EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

07/22/2024

FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.

Zinn grabs three hits as Otters fall in middle game

07/21/2024

0

EVANSVILLE, Ind – On Christmas in July night at Bosse Field on Saturday, the Evansville Otters fell 7-2 to the Washington Wild Things in the series middle game.

The Otters (22-37) trailed early after allowing a grand slam to the Wild Things (39-19) in the first inning.

In the home first, Evansville tallied a run. Delvin Zinn led off with a single. After David Mendham walked, a failed pick-off attempt allowed Zinn to go from second to home, making it a 4-1 game.

Washington added on in the seventh inning. Two walks came back to haunt the Otters pitching staff as both men touched home on a two-run single.

The final runs came in the ninth inning. Washington advanced their lead to 7-1 with a fielder’s choice RBI. In the bottom of the frame, Zinn led off with a double down the right field line. Two batters later, Alec Olund hit a sacrifice fly to finalize the scoring.

Taking the loss was Braden Scott (1-9). After allowing the grand slam, the southpaw settled down to pitch in six innings, allowing no more runs while picking up eight strikeouts. Wild Things starter Kobe Foster (6-1) took the win after pitching into the ninth.

Washington out-hit Evansville 11-4. Zinn had a trio of hits for the Otters to lead the way.

The final game of the year between these two clubs will be played in a rubber match tomorrow evening. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. Coverage is available on the Otters Digital Network and FloBaseball.

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

07/21/2024

0

Booked Last 24 Hours-Public

Only Libertarians can address Corruption

07/21/2024

0

Only Libertarians can address Corruption

Freedom, Indiana – Author Andrew Horning is the Libertarian Party of Indiana’s candidate for Indiana’s US Senate seat in 2024.

While I did not predict the purportedly clairvoyant “baby dog” at the Republican National Convention, I did accurately predict that most of the speeches would be bombastic, loud with tribal drum-beating, and…hypocritical.

Thankfully, Jim Banks avoided the others’ gimmicks and thumping rhetoric. I appreciated his more gentlemanly assertions that now was not the time for “wimpy Republicans.”

But I had to wonder who he was referring to, or even what he meant by that. After all, every one of Indiana’s GOP federal officeholders have approved funding of all the “woke agenda,” importation of foreign voters, more power for politicians and fewer rights for us…everything the other half of our Two Party Puppet Show asked for, and more. Worse, a large part of the inflation we suffer today, is from the debt spending incurred under Trump, as approved by every single one of Indiana’s congresscritters. All of them seem fine with unelected bureaucrats in executive agencies writing the overwhelming majority of our “laws,” and even judging their infraction and enforcing them with ever-more heavily-armed legions of bureaucrats, in stark violation of Articles I, II and III of our US Constitution. All of them continuously approve boosting profits for Big Pharma, Big Ag, Big Tech, and of course the military-industrial complex, by funding both sides of every conflict on the planet, and rewarding the wealthy NGOs, corporations and other kingmakers that feed their election campaigns.

None of them are constitutionalists, of course, but also, none of them can even speak against what is at the heart of all of our nation’s worst problems – the trade of influence for campaign donations. Follow the money. The “deep state” puppet masters who really run our government are happy to give millions to candidates every election cycle, because they get billions back. They don’t much care who wins any election, they just care that whoever wins, picks up the phone when they call.

I’ll come out and say it. They’re all bought. Both crony network parties. And if that’s not “wimpy Republicans,” what, exactly, is? Hmmm. Maybe it’s the overly loyal Republicans who keep voting for those that sold them out?

To be fair, the whole system is corrupt, and even the best people with the best intentions cannot fix it from within. Too many have tried for too long. They give us false hope, and they dissuade us from what only voters can do: Fire Them All. The two parties, and the corrupt system they voluntarily represent.

Here’s what should now be obvious fact: If you want a good Republican, or a good Democrat, in either house of the US Congress today, you’ll have to elect a Libertarian.

Liberty or Bust!
Andy Horning

EVANSVILLE POLICE MERIT COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA

07/21/2024

0

EVANSVILLE POLICE MERIT COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA

Monday, July 22^nd, 2024

4:15 p.m. Room 307, Civic Center Complex

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

An executive session will be held prior to the open session.

The executive session is closed as provided by:

I.C. 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(5): To receive information about and interview prospective employees.
I.C. 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(6)(A): With respect to any individual over whom the governing body has jurisdiction to receive information concerning the individual’s alleged misconduct.
I.C. 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(9): To discuss a job performance evaluation of individual employees. This subdivision does not apply to a discussion of the salary, compensation, or benefits of employees during a budget process.

OPEN SESSION:

CALL TO ORDER:

ACKNOWLEDGE GUESTS:

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

1. July 8^th, 2024 (Sutton, Johnson-Kincaid, Thompson)

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS:

PROBATIONARY OFFICER UPDATE:

1. Update for Probationary Officers

COMMISSION ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS:

1. Cancel the meeting scheduled for August 12^th, 2024, and reschedule it for August 8^th, 2024, at 4:30pm in RM 307 of the Civic Center Complex.

NEW DISCIPLINE:

1. 24-PDO-06 – Officer Herbert Adams III, Badge Number 1404 – Written Reprimand (Has until 7/21/2024 to appeal.)

PROMOTIONAL PROCESS:

1. Request from Lieutenant Kyle Kassel for an appeal concerning the 2024 Captain Promotional Process.
2. Certify the 2024 Captain Promotional List to be effective from June 26^th, 2024, to June 25^th, 2024. (Tabled from 07/08/2024 meeting.)

APPLICANTS:

1. 24-076

RETIREMENTS:

1. Officer Nicholas Christian Sandullo, Badge Number 1194, retiring effective July 29^th, 2024, after serving twenty-seven years, ten months, and thirteen days with the Evansville Police Department.

SWORN AWARDS/COMMENDATIONS:

1. Notification from the Command Staff that the Chief of Police has decided to award the Life Saver Award to Sergeant Josh Brewer for his actions on April 25^th, 2024. [No action needed]
2. Request from the Command Staff that the Certificate of Commendation be awarded to the following EPD Personnel for their work in a financial crimes investigation spanning the last several months: Detective Nathan VanCleave, Detective Michael Hayden, Detective Mike Sides, Lieutenant Mike Gray, Sergeant Shellie King, Sergeant Crystal Thomas, Detective Mike Ward, Detective Phillip Goodman, Detective Mitch Mansfield, Detective Chris Egan, Detective Cliff Simpson, Detective Chris Goergen, Detective Quinton Keil, Detective Brian Watson, Detective Dylan Barnes, Detective Matt Knight, Detective Chris Seibert, and Officer Luke Forston.

CIVILIAN AWARDS/RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Request from the Command Staff that the Outstanding Citizen Award be issued to Civilian Lavinia Rowden for her actions in conjunction with Sergeant Josh Brewer on April 25^th, 2024.

REMINDERS:

1. The next scheduled meeting is Thursday, August 8^th, 2024, at 4:30pm.

ADJOURNMENT:

FIRST WEST NILE VIRUS CASE OF 2024 REPORTED IN LAKE CO. RESIDENT

07/21/2024

0

INDIANAPOLIS — The state’s first West Nile virus disease case for the 2024 season has been reported in a Lake County resident. West Nile virus activity has also been detected in mosquitoes throughout the state (26 samples taken from 15 counties). Additional information about the case is not being released to protect patient privacy.

“Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance—their bites can potentially lead to serious illness,” said State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP. “Hoosiers can reduce their risk by wearing bug repellent and taking steps to remove breeding sites, like standing water in discarded tires or other containers around their residences.”

The Indiana Department of Health expects to see additional West Nile virus cases as the mosquito season progresses. Taking precautions against mosquito bites can reduce the risk of disease caused by mosquito-borne viruses such as West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis (triple-E) virus, and La Crosse virus.

State health officials recommend that all Hoosiers take the following steps to prevent mosquito-borne diseases:

Use insect repellent. Apply EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone according to the label instructions.
Wear protective clothing. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Consider treating clothing and gear with a permethrin product (note: permethrin products should not be applied directly to the skin).

Furthermore, homeowners, landlords, and property managers should take the following steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors:

Install screens on windows and doors and keep them in good repair.
Look for containers that could hold water such as trash, tires, buckets, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers.
Prevent mosquitoes from accessing containers. This can be done by removing trash; moving items indoors; covering or overturning items not in use; drilling holes in the bottom of trash containers; installing screens on rain barrels; replacing water in pet bowls daily; and flushing birdbaths, fountains, and other containers at least once a week.
Maintain properties and landscaping in good condition. This includes regularly servicing septic systems, keeping grass mowed and shrubs trimmed, cleaning gutters regularly, and aerating ornamental pools or stocking them with predatory fish.

Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms which can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. Some people infected with West Nile virus will develop a more severe form of the disease affecting the nervous system, including inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, muscle paralysis, or even death. People older than 60 years old and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe West Nile virus disease. People who think they may have West Nile virus disease should see their healthcare providers.

Indiana Arts Commission Announces New Team Members, Staffing Changes

07/21/2024

0

Indiana Arts Commission Announces New Team Members, Staffing Changes

(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) has added several key staff members, with an additional staff member stepping into a new role.

Photo of woman in front of colorful background

Lydia Campbell-Maher joined the IAC in February as the Communities Services Manager. In this newly created role, she works to support communities around the state through the Every County Funded, Creative Convergence, Poet Laureate, and Creative Community Pathways programs. She is also working to co-manage the IAC’s accessibility efforts. Lydia was born and raised in Indianapolis. She earned her BMA in Music Business at DePauw University, MA in Ethnomusicology from U.C.C. in Ireland, and is a PhD Candidate in Ethnomusicology at Indiana University. Lydia has over 15 years of experience working in non-profits including service at ArtMix, Arts for Learning, Habitat for Humanity, and Traditional Arts Indiana. Lydia has worked with the IAC in the past as a member of the Strategic Framework Advisory Committee and a member of the 2023 On-Ramp Cohort.

Photo of man in front of gray background

Austin Hendricks joined the IAC in April 2024 as the new Administrative Assistant. At the IAC, Austin is responsible for office management, including archiving, scheduling and managing public meetings, and overseeing travel. Austin was born and raised in Marion, Indiana and grew up studying the performingarts at organizations around the state. He is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University where he received a BA in Writing and a BS in Theatre. Prior to joining the IAC, Austin served as a professional theater technician for several years. Austin is passionate about all forms of art (particularly theater and performance art), community engagement, and arts education.

Gwendolyn Pickett joined the IAC in May as the Communications Manager. In her role, she sources and creates content designed to engage audiences and articulate the IAC’s mission, programming, and impact through social media, artist and community newsletters, and other outreach efforts. An Indiana native, Gwendolyn attended Indiana University Bloomington where she received a BA in Journalism. Gwendolyn is thrilled to bring her passion for digital marketing and storytelling to her position at the IAC.

In addition to the new team members, an IAC employee has stepped into a new role.

Stephanie Pfendler was recently promoted to the Financial Operations Manager position. Stephanie has been with the IAC since 2015, previously serving as the agency’s Executive Assistant. Prior to joining the IAC, she worked in antique restoration and conservation, assisting antiquarians with maintainingand archiving their collections. Stephanie received her BA in Art History with a minor in Painting from the Herron School of Art and Design with graduatenon-degree work in Museum Studies.

State offers cooling centers during hot weather byWendy McNamara

07/21/2024

0

With hot weather officially here, it’s important for Hoosiers to have access to a safe and cool place to stay. The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration offers a free resource for Hoosiers to find cooling centers across the state.
Call 211 or 866-211-9966 to find the nearest cooling center or click here for a list of centers.Additionally, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security has tips for staying safe in extreme heat: • Use air conditioning or reflective materials in windows to help keep your house cooler; • Watch for symptoms of heat-related illnesses and seek medical attention as necessary; • Drink fluids regularly, regardless of activity level; • Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing; and • Avoid strenuous activities. Also, the American Academy of Pediatrics has a video on protecting children from sunburn.
I urge Hoosiers to use these resources and tips to stay cool when the weather gets hot. Have a fun and safe summer.

Looking at Age in the 2024 Point in Time Count

07/21/2024

0

The Point in Time (PIT) Count is a once-a-year count of individuals and families in shelters and places not meant for human habitation, usually happening during the last 10 days in January. This year, the count happened on January 24^th in 65 out of 91 counties of the Indiana Balance of State (Marion County completes their own count).

Here are a few insights from the 2024 PIT Count:

Approximately 1 in 4 people counted in the PIT count were under the age of 24. IHCDA was awarded $1.5 million in June of 2024 for the Youth Homelessness Systems Improvement(YHSI) Grant. These resources will be instrumental in addressing youth homelessness moving forward.
In Indiana people aged 35-54 were overrepresented in the 2024 PIT count compared to recent national PIT and census data. People ages 65 and older were underrepresented.

People under the age of 18 are mostly found in Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing
People between 35-54 make up the majority of our unsheltered population.

You can find additional data, and many other resources, at the HMIS Data Portal.

Joel Zimba named Executive Deputy AD for External Relations for UE Athletics

07/21/2024

0

Zimba brings a wide range of athletics experience to the Purple Aces

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville Director of Athletics Dr. Kenneth “Ziggy” Siegfried has announced the hiring of Joel Zimba as the Executive Deputy Athletics Director for External Relations. Zimba joins the Purple Aces following a 5-year stint as the District Director of Athletics & Activities at Verona (Wisc.) Area School District.

“We are excited to welcome Joel Zimba and his family to Evansville. Joel is a leader with infectious energy, values teamwork and relationships, and understands the big picture,” Siegfried exclaimed. “His experience as a District Athletics Director for the last five years will serve him well in this important role for UE Athletics.”

In his time at Verona, Zimba spearheaded all facets of developing, implementing, and improving school athletics programs and events. One of the main highlights of his tenure was his work in orchestrating a large-scale capital project that included the building of a new high school. The project, which included a voter approval of $183M referenda, saw him monitor the construction of a competition pool, cross country course, field house, all exterior fields (baseball, soccer, football, and lacrosse) along with facilities for wrestling, gymnastics, weight, and cardio.

“I humbly thank Dr. Ziggy Siegfried and President (Christopher M.) Pietruszkiewicz for the opportunity to become the Executive Deputy Athletics Director for External Relations at the University of Evansville,” Zimba said. “Ziggy has transformed UE into one of the premier athletic departments in the country and, more importantly, has created a culture built on enthusiasm, hard work, and integrity.”

“I am truly blessed to be joining UE at a time of such positive momentum. I am eagerly looking forward to serving our outstanding student-athletes alongside our incredible coaches and staff and contributing to providing an exceptional student-athlete experience,” Zimba added. “My family is excited to embrace the UE spirit and become part of this vibrant community. Go Purple Aces!”

Along with the new facilities, Zimba had a hands-on approach in multiple facets within the district. He encouraged all students to participate in athletics by executing programming for over 25 sports and more than 50 club teams. He directly supervised, evaluated, and professionally developed more than 120 employees district-wide including coaches, administrators, and support staff.

His work resulted in the creation of four part-time District administrative athletic positions, which enhanced the vision, mission, and initiatives. Zimba negotiated a district-wide co-curricular compensation increase of 12% to recruit, retain, and develop talented coaches and staff.

Prior to assuming his role at Verona Area School District, Zimba held three positions at Valparaiso University between 2015 and 2019. While working towards his Master’s, Zimba served as a Men’s Basketball Graduate Assistant from 2015-16 where he completed planning, managerial, and administrative duties for the men’s basketball program.

He was elevated to the Director of Men’s Basketball Operations at Valpo in 2016 and held that position until 2018. Zimba’s responsibilities in that position included budget administration, facility supervision, equipment inventory control, team travel coordination, development of the practice schedule, and summer camp management.

Zimba’s final year at Valparaiso saw him serve as the Assistant Director of Annual Giving where he played a pivotal role in sourcing and soliciting annual gift commitments up to $10K. He supported the President Circle and accomplished a goal of 125 new donors while helping senior executives raise over $700K from over 2,000 donors.

In 2016, he earned his Master’s of Science in Sports Administration from Valparaiso while earning a Bachelor of Letters & Science in Afro-American Studies Intergroup Relations from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2011. Joel and wife Krystin have a four-year-old son – Tayden.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING…

Dr. Treymane Clardy, Verona Area School District – Superintendent

“Joel Zimba has been a cornerstone of our community, exemplifying academic and athletic excellence throughout his tenure as our Athletic Director in the Verona Area School District. His unwavering commitment to sportsmanship, ethics, and service to others has profoundly influenced our student-athletes and the broader community. We are immensely proud of his achievements and wish him continued success in his new role as Executive Deputy Athletic Director for External Relations at the University of Evansville.”

Chad Wiese, Verona Area School District – Deputy Superintendent

“Joel Zimba is a huge loss for our school district. His work ethic, technical abilities, and, most of all, his interpersonal skills will be greatly missed. Joel’s time in the Verona Area School District resulted in historic achievements and participation rates in our athletic programs. I wish him the best as the Executive Deputy Director for External Relations. Joel’s hire at the University of Evansville will make an immediate impact. I’m confident great things lie ahead.”

David Ragland, University of Evansville – Head Men’s Basketball Coach

“I met Joel 8 years ago and had the honor of working with him for two years at Valparaiso University. I had the opportunity to watch how passionate he is about the student-athlete experience. Joel is selfless and a tireless worker. He is honest and will do what is right no matter the situation. Joel embodies all the qualities of the culture Dr Ziggy Siegfried has worked so hard to create for our athletic department here at UE. Dr Ziggy Siegfried has created great momentum within our athletic department, built on positivity, problem-solving, and connectivity through effective communication. I’m excited to watch our athletics department improve with Joel Zimba’s addition and look forward to working alongside him.”

Steve Watson, Loyola Chicago – Director of Athletics

“Evansville is getting one of the best in Joel Zimba. With his background and experience in athletics administration, there’s no doubt he’ll do great things for the Purple Aces. Congratulations to Ziggy and his staff for landing a good one!”

Jackie Manuel, American University – Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach

“Joel Zimba is a great friend and person. Joel is a hard worker and consummate professional who strives to serve others every day. EU is getting a high-character person that is committed to excellence.”

Jamie Sims, Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District – District Director of Athletics and Activities

“I had the great pleasure to meet and begin working with Joel Zimba in 2020 as an athletic director, and since then, I have had the opportunity to partner with and create a meaningful relationship that surpasses the world of education-based athletics. Mr. Zimba’s leadership skills and ability to get the best out of the most as a part of his character, leadership, and overall care and concern for others continue to inspire and motivate me to do precisely that in my current capacity. Joel’s passion for leading others and ensuring equitable outcomes for all has resonated with me and overflowed into the Big 8 conference here in Wisconsin. Today, I am a better leader because I have met and worked alongside Joel Zimba. He has definitely left his life, print, and legacy in Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletics.