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Some Vanderburgh Co. Jail inmates will be moved to jails in Ky., Ill., due to overcrowding

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Eighty inmates at the Vanderburgh County Jail will soon be moved to other facilities as the county jail struggles with overcrowding.

The Sheriff’s Office is working on contracts with facilities in Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana that will almost double the number of Vanderburgh County inmates housed in other jails, Sheriff Dave Wedding said Tuesday.

The already crowded jail’s population has grown in the last few months, Wedding said, exceeding 800 people during one weekend last month. The facility is designed to hold about 550.

“We kept thinking that at some point, it would have a stopping point,” Wedding said. “It would eventually come to a certain number and stay static or — we tried to be optimistic — that it would go down.”

Jail officials plan to move the 80 inmates out within the next two weeks, Wedding said Tuesday.

The sheriff and jail staff contacted multiple jails, he said, but most facilities in Indiana could take fewer than 10 inmates at a time. Jefferson County in Illinois and Daviess County in Kentucky will take the majority of the inmates that will soon be moved out of Vanderburgh County, according to Wedding.

“It’s logistically very tough to move everybody around,” he said.

In the “very near future,” Vanderburgh County could have as many as 170 to 200 inmates housed in other jails. That includes 90 inmates already housed elsewhere.

“We’ve been moving them out over quite some time,” Wedding said.

Capt. James Mount, jail administrator in Jefferson County, said the Jefferson County Jail plans to take up to 50 inmates from Vanderburgh County. The facility has housed inmates from other jails before.

The Jefferson County facility, located in Mount Vernon, Illinois, can hold up to 260 inmates. Mount said it will likely have a population of about 180 people even after the Indiana inmates move in.

Wedding estimates that after the move, about half the Vanderburgh County inmates housed in other facilities will be people waiting for trial.

The other half are people convicted of level 6 felonies who are serving their sentence in county jail instead of a state prison. The state reimburses Vanderburgh County $35 per day for sentenced felons, but the county will pay $35 per day out of pocket for pretrial inmates sent to another facility.

IU frat sex assault case proceeds; questions certified to justices

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The Indiana Southern District Court has partially denied summary judgment to an Indiana University fraternity implicated in a campus sexual assault after finding “open issues” in the applicability of Indiana Supreme Court precedent concerning foreseeability in the context of duty.

Chief Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson certified several questions to the Indiana Supreme Court in her Tuesday order in Jane Doe No. 62 v. Delta Tau Delta Beta Alpha Chapter, 1:16-cv-01480, which traces back to the April 2015 sexual assault of an IU student identified as Jane Doe. Doe was attending an event at the Delta Tau Delta fraternity house and had been consuming alcohol before and during the assault.

Doe was seen entering the house with fraternity member John Enochs and later called police to report that Enochs had sexually assaulted her. Enochs eventually pleaded guilty to battery.

Doe also sued the fraternity, alleging four forms of negligence rising from its alleged failure to protect her from the assault. Doe maintained that because the fraternity had been made aware of a previous assault allegedly committed by Enochs — against another student, M.S., in October 2013 — it owed her a duty of care.

DTD, however, maintained that the harm Doe suffered was not foreseeable, so she was owed no duty of care. The fraternity moved for summary judgment on those grounds.

Magnus-Stinson used those arguments to delve into a discussion of Indiana precedent regarding the role foreseeability plays in negligence claims. The most recent Supreme Court discussion of that issue came through two 2016 companion cases, Goodwin v. Yeakle’s Sports Bar & Grill, 62 N.E.3d 384 and Rogers v. Martin, 63 N.E.3d 316. The court in those cases concluded that in the context of duty, “foreseeability is a general threshold determination that involves an evaluation of (1) the broad type of plaintiff and (2) the broad type of harm.”

However, those cases did not make clear what role prior notice or actual knowledge play in the analysis, Magnus-Stinson wrote. She pointed to Hamilton v. Steak ‘n Shake Operations, Inc., 92 N.E.3d 1166 (Ind. Ct. App. March 7, 2018) — which overturned summary judgment for Steak ‘n Shake after employees failed to prevent an escalating conflict that resulted in a patron being shot in the face — as an example of a state case that grapples with those “open questions.” A petition to transfer Hamilton is pending before the Supreme Court

Looking to the instant case, Magnus-Stinson said she would define the broad type of plaintiff as a “female social invitee” and the broad type of harm as “sexual assault.” However, she also said it is not clear how the justices would rule on the question presented here — whether a fraternity chapter owes a duty to protect female social invitees from sexual assault.

“The Court could decide these issues in the first instance, but doing so would deprive the Indiana Supreme Court of the opportunity to address these legal questions in light of the relatively new and unexplored precedent presented by Rogers and Goodwin,” Magnus-Stinson wrote before certifying four questions to the Indiana Supreme Court, including:

• “Under the standard articulated in Rogers and Goodwin, may a court consider the actual knowledge of a defendant in determining the foreseeability of any event in the context of a duty analysis? If so, does it properly do so by framing either the class of plaintiff or the harm in terms of that knowledge?”

• “Under Indiana law, does a fraternity owe a duty to a female social invitee to protect her from sexual assault by a member of the fraternity during a fraternity-sponsored event?”

• “Does the analysis change where there is evidence that prior to the event some fraternity members were told by a third party that the fraternity member had on an earlier occasion sexually assaulted a female?”

• “Is the analysis impacted by evidence that the female social invitee may have been under the influence of alcohol, most of which was consumed off premises, at the time of the sexual assault?”

Given that certification, the district court denied Delta Tau Delta’s motions for summary judgment on Doe’s claim of premises liability negligence, general negligence, and willful, wanton and reckless misconduct, but without prejudice to further argument after Indiana Supreme Court review. However, the chief judge granted summary judgment on Doe’s negligent retention and supervision claim because there is no legal basis to extend employer-employee duty to the context of a fraternity chapter and its members.

BREAKING NEWS: STEVE HAMMER RESPONDS TO GOP CHAIRMAN WAYNE PARKE’S E-MAILS

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Open Letter to VCRP County Committee And Elected Republican Officials From County Commission Candidate Steve Hammer

Yesterday, Vanderburgh County Chairman Wayne Parke released an email to the whole of the Vanderburgh County Republican Party concerning the race for Commissioner.  It merits a response.

Without doubt, Chairman Parke is not only acting outside of the boundaries of authority given to County Party Chairs; he has, in effect, slandered my campaign without providing proof or context of the matter at hand.  To act in this manner just weeks before an election is beyond the pale and cannot be allowed to stand.

Let me directly address the issue.  One of my volunteers, while making calls to voters in Vanderburgh County, made the claim that members of the party were supporting my campaign.  While this is an absolutely true statement, he unwittingly led people to believe that the party was endorsing me.  I had no knowledge this language was being used and had previously provided my volunteers with general scripts that did not include any such language.  

The issue was brought to the attention to the Indiana Republican Party, which provides the call program to all candidates.  After they investigated the matter, spoke with the volunteer, and to Chairman Parke, they concluded the matter was a non-issue and that our campaign had done nothing wrong.  I am eternally grateful for those who come forward to make calls on my behalf.  They are not perfect people and make mistakes.  I accept the responsibility for the mistake and I have asked all my volunteers to be more careful in the future.

The real issue here is not the phone calls from my campaign.  The real issue is that Chairman Parke believes he has the power to pick the Candidate for the Republican Party.  I complained to Chairman Parke several weeks ago about his using the Vanderburgh County Republican Party’s Facebook account to actively support one candidate while excluding the other two.  This was met with his assertion that he has every right to endorse whichever candidate he wishes.  Obviously this includes using Party resources to do it.

Chairman Parke also used misleading information in his email he forwarded to the County Committee.  He implied that “a State Party Official has verified” his claim that I had lied about making the endorsement calls.  That is, in itself, a total fabrication.  I told the Chairman that I didn’t know of any such activity and would look into it.  The Party Official wasn’t verifying Parke’s claim; he was verifying mine.  We did look into the issue AND corrected it.  Chairman Parke then used this falsehood as the basis to remove me as a Precinct Committeeman and take away my access to voter data.

Throughout this campaign the three candidates for Commissioner have maintained a good relationship with each other.  It has been a positive campaign and I thank the other two for their commitment to decency.  That being said, rigged primary elections are the things associated with the Democratic Party–not the Republican Party.  It is up to the Chairman to ensure all three candidates have equal access to voter outreach tools.  By removing my access, he is trying to force me out of this race.  I can assure you, I’m in this to win.

I’m not a politician.  I do not partake in dirty political tricks, closed door gossiping, or middle school-level backstabbing.  I did not get into this race to play political games.  Make no mistake: these tactics will not stop me from delivering my message of economic growth, local conservative values, and dedication to The People – not the party.  I believe in the Integrity of public service and I hope to serve this community honestly and honorably.  I’m running for you, the citizens of Vanderburgh County.

I am asking the County Committee for two things:  first, your commitment to fairness in this election and to uphold the integrity of the process; second, I’m calling for Chairman Parke’s resignation or removal.  

I thank you for allowing me a response to this unfortunate issue, and I look forward to engaging each of you on this matter.

Sincerely,

Steve Hammer

Candidate For Vanderburgh County  Commissioner

Promotions on tap as UE softball plays SIU

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Three games to be played this weekend

UE Softball Schedule and Team

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Home play comes to an end this weekend as the University of Evansville softball team will play host to Southern Illinois at Cooper Stadium.  A doubleheader on Saturday begins at noon with Sunday’s series finale beginning at 11 a.m.

Saturday will mark Alumni Day and Senior Day with UE outfielder Brittany Hay being recognized; the first 250 fans will receive a 3/4 sleeve Purple Aces t-shirt along with a special cup.

Evansville took on Indiana State at Cooper Stadium on Wednesday, falling by a final of 6-1.  Eryn Gould picked up three hits in the game while raising her batting average to .380; she also scored the run for the Aces.  Lindsay Renneisen went 1-3 with a walk while Elyse Hickey recorded an RBI.

Last weekend, UE picked up the series win at Valparaiso, taking two out of three games.  Morgan Florey led the squad to a 2-0 shutout in the series opener before finishing with a 3-2 win on Sunday; she had 26 strikeouts in the two contests.  She also got it going at the plate, batting .44 (4/9) in the 3-game set while Gould and Toni Galas each checked in hitting .400.

Florey has enjoyed a record-breaking season for the Aces as her 253 strikeouts is 37 ahead of the program record; she also has a total of 661 in her career and is now 19th in MVC history.  Also pitching well in the circle has been Ashleigh Downing, who has allowed just one earned run in her last eight innings.

Three more hits in four at-bats saw Eryn Gould raise her season average back up to .380.  Over the course of an 8-game hit streak, the Mt. Carmel, Ill. product has batted .500, registering 14 hits in 28 at-bats.  Last week, she opened up in style, going 3-4 with a run scored at Indiana State; game two against the Sycamores saw her go 1-3 while adding two runs and a walk.

Southern Illinois comes to Evansville with a 24-20 mark and are 7-11 in their 18 league games.  Maddy Vermejan leads the Salukis with a .376 batting average.  Katelyn Massa paces SIU with 9 homers and 44 runs batted in.  Brianna Jones has gotten the job done in the circle, picking up 20 victories while standing with a 2.35 ERA.

-       INFO: For all of the latest information on University of Evansville softball, log on to the sport page on GoPurpleAces.com or follow the program on Twitter via @UEAthletics_SB.

-       DONATE: For information on giving to UE Athletics or its individual athletics programs, visit the DONATE tab on the top of GoPurpleAces.com.

-       TICKETS: To purchase tickets for University of Evansville athletics events, log on to GoPurpleAces.com and click on the TICKETS tab on top of the page

-www.GoPurpleAces.com-

BREAKING NEWS: GOP CHAIRMAN PARKE NO LONGER CONSIDERS STEVE HAMMER AS A CANDIDATE FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER

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E-MAIL SENT TO COUNTY COMMISSION CANDIDATE STEVE HAMMER BY VANDERBURGH COUNTY GOP CHAIRMAN WAYNE PARKE

Steve

As you know, I as Chairman of the Republican Party has not endorsed anyone in this Primary election. I could/can endorse, but I have not.

Today, a State Republican Party official has verified to me, your campaign phone bank in fact made a call to a Republican voter where it was stated you had the endorsement of the VCRP for County Commissioner. This message was recorded by a phone answering machine. I previously discussed this matter with you, and you stated to me that did not happen— when in fact I found out today– it did happen.

I heard you state you had the endorsement of the Chamber of Commerce. Today, I learned the Chamber of Commerce has not endorsed you either.

What have I stated above that is not correct?

Wayne Parke

Chairman VCRP

wparke@wowway.com or Cell: 812-455-1685

EMAIL SENT TO STEVE HAMMER CONCERNING WAYNE PARKE REASONS FOR NOT SUPPORTING HIM FOR COUNTY Commissioner  

Steve—Because of your actions or lack thereof, after a lot of deliberation over the past 24 hours, as VCRP Chairman, I no longer support you in your race for County Commissioner. I have decided to do the following:

1)    See attachment: I have signed the document immediately removing you as a VCRP PC.

2)    Your campaign material/information will no longer be put on the VCRP Facebook, the VCRP “In The Know” Blast, VCRP Website, etc.

3)    I have requested the State GOP stop giving you access to the State Republican candidate “call list” program.

As for as I am concerned, we have two good candidates for Vanderburgh County Commissioner—Mike Duckworth and Vernon Stevens.

Wayne Parke

Chairman VCRP

wparke@wowway.com or Cell: 812-455-1685

FOOTNOTE: The attached e-mails were sent to about 100 plus people earlier this morning.  Mr. Parke didn’t send this information to the City County Observer.  However, we are pleased and complimented that around 25 plus loyal Republicans sent these e-mail to us in hopes that we publish them.

It’s important to point out that this isn’t the only time that Mr. Parkes has sent similar e-mails to other loyal and dedicated appointed and elected GOP offices holders.

We contacted Mr. Hammers campaign Chairman and was told that County Commission candidate Steve Hammer will have an official written response to GOP Chairman Wayne Parkes e-mails later today.

We’ve been told by several GOP workers and office holders that Wayne Parke actions towards County Commission candidate Steve Hammer has started serious discussions for Mr. Parkes removal as the Vanderburgh County Chairman.

This is a developing story.

 

Wesselman Woods to Visit Oak Hill School

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Monday, April 30
8:20 a.m.
Oak Hill School, 7700 Oak Hill Rd. 
Raising money and giving back to the community certainly has its rewards. On Monday, students at Oak Hill School will experience first-hand what it feels like to give. For the past several weeks, students at Oak Hill – lead by the first grade classrooms – have been collecting money for Wesselman Woods’ Playscape, a 3-acre park that allows children to interact with nature that will open May 26. Through a school-wide fundraiser, students collected more than $3,000 that they will present to Wesselman Woods on Monday.
And, as a thank you to students, the top two classrooms who raised the most money will get a special visit from animals from Wesselmans. Wesselmans will bring turtles, snakes, lizards and more to the two classrooms for students to interact with and ask questions about.
According to first grade teacher Jane Elgin, the fundraising effort aligned perfectly with first grade curriculum: including persuasive writing, counting money, communicating and revising speeches and more. The students also took time to create print media, posters and instructions on collecting coins and outlined job and leadership descriptions for different tasks that needed to be completed.

Wanted Violent Felon Rams Sheriff’s Office Cruiser

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DATE: Thursday, April 26, 2018
SUBJECT: Wanted Violent Felon Rams Sheriff’s Office Cruiser
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-NR-020
CONTACT: Lt. Noah Robinson
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Dave Wedding

A Gary, Indiana man being sought on a probation violation warrant is in custody and facing new charges after ramming a Sheriff’s Office cruiser in an attempt to escape arrest this morning.

On Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 9:39 AM Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Evansville Police Department officers assigned to the Joint Drug Task Force stopped a white Chevrolet Suburban for a traffic violation. The vehicle pulled into a gas station at E. Morgan Avenue and Boeke Road.

Officers knew that the vehicle was associated with Mr. Rashad Thompson, a violent felon wanted for violating the terms of his probation. Mr. Thompson was on probation stemming from a 2016 arrest for Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Disarming a Law Enforcement Officer, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Resisting Law Enforcement and Escape from Custody.

An officer and a deputy approached the stopped vehicle and made contact with the driver, who was later identified as Mr. Thompson. Thompson initially gave a false name and then refused to exit his vehicle. Mr. Thompson locked the doors and rolled up all the windows. Mr. Thompson then put the vehicle into reverse and began backing up. A sheriff’s deputy quickly positioned his vehicle next to the Suburban to prevent Thompson from exiting the parking lot. Thompson then rammed the side of the sheriff’s office vehicle. A civilian bystander then stopped his vehicle in Thompson`s path. Sheriff’s deputies were then able break the windows of the Suburban and remove Thompson from the vehicle with the assistance of Evansville Police officers.

The Sheriff’s Office transported Mr. Thompson to the Vanderburgh County Jail, where he remains held without bond. In addition to his local charges, Mr. Thompson is being held on a Daviess County, Kentucky District Court warrant for 1st Degree Assault.

Rashad Lamar Thompson (pictured above), 31, of Gary. Resisting Law Enforcement as a Level 6 Felony, Resisting Law Enforcement as a Class A Misdemeanor, False Informing as a Class A Misdemeanor, Criminal Recklessness as a Class A Misdemeanor.

Pictured above: Crash scene at 2401 E Morgan Avenue.

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.

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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

EPD ACTIVITY REPORT

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EPD REPORT

“READERS FORUM” APRIL 27, 2018

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We hope that today’s “Readers Forum” 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?

HERE IS WHATS ON OUR MIND TODAY?

In the private sector when a person is accused of illegally taking funds from an existing business to pay personal debts, your arrested for misappropriation of funds.

In Evansville when a person is working at a non-profit business and is accused of illegally taking funds from an existing non-profit business to pay personal debts you’re let go and the former employer wishes you well.

WHATS ON YOUR MIND TODAY?

Todays “Readers Poll” question is: Do you that you are better off today than last year?

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.

If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us CityCountyObserver@live.com.

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