Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel, the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville (GAGE), and the Hadi Shriners of Evansville announced this morning that a plan has been jointly developed for the Shriners to assume responsibility for planning, organizing and producing a free annual summer air show and festival on the riverfront in Downtown Evansville – and that the Blue Angels, the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, are booked to headline the June 2011 festival.
New Summer Family Festival in Downtown Evansville
Burn Ban Issued for Vanderburgh County
Due to extremely dry conditions, the Evansville Environmental Protection Agency (EEPA), in coordination with the Evansville Fire Department and the Suburban Firefighters Association,
has issued an Open Burn Ban for the jurisdictional area of the City of Evansville. The Vanderburgh County Commissioners have issued a Burn Ban for Vanderburgh County.
The Open Burn Ban will continue until conditions improve. As of the date of this notice, 35 counties in Indiana are under a burn ban. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security maintains a statewide county status of burn bans which may be found at: http://www.in.gov/dhs/files/burn-ban/. The EEPA will notify the public when the ban has been lifted. All forms of Open Burning are prohibited, including, but not limited to:
v Recreational, ceremonial, or camp fires;
v Burn Barrels (county residents only; a reminder that these are never to be used for trash);
v Agricultural and ditch clearing;
v Prescribed burns;
v Previously approved Open Burn Variances; and
v Previously approved Air Curtain Incinerator Permits.
This ban does not include charcoal or gas grills for cooking, or outdoor fireplaces incorporated in a structure such as a shelter house (with a chimney). Any exceptions to the Open Burn Ban must be approved in advance, in writing, by the Director of the EEPA, Chief Jarboe of the City of Evansville Fire Department, or Chief Kahre of Scott Township Fire Department.
If the EEPA had previously approved an Open Burn Variance or Air Curtain Incinerator
Permit, upon request, the Variance or Permit may be extended for an additional two weeks after
the ban has been lifted. For Open Burn Variances or Air Curtain Incinerator Permits issued by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), please contact that department.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Evansville EPA at (812) 435-6145.
Zoeller files lawsuit to stop nuisance robo-calls
Zoeller on Friday filed suit against the telephone solicitor, Otis Thomas of 3011 North Gladstone Avenue, Indianapolis, seeking a permanent injunction and thousands of dollars in civil penalties.
“When a solicitor calls Hoosiers who asked not to be called and subjects them to a prerecorded message they didn’t ask to hear, it adds insult to the injury in violation of our laws,†Zoeller said. “Since Indiana consumers have said emphatically they have little tolerance for robo-calls, the robo-callers will find no leniency here.â€
According to the complaint filed Friday in Marion County Civil Superior Court, Thomas markets prepaid legal plans and services to consumers. Since at least April 6, 2010, Thomas used an autodialing device to place calls to consumers and played them prerecorded robo-call sales messages without a live operator obtaining their permission first, a prerequisite for such calls to be legal.
Moreover, Thomas placed robo-calls to 12 consumers in Marion County who had previously registered for the Indiana Do Not Call list, which means they should not have received telemarketing calls regardless of whether the calls were live or prerecorded.
Besides a permanent injunction to block Thomas from placing robo-calls, the Attorney General’s lawsuit seeks civil penalties of up to $10,000 for the first violation and $25,000 for each subsequent violation of the Indiana Telephone Privacy Act. The suit also seeks up to $5,000 for each violation of the Indiana Auto Dialer Act.
“The existence of this widely-known law is no secret and there is no excuse for any solicitor to disregard it now and violate Hoosiers’ privacy. The Indiana General Assembly passed the Auto Dialer Act limiting robo-calls in 1988,†Zoeller said.
Consumers who have received robo-calls and want to lodge a complaint can contact the Attorney General’s Telephone Privacy Division toll-free at 888.834.9969 or visit www.IndianaConsumer.com. At the same number and website, consumers can register for the Do Not Call list – it is updated quarterly – and lodge complaints about telephone privacy violations.
Court dates have not been scheduled yet in the lawsuit.
Open Letter to Gail Riecken
This acknowledges receipt of Democratic Party Chairman Mark Owens’s email of September 20, 2010 at 5:13 p.m. on your behalf. In this email, you accept a single debate from the three I challenged.
Further, you dictated the date, time, and place of this single debate for October 8, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the CK Newsome Center, 100 E Walnut St # 1, Evansville, Indiana. You have reserved a room. It is my understanding that non-profit groups are not charged for the use of this room and that neither campaign will incur a cost.
It is curious that you have chosen a day and time likely to be of great inconvenience to many voters and I once again express my objections on behalf of the voters of the district, who deserve better service than this. You say your schedule is too “tight†for more than one debate; my position is that public servants are here to serve the best interests of the people of the district, and not the other way around.
However, as this appears to be the only debate to which you will agree, despite your earlier acceptance of three debates, including one in Newburgh, I have reserved this time on my calendar. I will hold the October 13 date previously announced for the Newburgh American Legion, in case your “very tight schedule†clears up to provide the voters in Newburgh an opportunity to attend a debate in their hometown.
In addition, you accept the moderator and the terms of the moderator for the debate. The moderator is Randy Wheeler, News Director for WIKY and a member of the Executive Board of the Indiana Debate Commission; Mr. Wheeler is acting independently in this instance and not on behalf of the Commission.
Mr. Wheeler has submitted a detailed format for the debate. I have signed and returned this document and accept its provisions. I ask that Mr. Wheeler make known the email address to which voters may submit questions a week before the event.
Upcoming Republican Events
EDITOR’S NOTE: WE WELCOME ANY POLITICAL ORGANIZATION TO SEND US THEIR NOTICES CONCERNING “WHAT GOING ON IN THEIR ORGANIZATION”.
Mark Your Calendars: 2010 Reagan Day Dinner
Mark your calendards for Thursday, September 30th when the Vanderburgh GOP will host its first annual Reagan Day Dinner, which will feature Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman. The dinner will be held from 6-9pm at Cambridge Golf Course. Cost: Platinum Corporate Table Sponsor – $1500, Gold Corporate Table Sponsor – $1000, Individual Dinner w/ VIP Pass – $250, Individual Dinner – $100. Make checks payable to the “Vanderburgh County Republican Party” — 815 John Street Suite 110, Evansville, IN 47713. If you have any questions about this event please call Republican HQ at (812) 425-8207.
Donate to the Party Online!
Please consider supporting the Vanderburgh County Republican Party through financial contributions made online. http://www.vanderburghgop.com/?page_id=358 to make a secure donation through PayPal and help the Republican Party sweep election contests this November.
Bond Bank Votes to Bid on Knight Township Tax Warrants
(EVANSVILLE, IN) – September 24, 2010 – The City of Evansville, by and through the Board
of Directors of the Evansville Local Public Improvement Bond Bank (Bond Bank), today voted
to bid on tax anticipation warrants expected to be offered for sale by Knight Township next
Thursday, September 30.
“One of the best things about Evansville is how we come together to help out friends, neighbors
and even complete strangers in times of need,†said Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel. “By
committing to bid on these tax warrants, the City of Evansville is lending a hand not merely to
another government entity, but to the hard working families of Knight Township who depend on
the support and services the Township provides.â€
Before the bids come due next Thursday, the Bond Bank will complete its analysis of Knight
Township’s cash flow needs to determine what is needed for Knight Township to operate
through the end of the year, being sure to not expose the Bond Bank to any risk.
The Bond Bank will not loan more than 80% of the tax levy or the maximum cash flow deficit
needed, as required by law. The Bond Bank also intends to work with the Vanderburgh County
Auditor to ensure that the Bond Bank is paid once the tax warrants are issued.
The Bond Bank will work closely with Knight Township officials and provide assistance and/or
recommendations regarding its budget. In addition, the Bond Bank intends to require Knight
Township to submit monthly reports, including a cash flow summary, to the Bond Bank for
review. Jenny Collins, Evansville City Controller, serves as Executive Director of the Bond
Bank and will spearhead oversight efforts.
2010 Vanderburgh County Democrat Party Event Schedule September 21, 2010
9/21 5-7PM Gail Riecken Evening of Fun on the River – Restaurant at Marina Pointe 850 LST Dr. Refreshments and beverages, Corn Hole 20 minute Riverfront Boat Rides Sponsorship Levels: $50 Boatsman, $100 Mate, $150 Captain, $500 Admiral RSVP to megan.e.cotton@gmail.com
9/21 6:30-8PM Evansville For Change – Monthly Meeting Central Library – Browning Room A
9/22 5:30-8PM FOP Local # 73 & Firefighter’s Local #357 PAC questions and answers night. Hors D’oeuvers and drinks at 5:30pm. Endorsements will be given for the following offices: Sheriff, County Commissioner, County Council, Prosecutor, & Assessor. Held at 801 Court St. (812) 436-7951
9/23 4-6:30PM Steve Smith Fundraiser @ Rockport Inn 130 South 3rd St. Rockport Indiana $25 Suggested Donation Bronze and Silver sponsorships available RSVP via facebook or stevenlsmith58@gmail.com or call Pete Rapp at 483-5823
9/23 6:30-8:30PM UNOE – Candidates Night – Red Cross Building at 29 S. Stockwell Road = Township Trustee, Township Board, Prosecutor
9/24 8AM-5PM Williams for Sheriff Annual Golf Outing Eagle Valley Morning Flight Registration 7:30 AM – Shotgun Start 1PM Afternoon Flight Registration 12:30PM Shotgun Start 1PM for more info call 867-7311 info@williams4sheriff.org http://www.facebook.com/sheriffwilliams Foursome $300 Sponsorships – Eagle $300 Birdie $200 – Par $100
9/24 7PM Human Relations Commission Annual Banquet, featuring Dr. Cornel West and presentation of Mayor’s Celebration of Diversity Awards. Friday, September 24, at 7 p.m. at The Centre. Tickets are $35 per person. Call the HRC at 436-4927 to obtain tickets, purchase an ad in the program, or sponsor a table.
9/25 10AM-6PM Haynie’s Corner Art Festival 2nd St. @ Adams Ave $5 Adults/Kids Free
9/25 8-10PM Sheriff Eric Williams and Gina Moore invite you to a fundraiser for Stan Levco for Prosecutor Location: The Pub Any contribution is welcome. Suggested contribution $25 Entertainment will be provided by Gina Moore of The Browne Sisters.
9/27 7-9PM Sam Locke For State Auditor Fundraiser Details @ Raffi’s 1100 North Burkhardt Road Suggested Donation $40 Appetizers and Beverages
9/28 TBD Maura Robinson For County Auditor Fundraiser-
9/29 6PM Central Labor Council Candidates Night – Labor Temple 210 N Fulton Ave
9/30 9AM Troy Tornatta Golf Scramble – Cambridge Golf Course – 9AM Shotgun Start http://www.gogoodgov.com $1,200 Tornatta Cup – Foursome Banner Display-Car Display – 2 Hole Sponsors
$500 Masters – Foursome- One Hole Sponsorship $150 Hole Sponsorship $100 Lone Duffers
9/30 4-6PM Stephanie Terry for County Council Fundraiser Evansville African American Museum Hosted by Nancy Drake, Gail Riecken & Diane Clements Sponsorship information forthcoming…
9/30 7PM 8PM The League of Women Voters of Southwestern Indiana Debate: Broadcast live broadcast on WNIN-PBS9.
State House District 75 (Open seat: Democrat Mike Goebel and Republican Ron Bacon)
District 77 (Rep. Gail Riecken, D-Evansville, and Republican Cheryl Musgrave)
District 76 (Democrat Steve Smith and Rep. Suzanne Crouch, R-Evansville)
State Senate District 49 Open seat: Democrat Patty Avery and Republican Jim Tomes
10/2 12-5PM Rick Riney For Perry Township Trustee Fundraiser – West Side Sportsman’s Club 1000 N Peerless Rd.
10/2 3-11PM Jazz, Wine & Arts Fest Downtown
10/2 6:30PM Steve Smith Fundraiser Details TBA
10/4 AM 1st Day a voter may vote absentee ballot in Election office
10/4 Close of Day Voter Registration Ends at close of business day
10/4-9 10AM-8PM West Side Nut Club Fall Festival
10/5 5:30-6:30PM The John F. Kennedy Club of Vanderburgh County – Monthly Meeting – Evansville Labor Temple – 210 N Fulton
10/8 Close of Day End of Pre-Election Campaign Finance Reporting
10/10 7AM YMCA Half-Marathon http://www.evansvillehalfmarathon.org/ The Evansville Half Marathon course starts atop Reitz Hill and winds down through the city of Evansville, Indiana
10/12 5:30 – 8PM SIBA Candidates Night – Holiday Inn – 4101 Hwy 41 N http://www.sibaonline.org 479-6026 to RSVP
10/13 5-7PM Kathryn Martin Fundraiser – Details TBA
10/13 6:30-7:30PM Vanderburgh County Democrat Club – Monthly Meeting Evansville Labor Temple
10/14 TBD Maura Robinson For County Auditor Fundraiser
10/14 5:15PM Teamsters Candidate Night @ Teamsters Hall 5:15 Cold Cuts 6PM Candidates Night
10/14 7PM 8PM The League of Women Voters of Southwestern Indiana Debate: Broadcast live broadcast on WNIN-PBS9.
District 2: Councilman Tom Shetler Jr., a Republican, and Democrat Hayden Barth
District 3: Councilwoman Stephanie Terry, a Democrat, and Republican Bill Kramer
District 4 (Councilman Russ Lloyd Jr., a Republican, and Democrat Tim Taylor)
District 2 (Commissioner Troy Tornatta, a Democrat, and Republican Marsha Abell)
10/15 12pm Deadline by noon to file pre-election campaign finance reports for all candidates and parties
10/15 8AM Weaver FORE Assessor II – Golf Outing
10/19 6:30-8PM Evansville For Change – Monthly Meeting Central Library – Browning Room A
10/21 8AM First day a confined voter, a voter caring for a confined person at a private residence, or a voter with disabilities may vote an absentee ballot before an absentee voter board at the voter’s residence or place of confinement
10/22 6PM UNOE Spark Plug Banquet – Walnut Room of Aztar Executive Conference Center Call 428-4243 for Info
10/24 1-4PM Coroner Annie Groves Annual Bean Soup – The Mosby’s River Camp 4803 Old Henderson Road – Bean Soup, Hot Dogs, & Soft Drinks – No Charge however, donations will be accepted.
10/25 5-8PM Stephanie Terry for County Council Fundraiser Gospel Night Club Great gospel music, food and conversation with your councilwoman!!!! Location & Ticket Info: TBA
10/25 MIDNIGHT Deadline by midnight (except for confined voter or voters caring for a confined person requesting delivery of a ballot by an absentee voter board), for the Clerk to receive mailed, hand-delivered, or faxed absentee ballot applications requesting to vote absentee by mail
10/28 PM (TBD) Maura Robinson For Auditor Fundraiser hosted by Erika Taylor and Robert Scott Wylie
10/30 7-10PM 2010 Jefferson-Jackson Dinner The Centre
11/1 NOON Deadline, by noon, for the clerk to receive mailed, hand-delivered, or faxed absentee ballot applications from confined voters or voters caring for a confined person requesting delivery of a ballot by an absentee delivery board
11/1 NOON Deadline, by noon, for a voter to vote an absentee ballot in the office of the circuit court clerk
11/1 Deadline for a confined voter, a voter caring for a confined person, or a voter with disabilities to vote an absentee ballot before an absentee board at the voter’s place of confinement
11/2 6AM-6PM General Election Voting: Polls Open 6am-6pm
11/2 6PM-10PM Election Return Results – Veterans Memorial Coliseum
11/9 5:30-6:30PM The John F. Kennedy Club of Vanderburgh County – Monthly Meeting – Evansville Labor Temple – 210 N Fulton
11/10 6:30-7:30PM Vanderburgh County Democrat Club – Monthly Meeting Evansville Labor Temple
11/12 NOON Deadline, by noon, for a voter to produce proof of identification to the county election board to validate their provisional ballot from the general election
11/16 NOON Deadline, by noon, for a candidate to file a verified election recount or contest petition
11/16 6:30-8PM Evansville For Change – Monthly Meeting Central Library – Browning Room A
12/1 8AM Voter Registration Opens
12/7 5:30-6:30PM The John F. Kennedy Club of Vanderburgh County – Monthly Meeting – Evansville Labor Temple – 210 N Fulton
12/8 6:30-7:30PM Vanderburgh County Democrat Club – Monthly Meeting Evansville Labor Temple
12/21 6:30-8PM Evansville For Change – Monthly Meeting Central Library – Browning Room A
12/31 Midnight End of Annual reporting period for 2010 for campaign finance reports for candidates and parties
VITAL RECORDS office will be CLOSED
EVANSVILLE, September 20th 2010; 3 p.m.
Due to training on records database system changes, the Vanderburgh County Health Department VITAL RECORDS office will be CLOSED and no certificates will be issued on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th, 2010.
Dr. Ray Nicholson, VCHD Medical Officer, stressed the importance of the training. “It is important we properly train and familiarize our Vital Records staff with a new electronic records system that we are mandated to begin using soon. We apologize for any inconvenience this one day closing causes. “
The Chamber Interviews Candidates for Local & State Office
During each election cycle, The Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana is actively engaged in the election process by conducting surveys with candidates running for local and state office.
This year, volunteer members of the Government Affairs Committee conducted one-on-one video-taped interviews with candidates in select contested local and state legislative races. Interviews were conducted with candidates seeking the office of Vanderburgh County Assessor, Vanderburgh County Commissioner, Vanderburgh County Council, Indiana House of Representatives – District 74, 75, 76, 77 and 78, as well as Indiana Senate – District 49.
Video interviews can be accessed by clicking http://www.ccswin.com/news/2010ElectionInterviews.asp
Please note that the video content is property of The Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana and is only for its authorized use.
The primary purpose of the interviews is to inform our membership and the general public on positions of candidates running for office. A secondary purpose is to provide The Chamber’s political action committee, Jobs for Southwestern Indiana (JPAC), with additional information for potential endorsements. JPAC will publicly announce its endorsements in late September.
For questions regarding video interviews, please contact Steve Schaefer, VP of Public Policy at sschaefer@ccswin.com or 812.421.5888.