TERRE HAUTE —
Transparency in public information is an important principle for the proper functioning of government at all levels. Vigilance is key in ensuring that public records and meetings remain open and accessible to citizens of our communities.
To that end, Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller and the Hoosier State Press Association are teaming up for a statewide springtime training crusade to increase both awareness and compliance of public access laws.
The program is designed to help Indiana’s multitude of public officials better understand and uphold transparency laws so that Hoosiers can have a more open and honest government. To make it easy on busy public officials, the program is being taken on the road to various parts of the state. Any public official who wants to attend — and we hope there are many who do — won’t have to go far to find one.
For public officials in Terre Haute, Vigo County and throughout west-central Indiana, this special Public Access Seminar will be conducted from 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, June 1, in the Hulman Memorial Student Union, Dede III, on the campus of Indiana State University.
As a co-sponsor of the event, the Tribune-Star is in charge of arrangements, and we’re grateful to ISU for their willingness to provide a great space in the Dede conference center for this important seminar.
In addition to Terre Haute, seminars are being conducted in South Bend, Merrillville, Madison, Fort Wayne, West Lafayette and Evansville. The first in the series was this week at the Indiana Government Center in Indianapolis. That session drew 323 attendees.
Of special note for attorneys, the free seminar counts as two hours of continuing legal education. But it is also open to the public.
A panel of experts will offer practical tips officials can use to ensure compliance with laws and avoid non-compliance. Recent legislative changes in access laws and their impact on local officials will also be explained.
The Terre Haute panel will consist of Andrew Kossack, Indiana public access counselor; Anne Mullin O’Connor, deputy attorney general; and Steve Key, executive director and general counsel of the Hoosier State Press Association.
The Tribune-Star has mailed out notices and invitations to area public officials, but you don’t have to have an invitation to attend. All are welcome. We have not mailed out invitations to attorneys, so we hope those now aware of the seminar will help spread the word.
Public officials, attorneys and citizens who want to attend are asked to register for the event online at www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/2471.htm.
“For government to work effectively it has to work transparently; and so we encourage anyone with an interest in effective, open government to attend the Public Access Seminar,” Zoeller said.
We applaud the attorney general, public access counselor and HSPA for partnering to conduct this event, and the Tribune-Star is proud to be part of it. We join Zoeller in urging public officials and interested attorneys and citizens to attend.
Jones can be reached at (812) 231-4336, or by e-mail at max.jones@tribstar.com.
Editor's Note
Related Photos
-
Max Jones, Tribune-Star editor
Discussion
Welcome to our online comments feature. We welcome your thoughts and your opinions, including unpopular ones. We ask only that you keep the conversation civil and clean. We reserve the right to remove comments that are obscene, racist or abusive and statements that are false or unverifiable as well as posts that are attacking other users. Repeat offenders will be blocked. You may flag objectionable comments for review by a moderator.
May 8, 2011
MAX JONES: Local seminar to shed light on access
Public officials, attorneys invited to attend June 1
- Editor's Note
-
-
MAX JONES: Local seminar to shed light on access
Transparency in public information is an important principle for the proper functioning of government at all levels. Vigilance is key in ensuring that public records and meetings remain open and accessible to citizens of our communities.
-
MAX JONES: Farewell to Stephanie, for a while
The Tribune-Star and its legions of readers throughout the Wabash Valley were extremely fortunate six years ago to welcome back a native daughter.
-
MAX JONES: Friends ready for next big step at Pyle historic site
The campaign to preserve the legacy of World War II journalist Ernie Pyle in his hometown of Dana passed a milestone last week. Indiana’s Natural Resources Commission voted to end the state’s involvement in the Pyle historic site and turn it over to the Friends of Ernie Pyle organization.
-
MAX JONES: Vigo GOP shows its gains are for real
For the better part of two decades, the Republican Party in Vigo County rarely mounted more than a feeble challenge to the entrenched Democratic Party establishment.
-
EDITOR'S NOTE: Week ahead bringing changes to your newspaper
Your Tribune-Star is undergoing some changes this week, and today’s edition reveals a few of those.
-
Editor's Note: A holiday tribute to "Hoosier," and all veterans
My late father, Joseph L. Jones, was a veteran of World War II, a 4th Division Marine whose service sent him to the South Pacific and into combat on the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima.
-
MAX JONES: Resuming partnership for political information
Primary elections don’t always stir a lot of interest among voters. In fact, turnout at the polls is traditionally low for primaries, although there have been exceptions. This year may be one of those.
- MAX JONES: Christmas miracles can still happen You don’t have to wander far to find people who remember vividly when downtown Terre Haute was the place to be during the Christmas
-
TRIBUNE-STAR EDITORIAL: A day to give thanks and help
Help only becomes a reality when it is given. Today, it’s something needed by many throughout this community and state.
- EDITOR'S NOTE: Appearance of corruption a strong incentive for reform Today, and for the following two days, Tribune-Star readers are being treated to a remarkable series of editorials and essays produced by the Indianapolis Star.
- Editor's Note: Team effort tells stories of Hoosier travel spots When times are tough economically, people get very careful with their hard-earned money. When it comes to spending, it’s a common practice to give special consideration to summer vacations or other leisure trips.
-
EDITOR'S NOTE: Spelling Bee a great Tribune-Star tradition
Of all the great community-based events this newspaper sponsors and helps sponsor throughout the year, the Tribune-Star Wabash Valley Spelling Bee is one of the most important. It’s extra special because it gives the best and brightest young students in our nine-county area the opportunity to compete for big prizes in a popular and widely recognized annual academic competition.
-
Editor's Note: Letters continue to be popular with readers
Survey after survey of newspaper readers tell us that letters to the editor are among the most read and most enjoyed content we offer. While obituaries routinely top the list of most-read items, letters are always near the top.
- Editor's Note: Victory Days — great time to learn history and share memories The number of American military veterans who served their country during World War II are dwindling rapidly. To those remaining, we can’t pay enough tribute. They belong to a generation of men and women who made this nation — and the world — a better and safer place to live.
-
Max Jones: Community takes center stage again for fall campaign
Even the most hardened cynic has to admit that Terre Haute is living a charmed life this election year. For the fifth time since spring, the community will be visited by a major political figure in the 2008 presidential sweepstakes. The event will occur later today when Democratic Party nominee Sen. Barack Obama makes a 12:30 p.m. campaign stop at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds.
-
MAX JONES: Voters anxious to get news about candidates
Labor Day historically marks the beginning of the fall season for political campaigning. That has been true most years in which elections are conducted. This year, however, such a designation may be greeted will little more than a chuckle.
-
MAX JONES: Voters will be big winners in fall gubernatorial debates
Twice in September and once in October, Indiana voters will have an opportunity to participate in and witness, in person or via electronic media, debates among the state’s three candidates for governor.
-
Tribune-Star editorial: A day to be grateful for community kindness
Obviously, it’s been a long, trying week for most folks in the Wabash Valley.
Today offers at least a moment for the community to reflect on its survival of the flood of 2008. - Editor's Note: Covering the flood shifts to recovery As natural disasters go, flooding can have a long and nasty legacy. Even when the waters have receded and raging creeks and rivers are passive once again within their banks, hidden dangers — and damages — persist.
-
Tribune-Star editorial: And another thing...
And now for something completely different … good news!!
That’s right, amid the misery of local flooding aftermath, an announcement from Tokyo early Thursday allows us to take a brief break and ponder better days ahead for our community and its economy. -
Tribune-Star editorial: Rain down some kindness
Since Saturday, when flash flooding became more than the usual National Weather Service warning for much of Indiana and Illinois, we’ve all heard and seen inspirational stories.
-
EDITOR'S NOTE Sounding the bell for those who hear different drummer
Are there any bagpipers out there? If so, please take a deep breath and step forward.
-
Max Jones: Evolving with an industry — and with our readers
Newspapers, it is said, are living, breathing organisms that reflect the times in which they exist and the values of the communities they serve. In order to meet the changing needs and wants of their wide and diverse audience of readers, newspapers must evolve right along with them.
- Editor's Note: Teaming up to help readers understand Indiana’s tax issues Being part of a national newspaper ownership group has its benefits.
- Editor's Note: Tribune-Star staffers compete well for state honors Hoosier State Press Association awards for 2007 were announced last weekend at a banquet in Indianapolis, and I am proud to report that the Tribune-Star once again did well. We brought home seven awards in all, three of them for first place.
-
Editor's Note: ’07 election letters reflected intensity
Our readers love to write letters, and election politics is one of their favorite subjects. The recent epic mayoral tussle produced a virtual flood of submissions. Emotions ran high in many of the narratives.
-
Editor's Note: As election nears, the spotlight gets hotter
The degree of interest in any election among potential voters — who also happen to be all newspapers’ avid and loyal readers — is always most intense the last two weeks of a political campaign. That’s why we target the majority of our pre-election coverage to the final 10 days or so before voters go to the polls.
- Debate format allowed candidates to shine The Tribune-Star has been teaming up with the League of Women Voters of Vigo County and other local organizations to sponsor candidate forums and debates for years. It’s a worthwhile service to provide newspaper readers, who research shows also happen to be among the most likely voters any time there is an election.
- Editor's Note: More and better police news? It could happen Can the Tribune-Star help residents of 12 Points and surrounding areas get a better handle on crime in their neighborhoods? Those who attended a public meeting Monday night at the Maple Avenue United Methodist Church sure think so.
-
After summer’s lull, let the campaign begin
Labor Day marks the traditional kickoff to the political season. Campaigns for various offices and seats on the ballot in this year’s municipal election have been on a low boil since the May primaries.
- More Editor's Note Headlines
-
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Arias Tells Jury What She'd Do if She Gets Life
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
Raw: Aerial View of Moore Tornado Damage
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Raw: Widespread Destruction in Moore, Okla.
Families Begin Returning to Their Homes in Moore
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
Olivia Munn Flaunts Her Bikini Bod
Britney Spears Under Fire Once Again For Being A Bad Mom
The all-new Xbox One
RAW: Massive tornado strikes Oklahoma
Nidal Hasan paid $278K while awaiting trial
VIDEO: Teacher reunites mother and son after tornado levels elementary school in Oklahoma City
Okla. tornado survivor finds dog buried alive under rubble
Jennifer Lawrence Gets Naked and Painted Blue as X-Men's Mystique
Pickler's Dance Moves Cause A Stir
Obama to tornado survivors: The country stands beside you
Reporter Cries Over Devastation
Sneak Peek: 'Modern Family' Says Good Bye
Trailer: 'The Last Stand' Available on Blu-ray Disc, DVD, Digital Download
IWitness Look at Moore, OK Tornado
RAW: Moore, OK tornado touches down near school
Robert Pattinson Moves Out
