Circle K Robbery
 The Evansville Police Department is investigating a robbery that occurred at the Circle K Gas Station located at 1148 Washington Ave., on February 18th around 8:30pm. The suspect in these pictures grabbed money from the counter and fled the store.Â
 If you recognize the person in this picture, you are urged to call the Evansville Police Department’s Detective Office at 812-436-4025.Â
Circle K Robbery
BREAKING NEWS: GOVERNOR HOLCOMB SIGN EXECUTIVE ORDER DECLARING A DISASTER EMERGENCY ALONG SHORELINE
Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced he signed an executive order directing state agencies to pursue collection of damage information that could lead to a declaration of disaster emergency along the Lake Michigan shoreline. He also outlined steps state agencies will take to provide assistance along the shoreline. The executive order is attached.
Gov. Holcomb surveyed the Lake Michigan shoreline via Indiana State Police helicopter on Sunday and observed conditions along the entire shoreline including Beverly Shores, Ogden Dunes, Portage and Long Beach.
“Our administration has been monitoring the erosion along the Lake Michigan shoreline but I wanted to see the damage firsthand,†Gov. Holcomb said. “I signed an executive order to initiate new action steps and further express our dedication to preserving one of our state’s crown jewels for all those who live, work and play along the shoreline.â€
The Executive Order calls for:
- Indiana Department of Homeland Security to immediately notify the Office of the Governor if the damage criteria, set by the federal government, is met to allow the State of Indiana to apply for federal disaster assistance so the Governor can issue an executive order declaring a disaster emergency
- IDHS to seek other federal funding, programs or assistance that may be available for short-term and long-term mitigation projects
- IDHS and Indiana Department of Natural Resources to make every effort to identify additional means, methods, and ways to provide necessary and appropriate assistance
- DNR to continue to expedite its review and granting of governmental permits requested by property owners so they can initiate projects to protect their properties along the shoreline as quickly as possible
- IDHS to develop and launch a webpage to share updates and new information
The State of Indiana has already taken steps to help address and respond to the situation with coordinated efforts between IDHS and DNR. State officials have visited the affected areas on several occasions to observe the damage. DNR signed a letter of support for the Great Lakes Resiliency Study, which is an effort by Great Lakes states and federal partners to find strategies to improve the shoreline. DNR, DHS, local officials and members of Indiana’s congressional delegation have participated in training with FEMA to ensure a proper understanding of the federal Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
Relevant state leaders will continue to communicate and collaborate with local, state and federal partners.
No. 23 Indiana in 13th After Day One of Big Tens
The No. 23-ranked Indiana University women’s swimming and diving team struggled out of the gate during the opening day of the 2020 Big Ten Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center.
After the first two events, the Hoosiers sit in 13th place with 50.0 overall points. No. 5 Michigan leads the overall scoring with 118.0 points. No. 19 Ohio State ranks second with 112.0 points and Wisconsin stands in third with 108.0 points.
The 200 medley relay team consisting of junior Grace Haskett, freshman Emily Weiss, freshman Cora Dupre, freshman Ashley Turak was disqualified for an early takeoff despite turning in the third-fastest time of the event at 1:36.29.
The team would run it back in a time trial at the conclusion of action on day one and recorded an NCAA B Cut time of 1:37.01.
The 800 freestyle relay team made up of senior Maria Paula Heitmann, junior Josie Grote, sophomore Noelle Peplowski, freshman Ryley Ober took fifth place with an NCAA B Cut time of 7:05.10.
Junior Abby Kirkpatrick reached an NCAA B Cut mark in a time trial of the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:00.65. Junior Bailey Kovac notched an NCAA B Cut time in the 200 breaststroke time trial at 2:12.23. Freshman Carla Gildersleeve set a career best time with an NCAA B Cut mark of 1:56.03 in the 200 butterfly time tria
USI Softball slate moves North
Due to the heavy rain that the Evansville, Indiana, area received late Monday night and cold temperatures that followed, changes have been made to this weekend’s Midwest Region Softball Crossover at Deaconess Sports Park.
Instead of playing the games in Evansville, most of this week’s schedule tournament games are shifting North to the all-turf Grand Park facility in Westfield, Indiana. University of Southern Indiana Softball’s schedule essentially stays the same, outside some minor time changes.
USI begins the weekend Friday at 11 a.m. (CST) when it takes on Northwood University, while the Screaming Eagles also face Ferris State University Friday at 1 p.m. The Eagles also play Ohio Dominican University and West Virginia State University Saturday at noon and 2 p.m., respectively, as well as Lake Erie College and West Liberty University Sunday at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
“IS IT TRUE” FEBRUARY 20, 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 Indiana State Legislature continues to be concerned about accountability in local government finances?  …the State Legislature is considering passing the following law?  ….the proposed law states: “City Council must put the budget on the Internet and “Provides that a political subdivision shall submit the date, time, and place of the final adoption of the budget, tax rate, and levy through the department’s computer gateway.â€?
IS IT TRUE that the Indiana State Legislature is about ready to take on bad actors who buy property at tax sales even though they owe back taxes on one he previously bought but if this bill through this won’t be allowed?  …the proposed legislation states “that a person (including LLC) cannot Purchase a property on tax sale if they owe taxes on a house bought at a prior sale., “Provides that a person that has certain business relationships with another person that owes delinquent taxes, special assessments, penalties, interest, or costs attributable to a prior tax sale is prohibited from bidding on or purchasing real property at a tax sale or from bidding on, purchasing, receiving, or leasing a tract under the law governing the disposal of property by local governments. Requires the county treasurer to require each person bidding at a tax sale to sign a form affirming that the person is not bidding on or purchasing tracts or items of real property on behalf of or as an agent for a person who is prohibited from purchasing at a tax sale“?
IS IT TRUE that a couple of years ago “Jacobsville Join In” association leased a building on North Main Street? Â …that they were organized and funded by DMD and ECHO Housing Corporation to help promote the $18 million dollars North Main street renovation project? …to everyone’s surprise “Jacobsville Join In” without warning abruptly closed down their offices located on North Main street after this project was approved? … it’s obvious that this was a well-orchestrated staged and funded effort by city officials to sell the $18 million North Main Street renovation project to the masses?
IS IT TRUEÂ we wonder how much the City of Evansville has in their “Rainy Day Fund” account for 2020?
IT IS TRUE that the original agreement between the Mayor’s office and City Council members was that Riverboat money was to be used to buy police cars, fire trucks, and other capital equipment to enhance public safety activities?  …this is a prime example of promises made and promised broken?
IT IS TRUEÂ we been told that most of the prepaid lease payments paid to the City of Evansville by Tropicana-Evansville totaling $25,000,000 did not go into the Riverboat account but it was diverted by the City Controller into the City of Evansville General Operating fund account?
IS IT TRUE don’t be surprised to hear that the Mayor will attempt to fund some kind of “Feel-Good Fun And Games” projects at Robert’s Park during the 2020 budget year?
IS IT TRUE that the McCurdy Hotel water bill and sewer issue has been out of the news for a couple of years? …we would like to know if this $1.5 million water and sewer bill have been paid or if a reduced settlement has been made?
IS IT TRUE we been told that Evansville Water and Sewer customers better brace themselves for another substantial rate increase in the very near future?
IS IT TRUEÂ several years we reported that Evansville City Controller Russ Lloyd Jr., CPA didn’t pay the $369,000 in Victory Theater bills? Â …we wonder if City Controller Lloyd paid the Victory Theater bills for 2019?
IS IT TRUE that Mayor Winnecke decided that we need to re-design our current “City Flag?  ….the Mayor and his newly appointed Flag Committee declared “A city flag is something that represents our town – that isn’t political. It isn’t a slogan, or a brand, but a timeless symbol that captures the essence of Evansville. Globally, other cities and countries have timeless symbols that represent the spirit of their city, community involvement, and unity”?  …attached is the link explaining this project?  https://evansvilleflag.com/?fbclid=IwAR00u0pCK_H_Rp_JQTq2ZQJZa8Iz15QbXeOm8TohW76DxEpZd13YtbCsfQk
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 we overheard someone say that the CCO Publisher reminded him of the past Presidential candidate Barry Goldwater … we feel that the CCO Publisher would strongly disagree with that statement because he feels that Mr. Goldwater was too liberal for him?
IS IT TRUEÂ 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 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
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.
Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers.
Distracted Driving, Insulin And Cancer Screening Bills Advance
Staff Report
TheStatehouseFile.com
INDIANAPOLIS—Distracted driving, cancer screening and insulin bills were among those that advanced in the General Assembly Tuesday as 2020 session moves closer to a mid-March finish. Those bills are:
House Bill 1070: Hands-free driving
What it does: HB 1070 would allow police to cite a driver of a motor vehicle for holding a cell phone or other hand-held electronic device. The current law bans texting while driving, but law enforcement officers who testified in favor of the bill said that it is difficult to prove that a person was texting.
What happened: The Senate Homeland Security and Transportation Committee heard more than an hour of testimony Tuesday from law enforcement, medical professionals, students and people directly affected by distracted driving who argued in favor of the bill. One young woman, Keira Hudson, told the committee how she was affected twice by distracted driving—once when she drove her SUV into a tree while she was talking on her cell phone causing injuries serious enough that she will never walk again and a second time when a driver slammed into a line of stopped cars, crushing her vehicle. The committee passed HB 1070 by an 8-1 vote, with Sen. Phil Boots, R-Crawfordsville, casting the lone no vote saying he didn’t believe a law to ban distracted driving would work.
What’s next: HB 1070 advances to the full Senate for action.
* * *
House Bill 1080:Â Colorectal cancer screening
What it does: The bill lowers the age at which colorectal cancer screenings must be covered by insurance policies, state health plans and health maintenance organizations to 45 from the current 50. It does not, however, include high-deductible insurance plans. Sen. John Ruckelshaus, the Indianapolis Republican who authored the bill, said the state’s “hands are tied†on those plans due to federal regulations.
What happened: The Senate voted 44-5 to pass the bill. Sen. Mike Young, an Indianapolis Republican who was among the five Republicans who opposed the bill, questioned why it applied only to colorectal cancer, rather than all cancers. “If we’re going to do one we ought to do them all,†Young said. Ruckelshaus noted that 3,160 Hoosiers are diagnosed with colorectal cancer annually, with more than 1,100 dying. This bill, he replied to Young’s concerns, “is only a start.â€
What’s next: The bill, which earlier passed the House 98-0, now goes to Gov. Eric Holcomb to be possibly signed into law.
* * *
Senate Bill 255: Insulin drugs
What it does: SB 255 would allow people with diabetes to get their insulin drugs from a pharmacy without a prescription. Under current law, selling insulin without a prescription is a Level 5 or 6 felony.
What happened: Rep. Robin Shackleford, D-Indianapolis, proposed an amendment to the bill that would cap the cost of insulin at $100 every 30 days. Republicans in the House protested that it was not germane to the original bill and House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, agreed, ruling that it could not be heard.
What’s next: SB 255 faces a final vote in the full House.
* * *
Senate Bill 132: Makes changes to the former “safety first†license plate
What it does: SB 132 renames the “safety first†license plate as the “first responder†plate. Under the bill, the Department of Homeland Security may require a person to submit information, a document, or an application electronically for the special plate.
What happened: SB 132 passed the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee Tuesday by a 10-0 vote.
What’s next: SB 132 will head to the full House for consideration.
* * *
House Bill 1129:Â Infant screening
What it does:Â Requires every infant to be screened for Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) as early as possible and infant pulse oximetry screening examinations to be given.
What happened:Â The bill passed 49-0 in the Senate.
What’s next: The bill will now head to Gov. Eric Holcomb to possibly be signed into law.
* * *
House Bill 1143: Device implantation
What it does: HB 1143 prohibits an employer from requiring that a worker implant a device as a condition of employment.
What happened:Â The bill swiftly passed the Senate by a 49-0 vote.
What’s next: The bill will now head to Holcomb to possibly be signed into law.
FOOTNOTE: Haley Carney contributed to this report. TheStatehouseFile.com is a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.Â
THE 30TH ANNUAL ATHENA AWARDS LUNCHEON WILL HONOR SIX WOMEN LEADERS IN GREATER EVANSVILLE
 EVANSVILLE, IN – Women leaders are making our community the dynamic place we live and work today. Women are running our largest manufacturing facilities, guiding and teaching our youngest citizens, providing world-class health care and developing the science and medications that keep us in good health.
Chambers of Commerce throughout the United States proudly host ATHENA Award® ceremonies to celebrate the many roles women play in community success. The Southwest Indiana Chamber, in partnership with ANEW (A Network for Evansville Women), will host the 30th annual ATHENA Award Luncheon on Friday, Feb. 28. Athena representatives are exceptional leaders in the Evansville-area community who have actively and generously assisted others in attaining professional excellence and leadership skills.
Much as the role of women in our society was transformed 100 years ago when the U.S. Constitution was amended, the impact of women in every corner of our society continues to grow. The Southwest Indiana Athena Awards Ceremony is also evolving. This year we are doubling down to recognize those who are demonstrating excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession while also finding time to serve our community and to actively assist other women in realizing their full potential. These are our Athena’s. This year, 6 women will be recognized for their unique impact:
Executive — The recipient of this award demonstrates professional excellence, community service and an active role in a service or program that assists other women in the attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.
Educator — The recipient of this award will be someone whose talent, creativity and vision are exemplary in developing and preparing female students for the corporate workplace.
Entrepreneur — This award recognizes a woman who demonstrates the transformation of her dream into the reality of a product or service and who exhibits the traits of an entrepreneur.
Healthcare Professional — This award recognizes a woman who has distinguished herself in the healthcare industry and her community.
Non-Profit Professional — The recipient of this award will be someone who demonstrates professional excellence in leading an organization or program that serves the community with impact while also mentoring future community leaders, particularly women.
Rising Star — This award recognizes a woman, under age 35, who has distinguished herself as a leader and role model to other young women in her profession.
Dr. Sue Ellspermann, president of Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, will offer comments and recognition at this special ATHENA Award’s Luncheon. Her career journey and the broad impact she has on the future success of Indiana’s and the Tri-State’s business community is unparalleled.
Mark your calendars to celebrate with women who make Greater Evansville work. Bring your friends and your business colleagues, especially if they are women who have made an impact on you. For further information and to register for this day of celebration online visit www.swinchamber.com.
For more information about the ATHENA Award Luncheon, to purchase seats, or to inquire about
sponsorship opportunities, email Karen Robinson, events manager, krobinson@swinchamber.com or call 812-425-8147.
 About ATHENA International and the ATHENA Award® Program
Athena International is a nonprofit organization based in Chicago and founded by Martha Mertz in 1982. In addition to supporting, developing and honoring women leaders, the organization seeks to create balance in leadership worldwide and inspire women to achieve their full potential. The program, designed to honor women leaders in the community, reflects the critical importance of women in their communities and shines a spotlight on the impact they make.
Recent Athena Honorees:
2019: Susan Parsons, CFO/Treasurer, Koch Enterprises
2018: Chris Ryan, CEO, The Women’s Hospital
2017: Jan Davies, CEO, Evansville Police Department Foundation
2016: Sara Miller, Southern Region CEO, Old National Bank
2015: Parri Black, President & CEO, Youth First, Inc
Â
About Southwest Indiana Chamber
Since 1915, the Southwest Indiana Chamber has been a trusted ally of the regional business community. Today we are one of the state’s largest, strongest, and most impactful nonprofit business organizations, representing a total membership of more than 1,400 businesses, organizations, and agencies. About one-third of members have invested in our organization for 10 or more years. While nearly all major employers in our region invest in the Southwest Indiana Chamber, 71% of our member businesses have 25 or fewer employees.
| Southwest Indiana Chamber |
