Night of Chaos Ends With Three People Shot
Night of Chaos Ends With Three People Shot
July 1, 2024
Written By Johnny Kincaid
Several Evansville parking lots were taken over by a large group of young people late Saturday night, keeping EPD police busy dispersing the crowds. In the early morning, a local gas station became a crime scene where three people were allegedly shot.
Reports started appearing on the Evansville Watch Facebook page around 1 AM when a call for police cars to be dispatched to Fulton and Columbia where a crowd had gathered at a gas station, blasting loud music and revving their car engines. Several police officers responded to disperse the crowd without incident.
Later on that evening additional police units were called to S Kentucky and E Riverside. At one point, the crowd grew so large (about 300 plus young people) that every available EPD unit was requested to respond to that area immediately. The police ordered the crowd to disperse and immediately leave the property, and the crowd finally moved on without incident.
Later on, Police were called to the Washington Square Mall parking lot on Greenriver Road after a business owner requested that they clear the lot. Sources report that the crowd grew to about around 400 people, including many under-age youth. Witnesses say that there had been a large fight, and police fired pepper balls to break up the melee. The crowd moved on, only to pop up at a gas station located a short distance away.
A short time later police were called to disperse a group of about 30 cars that were reportedly racing in the parking lot at Thorntons on Greenriver Road.
When police arrived the group drove south on Greenriver to the On The Fly gas station on Covert. According to the Evansville Watch posts, police radio traffic reported that someone had been shot. The number of victims turned out to be three with a minor receiving the most serious injuries. No arrests have been made in association with the shootings. An investigation is currently being conducted by the EPD.
FOOTNOTE: Every day members of our local law enforcement work many scenes of shootings several times every week. They also chase and apprehend suspects fleeing the scene of the shootings.
We are proud of our men and women who are in law enforcement or first responders for helping keep our community safe from bad people.
Members of law enforcement and first responders have an extremely stressful and dangerous job.
The next time you see members of law enforcement or first responders please give them a “thumbs up” for doing a great job in protecting us!
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: The Efficacy And Value Of Developing Local Skill Programs
The Efficacy And Value Of Developing Local Skill Programs
BY GUEST COLUMNIST JOE WALLACE
July 1,, 2004
In the rapidly evolving landscape of the global economy, the development of local skill enhancement programs emerges as a pivotal strategy for fostering sustainable community growth and economic resilience. The focus on empowering local populations to improve their skills and secure better jobs offers numerous advantages over the alternative of importing outside labor. This article explores the efficacy and value of such programs, highlighting the long-term benefits they bring to communities and the potential drawbacks of relying on external labor sources.
Building a Skilled Workforce
Investing in local skill development programs creates a skilled workforce that is not only capable but also deeply rooted in the community. These programs offer tailored training that meets the specific needs of the local job market, ensuring that residents are equipped with relevant skills. This alignment between training and market demands enhances the employability of local individuals, leading to higher employment rates and economic stability.
Moreover, local skill development fosters a sense of ownership and pride among residents. When people see tangible improvements in their lives and communities as a result of their efforts, they are more likely to remain engaged and committed to ongoing personal and professional development. This creates a virtuous cycle of continuous improvement, benefiting both individuals and the broader community.
Economic and Social Benefits
Developing local talent has profound economic and social implications. Economically, a skilled local workforce attracts businesses and investors, driving economic growth and creating additional job opportunities. Companies benefit from reduced recruitment and relocation costs, as they can draw from a pool of qualified local candidates. This also minimizes the risks associated with high employee turnover, which is often a challenge when relying on outside labor.
Socially, empowering local populations through skill development programs enhances community cohesion and reduces socioeconomic disparities. Access to better job opportunities leads to improved living standards, which in turn contribute to better health outcomes, reduced crime rates, and increased civic engagement. These positive social outcomes create a more vibrant and stable community, further attracting investment and development.
The Drawbacks of Importing Labor
While importing outside labor can provide a quick fix for skill shortages, it often comes with significant drawbacks. One of the primary issues is the lack of long-term commitment from external workers. Without strong ties to the community, outside laborers may not have the same level of loyalty or investment in the local area’s success. This transient nature can lead to higher turnover rates, resulting in increased costs for businesses and disruptions in service continuity.
Furthermore, reliance on imported labor can exacerbate social tensions. Local residents may feel marginalized or overlooked when they see job opportunities being given to outsiders. This can lead to resentment and a sense of disenfranchisement, undermining community cohesion and stability. In contrast, investing in local skill development ensures that the benefits of economic growth are more equitably distributed among residents, fostering a more inclusive and harmonious community.
Long-Term Sustainability
Sustainable economic development hinges on the ability of a community to adapt and thrive in a changing environment. Local skill development programs are inherently more sustainable than relying on outside labor, as they build a resilient workforce capable of meeting future challenges. These programs can be continuously updated to reflect emerging industry trends and technological advancements, ensuring that the local workforce remains competitive in the global market.
Moreover, by investing in the local population, communities can retain and attract talent. People are more likely to stay in or return to areas where they have strong social connections and a sense of belonging. This retention of talent is crucial for maintaining a stable and dynamic local economy.
Conclusion
The efficacy and value of developing programs to encourage local people to improve their skills and secure better jobs cannot be overstated. Such programs offer numerous benefits, including economic growth, social cohesion, and long-term sustainability. While importing outside labor may address immediate skill shortages, it fails to provide the same level of commitment and community investment as locally developed talent. By focusing on local skill enhancement, communities can build a robust, resilient workforce capable of driving sustained economic and social progress.
FOOTNOTE: The CITY-City OBSERVER posted this letter without opinion, bias or editing.
Ex-Merrillville landlords & NY real estate financiers sued by Attorney General Todd Rokita
Ex-Merrillville landlords & NY real estate financiers sued by Attorney General Todd Rokita over alleged displacement, forced evacuation of elderly tenants
Attorney General Todd Rokita and his team have filed a lawsuit against New York real estate financier ROCO Chetrit Entities LLC for allegedly allowing Hickory Ridge Apartments in Merrillville, Indiana, to fall into such disrepair that elderly and vulnerable tenants were unlawfully forced out of their homes.
“Tenant abuse is unacceptable, and my office fights hard to hold landlords accountable —particularly greedy, out-of-state actors who clearly don’t respect the rent being paid by hardworking Hoosiers,” Attorney General Rokita said. “No one who is spending their money for a place to live should be disregarded or disrespected like these elderly and vulnerable tenants in Merrillville.”
This case is just the latest instance in which Attorney General Rokita has fought for tenants’ rights and well-being. Recently, the office filed a civil complaint against the owners of two alleged abandoned apartment complexes in Anderson. Additionally, Attorney General Rokita’s Homeowner Protection team achieved a settlement on behalf of tenants at the Willow Brook Gardens Apartments in Indianapolis for their poor treatment of renters.
The ROCO lawsuit alleges that companies related to the real estate financiers of the Chetrit Group defaulted on a nearly half-billion dollar loan backed by Freddie Mac that financed a multitude of multifamily properties across the country, including several properties in Indiana containing nearly 1,500 units.
The New York real estate financier allegedly failed to properly fund necessary maintenance and repairs from 2019 to 2023 at Hickory Ridge Apartments, resulting in multiple incidents of flooding, sewage backups into occupied units, and unsafe and illegal fire code violations. At various times, the properties also allegedly lacked the required rental, business and fire alarm permits mandated by the City of Merrillville.
Due to these alleged violations, multiple renters faced chaotic events that displaced them, including a forced evacuation in June 2023.
“It has long been a bedrock of Indiana law that landlords at the very least owe their tenants the most basic standards of habitability, including maintaining major systems and ensuring that the properties that they lease are fit for human habitation,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Our state welcomes investments from anyone who cares enough to meet these basic obligations, but we will not tolerate those who grind their heels on the poor and play a game of Monopoly with the lives of hard-working Hoosiers.”
The lawsuit demands a jury trial, costs of prosecution and other damages against the defendants for multiple violations of the Deceptive Consumer Sales Act and Home Loan Practices Act.
Attorney General Rokita thanked his office’s Homeowner Protection Unit for its work on this case, including Section Chief Chase Haller, Assistant Section Chief Timothy Weber, Deputy Attorney General Rebekah Hammond and Investigator Molly Jefford.
The mission of the Homeowner Protection Unit is to protect the rights of all individuals involved in the housing market, including tenants, homeowners, and aspiring homeowners, by investigating and redressing deceptive acts in connection with mortgage lending and violations of relevant state and federal laws.
UE Honored for Outstanding Transfer Support by Phi Theta Kappa
EVANSVILLE, IND. (06/24/2024) For the third year in a row, the University of Evansville (UE) was named to the 2024 Transfer Honor Roll by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) for its support of transfer students as they enroll and work to complete their education. Of the nearly 900 colleges and universities across the nation that were considered, UE was one of just 228 that made the list.
The Transfer Honor Roll is established through the evaluation of 40 key indicators that measure a university’s commitment to transfer students as they transition to and succeed at their institutions. These metrics encompass factors such as college expenses, financial aid availability, transfer-friendly campus environment, admission procedures, and successful attainment of bachelor’s degrees.
“At UE, we are committed to ensuring a seamless transition for transfer students,” said Cherie Leonhardt, Manager of Transfer Admission. “Recognizing the unique needs of transfer students, we are dedicated to providing the support and resources essential for their academic success. This acknowledgment further highlights our commitment.”
Transfers are a growing population of students at the University of Evansville. Their academic talents and abilities are recognized by robust scholarships and financial aid, including a scholarship for PTK members, and special scholarships for students transferring from Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University.
Learn more about University of Evansville’s transfer admission program at evansville.edu/transfer.
CenterPoint Energy Foundation accepting applications for its second grant cycle of 2024
Emphasizing a commitment to community vitality and education, the Foundation welcomes applications through July 26, 24
Evansville, Ind. –July 1, 2024 – The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is currently accepting applications for its second and final 2024 grant cycle through July 26.
Funded separately and financially independent from the utility, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation strives to be a catalyst in the communities it serves by leveraging everyday opportunities and resources to increase the vibrancy of these communities. Grants are awarded to eligible nonprofit organizations whose primary address is located in CenterPoint Energy’s footprint and has programs that support community vitality and education. Priority consideration is given to programs that serve low-to-moderate income families and under-resourced communities and provide increased access to nonprofit programs and services.
“We are proud of the impact our foundation has in helping our communities achieve extraordinary outcomes,” said June Deadrick, Vice President of community Relations at CenterPoint Energy. “Our focus remains on investing in initiatives enhancing lives today while building a strong foundation for a better tomorrow. We encourage eligible organizations to apply for a grant during this funding cycle.”
In the first cycle of 2024, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation awarded more than $8 million in grants across Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas. Some of the projects funded in early 2024 include:
JobSource (Indiana): JobSource’s Heartland Scholar House Program received a $100,000 grant from the Foundation to support expansion of the program into Marion and Muncie, Indiana. Scholar House helps to end the cycle of generational poverty by helping single parents graduate from the post-secondary institution of their choosing while offering housing and high-quality childcare for their children.
Project Build a Future (Louisiana): For more than 20 years, Project Build a Future has helped low-to-moderate income community members purchase homes in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The Foundation awarded a $90,000 grant to Project Build a Future to help provide supportive services so that homeownership can be within reach for underserved community members. Through support from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation and other community organizations, Project Build a Future is helping break cycles of poverty within the community.
The Works Museum (Minnesota): The Works Museum aims to increase access for students to hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, or STEAM, educational opportunities. Through a $100,000 grant from the Foundation, a mobile STEAM lab will be funded that will remove barriers for elementary school students across the state to participate in education that fosters curiosity and creativity. The CenterPoint Energy Foundation is proud to support the next generation of engineers and problem solvers.
Mississippi Children’s Museum (Mississippi): The Mississippi Children’s Museum hosts the Read to Succeed Camp to increase student success and their readiness for fourth grade. Through a $20,000 grant from the Foundation, students from Jackson Public School District who have not successfully passed the 3rd Grade Reading Summative Assessment will be provided literacy-based lessons and one-on-one tutoring to get them ready to retake this test. The Read to Succeed Camp provides individualized learning and resources to help make third graders to enter fourth grade.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton (Ohio): The Foundation provided a $125,000 grant to fund one new home build in an underserved Dayton neighborhood. The remainder of the grant will support Habitat’s critical home repair program, so older adults can age in place in a safe and secure home.
Neighborhood Strong (Texas): Neighborhood Strong aims to enhance the quality of life for residents within the City of Lufkin, Texas, Angelina County and eight adjacent counties. The Foundation awarded a $40,000 grant to Neighborhood Strong to help repair, modify and reconstruct homes for underserved homeowners in these communities, helping to benefit seniors, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and lower-income individuals. With the support of the Foundation and other organizations, Neighborhood Strong is making a life-changing impact for community members.
Evansville defeated in extra innings affair
CRESTWOOD, Ill. – The Evansville Otters fell in extra innings on Friday night at Ozinga Field to the Windy City ThunderBolts in a 2-1 finish.
Jon Beymer in a bullpen day put together his best appearance of the year. His first start totaled 68 pitches and four innings of shutout baseball, and the right-hander left with the game still scoreless on both sides.
The ThunderBolts (18-26) took the lead in the sixth inning by plating a run. In the eighth frame, the Otters (17-26) answered by answering with one of their own. With the bases loaded and one out, Giovanni DiGiacomo hit a sacrifice fly to left-center field, scoring Jomar Reyes who reached on an error.
Michael McAvene struck out three and maneuvered around an Otter’s error in the ninth, sending the game to an extra inning.
Heading into the tenth, Randy Bednar began on second base with the international tiebreaker rules in play. He moved to third on a ground ball to the right side of the infield, but was stranded there after two more weak rollers to the pitcher and third baseman.
Windy City laid down a sacrifice bunt to move their commissioner’s runner to third, and the next batter singled him in to walk off. The ThunderBolts have walked off against Evansville in both games at Ozinga Field in 2024.
Pavin Parks (0-1) took the loss and Tyler LaPorte (1-0) earned the win with both pitchers throwing in the final inning.
The Otters were held to four hits, their lowest marker of the season for the second night in three games. Logan Brown accounted for half of the knocks. Windy City totaled three base hits in the win.
Evansville is now 5-11 in series opening contests. They look to bounce back tomorrow in the middle game against Windy City, with a first pitch of 6:05 p.m. CT. Coverage is available on the Otters Digital Network and FloBaseball.
The Evansville Otters are the 2006 and 2016 Frontier League champions.
The Otters play all home games at historic Bosse Field, located at 23 Don Mattingly Way in Evansville, Ind. Stay up to date with the Evansville Otters by visiting evansvilleotters.com, or follow the Otters on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
– The Evansville Otters fell in extra innings on Friday night at Ozinga Field to the Windy City ThunderBolts in a 2-1 finish.
Jon Beymer in a bullpen day put together his best appearance of the year. His first start totaled 68 pitches and four innings of shutout baseball, and the right-hander left with the game still scoreless on both sides.
The ThunderBolts (18-26) took the lead in the sixth inning by plating a run. In the eighth frame, the Otters (17-26) answered by answering with one of their own. With the bases loaded and one out, Giovanni DiGiacomo hit a sacrifice fly to left-center field, scoring Jomar Reyes who reached on an error.
Michael McAvene struck out three and maneuvered around an Otters error in the ninth, sending the game to extra inning.
Heading into the tenth, Randy Bednar began on second base with the international tiebreaker rules in play. He moved to third on a ground ball to the right side of the infield, but was stranded there after two more weak rollers to the pitcher and third baseman.
Windy City laid down a sacrifice bunt to move their commissioner’s runner to third, and the next batter singled him in to walk off. The ThunderBolts have walked off against Evansville in both games at Ozinga Field in 2024.
Pavin Parks (0-1) took the loss and Tyler LaPorte (1-0) earned the win with both pitchers throwing in the final inning.
The Otters were held to four hits, their lowest marker of the season for the second night in three games. Logan Brown accounted for half of the knocks. Windy City totaled three base hits in the win.
Evansville is now 5-11 in series opening contests. They look to bounce back tomorrow in the middle game against Windy City, with a first pitch of 6:05 p.m. CT. Coverage is available on the Otters Digital Network and FloBaseball.
The Evansville Otters are the 2006 and 2016 Frontier League champions.
The Otters play all home games at historic Bosse Field, located at 23 Don Mattingly Way in Evansville, Ind. Stay up to date with the Evansville Otters by visiting evansvilleotters.com, or follow the Otters on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.