Home Blog Page 6941

State Looks to Private Sector for Cost Savings Ideas for I-69 Completion

3

December 4, 2012

News Release

Indianapolis, Ind. — A formal Request for Information was issued today seeking ideas from private sector engineers, contractors and financing experts to reduce the cost and accelerate the construction of Interstate 69 Section 5, which involves upgrades to the existing State Road 37 between Bloomington and Martinsville.

“INDOT is exploring innovative ways to deliver needed safety improvements for the citizens of Bloomington while reducing uncertainty and inconvenience for motorists and businesses,” said Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Commissioner Michael B. Cline.

I-69 Section 5 is currently in an extended formal comment period following publication of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement. INDOT will conduct a public hearing this Thursday, Dec. 6 in the Monroe County Fairgrounds Auditorium at 5700 W. Airport Road, just west of the S.R. 45 and Airport Road intersection in Bloomington. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the formal presentation begins at 6:30 p.m., after which the public is invited to provide comments.

The new Interstate 69 between Evansville and Indianapolis is widely regarded as a key component to the future economic vitality of southwestern Indiana, and will connect an entire region of the state with improved access to jobs, education and healthcare. The 142-mile I-69 corridor was divided into six independent sections with the Tier 1 Final Environmental Impact Study, which was approved by the Federal Highway Administration in March 2004.

Sixty-seven miles of new interstate highway are now open – ahead of schedule and under budget – between I-64 near Evansville and U.S. 231 near Naval Support Activity Crane. Construction is underway on the 27 miles of I-69 Section 4 between Crane and Bloomington.

Pending federal approval, I-69 Section 5 construction could begin as early as 2013 with safety improvements to existing S.R. 37 intersections and interchanges in Bloomington. The safety improvements are intended to coincide with the opening of I-69 Section 4 to traffic southwest of Bloomington.

Indiana is a national leader in leveraging private capital to deliver needed transportation projects sooner, and at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers. Governor Mitch Daniels’ Major Moves program accelerated construction of I-69 and other long-term transportation projects across the state with the $3.8 billion lease of the Indiana Toll Road

INDOT today published a formal Request for Information on two delivery models that would share with the private sector the cost and risk to design-build-finance (DBF) or design-build-finance-operate-maintain (DBFOM) I-69 Section 5. The state would use existing revenue sources to repay the contractor’s investment over time upon completion of key construction milestones and/or meeting performance standards following construction.

The Request for Information may be viewed at http://www.in.gov/indot/3119.htm. Responses from private sector firms are due by the end of December. For more information about I-69 in Indiana, please visit www.i69indyevn.org.

Source: Indiana Department of Transportation

Mayor Lloyd Winnecke and Leadership Evansville Invite You to Next VOICE Session

0

EVANSVILLE, IN –Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke and Leadership Evansville Executive Director Lynn Miller-Pease invite the public to the next visioning session for VOICE to be held in Jacobsville at St. Lucas United Church of Christ. VOICE is Evansville’s community-wide, citizen-driven vision process that allows community members to share their ideas, hopes and visions for Evansville’s preferred future.

Meeting Date:
December 5, 2012 at St. Lucas United Church of Christ 3 to 5 p.m.
33 W. Virginia St., Evansville, IN 47710

Through facilitated sessions, VOICE aims to bring together diverse members of the community to discuss their dreams for Evansville in an open forum. The facilitation is led in such a way that respectful conversations will occur, all voices will be heard, and opinions will be documented, ensuring that the entire community has the opportunity to take part in creating a desired future.

The VOICE Process
Leadership Evansville will facilitate discussion sessions at easy-to-access public locations, such as Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library branches and Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation schools. The sessions will be advertised in neighborhood newsletters, the newspaper, television, radio and Internet.
Comments from each session will be available to the participants and the public. A summary and detailed notes will be posted on the VOICE Web site within one week of the session.
This is our current stage in the process.

Once all comments are collected, additional community sessions will occur to verify that the information collected truly represents participants’ opinions.

Then, common themes and ideas will be grouped by topic area to serve guidance for those organizations, businesses, universities, individuals and government bodies with interest in that topic to move forward with further research and planning toward a common goal.

About the Leadership Evansville Facilitation
Since 1977, Leadership Evansville has been known for its superior processes and excellence in facilitation and leadership in the community. Its programming is researched, tested, evaluated, and refined. It continues to be emulated by leadership programs around the country because it is at the forefront of best practices. The LE facilitation method brings together people with different talents, gifts, and perspectives leaders committed to using diversity and creativity for the betterment of the community. It encourages individuals to make a commitment to create a better community, and to take responsibility for making sustainable changes. These attitudes, skills, and processes are taught to adults, youth, organizations, not-for-profits, businesses, educational institutions, neighborhood associations, churches, and other leadership programs. LE’s most recent projects include facilitations for the Glenwood Leadership Academy, Indiana Supreme Court Commission on Race and Gender Fairness, and the Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana.

Water & Sewer Utility Board to Open Bids for Lift Station Improvements

1

The Water and Sewer Utility will open bids for the Lift Station Improvements approved by the Evansville Water & Sewer Utility Board. The bids will be opened and read publicly on Monday, December 10th at 1:30 pm in the 2nd Floor Training Room at 1931 Allens Lane, Evansville, IN 47720.

Please note: You will need to walk up stairs at this meeting location.

***UPDATE***

Notice is hereby given by the Water and Sewer Utility Board of the City of Evansviile Indiana, that the reguiariy scheduied meeting on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 1:30 pm wili be heid in the 2nd Floor Training Room at 1931 Allens Lane, Evansvìiie, IN 47720.

Please note: You wiii need to walk up stairs at this meeting location.

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY-RODNEY CARRINGTON

1


Laughter’s Good Tour
The Centre February 16, 2013

Evansville, IN ~Texas native, Rodney Carrington has been making audiences laugh for almost twenty years with his unique brand of stand-up comedy. The country singer-songwriter has recorded eight major label comedy albums which have sold more than two million copies … two of which have been certified Gold. His albums include such hit comedy-inspired songs as “Dancin’ With a Man”, “Show Them to Me” and “Don’t Look Now”. His Christmas album, Make It Christmas features the song, “Camouflage and Christmas Lights”. Carrington is also an actor having starred in his own sitcom, Rodney which ran for two seasons on ABC. As well, he co-wrote and co-starred in the feature film, Beer for My Horses with Toby Keith. In 2008, Carrington co-starred in Trace Adkins’ hit music video, “I Got My Game On” and later won a CMT Music Video Award for “Supporting Character of the Year” for his role. He went on to receive extensive airplay on CMT for his 2009 comedy sketch music video, “If I’m the Only One” … the song also debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Comedy Music charts. In addition, he released a book entitled Rodney Carrington: Coming Clean. Carrington is currently on his North American “Laughter’s Good” tour where he performs a mix of his comedic songs and his hilarious stand-up.

RODNEYCARRINGTON.COM

****FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ****

All seats are $43.75. Tickets are available at The Centre Box Office from 10am – 5pm M – F.
www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000.

For additional ticket information call The Centre at 812-435-5770 ext. 211.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

0

Evansville, IN – Below is a list of felony cases that were filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office on Monday, December 3, 2012.

Kurt King Conspiracy to Commit Dealing in Methamphetamine –Class B Felony

Matthew Knight Conspiracy to Commit Dealing in Methamphetamine –Class B Felony

Austin Pam Robbery Resulting in Bodily Injury – Class B Felony

Nathan Payne Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated – Class C Misdemeanor
(Enhanced to a Class D Felony due to Prior Convictions)
Carrying a Handgun Without a License – Class A Misdemeanor

Timothy Stull, II Dealing in Methamphetamine – Class A Felony
Possession of Chemical Reagents/Precursors with Intent to Manufacture a
Controlled Substance – Class D Felony
Dealing in Marijuana – Class D Felony
Possession of a Controlled Substance – Class D Felony
Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Class D Felony
Resisting Law Enforcement –Class A Misdemeanor
Reckless Driving – Class B Misdemeanor
Failure to Stop After Accident Resulting in Non-Vehicle Damage –Class B
Misdemeanor

For further information on the cases listed above, or any pending case, please contact Carly Settles at 812.435.5688 or via e-mail at csettles@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

USI Fall Commencement ceremonies set for Saturday

0

USI
More than 600 University of Southern Indiana students are eligible to participate in two Fall 2012 Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, December 8, in the Physical Activities Center (PAC) on the USI campus. Of those, five will graduate summa cum laude, 29 magna cum laude, and 50 cum laude.

Students in the College of Business and Pott College of Science and Engineering will receive degrees in a 10 a.m. ceremony. Doors to the PAC open at 8 a.m. Students in the College of Nursing and Health Professions, College of Liberal Arts, and Division of Outreach and Engagement will receive degrees at 1 p.m. Doors open at noon.

As the recipient of the 2012 Distinguished Professor Award, Dr. Paul A. Kuban, associate professor of engineering, will deliver the Commencement address at both ceremonies.

A reception will be held in University Center East immediately following each ceremony.

Students graduating summa cum laude with a perfect 4.0 grade point average can be recognized in the ceremony by their gold stoles and tassels. They are: Elizabeth E. Herrenbruck, Rachel A. Muhs, Dawn M. Paris, Emily B. Rastl, and Bailey J. Roeder.

A dozen Fall 2012 graduates are University Honors Scholars – students who have successfully completed the Honors Program – and can be recognized by the white honor cords worn with their regalia. They are: Joshua Logan Beach, Emily B. Rastl, Elizabeth Rae Thomas, Katelyn N. Crowe, Bailey Jean Roeder, Celeste Renee Mandley, Kathleen Ann Mowery, Elizabeth Ellen Herrenbruck, Melissa Ann Parker, Emily Lauren Schkeryantz, Hollan Alysabeth Staker, and Jerrica D. Dowling.

Live video of the ceremonies will stream online at http://www.usi.edu/commencement/fall-commencement; live streaming video also will be available in Carter Hall in the University Center.

USI began holding Fall Commencement in 2006 and added a second ceremony in 2008 to accommodate the growing number of graduates, family, and friends in attendance.

IS IT TRUE: December 4, 2012

50
The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE that the Mayor of Evansville is trying push the idea on City Council that the Parks and Recreation Board has the authority to approve his request to fund and build the downtown Centennial Park announced by ex Mayor Weinzapfel and Roberts Park without City Council approval? …that City Councilman, John Friend, CPA strongly disagrees with this Mayoral assertion and has asked city attorney John Hamiliton to research state laws to see if the Mayor can bypass the City Council to spend taxpayer dollars on parks? …that it is our gut feeling the Mayor can’t bypass City Council to spend public money on parks? …our real gut feeling is that if this is legal that is should not be because Mayors are just Mayors and have yet to be elected dictator in any city in the United States?

IS IT TRUE the Vanderburgh County Chief Deputy Sheriff, Dave Wedding is posturing to announce his candidacy to become the next Sheriff of Vanderburgh County in January, 2013? …that some of his potential supporters are extremely worried if he is elected Sheriff, he will appoint the outgoing Sheriff Eric Williams as his new Chief Deputy? …we have been assured that Mr. Wedding shall be ask publicly to answer this question during his campaign? …if he says “yes” to this question then he shall expect a big political backlash as appointing one of the poster child faces of the recently defeated consolidation referendum?

IS IT TRUE that the probability that the present Chairman of the Vanderburgh County Democrat Party being re-elected as party Chairmen is extremely strong? …it is because he recently re-appointed and filled vacancies of ward and precinct workers friendly to his re-election bid?

IS IT TRUE that we hear that some city council members have been approached with an idea turning the almost vacant Old National Bank building located on Main Street in downtown Evansville into a convention-hotel with a 4-Star restaurant on the top floor? …we hear that this idea was passed onto the Mayor and he showed no interest? …the taxpayers of this community better be ready to invest $22 Million to $25 Million dollar in a new but under sized hotel next to both the Centre and Ford Center? …the idea to turn an old office building into a hotel has worked before in several cities and may just be an affordable way for Evansville to utilize the old building that has been scantly leased out for years now? …an old bank tower in Lexington is currently being renovated into a 21C Museum Place? …getting one of those in downtown Evansville would truly be a coup d’état for anyone who was able to pull it off?

IS IT TRUE that we continue to get emails and words of support for questioning the wisdom of investing taxpayer dollars into businesses that compete with other businesses in the free market? …to subsidize one hotel and not another upsets free markets and is a disincentive for competitors in the hospitality space to put any future dollars into Evansville? …the next thing we know some carpetbagger will be standing in front of the Mayor and the Evansville Redevelopment Commission asking for a subsidy to put a name brand steak house like Fleming’s or Ruth’s Chris somewhere close to the MLK Entertainment District? …with the mindset of disrupting free markets that carpetbagger may just find success with those pushovers? …that would be a complete injustice to Aztar’s Cavanaugh’s or to Madeleine’s which were both built with private investment to subsidize a fancy restaurant of any kind in a competitive position? …that David Bowie could have Space Oddity adapted to say “ground control to Mayor Winnecke, downtown businesses are in competition with other businesses in other parts of Evansville, take your protein pills and put your thinking cap on, ground control to Mayor Winnecke”?

Evansville Redevelopment Commission AGENDA Tuesday, December 4, 2012 – 8:30 am

9

Evansville Redevelopment Commission
AGENDA
Tuesday, December 4, 2012 – 8:30 am
Civic Center Complex – Room 307

1. Call to Order

2. Approval of Minutes of November 20, 2012

3. Approval of Accounts Payable Vouchers

4. Other Business

5. Adjournment

* This preliminary Agenda is subject to change. The final Agenda will be posted at the entrance to the location of the meeting prior to the meeting.

911 FUND RAISER GIVES HOPE

0

Every holiday season, the law enforcement community, firefighters, and medics spend the weekend in the parking lot of the East Side Wal-Mart collecting toys and gifts to be distributed to hospitalized children of the tri-state area. In its fourth year, 911 Gives Hope for the Holidays collected toys to be distributed to Deaconess Hospital, Deaconess Gateway, St. Mary’s Hospital, Methodist Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, and the Evansville Psychiatric Children’s Center.

The goal of the weekend is to fill a 53 foot trailer with new, unwrapped toys. The thought of filling an empty Atlas Van Lines trailer is a daunting one. 911 Gives Hope board members, volunteers, and radio personalities from co-sponsor Town Square Media get on the radio, the phones, and social media to encourage members of the tri-state to stop by and make a donation.
When this event began in 2009, the hope was to collect enough toys to provide gifts to hospitalized children to put a smile on their face and to help them in their time of need. Due to the overwhelming generosity of the tri-state, this event has grown to provide enough toys for the hospitals so that they can provide the toys to hospitalized children year round.

The organizers of the event were blessed with great weather this year. Two RV’s, the Evansville Police Department’s Mobile Command Center, a fire truck, a couple of ambulances, and multiple police and sheriff’s cars set the scene. Appearances by Santa Clause, local radio personalities, and members of the public safety community provided many opportunities for pictures and interesting conversation.

When we stopped by midday on Sunday, we were met by Police Chief Billy Bolin, Prosecutor Nicholas Hermann, and Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Dave Wedding. We saw children getting pictures taken with Santa, we saw our favorite radio personality, Johnny Kincaid, and we saw a 53 foot trailer that was about 90% full. In the remaining hours, people continued to donate by the armload, the cartload, and even the trunkload. In the final hours of the event, toys were delivered that had been donated in Henderson at Henderson Chevrolet, a co-sponsor of the event.
At the end of the weekend, the truck was filled. The hospitals’ needs will be met, and the children most in need of some holiday spirit will know that they live in a community that cares. Thanks to all of those who donated, volunteered, or otherwise made this event happen.

Britain Loses 62% of Million Pound Earners in One Year After Income Tax Hike

14

“Please bring me back my millionaires. I promise not to let my Prime minster be such an idiot again”

A funny thing happen in the UK on the way to soaking the rich. The wicked rich or at least a significant number of them either left the country or ceased to spend their time earning money. These rich scalawags didn’t stick around for their soaking. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs service is now reporting that the number of taxpayers reporting earnings over 1 Million Pounds Sterling fell from 16,000 to 6,000 from the 2009 tax year to the 2010 tax year. That incidentally was the year that the income tax rate was increased from 40% to 50% courtesy of the government of the ex Prime Minister Gordon Brown shoved through Parliament during its last days in office.

The Brown government has estimated that the revenue increase from this tax increase would amount to 2.5 Billion Pounds. What they got instead in a single year was a loss of 6.9 Billion Pounds when compared to the previous years take from the rich. So what happened to the Millionaires? Government officials are hastily blaming it on the economy having such a negative effect that 62.5% of the taxpayers who reported earnings of over 1 Million Pounds (about $1.6 Million) simply did not earn that much during the next year. The British press has picked up on the possibility that 10,000 Millionaires just packed up and left the country and has been tracking them to their new whereabouts in basically anywhere but the UK.

Prime Minister David Cameron seeing the error of the previous administration hastily lowered the rate from 50% back to the 40% that it was before the exodus of Millionaires. As easy as it may seem for politicians to lay the entire financial burden of a welfare state on a small minority of people the UK at least for now seems to have learned that lesson the hard way. This lesson is one that the United States and President Obama should remember as the “soak the rich” mantra of the 2012 campaign finds its way into consideration by lawmaking bodies. It took Britain only two years to reverse the “straw that broke the camels back” tax increase that drove high wage earners from their shores in droves. The next few months may determine if the United States will stay bullish on soaking the rich or see that campaign slogan for the destructive and divisive dance with fiscal insanity that it may become.

1...6,9406,9416,942...7,350Page 6,941 of 7,350