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PERSON OF INTEREST

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  The Evansville Police Department would like to have the person in these pictures identified. One of the pictures shows him vandalizing a building with paint graffiti in the area of Fulton Ave. and Illinois. The term “Ortho” was displayed and is similar to several incidents of vandalism years ago in the downtown area. 

  If anyone knows who this person is, they are asked to contact the Evansville Police Department’s Detective Office at 812-436-7979.

“IS IT TRUE” FEBRUARY 27, 2020

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We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUE” 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 TRUE that County Commissioner Jeff Hatfield proposes allowing ATV’s and Golf Carts on certain County roads?  …this ordinance does not apply to the City of Evansville, Darmstadt or State Hwy’s and roads? …most of the allowable roads are located in the NW corner of the county. Currently, Posey, Gibson, and many areas of Warrick County allow this practice?   …there is no reason that Vanderburgh should exclude ATVs and Golf Carts on certain roads that see very little traffic in a country that allows unlimited use of motorcycles and mopeds on all roads, there is no reason to exclude ATVs and golf carts on roads that see very little traffic?  …we five (5) cheers to the President of the Vanderburgh County Commission Jeff Hatfield for thinking outside the regulatory box?  …give five (5) cheers to County Commissioners Musgrave and Shoulders for also supporting this common-sense legislation?  …that the County Commissioners didn’t have to pay a consultant $250,000 to do a study concerning this issue?

IS IT TRUE attached is the link of the Vanderburgh County Ordinance concerning the off-road vehicles and golf carts approved by the Vanderburgh County Commissioners? …open the link here:  golf carts 86923?
IS IT TRUE  we are told that the names have changed but the games are the same concerning the decision-making process of the 2020 Evansville City Council?  …that it’s obvious that Mayor Winnecke continues to work his political magic by getting everything he wants from the 2020 City Council?  …they say that the power is in the budget?  …we are told that the newly appointed Finance Chairman of the Evansville City Council is a staunch supporter of the Mayor and has so far had masterfully convinced the Democratic-controlled City Council to support almost every major financial request of the Mayor?
IS IT TRUE the unit of government with the largest population in every county currently rule how “Local Income Tax” monies are allocated?  in Vanderburgh County, the Mayor of Evansville has the final say in the allocation of “Local Income Tax” (LIT) monies for the whole county because Evansville has the largest population?
IS IT TRUE that “Local Income Taxes” have been the go-to option (other than property taxes) for increasing local revenue due to property tax caps?  …that the “Local Income Taxes” is levied on a percentage of the income of working residents and non-residents who work in the county?  …this known as a ‘Regressive Tax”?
IS IT TRUE that the City Of Evansville’s “Local Income Tax” dollars (LIT) is being used to fund numerous nonprofits organizations while the City continues to have a $3 million dollar deficit in their 2020 City Employees Health Insurance plan?
IS IT TRUE that some members of City Council (Weaver, Mosby, and Elpers) are trying to cut some of the city funds donated to area nonprofits?  …that members of Evansville City Council in the past years have tried to cut funds donated to nonprofits but failed because the majority of Evansville City Council members were afraid of losing votes?
IS IT TRUE that the City requested that City Council approve donating $27,000 for contractural services to pay for additional repairs needed to the house at 650 Lincoln Avenue?   …this house was recently purchased by and donated to the Evansville African American Museum by the Evansville DMD?
IS IT TRUE that the City just requested that $981,583.00 appropriations from the “Local Road and Streets Fund?” to provide additional funds for the Welborn/Walnut street project?  …it looks like someone in the city government needs to learn cash flow management?
IS IT TRUE we are pleased to hear that financial accountability on how to spend local taxpayer dollars continues to be discussed by legislators at the Statehouse?
IS IT TRUE we are told that when it comes to State government monitoring grants awarded to some schools receiving school vouchers, Republican legislators are bucking their responsibility?
IS IT TRUE  in repeated attempts by some State Legislators to learn how to properly monitor certain schools that receive State vouchers have failed?
IS IT TRUE we always been told that doctors and peachers are known not to pay their bills in a timely manner?  …from recent experiences, we must include elected public officials?
IS IT TRUE members of the Vanderburgh County Commission and Evansville City Council just passed a minimum square footage housing ordinance that could allow ‘TINY HOMES” to be built in the rural areas of Vanderburgh County?  …days after this vote, Mayor Winnecke said: “Let the experts do what we’ve engaged them to do”?
IS IT TRUE it looks like Mayor Winnecke just painted himself in a political corner when he asks City Council to approve his hiring of an out-of-the-area consulting firm to study the Zoning Codes of Vanderburgh County at the costs of $250,000?  …his request was approved 9-0?  …we are told that several people were puzzled why the Mayor ask City Council to approve the consulting firm request since the legal agreement has already been approved by him?
IS IT TRUE we are told that numerous people feel that Mayor Winnenecke could have saved thousands of dollars of our tax money by appointing a “Blue Ribbon” study committee to look at ways to improve some of our outdated Zoning Codes?
IS IT TRUE attached are a few examples of past studies or projections of consultants that our readers felt that may have missed the mark?  …a prediction if the City spends millions of our tax dollars to build around 24 expensive homes (that costs $250,000 each) for low to moderate-income folks in the Hayne’s area they would sell like hotcakes? … a study of expanding the University Parkway; a study that projected that the Ford Center would be a cash cow for the taxpayers of Evansville; the West Franklin Street parking study; a projection that predicted spending $18 million dollars on renovating North Street would generate unprecedented economic growth for that area; a study that predicted if the Evansville taxpayers would donate $30 million dollars to build a new downtown Hotel it would attract many major conventions; a study that convinced local officials that they should invest $250,000 towards the Earthcare project; the recommendation that locating the LST at Marina Point would become a major regional tourist attraction and doesn’t need any seed money to adequately promoted this project regionally; a study and predictions if donate $58 million dollars to help build a downtown medical school it would attract about 2,000 medical students, a consultant projected if the City installs “Smart Water Meters” the water customer would save a substantial amount of money on their water bills, and let’s not forget the numerous studies over the years concerning the re-routing of downtown traffic?
IS IT TRUE many people wonder what is the main reasons why print media have lost credibility with the general public over the years?  …we are told that one of the main reasons is that print media have allowed themselves to become the “Ministers Of Progranda” for elected local and state officials?
IS IT TRUE when Christopher Cooke was hired as the Superintendent of the City Of Evansville Cemeteries the cemeteries had some serious challenges?  …over the years Mr. Cooke took the bull by the horn a made some much-needed improvements to our cemeteries on a barebone budget?  …we give five (5) cheers to Christopher Cooke the Superintendent of the City Of Evansville Cemeteries for during an excellent job in managing our cemeteries?
IS IT TRUE when the people fear the Government we have Tyranny!  When the Government fears the people we have Liberty
IS IT TRUE we appreciate Chanda Ramsey the Marketing & Communications Creative Director for the Southwest Indiana Chamber Of Commerce for sending us important news articles about the happenings at the area Chamber?
IS IT TRUE our “READERS POLLS” are non-scientific but trendy?
Today’s “Readers Poll” question is: Do you feel that Evansville is headed in the right direction?

Please take time and read our articles entitled “STATEHOUSE FILES, LAW ENFORCEMENT, “READERS POLL”, BIRTHDAYS, HOT JOBS”, EDUCATION, OBITUARIES and “LOCAL SPORTS”.  You now are able to subscribe to get the CCO daily.

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Footnote: City-County Observer Comment Policy. Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will not be tolerated and shall be removed from our site.
We understand that sometimes people don’t always agree and discussions may become a little heated.  The use of offensive language, insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.
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UE to host post-show discussion on race and representation in the arts following the performance of musical VIOLET

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U E
  • The musical VIOLET begins tonight at 7:30 p.m in UE’s Shanklin Theatre
  • Post-show discussion begins after the show at approximately 9:15 p.m. in Shanklin Theater

The Tony-nominated musical VIOLET is the story of a devout young woman who embarks upon a cross-country quest in hopes of finding a miracle to heal her facial disfigurement. Set against the backdrop of America’s Civil Rights Act of 1964, Violet’s reflections on her own childhood are intertwined with the invaluable lessons she learns from those she meets along the way on her life-changing pilgrimage. This heart-stirring musical soars with emotion and features a lively score heavily flavored with country, gospel, blues, and honky-tonk rock.

Dr. Rob Shelby, UE’s Chief Diversity Officer, will moderate discussions on the topic of “Race and Representation in the Arts” after the show concludes. The post-show discussion is open to the public, and a ticket to that evening’s performance is not required for admission.

Police on scene of a shooting in Rockport

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During the course of the investigation it was determined that there was probable cause to arrest Joseph Allen Petry, 19,  of Rockport, Indiana for the murder of Zane Lee, 18, also of Rockport, Indianan

Petry is being held at the Spencer County Detention Center on an initial charge of Murder.

Spencer County-This evening at approximately 8:30 PM (CST) Spencer County Sheriff’s Department dispatch received a 911 call of shots fired in the area of Seminary and South 9th Street, Rockport, IN.

Officers from the Spencer County Sheriff’s Department, Rockport City Police and Indiana State Police arrived on scene and discovered one subject shot. Police gave on scene life saving measures until Spencer County EMS arrived on scene and took over the care of the patient.

The investigation is being conducted by the Indiana State Police Jasper Post.  There is no danger to the public.  This is an ongoing investigation and no further information will be released at this time.

Assisting at the scene were Detectives and Troopers from the Jasper Post, Spencer County Sheriff’s Department, Rockport City Police Department, Spencer County EMS, Ohio Township Fire Department, Spencer County Coroner and Indiana State Police Crime Scene Investigators.

As soon as new information becomes available it will be released in a timely manner.

All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

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 Evansville, IN – Below are the felony cases to be filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office today.

Cody Dean Patton: Possession of cocaine (Level 5 Felony), Possession of a narcotic drug (Level 6 Felony), Possession of marijuana (Class B misdemeanor)

Jeffrey Freeman Phillips: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)

Deana L. Short: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)

Anthony Wayne Allbritton: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 5 Felony), Carrying a handgun without a license (Level 5 Felony), No valid driver’s license (C infraction)

Nathan Alan Scott: Strangulation (Level 6 Felony), Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony)

Damien Dewayne Wilder: Domestic battery (Level 5 Felony), Criminal confinement (Level 6 Felony), Intimidation (Level 6 Felony)

Mark Wade Christie: Dealing in methamphetamine (Level 3 Felony), Possession of a narcotic drug (Level 6 Felony)

Melissa Renee Shoemaker: Operating a vehicle as an habitual traffic violator (Level 6 Felony)

David Llewellyn Zent: Burglary (Level 5 Felony), Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Theft (Class A misdemeanor), Possession of paraphernalia (Class C misdemeanor)

Brice A. Notter: Resisting law enforcement (Level 6 Felony), Unlawful possession of syringe (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a narcotic drug (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a controlled substance (Class A misdemeanor), Driving while suspended (A infraction)

Richard Gilbert Bowlds: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)

Adasha Roshina DeJarnett: Dealing in methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony), Dealing in marijuana (Level 6 Felony)

Corbin M. Fisher: Dealing in methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony), Dealing in methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony), Dealing in methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony), Dealing in methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony)

James Randolf Foster: Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony), Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony), Intimidation (Level 6 Felony)

Kelly Wickware Jr.: Resisting law enforcement (Level 6 Felony), Reckless driving (Class C misdemeanor), Disregarding stop sign (C infraction)

Daniel Steven Franklin: Criminal confinement (Level 6 Felony), Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony)

Tony Nanny Jonathan: Criminal recklessness (Level 6 Felony)

Misty Michelle Jones: Theft (Level 6 Felony)

John Titus Manley: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)

Stephen Eugene Hayhurst: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)

Daniel Lynn Blair: Unlawful possession of syringe (Level 6 Felony)

JUST IN: COUNTY COMMISSIONER BEN SHOULDERS LEADS EFFORT TO INFORM COMMUNITY ABOUT THE VCHD PLANS TO MONITOR AND PROTECT THEM FROM CORONAVIRUS

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FEBRUARY 27, 2020
Dear Vanderburgh County Residents:
On behalf of the Vanderburgh County Commissioners, I want to make everyone aware that our Vanderburgh County Health Department has been in close communication with both the CDC and ISDH in regards to what we know about COVID-19 commonly known as the Coronavirus—how we would track/monitor individuals locally who may have been exposed, and what the CDC and ISDH recommend for people to protect themselves.
Upon request, we have several documents with this information, and a great deal more information can be found on the ISDH website.  Please note that our Health Department has been in contact with our State Health Department and we are prepared for the Coronavirus should it appear in Vanderburgh County.  We have also been in contact with the local hospitals who are also prepared to respond as needed.
As of right now the people who are considered most at risk are those who have traveled to China or those who have been in close contact with someone known to have this disease.
Currently the CDC website indicates 14 confirmed cases in the United State, with 12 of those having traveled to China.
At this point our Health Department feels our population is at more risk from the flu rather than the Coronavirus.  That isn’t to say we couldn’t see it appear in our county in the near future, but right now the likelihood is low.  Furthermore, the Vanderburgh County Health Department is being as proactive as possible as it relates to the Coronavirus.
Please contact our office at 812-435-5241 or the Vanderburgh County Health Department directly at 812-435-2400, should you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter,
Ben Shoulders
Vice President
Vanderburgh County Commissioners
CC: County Commissioner President Jeff Hatfield
CC: County Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave
FOOTNOTES: Attached below are two links from the Vanderburgh County Health Department we urge you to read at so you will be more informed about their plans to address any future issues concerning the Coronavirus.

No. 4 Indiana Sits Second After Two Events

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The No. 4-ranked Indiana University men’s swimming and diving team used a pair of medal finishes to get out to a fast start in the 2020 Big Ten Men’s Swimming and Diving Championships at the Counsilman-Billingsley Aquatic Center on Wednesday evening.

After the first two events, the Hoosiers sit in second place with 118.0 overall points. No. 3 Michigan leads the field with 120.0 points, while Ohio State rounds out the top-three teams with 108.0 points.

The meet started with a bang for the Hoosiers as the 200 Medley Relay team made up of junior Gabriel Fantoni, sophomore Zane Backes, freshman Brendan Burns, and junior Bruno Blaskovic earned the first gold medal of the week. The team finished with a NCAA A Cut and CBAC Pool Record time of 1:23.07.

The time marked the second-quickest mark posted by the Hoosiers in program history in the event and is the fastest time recorded in the NCAA this season.

Senior Mohamed Samy, sophomore Van Mathias, Burns, and sophomore Jack Franzman comprised the third-place 800 Freestyle Relay squad. The team finished with an NCAA A Cut time of 6:15.53. Samy led off the event with a time 200 Freestyle time of 1:32.63, an NCAA B Cut mark.

UP NEXT

The 2020 Big Ten Men’s Championships continue on Thursday with the first full day of competition. The action gets underway at 11:00 a.m. ET with the prelims of the 500 freestyle, 200 IM, 50 freestyle and 1-meter dive.

@IndianaSwimDive

Be sure to keep up with all the latest news on the Indiana men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams on social media – Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

RESULTS

200 Medley Relay

  1. Gabriel Fantoni, Zane Backes, Brendan Burns, Bruno Blaskovic – 1:23.07 (NCAA A Cut, Pool Record)

800 Freestyle Relay

  1. Mohamed Samy, Van Mathias, Brendan Burns, Jack Franzman – 6:15.53 (NCAA A Cut)

100 Butterfly

Time Trial – Iago Moussalem – 46.74 (NCAA B Cut)

 

USI Men’s Basketball rise to 4th in second regional poll

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The University of Southern men’s basketball team rose ranked fourth in the second NCAA Division II Midwest Region poll of 2019-20. The Screaming Eagles rose three spots over the first ranking last week.

The Eagles follow #15 (NABC)/#14 (D2SIDA) University of Indianapolis, Bellarmine University, and #11 (NABC)/#11 (D2SIDA) in the top four with Truman State University rounding out the top five. The bottom five of the poll includes #18 (NABC)/#18 (D2SIDA) University of Missouri-St. Louis, Grand Valley State University, Michigan Tech University, Drury University, and the University of Findlay.

The top eight team from the Midwest Region advance to the NCAA Division II Tournament at the end of the season. The regional is routinely hosted by the top seed in the regional.

USI is back in action this week for a pair of regionally important games when it visits Bellarmine Thursday at 7 p.m. (CST) and host UIndy Saturday at 3:15 p.m. for Senior Day at Screaming Eagles Arena. Game coverage for USI Men’s Basketball in 2019-20, including live stats, video, and audio broadcasts, is also available at GoUSIEagles.com. The games also can be heard on ESPN 97.7FM and 95.7FM The Spin.

NCAA II MIDWEST REGION POLL
Rank School Overall DII Record In-Region Record
1 UIndy 20-5 19-5
2 Bellarmine 18-6 18-6
3 Ferris State 22-5 19-5
4 Southern Indiana 20-5 20-5
5 Truman 18-8 18-8
6 Missouri-St. Louis 17-5 17-5
7 Grand Valley State 19-6 19-6
8 Michigan Tech 17-8 15-8
9 Drury 16-8 16-7
10 Findlay 17-6 16-6

AG Curtis Hill: Political Contributions Associated With Virtual Schools Charged With Misappropriating Public Funds Could Be Remitted To State

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Attorney General Curtis Hill announced today that recipients of contributions from affiliates of two online schools that were found by the Indiana State Board of Accounts (SBOA) to have misappropriated funds should have the option of remitting the sum of those contributions to the Indiana Treasurer of State’s Office.

As has been widely reported, the SBOA announced on February 12 its conclusion that public funds were misappropriated through malfeasance, misfeasance, and/or nonfeasance by Indiana Virtual School (IVS) and Indiana Virtual Pathways Academy (IVPA).

Specifically, the SBOA determined that IVS and IVPA inappropriately received more than $68.7 million, collectively, from the State of Indiana based on misrepresentations regarding the number of enrolled and attending students.

The SBOA also found that both virtual schools inappropriately disbursed more than $85.7 million, collectively, in public funds to vendors in situations where there was no invoice or no itemized information on the invoice, and a related party was involved.

“These revelations may be troubling to political candidates who received financial contributions from these schools or their affiliates,” Attorney General Hill said. “Donating the funds to charity may be a way of divesting from these organizations, but depositing the funds with the state subject to a completed investigation and final resolution may better preserve the state’s interest in restitution.”

Under Indiana law, the Office of the Treasurer holds fiduciary responsibility for state funds, Attorney General Hill noted. “Because this money may belong to the State of Indiana and Hoosier taxpayers, these funds could be protected until a final disposition,” Attorney General Hill said. “This would provide a secure option for those who feel compelled to return the funds. Last Friday, my office requested that the Indiana Treasurer of State’s Office designate an account that will protect the state’s interest in this regard.”