Evansville Police continue to investigate the hazardous device that was found on Tuesday. Police were notified of the device around 4:00pm.
The 911 caller told police he had found the deice in an apartment that was recently vacated. The caller had been cleaning items out of the apartment and found the device. The caller was unsure of what it was and put in into his own truck with other items he had removed.
The caller then began to worry about the device. He took a picture of it and shared his concern with an officer who then contacted a member of the Hazardous Devices Unit. After viewing the picture, the decision was made to evacuate the area. The Hazardous Devices Unit responded to the area of 3rd and Cherry and began to evaluate the device. They felt it was a viable threat and made the decision to disrupt the device in a controlled manner.
At approximately 7:00pm, the device was disrupted. After a secondary evaluation, the decision was made to perfo rm an additional disruption of the device. The disruption prevents the device from performing in its intended manner.
Following the second disruption, the threat was eliminated. The area was reopened to traffic and residents.
The investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made. The caller is not considered a person of interest or a suspect in this case.
Information on the exact type of device that was involved in this case is not being released at this time.
Police continue to investigate after Hazardous Devices Unit neutralizes homemade device on Tu
IS IT TRUE OCTOBER 18, 2017
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?â€
IS IT TRUE that yesterday the City County Observer was off line most of the day because technical problems ? Â …we republish some of todays IS IT TRUESÂ from yesterday just in case you didn’t’ have a chance to read them?
IS IT TRUE that longtime writer for the Evansville Courier and Press Jon Webb, seems to have come out of Pollyannaville and awakened to the reality that is his hometown of Evansville, IN?…Webb has authored several articles during the last month that clearly indicate that he is no longer sipping from the Kool-Aid trough that the elected leaders of Evansville routinely force feed the locals?…Mr. Webb has finally come to the realization that many of the classic places in Evansville have descended down to the dungeons with the Phantom of the Opera and are now “Past the Point of No Return?â€â€¦it is a good thing for a local journalist to get rid of the rose colored glasses and see reality?…the tragedy is that if the last two decades of journalists in Evansville had seen reality and had the courage to call out the politicians who have been the architects of decline, maybe all of these declines would not have taken place?  …we considered Mr. Webb the most creative writer in the region?
IS IT TRUE the latest realization is that the once wonderful amphitheater known as Mesker has rotten down while hidden from view by unkempt vegetation to the point of diminishing return on any refurbishment effort that could have been made as recently as 5 years ago?…like Roberts Stadium before it the abysmal stewardship of Mesker by the City of Evansville has enabled the accelerated decline of the once enjoyable facility?…the Mesker Amphitheater is no more and shall never be again?…it will most likely be demolished to make way for a Penguin Exhibit that is not needed or wanted by the taxpayers of Evansville?…the field of dreams Penguin park is pre-ordained to lose money from the day it is funded to the day it is plowed back into the brown dirt of West Evansville?…the only thing that exhibits worse stewardship than letting Mesker rot to the ground is repurposing the land to be a Penguin exhibit?
IS IT TRUE that the time is now to question the obsession that the City of Evansville has with entertainment venues that lose money?…Weinzapfel’s Folly (aka the Ford Center) is expected to absorb operating losses of around $700,000 in 2017?…that does not include the $8 Million in bond payments that are being absorbed in other parts of the City budget that could have been used for something positive if Weinzapfel’s Folly had performed financially as his handpicked consultants projected that it would?…Evansville was once an industrial center?…the reason that Evansville was able to construct and sustain world class facilities for their time such as Roberts and Mesker is because there was a solid middle class job base that delivered substance and the taxes that accompany substance?…if Jon Webb really wants to Cry for Evanstina, he should be crying about the loss of substance in the local economy?…it is the loss of focus and substance that killed the beloved Mesker Amphitheater?…it is the irrational obsession with fun and games that led to the financial debacle cate-corner from the Mayor’s office?
IS IT TRUE that one thing of substance is under construction and that is the downtown Medical School?…since that was started, two hotels and now maybe a Spaghetti Factory have committed to downtown Evansville?…the two hotels are NOT SUBSIDIZED?…the City County Observer published six years ago that a medical school would make hotels happen without subsidies and it has now been proven to do so?…if the medical school had come before the Ford Center, the taxpayers could have saved over $20 Million?…Andrew Smith was exactly right with his “Sewers Before Stadium†campaign and the CCO was exactly right on it “Medical School before Hotel†column?…what is mystifying is why the educated fools who make up the Evansville City Council are consistently incapable of seeing that which is obvious?
IS IT TRUE we hear that staffers at both Club for Growth and the ACU have heard whispers that Rep. Larry Bucshon is mulling retirement? …It should be noted, that he skipped the Westside Fall Festival for the first time in memory, his public appearances have been scant, and last year he sold his million dollar home in Newburgh and bought a new family home in Washington, DC?
IS IT TRUE that we are hearing that some political connected people are beginning to feel that Vanderburgh County Sheriff Dave Wedding is starting to over promote the idea of building a new addition to the County jail? Â …that Sheriff Wedding would be wise to acknowledged that the mood of the Vanderburgh County taxpayers at this time is they are strongly against any more “tax and spend” capital projects? Â …that Sheriff Wedding would be extremely wise to seek the political of advice of former Sheriffs Eric Williams and Brad Ellsworth concerning how to sell this issue to the general public?
IS IT TRUE that local government don’t have a revenue problem they just have a spending problem?
IS IT TRUE we are hearing that an unnamed Evansville City Council member has requested the Evansville City Controller, Russ Lloyd Jr to provide him with an accounting  breakdown of Invoices and Unrecorded Liabilities for 2015, 2016 and 2017?  … copies of the requested information were also sent to Council President Missy Mosby and 14 others individuals?  …the requested information has to do with: 1) Account Payable Open Items Reports for 2015-2017. 2) Accrued Compensation Hours for Police and Fire Employees as of Aug 16-18, 2017. 3) Accounting Notes reports for 12/31/2016 and for the City of Evansville and other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) as prescribed by GASB 45 actuarial calculation of retired employees health insurance liability. 4) Also provided to city officials were the accounting notes for the City of Evansville concerning the (PERF) Public Employees Retirement Fund of which Evansville participates in? …we are hearing that the above accounting information given to the unnamed Councilman, Council President Missy Mosby and 14 others may reveal some of the unreported deficit spending decisions of the Winnecke Administration?
IS IT TRUE in Councilman Dan McGinn resignation e-mail he sent to GOP party chairman, Wayne Parker stated that; “You have criticized us for exercising our independent judgement (sic) and doing what we feel is best for the people we represent rather that marching lockstep to political doctrine”?  …we wonder why Mr. Parke didn’t take on Councilman McGinn for voting to build a multi-million dollar Penguim exhibit during the time of a serious budget crisis?  …Mr. Parke could have taken on Finance Chairman McGinn for continuing to push council members to take away our Homestead Tax Credits during the last several years?  …Chairman Parke could had taken on McGinn for not pushing council members to address the out of control city employees healthcare deficits? …Mr. Parke could had criticized Mr. McGinn for not cutting over $100,000 worth of city grants out of the city budget to area not-for-profits?  …Mr. Parke could have taken McGinn to task for voting to put back a $100,000 plus city grant in the budget to transport one (1) person to a job site located in the outer area of Highway 41? …Chairman Park could had ask why did Council Finance Chairman McGinn support the $12.5 advance payment (2018) of Tropicana riverboat  money to the city? …most of all Mr. Parke was correct in taking Mr. McGinn to task for voting to increase the County Income Option Tax (CIOT) for 2018?
IS IT TRUE we are hearing that at least two of the three Republican primary candidates for the Vanderburgh County Commission race will be announcing this week?
IS IT TRUE that that the son of former U S Congressman John Hostetter, Matt Hosetttler has announced that he shall be running for to soon to be vacated State House of Representative seat presently held by Thomas Washburne? Â …Matt stated in his official announcement that “My family and I are very fortunate to call Indiana home. Our legislative body is a reflection of Hoosier commitment to both fiscal and personal responsibility with limited government interference. District 64 has exemplified these values through Representative Washburne, and it is my goal to pick up where he will leave off. This is a wonderful place for Michelle and me to raise our family, and I intend to ensure that it remains a wonderful place for my son to raise his?”
IS IT TRUE it looks like the President of the Vanderburgh County Commission, Bruce Ungethiem will be facing the biggest challenge in his political career when he takes on Matt Hostetter in the District 64 State Representative Republican primary? Â …we are told that when Mr. Ungethiem voted to pass a wheel tax in Vanderburgh County it costs him a lot of conservative votes?
Todays READERS POLL question is: Do you feel that the taxpayers of Vanderburgh County are finally tired of the “Tax And Spend” attitude of our local elected officials?
Please take time and read our newest feature articles entitled “LAW ENFORCEMENT, READERS POLL, BIRTHDAYS, HOT JOBS†and “LOCAL SPORTS†posted in our sections.  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 comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City County Observer or our advertisers
Puerto Rican Families in Evansville Seek Relief
CHANNEL 44 NEWS: Puerto Rican Families in Evansville Seek Relief
OCTOBER 17TH, 2017Â 
MELANIE ZAYASÂ EVANSVILLE, INDIANA
HOLA has plans to host a 5k walk to help with the relief effort. It is set for November 19th at Wesselman Park. HOLA members hope to see a lot people there supporting those in need.
Eagles Riding Five-Match In Streak Into Second Half Of GLVC Play
University of Southern Indiana Volleyball looks to add to its five-match winning streak when it resumes Great Lakes Valley Conference play this weekend.
USI (8-13, 2-7 GLVC) begins the weekend with a stop in Louisville, Kentucky, to take on East Division rival Bellarmine University Friday at 6 p.m. (CDT). The Eagles travel to Indianapolis Saturday at 2 p.m. (CDT) to take on the University of Indianapolis.
Live stats and GLVC Sports Network coverage for both matches can be accessed at GoUSIEagles.com.
USI Volleyball Notes
Eagles streaking. The Screaming Eagles bring a five-match winning streak into the second half of GLVC play after going 4-0 in Midwest Region play last week, including 3-0 at the Midwest Region Crossover. The winning streak is USI’s longest since the Eagles strung together six straight victories during the 2015 campaign.
Last week’s leaders. Senior middle hitter Te’Ayla Whitfield (Fort Wayne, Indiana) recorded 2.27 kills and 1.47 blocks per set as well as a .397 attacking percentage to lead the Eagles last week. Sophomore outside hitter Mikaila Humphrey (Floyd Knobs, Indiana) had 3.93 kills per set and a .303 attacking percentage, while freshman setter Casey Cepicky (St. Louis, Missouri) and senior libero Shannon Farrell(Munster, Indiana) averaged 11.00 assists and 4.13 digs per set, respectively.
Leaders during the streak. Whitfield is averaging 2.10 kills and 1.40 blocks per set to go along with a .375 attacking percentage in the last five matches, while sophomore middle hitter Elexis Coleman is pairing a .364 hitting clip with 3.05 kills and 1.15 blocks per frame. Humphrey is adding 3.90 kills per set, while Cepicky and Farrell are respectively contributing 11.15 assists and 4.35 digs per stanza.
GLVC statistical watch. USI has three players ranked in the top 10 of the GLVC to begin the week. Whitfield ranks seventh in the GLVC with a team-high 1.13 blocks per set, while Cepicky and Humphrey are respectively eighth in assists per set (8.44) and kills per set (3.22).
Record watch. Senior libero Shannon Farrell (Munster, Indiana) ranks second all-time at USI with 1,692 career digs. Farrell is chasing former USI standout libero Kayla Heldman, who amassed a school-record 1,848 career digs from 2010-13.
USI versus Bellarmine. Friday’s match is the second time this year that the Eagles and Knights have hooked up. Bellarmine swept USI (25-18, 25-19, 25-12) at the PAC last month to earn its third straight win over the Eagles. The Knights are 16-5 overall and 6-3 in GLVC play after going 1-2 at the Crossover.
USI versus UIndy. Saturday’s meeting is the first of two matches between the Eagles and Greyhounds. UIndy, which defeated USI in four sets a year ago, begins the week with an 11-10 overall record and a 6-3 mark in league play after going 0-3 at the Crossover.
A look ahead. USI returns to the Physical Activities Center October 24 when it hosts Trevecca Nazarene University in its “Dig for the Cure” match. The Eagles visit William Jewell College and Truman State University October 27 and 28 before hosting three straight in the PAC to begin November.
St. Vincent And Purdue Team Up To Target Tobacco Use
Free training program for healthcare professionals will help increase tobacco screenings in healthcare settings
Tobacco use causes more deaths than alcohol, AIDS, car accidents, illegal drugs, murders, and suicides combined. It is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States, yet it kills more than 11,000 Hoosiers every year. To fight these devastating statistics, St. Vincent and Purdue University College of Pharmacy are launching a training program to increase tobacco screenings in healthcare settings.
Using the Rx for Change: Ask-Advise-Refer curriculum, St. Vincent will provide training, at no charge, for any healthcare professional in Indiana. The goal of these two-hour training sessions will be to provide trainees with an understanding of the impact of tobacco use on one’s health, give these professionals the training to advise patients for tobacco cessation, inform them about medication options for smoking cessation, and explain how to refer to an evidence-based resource for additional assistance. Trainees can take advantage of receiving continuing education units, networking opportunities with industry peers, and the latest information regarding tobacco cessation and treatment.
St. Vincent is also working closely with the Indiana State Department of Health’s Tobacco Prevention & Cessation Commission. During the Rx for Change training, healthcare professionals are encouraged to refer patients to the state’s quitline, 1-800-QUIT-NOW, which is an evidence-based cessation resource. St. Vincent will evaluate its efforts by determining if there is an increase in the number of participants who refer to the quitline after attending the training.
A local training will take place on the following date:
Wednesday, November 1, 2017Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Peoples Trust and Savings Bank, 7199 Parker Drive, Newburgh, IN 47601
12 to 2 pm                    Â
A light lunch will be provided      Â
Space is limited. Please register at https://rxforchange_stvincentwarrick2.eventbrite.com. For additional information contact Jackie Richards, Respiratory Therapist, St. Vincent Evansville, at jmrichards@ascension.org or 812-485-5813.
VHS TO ACCEPT AT LEAST 12 DOGS FROM PUERTO RICO DISASTER RELIEF
The Vanderburgh Humane Society is standing by to accept at least 12 dogs, possibly more, from Puerto Rico disaster relief on Monday, October 16th.
Approximately 120 animals will arrive at the Indianapolis Regional Airport (KMQJ) around 9:00-10:00 pm Eastern time and a team from IndyHumane (Humane Society of Indianapolis) will unload them. The animals will then be divided between the receiving organizations which includes the Vanderburgh Humane Society. The Humane Society of the United States spearheaded and organized this transport.
At this time the VHS is unaware of the breeds, sizes, ages, names, or other details regarding the incoming dogs. They will have health certificates, but they will all undergo preliminary health and behavioral evaluations by VHS veterinarians and medical staff members before going up for adoption. The VHS is prepared to take at least 12 adult dogs and possibly more if any puppies are available.
Two VHS team members will be picking up the dogs at the airport and returning to the shelter in Evansville. Their estimated time of arrival at the VHS at this point is approximately 1:00-2:00 am Central time. This will depend on the timeframe between the dogs’ arrival at the airport and the transfer to the VHS vehicle.
Upon arrival at the VHS, the dogs will be placed into a separate holding kennel until the morning of Tuesday, October 17. At approximately 11:30 am, VHS staff will begin to process them.
Please contact Amanda or Kendall at the above information to arrange a photo opportunity.
Minka Gill shoots UE’s low round on Tuesday
UE heads home next week
 NEWTON, Kan. – Freshman Minka Gill carded an 83 on Tuesday as the University of Evansville women’s golf team finished up the MVC Fall Preview at Sand Creek Station Golf Course.
Gill’s final of 83 was her lowest of the three rounds in the event and gave her a final score of 256. She finished 62nd. The top finisher for the Purple Aces was Giulia Mallmann. Evansville’s senior posted an 85 to finish with a 245. She tied for 50th.
Second on the squad was Sophia Rohleder. The Mater Dei graduate finished Tuesday’s action with an 87 to post a 3-round tally of 251. She took 59th. Gill was third on the team with Madison Chaney taking fourth on the squad. The notched an 86 in round three to finish with a 262.
Wichita State and UNI tied for the team championship, each notching a 907. The Panthers staged a furious rally on Tuesday, erasing an 11-point WSU lead to tie them up. UNI had the low team round on Tuesday, recording a 298.
Taryn Torgerson of WSU was the medalist. A 75 in round three saw her defeat the field by six strokes.
Fall action wraps up next week as UE will host the Braun Intercollegiate at Oak Meadow.
EVSC To Fund PSAT, SAT Tests For Students
Beginning this fall, the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation will pay for the cost of more than 4,500 students to take either the PSAT or SAT test. The move comes as a way to ensure equal access for all students to take the college entrance exam.
“Research shows us that students who take the PSAT early and more than once ultimately have higher scores,†said David Smith, EVSC superintendent. “By funding the PSAT test for eighth and ninth graders and the SAT for juniors, we are enhancing opportunities for students. Because we are providing the funding, our students will have the ability to take the test multiple times.
The PSAT and SAT are stable assessments that have been taken by students across the country for several decades. The results allow parents to see how their children are performing on a national level, not just locally or at the state level.
Another bonus, says Smith, is the fact that College Board – the company who administers both tests- has partnered with Khan Academy, a nonprofit that provides online learning resources for students. When eighth and ninth grade students take the PSAT, they will not only receive their scores, but our students will also have the opportunity to link their test results to Khan Academy to receive free, targeted learning plans to practice the skills they need.
“The Khan Academy linkage is very beneficial for our students,†Smith said. “Students will receive tailored learning resources, based on their academic performance. This should help them improve their scores on subsequent tests and improve their school work, overall. Parents, tutors and community partners who support students will now have additional resources to help our students succeed.â€
In October, students in grades 8 and 9 will have the opportunity to take the PSAT test, with the cost paid by the EVSC. Then, in March, the EVSC also will fund the SAT for current 11th graders. (The state of Indiana already pays for sophomores and juniors to take the PSAT.) All tests will be taken inside the school day to ensure all students will participate in a familiar setting.