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Phone Scam: Fake Kidnappers Demand Money

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The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a report of telephone extortion. The victim was tricked into believing a family member had been kidnapped and being held for ransom.

The caller claimed to have kidnapped the victim’s daughter and demanded money in exchange for her safe release. The victim transferred money to the caller via MoneyGram and Western Union. Once the victim realized the kidnapping was a hoax, the victim was only able to cancel one of the wire transfers.

The method by which the victim was selected as a target is still being investigated. In the past, criminal groups have been known to use social media to learn about their victims and their families. The fake kidnappers will typically attempt to create a sense of urgency and danger in order to coerce victims into complying with their demands.

To avoid becoming a victim of this type of extortion scheme, consider the following:

  • Does the call appear to be from the kidnapped victim’s phone?
  • Is the caller going to great lengths to keep you on the line?
  • Does the caller tell you not to call or attempt to locate your loved one?

Don’t directly challenge or argue with the caller. Keep your voice calm and use the following tactics to expose the call as fake:

  • Request to speak to the victim directly.
  • If the caller does not let you speak to the victim, ask the caller to describe the victim’s appearance and the location they were taken from.
  • Attempt to call or text the victim. Request that the victim call you back from his or her cell phone.

If you receive a hoax call, please call 911 and report the crime immediately.

 

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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http://www.vanderburghsheriff.com/recent-booking-records.aspx

“READERS FORUM” OCTOBER 18, 2016

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WHATS ON YOUR MIND TODAY?

One of our readers sent us this video link titled “Rigging The Election'” and ask us to post it.  We do so without opinion, bias or editing.  In fact, after viewing it we are sure the content shall spark some heated debate among our readers.  Attached is the link for your review and comments.

http://www.projectveritasaction.com/video/rigging-election-video-i-clinton-campaign-and-dnc-incite-violence-trump-rallies

Todays READERS POLL question is: Do you feel that we should pull the plug on the $57 million commitment to fund the IU Med School since Ivy Tech is no longer part of the project?

Please take time and read our newest feature articles entitled “BIRTHDAYS, HOT JOBS” and “LOCAL SPORTS” posted in our sections.

If you would like to advertise in the CCO please contact us City-County Observer@live.com.

City County Observer has been serving our community for 15 years.

Copyright 2015 City County Observer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistribute.

Thomas J. Shetler Jr City County Observer 2016 “Outstanding Community Services Awards” Winner

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Thomas J. Shetler Jr City County Observer 2016 “Outstanding Community Services Awards” Winner

We are pleased and excited to announce that Vanderburgh County Council member Thomas J. Shetler Jr has been selected as the fourth (4th) CCO 2016 “Outstanding Community Service” Award Winner” for 2016. Mr. Shelter is extremely well thought of in our community and he gives a great deal of his time and financial resources to help those in need.  He is considered to be the “Dean of  Conservative”  leadership in Vanderburgh County. politics.. In fact, Mr. Shelter is extremely focus when it comes to hold the line on excessive spending of our tax dollars.

Tom is married: to Gail A. (Folz) Shetler for 40 years. They have 7 Children: Becky Shetler Clark, married with 6 children, Natalie Shetler Pickerel, married with 5 sons, Alisann Shetler Elpers, married with 3 sons, John Freeman Shetler, married with one daughter, Martha Shetler Frounfelter, married with 2 sons, Mary Shetler at home, and the youngest is Thomas James Shetler, III a student at USI. A total of 17 grandchildren.  He and his wife are members of Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church, in Daylight.

His Business Experiences Are:

President, Shetler Moving & Storage, Inc (Evansville, IN)
President, Shetler Moving & Storage of Ohio, Inc (Cincinnati, OH)
President, Shetler – Derby Moving & Storage, LLC (Louisville, KY)
Director, Atlas World Group (Evansville, IN)

Mr. Shelter’s Extensive Community Service Resume 

Awarded Distinguished Service Award, Evansville Jaycees, 1979
Awarded Distinguished Service Award, University of Southern Indiana, 1979
Past member Board of Directors, Boys & Girls Club, 1980 – 2003
Past member Board of Directors, President, Evansville Kennel Club, 2000 – 2004
Past member Board of Directors, Evansville Chamber of Commerce, 2000 – 2010

Mr. Shelter’s Past And Present Political & Government Service Involvement Are:

Past member, President, Evansville Park Commission, 1972- 1975
Past member, President, Evansville City Council, 1976 – 1979
Past Chairman, Vanderburgh County Central Committee, 1984-1989
Past member, President, Evansville Board of Works, 2000 – 2003
Precinct Committeeman, Ward 5 Precinct 14, 2000 – present
Vanderburgh County Commission, 2005 – 2006
Vanderburgh County Council, member, President, 2006 – present

Mr. Shelter’s Education Background 

University of Southern Indiana, B.S. Political Science & History, 1976

So far the City County Observer 2016 “Outstanding Community Services Awards” are Vicki Hubiak President Of HR Solutions, Anne Audain six time Olympian and world record holder in the 500 meter race.and the extremely popular Sheriff of Vanderburgh County Dave Wedding

This years awards luncheon will be held at Tropicana-Evansville Walnut rooms A and B. The registration begin at 11:30 am, the event officially starts at 12 noon on November 2, 2016.  For reservations please call 812-774-8011.  Last years event was a sellout.

 

CHANNEL 44 NEWS: Hyatt Place Hotel Latest of Downtown Developments

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Hyatt Place Hotel Latest of Downtown Developments

OCTOBER 18TH, 2016

LAUREN LESLIE EVANSVILLE, INDIANA

 The Downtown Hotel and Convention Center is slated to open this winter at the same time another hotel will be under construction. A new Hyatt Place Hotel is the latest of developments to be added to the city’s hotel inventory.

Project developers say the purchasing paperwork is signed and the financing is in place for construction to begin. The developers of the new 139 room Hyatt Place say time and location were key in their decision to develop.

The $18-million private investment won’t receive any city subsidy but is expected to impact the city’s future for years to come, “We know it creates jobs providing income to residents who need work, employee pay-roll taxes and of course property taxes,” said Mayor Lloyd Winnecke.

For years the properties that will be developed have been tax exempt — owned by non-profits but that will change, creating revenue from property taxes after the development is assessed, “This is going to be great for the city it’s also going to be great for our Convention and Visitors Bureau because of room taxes and those go into amenities throughout the community,” said Downtown Alliance Director Joshua Armstrong.

While some are concerned about supply and demand, Bob Warren with Evansville Conventions and Visitors Bureau says the Hyatt will be in high demand simply because of its location and connectivity to the downtown business district, “When you look at all of the business travel that’s in our market it’s probably one of the strongest elements of our tourism. People are coming in because we have universities, we have health care centers, we have strong manufacturing…a very strong business climate.”

The city currently attracts more than 4 million visitors annually bringing in over $500-million — the new hotel only to generate more revenue, “Our team at the CVB and our industry are working very hard right now to make sure that we are dominant when it comes to conventions and meetings and workshops, seminars, retreats…everything that we can house in this market we’re going to try to house,” said Bob Warren.

Vanderburgh County Authorities Warn of Fake Kidnapping Scam

OCTOBER 17TH, 2016

MATT PEAK EVANSVILLE, INDIANA

 Vanderburgh County authorities are investigating a possible phone scam, involving a fake kidnapping and a ransom threat.

The sheriff says a mother was tricked into believing her daughter had been kidnapped and was being held for ransom.

The caller demanded money in exchange for her release.

The mother sent $2,000 via Moneygram and Western Union, and was planning to send more before the daughter called her and she realized it was a scam.

The sheriff says the suspects in these types of cases using emotion to get people to make rash decisions.

Authorities say if this happens to you, request to speak with the person allegedly kidnapped and call police.

Students Have a Chance to Fix Problems with the Changemaker Challenge

OCTOBER 17TH, 2016

MATT PEAK EVANSVILLE, INDIANA

 A challenge to inspire students to create positive change in the community is underway at the University of Evansville.

The Institute for Global Enterprise is kicking off this year’s Changemaker Challenge competition.

College students got a chance to get inspired Monday and high school students will meet Tuesday.

The goal of the program is to get young people to find a problem they are passionate about and find solutions through collaboration.

At the competition in February, college students can win seed money to make their ideas a reality.

EVSC Announces 2016 Hall of Fame Honorees

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 Community and business leaders were among the 14 individuals announced today as inductees of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation’s Hall of Fame, Class of 2016. The biennially-awarded EVSC Hall of Fame honors distinguished individuals who exemplify outstanding achievement in their life’s work and who have made a positive impact on public education in the greater community. It also emphasizes the importance of service to community and inspires EVSC students to seek excellence in their own education and careers.

“We are extremely proud and humbled by these individuals,” said David Smith, EVSC Superintendent. “They epitomize the best of the best, not only in business, but in in our local community and across the United States. They have made it their life’s work to make a difference and we are truly honored for them to represent the EVSC in this manner.”

Honorees were selected following nominations made to the EVSC throughout the month of Setepmber. A panel of five judges reviewed biographical material to make their selections. Judges were: Superintendent David Smith; members of the 2014 EVSC Hall of Fame Joan Finch and Jon Siau; School Board President Terry Gamblin and President of EVSC Foundation Brian Hancock.

The 2016 Hall of Fame inductees will be honored on March 15, 2017, at a celebration dinner sponsored by EVSC Foundation at 6 p.m., at the Tropicana Executive Conference Center. Co-chairing the celebration are community leaders Jeff Justice, Gina Moore and Ben Shoulders. To order a table for the event or for additional information, please call 812-435-0229.

The 2016 EVSC Hall of Fame honorees are:

Carol Abrams has chaired the Committee to Promote Respect in Schools (CYPRESS) for the last 16 years.  Under her leadership, CYPRESS has led efforts to enrich classrooms for both teachers and students.  Ms. Abrams has helped CYPRESS implement teacher workshops and provided curriculum materials for teachers to use the lessons of the Holocaust, the Civil Rights movement, and other events in history to promote respect and tolerance. She has also worked with Steven Spielberg’s Shoah Project to provide a collection of Holocaust Oral Histories that are available to the public at Evansville’s Central Library.  Currently she is working with CYPRESS to launch HEART, a bullying prevention program for teachers and parents.

  1. Edwin Colegraduated from Central High School and was president of his class.  He worked full-time as the high school sports editor of the Sunday Courier and Press while attending Evansville College.   Mr. Cole began and ended his career at Central High School where he was named Indiana’s Outstanding Distributive Education teacher in 1963; one of the nation’s top eight high school journalism teachers by the Wall Street Journal and Indiana’s Outstanding Adult Education Administrator.  Some of his community activities have included:  chairman of the board of the Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union; president of the Evansville Coalition on Adult Literacy; president of the Downtown Quarterback Club; chairman of the EVSC Foundation’s Committee to rename Central Baseball Field the “Paul Gries Field” and president of the Central High School Football Club.

 

Kendra Colton has been described by the New York Times as a “goddess”.  Ms. Colton graduated from Harrison High School then studied music in Vienna, Austria; Oberlin College; the University of Cincinnati and in Zurich, Switzerland.  She has performed with major orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic; the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center.  Ms. Colton has returned many times to Evansville to perform with the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra.  When she is not performing on the international stage, Ms. Colton teaches at Oberlin College Conservatory.

Lt. General John B. Conaway (Ret.) graduated from Bosse High School.  He later attended Evansville College where he received a B.S. degree in Business Administration. Lieutenant General Conaway entered the Reserve Officer Training Corps program and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the US Air Force in June 1956.  After completing basic pilot training and advanced combat crew training, his next assignments were as an F-102 fighter-interceptor pilot in the Air Defense Command at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base and Kincheloe Air Force Base, Michigan.  After an illustrious and well-decorated military career, Lt. Gen. Conaway retired on November 30, 1993.

Craig Fenneman graduated from Reitz High School where he served as student council president.   He went on to attend Butler University where he earned a BA in Economics.  He then attended Indiana University School of Law for two years before deciding to pursue a career in commercial real estate.  Mr. Fenneman founded two Indiana-based businesses, Fenneman & Associates and Southern Bells, Inc. – one of the largest Taco Bell franchisees in the country. He has given back to his community in many ways, including serving on the Board of Directors of the YMCA Camp Carson and on the board of trustees for Butler University. He also served as board president of the Boy Scouts of America National Foundation. Mr. Fenneman has received a Sagamore of the Wabash, YMCA Camp Carson Outstanding Volunteer Award, YMCA of Southwest Indiana “James Orr Award” as Outstanding Volunteer, Boy Scouts of American Silver Beaver, Award of Merit, Silver Antelope, Distinguished Eagle and 2007 Ernst & Young Indiana Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Father and Daughter inductees: Harold E. Gourley, Ed.D. and Karen LeMond 

Harold Gourley, Ed.D., returned to Evansville and attended Evansville College after active duty on an LST in the South Pacific. He served as a teacher and administrator with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation for 45 years.  Dr. Gourley taught at Fulton, Lodge and Glenwood Elementary Schools; he was then named principal at West Heights Elementary School in 1956.  In 1963, he was named principal at Highland Elementary School, where he spent the next 37 years until his retirement in 1995.  Dr. Gourley received several awards during his leadership at Highland, including the Outstanding Principal Award from Indiana Congress of PTA.  Dr. Gourley was also a licensed IHSAA official of basketball, football, baseball and track. Dr. Gourley passed away on February 27, 2005.

Karen LeMond is a graduate of North High School.  She is an active board member on the Vanderburgh Community Foundation and on the advisory board for the Women’s Fund.  Ms. LeMond also serves on the selection committee to award the Lilly Endowment scholarship.  In addition to her volunteer commitment with several boards and non-profits in Evansville, she is a member of the American Rental Association and the Industrial Fabrics Association International.  For the past 18 years Mrs. Lemond and her husband have owned and operated TRU Event Rental where she is the secretary/treasurer.

Joseph Heathcott, Ph.D., graduated from Harrison High School.  He received his Ph.D. in History and American Studies at Indiana University.  He currently serves as associate professor of Urban Studies at The New School University in New York City.  Professor Heathcott has received numerous awards and honors including fellowships from U.S. Fulbright, the American Council of Learned Societies, the Erasmus Institute, the Mellon Foundation and the Brown Center for the Humanities.  He has been invited to lecture, consult and judge design reviews in a wide variety of venues both in the U.S. and internationally.  He volunteers with neighborhood groups and community organizations around issues of planning, preservation and urban design.  He served on the Board of Directors of the Center for Urban Pedagogy and the Urban History Association and as president of the Society for American City and Regional Planning History.

Wayne Henning received a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Edward’s University in 1963 and graduated from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking.  He also saw active duty with the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserve.  Mr. Henning worked at Old National Bank for 42 years, working his way up from an adjustor to executive vice president and regional chief operating officer for the Evansville Region when he retired.  Over the years he contributed his time and talents to many community organizations, including the Evansville Freedom Festival, the Evansville Association of Commercial Banks, the Consumer Credit Counseling Services, the Greater Evansville Lenders Association, and Reitz Memorial High School Alumni Association.  Mr. Henning has also served as the associate general chairman of the United Way, vice-chairman of the Evansville Chamber of Commerce, and chairman of the Southern Indiana Financial Institutions for I-69 along with being a board member of several local non-profits.

Rose M. Cole Mays, Ph.D., graduated from Bosse High School.  Dr. Mays earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Evansville and her masters in pediatric nursing from Indiana University – Purdue University at Indianapolis in 1974.  Her Ph.D. in nursing science is from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Mays retired from Indiana University after 36 years of service.  Dr. Mays is founder and past president of the UE African American Alumni Association and serves on the UE Board of Trustees.   Dr. Mays also carried out a program of research and professional service focused on health promotion and disease prevention for vulnerable adolescents.  In 2002, she received the Tony and Mary Hulman Preventative Medicine and Public Health award from the Indiana Public Health Foundation for efforts to improve health care for the underserved.  Presently she is Professor Emeritus, Indiana University School of Nursing.

William Miller graduated from Lincoln High School and devoted 29 consecutive years as a teacher, assistant principal and principal in the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation.  He was the first African-American elected to the Vanderburgh County Council. He also served as president of Evansville’s Board of Public Safety, president of the Friends of the Public Library, president of the Evansville Retired Teachers Association, chairman of the Police Merit Commission and construction chairman and vice president of the Board of Directors of the African American Museum.  He and his wife, Mattie Miller, embrace the historic distinction as part of the first husband and wife concurrent principals in the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation.  Mr. Miller passed away on March 12, 2012.

Raymond W. Nicholson, M.D. graduated from Bosse High School.  He received his B.A. and M.D. degrees from Indiana University.  Dr. Nicholson’s long and distinguished career as an educator and physician in family medicine began in August 1958.  In 1980, Dr. Nicholson decided to move his practice into the Family Practice Center at St. Mary’s.  He served in this capacity, as an educator of residents and family practitioner for 33 years – graduating more than 200 young physicians, most of whom stayed in the Tri-State area.  Through the IU School of Medicine Volunteer Clinical Faculty, Dr. Nicholson donated countless hours of volunteer teaching and mentoring medical students through their two-year medical education in Evansville.  Dr. Nicholson also served as the Vanderburgh County Health Officer from August 2007 to May 2014.

Honorable Leslie C. Shively graduated from Harrison High School.  He received his B.S. in Accounting and MBA from Indiana University and his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Indianapolis School of Law.  Judge Shively has represented numerous clients in civil litigation involving significant land use and property rights issues.  He also has represented the Vanderburgh County Election Board, the Town of Chandler and the Warrick County Plan Commission.  From 2001-2011, he served as a member of the Indiana State Board of Law Examiners and was president for two years.  He is currently serving as judge of the Vanderburgh Superior Court.  He is also actively involved in the community with such organizations as Youth First, the Methodist Youth Home, Leadership Evansville, YMCA, Community Action Program, WNIN Auction and the Vanderburgh County 4-H Center.

Michael R. Shoulders graduated from Harrison High School. He is responsible for designing many of the landmark buildings around Evansville including; Central Library, Old National Bank, Ford Center, Ivy Tech Community College, Le Merigot Hotel, Vanderburgh County Courthouse renovation, Evansville State Hospital and more.  Mr. Shoulders is also an incredibly active community member.  He has served on the Arts Council of SW Indiana, the Evansville Vanderburgh County Building Authority, the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission, the ECHO Housing Corporation, Keep Evansville Beautiful, Habitat for Humanity, Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center, Methodist Temple and Leadership Evansville.

AG Zoeller Presents Voices For Victims Awards To Southern Indiana Advocates

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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller presented Southern Indiana victim service providers with 2016 Voices for Victims awards today to recognize their outstanding dedication to serving and giving a voice to victims in Indiana.

The Voices for Victims awards program is part of the Attorney General’s Victims Services and Outreach Division, which Zoeller established in May of 2015 to focus support on victims of violent crimes, including human trafficking, domestic violence and sexual assault. He said the awards were inspired during recent visits to victim service providers across the state that showcased the brave and selfless work being done by individuals to help those traumatized by violent crime.

The Southern Indiana award recipients include:

  • Yvonne Moore, Collaborative Care Supervisor, Department of Child Services, IPATH Member. Dedicated to serving child victims for decades, Yvonne in recent years has also been a leader in the statewide taskforce to combat human trafficking. Additionally, she organized a conference of over 250 service providers and community leaders at IU Southeast. Yvonne is passionate about her work and spends her free time serving victims and survivors of human trafficking, especially children.
  • Angela Renfro, Founder of Kristy Love Foundation. As a survivor of child sexual abuse beginning at the age of 3, Angela was trafficked throughout her youth and young adult years. Despite tremendous trauma, Angela went on to establish the Kristy Love Foundation, which serves victims of human trafficking by providing trauma counseling services, job skills training and other support in a residential shelter. Her shelter serves victims in Southern Indiana. Earlier this year, Angela was the keynote speaker at the IPATH taskforce conference held at IU Southeast.
  • Amy Leenerts, Founder of Free2Hope, Inc. As a survivor leader of human trafficking victims, Amy established the organization “Free2Hope, Inc.,” which provides outreach and training in Southern Indiana. Suffering extreme abuse for years, Amy was able to find the strength to survive and inspire others. As a board member of the Kristy Love Foundation, Amy presents at many conferences and trainings across the State of Indiana.

“These extraordinary leaders embody the compassionate, selfless and often unnoticed work being done to support some of the most vulnerable people in our society,” Zoeller said. “The road to recovery for these individuals is long and difficult. The awards recognize the heroes among us helping victims to navigate the legal system, process trauma and rebuild their lives.”

Zoeller said the award recipients exemplify the mission of his office’s Victim Services and Outreach Division, which is to ensure victims have access to assistance and are treated with dignity and respect in the court system and beyond.

Recipients include victim advocates, directors and staff at victims’ shelters, survivors and others who have shown selfless devotion to the causes of victims, either on behalf of individuals, or in policy roles, legal representation or in other ways. Service providers are especially recognized for their dedication to underserved and vulnerable populations, including children, women, immigrants and ethnic groups.

Award recipients receive an honorary plaque and will be recognized in the Attorney General’s monthly newsletter sent to the approximately 500-member Victim Advocates’ Network created by the Victim Services and Outreach Division to connect and provide resources to those who serve victims in Indiana. Advocates who are interested in joining the Victim Advocates’ Network can contact the Attorney General’s Office by emailing VictimAdvocateNetwork@atg.in.gov.

The Office of the Indiana Attorney General also offers programs to assist victims directly. Domestic violence victims can obtain the assistance of the Hope Card program which summarizes court protective order details on a laminated card for a victim to provide quickly to law enforcement. Victims also can participate in the Address Confidentiality program that provides a secure mailing location where victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking can receive their mail to ensure their perpetrators do not discover a new street address.

More information about these resources can be found here.

Don’s Claytons Kicks Off 30th Year of Coat-A-Kid

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While no one can answer with complete certainty whether we’re in for a harsh or mild winter, there is no question all children need a warm coat in cold weather. Steve Schmitt, owner of Don’s Claytons Fine Drycleaning, is committed to providing a winter coat for every child who needs one.

Every October, Schmitt launches the Coat-A-Kid season. This year marks the program’s 30th year, with the official kickoff at 8 a.m. October 17 at Lodge Community School in Evansville, Indiana.  Over the next few weeks and into December, community members are invited to bring gently used and new coats to any Don’s Claytons location. The coats will be cleaned, if needed, and distributed to area children in need via the Salvation Army, Evansville Christian Life Center, and in Boonville, at Hope Central on North Second Street. Coats of all sizes are needed, especially those for infants and smaller children.

Since its implementation at the local level, the Coat-A-Kid initiative has distributed approximately 150,000 coats throughout the community. Now in its 30th year, Steve Schmitt shares his thoughts on the milestone, “The Coat-A-Kid program has been dear to our hearts. We love doing it.”

Now through December 31st, Don’s Claytons will accept new and gently used coats for infants, children, and teens at any of its nine locations in Evansville and Newburgh.

For more information about the Coat-A-Kid program, including a listing of all Don’s Claytons locations, visit http://www.donsclaytons.com

Woman-Owned Exhibit Company Relocating from Illinois to Indiana

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North Judson – Outstanding Tradeshow Exhibit Services (OTES), a full-service designer and manufacturer of tradeshow exhibits, announced plans today to relocate its operations from Romeoville, Illinois, to North Judson, Indiana.
“By moving to Indiana, OTES is choosing to grow in the top state in the Midwest for doing business,” said Governor Mike Pence. “Here in Indiana, we’ve balanced our state budget while cutting taxes and red tape. By keeping the state affordable and investing in quality-of-place initiatives, Indiana is attracting out-of-state companies like OTES because our environment allows job creators to grow with confidence. We are excited to welcome OTES to the Hoosier state and look forward to the company’s continued success in a state that works.”

The company will invest $1.2 million to purchase, renovate and equip a 74,000-square-foot facility at 5235 W. State Road 10 in North Judson. Infrastructure-related renovations, which include the installation of a new roof, plumbing and electrical systems, are currently underway, and OTES plans to launch its Indiana operations early next year. The company will occupy nearly two-thirds of the facility and lease the remaining space to other area businesses. The company’s new operating area will provide significantly more space than it has now in Illinois, giving it room to expand its carpentry and graphics workshops.

As part of its growth, OTES plans to create up to 15 Indiana jobs by 2019 with average salaries exceeding the Starke County average wage by more than 40 percent. The company currently employs eight full-time associates, some of whom will also relocate to North Judson. OTES plans to begin hiring next spring for carpentry, graphic design, sales, account management and maintenance positions. Interested applicants may apply at Professional Employment Partnersin Knox, Indiana.

“Fiscally, Indiana is a better fit for my growing company,” said Nan Wellman, founder and president of OTES. “It will be nice to be part of a community where every job created helps benefit an area in need of employment opportunities for the betterment of the people who live there. Not to mention I was born and raised in Indiana, so it will be great to be back home in Indiana again!”

Founded in 2012, OTES got its start in the garage of the company’s founder, Nan Wellman. As demand for tradeshow booths increased from the military, medical, mining, educational, food and houseware industries, the company grew in rented facilities before making the decision to purchase a new home in Indiana. The company produces custom tradeshow booths, which can be purchased or rented, for clients around the world, including United Kingdom-based Babcock International Group, Australia-based Noja Power, New Jersey-based Hutchinson Industries and Alabama-based Perkins Technical Services.

More than 50 Illinois-based companies have worked with the IEDC since its creation in 2005 to relocate some or all of their operations to Indiana, together pledging to create more than 5,000 new Hoosier jobs. Last year, Hoist Liftruck moved from Bedford Park, Illinois, to East Chicago, Indiana, with plans to create 500 Hoosier jobs. In June, AMKUS Rescue Systems announced its relocation from Downers Grove, Illinois, to Valparaiso, Indiana, which will create 20 new Hoosier jobs, and last month, Enjoy Life Foods relocated its Schiller Park, Illinois, production and distribution operations to Jeffersonville, Indiana, which will create 200 new Indiana jobs.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Outstanding Tradeshow Exhibit Services Inc. up to $115,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The town of North Judson approved additional incentives at the request of the Starke County Economic Development Foundation.

“I am thrilled that North Judson and the Starke County Economic Development Foundation were able to attract another quality firm to join the North Judson community,” said Wendy Hoppe, president of the North Judson Town Council. “Nan Wellman’s decision to relocate OTES to North Judson is another example of the success Women Business Enterprises are finding in relocating to or expanding in Starke County.”

By choosing to move to Indiana, OTES is launching operations in a state that has added 156,800 new jobs since January 2013. Indiana’s labor force is at its largest size ever, with private sector employment standing above its previous peak for 14 consecutive months. Meanwhile, Indiana’s unemployment rate fell last month to 4.5 percent, which is below the national average.

Air Quality Forecast For Vanderburgh County

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Air quality forecasts for Evansville and Vanderburgh County are provided as a public service.  They are best estimates of predicted pollution levels that can be used as a guide so people can modify their activities and reduce their exposure to air quality conditions that may affect their health.  The forecasts are routinely made available at least a day in advance, and are posted by 10:30 AM Evansville time on Monday (for Tuesday through Thursday) and Thursday (for Friday through Monday).  When atmospheric conditions are uncertain or favor pollution levels above the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, forecasts are made on a daily basis.

Ozone forecasts are available from mid-April through September 30th.  Fine particulate (PM2.5) forecasts are available year round.

Monday
October 17		 Tuesday
October 18		 Wednesday
October 19		 Thursday
October 20		 Friday
October 21
Fine Particulate
(0-23 CST avg)
Air Quality Index		 good good good good good
Ozone
Air Quality Index		 NA* NA* NA* NA* NA*
Ozone
(peak 8-hr avg)
(expected)		 NA* NA* NA* NA* NA*

* Not Available and/or Conditions Uncertain.

Air Quality Action Days

Ozone Alerts are issued by the Evansville EPA when maximum ozone readings averaged over a period of eight hours are forecasted to reach 71 parts per billion (ppb), or unhealthy for sensitive groups on the USEPA Air Quality Index scale.

Particulate Alerts are issued by the Evansville EPA when PM2.5 readings averaged over the period of midnight to midnight are forecasted to reach 35 micrograms per meter cubed (µg/m3).

Current conditions of OZONE and FINE PARTICULATE MATTER are available in near real-time on the Indiana Department of Environment Management’s website.

National and regional maps of current conditions are available through USEPA AIRNow.

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