Home Blog Page 3664

Harrison Teacher Receives EVSC’s February Cause for Applause

0

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.”

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.

Gift THE BOOK OF MORMON This Valentine’s Day

0

LINK THE TO STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS SPECIAL INVESTIGATION REPORT OF ECHO HOUSING

1
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

Former Echo Housing Executive Director Indicted On Theft

4

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 

1

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

0

EPD REPORT

VANDERBURGH COUNTY RECENT BOOKING RECORDS

0

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

“IS IT TRUE” FEBRUARY 4, 2019

3

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

0

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

0

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.

1...3,6633,6643,665...7,238Page 3,664 of 7,238