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.
Shooting Incident/Neglect of Dependent Arrest 800 blk Independence Ave
 On June 7th, around 6:30 p.m., Evansville Police Officers were dispatched to St. Vincent Hospital in reference to a 3-year-old child who had accidently been shot in the head. Luckily, the injury appeared to be non-life-threatening. The mother of the child, Porsha P. Walker, told officers that she had found a box containing a handgun in her yard in the 800 block of Independence Ave. She brought the box inside of her residence and took the gun out to look at it. She said she placed the gun back in the box and placed it on her dresser. Walker told officers that her 3-year-old child got the gun out of the box while she was attending to her other two children. She said the gun went off while the child was holding the gun. Walker told officers that instead of calling 911, she called family members to pick them up and take them to the hospital.Â
With Walker’s consent, EPD Officers and Detectives searched the residence for the handgun. They located a large plastic bag on a closet shelf inside the children’s bedroom. The bag contained about 290 grams of Methamphetamine, about 4.9 grams of Marijuana, and a digital scale. After a judicially signed search warrant was obtained, detectives located another two bags of Marijuana inside of a child’s pack-n-play in the master bedroom. The handgun that the child had fired was located in the kitchen. The handgun was found to be stolen. It had been stolen out of a vehicle in March 2023.Â
Walker was arrested and charged with Neglect of a Dependent causing Serious Bodily Injury, Dealing Methamphetamine, and Theft of a Firearm. Walker’s three children were placed with the Department of Child Services. This is still an active investigation and more charges may be pending.Â
 Shooting Incident/Neglect of Dependent Arrest 800 blk Independence Ave
Possible consequences still unclear for Rep. Lucas after drunken-driving arrest
INDIANAPOLIS—New information detailing the run up to the May 31 arrest of Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, on three charges—operating a vehicle while intoxicated, operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing endangerment, and leaving the scene of a property damage crash—came to light this week after multiple news outlets obtained the Indiana State Police’s crash report.
Lucas, whose breath smelled of alcohol, according to police, told officers he had swerved to avoid a deer and then tried to drive home.
In his latest statement of economic interest that all General Assembly members fill out, Lucas lists his business, The Awning Guy, as his address, which is almost six miles away from State Road 11 and Interstate 65—the scene of the crash.
It was there, according to reports, that Lucas ran into guardrails and briefly drove his pickup truck the wrong way on an on-ramp. Lucas attempted to drive home but, down to just one working tire, he didn’t make it three miles before parking behind a local business.
The vehicle was found by a police officer, and Lucas was discovered nearby, seemingly aiming to walk the rest of the way. (If it was his destination, The Awning Guy was about three miles away.)
Not the first, but the latest
Lucas joins a list of Indiana politicians to be embroiled in a drunk-driving-related scandal—with a high-profile incident occurring not even a year ago.
Tom Henry, the Democratic mayor of Fort Wayne, was arrested Oct. 9 last year and pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle while intoxicated, endangering a person. This led to his license being suspended for 90 days and not being allowed to drink alcohol for a year, among other things.
At the time, FOX 55 reported that the then-70-year-old mayor was speeding through a roundabout and went into the wrong lane, hitting another car.
In February, the Fort Wayne city council declined to investigate the incident, voting 6-3.
Henry is running for reelection this year against Fort Wayne city council member Thomas Didier. The incumbent won the Democratic primary with 78% of the vote in May but, per his punishment, had to celebrate as a teetotaler.
The Indianapolis Star reported in 2018 how Luke Messer, a Republican U.S. representative at the time, hadn’t divulged his two DUIs from the 1990s before being chosen to fill a state House seat vacated in 2003 when Rep. Roland Stine was killed in an accident caused by a drunken driver.
Messer finished third in the Republican primary for a U.S. Senate seat less than a month after the Star’s article. Sen. Mike Braun won the primary and the general election.
About a year later, Rep. Dan Forestal, D-Indianapolis, was arrested under the charges of driving while intoxicated, resisting law enforcement and impersonating a public servant. After another incident involving police in 2020, Forestal resigned from the General Assembly, saying, “The time is long overdue for me to focus on my mental health and get myself well.â€
On July 14, 2021, Forestal was discovered dead in a Quality Inn during a welfare check by police. The circumstances around his death have still not been released, but it was reported at the time that police didn’t suspect foul play.
What now?
As of Monday, the Jackson County prosecutor had not determined whether criminal charges would be brought against Lucas.
According to the Indiana Constitution, the House can “punish its members for disorderly behavior, and may, with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member.â€
The Republican caucus could also take steps, such as removing Lucas from committees. While the General Assembly website shows no change in committee responsibilities for Forestal from 2019 to 2020, Lucas has lost committee spots in the past.
Three years ago, House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, removed Lucas from two study committees and reassigned him from vice chair of a standing committee to just a member because of a meme he posted to social media that was criticized as racist.
“There would be a process if it happened in the executive branch that we would follow, but I won’t prejudge the outcome before he’s offered his day in court,†Gov. Eric Holcomb told FOX59 in regard to the recent incident.
The Statehouse File reached out to Huston about whether the Indiana General Assembly has a process for addressing members who are arrested. Huston’s press contact relayed that “the speaker’s office will not be responding to Rep. Jim Lucas’ personal matter.â€
The Democratic House caucus also declined to comment.
Lucas has been a staunch defender of expanding gun rights and decriminalizing marijuana during his six terms as a representative.
In 2021, Lucas introduced a bill that expanded on possible defenses for operating a vehicle under the influence of a schedule I or II controlled substance.
The bill’s identical twin in the Indiana Senate, authored by Sen. Michael Young, R-Indianapolis, and co-sponsored by Lucas—which gave Hoosiers a defense if they had marijuana in their system identified by a chemical test but were not intoxicated and didn’t cause a traffic accident—was passed and then signed into law by Holcomb.Â
The Statehouse File attempted to speak to Lucas over the phone, but the lawmaker didn’t answer.
IDEM issues Air Quality Action Days throughout Indiana for Wednesday and Thursday
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued Air Quality Action Days (AQAD) on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 and Thursday, June 8, 2023 for all Indiana counties due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.
Current high particulate readings exist in South Bend, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Muncie.
Also, Detroit, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and the Mid-Atlantic states are experiencing high levels of particulate. Due to north to northeast winds, this particulate matter is expected to continue traveling through Indiana.
Air quality may continue to be impacted beyond Thursday. Hoosiers are encouraged to visit smogwatch.IN.gov to view current and forecasted conditions and subscribe to email alerts.
IDEM encourages everyone to help reduce PM2.5 by making changes to daily habits. You can:
- Avoid burning wood in fireplaces or wood-fired boilers and any other unnecessary fires
- Reminder: Indiana’s open burning laws make it illegal to burn trash and generally prohibit open burning, visit IN.gov/openburning for more information
- Reduce activity time outdoors to reduce unhealthy exposure to PM5 and avoid exercising near busy roads
- Combine errands into one trip
- Avoid using gasoline-powered snow removal equipment or gas-powered recreational vehicles
- Keep your engine tuned, and don’t let your engine idle (e.g., at a bank or restaurant drive-thru)
- Conserve energy by turning off lights or setting the thermostat to 70 degrees or lower
PM2.5 is composed of microscopic dust, soot, and liquid that settles deep into the lungs and cannot be easily exhaled. Those people at risk are particularly vulnerable after several days of high PM2.5 exposure.
IDEM examines weather patterns and PM2.5 readings to make daily air quality forecasts. Air Quality Action Days generally occur when weather conditions such as light winds, snow cover, higher humidity, and lower atmospheric inversions trap pollutants close to the ground. To learn more about PM2.5 or sign up for air quality alerts, visit SmogWatch.IN.gov.
UE Athletics Announces Staff Reorganization and Executive Team
Tom Benson, Bob Pristash and Sarah Solinsky Elevated
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville Athletics Director Dr. Kenneth “Ziggy†Siegfried has unveiled a staff reorganization within the Purple Aces Athletics Department. Included in the plan is the creation of an executive team, which will play an integral role in the success of athletics at UE.
“When I first started, I made the comment that I would wake up every morning and go to sleep every night thinking about the Purple Aces. I have done just that, and I have been inspired by so many others in our department doing the exact same thing,†Siegfried exclaimed. “We are now focused on putting the right people, in the right places to move our department forward.â€
Siegfried has announced the newly formed AD’s Executive Team. This group will meet regularly to discuss and implement ideas and strategies, which will contribute to the future success of Aces athletics. The executive staff includes:
- Sarah Solinsky: Deputy Athletics Director of Internal Operations/SWA
- Bob Pristash: Senior Associate Athletics Director for Athletic Communications
- Logan Belz: Associate Athletics Director for Revenue Generation
- Tom Benson: Associate Athletics Director for External Relations
- Morgan Harding: Human Resources/Executive Assistant – Director of Athletics
“The AD’s Executive Team is an experienced, driven, detail-ortiented group, who brings a wealth of experience in multiple administrative roles in collegiate athletics,†Siegfried said. “This group combines for over 100 years of experience at 15 Division I universities and more than 50 years of institutional knowledge working at UE. They are outstanding leaders who will work together in an efficient manner to take our department to a new level.â€
Along with the formation of the Executive Team, Siegfried has announced three administrative promotions.
*Sarah Solinsky: Promoted from Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Internal Operations/SWA to Deputy Athletics Director for Internal Operations/SWA. Sarah will serve as the #2 person in the athletics department providing oversight of the department in the absence of the AD. Sarah will oversee the areas of student-athlete services, academics, compliance, sports performance, sports medicine, facilities, equipment, and risk management. She will also serve as the sport administrator for W. Basketball, Volleyball, Women’s Soccer, Softball, and Men’s Soccer.
*Bob Pristash:Â Promoted from Associate Athletics Director for Media Relations to Senior Associate Athletics Director for Athletic Communications. Bob will continue in his role overseeing all athletics communications. He will also oversee creative content and serve as the Chief Athletics Communications officer for the Director of Athletics.
*Tom Benson:Â Promoted from Assistant Director of Media Relations to Associate Athletics Director for External Relations. Benson will oversee the areas of ESPN/Broadcasting, Marketing/Fan Engagement, and he will continue to play a role in Athletics Communications. He will also serve as a member of the Executive Staff.
IDEM issues Air Quality Action Days throughout Indiana for Thursday and Friday
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued Air Quality Action Days (AQAD) on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 and Thursday, June 8, 2023 for all Indiana counties due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.
Current high particulate readings exist in South Bend, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Muncie.
Also, Detroit, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and the Mid-Atlantic states are experiencing high levels of particulate. Due to north to northeast winds, this particulate matter is expected to continue traveling through Indiana.
Air quality may continue to be impacted beyond Thursday. Hoosiers are encouraged to visit smogwatch.IN.gov to view current and forecasted conditions and subscribe to email alerts.
IDEM encourages everyone to help reduce PM2.5 by making changes to daily habits. You can:
- Avoid burning wood in fireplaces or wood-fired boilers and any other unnecessary fires
- Reminder: Indiana’s open burning laws make it illegal to burn trash and generally prohibit open burning, visit IN.gov/openburning for more information
- Reduce activity time outdoors to reduce unhealthy exposure to PM5 and avoid exercising near busy roads
- Combine errands into one trip
- Avoid using gasoline-powered snow removal equipment or gas-powered recreational vehicles
- Keep your engine tuned, and don’t let your engine idle (e.g., at a bank or restaurant drive-thru)
- Conserve energy by turning off lights or setting the thermostat to 70 degrees or lower
PM2.5 is composed of microscopic dust, soot, and liquid that settles deep into the lungs and cannot be easily exhaled. Those people at risk are particularly vulnerable after several days of high PM2.5 exposure.
IDEM examines weather patterns and PM2.5 readings to make daily air quality forecasts. Air Quality Action Days generally occur when weather conditions such as light winds, snow cover, higher humidity, and lower atmospheric inversions trap pollutants close to the ground. To learn more about PM2.5 or sign up for air quality alerts, visit SmogWatch.IN.gov.