- February 5, 2018
- A Message From Sheriff Dave Wedding:
Today the Sheriff’s Office said goodbye to an outstanding four-legged member of our office. K-9 Bosko passed away this afternoon after nearly nine years of service.
When Deputy Bryan Bishop and I first met Bosko years ago, we both noticed that one of his ears appeared to have an odd droop whenever he was relaxed. We had second thoughts about picking him due to this abnormality, but our concerns were completely unfounded. Bosko would go on to become one of the finest law enforcement canines Evansville and Vanderburgh County had ever seen.
Bosko was fierce when pursuing a fleeing felon, yet gentle when off-duty. Bosko performed demonstrations for thousands of people and could only be described as a teddy bear when around children. In all my years I have never witnessed an animal with such an ideal temperament. I would have trusted him to stand guard next to a newborn infant.
Bosko was not only a valued member of our office, but a valued member of the Bishop family. Deputy Bishop’s children played with Bosko like he was their big brother. The bond between a canine and handler is hard to describe, but as a former handler myself I can tell you that losing your partner is very tough.
Thank you Bosko for your faithful service to our Office and to the citizens of Vanderburgh County.
Picture: K-9 Bosko posing for a picture.
Pictured above: K-9 Bosko and handler Deputy Bryan Bishop
Pictured above: K-9 Bosko and Sheriff Dave Wedding
Some facts about K-9 Bosko:
- Placed in service in 2009
- Sworn in as special deputy for the US Marshals Service in 2013
- Apprehended approximately 100 violent felons
- Recovered nearly $300,000.00 in drug money
- Once tracked and found a missing girl with autism
- Once tracked and located a suicidal man in the woods, who was later taken for help
- Participated in countless demonstrations for children
-END-
VCSO Announces Passing of K-9 Bosko
EVSC Names Joey Paridaen New North Head Football Coach
Tonight (Feb. 5), the EVSC Board of School Trustees approved the appointment of Joey Paridaen as the new head football coach at North High School. Paridaen was most recently head football coach, teacher and athletic director at Eastern Greene High School in Bloomfield, Ind.
Paridaen graduated from Oakland City University with a B.S. in Business Education and has served as head football coach at Eastern Greene High School for the past four years. Previously, he served as head football coach at Wood Memorial and assistant football coach at Gibson Southern High School.
During his four years at Eastern Greene High School, Paridaen led the team to their first winning season in school history and were three-time Southwest conference champions in 2015, 2016 and 2017. He also led the team to their first-ever sectional championship, a regional championship, and the semi-state championship. His team also made the first-ever boys state championship appearance in school history in any sport.
Paridaen is leaving Eastern Greene with a record of 37-12 and in 2017, outscored his opponents 641-212. Because of his success, he was named the Herald Times Coach of the Year in 2016 and 2017, and the Wabash Valley Area Coach of the Year in 2017. He also was named an Indianapolis Colts Coach of the Week in 2017 and elected to coach the 2018 Indiana Football All-Star Game.
“Joey is excited to become a Husky and work with our students both in and outside of the classroom,†said Andy Owen, EVSC Director of Athletics. “He is an energetic and engaging teacher and coach who comes highly recommended. He also has the passion, knowledge, and energy to move North’s football program in the right direction.â€
EVSC Names Troy Burgess New Central Head Football Coach
Tonight (Feb. 5), the EVSC Board of School Trustees approved the appointment of Troy Burgess as the new head football coach at Central High School. Burgess has served as a head football coach throughout Indiana for 16 years, earning a 97-74 record.
Burgess graduated from Ball State University with a B.S. in physical education/secondary education.
Most recently, Burgess was the athletic director at South Putnam High School where he also served as head football coach. While at South Putnam, Burgess also was dean of students and assistant principal.
Under his leadership, South Putnam was sectional champions and conference champions twice. Burgess also was named Conference Coach of the Year and Region 6 All-Star Coach of the Year. In addition, Burgess was twice named Wabash Valley Football Coaches Association Coach of the Year.
Prior to coaching at South Putnam, Burgess served as head varsity football coach at Greenfield-Central High School where he was named Hoosier Conference Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, the team was Hoosier Heritage Conference champions. Burgess also served as head coach at Owen Valley High School where he was named Conference Coach of the Year twice and had two undefeated regular seasons. Under his leadership, Owen Valley was a three-time Western Indiana Conference champion. Burgess also served as assistant football coach at Muncie Southside High School.
“Troy’s accomplishments as a coach and educator will make him a great asset to Central High School,†said Andy Owen, EVSC Director of Athletics. “He brings a wealth of experience both on and off the field, and I feel confident that Troy will bring incredible excitement, enthusiasm, and work ethic when working with our student-athletes and leading the Central football program.â€
IS IT TRUE FEBRUARY 6, 2018
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?â€
IS IT TRUEÂ we congratulate Vanderburgh County Commissioner and Banker Ben Shoulders for being elected as the new President of the Boys and Girls Club of Evansville at the Annual Board of Directors meeting last night?
IS IT TRUE we also congratulate Mayor Winnecke for receiving the Boys and Girls Club “2018 MAN OF THE YEAR” award?
IS IT TRUE that questions have been raised about the reasons that the water bills in Vanderburgh County have increased dramatically during 2018?…as has been known for years a couple of big projects are underway in very early attempts to address the consent decree that the EPA is enforcing against the City of Evansville and these projects are what is driving the price increases?…these projects and thus the price increases are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to having accelerated price increases for water and sewer in Evansville?…the taxpayers, renters, and homeowners of this region can plan on increases like this every year for roughly the next 20 years by which time the average bill will be between $300 and $500 per month?
IS IT TRUE Evansville has delayed fixing a problem that has been known about for nearly 30 years and has been under an EPA mandate for over a decade?…during that decade, the leadership of Evansville has borrowed to build the Ford Center, to subsidize the Doubletree Hotel, to build some gold plated ball fields, to put a bike path in a an disadvantaged area to  reverse the economic direction of North Main Street, subsidized a medical school, gotten space age water meters that are attached to archaic water pipes, new multi million dollars Rhino and Penguin exhibits at the Zoo and a host of other fun and games types of projects?…the projects have done little to impact the economy but they did put the taxpayers at nearly $500 million worth of bonded debt?…when municipalities have borrowed all that they can possibly borrow with the general fund revenue, ALL NEW BORROWING MUST HAVE NEW REVENUE TO SERVICE THE DEBT?…this is why all of the Billion dollars that will ultimately be spent to comply with the EPA mandate will have to be paid for with increases in the water and sewer fees?…it did not have to be that way if responsible fiscal policy had been followed?
IS IT TRUE that Andrew Smith tried to warn the people of Evansville when he ran for City Council in 2007 on a “Sewers B4 Stadium†platform?…Mr. Smith was right then and he still is?…Smith’s voice was drowned out by the arena supporters who allied themselves with former Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel and his scheme to build the Ford Center without a referendum?…these allies of course commissioned a crony consultant to do a study that told them what they wanted to hear about the forecasted resounding financial successes of the Ford Center?…alas the projections turned out to be a false as possible and the Ford Center is now a $9 million drain on the general fund each budget year?…this money and other boondoggle projects that the Weinzapfel Administration originated COULD HAVE BEEN USED FOR INFRASTRUCTURE?…it is a pity that it wasn’t because now the Evansville Sewer and Water System improvements that are mandated by the EPA are 100% pay to play?
IS IT TRUE when the President of IVY TECH, Dr. Sue Ellsperman visited the Southwest campus in Evansville last year she indicated that she understands that the public misunderstanding about community colleges still exists, and she wants to change it? …its obvious that she still needs to be more aggressive in addressing the staffing, marketing, political and communications problems that currently exist at  IVY TECH statewide in order for her to achieve her goal?  …the masses still have a misunderstanding what IVY TECH is all about?  …we still feel if anyone can lead IVY TECH in the right direction Dr. Sue Ellsperman is still the right person to do it?
IS IT TRUE we are extremely pleased that the City of Evansville has installed new glass-enclosed shelters at select bus stops throughout the city? …these bus stop shelters protect our disadvantaged citizens of our community during bad weather while waiting for a bus? …we hope that the Mayor will find additional money to continue building these glass-enclosed bus stop shelters because it’s a worthy public works project?
IS IT TRUE we hope that the Mayor will start ridding of the unsightly park type benches that are presently located at bus stops? Â …we also feel that advertising displayed on these benches are also extremely unattractive?
IS IT TRUE the segment held at the end of City Council that allows public comment is now dubbed as the “3 Minutes of Censorship”?  …we were hoping that the newly elected President of City Council Jim Brinkmeyer will change this unacceptable public comment policy created by past Council President Missy Mosby but it’s obvious that won’t happen?  …we can guarantee that the “3 Minutes of Censorship” policy will be a major campaign issue during the next city election?  …censorship should never be accepted by the media or the taxpayers alike?
IS IT TRUE in years past the Vanderburgh County Democratic party political fundraisers turned out to be a financial disaster? …we hear that couple years ago a Democratic party golf fundraiser cost more money to put on than they collected?  …we can guarantee that this type thing won’t happen under the new leadership of Democratic party Chairman Scott Danks?
IS IT TRUE that Vanderburgh GOP Chairman Wayne Park is one “heck of a political fundraiser”? …this is one of the main reasons why the local Republican party is doing so well in getting out the vote is because they have the money to do so?
Todays “Readers Poll†question is: Do you feel that Democratic party Chairman Scott Danks can make the local Democratic party competitive once again?
Please take time and read our articles entitled “STATEHOUSE Files, CHANNEL 44 NEWS, LAW ENFORCEMENT, READERS POLL, BIRTHDAYS, HOT JOBS†and “LOCAL SPORTSâ€.  You now are able to subscribe to get the CCO daily.
If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us City-County Observer@live.com.
EDITOR’S FOOTNOTE:  Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers.
Todays Vanderburgh County Commissioners Meeting Agenda
Agenda of the Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners
February 6, 2018, at 3:00 pm, Room 301
- Call to Order
- Attendance
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Action ItemsÂ
- County Treasurer:Â Tax Sale Courtesy Letters
- First Reading of Ordinance CO.02-18-008: Amending Chapter 2.69 of Vanderburgh County Code on the Homelessness Commission
- Final Reading of Ordinance CO.02-18-007: Amending Chapter 2.48 of Vanderburgh County Code on the Information Technology Advisory Committee
- Board AppointmentsÂ
- Department Head Reports
- New Business
- Old Business
- Road Hearing February 28, 2018 11:00 am- 1:00 pm Central Library Browning Room
- Public Comment
- Consent Items
- Contracts, Agreements and Leases
- County Treasurer: Master’s Touch Contract Renewal
- Superintendent of County Buildings: Lease Agreement with Aaron Tanner / Suite 10
- Alternative Service Concepts, LLC: Claims Service Contract Renewal
- Superior Court: Independent Contractor Agreement
- Jordan Buechler
- Elba Rodriquez
- Madelynn Wiethop
- County Auditor: Kronos Support Services Renewal Agreement
- Community Corrections: Professional Services Agreement
- Nancy Angermeier
- Charles Pace
- Approval of January 23, 2018 Meeting Minutes
- Employment Changes
- Surplus Request:
- Sheriff’s Department, Four Vehicles
- County Clerk, Xerox Copier
- County Coroner, Whirlpool Washer
- County Superior Court, Photocopier
- Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana: January 2018 Report
- United Neighborhoods of Evansville: December 2017 Report
- Old National Events Plaza: Engagement Letter for 2017 Financial Review
- Weights and Measures: December 15, 2017 to January 16, 2018 Monthly Report
- County Auditor: January 2018 Accounts Payable Voucher
- Township Trustee 2018 Standards:
- Union
- German
- Soil and Water Conservation District: January 25, 2018 Meeting Minutes
- Superintendent of County Buildings: Amended Old Courthouse Foundation By-laws
- County Engineering:
- Pay Request #33 U.S. 41 Expansion T.I.F for the sum of $29,640.00
- Waiver of Mineral Interest for Green River Road Phase 7 Parcel 11
- Travel Request (2)
- Claims
- Contracts, Agreements and Leases
- Adjournment
House Drops Fees For Lifetime Gun Permits
By Quinn Fitzgerald
TheStatehouseFile.com
INDIANAPOLIS—Legislation that would eliminate the fee for a lifetime gun permit passed the Indiana House Monday in spite of concerns that it would affect funding for police training.
House Bill 1424, which passed 70-20, also changes a four-year handgun license to five years.
In its original form, the bill proposed eliminating all handgun permits. Rep. Timothy Wesco, R-Osceola, author of the bill, stripped that language and replaced it with the changes in permits and fees, saying the state is moving in the right direction.
“Yes, some might not be satisfied with the extent of this bill and want more, but we have to recognize that we’re working under the current system, we’re working a new law, and we hopefully do what we can to make sure that constitutional rights are protected and guaranteed right here in Indiana,†Wesco said.
Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, questioned Wesco about the loss of revenue that many local police departments have used for training. Wesco said the potential loss of revenue would be $6 to $7 million, but Brown countered that he understood it might be closer to $11 million. The Legislative Services Agency, in examining the fiscal impact of the bill, reported the higher number.
“I don’t find that to be rational or reasonable. I think that’s a worst possible case scenario,†Rep. Ben Smaltz, R-Auburn, said in reaction to Brown.
Wesco pointed out that the fees being charged were significantly higher than the actual cost of issuing the permit and is subsidizing local law enforcement budgets.
“That’s a responsibility we should all share equally, that law-abiding gun owners shouldn’t have to carry that extra burden,†he said.
Wesco said the funds would be replaced, and the effective date of the bill has been changed from July 1, 2018, to July 1, 2019, to ensure this.
Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, opposed the bill, arguing that no handgun licensing should exist because “licensing a constitutional right is not only wrong, but it’s immoral and dangerous.†He has maintained that limits on gun ownership violate the Second Amendment and in authorizing fees, officials are violating their oaths to uphold the Constitution.
“What’s ironic to me is the implicit thought that we have suddenly got a bunch of brilliantly constitutional scholars and that for decades and decades, people who sat in these chairs, have passed all these laws, charging a small amount of money to get a gun license, they were all violating their oath,†said Rep. Edward Delaney, D-Indianapolis, in response to Lucas’ comment.
Rep. Sue Errington, D-Muncie, expressed concern with costs, specifically if non-gun license holders should have to pay for those who possess the permits.
“I don’t have a firearm. I don’t have a permit, and I don’t intend to get one. Should I have to pay for somebody else’s? Nobody but me is paying for my license to drive my car,†Errington said.
HB 1424 now goes to the Senate.
FOOTNOTE: Quinn Fitzgerald is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
Legislative Update From Indiana Courts
Attached below is the Legislative Update from Indiana Courts. A new issue is available below, or visit http://indianacourts.us/legislative. Unlawful encroachment by a sex offender   published on 02/02/2018 01:23 PM EST The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 12 on unlawful encroachment by a sex offender, authored by Sen. Bohacek. The bill provides that a sex offender who establishes a residence: (1) with the intent to reside at the residence; and (2) within a one-mile radius of the residence of the victim of the […]
02/02/2018 01:22 PM EST
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 33 on houses of worship and firearms, authored by Sen. Sandlin. The bill permits a person who may legally possess a firearm to possess a firearm on school property if the person possesses the firearm: (1) as an employee or volunteer of a house of worship located on the school […]
02/02/2018 01:21 PM EST
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 131 on crimes involving synthetic drugs, authored by Sen. Bohacek. The bill makes certain offenses involving synthetic drugs an enhancing circumstance and removes certain misdemeanor prosecutions concerning synthetic drugs and synthetic lookalike drugs from eligibility for conditional discharge. The Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council supported the bill. The bill […]
02/02/2018 01:21 PM EST
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 140 on maintaining a common nuisance, authored by Sen. Young. The bill provides a defense to the crime of maintaining a common nuisance if: (1) the location was not primarily used for specified unlawful acts; (2) the charged offense involves less than a specified quantity of marijuana, […]
02/02/2018 01:20 PM EST
The Senate Civil Law Committee heard SB 222 authored by Sen. Head on misleading or inaccurate caller identification. This bill provides that a person who knowingly violates the statute concerning the transmission of misleading or inaccurate caller identification information commits a Class A misdemeanor or if the person has a previous unrelated conviction under the […]
02/02/2018 01:19 PM EST
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 238 on the Office of Judicial Administration, authored by Sen. Bray. The bill does the following: changes all references to the Division of State Court Administration and the Judicial Center to the Office of Judicial administration changes all references to the executive director of the Division of State Court Administration […]
02/02/2018 01:18 PM EST
The Senate Civil Law Committee heard SB 240 authored by Sen. Leising on service animals. The author clarified that this bill is for emotional support animals not service animals. The bill specifies that a landlord may not ask an individual with a disability who seeks to use an emotional support animal about the existence, nature, […]
02/02/2018 01:18 PM EST
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 247 on creditors’ rights, authored by Sen. Koch. The bill makes various changes to Medicaid, probate, and trust law relating to creditors’ claims, claims against non-probate transferees, and no contest provisions in wills and trusts. The bill was amended by consent to make numerous amendments to language relating to […]
02/02/2018 01:16 PM EST
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 292 on criminal law matters, authored by Sen. Young. The bill does the following: repeals the offense of auto theft and receiving stolen auto parts provides that a person who knowingly or intentionally exerts unauthorized control of a motor vehicle or a component part of a motor […]
02/02/2018 01:15 PM EST
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 295 on school property and religious institutions, authored by Sen. Mrvan. The bill permits a sex offender to enter school property if: (1) a religious institution or house of worship is located on the school property; (2) the person enters the school property for the sole […]
02/02/2018 01:15 PM EST
For amend and vote only, the Senate Civil Law Committee heard SB 339 authored by Sen. Merritt on controlled substance dispensing. The bill requires a pharmacy and pharmacist to sell or dispense a schedule II controlled drug in a lockable vial and bill the drug manufacturer for the cost of the lockable vial. The bill […]
02/02/2018 01:14 PM EST
The Senate Civil Law Committee heard SB 372 authored by Sen. Holdman on notarial acts. This bill makes technical changes to standardize language concerning registration of trademarks and regulation related to notarial acts. It specifies requirements related to notarial acts, including use of electronic documentation and technology for electronic notarial acts and for remote notarial […]
02/02/2018 01:14 PM EST
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard SB 381 authored by Sen. Messmer on children in need of services (CHINS). The author explained that when one child in the home is sexually abused, all children in the home are removed; however, if one child is physically abused, not all children are removed. The bill […]
02/02/2018 01:13 PM EST
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 402 on termination of parental rights, authored by Sen. Becker. The Committee heard the bill for amend and vote only. The bill was amended by consent to remove all provisions of the bill except for the provisions requiring the pre-dispositional report to be made available 48 hours before a hearing. […]
02/02/2018 01:12 PM EST
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 404 on impaired driving offenses, authored by Sen. Koch. The bill does the following: changes the term “under†to “in accordance with†in certain statutes concerning defenses involving the use of valid prescriptions while operating a motor vehicle creates the offense of operating a vehicle while […]
02/02/2018 01:12 PM EST
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard SB 428 authored by Sen. Zay on Department of Child Services (DCS). The bill requires the local school to participate in a case conference in a CHINS case when DCS prepares a pre-disposition report and requires DCS to share drug test results. Two local school representatives discussed […]
02/02/2018 01:11 PM EST
For amend and vote only, the Senate Civil Law Committee heard SB 431 authored by Sen. L. Brown on immunity for reports of suspected abuse or neglect. The bill provides immunity from civil and criminal liability for a person who assists with or participates, and a health care provider who provides professional intervention in an […]
02/02/2018 01:10 PM EST
The House Judiciary Committee reheard HB 1061 authored by Rep. Lehman and Rep. Torr on asbestos litigation for amend and vote only. The bill specifies the causes of action that may constitute a product liability action. The bill was amended to assign to a study committee the issue of the appropriate statute of repose duration in product […]
02/02/2018 01:10 PM EST
The House Judiciary Committee heard HB 1115 authored by Rep. Hamilton and Rep. Culver on landowner immunity for trail access. The bill amends current law to include limitations on a landowner’s liability for an injury to a person or property caused by an act or failure to act of another person using the landowner’s premises for […]
02/02/2018 01:09 PM EST
The House Judiciary Committee heard HB 1194 authored by Rep. Speedy on delinquent self-storage facility rents. The bill amends current law to allow a self-storage facility owner to impose and collect a late fee from renters. This bill also authorizes the facility owner to recover all reasonable costs and expenses of rent collection and lien enforcement. The […]
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Sheriff’s Deputies, Confinements Officers Recognized At Ceremony
FEBRUARY 5TH, 2018Â 
BRITNEY TAYLORÂ EVANSVILLE, INDIANA
Honoring the old, and bringing in the new. The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office held a ceremony to recognize the accomplishments of several deputies and confinement officers. It was held Monday morning at the Old Courthouse in Evansville.
Each person was recognized for a number of things, including life-saving acts. The sheriff’s office also welcomed seven new sheriff’s deputies.
Sheriff Dave Wedding says the event is always a special time in a new sheriff’s deputy’s life.
Wedding said, “It’s also really neat to hire new deputy sheriffs because I remember back thirty-something years ago when I became a new deputy sheriff. It’s a new part of your life, it’s a new journey for you. It’s an exciting time, the families are very excited, and it’s exciting for me to give them that chance to be a deputy sheriff and serve our community.â€
A former deputy also received an award for saving the life of a current Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office employee.
New Deputy Sheriffs:
Michael Brown
Scott Elmendorf
Daniel Sander
Shelley Wallace
Adam Weinzapfel
Jared Zwilling
Clint Stanton
Completion of ILEA:
Deputy Jordan Kuester
Deputy Chelsea Trail
Retirement:
Joe Beckwith – Deputy Sheriff
Emily Lander – Confinement Officer
Awards:
Chris Spence – Lifesaver Award
Sgt. Mark Rasure – Achievement Award
Sgt. Stetsun Sunderman – Commendation Award
Sgt. Joshua Wargel – Commendation Award
Deputy Kyle Alexander – Commendation Award
Deputy Shawn King – Commendation Award
Deputy Erik Nilssen – Commendation Award
Deputy Tony Toopes – Commendation Award
Deputy Zach Whicker – Commendation Award
Indiana Senate Passes Bill To Legalize CBD Oil
FEBRUARY 5TH, 2018Â BRITNEY TAYLORÂ INDIANA
With the low amount of THC, CBD oil users would reportedly not experience a “high†feeling that conventional marijuana users may encounter.
CBD oil has been shown to help with various medical conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, and severe pain.
The oil would be available for purchase over-the-counter from retailers across the state.
The bill heads to the House for further consideration.
This bill is sponsored by Senator Jim Tomes (R-Wadesville).