An Open House for Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation’s Early College High School is planned for Saturday, March 9. Enrollment of current eighth graders is now taking place and this event is designed to answer any questions families may have.
The Open House will be at Ivy Tech Community College where Early College is housed, in Rooms 101 and 102, from noon-1:30 p.m.
Students attending Early College High School have the opportunity to receive up to 60 hours of college credit while earning their high school diploma. Students spend half the day at their home high school and the other half at Ivy Tech Community College in Early College.
IS IT TRUE that this morning’s 7:30 meeting between City Controller Russ Lloyd Jr. and City Council Financial Consultant David Garrett and others to discuss the October 2012 Bank Reconciliation report was called off by Russ Lloyd, Jr.?…the reason allegedly given by Mr. Lloyd for delaying this meeting indefinitely is because he claims that his official written response to the Oct. 2012 Bank Reconciliation report is taking more time to formulate than anticipated?… we also hear that Umbaugh and Associates has decided to write their own formal response to be presented to Evansville City Council this evening? …we also hear that the Evansville Water and Sewer Financial Officer, Jenny Collins has been invited to attend this meeting this evening to answer questions from City Council concerning the Oct. 2012 Bank Reconciliation report?…we are hearing she will decline to attend this meeting because of a prior commitment? …this is the second time that she has made this excuse to City Council?
IS IT TRUE the Lloyd Pool is the latest facility in Evansville to follow Roberts Stadium, Mesker Amphitheatre, the Victory Theatre, and the Parks to be identified as an endangered place due to neglect and sparse use?…this whole legacy of building something at a premium only to fail at doing maintenance is getting old and embarrassing?…it is sort of a chicken and egg situation where one has to wonder “back when the Lloyd Pool was new and taken care of did people go there and now swimming is no longer a craze, OR did the neglect of maintenance drive people awayâ€?…when it comes to ball fields in the parks the ankle breaking terrain and the chuck holes in the parking lots have driven many people to avoid the parks?…Evansville was once a city that had plenty of well maintained parks and its people enjoyed all sorts of sports in the parks?…today those parks are as neglected as they were when former Mayor Weinzapfel got rid of the rangers to save a few bucks?…the lack of maintenance is a terrible way to run a city?
IS IT TRUE that the City of Evansville did get some good news recently that a favorable bond rating was reaffirmed?…what this means is that right now the revenue and the bond payments are in as good of shape as they were the last time such a review was done?…we hope that a favorable bond rating can be maintained as the bond payments on the Ford Center begin needing to be paid from collected revenues as opposed to the borrowed money to cover the first couple of years of operating costs?…until that revenue source is proven and the existing parks etc. are properly maintained not another capital construction project should be taken on?
IS IT TRUE we have awakened today to the news that yet another banana republic dictator is threatening to drop a nuclear weapon on the United States of America?…this time it is North Korea shaking its fist at the Great Satan as some other tin pot dictators like to call us?…North Korea’s musings are much like a field mouse sticking its middle finger up at a hawk sitting on a fence post looking for its breakfast?…we predict that such an attempt will not only fail due to insufficient technology but it will bring on a response that will end the North Korean regime as we know it?…it is our ally and friend South Korea that needs to keep their eyes on their brethren from the north?
Brooks is a 2 year old Miniature Pincher mix. This sweet boy has a strong personality. He may work best in a single dog home but he loves to be around people. Brooks’ adoption would be $120, which includes his neuter, age appropriate vaccines, nationally registered microchip and a bag of food.
3rd annual Criminal and Civil Justice Summit focused on keeping kids safe
INDIANAPOLIS — As state and federal policymakers examine new proposals for school safety, Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller today convened experts at a legal seminar to discuss school resource officer programs, juvenile justice, human trafficking and online crimes against children, as part of the Attorney General’s third annual Criminal and Civil Justice Summit.
A total 245 people, including law enforcement officers, educators, nonprofit workers, attorneys and representatives from all three branches of government registered to attend today’s free seminar, organized by the Attorney General’s Office and held at the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre. For attorneys, the event counts as 5.5 hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit.
With school safety under a spotlight nationwide since the Newtown, Connecticut, tragedy, the first session of today’s Criminal and Civil Justice Summit focused on school resource officer (SRO) programs where specially trained law enforcement officers are stationed at schools to protect students and teachers. One of this morning’s speakers was Mo Canady, executive director of the National School Resource Officer Association (NASRO), who addressed the role of police in school safety policies. The approaches taken in Indiana schools were discussed by Carmel police officer D.J. Schoeff who is SRO for Carmel Middle School, and Fort Wayne police officer Chris Crapser who is SRO in the Fort Wayne Community Schools.
Last fall, prior to the Newtown tragedy, the Attorney General’s Office conducted a needs assessment study where Indiana educators and law enforcement indicated they would like to make more school resource officers available in their schools but funding is an obstacle. Zoeller reiterated his support for a bill now moving through the Legislature, Senate Bill 1, that would define school resource officers in law and provide state matching grants to help schools create or expand SRO positions through local control and decision-making. He invited the three SRO experts to speak at today’s summit, whose theme was “Keeping Hoosier Children From Harm.â€
“The increase in the dangers that are present to our children require the State of Indiana to do more to meet our obligations to the most vulnerable in our society. This justice summit brings together the three branches of state government, local school administrators, members of law enforcement and others who serve and protect the children of our state to find ways to work together collaboratively in a common effort,†Zoeller said.
As the lawyer for state government, Zoeller has organized two previous Criminal and Civil Justice Summits, or free legal seminars, to facilitate discussion among attorneys, judges, prosecutors, legislators, policymakers and the public on subjects facing the judicial system. Past summit topics included the impact of the mortgage foreclosure crisis on homeowners, and disparities between counties in seeking the death penalty due to costs that resulted in fairness concerns.
Other session topics and speakers in today’s Criminal and Civil Justice Summit include:
Juvenile Detention Reform. Under the leadership of Judge Marilyn Moores of Marion Superior Court Juvenile Division, Marion County became a site for the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, a project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Judge Moores led efforts to enact system-wide reforms to reduce the number of juvenile detainees while maintaining public safety. Judge Moores today led a panel discussion on approaches to juvenile detention reform.
Child Victims of Human Trafficking. Indiana’s anti-human-trafficking task force, IPATH, and the Attorney General’s Office have worked to raise awareness about children becoming victims of human trafficking and prostitution due to criminals who support the commercial sex industry. Because of concerns about human trafficking associated with large sporting events, Indiana in 2012 passed a new trafficking law prior to Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis. At today’s summit, attendees heard from Deputy Attorney General Abigail Kuzma, chief counsel of the Consumer Protection Division, and Marion County Deputy Prosecutor Mary Hutchison, who handles human trafficking investigations and prosecutions.
Investigating and Prosecuting Internet Sex Offenders. Law enforcement has found that sex offenders who prey upon children typically use the Internet to lure their victims. The Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, or ICAC, is a local, state and federal partnership that works to combat online predators. Steven DeBrota, Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, discussed his work prosecuting such cases.
Today’s four summit topics were among the list of priorities Attorney General Zoeller announced in 2012 as part of his second-term agenda.
The school resource officer legislation, Senate Bill 1, recommended by the Attorney General and authored by State Senator Pete Miller, R-Avon, passed 43-7 in the full Indiana Senate on Feb. 25 and has advanced to the Indiana House. If passed into law, SB 1 would do the following:
· Update the statute to legally define school resource officers as being law enforcement officers who have at least 40 additional hours of certified SRO training. Such officers could be employed directly by schools or work for law enforcement agencies and be assigned to schools under an agreement.
· Create a Secured School Fund from which schools could apply for two-year matching grants of up to $50,000 each, to use to 1) employ a school resource officer, 2) conduct a threat assessment of school buildings, or 3) purchase equipment and technology to restrict access to school property or expedite notification of first responders.
· Set up a five-member board that includes the Attorney General that would review grant applications and award funding to qualifying proposals.
The Indiana General Assembly is considering Senate Bill 1 even as the White House recently announced a proposal for a $150 million federal grant program to fund 1,000 resource officers and school counselors nationwide in the aftermath of the Newtown tragedy. Zoeller said the Attorney General’s Office will closely monitor whatever federal grant program might emerge, and he will work closely with the Department of Education, the Legislature and other state agencies to make schools aware of any federal funding opportunities that could complement state grants.
March 7, 2013 – Evansville, IN – Area preschool and daycare facilities are invited to participate in the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library’s 6th annual Preschool Fair on Saturday, April 6th. The fair will be from 10:00 am-2:00 pm in Central Library’s lobby.
Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to explore childcare and preschool options available in the Evansville area at this free event.
Table space is available at no charge to all area childcare providers to promote your facility, but you must register prior to the event. Tables are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. To reserve a table for your preschool or daycare facility, please contact Amy at amym@evpl.org.
HERE COME THE MUMMIES LAUNCH 2013 CRYPTIC TOUR
After an amazing 2012 which saw the groove-tastic ghouls getting funky to the East, West, and down below, Here Come The Mummies are launching the first leg of their 2013 Cryptic Tour. This crew may be ancient, swathed in bandages, and possessed of a foul stench, but Eddie Mummy, Java, K.W. Tut, Mummy Cass, Spaz, The Pole, Midnight, Mummy Rah, and The Flu have traversed the aeons and the continents alike to rock your town.
Here Come the Mummies will perform at the Victory Theatre Friday, April 19, 2013 at 8:00 PM. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 15 at 10:00 AM.
This is not your mama’s standard horror flick soundtrack music – prepare to bathe like the Gods in funky guitar and horn filled dance music that drops like it’s hot. See some live Mummy action with a video of “Ra Ra Ra†at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3-SXR4tigo&feature=em-share_video_user and a fantastic animated video of “Freak Flag†at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhG2lBLCtdA&feature=em-share_video_user.
As percussionist/vocalist Java asserts, “Here Come The Mummies are heading back on the road, so crate up the bananas and prepare the Gatorade I.V. It is going to be messy. After our winter hibernation, we are more excited than Tom Brady on his wedding night to be hitting the stage. We have four months up pent up undead hunger, so bring the tissues ladies … we are going to leave a trail of broken heels and hearts.†Prepare to rock until eternity or at least until the house lights come on.
For more tour information go to www.herecomethemummies.com.
Tickets go on sale Friday, March 15 at 10:00 AM. Reserved seat tickets ($22.00 / $32.00 in advance; prices go up to … day of show) will be available for purchase at the Ford Center ticket office, all Ticketmaster locations, Charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 and online at Ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices subject to applicable fees.
Below is a list of felony cases that were filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday, March 6, 2013.
Willie Jacobs Operating a Vehicle with an Ace of .08 or More, Class C Misdemeanor
(Enhanced to a Class D Felony)
Operating a Vehicle as an Habitual Traffic Violator-Class D Felony
Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated-Class C Misdemeanor
Kelsie Legrange Theft-Class D Felony
Heber Sanchez Domestic Battery-Class D Felony
Strangulation-Class D Felony
Ronald Ward Jr Operating a Motor Vehicle after Forfeiture of License for Life-Class C Felony
Operating a Motor Vehicle without Financial Responsibility-Class A Infraction
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.
SENTENCE CHART
Class Range
Murder 45-65 Years
Class A Felony 20-50 Years
Class B Felony 6-20 Years
Class C Felony 2-8 Years
Class D Felony ½ – 3 Years
Class A Misdemeanor 0-1 Year
Class B Misdemeanor 0-180 Days
Class C Misdemeanor 0-60 Days
IS IT TRUE the infamous and lingering Johnson Controls deal shoved through by the Weinzapfel Administration in its last days will be heard by the Indiana Utilities Regulatory Commission (IURC) on March 14th and is referred to as Case number 44295?…this will be the third time the Commission will have heard some version of this deal that keeps being tweaked in hopes that if can just sneak in under the restriction for being approved as something that pays for itself through guaranteed savings? Just as City Councilman John Friend, CPA warned the Evansville City Council last August, Umbaugh would come back with accounting trickery, they have done so?…the first time, they forgot that the project had to save at least 10%?…Umbaugh is also the same outfit trying to get the City of Evansville’s books in balance and were paid about $100,000 for the time they spent trying?…they are also receiving $55,000 for advise on the refinancing of the utility bonds which the Council approved last Monday’s meeting?…we really do trust that this organization will independent in their analysis in spite of their history in the book balancing and getting great contracts from the City of Evansville by both the Winnecke and Weinzapfel Administrations?
IS IT TRUE that the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) has been found in court to have violated public bidding laws for the way they transferred assets to remodel their headquarters without competitive bidding?…back when this was going on the City County Observer had opined that what the EVSC did was SNEGAL (sneaky but legal) as opposed to a violation of public bidding laws?…it seems as though even though care was taken to move property into other entities with perfect timing that the Court of Appeals has decided SNEGAL crossed the line this time?…it will be interesting to see what will be the consequence for this action as the building seems to be done in a quality manner and the price per square foot for the work seemed reasonable at the time?…we suspect slapped hands and maybe a fine will be the consequence?…we hope the Court realizes that any fine will come straight from the operating budget for running the public schools?
IS IT TRUE well placed CCO MOLES that there is a move afoot by a couple of elected officials to arrange a meeting between the City Controller, Russ Lloyd, Jr. and City Council Financial Consultant, David Garrett so they can to sit down together and discuss the issue of the Oct. 2012 Bank Reconciliation report?…if this happens we hope that the Mayor’s Chief of Staff stays at home because he seems to overreact in situations like this and shall causes problems between the above parties?…we hear that the powers that be are trying to set up this meeting on Friday morning of this week?
IS IT TRUE if you think that the October 2012 Bank Reconsolidation has caused major problems between the Winnecke Administration and Evansville City Council just wait till the findings for November and December of 2012 are released?…we hear that Mr. Garrett is presently working on the November 2012 Bank Reconciliation report as we write?
IS IT TRUE that yesterday in Washington DC in the United States Senate, Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky launched an old fashioned filibuster to block the candidacy of the person the Obama Administration put forward as the next Director of the CIA?…the purpose for the filibuster was simply to get high ranking members of the Obama Administration to publicly state that they do not feel empowered to murder US citizens on US soil?…they obstinately refused to simply answer NO to that question?…if the interpretation of the Constitution that these people are putting forth by refusing to answer NO is one that would lead to those who are suspected of crimes being murdered without being charged or convicted, the suspension of habeas corpus laws, and who knows what other 3rd world dictatorial practices?
IS IT TRUE that the world is a little bit better place since the despot Hugo Chavez of Venezuela has died and gone on to join his soul mates Josef Stalin, Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and Pol Pot in death?…if the United States is going to sit by and allow a constitutional interpretation that allows any government to make pre-emptive drone strikes or run black ops on US citizens who are considered by some government tribunal to be a threat the world will be a much darker place?…our country may be transformed from the “leader of the free world†to the “leader of a world without libertyâ€?
Beginning Friday, March 8, The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office will deploy a high-visibility crackdown on impaired and dangerous driving known as Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. The 16-day effort will continue through March 24 – encompassing a number of March sporting events and the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.
Last year, there were 6,264 alcohol-related collisions in Indiana with 97 fatalities. During the month of March, there were 524 alcohol-related collisions. Of these collisions, six fatalities were reported. Just last year on St. Patrick’s Day, there were 33 alcohol-related collisions that occurred in the state of Indiana.
In support of this year’s crackdown, the Sheriff’s Office along with the Evansville Police Department and the Indiana State Police will employ high-visibility efforts that consist of sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and other methods designed to detect impaired drivers. This weekend’s checkpoint will run from 11:30 p.m. until 2:30 a.m.
The Sheriff’s Office recommends the following easy steps to have a safe and happy March and St. Patrick’s Day:
 Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.
 Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.
 If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation to get home safely.
 If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact 911.
 And remember, if you know someone who is about to drive a car or ride a motorcycle while impaired, take the keys and help that person make other arrangements to get to where he or she is going safely.
