EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
FOOTNOTE: Â EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
Happy Father’s Day 2023:
Happy Father’s Day 2023: Date, History, Significance, ImportanceÂ
Father’s Day is dedicated not only to fathers but also to father figures who shape our minds and play a vital role in giving wings to our dreams.
Fathers are our first love, the last hero of our life, who teaches strength in silence and since the value of a loving father has no price, it is commemorated in most parts of the world on the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day.
This year, Father’s Day will be celebrated on June 18, 2023. This day is dedicated to all the fathers around the world. Father’s Day is celebrated to express one’s respect and love for fathers and to cherish the father figures in one’s life.
Father’s Day Date in India and the World
The celebration of Father’s Day varies from country to country. In about 70 countries, including India, the day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June and this Father’s Day celebrating on June 18. Many other countries have different dates to celebrate Father’s Day for different reasons. Check out some of them below:
In Portugal, Italy and Spain, Father’s Day is celebrated on March 19 when the Catholic Church celebrates Saint Joseph’s Day.
In Taiwan, Father’s Day is celebrated on August 8, as the pronunciation of the date in their dialect is similar to the word daddy.
Father’s Day Date in India and the World
The celebration of Father’s Day varies from country to country. In about 70 countries, including India, the day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June and this Father’s Day celebrating on June 18. Many other countries have different dates to celebrate Father’s Day for different reasons. Check out some of them below:
In Portugal, Italy and Spain, Father’s Day is celebrated on March 19 when the Catholic Church celebrates Saint Joseph’s Day.
In Taiwan, Father’s Day is celebrated on August 8, as the pronunciation of the date in their dialect is similar to the word daddy.
At the initiative of President Lyndon Johnson, starting in 1966, Father’s Day was celebrated on the third Sunday of June. In 1972, President Richard Nixon signed a presidential proclamation to officially declare the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day and over the years it started being celebrated in other countries too.
Father’s Day 2023: Significance and Celebration
As we welcome this wonderful event on June 18 this year, a small act of love from your side can please him beyond comparison. Father’s Day is all about showing respect to the Father, his love, and his sacrifice. It is to celebrate a father’s contribution to the upbringing of a child, which is often overlooked.
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and remind your dad how grateful you are for having him.
PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE ANNOUNCES FOUR JURY TRIAL WINS IN ONE WEEK ON BEHALF OF THE STATE AGAINST DOMESTIC ABUSERS
Evansville, IN – Prosecutor Diana Moers announces that, during the week of June 12, 2023, the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office successfully obtained guilty verdicts in four jury trials involving domestic violence. These tremendous successes herald a new, focused effort by the Prosecutor’s Office toward the prosecution of domestic violence cases, even if the victim is unable or unwilling to testify.
Leonardo Wade, Jr.
On August 17, 2022, during an argument, Wade put his arm around the victim’s neck and started squeezing. The victim’s throat started hurting and she struggled to breathe. The victim ran to a neighbor’s apartment to call 911. Marks on both sides of the victim’s neck were photographed.
The jury found Wade guilty of Domestic Battery, a Class A misdemeanor. Â Sentencing is set for July 17, 2023.
Shawn Tyler Miller
On December 30, 2022, Miller and the victim were in bed when he accused her of cheating on him. He grabbed the victim by the hair and the throat, slammed her against the headboard, punched her in the face leaving a cut on the lip, and then strangled and choked her until she was unable to breathe. The victim stated that Miller stopped eating once her juvenile daughter entered the room, but took her phone and advised that he would burn the house down and kill her if she notified the police.
The victim then stated she was unable to leave her home for 24 hours until Miller went into another room and she fled the residence to her parents’ house. Officers later went to the victim’s residence to rescue her daughter held captive by Miller, who had barricaded them in the garage. Miller eventually let the daughter exit the garage.
Before trial, Miller was forbidden to contact the victim but did so anyway, leading to the prosecution filing a motion for forfeiture by wrongdoing, which was granted. The prosecution then proceeded without the victim’s testimony due to the intimidation by the defendant.
The jury found Miller guilty of criminal confinement, a Level 6 felony; strangulation, a Level 6 felony; intimidation, a Level 6 felony; and domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor. Sentencing is set for July 6, 2023.
Andrew William Sutton
On February 5, 2022, Sutton showed up at the victim’s home and attempted to get inside. He drew a knife and put it against her stomach. The victim had to use her body weight to close the door to prevent Sutton from gaining entry. Sutton made threats that he would come back with a gun. Two days later, the two were in his home when Sutton took away the victim’s phone, shoved her against the wall, threw her down on her back, and placed his hands over her nose and mouth. The victim could not breathe. Sutton
threatened to kill her by mixing fentanyl into a liquid and making her drink it. The victim was unable to leave the home because Sutton would tackle her and physically prevent her
from leaving. The victim had visible bruises on her knee, inner thigh, and ribs.
The jury found Sutton guilty of domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor, which was enhanced to felony domestic battery, a Level 6 felony, due to a prior conviction for domestic battery. Sentencing is set for July 14, 2023.
Cory David Brown
The victim had a protective order against Brown, her ex-boyfriend. The victim allowed Brown back into her home because he told her he had stopped using drugs and wanted to work things out. Brown then became hostile and violent, forcing the victim t stand in a corner and throwing food and plates at her, choking her, holding a knife to her throat, stabbing her bed, pouring water over her, making her take off her clothes, threatening to put objects inside of her, and trashing her home, breaking cabinets and her
refrigerator.
The victim was not allowed to leave. This occurred over a period of several hours, all in the presence of the victim’s juvenile children. The children later confirmed that what the victim said was true. The victim’s injuries included cuts to her face and left
ear.
The jury found Brown guilty of criminal confinement, a Level 6 felony; intimidation, a Level 6 felony; domestic battery in violation of a protective order, a Level 6 felony; domestic batter, a Level 6 felony; criminal mischief, a Class A misdemeanor; and interference with the reporting of a crime, a Class A misdemeanor. Sentencing is set for July 14, 2023.
Prosecutor Moers congratulated her deputies, Amanda Honaker, Josh Hutcheson, and Jeremy Kemper, for vigorously pursuing justice for the victims and the community, not withstanding the absence of the victim’s testimony in some cases.
“These results are due to the efforts of many and I thank my deputy prosecutors, law enforcement, and victim advocates for their efforts,†said Prosecutor Moers, “We are employing every effort to bring justice to those who target the weak and vulnerable—
including presenting the state’s case and evidence in the absence of the victim if necessary.
Domestic violence cases are a volatile and disruptive case type and notoriously place officers and children in harm’s way. We prosecute crimes on behalf of the state and will hold offenders accountable to keep peace in Vanderburgh County.† Deputy prosecutor Amanda Honaker, who has taken the lead on many domestic violence cases, stated the following: “I want victims to know that, if your abuser is intimidating you, I will fight for you even if you’re scared. We need to put an end to abusers’ power and control before it is too late!â€
Indiana State Police Seeks Police Officers for Capitol Police Section Lateral Recruit Academy
The Indiana State Police Capitol Police Section is accepting applications.  Individuals interested in beginning a rewarding career as a Capitol Police Officer may apply online at https://www.in.gov/isp/career-
Basic Eligibility Requirements and consideration factors for a Capitol Police Officer:
- Must be a United States citizen.
- Must be at least 21 years of age when appointed as a police employee.
- Must meet a minimum vision standard (corrected or uncorrected) of 20/50 acuity in each eye and 20/50 distant binocular acuity in both eyes.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license to operate an automobile.
- Must be a high school graduate as evidenced by a diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED). Â
- Must be a merit law enforcement officer with the Indiana Law Enforcement Tier I or Tier II Certification with a minimum of one year of continuous service as of August 4, 2023.
The four-week academy begins on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.  Effective July 1, 2023, the NEW starting salary for a Capitol Police Probationary Officer will increase to $62,327 a year.  After the first year of employment, the salary will increase to $64,472.  The Indiana State Police Capitol Police Section also offers an excellent health care plan, including medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy coverage for current and retired employees and their families.  The State maintains short-term and long-term disability plans for full time employees after six (6) months of continuous employment.  As an Indiana State Police Capitol Police Officer, you are automatically enrolled in the Public Employees Retirement Fund (PERF), and the State will contribute to your retirement account.
Interested applicants can obtain additional information about a career as a Capitol Police Officer by visiting https://www.in.gov/isp/career-
 Stephanie Terry Engages Citizens In Planning City’s FutureÂ
Stephanie’s Together With Terry Listening Tour Continues On The EastsideÂ
JUNE 17, 2023
Evansville Mayoral Candidate Stephanie Terry held her fourth Together with “Terry Listening Tour” session recently as she reaches out to citizens to build a plan for Evansville.Â
“During her first three listening sessions, she heard honest feedback and great ideas from the people who turned out. Stephanie, commented that they were passionate about neighborhoods and parks, ready to work together to take on crime, but more than anything, they were excited about our future, â€Terry said. “It made me that much more invigorated to hear from residents as we make our way across the city.â€Â
As part of her Together with “Terry Listening Tour”, Terry, the Vanderburgh County Councilwoman and Executive Director of cMoe is visiting with residents in all six wards over the next two months. The tour stops are being held in people’s homes, front porches, and libraries…places where people can feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.Â
Ideas will be incorporated into Terry’s plan for the city’s future set to be released this summer.Â
The fourth stop on the Together with “Terry Listening Tour” takes place a couple of days ago and was hosted by First Ward City Councilman Ben Trockman, Knight Township Trustee Advisor, Eric Wagemann, and resident and community advocate, Robin Mallery.Â
“Talking with everyone…that’s the only way we can build on the successes of the past two Mayors, and make sure that we are taking on complex issues to position our city for success,†said Terry.Â
The sessions are open to all residents of Evansville. Media are also invited to attend.Â
For more information, and for the full schedule of Together with Terry Listening Tour stops, please visit https://voteterry.com/Â
Homeownership Month: Loan Officer Talk
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In celebration of Homeownership Month, we’d like to recognize a few of our partners around the state who are helping Hoosiers realize their dream of homeownership. Cindy Julian-Shott, Vincennes, IN Cindy has been in banking for more than 20 years, but she found her passion eight years ago when she became a licensed Loan Officer. She believes in giving back to her community, and serves as a secretary for the local fire department and as a wish granter for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. When her community is in need, Cindy is quick to rally, from helping organize a fundraiser to raise money for a local policeman who was injured in the line of duty, to planning a military sendoff for the deployment of local young men and women. We asked Cindy a few questions about her experiences of being a Loan Officer. What is one misconception that people have about mortgages? “The biggest thing I hear is that most buyers think they must put down 20% to buy a home. After I help educate the client, I can see that they’re relieved the down-payment may only be 3.5% to 5%, depending on the loan.†What are some challenges in the housing market?  “Inventory, which is the current amount of homes that are available in the real estate market, is a big challenge. I like to take the positive approach and remind a borrower that the right house will come up. Even as inventory is low and people are competing for homes, a borrower can still end up getting under contract.†What do you enjoy the most about helping homebuyers? “When the client gets to the closing table. It never gets old seeing them at closing, getting the keys to their new home.†What tips can you give first-time homebuyers? “I start by educating the borrower on the whole process, step by step. I learn about what the individual borrower needs and give them the best options for their situation. I educate about their credit health, escrow, the appraisal, everything that leads to the signing the paperwork at closing.” What are some tools you use to help potential homebuyers overcome barriers to homeownership? “IHCDA’s [down payment assistance] programs help out a lot. Many people don’t have the enough savings for the deposit, closing costs and the down payment, so finding the money for those costs is the biggest barrier. Once I know they meet requirements for IHCDA’s down payment assistance program, the borrower is excited to know they can get the help they need for buying their home.†|
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Habitat Revolving Loan FundÂ
Habitat for Humanity of Indiana, Inc. represents 51 Habitat affiliates that have built or rehabbed over 6500 homes for low-income Hoosiers. Habitat serves families that make between 30%-80% of the area’s median income. Families are selected based on three criteria: need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner. Need is determined by assessing their current housing with a focus on moving families out of housing that is substandard, overcrowded, or a cost burden. Ability to pay is an assessment of their financial situation and their ability to repay a 0% interest mortgage. Willingness to partner is the family’s willingness to participate in our program which requires “sweat equity†investment in the construction of the home, financial education classes, and basic home repair courses. In 2015, Habitat and IHCDA partnered to create the Habitat Indiana Home Investment Fund (HIHIF) through an award of Development Fund. The first investment, made in 2015, served approximately 100 Habitat homes. In October 2022, IHCDA’s Board of Directors approved a second investment to the HHIF, providing an additional $510,000 to further seed the loan pool. The fund will make 30 initial investments of $17,000 each to Habitat homes built statewide; $5,000 of awards will be structured as a microloan, which will revert back to the HHIF. As the funds revolve, Habitat would be able to ultimately fund 42 homes through out the state. Through the first funding round, Habitat for Humanity of Indiana has awarded funds through the HHIF to nine affiliates. Currently, this includes units in eight counties: Elkhart, Perry, Jefferson, Tippecanoe, Vigo, St. Joseph, Marion, and Hancock. Nine Habitat affiliates have been awarded funds, including: HFH of Elkhart County, Perry County HFH, HFH of Southeast Indiana, Wabash Valley HFH, HFH St. Joseph County, Greater Indianapolis HFH, Habitat of Clark and Floyd Counties, and HFH of Grant County. |
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2023 IHCDA Interns
IHCDA has the pleasure of hosting four interns this summer. This week let’s meet Melissa Cavaletto (pictured) who is serving as our Community Services intern as part of her graduate program experience. Last month, she walked at Indiana University Kokomo with a Master’s degree in public management and additional graduate certificate in health management. Previously, she served 20 years as a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing in school districts in Tennessee and Indiana. While in graduate school, she was an independent educational consultant focused on communication mediation in special education advocacy situations. She is interested in strategic analysis, building capacity, and policy. She has been working with IHCDA’s Youth Homeless Development Program, funded through a grant from the Indiana Department of Education to create a fingertip index reference document of concerns, goals, measured successes, and next step planning of communities’ strategies to end homelessness in the youth and young adult population across the U.S. based on “100-Day Challenge†data. Her next project is to compare Consolidated Plans of the Balance of State and Entitlement Cities to identify shared strengths, opportunities for collaboration, and develop communication. Thanks for joining the team, Melissa! |
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IHCDA Board Meetings are Going on the Road!
Our Board of Directors meetings are hitting the road! Throughout the summer and fall we will be visiting affordable housing developments in northern, southern, and central Indiana for these meetings. We look forward to these opportunities to meet with developers, property managers, and community partners who share our mission to make housing more affordable, accessible, and equitable throughout our state. |
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Lender Spotlight
National Homeownership Month serves as a reminder that a home purchase is one of the biggest financial investments a Hoosier will make. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average homeowner has a net worth of 40 times more than that of a renter, and along with these wealth gains, homeowners also saw their debt drop by 21% over the last decade. The transition from renting to buying is a big step which requires patience and lots of planning, but taking steps like tracking your expenses, completing a homebuyer education course, and researching down-payment assistance programs can help you get started. Connecting with a participating lender is the first step towards using IHCDA’s down-payment assistance programs, and can be your first step to buying a home here in Indiana! You can check out our full list of participating lenders HERE. This week’s featured lenders are: |
Studying Important Issues
As a part-time legislature, my colleagues and I have the opportunity to conduct in-depth studies on complicated issues by participating in summer study committees.
This year, these committees will focus on issues like mental health among veterans, crime trends, traffic fatalities, artificial intelligence and more.
Work will also continue on topics from the 2023 legislative session including studying the state’s high health care costs, reviewing Medicaid costs, services and possible changes in existing services, and continuing to plan for Indiana’s major road and bridge needs.
Perhaps most importantly, the State and Local Tax Review Task Force will take a comprehensive look at Indiana’s tax system. While Indiana has consistently ranked among the best tax climates in the country, this new task force will look for ways to reduce or eliminate certain taxes so Hoosiers can keep more of their hard-earned money.