Aaron Samuels – Aaron is a 3-month-old male Lionhead bunny from the “Mean Girls†litter. He has several brothers & sisters up for adoption too, and all of them are currently partially or fully litter-trained! His $40 adoption fee  includes his neuter & microchip, which is over a $175 value. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 for details!
Â
Early this morning at approximately 1:30, Trooper Widner was patrolling US 41 near Veterans Memorial Parkway when he observed the driver of a 2000 Nissan following another vehicle too closely and failing to signal while merging onto I-69. The driver was identified as Lisa E. Douglas, 37, of Chandler. Douglas also had her one-year-old daughter in the vehicle with her. While conducting the traffic stop, Trooper Widner located a plastic bag containing heroin, a hypodermic needle containing heroin, methadone and drug paraphernalia. She was arrested and taken to the Vanderburgh County Jail where she is currently being held on bond. Her daughter was released to a family member.
Arrested and Charges:
ndiana Conservation Officers responded to a call of an overdue hiker in the Hoosier National Forest late Monday night. A 19 year-old male was located along the Springs Valley trail, outside of French Lick, after nearly 12 hours of searching.
The hiker’s father became concerned after his son left for a hike on Saturday, and failed to return on Monday. Indiana Conservation Officers, Hoosier National Forest personnel, and members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department initiated a search just after 10:00 last night.
Officers searched with K-9 units and ATVs late into the night with no success. After resuming the search at daylight with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), an Indiana Conservation Officer located the hiker, who was clad in a tank top and shorts, along the trail. Though exhausted, the man was otherwise in good condition, and had a tearful reunion with his father.
Indiana Conservation Officers strongly encourage all hikers to be prepared when taking to the woods. In addition to a cell phone, necessary items should include a current map of the trails, compass, first aid kit, flashlight, and extra food and water.
 Below are the felony cases to be filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office today.
Jhanaie S. Wickware: Assisting a criminal (Level 5 Felony)
Keshea Alexandria Lee Johnson: Assisting a criminal (Level 5 Felony)
James Steven Roberts: Possession of a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Level 6 Felony), Public intoxication (Class B misdemeanor)
George James Robertson: Possession of a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Level 6 Felony), Dealing in a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Level 6 Felony), Dealing in a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Level 6 Felony)
Trudy C. Hendrix: Dealing in a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Level 6 Felony), Maintaining a common nuisance – controlled substances (Level 6 Felony)
Bryan Ray Duncan: Unlawful possession or use of a legend drug (Level 6 Felony)
Danielle Nicole Burress: Dealing in marijuana (Level 6 Felony)
Trevon Brown: Dealing in marijuana (Level 6 Felony)
Austin Michael French: Dealing in a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a narcotic drug (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a narcotic drug (Level 6 Felony), Maintaining a common nuisance – controlled substances (Level 6 Felony), Operating a motor vehicle without ever receiving a license (Class A misdemeanor)
Tiffany N. Fraser: Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony)
Franoties Lequinn Starks: Attempt Residential entry (Level 6 Felony), Intimidation (Level 6 Felony), Attempt Obstruction of justice (Level 6 Felony), Cri
Chance Allen Miller: Conspiracy Dealing in a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Level 6 Felony), Dealing in a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Level 6 Felony), Maintaining a common nuisance – controlled substances (Level 6 Felony)
Kenneth Eugene McNear: Conspiracy Dealing in a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Level 6 Felony), Maintaining a common nuisance – controlled substances (Level 6 Felony)
Joseph A. Copeland: Residential entry (Level 6 Felony), Residential entry (Level 6 Felony), Sexual battery (Level 6 Felony), Dealing in a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Level 6 Felony), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor)
Dustin R. Vacha: Possession of a narcotic drug (Level 6 Felony), Public intoxication (Class B misdemeanor)
James Douglas Woolfolk: Intimidation (Level 6 Felony)
Keela Ann Kerney: Possession of a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Level 6 Felony)
Michael Lee Blankenship Jr.:Â Possession of a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Level 6 Felony)
Loretta J. Stephens: Conspiracy Dealing in a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Level 6 Felony), Maintaining a common nuisance – controlled substances (Level 6 Felony)
Jessica Lynn Gatlin: Assisting a criminal (Level 5 Felony), Conspiracy Obstruction of justice (Level 6 Felony), Obstruction of justice (Level 6 Felony)
Eugene Owen Johnson: Criminal confinement (Level 3 Felony), Criminal confinement (Level 3 Felony), Intimidation (Level 5 Felony), Domestic battery (
The Evansville Otters signed left-handed pitcher Nathan Foriest, shortstop Toby Thomas and outfielder and third baseman Travis Harrison.
Foriest, a Kingston Springs, Tenn. native, arrives in Evansville after playing affiliated baseball in the San Diego Padres organization from 2015-16.
“He has been throwing in some affiliated team tryouts and we’ve heard good things about him,†Otters manager Andy McCauley said. “Nathan will be competing for a starting job but he could also be an effective left-handed option out of the bullpen.â€
Splitting time between Fort Wayne and Tri-City in 2016, Foriest went 1-1 with a 3.67 ERA in 25 games and 34 1/3 innings. He also struck out 45 batters.
In two seasons playing affiliated baseball, Foriest was 3-1 with a 2.91 ERA.
Foriest played for Middle Tennessee State University before being drafted in the 35th round of the MLB Amateur Draft by the Padres in 2015.
Thomas, a Mobile, Ala. native, played in the Chicago White Sox organization from 2013-17 after being drafted in the 21st round out of Pensacola Junior College.
He saw time in Bristol, Kannapolis, Great Falls, Winston-Salem and Birmingham during his five seasons. In his professional career, Thomas has appeared in 413 games and he batted .263 with 21 home runs and 165 RBIs.
“Toby is coming off two really good seasons with the White Sox,†McCauley said. “I believe if he is given the chance to play everyday again he can get another shot at organizational ball.
“Toby will be starting in our middle infield and I expect him to be hitting at the top of the order.â€
Harrison, a Tustin, Calif. native, was drafted in the first round of the 2011 draft by the Minnesota Twins organization out of Tustin High School.
In six seasons with the Twins, Harrison batted .245 with 38 home runs and 277 RBIs. He appeared in 636 games, splitting time between Elizabethton, Cedar Rapids, Fort Myers and Chattanooga from 2012-17.
“I’m really excited to see Travis in Evansville because he came highly recommended by a scout I trust,†McCauley said. “Travis has worked with Rob Watson previously in his career and that relationship was crucial to his signing.â€
Evansville will celebrate Bosse Field’s Opening Night May 11 against the Washington Wild Things at 6:35 p.m.
 Below are the felony cases to be filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office today.
Brandon J. Hatcher: Operating a motor vehicle after forfeiture of license for life (Level 5 Felony)
Dewey Lee Jacobs II: Operating a vehicle as an habitual traffic violator (Level 6 Felony)
Yeroc Shantez Pauley: Carrying a handgun without a license (level 5 Felony)
Maranda Leeanna Higgs: Theft (Level 6 Felony), Attempt Forgery (Level 6 Felony)
Broderick Deon Swint: Operating a vehicle as an habitual traffic violator (Level 6 Felony), Disorderly conduct (Class B misdemeanor)
Kelli J. Colson: Neglect of a dependent (Level 6 Felony), Dealing in a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Class A misdemeanor), Possession of a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Class A misdemeanor)
Calvin Daniel Dillard: Battery against a public safety official (Level 6 Felony), Intimidation (Level 6 Felony), Public intoxication (Class B misdemeanor), Disorderly conduct (Class B misdemeanor)
Arlene Lucile Cano: Unlawful possession or use of a legend drug (Level 6 Felony)
Megan Lee Freeman: Unlawful possession or use of a legend drug (Level 6 Felony), Unlawful possession or use of a legend drug (Level 6 Felony), Theft (Class A misdemeanor)
Martin Nolan Harmon-Presley: Dealing in methamphetamine (Level 4 Felony), Conspiracy Dealing in methamphetamine (Level 5 Felony), Possession of a controlled substance (Class A misdemeanor)
Michael Joseph Mitchell: Dealing in methamphetamine (Level 4 Felony), Conspiracy Dealing in methamphetamine (Level 5 Felony), Operating a vehicle as an habitual traffic violator (Level 6 Felony), Resisting law enforcement (Level 6 Felony), Maintaining a common nuisance – controlled substances (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a controlled substance (Class A misdemeanor)
Darren M. Lockridge: Resisting law enforcement (Level 6 Felony), Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Reckless driving (Class C misdemeanor)
Tamara Renae Johnson: Battery by means of a deadly weapon (Level 5 Felony), Intimidation (Level 6 Felony), Intimidation (Level 6 Felony), Battery against a public safety official (Level 6 Felony)
Bruce A. Howard Jr.: Possession of cocaine (Level 6 Felony), Possession of marijuana (Class A misdemeanor)
Scott William Mallory: Possession of a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Level 6 Felony), Public intoxication (Class B misdemeanor)
David Wesley Helvey:Â Possession of a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Level 6 Felony), Public intoxication (Class B misdemeanor)
Nickolas R. Krohn: Unlawful possession or use of a legend drug (Level 6 Felony), Possession of marijuana (Class A misdemeanor)
Amanda Leigh Smith: Unlawful possession of syringe (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a narcotic drug (Level 6 Felony), Possession of paraphernalia (Class C misdemeanor)
Moses Aaron Davis: Receiving stolen auto parts (Level 6 Felony)
Robert Louis Sebree Jr.: Operating a motor vehicle after forfeiture of license for life (Level 5 Felony)
Brian Lee Gardner: Carrying a handgun without a license (Level 5 Felony)
Daniel Elvis Schneider: Stalking (Level 5 Felony)
Christopher Nicholas Oman: Unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon (Level 4 Felony), Possession of methamphetamine (Level 4 Felony), Unlawful possession of syringe (Level 5 Felony)
Krystle Louise Cupp: Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death (Level 5 Felony)
Kyle Preston Beier: Possession of a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Level 6 Felony)
Jeffrey David Weyer: Operating a vehicle as an habitual traffic violator (Level 6 Felony)
Vincent Joseph Steele III: Maintaining a common nuisance – controlled substances (Level 6 Felony)
Robert Elliot: Unlawful possession of syringe (Level 6 Felony)
Shane Edward Melton: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Operating a vehicle while intoxicated (Class C misdemeanor)
Christopher Wayne Ford: Theft (Level 6 Felony), Theft (Level 6 Felony), Theft (Level 6 Felony)
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 that the City of Evansville is once again trying to play God in a selective way when it comes to playing music in close proximity to neighborhoods?…this time someone seems to have crafted a resolution for the Evansville City Council that puts Marina Point in the crosshairs of a policy that is almost impossible to enforce?  …the things that need to be on the mind of the members of the Evansville City Council when they vote on this resolution during next Council meeting are ‘restraint of tradeâ€, “unequal protection under the lawâ€, and “tortious interferenceâ€?…all of these illegal actions could well be alleged by the owners of Marina Point and the owners of the business that leases the outdoor entertainment venue?…one may ask just why on earth that the Funk in the City can make noise in Goosetown, the Jazz Festival, and other bars can make loud noises in the downtown that has over 200 condos, but the people at Marina Point must be silenced so that less than a dozen or so residents living in plush homes located across the bay from the Marina are not disturbed by live music?…this whole thing smacks of selective enforcement and sets a terrible precedent in a blue collar town where all people should be treated equally?
IS IT TRUE if the proposed comprehensive noise ordinance passes the noise enforcement responsibility will up to the local police? …we agree with 2nd Ward Councilwomen Missy Mosby “that it would not be the correct use of our police resources to assign members of the EPD to handle noise ordinance complaints”?  …our policeman need to be fighting crime and not writing citations for noise violations?
IS IT TRUE we commend the owner of KC”S Marina Pointe for making around $120,000 worth of improvements to help stifle the noise coming from the bar when live bands play?  …that numerous e-mails were sent out between Harbors Edge residents, elected and appointed public officials concerning the drafting of the proposed noise ordinance have gotten into the wrong hands?  …we hope Mr. K. C. Chesser will decide to share them with members of the local media and the general public alike because we hear they are real eye-openers?
IS IT TRUE that Councilmembers Mosby, Weaver, Hayden and Elpers did a creditable job in debating the loyal opposition to why this ordnance should be voted down? …we have no idea what Councilwoman Michelle Mercer was trying to say concerning this issue?
IS IT TRUE we are told that this issue alone will guarantee that the people voting in the 2019 City Council and Mayoral elections shall be substantially higher than the 7% of register voters that voted in the last city election? …people are getting sick and tired of too much government controlling our lives?
You are 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
APRIL 24th, 2018Â 
JEFF GOLDBERGÂ EVANSVILLE, INDIANA
The ordinance, which was put forth by council members Connie Robinson and Dan Adams, looks to make a more comprehensive noise ordinance for the city.
As it stands right now, the noise ordinance in the city is only enforceable by the local EPA and there is just one member of the Evansville EPA and he heads home at 5 PM. That ordinance more focuses on industrial sound. The ordinance that was up for discussion at Monday’s council meeting would make clear definitions for how loud people and establishments can be in different areas of the city and at different times of the day. As well, the ordinance could be enforced by local police.
The discussion of the ordinance opened up with comments by members of the council. This was highlighted by a discussion on if the ordinance would be the correct use of police resources. Councilwoman Mosby argued that it would not, and she was quickly rebuffed by Councilman Adams, who say there are already 1,900 noise related complaints yearly.
The heated part of the discussion really opened up when the public got involved. Their comments showed a clear divide: is this a citywide problem or just a problem in one neighborhood? This was exemplified when after the first person up to the microphone said this problem effects everyone in Evansville, the next woman up pointed directly to KC’s Marina Pointe.
For their part, many members of KC’s Marina Pointe were on hand to show what improvements they are making to stifle the noise the popular bar makes on a nightly basis. They say they’ve added around $120,000 dollars to the bar to help make sure the sound stays in the bar.
Many people spoke for and against the noise ordinance, a few neighborhood presidents were there to speak against, saying members of their respective neighborhoods have been complaining for years.
The true standout of the public was a local auctioneer who pointed out how this ordinance could really be a potential pitfall for him. Jonathan Embry said that when he holds estate sales at people’s home a crowd of nearly 100 could show up. That on top of a PA system would certainly be above the residential noise ordinance as proposed, Embry says.
It was those fears that led Councilwoman Robinson to ask for a 30 day table for the measure. After Councilman Dan McGinn pointed out this table may actually save the ordinance, the month long table was voted for unanimously.
