Impaired Driver Arrested after Driving 104 mph on SR 66Â Â Â Â
| Vanderburgh County – This morning at approximately 12:18, Trooper Fulton was patrolling SR 66 near Big Cynthiana Road when he stopped the driver of a 2016 Dodge Ram pickup truck for driving 104 mph in a 60 mph zone. The driver was identified as Andrew Goebel, 49, of New Harmony. Goebel displayed signs of impairment and failed field sobriety tests. Further investigation revealed he had a blood alcohol content of .12%. He was arrested and taken to the Vanderburgh County Jail where he is currently being held on bond.
Arrested and Charges:
Arresting Officer: Trooper Zack Fulton, Indiana State Police
|
“IS IT TRUE” MARCH 12, 2020
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?
(Recently we detected an issue where our subscribers may have not been getting breaking news alerts from the City-County Observer. This notification is to let you know that starting today you have been added to receive future news alerts.  If you no longer want to receive future news alerts please opt-out by clicking the  link in your e-mail to unsubscribe)
IS IT TRUE that The World Health Organization on Wednesday said that the new Coronavirus outbreak “can now be characterized as a pandemic”?
IS IT TRUEÂ one of the reasons why Coranvius is considered to be deadly is because currently there are no known Vaccines to protect us against It?
IS IT TRUE that the Coranvius doesn’t discriminate against natural origin, race, color, creed, educational background, gender, blue or white-collar workers, religion, political affiliation, age, sexual preference, rich or poor, type of neighborhood you live in, or mental or physical challenges?
IS IT TRUE that are numerous allegations floating around that several area hospitals may be treating patients that either has symptoms of or have the Coranvius? …if any of these allegations prove to be true and if any hospital administers involved in the suppression of current and accurate public medical advisories should immediately be terminated for intentionally withholding serious public health information from the general public?
IS IT TRUE we shouldn’t let the Coronavius pandemic manage us but its time we start managing it? …The NCAA COVID-19 Advisory Panel recognizes the fluidity of COVID-19 and its impact on hosting events in a public space. COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in the United States, and behavioral risk mitigation strategies are the best option for slowing the spread of this disease?
IS IT TRUE the reality of coronavirus is that it will reach every location in the nation that has airports and interstate travel?… Evansville, Indiana is no exception to this rule and just because a case has not yet been officially acknowledged or identified, it is a virtual guarantee that some cases are already here?…those who make fun of this and make assurance without scientific basis are nothing but cheerleaders and fools?…at this point, all scientific evidence points to more cases spread more broadly?…it is advised not to follow the example of other fools of Coachella Valley, California who believed their elected officials and medical providers when they made hollow guarantees that they would protect the masses from Coronavirus?
IS IT TRUE the retail, restaurant, and hospitality service providers of California’s Coachella Valley absorbed a significant blow Sunday when it was announced that the BNP Paribas tennis tournament that draws as many as 450,000 attendees was canceled due to a single case of coronavirus being identified in the Coachella Valley?…the tennis tournament that has been held in the Coachella Valley since 1976 has grown to be one of the highest economically impactful events hosted here?… According to a 2017 study, the total economic impact to the valley was $406 million including $19 million in tax revenue into the coffers of local governments?…the BNP Paribas is not the only entertainment event that has a high level of impact on the Coachella Valley’s economy every spring?
IS IT TRUE California’s Coachella Valley region also benefits from the ANA Women’s Golf Tournament, a pair of dance parties in Palm Springs, and of course the Coachella and Stagecoach Arts and Music Festivals at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio?…according to local economists, the three music festivals also have a collective impact of just over $400 million per year too?…the tennis tournament was canceled after the Riverside County Department of Health declared the region to be in a medical crisis?…the cancellation came 16 hours before the event was scheduled to start and after the contestants and numerous attendees from all over the world had already arrived?…the decision seems a bit harsh for a single case but it must be remembered that there is no cure for COVID-19 and what looks like panic and overreaction may well be the best course of action to take?…this is especially true for a population that is disproportionally older as is the population of Indian Wells where the tournament is held?
IS IT TRUEÂ the day after the cancellation of the tennis tournament, the businesses of the valley began to express concern about the possibility of other events being canceled just like the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas and the Calle Ocho and Ultra Music Festivals in Miami have been?…the potential for loss of economic impact in the Coachella Valley is on the order of a billion dollars?…that is sufficient to get the attention of business leaders and owners across the valley?…on Tuesday the music festivals were canceled but immediately rescheduled for October which salvaged half of the negative economic impact?…literally thousands of temporary jobs are supported annually by these events?… these temporary jobs provide extra wages to service workers who supplement their full-time jobs to make ends meet or students who are interested in earning a little extra money for tuition, books and gas to travel to college campuses outside the valley to pursue an education?… our medical providers all get business from event attendees and even upscale restaurants will feel the pinch?
IS IT TRUE that when the fun and games stop, nearly every business in the Coachella Valley is negatively impacted?…here are few locations that are more dependent on a single business cluster that this region is even though there are many places that are envious of all of the entertainment and tourism activities that are held here?…companies that are not dependent on fun and games that can weather the storm of cancellations and those kinds of companies are the key to the diversification of the economy?… locations that scoff at the potential for infection are woefully ignorant?…just last week some elected officials in Southern California were assuring tourists that there were no coronavirus victims there and that the shows will go on?…today, the participants in that artificial dissemination of misplaced confidence look like fools?
IS IT TRUE we wonder why not one newly elected Evansville City Council member hasn’t demanded that City Controller Russ Lloyd, Jr. make public how much the City of Evansville has paid to help subsidize the Evansville Thunderbolts? Â …we wonder what happened to the campaign promises if elected we will be “Transparent”?
IS IT TRUE that many people feel that its time to challenge the out of control nepotism and political patronage practices at the Civic Center?
IS IT TRUE that Susan Kirk is doing an outstanding job as Vanderburgh County Treasurer?
IS IT TRUE that current Sheriff Dave Wedding is doing a great job?
IS IT TRUE that the current County Clerk Carla Hayden is also doing a bang-up job?
IS IT TRUE if our water and sewer rates keeping going up the cost of a gallon of water will cost more than a gallon of Jack Daniels?
IS IT TRUE the most effective members of the Evansville City Council Finance Committee was John Friend, CPA? Â … it’s obvious that it would extremely beneficial if the current City Council Finance Chairman, Ron Beane would make an appointment to talk with Mr. Friend on how to properly read and understand the complicated City Of Evansville budget?
IS IT TRUE we find it hard to believe that an organization that does a good job at spending a bunch of money planting trees in the downtown area, displaying Christmas lights and sponsoring social events would actually have the analytical capacity of adding anything of financial value in multi-million dollar real estate decisions? …that one of the best-kept secrets in Evansville is who are the three (3) Board members of the EID?
IS IT TRUE that the Vanderburgh County Superior Court Judge Richard G. D’Amour is doing an outstanding job for the citizens of Vanderburgh County?
IS IT TRUE we would like to thank Kalah Hirsch, Records SpecialistAsst. and IDACS Coordinator with the Evansville Police Department for sending us the daily EPD Police report in a timely manner?
IS IT TRUE we would also like to thank Ray Simmons, Director of Athletic Communications at USI for sending current sports happenings at that fine University?
IS IT TRUEÂ our “READERS POLLS” are non-scientific but trendy?
Today’s “Readers Poll” question is: Do you feel that local politicians and healthcare professionals are finally getting a grip on how to contain the Coronavirus in our area?
Please take time and read our articles entitled “STATEHOUSE FILES, LAW ENFORCEMENT, “READERS POLL”, BIRTHDAYS, HOT JOBSâ€, EDUCATION, OBITUARIES and “LOCAL SPORTSâ€.
You now are able to subscribe to get the CCO daily.
If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us at City-County Observer@live.com
CURRENT SITUATION REPORTS OF CORONAVIRUS 19 FROM JOHN HOPKINS
COVID-19
Coronaviruses are a family of RNA viruses that typically cause mild respiratory disease in humans. A novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019.
Our experts are closely following and analyzing updates on this outbreak. The following resources will be routinely updated.
Situation Reports
Updates on the emerging novel coronavirus from the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.
View all of the situation reports.
Fact Sheets
Coronaviruses Fact Sheet (PDF)
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a family of RNA viruses that typically cause mild respiratory disease in humans. A novel coronavirus was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
US Travel Screening (PDF), as of January 22, 2020
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (DHS/CBP) agency are implementing returning traveler screening for all travelers on direct or connecting flights from Wuhan, China.
COVID-19 Genetics (PDF)
A summary of findings from the latest phylogenetic research on COVID-19.
Financing for epidemic response activities (PDF)
There are several major sources of money that could be used to support outbreak response activities.
WHO’s Role During Health Emergencies (PDF)
As the health lead for the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO) has the primary responsibility to respond to natural disasters and disease outbreaks.
Diagnostic Testing for COVID-19Â (PDF)
Diagnostic testing for the novel coronavirus COVID-19 is undertaken using 2 approaches: whole genome sequencing and real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (rRT-PCR).
Blame and Discrimination Attached to COVID-19—An FAQ for US Elected Leaders and Health Officials (PDF)
When fear of disease and fear of others collide
Ventilator Stockpiling and Availability in the USÂ (PDF)
Mechanical ventilation is a vital component of critical services for patients exhibiting severe acute respiratory failure.
Serology testing for COVID-19Â (PDF)
Serology tests are blood-based tests that can be used to identify whether people have been exposed to a particular pathogen.
Experts in the Media
The Washington Post
Social distancing could buy U.S. valuable time against coronavirus, feat. Caitlin Rivers, PhD, MPH
Fox News
[Video]Â Infectious disease expert on concerns surrounding mass quarantines in response to the coronavirus, feat. Amesh Adalja, MD
Here & Now | WBUR
[Audio]Â Why Coronavirus Testing Has Been Slow In The U.S., feat. Crystal Watson, DrPH, MPH
The New York Times
Politicians’ Use of ‘Wuhan Virus’ Starts a Debate Health Experts Wanted to Avoid, feat. Monica Schoch-Spana, PhD
The Hill
Trump pitches tax cut to ease panic, feat. Jennifer Nuzzo, DrPH
VOA
World Facing Coronavirus Pandemic, Health Expert Says, feat. Eric Toner, MD
CBS News | 60 minutes
Coronavirus: How U.S. hospitals are preparing for COVID-19, and what leading health officials say about the virus, feat. Tom Inglesby, MD
A thread on Twitter
Dr. Tom Inglesby shares comments on Twitter on:
- 1/26/2020Â (PDF)
- 2/2/2020Â (PDF)
- 2/6/2020Â (PDF)
- 2/10/2020Â (PDF)
- 2/15/2020Â (PDF)
- 2/17/2020Â (PDF)
- 2/22/2020Â (PDF)
- 2/25/2020Â (PDF)
- 3/09/2020Â (PDF)
Testimonies
February 5:Â Center for Health Security expert Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo testifies at first open congressional hearing on 2019-nCoV
Health Security Special Online Issue on Coronaviruses
10 relevant articles from Health Security on coronaviruses, outbreak preparedness and response, infection control, and public health policy are freely available through February 29, 2020 to facilitate the conversation around health security.
Resources
Visit the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center where our experts help to advance understanding of the virus, inform the public, and brief policymakers in order to guide a response, improve care, and save lives.
Clinicians’ Biosecurity News 02/27/2020:Â What US Hospitals Should Do Now to Prepare for a COVID-19 Pandemic
Other Important External Resources
CCDC: Surveillance programme (PDF)
CCDC: Epidemiological investigations (PDF)
CCDC: Contact tracing (PDF)
CCDC: Laboratory diagnostics (PDF)
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | CDC
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Peer-Reviewed Publications (list maintained by the CDC)
Tracking the Coronavirus
The Center for Systems Science and Engineering at JHU is tracking the COVID-19 spread in real-time.
Statement From The NCAA COVID-19 Advisory Panel On NCAA Events
Statement From The NCAA COVID-19 Advisory Panel On NCAA Events
The NCAA COVID-19 Advisory Panel recognizes the fluidity of COVID-19 and its impact on hosting events in a public space. COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in the United States, and behavioral risk mitigation strategies are the best option for slowing the spread of this disease.
This is especially important because mildly symptomatic individuals can transmit COVID-19. Given these considerations, coupled with a more unfavorable outcome of COVID-19 in older adults – especially those with underlying chronic medical conditions – we recommend against sporting events open to the public. We do believe sports events can take place with only essential personnel and limited family attendance, and this protects the players, employees, and fans.
Sullivan’s Bill Taking Aim At Distracted Driving Heads To Governor
 Sullivan’s Bill Taking Aim At Distracted Driving Heads To Governor
 STATEHOUSE (March 11, 2020)Â
State Rep. Holli Sullivan’s (R-Evansville) hands-free driving proposal could soon become law.
Sullivan, chair of the House Roads and Transportation Committee, said the proposal would prohibit driving while holding a hand-held electronic device and could help drivers pay attention to the road. She said distracted driving is a danger to others, with nine Americans killed each day because of it.
“Distracted driving kills, and we need a cultural shift in order to save lives,” Sullivan said. “Most of us are guilty of using our phones while driving, and we all need to do a better job of putting our devices down and focusing on the road.”
More than 20 states have implemented hands-free device driving laws, and while Indiana has a law that prohibits texting while driving, it is difficult to enforce. Drivers can still use hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth, or dial 911 in the event of an emergency.
House Enrolled Act 1070 is now eligible to be signed into law by the governor. Visit iga.in.gov for more information.
Coal, Utilities And Drinking Water Bills Head To The Governor
Staff Report
TheStatehouseFile.com
INDIANAPOLIS—Legislation dealing with coal plant closures, municipal-owned utilities, and testing drinking water cleared both chambers of the General Assembly Tuesday and are now on their way to Gov. Eric Holcomb.
House Bill 1414: Coal plant closures
What it does: HB 1414 requires the state’s utilities to notify the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission if they plan to close an energy-producing plant. It could cause the closure of coal plants until May 1, 2021, while the 21st Century Energy Task Force finishes its work. House Bill 1414 wins approval in the Senate by a close vote. Photo by Victoria Ratliff, TheStatehouseFile.com
What happened: The final version of the bill that was negotiated between the House and Senate passed both chambers Tuesday—in the House with a 55-38 vote and the Senate with a 28-21 vote.
Sen. James Merritt, R-Indianapolis, who chairs the Senate Utilities Committee, said the bill has reverted to the version that passed the House, which once again includes language that would require the IURC to only review coal plant closure plans and coal companies to stockpile coal for 90 days if approved.
“We spent a great deal of time with the bill that left the Senate,†Merritt said. “We all know the stockpile is not acceptable.†Both chambers had legislators argue that Indiana should be looking for ways to invest in clean, renewable energy and delaying coal plant closures sends the wrong message about what Indiana should stand for.
Some who argued in favor of the bill said Indiana needs to protect workers in the coal industry and the bill provides for training.
What’s next: The bill now heads to Holcomb’s desk to possibly be signed into law.
* * *
House Bill 1165:Â Utilities owned by a municipality
What it does: The legislation prohibits a utility that is owned by a municipality from requiring the landlord of a property to guarantee payment of tenants’ utility bills. Those utilities have been requiring a landlord to guarantee the credit-worthiness of their tenants, putting landlords on the hook for the bills if tenants fail to pay.
What happened: The House approved the final version of HB 1165 by a 61-33 vote after Reps. Chuck Goodrich, R-Noblesville, and Bruce Borders, R-Jasonville, argued in favor of approval. Borders said it isn’t a difficult issue because a well-run municipal authority should be able to collect from its users. Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, said the bill is a “solution in search of a problem†and argued for a no vote.
What’s next: The bill now goes to Holcomb who will decide whether to sign it.
* * *
House Bill 1265: Testing drinking water
What it does:Â The bill requires all schools to test drinking water to make sure there is not excess amounts of lead in it.
What happened: The House concurred with the Senate version of the bill and approved it by a 93-0 vote. Rep. Earl Harris, D-East Chicago, spoke in support of the bill, saying, “We want to make sure our children are protected.â€
What’s next: The bill will head to Holcomb desk where he will decide whether to sign it into law.
FOOTNOTE: Victoria Ratliff and Haley Carney contributed to this report. They are reporters for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT BURTON REQUEST COUNCIL TO SUPPORT ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LETTER TO THE MAYOR
CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT BURTON REQUEST COUNCIL TO SUPPORT HIS ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LETTER TO THE MAYOR
(If you are interested in signing this doc to be sent to Mayor, please let me know ASAP.)Â
Dear Council Member;
We aspire for ‘E to be for Everyone’, yet too many kids and adults face experiences that are unacceptable. The recent incident at Olive Garden is an example of what many people face living in or visiting Evansville too often experience.
As members of the council, we want to reassure residents and visitors that there is no place for discrimination of any in our community. We would like the administration in the City of Evansville to take action by reviewing and potentially updating our city’s policies to ensure we have zero tolerance for all city employees who promote hate and/or discrimination. Upon review, we’d also like a report back to show progress in the next 60 days.
All of our residents and visitors deserve to feel welcome throughout our community. There remains work to do because there is an existing racist undercurrent in our community that far too many residents deal with. As members of the council, it is our job to bring about systemic change that leads to an inclusive and truly welcoming community.
Thanks,
Alex Burton
City Council-Ward 4
FOOTNOTE: MR. BURTON Â SENT THIS LETTER TO EVERY CITY COUNCIL MEMBER AND ALSO PROVIDED A COPY OF THIS LETTER TO SELECT MEMBERS OF THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA BUT NOT THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER.Â
WE RECEIVED A COPY OF THIS LETTER FROM ONE OF CIVIC CENTER “MOLES”!
UE Announces Proactive Measures Regarding Coronavirus
In response to the rapidly changing coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, and with the safety and well-being of students, the campus community, and our Evansville community in mind, the University of Evansville has decided to extend spring break through Tuesday, March 17, and move all courses to online instruction effective Wednesday, March 18. Online instruction will continue at least through Friday, March 27.
President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz issued a university-wide message including updated guidelines that are effective immediately pertaining to travel and campus events.
Additionally, the University has suspended the spring semester in-person instruction at Harlaxton College, the University’s study abroad center in the UK, and will move all courses to online platforms.
View Online: http://evansville.meritpages.com/news/UE-Announces-Proactive-Measures-Regarding-Coronavirus/14718