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?

Methodist board will vote today on Deaconess deal. Methodist board has never had a full reading of the agreement and the general board has no idea of the actual content of the deal they have only been given a slide presentation by Deaconess of the points Deaconess felt they needed to know
They do not know if it is an affiliation a merger I’ll buy out or a lopsided management arrangement where deaconess it holds all the power
ZFTC has had additional complaints filed against this deal unknown if they will take action

The attorney general for Kentucky has been contacting do not know if they will take action

IS IT TRUE many times during the week we post pictures of individuals that have been arrested for shoplifting by local law enforcement?  … that everyone that has been arrested for shoplifting spends at least one night in the slammer until they are bonded out?

IS IT TRUE in the private sector when a person is accused of taking funds from an existing business to pay personal debts its called embezzlement or misappropriations?  …in Evansville when a person is working in the public sector is accused of taking funds from an existing non-profit business to pay personal debts it’s called “we never file an official police report?…as of yesterday, the Evansville Police department told Channel 44 news that there is no criminal investigation into the former Executive Directors of ECHO Housing alleged financial misappropriations at this time?

IS IT TRUE for those in doubt, Indiana is unique and Misappropriation of Funds or Embezzlement is called what it is, theft. 35-43-4-2, a person commits theft when he or she “knowingly or intentionally” exerts “unauthorized control” over another person’s property with the intent to deprive the other person of the value of the property

IS IT TRUE it was recently reported by the Evansville Courier and Press that Stephanie TenBarge, the Executive Director of the ECHO Housing, left the agency abruptly last week?  …according to a statement released to the Evansville Courier and Press by an employee of the non-profit housing development organization that they “wish Ms.TenBarge the best in the future”?  …the Courier and Press also reported that the acting Director of ECHO Housing is not available to comment on this issue?  …that the ECHO Housing Inc. receives many millions of dollars from Federal, State, and local governmental agencies?

IS IT TRUE  it was reported that the former Executive Director of ECHO Housing Stephanie TenBarge used funds from the agency to pay her personal property taxes? ..ECHO Housing attorney Scott Wylie told the Courier and Press that the former Executive Director Stephanie TenBarge used ECHO funds to pay her personal property taxes?  …it was reported that TenBarge used ECHO money to pay the taxes for three (3) of her personal properties in November 2017, May 2017 and November 2016?

IS IT TRUE that ECHO Housing attorney Scott Wylie alleges that “all donor funds that have come to ECHO have been accounted for”?  …we wonder if ECHO attorney Wylie did a forensic audit of all the funds earmarked and collected on the 66 properties that ECHO owns in Evansville; the proposed $6.1 million dollars 27-unit homeless housing complex; the $8 million dollars 44 unit Garfield Commons project scheduled to open in a couple of months?  … also wonder if attorney Scott Wylie alleged financial review included the payroll and travel vouchers of the former Executive Director during the last 3 years?

IS IT TRUE the City-County Observer request that the ECHO Housing attorney and members of the ECHO Board of Directors to immediately file a police report concerning the misappropriation of agency funds that will allow the Indiana State Police to conduct a full investigation? …if the ECHO Housing authorities don’t, we respectfully suggest that members of the Evansville City Council do so? …we are told that the public is concerned that there could have been further misappropriation of ECHO funds? …if the Indiana State Police agrees to do an investigation of the possibility of additional misappropriations of the ECHO agency funds they should turn their findings over to the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor and the US Attorney’s office so they can determine if criminal charges are warranted?

IS IT TRUE that the Evansville Courier and Press reported that the city will continue funding ECHO Housing Corp. following the discovery that its former director used the nonprofit’s money to pay her personal property taxes?  …“ECHO Housing is an important partner for the Department of Metropolitan Development,” said Kelley Coures, DMD’s director? …Courses also stated that  “We’re going to continue without missing a beat. We’re going to support ECHO just the same as we always have?” …that Mr. Courses  also told the Courier and Press that “We combed through all of our grant programs and all the money that we run through ECHO, “We are 100 percent confident that ECHO used all our fund’s property?” …we find it interesting that Mr. Coures told the Courier and Press  “that he did not know what funding source TenBarge used to pay her personal property taxes?”

IS IT TRUE  we did an extensive search to locate a list of current ECHO Board of Directors members but couldn’t find any?  …can anyone help us to identify the current members of the ECHO Housing Board Of Directors?

IS IT TRUE according to the Vanderburgh Co. Department of Health that Indiana has the worst infant mortality rate in the Midwest and that 7 out of 1,000 babies die before their first year in Southwestern Indiana?  …the Vanderburgh Co Health Department initiated a program Pre to 3 to address the risks to infants and giving information and support to mom?   …one of the initiatives in the program is a new commercial of local participants that calls moms to seek support?   …the commercial offers the community the chance to help through donations of children’s items, a welcome opportunity for us to show our support of mom and her baby?   …you can check it out at by clicking the following link:
https://youtu.be/cRhlIWXd9dk

IS IT TRUE that both St Vincents and Deaconess Hospitals are part of an important data gathering effort to learn more about Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome  (NAS)?   …that NAS is when a baby is born dependent on drugs (mostly opioids) due to mom’s substance abuse?  …the Commission on the Improvement of Children (CISC) has on its website a factual explanation of infant mortality, including an explanation of the survey our hospitals have volunteered to participate?  …attached is the link to the CISC for your review?
http://www.in.gov/children/files/cisc-2017-1108-pp.pdf

Todays “Readers Poll” question is: Do you feel that a police report should have been filed concerning the misappropriation of ECHO Housing funds in order to allow the Indiana State Police to conduct a full investigation?

Please take time and read our articles entitled “STATEHOUSE Files, CHANNEL 44 NEWS, LAW ENFORCEMENT, READERS POLL, BIRTHDAYS, HOT JOBS” and “LOCAL SPORTS”.  You now are able to subscribe to get the CCO daily.

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Copyright 2015 City-County Observer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Kit Kat is a female torbie (brown tabby + tortie.) She lived in foster care with her kittens at the home of a VHS staff member for months. She’s just a year old and ready for a home of her own now. She’s very sweet. Her adoption fee is $40 and she’s already spayed, microchipped, and vaccinated. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 for adoption details!

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — The Courier & Press compiled a searchable database of local public employee salaries from 2017 using state records.

The database features more than 12,000 people who were listed on payroll records for local government units, including city of Evansville, Vanderburgh County, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. and more.

Taxpayers paid for $313 million to local public employees in 2017.

Here are the 111 local government employees who made more than $100,000 in 2017 ranked by salary (name, office, position, municipality, salary):

1. Linda L. Bennett – President’s Office, President, University of Southern Indiana – $294,919
2. David B. Smith – Administration, Superintendent, EVSC – $241,787
3. Ronald S. Rochon – Provost’s Office, Provost, University of Southern Indiana – $221,824
4. Jonathan D. Weinzapfel – Chancellor Office, Chancellor, Ivy Tech – $214,516
5. Steven J. Bridges – Finance and Administration, VP for Finance & Admin, University of Southern Indiana – $196,410
6. Mohammed Khayum – Romain College of Business, Dean Coll of Business, University of Southern Indiana – $174,592
7. Cynthia S. Brinker – Government Relations, VP for Govt & Univ Relations, University of Southern Indiana – $173,844
8. Ann H. White – College of Nursing & Health Prof, Dean Coll of Nurs & Hlth Prof, University of Southern Indiana – $167,237
9. Zane W. Mitchell – College of Science Engineer & Educ, Dean Pott Coll of Sci,Engin&Ed, University of Southern Indiana – $161,700
10. Derrick Moore – Evansville Housing Authority, Chief Executive Officer, Evansville Housing Authority – $156,239
11.  James M. Beeby – College of Liberal Arts, Dean Coll of Liberal Arts, University of Southern Indiana – $151,110
12. Wayne S. Trockman – Supreme Court, Superior Court Judge – $147,840
13. Brian L. McGuire – Accounting and Finance, Prof of Acctg, University of Southern Indiana – $147,270
14. Andrew W. Wright – Enrollment Management, VP of Enrollment Mgmt, University of Southern Indiana – $147,270
15. Richard George D’Amour – Supreme Court, Superior Court Judge – $147,217
16. Brett J. Niemeier – Supreme Court, Superior Court Judge – $147,217
17. Robert J. Pigman – Supreme Court, Superior Court Judge – $147,217
18. Leslie C. Shively – Supreme Court, Superior Court Judge – $147,217
19. Robert J. Tornatta – Supreme Court, Superior Court Judge – $147,217
20. Mary M. Parkinson (LLoyd) – Supreme Court, Superior Court Judge – $147,217
21. Nicholas G. Hermann – Supreme Court, Vanderburgh County Prosecutor – $147,217
22. Stephen H. Owens – Public Def, Vanderburgh County – $146,311
23. Robert K. Spear – Health Dep, Vanderburgh County – $145,954
24. Mark C. Bernhard – Outreach & Engagement, Assoc Provost for Outr/Engage, University of Southern Indiana – $144,950
25. Marcia K. Kiessling – Student Affairs, Assoc Provost, Student Affairs, University of Southern Indiana – $142,815
26. Kevin G. Celuch – Economics and Marketing, Prof of Mktg, University of Southern Indiana – $140,281
27. Richard J. Toeniskoetter – Administrative Technology Services, Chief Info Officer, University of Southern Indiana – $139,025
28. Shelly B. Blunt – Provost’s Office, Assoc Provost, Acad Affairs, University of Southern Indiana – $131,765
29. Mark A. McKnight – Accounting and Finance, Assoc Prof of Acctg, University of Southern Indiana – $131,548
30. David L. Wedding – Sheriff, Vanderburgh County – $129,653
31. Velinda F. Stubbs – Administration, Dept Supt Of Teaching & Learn, EVSC – $127,123
32. Catherine M. Minihan – Administration, Associate Superintendent, EVSC – $126,923
33. Richard P. Cameron – Administration, Chief Of Staff, EVSC – $126,743
34. Regene I. Newman – Director of Finance, Prosecutor’s Office, Vanderburgh County – $126,392
35. Abbas Foroughi – Management and Information Sciences, Prof of Comp Info Sys, University of Southern Indiana – $125,168
36. Cathlin S. Gray – Center For Family/School/Comm, Associate Superintendent, EVSC – $125,045
37. Mayola Rowser – Graduate Studies, Dir, Grad Studies, University of Southern Indiana – $124,818
38. Mark Uhrin – Computer Services, CIO, Evansville – $123,623
39. Mary A. Hupfer – Finance and Administration, Assoc VP for Finance & Admin, University of Southern Indiana – $120,864
40. Paul A. Kuban – Engineering, Prof of Engin, University of Southern Indiana – $119,993
41. David A. Bower – Development, VP for Development, University of Southern Indiana – $119,583
42. Craig R. Ehlen – Accounting and Finance, Prof of Acctg, University of Southern Indiana – $119,125
43. Alisha M. Aman – Exec Director of Admin Office, EDA-Evansville/Terre Haute, Ivy Tech – $117,221
44. Marna M. Hostetler – David L Rice Library, Dir of Library, University of Southern Indiana – $116,312
45. Kindra L. Strupp – University Relations, Assoc VP, Mktg & Comm, University of Southern Indiana – $115,500
46. Khaled Elkhal – Accounting and Finance, Assoc Prof of Finance, University of Southern Indiana – $115,151
47. Sang T. Choe – Economics and Marketing, Prof of Mktg, University of Southern Indiana – $115,037
48. Jong C. Rhim – Accounting and Finance, Prof of Finance, University of Southern Indiana – $114,341
49. Chad M. Milewicz – Economics and Marketing, Assoc Prof of Mktg, University of Southern Indiana – $114,095
50.  James E. Wolfe – Facility Operations and Planning, Dir, Facil Oper & Planning, University of Southern Indiana – $112,919
51. Manfen W. Chen – Accounting and Finance, Assoc Prof of Finance, University of Southern Indiana – $112,762
52. Andrew T. Dill – Accounting and Finance, Asst Prof of Acctg, University of Southern Indiana – $112,438
53. John E. Smothers – Management and Information Sciences, Asst Prof of Mgmt, University of Southern Indiana – $112,022
54. William D. Rector – EVCBA, Gen Mgr, Evansville – $111,458
55. Andrew R. Lenhardt – Human Resources, Exec Dir, Human Resources, University of Southern Indiana – $111,325
56. Mellisa A. Hall – Nursing, Assoc Prof of Nursing, University of Southern Indiana – $111,319
57. Timothy J. Schibik – Economics and Marketing, Prof of Econ, University of Southern Indiana – $111,252
58. Sudesh N. Mujumdar – Economics and Marketing, Prof of Econ, University of Southern Indiana – $111,012
59. Nichole E. Alcorn – Administration, Dir Of Exceptional Learners, EVSC – $110,710
60. John D. Stoll – County Hwy, Vanderburgh County – $109,999
61. Ernest H. Hall – Management and Information Sciences, Prof of Mgmt, University of Southern Indiana – $109,791
62. Kelly A. Cozart – Vice Chanc Academic Affairs Off, Vice Chanc Acad Affrs, Ivy Tech – $109,292
63. Cynthia M. Landrum – Admin, Chief Executive Officer-Director, Evansville-Vanderburgh Public Library – $108,840
64. Roberta E. Hoebeke – Nursing, Prof of Nursing, University of Southern Indiana – $108,838
65. Paul H. Anslinger – Evansville Fire Dept, Assistant Fire Chief, Evansville – $108,686
66. Darla Hoover – Administration, Dir Of Hs Sup,Curr,& Asses, EVSC – $108,597
67. Timothy Martin – Evansville Housing Authority, Director Of Operations, Evansville Housing Authority – $108,362
68. Allen R. Mounts – Water & Sewer Admin, Director Of Utility, Evansville – $108,232
69. Michael A. Owen – Administration, Athletic Director, EVSC – $107,974
70. Jon M. Hall – Athletics Administration, Athletic Director, University of Southern Indiana – $107,890
71. Carl D. Underwood – Administration, Chief Financial Officer, EVSC – $107,457
72. Kenneth L. Shemroske – Management and Information Sciences, Assoc Prof of Comp Info Sys, University of Southern Indiana – $106,915
73. Julie L .McCullough – Food and Nutrition, Assoc Prof of Nutrition, University of Southern Indiana – $106,537
74. Dinko Bacic – Management and Information Sciences, Asst Prof of Comp Info Sys, University of Southern Indiana – $106,478
75. Peggy O. Shields – Economics and Marketing, Assoc Prof of Mktg, University of Southern Indiana – $105,603
76. Samuel B. Rush – Dean of Students, Dean of Students, University of Southern Indiana – $105,510
77. Elizabeth S. Wells – Harrison High, High School Principal, EVSC – $105,098
78. John Skinner – North High, High School Principal, EVSC – $104,943
79. Gary W. Black – Economics and Marketing, Assoc Prof of Decision Sci, University of Southern Indiana – $104,833
80. Bryan A. Perry – Administration, Director Of School Support, EVSC – $104,775
81. Jason Fertig – Management and Information Sciences, Assoc Prof of Mgmt, University of Southern Indiana – $104,586
82. Jennifer J. Williams – Management and Information Sciences, Prof of Comp Info Sys, University of Southern Indiana$ – 104,578
83. David K. Stclair – Southern In Career/Tech Ctr, Dir Career/Tech Education, EVSC – $104,178
84. Richard C. Howard – Evansville Fire Dept, Fire Investigator, Evansville – $104,012
85. Sheila L. Huff – Bosse High, High School Principal, EVSC – $103,687
86. Eric Kremer – Evansville Housing Authority, Director Of Finance, Evansville Housing Authority – $103,406
87. Jason M. Woebkenberg – Administration, Chief Communications Officer, EVSC – $103,282
88. Katherine A. Draughon – Planning, Research, & Assessment, Chief Data Officer, University of Southern Indiana – $103,187
89. Jacqueline Kuhn – Administration, Director Of School Support, EVSC – $103,177
90. Audra L. Offutt – Administration, Director Of School Support, EVSC – $102,954
91. Michael R. Ward – Police Dept, Police Corporal, Evansville – $102,909
92. Deborah K. Debaillie – Administration, Chief Human Resources Officer, EVSC – $102,811
93. Andrea D. Campbell – Central High, High School Principal, EVSC – $102,805
94. Sharlett K. Gillard – Management and Information Sciences, Prof of Comp Info Sys, University of Southern Indiana – $102,709
95. Carrie A. Hillyard – Administration, Chief Transformation Officer, EVSC – $102,657
96. Tamara L. Dexter – Administration, Director Of School Support, EVSC – $102,629
97. Todd S. Slagle – Administration, Director Of School Support, EVSC – $102,629
98. Elizabeth C. Carnahan – Reitz High, High School Principal, EVSC – $102,539
99. Michael D. Dixon – History, Prof of History, University of Southern Indiana – $102,192
100. Deborah L. Anderson - Vice Chanc Student Success Off, Vice Chancellor Stdnt Success, Ivy Tech – $102,149
101. Sherri K. Flynn - Business Admin Conversion, Associate Professor Dept Chair, Ivy Tech – $101,929
102. Paul D. Odney - Liberal Arts Sci School Office, Dean/ Assistant Professor, Ivy Tech – $101,756
103. Gongjun Yan – Management and Information Sciences, Asst Prof of Comp Sci, University of Southern Indiana – $101,422
104. Stacy L. Mauser – Technology Innovation Center, Chief Technology Officer, EVSC – $101,383
105. Seyed M. Shokouhzadeh – Evansville Metropolitan Planning Organization, Executive Director, Evansville – $101,362
106. Jeffrey M. Sickman – Business Office, Controller, University of Southern Indiana – $101,149
107. Timothy B. Mahoney – Economics and Marketing, Instr in Econ, University of Southern Indiana – $100,903
108. Carl L. Saxby – Economics and Marketing, Assoc Prof of Mktg, University of Southern Indiana – $100,804
109. Rodney J. Watson – Athletics Administration, Mens Varsity Basketball Coach, University of Southern Indiana – $100,749
110. Lloyd W. Winnecke – Mayor’s Office, Mayor, Evansville – $100,533
111. Billy R. Bolin – Police Dept, Police Chief, Evansville – $100,072

Mobile readers: Check out the complete database

Food: How do Evansville’s gas station fried chicken joints rank?

Bitsy is a female black cat. She is one of the VHS’ longest residents, waiting on a home since JULY – she had her kittens shortly after arriving at VHS and raised them in foster care. Now they’ve all been adopted and hopefully it’s her turn soon. Her adoption fee is $40 and includes her microchip, vaccines, and spay surgery. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 for adoption details!