- On Tuesday, December 13, 2016, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office put on their annual “Christmas with the Kids†program.
Sheriff’s deputies, confinement officers and support staff shopped with children from the ARK Crisis Child Care Center at the Wal-Mart Super Center located at 401 N. Burkhardt Rd. Members of the Sheriff’s Office helped the children pick out needed clothing and household items as well as Christmas toys that were on their wish list.
A photographer from our Criminal Investigations Section was on-scene and captured the fun on film (shown below).
Pictured above (left to right): This years event organizers Sgt. Kerri Blessinger (Wonder Woman) and Sgt. Mark Rasure (Captain America)
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Kids enjoy Christmas Shopping with members of the Sheriff’s Office
IS IT TRUE DECEMBER 14, 2016
IS IT TRUE we are hearing plans are in the making to merge the offices of County Council and County Commissioners into the same area? Â …we expect County Commissioner Musgrave will try to nix these plans because she campaigned against the spending of our tax dollars on expensive and unwarranted capital projects?
IS IT TRUE its obvious the City/County jointly funded web site layout and design is controlled by the City? Â …we invite the newly elected members of the County Council and County Commission to take time to review the content on this jointly funded web site? Â …once they review the content on this site we expect needed changes will be made to this site in the very near future?
IS IT TRUE we wonder what are the odds of 9 people voting on many hundreds of issues and only disagree on less than 15 issues? Â …could this be the reason why people are calling members of our City Council the “Mayors 9-0 Puppets”?
IS IT TRUE at last Mondays evening City Council meeting they appointed a new Deputy Mayor? … Mayor Winnecke’s Chief of Staff Steve Schaefer was declared the first Deputy Mayor in Evansville, Ind history? …we wonder why people are making such a fuss concerning this issue since it’s a well known fact that Mr. Schaefer has been running the City on a day to day basis for years?  …Mr. Schaefer received a predictable 9-0 vote?  …our recent “Readers Poll”  ask the question: Are you pleased that City Council approve an ordinance change that makes Steve Schaefer Deputy Mayor of Evansville?  …167  people voted in this poll?  …140 voted  “No”,  7 people voted “yes” and 20 people had “no opinion”?
IS IT TRUE we hear the newly elected Vanderburgh County Clerk will appoint a well known person as her Deputy Clerk? Â …we wonder if this person could be someone she worked with in the past? Â …we also wonder if the new Deputy County Clerk has ever served in an elected office position?
IS IT TRUEÂ one of our elected officials was alleged to be in volition of the of the “Little Hatch Act”? Â …when the Mayor was informed of this situation he quickly worked behind the scene to correct this situation with her employer?
IS IT TRUEÂ last week a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new addition to the County Administrative/Corrections building? Â …we wonder why the two (2) newly elected County Commissioners took part of this ceremony and the out going County Commissioners weren’t included in this feel good public relations moment?
IS IT TRUE we wonder why a couple of items posted on last week County Commission agenda was abruptly taken off?
IS IT TRUEÂ it looks like Venueworks might finally be taking control of the marketing activities of the Evansville Thunderbolts Hockey team? Â …we just saw their recent TV commercial and must say it was impressive?
IS IT TRUE we urge you to turn your TV Channel to 44 News? Â …TV Channel 44 is quickly becoming the go to place for in-depth and breaking news? Â …our hats are off to the good folks at Channel 44 TV for providing their viewers with accurate and politically non-bias news?
Today “Readers Poll” question: Do you feel that the County should spend many thousands of dollars to combine County Council and County Commission offices?
COA Keeps Man’s Name On Sex Offender Registry
COA Keeps Man’s Name On Sex Offender Registry
Olivia Covington for www.theindianalawyer.com
A man who has been convicted of multiple sex offenses must keep his name on the Indiana Sex Offender Registry for now after the Indiana Court of Appeals found Tuesday that he had failed to present a proper petition to keep his name off of the registry.
In State of Indiana v. Douglas Woods Johnston, 49A02-1606-CR-1222, Douglas Johnston filed a motion in October 2015 requesting his removal from the Indiana Sex Offender Registry, writing that he had been found guilty but mentally ill in 2006, when he was convicted for the first time of child molesting as a Class C felony. Johnston further wrote that he was eligible for relief because he was 59 years old and was willing to get continued treatment for his mental illness.
During the hearing in January 2016, Johnston’s counsel told the Marion Superior Court that Johnston had also been convicted of child molesting in 1997 and had been arrested in 2013, though that charge was dropped. Johnston then testified that he had been getting treatment for his mental illness and told the court that he faced hardships when trying to comply with the Indiana Sex Offenders Registry Act.
The state, however, objected that the petition was inadequate and argued that Johnston had failed to meet his burden of proof. But the trial court ultimately found that Johnston should be required to register only until July 28, 2016, 10 years after his conviction. The Indiana Department of Correction filed a motion to intervene and motion to correct error, but failed to appear before the Marion Superior Court, so the motion to correct error was denied.
The state appealed, and in a Tuesday opinion a panel of the Indiana Court of Appeals unanimously reversed the decision to deny the motion to correct error. In the majority opinion, Judge Mark Bailey wrote that there were allegations that Johnston’s most recent victim was 6 years old, that Johnston had been classified as a sexually violent predator and that state statute in effect in 2006 required that, “A sex or violent offender who is convicted of at least two unrelated offenses … is required to register for life.â€
“Thus, by all indications, Johnston was subject to life-time reporting requirements when he petitioned for relief,†Bailey wrote.
Johnston’s petition for relief came under Indiana Code section 11-8-8-22, which provides a mechanism for relief for sex offenders if, among other things, the petition is submitted under penalties of perjury and lists each criminal conviction. But Johnston’s petition was not submitted under penalties of perjury and one of his convictions was omitted, Bailey wrote.
Further, Bailey wrote that there was no indication that notice of the hearing was sent to the Department of Corrections or the Attorney General, as required by state statute. Finally, the appellate judge pointed out that Johnston’s counsel had not argued that he had satisfied his statutory burden of proof. Instead, Johnston argued that he had been “implicitly†found to be subjected to an ex post facto punishment, another provision of the statute.
But Bailey wrote that Johnston had not presented an ex post facto punishment argument and instead made an appeal for compassionate relief. Thus, the appellate panel found that Johnston had failed to produce a proper statutory-based petition for relief, so the Marion Superior Court should have granted the state’s request for dismissal.
The case was remanded with instructions to dismiss the matter with prejudice, subject to further proceedings if Johnston filed a new petition.
Lunch With Ace Highlights Promos Leading Up To West Side Night
Event to be held at MBB game against UNI
 EVANSVILLE, Ind. – One of the most popular promotions from last season makes its return to the Ford Center on New Year’s Day as West Side Night will be held on January 1 when the University of Evansville men’s basketball team takes on UNI.
As a buildup to the game, Ace Purple will be touring the west side of the city to promote the game. The first stop will be at Azzip Pizza located at 5225 Pearl Drive on Thursday, December 15 between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. On Friday, Dec. 16, Ace will be at the Hacienda (5440 Pearl Drive), from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. You can pick up vouchers at those stops, hang out with Ace and have an opportunity to spin the prize wheel to get some great prizes including free tickets and t-shirts!
The January 1 game will also promote awareness of Logan’s Promise with the team sporting their orange jerseys in the contest. Two great giveaways will be held that day as 1,000 t-shirts will be given out as well as 500 Logan’s Promise mini basketballs. In celebrating the spirit of the west side, the Mater Dei and Reitz mascots as well as cheerleaders will be on hand. The Mater Dei band will also be playing at the game.
West Side fans can pick up vouchers to purchase $5 tickets to the game at several locations throughout the west side of Evansville. These are the only places to pick up these vouchers.
First Bank
111 S. Red Bank Road
Evansville, IN 47712
Tracy Zeller Jewelry
111 S. Red Bank Road
Evansville, IN 47712
Leroy’s Tavern
2659 Mt. Vernon Avenue
Evansville, IN 47712
Banterra Bank
705 N. St. Joseph Avenue
Evansville, IN 47712
Marx BBQ & Catering
3119 W. Maryland Street
Evansville, IN 47720
St. Phillip’s Inn
11200 Upper Mt. Vernon Road
Evansville, IN 47712
Hacienda Restaurant & Catering
5440 Pearl Drive
Evansville, IN 47712
DiLegge’s Restaurant
607 N. Main Street
Evansville, IN 47711
Johnson Carroll Norton, Kent & Goedde, P.C.
2230 W. Franklin Street
Evansville, IN 47719
Pet Food Center West
2334 W. Franklin Street
Evansville, IN 47712
Azzip Pizza
5225 Pearl Drive
Evansville, IN 47712
Donut Bank
210 N. St. Joseph Avenue
Evansville, IN 47712
Pizza King
220 N. St. Joseph Avenue
Evansville, IN 47712
Piston’s Bar & Restaurant
2131 W. Franklin Street
Evansville, IN 47712
Franklin Street Pizza Factory
2033 W. Franklin Street
Evansville, IN 47712
Fulton Tile and Stone
1750 W. Franklin Street
Evansville, IN 47712
Governor Pence Appoints OneAmerica Chairman to IEDC Board
Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence today appointed Dayton Molendorp to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors.
“Dayton Molendorp is a Hoosier business leader,†said Governor Mike Pence. “Dayton’s leadership and commitment helped OneAmerica reach its strongest financial position in its history. As he serves the state on the IEDC’s board, he will continue his tenure of success as he works to attract business investment to Indiana, create more jobs for Hoosiers and grow our state’s business climate, which ranks first in the Midwest and fifth in the nation. I look forward to witnessing Dayton’s passion unfold in his new capacity as he serves Hoosiers throughout the state.â€
Molendorp served as president and chief executive officer from 2004 to 2014 for OneAmerica, a national leader in the insurance and financial services marketplace. Under his leadership, the business grew from under $15 billion in assets to more than $36 billion. OneAmerica’s sales exceeded $2 billion during his time leading the company, where he is credited with advancing the organization to growth during the Great Recession. In 2014, Molendorp retired from the company as president and chief executive officer. Today he remains chairman of the board for OneAmerica and its parent company American United Mutual Insurance Holding Company (AUMIHC).
Molendorp is also active in a number of business, industry and civic organizations, which include the United States Chamber of Commerce, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, the Indianapolis Public Safety Foundation, the Indiana Sports Corporation, the Indianapolis Zoo, Teays River Investments, LLC, the Sagamore Institute and Wheeler Ministries. He earned bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and business administration from Westmar College in Iowa and also served in the U.S. Air Force.
He replaces former IEDC board member Melanie Walker, who resigned after being appointed to the Indiana University Board of Trustees, and will serve the remainder of her four-year term, which expires in March 2017.
ST. MARY’S EXPANDS CARDIOLOGY SERVICES AT PERRY COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
St. Mary’s Health is proud to announce the expansion of its long standing commitment to Cardiology Services at Perry County Memorial Hospital. St. Mary’s Medical Group Cardiologist, Dr. Phillip Behrens has added a second day to see patients in the office at Tell City Clinic in addition to providing daily patient rounds and noninvasive cardiac testing. St. Mary’s Health is part of Ascension, the nation’s largest Catholic and nonprofit health system.
Dr. Behrens specializes in treating cardiovascular disease using interventional cardiology and cardiac catheterization. He sees patients at Tell City with multiple cardiac diagnoses including angina pectoris, ischemic heart disease, valvular heart disease, heart failure and heart rhythm disorders. Advanced procedures such as cardiac catheterization, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), and coronary stenting are performed at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Evansville.
“Adding these services to our medical clinic’s offerings is a continuation of our mission to provide quality healthcare to the people in our community. We are proud of the cardiac care we make available to the people we serve by having a cardiologist from a tertiary hospital system available for patient consultation right here at Perry County Memorial Hospital,†said Brian Herwig, President and CEO of Perry County Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Behrens supports non-invasive cardiac testing services available at Perry County Memorial Hospital including:
- Echocardiogram (Echo)
- Stress Testing including Nuclear Stress Tests
- Holter Monitors
- Event Recorders
- 12 Lead Electrocardiogram (EKG)
“St. Mary’s expanded partnership with Perry County Memorial Hospital for cardiac services aligns perfectly with our interest in developing collaborative working relationships with health systems across the Tri-State,†said Keith Jewell, President of St. Mary’s Health.  “Improving access to specialty care in Tell City will help both St. Mary’s and PCMH deliver exceptional, person centered care to the people we are privileged to serve.â€
Dr. Behrens graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at St.Vincent in Indianapolis and his fellowship in Cardiology at the University of Florida. Dr. Behrens has more than 20 years of experience in cardiology and has served as cath lab medical director at St. Mary’s Health. He is board certified in Cardiovascular Disease and in Interventional Cardiology.
Patients can call to schedule appointments with St. Mary’s Medical Group Cardiology at 800.264.3278. The Tell City Clinic is located at 109 East Hwy 66, Tell City, IN.
About Perry County Memorial Hospital:
Perry County Memorial Hospital is dedicated to fulfilling the organization’s mission to provide high quality healthcare and exemplary customer service in the most caring, compassionate, and effective manner. PCMH is devoted to providing quality health care, making it the healthcare provider of choice for the community it serves. To find out more about Perry County Memorial Hospital, visit: www.pchospital.org.Â
About St. Mary’s Health
St. Mary’s Health, part of St. Vincent and the Ascension Indiana Ministry Market, is a faith-based health ministry serving communities in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. With a medical staff of more than 750 physicians, St. Mary’s specializes in cardiac, surgical, orthopedic, rehabilitation, neurosciences, women’s, children’s, seniors, emergency, and trauma services. For more than 140 years, St. Mary’s has been guided by its mission of serving all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. For more information, please visit www.stmarys.org.
New EPD Patrol Cars Equipped With Updated Communications System
The Evansville Police Department is rolling out 23 new patrol vehicles this month. The cars include 17 Ford sedans, 3 Ford SUV’s and 3 Dodge sedans.
All of the new cars are equipped with a modem that allows the officers to access police department computer systems. The in-car access will allow officers to use the programs without going out of service at headquarters or the sector office when using various EPD computer systems and files.
The prior system was a data radio and does not allow for internet access. Over time, the remaining fleet will also be equipped with the updated communications system.
In addition to the marked patrol vehicles, the department also purchased 4 Ford Fusions for the Detective Unit.
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Eagles Set For Puerto Rico Trip
University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball plays in the Puerto Rico Classic Friday and Saturday at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The Screaming Eagles (8-1) play the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Friday at 5 p.m. (CST) before concluding their trip with a bout against the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Saturday at noon (CST). USI was originally slated to play the University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon Saturday at 4 p.m., but that opponent and time was recently changed to help UPR-Mayaguez get more games against Division II competition.
Both of USI’s games this weekend can be heard on WSWI 95.7 FM, while live audio will be available at GoUSIEagles.com. Live stats will be provided on USI’s Twitter account (@USIAthletics) throughout the contest.
USI, which is ranked No. 10 in the nation according to Herosports.com, is coming off an impressive 87-59 regional victory over Kentucky State University last Wednesday. The Eagles shot 76.9 percent from the field on 10-of-13 shooting in the opening period as they cruised to their third straight victory.
Junior guard/forward Kaydie Grooms (Marshall, Illinois) scored 18 of her team-high 20 points in the first half as USI led 46-21 at the intermission. Junior forwardMorgan Dahlstrom (Grayslake, Illinois) added 17 points, six rebounds and three assists, while five other Eagles finished with at least seven points.
On the year, Grooms leads the Eagles with 15.4 points per contest, while Dahlstrom is second on the team with 11.7 points per appearance. Dahlstrom is tied with senior forward Hannah Wascher (Rantoul, Illinois) for the team lead in rebounding with 7.2 per game, while Wascher and senior guard Tanner Marcum (New Albany, Indiana) are chipping in 11.1 and 10.4 points per game, respectively.
Both UPR-Rio Piedras and UPR-Mayaguez enter this weekend’s action with 0-5 marks against NCAA Division II competition.
USI Women’s Basketball Notes
- Quick start.USI Women’s Basketball shot 76.9 percent from the field on 10-of-13 shooting in the opening period of its 87-59 win over Kentucky State. Junior guard/forward Kaydie Grooms(Marshall, Illinois) hit her first seven shots and had 18 of her team-best 20 points in the first half as the Screaming Eagles led 46-21 at the intermission.
- Eagles receiving love in Herosports.compoll.The Eagles are ranked No. 10 in the latest Herosports.com rankings. USI jumped 18 spots following its win over Kentucky State and is the highest ranked GLVC team, ahead of No. 11 Drury and No. 15 Lewis.
- Second quarter proves big for Eagles.USI’s favorite quarter throughout its first nine games has clearly been the second quarter. The Eagles are outscoring their opponents by an average of 22.1 points to 9.9 points per game in the second period this season. USI outscored Kentucky State 23-9 in the second period last week.
- Specialty Stats. The Eagles have been winning in several aspects of their games this season. USI is outscoring its opposition by an average of 34.9 to 18.9 points per game in the paint this season. USI’s bench is outscoring the oppositions’ reserves by an average of 31.0 to 14.0, while the Eagles are converting opponent turnovers into 25.3 points per game—USI is giving up just 11.7 points per game off its own offensive miscues.
- Change-up.USI’s second opponent at the Puerto Rico Classic this weekend has been changed from Puerto Rico-Bayamon to Puerto Rico-Mayaguez. Additionally, that contest also has been moved up four hours to a noon (CST) start.
- 300.Head Coach Rick Stein is three wins shy of 300. Stein, the all-time winningest coach in program history, has been a part of 456 victories during his 26 years at USI, including 159 in eight seasons as an assistant coach for the Eagles.
- USI in statistical rankings.USI begins the week leading the GLVC in 10 statistical rankings and is in the top five of 16 GLVC statistical categories. The Eagles also rank in the top 20 of 11 NCAA Division II statistical rankings.
- Quality minutes.USI has emptied its bench in seven of its nine games this year and has seen all 13 players contribute in the scoring column in three of those contests.
- Margin of victory. Each of USI’s first nine games this season have been decided by double-digits. Of USI’s eight wins, seven have been by at least 26 points, while their closest win was by 12 points over Wayne State. USI’s lone loss was an 18-point setback to Michigan Tech.
- Non-conference.The Eagles are 35-7 in the last five years versus non-GLVC opponents, including 6-1 this season. The Eagles play three more non-conference opponents before resuming GLVC play in January.
- Scouting the opposition (P.R.-Rio Piedras).The Gallitos are 0-5 against NCAA Division II competition this year. Junior forward Gabriela Maldonado is averaging 6.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game against D-II competition to lead P.R.-Rio Piedras.
- Scouting the opposition (P.R.-Mayaguez).The Janes are 0-5 against NCAA Division II competition this year, including 0-3 against GLVC teams. Sophomore guard Hillary Martinez Argueta leads P.R.-Mayaguez with 21.2 points and 2.4 assists per contest against D-II competition; while freshman guard Iatmar Rosado Rodriguez is chipping in 6.4 points and a team-high 4.6 rebounds per outing.
Midweek matchup against Norfolk State up next for UE men
Aces and Spartans square off at 7 p.m. WednesdayÂ
The Purple Aces men’s basketball team looks to make it seven in a row at the Ford Center on Wednesday evening when the University of Evansville plays host to Norfolk State in a 7 p.m. home matchup.
A dominating effort on Saturday saw the Aces take down Murray State by a final of 78-46. Jaylon Brown was the top scorer in the contest, notching 24 points as he hit 8 shots along with all four 3-pointers and all four free throws. Up 21-17 with 7:34 left in the 1st half, UE finished the opening period on a 25-4 run and never looked back, leading by as many as 34 in the final minute of the game.
The top scorer in the MVC added to his numbers in the last week of action as Jaylon Brown posted an average of 26.5 points per game over the last two contests. Brown began the week by scoring 29 points in the win over the Falcons, hitting 14 out of 15 free throws before totaling a game-high 24 points against Murray State. An unbelievable week has seen Brown hit 5 out of 6 3-pointers and 18-of-19 free throws. Those efforts have vaulted Brown to the top of the MVC in scoring with 20.4 PPG. His 24 points versus the Racers saw him reach the 20-point plateau for the 5th time in the last 8 games.
Redshirt junior Duane Gibson was limited to just four games last season due to injury, but he is starting to find his groove once again. Through the first six games, Gibson averaged just 3.8 points per game and had six steals and 20 helpers. Since then, he has helped UE to a perfect 4-0 mark while notching 5.0 points and 3.0 rebounds while notching a total of 10 steals and 18 assists. Included in that total is a 10-point outing against Boise State, his first double digit outing since the 2015 CIT.
For the season, the Aces are allowing the opposition to shoot just 39.1% overall and 28.2% from outside. Their 3-point defense is tops in the league while the overall defense is second. Evansville has not held an opponent to under 40% shooting in a season since 1994-95 when the defense allowed 39.5% of opposing shots to fall. The 3-point defense is on pace to be the best in program history; prior to this year, the lowest percentage allowed by the Aces was 31.6%, also in 1994-95. Through ten games, the top effort a team has had against UE was Middle Tennessee State, who shot 48.1%.
Norfolk State makes their way to the Ford Center for the second season in a row and is currently 2-8 through their first 10 games. The Spartans’ victories have come over Shenandoah and Elizabeth City State, each in November. Jonathan Wade leads the way for NSU, posting an average of 20.4 points per game while also notching 5.8 rebounds per contest. Zaynah Robinson and Jordan Butler average 9.4 and 8.6 points, respectively while their leading rebounder is Alex Long, who checks in with 6.5 boards per contest.