The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/60507
0 4 . 0 4 . 1 2 The Press-Dispatch Wednesday, March 21, 2012 A-7 Candidates gather at Annual St. Patrick's Day Dinner By James Capozella Saturday's Annual St. Patrick's Day Democrat- ic Dinner featured a half- dozen elected officials and candidates including Dem- ocratic candidate for Gov- ernor John Gregg. Also ad- dressing the large dinner crowd was State Represen- tative Kreg Battles (Dist. 64), State Representative Candidates Kevin Derr (District 75), Mark Norton (District 64), Senator Lin- del Hume (District 48) and 8th District Congressional Candidate Dave Crooks. A pre-dinner fund-raiser for Crooks was also on the agenda for the well attend- ed Pike County Democrat- ic Party annual event. John Gregg, a Sanborn native and former Vin- cennes University Presi- dent, won the crowd over with an entertaining and hu- morous twist on state gov- ernment keying on securing the economy and promoting education. "The future of Indi- ana shouldn't be shaped by Democrats or Republi- cans. It should be shaped by Hoosiers" according to Gregg's campaign litera- ture which can be accessed at www.greggforgovernor. com. Gregg said, "As speak- er of the House (from 1996- 2002), I led a chamber di- vided 50-50 between Dem- ocrats and Republicans. We had to put politics aside to get things done, and we succeeded in balancing budgets and cutting tax- es without all the political games. It's the same kind of approach I'll use as Gov- ernor—it's the only style I know and the kind of lead- ership Hoosiers deserve." Dave Crooks addressed the crowd, thanking the Pike County voters for their change making support. He advised the group that one way he has and will work for his constituents would be to "reach across the aisle" to make things happen at the congressional level. Lindel Hume, who is not on the ballet until 2014, told the crowd Gregg was the "best candidate for gover- nor ever". He explained of the wonderful experience he has had representing all of Pike County. He scorned the Republican party and Rush Limbaugh for their re- marks and negative worker agenda. Mark Norton explained his Pike County ties in the election and was very posi- tive on John Gregg and win- ning the House of Repre- sentatives. Norton's back- ground includes Gibson County power plant opera- tions. The district includes Logan and Clay townships in Pike County. Kevin Derr, who re- ceived a B.A. in econom- ics from USI and is from Boonville, talked to those in attendance about "tak- ing back Indiana" and the "crumbling of our schools" through various actions in- cluding the voucher pro- gram. His bottom line is "to build a better future for In- diana and Hoosier families". His district includes south- ern Pike County. Kreg Battles, who is not running for State Repre- sentative in District 64, opposes and asked for a repeal of the right to work bill recently passed in Indi- ana. He thanked the Pike County Democratic audi- ence for their support and urged the party to support Democrat ic candidates and elected officials. Pike County Democrat Chairman Chris Burkhart welcomed those in atten- dance, led them in the Pledge of Allegiance and introduced the guest speak- ers for the Otwell Commu- nity Center hosted dinner. Elected Democratic offi- cials recognized at the din- ner meeting by Burkhart included Circuit Court Judge Jeff Biesterveld, Cir- cuit Court Clerk Shirley Van Meter, Recorder Jody Hoover, Assessor Kim Men- del, Surveyor Prentice Staf- ford, County Commission- er Dale Nalley and County Councilmen Myreon Krohn and Joe Sutton. Petersburg elected offi- cials included Clerk-Trea- surer Tammy Selby and City Council members Fran Lewis and Ryne Bies- terveld. Eighth District Democrat Chairman Anthony Long, County Vice-Chairwoman Cindy Ridao and Secretary Jennifer Dedman were in attendance and recognized by County Chairman Chris Burkhart. The 2012 county Demo- crat candidates recognized included: Jeff Biesterveld, Carol Austin (clerk), Shir- ley Van Meter, Gretchen Harris (coroner), Prentice Stafford, District One Com- missioner Bill Walker, Er- nest Hume, Lawrence Mc- Candless and David Dur- cholz. District three commis- sioner candidates are Dale Nalley, Brandon Hartke and Terry Woolsey. Coun- ty Council at large candi- dates include Joe Sutton, Tom Hensler, Kerry Al- dridge and Jack Phillips. State Convention Delegates are Anisia Burkhart, Twyla Flint and Tom Hensler. Democrat candidate for Governor John Gregg was introduced to the Annu- al St. Patrick's Day Pike County Democratic Party by County Chairman Chris Burkhart. The well attended Otwell Community Center hosted event includ- ed Kreg Battles, Kevin Derr, Mark Norton, Lindel Hume and Dave Crooks as speakers. James Capozella photo. District 48 State Senator Lindel Hume addressed Saturday's Annual St. Patrick's Day Democratic Party Dinner, hosted by the Otwell Community Center and emceed by Pike County Democratic Chairman Chris Burkhart. James Capozella photo. Social security news update Megan Riggs was just like many other people in their late twenties; bright, ambitious, and full of life. She earned Bachelor de- grees in Forensic Science and Biology, with a minor in Chemistry. Riggs start- ed working and building her career. In her spare time, she pursued her pas- sion, competitive ballroom dancing. In January of 2008, Riggs had a major depressive ep- isode. Her illness caused her to lose her job, and fi- nancial struggles result- ed. The monthly payments helped keep her afloat fi- nancially, but even then she had the desire to work again. Knowing she would need help returning to work, she looked to Social Security's "Ticket to Work" program and other work in- centives for support on her path back toward self-suffi- ciency. Riggs learned that the Ticket program was free, voluntary, and designed specifically for adults who receive disability benefits through Social Security. She decided the program was a good fit for her, as it would help her find a career that could lead to a bright- er future. Once Riggs made her choice to participate in the Ticket to Work program, she decided to work with an Employment Network (EN) that provides employment support and guidance. The EN helped Riggs develop a plan to achieve her work goals and offered advice on career building, job place- ment, training, and counsel- ing. "I could try work," said Riggs. "I knew I wasn't go- ing to be on my own." Using her Ticket, she was able to test her abili- ties, build her confidence, and continue to receive her benefits while working to- ward becoming fully self- sufficient. Through Social Security's work incentives, she maintained her health care coverage, which gave her peace of mind. Riggs found stable em- ployment. As a result of her hard work, she now works as a document control spe- cialist earning more money that she received on disabil- ity benefits. The Ticket to Work pro- gram helped Riggs achieve a more fulfilling life by help- ing her regain the satisfac- tion of work. She now enjoys working, reading, spending time with her Cocker Span- iels, and has even been able 15% DISCOUNT Jeff Young celebrates birthday Jeff Young of Ayrshire celebrated his birth- day with family on March 4. Granddaughter An- na Satterly is about to help her Pappy blow out his candles. Attending were Charles and Martha Young, Ernest, Amy, Anna and Tucker Satterly, Linda Hawkins, Matt Sullivan and Elaine Young. on any new riding lawn to return to competitive ballroom dancing. "With Ticket to Work, I've received the tools to ex- cel and the help of people to keep me going." Thousands of Social Security benef iciaries like Megan Riggs have earned more money, be- gun careers, learned new skills, and met new people through the Ticket to Work program. If you're disabled and ready to change your life through work, this pro- gram may be the ticket for you, too. To learn more, vis- it www.socialsecurity.gov/ work. MCHS alumni banquet April 14 Monroe City High School Alumni will host its banquet at 6:30 p.m. April 14 in the South Knox Cafeteria and auditorium. Tickets will be avail- able for $15 until April 9 at Cantwell's Marathon on Sixth and St. Clair streets, Old National Bank on Hart Street in Vincennes, and in Monroe City at the First Financial Bank, Nu Look Beauty Shop or Darlene's Beauty Shop. No tickets will be sold at the door. Suggestions for the E.M. Downey Memorial Award can be submitted to Jim Williams at 812-881-9480. sor of piano at University of Evansville, will present a concert on Thursday, March 22, at 7 p.m. (EST) A birthday celebration is scheduled for Franklin Mar- shal "Cato" Barnett on Sun- day, April 1 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Otwell Senior Hous- Piano Concert on March 22 Barnett to celebrate 79th birthday Dr. Garnet Ungar, profes- mower in stock! Service and Repair for most any and all makes and models of lawn and garden equipment. MARCHINO SALES Outdoor Power Equipment 714 15½ St., Vincennes • 812-882-1194 "Thanks for the business and your trust in us. Remember, after the sale, it's the service that counts." –Bob Marchino TRADING POST Friday Specials THE RESTAURANT Plate Lunch 11 AM TO 3 PM Roast Beef Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Green Beans, Cole Slaw and Hot Roll $ Great Deal! Weekend Specials Express Breakfast Buffet SATURDAY AND SUNDAY • 8 AM TO NOON 1 Visit to Express B-fast Bar You won't want to miss this. 6.99 $ Sunday Buffet Round Steak & Gravy Kentucky Pride Ham Veggie Bar, Salad Bar, and Dessert Bar $7.99 Winslow off Hwy. 61 789-5428 1 Mile South of 5.99 Unlimited to Express B-fast Bar $6.99 Open Menu SATURDAY AND SUNDAY NOON TO 2 PM Wednesday: 7am to 2pm Thursday: 7am to 2pm Friday: 7am to 8pm Monday: Closed Tuesday: 7am to 2pm OPEN Saturday: 7am to 2pm Sunday: 7am to 2pm Evening Buffet 4 PM TO 8 PM Fried Fish, Grill Ribeye, Baked Pork Loin Children 12 and under $5.99 Children 5 and under FREE $12.59 Veggie Bar, Salad Bar, and Dessert Bar at the Main Street Presbyte- rian Church. Dr. Ungar will play selec- tions by Franz Schubert, Chopin and Prokofieff. ing Community Room. All cards may be sent to 9785 E. Jefferson Street, Apt. 33, Otwell, IN 47564. S o N e ro vn t e d So 2 P u n dM a y