EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORTÂ FOOTNOTE: Â EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT Â information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
BREAKING NEWS: ROBBERY SUSPECT APPREHENDED/MISSING JUVENILE ON LLOYD AND BURKHARDT
Robbery Suspect Apprehension/Missing Juvenile Lloyd/BurkhardtÂ
SUMMARYÂ
On March 25th, around 3:50 p.m., Evansville Police Officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Applewood Ct. in reference to a robbery and stolen vehicle in progress. The Victim reported that the Suspect, later identified as 20-year-old Evan Cooper, pulled a knife out and demanded the keys to her vehicle. Cooper and the Victim know each other and he wanted to drive her vehicle back to Kentucky. The Victim told Cooper that he could not take her vehicle, but then he pulled the knife out and demanded the keys. The Victim reported that Cooper’s juvenile girlfriend left with him but she did not participate in the robbery. It was determined that she was considered a Missing Juvenile from Kentucky.Â
EPD Officers in the area saw the stolen vehicle, a white Hyundai, traveling east on the Lloyd Expressway. Officers attempted to make a traffic stop but Cooper fled from the officers. Officers self-terminated their involvement. An Officer saw Cooper pull into the gas station parking lot at Lloyd and Field. Officers tried to conduct a Felony car stop in the parking lot but Cooper fled again. Cooper got back on the Lloyd and continued eastbound.Â
Cooper got caught in traffic at Lloyd and Burkhardt and could not go any further. Officers caught up with Cooper in the traffic at Lloyd and Burkhardt and boxed him in. Cooper hit two vehicles trying to get through the traffic and caused minor damage. There were no injuries reported. Cooper also backed into an EPD Officer’s vehicle which caused minor damage. Officers were able to approach the vehicle and take Cooper into custody.Â
The juvenile with Cooper did not have any injuries and was safely transported by officers from the scene. The proper authorities and her parents were notified that she was located in Evansville. The juvenile did say that she voluntarily left Kentucky with Cooper.Â
Cooper was interviewed by an EPD Detective. He admitted to pulling a knife on the Victim and taking her vehicle. He was arrested and transported to the Vanderburgh County Confinement Center. Cooper’s charges include Robbery, Intimidation, Auto Theft, Resisting Law Enforcement, and Operating a Motor Vehicle without a License.Â
Gov. Beshear Signs Legislation to Support Kentuckians Fighting Addiction
State leading the way in access to drug treatment, recovery
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 24, 2023) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined lawmakers, recovery and addiction prevention experts and an addiction survivor to sign two pieces of legislation that support ongoing efforts to help Kentuckians fighting addiction.
In addition to the new laws, the Governor said Kentucky is leading the way in providing treatment services to Kentuckians through the state’s Treatment Access Program, which allows those without health insurance to enter residential treatment, and by creating Recovery Ready Communities, expanding health care coverage and increasing treatment beds. The state has increased the number of treatment beds by 50% since the Governor took office in 2019.
“My faith teaches me that there are second chances in this life and that we are all our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. To help every Kentuckian reach their full potential, we must live out our faith and values and help those struggling overcome,â€Â Gov. Beshear said. “Let me tell you, this isn’t a battle that is going to be won in a day. We have to fight for the inches, that become the miles of progress. Thanks to a lot of folks working together.â€
“I would just like to thank the Governor, the legislators that are here, our providers, our advocates and also thank those of you who are here with lived experience with substance use disorder, because we rely on you to help build the best system,†said Dr. Allen Brenzel of the Department for Behavioral Health. “I would also like to offer condolences to anybody who has lost a loved one. We know we are losing an average of six Kentuckians a day. Those are your brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, teachers, lawyers, doctors, plumbers. We know that is a loss of incredible human potential. We want you to know we have an incredibly complex plan to address this.â€
“Thank you, Governor, and thank you for your leadership for all the way back to your time as attorney general. You kept addiction at the forefront of the problems we face in Kentucky,†said Van Ingram, executive director of the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy. “We have to get it right. We have to keep fighting this fight every day.â€
The Governor added that just today, his administration issued a Request for Proposal for support and oversight of mobile crisis intervention service providers across the state, which further supports those facing addiction as well as those in need of suicide and crisis intervention.Â
House Bill 248
This legislation supports recovery housing by setting requirements for certification, operation and oversight of these residences. It is also aimed at helping these resources be more accessible and equitable.
“Our hope is potential barriers can be identified – like location, transportation and language services accommodations – and that programs can be created to overcome these obstacles and get more people the quality care they need,â€Â Gov. Beshear said.
Last year, Gov. Beshear announced a new searchable website to help people in recovery find housing, FindRecoveryHousingNowKY.org.
“We are fortunate to have a governor and General Assembly that are so committed to addressing the social determinants of recovery and improving outcomes for individuals impacted by substance use,†said founder and CEO of Addiction Recovery Care Tim Robinson Jr. “For people earlier on in their recovery journeys, having a safe place to stay can make all the difference. House Bill 248 ensures that Kentuckians across the state will have access to quality housing as they transition out of a treatment program and work toward reentering society.â€Â
President of the Kentucky Recovery Housing Network advisory board Gene Detherage Jr. said, “Quality recovery housing provides, safe, affordable and recovery-supportive environments for individuals to maintain a lifestyle of recovery from substance use disorders. When we bridge the gap for people to move from acute care treatment programs with recovery housing, we give them the support and opportunity to rebuild their lives and find their place in the commonwealth. Recovery housing is a key building block to moving forward and empowering individuals to live full and productive lives which then go on to benefit every other life they touch.â€
“Today’s signing of House Bill 248 continues to grow the hope that Gov. Beshear has already given to those struggling with addiction,†said Ashley Adkins, general counsel and vice president of outreach and development for Edgewater Recovery Center. “By protecting access to quality mental health and substance use treatment, we can improve outcomes, reduce stigma and make real progress toward saving the lives of our community members and loved ones.â€Â
“The transition to recovery housing can be a particularly vulnerable time for individuals who are recovering from substance use disorders. Under House Bill 248, Kentuckians will have protection against substandard housing providers that care more about profits than the health, well-being and safety of those in recovery,†said Chief Financial Officer for Stepworks, Deron Bibb.
“Every step taken to expand access to recovery services and treatment can make a difference in the lives of so many people fighting addiction,†said Barry Martin, CEO of Primary Care Centers of Eastern Kentucky and its spinoff treatment center, Beacons of Hope. “I am grateful to Gov. Beshear and the General Assembly for pushing through and signing legislation that will help more Kentuckians overcome addiction and go on to live healthier, fuller lives.â€
“As our commonwealth faces the scourge of addiction head on, we are fortunate to have more and more options for recovery. HB 248 provides guidelines for those interested in operating a recovery house to ensure consistent standards of care and services across the state,†said Rep. Samara Heavrin. “I appreciate my local officials for working with me on this issue, my fellow lawmakers for their bipartisan support and the Governor for signing it into law.â€
“House Bill 248 is transformative for the City of Elizabethtown,â€Â Mayor Jeff Gregory said. “There are over 80 sober-living facilities in our city and we’re thrilled to be able to get legislation in place that will enable us to monitor and enforce regulations that secure these facilities are operating correctly for those at the most vulnerable stage of their life.â€
Mayor Gregory added, “It’s a great day for recovery patients and it’s a great day for Kentucky cities, like Elizabethtown.â€
“HB248 ensures quality standards of care will be provided to those vulnerable individuals who are seeking addiction services,†said Elizabethtown Police Chief Jeremy Thompson. “It will also help protect our citizens from bad actors being brought in from out of town who aren’t interested in recovery and who are victimizing our citizens.â€
House Bill 148
This legislation will ensure direct payments from health insurance to the facilities providing care. Ultimately, this will not just help with the direct payments, but make things easier for those receiving treatment and their family members involved.
“We are committed to removing key barriers so that more Kentuckians battling opioid addiction can get help,†said Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Eric Friedlander. “The cabinet’s implementation of the Governor’s and General Assembly’s initiatives has saved lives. We will continue to partner with all our communities to make a difference, remove stigma and bring needed treatment to everyone who wants help.â€
Treatment ResourcesÂ
Call the KY Help Call Center at 833-8KY-HELP (833-859-4357) to speak one-on-one with a specialist who can connect Kentuckians to treatment.
Visit findhelpnowky.org to find information about available space in treatment programs and providers based on location, facility type and category of treatment needed.
Purple Aces golf teams travel to South Carolina
Aces set for Golfweek/AGT Intercollegiate
 EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Both University of Evansville golf teams will be on the road to Pawleys Island, S.C. for the Golfweek/AGT Intercollegiate. The men and women are slated to take part in the event, which runs from Monday through Wednesday (March 27-29).
Impressive fields comprise both events with the men set to take on Jacksonville State, Valparaiso, High Point, Xavier, Austin Peay, Loyola, Central Arkansas, Northern Colorado and Western Illinois. An even larger field will be participating on the women’s side including UNC Asheville, North Dakota State, Gardner-Webb, Morehead State, James Madison, St. Thomas, Florida Gulf Coast, East Carolina, UIC, Western Illinois, Ohio U. and Northern Colorado.
Earlier this week, the ladies enjoyed a strong performance at the Nevel Meade Collegiate in Prospect, Ky. Led by reigning Missouri Valley Conference Women’s Golfer of the Week Mallory Russell, the Purple Aces came home in second place. Russell posted a 146 over the two rounds on her way to a runner-up spot on the individual side.
Allison Enchelmayer tied for fifth place with a score of 149 while Kate Petrova was two behind her with a 151 to take 8th place.
Two weeks ago, the men were in action at the Bobby Nichols Intercollegiate in Sevierville, Tenn. Carson Parker was the top finisher for UE, carding a 5-over 77 in the final round of the tournament to take 24th place with a 223.
Following him was the duo of Daniil Romashkin and Issac Rohleder. Both completed play with a 224 to tie for 26th.
Democratic amendments on gender-affirming care bill voted down in House Chamber
INDIANAPOLIS—Two days after public testimony raised concerns, Rep. Robin Shackleford, D-Indianapolis, attempted Thursday to introduce four amendments to controversial Senate Bill 480, which would ban minors from receiving gender-affirming care in Indiana.Â
The bill faced its second reading in the House Chamber, where amendments were to be introduced and voted on. Despite requests from Rep. Greg Porter, D-Indianapolis, in Tuesday’s Public Health Committee meeting to amend the bill, Shackleford was the only one to attempt any changes to SB 480.Â
Shackleford’s first amendment aimed to “grandfather in†minors who receive gender-affirming care by July 1, when the bill would become law if passed. As it stands now, the bill states that minors would need to end their hormonal therapies six months after the bill is enacted, or on Dec. 31 of this year.
Her amendment intended to make it so that minors already receiving this care could continue, exempted from the law. Shackleford’s Amendment 1 failed 29-56.
Her second amendment would remove all hormonal treatments from the bill, outlawing only surgical procedures for minors in Indiana.Â
“These therapies help our youth transition and deal with their transitioning before they’re going to that surgical procedure,†Shackleford said. “Keep in mind also, puberty-blocking medications are reversible.â€
One of the House sponsors, Rep. Joanna King, R-Middlebury, said it was worth keeping in the bill due to safety concerns.
“It is really critical that we leave these medications and therapies as part of this bill, and here’s the reason why,†King said. “In July of 2022, the FDA issued a warning saying that puberty-blocking drugs should not be used for gender transition therapies.â€
King recommended that her Republican colleagues vote down the amendment, and they listened. Amendment 2 failed by a vote of 28-58.
Shackleford’s third amendment simply added “safeguards†to the bill while leaving the decision to receive treatment up to parents and physicians. To receive gender-affirming care, the patient and the parent would both need to give oral and written consent to the physician.Â
King also urged her colleagues to vote against this amendment.Â
“In testimony, we heard so many people talk about the harm that this process has left on them—irreversible, unproven, life-changing harm,†King said. “This bill will protect children from that harm. The state has the duty to protect children from harm. It is good policy.â€
Amendment 3 also failed by a 28-58 vote.
Shackleford’s final amendment aimed to give families an option if they are unhappy with the state’s control over their minor’s health care. If her amendment would have been successful, it would have allowed Hoosier parents to take legal action against the state if their minor reacted poorly to being taken off hormonal medications to transition.
“If we want to be able now to make these decisions on behalf of a parent on behalf of a child, we have to accept the consequences,†Shackleford said. “If a child is removed from this therapy and they commit suicide, we should be held accountable.â€
King said the state should not be held responsible in those cases.Â
Rep. Ed DeLaney, D-Indianapolis, said the General Assembly’s silence on LGBTQ+ issues is deafening.Â
“We are arrogating to ourselves medical decisions. We are taking those decisions away from doctors and parents,†DeLaney said. “OK, that appears to be what’s going to happen. But then we go a step further and say, ‘Oh, by the way, we as a state are not responsible. We as a state decided what will and will not happen. But if we’re wrong, no jury needs to look at this.’â€
The fourth and final amendment failed with a vote of 27-60.
SB 480 will now face its third reading in the House. If passed, it will then move to Gov. Eric Holcomb’s desk for consideration.
After the session meeting, Shackleford released a statement regarding her disappointment over the defeat of her amendments.
“Transgender people, especially transgender children, are already one of our most vulnerable demographics,†Shackleford said. “While our goal in the legislature is to keep children safe, I firmly believe that parents, their child and medical professionals are best equipped to determine the best course of action.
“My amendments were an effort to make this bad bill a bit better for transgender children, their families and their doctors. I’m disappointed House Republicans chose playing politics over empowering families to make the best decisions for themselves.â€
Attorney General Todd Rokita surveys Hoosier businesses and public institutions in bid to strengthen cybersecurity
Attorney General Todd Rokita surveys Hoosier businesses and public institutions in a bid to strengthen cybersecurity
March 25, 2023
Attorney General Todd Rokita is advising Indiana businesses and governmental organizations to take precautions to guard against cyber threats such as phishing attempts, malware attacks, and ransomware demands.
To gather information about the extent to which institutions are taking protective measures, Attorney General Rokita is sending out letters to hundreds of organizations asking them to go online to answer survey questions.
“Cyberattackers are relentless in their determination to steal data and generally cause mayhem,†Attorney General Rokita said. “We need to be even more steadfast in our commitment to beat them at their game and keep our systems safe.â€
Attorney General Rokita chairs the Legal and Insurance Working Group of the Indiana Executive Cybersecurity Council (IECC). In 2020, the IECC’s Legal and Insurance Working Group collaborated with Indiana University and the University of Arizona to circulate a cyber survey to Indiana local governments, schools and businesses. The result of that survey was the 2020 State of Hoosier Cybersecurity Report.
The same entities are partnering once again to do a follow-up survey.
“Among other things,†Attorney General Rokita said, “we want to learn whether Hoosier organizations are giving more attention to safeguards in a post-Covid environment in which work-from-home has become a standard operating procedure. We aim to continue identifying barriers that prevent effective cyber risk planning, and we want to do everything we can do in our own capacities to enable and encourage organizations to implement effective cyber risk planning.â€
University Of Evansville Programs Recognized During Annual Leadership Everyone Awards
University of Evansville Programs Recognized during Annual Leadership Everyone Awards
March 25, 2023
EVANSVILLE, IND. Â Several University of Evansville (UE) ChangeLabs won awards during the 28th annual Celebration of Leadership program hosted by Leadership Everyone.
Celebration of Leadership is an annual event during which Leadership Everyone honors individuals, projects, programs, businesses, and organizations that make[LP1] significant, collaborative contributions that improve and transform the community in the Tri-State region.
“We are very proud of what our students and faculty accomplish through their work in ChangeLabs,” said Erin Lewis, executive director of the Center for Innovation & Change, which facilitates ChangeLab at UE. “Every day we are inspired by the passion, talent, and ingenuity of our students and the UE community and truly honored to empower them as they serve.”
ChangeLab is a multi- and inter-disciplinary academic offering at the University of Evansville. Through this program, students and faculty can propose projects that make a positive difference in the community and around the world and then get to work on these transformative initiatives while earning academic credit. ChangeLab courses are made up of individuals from nearly all areas of study and explore topics ranging from data analytics to housing and food insecurity to healthcare and educational topics.
“We feel a great sense of pride for our community members in their accomplishments by being recognized with Leadership Everyone Awards,” said UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. “As a Changemaker Campus, UE is dedicated to empowering students and faculty as they work to make the world more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive. We are honored to see their efforts recognized in our community.”
Below is a list of the students and programs recognized with the 28th Annual Celebration of Leadership Awards.
Annie Kim
UE United Sound
2023 Sam Featherstone Youth Award
Annie Kim is a sophomore biology major and concertmaster for the UE Symphony Orchestra. Over the past two semesters, she has established and championed UE United Sound, a student club and ChangeLab course at UE based on the national group aimed at removing barriers and fostering social change through music. UE United Sound trains UE music students to teach younger students with disabilities how to play instruments, and gives them exciting opportunities to perform, such as at the Victory Theatre for the Holiday Pops concert.
Jack Deig
Hydration Station
2023 Sam Featherstone Youth Award
As a high school student, Jack Deig identified a problem in our community-not everyone has access to filtered drinking water. He entered UE’s High School Changemaker Challenge with his idea to provide clean drinking water to all through Hydration Stations. Continuing his work at UE ChangeLab, he has now installed a free drinking water machine at Patchwork Central, and more are being installed around Evansville’s downtown, specifically targeting those experiencing homelessness.
Joshua Academy Music Instruction ChangeLab
Coach Fran Vile, UE Clinical Instructor of Music
2023 Arts Award for a Project or Program
Through this course led by Fran Vile of UE’s Music Conservatory, music education students Will McDonner and Luke Robertson have established and cultivated an instrumental music program at Joshua Academy. Beginning with a closet full of forgotten, dusty, and broken instruments, they repaired or replaced the instruments and taught students to read and play music, finishing the year with a popular performance and partnering with the Academy’s choir.
Data Analytics ChangeLab
Coach Omid Khormali, UE Assistant Professor of Mathematics
2023 Leader in Technology Award
UE’s Data Analytics ChangeLab, led by Assistant Professor of Mathematics Omid Khormali, puts its students’ talents to use for the community. They have served Deaconess, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s iCivics, and COVID Between the Coasts, a partnership with WNIN. Last semester, their project took data received from the United States Forestry Service and created a tool for them to identify trends in invasive species and forest fires. The Data Analytics ChangeLab students have also been asked to testify before Congress about the project.
Children’s Mental Health ChangeLab
Coach Jennie Braun
2023 Project and Program Division Award
When children need mental health testing, it is often a year-long wait. The students at UE’s Children’s Mental Health ChangeLab collaborated with parents and doctors in our community to identify the root causes of this issue, and then developed a well-designed, multi-tiered solution. They make it easy to view eligible doctors and wait times and use UE’s Doctor of Psychology program to help with the backlog of doctors and paperwork, increasing affordability and speed of testing for kids.
FOOTNOTE: Â The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university located in the southwestern region of Indiana. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and vibrant campus community of changemakers.
Home of the Purple Aces, UE offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton College, a Victorian manor located in the countryside of the United Kingdom. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.
UE softball travels to Missouri State
Three-game series set for Saturday and Sunday
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – For the first time in Missouri Valley Conference play, the University of Evansville softball team takes to the road as the Purple Aces will be in Springfield to take on Missouri State. Saturday will feature a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. before Sunday’s finale begins with a 12 p.m. first pitch.
In the opening weekend of MVC action, junior Alexa Davis batted .444 with four hits in nine at-bats. She recorded three stolen bases, two walks, a run and RBI. In Friday’s opener versus the Braves, Davis was 2-4 with a walk, steal and run. Game two of the Friday doubleheader saw her go 0-2, but she did draw a walk and steal. Davis completed the weekend with a 2-3 effort with another steal and double. Making Sunday’s effort even more impressive was that she left the game in the middle innings after suffering a cut on a stolen base. She re-entered in the seventh to hit a double.
Sydney Weatherford had an effective pair of appearances to open the conference seasons. Weatherford tossed 1 2/3 innings on Friday against Bradley while giving up a walk and striking out one.  She made the start on Sunday and went five innings and gave up an unearned run on just two hits while adding another strikeout.  Following a March 11 game against Indiana, her ERA stood at 5.33 but two solid appearances against the Braves saw her ERA drop to 4.10.
Making her Missouri Valley Conference debut against Bradley over the weekend, UE freshman Taylor How batted .300 and reached base 41.7% of the time. Howe recorded a hit in each game, including a 1-4 game in Friday’s doubleheader opener. She was also hit by a pitch in the contest. She went 1-3 in the second game before adding another 1-for-3 effort in Sunday’s finale. Howe was hit by another pitch on Sunday to improve her on-base percentage.
Missouri State enters the weekend with a record of 13-15 and a 3-2 mark through their first five MVC outings. After falling in two games to Southern Illinois, the Bears have rebounded to win four in a row overall while sweeping Drake in a home series last weekend. MSU outscored the Bulldogs by a 24-1 tally.