ATC Warns of Alarming Trend in Illegal Sale of Nitrous Oxide

01/28/2025

ATC Warns of Alarming Trend in Illegal Sale of Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide used to get intoxicated can cause heart attacks and death

INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 27, 2025) — The Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission issued notice today to over 8,200 tobacco sellers throughout Indiana, warning them about the illegal sale of nitrous oxide. “It is illegal in Indiana to sell nitrous oxide for the purposes of intoxication, and Indiana State Excise Police have discovered an alarming trend of this activity among certain gas stations, convenience stores, smoke shops, and tobacco/vaping businesses throughout the state,” said Jessica Allen, ATC executive director.

Pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-46-6-3, a person who knowingly or intentionally uses or distributes nitrous oxide with the intent to cause a condition of intoxication, euphoria, excitement, exhilaration, stupefaction, or dulling of the senses of another person commits a Class B misdemeanor (unless used for medical purposes). However, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor if the person has a prior unrelated conviction.

To date, 18 Indiana tobacco certificate holders have been cited for this illegal activity and some of their employees have been referred for criminal prosecution. “We’re seeing some sellers hiding the nitrous oxide tanks and only offering them for sale upon request and selling nitrous oxide tanks with no additional culinary items such as whipping cream,” warns Superintendent Matt Strittmatter of the Indiana State Excise Police. Superintendent Strittmatter said some of these sellers are also giving customers, including minors, instructions on how to use a nitrous oxide tank for the purposes of intoxication.

Excise also found some of the nitrous oxide products even appear to contain certain flavors such as blue raspberry, cotton candy, and watermelon.

While commonly used in clinical settings as a sedative or anesthetic, nitrous oxide is also used to make whipped cream. This makes the substance readily accessible to use it recreationally to get high or intoxicated. When inhaled for recreational purposes, nitrous oxide can cause side effects including, but not limited to, blurred vision, dizziness, dissociation, disorientation, loss of balance, impaired memory and cognition, numbness, and weakness in the legs. In large amounts, nitrous oxide can cause a lack of oxygen amongst users which may lead to loss of blood pressure, fainting, heart attack, and even death.“Not only are these products risky to store and when used to become intoxicated, but they are also extremely costly to dispose of,” said Allen. Allen estimates that cost could amount to $1 million by 2026 if the trend continues.

The ATC encourages the public to submit anonymous tips or complaints about this matter to Indiana State Excise Police or their local law enforcement agency. For a copy of the letter issued to tobacco sellers throughout Indiana today, and photos of nitrous oxide containers seized for evidence, please click here .

Indiana House urges federal lawmakers to expedite approval of electric projects

01/28/2025

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power lines — Photo by Pok Rie: https://www.pexels.com/photo/transmission-tower-under-gray-sky-189524/

By Anna Cecil TheStatehouseFile.com Jan 27, 2025

On Monday, the Indiana House of Representatives adopted House Concurrent Resolution 3, which calls for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the United States Department of Energy, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, and the United States Congress to speed up the approval rate of electric transmission and generation projects. Representatives voted 71-23 to pass the resolution.

Rep. Edmond Soliday, R-Valparaiso. Photo provided: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/legislators/legislator_edmond_soliday_864.

Resolution author Rep. Edmond Soliday, R-Valparaiso, said it is necessary because if a utility company wants to build an entity that would generate electricity, they first must petition the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) or Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland Interconnection (PJM). Due to a long queue, there is currently a four-year wait to get approval for new energy generation.

Soliday said this waitlist makes it hard for utilities to meet energy demand.

MISO and PJM are energy grid management organizations. This means they manage the generation and transmission of energy without owning generators, transmission lines or parts of the electric grid.

The two organizations work to ensure the correct amount of energy is generated and transmitted to utility companies (Duke Energy, AES, CenterPoint Energy, etc.) at the best price for consumers.

Soliday’s resolution requests that the federal government make a new rule in which state utilities propose areas on Indiana’s power grid that need more energy generation and that they get new generation approval prior to areas that need it less.

“All this resolution does, and other states are joining us—we’re saying to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Congress and the NERC, you’ve gotta change the system. You’ve got to prioritize,” Soliday said.

Rep. Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington. Photo provided, https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2023/legislators/legislator_matthew_pierce_708/

Rep. Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington, opposed the resolution because of concerns about investor-owned utilities being able to jump the line in front of entrepreneurial energy companies that might offer sustainable or clean energy sources.

“People will be waiting in line for a long time and going through this process, and suddenly they’re going to have the investor-owned utility jump in front of them. All the time their capital is tied up. It’s at risk. They’re waiting to get an answer,” Pierce said. “Those of you who are in the business world, you know what it’s like to have your capital committed and you just can’t get the approvals you need to get things going. … I think this is going to make that worse.”

Soliday responded to Pierce’s argument, saying that when entrepreneurs do receive approval, most cannot afford to build transmission lines, so they do not become new energy generators.

“All we’re saying is, ‘MISO, these are the things that have been approved. These are the things that will meet certificates of public need and public convenience. Put them in the right priority so we can continue to serve businesses and folks,’” Soliday said. “All we’re doing is saying, ‘Clean up the mess.’”

Anna Cecil is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

Upcoming Events at USI

01/28/2025

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UPCOMING EVENTS

4:30 p.m. Thursday, January 30

USI Romain College of Business to host Interim President Steve Bridges for Two Chapters of Life presentation

Steven J. Bridges ’89 M’95, USI Interim President, will present Two Chapters for Life at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 30 in the Business and Engineering Center Atrium.

SAVE THE DATE

Begins February 3

USI Romain College of Business VITA Program to offer free tax prep

Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), USI students in the Romain College of Business will provide free federal and state income tax preparation on Monday evenings, February 3 through March 24. The annual service is open to students, faculty, staff and the general public.

February 4; 11; 18

USI to host Crappie University 2025, Crappie Fishing’s newest insights

USI Outreach and Engagement is hosting Crappie University 2025; Crappie Fishing’s Newest Insights, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, February 4, 11 and 18 in the Wright Administration Building, Room WA2.

February 11

USI to host virtual Adult Learner Expo in celebration of Adult Education Day

The University is pleased to announce an Adult Learner Expo, a virtual event taking place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 11 in honor of Adult Education Day, an Indiana celebration recognizing lifelong learning and educational advancement.

February 12

USI to host third annual Be a Teacher Day

The USI Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education is hosting its third annual Be a Teacher Day on Wednesday, February 12 on the USI campus. The event will highlight the importance of the profession of education, allow prospective students to meet current teaching professionals and teacher education students, as well as ask questions about the profession.

February 14

USI to celebrate cultural diversity at 2025 International Food ExpoThe USI International Club and Center for International Programs will host the annual International Food Expo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, February 14 in Carter Hall, located in University Center West on campus.

February 28

USI to host Health Professions Day for high school students February 28

The USI Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions is hosting a Health Professions Day for high school juniors and seniors exploring careers in healthcare on Friday, February 28.

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

01/28/2025

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EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.

Aces women’s basketball drops contest at Murray State

01/27/2025

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Two Purple Aces ended the afternoon in double figures

MURRAY, Ky. – The University of Evansville women’s basketball team couldn’t keep up with the Top Five offense of the Murray State Racers on Sunday afternoon.

The Purple Aces defense struggled to contain an explosive Murray State offense in the 104-66 loss. A pair of freshman guards kept UE battling through the game as Camryn Runner (Cicero, Ind. / Hamilton Heights HS) and Avery Kelley (Evansville, Ind. / Memorial HS) led Evansville’s offense.

It was a cold start on the floor for the Aces as their first points came over three and a half minutes into the contest. Kelley gave UE’s offense a jump midway through the quarter with two straight field goals. Murray State responded with a five-point run but guard Logan Leubbers Palmer (Union, Ky. / Randall K. Cooper HS) broke the stretch with a layup weaving through the paint. But an 11-1 run to end the quarter for the Racers had Evansville facing a 17-point deficit early.

The Aces went shot for shot with Murray State to begin the second as freshman guard Kaiden Kreinhagen (Indianapolis / North Central HS) got hot with five straight points. UE’s freshmen then made three straight triples to force a Racer timeout. Out of the break, Kreinhagen went to the line for her sixth and seventh points of the quarter. Murray State answered with a six-point run that was broken up by sophomore forward Claudia Clement (Barcelona, Spain). But Clement’s second chance jumper was Evansville’s last field goal in the final two minutes of the half as they headed into the locker room down by 26.

The third quarter was the toughest from the field for the Aces as they shot only 30.8%. The Racers opened the half with seven straight points for an early UE timeout. Runner had her first of three triples out of the timeout in the second half. But Evansville wasn’t able to put together a run in the third quarter as the Murray State lead grew to 49 points with less than a minute left. Kelley scored the last points of the third hitting a three-pointer from the right wing to make it an 83-37 game.

The Aces offense found its way in the final 10 minutes of the game scoring 29 of their 66 points. Runner exploded on offense with 12 points on 67% shooting starting with a layup just over a minute into the fourth. UE put together multiple short runs throughout the fourth with the best one coming midway through the quarter. Evansville scored seven straight points until the last minute and a half of the game. The Aces scored the final five points of the afternoon to make it a 104-66 final score.

Runner led UE at Murray with her second 20+ point performance in conference play while making four of five threes’. Kelley was the only other Evansville player in double figures scoring 17 against the Racers for her fifth straight double-digit performance. On defense freshman Elle Snyder (Latrobe, Penn. / Greater Latrobe HS) had a team-high five rebounds while Clement tied a season-high in blocked shots with three.

The Aces return home to Meeks Family Fieldhouse for their next two games. First UE will take on the UIC Flames in the program’s annual Pride Night game on Thursday, January 30. Tip-off at Meeks against the Flames is set for 6 p.m.

Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

01/27/2025

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Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

01/27/2025

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Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

Booked Last 24 Hours-Public

IS IT TRUE? Monday, January 27, 2025

01/27/2025

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We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUE” will provoke honest and open dialogue concerning issues that we, as responsible citizens of this community, need to address in a rational and responsible way.

City-County Observer Comment Policy. Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will be tolerated and will be removed from our site.

We understand that sometimes people don’t always agree, and discussions may become a little heated. The use of offensive language or insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.

Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertiser.

IS IT TRUE that on March 1, the county political parties will hold their “Reorganization Meetings?” …that precinct committee members (PCs) will gather to select the county-level party leaders? …that these meetings will set the direction for local politics for the next four years? …that there is not likely to be leadership changes in the Vanderburgh County Democratic Party?

IS IT TRUE that the GOP gathering has the potential to be a real Donnybrook? …that large blocks of PCs representing different party factions will square off in a struggle for power? … that we hear that one candidate for Chair will make an announcement with a great deal of flare any day now?

IS IT TRUE that the mayor’s office recently spent $114,145 for the strategic plan to evaluate how the city government can best serve you? …that the company contracted to conduct the services is a large accounting and consulting firm based in Chicago? …that no tax dollars were spent on the project because the city has an account with interest from ARPA funds?

IS IT TRUE that the city council will be asked to approve a transfer of another $175,000 from the same interest fund to pay for an app for the city, city branding, and a new city website? …that the appropriation will have its first reading at tonight’s city council meeting?

IS IT TRUE that the interest funds can be used for any purpose that the city wants to spend them on? …that Evansville might benefit from from an effort similar to DOGE? …that a local Department of Government Efficiency might save taxpayers significant amounts of money? …that the more transparent government is, the better served the community is?

IS IT TRUE that, with the retirement of Dr. David Smith at the end of the school year, there is a concerted effort to recruit a new superintendent? …that the EVSC School Board needs to find a Superintendent who can take our schools from good to great?

EVSC Ranks #102 Among Indiana School Districts

01/27/2025

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Niche provides in-depth profiles on every school and college in America, to help students and families find and enroll in the right school for them.

They’ve used their massive amount of data on things like diversity, best teachers, and best for athletes to review and rank every school district in America.

When the list is narrowed down to school districts in the State of Indiana, Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation ranks #102 out of nearly 300 districts.

While that ranking places EVSC close to the upper third of districts with a solid B grade, we ranked behind our neighboring districts in Southwest Indiana.

#32 (A-) South Gibson School Corporation
#36 (A-) Warrick County School Corporation
#52 (B+) Metropolitan School District of North Posey
#81 (B+) Metropolitan School District of Mt. Vernon

How does Niche determine the rankings?

According to their website:

The 2025 Best School Districts ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, teacher quality, public school district ratings, and more. SAT/ACT scores have been removed from this year’s rankings to reflect a general de-emphasis on test scores in the college admissions process.

Best schools in the district

You might be curious about which schools were ranked highest in EVSC.

Best High School
Signature School (A+) Ranked as the #2 public high school in Indiana.

Best Elementary School
McCutchanville Elementary (A-) Ranked as the #178 public elementary school in Indiana.

Best Middle School
North Jr. High School (B+) Ranked as the #109 public middle school in Indiana.

Evansville City Council Meets Tonight – See What’s on the Agenda

01/27/2025

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Tonight the Evansville City Council will have first reading of two ordinances of interest.

ORDINANCE G-2025-04 An Ordinance Establishing a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). This will allow people to carry their alcoholic beverages outside of bars in the downtown area.

ORDINANCE F-2025-01 An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations. The transfer to be considered is $175,000 dollars from interest earned on federal American Rescue Act funds to the mayor’s other services account to pay for the creation of a city app, branding for the city, and redesign of the city website.

The ordinances under the first reading will just be entered into the record tonight and will be voted on at the next city council meeting on February 10. Click on the links in the agenda to read the ordinances in full.

City Council Meeting
JANUARY 27, 2025

5:30 P.M.

AGENDA

I.	INTRODUCTION

01-27-2025 Agenda Attachment:

II.

APPROVAL OF MEETING MEMORANDUM

1-13-2025 Memo Attachment:

III.

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

IV.

SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY

V.	CONSENT AGENDA: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

A. ORDINANCE G-2025-03 An Ordinance to Vacate Certain Public Ways or Public Places Within the City of Evansville, Indiana Commonly Known as a Portion of Alley Located Within the Locust Street Parking Garage, Lying Between 22 SE Fourth Street and 15 SE Fifth Street Sponsor(s): Carothers Discussion Led By: Public Works Chair Koehler Lindsey Discussion Date: 2/10/2025 Notify: Maria Bulkley, KDDK

G-2025-03 Attachment:

B. ORDINANCE G-2025-04 An Ordinance Establishing a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (“DORA”) Pursuant to I.C. §7.1-3-31, Et. Seq Sponsor(s): Allen, Carothers, Heronemus, Trockman Discussion Led By: ASD Chair Carothers Discussion Date: 2/10/2025 Notify: Adam Trinkel, Downtown Evansville

G-2025-04 Attachment:

C. ORDINANCE F-2025-01 An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations, Additional Appropriations and Repeal and Re-Appropriation of Funds for Various City Funds Sponsor(s): Allen Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Allen Discussion Date: 2/10/2025 Notify: Robert Gunter, Controller

F-2025-01 Attachment:

D. ORDINANCE R-2025-03 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 3712 Stringtown Rd Owner: James Baker Requested Change: R3 to R1 Ward: 5 Koehler Lindsey Representative: Mark Riley

R-2025-03 Attachment:

VI.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

VII.

REGULAR AGENDA: SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

A. ORDINANCE G-2025-01 An Ordinance to Vacate Portions of two 10’ Public Utility Easements lying North of Vacated Hillcrest Terrace in Block 4 of Alberta Place No 2 Having a Common Address of 100 S & 114 S Tekoppel Ave Within the City of Evansville, Indiana Sponsor(s): Brinkmeyer Discussion Led By: Public Works Chair Koehler Lindsey Discussion Date: 1/27/2025 Notify: Bret Sermersheim, Morley

G-2025-01 Attachment:

B. ORDINANCE G-2025-02 An Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of the City of Evansville, Indiana Taxable Economic Development Tax Increment Revenue Bonds, Series 2025 (Franklin Lofts Project), and The Lending of the Proceeds Thereof to Franklin Street Lofts LLC, or an Affiliate or Permitted Assignee Thereof, and Authorizing and Approving Other Actions in Respect Thereto Sponsor(s): Brinkmeyer Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Allen Discussion Date: 1/27/2025 Notify: Marco DeLucio, ZSWS

G-2025-02 Attachment:

C. ORDINANCE R-2024-35 AMENDED An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 118 and 120 E Virginia St Owner: Christopher Corbin Requested Change: R2 to C2 w/ UDC Ward: 4 Green, Allen Representative: Christopher Corbin

R-2024-35 Amended Attachment:

D. ORDINANCE R-2024-36 AMENDED An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as Part of 4100 N Burkhardt Rd & Part of the Parcel to the SW Owner: Do it Right Investments, LLP Requested Change: C2 to M1 w/ UDC Ward: 5 Koehler Lindsey Representative: Bret Sermersheim, Morley

R-2024-36 Amended Attachment:

VIII.

RESOLUTION DOCKET

A. RESOLUTION C-2025-01 An Amending Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Revising the Declaration of an Economic Revitalization Area for Property Tax Phase-In for the Rehabilitation Area of Real Property at 306 N Seventh Ave, Evansville, IN 47710 (Franklin St Lofts LLC/Heritage Petroleum, LLC) Sponsor(s): Brinkmeyer, Mosby, Allen Discussion Led By: President Trockman Discussion Date:1/27/2025 Notify: Patrick Hickey, E-REP

C-2025-01 Attachment:

IX.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

A. THE NEXT MEETING of the Common Council will be Monday, February 10, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.

B. 2024 INVESTMENT REPORT; Robert Gunter, City Controller

C. ADDITIONAL MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

X.	COMMITTEE REPORTS

XI.

ADJOURNMENT