Legislature Considers a Bill to Allow Illinois Counties to Become Part of Indiana

02/10/2025

Indiana House Bill 1008 (HB1008) has been introduced in the 2025 Regular Session of the Indiana General Assembly to establish the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission. The bill was authored by Representative Todd Huston and coauthored by Representatives Jack Jordan and Shane Lindauer. It was first read and referred to the House Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform on January 21, 2025.

Purpose of the Commission

The primary objective of the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission is to examine and propose adjustments to the boundary line between Indiana and Illinois. The commission aims to address any discrepancies or ambiguities in the current boundary demarcation to ensure clarity and mutual agreement between the two states.

Composition of the Commission

According to the bill, the commission will consist of ten members:

Five individuals appointed by the Governor of Indiana.
Five individuals from the State of Illinois.

The bill specifies that no more than three members appointed by the Governor may belong to the same political party, ensuring bipartisan representation.

Duties and Responsibilities

The commission is tasked with conducting comprehensive studies and analyses of the current boundary line. This includes reviewing historical documents, geographical data, and any legal agreements pertinent to the boundary. Based on their findings, the commission will develop recommendations for any necessary adjustments to the boundary line.

Reporting and Implementation

Upon concluding its study, the commission is required to submit a detailed report of its findings and recommendations to the governors and legislative bodies of both Indiana and Illinois. Any proposed boundary adjustments would need to be ratified by both states and may require approval from the U.S. Congress, depending on the nature of the changes.

Next Steps

As of now, HB1008 is under consideration in the House Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform. If it passes through the committee, it will proceed to the House floor for further debate and voting. Stakeholders and residents of both states are encouraged to stay informed and participate in public discussions as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

For more detailed information, the full text of HB1008 is available on the Indiana General Assembly’s website.

City and County Meetings This Week (February 10-16)

02/10/2025

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These are the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County Meetings for the week of February 10-16 including links to agendas where available.

Evansville Police Merit Commission	February 10, 2025 – 04:15 PM	Agenda
City Council Meeting	February 10, 2025 – 05:30 PM	Agenda
Solid Waste District Board	February 11, 2025 – 08:30 AM	Agenda
Design Review Committees – Cancelled	February 11, 2025 – 08:30 AM
Board of County Commissioners & Drainage Board	February 11, 2025 – 09:30 AM
Affordable Housing Fund Advisory Committee (AHFAC)	February 11, 2025 – 03:00 PM	Agenda
Evansville Fire Department Merit Commision	February 11, 2025 – 04:00 PM
EFD Fire Pension Board	February 13, 2025 – 09:00 AM
Board of Public Works	February 13, 2025 – 01:30 PM

Celebrating 30 Years of Professional Baseball: Otters 2025 promotional night schedule

02/10/2025

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The Evansville Otters have released the promotional night schedule for the 30th season of Otters baseball.

Returning promotions include: Margaritaville Night (May 15), Salute to the Negro Leagues Night (June 19), Jurassic Ballpark (June 28), Star Wars (August 23) and others.

2025 brings many new promotions to Bosse Field, including Date Night at the Ballpark (June 8), Otters Era Night (June 13), Evansville Sports History Night (June 18), Otters of Oz Night (August 6) and more.

Eight nights will feature player-worn jersey auctions this year. The Otters are continuing the use of DASH auctions this year, where fans can bid on these jerseys online throughout the game. Popular jersey auction nights like Jurassic Ballpark, Star Wars and Beerseys return in 2025 while jersey auctions will also be featured on new promotions like Flag Day and Christmas in July.

The Evansville Otters are excited to welcome fans back to Bosse Field in 2025 for the 30th season of Otters baseball! Season ticket and group ticket packages are on sale now. Call (812) 435-8686 for more information. Individual game tickets will go on sale in the coming months.

Bow-WOW Your Valentine with Roses & Puppy Love!

02/10/2025

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Celebrate the one you love this Valentine’s Day while making a difference for homeless animals! Join ITV Rescue’s Petals for Paws fundraiser and give a gift that spreads love in more ways than one.

For a $40 donation, your loved one will receive:

A dozen roses (choose red, pink or yellow)
Delicious chocolates
An ITV card showing your support for rescue animals

Want to make it even more special? For a $100 total donation, an adorable ITV rescue dog can deliver the roses to your loved one’s home or office (Evansville or Newburgh)!

Roses are premium, handpicked (16-18” stems with blooms 2.5-3.5” wide).
Pickup dates: Thursday, February 13, or Friday, February 14.
Delivery: Available on Valentine’s Day (Friday, February 14, 2025).

Reserve your gift here: https://forms.gle/ftV8DyBNeMrgKB9v8

Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable for your loved one and for animals in need!

Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners Meeting

02/10/2025

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DRAFT AGENDA

Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners

February 11, 2025 – 9:30 a.m.

Room 301, Civic Center Complex

1. Call to Order

2. Attendance

3. Pledge of Allegiance

4. Action Items

A. Engineer

1. Open Bids: VC25-01-01 “Vanderburgh County Bridge #1131 Rehabilitation –

Kleitz Road Over Branch of Locust Creek”

2. Open Bids: VC25-01-02 “Replacement of Adler Road Bridge #100”

3. Notice to Bidders: VC25-02-01 “Spring Lake Valley, Bridlewood, and Stonecrest

Paving and Repairs”

4. Bridge Plans Cover Sheet for Broadway Avenue Bridge #274

5. Level 2 Design Exception for Project #2201250: Wimberg Road Bridge #2430

Replacement Over Locust Creek

B. Burdette Park

1. Service Agreement with Vestis

C. Health Department

1. Facility Rental Agreement with Wesselman Woods for Pre to 3 Fall Festival

2. First Reading of Ordinance No. CO. 02-25-003: An Ordinance Repealing and

Replacing Chapter 8.20, Private Sewer Disposal Systems, of the Vanderburgh

County Code

3. Request to Amend Credit Card Usage Policy

D. Old National Events Plaza

1. Harding, Shymanski & Company, P.S.C. Engagement Letter for 2024 Financial

Review

E. Superintendent of County Buildings

1. Agreement for Services with Wathen Environmental Services, LLC for Pigeon

Abatement at the Old Courthouse

F. Fourth Amendment to Contract for Services with St. Vincent Health, Wellness, and

Preventive Care Institute, Inc. d/b/a Ascension St. Vincent Tri State Clinics

G. Grievance Settlement

H. First Reading of Ordinance No. CO. 02-25-004: An Ordinance Repealing and Replacing

Section 2.90.015, Equal Employment Opportunity, of the Vanderburgh County Code

I. First Reading of Ordinance No. CO. 02-25-005: An Ordinance Repealing and Replacing

Section 2.90.345, Sexual Abuse Prevention Policy, of the Vanderburgh County Code

5. Department Head Reports

6. New Business

7. Old Business

8. Read Bids: VC25-01-01 “Vanderburgh County Bridge #1131 Rehabilitation – Kleitz Road Over

Branch of Locust Creek”

Drainage Board Immediately Following9. Read Bids: VC25-01-02 “Replacement of Adler Road Bridge #100”

10. Consent Items

A. Approval of January 28, 2025, Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes

B. Employment Changes

C. Auditor

1. Claims Voucher Reports

i. ii. January 27, 2025 – January 31, 2025

February 3, 2025 – February 7, 2025

2. Permission to Advertise the 2024 Statement of Receipts and Expenditures Legal

Ad

D. Treasurer

1. December 2024 Monthly Report

E. Surplus Requests

1. Circuit Court

2. Clerk

3. Superintendent of County Buildings

F. Board Appointment

1. Burdette Park Advisory Board

i. Megan Heronemus

G. 2025 Township Trustee Guidelines

1. Armstrong Township Trustee

2. Center Township Trustee

3. German Township Trustee

4. Knight Township Trustee

5. Perry Township Trustee

6. Pigeon Township Trustee

7. Scott Township Trustee

8. Union Township Trustee

11. Public Comment

12. Adjournment

Drainage Board Immediately Following

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

02/10/2025

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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.

Jerome Stewart The Word in 120

02/09/2025

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The beauty of God’s word is in knowing that if one is faithful to Him, the benefits extend beyond this world and will last forever. However; be advised sinful behavior has consequences and will be dealt with by God at an appropriate time.

Proverbs 14 vs. 34 says; “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” In many ways this country has turned away from having respect for the word of God as well as for the tremendous sacrifice of Jesus who hung bled and died on the cross for the sins of all mankind. It’s shameful! There is so much happening throughout the world, as well as the things happening within this country that causes great concern. Our prayers are with the people severely impacted by the fires in California, losing everything they have from a material
perspective. Let us pray for them! For those who know Jesus as Lord and Savior there is comfort in knowing the meaning of John 16 vs. 33 where Jesus says; “In the world you will have tribulations; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” The meaning of 1 st. Timothy chapter 6 vs. 12 cannot be overemphasized.

The brethren were instructed to “fight the good fight of faith lay hold on eternal life.” Those who have rejected Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are in essence fighting a war against His righteousness. They have no hope unless there is repentance. In reality every last enemy of righteousness has already been defeated. The body of Jesus was destroyed by those who could not handle the truth. He was buried but after 3 days He was up!!! Death has already been defeated. Jesus said in Matthew chapter 10 vs. 28; “do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Many people because of having no hope in Christ are sad, confused and in many cases possess an attitude of hopelessness and pessimism about the future. It’s understandable because without Jesus there is no hope.

The Apostle Paul said to the brethren in 1 st . Corinthians chapter 15 vs. 19; “If in
this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” So the
question is this. Do you know Jesus? If not you need to. He died for you.

Candidates Announce Run for GOP Leadership

02/09/2025

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By Johnny Kincaid

On March 1, the local political parties will hold their reorganization meeting, a gathering of all Precinct Committee members (PCs) and their Vice PCs to elect new county officers. This process occurs every four years and is usually a smooth, drama-free event.

While the Vanderburgh County Democratic Party will likely have an easy time reelecting its current officers, the GOP may face a contentious gathering with multiple factions fighting for control of the party for the next four years.

Cheryl Battinger-Smith and Ken Colbert address the crowd Saturday. Photo by Johnny Kincaid

On Saturday (2/8), one of those factions met with the candidates supported by Ken Colbert and Cheryl Battinger-Smith, who call themselves “Republicans in Bad Standing.” They played a key role in recruiting numerous candidates to run for Precinct Committee members (PCs) last year before party leadership removed them from their positions for five years. Colbert and Battinger-Smith believe that the PCs they recruited will vote as a bloc to support their chosen party candidates.

Candidate for GOP Chair, Frank Peterlin.
Photo by Johnny Kincaod

Frank Peterlin, a long-time conservative member of the party, was introduced to the crowd of 75 PCs as the candidate for chair. Peterlin promised the audience that he would reinstate the monthly party breakfasts and create more opportunities for party members to gather together.

Lauren Bell was announced as candidate for Vice Chair, Walter Valient is running for party treasurer, and Brian Pease is a candidate for secretary.

Steve Airy, who is also planning to run for county chair, attended the event. He previously ran for county chair and was a candidate for mayor. However, he did not have the chance to address the crowd.

Other GOP candidates are likely to arise before the February 26 registration deadline.

The RAINS group (Republican Assembly of Indiana, Southwest) will hold a meeting for all Republican PCs and Vices on February 22 at City Gate, located at 320 Eagle Crest Drive. All candidates for party leadership positions are invited to speak.

Local Democrats do not anticipate any challenges to Vanderburgh County Chair Cheryl Schultz or other members of the Central Committee.

Will chaplains in Indiana schools be a help to students or a violation of the Constitution?

02/09/2025

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By Anna Cecil, TheStatehouseFile.com
Photo by Anna Cecil, TheStatehouseFile.com.
In 1962, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that prayer in public schools was a violation of the Constitution’s establishment clause, which prevents the government from establishing a state religion. In 2022, the court ruled that a public school football coach is allowed to pray with his team after a game as long as he is not forcing players to pray with him.

On Wednesday, the Senate Education and Career Development Committee debated a bill that would give Indiana schools the option to hire chaplains.

In the midst of these seemingly contradictory rulings, the Louisiana legislature passed a law in June of last year that required all public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments. The law was blocked in November by a federal judge who said it was unconstitutional.

Now, Sen. Stacey Donato, R-Logansport, is attempting to pass Senate Bill 523, a bill that would give Indiana public and charter schools the choice to employ a chaplain who would provide secular and nonsecular advice to students.

On Wednesday, the Senate Education and Career Development Committee heard the bill’s initial reading.

Chris Daley, the Indiana executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, said Hoosier school children need more support—but not necessarily this kind.

Two years ago, the Texas legislature passed a law allowing school-employed chaplains in public schools, but Daley said very few Texas school districts have hired chaplains despite the new law.

“Out of the 12,000 school districts in Texas, three or four of them actually chose to do that because of the fear of encroaching on separation of church and state,” Daley said as he testified before the committee.

Donato said the bill would supply schools with additional counseling resources and support students and staff regardless of their faiths.

A 2023 report by the American School Counselor Association said Indiana has a ratio of 519 students to 1 counselor. The organization recommends half of that.

In light of that shortage, Sen. Fady Qaddoura, D-Indianapolis, asked Donato why she isn’t focusing on bringing more counselors to Indiana schools.

“I am additionally adding a tool to the toolkit,” Donato answered. “I am not trying to jeopardize the school counselor. They have a very valuable position. This is just another adult with a different skillset to potentially help a student be successful.”

Qaddoura said he was apprehensive about chaplains working with kids who might be easily influenced religiously.

“I’m just concerned about how you would regulate people with different value systems, different understandings, trying to coerce their own values onto someone who does not subscribe to them,” he said.

Donato said the bill has a “may” provision, which gives schools the choice to employ a chaplain of any faith background or not have a chaplain at all.

Sen. Andrea Hunley, D-Indianapolis, opposed the bill because she said she doesn’t think chaplains should be employed by the government.

“It’s the fact that districts would have the ability to use taxpayer dollars for these roles,” she said.

Maliha Zafar, executive director of the Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network, said allowing chaplains in schools might make Muslim students feel more isolated as a religious minority.

“School counselors play a critical role in supporting students through a range of challenges not based on religious beliefs,” Zafar said. “Chaplains, on the other hand, offer counseling through a specific spiritual and religious lens. … Introducing chaplains from a specific faith tradition, … whether paid or volunteer, blurs the line between church and state, threatening the religious freedoms we all hold dear.”

Qaddoura and Sen. Sheli Yoder, D-Bloomington, both questioned if school chaplains could give nonsecular advice, but Donato said any action an adult takes to help a child is considered nonsecular advice.

“I would envision any adult in the school building that would be helpful to maybe tie a shoe or open a ketchup package … Anything that you would do for a child that you saw anywhere, I think that would be nonsecular advice,” Donato said.

Qaddoura said he thinks advice is related to mental health and situations a student may need insight on, not any action an adult can do to help a student.

Donato said the bill would require a school chaplain to have a B.A. with four years of counseling experience, a B.A. with two years of counseling experience while pursuing a master’s degree, or a master’s degree with two years of counseling experience. She added that they would also have to undergo a criminal background check like any school employee or volunteer.

Jan Desmarais-Mors, the executive director of the Indiana School Counselor Association, said she was worried that, in the bill’s current form, chaplains would not have sufficient training, especially for traumatic events, abuse and self-harm.

“As defined under Senate Bill 523, chaplains would not possess the academic and professional credentials of a school counselor,” Desmarais-Mors said. “Even with the best intentions, they may provide inappropriate responses or interventions to students that could jeopardize a student’s development and wellbeing.”

Scott Carr, who also testified on behalf of the Indiana School Counselor Association, added that chaplains would need suicide prevention training, CPR certification and licensed mental health counseling training like a school counselor would.

At the end of the meeting, committee Chair Sen. Jeff Raatz, R-Richmond, shared that he is a chaplain and supports the bill.

“That’s the simplicity of this concept, it’s about an adult who cares about young people. … I make no reference whatsoever to biblical things unless they come and pull it out of me,” Raatz said. “I’m there to support them emotionally, … just be emotional support to them.”

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

OPINION: Hollywood has a responsibility to address America’s mental health crisis

02/09/2025

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hollywood-116225_1280 — Hollywood Sign Photo by Pixabay

Hollywood has a responsibility to address America’s mental health crisis
By Leslie Weirich

A suicide devastates more than one life.

I learned that lesson shortly after my doorbell rang at 2:30 a.m. on September 10, 2016. My 20-year-old son, Austin, had died by suicide. After decades reciprocating his infectious smile and admiring his achievements on the football field and in the classroom, I had to digest in an instant that I would never see him again.

Every single day, I wish I could go back and talk with him one more time. Would it have helped? I’ll never know. But I do know, seven years into my journey as a suicide prevention advocate, that severe mental illness doesn’t manifest in a vacuum, especially for young adults.

Whether we’re aware of it or not, the media we consume strongly influences how we process mental health crises.

The folks who shape our culture have never been more aware of the mental health challenges Americans face. But they largely haven’t responded to that awareness by depicting mental health more responsibly.

Over the last two decades, the suicide rate among those aged 10 to 24 has risen nearly 60%. The factors behind this crisis are complex and multifaceted. But researchers are coming to understand that Hollywood plays a role. Many shows have inadvertently contributed to the increase in the youth suicide rate by glorifying suicide and the mental health conditions that cause it.

Consider “13 Reasons Why,” a show developed for Netflix that depicts the story of a teenage girl who takes her own life and leaves behind a series of audiotapes that implicate the people she holds responsible for her death.

Just one month after the show aired, the suicide rate among 10- to 17-year-olds increased nearly 30%. The series was intended to start a meaningful dialogue about bullying, sexual assault, and suicide. It instead portrayed the main character’s choice as a means of exacting emotional revenge on those who wronged her.

Some teens with existing mental health issues are more susceptible to emulate suicides that are glamorized — a well-documented phenomenon called “suicide contagion.”

While “13 Reasons Why” has exacerbated some awful mental health trends in America, it’s hardly the only one. Fortunately, other shows and movies do just the opposite.

The critically acclaimed film “Silver Linings Playbook” has been praised for its realistic depiction of people living with bipolar disorder. Or consider “Adieu,” a movie currently in production that centers on a prodigal violinist struggling with depression after her sister’s suicide. Several leading mental health professionals have commended “Adieu” for depicting grief, depression, and the value of human connection in an authentic way — allowing viewers to see the possibility for recovery and growth even after a tragic loss.

Stories like these are crucial because they tap into what some experts call the “neuroscience of hope.” These scientists hypothesize that optimism stems from distinct neurological processes that are subject to outside influence. As a result, certain forms of art could literally rewire the brain to generate feelings of hope that combat mental illness.

By creating powerful art that more appropriately considers and depicts mental health challenges, Hollywood could use its great power more responsibly.

Leslie Weirich is a nationally renowned suicide prevention speaker and author who advocates for youth mental health. (LesliesHope.org)