IS IT TRUE July 2, 2012

IS IT TRUE the City of Evansville made the national news two times last week?…that historically when Evansville finds itself featured in the national news it seldom sheds positive light upon us and last week’s two trips to the spotlight kept with that outcome?…one recent bit of national exposure this time highlighted what would be classified as general buffoonery in line with last year’s worlds ugliest criminal, the most obese city in America, and the incident when a guy was stuck in a chimney?…that another would-be thief go stuck in another chimney making Evansville the fodder of jokes for doing dumb things yet again?

IS IT TRUE that Evansville’s second trip into the national spotlight was a bit more serious and followed on the Daily Show’s characterization of Evansville as “the crap in the street capital of America”?…that story and the recent one are not only damaging to our reputation but point out not only buffoonery but absolutely poor public policy?…the incident of real importance that merits investigation and a change in policy involves the shock and awe stun grenade attack by the Evansville Police Department at the residence of Ira Milan and his family?…that this over the top incident happened to a family that is liked and respected by many people?…the “evidence” used to make the decision to attack was based on an internet protocol address registered to the Milan home that was set up as an open network meaning anyone who was within range of the gear could have logged on an posted the threat on a blog that inspired the aggressive move?

IS IT TRUE that was just the start of the buffoonery?…that after the fact the judge, the police, the clerk, and what seems to have been the entire criminal justice system stonewalled reporters who were trying to do their jobs?…it took a lawyer and a Freedom of Information Act request to get the powers that be to finally cough up stamped public documents?…obstruction of the First Amendment while a violation of the law is just the way things have been done in the Civic Center for so long that it seems like the powers that be do not even know right from wrong?…the CCO has had to deal with this kind of obstructionism over and over again and that while it is good to learn that we are not alone in being treated like red headed stepchildren the oppression of information that is public information is not an acceptable way for this or any city to be run?…as politician after politician has had to learn the hard way, from Jonathan Weinzapfel and his Homestead Tax Grab, to President Richard Nixon with Watergate, to Attorney General Eric Holder and the “Fast and Furious” gun running operation, IT IS THE COVERUP THAT GET YOU?…the best course of action for the powers that be in Evansville should cease their obstructionist ways and come completely clean on this incident before it really gets out of hand?

IS IT TRUE that Florida and nine other states have openly stated that they will not be complying with the Affordable Health Care Act that is also known as Obamacare?…this will be a most interesting thing to watch unfold as the Supreme Court may have found a way to uphold the law but also neutered the federal government’s power to use the purse as a whip on the states?…we are certain that we will all be hearing all of the good and bad of Obamacare in the next 4 months?…that it seems as though the VETTING and READING that should have been done in 2010 may finally happen this year?…the VETTING ability of the US Congress and the Evansville Redevelopment Commission are about the same?

Our nation’s birthday is right around the corner, and while
celebrations with fireworks are exciting for people, those same booming fireworks can terrorize dogs
and cats. What’s the best way to keep your pets safe during this exciting holiday? Leave them at
home in the air conditioning! This will make the Fourth of July happy and stress-free for you and your
pet!

Nationally, the first business day following July 4th is the busiest at animal shelters for lost and found
pets. “The thunderous noise from firework displays often frightens and disorients pets, and as a
result they will often bolt from their owners or yard trying to get away from that noise,” says VHS PR
Coordinator Sydney Long. “Even the most social, easy going pets are often affected.”

Typically, the VHS receives 3 times the normal calls for lost pets following the explosive holiday.
When fireworks begin, dogs have been known to jump fences, dig out of their yards, break chains,
and even bust through glass windows because of their wild fear. When pets are left alone to panic
while owners are at holiday celebrations, ordinarily well-behaved pets may become destructive and
unpredicatable. Make sure your pet is inside confined to a crate or safe area of your home where they
cannot destroy contents of your home or harm themselves. If your pet’s anxiety is serious, contact
your veternarian in advance to discuss ways to alleviate the fear and anxiety.

Pet identification is a necessary factor in ensuring your pet’s safe return if it does go missing. A
proper-fitting collar, ID tags, and microchip will greatly increase your chances of getting your beloved
pet home safely and promptly. Make sure that all of your contact information is up-to-date.

Let’s make this a safe and happy Independence Day for people and pets by starting with prevention!

The VHS will be closed Wednesday July 4th in observance of the holiday. For more information,
contact Kendall Paul at 426-2563 ext. 214. Sydney Long will be on vacation the week of July 4th.

(EVANSVILLE, IN)- Are you a sun worshipper? Do you like the water? How about kids
and the smell of chlorine? If you answered “yes” to these questions do we have a deal for
you!

The Department of Parks and Recreation is offering an Adult Only Lifeguard
Certification class at Lloyd Pool, 6101 N. First Avenue. The class schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, July 10 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Thursday, July 12 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday, July 14 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tuesday, July 17 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Thursday, July 19 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tuesday, July 24 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Lifeguards candidates must be at least 18 years old and able to swim 300 yards
continuously, tread water, complete a timed event and swim to a depth of 10 feet. To
successfully complete the course, candidates must attend all classes, participate and
demonstrate competency in all required skills and pass the written test at 80%. The cost
for the class is $129. Call Lloyd Pool at 435-6085 by July 6, 2012 to register and pick up
required forms.

SPECIAL MEETING
KEVIN WINTERNHEIMER CHAMBERS
ROOM 301, CIVIC CENTER COMPLEX
MONDAY, JULY 2, 2012
12:00 NOON

AGENDA

1.CALL TO ORDER

2.OLD BUSINESS
a. Request Re: Permission to Declare Roberts Stadium and Contents Surplus. – Dave Rector
b. Request Re: Approve and Execute Agreement with William Wilson Auction & Realty, Inc. for
Roberts Stadium Contents. – Dave Rector
c. Request Re: Approve and Execute Agreement with DLZ Indiana, LLC for Demolition
Inspection Services. – Dave Rector
d. Request Re: Approve and Execute Agreement with Three I Design for Engineering Services.
– Dave Rector

3.ADJOURN

(Evansville, IN – June 28, 2012) Summer has arrived here in the Tri-State and it is going to be a scorcher out there for the next several days. Let’s not forget to pay close attention to our pets during this time. Outdoor pets and animals left unattended in parked vehicles are at risk of overheating and at worst, death. Taking some simple precautions can help you and your pet enjoy a safe and happy summer together.

Provide your pet shade and plenty of cool, fresh drinking water. Try putting ice cubes in heat
to keep their water cooler. Your pet needs to be able to escape the sun’s harmful rays, and water
can help fight off dehydration. Here’s a cool tip for dog owners, try freezing a Kong toy with
wet food or peanut butter. It will not only provide Fido with entertainment but it will also help
keep them cool.
Flea, tick, and heartworm preventative are extremely important during these warm months.
Fleas and ticks are out in full force, and not only are they a nuisance; they can lead to health
problems. Heartworms, which can be fatal, are transmitted by mosquitoes.
Don’t leave pets unsupervised around the pool. Not all pets are good swimmers.
Move exercise sessions to early mornings or evenings when it isn’t as hot. Avoid going for
long walks or engaging in outdoor play sessions during the hottest periods of the day. Keep
in mind that asphalt becomes extremely hot in the summer and can burn the pads of your pet’s
feet. It is best to walk them in the grass.
Giving Fido a lightweight summer haircut may help to prevent overheating, but don’t shave too
close to the skin. Leave at least an inch of hair, so he’ll still have some protection from the sun.
Know the signs of heatstroke, which can include excessive panting and drooling, increased
heart rate, weakness, collapse, diarrhea and vomiting. If you suspect your pet is having a
reaction to the heat, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle! Even with the windows cracked,
temperatures in a parked vehicle can escalate from 80 degrees to 120 degrees in just minutes.
Don’t put your animals at risk when temperatures start to climb. Please keep your pets at
home in the air conditioning. They’ll be safer and happier

In May, Daniel Craig, associate professor of music and director of USI’s Chamber Choir and Women’s Choir, took students on the 11th international tour he’s led since joining USI 22 years ago.

Craig has taken the University choirs on trips to Poland, Canada, Germany, and Ireland. The spring 2012 tour was the fifth trip to Ireland for the Chamber Choir in the last decade. Craig has been to Ireland six times, taking a sabbatical there in 2007.

Rowan Tree, his Irish traditional band, accompanies the Chamber Choir on its Ireland tours. “I’ve been writing and arranging Irish traditional music for eight years,” Craig said. “It’s one of my areas of interest and research; my passion and my creative work.”

The choir’s performances in Ireland raise money for local charities, including the Clare Crusaders, AIDS West, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

View images of the 2012 Chamber Choir tour of Ireland.

Although USI currently has no music major, Craig is preparing a music minor for which courses are already in place and anticipates it will be approved in fall 2012 and offered in fall 2013.

Craig will be awarded the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana’s Vanderburgh County Arts Award at a banquet and awards ceremony in September

Source: USI.edu

I want the people of Evansville to know that I did indeed tell City Council President Connie Robinson that I wanted to withdraw my resolution to rescind the loan approval for Earthcare Energy that I sponsored. My decision was based on the realization that it was not going to pass. It was in my judgment a better choice to withdraw the resolution at this time than it was to see it defeated by the same 5 – 4 vote that the loan was approved by.

Mayor Lloyd Winnecke has personally assured me that the Earthcare Energy deal will not be resurrected. I trust the Mayor to honor his word and to do what is in the best interest of the citizens of Evansville.

Knowing that the resolution would not have passed and having faith in Mayor Winnecke’s word was the driving force behind my decision to withdraw the resolution. Should Earthcare ever pursue litigation to attempt to force the City of Evansville to make this loan it is important that the possibility is preserved to bring a similar resolution back under different circumstances so the support of the full City Council can be sought.

Personally I am on a leave of absence and could not attend Monday’s meeting of the Evansville City Council. I do have every intention to fulfill the duties that the people of the 3rd Ward elected me to carry out. I take my responsibilities very seriously.

With respect to the conclusions reached from the over 100 hours that I spent researching the people behind Earthcare Energy, I stand behind my work. Every discovery that was made during this vetting phase was as a result of uncovering publicly available information that speaks for itself.

Every member of the Evansville City Council, Mayor Winnecke’s Office, and all of the Evansville media were supplied with the research. Any of my fellow City Council members who are inclined can simply take the time to read the public documents in the package that I put together. As I said, the public record speaks for itself.

As for the allegation that I am a racist, I openly repudiate any and all assertions and accusations of such matters. My entire career and even my entire life has been based on fairness and equality. I take pride in my support of working people of all races.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to familiarize themselves with the details of my research. I would also like to thank the people who had the courage to support my conclusions and to especially acknowledge the leadership of Mayor Winnecke in making the right decision when all of the facts were gathered.

I am committed to doing everything within my power to make judgments that will lead to a prosperous future for the City of Evansville that I love. I look forward to the day when my leave of absence is over so I can once again carry out my duties in person.

Sincerely,
Stephanie Brinkerhoff-Riley
Evansville City Councilwoman, 3rd Ward