Community ICON Rev. Robert Esters, Sr. Obituary
Community Icon Rev. Robert Esters, Sr. Obituary
July 5, 2024
Rev. Robert Allen Esters, a devoted servant of the Lord and father of Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry, peacefully passed away at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville with family by his side. Born on June 9, 1949, to Rev. Jesse J. and Mrs. Rosie Esters, Robert grew up in Evansville and graduated from Central High School, where he and his brother were renowned for their achievements in football and track.
He was called to the ministry in 1985 while under the tutelage of Rev. Joseph Trask.
On March 7, 1991, Rev. Esters began his pastoral journey at First Missionary Baptist Church in Henderson, Ky. For over three decades, he dedicated his life to the ministry, enriching the lives of countless individuals through his preaching, teaching, and community service. Under his leadership, the church saw tremendous growth in its music ministry, Sunday School attendance, and Wednesday Night Family Bible Study.
Rev. Esters had a profound vision for the church’s future, which led to the acquisition of property on Washington Street and the clearing of land on Elm Street for the construction of a New Life Center. His unwavering faith and prayers guided the church through the initial stages of planning and fundraising for this significant project.
Beyond his pastoral duties, Rev. Esters was deeply involved in his community. He worked faithfully in the Green River Valley District and served as a past District Moderator. He was also a beloved football coach at Benjamin Bosse High School for 24 years, mentoring young athletes at the Cub, J.V., and Varsity levels.
Rev. Esters’ academic accomplishments include an Associate Degree in Biblical Studies, a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Education, and a Master’s Degree in Ministry from Trinity Theological College and Trinity Theological Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana.
He retired after a 36-year career with the Evansville Housing Authority and operated Sparkling Brite Cleaning, Inc. with his wife, Tressie, from 2001 to 2019. His voice and teachings reached many through his Sunday morning broadcasts on 1400AM/98.5FM Radio.
Outside of preaching, Robert enjoyed watching CNN and always being there for his grandchildren, showing up whenever and wherever they needed him. In his final year of life, he took great pride in canvassing, critiquing speeches, attending community debates, and ultimately calling his baby girl, “Madam Mayor,” of whom he was immensely proud.
Rev. Esters is survived by his wife of 51 years, Tressie M. Esters; his children, Robert Esters Jr. and Stephanie Terry (Marques); his grandchildren, Denereo Clay, Marques Terry, and Myles Terry; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is also remembered by his sisters-in-law Garnetta Esters, Georgia Fellows (Harold), Bettie, Martha, Heartent Landours, all of Evansville, and brother-in-law Jethro Landours of Wichita, TX. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jesse J. Esters, Jr. and James Adial Esters, and his sisters, Mildred Perry and Shirley Chisler.
In celebration of Rev. Esters’ life, visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday at First Missionary Baptist Church, 20 South Elm St, Henderson. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church, 867 E Walnut St, Evansville. Services will be followed by interment at Oak Hill Cemetery. His family extends heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and aides at Ascension for their compassionate care. A special son in the ministry, Rev. George Madison was always there.
Rev. Robert Allen Esters’ legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to inspire and guide all who knew him. He preached the gospel until the end, and his spirit lives on in the hearts of his congregation and community.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Attorney General Todd Rokita oversees 14 investigations leading to charges amid national push to halt health care fraud
Attorney General Todd Rokita’s office played a key role last week in a major nationwide enforcement action against licensed medical professionals who allegedly participate in fraudulenthealth care schemes.
The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) conducted 14 criminal investigations into alleged Medicaid fraud, leading to charges against 14 individuals.
“The Medicaid program was created to provide needed medical care to disabled and low-income Hoosiers,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Instead, too many unethical providers steal Medicaidfunds and resources to serve their own selfish interests. Our team of lawyers and investigators will keep pursuing and prosecuting lawbreakers who illegally try to defraud the system.”
In the 14 cases, the Indiana Attorney General’s MFCU investigated licensed health care professionals and Medicaid providers suspected of illegal activity.
In 13 of the 14 cases, Attorney General Rokita’s attorneys are prosecuting the alleged crimes with assent of the local prosecutors’ offices in the counties where the alleged crimes occurred.
These investigations are part of a nationwide initiative led by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Following are summations of cases in which Indiana’s MFCU investigators participated. In each case, the fact that a person has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and these persons are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The abbreviations “LPN” and “RN” designate licensed practical nurses and registered nurses, respectively.
State v Kristin Sturdivant 09D01-2406-F6-000159
In Cass County, RN Kristin S. Sturdivant, 34, of Logansport, Indiana, is charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and furnishing false or fraudulent information — all Level 6 felonies. It is alleged that Sturdivant, while working at a nursing home, signed out narcotics for patient use but did not administer the medication to the patients on numerous occasions. The case was investigated by Nick Anderson and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Robin Hodapp-Gillman, both with the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
State v Vincent Colonna 32D04-2406-F6-000552
In Hendricks County, RN Vincent Colonna, 70, of Cape Coral, Florida, is charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and furnishing false or fraudulent information — all Level 6 felonies. It is alleged that Colonna, while working at a hospital, diverted medication from patients and did not properly dispose of waste, taking controlled substances for his own use. The case was investigated by Nick Anderson and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Robin Hodapp-Gillman, both with the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
State v Amy Mullins 82C01-2406-F6-003951
In Vanderburgh County, RN Amy Nicole Mullins, 36, of Rockport, Indiana, is charged with Failure to Make, Keep or Furnish Records, and Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud or Deceit as Level 6 Felonies and Theft as a Class A Misdemeanor. Mullins is alleged to have stolen medication prescribed from a patient in an Evansville nursing home. The case was investigated by Sarah Shoup and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Georgeanna Teipen, both with the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
State v Autumn Duvall 82C01-2406-F6-003952
In Vanderburgh County, RN Autumn Marie Duvall, 43, of Anderson, Indiana, is charged with Failure to Make, Keep or Furnish Records, Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud or Deceit, and Possession of a Narcotic Drug, as Level 6 Felonies. Duvall is alleged to have stolen narcotic pain medication prescribed for two residents of an assisted living facility in Evansville. One of the residents had already been discharged from the facility and reported the medication that she had brought to the facility when she was admitted could not be found when she was discharged. The case was investigated by Vinnie Gieselman and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Georgeanna Teipen, all members of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
State v Myah Samples 82C01-2406-F6-003953
In Vanderburgh County, Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) Myah Alise Samples, 25, of Evansville, Indiana, is charged with Failure to Make, Keep or Furnish Records, Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud or Deceit, and Possession of a Narcotic Drug, as Level 6 Felonies. It is alleged that Samples took narcotic pain medication prescribed to a patient in an assisted living facility in Evansville. It is further alleged that during the course of the investigation Samples admitted to taking the pills. The case was investigated by Vinnie Gieselman and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Georgeanna Teipen, all members of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
State v Edward Eon Board 10C04-2406-F5-000171
In Clark County, Edward Eon Board, 47, of Jeffersonville, Indiana, was charged with Level 5 Felony Fraud and Misdemeanor counts of Theft and Exploitation of an Endangered Adult. As alleged in the Information, Board, while working as a Certified Nursing Aide, stole the credit card of a nursing home resident, which he used at a sports bar and to purchase various personal items on Amazon worth almost $4,000, including: motorcycle parts; a punk rock studded leather jacket; glitter high-top flashing sneakers; a hip-hop rhinestone necklace and other items of jewelry, and video games. The case was investigated by Frank Loop and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Maureen O’Donnell, both with the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
State v Andriana Bautista 20C01-2406-F6-000713
In Elkhart County, CNA Andrianna Bautista, 29, of Elkhart, Indiana, is charged with nine (9) counts of Theft — all Class A Misdemeanors. It is alleged that Bautista, while working at a nursing home, obtained nine (9) residents bank or credit cards and made unauthorized purchases and cash advances including payments to her Cash App account and other transactions. Bautista allegedly linked the residents’ cards to her Cash App account and made multiple transactions. This case is being prosecuted by the Elkhart County Prosecutors Office.
State v Shalynn Throw 46D04-2406-F6-000782
In LaPorte County, CNA Shalynn Marie Throw, 29, of LaPorte, Indiana, is charged with Fraud, a Level 6 Felony. It is alleged that Throw executed a scheme to defraud the Medicaid Program and Helping Hands by submitting false claims of providing homebound personal and companion services to a patient. It is further alleged that during the course of the investigation Throw admitting to being paid by Helping Hands for services which did not provide. The case was investigated by Nicki Droza and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Georgeanna Teipen, all members of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
State v Rebecca Plaza 55D03-2406-F6-000852
In Morgan County, LPN Rebecca Plaza, 60, of, Indiana, is charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, a Level 6 felony. It is alleged that Plaza, while working at a nursing home, diverted hydromorphone from nursing homes inventory. The case was investigated by Justin White and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Robin Hodapp-Gillman, all members of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
State v Jessica Lynn Hallam 87D02-2406-F6-000287
In Warrick County, RN Jessica Lynn Hallam, 39, of Evansville, Indiana, was charged with three Level 6 felonies related to the diversion of controlled substances from a hospital. As alleged in the Information, Hallam was reported by co-workers after becoming outwardly impaired during her shift as a Registered Nurse at the hospital. It is further alleged that during the subsequent investigation, Hallam admitted stealing Morphine, Dilaudid and Lorazepam from the hospital and falsifying her documentation for several years. The case was investigated by Vinnie Gieselman and Julie Nicholson and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Maureen O’Donnell, all members of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
State v Lori Pribble 39D01-2406-CM-000838
In Jefferson County, RN Lori Pribble, 59, of North Vernon, Indiana, was charged with Criminal Recklessness, a Class B Misdemeanor. As alleged in the Information, Pribble, while working as a Registered Nurse in a nursing home, flushed a patient’s catheter with vinegar, causing chemical burns to the victim’s bladder. Pribble admitted that she obtained the vinegar from the facility’s kitchen after she couldn’t locate the appropriate medical-grade solution ordered by the physician. The case was investigated by Kenneth Jasper and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Maureen O’Donnell, both with the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
State v Sherri Shelby 64D01-2406-F3-006399
In Porter County, RN Sherri Lynn Shelby, 56, of Valparaiso, Indiana, is charged with Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury as a Level 3 Felony. It is alleged that while working as the Health Facility Administrator (“HFA”) of a nursing home in East Chicago, Indiana, Shelby was accompanying a patient resident of that nursing home who had limited and restricted capacityto another facility for a tour when a life-threatening incident occurred. Ultimately, the patient resident died. The case was investigated by Craig Whited and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Georgeanna Teipen, all members of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
State v Meredith Briles 18C05-2406-F6-000352
In Delaware County, RN Meredith Briles, 45, of Muncie, Indiana, is charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, furnishing false or fraudulent information, and possession of a narcotic drug — all Level 6 felonies. It is alleged that Briles, while working at a nursing home, ordered controlled substances for patients, acquired Hydrocodone from pharmacies, and did not deliver them to the facility for a period of a year. The case was investigated by Nick Anderson and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Robin Hodapp-Gillman, both with the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
State v Katheryn Luna 45D08-2406-F6-001775
In Lake County, RN Katheryn Luna, 65, of Crown Point, Indiana, is charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and furnishing false or fraudulent information — all Level 6 felonies. It is alleged that Luna, while working at a nursing home, signed out narcotics for patient use but did not administer the medication to the patients on numerous occasions. The case was investigated by Kathy Franko and is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Robin Hodapp-Gillman, both with the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
Attorney General Rokita expressed gratitude to the investigators and attorneys of his Indiana MFCU team for their hard work on these cases.
The Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a federal grant. The remaining 25 percent is funded by the State of Indiana.
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🚨Victory 2024 Poker Run just a few weeks away!
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Phillips, White lead Otters to rubber match victory
JOLIET, Ill. – Fireworks lit up the sky on Independence Day as the Evansville Otters claimed the rubber match against the Joliet Slammers in a well-rounded 6-2 win at Slammers Stadium.
The win marks the last regular season matchup between the two clubs, and the Otters (19-29) evened the season series at six all with the Slammers (22-26).
Pitching was terrific for the Otters throughout the game. Zach Smith (4-5) earned the win in another quality start. Tossing in six innings, he allowed just one run on three hits with eight strikeouts.
Out of the bullpen, Grif Hughes went six-up-six-down with four strikeouts in the seventh and eighth. In the final frame, Jon Beymer and Michael McAvene tag teamed the Slammers, allowing a run but shutting down all hopes of a comeback swiftly for the series victory.
Scoring opened up in the second inning from Joliet, jumping on the board 1-0. Evansville catapulted ahead in the fourth, when Logan Brown hit a two-out two-run homer to right-center field. The Otters held on the rest of the way.
Later in the fifth, Randy Bednar had his first of two extra-base hits tonight, roping a double to left and scoring a run to make it 3-1. He also tripled in the seventh inning and touched home with a Mason White RBI knock.
Dakota Phillips launched a solo home run to right field in the eighth to make it a 5-1 game. It was his first bomb since returning back to the Otters yesterday. The club plated their final run in the ninth inning, when Alec Olund brought home David Mendham with a hit.
In the bottom of the frame, Joliet found rhythm with the bats, but it was too late. Their two hits resulted in a run, but a flyout to left field ended the game and sealed their fate.
The bats totaled 13 hits, led by Phillips and White with three a piece. Bednar also strung together a two-hit game. Alex Adams registered his first professional hit with a double.
The Otters will return to Bosse Field on Friday for a fresh series against the New England Knockouts. It will be the first time the two clubs have ever met, with a 6:35 p.m. CT first pitch. Coverage is available on the Otters Digital Network and FloBaseball.
The Evansville Otters are the 2006 and 2016 Frontier League champions.
The Otters play all home games at historic Bosse Field, located at 23 Don Mattingly Way in Evansville, Ind. Stay up to date with the Evansville Otters by visiting evansvilleotters.com, or follow the Otters on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more information, visit evansvilleotters.com or call (812) 435-8686.
Explore Evansville Releases Economic Impact Study of 2024 Solar Eclipse
The House of Bread & Peace Officially Operating as a Program of ECHO Housing & Community Development
The House of Bread & Peace Officially Operating as a Program of ECHO Housing & Community Development
It is with great excitement that we announce that the House of Bread and Peace (The House) is now officially operating as a program under the umbrella of ECHO Housing and Community Development.
In January of 2024, the leadership of both organizations announced that they entered into an interim
management agreement so the House of Bread and Peace could continue to operate as it had been,
providing emergency shelter to women and children who are experiencing homelessness, while being
supported by ECHO Housing’s leadership and infrastructure.
This pivotal union allows ECHO Housing to provide services through the entire housing continuum –
from emergency shelter to permanent housing placement and ensures that The House continues to
operate as it always has in the Evansville community.
Since it’s opening in 1985, House of Bread and Peace and the legacy of Sister Joanna Trainer have
been providing a warm bed, hot food, and the opportunity for a new life to women and children in the
Evansville area. This deep-rooted legacy will remain unchanged in its current location, 250 E.
Chandler, and will maintain the same staffing 24/7. Any women and children seeking emergency
shelter placement can contact 812-423-8422 or email info@echohousing.org.
EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
Phillips returns to Evansville
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Evansville Otters are excited to announce the acquisition of INF Dakota Phillips in a combination of roster moves.
Ahead of Wednesday’s game with the Joliet Slammers, the Otters acquired Phillips for future considerations. In a subsequent move, OF Blake Mozley has been placed on the inactive list.
“Dakota has always given his all to this organization,” Otters field manager Andy McCauley said. “We are excited to have him back in an Otters jersey.”
Phillips has long had success in Evansville, hitting for a career .266 average in an Otters jersey. Across those four seasons, he has recorded 72 doubles, 42 home runs and 188 RBIs – 74 of which came during last year’s campaign.
His career in Evansville has been so successful that he ranks in the top three in team history in career home runs, RBIs, doubles, total bases, sacrifice flies and walks. The now fifth-year Otter is also in the top five in career at bats and hits.
Phillips joins the team in Joliet this week and is active for tonight’s middle game with the Slammers. First pitch from Slammers Stadium is set for 6:35 p.m. CT. Coverage is available on the Otters Digital Network and FloBaseball.