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Mayor’s Optimist Club Appearance

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Mayor Lloyd Winnecke will be the guest speaker at a meeting of the Evansville Northside Optimist Club
on Thursday, March 15, at noon at Wolf’s Bar-B-Q Restaurant, 6600 N. First Ave. Mayor Winnecke
will talk about his first few months in office and share information about a financial education initiative
targeting teens hired through the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program.

Optimists International is an association of more than 2,900 Optimist Clubs around the world dedicated
to “Bringing Out the Best in Kids.” The Evansville Northside Optimist Club is currently recruiting new
members. For information on membership, contact Linda Freeman-Schaffstein at 812-963-1976. For
more information on Optimist International, visit http://optimist.org.

IS IT TRUE: March 13, 2012

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The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE: March 13, 2012

IS IT TRUE that the ink is barely dry on the “almost” comprehensive smoking ban that was passed by the Evansville City Council and there are already two legal challenges being brought against the City of Evansville and the City Council?…that the basis for the suits that has real merit is the exemption that was carved out for the gaming floor at Casino Aztar?…that of course both suits have other claims of “freedom of assembly” and “right to smoke” to cloud the air but those kinds of suits have been struck down by courts all over the country so many times that the precedents are on the side of the City and its Council?…that the City County Observer predicted this would happen on the basis of the alleged “capricious and arbitrary” granting of an exemption based on the magnitude of tax dollars that Aztar pays to the city?…that the only real cognitive argument that the City of Evansville will have that may have legs is that their decision on the Aztar exemption was not ”capricious and arbitrary”?…that the tobacco games are about to begin in Evansville so get your popcorn and enjoy the show?…that as the little Koala Bear says in “Rescuers Down Under” “THIS OUGHTA BE RICH”?

IS IT TRUE that Louisville tried the whole give and exemption to a legacy business that howled that they would go broke if smoking were banned thing and lost in court?…that Louisville carved out an exemption for Churchill Downs and were sued on the basis of “unequal protection” and lost the case?…that the eventual result was a non-smoking Churchill Downs along with the other businesses in town?…that the Evansville City Council knew this full well when they embarked on a trip down the same path?…that even though two members of the City Council voted against the smoking ordinance that the precedent of Louisville never came up in the discussions and neither did equal protection?…that there is no justification for the City Council having gotten itself into this predicament?…that what has to happen now to get the equal protection dilemma relieved is either Evansville will return to its old ways of not protecting workers and will once again be a smoker’s paradise or the next step will be taken to go comprehensive with the smoking ban with no exemptions?

IS IT TRUE that won’t happen so fast because the Indiana State Legislature in all of its wisdom has passed an even more watered down version of a smoking ban that allegedly prevents cities from banning smoking on a casino floor?…that the reality of this situation is that the State of Indiana may have just passed an unconstitutional smoking ban to complement the one that Evansville is being challenged for?…that the City of Evansville may have painted itself into a corner that only leaves it an “all or nothing” option except that the all would violate Indiana’s weak ban?…that would leave Evansville by virtue of the timing and the exemptions with a NOTHING option unless they learned attorney for the City of Evansville can prevail over the “capricious and arbitrary” assertion?…that the days, months, and years that follow will be most interesting in this place that seldom has the courage do what they knew or should have known to be the only defensible action available?

IS IT TRUE that even in the now 24th year of a statewide comprehensive smoking ban in the State of California that gaming floors in casinos allow smoking?…that back in 1988 when the ban was passed there were no casinos in California?…that the way that this happened is because only Indian Reservations can host gambling houses?…that Indian Reservations are considered for these purposes to be sovereign nations and get to make their own rules with respect to smoking just like the states?…that the tribes by choice or to appease market forces only allow smoking where the gaming is taking place and not in the common areas of their facilities?…that maybe that is a solution for Indiana if the state and its cities can’t muster the courage to choose as many other states have already done?

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest @ Evansville Civic Theatre

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A hit novel that became a hit play that became a hit film! Jack Nicholson played the leading role of McMurphy in the movie as a charming rogue who pleads insanity to get out of his latest prison sentence. Unfortunately, his plan backfires and he is sent to a mental institution where he clashes head on with a fierce disciplinarian by the name of Nurse Ratched. McMurphy and Ratched compete for the hearts and minds of the other patients in a power struggle of wits and charisma versus smarts and tyranny. He leads his fellow patients out of introversion, stages a revolt so that they can see the World Series on television, and arranges a rollicking midnight party with liquor and loose women. The play stands as one of the finest dramatic and heart-wrenching scripts in modern theatre and culminates in both a shocking yet somehow sweet ending. (Contains some adult language)

Department of Creative Writing Announces New Harlaxton Summer Writing Program for High School Students

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Faculty members from the University of Evansville’s Department of Creative Writing are pleased to announce the creation of a new program for high school students. The Harlaxton Summer Writing Program for High School Juniors and Seniors will give promising students the opportunity to work with experienced authors to further their craft and their global curiosity.

The first session is scheduled for June 13-28, 2013, at the University of Evansville’s British campus near Grantham, England.

“Since 2005, the Department of Creative Writing has hosted summer writing programs for undergraduate and graduate students at Harlaxton College, so we’re excited to build on the success of this tradition by creating a new session specifically for high school students,” said Rob Griffith, Summer Writing Program director and UE associate professor of creative writing. “The opportunity to live and study in a historic manor house, work with notable British and American faculty, and explore England’s rich literary history through travel is an unparalleled opportunity for young writers.”

During the program, students will attend discussions about British literature, history, music, and art, then take field trips to see plays and visit landmarks about which they have learned and read — including the cities of London, Stratford-upon Avon, York, Cambridge, and Lincoln. Students will also write about their study abroad experiences and discuss their work in writing workshops and personal conferences with faculty members.

Students entering their junior or senior years of high school are eligible to apply for the program. An application is available online online and must be accompanied by up to two poems or 10 pages of prose.

Pancakes with the (USI) President

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Join the USI Student Alumni Association for Breakfast with the President from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, March 20, in Carter Hall in the University Center. The breakfast will be a pancake, sausage, and fruit buffet.

This annual tradition allows students the opportunity to discuss campus issues and concerns while having breakfast with President Linda L. M. Bennett. All students and employees are welcome and encouraged to attend.

A panel of USI students representing eight organizations will ask Dr. Bennett a series of questions about the University and campus policies. The 2012 panel includes Jordan Whitledge, Student Government Association; Sarah Aydt, Activities Programming Board; Kurtis Kelley, Black Student Union; Lauren Reckelhoff, Panhellenic Council; Katie Webster, Student Housing Association; Brenda Ramirez, Latinos – Hispanic Student Union; Mark Furman, Interfraternity Council; and Blake Frazier, Student Ambassador Organization.

Breakfast is free for all students who attend. Students with a valid Eagle Access Card may pick up a free ticket at the Alumni & Volunteer Services Office, located in University Center East next to the Bookstore. Others may call 812/464-1924 to make reservations ($8 per person) for the breakfast. Reservations are required.

VHS Pet of the Week: “Juju”

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JuJu is a 1-year-old DSH. JuJu certainly lives up to her diva status as a Torti. She’s feisty and playful. She will make an excellent addition to a multi-cat home but she can also find things to entertain herself so if she is an only cat, she wouldn’t mind. A couple of kids would be most welcome. JuJu loves to sneak up on things and pounce so her new family needs to be stocked up on cat toys before she comes home. For more information, please call 812-426-2563.

JEFFERSON STARSHIP TO LAND IN LOUISVILLE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
Jennifer Montgomery, jennifer@m2maxmedia.com, (502) 418-6819
Ali Shaw, ali@m2maxmedia.com, (502) 262-8580

JEFFERSON STARSHIP TO LAND IN LOUISVILLE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Louisville, KY (February 7, 2012) – Organizers of the WHAS 11 Abbey Road on the River festival are pleased to announce that Jefferson Starship, the band that descended from Jefferson Airplane and was created by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Jefferson Airplane founder Paul Kantner, will headline the 5-day event with their 2000th performance on Saturday, May 26th at 9:00pm. Jefferson Starship will perform on the Main Lawn Stage, allowing all Saturday ticketholders access to the show. VIP ticket packages to North America’s largest Beatles tribute festival are available online at www.arotr.com.

Jefferson Starship’s show will honor the band that they are so often compared to – The Beatles. Both Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bands have had an influence and impact on rock music that continues well into the 21st century. Their performance will take the audience back to the 1960’s era of music with their rendition of Beatles hits and their own chart toppers like “Jane,” “Somebody To Love,” “Miracles,” “White Rabbit,” “Volunteers,” “Count On Me” and many more.

This will mark the 11th year of Abbey Road on the River in Louisville, which takes place over Memorial Day weekend at the Belvedere and Galt House Hotel. From May 24th through May 28th, more than 60 bands from around the world and all across the United States will “come together” to perform on 8 indoor and outdoor stages for more than 25,000 fans. Returning fan favorite bands in the line-up for 2012 are Hal Bruce, All You Need Is Love, Abbey Road LIVE!, Apple Core, BritBeat, Lucy in the Sky, The Elliotts, The Newbees, The Norwegian Beatles, The Yellow SubMorons, and The English Channel. Several first time bands are scheduled to perform, including The Brothel Creepers from Bologna, Italy, Meet the Beatles from the U.K., The Hollywood Beatles from Southern California, The LSB Experience from The Netherlands, and The Cavernites from Liverpool, England. Festival goers can also enjoy free guitar lessons, Beatles film screenings and presentations, Beatles karaoke, a costume contest & parade, and a Beatles merchandise marketplace.
After kicking off the summer in Louisville, the festival will once again travel to Washington, D.C. to close the summer with a 5-day show over Labor Day Weekend, August 30th -September 3rd. The Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at National Harbor will host thousands of fans celebrating the Fab Four on the banks of the Potomac River in our nation’s capital. VIP tickets and hotel reservations for the Washington, D.C. festival can be purchased at www.abbeyroadontheriver.com.

WHAS 11 Abbey Road on the River, a four-time winner of the Kentucky Travel Industry Association’s Top 10 Spring Festivals, is sponsored by 84-WHAS, 95.7 WQMF, Sports Radio 790, The Galt House Hotel & Suites, Kroger, the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Louisville Magazine and Louisville.com, with additional support from Gretsch Guitar, Republic Bank, and MillerCoors. Visit www.arotr.com to purchase festival tickets, make a reservation at the Galt House Hotel, and get more information about Abbey Road on the River, Louisville and Washington, D.C.

City and City Council Getting Sued Over Smoking Ban Exemption

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Attorney Les Shively who recently made the short list as a candidate for the Indiana Supreme Court has filed a lawsuit against the City of Evansville and the Evansville City Council seeking exemptions to the recently passed smoking ban for a roster of his clients including two local VFW posts, American Legion Post 265, Owls Nest No. 30, the River City Eagles, the Riverbend Association, and the German Maennechor.

In a similar action in Louisville, Kentucky a group of clubs brought a lawsuit against the City of Louisville for exempting Churchill Downs on the grounds of unconstitutionality and prevailed. The outcome was not what Mr. Shively is seeking though, the outcome in Louisville was a judicial determination that the exemption for Churchill Downs was struck down resulting in a comprehensive smoking ban.

In a separate action Attorney Charlie Berger has filed a similar suit representing “bar owners”

It shall be iteresting to watch this proceed as such a determination may also strike down the recently passed statewide smoking ban in the State of Indiana. Is it true that this action was predicted by the CCO back on Feruary 14th.

IS IT TRUE Part 2: Is Nancy Pelosi in Charge of the Evansville City Council?

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Do Not Follow the PELOSI DOCTRINE

IS IT TRUE that the Evansville Cty Council recieved their packets for tonights meeting at the end of the business day on Friday?…that included in that packet was a ordinance that will be entered into its first reading tonight that the CCO has published this morning?…that this ordinance is asking for the City of Evansville to borrow $5 Million at market rates (4% +/-) to then turn around and loan to EarthCare Energy at an interest rate of 1.5%?…that as of early this morning we do not know of any member of the City Council that has actually read the contents of the 30 or so page proposed loan agreement that covers the terms of the loan that the City of Evansville is being asked to make to EarthCare Energy?…that legislative bodies have been put into places of being asked to make big money decisions before?…that it has already been 3 years since then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi uttered her famous line “we have to pass it to see what is in it” referring to the now much criticized $787 Million Federal Stimulus Package?…that taking a month to read that bill would have been good advice and may have resulted in better legislation?

IS IT TRUE that the Evansville City Council would be well served to delay this vote for a couple of weeks so that all nine of them can read and maybe even seek outside council with respect to translating the contents and ramifications of this action?…that pushing something through before all nine members of the Evansville City Council can actually pass a test on this proposal with at least a gentleman’s C is a disservice to the community?…that mimicking and parroting Nancy Pelosi is not what is expected of the Evansville City Council?…that those that do not have a background in reading complex documents need to be given the time to make an informed decision and to seek the will of the people who elected them?…that a decision by any city to get into the business of issueing “junk bonds” to private businesses is a serious decision that needs to undergo the scrutiny of the voters?…that the CCO encourages the City Council to exercise the good sense to think this through?…that if this is such a good deal that it will still be available in 2 weeks?

IS IT TRUE that the City Council members need to ask some questions that are normally associated with VETTING that has not exactly been a skill exhibited in Evansville lately?…that the first question should be with respect to the exclusivity or lack thereof of the technology that is being licensed by EarthCare Energy?…that the next question should be to ask about the other attempts to raise capital to implement or license this technology by the Reno based business that invented it?…that if this is such a great thing one would think that being only 200 miles from the venture capital enclave of Silicon Valley would have already yielded some results?…that the question “why has some private investor not already financed this” needs to be answered?…that one of those potential private investors is Vectren Corporation that is clearly in favor of the City of Evansvlle making this loan to EarthCare Energy?…that the CCO wonders if or if not Vectren or one of its subsidiaries has made an equity investment in this company and why?

IS IT TRUE that this needs to be VETTED well and the City Council needs to be able to justify whatever action is taken well into the future?…that the last money that was supposedly programmed for loaning to businesses to create jobs was confiscted by the Weinzapfel Administration to build Front Door Pride houses?…that was one big mistake and that we hope that another collasal mistake is not make on behalf of the people of Evansville who will be left holding the bag if this deal goes sour?…that we encourage our City Council members to THINK, THINK, THINK, AND THINK SOME MORE BEFORE following the Nancy Pelosi Doctrine of “Pass before Reading”?