The Evansville Police Department needs your help in identifying two suspects that committed theft of a wallet and then fraudulently used the victim’s credit cards.
On June 20, 2020 the victim was shopping at Target on Evansville’s east side when the male suspect came up to her and distracted her. While she was distracted the female suspect stole the victim’s wallet from her shopping cart. The suspects then left in a white SUV type vehicle and charged $4,000 worth of purchases in less than 45 minutes. If you have any information on the identity of these suspects please contact Detective Sides at (812) 436-7968.
Republic Services is operating on a one-day delay this week due to the July 4th holiday. Trash and recycling pick-ups will be Tuesday, July 7, through Saturday, July 11th. The regular trash and recycling schedule will resume on Monday, July 13th.
 On July 5 around 7:30 p.m., the Evansville Police Department was called to a residence in the 1100 block of Powell Avenue. The caller advised that a male had been shot. When officers arrived they located a juvenile male inside a bedroom at the residence. The juvenile had a gunshot wound to his abdomen. The victim was taken to the hospital by ambulance where he died a short time after arriving.Â
 There were other subjects on scene when the incident occurred and they are all cooperating with authorities. The investigation is still on going at this time. More information will be released when it is made avail
We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUEâ€Â 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?
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IS IT TRUEÂ that the number of new COVID -19 virus tests reported in Vanderburgh County jumped from 228 to 845 from Saturday to Sunday?
IS IT TRUE according to the Indiana State Department of Health in the past 11 days the Vanderburgh County has seen 176 new COVID -19 virus cases and there are at least 84 that are still active and haven’t be counted because of the 4th of July holiday?
IS IT TRUE on March 30, 2020, a letter was sent out by Donna Holderfield, Zoning Administrator of the Area Plan Commission to a current City of Evansville vendor stating that he has a serious zoning violation? …according to the Area Planning Commission letter that Best View Transit Media LLC, the current City of Evansville METS Transit Media Advertising vendor, has been cited and fined $500 for being in violation of the City of Evansville Zoning Code?  …we wonder if Best View Transit Media LLC, paid their fine to the Area Plan Commission and have moved their Corporate office located in an Eastside residential area of the city since receiving the May 30, 2020 letter from the Area Plan Commission?  …this is a developing story?
IS IT TRUE that we give five (5) cheers to County Councilwoman Stephanie Terry for convincing fellow County Council members to invest $50,000 to provide free COVID-19 tests in targeted areas of Vanderburgh County?
IS IT TRUE that public schools across the country have started to reveal what a return to classrooms may look like amid the pandemic? …many parents have pre-emptively opted not to return and are planning to home-school instead?
IS IT TRUE that all human beings have flaws and being able to tolerate people who are less than perfect is the only way to live in peace?
IS IT TRUE that in America everyone has a right to express their opinion even if they are wrong?
IS IT TRUE we are pleased to hear that Evansville City Council President Alex Burton is on a personal crusade of cleaning up the crime-ridden Parkside Terrace known as Woodlawn Apartments? …we give five (5) cheers to Mr, Burton?
 IS IT TRUE we also hope that the 3rd Ward City Council member Zac Heronemus will begin to address the issues in the blighted 500 to 700 blocks of East Franklin, East Iowa, and East Michigan streets?
IS IT TRUE that we are very pleased with the way that 2nd Ward City Councilwoman Missy Mosby is looking after her constituents?
IS IT TRUE we give five (5) cheers to County Commissioners Cheryl Musgrave and Ben Shoulders for coming up with creative ways to help their constituents during these trying times?
IS IT TRUE that over the years the City-County Observer has studied and published articles that examine the economic expectations and realities of proposed capital projects within the Evansville City limits? …that our conclusions thus far are that a lack of planning has created an unavoidable last-minute quagmire that leaves the City of Evansville in the unenviable position of needing to provide significant incentives to secure a binding and enforceable agreement to entice a developer to build profitable projects?
IS IT TRUE that it is a common practice for a County Assessor to quietly increase home values? …to protest these increases, the homeowner has to obtain a certified appraisal costing at least $300? Â …that the cost of the protest will cost approximately the same amount of money as the increase in our property taxes? Â …it is also a common practice by County Assessors that even if the homeowner pays the cost of the appraisal and wins, the very next year the County Assessor will increase the home values back to the original increase and then some?
IS IT TRUE we got a kick out of career politicians when are they talking to the masses about the race issues and political, social, economic, judicial, and police injustices? …it’s even more intriguing when career politicians masterfully try to convince the masses that they understand and feel their grief, they understand their economic plight and suffering caused by racial injustice and institutional racism? …did we say that some of these career politicians wear Brook Brothers clothes, are members of a private County Club, and enjoy extensive social perks and financial benefits by being a long term elected public official?
IS IT TRUE that the City-County Observer is quietly working on plans to publish a full color printed Sunday newspaper sometime in September?  …the cost of this publication will be a mere dollar? …25 cents of each paper sold will be donated to local charities? …subscriptions will $50 yearly and mailed to your home? …non-subscribers can pick up a copy at a soon to be announced convenient location in Vanderburgh County and Evansville proper? …we are currently working on appointing an Editorial Board comprised of local movers and shakers to guide this publication in the right direction?
IS IT TRUE we would like to thank Sallie  A. Jung for sending details copies of the minutes of the Board Of Public Safety?
IS IT TRUE when the people fear the Government we have Tyranny! Â When the Government fears the people we have Liberty?
IS IT TRUE our “READERS POLLS†are non-scientific but trendy?
Today’s “Readers Pollâ€Â question is:Â
Please take time and read our articles entitled “STATEHOUSE FILES, LAW ENFORCEMENT, “READERS POLLâ€, BIRTHDAYS, HOT JOBSâ€, EDUCATION, OBITUARIES and “LOCAL SPORTSâ€.
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INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb wisely tapped the brakes just before the July 4 holiday weekend on the state’s plans to reopen during the raging coronavirus pandemic.
John Krull, publisher, TheStatehouseFile.com
“More than recognizing it, we have to accept the fact that this virus is on the prowl, and it’s moving, even within our borders,†Holcomb said in announcing the slowdown. “And we are living on virus time.â€
Originally, Indiana was supposed to loosen things up considerably on July 4 and move to Stage 5 of a planned reopening. Bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues could have started doing more business.
Instead, the state will continue operating on a restricted basis.
Holcomb called the move Stage 4.5 – to suggest that Indiana still was moving forward, just a little more slowly and cautiously.
Skeptics pounced on that bit of branding to say that, even when he was doing the right thing, Holcomb had to play politics.
Well, yeah.
And that’s all right.
One thing we all should hope comes out of this current crisis is a renewed appreciation for the skills that comprise strong political leadership.
Among America’s defining myths is a belief that is egalitarian in spirit. It is an article of faith that asserts that, because everyone has – or should have – equal rights and opportunities, everyone is equal, as if human beings were interchangeable parts in the complicated machinery of self-government.
For much of our history, we articulated this notion by saying that, in America, any boy could grow up to be president.
Now, as our understanding of liberty and its blessings has expanded to meet the promises offered by our founding documents, we say, in America, anyone can grow up to be president.
That’s not true, of course.
Even as we seem to be tearing down some walls that kept a high political office in this nation as a preserve reserved for white males alone, many barricades still exist. The chances that, particularly in this era of free-flowing and dark money, a candidate at even a statewide level who does not have access to both abundant sums of cash and quality education can achieve success are between none and nonexistent.
Such barriers are not just.
But some others are.
Because the fact is that not just anyone can be a successful political leader. To be a good governor or a good legislator or – certainly – a good president requires a rare set of skills.
We’re seeing that now.
One of the arguments Donald Trump and his partisans advanced for making him the president was that he would run government “like a business.â€
That idea was flawed in several ways, not the least of which involved the question of whether Trump ever was a good businessman. His track record – multiple bankruptcies and a long history of litigation – suggests the answer would be no.
But the more fundamental problem with that argument is that government isn’t, never has been and shouldn’t be a business.
For instance, the government’s primary purpose isn’t to turn a profit for its shareholders and stakeholders, but instead to protect and advance the interests of the citizens it serves.
All the citizens.
That means, among other things, that government can’t – or shouldn’t – disregard the concerns of any group of citizens on a consistent basis. It isn’t – or shouldn’t be – allowed to write people off.
Businesses don’t have to operate that way. Businesspeople can decide that it isn’t cost-effective to serve one portion of their market and shut down operations designed to provide that service.
This is not to disparage businesspeople.
It takes great skill to be a good business leader.
But it also takes great skill to be a good political leader.
And they aren’t the same skills.
We tend to venerate the successful business leader while disparaging the good politician.
But we shouldn’t.
These past few years should give fresh appreciation for the skills – for conciliation, for balancing disparate interests, for keeping everyone at the table, for finessing difficult situations, for leading while serving – a successful politician must-have.
So, yes, Gov. Eric Holcomb played politics in announcing a delay in Indiana’s reopening.
Good for him.
FOOTNOTE: John Krull is director of Franklin College’s Pulliam School of Journalism and publisher of TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Wednesday morning that Joe Hoage, who has been general counsel for the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles since 2017, will become commissioner of the Indiana Department of Labor on July 13.
Hoage has also served as general counsel for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, as the state’s public access counselor, as an attorney for the Indiana Gaming Commission and as a deputy prosecutor in Marion County.
He replaces Rick Ruble, who had been in the position since 2013 and had spent 23 years in public service.
No reason has been provided for Ruble’s departure, but Holcomb has said it is not related to a recent investigation in which the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration said the state was wrong to dismiss safety violations related to an Amazon employee’s death in 2017.Â
The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which is within the Department of Labor, has disputed the findings in the federal report.Â
Holcomb has said he wishes Ruble well in whatever is next for his career.
Also on Wednesday, Holcomb announced that Josh Martin will serve as chief data officer at the state’s Management Performance Hub.
Martin is the interim chief data officer and has served as the agency’s chief of staff since 2015. He replaces Darshan Shah, who left state government at the end of last year.
“Joe and Josh are both dedicated servants who use their expertise to provide Hoosiers with great government service,†Holcomb said in a prepared statement. “Joe uses his legal savvy to create common-sense solutions, and Josh leverages data to address complex problems and improve the lives of Hoosiers. I’m excited to have both of these leaders at the helm.â€
INDIANAPOLIS — A federal judge has moved to block a controversial Indiana law designed to limit panhandling following a challenge by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana.
Jane Magnus-Stinson, chief judge for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, granted a preliminary injunction against House Enrolled Act 1022 Tuesday, one day before the law would have gone into effect to essentially prohibit panhandling in many large commerce areas, including downtown Indianapolis.
Ken Falk of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana. Photo By Brynna Sentel, TheStatehouseFile.com
“This panhandling ban is an unconstitutional attack on free speech,†Ken Falk, legal director at the ACLU of Indiana, said in a statement. “Now more than ever, we must protect Hoosiers’ rights to free speech, in all forms.â€
The District Court echoed this argument by ACLU of Indiana leaders, concluding the panhandling statute “is an unconstitutional prohibition on the freedom of speech.â€
Falk also said in a statement the law is too broad in its expansion of the number of places where panhandling would be prohibited as well as its restriction that people who panhandle must not do so within 50 feet of any place where a financial transaction might take place or a public monument.
According to the restrictions in the law, panhandling would be prohibited near any parking meter or public parking lot, ATMs, traditional storefronts and more. Those who violate the law could be arrested and charged with a Class C misdemeanor.
“The Indiana legislature should be trying to remedy the reasons driving homelessness and joblessness,†ACLU of Indiana Executive Director Jane Henegar said in a statement. “Criminalizing poverty is never a solution.â€
The ACLU of Indiana filed the lawsuit in April against Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter and Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears. Lawyers with the Indiana attorney general’s office defended them in the lawsuit.
The state’s lawyers, according to court records, argued that because the law allows for panhandling in other forms — playing music for money and similar performances — it does not violate the First Amendment. The defendants also said that the panhandling law imposes reasonable “time, place and manner restrictions†on panhandling in the name of “protecting the safety and convenience of [Indiana] citizens on public streets.â€
But the judge determined the defendants did not provide enough data to show how panhandling poses a realistic threat to local safety and business.
“For example, they do not provide any statistics linking panhandling to disruptions to business, or showing that panhandling typically escalates to criminal behavior,†reads a part of the decision. “And simply stating that individuals may not want to be approached for a solicitation is not enough to show a compelling interest.â€
Legislators and others who advocated for the law, which was passed by the Indiana General Assembly in March, said at the time they hoped it would help to control rampant panhandling in areas like downtown Indianapolis.
Erica Irish is the 2020 Russell Pulliam editor for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.Â
INDIANAPOLIS — Whether it’s COVID-19, the economy, or the recent nationwide unrest surrounding racism and police brutality, it’s becoming harder to take care of our mental health.
And now, mental health professionals say the number of Hoosiers in need of help are reaching staggering heights.
The advocacy group Mental Health America says it’s seen a big increase in anxiety and depression since the coronavirus pandemic began. In May, the group reported that almost four times more people used their online screening tools than did in January.
Mental health professionals in Indiana say the Hoosier state is experiencing something similar. Statewide there have been significant increases in 911 calls, domestic violence calls, suicide hotline calls, and mental health crisis calls.
“The suicide hotline in Marion County for example saw an increase of 138% as compared to the same time last year. So, it’s something we’re aware of and trying to find tools to combat,†Director of Indiana’s Division of Mental Health Jay Chaudhary said.
In April, the Indiana Family and Social Services administration launched “Be Well Indiana,†an online tool to give Hoosiers free access to mental health resources. In its first month, Chaudhary says the website logged over 30,000 visits.
“What that tells us I think is that there is a need for those curated resources,†he said.
At places like Counseling at the Greenhouse, mental health professionals say they’re seeing an increase of stress, anxiety, and depression in their clients.
“More intense feeling are coming up with the folks that we’re seeing,†Tim Mallory said.
Mallory is a grad student intern at Counseling at the Greenhouse, he says in general, people struggle to handle uncertainty, which is something the past few months have been filled with.
“Are my kids going to be at home for learning this coming fall, are they going to be at school? What does my job look like? Let alone, do I have a job?â€
Both Mallory and Chaudhary say that during these times, it’s important that people know that if they’re feeling an increase in anxiety or depression; it’s completely normal.
They add the best thing someone can do is talk to someone because it’s not healthy to keep those feelings to yourself.
National Endowment for the Arts Approves 12 Indiana Arts Organizations for $600,000 in CARES Act Funding
VANDERBURGH COUNTY BY-PASSED FOR GRANT
(Indianapolis, Indiana) The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announces the nonprofit arts organizations recommended for direct funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. As part of this funding, 12 Indiana organizations will receive a total of $600,000 in nonmatching funds to support staff salaries, fees for artists or contractual personnel, and facilities costs.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Grants to Indiana
Batesville Area Arts Council, Batesville, $50,000
American Cello Institute, Inc., Bloomington, $50,000
American Folklore Society, Inc., Bloomington, $50,000
Lotus Education and Arts Foundation, Inc., Bloomington, $50,000
Great American Songbook Foundation, Inc., Carmel, $50,000
Fort Wayne Civic Theatre, Inc., Fort Wayne, $50,000
DePauw University, Greencastle, $50,000
Arts Council of Indianapolis, Inc., Indianapolis, $50,000
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis, $50,000
City of Jasper, Indiana, Jasper, $50,000
South Shore Arts, Inc., Munster, $50,000
South Bend Symphony Orchestra, South Bend, $50,000
In April, the NEA announced the distribution of the required 40 percent of the CARES Act’s $75 million appropriations to the state and regional arts agencies for their granting programs, including the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC). The IAC, with assistance from Arts Midwest and Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne, distributed these funds promptly in June. Read more here.
Arts and culture are a key component of the U.S. economy that contributes $877.8 billion, or 4.5 percent, to the nation’s gross domestic product in 2017 and employ over 5 million wageâ€andâ€salary workers who collectively earned $405 billion. This funding will help support those jobs and those nonprofit organizations during this time of great need so that arts and culture will persevere as a significant contributor to the American economy.
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About the National Endowment for the Arts
Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency whose funding and support give Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations and develop their creative capacities. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the Arts Endowment supports arts learning, affirms and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America. Visit arts.gov to learn more.
