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Aces wrap up Bobby Nichols Intercollegiate

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Evansville finishes in 9th place 

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – Kayla Katterhenry had the low round of the day and vaulted up the leaderboard in the final day of the Bobby Nichols Intercollegiate at Sevierville Golf Club.

Katterhenry fired off a 70 on Tuesday, four shots better than anyone in the field.  That effort launched her to a 4th place finish with a 231.  After posting rounds of 80 and 81, Katterhenry dropped her score by ten strokes.  Madison Chaney had her best round of the event on Tuesday, posting an 81 to finish tied for 33rd with a 250.  Chaney’s round on Tuesday was one under her 82 on Sunday.

Maggie Camp carded an 88 in the final round and tied for 36th with a 251.  Giulia Mallmann finished the tournament with a score of 262 following her round of 89 while Maria Pickens notched a 91 and completed the tournament with 272 shots.

Individual Carly Waggoner recorded her lowest round of the tournament as her 86 gave her a final score of 269.  Rachel Marchi dropped her Monday round by seven strokes, posting a 95 to finish with a 286.

Evansville came home in 9th place in the event.  Taking top honors was Southern Mississippi.  The Golden Eagles held off a furious charge by Tennessee Tech to win by five shots.  USM’s Valentina Haupt and Emily Dixon of Youngstown State finished the tournament tied atop the individual list.

The next action for the Purple Aces will be the Bradley Invitational. Set for April 2-3, the event will be held at Weaver Ridge Golf Club in Peoria, Ill.

 

Former German Township Clerk Arrested on Fraud, Forgery Charges

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An eight month investigation concluded this evening with the arrest of the former German Township Clerk on numerous fraud and forgery charges.

The Indiana State Police Organized Crime and Corruption Unit and the Indiana State Board of Accounts began a joint investigation in August 2015 on 45 year old Virginia Massey of Evansville after an audit was conducted on the German Township accounting records. It was believed that Massey had fraudulently submitted claim forms for mileage reimbursement from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2014 without supporting documentation. The checks totaled $12,450.71.

Investigators found that mileage documentation provided by Massey for 2010 and 2013 were identical with the exception of two entries, with numerous entries made during 2010 for visits to financial institutions and the City-County Building on weekends when the facilities were closed. A total of 145 trips to financial institutions were documented within the documentation provided by Massey, while only 9 trips coincided with actual financial transactions. Additionally, for every mileage entry during 2010 and 2012-2014, there was a 15 mile variance between the ending odometer reading on the previous trip and the beginning odometer reading for the next recorded trip. Each entry made within the 2011 log revealed a 10 mile variance between trips.

This evening at 6:10 P.M., the Indiana State Police served the arrest warrant on Massey at her Evansville address. She was arrested without incident and lodged in the Vanderburgh County Jail.

Investigating Agencies: Indiana State Police – Organized Crime and Corruption Unit, Indiana State Board of Accounts

Arrested and Charges:
Virginia M. Massey, 45
Evansville, IN
– Forgery, Class C Felony
– Forgery, Level 6 Felony
– Theft, Class D Felony
– Theft, Level 6 Felony
– Official Misconduct, Class D Felony
– Official Misconduct, Level 6 Felony
(“Class” Felonies are listed as such due to occurring prior to the change in statutory classification)

Aces fall to Kent State in Kokomo 

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KOKOMO, Ind. – Five early runs from Kent State on Tuesday night would prove all the Golden Flashes would need as the University of Evansville baseball team dropped a 6-3 decision in a neutral site contest at Kokomo Municipal Stadium.

“We just couldn’t get a big inning, and that’s been important for us this season,” UE head coach Wes Carroll said. “We hit into four double plays, and that was really the difference in the game. We created some opportunities, but we just couldn’t get the big hit to drive in the runs.”

Zach Beckner started things off quickly for the Golden Flashes (14-5) as he laced a one-out single to right in the bottom of the first, and Dylan Rosa followed up later in the frame with a two-run blast to center to put the Aces (9-10) down 2-0 after the first frame.

A Jonathan Ramon error would come back to haunt the Aces in the next frame as a two-out Luke Burch triple and Zarley Zalewski double brought home three more runs to make it 5-0.

Alex Weigand, who picked up his first loss on the year, was credited for all five runs but only two were earned. He would leave the mound in the fourth after surrendering six hits and striking out two.

UE got on the board for the first time with a Boomer Synek double in the fifth, and he’d bring another home with a fielder’s choice in his next at-bat in the seventh to cut the deficit to three.

Josh Jyawook drove in another in the eighth, but the Golden Flashes answered in the bottom half of the frame to maintain the three-run cushion.

Both Jyawook and Synek finished the day with two hits apiece, and overall, UE and KSU both ended with 10 hits.

The Aces will be back in action on Thursday evening as the team will begin a three-game set against Eastern Kentucky in Richmond, Ky.

NOTES: UE is 2-3 in midweek games this season … Since 1978, the Aces are 52-26 against schools that hail from the state of Ohio … Tuesday marked the first-ever meeting between UE and KSU, and the game represented the fourth this season against a MAC opponent … Earlier this month, the Aces swept Northern Illinois.

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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

IS IT TRUE MARCH 23, 2016

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IS IT TRUE it looks we. started a firestorm by inquiring about the annual salaries paid to the CEO positions of St Mary’s and Deaconess Hospitals? …over the last several months some of our readers have been pushing us to find out how much these positions  are paid annually? …posted below are the links of the 2013 990 Federal Tax Returns that show the CEO’S of our local hospitals could be making around $1.5 million dollars a year?

IS IT TRUE we know that hard facts speak for themselves? …we have attached links of the 2013 tax returns for St Mary’s and Deaconess Hospitals for you review?

LINK OF ST MARY’S 990 TAX EXEMPT REPORT FOR INCOME TAX FOR 2013

 http://990s.foundationcenter.org/990_pdf_archive/350/350869065/350869065_201406_990.pdf?_ga=1.261447373.1392677525.1456252802

LINK OF DEACONESS 990 TAX EXEMPT REPORT FOR INCOME TAX FOR 2013

http://990s.foundationcenter.org/990_pdf_archive/350/350593390/350593390_201409_990.pdf?_ga=1.41844321.2138777471.1456258981

IS IT TRUE according to 2014 data released by the Social Security Administration that 24,140 individuals in the United States had a reported income between $1,500,000. and $1,999,999.? …it looks like both CEO”S  positions of St Mary’s and Deaconess Hospital are in this group”?

IS IT TRUE this post has nothing to do with the individuals that are CEO’S at St Mary’s or Deaconess Hospitals but has to do with the positions?  …we also are extremely pleased with the quality of health care that both institutions provide to our community?  …our only question is do you feel that CEO”S  positions at St Mary’s and Deaconess Hospitals should be paid (in 2013) around $1.5 million dollars a year?  ……we wonder what these positions are being paid in 2016?

IS IT TRUE the question of yesterdays “Readers Poll” question was If the Republican primary was held today for Vanderburgh County Commissioner who would you vote for?  …the results are as follows: Cheryl Musgrave 252, Brenda Bergwitz-100 and Alexander Schmitt-60 votes?

FOOTNOTES: Our next “IS IT TRUE” will be posted on this coming Friday?

Please take time and read our newest feature article entitled “HOT JOBS”posted in this section are from Evansville proper.

If you would like to advertise in the CCO please contact us citycountyobserver@live.com

Todays “Readers Poll” question is: Do you feel that the CEO positions at our local hospitals should be paid $1.5 million plus annually?

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

Official Media Statement: Vectren Retirement Benefits Legal Matter

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Official Media Statement: Vectren Retirement Benefits Legal Matter

On March 12, 2015, a lawsuit was filed by 17 current or former Vectren employees, all of whom were also former non-bargaining unit employees of Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company, Inc. (“SIGECO”). The employees assert, among other things, that nearly 15 years ago they were not provided full and sufficient information to make an informed decision when choosing whether to have their retirement benefits calculated under their current benefit formula or an alternative formula.

SIGECO became a Vectren subsidiary in 2000. Shortly thereafter, the SIGECO retirement plan for non-bargaining unit employees (“SIGECO plan”) was merged into the Vectren Combined Non-bargaining Retirement Plan. Before the plan merger, participants in the SIGECO plan, including the employees filing suit, were given the option of having their future benefits calculated under the existing SIGECO plan formula or through Vectren’s cash balance plan formula, which included an increased level of company contributions into the employee’s 401(k) plan. Of approximately 365 eligible participants, around 160, including the 17 employees filing suit, chose the new cash balance formula, which was a competitive, market-based plan that, unlike the SIGECO plan, offered portability should the employee choose to leave the company prior to retirement age. In the 15 years since the choice was made, two recessions and historically low interest rates have resulted in lower benefits under the cash balance formula.

As Plan administrator, Vectren fully investigated the employees’ claims and confirmed that before making their election, participants were provided with detailed written information about their options, and this information warned them that estimates included with the information were based on stated assumptions and not a guarantee of future benefits. The information demonstrated that an employee who intended to remain with the company until at least age 55 likely fared better under the SIGECO plan formula. In addition, in-person informational sessions were held to allow participants to ask questions regarding their choices. Participants were also encouraged to seek independent financial advice as to the best choice for them. Finally, participants who chose the cash balance formula had to do so by signing a form indicating their desire to opt into the cash balance formula. This same process and information led roughly 205 participants to stay with the existing SIGECO plan formula.

Vectren appreciates that the individuals who filed this suit may regret their decision to opt into the cash balance formula in light of economic conditions over the last 15 years. However, in its role as Plan administrator, it found no basis for allowing those employees to avoid the consequences of their choice and intends to defend this suit accordingly. While Vectren remains committed to providing the competitive compensation and benefits needed to attract and retain our high-quality workforce, we cannot control the consequences of the economy. We look forward to resolving this issue and moving forward in a positive manner with all parties involved.

Indiana Eighth Congressional District Primary Election Candidate Debate‏

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Indiana Eighth Congressional District Primary Election Candidate Debate‏ Invitation From Tea Party Group

To: Nick McGee
jim.bratten@gmail.com

Nick,

I sent a request for feedback on this topic (asking yes or no) last week, pertaining to a debate among the primary candidates for the Eighth, through Congressman Bucshon’s campaign website, and have yet to receive an answer. I also sent the request to bucshonforcongress@gmail.com (older address I had) and also have received no response. In addition, I inquired at the Congressman’s district office; they referred me to the website.

As the Congressman’s time is limited, only back here in the district for short periods, and I noticed he will be in town next week, yesterday a date and location to hold a short debate was secured. Would Congressman Bucshon be interested in partaking in a debate on the issues we face heading into this election with the other candidate(s) running for the office?

The date is next Wednesday, March 30, 2016. The place is the Eykamp Scout Center, 3501 E. Lloyd Expressway, Evansville.

Refreshments will be served in the reception area outside the meeting room at 6:00 p.m. The debate will begin at 6:30 p.m. and finish at 8:00 p.m.

Please let me know at your earliest if Congressman Bucshon is available to participate.

Much appreciated and thank you for your consideration.

In Liberty,

Jim Bratten
​jim.bratten@gmail.com

Supreme Court: Consolidating Precincts Is Not Unconstitutional

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Supreme Court: Consolidating Precincts Is Not Unconstitutional

Scott Roberts for www.theindianalawyer.com

The Indiana Supreme Court ruled an effort to consolidate small Lake County precincts to reduce election costs was not unconstitutional, finding it is neither an impermissible special law nor a violation of the separation of powers doctrine.

The case, State of Indiana v. John Buncich, in his capacity as chairman of the Lake County Democratic Central Committee, et al., 45S00-1409-PL-587, came on direct appeal from the Lake Circuit Court under Indiana Appellate Rule 4(A)(1)(b). The court ruled 4-1 in the decision, with Justice Robert Rucker dissenting in a separate opinion.

The Indiana General Assembly enacted Indiana Code 3-11-1.5-3.4, which aimed to reduce the cost of elections by consolidating small precincts, defined as those with 500 active voters or fewer. Of the county’s 525 precincts, 130 fell into the category at the time.

A small precinct committee was formed in Lake County to identify the precincts, determine potential cost savings, and see who could be joined together. This would also mean some recently elected committeepersons would lose their jobs. The Lake County Democratic Central Committee and five Democratic precinct committeepersons sought declaratory judgment and an injunction, saying the statute was unconstitutional as special legislation under Article 4, Section 23 of the Indiana Constitution and violated the separation of powers doctrine recognized in Article 3, Section 1.

The trial court granted LCDCC’s motion to consolidate a ruling on the merits, saying all Indiana counties have small precincts and have an interest in consolidating precincts, and there are no unique circumstances that justify the application of the statute to just Lake County. The court also ruled the statute violated Article 3, Section 1. The state appealed.

Justice Mark Massa wrote the decision for the majority and said the LCDCC did not carry its burden of proof in the case. Because Lake County has more small precincts than the next seven counties combined, Massa said the legislation was justified. “Because the rest of the counties in the state have significantly fewer small precincts, we decline to second-guess the legislature’s decision not to set up a small precinct committee in counties that don’t need it,” Massa wrote.

Massa said the statute also does not offend Indiana’s separation of powers doctrine. The precinct committeepersons do not perform a state government function, but are bound to their precinct, and the separation of powers clause only applies to those who perform a state government function.

Rucker dissented, writing speculations on what the Legislature could have found should not substitute for actual findings. He said the state’s arguments that the reducing the number of small precincts likely leads to administrative efficiencies and the Lake County Board of Elections and Registration’s estimate it carried substantial financial burden does not mean it actually did, and the court should not make its decision on those claims without solid proof.

Also Rucker, who grew up in Gary, is concerned about the effect the statute will have on voting strength. Many of the precincts that will be eliminated are in the Gary area, which will give that city less say in county elections. While it’s not required a city has so much sway, Rucker wrote, it does give disparate treatment the justices are trying to avoid and has many political implications.

St. Mary’s Hospital for Women & Children Birth Records

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St. Mary’s Hospital for Women & Children Birth Records

Cassaundra and James Carter Jr., Haubstadt, Ind., son, Henry Lee, Mar. 13

Emma and Stephen Garcia, Mount Carmel, Ill., daughter, Sophie Claire, Mar. 13

Timmyra Wallis and Max Calvert, Evansville, daughter, Myleigh Victoria Rae, Mar. 13

Courtney and Adam Brock, Haubstadt, Ind., son, Everett John, Mar. 14

Madison Eagan and Ronald Benedict, Evansville, daughter, Riley Shae, Mar. 14

Lindsey and Josh Summers, Eldorado, Ill., son, Remington Rocco, Mar. 15

Joy and Justin Bingman, Evansville, daughter, Selah Grace, Mar. 15

Therese Porter, Evansville, daughter, Rowan Elyse, Mar. 15

Nicole and Brandon Pettit, Rockport, Ind., son, Zylan Lee, Mar. 15

Elizabeth Swanson and Daniel Dudley, Mount Carmel, Ill., son, Jonah Michael, Mar. 15

Nicole and James Carrie, Vincennes, Ind., son, Owen James, Mar. 16

Skylar Wiethop and Tyler VanBibber, Evansville, son, Jasper Grayson, Mar. 16

Emily Johnson and James Sweeney, Evansville, son, Keagan James, Mar. 16

Mary and Kenneth Horn, Newburgh, Ind., son, Michael Anthony, Mar. 17

Jennifer Batteese and Jerrod Reid, Carmi, Ill., daughter, Hadlee Nicole, Mar. 17

Mary Stanley and Zachary Hicks, Chandler, Ind., son, Garrett Zhayne, Mar. 18

AG Zoeller files lawsuits against four auto dealers for failing to deliver titles to customers, other deceptive acts 

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Auto complaints to AG’s Office more common than any other retail category

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller today filed lawsuits against four auto dealers and their owners accused of failing to deliver customers’ vehicle titles and other deceptive acts. The auto dealers – all of which have gone out of business – were located in Fort Wayne, Fortville and Indianapolis.

Zoeller said without a vehicle title, it is impossible to obtain a state vehicle registration in order to operate a vehicle legally.

“The 48 Hoosiers impacted in these cases spent thousands of dollars on cars which they now can’t prove they own,” Zoeller said. “This can be a common problem, especially when used auto dealers go out of business. Our office is able to step in to help these customers get what they purchased.”

He said his priority with these legal actions is to secure the titles for these consumers as quickly as possible.

In lawsuits filed today, Zoeller alleges the following former auto dealers violated Indiana’s Deceptive Consumer Sales Act, and he seeks restitution for impacted customers – including title delivery – in addition to investigative costs and civil penalties.

  • Prestige Auto in Fortville, lawsuit filed in Hancock County court – Accused of failure to deliver titles to at least 10 customers and failure to provide a purchased warranty to one customer. According to the lawsuit, Prestige also agreed to pay-off remaining loan amounts on three trade-in vehicles, which they never did, resulting in the consumers facing repayment on loans of $23,800 and $3,500 after purchasing their new vehicles.
  • AnyCredit Auto Superstore Inc. in Fort Wayne, lawsuit filed in Allen County court –Accused of failure to deliver titles to at least 10 customers, misrepresenting the price of a vehicle and failure to perform repairs on a vehicle it represented it would perform.
  • Southport Motors in Indianapolis, lawsuit filed in Marion County court – Accused of failure to deliver 21 titles to customers. Additionally, Southport failed to pay off the remaining loan balance on one customer’s trade-in vehicle in the amount of $16,500.
  • US Fleet Liquidators LLC in Indianapolis, lawsuit filed in Marion County court – Accused of failure to deliver titles to 7 customers.

Under state law, car dealers and individuals from whom a customer has purchased a vehicle are required to deliver the title to the purchaser at the time of sale or delivery or within 21 days of the date of the sale.

Often, the titles to the cars sitting on the lots of used car dealers are owned by a “floor planner” not the dealer. When a customer purchases a car from the dealer, the dealer must pay a portion of that money to the “floor planner” who would then transfer the title to the customer. In cases like these, the auto dealer continues to sell cars but stops paying the “floor planner” for the titles, leaving the customer high and dry.

In recent years, the Attorney General’s Office has filed lawsuits regarding title non-delivery in 20 cases, and has resolved numerous other such cases without the need for litigation.

Top complaint area

The Attorney General’s Office receives more auto sales complaints each year than any other retail category, with 1,340 such complaints filed in 2015.

“Each year, auto sales complaints flood into my office,” Zoeller said. “The reality is car buyers will always be at a disadvantage because the seller has more information about the cars and may be in a position to deceive. Car buyers need to know and understand their rights and practice smart strategies to avoid getting scammed.”

This week, March 6-12, is National Consumer Protection Week, aimed at educating the public about fraud, scams and strategies to avoid becoming a victim.

Zoeller said his office recently created the Auto Buyer’s Bill of Rights to educate consumers and provide a helpful guide for those making a vehicle purchase, whether new or used. He is calling on the auto industry to also alert consumers of their rights and place a higher emphasis on consumer protection.

In 2015, the Attorney General’s Office took legal action against 13 auto dealers in Indiana for deceptive practices and secured more than $1.1 million in consumer restitution.

More tips for consumers when purchasing a car can be found here.

Zoeller thanked Deputy Attorneys General Steven Frank, Ruth Rivera, Martha Showers and Mark Snodgrass for their work on these cases.

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