Hunter is a male 1-year-old cat with big pretty eyes. He’s a little nervous right now in the shelter setting, but would likely come out of his shell a whole lot once he’s at home! After a few minutes he’s quite affectionate with VHS staff and volunteers. His adoption fee is $40 and includes his neuter, microchip, vaccines, and more. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 or visit www.vhslifesaver.org for adoption details!
AG Curtis Hill helps implement Jail Chemical Addiction Program in Montgomery County
Attorney General Curtis Hill today announced that Montgomery County will receive a $43,000 grant from the Indiana Drug Enforcement Association for the purpose of starting a Jail Chemical Addiction Program (JCAP). The award is made possible through seed funding from the Office of the Attorney General.
“Offenders in our jails and prisons need meaningful opportunities to turn their lives around and break the cycles that lead them repeatedly into criminal behavior,†Attorney General Hill said. “JCAP programs are excellent examples of such opportunities. For criminal offenders with addiction problems, incarceration can be a godsend if it helps put them on the road to recovery. The key is connecting them with quality long-term treatment programs that begin during incarceration and continue upon their release.â€
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office will administer the program in partnership with Valley Oaks Health, which is providing a therapist, Sheriff Ryan Needham said.
“Law enforcement officers see firsthand the massive damage caused by drug addiction in our community,†Sheriff Needham said. “Addiction follows people into and out of jail, and if we can use jail time to help offenders truly break the cycle of chemical dependency and destructive habits, then they and the whole community will be better for it.â€
Montgomery County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Andrew Salter anticipates positive outcomes from implementing a JCAP program.
“As prosecutors in Montgomery County, we see many of the same individuals in court time and again,†he said. “One of the common threads with repeat offenders is the abuse of substances – either alcohol or controlled substances. Substance issues are a common strand not only in drug and alcohol offenses but with property crimes committed in order to obtain funds to procure controlled substances. This office is hopeful that the new JCAP program facilitated at the Montgomery County Jail can assist offenders in addressing substance abuse issues while they await disposition of their criminal cases within the Montgomery County Jail.â€
Judge Heather Barajas described JCAP as a significant step forward.
“Most of the inmates in our local jail have addiction issues, even if their current charges are not directly drug-related,†she said. “Many of these people want to get into recovery but don’t know how to get started. It only makes sense that we give them the opportunity to use the time while they are incarcerated to start working on recovery. This program will provide that opportunity in a highly-structured, closely-monitored program where they will be segregated from the general jail population. They will not receive any guarantee on the outcome of their case for participating in the program, but their transition to the next phase of their recovery should be smoother, thereby increasing the potential success rate.â€
Crouch announces 19 rural communities to receive $10M
Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch along with the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced that 19 rural communities received more than $10.8 million in federal grant funding.
“It is important we are recognizing the impact rural communities have on our economic future. We must continue to ensure they are working to complete much needed projects,†Crouch said. “There are several rounds of federal funding being awarded throughout the state over the course of a year. We are making an impact on how rural Indiana is transforming their quality of place for their residents.â€
The state of Indiana distributes Community Development Block Grant funds to rural communities to assist units of local government with various community projects like: improving infrastructure, downtown revitalization, public facilities improvements and economic development.
“These funds will bring valuable, much-needed infrastructure improvements, upgrades and resources needed in our rural communities,†said Jodi Golden, Executive Director of OCRA. “Residents of rural Indiana will see an impact to their quality of life, health and safety once these projects are completed.â€
The first round of the 2019 CDBG program begins on March 25 with proposals due on May 3, 2019 at 4:00 p.m., ET. Final applications due June 28 at 4:00 p.m., ET.
For more information about these programs, contact Eric Ogle, CDBG Program Director.
The Main Street Revitalization Program encourages rural communities to focus on long-term community development efforts. Eligible applicants had a designated active Indiana Main Street group in their community and the project must be a part of the Main Street’s overall strategy. Main Street Revitalization Program projects include streetscapes, facade renovations and downtown infrastructure rehabilitation.
The City of Brazil is awarded $461,491 for downtown façade improvements. This project includes enhancing the facades of seven significant historic buildings along with rehabilitating masonry and limestone, installation of metal coping, wood cornices and the restoration of historic doors and windows.
The City of Rochester is awarded $600,000 for downtown façade improvements. This project includes the facades of 10 buildings and consist of demolition of non-original alterations, and restorations of historic structural features such as storefronts, signage and cornices.
The City of Seymour is awarded $590,000 for a streetscape project. This project will improve an area around One Chamber Square and consist of enhancing the sidewalks and curbing, upgrading the lighting and electrical services and creating an community space that includes seating and interactive features such as an outdoor musical play installation and large exploration boulders.
The goals of the Public Facilities Program are to improve the quality of place, to generate jobs and spur economic revitalization through improving community facilities or historic preservation projects. Eligible community facilities include community centers, daycares, libraries, museums, senior centers and performance spaces.
Decatur County is awarded $441,509 to renovate a building to be a Children’s Advocacy Center. The project will include the acquisition of a building and renovations to create a child-friendly environment for child abuse investigations and victim support services.
The Town of Holton is awarded $500,000 for the construction of a new 6,400 square foot fire station with four truck bays.
The City of Lawrenceburg is awarded $279,760 for community center improvements. The project will replace the entire HVAC system including the existing rooftop units, ducts and controls.
The Town of Otterbein is awarded $500,000 to construct a 5,209 square foot community center with more than 2,200 square feet dedicated to a be a meeting space.
Scott County is awarded $500,000 to renovate a building into a medical facility. The project includes acquisition of a building and renovations that will enhance infectious disease services and general medical treatment to low-to-moderate income people within the county.
The Stormwater Improvement Program strives to reduce flooding, to cut stormwater treatment and energy costs, to protect rivers, lakes and vital landscape, and to generate jobs and spur economic revitalization. Types of activities that are eligible for this grant funding include stormwater improvements as well as demolition and/or clearance.
The City of Montpelier is awarded $600,000 for stormwater system improvements. This project constructs a new dedicated stormwater outflow to the Salamonie River and separates the current combined sewer system to create dedicated stormwater lines.
The goals of the Wastewater Drinking Water Program are to protect the health and environment, reduce utility rates for low-to-moderate income communities and improve rural infrastructure to enable long-term economic growth. Eligible Wastewater Drinking Water Program projects include many aspects of wastewater improvements and drinking water system improvements.
The City of Austin is awarded $550,000 for wastewater system improvements. The project will increase the capacity of a lift station, improve a number of elements at the treatment plant and build a phosphorus chemical facility.
The Town of Clay City is awarded $700,000 for wastewater system improvements. The project will rehabilitate four lift stations and make improvements to sewer lines.
The City of Columbia City is awarded $700,000 for wastewater system improvements. This project will complete the city’s long term environmental control plan.
Fayette County is awarded $550,000 for drinking water system improvements. This project will extend distribution lines, replace an elevated water storage tank and construct an addition to the water treatment plant.
The Town of Glenwood is awarded $600,000 for drinking water system improvements. This project will construct a new control building and a new well, along with equipment upgrades.
The City of Knox is awarded $700,000 for wastewater system improvements. This project will replace the mechanical screening and grit removal equipment, construct a new pre-treatment building and make improvements to the plant force main and gravity sewer.
The Town of Lizton is awarded $700,000 for drinking water system improvements. This project will install a new drinking water distribution system throughout the town and connect to the clean water supply.
The Town of Medaryville is awarded $600,000 for drinking water system improvements. This project will construct a new water tower.
The Town of Saint Paul is awarded $600,000 for wastewater system improvements. This project includes lift station improvements, replaces or rehabilitates sewer lines, separate combined sewers and improves the current lagoons.
The Town of Williamsport is awarded $700,000 for wastewater system improvements. This project will rehabilitate four areas of the collection system, and make improvements to the treatment facility.
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Evansville Couple Arrested for Burglarizing North Side Home
- Shortly before midday on January 15th, 2019 Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s deputies were called to Green River Estates subdivision by a neighbor who had observed two unfamiliar individuals walking around a vacant property. While on the way to the scene deputies were able to confirm with the property owner that the home was not for sale and that no one had permission to be on the premises.
A deputy arrived and found signs of forced entry into the residence. As the deputy kept the house under surveillance until back-up could arrive, two individuals exited the house and both were detained for questioning. Michael Hutchison and Shanna Oler provided conflicting and changing versions in their reasoning for being inside of the residence. According to the probable cause affidavit the stories ranged from rescuing an injured person, inspecting the residence for purchase, and using the property as a haven for sexual intercourse. During the investigation deputies located an itemized list of targeted items within the residence which investigators believed Hutchison and Oler intended to steal.
Michael Hutchison and Shanna Oler were arrested and charged with burglary with the intent to commit theft and for unlawful residential entry. Oler was also charged with illegal possession of a prescription narcotic. Both were housed within the Vanderburgh County Jail without bond until their initial court appearance.
Arrested: Michael Hutchison (imaged above left), 47, and Shanna Oler (imaged above right), 36, both of Evansville, IN are being held in the Vanderburgh Couny Jail without bond.
Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.-END-
IS IT TRUE JANUARY 17, 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 we are pleased to announce that a new online publication, the City-County Banner, will be launching sometime during February, 2019? …The City-County Banner will service Orange and Dubois counties, specifically focusing on the cities of Jasper, Huntingburg, French Lick, and Paoli? …the City-County Observer will be a media partner with the City-County Banner and both papers will be operating as corridor newspapers? Â …this publishing partnership between the City County Observer and the City-County Banner will provide articles and advertisements published in both papers to readers in cities stretching from Paoli to Evansville? …that the City-County Observer is also working on additional media partners up and down the corridor?
IS IT TRUE a hedge-fund-backed media group known for buying up struggling local papers and cutting costs is planning to make an offer for USA Today publisher Gannett Co., according to people familiar with the matter? …its been reported that MNG Enterprises Inc., one of the largest newspaper chains in the country, has quietly built a 7.5% position in Gannett’s stock and plans to publicly urge the McLean, Va., publisher to put itself up for sale? …we been told that the USA Today publisher Gannett Co.,own the Indy Star, Louisville Journal, Nashville Banner and the Evansville Courier and Press? …hear are a copy of links concerning this issue for your review:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/hedge-fund-backed-media-group-prepares-bid-for-gannett-11547427720
IS IT TRUE here is an article concerning newspaper acquisitions ?
IS IT TRUE yesterday we posted comments concerning a charitable organization named “Funk In The City”? …we have been told that “Funk In The  City” has raised around $200,000 to help the disadvantaged living in the Haynes’s Corner and Center City areas since 2008? …we give five (5) cheers to “Funk In The City” President Ashley Vezzoso Schaefer and her Board of Directors for a job well done?
IS IT TRUE we give five (5) cheers to Holli Sullivan for creating House Bill 1002? Â …this legislation will reallocate funds to proven workforce programs so Hoosiers could increase their certifications, earn stackable credentials and secure high-paying jobs in high-demand fields to meet the changing needs of Indiana employers? … its obvious that State Representative Holli Sullivan understand how to think outside the box?
IS IT TRUE we are hearing that several movers and shakers in the Vanderburgh County Democratic party feel that its time for the At-Large City Council member Jonathan Weaver to publicly announce if he’s going to be a candidate for the Mayor of Evansville? …if Mr. Weaver decides not to run for the Mayor of Evansville we hear that several well qualified people are looking at taking on Mayor Winnecke?
IS IT TRUE that the State of Illinois bet on Video Gaming and lost? …that legalizing video poker and slots was supposed to generate billions of dollars for the State of Illinois but a decade later, that hasn’t happened?  …we are now hearing that Illinois State Legislators want to double down on gambling in that cash poor state? …we hope that the  Kentucky and Indiana State Legislators will take heed when they make amendments to their state gambling laws later on this year?
IS IT TRUE that the White House announced yesterday that President Donald Trump signed a bill providing back pay to federal employees affected by the ongoing partial government shutdown?
IS IT TRUE we can’t wait to read what our most infamous right wing poster Joe Biden will have to say about the above post?
IS IT TRUE to no one surprise Old National Bank CEO Bob Jones will retire after 14 years and current CFO Jim Ryan was named as his successor? Â …we wonder what kind of a “Golden Parachute” will Mr. Jones receive upon his retirement?
IS IT TRUE during the early years, the Veterans Memorial Coliseum was the place where the best entertainment occurred? …this included hosting car shows, the Shrine Circus, and Evansville College used to play its basketball games there?  …once Roberts Stadium was built in the fifties, the Coliseum lost some of its appeal and it closed in 1969?  …the Coliseum was built by the city and was given to Vanderburgh County around this time? …during the waning years of not being in use, the Coliseum deteriorated until the Veterans Council of Vanderburgh County took it over and started to renovated the building?  …we want to thank members of the Veterans Council of Vanderburgh County for saving this historic landmark from the wreaking ball? …we are pleased with the way that Veterans Council of Vanderburgh County Commander Mark Acker and his staff are running this facility on behalf of the taxpayers of this community?  …we would like for anyone that demanded that Commander Acker hand over the keys to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum please go hide under a rock?
Todays“Readers Poll†question is: Do you think that the Republicans will take control of the Evansville City Council in 2019?
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.
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Footnote: City-County Observer Comment Policy. Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will not be tolerated and shall be removed from our site.
Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers.
Gov. Holcomb’s 3rd State of the State Highlights Teacher Pay, Workforce Progress In 2019
Gov. Holcomb’s 3rd State of the State Highlights Teacher Pay, Workforce Progress In 2019
 INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb on Tuesday delivered his 2019 State of the State address to a joint convention of the Indiana General Assembly. While maintaining his focus on five key pillars, the governor’s remarks highlighted his commitment to improving teacher pay and developing a skilled, ready workforce.
Full text of Governor Eric J. Holcomb’s 2019 State of the State address is attached.
“Making the lives of Hoosiers better today while building for the future has been – and will remain – my focus,†Gov. Holcomb said.
As a part of the governor’s effort to make teacher pay competitive with surrounding states, he proposed paying off a pension liability that schools currently pay. This state investment will save all local schools $140 million over the next biennium with continued savings in the years following.
Additionally, Gov. Holcomb announced the creation of the Next Level Teacher Pay Commission – chaired by Hoosier businessman and community leader Michael L. Smith – to identify resources that can be made available to improve teacher compensation and develop a blueprint for implementation read to act on by the 2021 legislative session.
“Once again, Indiana will show the way we solve challenging issues: together,†Gov. Holcomb said.
Gov. Holcomb also celebrated accomplishments and focused on next steps for each of the five pillars outlined in his Next Level Agenda.
Cultivate a strong and diverse economy: Operate within an honestly balanced budget, protect our Triple-A credit rating, and keep 11 percent in reserves.
- Maintain and build the state’s infrastructure: Accelerate I-69 and regional road projects, invest in broadband, and make Indianapolis the Midwest destination for international flights.
- Develop a 21st century skilled and ready workforce: Ensure all Hoosiers have the tools they need to find meaningful work and careers. Expand the Next Level Jobs initiative and help more high school students earn postsecondary credentials before they graduate.
- Strengthen public health and attack the drug epidemic: Adopt recommendations from 2018 school safety report, implement Child Welfare Policy and Practice Group’s recommendations, and improve access to quality treatment, expand recovery housing and provide better services for pregnant women who are substance dependent.
- Deliver great government service: Modernize state government to better serve citizens and businesses, which includes passing bias crimes legislation.
Each year, Indiana’s governor addresses both houses of the state legislature, the state’s Supreme Court Justices, and other state leaders at the beginning of the legislative session in the State of the State Address. It provides an opportunity for the governor to report on the status quo of the state’s affairs, highlight key accomplishments of the past year, and outline key priorities for the year ahead.
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