VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES
 Below are the felony cases to be filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office today.
Kenneth Brian Colbert: Operating a vehicle with an ACE of 0.15 or more (Level 6 Felony)
Kyle Lee Devine: Strangulation (Level 6 Felony), Domestic battery (Class A misdemeanor)
Justin Wayne Hamman: Failure to appear (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a narcotic drug (Level 6 Felony)
Tyrone Amstead: Domestic battery (Level 5 Felony), Strangulation (Level 6 Felony), Domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury (Level 6 Felony), Intimidation (Level 6 Felony), Possession of marijuana (Class B misdemeanor)
Brendon Scott Broshears: Intimidation (Level 5 Felony)
Jared Lee Verwayne: Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a controlled substance (Class A misdemeanor)
Kellsea Rae Pruiett: Theft (Level 6 Felony)
David Alan Young III: Unlawful possession or use of a legend drug (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Class A misdemeanor)
Jermain Cartwright: Counterfeiting (Level 6 Felony)
DaSean Summers: Murder, Robbery resulting in serious bodily injury (Level 2 Felony), Conspiracy Armed robbery (Level 3 Felony), Armed robbery (Level 3 Felony)
Chelsey Elizabeth Dewitt: Battery against a public safety official (Level 6 Felony), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor), Public intoxication (Class B misdemeanor)
Donovan Andrew Thomas: Murder, Robbery resulting in serious bodily injury (Level 2 Felony), Conspiracy Armed robbery (Level 3 Felony), Armed robbery (Level 3 Felony)
William Tyson Morris: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Theft (Class A misdemeanor), Operating a motor vehicle without ever receiving a license (Class C misdemeanor)
William Harold Sisk: Residential entry (Level 6 Felony)
Kentrell Deshan McClatchey: Strangulation (Level 6 Felony), Domestic battery (Class A misdemeanor), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor)
Earl B. Martin Jr.: Murder, Obstruction of justice (Level 6 Felony), Attempt Obstruction of justice (Level 6 Felony)
Anthony Lee Stokes: Possession of altered handgun (Level 5 Felony), Carrying a handgun without a license (Level 5 Felony)
Andrew Cartel Finch: Possession of marijuana (Level 6 Felony), Maintaining a common nuisance – controlled substances (Level 6 Felony), Dealing in marijuana (Level 6 Felony)
Garrett Andrew Plume: Intimidation (Level 5 Felony), Intimidation (Level 5 Felony), Intimidation (Level 5 Felony), Residential entry (Level 6 Felony), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor)
Samuel David Hill: Burglary (Level 4 Felony), Robbery (Level 5 Felony)
Haley Frey: Strangulation (Level 6 Felony), Domestic battery (Class A misdemeanor)
Amy Leigh Ferguson: Fraud on a financial institution (Level 5 Felony), Attempt Fraud on a financial institution (Level 5 Felony), Attempt Fraud on a financial institution (Level 5 Felony)
AmyJo L. Cox: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Unlawful possession of syringe (Level 6 Felony), Maintaining a common nuisance – controlled substances (Level 6 Felony), Possession of marijuana (Class B misdemeanor), Possession of paraphernalia (Class C misdemeanor)
Derek A. Weimer: Operating a vehicle with an ACE of 0.15 or more (Level 6 Felony)
James Allen Webster: Operating a motor vehicle after forfeiture of license of life (Level 5 Felony)
Zachary Thomas Green: Possession of a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Level 6 Felony), Failure to appear (Level 6 Felony)
Eric Raymond Glass: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 5 Felony), Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Dealing in a schedule IV controlled substance (Level 6 Felony), Operating a vehicle with an ACE of 0.08 or more (Class C misdemeanor)
Cathy Lynn Gahl: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 5 Felony), Unlawful possession of syringe (Level 5 Felony), Maintaining a common nuisance – controlled substances (Level 6 Felony), Possession of paraphernalia (Class A misdemeanor)
Katie May Gaylee Rodriguez: Residential entry (Level 6 Felony)
Mathew Charles Knight: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 3 Felony), Possession of methamphetamine (Level 4 Felony), Theft (Class A misdemeanor)
Jason C. Oldham: Strangulation (Level 6 Felony), Domestic battery (Class A misdemeanor)
Tracy Scott Franklin: Criminal trespass (Level 6 Felony)
Men’s basketball drops 65-63 decision at SIU
Ryan Taylor notches third 20-point game in a rowÂ
Ryan Taylor led four University of Evansville double figure scorers with 21 points but four Southern Illinois scores finished with 12+ points to lead the Salukis to a 65-63 victory over the University of Evansville men’s basketball team at SIU Arena.
Taylor, who scored 16 points in the first half, hit 9 of his 18 attempts on the night for the Purple Aces (10-6, 0-3 MVC). Blake Simmons notched 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting while Dru Smith and K.J. Riley finished the night with 10 apiece.
“We have to get better, we just made too many mistakes tonight. Mistakes were made in critical spots,†Aces head coach Marty Simmons said. “Give our guys credit, they battled back and were resilient; we just cannot keep turning the ball over like we have been.â€
Aaron Cook was the leading scorer for SIU (10-6, 2-1 MVC) as he posted 14 points on 5-of-
7 shooting. Armon Fletcher and Tyler Smithpeters notched 13 apiece while Sean Lloyd had 12.
Both teams knocked down triples in their opening possessions of the game. Ryan Taylor gave UE its first advantage of the night as he scored the first five for the Aces and seven of the first nine as the Aces extended the lead to 11-6. After SIU tied the score at 11-11, Evansville had its best run of the game, hitting 5 out of 8 shots to take a 23-16 advantage with 6:37 left in the half.
Facing its largest deficit of the game, the Salukis roared back with a 14-2 run as they connected on 6 out of 7 shots. The run was capped off by a Kavion Pippen dunk with 2:56 on the clock. The seventh bucket by Taylor helped the Purple Aces cut the halftime deficit to three at 32-29. He had 16 in the half.
Southern Illinois continued its hot shooting from long range, connecting on 7 of its first 10 attempts while pushing its lead back to six points (42-36) in the opening moment of the final period. Evansville never gave up as another Taylor score set the team on a run that knotted the score at 44-44. K.J. Riley finished it off with a pair of free throws.
Just past the halfway point, Blake Simmons gave UE its first lead of the second half with a drive to the basket to make it a 46-45 game. After SIU tied it up, Simmons was the difference-maker once again, knocking down a jumper to give UE a 48-46 lead. After Marty Hill broke another tie, Taylor was true from 3-point range with six minutes left to give the Aces their first 2-possession lead of the second half at 53-49.
With four minutes left, the Salukis erased the UE advantage and retook the lead at 56-55 thanks to a long ball from Tyler Smithpeters. The teams swapped the lead three times over the next minute before an and-one by Riley made it a 60-58 game under the 3-minute mark. Simmons’ sixth bucket of the evening gave UE a 4-point advantage (62-58).
The resilient Salukis tied the game in one possession. Aaron Cook hit a shot and drew a foul. After missing the free throw, SIU grabbed the rebound and Armon Fletcher scored to tie it up. Southern Illinois had a chance to take the lead with a minute left, but a missed dunk turned into a free throw make by Marty Hill that put the Aces back in front at 63-62.
Fletcher knocked down a pair of clutch free throws with 25.6 seconds remaining to help SIU retake the lead and give UE one final shot at the win. The team had two shots underneath the basket, but both fell short and SIU appeared to have possession. The play was reviewed and the ball went back to Evansville with 9.3 ticks left. A turnover on the inbound helped SIU return to the line where they hit one out of two and finished off the 65-63 win.
A 2-game home stand awaits the Aces as they return to the Ford Center to face Bradley in a 3 p.m. game on Saturday before welcoming Missouri State on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Saturday’s contest against the Braves is the annual Courier & Press game. Fans can redeem vouchers in the Courier & Press or actual copies of the paper dated Dec. 31 through Jan. 6 to get $5 tickets. They can be redeemed at the Carson Center or Ford Center up to the start of the game.
“READERS FORUM” JANUARY 4, 3018
WHATS ON YOUR MIND TODAY?
EDITOR’S FOOTNOTE:  Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City County Observer or our advertisers
Four People Arrested in Multi-County Chase that Ended in Hopkins Co.
JANUARY 4th, 2018Â 
 TYRONE MORRIS EVANSVILLE, INDIANA, KENTUCKY
Evansville Police say the chase started around 7:15PM on Pollack and Burdette Avenues in Evansville. The chase then continued into Henderson, Webster and Hopkins Counties.
Along the way, police say someone threw objects from the car along Interstate 69. Several officers spent the evening searching along I-69 from Highway 41 to just west of Covert Avenue.
Stay with 44news on this developing story.
COUNTY COMMISSIONER CHERYL MUSGRAVE PROPOSES PARENTAL LEAVE POLICY
Editor Footnote: Attached below is a copy of a proposed ordnance that amends the current Vanderburgh County ordinance.  This legislation proposes that a new code establishing a parental leave policy for Vanderburgh County.  County Commissioner Cheryl  Musgrave is  sponsor of amending the current ordinance. Please take time and read this proposed ordinance that will established a parental leave policy for Vanderburgh County.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2.90 OF THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY
CODE ESTABLISHING A PARENTAL LEAVE POLICY
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, as the executive and legislative body of Vanderburgh County, have the power to adopt Ordinances relating to the administration of Vanderburgh County government; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Vanderburgh County seek to modify the County Employee Handbook to include a parental leave policy providing for up to four (4) weeks of paid leave for parents of a newborn or adopted child; and
WHEREAS, Vanderburgh County is committed to ensuring that its employees are provided opportunities to succeed both in the workplace and with their families and further seek to ensure that pursuing a career and caring for one’s family is complementary and not contradictory; and
WHEREAS, it is an objective of Vanderburgh County, as an employer, to facilitate opportunities to enrich both the workplace and families.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners of Vanderburgh County, Indiana as follows:
SECTION 1. Amendment to Chapter 2.90 of the Vanderburgh County Code by the Addition of Section 2.90.340
Section 2.90.340 of the Vanderburgh County Code is hereby created to read as follows:
2.90.340 – Parental Leave
A. A full time County Employee who has been employed by Vanderburgh County for six (6) consecutive months may request and receive up to four (4) weeks of paid leave, upon one of the following events:
1. the birth of the employee’s child;
2. the birth of a child to the employee’s spouse; or
3. the placement of a child for adoption with the employee.
B. If one of the requirements set forth in Section 2.90.340 A is met, then such request for parental leave shall be granted.
C. Parental leave shall run concurrently with the Family and Medical Leave Act for those County employees who are eligible for such leave.
D. Any parental leave not taken:
1. within six (6) months after the birth of a child or the placement of a child for
adoption as set forth in Section 2.90.340A; or
2. prior to the County employee’s separation from employment is forfeited at the earlier of one of those two (2) events.
SECTION 2. Effective Date.
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by the Board of Commissioners of Vanderburgh County and following publication as provided in I.C. 5-3-1.
First passed by the Board of Commissioners of Vanderburgh County this ____ day of ___________________________, 2018.
Final passage by the Board of Commissioners of Vanderburgh County this ____ day of ___________________________, 2018.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF VANDERBURGH COUNTY, INDIANA
By: __________________________________ Bruce Ungethiem, President
By: __________________________________ Cheryl A. W. Musgrave, Vice-President
By: __________________________________ Ben Shoulders, Member
Adopt A Pet
Zeus is a 3-year-old male solid black cat. He can live just fine with other cats and currently lives in the Cageless Cat Lounge! He’s neutered and ready to go home today for $40. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 or adoptions@vhslifesaver.org for adopti
St. Vincent Evansville Birth Announcements For Week Of January 3, 2018
Kayleen Fox and Steven Kirby, Evansville, IN, daughter, Ally Bree, Dec. 25
Amy and Drew Williams, Newburgh, IN, daughter, Abigail Elizabeth, Dec. 26
Laci and Andrew Lamont, Crossville, IL, daughter, Adler Drew Conlynn, Dec. 26
Leslie and Bradley Schaefer, Evansville, IN, daughter, Gabriella Alena Ruth, Dec. 26
Brittany and Scott Hendrick, Evansville, IN, son, Kayden Scott, Dec. 27
Tasha Brown, Evansville, IN, daughter, De’Zire Desirae, Dec. 27
Trisha Hahn and Nathan Wright, Evansville, IN, son, William Thomas, Dec. 27
Jordan Revalee and Enrique Powers, Fort Branch, IN, son, Jameson Walter, Dec. 27
Amanda and Travis Tison, Evansville, IN, son, Theo Nathaniel, Dec. 28
Jennifer and Ryan Nicholson, Evansville, IN, Daughter, Lillian Grace, Dec. 28
Ashley and David Howard, Evansville, IN, son, Nova Alan, Dec. 28
Samantha and Curtis Nimrick, Francisco, IN, son, Havok John Ray, Dec. 29
Sarah and David Asher, Sebree, KY, daughter, Alvie Ann, Dec. 29
Sierra Tausch and Isiah Hall, Princeton, IN, daughter, Luna Louise, Dec. 29
Haley Carden and Lucas Boarman, Evansville, IN, son, Cooper Darrell, Dec. 29
Christina Murray, Evansville, IN, daughter, Kayleigh Grace, Dec. 30
Megan and Raymond Lemy Nacisse, Evansville, IN, daughter, Amayah Rosella, Dec. 30
Heather Walston and Nathan Sales, Mount Carmel, IL, son, Kellan Charles, Dec. 30
Whitney Harris and Brent Smith, Henderson, KY, daughter, Nevaeh Carolann, Dec. 30
Denisa and Robert Godwin, Evansville, IN, son, Dominick Robert Esaias, Dec. 31