SHOOTING VICTIM AT THIRD AVE AND OREGON DIES
USI restarts GLVC slate Sunday Eagles on the road to start 2022​​​​​​​
University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball restarts Great Lakes Valley Conference action Sunday when it visits McKendree University to start the 2022 portion of the schedule. Tip-off of the USI-McKendree showdown in Lebanon, Illinois, Sunday is set for 3 p.m.
Following USI’s visit to McKendree, the Screaming Eagles travel to Lewis University January 4 and Lindenwood University for a pair of 7:30 p.m. match-ups. USI returns to the friendly surroundings of Screaming Eagles Arena January 8 when it hosts Southwest Baptist for a 3:15 p.m. tipoff.
Game coverage information for USI Men’s Basketball, including live stats, video, and audio broadcasts, is available on GoUSIEagles.com. The games also can be heard on ESPN 97.7FM and 95.7FM The Spin.
USI Men’s Basketball vs. McKendree, Lewis Quick Notes:
Eagles makes it 4-straight with win over #22/#24 GVSU. USI completed its non-conference schedule with a 68-63 win at #22/#24 Grand Valley State University. Junior guard Jelani Simmons led the way with 21 points, while senior guard Mateo Rivera followed with 18 points. Junior forward Jacob Polakovich rounded out the double-digit scorers with 12 points and completed a double-double with 10 rebounds.
1,000 points for Rivera. Senior guard Mateo Rivera became the 22nd Eagle to reach the 1,000-point milestone after posting his season-high 18 points versus GVSU. He also moved into 22nd all-time at USI in scoring. Rivera also tied a season-best with eight rebounds in the win.
Simmons hits for USI highs. Junior guard Jelani Simmons posted his season-best 21 points in the win over GVSU, including 14 first half points. He also tied a collegiate career-high with four assists.
Polakovich gets his 3rd double-double. Junior forward Jacob Polakovich posted his third double-double of the season with his 12 points and 10 rebounds versus GVSU.
Simmons takes over the team lead in scoring. Junior guard Jelani Simmons leads the way for the Eagles in scoring with 12.4 points per game. Junior forward Jacob Polakovich follows with 11.6 points per game and a team-best 9.0 rebounds per contest.
USI vs. McKendree. USI leads the all-time series with McKendree, 14-8 overall and 12-2 in GLVC action. The Eagles took last year’s only meeting, 81-70, at Screaming Eagles Arena and has won nine of the last 10 match-ups.
McKendree in 2021-22. McKendree, 5-2 overall and 1-2 in conference play, finished the 2021 half of the season with a 5-2 record after a pair of games in the Quincy University’s Hansen-Spears Funeral Home Classic were cancelled due to COVID.
USI vs. Lewis. The Eagles lead the all-time series with the Flyers, 50-27 overall and 40-27 in GLVC action. USI took last season’s regular contest on the road, 74-65, and the NCAA II Midwest Regional game at the Ford Center, 62-60.
Lewis in 2021-22. Lewis saw its record go to 4-5 overall after posting a 90-85 win over #16 Ferris State University this evening in Romeoville, Illinois. The Flyers, 2-0 in GLVC action this season, finishes the 2021 calendar by hosting East/West University December 29 and restarts league play versus the University of Illinois Springfield January 2 in Romeoville.
Posey County Shooting Suspect Paul Wiltshire Dies at Deaconess Gateway Hospital
Warrick: Earlier today, Paul Wiltshire, 70, died at Deaconess Gateway Hospital. Wiltshire had been in custody at the Warrick County Jail for allegedly shooting Posey County Sheriff’s Deputy Bryan Hicks on September 18.
On December 17, Wiltshire was ill, and his medical condition required him to be transported by ambulance from the Warrick County Jail to Deaconess Gateway. The Posey County Sheriff’s Office took over custody of Wiltshire while he was being treated at the hospital.
Posey County Sheriff Tom Latham has requested the Indiana State Police to investigate Wiltshire’s death, which is common when an inmate dies in custody.
According to Warrick County Coroner Sarah Seaton, the preliminary cause of Wiltshire’s death is natural causes due to Covid. An autopsy is scheduled for later today.
 Notice Of Redistricting Maps Meeting Of The Board Of Commissioners Of Vanderburgh CountyÂ
 Notice Of Redistricting Maps Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Commissioners of Vanderburgh County will hold a meeting on December 28, 2021, commencing at 3:00 p.m. and continuing until completed, in Room 301 of the Civic Center Complex located at 1 N.W. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Evansville, Indiana, for the purpose of discussing the following:
- • Vanderburgh County Health Department
- • Vanderburgh County Redistricting Maps
- • Record Archival Scanning Agreement
- • American Rescue Plan
- • Scott Township Park Street Paving
- • Tri-State Community Clinics, LLC Contract for Services
- • 2022 METS Agreements
The meeting can be attended remotely through WebEx:
https://coevc.webex.com/coevc/j.php?MTID=mc88dac55f012dbe3e11a7452
McNamara Authors Bill To Protect Young Human Trafficking Victims
STATEHOUSE (Dec. 27, 2021) – State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) in the 2022 legislative session will continue her fight to protect young human trafficking victims and strengthen criminal penalties against perpetrators.
McNamara, chair of the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee, authored a bill to allow young victims to provide recorded video statements instead of physically testifying in a courtroom where they are forced to relive past trauma. McNamara said this change would not only help protect young victims but also remove an emotional hurdle so that more children are willing to testify against their perpetrators.
“Thanks to technology, we can take this step on behalf of young victims who deserve justice and room to heal,” McNamara said. “This commonsense approach will encourage more victims to testify and ultimately put more traffickers behind bars. In Indiana, we will hold human traffickers accountable for their heinous actions.”
Nearly 25 million people worldwide are victims of human trafficking, making it the fastest-growing and second-largest criminal industry, according to the U.S. State Department. In Indiana, there were 140 human trafficking cases reported in 2020, up from 95 in 2017, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
Currently, Indiana law requires Hoosiers 15 years old or older at the time of a trial to testify in court. McNamara’s proposal would allow survivors 14 years old or younger at the time of their assault to submit a video statement for court procedures if they are younger than 18 at the time of the trial.
The legislation would also increase sentencing for perpetrators whose victims are under the age of 18 and rule out victim consent or belief that a victim was at least 18 years old as a legal defense.
“Many human trafficking victims are under the age of 18 and ignorance should not be a defense to avoid prosecution in these cases,” McNamara said.
Local organizations and agencies would also begin reporting human trafficking cases to the Indiana Attorney General’s Office no more than 30 days after an investigation begins.
In addition, McNamara’s bill would close a legal loophole for individuals who pay a victim directly for sex acts. Currently, individuals who offer to or pay for sex acts can only be prosecuted with a Level 5 felony if they pay the trafficker directly. According to law enforcement, it is difficult to prosecute suspects as the majority of transactions occur between the perpetrator and the victim.
“Under this proposal, a person can be convicted of a felony regardless of who they pay,” McNamara said. “We need to close these loopholes and strengthen penalties for criminals feeding this multi-billion-dollar worldwide industry.”
Lawmakers will consider McNamara’s bill in the upcoming legislative session, which begins on Jan. 4.
If someone is suspected to be a victim of human trafficking, it should be reported immediately to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. For more information, visit humantraffickinghotline.org.
Gov. Beshear Provides Update on Storm Response, COVID-19
Gov. Beshear Provides Update on Storm Response, COVID-19
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 27, 2021)Â
“We are here for the long haul,†said Gov. Beshear. “Rebuilding these homes and structures and lives is going to take years, and we’ve got to make sure that when support is needed down the road, we have it and can deploy it quickly to help these families.â€
New Tornado-Related Death Reported
The Governor announced Monday that another death has been confirmed – that of an infant from Graves County. The death toll related to tornadoes is now 77.
“Britainy and I ask everyone to join us in lifting up this family and their friends and community in prayer,†said Gov. Beshear.
Amendment to Emergency Declaration
Marion County has been added to the disaster declaration for individual assistance and public assistance, bringing the total to 16 counties. This means that residents in Marion County can now apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance.
Federal Resources and Available Assistance for Families Impacted by Tornadoes
The Governor said he has seen significant progress getting those who have been impacted registered for assistance. Already, there are more than 11,400 validated registrants with over $4.7 million approved.
Again, to apply for FEMA assistance:
- Go to DisasterAssistance.gov;
- Call 800-621-3362;
- Use the FEMA App; or
- Visit a FEMA mobile registration center.
FEMA is currently operating nine mobile registration centers in the following counties: Christian, Graves, Hart, Hickman, Hopkins, Logan, Lyon, Muhlenberg and Ohio.
Three additional Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) have opened, bringing the total to seven. The three new locations are in Fulton, Marshall, and Graves counties. These are in addition to the mobile registration centers:
- Gibson Electric Membership Corp., 1702 Moscow Avenue, Hickman, KY 42050
- Joe Creason Community Center, 1600 Park Avenue, Benton, KY 42025
- Graves County Library, 601 N. 17th Street, Mayfield, KY 42066
Kentuckians who have homeowners or renters insurance must first file a claim with their insurance agency.
Debris Removal
Debris management and removal remain a key priority.
“We’re working diligently with our federal partners to remove debris from our neighborhoods, roads and highways as quickly and safely as possible,†said Gov. Beshear.
Counties have identified, and continue to identify, approved locations for debris to be taken. County and city leaders are working to ensure program understanding and compliance while at the same time securing contracts to remove and monitor debris.
Kentucky State Parks Update
Kentucky State Parks are providing housing and food services for 606 displaced Kentuckians and 154 first responders.
Currently, there are 208 state park rooms occupied by displaced Kentuckians and 81 rooms have been provided for first responders.
Assistance for Dislocated Workers
Residents who have temporarily or permanently lost their jobs because of the tornadoes that swept through Kentucky are eligible to receive disaster relief assistance.
The U.S. Labor Department has approved up to $25 million to assist dislocated workers in Kentucky with the first distribution of $8.3 million to the commonwealth.
The federal dislocated worker grants are available in the FEMA-declared disaster area, which includes Caldwell, Fulton, Graves, Hopkins, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Taylor, and Warren counties.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available
Individuals who became unemployed or those who are self-employed and had work interrupted in sixteen Kentucky counties as a direct result of the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding and tornadoes, are eligible to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits through the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance. Those counties include Barren, Caldwell, Christian, Fulton, Graves, Hart, Hickman, Hopkins, Logan, Lyon, Marshall, Marion, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Taylor, and Warren.
We have updated locations for this week’s disaster unemployment insurance clinics.
Dec. 27-29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time. (Madisonville and Mayfield will close at 3 p.m. Dec. 29.)
- 262 Scottsville Road, which is the Greenwood Mall in the old Sears store, Bowling Green, KY 42101
- 56 Federal Street, Madisonville, KY
- 233 Ring Road, Elizabethtown, KY
- 3108 Fairview Drive, Owensboro, KY
- 1220 Eagles Way, Mayfield, KY
It is not necessary to attend an in-person session if you can do everything online. These sessions are to assist individuals in filling out the application or answering questions.
The deadline to apply for assistance is January 18, 2022.
Visit kcc.ky.gov for updated information on DUA.
Pop-up Driver Licensing
A portable pop-up driver licensing team began operating this morning at the Dawson Springs City Hall to issue replacement or renewal driver licenses and ID cards for tornado survivors.
On Tuesday, the pop-up team will move to Hopkins County Central High School near Earlington and return to Dawson Springs on Wednesday, Dec. 29.
Also tomorrow, a pop-up licensing team will be operating at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.
The first pop-up licensing team sent into the disaster area is still operating in Mayfield. It issued 53 replacement or renewal credentials last week. The address is 355 Charles Drive.
As a reminder, the Governor has waived the fee for a replacement license, permit, or ID card for disaster survivors.
The Department of Insurance is joining the unemployment insurance officials and Transportation Cabinet to provide one-stop services at Pennyrile State Park, December 28-29, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST.
New Website on Resources for Tornado-Impacted Kentuckians
Last week, the Beshear Administration launched a convenient, easy-to-access online resource to assist Kentuckians impacted by the tornadoes. The website is at governor.ky.gov/TornadoResources.
“We want to make sure that every individual and family in Western Kentucky who has lost their home, property, employment, transportation, or important documentation can easily access the information they need to apply for assistance and work to quickly recover from these storms,†said Gov. Beshear.
The webpage provides a listing of information from a large number of state government assistance programs, including how to apply for unemployment insurance, health care coverage, food assistance, driver license replacement, and long-term housing.
It also provides steps on how to remove debris, submit a claim to FEMA, and how Western Kentuckians can locate needed resources, such as temporary shelter, hot meals, and relief hotlines.
The tornado resource webpage will be regularly updated with new resources, revised contact information and addresses.
Team Western Kentucky Relief Fund Donations
The Governor said thanks to the generosity of people across the country, and right here in Kentucky, the families and counties impacted by tornadoes have received an overwhelming number of donations.
As of today, the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund has received 130,491 donations for a total of $29.9 million.
“This is truly extraordinary. We have issued 39 funeral expense checks, and six additional checks are ready to be sent tomorrow,†said Gov. Beshear. “If you are interested in donating to the fund – where 100% of the proceeds will go to those affected by these storms – visit TeamWKYReliefFund.ky.gov.â€
Food Benefits
The Governor said many Kentucky residents who were receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits when the storms and tornadoes came through lost all of their food.
Now, through a special waiver, current SNAP beneficiaries affected can request benefit replacement by calling the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) at 855-306-8959 or visiting their county’s DCBS office.
The benefits are available through a waiver approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. Replacements can be requested until Jan. 8, 2022.
A second waiver to help storm victims has also been approved. It provides automatic replacements of December benefits to some residents of Warren and Hickman counties, Mayfield, Dawson Springs, Auburn and Pembroke.
A third waiver was approved, allowing the purchase of hot food from authorized SNAP retailers with their benefits. Under normal circumstances, hot foods cannot be bought using SNAP benefits. Kentuckians in 30 counties may make hot food purchases through Jan. 17, 2022. More information will be posted on our tornado response website.
COVID-19 Case Information, Vaccinations Update
Number of people who have received at least one vaccine dose in Kentucky: 2,764,914
Dec. 25, Cases: 1,946
Dec. 25, Deaths: 34
Dec. 26, Cases: 981
Dec. 26, Deaths: 22
New Cases Today: 1,342
New Deaths: 17
Today’s Positivity Rate: 11.80%
Current Hospitalizations: 1,225
Current Intensive Care Admittances: 348
Currently on Ventilators: 205
The Governor said 62% of all Kentuckians have received at least their first dose, as well as 66% of Kentuckians ages 5 and older and 73% of all Kentucky adults.
During the week ending Dec. 26, Kentucky reported 15,255 new COVID-19 cases and an average positivity rate of 11.35%.
The five counties with the highest percentage of residents vaccinated are Fayette (74%), Woodford (73%), Jefferson (70%), Campbell (69%), and Perry (67%).
Western Kentucky Toy Drive Update
Finally, First Lady Britainy Beshear provided an update on the Western Kentucky Toy Drive. She said the program collected hundreds of thousands of toys and gift cards for impacted families – so many that she and volunteers will be able to provide additional gifts to children in 2022 for their birthdays or other special occasions.
She said her office was able to assist every family that reached out to her for help before the end of the toy drive on Dec. 23, including families that did not have transportation to storefront sites and needed individual deliveries to their homes. In addition, thanks to dedicated volunteers, the program was able to deliver toys to additional families even after the drive ended, on Christmas Eve.
“In less than one week, you gave millions of dollars in in-kind donations to help provide financial relief to parents at Christmastime,†the First Lady said, thanking donors and volunteers. “But the true value of this initiative can’t be measured with a dollar amount. It can only be measured in the smiles of these kids.â€.
Team Kentucky All-Stars
Today, the Governor is recognized as Team Kentucky All-Stars five emergency management public information officers (PIOs) who deployed from different cities and states to assist in Kentucky’s relief efforts after the Dec. 10 tornadoes.
The PIOs are Jordan Yuodis, Advanced PIO, Jefferson County Fire; Steve Bosso, Master PIO, Twinsburg Fire, Ohio; Katie Brady, Advanced PIO, Stafford County Fire, Virginia; Alyssa Sanders, PIO III, Nebraska Emergency Management; and Jeff Sands, Advanced PIO, Delaware Emergency Management.
“They gave up their Christmas in their hometowns and with their families to be here with us, protecting us,†said Gov. Beshear.
Todd Rokita: Avoid Scams By Doing Careful Research Before Donating To Charities
Avoid Scams By Doing Careful Research Before Donating To Charities
Attorney General Todd Rokita is advising Hoosiers to do careful research before donating to charities in order to avoid being scammed or having their contributions used in ways they might disapprove.
As the calendar changes from 2021 to 2022, many charities are soliciting donations in an effort to finish the year on the strong financial footing and build a solid foundation for the months ahead. Scam artists are aware of this, and they often pose as charities in order to trick prospective donors into misdirecting their gifts.
“There is something distinctly repulsive about fraudsters who scheme to take advantage of Hoosiers’ good-hearted generosity,†Attorney General Rokita said. “Everyone should endeavor to help less fortunate neighbors and give to worthy causes. As we do that, though, we should take steps to ensure we’re not padding swindlers’ pockets rather than truly helping the needy.â€
The Indiana Attorney General works to track down, investigate and bring to justice the criminals who perpetrate illegal scams. He works just as hard to help Hoosiers avoid becoming victims in the first place.
To that end, Attorney General Rokita offers the following tips:
- Research any charity to which you are considering donating.
- The FTC suggests searching online using the charity name plus words like “complaint,†“review,†or “scam.†Don’t be fooled by names that sound like well-known charities.
- Be sure to ask how much of your donation will go directly to the program you want to help — and do your own research to confirm.
- Beware of charities that pop up after recent disasters.
- Make sure you are dealing with the real charitable organization. Be leery of year-end appeals from unknown or unfamiliar organizations you receive by phone, mail, email, and/or social media.
- If reached by phone, do not agree to donate money without further research into the organization.
- Don’t assume solicitations on social media or crowdfunding sites are legitimate — or that hyperlinks are accurate — even in posts shared or liked by your friends. Contact your friends offline and request information about links they share.
- It is generally safer to donate as part of a longstanding familiar relationship with a charitable cause than to respond to out-of-the-blue solicitations.
- When donating online, use a browser to navigate to a reputable charity’s verified website — and donate there rather than through a third party or “middleman†collectors, who often skim off a sizeable portion of donations even if they are legitimate.
- Legitimate, secure donation websites should begin with “https†(or feature a lock icon) rather than just “http.â€
- Take your time and don’t overshare. Do not share personal information or financial information in response to unsolicited emails, texts or phone calls.
- Never feel rushed to donate.
- Be skeptical of solicitors who try to play on your emotions through heart-rending stories or images. Remember that legitimate charities do not use pressure tactics.
- Always donate by credit card rather than cash or other methods, to ensure you can access the protections available through your credit card company.
- Make sure you haven’t signed up for a recurring donation if you didn’t want one.
- Lookup a charity’s report and ratings on these websites:
- CharityNavigator.org
- CharityWatch.org
- Give.org
- Guidestar.org
Hero Camp With Pulitzer Nominee T. HarRiMaN TO Be Held At cMOE
Need some “me time†while the kids are out of school? Hero Camp is your answer! Pulitzer nominee T. HarRiMaN will be conducting Hero Camp for kids eight and older from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, at cMoe.
“As a mom of four, I want my kids to have a fun and festive holiday break from school, but I run out of things for them to do,†said HarRiMaN. “Or I run out of energy. That’s why I planned this program for the young people in our community. Kids attending this program will have fun while they’re doing something that’s good for them and the community.â€
Every hour on the hour, T. HarRiMan will read from her action-adventure fantasy BURN THIS BOOK: THE 10,000 YEAR PLAN. She’ll then lead attendees through a dream-making exercise and other fun games. Each hour’s program will end with a signing. Each book is $12, though the event is included with general admission. For more information, contact welcome@tharriman.com.
