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Former Echo Housing Executive Director Indicted On Theft

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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.”

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.

 

Gina Robinson Ungar Is Running For Evansville City Council 

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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.”

For more information, media may contact Edie Hardcastle, vice-chair of the Vanderburgh County Democratic Party, at (812) 550-3812, or vanderburghdemocrats1@gmail.com.

EPD ACTIVITY REPORT

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EPD REPORT

VANDERBURGH COUNTY RECENT BOOKING RECORDS

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http://www.vanderburghsheriff.com/jail-recent-booking-records.aspx

“IS IT TRUE” FEBRUARY 4, 2019

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We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUE” 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 that last week the Vanderburgh County Democrat Party held a big-ticket political fundraiser that was a sellout? ….that County Commissioners Ben Shoulders and Jeff Hatfield co-hosted this extremely successful “Political Fundraiser ” to help raise money for the candidates running in the upcoming city election?  …it looks like the Vanderburgh Democratic party of the past is back with new vigor and vitality?… County Commissioners Ben Shoulders and Jeff Hatfield did a masterful job in their Co-Masters of Ceremonies duties?  …we were told that this event raised a ton of money for those that are seeking for a seat on City Council?

IS IT TRUE that several current City Council and candidates for the Evansville Council were introduced to those attending the ‘Democratic party “Political Fundraiser”? …everyone that was introduced to the crowd received a warm round of applause except for Councilwomen Connie Robinson?  …when Mrs. Robinson was introduced those in the attendance gave her an arousing standing ovation for her 24 years of service to the people of this community?  …we are told when Connie Robinson retires from City Council she will immediately start saving souls with her newly ordained minister husband?

IS IT TRUE we are told that tonights Haynes Corners Arts District Board of Directors meeting should be extremely interesting?  …tonight’s Haynie Corner Arts District (HCAD) Board Meeting will be at 6:30 pm and will be held at the Evansville Brewhouse?  …this meeting is opened to the public?

IS IT TRUE that based on the number of black tire marks on the curbs on North Main Street the city should encourage a new tire business to locate there?

IS IT TRUE that one of our staff members overheard a comment made by a high ranking official with the Winnecke Administration say “that the census numbers don’t support building a new grocery store in the North Main Street area”?

IS IT TRUE that opening night for the AMAZONIA at Mesker Park Zoo will be held on February 9th, 2019?  …we are told that the Orchids shall be in full bloom?

IS IT TRUE we wonder why the former Piegon Township Trustee signed a 10-year lease on the office building that currently houses the Trustees office?  …we hope that this new lease contract will require the landlord to do some extensive renovations on this very old building? …also hope that the landlord will be required to bring this building in compliance with all local and State building codes and handicap ordinances?

IS IT TRUE that sometimes when hard times come knocking small businesses and even large ones have to economize and cut back on some expenses?…last week the Ford Center that has advertised with the City-County Observer for nearly 4 years decided to cancel their ad?…no reason was given to us for their for this action?

IS IT TRUE that everyone is aware of the paltry attendance at Evansville Thunderbolts hockey games, and the excessively priced maintenance and utility costs associated with the sole source contract with Dave Rector and the Vanderburgh County Building Authority, one could easily surmise that there could be possibility of a cash flow problem “Down on Main Street”?

IS IT TRUE that the Business Development Officer of the Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union Tim Ethridge is doing an outstanding job in promoting this excellent corporate citizen?

Todays“Readers Poll” question is: Are you excited about the diverse group of individuals running for a seat on the 2019 City Council?

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

FOOTNOTE: Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers.

 

VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING

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AGENDA of VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL

FEBRUARY 6, 2019 3:30 P.M. in ROOM 301

  1. OPENING OF MEETING
  2. ATTENDANCE ROLL CALL
  3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  4. INVOCATION
  5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
    1. (A)  Personnel & Finance December 19, 2018
    2. (B)  County Council January 2, 2019
  6. PERSONNEL REQUESTS:

(A) CLERK

1. Request to fill vacancy for Small Claims Clerk

(B) ASSESSOR
1. Request to fill vacancy for Residential Real Estate Deputy

(C) COOP EXTENSION
1. Request to change PT Summer Assistants to three and increase pay rate

(D) PROSECUTOR IV-D
1. Request to fill vacancy for two Enforcement Officers

(E) PROSECUTOR ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES
1. Request to create and hire Part-time Investigator position

  1. (F)  HEALTH DEPARTMENT – SAFETY PIN
    1. Request to increase base salary for Community Health Workers
    2. Request to change title & salary for Licensed Clinical Social Worker and fill a vacancy
    3. Request to increase base salary for Data Coordinator
    4. Request to increase base salary for Public Health Nurse
  2. (G)  HEALTH DEPARTMENT
    1. Request to increase base salaries for the following positions:
      1. Director of Clinical & Outreach Division
      2. Registered Nurse
      3. TB Clinic Nurse
      4. Supervisor Child Health Conference
      5. Public Health Nurse (3)
      6. S.T.D. Clinic Nurse
      7. Clinic Nurse
      8. Project Director
    2. Request to delete one Public Health Nurse
    3. Request to fill vacancy for Part-time Administrative Aide
  1. APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE:
    1. (A)  LEGAL AID (C)
    2. (B)  COMMISSIONERS – LIT
  2. REPEAL: (A)
  3. TRANSFERS: (A)
  4. OLD BUSINESS: (A)
  5. NEW BUSINESS: (A)
  6. AMENDMENTS TO SALARY ORDINANCE:
    1. (A)  CLERK (E)
    2. (B)  ASSESSOR (F)
    3. (C)  COOP EXTENSION (G)
    4. (D)  PROSECUTOR IV-D (H)

LITTER CLEAN UP

  1. PUBLIC COMMENT
  2. REMINDER NEXT MEETING DATE/TIME:

February 27, 2019 @ 3:30 p.m.

15. ADJOURNMENT

Red denotes Personnel and Finance meeting

Blue denotes County Council meeting

PERSONNEL AND FINANCE MEETING JANUARY 30, 2019
3:30 P.M.
ROOM 301

HEALTH DEPARTMENT (2) LITTER CLEAN UP PROSECUTOR APS
HEALTH DEPT – SAFETY PIN

Scams to Look Out for in Southern Indiana

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Scams to Look Out for in Southern Indiana

FEBRUARY 3RD, 2019 AMANDA PORTER INDIANA

Scam artists are always on the prowl looking for ways into your personal information. Once there they go for the big score, your bank account.

The most recent hoax targeting the Tri-State involves jury duty. A jury summons will only come through the mail, not over the phone.

It doesn’t stop there.

The Better Business Bureau says residents in the Southern District of Indiana are being targeted by phone. The scammers give information about an outstanding debt which seems convincing. They’re then told they can avoid arrest by paying through a debit, or gift card.

Tax time also brings out the scammers.

The Federal Trade Commission is warning folks to keep an eye on who gets access to their social security numbers. Unless it’s “your known” and trusted tax preparer, never give that information out by phone. In many of these calls, the scammers tell the victim their social security number was stolen or was used in a crime. They threaten to revoke the number if you don’t comply. Simply hang up the phone, and do not give any personal information. Remember, the Social Security Administration will never call asking for your social security number over the phone.

Another scam involves the sweetest of days in the month. Valentines Day scammers are preparing to pull on heartstrings.

The Better Business Bureau says romance scams prey on people looking to make a connection with others. They say the emotional harm to the victim can be more painful than the monetary loss. Usually, the scam takes form as an online relationship, or even through an app. The fraudster is said to learn about the victim through interactions on their public profiles before getting comfortable enough to ask for money.

Scams can be dangerous so remember; do not give money to someone you have never met, and don’t give any personal information out over the phone.

EPA Signs MOU with The Water Research Foundation Advancing Nutrient Management Efforts

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Trump Administration’s commitment to protecting America’s waters through smart partnerships and market-based approaches, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The Water Research Foundation (WRF) to accelerate progress on reducing excess nutrients in the nation’s waterways.

“EPA believes that if we can empower farmers with proven market-based and watershed-centered technologies and approaches they need to better manage nutrients from livestock manure, we can accelerate meaningful progress on the country’s longstanding excess nutrients challenge,” said EPA Office of Water Assistant Administrator David Ross. “EPA is pleased to partner with The Water Research Foundation to advance nutrient recovery science and innovation, support on-farm demonstrations and installations, and help make the connections needed across the nutrient value chain to maximize environmental and economic results.”

The MOU builds on successes achieved through the Nutrient Recycling Challenge, a competition launched by EPA with WRF and others to develop affordable technologies to recycle nutrients from livestock manure. Through the new MOU, EPA and WRF will collaborate with the agricultural community to build capacity and awareness of programs and tools that support watershed and market-based approaches to nutrient management. To accomplish these goals, the MOU aims to:

Facilitate greater collaborations between the regulated water community, technology developers and providers, and agricultural producers;
Match innovative manure and nutrient management technologies with on-farm testing sites, funders for technology demonstrations, and third-party evaluators;

Enable producer-to-producer information exchange regarding technology performance; and
Develop and disseminate information on specific topic areas related to manure management and resource recovery and reuse.

“Excess nutrients in our waterways continue to be one of the most pressing water quality issues in the U.S.,” said Robert C. Renner, CEO of The Water Research Foundation. “WRF is pleased to work with EPA and take a collaborative, science-based approach to identifying and demonstrating promising solutions.”

Under the Trump Administration, EPA has made tackling nutrient issues in water resources across the country a key water priority. In December 2018, EPA and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a letter to state co-regulators encouraging increased engagement and a reinvigoration of state, tribal, and federal efforts to reduce excess nutrients in waterways, with a focus on market-based and other collaborative approaches.

Addressing excess nutrients in the nation’s waterways also is a key priority of a larger interagency effort to better coordinate and focus federal resources on some of the nation’s most challenging water resource concerns.

To view the MOU, visit: https://www.epa.gov/npdes/animal-feeding-operations-afos#technology

Is This 2019 or 1919?

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Is This 2019 or 1919?

by Gail Riecken CCO Statehouse Editor

What is wrong with this picture? Does Indiana continue to be ranked high in infant mortality?  7th in the Nation. And, Indiana’s maternal mortality rate is twice the national average– over 40 percent!
https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/health-of-women-and-children/measure/maternal_mortality/state/IN

How far have we really come from the early days of public health nursing? It doesn’t look like we have progressed much in the field of maternal and child health.

However, I see hope in our State Senate.

SB 278  provides immunity and expanded authority to certain persons in infant mortality teams so they can gather better information and plan better programs to counter infant mortality. Vanderburgh Co continues to reduce our mortality rate (11% to 7%)  Testimony from a Vanderburgh team member says this bill will help team members working with neighboring counties. This bill should become State law with no problem.

Curbing Infant and maternal mortality is about collecting good information, finding good health practices to combat the problems and getting that information to young girls and women.

So, when a bill comes about like SB 352, it should pass easily. But….

SB 352, a bill that allows medical personnel to treat a pregnant patient or patient in labor under 16 without parent consent, fails to pass the Senate by one vote.

Mary Beth Schneider, Statehouse File (January 31), in her article notes that twenty percent of underage teens are having babies. She quotes Senator Jean Leising:

“If it is normal labor, under the law right now (physicians) can’t do anything but catch the baby”,” Senator Leising said. “ Think about that 16 – year – old with 18-hour labor in an emergency room with no parent, no guardian and nothing to ease those contractions.”

SB 352 failed but deserves another vote. If one Senator who voted against SB352 ( Bassler, Ford Jon, Houchin, Messmer, Tomes in our extended area) would change their vote, this could be brought back Tuesday the 5th for another vote.  That is the last day.

I’ve walked in three Women’s Marches in the last three years and I am proud of the issues the Marches represent. But sadly,  I’ve never have seen a sign that says “Stop Mothers Dying!” Or “Help Save Our Babies After-Birth!”.

Maybe looking ahead toward 2020, the 100th anniversary of the year of women’s right to vote, we can include maternal and infant mortality in the Women’s Marches agendas and continue progressive discussions, like these in the State Senate.

Jewish Author To Tell His Story About His Childhood And The Holocaust

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Fred Gross, author of “One Step Ahead of Hitler: A Jewish Child’s Journey through France,” will speak at Ivy Tech Community College Evansville Campus on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 9 a.m. in Vectren Auditorium, Room 147.

The event is sponsored by The Committee to Promote Respect in Schools (Cypress) and Ivy Tech’s Diversity and Inclusion Council. It is free and open to the public.

In this presentation at Ivy Tech, he will tell his family’s story that began in 1940 when German bombs fell on Antwerp, Belgium, and lasted until the war ended. The Gross family hid from Nazi troops as they ran for thousands of miles across Europe. His book is a memoir of collected stories sparked by his interviews with his mother and two older brothers.

Gross, born in Belgium in 1936, was a reporter for many years for the New Haven, Conn., Journal-Courier. For the past 30 years, he has worked in public relations in education – and shared his story with audiences across the country. He now resides in Louisville, Ky.

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