Pepper is a 2-year-old male cat. He is wonderfully affectionate and gets along fabulously with other cats. (He deserves lots of adjectives like ‘fantastic’ and ‘divine.’) He’s already neutered, microchipped, and ready to go home for $40. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 for adoption details!
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Join us today – Monday February 4 – at noon outside the Election Office, Room 214 of the Evansville Civic Center when she files to run for an At-Large seat.
Robinson Ungar recently left her position as Receptionist at the Evansville Housing Authority, having felt the call to serve in elected office to address the most pressing needs of the community she holds dear.
Robinson Ungar, a former dairy farmer, is mother to two elementary aged sons and a member of First Presbyterian Church. She is the Lead Organizer of Our Revolution – Evansville and also volunteers with CAJE and Indivisible. She was a founding member of the statewide progressive group, 92 County Strategy and was selected for the 2017-2018 class of the Emerging Leaders Project of the Indiana Democratic Party. She graduated from Oberlin College with a B.A. in Sociology and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Service Administration degree at the University of Evansville.
A firm believer in the healing power of kindness, Robinson Ungar will challenge voters to take on the mission to make Evansville a place where families get healthier, safer, and more connected to the community resources that make a difference.
“Strategic investment by the city in affordable housing and in mental health and addiction recovery services will pay off for the entire city in the form of stronger families, safer schools, more productive workers, and more peaceful streets for all of us,†Robinson Ungar said. “We know that good jobs, sound infrastructure and great parks and culture are essential to a well-managed city, but to attract and retain professional families, Evansville must continue to strive for the welcoming inclusiveness embodied in the ‘e is for Everyone’ campaign. Rich, poor, or in-between, newcomer or Evansville native, our human lives are precious and need kindness and connection. That is the vision of compassionate stewardship that drives me, knowing that as City Councilwoman I can ensure that taxpayer dollars are wisely allocated to improve quality of life for the entire community.â€
For more information, media may contact Edie Hardcastle, vice-chair of the Vanderburgh County Democratic Party, at (812) 550-3812, or vanderburghdemocrats1@gmail.com.
Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced that Indiana has maintained its AAA credit ratings from all three credit agencies: Standard and Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch Ratings.
“These ratings are evident of Indiana’s consistent fiscal integrity, and the hallmark indicator of being good stewards of Hoosier tax dollars,” Holcomb said. “Maintaining our AAA credit ratings, having a balanced budget and continuing to have strong reserves are all key to keeping our economy growing.”
The credit agencies cited Indiana’s “active budget management, with practices that have been consistently applied to maintain sound reserve levels, including the administration’s willingness to use its power to align appropriations with conservative revenue estimates and implement a lower cost structure,” (S&P) and the state’s strong fiscal governance that “affords the state significant flexibility to be able to successfully weather future economic downturns,” (Moody’s) as reasons for affirming their AAA credit ratings.
Credit ratings reflect how responsibly the state manages debt and are a factor in determining the state’s interest rates. Since 2010, Indiana has held AAA ratings from all three agencies, the highest rating assigned by the independent agencies. Only 12 states hold a AAA rating from all three agencies.
“Celebrating Life,” an exhibit by Cynthia Watson, visiting artist, will be on display at the University of Evansville’s Krannert Gallery in the Krannert Hall of Art and Music from February 18-March 21. On Thursday, February 21, there will be a reception at 6:30 p.m. at the gallery. These events are free and open to the public.
Watson attended the John Herron School of Art and Design from 1980-1982, and has studied under several nationally well-known artists during her career as an artist. An award-winning artist, her work has been displayed in many locations, including the Evansville Museum, the Women’s Institute, Deaconess Gateway, and the Audubon Museum. Watson lives in Evansville, Indiana, and teaches art to children and adults.
Watson’s expertise is mixed media, oil, watercolor, and acrylics, focusing on portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and abstracts. Her inspiration comes from within, evoking emotion, and further capturing interest through her choice of color. She is included in public and private collections, nationally and internationally, has won numerous awards for her art, and continues to exhibit locally. Watson’s studio is located at 401 SE Sixth Street, Suite 211, in Evansville, Indiana. She is available by appointment. Her art can also be viewed at Inman’s Frame Shop, Stac Gallery, and Facebook.
For more information, contact the UE Art Department of Art at 812-488-2043, email art@evansville.edu or visit the gallery’s Facebook page.
5 p.m. Tuesday, February 5
Third annual Black History Month Oratorical Competition
The Multicultural Center will host the third annual Black History Month Oratorical Competition at 5 p.m. Tuesday, February 4 in the Roeder Traditions Lounge located on the second floor of University Center East. The Black History Month Oratorical Competition is an opportunity for students to deliver a speech focused on Black History while encompassing the theme of “The Element of Change”. Attendance is free and the public is encouraged to attend. More Information
6 p.m. Tuesday, February 5
Adobe Creative Residency alumna and designer, Jessica Bellamy, to present at USI
The Art and Design Department welcomes international speaker, Adobe Creative Residency alumna, and award-winning designer, Jessica Bellamy, to the University of Southern Indiana campus at 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 5. Bellamy will give a lecture about her experiences as a creative operating at the intersection of community organizing, information design, research and experience design. Read More
8 a.m. Wednesday, February 6
2019 Celebration of Teaching & Learning Symposium
USI’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning will host the third 3rd Celebration of Teaching & Learning Symposium beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday, February 6 in University Center. Presentations at the Symposium will focus on improving student learning and academic success in any higher education setting. These works include the implementation and adaptation of effective evidence-based instructional strategies, development of innovations in teaching and learning, and results of scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL). Topics include improving student engagement and motivation, learning in specific settings or contexts, and fostering inclusion and civility. Dr. Jennifer Friberg, Cross Endowed Chair in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning and professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Illinois State University, will deliver the keynote address. Read More
Exhibit open through Saturday, February 16
New Harmony Gallery to host work of New Harmony Clay Project artists
The New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art is hosting a ceramics exhibition, showcasing artists in residence at the New Harmony Clay Project, through Saturday, February 16. The exhibition is free and open to the public. The exhibition will feature a diverse set of styles and techniques in both functional and sculptural ceramics from six resident artists who participated in the project in 2018. Read More
A collection of events on campus and in the community sponsored by USI student organizations
can be found on the USI events calendar by clicking here.
Thursday, February 14 – Sunday, February 17
USI Theatre Continues Season with Pygmalion
University of Southern Indiana Theatre will continue its 2018-2019 season with the classic play Pygmalion, written by Bernard Shaw and directed by Elliot Wasserman, professor of theatre. The production runs from Thursday, February 14 through Sunday, February 17 in the USI Performance Center located in University Center East on USI’s campus. Read More
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Friday, February 15
USI’s annual International Food Expo returns Friday, February 15
The International Club at the University of Southern Indiana will host the annual International Food Expo from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, February 15 in Carter Hall, located in University Center West. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 from the Center for International Programs in University Center East, Room 1235, or at the door on the day of the Expo for $15. USI students are able to purchase tickets from the Eagle Access Office with their USI ID using Munch Money. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local charity. Read More
Tuesday, February 26
Author, scholar, activist Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor to keynote 2019 Mandela Day
Dr. Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, author and assistant professor of African American Studies at Princeton University, will present the keynote address for the 2019 University of Southern Indiana Nelson Mandela Social Justice Day at 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 26 in the USI Performance Center. The presentation will be free and open to the public. The keynote address is the culmination of a full day of activities meant to raise dialogue at USI around current issues of human and civil rights, public service, and activism. Read More
Wednesday, March 2
Annual Shaw Biology Lecture to feature director of National Center for Science Education
Ann Reid, director at the National Center for Science Education in Oakland, California, will present the University of Southern Indiana’s eighth annual Marlene V. Shaw Biology Lecture at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, in Mitchell Auditorium, located in the lower level of the Health Professions Center on USI’s campus. The presentation, titled “The Enduring Power of Evidence,†will be free and open to the public. Read More
Thursday, April 4
General Colin Powell to speak on leadership at USI in April
The University of Southern Indiana will present “Leadership: Taking Charge,†a moderated discussion with General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2019, at the new USI Arena. The discussion will be free and open to the public. General Powell will be the fourth speaker in the University’s Romain College of Business Innovative Speaker Series. Previous speakers include T. Boone Pickens, legendary entrepreneur and philanthropist in 2013, Dr. Ben Bernanke, former chairman of the Federal Reserve in 2015, and Dr. Oscar Salazar, founding chief technology officer of Uber in 2017. Read More
Harrison High School teacher Mandy Hird is the February recipient of the EVSC’s Cause for Applause award. The award seeks to recognize individuals who go above and beyond their normal job responsibilities.
Hird was nominated by three coworkers at Harrison for the amazing and selfless work she does every day at Harrison.
According to her nominators, Hird continually goes and above and beyond for her students and her support for them never waivers. They tell the story about how Hird supported a recent graduate and was instrumental in helping her attend college in Illinois, even taking her there on multiple occasions to help her enroll, fill out paperwork and scholarship applications, and much more. In addition, Hird also purchased a laptop and other school supplies to ensure the student would be successful in college.
“Mandy is an exceptional teacher inside and outside of the classroom,†wrote one of her nominators. “If there is a relationship builder in the school, she is among the best.â€
Anyone can nominate an employee of the EVSC for the award. Deadline for nominations is the third Friday of each month. To nominate an EVSC employee, go to www.evscschools.com and click on About Us and see Cause for Applause under Community. Paper forms are available at the schools for those without access to the Internet.
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This morning, our former Director Stephanie TenBarge appeared in Federal Court for an initial appearance on three counts of theft. As we have stated throughout the process, we were previously unable to release any audit information due to law enforcement request. Today, we are able to honor our commitment to release the audit, which you will find attached, to the community we serve. Thank you for your support of ECHO Housing Corporation. Sincerely,
Chris Metz, MSW Executive Director ECHO Housing Corporation
COPY OF THE LINK OF THE STATE BOARDS SPECIAL INVESTIGATION REPORT OF ECHO HOUSING Echo Housing Audit
An Evansville woman who formally worked as the Executive Director at Echo Housing Corporation has been indicted on three counts of theft.
The indictment against Stephanie Tenbarge stems from allegations that she had been stealing funds entrusted to her as Executive Director over a three year period.
The release states that from January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2017, TenBarge is alleged to have embezzled funds from Echo Housing Corporation by making unauthorized payments to herself, using Echo funds to pay for personal goods, services, and property taxes, and issuing unauthorized payroll checks to herself. During this time period, the Echo received federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of Labor.
Officials say TenBarge had the primary responsibilities of bookkeeping, balancing bank statements, and preparing financial reports and records for Echo’s Board of Directors to approve. TenBarge maintained and controlled the Echo’s checking accounts and had the ability to direct funds from the organization’s accounts to herself and other individuals.
“The alleged actions of Mrs. TenBarge, using her official position for personal gain, grossly undermines the honest work being done every day by public officials,†said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “Working with our law enforcement partners to investigate public officials who commit federal crimes and victimize the people they should be serving, is one of the FBI’s highest criminal priorities.â€
According to Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Sawa, who is prosecuting this case for the government, TenBarge faces up to 10 years for each count if convicted.
Echo Housing released the following statement upon the release of this information which can at the link provided: ECHO-HOUSING-STATEMENT.
FOOTNOTE: This is a developing story and the City-County Observer will provide up-sate soon as they become available.
February 4, 2019
Gina Robinson Ungar Is Running For Evansville City Council.
Join us today – Monday, February 4 – at noon outside the Election Office, Room 214 of the Evansville Civic Center when she files to run for an At-Large seat.
Robinson Ungar recently left her position as Receptionist at the Evansville Housing Authority, having felt the call to serve in elected office to address the most pressing needs of the community she holds dear.
Robinson Ungar, a former dairy farmer, is a mother to two elementary aged sons and a member of First Presbyterian Church. She is the Lead Organizer of Our Revolution – Evansville and also volunteers with CAJE and Indivisible. She was a founding member of the statewide progressive group, 92 County Strategy and was selected for the 2017-2018 class of the Emerging Leaders Project of the Indiana Democratic Party. She graduated from Oberlin College with a B.A. in Sociology and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Service Administration degree at the University of Evansville.
A firm believer in the healing power of kindness, Robinson Ungar will challenge voters to take on the mission to make Evansville a place where families get healthier, safer, and more connected to the community resources that make a difference.
“Strategic investment by the city in affordable housing and in mental health and addiction recovery services will pay off for the entire city in the form of stronger families, safer schools, more productive workers, and more peaceful streets for all of us,†Robinson Ungar said. “We know that good jobs, sound infrastructure, and great parks and culture are essential to a well-managed city, but to attract and retain professional families, Evansville must continue to strive for the welcoming inclusiveness embodied in the ‘e is for Everyone’ campaign. Rich, poor, or in-between, newcomer or Evansville native, our human lives are precious and need kindness and connection. That is the vision of compassionate stewardship that drives me, knowing that as City Councilwoman I can ensure that taxpayer dollars are wisely allocated to improve quality of life for the entire community.â€
For more information, media may contact Edie Hardcastle, vice-chair of the Vanderburgh County Democratic Party, at (812) 550-3812, or vanderburghdemocrats1@gmail.com.
