http://www.vanderburghsheriff.com/recent-booking-records.aspx
IS IT TRUE MARCH 18, 2019
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?
IS IT TRUE in December 0f 2014 the City of Evansville DMD paid Warren Investments $535,000 for an empty CVS block building located on North Main Street?  …according to the audio of the December 18, 2018 meeting of the Evansville Redevelopment Commission the DMD originally bought this building for a “public parking lot?† …that several years later Divita Dialysis leased this vacant building from the Evansville DMD for 10 years with the lease payment starting around $1,600 per month?  …the Director of the Evansville DMD stated that Divita Dialysis invested $1.5 million to renovate this building? …during the December 18, 2018 meeting the DMD Director also said “that two (2) appraisals have been done of the 800 North main street building and that were based on the income approach?  …he never mentioned what the two (2) appraised values of this newly renovated building were?  …we also find it interesting that the official minutes of this meeting is not available on the  Evansville Redevelopment Commission web page?
Video Link to December 18, 2018, Redevelopment Commission Meeting and Agendas are Posted Below.  We found it interesting that the audio went off and then back on during a couple of times during the meeting.
http://evansville.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=2649
IS IT TRUE it’s now been reported that the Evansville DMD now wants to sell this newly renovated (at the cost of $1.5 million dollars) building and an investor offered $178,000 for it? …we have attached a link from the Vanderburgh County Assessor office concerning the sales transactions and appraisal of this building?
IS IT TRUE Joe Wallace just posted a comment that we felt worth repeating in this section? Â …Mr. Wallace said; “What is the cash flow value of $1,600 per month”?. “First, annualize it and it becomes $19,200”. “You multiply by roughly 10 in Evansville to yield a value of $192,000.” Â “The investor is offering roughly what the cash flow value of the property is”. “The fact that someone or the City of Evansville paid way more than that is irrelevant.”
IS IT TRUE the last time the Evansville Redevelopment Commission’s officially approved meeting minutes were last posted online was on March 6, 2018?
IS IT TRUE we urge you go to the official site of the Evansville Redevelopment Commission and randomly replay the videos of several of their board meetings and you will quickly discover that the sound going on and off during the official board meetings was a common occurrence?
IS IT TRUE it been reported that Indiana Firebirds-Evansville hockey team season tickets at the Ford Center went on sale last week? …we urge the ticket buyers beware since the Ford Center hasn’t posted the official home game schedule of the Firebirds on their site yet?  …we urge anyone who buys advance season tickets for Evansville Firebird hockey games on National Gridiron League ticket site please make sure there is an iron clad refund statement posted on this site just in case the 2019 season is canceled?
IS IT TRUE when a CEO of a for-profit business hire someone to find and develop a new product line and this person spends two years on this project the CEO expects this venture to be successful? …when the CEO realizes that this venture isn’t going to happen he will immediately terminate the employment of his subordinate?  …but when this type of thing happens in local Government all we hear are “crickets”?
IS IT TRUE if your the CEO of a multi-million dollar for-profit corporation and you hire the services of a marketing and consulting firm to make one of your facilities profitable, you expect measurable results?  …if this doesn’t happen in a reasonable time the CEO will immediately terminate their contract for non-performance?  …when this type of thing happens in local Government all we hear are “crickets”?
IS IT TRUE if you are a Board member of a not-for-profit organization you are considered to be a “Steward Of The Public Trust” and you have the “Fiduciary Responsibility” to ensure that all financial transactions will meet the litmus test of an audit conducted by Federal and State governmental agencies? …we wonder if the financial decisions made by the officials of the City of Evansville, Evansville DMD, and Evansville Redevelopment Commission concerning the $535,000 purchase of the vacant CVS building would meet the litmus test of an audit conducted by Federal and State governmental agencies?
IS IT TRUEÂ last week our good friend Chuck Knoll ends his outstanding career with the Evansville Police Department? Â …he has earned an outstanding reputation as a caring, fair and hardworking law enforcement officer? Â …if you see Chuck please congratulate him for his hard-earned retirement and thank him for a job well done?
Todays“Readers Poll†question is: Do you feel that it made any business sense for the Evansville DMD to originally spend $535,000 to purchase the vacant CVS building on North Main Street for a public parking lot?
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. We are pleased to provide obituaries from several area funeral homes at no costs.  Over the next several weeks we shall be adding additional obituaries from other local funeral homes.  Please scroll down the paper and you shall see a listing of them.
If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us at City-County Observer@live.com
FOOTNOTE:  Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers.
The Agenda Of The City Council Meeting, at 5:30 P.M.at Civic Center
AGENDA
| I. | INTRODUCTION |
Agenda Attachment:
| II. | APPROVAL OF MEETING MEMORANDUM |
Memo Attachment:
| III. | REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS |
| IV. | SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY |
| V. | CONSENT AGENDA:Â FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS |
A. ORDINANCE F-2019-06 An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Authorizing Additional Appropriations within the Department of Metropolitan Development Sponsor(s): Weaver Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Weaver Discussion Date: 4/8/2019 F-2019-06 Attachment:
B. ORDINANCE R-2019-05 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 316 N Tekoppel Avenue Petitioner: Debra Highman Owner: Debra Highman Requested Change: C1 to R1 Ward: 6 Brinkmeyer Representative: Debra Highman R-2019-05 Attachment:
| VI. | COMMITTEE REPORTS |
| VII. | REGULAR AGENDA:Â SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS |
A. ORDINANCE G-2019-03 Amended An Ordinance Repealing Chapter 15.16 (Registration of Rental Dwellings) and Amending Chapter 8.40 (Registration of Residential Rental Business) of the Evansville Municipal Code Sponsor(s): McGinn Discussion Led By: ASD Chair Mosby Discussion Date:Â 3/18/2019 Notify: Marco DeLucio, ZSWS G-2019-03 Amended Attachment:
B. ORDINANCE F-2019-04 Amended An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations, Additional Appropriations and Repeal and Re-Appropriation of Funds for Various City Funds Sponsor(s): Weaver Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Weaver Discussion Date: 3/18/2019 F-2019-04 Amended Attachment:
C. ORDINANCE F-2019-05 A Special Ordinance Authorizing the City of Evansville to Issue up to $25,000,000 Aggregate Principal Amount of its City of Evansville, Indiana Multifamily Tax-Exempt Mortgage-Backed Bonds (M-TEMS) Series 2019 (FN) (the “Bonds”) in One or More Series and Approving and Authorizing Other Actions in Respect Thereto Sponsor(s): Weaver Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Weaver Discussion Date: 3/18/2019 F-2019-05 Attachment:
| VIII. | RESOLUTION DOCKET |
A. RESOLUTION C-2019-04 A Resolution Acknowledging Contributions to the Commission on Homelessness Sponsor(s): Weaver, Adams, Mosby, Robinson Discussion Led By: President Brinkmeyer Discussion Date: 3/18/2019 C-2019-04 Attachment:
| IX. | MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS |
A. THE NEXT MEETING of the Common Council will be Monday, April 8, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.
B. EVANSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT 2019 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:Â Chief Connelly
C. ADDITIONAL MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
| X. | COMMITTEE REPORTS |
A. YOUTH GRANT Subcommittee meetings have been scheduled for the following dates:
EPA Launches Environmental Justice Training for States
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced training to build the capacity of states to integrate environmental justice into their decision-making process. Over the next year, EPA will conduct a national webinar series developed in collaboration with state partners.
“From reducing lead exposure to cleaning up contaminated lands, EPA is prioritizing underserved communities that are disproportionately impacted by environmental and public health risks,†said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “This new training will help states identify, prioritize, and address the needs of at-risk communities facing immediate environmental and public health challenges.â€
“South Carolina is proud to serve as a collaborative partner with the EPA as they unveil a new environmental justice training initiative for states. We are pleased the EPA is taking this important step to increase understanding of tools and resources that can be applied to address the needs of environmental justice communities,†said South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Director of Environmental Affairs Myra Reece.
The five national training webinars, which will be accessible through a publicly available website, will serve as an ongoing resource for state staff and others interested in developing their environmental justice knowledge and expertise. Planned topics include identifying and prioritizing environmentally-impacted and vulnerable communities, enhancing community involvement in the regulatory process, using an area-wide planning approach to promote equitable development, and application of environmental justice to state environmental impact assessments. To complement the online trainings,
EPA Regions will conduct training on environmental justice for their respective states.
For many years, EPA has heard from its state partners about the need for systematic training on environmental justice principles, methods, and practices. Many groups, including frontline communities, have called for EPA to focus on state collaborations as an important part of its environmental justice work. This new training recognizes that success in addressing many environmental justice challenges depends heavily on states and supports EPA’s strategic vision for environmental justice as outlined in the Agency’s strategic plan.
‘Vigilante’ Who Killed 2 Trying To ‘Clean Up Drug Problem’ Loses Appeal
Dave Stafford for www.theindianalawyer.com
A man who murdered two people in a victim’s home after telling police he wanted to help “clean up the drug problem†in a southern Indiana county got no relief from his convictions or 121-year prison sentence on appeal Friday.
The Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed the jury’s conviction and the sentence imposed in Joe Paul Hambel v. State of Indiana, 18A-CR-686. Hambel was convicted of illegally entering the Salem home of Valerie Dicus and fatally shooting her and her boyfriend, Joe Hobson, in the early-morning hours of on Aug. 20, 2016. The night before, he had spoken with law enforcement officers about wanting to help clean up the drug problem in Washington County.
A jury convicted Hambel as charged. On appeal, he claimed the Washington Circuit Court abused its discretion in sentencing him and in rejecting his motion for a mistrial. The latter argument arose after a juror shared with other jurors his wife’s views of Hambel. The juror’s wife and Hambel had been schoolmates and friends, the juror said.
Ultimately, Juror 2 was removed based on the extrajudicial communications, but Washington Circuit Judge Larry Medlock denied the mistrial motion. Medlock found that anything jurors might have heard from Juror 2 was harmless, and may even have helped Hambel’s case, since the juror’s wife said the crimes Hambel was accused of wasn’t reflective of the person she knew.
The COA affirmed the trial court Friday, finding no abuses of discretion. The panel also rejected Hambel’s appellate claim that jurors began deliberating before the close of evidence, which the trial court found had not happened.
Judge Edward Najam wrote for the panel that also rejected Hambel’s plea for a lighter sentence on the bases that he had no prior criminal history, was the father of two children, and had been diagnosed with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
“Hambel characterizes his character as ‘excellent. … However, as the State points out, the nature of the offenses supports the 121-year sentence in that Hambel: planned the murders; shot Dicus in the head from close range; shot Hobson six times; and threatened to kill (a friend) if he told anyone about the murders,†Najam wrote.
“As for his character, Hambel may have been motivated to commit these murders by his concern about the drug problem in Washington County and his interest in helping law enforcement,†Najam continued. “But when he became a vigilante and took the law into his own hands, he displayed a blatant disrespect for the law, which reflects poorly on his character. We cannot say that Hambel’s sentence is inappropriate in light of the nature of the offenses and his character.â€
Evansville Mayor to Announce Major Road Closure
Evansville Mayor to Announce Major Road Closure
MARCH 17TH, 2019 
AMANDA PORTER INDIANA
A heads up for people driving through Evansville this week. Washington Avenue between Marshall Avenue and Brookside Drive will be closing this week. The roads will be closed Tuesday at 8 AM for water main upgrades. It’s highly encouraged for all thru traffic to avoid this area as congestion is likely. The road is scheduled to re-open by the end of the day March 27th weather permitting.
But, first on Monday Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke and the Evansville Water and Sewer Utility representatives will announce an upcoming change to a major road in the city. Make sure to stay with 44news online and on-air as we bring you the latest information affecting the Tri-State.
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The 24th Annual Celebration Of Leadership Was AMAZING
STIFEL’S BRYAN RUDER EARNS PROMOTION
STIFEL’S BRYAN RUDER EARNS PROMOTION
ST. LOUIS, March 8, 2019 — Stifel is pleased to announce that Bryan Ruder, AAMS®, AIF® has been promoted to Associate Vice President/Investments. Mr. Ruder is a financial advisor in the firm’s Evansville, Indiana, Private Client Group office.
Mr. Ruder began his investment industry experience in 2013 and joined Stifel in 2015. He holds the Accredited Asset Management Specialist™ (AAMS®) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) certifications, Series 7, 9 & 10, and 66 licenses from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and life, health, and variable insurance licenses.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts with a Spanish Major and Economics Minor from Hanover College, where he was selected for the Business Scholars Program.
Active in the community, Mr. Ruder is president of the Green River Kiwanis, serves on the board of directors for the Ark Crisis Child Care Center, the Rotaract Club of Evansville, and the Student Financial Aid Association.
Stifel Company Information
Stifel’s Evansville office is located at 3000 E. Morgan Avenue, Suite A and can be reached by calling (812) 475-9353.
Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifel’s broker-dealer clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, including its Eaton Partners business division; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; Miller Buckfire & Co., LLC; and Century Securities Associates, Inc.; and in the United Kingdom and Europe through Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited. The Company’s broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust offer a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. offer trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Company’s website at www.stifel.com.
Eagles Complete Three-Game Sweep Of Lewis
 University of Southern Indiana Baseball wrapped up its three-game sweep of Lewis University with an 11-10 win on Sunday, pushing the Screaming Eagles to 11-7 (4-2 GLVC) on the season.
Sophomore centerfielder Bryce Krizan (Mt. Vernon, Indiana) posted a three-for-four outing with two doubles and a triple, two RBI and two runs scored.
Freshman catcher Lucas McNew (Floyds Knobs, Indiana) struck again with his fifth big fly of the season in the fifth inning, along with a single in the fourth.
USI opened the game in the second inning with four runs on the Flyers, powered by a single from senior second baseman Jacob Fleming (Evansville, Indiana) and doubles from Krizan and freshman right fielder Bryson McNay(Sellersburg, Indiana).
Lewis began to work back into the game with two runs in the third inning and four in the fifth. Anthony Rios of the Flyers hit a three-run home run to knot the game up and chase senior southpaw starter Chase Partain (Evansville, Indiana) from the mound. Lewis went on to take the lead on a wild pitch from sophomore Reece Kleinhelter (Jasper, Indiana) immediately after.
The Eagles came roaring back with four runs in the fifth, opened by an RBI double from Krizan and capped by the McNew two-run homer. Junior third baseman Kobe Stephens (Dale, Indiana) scored Krizan on a sacrifice fly in the seventh to essentially seal the game.
While the bats regained control of the game, junior right-hander Peter Wissel (New Castle, Indiana) entered the game for two solid innings with three strikeouts, enough to capture his first win of the season.
Senior lefty Paul Perez (Puerto la Cruz, Venezuela) was called upon again entering the ninth with an 11-7 USI lead. The Flyers tagged Perez for three runs, including a two-run homer from Matt McCauley, to bring out senior reliever Dalton Lewis (Parker, Colorado) to pick up his first save of the season.
USI Baseball stays home for a Wednesday (March 20) twinbill with Bellarmine University. The Eagles and Knights are scheduled for a 3 p.m. start.
USI Softball Sweeps Stars
USI Softball Sweeps Stars
EVANSVILLE, Ind.—University of Southern Indiana Softball racked up a combined 19 hits as it earned a Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader sweep of visiting University of Illinois Springfield Sunday at the USI Softball Field.
The Screaming Eagles (16-10, 4-0 GLVC) won the opener, 7-0, before rallying for a 5-2 win in the nightcap. Sunday’s games were a rematch of last year’s NCAA II Midwest Super Regional, which USI swept en route to its first-ever national championship, and pitted last year’s GLVC Tournament champion in USI against last year’s GLVC regular-season champion in Illinois Springfield.
USI returns to action Saturday at noon when it travels to St. Louis, Missouri, to take on Maryville University in a GLVC doubleheader.
Game 1: USI 7, Illinois Springfield 0
Sophomore outfielder Alicia Webb (Elberfeld, Indiana) hit rrun-scoringtriples in the bottom of the first and second innings and senior pitcher Jennifer Leonhardt(Louisville, Kentucky) took another no-hitter into the sixth inning as USI cruised to the 7-0 win in the opener.
Webb’s RBI-triple in the first inning put the Eagles up 1-0, while an RBI-groundout by Leonhardt gave USI a 2-0 lead heading into the second inning.
The Eagles erupted for five runs in the second frame as senior second baseman Claire Johnson (Pittsboro, Indiana) hit a two-run double to start the scoring. Webb followed two batters later with a two-run triple to put USI up 6-0, while a Leonhardt RBI-single in the next at-bat gave USI all the scoring it would need.
Leonhardt (10-3) earned the win after allowing just two hits and four base runners. She fanned six batters in six innings of work, while freshman pitcher Katie Back(Indianapolis, Indiana) completed the combined shutout with a scoreless seventh inning.
Game 2: USI 5, Illinois Springfield 2
USI scored five unanswered runs to rally from a 2-0 deficit en route to the victory in the nightcap.
After spotting the Prairie Stars (13-13, 2-2 GLVC) tallies in the first and second innings, USI capitalized on an error to score four times in the last half of the fourth inning. Sophomore first baseman Haley Shouse (Borden, Indiana) had a two-run single to tie the score, while a two-run double by Johnson gave the Eagles the 4-2 lead.
Senior outfielder/pitcher Caitlyn Bradley (Forest, Indiana) hit an RBI-double in the fifth inning to extend the Eagles’ lead to three runs.
Bradley (4-3) got off to a shaky start in the circle, giving up two runs, one earned, off three hits throughout the first two frames; but settled down to hold the Stars to just three hits and four baserunners throughout the remainder of the game to earn the win. She finished the contest with three strikeouts and just two walks in seven innings of work.