesker this year is hypocritical and borders on outright fraud?…that Mesker is closed because the Parks Department DID NOT EVEN DO THE SMALL STUFF WHEN IT COMES TO MAINTENANCE?

IS IT TRUE in the same meeting a $758,750 card was dealt right off the bottom of the deck?…through all of the public discussion of what to do with Roberts Stadium the City of Evansville strongly asserted that they had a deal to get Roberts demolished for a mere $200,000?…this was after the CVB led ball field team had stated that Roberts would be $2 Million to demolish and that it was learned that an old arena in Texas had cost closer to $1 Million to demolish?…that all who watch such things were sort of in disbelief that it could be done in Evansville for a paltry $200,000?…that bubble got busted yesterday when the bids were opened to demolish Roberts as the lowest bidder among the 5 was Klenck Construction at a price of $958,750?…that is the same Klenck that was hosed by the City of Evansville ala John Kish’s famous lines of “you need to talk to Woodruff to get that $335,000”?

IS IT TRUE the City County Observer is in full support of Klenck Construction and hopes that they are treated fairly and earn a profit in all that they do?…that the CCO is utterly disgusted with the deception put onto the people of Evansville by the last two administrations regarding the costs to operate and/or demolish Roberts Stadium?…to miss an estimate by 400% is either gross incompetence or willful misrepresentation and many suspect both?…the losses associated with this increase in price equal the entire annual savings identified by the consolidation committee?…that in spite of the potential for good to be done through consolidation if the same stooges who have wrecked the City of Evansville are still the ruling class post consolidation (if it passes) not a darn thing will change?

IS IT TRUE that a careful study of the pro-consolidation and anti-consolidation list of names reveals some interesting inclusions and omissions?…most notable is the fact that more than a few current members of the city and county councils are nowhere to be found?… more notable is the absence of the very popular, former long-time mayor Frank McDonald II?…Speaking of the naming of names, is it true that some were shocked that nowhere on the “pro” team was the name of former one-term county commissioner Carol McClintock, aka Mrs. Lloyd Winnecke, who allegedly is helping spearhead the Yes’ effort?… an interesting note was struck when we couldn’t find former State Senator Bob Deig and former 8th District Congressman Brad Ellsworth on the lists?..both are snugly tucked away in cozy Vectren offices for life and will not be taking on controversial issues?…that neighborhood association leaders are being heavily lobbied to join the Yes campaign?

EPD activity Report: September 5, 2012

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epd activity report September 5, 2012

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