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AG Curtis Hill files lawsuit against members of family that founded Purdue Pharma

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Attorney General Curtis Hill filed a lawsuit today against members of the Sackler family, alleging that as owners and directors of Purdue Pharma the Sacklers have played a key role in worsening the opioid crisis in Indiana.

Purdue Pharma is best known for making and marketing the painkiller OxyContin.

In November of 2018, Attorney General Hill filed a lawsuit against Purdue Pharma, alleging the company intentionally understated the health risks of long-term opioid use and deceptively marketed several drugs in ways that violated Indiana law. That matter remains pending in Marion Superior Court.

In today’s lawsuit, the State of Indiana alleges that members of the Sackler family directed, approved of, and participated in their company’s destructive strategies. The lawsuit further alleges that the Sacklers enriched themselves to the tune of billions of dollars from these schemes. In fact, the Sacklers instructed Purdue Pharma to distribute approximately $4.3 billion to the Sackler family from April 2008 until 2016 alone.

The lawsuit alleges that these members of the Sackler family – who individually served as Purdue Pharma’s CEO, vice presidents and/or board directors – violated the Deceptive Consumer Sales Act, the Prescription Drug Discount and Benefit Card Statute, the False Claims Act and the Medicaid False Claims Act, among other unlawful activities.

“We believe the Sacklers’ wrongful acts have left a wake of addiction, death and devastation in Indiana and across the country,” Attorney General Hill said. “I hope this lawsuit serves notice to all that this office will continue to hold accountable companies and individuals who are engaging in abusive, deceptive, illegal and/or unfair conduct that causes harm to Indiana consumers.”

The lawsuit seeks civil penalties, treble damages, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains, and restitution of sums constituting unjust enrichment.

The Office of the Attorney General intends to continue working to ensure that any funds becoming available through this action would be used to help address the public health crisis brought on by Purdue Pharma’s and the Sackler family’s misconduct.

“The Sackler family and Purdue Pharma bear substantial responsibility for causing this crisis,” Attorney General Hill said. “Now they must bear substantial responsibility to help fix it.”

Assisting the Office of the Attorney General in this matter are the law firms of Cohen Milstein Sellers and Toll PLLC and Zimmerman Reed LLP.

Aces talented trio earns All-MVC honors

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After a big turnaround season, one that saw the University of Evansville baseball team defy preseason last place predictions by earning the coveted fourth seed in this week’s Missouri Valley Conference Championships, the Aces have landed several players on various all-MVC postseason teams, the league announced Tuesday.

Sophomore first baseman Tanner Craig earned conference second team honors. The Scottsburg, Indiana native followed up a phenomenal freshman season with a solid second season at the University of Evansville, finishing second in hitting with a .283 batting average and just missing out on the top spot with a .445 slugging percentage. Craig also finished tied for third in home runs with five. Craig also finished tied for third in the Missouri Valley Conference in doubles with 14.

The Aces also landed a par of players on the MVC’s Honorable Mention team. Starting right-hand pitcher Adam Lukas got the nod on that squad after finishing tied for fifth in strikeouts in the league with 74 K’s. The Grafton, Wisconsin native also finished 11th in the MVC with opposing batting average with a .234 mark. Senior outfielder Nate Reeder also landed an honorable mention after leading or being near the top on the team in nearly every offensive statistical category. Reeder finished first in batting average (.316), slugging percentage (.447), RBIs (37), hits (57), and on base percentage (.414). Reeder also finished tied for third on the team in home runs (5) and doubles (10). The Shawnee, Kansas native also finished in the top 15 in several categories in the MVC, as well.

“Tanner has been outstanding in Valley play and it is great to see him recognized for it”, said University of Evansville head coach Wes Carroll. “Adam and Nathan have had great years and I can’t wait to see them compete in the tourney.”

The University of Evansville baseball team begins its run in this week’s Missouri Valley Conference tournament in Normal, Illinois Wednesday against Indiana State. First pitch from Duffy Bass Field is set for 7 p.m Central Time.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

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

Damon James Welder: Attempt Obstruction of Justice (Level 6 Felony), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor), Possession of a controlled substance (Class A misdemeanor)

Daniel Keith Walls: Domestic battery (Level 5 Felony)

Kelvin Ray Rush: Fraud (Level 6 Felony)

Michael Aaron Head: Fraud (Level 6 Felony)

Guy Morgan Whipple: Possession of a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Level 6 Felony)

Jeffrey David Fisher: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Unlawful possession of syringe (Level 6 Felony)

Joshua D. Hill: Child molesting (Level 1 Felony), Child molesting (Level 1 Felony), Child molesting (Level 1 Felony), Child molesting (Level 4 Felony)

Lisa Gail Hoff: Criminal trespass (Level 6 Felony)

Scott William Mallory: Possession of a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Level 6 Felony)

Joshua E. Bradburn: Intimidation (Level 5 Felony), Intimidation (Level 5 Felony)

Wilbur McDonald Pope: Resisting law enforcement (Level 6 Felony)

 

Personal Injury Crash on US 41 at Bellemeade, Driver was Under the Influence of Drugs

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Vanderburgh County – Indiana State Police investigated a two-vehicle personal injury crash at the intersection of US 41 at Bellemeade Avenue this morning at approximately 10:00.

Preliminary investigation revealed Misty D. Koons, 41, of Evansville, was driving her 2002 Chevrolet S-10 southbound on US 41 when she disregarded the automatic signal at Bellemeade Avenue and collided into a 2011 Toyota SUV that was traveling west on Bellemeade Avenue. The female driver of the Toyota was transported to St. Vincent Hospital where she was treated and released. While investigating the crash, Koons displayed signs of impairment. Further investigation at St. Vincent Hospital revealed Koons was under the influence of cannabinoids, cocaine, benzodiazepine and buprenorphine. Koons was treated for minor injuries and then transported to the Vanderburgh County Jail.

Arrested and Charges:

  • Misty D. Koons, 41, Evansville, IN
  1. Driving While Intoxicated (Controlled Substance), Class C Misdemeanor
  2. Possession of Synthetic Marijuana, Class C

OBITUARY OF HELEN LUCILE BOLTON

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OBITUARY OF HELEN LUCILE BOLTON

KOEHLER FUNERAL HOME-CHANDLER AND BOONVILLE

Helen Lucile Bolton, 90, of Gentryville, Indiana passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2019, at Scenic Hills Care Center in Ferdinand, Indiana.

Helen was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Otto and Esther (Hicks) Oskins.
She was a member and organist of Gentryville United Methodist Church. Helen had been a pharmacy technician at St. Joseph Hospital. She loved dancing with her husband Roy. Helen enjoyed crocheting, quilting, supporting her grandchildren’s sporting events and was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Bolton.

Helen is survived by her children, Sandra Forston and her husband, Carl; Patricia Pulley and her husband, Ray; Joyce Bolton; Katherine Spellmeyer and her husband, Donald all of Gentryville, IN; Grandchildren, Carla Birsa (Mike) of Fishers, IN; Julie Walls (J.T. Wells) of Gentryville, IN; Regina Pulley of Evansville, IN; Yvonne Hochgesang (Kent) of St. Henry, IN; Thomas Pulley (Amanda) of Dale, IN; Angela Warthan (Ryan) of Boonville, IN; Brian Spellmeyer (Mary); Mark and Kevin Spellmeyer all of Gentryville, IN; Great-grandchildren, Nathan and Logan Birsa, Matthew Fulkerson, Alex Adair, Audra and Anna Hochgesang, Ben, Rachel, and Adam Pulley, Bradyn Warthan, Madelene, Kyle, and Alli Jo Spellmeyer; Siblings, Margaret Griepenstroh; James W. Oskins (Fern); Doris Blowers all of Gentryville, IN; Richard Oskins (Gail) of Gray Summit, MO; Sister-in-law, Iris Ludwig of Santa Claus, IN.

Services are 3 P.M. Friday, May 24, 2019, at Gentryville United Methodist Church in Gentryville, Indiana with Pastor Charlotte Lee officiating. Burial is in Garden of Memory Cemetery in Gentryville.

Visitation is from 2 P.M. until 7 P.M. Thursday, May 23, 2019, at Koehler Funeral Home in Boonville, Indiana and from 11 A.M. until 3 P.M. Friday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gentryville United Methodist Church Building Fund or Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department.

To send flowers to the family of Helen Lucile Bolton, please visit Tribute Store.

OBITUARY OF JAN ADRIANN BOND

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OBITUARY OF JAN ADRIANN BOND 
HOEHLER FUNERAL HOME

Jan Bond, born April 5, 1957, went to be with her parents Luella E. and J. Adrian Bond and her many cats she had loved.

Jan was a graduate of Castle High School and Indiana State University Evansville Campus with a double major in Biology and Botany. She was a past president and member of the Evansville Lapidary Society in which she helped put on the Annual Gem and Mineral Show held in Evansville.

Jan channeled her artistic flare into creating jewelry, drawing, and recreations of the renaissance period. She was also a member of the Indiana Hemerocallis Society.
Jan leaves a sister, Lynne Greenfield, a niece Annette (Vince) Bowden and family, a nephew Edward (Jennifer) Greenfield and family, uncle Daniel Hunter, aunt Eileen (Lee)

Ziegler and many cousins.

A brief celebration of Life will be held at Main Street United Methodist Church at 222 E. Main St. Boonville, IN 47601 Friday, May 24, 2019, beginning at 12 P.M. with funeral service following at 2 P.M. Private burial at a later time.

Koehler Funeral Home of Boonville, Indiana is entrusted with care.
Memorial contributions may be made to Koehler Funeral Home, Evansville Lapidary Society or Warrick Humane Society.

To send flowers to the family of Jan Adriann Bond, please visit Tribute Store. Or, if you would like to donate to the family, please visit Jan Adriann Bond Tribute Fund.

Judith “Judy” Ann Estes

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Boonville, IN – Judith “Judy” Ann Estes, 71, of Boonville Indiana Passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh Indiana.
Judy was born in Evansville to the late Richard Jessa and Ruth Jewell (Skelton) Stevens.
In 1967 she married the love of her life, Bruce Estes and started a family. She had dedicated her life to the care of her Son, Eric, who suffered from Cerebral Palsy from the age of 3 months. Over the years she became a champion of the handicapped as a lobbyist and a voice of vaccine awareness. Judy was also a tireless supporter of the troops from the time of her Son Sean’s enlistment in the U.S. Army until present day.
She loved her grandchildren dearly. She loved getting out and watching them perform in plays, concerts, and loved hearing of their accomplishments. One of her favorite traditions was to pick out Halloween costumes with her oldest granddaughter, Kyleigh. Her youngest granddaughter, Sloane, is an artist and Judy would marvel at her talents and accomplishments.
Judy had a passion for helping children. She would often give anonymously to the annual Warrick Sheriff Christmas Toy Drive, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and most recently to the World Harvest Ministry Day Care. She always did her best to make a positive impact on the world around her.
Judy loved gardening, blues music, and interior design, but most of all, she loved her family. No matter where they were, they were always in her heart.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Judy is survived by her husband Bruce Estes of Boonville; Sons Eric Estes of Boonville, and Sean Estes of Newburgh; Granddaughters Kyleigh Estes of Evansville, and Sloane Estes of Newburgh; Siblings Richard Stevens Jr., Jed Stevens, and Jeffrey Stevens.
Visitation is from 4 P.M. until 7 P.M Friday May 24 at Koehler Funeral Home in Boonville, Indiana.
Service is 10 A.M. Saturday, May 25 at Koehler Funeral Home, with Burial at Maple Grove Cemetery in Boonville.
Koehler Funeral Home is entrusted with care.

“READERS FORUM” MAY 21, 2019

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We hope that today’s “READERS FORUM” 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.

HERE’S WHAT’S ON OUR MIND TODAY

We wonder where did the GAGE Board Of Directors get the money to pay for the enormous loss of our tax dollars during the 2009 Freedom Festival event?

 

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND TODAY?

Todays “Readers’ Poll” question is: Are you pleased with the overall progress of Evansville since Mayor Winnecke took office?

Please go to our link of our media partner Channel 44 News located in the upper right-hand corner of the City-County Observer so you can get the up-to-date news, weather, and sports.
If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us at City-County Observer@live.com

HEATHER DUNN NIEMEIER FUNERAL SCHEDULED FOR TODAY

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OBITUARY OF HEATHER DUNN NIEMEIER

Heather Dunn Niemeier, 43, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2019.

Heather was born on May 30, 1975, in Evansville, Indiana to her loving parents Gail (Russell) and John Dunn. Heather graduated in 1993 from Reitz Memorial High School. She received her Bachelors of Elementary Education and Social Sciences in 1997 and her Masters of Literacy Education from Vanderbilt University in 1998 where she joined Kappa Delta Sorority. In 2007, she received her Doctorate of Education from Oakland City University.

Heather’s passion for teaching flourished as her career touched many students at Percy Priest Elementary, Highland Elementary, and North Middle School. She expanded her expertise as she taught at the University of Southern Indiana and Oakland City University.

Together as Heather and Fred began their family, her love of teaching became even more evident with her own children. Heather loved children’s books and she shared that passion with her children and her students. She was certified in meditation and mindfulness and taught this to many.

We will miss her bubbly personality as we mourn the loss of this beautiful daughter, wife, mother, sister, and friend.

Heather is survived by her husband of 21 years, Fred Niemeier of Evansville, IN; children, Madison, Michael, and Emerson Niemeier all of Evansville, IN; parents, Gail and John Dunn; sister, Holly Dunn Pendleton (Jacob) of Evansville, IN; sister-in-law, Amy (Katie) Niemeier of Evansville, IN; and many nieces and nephews.

Heather was preceded in death by her sister, Kathy Dunn-Jagielski; and brothers, John Michael Dunn and John Melton Dunn, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at Browning Funeral Home, 738 Diamond Ave., Evansville, IN 47711 with Pastor Jack Eberhardt officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Friends may visit from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Monday, May 20, 2019, at Browning Funeral Home and again from 9:00 AM until service time on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holly’s House, P.O. Box 4125, Evansville, IN 47724.

Condolences may be made online at www.browningfuneral.com.

To send flowers to the family of Heather Dunn Niemeier, please visit Tribute Store.