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Attorney General Todd Rokita sues restorer of vintage Volkswagens for failing to perform work

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JB Bugs accused of taking more than $227,000 from 19 consumers

Attorney General Todd Rokita today announced a lawsuit against defendants accused of failing to perform work after taking payments from customers seeking restoration of vintage Volkswagen vehicles.

Operating under the name JB Bugs, the company not only failed to do the work it promised but also gave false updates to consumers about work that was supposedly in progress, the lawsuit states.

“As a Volkswagen Thing and Bug enthusiast myself, I understand the love poured into these vehicles by their owners,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Unfortunately, scammers play on these kinds of passions to defraud people of money, but we will keep working to protect Hoosiers and hold businesses accountable.”

Defendants named in the lawsuit are JB Bugs Trick & Truck Shop LLC and Palm Principals LLC — both operating under the name JB Bugs — and owners John Bragg and Melanie Goode.

After customers paid JB Bugs significant sums of money for the restorations — and received assurances the work was in progress — they eventually learned the company’s building was vacated and their vintage vehicles missing.

In total, Attorney General Rokita’s complaint alleges that 19 consumers paid JB Bugs $227,000 without JB Bugs restoring the consumers’ vehicles or providing any refunds. The complaint alleges the defendants violated the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act’s prohibition on deceptive and unfair business practices.

Attorney General Rokita is seeking restitution for the affected consumers and civil penalties against the defendants.

Defendant John Bragg is also facing criminal charges in Indiana for his actions at JB Bugs. He was recently located and arrested in North Carolina.

Youth get up close and personal with Vincennes University’s robots

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VINCENNES, Ind., March 27, 2023 – Middle school students from Daviess, Martin, and Sullivan counties were incredibly excited to get their hands on the collaborative robots in Vincennes University’s brand-new Center for Applied Robotics and Automation.

They enjoyed a recent Saturday learning how to program a collaborative robot or cobot to pick up and move blocks during a “Fun With Robotics” day in the VU College of Technology Center.

Project ASPIREE and VU are helping youth explore high-demand careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

“The students had an excellent time participating in these hands-on learning experiences,” VU Project ASPIREE Director Kimberly Fields said. “We loved seeing their excited faces and hearing their happy chatter as their interest was piqued in future opportunities in STEM careers.”

There were many fun and cool activities on the Vincennes Campus for the students from Washington Catholic, North Daviess, Barr-Reeve, Loogootee, Shoals, Dugger Union, and North Central schools to experience. 

The middle schoolers experimented with electrical engineering by completing a circuit. They were amazed by the 3D printers in VU’s new state-of-the-art Additive Manufacturing and Reverse Engineering Center. They also spent time in other places, including the Automotive Technology Building, where they observed a car exceeding 200 miles per hour on a dyno machine.

As a federally funded TRIO Talent Search grant program, Project ASPIREE helps students explore career options and exposes them to college campuses along with information about majors. Students learn about the many pathways available after high school, including junior colleges, trade schools, community colleges, and four-year universities. 

Gov. Beshear Signs Lofton’s Law and Lily’s Law

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Gov. Beshear Signs Lofton’s Law and Lily’s Law

After tragic deaths, new laws honor teens by strengthening penalties for hazing and DUI

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 27, 2023) – Today at the state Capitol, Gov. Andy Beshear joined the bereaved families of Thomas “Lofton” Hazelwood and Lily Fairfield to sign two pieces of legislation that honor the teens’ lives and strengthen the state’s hazing and driving under the influence laws.

“These families have experienced the unimaginable, and today we not only stand with them to lift up their beautiful children – children of God who were taken far too soon – we stand with them in making changes that can help save other Kentuckians,” Gov. Beshear said.

The Governor signed Senate Bill 9, also known as Lofton’s Law, which was passed by lawmakers in response to the October 2021 hazing death of University of Kentucky freshman Lofton Hazelwood. Lofton was an 18-year-old from Henderson.

Gov. Beshear said since 2021, Lofton’s parents, Tracey and Kirk Hazelwood, have fought for legislation to help prevent this from happening to other families by increasing the penalty for hazing that results in physical harm or death to a Class D felony. Hazing that does not cause physical harm will be increased to a Class A misdemeanor.

Tracey and Kirk Hazelwood attended the bill signing ceremony with their children, Logan and Preston, while their daughter, Sydney, was watching from out of state.

“We just want to thank everybody that has helped us through this journey,” said Tracey Hazelwood. “It’s a phone call no one should have to get, and we hope this never happens to anyone ever again. This is not going to bring my baby back, but it will save other lives and that is all we can hope for – the safety of other students.”

“Signing this bill is the right thing to do. As a parent to two young kids myself, I cannot imagine what Tracey and Kirk and their children, Logan, Preston and Sydney, have had to go through,” Gov. Beshear said. “But because of this family, Lofton’s legacy is living on in so many incredible ways. One of them is through the Lofton Hazelwood Foundation, which is providing scholarships for an agriculture major or for a student to attend a trade school. This scholarship is for Henderson County residents, and the deadline to apply for this year is May 1. That is pretty special.”

Bill sponsor Sen. Robby Mills of Henderson, said, “The driving force behind this legislation is standing right here – it’s Lofton’s parents, Tracey and Kirk. Our goal was to make sure that Senate Bill 9 was a deterrent for future activities. But also, to say that in Kentucky, student safety is important to our state government. Young people that go to college in Kentucky should have the ability to have a great time in college and not have the fear of hazing that has been so prevalent over the last few years.”

Signing House Bill 262, or Lily’s Law, the Governor was joined by the family of Lily Fairfield, a 16-year-old from Oldham County who died in 2021 after a driver under the influence crashed into the car her sister, Zoe, was driving on their way to school. The driver had been arrested and immediately released just three days prior, on a DUI charge.

The bill mandates that a person is guilty of vehicular homicide when they cause the death of another resulting from their operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or other impairing substance. The bill makes vehicular homicide a Class B felony.

The bill also requires that individuals who are arrested for drunken driving shall be detained for at least six hours following their arrest. Current statute requires that an individual who is arrested and who has a breath analysis test result of 0.15% or more alcohol concentration shall be detained for four hours following arrest.

The bill amends state law to clarify that a breath test must be performed in accordance with the standard operating procedures adopted by the Department of Criminal Justice Training. Previously, the statute read that the manufacturer’s instructors or instructions adopted by the Department of Criminal Justice Training and approved by the manufacturer were acceptable.

Zoe, Lily’s sister, who was injured in the crash said, “A preventable tragedy stole my little sister’s bright life and a piece of our hearts. There is no bill that lawmakers could pass that would bring Lily back into our lives, but today we are taking a huge step forward in preventing future Kentucky families from receiving the same heartbreaking call we did.”

Lily’s and Zoe’s father, Mark, said, “Thank you to the Governor and to our representatives for taking this first step to help make our state proactive in solving problems versus waiting for them to happen.”

“Thank you, Zoe, for being here today with your father, Mark. And thank you for showing unimaginable strength and bravery. You have truly honored your sister’s life. And your work will make our roads safer and help protect more Kentuckians.” Gov. Beshear said.

The Governor also recognized the family’s attorney, Danielle Blandford, along with several Kentucky lawmakers for their work to make this bill a reality.

“I appreciate the Governor signing this bill into law. Far too many Kentuckians have lost their lives or loved ones as a result of a car wreck involving someone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol,” said Rep. Patrick Flannery, whose district covers Carter, Lewis and part of Boyd counties. “Over the past several years, the legislature has worked to both toughen penalties and help people get treatment. HB 262 is the next step in our efforts and will save innocent lives.”

House Speaker David Osborne also praised the bill’s signing: “Lily’s death was a senseless tragedy that no family should have to endure. HB 262 is the direct result of her family’s efforts to honor her life by preventing the same thing from happening to others. It will ensure those arrested for driving under the influence are detained and toughen the penalties for vehicular homicide. I appreciate Rep. Flannery for his efforts to carry the measure, as well as the Governor for signing it into law.”

Gov. Beshear also highlighted the work of Reps. Ken Fleming, Samara Heavrin, Charles Miller, Jason Nemes and Killian Timoney.

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How did 2,800 nurses with fake degrees pass the NCLEX?

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How did 2,800 nurses with fake degrees pass the NCLEX?

Mackenzie Bean (Twitter) -BECKER HEALTHCARE

The dust is settling on the national nursing degree scheme, but many questions still linger, with the most pressing being: Who are these nurses, and where are they practicing? As investigations continue and disciplinary actions are taken, another intriguing question has emerged: How were so many nurses able to pass the National Council Licensure Examination?

Through the scheme, aspiring nurses allegedly paid between $10,000 and $15,000 for fake nursing degrees and transcripts, which allowed them to qualify for the NCLEX without completing the necessary coursework and training required to sit for the test.

About 2,800 people — or 37 percent of those who bought fake documents — passed the test, according to Omar Pérez Aybar, special agent in charge for the Miami region of HHS’ Office of Inspector General. A “significant number” went on to gain licensure and secure employment at U.S. healthcare facilities, he told The New York Times in January.

“It is a bit of a surprise,” Felicia Sadler, MJ, BSN, RN, vice president of quality at Relias, an approved provider of continuing education for U.S. licensing boards, told Becker’s. “In the world of academia, we go through a very rigorous process from an academic standpoint, as well as our clinicals, when we work towards those diplomas and degrees.”

Many individuals who purchased fake nursing degrees had prior experience working in healthcare as certified nursing assistants or other positions, federal officials said, which may help explain the high pass rate. Test-takers may also have been internationally trained or educated nurses, according to David Benton, Ph.D., RN, CEO of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

“The NCLEX fundamentally assesses the level of a person’s nursing knowledge, skills and abilities. It is a gold standard testing methodology that has been proven to be effective and reliable based on decades of data,” Dr. Benton said in a statement to Becker’s. “The NCLEX is designed to focus on public safety by measuring nursing ability currently required to practice competently at the entry-level. It does not measure or assess whether an individual completed an education program or retained particular knowledge from their education program.”

In April, the NCSBN is slated to release its next-generation NCLEX designed to better measure test-takers clinical judgment and decision-making. The organization is also looking into higher-end technologies to improve exam and nursing regulatory body practices, Dr. Benton said.

FOOTNOTE: The City-County Observer posted this article without bias or editing.

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Borisova paces UE women in opening round

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First of three rounds in South Carolina complete

 PAWLEY’S ISLAND, S.C. – Magdalena Borisova recorded a 3-over 74 to lead the University of Evansville women’s golf team in Monday’s opening round of the Golfweek/AGT Intercollegiate.

Borisova’s opening round at Caledonia Golf & Fish Club has her in a tie for 27th place.  Her score of 74 is also just five behind a tie for the top spot.  Mallory Russell and Allison Enchelmayer recorded scores of 75 on Monday.  The duo is tied for 32nd with their 4-over-par round.

Just behind them was Kate Petrova.  She carded a 5-over 76 in the opening 18 holes and is tied for 40th.  Carly Frazier completed the day with an 83.

Solid efforts across the board by the Purple Aces have them in sixth place out of 17 teams with a 300.  UE is just two strokes outside the top five with East Carolina ranking 5th with a 298.  With four players inside the top 12, James Madison leads the team standings with a 285.  They are five in front of UNC Asheville with UNC Greensboro and UIC ranking in a third-place tie with a 292.

Madyson Gold (UNCA), Ava Romfo (UNCG) and Oda Sofie Kilsti (ECU) pace the individual standings with scores of 69, two under par.

Action continues on Tuesday with the second round of 18.

STYX PLAYS AT AIKEN THEATRE AT THE PLAZA ON OCTOBER 21

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STYX PLAYS AT AIKEN THEATRE AT THE PLAZA ON OCTOBER 21

TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023, AT 10 AM

Evansville, IN – March 27, 2023– Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment and the Old National Events Plaza announce the iconic rock band Styx, will perform live on the Aiken Theatre stage this fall, as part of their 2023 World Tour.

Styx is comprised of legendary rockers, James “JY” Young (lead vocals, guitars), Tommy Shaw (lead vocals, guitars), Chuck Panozzo (bass, vocals), Todd Sucherman (drums, percussion), Lawrence Gowan (lead vocals, keyboards) and Ricky Phillips (bass, guitar, vocals). The multi-platinum group will release their 17th album on June 18, 2023, on the band’s Alpha Dog 2T/Ume label.

Fans will enjoy favorites from this incredible band plus brand new content with the release of Crash of the Crown, STYX’s new studio album, releasing this June. Crash of the Crown is the follow-up to Styx’s 16th studio album, The Mission, dubbed “a masterpiece,” which was released in June 2017.

For more information about Styx, visit www.styxworld.com.

Ticket Information:

What:                   Styx

When:                  Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 8:00 PM

Where:                Old National Events Plaza | 715 Locust Street | Evansville, IN 47708

Tickets:                Tickets start at $55.50 plus applicable fees and tax.

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or the Old National Events Plaza Box Office. For more information about the Aiken Theatre, visit www.oldnationaleventsplaza.com

About Old National Events Plaza

Old National Events Plaza, managed by ASM Global, is an impressive 280,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility offering affordable, flexible space and in-house services.  With a beautiful 2,500-seat theatre, a spacious 38,000 square-foot exhibit hall, 14,000 square-feet of elegant ballroom space, and twelve flexible 1,000 square-foot Meeting Rooms, Old National Events Plaza can host a variety of events with attendees ranging from 20 to 10,000.  For more information and a complete schedule of events, please visit www.oldnationaleventsplaza.com.

About ASM Global

ASM Global is the world’s leading venue management and services company. The company was formed by the combination of AEG Facilities and SMG, global leaders in venue and event strategy and management. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 300 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. From Aberdeen to Anchorage, and Sydney to Stockholm, its venues connect people through the unique power of live experiences.

ASM Global’s diverse portfolio of clients benefit from the company’s depth of resources and unparalleled experience, expertise and creative problem-solving. Each day, the company’s 61,000 passionate employees around the world delivers locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to deliver maximum results for venue owners, and operations, and amazing experiences for guests. By consistently looking for new ways to envision, innovate and empower the spaces and places that bring people together, ASM Global elevates the human spirit while delivering the highest value for all stakeholders. For more information, please visitwww.asmglobal.com

USI Volleyball hires Aucoin as next head coach

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Volleyball has officially the hiring of Jeffrey Aucoin M’22 as the next head coach of the Screaming Eagles. Aucoin will be the 13th head coach in program history and the second in the NCAA Division I era.
 
“First, I would like to thank President Ronald Rochon, Director of Athletics Jon Mark Hall, Assistant Director of Athletics Mandi Fulton, and all the members of the search committee,” says Aucoin. “It is an honor to lead this program at a critical time in the program’s history. From the moment I stepped on campus, I could feel the pride and authenticity of the USI family. They exuded the energy, commitment, and compassion to deliver a first-class student-athlete experience.  I cannot wait to work with the team, engage with the alumni, and immerse our family in the USI and Evansville communities. Go Screaming Eagles!”
 
“We are truly excited to have Jeff on board and part of our USI community,” says USI Athletic Director Jon Mark Hall. “This is a critical time for all of our programs as we continue through our transition in Division I and we are excited that Jeff will be here to lead our volleyball students through this transition. Jeff is student-athlete centered and understands the demands placed on student-athletes in today’s environment. His holistic approach to leading a program came across very clearly during the interview process.”
 
Aucoin comes to USI after a 10-year stint with Harvard University as the recruiting coordinator and assistant women’s volleyball coach. During his time with the Crimson women’s volleyball program, Aucoin helped guide the team to back-to-back Ivy League championships and their first NCAA tournament appearance in school history. He was able to achieve a top-40 recruiting class and coached 25 All-Ivy League selections, three AVCA All-Region selections, and two Ivy League Rookie of the Year athletes.

Aucoin spent three seasons with the Crimson men’s volleyball program as an assistant coach. During his time with the program, he guided the team to their all-time highest AVCA national ranking at No.13 and coached eight All-EIVA selections.

Aucoin graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology focusing on sports studies. He also was a four-year member of the New Hampshire men’s club volleyball team and was named NCVF tournament MVP after leading the Wildcats to the 2011 NCVF Division I-AA National Championship. In 2013, Aucoin earned his master’s degree in physical education and sport from Ball State University where he was a MIVA Academic All-Conference selection as a member of the Cardinals’ NCAA Division I varsity men’s volleyball team. He would continue his academic pursuit and receive an MBA at the University of Southern Indiana in May 2022.

Aucoin and the Eagles will hit the court for USI’s second season in DI play after finishing 2022 with a 1-28 overall record, going 1-17 in the Ohio Valley Conference and missing out on the post-season tournament.

Making a return to the squad is junior Leah Anderson (Bloomington, Illinois) who tallied second-team All-OVC honors last season after racking up the sixth-most kills in the league with 347 and nabbed a team-high 316 digs and 28 aces to pair with 53 blocks. She also became the 15th player to reach the 1,000-kill plateau and the 13th player to earn 1,000 career digs, making her the fifth player in program history to reach both milestones. Anderson finished the 2022 campaign third in service aces with 167, seventh in kills with 1,231, and 10th in digs with 1,106 all-time.

The 2023 schedule will be released at a later date. For more information, go to our website at USIScreamingEagles.com or find us on social media at USIAthletics.

Unlimited Spring Yard Waste Service Begins April 3 for Eligible EWSU Residential Customers 

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Unlimited Spring Yard Waste Service Begins April 3 for Eligible EWSU Residential Customers 

(EVANSVILLE, IN) – Now that spring has arrived it is time to clear away leaves and debris, trim trees and prune bushes to get the yard ready for summer. To accommodate the extra yard waste, Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) will offer the annual Spring Yard Waste Service during the first four full weeks in April.

Stating Monday, April 3, and continuing through Friday, April 28, Republic Services will pick up unlimited bags or containers of yard waste from eligible EWSU customers at no extra charge.

How it Works

  • Republic Services, the contractor for the City’s trash and recycling services, will pick up unlimited bags, containers, or bundles of yard waste on the day of your regular trash collection.
  • Yard waste must be properly contained in plastic bags or tied in bundles no more than 4 feet long and 2 feet in diameter weighing less than 50 pounds, or loose in containers weighing less than 50 pounds.
  • Yard waste must be placed next to your City trash cart.
  • No special bags are required. The yard waste will be taken to the landfill.

What is Allowed

  • Spring Yard Waste Service is for organic yard waste like leaves, grass clippings, hedge and tree trimmings, garden plants and garden trimmings.

Who is Eligible

  • Spring Yard Waste Service is available to City residents who pay for trash service with their EWSU water and sewer bill. Apartment complexes, mobile home communities, businesses, commercial customers and County residents are not eligible.

NOTE: Republic Services will accept extra yard waste placed curbside next to the City-issued trash cart onlyduring the annual four-week Spring Yard Waste Service period April 3 – 28. EWSU residential customers may put yard waste inside the regular 96-gallon trash cart throughout the year.

More information on the Spring Yard Waste Service is available at ewsu.com. Click Trash & Recycling for a link to the seasonal Yard Care Collection.

About EWSU

Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) provides high-quality, safe and dependable water and sewer services to more than 63,000 customers in Vanderburgh County and parts of Gibson, Posey and Warrick counties. EWSU maintains more than 1,000 miles of water lines, 800 miles of sewer lines, 6,100 hydrants, eight water storage facilities, two wastewater treatment plants and one water filtration plant. The utility also manages the City’s street sweeping and trash and recycling contracts. EWSU meets or exceeds all state and federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards while protecting land and water resources for future generations.

USI Summer Enrichment Camp to begin May 31

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The University of Southern Indiana Summer Enrichment Camp (SEC) will be offered to children entering kindergarten through grade six (based on the grade they will enter in Fall 2023). The camp will begin on May 31 and will run through July 28. Camp opens daily at 7 a.m. and closes at 5:30 p.m.

SEC offers an environment encouraging children to develop their capabilities and interests at their own pace based on individual needs. The program recognizes the uniqueness of children and provides positive encouragement for their continued growth while having fun.

This year’s SEC activities will include crafts, swimming, games, on-site opportunities (utilizing the entire campus) and more. Enrichment experiences will be offered in art, science, fitness, technology and other interests staff bring to camp. Every activity will be tied to a weekly theme communicated to families of students participating in the camp. Four field trips will also take place over the course of the summer.

Full-time and part-time spaces are available, but priority will be given to families requiring full-time, full-summer care. Early enrollment was offered to 2023 campers last fall, so several spots have already been filled.

Total SEC fees for all USI employees and students are:

  • Full-time (Monday-Friday): $1,482.33
  • Part-time (three days/week): $1,116.04
  • Part-time (two days/week): $815.04

Total SEC fees for community members (non-USI employees) are:

  • Full-time (Monday-Friday): $1584.56
  • Part-time (three days/week): $1,167.80
  • Part-time (two days/week): $866.38

Fees include all costs except for lunches (parents send) and the cost of a life jacket for swimming (if needed).

A $60 pre-enrollment fee (per child) is required and can be paid online.

For more information, to enroll a child in SEC or to learn about childcare for younger children, contact Dr. Rob Carroll, Assistant Professor of Education, at 812-464-1939 or by email at recarroll@usi.edu.

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Founded in 1965, the University of Southern Indiana enrolls nearly 9,200 dual credit, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in more than 130 areas of study. A public higher education institution, located on a beautiful 1,400-acre campus in Evansville, Indiana, USI offers programs through the College of Liberal Arts, Romain College of Business, College of Nursing and Health Professions and the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. The University offers study-abroad opportunities in more than 60 countries and hosts international students from around the globe. USI is a Carnegie Foundation Community Engaged University and offers continuing education and special programs to more than 15,000 participants annually through Outreach and Engagement. USI is online at USI.edu. 

 

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