State Section at Muncie Free Press - Delaware County Indiana

Todd Rokita Comments on Election Boards Filing to Keep Polls Open Past 6:00 p.m.

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 06 May 2008 23:59:26 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Statement from Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita regarding campaigns or county election boards filing to keep polls open past 6:00 p.m.:

"Our office has received reports that a Porter County Circuit Court Judge ordered polls in a few select Porter County precincts to remain open until 7:00 P.M. CST. We currently have a Special Deputy in Porter County and will keep updated on the situation."

"Indiana Code Section 36-1-3-8 states that county election boards have no home rule over the length of time the polls are open and cannot order that polls remain open past 6:00 p.m. Rather, the local county court makes the call."

"Counties should always follow court orders regarding polling place hours. But, any voter who was not within the "chute," which is the area or pathway that extends fifty feet from the entrance of the polls must vote by provisional ballot. Those provisional ballots go without challenge and are secured separately from those cast prior to 6:00 p.m."

"Voter turnout is high and polling place lines continue to be long as voters arrive at the end of the day. This is a great problem to have and I encourage voters to be patient as local election officials react as quickly as possible."

"Our office also heard of ballot shortages in Jackson County today. The County ran out of ballots in 5 precincts, but complied with procedural fail-safes and printed out additional ballots in time for voters to cast those ballots."

"We have worked closely with the counties, asked them to prepare plenty of ballots due to large increases in voter registrations, and continue to brief the county officials on the appropriate failsafe procedures to ensure that every Hoosier who has the right to vote may do so."

Source: Press Release

Senate Democrats: Indiana should lead states in ending pay inequity

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 07:06:21 +0000

Tuesday, April 22, is the national observance of Equal Pay Day, the day when individuals throughout the country recognize the wage gap between working women and men. Equal Pay Day is held annually in April to signify the point into a year that a woman must work to earn what a man made the previous year.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women who work full-time, year-round earn 77 cents for every dollar earned by men – a gap of 23 cents. The gap is even greater for minority women as African American women earn 66 cents and Hispanic women earn 54 cents to every dollar earned by men nationally.

In Indiana, women’s pay falls below the national average with Hoosier women earning 72 cents for every dollar earned by men. The amount drops for college educated women in Indiana who make only 68 cents for every dollar. That ranks Indiana 50^th in comparison to other states and Washington, D.C., and raises the question if the wage gap might be a contributing factor to Indiana’s brain drain. With a pay gap of 32 cents, why wouldn’t a female college graduate look to career opportunities in other states?

Pay inequity not only harms women, it harms families and communities through depressed living standards and higher poverty rates, particularly among female-headed households. Paying single working mothers as much as their male counterparts in comparable work would cut their poverty rates in half. American families lose more than $4,000 in annual wages from the inequity. Individually, American woman lose between $700,000 and $2 million in lifetime earnings from wage discrimination. This loss in wages also affects women as they go into retirement. According to the Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement, women will go into retirement with at least $300,000 less in earnings than their male counterparts.

The first answer to this problem is for employers to examine and, if necessary, correct their pay practices to ensure that all employees performing comparable work are rewarded equally.

Second, women must stand up for equal pay. Knowing the labor market and industry salary averages can help women ensure that they are getting paid fairly. The Indiana Commission for Women (www.in.gov/icw) and the WAGE Project (www.wageproject.org) have many resources to help women research fair wages, relevant laws and what can be done about wage discrimination.

As with most changes, it would be preferable for the market to adapt itself and for employers to move toward equitable wages on their own initiative. However, legislation may be necessary. For employers who continue to pay women less, legal penalties or civil action may be the only remedies.

In the Indiana General Assembly, legislation that would expand on federal and state equal employment laws has been proposed for years. Unfortunately, those bills have not even gained a public hearing in the Senate Committee to which they were assigned. Legislation to close the wage gap deserves more serious consideration, and Hoosiers deserve the opportunity to speak to the need of such a measure.

We hope that the national observance of Equal Pay Day brings attention to this discrimination throughout the country. More importantly, we hope that Hoosiers step up to make Indiana an example for how fair, equitable pay for all workers can improve the quality of life for our citizens. The need is great, and the time is now. Women and their families cannot afford to wait!

Signed:

Jean Breaux - State Senator - Senate District 34
Earline Rogers - State Senator - Senate District 3
Connie Sipes - State Senator - Senate District 46
Sue Errington - State Senator - Senate District 26
Vi Simpson - Assistant Senate Democrat Leader - Senate District 40
Karen Tallian - State Senator - Senate District 4

Source: Senate Democrats

State Police District 22 Releases March Activity Statistics

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 05:21:56 +0000

FORT WAYNE, IN - State Police Post Commander Lt. Gary Robbins released the following activity for the month of March. These numbers represent the criminal and traffic enforcement efforts of the sworn officers of the Fort Wayne District. This district covers Adams, Allen, Steuben, LaGrange, Noble, DeKalb, Whitley, Wells and Huntington counties.

Traffic arrests 1,761
Warnings 2,085
Speeding Trucks 74 (Over 10,000 lb)
DUI arrests 33
Total Criminal arrests 128
Felony arrests 51
Criminal cases drawn 113

Lt. Robbins would like to remind the public to report all impaired and/or dangerous drivers to law enforcement. To report such drivers call 1-800-552-0976 or simply call 9-1-1.

Hoosiers Asked to Snuff out their Matches this Spring

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 04:38:14 +0000

Residents to keep the air clear when cleaning up yards and gardens

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Instead of burning yard waste left over from winter and spring storms, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) encourages Indiana residents to chip and compost the debris.

“Indiana’s citizens can help keep our air clean by eliminating emissions from fires,” said Thomas W. Easterly, commissioner of IDEM. “Those fires produce a large volume of fine particles and ozone-forming chemicals right where people live. Chipping and composting yard waste has the added benefit of being good for trees and lawns, as well as the air.”

Chipping branches and composting plant material is the best way to manage yard wastes. Chipped wood can be spread around trees and plants instead of purchasing mulch from a store. Leaves and plant wastes can be composted to make humus, a nutrient-rich soil amendment, which can fertilize flower beds and gardens.

Burning wet wood and plant material on the ground outside releases more smoke and harmful emissions per pound than burning dry, seasoned wood in a fireplace or wood stove.

Many communities discourage and even prohibit burning of yard waste and have local ordinances that ban fires, such as burning leaves and wood for disposal. Check with the local fire department, city or county for the type of fires allowed in your area.

More information about the hazards of burning of yard waste is available on the IDEM Web site at http://www.in.gov/idem/your_environment/air_quality/openburning . For additional information about how to compost yard wastes, visit http://www.in.gov/recycle/2841.htm .

About IDEM

IDEM (http://www.idem.IN.gov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.

Source: IDEM Press Release

Two Motorcyclists Apprehended for Reckless Driving

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 04:33:57 +0000

WELLS COUNTY, IN - When officers patrol the rural roads of the state they never know what they might encounter. Last night was no exception. While on patrol on 300 West at approximately 10:24 p.m., Trooper Matt Teusch tracked a pair of Cafe’ style bikes at 120 miles per hour as they were traveling southbound. The trooper turned around and attempted to close the distance before trying to stop them (by activating the emergency lights) due to the excessive speed. When they stopped at State Road 116, they realized the trooper was closing in, as he turned on his overhead lights.

The pair continued southbound until they came to the intersection of State Road 124, where they disregarded the stop sign and turned east heading in the direction of Bluffton. The bikes accelerated to what the trooper believed to be their maximum speed. He was able to track them on RADAR at 151 mph before losing the signal. During the time the riders were being pursued on State Road 124, they passed a semi tractor trailer and a passenger car.

When reaching the eastside of Bluffton, the riders turned north on 100 East and split up after reaching the next intersection. Trooper Teusch was able to see the bike that went east and continued after that one. He had a description of the motorcycle and notified Bluffton officers who responded to assist. The officers were able to continue the investigation through witness reports and eventually ended at a residence on Hillcrest in Bluffton where an arrest was made at 10:48 p.m. This arrest led to the other rider being apprehended.

ARRESTED:

Zachary L. Reinhard (19) of 315 W. Hillcrest, Bluffton, In.
Todd A. Steffen (19) of 2585 SW Church Road, Bluffton (Vera Cruz) In.

Both suspects have been charged with Disregarding a Stop Sign, Failure to Signal, Reckless Driving (Excessive High Speed) and Resisting Law Enforcement (Fleeing).

Trooper Teusch was assisted by Officers Gilbert, Baker, Morgan, Smith and Sgt. Mettler of the Bluffton Police Department.

Source: Indiana State Police

Indiana National Guard Explains Disturbances in Night Sky

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:50:09 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Indiana National Guard takes responsibility for recent night time disturbances in the Logansport and Kokomo areas.

Loud noises reported by citizens in northern Indiana accompanied by flashes of light and what appeared to be falling debris early this week were a result of training conducted by Indiana National Guard F-16 Aircraft, headquartered at Ft. Wayne’s 122nd Fighter Wing.

The Indiana Air National Guard conducts training missions on a daily basis. All of our military members including our pilots and crewmembers require the most realistic training possible for their own safety and those they work to protect.

F-16 aircraft routinely train with the countermeasure Chaffe-flare system which draws heat-seeking missiles away from the aircraft exhaust. It was the night time engagement of this system that resulted in the “strings of lights” reported by citizens.

The flares were released above 10,000 feet in accordance with the long-standing guidance for the Hilltop Military Operations Area (MOA) that extends from Grissom Air Reserve Base to West Lafayette and includes Logansport, 30 miles north of Indianapolis bordering Kokomo. The area is not designated for “super-sonic” flight.

“I have ordered a thorough investigation to be conducted into why the incident took place. I have also ordered that our Flying Squadron conduct a complete review of the tactics that were in practice at the time. We will insure that our pilots review airspeed restrictions in all of our practice flight training areas, and that these restrictions are briefed prior to each flight,” said Colonel Jeffery Soldner, Commander of the 122nd Fighter Wing.

Source: Indiana National Guard

Indiana State Police Introduces Telecommunications Operators

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:48:40 +0000

PERU, IN - For the past several years, the Indiana State Police has recognized the pivotal role played by its telecommunications operators who are commonly referred to as emergency dispatchers. They use telephones, radios, computers, and technical skills to answer calls for emergency assistance and dispatch troopers to the site of an emergency. They also provide support to field personnel, general public, local police agencies, emergency medical services, national weather service, and other governmental agencies.

Each year the second full week of April is dedicated to the men and women who serve as public safety telecommunications operators. In 1991, Congress proclaimed it as a national week of recognition. This year it is April 13 through April 19.

Telecommunications operators, working from the Indiana State Police Post in Peru, are responsible for dispatching troopers and motor carrier inspectors to calls for service in Wabash, Tipton, Miami, Howard, Cass, and Fulton Counties. They must pass a written and typing test before they are interviewed to be hired. They are required to remain composed in many different emergency situations and have the ability to speak calmly and clearly. They must be proficient in the many tools of their trade which range from computers, multi-line telephones, dispatching equipment, to a fax machine. Indiana State Police telecommunications operators are required to become certified in entering information in the Indiana Data and Communications System (IDACS) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC). They are also required to be certified in emergency medical dispatch.

Captain Ed Schroder, Commander of Indiana State Police Area One, would like to introduce the six telecommunications operators who work around the clock, all year long, to support troopers in the field and help keep the public safe. Together they have over 74 years of experience serving the state of Indiana and its citizens.

Telecommunications Operators assigned to the Indiana State Police Post in Peru:

Telecommunications Supervisor Ginny Kelley, 29 years of service, resides in Howard County.
Telecommunications Operator Bill Shortz, 21 years of service, resides in Pulaski County
Telecommunications Operator Brad Deane, 10 years of service, resides in Cass County
Telecommunications Operator Mike Hale, 10 years of service, resides in Miami County
Telecommunications Operator Stephanie Bach, two years of service, resides in Miami County
Telecommunications Operator Regina Eikenberry, two years of service, resides in Miami County

Stephanie Bach

Bill Shortz

Ginny Kelley

Brad Deane

Regina Eikenberry

Mike Hale

Anyone interested in a career as a telecommunications operator with the Indiana State Police are encouraged to contact their nearest Indiana State Police Post or check the State of Indiana Job Bank.

Source: Indiana State Police

Brian Howey: Missing the box in the Democratic gubernatorial race

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:40:22 +0000

By Brian Howey

FORT WAYNE – Four years ago, Republican Mitch Daniels was coursing through Indiana in RV1 with a distinctly articulated vision and a roadmap that vowed a Hoosier “comeback.” Whether you like the governor or loathe him, there is no denying that he put forth a plan that has generated great controversy and considerable action.

After ruling the governor’s office for 16 years, Indiana Democrats seemed devoid of ideas. More than a year ago, after party leaders such as Bart Peterson and John Gregg took a pass, Indianapolis architect Jim Schellinger stepped forward, followed a few months later by former congresswoman Jill Long Thompson. They spent much of the last half of 2007 building campaigns and raising money. It all comes to a head this month as they battle for the Democratic nomination.

The challenge is what normally would have been a marquee race has become obscured by the epic Barack Obama-Hillary Clinton presidential primary. The tax rebellion of 2007 cost more than 30 percent of Hoosier mayors their jobs. Gov. Daniels announced his tax reforms last October and the Kernan-Shepard Commission issued its report of 27 recommendations last December. Through it all, Schellinger and Thompson were largely mute. The party of no ideas found itself seeking leaders who ducked the most profound issues of the day. To contrast, in 1972 Doc Bowen ran and won the governorship by articulating a distinct property tax reform package.

Finally, last month, they began weighing in, only to find the presidential race sucking away the oxygen. I monitor Indiana and national media everyday for coverage of interest to Indiana elected officials and business leaders. For the past several weeks, more than half the content of my Daily Wire publication has been about the Clinton triad and Obama.

This past week is a case in point as Schellinger released a 16-page proposal on health care reforms. Like his jobs proposal two weeks prior, there is some real substance. He talked of making health care accessible and affordable; reducing costs and increasing accuracy; increasing enrollment and preventative care; and ensuring a future supply of health care workers that are going to be in short supply just as the Baby Boomers begin to retire. “We have to focus on making sure every Hoosier has access to quality health care,” Schellinger said.

The plan also would make it easier for small businesses to provide health insurance through partnerships and pooling with private insurance companies that would be overseen by the State. “As someone who runs a small business, I know firsthand the challenges of providing health care to my employees,” Schellinger said.

Thompson, who was traveling the state promoting a three-tiered economic development proposal and a suspension of the gasoline tax, called the plan “costly to taxpayers.” Her campaign manager explained, "Mr. Schellinger’s plan creates more government bureaucracy, puts in place more mandates on businesses and schools and generally throws more money at the system in the hopes of fixing it. This contrasts significantly with Jill’s approach to health care reform, which through ‘pooling,’ makes health care more affordable and accessible to individuals and businesses, without burdening taxpayers."

Something else jumped out at us. On Friday, Thompson unveiled her three-tiered jobs program. It's a great topic on an issue likely to determine the race in November. But Friday is the worst day of the news cycle (unless you think you can get reporters to rework the story for big Sunday newspaper editions, which didn't happen). The story got lost amidst the coverage of Barack Obama's Fort Wayne town hall meeting and the Indianapolis 40th anniversary of the Kennedy-King events of 1968.

The good news is, although it took much too long, both Democratic campaigns are now talking about ideas. You can read about Schellinger’s plans at www.jimschellinger.com and Thompson’s at www.hoosiersforjill.com.

Two recent polls show the Schellinger-Thompson race within the margin of error. The problem for these two Democrats is that in less than two weeks – once the Pennsylvania primary ends on April 22 – the attention to the presidential race is going to be extraordinary. Even in this “window” we’ve had Obama course through the state with a bus tour while Bill and Hillary Clinton were hitting another six cities – on top of the 19 they and daughter Chelsea have already visited.

Who stands to win this obscured Democratic primary? Schellinger has roared back from a 30-percent deficit in the Research 2000 poll. But Thompson had a 15 percent lead among women and 16 percent lead among African-Americans – the two very groups most likely to turn out in the Obama-Clinton race.

The winner is likely to be influenced and determined by outflows from the presidential campaign. If the polls later this month show the race within the margin of error, it simply could go either way. I’d give Schellinger an edge in the money, field work and momentum, but Thompson appears to be better positioned to feed off the presidential campaigns.

The winner gets to face Gov. Daniels, fresh off a big property tax reform push from the Indiana General Assembly, a campaign war chest that will eventually approach $20 million, and a penchant for dispensing ideas that often emanate from outside the proverbial box. At this point, Indiana Democrats have a long, long way to go to even get close to the box.

Howey is publisher of Howey Politics Indiana at www.howeypolitics.com

Vehicle Leaves the Scene After Striking Child

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:06:26 +0000

SULLIVAN COUNTY, IN - The Indiana State Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance with a crash in rural Sullivan County that has left a small child in critical condition and troopers looking for the suspect vehicle.

On Tuesday, April 8th between 6:30 and 7:00p.m., a group of children were playing near the road on CR 1125S just west of CR 350W in southern Sullivan County. A vehicle traveling westbound on CR 1125S struck a small child with a tricycle near a residential mailbox on the south side of the road. The suspect vehicle then continued westbound from the scene. The child’s grandmother rushed the victim to Sullivan County Community Hospital where he was stabilized and later airlifted to Methodist Hospital.

VICTIM: Codie E. Pusey, age 5, of rural Carlisle, Indiana - Head, chest and internal injuries, currently in a coma

SUSPECT: Possibly three teenagers and possibly a male driver

SUSPECT VEHICLE: Red, possibly 4d Passenger Car, Possibly some customization to lower body, a rear spoiler on trunk, Fuzzy Dice hanging from mirror and fairly loud exhaust. Should have front end damage and possibly windshield damage.

Anyone with information concerning this crash or the suspect vehicle is urged to immediately call Trooper David Petrowski or Detective Tom Hanks at the Indiana State Police Post in Terre Haute, 812-299-1152.

Source: Indiana State Police

Give Emergency Workers Room to Work

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:26:56 +0000

EAST CENTRAL INDIANA - The Indiana State Police would like to remind drivers that Indiana law requires motorists to exercise caution when approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped on the roadside with emergency lights activated.

Motorists are required to change lanes away from the emergency vehicle if they can do so safely. If unable, they must slow down and proceed with caution. Troopers ask motorists to do what they expect of others if they were on the roadside changing a flat tire. Give our emergency workers room to work.

Motorists found in violation of this law can face up to a $10,000 fine. Violations culminating in property damage or injuries can result in the suspension of their driver’s license for two years. This is in addition to any other penalties imposed by the courts.

To ensure motorist are following the ”Move Over” law, Troopers working from the Indiana State Police Peru Post will be participating in a statewide enforcement initiative for the month of April. Officers will conduct concentrated patrols on multi-lane highways throughout the district which covers Fulton, Cass, Miami, Howard, Tipton, and Wabash Counties. Officers will aggressively target those drivers who fail to yield to a stopped emergency vehicle. Motorists can expect to receive a citation if they are stopped for a violation involving the “Move Over” law.

Indiana emergency vehicles include:

Police vehicles
Motor carrier inspectors
Ambulances
Fire trucks and rescue equipment
Highway incident-response vehicles
Highway work vehicles
Vehicle recovery equipment (tow trucks)

The intent of this law is to protect the emergency and highway personnel who serve the public. Please be alert when you see emergency lights and give them room to do their job.

Below are some of the reasons why to heed this warning.

Bill and Gloria Gaither to receive 2008 Sachem Award

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 20:17:09 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Governor Mitch Daniels will honor gospel music singing and songwriting pioneers Bill and Gloria Gaither with the 2008 Sachem, the state's highest honor, at a ceremony this week.

"With all the success they have achieved, the Gaithers still live with us: in the house in which they raised their children, in the way in which they raised those children, in the way in which they and their music have spoken to us and to the better angels of our nature now for fifty plus years," said Daniels.

The Sachem is given annually to recognize a lifetime of excellence and moral virtue that has brought credit and honor to Indiana. Previous recipients include college basketball coaching legend John Wooden, the Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., president emeritus of the University of Notre Dame and world statesman, and philanthropist Jane Blaffer Owen. Daniels added, "A joint selection may not happen again, but it's just impossible to think of one Gaither without the other."

"I am proud of my Indiana roots," said Bill Gaither. "Gloria and I have been quite intentional in our choice to reside in this community that loved and supported us before anyone else knew our names. We certainly never imagined that decision would ever result in this incredible honor. Making a living doing what we love is a reward in itself. So we are grateful and extremely overwhelmed to be considered for the 2008 Sachem Award."

Born and raised near Alexandria, Bill Gaither began his music career while pursuing a degree in teaching at Anderson University. He was still a teenager when he formed the Bill Gaither Trio with his brother, Danny, and his sister, Mary Ann. After graduating from college in 1959, Bill worked as an English teacher at the local high school in Alexandria and married fellow Anderson alumna Gloria Sickal three years later. The Gaithers began writing songs together in the evening while Bill continued teaching as his primary job. Gloria later replaced Mary Ann in the Bill Gaither Trio, and in 1967, Bill left his teaching position so that they could pursue full time careers in the Christian music industry.

The Bill Gaither Trio went on to begin a new era in the gospel music industry, selling out arenas and earning the respect of audiences and industry peers for decades. Their timeless songs would win worldwide recognition, many of which are now considered classics, which have been recorded by countless artists over the years from Elvis Presley to Sandi Patty. In the 1980s, the Gaither Trio evolved into a four-part male group known as the Gaither Vocal Band, which forever raised the bar for gospel groups everywhere and remains the premiere four-part group in gospel music today.

At this date the Gaithers have collaborated on more than 700 popular gospel songs, winning eight Grammy Awards and more than two dozen Dove Awards from The Gospel Music Association (GMA). They have earned the title of the GMA's "Songwriter of the Year" eight times. In the year 2000, Bill and Gloria were named "Songwriters of the Century" by ASCAP (American Society of Composers Authors, Publishers).

In 1996, Bill and Gloria Gaither were the first musical artists to be inducted into the Christian Booksellers Association's Hall of Honor, joining only three others who have previously been honored with this distinction: Reverend Billy Graham, Dr. Kenneth Taylor (author of The Living Bible) and Dr. Richard Halverson (former U.S. Senate Chaplain). The Indianapolis Star named "He Touched Me" among the top 10 songs of the 20th century written by a Hoosier.

Despite careers that have taken them throughout the world with their ministry, the Gaithers have continued to call Indiana home, living and raising three children just miles from the farm where Bill grew up.

Over the past four decades, they have moved beyond performing and composing music and have grown the Gaither Music Company into the most far-reaching music business in the gospel music industry. The company comprises a record company, production studio, retail store and a variety of related entities.

Bill and Gloria have never lost touch with their alma mater. Bill has served on Anderson University's board of trustees for 28 years. Gloria has taught songwriting classes at the university and served on the National Board of Directors for the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. They both received honorary doctorates— Bill an honorary doctor of music and Gloria an honorary doctor of humane letters.

Sachem (Say-chum) background:

In 1970, Governor Edgar D. Whitcomb introduced the "Confederacy of the Sachem," a group of business, industry, publishing, banking and legal leaders, who served as state hosts, welcoming visitors to Indiana and promoting the state's culture and economy. The organization's name came from the Algonquin term applied to village leaders, implying wisdom, judgment and grace.

At the time, Sachems constituted an honor greater than being named a Sagamore of the Wabash. Bylaws outlined that Sachems were to nominate and recommend Sagamore appointments to the governor. The Sagamore of the Wabash dates to the term of Indiana Governor Ralph Gates in 1945 and has been the state's highest honor bestowed by the governor.

Following Whitcomb's term, the Sachem project was not pursued, and the organization dissolved in 1989. Whitcomb visited Daniels in 2005 to acquaint him with the concept and to give him custody of remaining Sachem funds. Governor Daniels recreated the Sachem to underscore the importance of moral example; achievement alone without exemplary virtue does not qualify a person for this recognition.

Each Sachem honoree receives a specially-designed sculpture that captures the Native American heritage of the Sachem. All Sachem recipients will be selected by Indiana's governor.

Source: Governor's Office Press Release

April 7th Voter Registration Deadline Quickly Approaching

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:26:01 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - With one week remaining before the April 7th Voter Registration deadline in Indiana, Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita is reminding Hoosier voters to make sure they are registered to vote so that they can participate in the May 6th Primary Election.

"I want every eligible Hoosier to exercise his or her right to vote in the primary election," said Rokita, Indiana's Chief Election Officer. "In order to do that, Hoosier voters must make sure they are registered."

Voters who need to register for the first time must do so on or before April 7th, 2008 for the May 6th, 2008 Primary Election. Additionally, voters who have moved or changed their name must update their information by the same deadline.

Anyone not registered to vote may register in person at the county voter registration office, county clerk's office, or any Bureau of Motor Vehicles license branch. Voters may also mail in their registration form, available on Secretary Rokita's website at www.sos.IN.gov. Mailed in registration forms must be post-marked by the same April 7th deadline.

You must meet the following requirements to be eligible to vote in Indiana: you are both a U.S. citizen and a resident of Indiana, at least 18 years of age at the next General Election, November 4, 2008; you are not currently be in prison after being convicted of a crime, you have lived in the precinct where you vote for at least 30 days prior to the election, and you are registered to vote.
As part of a statewide voter education effort, Rokita is urging voters to seek answers to their election-related questions before

Election Day by using the following Official State of Indiana resources:

About IndianaVoters.com
Hoosiers can check their registration status, locate polling places, and look up county-specific contact information by visiting IndianaVoters.com <http://www.indianavoters.com/>- a service made possible with the implementation of Indiana's statewide voter registration system (SVRS) linking together all 92 Indiana counties with several key state agencies.

About Hoosier Voter Hotline Line

The Hoosier Voter Hotline, 1-866-IN-1-VOTE (1-866-461-8683), is a comprehensive resource designed to answer any election questions. Voters are also encouraged to use the hotline to report suspected fraud or a polling place's accessibility limitations.
About PhotoID.IN.gov <http://www.PhotoID.IN.gov> explains the basics of Indiana's photo ID law, including how to get an ID, what kinds of IDs are acceptable, and exemptions to the law. The site walks voters through steps to get a free state-issued ID from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) as provided by law, and provides details on the necessary documentation to obtain a free ID.

Please use caution when using any other website providing voter registration information. In the State of Indiana, there is no fee associated with registering to vote.

Source: Indiana Secretary of State Press Release

Second Harvest Column: Hillary Clinton at the Wigwam

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:46:35 +0000

By Lois Rockhill

I have not committed to a candidate for U.S. president. That did not stop me from standing in the long line to get into the Anderson Wigwam to see Hillary Clinton. The line itself was inspirational. So many young people. So many women. “Pantsuits are Awesome,” read a sign in the crowd.

I took my grandson Nathan. I wanted him to know that the little girls in his kindergarten class could grow up to be president. He knew about Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. I wanted him to know that a Hillary had the same opportunity. I told him about Barack Obama and said that children of color could be president when they grew up. I mentioned that John McCain was a candidate. Little white boys could grow up to be president too.

Being one in a crowd of 6,000, with time on my hands once Nathan stopped wiggling and before Hillary appeared, gave me opportunity to think about this cross section of our community. True that most were there because they agreed with party politics, it was also true that many differences were represented.

There wasn’t any way Hillary or any other candidate could speak to all the concerns we had. Jobs, education, bureaucracy issues, poverty, taxes — the list was unending. But we waited with interest to hear what it was she would promise. We waited and cheered her words of hope.

You might think it a stretch to compare that experience with the one I had on Saturday. I stood outside the Pay Less Super Market at Cross Street to remind shoppers that We Can Care. It was the day the Madison County Highway Department picked to do their part in the countywide food drive. The event was to help Second Harvest Food Bank stock the shelves of area pantries. I was there on that very cold day to support the effort.

The similarity was in the cross section of the community. True, people came for food, not politics. But they too responded to promises and hope. We promised to feed their neighbors in need and, with their help, to serve up hope with that food. We brought to their attention the fact that as a community, we can care for our own.

Not everyone needed reminded. Along with highway department employees Ivan and Gerrald and Zachary’s grandpa, we had volunteers from the Chesterfield Community Food Pantry and House of Hope at our location. I had people stop to stuff money in our Prairie Farms milk jug who worked at other human service agencies. We had people sign their names on the big green snow plow who have been longtime donors to Second Harvest and others who simply wanted to be known as people who care.

Every donation, food or funds, was heartfelt. Some gave out of their abundance and others sacrificially. A woman living in a shelter with her children dropped a box of treats into the collection box. A man stuffed a dollar in the jug. After he left I heard he was unemployed. His comment was that someone might need it worse than he.

On this sunny afternoon with the rhubarb and daffodils pushing through the warming sod, I am grateful for hope. I saw it last week in a crowd of people, eyes bright in anticipation of political promise. I saw it again in the response from shoppers who cared enough to take a positive action for neighbors in need of a helping hand. It was how that hope expressed by individuals became a community effort that was so powerful. It was clear to me that together we have tremendous impact for good.

Lois Rockhill is executive director of Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana. She can be reached at lrockhill@curehunger.org.

Property tax auto payment proposal sent to governor

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 19:54:58 +0000

Legislation would allow counties to offer automatic bank deductions for property tax payments

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Senate gave final legislative approval today to a measure that could allow homeowners to pay their property taxes through an automatic deduction from a checking account or any other method of installment payment. State Senator Tim Lanane (D-Anderson), a co-author of the legislation, said the program would be voluntary for taxpayers and available based on county-by-county approval. The Senate voted 43-0 to send Senate Enrolled Act 208 to the governor.

“The constant flow of revenue will help counties avoid the necessity of year-end borrowing, saving taxpayer money that would be paid out in interest for those loans,” Lanane said. “For those taxpayers who do not have escrow accounts to manage their property tax payments, this program will help simplify the process.”

If approved by a county, the voluntary program would allow homeowners to pay property taxes by automatic deduction from a checking account, a system increasingly used by many individuals to pay other monthly bills. It would also allow the taxpayer to pay in regular installments by check.

Any delay in anticipated revenue, including property taxes, can force local government units to cover operating expenses through short-term loans, typically through the Indiana Bond Bank.

For more information on Senator Lanane, his legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.senatedemocrats.IN.gov.

Source: Senate Democrats Press Release

Brian Howey: What the first elections of 2008 tell us

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 19:52:12 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – There were two elections in the past week, one in Illinois and one in Indiana. What should we have learned from these early 2008 ballot tests?

In Illinois’ 14th Congressional District – held for more than two decades by former Republican House Speaker Dennis Hastert – a Democrat named Bill Foster won. What is intriguing about this is that it is a reliably Republican district where the Republican underperformed the party’s base by 7 percent. President George W. Bush carried it by double digit margins in 2000 and 2004. For it to fall into the hands of the Democrats is one sign that 2008 could be a Democratic year. An analysis by Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post found that if this trend continues, an additional 51 Republican House seats thought to be safe could come into play.

In Indiana’s 7th CD, U.S. Rep. Julia Carson passed away last December. That set the stage for the continuation of what has become another Democratic family dynasty. There are, of course, the Bayhs and the O’Bannons. Now there is U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, the grandson, who won the special election by a 54-43 percent margin over State Rep. Jon Elrod.

The old Carson machine began falling in behind Andre last fall when his grandmother took sick leave from Congress. With former congressman Andy Jacobs Jr. denying that she faced a life-threatening illness, the "I Love Julia" signs began springing up on Center Township thoroughfares. After Rep. Carson's terminal lung cancer was publicly acknowledged last Thanksgiving, it was Jacobs who floated the notion of the family dynasty. Even before Julia Carson's 2008 re-election was officially scrapped, it was Jacobs who said if his "sister" couldn't run, then he would be for the grandson.

Carson was the beneficiary of a successful coordinated campaign with massive help from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. He had a 5-to-1 money advantage over Elrod. The campaign began airing ads two weeks before a Howey-Gauge Poll on Feb. 17-18 revealed he had a 54-36 percent lead. Elrod was able to shave 7 percent off that margin by a last minute direct mail and a TV ad campaign. The political organization of U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar tried to stoke GOP absentees and ran an extensive phone bank.

Going into Tuesday's special, there was speculation as to whether Carson would reactivate his grandmother's machine. He won with 45,598 to 36,322 for Elrod. A couple of weeks ago, the idea of Elrod getting over 35,000 votes would have had the Republicans predicting victory.

But this result offered up different signals as to a national dynamic. Carson won with 54 percent, which was actually 4 percent lower than the 58 percent that Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry carried the district in 2004. The Kerry campaign didn’t spend a dime in the 7th CD; Carson spent over a quarter million dollars. State Rep. David Orentlicher, one of several Democrats who will now challenge Rep. Andre Carson in the May 6 primary, says that he “underperformed.”

One thing Carson talked about a great deal, though not in much detail, is the need for the U.S. to pull out of the Iraq War. But The Politico reported that late February polling conducted by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, 53 percent of Americans — a slim majority — now believe “the U.S. will ultimately succeed in achieving its goals” in Iraq, up from 42 percent last September. So perceptions of the war are in flux.

Carson becomes the second Muslim to be elected to Congress in U.S. history. Elrod and the Republicans never touched the issue, but there were several news stories and a YouTube video showing National of Islam Rev. Louis Farrakhan endorsing Carson along with several clips of Farrakhan talking about race in a controversial fashion.

The Carson election brings into the mainstream more minority officeholders, which has been relatively rare in modern Hoosier history. We’ve now had three African-American members of Congress (the Carsons and Katie Hall), four mayors (Gary’s Richard Hatcher, Thomas Barnes and now Rudy Clay and LaPorte’s Elmo Gonzalez), and three sheriffs (Marion County’s Frank Anderson, former Grant County Sheriff Oatess Archey – both African-Americans – and Lake County Sheriff Roy Dominguez).

When Rep. Orentlicher kicked off his challenge to Carson on Wednesday at the memorial site where Sen. Robert F. Kennedy broke the news of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination 40 years ago, race – or lack thereof – was present. The three-term legislator noted how Dr. King had a legacy of "building bridges across racial and socio-economic lines" and promised to do the same. "Our national leaders talk instead of act and exploit divisions for political gain instead of solving the problems that confront us," Orentlicher said as Dr. King's nephew, Dr. Derek King of Martin University, looked on.

It will be fascinating to watch this dynamic in the coming weeks as the Democratic presidential campaign arrives in Indiana featuring Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Machine-style politics and family dynasties aside, perhaps we’ve reached a point in Indiana where the content of character means more than skin color.

Howey is publisher of Howey Politics Indiana at www.howeypolitics.com

Governor signs landlord-tenant protections for rent-to-own scenarios

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 19:50:16 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – On Thursday, March 13, 2008, Indiana governor Mitch Daniels signed a bill that will expand Indiana’s existing landlord-tenant laws to cover residential rent-to-own agreements. State Senator Tim Lanane (D-Anderson), sponsor of House Enrolled Act 1061, said the extension of consumer protection provisions was necessary to ensure safe and affordable housing options for Hoosier families.

The provisions will apply to rent-to-own agreements entered into after July 1 of this year, when the new law takes effect.

“Our goal is to protect any family living in a rental home, regardless of whether they have made an agreement to purchase the home at some time in the future,” Lanane said. “If there is still a landlord on the property, then the landlord-tenant laws should apply. This protects both the resident and the landlord from potential problems.”

Committee testimony indicated that families can be at risk in rent-to-own agreements when the property owner fails to maintain the safety and health standards in the home during the rental period.

The General Assembly reformed Indiana’s landlord-tenant laws in 2002, providing increased regulations on rental housing conditions and utility provision standards.

According to current law, a landlord is required to maintain electrical, plumbing, sanitary, and heating and cooling systems in good and safe working condition for the rental property. Among other provisions, landlords are also required to make reasonable efforts to keep common areas clean and in proper condition.

Tenants are required under the law to keep the rental property reasonably clean and to refrain from defacing, damaging, destroying, or removing any part of the rental premises, among other provisions.

For more information on Sen. Lanane, his legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.senatedemocrats.IN.gov.

Source: Senate Democrats Press Release

Drug Investigation Nets 5 Arrest in Rural Shipshewana

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:28:07 +0000

LAGRANGE, COUNTY - Troopers from the Indiana State Police acted on a tip which took them to a rural Shipshewana residence where they discovered an active Methamphetamine Drug Lab. Officers from the state police Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Team assisted in the investigation and dismantling of the clandestine drug operation. In addition to the active lab, officers found Methamphetamine (finished product) Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia. The location of the arrest action and subsequent investigation was at 7620 North, 900 West, Shipshewana.

ARRESTED:

Merrill D. Green II (40) of Shipshewana. Green is charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine.

Sherry L. Manges (42) of Shipshewana. Manges is charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine.

Travis L. Thompson (35) of Middlebury, Indiana. He is charged with Visiting a Common Nuisance.

Michelle R. Tyler (31) of Middlebury. She is charged with Visiting a Common Nuisance.

Scott R. Dedune (22) of Shipshewana. He is charged with Visiting a Common Nuisance.

Green and Manges are residents of the 7620 North, 900 West location. All suspects were transported to LaGrange County Jail where they were incarcerated. Manufacturing Methamphetamine is a class B-felony and Visiting a Common Nuisance is a class B-misdemeanor.

Leading the investigation for the State Police is Trooper Deven Hostetler. He was assisted by Trooper Rob Smith of the Methamphetamine Suppression Unit and Detective Matt Collins of the Criminal Investigation Division. The investigation is continuing.

Source: Indiana State Police

Merrill D. Green II (40) of Shipshewana. Green is charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine.
Sherry L. Manges (42) of Shipshewana. Manges is charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine.
Travis L. Thompson (35) of Middlebury, Indiana. He is charged with Visiting a Common Nuisance.
Michelle R. Tyler (31) of Middlebury. She is charged with Visiting a Common Nuisance.
Scott R. Dedune (22) of Shipshewana. He is charged with Visiting a Common Nuisance.