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Judge candidate Blackard humbled by support

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Judge candidate Blackard humbled by support

Barry Blackard, candidate for Superior Court judge, feels both “humbled and encouraged” by the level of support he has received from his campaign supporters. Blackard is challenging Brett Neimeier, the current judge of the Juvenile-Probate division in the Vanderburgh Superior Court. The Vanderburgh County Superior Court is made of 7 judges, 2 of which are being opposed in their bids for re-election to third terms.

“Challenging a career politician is expensive, and my supporters have really answered the call,” Blackard said.

Blackard stated he was encouraged to run for judge by numerous people in the community who are deeply concerned about the current Vanderburgh County Juvenile Court system which many believe is ineffective and inefficient. “As many as 1000 cases have been stripped from my opponent and distributed to others judges due to his inefficient system,” Blackard said.

“Prior to entering this race, I called upon family, close friends, and leaders in the community for support. I have been humbled by their overwhelming confidence in my ability to improve the Juvenile division. Due to their support, I was able to fund our campaign without depending on money from lawyers, a pledge that I made to voters before entering the race.”

Historically, the majority of judicial candidate campaigns are funded by local attorneys that practice in their courts. “I refuse to accept any campaign contributions from lawyers or others who might appear before our courts. That is an issue that distinguishes me from my opponent, Blackard said. I don’t see any distinction between this practice and athletes paying the officials before the game. It just feels improper to me. I want to promote the fairness and impartiality of our courts.”

(POSTED WITHOUT OPINON OR EDITING)

Indiana University School of Medicine Evansville Expansion Planning

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Indiana University School of Medicine Evansville Expansion Planning

On Monday, officials with the Indiana University School of Medicine Evansville responded to an inquiry from an Evansville Courier & Press reporter, regarding possible site options for an expanded medical school and collaborative regional health education campus. One element of the study includes Identifying areas in the community that would serve as compatible locations if an expansion were to occur. As responsible due diligence requires, the official from the IU School of Medicine noted that several locations were initially suggested to the steering committee which included both commercial real estate and vacant city-owned parcels such as Roberts Stadium.

In contrast to the reporter’s perspective in the early-phase report to the committee, the Roberts Stadium property has not been formally listed as a site for consideration. Other sites will be studied more closely as the study moves forward. Med school officials note that the study should be completed by year end. At that time, recommendations from the study will be shared with the public.

Willard Library Ghost Tours Begin Today

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Since the 1930’s, Willard Library employees and patrons have talked about the “Grey Lady,” the ghost that supposedly haunts the building. Learn more about the legend of this apparition when you tour the Victorian Gothic building. 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Thursday; 7, 8 and 9 p.m. Friday, 8, 9 and 10 p.m. on Saturday.

Click Here for More Information

Old National Bank Boo at the Zoo Begins This Weekend

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Evansville, IN – Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden is the perfect place to enjoy a safe family Halloween experience on the evenings of 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 & 28 during Old National Bank Boo at the Zoo. Trick or treat your way through the Zoo visiting candy stations and enjoying craft activities, giant inflatables, a Mad Scientist, murals, face painting, creepy critters, games, AAZAK’s Tent of Terror, and a magician. Dress up in your favorite costume and arrive anytime between 5:00 & 8:00 p.m. Take a peek at creatures of the night in the Zoo’s Nocturnal Exhibit and trek through AMAZONIA. Visitors of all ages will have a frightfully good time, leaving the Zoo with a bag full of goodies.

Tickets are available for purchase at the Zoo, on www.meskerparkzoo.com, and Old National Bank downtown, One Main Street. Tickets are $6 for Zoo members and $8 for non members. $1 off coupons are available at all 13 Evansville area Old National Banks.

Another feature at this year’s Old National Bank Boo at the Zoo is the Scarecrow Decorating Contest, Sponsored by Monsanto. Contest categories include family/individual or business/organization. Prizes include $250 cash for first place in both categories, $50 for second place in both categories, as well as prizes valuing more than $500 along with a prize pack from Monsanto. Entry forms can be downloaded on www.meskerparkzoo.com.

Zoo gates will close at 2:00 PM on each night of Boo at the Zoo and reopen at 5:00 PM for Boo at the Zoo. Special thanks to Old National Bank, Townsquare Media, Channels 7 & 25, Monsanto Company, Alcoa, Deaconess Clinic, Heritage Federal Credit Union, Prairie Farms, and PCI Skanska and Industrial Contractors Skanska. Please visit www.meskerparkzoo.com for more information.

Public Safety Officials Recommend Tips for Safe Halloween

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The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS), Indiana State Police (ISP) and Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) offer the following tips for a safe Halloween:

Tips for motorists

Due to the number of children out on the street on Halloween evening, motorists should be very careful driving along city streets, especially in neighborhoods, during designated trick-or-treat hours.

· Avoid talking on a cell phone or other distracting activities.

· Remember that excited children may dart out into traffic at any time without warning.

· Drive with your headlights on, even during daylight trick-or-treat hours, so that your vehicle is more visible to children.

Safety on the road

· Trick-or-treaters should use sidewalks instead of the street whenever possible and always cross at crosswalks.

· Remind children to look both ways before crossing the street.

· Teach children to never assume they are seen by a vehicle. Small children may be especially difficult to spot in the dark.

· Children should also carry flashlights after dark to easily see and be seen.

Costumes

· When purchasing costumes, masks, beards and wigs, make sure the label says “flame resistant.” While this doesn’t ensure these items won’t catch fire, it does indicate the items will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.

· To minimize the risk of contact with candles or other sources of ignition, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.

· Apply a natural mask of cosmetics rather than have a child wear a loose-fitting mask that might restrict breathing or obscure vision. If a mask is used, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.

· For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car’s headlights. Bags or sacks should also be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle, and sporting goods stores.

Safe homes

Homeowners and renters expecting trick-or-treaters should remove anything that could be an obstacle from lawns, steps and porches.
Check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps to avoid slips.
Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

Trick-or-treating

Only trick-or-treat during hours designated by the community.
Children should only visit familiar homes that have the porch light on.

· Make sure older children trick-or-treat with friends and carry a cell phone for quick communication.

Younger children should walk in groups with older children or be accompanied by an adult.
Children should never enter a home, but should wait on the porch for the resident to hand out treats.

Eating treats

Children should be instructed to refrain from eating any treats until after they get home.
Parents should inspect their children’s treats before allowing the children to eat them.
Only eat candy wrapped in its original wrapper and inspect all fruit thoroughly before allowing children to eat it.

For more information about safety this fall, visit GetPrepared.in.gov.

Palm Springs Votes to Fund iHub Expansion for Acceleration Park

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Joe Wallace, Coachella Valley iHub

The Coachella Valley iHub will soon be able to offer incubator graduate companies low-cost manufacturing space and engineering development space in a 10,000-square-foot “accelerator campus” on land owned by the Palm Springs International Airport. The campus has the capacity to expand to 50,000 square feet as demand increases. The Coachella Valley iHub lead by Joe Wallace has been filled to capacity in less than a year since commencing operations. Three of the iHub businesses we selected as members of the 100 Worlds Best Technology companies and will be making presentations before over 100 members of the venture capital community in San Diego next week

The Palm Springs City Council on Wednesday approved leasing the site to the green business incubator and is picking up the first year’s rent as well as providing funding for building improvements, according to a staff report that was on the council’s consent agenda.

“We’re the first iHub in the state to have an accelerator campus,” said Thomas Flavin, CEO of the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership, announcing the campus at today’s Renwable Energy Roundtable. “It gives us a huge competitive advantage to attract new renewable energy businesses.”

CVEP oversees the incubator, which is a state-designated innovation hub sponsored by Palm Springs, Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs. Open for about a year, it is working with 13 businesses, ranging from a company that converts regular cars to electric vehicles to one developing a new renewable energy storage technology.

Located in three buildings at 2901 E. Alejo Drive, the campus will provide low-cost manufacturing or other business space for incubator businesses that are ready to expand beyond the bare-bones offices the iHub offers at CVEP’s Rabobank Regional Business Center in Palm Springs.

Joe Wallace, general manager of the iHub, said he would like to have the accelerator open by early next year, and he has at least two businesses ready to expand.

EVSC Board Meeting

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The Board of School Trustees of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation will meet in executive session at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, October 22, 2012, in the John H. Schroeder Conference Center in the Superintendent’s Office in the Technology and Innovation Center, 951 Walnut, Evansville, IN 47713. The session will be conducted according to Senate Enrolled Act 313, Section 1, I.C. 5-14-1.5-6.1, as amended. The purpose of the meeting is for discussion of collective bargaining, (2)(A); initiation of litigation or litigation that is either pending or has been threatened specifically in writing, (2)(B); purchase or lease of property, (2)(D); and job performance evaluation of individual employees, (9).
The regular meeting of the School Board will follow at 5:30 p.m. in the EVSC Board Room, same address.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

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VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

This feature is sponsored by Chris Walsh For Vanderburgh County Clerk. Chris Walsh is a veteran county administrator that strongly supports our local law enforcement professionals . Chris Walsh is a candidate that possess a non-partisan attitude with a consumer friendly demeanor. Chris also stands against unification of city and county governments.
This ad paid for by the committiee to elect Walsh Clerk.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES
Evansville, IN – Below is a list of felony cases that were filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday, October 17, 2012.

Lucas Ash Burglary –Class C Felony
Theft – Class D Felony

Dustin Biggs Dealing Schedule I Controlled Substance – Class B Felony
Possession of Marijuana – Class A Misdemeanor

Amanda Goodman Dealing in Methamphetamine – Class A Felony
Possession of Methamphetamine – Class B Felony
Theft – Class D Felony
False Informing – Class A Misdemeanor
Possession of Paraphernalia – Class A Misdemeanor (Two Counts)
(Habitual Substance Offender Enhancement)

Charles Hardy Possession of Methamphetamine – Class D Felony
Possession of Paraphernalia – Class A Misdemeanor
(Habitual Substance Offender Enhancement)

James Hogan Burglary – Class C Felony
Theft – Class D Felony
Failure of a Sex Offender to Possess Identification – Class A Misdemeanor
(Enhanced to a Class D Felony)
Habitual Offender Enhancement

Shannon Jackson Forger y – Class C Felony
Theft – Class D Felony

Samantha Murphy Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury – Class D Felony

Brandon Robertson Dealing in Methamphetamine – Class A Felony
Possession of Methamphetamine – Class B Felony
Theft – Class D Felony
Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Class D Felony
Possession of Paraphernalia – Class A 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

American People Deserve the Facts, by Bill Galston & Mark McKinnon

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“What you’re saying is just not true,” Barack Obama told his opponent in Tuesday night’s presidential debate. “It’s absolutely true,” Mitt Romney replied.

If the two candidates — and the parties they lead — can’t agree on the facts, then how can they have a productive debate about solutions?

Neither party is being upfront with the American people about the choices we face.

Take fiscal policy. The parties can’t even agree on the realities of our balance sheet. When leaders in Washington debate the federal budget, they routinely use different baselines, projections and assumptions. This makes deciphering the facts very difficult, if not impossible, for the American people.

To quote an old Scottish writer, many Washington leaders “use statistics as a drunken man uses lampposts — for support rather than for illumination.”

To hear some on the right tell it, you’d think our deficit is driven primarily by moochers, government waste, and shiftless bureaucrats. On the left, many seem to think rich tax dodgers are the ones busting our books.

But these culprits — however egregious they may be — are relatively small potatoes. The real causes of our deficit aren’t those “other people” gaming the system. It’s all of us. It’s tax cuts that we can no longer afford and spending programs that are growing far faster than our ability to pay for them.

The American people deserve to know what’s really happening with our nation’s finances, and Congress should be able to work off the same set of numbers. That’s where No Labels comes in. No Labels is a movement of Democrats, Republicans and independents united behind a simple proposition: We want our government to stop fighting and start fixing. The group’s “Different Opinions, but the Same Facts” proposal would be a big step in that direction. Here’s how it works:

Every year, a nonpartisan leader, such as the comptroller general, would deliver a televised fiscal update in person to a joint session of Congress. The president, vice president, all Cabinet members, and members of Congress would attend. Our leaders would be asked to affirm — in writing — that they accept the same set of facts. These facts would not be Democratic, Republican, or independent. Just correct.

This is one No Labels proposal to make Congress and the presidency work. We also have two action plans to do just that also, our “Make Congress Work!” action plan and our “Make the Presidency Work!” action plan. Central to each is the simple idea that if elected officials are going to work across the aisle, they need to agree on some basic realities.

A generation ago, the late Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan declared that while every man is entitled to his own opinions, he isn’t entitled to his own facts. He was right then. He’s still right today. And unless we act accordingly, we can’t hope to solve our country’s problems.

Source: Real Clear Politics

IS IT TRUE October 18, 2012

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The Mole #??

IS IT TRUE October 18, 2012

IS IT TRUE that the word in the street is that a search committee to recommend a new city council attorney will be appointed by City Council President Connie Robinson?…the makeup of that search committee according to well placed CCO Moles will be Council members Jonathan Weaver, Conor O’ Daniel, and President Robinson herself?…the choice of Councilman Weaver is puzzling as he should not serve on this committee because he was one of the members of the City Council who was involved in the Maingate Bar fiasco that nearly cost Al Lindsey his day job due to backroom bi-partisan whisper campaigning?…Council members Missy Mosby and Weaver lost the battle with fire merit commission hearing case that could have resulted in Councilman Lindsay being fired from Fire Department?…Attorney Scott Danks represented Al Lindsey against the allegations that were set into motion by Mosby and Weaver?…it is the opinion of the CCO that Councilman Weaver could not be an objective member of the search committee in considering Scott Danks as the next Evansville City Council attorney?

IS IT TRUE that the minimum payments from Earthcare Energy that the Winnecke Administration snuck a $200,000 loan to in a back door manner without even telling the City Council remain current?…that Earthcare still owes the City of Evansville about $186,000?…the CCO has been made aware that the link to the website for Earthcare Energy is no longer working?… there is also recent confirmation that other businesses that were doing about the same thing are not producing or selling the Langson devices either?…it was not just the numbskulls of Evansville that got sucked into this either?…the President of the United States Barack Obama flew in on Air Force One to tout the future of greatness associated with this technology along with Solyndra, EnerOne, and recently A123 Systems?…that should be a lesson that politicians of any level are the kiss of death to a commercial venture with technical content and that there is no office high enough to be immune for being “Earthcared”?

IS IT TRUE that the CCO was the first to publish a letter from the Office of 8th District Congressman Larry Buschon that addressed the ways in which federal grants will be effected in the event that Evansville and Vanderburgh County are merged in the November referendum?…this is an issue that was clearly communicated by the supporters of unification and the consolidation committee to be a NON-ISSUE from day one and over and over in public forums?…after that it appears like there is an impact after all and that in the short term that the impact is definitive and negative to the tune of $180,000 per year?…we have not seen any headlines about this hidden cost of consolidation?…it also seems as though former DMD Director Tom Barnett warned of this in 2011?…this is just another example of the incomplete nature of the consolidation plan that is being voted on in November?…that proponents counter that there are other competitive opportunities that are only available if consolidation passes but there are no numbers or timelines that have been disclosed?…that consolidation seems to be coming down to the question of “trust us, it will be better yet our plan shows little improvement and bars us from picking the low hanging fruit for 10 years” vs. “the City of Evansville is a fiscal mess and is not ready to merge with anything”?…this will be the choice facing voters this year?…the YES position sounds very much like the HOPE AND CHANGE rhetoric from 2008 compete with a team that got “EARTHCARED” ready to take us “FORWARD”?

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