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IS IT TRUE February 5, 2013

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The Mole #??
The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE that Michael Isikoff of NBC News, revealed yesterday that the Obama administration believes that high-level administration officials — not just the president — may order the killing of “senior operational leaders” of al-Qaida or an associated force even without evidence they are actively plotting against the U.S?…“A lawful killing in self-defense is not an assassination,” states the Justice Department white paper quoted by Isikoff?…the 16-page memo, given to Congress in June, is not the final Office of Legal Counsel memo that news organizations have sued to obtain but it offers plenty of insight into the government’s justification for killing AMERICAN CITIZENS in overseas drone strikes?…the paper states that the Obama Administration would be able to kill a U.S. citizen overseas when “an informed, high-level official of the U.S. government” determines the target is an imminent threat?…the white paper suggests that such decisions would not be subject to judicial review and outlines a broad definition of what constitutes “imminent” threat?…we are distressed to point out that this document that outlines a process to preemptively murder an American Citizen who is deemed to be a threat by a government official with no consequences for doing so is ONE WORD FROM ALLOWING DRONE STRIKES ON AMERICAN SOIL ON AMERICAN CITIZENS?…it is no wonder that gun stores all over the country are selling out of every gun or box of ammo on the shelf?…the true beliefs of this administration are finally coming out in the mainstream media?…this was available in June but somehow stayed hidden?…with this kind of governance and the “free when they want to be” and “lapdog when they need to be” mainstream media it is time for FREEDOM OF INFORMATION TO BE BROADLY DEMANDED? …this starts at home?

IS IT TRUE that the At-Large City Councilman, Dr. Dan Adams attended the Historic Preservation Commission meeting last night?…that Dr. Adams seemly lectured members of the Commission on how politically damaging it could be if the Historical District is allowed to go forward with this a lighting project without all people living in this area being notified about this proposed project?…that it seems like Dr. Adams may be getting less then accurate information concerning this project from a small group of disgruntled people living in this area?…Dr. Adams needs to be reminded that at this time this project has no specific answers because there aren’t any concrete answers to this proposed project?…if Dr. Adams would like to receive information on what the other side of thinks about this issue he needs to contact members of the OEHA so he can get their side of the story concerning this issue?…we are surprised that Councilman Adams once again allowed himself to be put into a political position such as he experienced with “Earthcare” project?…residents of the Historic District have been trying to get the go ahead for this project and have even pledges some personal money to pay toward it for over 5 years now yet the city bureaucracy is still in their way?

IS IT TRUE Rockport city officials have decided to file a petition to express grievances against the Vectren Corporation?…Rockport’s leaders during a city council meeting voted to appear before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to question why Vectren has the highest rates in Indiana and its coal purchasing practices?…Officials say the Vectren’s rates and its opposition to the proposed coal-to-gasification plant is hindering Rockport’s economic growth?…Rockport officials are inviting other local municipalities in the petition against Vectren?…the Mole Nation tells the CCO that Evansville officials are not taking this bait and will not be joining Rockport?…if the bosses of Rockport want to lay blame for their economic dilemma they would be well served to blame the price of natural gas which is what really made the value of the proposed coal gasification plant drop while the cost to construct it did not?…in this particular case that which is good for Rockport is not good for the rest of the country and particularly Indiana?

Fight of the Blight

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Stop Letting Our Building Codes Erode
Guest Editorial By Jordan Baer

blg permit

During the previous mayoral election, Lloyd Winnecke pledged to invest in Downtown Evansville. One of the first things he did was sold his house on the east side and moved all of his worldly possessions into a condominium sized apartment overlooking Main Street. I applaud this decision.

Small and mid-sized apartments and condos aren’t the only thing going up in Downtown Evansville. Although it has been a far cry from the 2001 master plan we were given, the area has also seen the city invest multi-millions of dollars into the arena, the Centre, and the riverfront. In fact, the city spent about $4 million just to make the roads go both ways.

It now appears that one office doesn’t know what the other office is doing, or should I say seemly don’t care. With the city sticking hundreds of millions of dollars into developing Downtown Evansville, one would think that they would at least want the buildings located downtown to be up to code. Unfortunately, that simply isn’t happening.

Recently, I drove through Downtown Evansville. I took a stroll down Main Street, which is the main gateway out of Downtown Evansville from the Ford Center. On this road alone, I saw numerous buildings that make Evansville look like “Little Detroit.” If you head north on Main Street from the Civic Center, you will see a vacant store front that once housed Frontier Liquor but still appears to be operational as a storage area for limousines. As I approached the building, I noticed an outdoor part of the roof had been caving in for quite some time. How this roof has not fallen into the small parking lot and then into the streets I will never know.

liquor< Building codes aren’t just about rebuilding Downtown Evansville or even keeping it in an acceptable condition. Rather, these codes were put in place for public safety. Today, any pedestrian can simply walk up to and/or by any of these buildings that are in dangerous conditions. Is that really good public policy? Another example of neglect of the building codes was when the Executive Inn was left in one big pile of rubble by Klenck Demolition Company because the city allegedly didn’t pay them for services rendered; our city worked franticly to block it off from the public and ordered the rubble to be removed immediately for the sake of public safety. There are numerous buildings located on Main Street that are in violation of city codes, and they are just the tip of the iceberg. Many homes in the districts surrounding Downtown Evansville are even worse than these two buildings. This begs the questions, why has our city allowed our building codes to erode? How often are these buildings and houses being inspected by the city? Does the city have a master plan for bringing all buildings up to code? I find this situation to be extremely hypocritical given that Roberts Stadium, which was never condemned and not even close to being in the same shape as the buildings in Downtown Evansville, is being demolished entirely. It makes absolutely no sense to invest in Downtown Evansville if we aren’t going to enforce the building codes. If you were from out of town and you were going to an event at the new arena, the Centre, and/or Casino Aztar would you hang around Downtown Evansville after the event if you saw these types of buildings on your way in? If you were running the city, would you want visitors walking up to and around these types of structures? If we are going to invest in Downtown Evansville, we simply cannot let our codes erode. For this reason, I have created another blog and with the goal of encouraging the powers that be to begin cleaning up Evansville’s blight. This new blog, titled “Fight The Blight!” will begin its task by lobbying for fair and effective building code enforcement as well as cleanup of abandoned structures. It will also work on addressing the enormous blight in the 3rd Ward neighborhoods just north of the Lloyd Expressway and slightly west of the old Hercules Motor Plant by lobbying to include these areas in programs such as Front Door Pride, Keep Evansville Beautiful Committee, and the EPA’s Jacobsville Remediation Plan Committee. Once you click on the blog, you will be able to view pictures of both of these areas on the blog as well as receive updates on any improvements taking place. Please take time to view these pictures. http://fighttheblight.blogspot.com/ Last but most importantly, I want to stress that I am not proposing the continuation of the mayor’s demolition of all things old policy that we have seen carried out on Division Street and at the corner of First Avenue and Morgan Avenue. Yes, there will be some buildings that are not up to code that will need to be demolished. But at the same time, there are a lot of buildings with value in both Downtown Evansville and the Third Ward that need to be preserved, renovated, and kept in good standing with our local codes. One of the greatest things our city has accomplished was bringing the Pagoda up to code. And, I also want to thank the Kunkel Group for the work they have done on the old Knights of Columbus Hall. Pagoda Before: pagoda

Pagoda After: pagoda.jpg1

I appreciate the 80,000 + visitors who have supported the 4 other blogs- EvansvilleMovingForward.blogspot.com, RememberRobertsStadium.blogspot.com, EvansvilleRail.blogspot.com, & AGraveInjustice.blogspot.com. With your continued support, I believe we can accomplish the goal of getting Downtown Evansville completely up to date with our building codes and on its way to a completely safe, revitalized, and marketable area in our city. Every building on every road should be up to code!
Disclaimer: This article is posted by the City-County Observer without editing, opinion, or bias

Schedule of Upcoming Events at SMG

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1940’s Big Band Musical Revue

Two shows – April 18 at 7:30pm and April 19 at 2:00pm

Tickets go on-sale Friday, February 8 at 10:00am.

Seats are $49, $39, $29 and $21.

Tickets go available at The Centre Box Office, at Ticketmaster online or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Group rates available off top three ticket prices, contact Centre Box Office for details.

TICKETS MAKE GREAT GIFTS!

THE CENTRE

The Really Big “Game” Show – Feb. 9 @ 7:00pm

Rodney Carrington “Laughter’s Good” Tour – Feb. 16 @ 8:00pm

Jim Gaffigan “The White Bread” Tour – Mar. 29 @ 7:00pm

Daughtry and 3 Doors Down In Concert – Mar. 4 @ 7:00pm

George Jones “The Grand Tour” – Mar. 23 @ 7:30pm

Jim Gaffigan “The White Bread Tour” – Mar. 29 @ 7:00pm

Centre’d On Kids “Junie B. Jones”-Apr. 4 @ 9:00am & 12:00pm

66th Annual Home Show – Apr. 6-7 @ 9:00am-6:00pm

Casting Crowns “The Acoustic Sessions Live” – Apr. 11 @ 7:00pm

Scooby Doo Live! “Musical Mysteries” – Apr. 17 @ 6:30pm

In The Mood-1940’s Big Band Musical Revue – Apr. 18 @ 7:30pm, Apr. 19 @ 2:00pm

Alice In Chains “2013 North American Tour” – May 22 @ 7:30pm

DPatrick Presents
BROADWAY AT THE CENTRE 2012-2013

A Chorus Line – Feb. 20 @ 7:30pm

Hal Holbrook in Mark Twain Tonight! – Apr. 5 @ 7:30pm

Rock of Ages – May 9 @ 7:30pm

Visit www.smgevansville.com for more information.

JOURNEY at Ford Center

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fordcenter

JOURNEY
with guests
LOVERBOY
and
NIGHT RANGER
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2012
ON SALE NOW
RESERVED TICKETS: $69.50/59.50/49.50
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT TICKETMASTER.COM, ALL TICKETMASTER OUTLETS, THE FORD CENTER BOX OFFICE OR CHARGE BY PHONE
1-800-745-3000.

Earthquake Awareness Week February 4th – 8th

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You are invited to join millions of people who will Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:15.a.m. on February 7, 2013 in the 2013 Great Central U.S. ShakeOut!
We all must get better prepared for major earthquakes, and practice how to protect ourselves when they happen. The purpose of the ShakeOut is to help people and organizations do both. You could be anywhere when an earthquake strikes: at home, at work, at school or even on vacation.
The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut is an annual opportunity to practice how to be safer during big earthquakes: “Drop, Cover and Hold On.” The ShakeOut has also been organized to encourage you, your community, your school, or your organization to review and update emergency preparedness plans and supplies, and to secure your space in order to prevent damage and injuries.
Media Events
Mayor Lloyd Winnecke has declared the week of February 3rd to February 9th as “Earthquake Awareness Week” In celebration of this, we have scheduled daily media opportunities on the topic of community earthquake preparedness.
Monday February 4th at 9am
The American Red Cross will display and discuss personal preparedness kits
29 S. Stockwell Rd. Evansville IN
Julie Krizen, Communications Specialist
Evansville-Wabash Valley Region
Office: (812) 471-7200
Tuesday February 5th at 9am
The Evansville Fire Department will discuss preparedness in the emergency services
550 S.E. Eighth Street
Evansville, IN 47708
812.436.4413 – Office
Wednesday February 6th 9:00am
Joe Ballard of The Vanderburgh Co. Solid Waste District will speak about household chemical hazards after an earthquake.
Room 327, Civic Center Complex.
1 N.W. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
Evansville, Indiana 47708
812-436-7800
Thursday February 7th Afternoon
The Indiana Geological Survey will have the “Earthquake Simulator” near the front of the Civic Center on MLK. State representatives will be on hand to explain the unit. The public will be allowed to ride the simulator and experience an earthquake.
Thursday February 7th 10:00am
The students at Joshua Academy will participate in a simulated earthquake scenario. Representatives from Indiana Department of Homeland Security will also give a presentation on earthquake safety to the students and faculty.
1230 E. Illinois St. Evansville, IN 47711
Pam Decker
812-401-6300 x230
Thursday February 7th at 9:45am
The Emergency Management Agency will hold an in-service and drill for community leaders at the Emergency Operations Center. The event will culminate with participation in the “Great American Shakeout”
Evansville / Vanderburgh Co. Emergency Management Agency
708 Stanley Ave. Evansville IN 47711
Adam Groupe, Deputy Director
Office: 812-435-6020
Friday February 8th at 9am
The Building Commission will discuss building codes and retrofitting of existing building to increase earthquake survivability.
Evansville / Vanderburgh Building Commission
Room 310, Civic Center Complex.
1 N.W. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
Evansville, Indiana 47708
Ben Miller, Building Commissioner
(812) 436-7867

IS IT TRUE February 4, 2013

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The Mole #??
The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE February 4, 2013

IS IT TRUE all of the readers of the CCO have an opportunity to meet Christy Gillenwater, new President and CEO of The Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana this Wednesday night from 4:30 to 6:30 in the Chamber offices on the 4th Floor of the Innovation Pointe Building?…for those of you who enjoy a free snack from the Baurhaus this is your chance to sink your teeth into the same good food that the Vanderburgh County Democrat Party sunk their teeth into?…the Civic Center Moles still tell us the Democrats did not pay for the chicken but we are willing to bet that the business oriented Chamber of Commerce will pay their bill for Ms. Gillenwater’s welcome reception on time and without a reminder call?

IS IT TRUE the Evansville Courier published an editorial on Sunday about the free flow of information or more importantly about the obligation of elected officials to release information to the public on a right to know basis as opposed to a need to know basis?…the CP even reported on newly installed Indiana Governor Mike Pence’s use of Lincoln’s quote “‘Give the people the facts, and the republic will be saved?’”…the CP then went on to give Judge Carl Heldt grief over ruling against the CP regarding a cause of death request?…we at the CCO agree that information should flow freely unless great harm could come from disclosure?…we also know Judge Heldt to be a deliberate and fair judge who in all likelihood has well thought out reasons for his ruling?…what nearly mystified us over the last number of years is the willingness of the CP to let the recent Mayors of Evansville run wild with secret meetings, second grade VETTING efforts, and blatant in your face refusals to disclose documents that are part of the public record regarding the downtown convention hotel projects?…continuing to cheerlead for Mayors but hold a hard line for judges is hypocrisy of the highest order?

IS IT TRUE in about 3 hours the basketball polls for the week will be released?…it is widely expected that the Indiana Hoosiers will be back in the #1 ranking having whipped up on the Michigan Wolverines in one of the best games in college basketball this year?…as has been the case this year teams do not stay #1 or #2 for long which allowed Indiana to earn another shot at sitting on the #1 position for a while?…2013 appears to be one of those years when there could be 10 – 15 teams that can get hot during March Madness and make a run to the title?…there have been four #1 teams thus far and we will not be surprised to see a couple more teams sitting at #1 before the NCAA Tournament starts in March?…if the Hoosiers play like they did Saturday night they will be very hard to beat?

IS IT TRUE that high electric rates are the enemy of aluminum smelters which the Tri-State has a good number of?…both of the aluminum smelters that operate out of Western Kentucky in Hawesville and Sebree have given notice that they are planning to shut down their operations leaving over 1,000 employees to compete for the few jobs the economy will create between now and then?…both smelters gave the high electric rates of a nickel a kilowatt hour as one of the deciding factors in their decision to shut down and/or go elsewhere?…the other aluminum smelter is of course Alcoa that makes its ingots in Yankeetown just outside of Newburgh?…they are sort of insulated as they essentially went into the electric power business for their own internal use and sometimes for selling to the grid several years back?…we wish all of these companies and their employees well and are grateful that Alcoa made investments in power production that can keep them smelting in Indiana for as long as they wish?

Guy, Schickel, Wilison earn NCAA Provisional Times

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rp_primary_tyler_pence-iu012513INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Freshmen Johnnie Guy and Tyler Schickel, along with junior Erika Wilson earned an NCAA provisional time in their events at the Tom Hathaway Challenge Saturday evening at the University of Indianapolis.

Guy, who won the 5,000 meter race finished in 14 minutes, 34:45 seconds, ranks as the second fastest time in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Sophomore Tyler Pence also earned a provisional time in the 5,000 meter as he posted a time of 14:52.59, which placed him fourth in the event.

Schickel, meanwhile, earned the fastest mile time this season in the GLVC, when he crossed the line 4:12.69.

Wilson, who now has the fastest time for the Screaming Eagles in the 5,000 meters, crossed the finish line in 17:34.62, which good for second place.

Winning a pair of events for USI was junior Jordan Mornout, who took first in the 800 meter and mile runs. The Fort Wayne, Indiana, native’s of 2:22.34 in the 800 ranks fourth in the league, while her 5:10.04 mile mark is the third fastest.

USI is back in action Friday and Saturday at the Hoosier Hills Invitational in Bloomington, Indiana.

UE Wins Local Community Service Award

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UElogo

The University of Evansville has received the annual Community Service Award, presented by the Southwestern Indiana chapter of the Project Management Institute.

The award was presented Saturday night at the local PMI chapter’s awards gala at Rolling Hills Country Club in Newburgh, Indiana.

According to Dr. Curtis Colleton, the chapter’s president, nominees were evaluated on how well their programs promote project management tools, techniques, and/or processes; influence the social and economic well-being of our communities; promote education of youths and adults in the area of project management; and champion community service and corporate programs that promote environmental stewardship and green management practices.

The University of Evansville has received national recognition for its dedication to community service through the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, which recognizes exemplary commitment to service and volunteering. The University was named to the 2011 and 2009 honor rolls.

During the 2011-12 academic year, UE students reported more than 19,000 hours of service to the Evansville community. The University sponsors three group service projects each year: the Freshman Service Project in August, National Make a Difference Day in October, and UE Gives Back in April.

“Community service is a key component of the University of Evansville experience, which prepares students to enter the world as informed, ethical, and productive citizens,” said Geoff Edwards, director of UE’s Center for Student Engagement. “We’re honored that the UE community has once again earned recognition for its commitment to service.”

Other nominees for the 2012 Community Service Award included Old National Bank, Evansville Courier and Press, Berry Plastics Group, University of Southern Indiana, Vectren Corporation, Tucker Publishing Group, Innovative Workflow Technologies, Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, and Lamar-Evansville #248.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

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Vanderburgh_County_in_seal

Evansville, IN – Below is a list of felony cases that were filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office on Friday, February 1, 2013.

Venita Baker Possession of Cocaine-Class D Felony

Lewis Cox II Possession of Marijuana-Class D Felony

William Gonzalez Possession of Marijuana-Class A Misdemeanor
(Enhanced to a Class D Felony due to prior convictions)

Victor Hart Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated-Class C Misdemeanor
(Enhanced to a Class D Felony due to prior convictions)
Possession of Marijuana-Class A Misdemeanor
Possession of Paraphernalia-Class A Misdemeanor

Susan Scott Theft-Class D Felony

Mark Worster Possession of Methamphetamine-Class D Felony
Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person-Class A Misdemeanor
Possession of Paraphernalia-Class A Misdemeanor
False Informing-Class B Misdemeanor

Bryant Mathis Auto Theft-Class D Felony
Failure to Return to Scene of Accident Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury-Class D Felony
Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Ever Receiving a License-Class C Misdemeanor

Michael Washington Burglary-Class B Felony
Theft-Class D Felony
Criminal Mischief-Class D Felony

Angel Weathers Dealing in a Schedule II Controlled Substance-Class B Felony
Possession of Cocaine-Class B Felony
Possession of Marijuana-Class A Misdemeanor

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

Deaconess named title sponsor of 2013 GLVC Basketball Tourney

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rp_primary_2013_glvcBBchamplogoThe Great Lakes Valley Conference announced today that Deaconess Health System, a tri-state community health care provider, has been named the title sponsor of the 2013 Deaconess GLVC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournaments. The announcement was made Thursday in Evansville, Ind., at the Ford Center – site of the 2013 tournaments, March 7-10.

In addition, the Evansville Sports Corporation will serve as the event’s local organizing committee, ensuring the community is prepared for some of the nation’s finest NCAA Division II basketball come March.

“The GLVC prides itself on being leaders in the classroom, on the hardwood, and in the community, so joining forces with Deaconess Health System and the Evansville Sports Corporation for our 2013 basketball tournaments makes for a wonderful partnership,” said GLVC Commissioner Jim Naumovich. “We are thrilled to bring our tournaments back to Evansville and align our brand with two organizations deeply vested in the local community.”

Linda White, CEO of Deaconess Health System, echoed Naumovich’s sentiments.

“Partnering with a group dedicated to physical activity and community engagement seemed like a natural fit for Deaconess,” White said. “As a community health care provider, we seek out new and innovative ways to encourage tri-state families to get active. This basketball tournament and the associated activities on Main Street will provide our community with a great opportunity for fun and fitness.”

The 2013 Deaconess GLVC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournaments will feature 16 seeded teams, including eight men’s and eight women’s squads that will have earned an invitation following first-round matchups on their respective campuses. On Thursday, March 7, the men’s quarterfinals will take place with four games at noon, 2:30 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. CT. Friday’s action will feature the four women’s quarterfinal contests at the same times. Both the men’s and the women’s semifinals will commence on Saturday, March 9, as the men take to the court at noon and 2:30 p.m., followed by the women at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The men’s GLVC Champion will be crowned on Sunday, March 10, at noon, followed by the women’s final at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets will go on sale Friday, Feb. 8, through ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000, or through the Ford Center box office at (812) 422-1515. All-Tournament passes are $35, while Session Flex Passes are $25, allowing you access to any two of the first six sessions, excluding Sunday’s finals. Single-session tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students with a valid ID, while children aged six and under are admitted free of charge.

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