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HOT JOBS IN EVANSVILLE
Aces face preseason MVC favorite Missouri State on Wednesday
UE looks for second win in a row.
Fresh off of its first Missouri Valley Conference victory of the season, the University of Evansville men’s basketball team is back at the Ford Center on Wednesday evening to face preseason favorite Missouri State.
Saturday saw the Purple Aces pick up an important 68-44 win over Bradley. The defense held the Braves to just 34.9% shooting while the offense shot 49% overall and a perfect 100% (10/10) from the line.
“Missouri State was picked to win the conference, so it’s a big game for us, but every Valley game is huge,†Aces sophomore Dru Smith said. “We have been right in there in each game and the difference against Bradley is that we were able to sustain that play.â€
Following an 0-3 start to conference play, the Purple Aces righted the ship on Saturday with a 68-44 win over Bradley. The margin of victory was the top against an MVC opponent since UE defeated Indiana State in the 2016 MVC Tournament by a final of 68-42; that also marked the last time the Aces held a league squad under 45 points.
Since returning from injury on December 23 after missing seven games, Ryan Taylor has made it look easy, averaging 21 points per game. In four league contests, Taylor is shooting 47.9% from the floor and 53.8% (28/52) from inside the arc. He has notched four 20-point games in a row while reaching the mark in six of his last seven games. The Bradley game marked his 8th 20-point game of the season; he had six such games last season.
His season average stands at 21.2 points per game, which is the top tally in the MVC. Since players must play in 65% of a team’s games to be officially ranked, Taylor will move back on top following the January 17 game against Indiana State, assuming he does not miss a game in between.
Blake Simmons begins the week with 970 career points; he is just 30 shy of becoming the 49th player in program history to score 1,000 in his career.
Picked in the top spot in the preseason conference rankings, Missouri State has backed that up, sitting at 13-4 overall and 3-1 in their first four league games. Preseason Player of the Year Alize Johnson leads the squad with 15.1 points and a league-high 11.2 rebounds per game.  Johnson’s rebounding tally is 10th in the nation while his 11 double-doubles is 5th in the NCAA.  MSU excels on the glass, ranking 5th in the country in rebounding margin (+9.6 per game).
“Missouri State is a tough-minded, competitive team,†Evansville head coach Marty Simmons said. “Alize Johnson has used his experience from last year to improve this season. We will have to see all five of our guys contribute especially on the boards. This is the best rebounding team we have played this season.â€
Adopt A Pet
Terry is a water turtle originally purchased from PetSmart and then surrendered. The adoption fee is $20 and adopters will be required to purchase a habitat for Terry, as VHS does not have a large enough one available to send home. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 or adoptions@vhslifesaver.org for adoption details!
Gov. Holcomb names Jim Huston Interim IURC Chairman
Governor Eric J. Holcomb  announced that he has appointed Jim Huston to serve as interim chairman for the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) until he appoints a new commissioner to fill the vacancy created by current IURC Chairman Jim Atterholt’s retirement. Atterholt’s last day serving on the IURC will be Jan. 12, 2018.
“Indiana is losing a true exemplar of public service with Jim Atterholt’s retirement, and we are so grateful for his 30 years of servant leadership to the state,†Gov. Holcomb said. “Jim Huston has the skills and experience necessary to ensure the IURC maintains great government service until we appoint a full-time replacement to fill the vacancy.â€
Jim Huston is currently a commissioner on the IURC. He was appointed by former-Gov. Mike Pence in 2014 and reappointed by Gov. Holcomb in 2017. Huston serves as a National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) representative on the Gas Technology Institute’s Public Interest Advisory Committee.
Huston served in the administrations of both Gov. Pence and Gov. Daniels. He was chief of staff at the Indiana State Department of Health during the Pence administration and executive director of the Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives during the Daniels administration.
Jim has held a variety of leadership positions throughout his more than 30-year career at both the federal and state level, including service as Assistant Deputy Treasurer for the state of Indiana in 1989 and as Deputy Commissioner for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles from late 1986 to 1987.
Jim has both a B.S. (1986) and an M.A. (2016) from Ball State University. Jim, his wife Christy and their four boys reside in Brownsburg.
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission Nominating Committee is accepting applications to fill the vacancy through Jan. 12, 2018. Applications are available online at www.in.gov/gov/2682.htm. The nominating committee will conduct a public meeting to interview applicants and will present Gov. Holcomb with a list of three qualified candidates from which he will fill the vacancy. Once the governor appoints a new commissioner, he will appoint one member of the IURC to be the new chairman.
USI takes on division rivals in UIndy, #1 Bellarmine
University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball takes on a pair of Great Lakes Valley Conference East Division opponents this week, beginning with the University of Indianapolis in the Physical Activities Center Thursday at 7:30 p.m.  Game coverage for all of USI’s game action, including live stats, video stream, and audio broadcasts, is available at GoUSIEagles.com. The games also can be heard on ESPN 97.7 WREF and 95.7FM The Spin.
Following Thursday’s contest, USI is idle through the remainder of the weekend until it travels to Louisville, Kentucky, Monday to visit top-ranked Bellarmine University for a 7 p.m. (CST) contest.
USI Men’s Basketball Week 9 Notes:Â
USI splits in GLVC play last week. USI split the first weekend of 2018, posting an exciting overtime victory at home versus the University of Missouri-St. Louis, 84-73, and losing on the road to Drury University, 71-61. The Screaming Eagles shutout UMSL, 11-0, in overtime to defeat the Tritons to start the weekend. Junior guard Alex Stein and junior guard/forward Nate Hansen led the Eagles in scoring with 23 and 21 points, respectively. Senior forward DayJar Dickson also had a monster game with 15 points and a career-high 21 rebounds.
In the loss to Drury, USI was led by Stein and senior forward Julius Rajala with 16 and 12 points, respectively. Rajala also posted his second double-double of the year with a career-high 12 boards to lead USI on the glass. Hansen rounded out the double-digit scorers with 11 points, while Dickson also reached double-figures on the glass with 11 boards.
Leaders last week. Junior guard Alex Stein led three Eagles in double-figures with 19.5 points per game. Junior guard/forward Nate Hansen followed Stein in the scoring column with 16.0 points per outing. Senior forward DayJar Dickson averaged a double-double last week with 11.5 points and 16.0 rebounds per contest.
Dickson dominated the glass versus UMSL. Senior forward DayJar Dickson dominated the glass versus UMSL with 21 rebounds, becoming the first Eagle with 20-or-more rebounds in a game since Aaron Nelson grabbed 23 versus Missouri University of Science & Technology in 2013-14. Nelson holds USI’s single game record with 27 boards versus Kentucky State University in 2013-14.
Stein’s free throw streak ends at 54. USI junior guard Alex Stein saw his school record streak of 54-consecutive free throws made, dating back to the first half of the November 25 contest versus Martin Methodist College, end with a miss on his first attempt at Drury.
Leaders through 16 games. USI has three players averaging double-digits in 2017-18. Junior guard Alex Stein leads the scorers with 19.2 points per game, while junior guard/forward Nate Hansen and senior guard Marcellous Washington round out the double-digit scorers with 15.4 and 12.5 points per contest, respectively. Senior forward DayJar Dickson leads the Eagles on the glass with 7.9 rebounds per outing, 11.5 per contest in GLVC action.
USI in action in the GLVC. The Eagles continue their home-road schedule in the GLVC this week when they host the University of Indianapolis (January 11) and travel to top-ranked (D2SIDA) Bellarmine University (January 15).
USI vs. UIndy. USI leads the all-time series with UIndy, 55-22, 51-21 in conference play. The Eagles also have a 35-8 all-time home mark against the Greyhounds, 34-8 in league action. USI took the first meeting of the year in Indianapolis, 73-67, behind the 24-point performance of senior forward Julius Rajala.
USI vs. Bellarmine. USI is 50-40 all-time against Bellarmine after losing a pair to the Knights last year (78-70 at the PAC; 67-61 in Louisville, Kentucky). Guard Jeril Taylor led the Eagles with 17 points in the loss at the PAC, while junior guard Alex Stein and guard Bobo Drummond paced the Eagles with 20 points and 18 points, respectively, in the loss at Bellarmine. The Eagles have lost three-straight to the Knights and six of the last seven meetings over the last two years after winning six-of-eight between February 2012 and March 2014.
UIndy in 2017-18. The Greyhounds are 9-4 overall, 3-2 in the GLVC, having won four of their last five games. UIndy got back on track in GLVC action with a 76-69 victory over Rockhurst University last weekend and has won its last two conference games.
Bellarmine in 2017-18. The Knights, who were predicted to win the GLVC East Division, are 13-0 overall, 4-0 GLVC. Bellarmine, who is ranked second in the NABC Division II Top 25 and number one In the D2SIDA Media Top 25 polls, has won 51-straight home games, dating back to the third home game of the 2014-15 regular season. USI is the last conference team to win a GLVC regular season game at Knights Hall, defeating Bellarmine, 68-66, in overtime during the 2013-14 campaign. USI center Aaron Nelson led the way for the Eagles in that victory with a double-double (15 points, 19 rebounds).
Holcomb’s 2nd State Of The State Emphasizes Workforce, Presents Goals For Progress In 2018
INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb on Tuesday delivered his 2018 State of the State address to a joint convention of the Indiana General Assembly. While continuing his focus on five key pillars, the governor’s remarks highlighted his commitment to developing a skilled, ready workforce and detailed several milestones he expects the state to meet.
Full text of Governor Eric J. Holcomb’s 2018 State of the State address is attached.
“Our greatest challenge is that too many Hoosiers lack the education and skills for the jobs that are here today and being created tomorrow—nearly all of which require a post-secondary education. It’s a challenge faced by every state and a major concern for every business,†Gov. Holcomb said. “This is the issue of the decade, and we don’t have a day to waste.â€
In his address, Gov. Holcomb outlined the following workforce-related goals:
- Help at least 25,000 of the 700,000+ Hoosier adults with some college but no degree make the life-changing decision to go back and enroll in post-secondary programs.
- Help at least 30,000 of the 475,000 Hoosier adults without a high school diploma gain the education and skills they need to get a better job.
- By 2019, increase the number of work-based learning experiences (internships and apprenticeships) from 12,500 to 25,000—making Indiana a top-five state in this area.
- By 2020, help at least 1,000 Hoosier adults in our prison system earn certificates and credentials each year, so that they can secure high-demand, high-wage jobs upon release.
Additionally, the governor called for his new Education to Career Pathways Cabinet to develop a framework in 2018 that will drive legislative action and funding decisions in the 2019 budget session. He also called for a high school diploma that is rigorous and flexible enough to prepare all students for their next step after graduation—whether that’s a job, a four-year degree, or something in between.
Beyond workforce, Gov. Holcomb outlined accomplishments and next steps related to each of the five pillars outlined in his 2018 Next Level Agenda, which he designed to address the key challenges facing our state today while positioning Indiana for long-term success and economic growth:
Cultivate a strong and diverse economy: Pass legislation this session that will clarify Indiana’s tax law for Software as a Service (SaaS) companies to support Indiana’s growing tech industry.
- Maintain and build the state’s infrastructure: Open Section 5 of I-69, build capacity to resurface 10,000 lane miles of pavement and repair or replace 1,300 bridges over the next five years, and build a short- and long-term strategy for Indiana’s aging water infrastructure.
- Develop a 21st century skilled and ready workforce: Equip every Hoosier to secure a career that interests them, supports a good life and grows our state’s economy. Ensure Indiana employers have the skilled workforce they need to grow and succeed.
- Attack the drug epidemic: Increase the number of opioid treatment locations from 18 to 27 so nearly everyone in the state will be less than an hour’s drive to treatment.
- Deliver great government service: Conduct a thorough assessment of Indiana’s Department of Child Services and provide two progress reports to the public and state lawmakers during the legislative session.
In December, Gov. Holcomb announced that he had identified the foundational element for his five pillars that will be at the heart of all collaboration and discussion this legislative session and throughout his administration: civility.
“We Hoosiers have been blessed with a character that more often than not leads us to solve problems rather than assign blame and to work for a common cause rather than tear each other down,†Governor Holcomb said. “Going forward, I’m going to view civility as the very foundation of everything we do.â€
Each year, Indiana’s governor addresses both houses of the state legislature, the state’s Supreme Court Justices, and other state leaders at the beginning of the legislative session in the State of the State Address. It provides an opportunity for the governor to report on the status quo of the state’s affairs, highlight key accomplishments of the past year, and outline key priorities for the year ahead.
VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES
Below are the felony cases to be filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office today.
Jonathan Patrick Bunton: Theft (Level 6 Felony), Criminal Trespass (Class A misdemeanor)
Buena Vesta Cotton III: Pointing a firearm (Level 6 Felony), Domestic battery (Class A misdemeanor)
Beth L. Puertzer: Contributing to the delinquency of a minor (Level 2 Felony), Contributing to the delinquency of a minor (Level 3 Felony), Conspiracy Armed robbery (Level 3 Felony), Aiding Armed robbery (Level 3 Felony), Conspiracy Burglary (Level 4 Felony), Aiding Burglary (Level 4 Felony)
Brandon Allen Daugherty: Contributing to the delinquency of a minor (Level 2 Felony), Contributing to the delinquency of a minor (Level 3 Felony), Conspiracy Armed robbery (Level 3 Felony), Aiding  Armed robbery (Level 3 Felony), Conspiracy Burglary (Level 4 Felony), Aiding  Burglary (Level 4 Felony)
VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES
 Below are the felony cases to be filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office today.
Robert Kevin Smitha: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)
Jackie Joe Whittley: Criminal recklessness (Level 6 Felony), Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony)
Alik James Puertzer: Conspiracy Armed robbery (Level 3 Felony), Aiding Armed robbery (Level 3 Felony), Conspiracy Burglary (Level 4 Felony), Aiding Burglary (Level 4 Felony)
Denice R. Baughn: Possession of a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Level 6 Felony)
Debra Ann Kramer: Assisting a criminal (Level 6 Felony)
Dunno Lamon Killebrew: Battery against a public safety (Level 6 Felony), Battery against a public safety official (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Level 6 Felony), Criminal trespass (Class A misdemeanor)
Josilyn Gail Davis: Battery against a public safety official (Level 6 Felony), Intimidation (Level 6 Felony), Intimidation (Class A misdemeanor), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor), Criminal mischief (Class B misdemeanor)
Scott Alan Becker: Theft (Level 6 Felony), Theft (Level 6 Felony)
Tianna Lynn Miles: Unlawful possession of syringe (Level 5 Felony), Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Criminal trespass (Class A misdemeanor)
IS IT TRUE JANUARY 09, 2018
We hope that todays “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 some of the questionable political decisions made by former elected officials inspired us to invent the character named “SNEGAL”? …for those who may have forgotten what “SNEGAL” stands for is “SNEAKY BUT LEGAL”?  …we have decided to insert a picture of “SNEGAL” in todays “IS IT TRUE” article because we feel  this coming election cycle will provide us with many more “SENGAL” moments?
IS IT TRUE yesterday we predicted that the new leadership  of City Council will be totally different then in years past? …we predicted that 6th Ward Councilmen Jim Brinkmeyer (D) will be elected council president? …we projected that City Councilman Dr Dan Adams (D) could be elected council vice president? …we aren’t surprised that  Councilmen Jonathan Weaver (D) was appointed as chairmen of the powerful Finance and Budget committee? …the City County Observer predictions about yesterday City Council re-organization election was spot on?
IS IT TRUE last year we dubbed the segment held at the end of City Council that allows public comments as the “3 Minutes of Censorship”? …that former City Council President Missy Mosby declared last year that  City Council could only allow members of the public the opportunity to address the City Council for only 3 minutes?  …we hope that newly elected Council President Jim Brinkmeyer will amend the “3 Minutes of Censorship Rule” to something more reasonable?
IS IT TRUE the CPA firm of London-Witte advised the Winnecke Administration to implement a “budget spending plan” more than three (3) years ago?  …as of today  “budget spending plan“ has been developed by the Winnecke administration?  …we hope that the newly appointed City Council Finance and Budget Chairmen, Jonathan Weaver will immediately begin to develop and implement a “budget spending plan” for the good of the taxpayers of this community?
IS IT TRUE the City of Evansville doesn’t have a revenue problem but they do have a spending problem?
 IS IT TRUE we are told that several area ministers met last Sunday to plan a meeting for this coming Thursday at Memorial Baptist Church?  …we are told  that the main subject to be discussed at this meeting will be about the rampant violent crimes in our community?  …that leaders of the local neighborhood associations are also invited to attend this event?  …we hope that members of the local media and law enforcement will be invited to attend this meeting? …it takes a community working hand in hand with local law enforcement to fight crime?
IS IT TRUE their have been clues that things were going wrong for at least ten years? …over the years city officials found hypodermic needles, liquor bottles left on slide boards, and used condoms tossed about in a kids play ground?…a poverty rate of over 20% for the general population and well over 33% in selected challenged neighborhoods was also a clue that went unnoticed in favor of fun and games projects?…when Tom Barnett, the former Director of the Evansville DMD let it be known that 10,000 houses in Evansville needed many thousand of dollars in repairs to be habitable, that was a clue but the spending on political pork barrel and patronage projects continued?…at one point Evansville was leading the nation in meth lab busts?  …back then meth was the biggest drug problem in town  and a child’s bicycle was the signal that meth was available was a clue?…that rampant opioid use was a clue until the punchbowl was moved and out of town heroin dealers filled the void was a clue?…we would like to know what the next clue may be?
IS IT TRUE that the most effective and knowledgeable elected public official in Vanderburgh County is James Raben (R)?
Is It True that the #1 community cheerleader is none other than Mayor Winnecke? Â …that Amy Word-Smith is the number #2 Â community cheerleader?
IS IT TRUE we are pleased with way that County Commissioner Ben Shoulders (D) and City Council members Justin Elpers (R) and John Hayden (R) are conducting themselves in doing the peoples business?
IS IT TRUE in questionable and incompetent political move that former Mayor Weinzapfel made was to grant an incentive of $900,000 to renovate the McCurdy to a political supporter of  his from Indianapolis who basically took the money and never did the job he promised to do?… during that time Weinzapfel proceeded to march a group of senior citizens living at the McCurdy up the street to another location leaving the building empty for about 3,300 days before the Kunkel Group eventually turned the old place into apartments?
IS IT TRUEÂ last year we reported that out of town developers were planning to renovate the former Old National Bank tower at 420 Main Street in downtown Evansville have run into a snag in getting the project financed?…the 18 story building which has been sparsely occupied since ONB moved out many years ago? …last years announcement about a $25 million dollar upgrade to this building had lots of people excited? …this building has been “available” for less than $5 Million for over a decade?…this sounds very much like the problems with financing that several hotel proposals ran into during the push for a downtown convention hotel that ended up with a government handout of $20 plus million to get the deal moving forward?…it is extremely disappointing that after all of these years that an investment group can’t secure a $25 million dollar loan to bring the 420 Building into the 21st Century? Â …this building is in now back on the market?
Todays “Readers Poll” question is:Â If the general election was held today for 8th District Congressmen who would you vote for?
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 in the CCO please contact us City-County Observer@live.com.
EDITOR’S FOOTNOTE:  Any readers comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City County Observer or our advertisers