Gov. Holcomb Names Allen As Chairwoman Of The Alcohol And Tobacco Commission
Gov. Eric J. Holcomb today announced that he has selected Jessica Allen to serve as the Chairwoman of the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.
“Jessica’s years of experience with the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, and working with the tutelage of Dave Cook, has prepared her well for her new role,†Gov. Holcomb said. “I’m confident under her leadership the commission will continue to ensure fair and just proceedings, protect public health and safety, and maintain strong relationships with the business community.â€
Allen currently serves as the executive secretary of the ATC. The Commission is responsible for regulating and licensing the alcohol and tobacco industries. The ATC also directs the Indiana State Excise Police. Allen advises on legal matters while also serving as an administrative hearing judge and overseeing all litigation matters for the agency. During her time with the commission, Allen has spearheaded licensing system updates to provided customer service improvements and streamlined permit processing procedures. These changes have resulted in cutting permit processing time in half.
Allen began her legal career as a deputy prosecutor for Marion County. In 2010, she became the assistant city prosecutor for Indianapolis, and joined the ATC in 2014 as commission counsel. She earned an undergraduate degree from Butler University and a law degree from the Indiana University McKinney School of Law.
Allen will begin her new role Monday. She replaces David Cook, who will begin his tenure as Inspector General on Monday.
FORMER INDIANA FIRST LADY SUSAN BAYH DIES AFTER FIGHT WITH CANCER
“It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Susan Breshears Bayh after a long and courageous fight against glioblastoma and its complications. Susan was an incredible person who led a life full of love, courage, and accomplishment.
“Susan excelled academically and professionally. She earned a degree in political science from the University of California at Berkeley and a law degree from the University of Southern California. She practiced law at two of our nation’s most distinguished law firms, at Eli Lilly (Indiana’s largest employer), and served on the board of directors for several companies in biotechnology, telecommunications, and healthcare.
“She served on the Board of Trustees at Butler University and taught as a visiting professor for several years in the fields of business, environmental affairs, and law. She also served on the Dean’s Council at Indiana University’s Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. In addition, she worked as Adjusted Professor for her law school alma mater, USC, placing law students in public service internships and providing mentorship.
“In 1994, Susan was appointed by President Bill Clinton to the International Joint Commission and served for six years overseeing issues arising between the United States and Canada.
“Susan was the 46th First Lady of Indiana and the youngest in 150 years, assuming the role when only 29 years old.  She worked tirelessly to support her husband’s initiatives and established a 401(c)3 charitable organization to combat adult illiteracy in the Hoosier state.  She made countless speeches, gave numerous interviews, and attended innumerable public events as an active First Lady.  Governor Bayh would often say that ‘Hoosiers voted for Susan’s husband.’
“She was beautiful.  She was selected Miss Southern California in 1978, was a princess in the Rose Bowl Parade that year, and was a cheerleader at Cal her senior year in college.
“Susan was a model of courage and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.  Throughout her 2-year, eight-month battle against cancer, she never once complained or expressed self-pity.  Despite a multitude of hardships, she continued to display her exuberance, happiness, and love for others.  Her fortitude was truly unbelievable and an example for us all.
“But above all, Susan was a loving spouse, mother, child, sibling, and friend.  She and her husband, Evan, were happily married for more than 35 years.  They were blessed with twin sons, Beau and Nick, and the couple became the first Governor and First Lady to have children while in office in the last century.  Their sons are both officers in the United States military, have undergraduate degrees from Harvard University, and are currently completing degrees at Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School respectively.  There has never been a more devoted and loving mother or spouse than Susan Bayh.
“Susan’s passing leaves the world a darker place, but Heaven has gained a shining star and the firmament will be the brighter for her presence there.  We will love and miss her always.
“Susan is survived by her husband, Evan, her sons, Nick and Beau, her parents, Bob and Carol Breshears, and her siblings, Bob Jr., Ann, and Linda, and numerous nieces and nephews.â€
Statements of friends and dignitaries about the Susan Bayh passing:I
Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb
“Janet and I were saddened to learn about the passing of former First Lady Susan Bayh. She was an extraordinary and radiant public servant, wife, mother and friend, who leaves a remarkable impact on our state and nation. I ask all Hoosiers to join us in praying and being there for the Bayh family.â€
INDIANAPOLIS MAYOR JOE HOGETT
“For more than a half-century, and across three generations, the Bayh family has given itself to this state and our country. A talented lawyer, Susan exemplified this spirit of service as First Lady, opening the doors of the Governor’s Residence and inviting the people of Indiana to share in her and Evan’s joy as they became parents to Beau and Nick. In recent years, Susan continued to inspire as she battled cancer with characteristic fearlessness – even as her sons enlisted in the military and swore oaths to support and defend the Constitution on our behalf.
“As with so many today, I am saddened by the loss of my friend but heartened at the legacy of leadership Susan has left to her family and a grateful Hoosier State. Steph and I offer our heartfelt condolences to Evan, Beau, Nick, and the entire Bayh family.
U.S. Sen. Todd Young, a Republican from Indiana, on Twitter
“My heart breaks for the Bayh family. Susan was an accomplished attorney who loved serving our state as First Lady. But she found even more joy in raising her twin boys. I appreciate the kindness the family has shown me over the years, & I’m praying for them in their time of griefâ€.  “I’m reminded today of the time when I was getting to know Susan as our husbands teamed up in 1988. I recall her eagerness and vigor as she was starting her law career, her family and in her role as Indiana’s First Lady. She was magnetic and her energy came through in all she did. Her grace as she faced this battle with cancer these last few years was an inspiration. Our O’Bannon family heart aches today, as Hoosiers have lost one of our champions and a friend, and our thoughts and prayers are with Evan, Nick and Beau at this difficult time.â€
Former Indiana First Lady Judy O’Bannon Willsey
I am saddened to learn of the passing of former Indiana First Lady Susan Bayh. She was always a bright face to see at the Statehouse and throughout our state. She led Hoosiers by example and always wanted what was best for Indiana. My heart goes out to the Bayh family and I encourage Hoosiers everywhere to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers.
Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Republican
Karen and I were truly saddened to learn of the passing of our friend, former Indiana First Lady Susan Bayh. We send our deepest sympathies and prayers to her devoted husband, Evan, their sons Beau and Nick, and their entire family during this difficult time. Susan Bayh lived a truly extraordinary life, and she will be remembered for her great service to Indiana and our Nation. In public service, in her professional life and philanthropy, Susan Bayh made a difference in the lives of generations of Hoosiers, and she will be deeply missed. In the face of serious illness, her tenacious spirit and optimism inspired us all. Susan Bayh loved her family, our state and her friends with a smile and irrepressible optimism that will never be forgotten. Karen and I will be praying for Evan, their sons, family and all who loved and cherished this truly remarkable Hoosier. God bless Susan Bayh.
Former Vice President Mike Pence
Karen and I were truly saddened to learn of the passing of our friend, former Indiana First Lady Susan Bayh. We send our deepest sympathies and prayers to her devoted husband, Evan, their sons Beau and Nick, and their entire family during this difficult time. Susan Bayh lived a truly extraordinary life, and she will be remembered for her great service to Indiana and our Nation. In public service, in her professional life and philanthropy, Susan Bayh made a difference in the lives of generations of Hoosiers, and she will be deeply missed. In the face of serious illness, her tenacious spirit and optimism inspired us all. Susan Bayh loved her family, our state and her friends with a smile and irrepressible optimism that will never be forgotten. Karen and I will be praying for Evan, their sons, family and all who loved and cherished this truly remarkable Hoosier. God bless Susan Bayh.
INDIANA COVID-19 SUPER BOWL COMMERCIAL TO AIR IN 6 LOCAL MARKETS
A Super Bowl commercial featuring the family of an Indiana high school athletic director who died of COVID-19 will air on six Indiana television stations during Sunday’s game.
The 30-second commercial featuring Will Loggan, the son of former North Central High School Athletic Director Paul Loggan, is expected to air on the following schedule:
- WEVV, Evansville: third quarter
- WANE, Fort Wayne: end of halftime
- WTTV, Indianapolis: end of second quarter before halftime
- WLFI, Lafayette: end of second quarter before halftime
- WSBT, South Bend: end of halftime
- WTHI, Terre Haute: end of halftime
The commercial, which is expected to reach 1.7 million Hoosiers, also will air on zoned cable stations in northwestern and southern Indiana beginning Monday.
Paul Loggan was diagnosed with COVID-19 after attending a basketball sectional last March. He died on Easter Sunday in 2020.
The commercial, which cost a total of $123,500 to produce and air, was developed by Indianapolis-based Hirons in partnership with its production partner, Dunebuggy, as part of Indiana’s efforts to build awareness of the COVID-19 vaccine. The cost was paid for with federal CARES Act funding.
A behind-the-scenes video in which Will Loggan talks about his father’s legacy can be found at https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine/2686.htm.
USI Joins Initiative To Bolster Nursing Homes During Pandemic
Thirty-one nursing homes have enrolled in the University of Southern Indiana’s cohort in a state-wide effort to assist facilities in dealing with COVID-19 and its challenges. USI is part of the Indiana Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network (NHCAN) Extension of Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO), which seeks to improve COVID-19 preparedness, safety and infection control.
More than 230 nursing homes from across Indiana are participating in the ECHO project, led by the Indiana University School of Medicine and Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at IUPUI. In addition to USI, collaborators include the Regenstrief Institute, Parkview Health and the University of Indianapolis. The ECHO project is funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Dr. Katie Ehlman, Professor of Gerontology and Director of the USI Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness, is leading USI’s cohort with project team members Dr. Karl Sash of St. Vincent Evansville; Lynn Herr, Public Health Nurse at the Vanderburgh County Health Department; Valerie Turpen, Nurse Practitioner with Deaconess Health System; and Lara Adedokun, Healthcare Quality Improvement Specialist at the TMF Health Quality Institute.
“Our hope is that the nursing home leaders and the subject matter experts create a community of learning,†said Ehlman. “We follow a 16-week curriculum developed by the Institute of Healthcare Improvement that is flexible enough to adjust to meet the group’s needs. It’s an honor for our team to work to support the long-term care industry at a time of unimaginable challenges.â€
As of Fall 2020, nearly one-quarter of the known COVID-19 deaths in the United States were nursing home residents and staff, according to AHRQ. One of the goals of the ECHO program is to help nursing homes implement evidence-based best practices to prevent outbreaks and identify any infections early.
Summerfield Health Care Center in Cloverdale, Indiana, is part of the USI cohort. “We at Summerfield Health Care Center find the ECHO calls are a wonderful resource for continuing education associated with the everyday battle against COVID-19,†said Tasheena Duncan, Administrator. “The ECHO calls have built a sense of community that allows for open dialog and peer to peer support.â€
Dr. Karl Sash, a physician and medical director at St. Vincent, said the weekly meetings have been effective and a positive experience for all. “This model gives nursing home staff a chance to interact with peers and facilitators to share their challenges and experiences to support each other and have an open venue to ask questions and find resources,†he said.
Each call includes a presentation of COVID-related best practices and guidance, implementation and quality improvement techniques and case-based discussions to identify successes and challenges experienced at the facility-level.
Some of the topics covered in these calls include:
- Vaccines: Expected arrival, storage. How to share educational materials with staff, residents and families.
- Infection control: Use of personal protective equipment (PPE). How to cohort positive and negative COVID-19 residents in a facility.
- Staffing shortages: Practical tips and short-term solutions.
The IUPUI ECHO Center is handling enrollment in the ECHO program. For questions and more information, please contact the ECHO Director Andrea Janota at ajanota@iu.edu or 317-274-3178.
THE LINK OF THE PRINTED EDITION OF THEÂ FEBRUARY-2021 Â CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER
ATTACHED IS THE LINK OF THE PRINTED EDITION OF THE FEBRUARY-2021 Â CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER.
YOU ALSO CAN PICK A PRINTED COPY OF THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:Â
- All the area Casey’s Convenience stores.
- IGA Convenience Marts located at Crossroads and East Lloyd and Heckel Road.
- Bargetown Market-4th and Main (Downtown).
- All Of The Pet Food stores in Evansville/Vanderburgh County.
- Evansville/Vanderburgh County Civic Center.
- Willard Library.
- Ivy Tech Community College.
- Tropicana Hotel.
- Hilton Gardens.
- Quality Inn.
- Home Two Hotel.
- Fairfield Inn.
- Residence Inn-Marriott.
- Courtyard Marriott.
- Comfort Inn.
- Hampton Inn.
- Extended Stay.
- Drury Inn.
- County Inn And Suites.
- Starting on February 15, 2021 copies of the printed CCO can be picked up at Central, McCollough, Oaklyn, North Park and Red Bank libraries.
- MERRY-GO-AROUND Restaurant
- Randomly selected sub-divisions.
- ROCA BAR-NORTH
- Evansville Police Department.
- Vanderburgh County Sheriff Office.
FOOTNOTE: We be announcing additional newspaper outlets in the near future.
UE Puts Forth Strong Effort In Setback At Loyola
Aces Look To Earn Series Split On Sunday
 Facing one of the top 30 teams in the nation on the road, the University of Evansville men’s basketball team fought to the final whistle in a 68-55 loss to Loyola on Saturday afternoon at Gentile Arena.
Evansville (8-9. 6-5 MVC) played hard throughout the entire game before a game-changing stretch by Loyola (16-3, 11-1 MVC) saw them take a 16-point lead in the second half. The Purple Aces got back within single digits before the Ramblers hung on for the win.
“Loyola is such a versatile team; they are so good on both ends of the floor,†UE head coach Todd Lickliter said. “We knew it would be a great test and our guys have shown that they will always fight back. If we use it right, this challenge will help us in our pursuit to be a great team.â€
Noah Frederking had an outstanding effort on Saturday, leading the Aces with 15 points. He was 6-for-10 from the field while knocking down three triples. Jawaun Newton scored nine while Shamar Givance and Iyen Enaruna registered seven apiece.
Making the first start of his career, Iyen Enaruna made an immediate impact. After winning the opening tip, Enaruna grabbed an offensive board and scored on the first possession. Shamar Givance added a 3-pointer that gave the Aces an early 5-2 advantage. With the Ramblers up 7-5, Evan Kuhlman came in and knocked down a triple. On the next possession, he found a cutting Noah Frederking for a field goal that put the Aces on top – 10-7.
A 9-2 stretch by the Ramblers put them back in front by a 16-12 tally before Trey Hall ended a 3-minute scoreless stretch with his first triple of the day. As the half approached the final five minutes, Hall and Frederking hit 3-pointers that cut Loyola’s lead to 22-21, but a 9-0 run by Loyola gave them their first double figure lead of the game at 31-21 at the 1:51 mark. UE cut one off that deficit to trail by a 36-27 margin at the half. Frederking led the Aces with eight points in the first half. Cameron Krutwig had 11 points and six rebounds through the first 20 minutes of play.
Five of Evansville’s first seven shots of the second half found the bottom of the net with UE getting back within three points – 38-35. After Loyola pushed its lead back to five at 44-39, they put forth their top stretch of the game, recording 13 of the next 15 points to stretch their advantage to 57-41 with 12:08 remaining. They converted seven consecutive field goals.
Evansville has gained a reputation around the Missouri Valley Conference for never giving up and today was no different. The defense clamped down to force five Rambler misses in a row while a triple by Samari Curtis spearheaded a 7-0 run to make it a 9-point game inside of the 8-minute mark.
within single figures a few times, but Loyola kept answering before taking the win. Krutwig led the Ramblers with 10 points and 11 rebounds while going 8-for-13 from the field.
Tomorrow, the teams will be back in action inside Gentile Arena with another 1 p.m. contest.
HOT JOBS IN EVANSVILLE
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HOOSIER HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS: Indiana ratifies the 13th Amendment
February 7 – February 13The Week in Indiana History |
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   “And you just knew without a doubt that we were going to be free! You just knew it! And two days before our time was up, the word came: ‘It’s over! It’s over! The Civil Rights Bill had passed Congress!'” Marguerite Graves (1933 -2019) Did You Know?
Marguerite Graves with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. February is Black History Month    Marguerite Graves of Indianapolis made history. As a young African American woman in the 1960s, she didn’t just read about the Civil Rights Movement, she joined it. After graduating from Crispus Attucks High School, she moved to Los Angeles. There she joined Dr. Martin Luther King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference. This led to her first meeting with the civil rights leader. The two found that they had a good deal in common.  “We had both been to Liberia,” she said, “and we both were deeply interested in the future of that African country.” In the summer of 1964, Marguerite found herself on a 2200-mile Greyhound bus trip to Americus, Georgia.  Her group marched two and three times a day in Americus. They paraded in front of government buildings. They sat in front of stores. That same summer, Congress passed the historic Civil Rights Bill. Marguerite returned to Los Angeles to continue her work in the Civil Rights Movement. A few years later, she was back home in Indianapolis, but she wasn’t finished with making history. She and associates established their own Hallmark store on West Washington Street. This was one of the first such stores to be owned by African American women. ANSWERS: 1. Jimmy Hoffa  2. James Dean 3. Florence Henderson 4. Wendell Willkie |
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1865   Indiana ratified the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution. The measure abolished slavery in the nation. The General Assembly was prompt in approving the legislation, making Indiana one of 18 states to ratify the amendment in the first month. The adoption became official for the nation in December of 1865.
1931   E. E. Miller, chief of the Richmond, Indiana, Fire Department, died while battling a fire in a city home. Called “The Dean of Indiana Fire Chiefs,” he had served as chief for 25 years. During much of that time, for a city its size, Richmond had one of the nation’s lowest rates of fire losses. Miller was also known for establishing the firefighter project of repairing broken toys for distribution to underprivileged children at Christmas time.
1958   Indiana University drama student Richard Brown, dressed as Abraham Lincoln, stood near the northwest corner of Washington and Illinois Streets in Indianapolis. There, at the site of the old Bates House Hotel, he reenacted the speech Lincoln had given from the hotel balcony on his way to inauguration 97 years earlier. Governor Harold W. Handley introduced Brown, just as Governor Oliver P. Morton had introduced Lincoln in 1861.
1982   President Ronald Reagan was at the Indiana Statehouse to speak to the General Assembly. In his address in the chamber of the House of Representatives, he spoke about the new federalism policy which would return authority in many areas back to individual states. The President was welcomed to the city by Governor Robert D. Orr and Mayor William Hudnut.
