 Wuzza is an 11-week-old female black kitten! She’s the last one left from her litter: The “Fuzzy Wuzzie Wuzza Bear†litter. She’s got some new roommates and they’re pretty cool, but she’d really like a family to call her own! Take Wuzza home fixed, microchipped, and FeLV/FIV tested for $50. She has had first booster shots and will require a few more later. Call the Vanderburgh Humane Society in Evansville at (812) 426-2563 or visit www.vhslifesaver.org for adoption details!
Timber theft leads to 10 months in prison for Kentucky man
When people think of wildlife crime, piles of confiscated ivory, poaching and black market sales come to mind. What many people don’t realize, is that destruction of protected species goes far beyond international icons like elephants and rhinos. Some trees can be iconic too and need special protection
Just like wildlife poaching, there are unethical people, motivated by greed, who seek to profit without regard to population levels or ecosystem health. Just like hunting and fishing, timber harvest is a legal enterprise that is managed through sound science, habitat assessments and review by state and federal foresters. When people illegally take wildlife, or alter ecosystems, we all lose out. This is why a recent investigation and court case in Indiana is groundbreaking.
Together, with our counterparts in the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana, we put one career violator behind bars for illegally harvesting a stand of black walnut trees. Cheyenne Allen, of Salyersville, Kentucky is facing 10 months in prison for an illegal timber scheme where he stole timber from someone else’s private land.
In Indiana, timber can only be harvested by the landowner or by a licensed timber buyer who has purchased the timber. In 2011, Allen saw an opportunity near Logansport, Indiana to take advantage of an unsuspecting landowner and defraud him of almost $85,000 in high-quality timber. Allen’s timber buyer’s license was previously revoked by Indiana Department of Natural Resources in October 2009, because of repeated timber theft and other violations across multiple counties of northern Indiana.
Deceptively posing as the new owner of nearly 20-acres of land, Allen organized a crew to harvest the timber and marketed the logs to saw mills – all without actually being the landowner. Harvested logs were sold to companies in Indiana and Kentucky. Products from these trees eventually made it as far as Germany, Indonesia, Malaysia, Spain, Portugal, Austria and other international forest product buyers.
“This case is a prime example of how important it is to collaborate with our state conservation partners to stop career violators,” said Edward Grace, Deputy Assistant Director for Law Enforcement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“It sends a serious message that we will not tolerate the profiteering of America’s natural resource legacy,” continued Grace.
Black walnut is one of six walnut tree species found in the United States and one of 15 species found worldwide. This slow-growing tree is native to the central and eastern regions of our country and can live to be more than 200 years old, with diameters as wide as three to four feet! Black walnut is the most valuable tree species in the Midwest based on price per board foot. It is in high demand internationally for specialty woodworking including flooring and furniture wood inlays.
While this is the first timber case federally prosecuted in Indiana, it isn’t an isolated occurrence. In 2013, a similar case in Iowa ended with prison time for the thief who stole more than 30 black walnut trees, some at least 140 years old. While we prevented future illegal actions by these individuals, we cannot bring back the resource that they stole. Trees of this age and quality don’t happen by accident and were managed for years by caring landowners.
“The majority of logging and timber buying in Indiana is completely legal and is carried out by good, hard-working people who are trying to make a living in a business that can be volatile in correlation with the economy,†said Forester Duane McCoy, with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Licensed Timber Buyers Program.
“To prevent timber theft or trespass, landowners should know and mark their property lines and have a timber sale contract when selling their timber,†continued McCoy.
One way to lessen the chances of timber theft on your land is to work with land surveyors to accurately mark your property lines. Clear signage is another way to let people know they are on private property. We can all help protect the remaining stands of black walnut and other protected trees by staying vigilant against fraudulent schemes by rogues like Allen.
Hot Jobs in Evansville
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Obtains and reviews information obtained from customers, repair firms, agents, and drivers to properly process a claim from beginning to end….
Must greet guests in a friendly and warm manner with a smile. Help guests with any needs and clearing their table. 301 Circle Front Dr….
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Operate cash register and flatbed scanner to itemize and total customer’s purchase; Clean front end of store and help set up sidewalk displays when necessary….
Must be 21 years old with a high school diploma or GED and must be able to pass a criminal background check, urine drug screen, possess a valid driverÂ’s license…
Have an active driver’s license. Obtain a DOT medical certification. To support our aggressive growth plans, we offer unique opportunities, including…
Utilizes the proper tools and techniques to ensure efficient, timely, and quality installation service for Safelite® Group customers….
Associate’s Degree in Business, Retail Management, Specialty related to department (e.g., design, appliances), or related field….
Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field preferred. The program consists of an 18 month period of extensive training and development that will provide…
Must have a current and valid drivers license with no more than two moving violations and/or at-fault accidents on driving record in the past 3 years….
  Assist in ensuring the financial integrity of the store through strict cashier accountability, key control, and adherence to company security practices and cash…
The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a Sales related field or be a licensed Dental Hygienist and have 2…
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The associate must quickly develop product and solution knowledge in key areas such as technology, furniture, and business supplies as well as an understanding…
Must have current valid drivers license and ability to drive. Develop retail sales/marketing plans and other creative marketing tools and events….
Each driver must have 3 months of tractor trailer expereince and a haz-mat endorsment. Each Driver Averages $1,260 Plus Per Week….
Valid Indiana teaching certification in appropriate grade level and area of study required. Questions concerning compliance with these laws should be directed…
Experience preparing estimates with Xactimate and/or Symbility • Effective communication and customer service skills • Ability to climb ladders, get in attics…
Sales Consultants must have a valid driver’s license. While at customers’ homes, Sales Consultants assess customers’ needs, recommend products that fulfill…
TMC Drivers are required to have a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL A). Previous truck driving experience is not required, and we can help you find the…
2 years experience in providing customer service including identifying and resolving customer complaints, greeting customers, answering phones, building…
I am needing a sitter for my two children 2-3 days a week for several hours each day. Applicants should enjoy playing with children, and must be able to prepare…
It is important to us that you have your own car. I’m looking for a great babysitter for 3 children….
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It is important to us that you have your own car. I’m a teacher and my wife is a counselor. We are due with twins on August 19th….
As an employee-ownedcompany, all eligible employees own shares in the company no cost to themthrough an Employee Stock Ownership Plan(ESOP.)….
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Governor Pence Directs State to Increase Emergency Operations Center Staffing Due to Severe Weather
In light of the severe weather risk facing much of the state and at the direction of Governor Mike Pence, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) will increase the staffing in the State of Indiana Emergency Operations Center (EOC) beginning at 7 p.m. today.
Storms may produce straight-line winds, hail, tornadoes and flash flooding, especially in the northern and central portions of the state beginning early this evening, and nearly all parts of the state will experience some type of storms, according to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
“We stand ready to assist local communities whenever severe weather makes its way through the state,†said Governor Pence. “The Indiana Emergency Operations Center will be monitoring conditions and is ready to coordinate emergency response efforts as needed.â€
The State EOC will be also staffed by members of the Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Police, Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, the American Red Cross and the Fire Chiefs Association.
The additional staff members will assist the Emergency Operations Center manager and IDHS watch officers with situational awareness, and coordinate with local public safety professionals, including emergency management, emergency medical services, firefighters and law enforcement. EOC personnel will also assist with coordination of assets for utilities, road safety, sheltering needs and other needs that may arise.
Hoosiers in need of non-emergency assistance are encouraged to call their local emergency management agency. Contact information for each emergency management agency can be found at http://www.in.gov/dhs/2797.htm.
Staffing needs will be continually assessed as the summer storm progresses.
IS IT TRUE JUNE 22, 2016
IS IT TRUE we are pleased to announce that CCO is once again getting some valuable information from our Civic Center “MOLES”? …in the near future we shall be sharing some interesting information that members of the Winnecke Administration have attempted to keep from going public?
IS IT TRUE we have been told that BRANDON LEE FERGUSON has decided to run for the Vanderburgh County Council seat as a Democrat in the upcoming November 8, 2016 election?  …we  predict that Mr. Ferguson will be selected in the upcoming June 30, 2016 Democratic caucus as a candidate for the Vanderburgh County Council seat?
IS IT TRUE that yesterday one of our readers posted  the following question? …he said: “I wish I knew more about if there was a trust fund for Mesker Amphitheater. I suspect the plan to demolish it is because it is sitting on money someone wants to spend more freely”? …we strongly recommend  that he contact City Controller Russ Lloyd Jr and City Council Finance Chairmen Dan McGinn and let them explain why this TRUST FUND was mis-used by the City of Evansville?
IS IT TRUE during the last election several voting centers weren’t handicap accessible.  …we are pleased that officials of The Indiana Disability Rights groups attended the Vanderburgh County Election Board meeting to voice “legal concerns.”  about the lack of accessibility for handicap people of the several voting centers? …we are sure this issue will be resolved in an reasonable manner?
IS IT TRUE we are extremely proud of the University of Southern Indiana Chamber Choir for winning  first place in the Mayo International Choral Festival in Castlebar, Ireland?   …USI competed against more than 30 choirs from Ireland, Norway, Wales and the U.S.?  …USI won both the four-part competition, the sacred music competition and placed second in the Gaelic languages competition?
IS IT TRUE Killer is the only locally owned skate shop with a first class skate park?  …the publicly owned Lamasco skate park on West Columbia Street  has seen better days? …the publicly owned skate park at Wonder Ice Rink has long been dismantled?  …Killer is run by Glenn Davidson and his wife Sheena?  …Killer offers skate camps, contests and the basics of skating?  …Killer is open Monday through Saturday noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information on Killer, visit their website at  www.killerskatepark.com?   …Killer is located at 1315 North Cullen Avenue?
IS IT TRUE according to the City Engineers’s Office the the following road are closed?  …the reason why is that asphalt street milling activities will be taking place Tuesday (6/21/16) through Friday (6/25/16) at the following locations:· Division Street from Boeke Road west to the on-ramp for the Lloyd (between Taft Ave and Fairlawn Ave) and  Washington Ave from Hebron Ave west to Boeke Road?
FOOTNOTES: Â Todays “Readers Poll” question is: Â Do you feel that Mayor Winnecke will save Mesker Amphitheater from the wreaking ball?
Please take time and read our newest feature articles entitled “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.
Copyright 2015 City County Observer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed
EDITORIAL: Method Used To Convey Ideas About The Revitalization Effort Of Mesker Amphitheater Questioned
With great skepticism, we attended one of the sessions that the Mayor is sponsoring to hear what the public wants to do with Mesker Amphitheater.  The session began with a “tour†of what remains of the historic landmark that holds a special place in the hearts of many Evansvillians.  It was very similar to visitation at a funeral home when a friend has passed on, with shared memories and a sense of melancholy.
If the tour was like viewing a corpse, the discussion held afterward was like a session with a grief counselor. Led by Lynn Miller Pease of Leadership Evansville, it felt like an exercise in futility for anyone who came there with a viable plan for making Mesker a lively outdoor venue for music and entertainment again.  Participants were encouraged to “think outside the box†and were asked not to argue amongst themselves.
Participants were given four topics of discussion, including what we wanted the site to be and how the project could be financed. The process seemly  took on the pointless, too cute by half characteristics typical of the “brainstorming†sessions Pease is known for facilitating. Instead of inviting people to publicly speak to the group, we were instructed to write or draw our ideas on Post-It-Notes and stick them on larger papers headed with the suggested topics.
There was at least one person in the group who has a great deal of technical knowledge in the field of media and entertainment production who chose to walk away from the process. Â She felt if the quest to save Mesker was legitimate, then serious input from knowledgeable individuals would be sought instead of exposing them to the dog and pony show. Â She also felt this method made it impossible to openly convey a coherent comprehensive ideas about the revitalization effort of Mesker Amphitheater.
She also wonder what would have been wrong with offering an open mic and logical discourse, instead of cutesy gibberish that can be easily dismissed. Given the opportunity, she would have suggested that the City take a look at the new “Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater†in Nashville. It has no concession stands or restrooms. Port-a-johns and food trucks take their place. Dressing rooms are replaced by trailers, and band buses have convenient parking. The bulk of the money spent at Fontanel went into making it a great venue for artists, with good acoustics, state-of-the art technical hook-ups, and functional equipment loading docks. “Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater†minimalist approach appears to quite successful.  Bottom line, her idea is seemly is an affordable way to save Mesker Amphitheater from the wreaking ball and is worth exploring.
Evansville is a strong market for Country and Western acts, and it has become clear that most bands prefer outdoor venues in summer. If something similar to Fontanel was done on Mesker Park Drive, the word would get out among touring acts and Evansville could again have great summer entertainment. We now know that the Ford Center is not going to attract acts that tour in the summer, so this wouldn’t really compete with it.
We hope that we will not be told that the public failed to offer a way to save Mesker Amphitheater, and that it will fall to the wrecking ball in the same way Robert’s Stadium did.
St. Mary’s Hospital for Women & Children Birth Records
Leandra and Arthur Adye, Evansville, son, Miles Patrick, Jun. 12
Ashley and Matthew Presley, Evansville, son, Lincoln Matthew, Jun. 13
Lauren and Layne Singleton, Evansville, son, Logan Nichols, Jun. 13
Heather Applewhite, Carmi, Ill., son, Bryson Michael, Jun. 13
Rebecca and Michael Raben, Evansville, daughter, Anna Louise, Jun. 13
Lauren and Darren Dulay, Newburgh, Ind., son, Kellan Davis, Jun. 13
Sarah Dean and Ron Harper, Evansville, son, Preston Alexander, Jun. 14
Keela Kerney, Evansville, son, Amari Colton, Jun. 14
Christina and Brennan Carter, Evansville, son, Josiah Luke, Jun. 14
Whitney and David Russ, Evansville, son, William Axel Ancil, Jun. 14
Sierra Koberstein, Princeton, Ind., daughter, Kyndal Aaliyah Rae, Jun. 14
Kelsey and Benjamin Peter, Evansville, daughter, Eloise Ruth, Jun. 15
Casey and Matt Thomas, Evansville, daughter, Emelyn Jo, Jun. 15
Chantal and Caleb Hulfachor, Petersburg, Ind., daughter, Reaghan Iris-Dionne, Jun. 15
Kristina Reed and Mikel Acker, Evansville, son, Karson Alexander, Jun. 16
Ivy Altheide and Nathan Moats, Evansville, daughter, Blaire Lynae, Jun. 16
Miranda and Clint Bolden, Mount Carmel, Ill., daughter, Avery Jo, Jun. 16
Elizabeth and Benjamin Lovell, Evansville, son, Liam Michael, Jun. 16
Ashley and Troy Smith, Evansville, daughter, Evelyn Jane, Jun. 16
Abby and Shane Render, Elberfeld, Ind., daughter, Brooke Nicole, Jun. 18
COA: ADA Does Not Apply In Termination Proceedings
Scott Roberts for www.theindianalawyer.com
The Indiana Court of Appeals ruled the Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply in termination of parental rights proceedings in a case where a deaf father with cognitive and mental health problems appealed the termination of his parental rights to his son.
In 2007, A.C. admitted to the allegations in the petition alleging his son, N.C., is a child in need of services. A.C.’s visitation privileges were suspended during this time and he was diagnosed with a number of cognitive disorders. The court then ordered N.C.’s permanency plan changed to adoption.
When N.C. was enrolled at Damar Behavioral Services in 2010, his father was granted supervised visitation rights. During visits, A.C. promised his son he’d take him to Washington, D.C., and that they would live together. During father’s last visit with his son, he again made the promise they would live together. A Damar official reminded the father not to make those promises and he got very angry and threatened the foster mother. N.C. said he no longer wanted to visit with his father because of his behavior and false promises.
The Indiana Department of Child Services filed a petition to terminate A.C.’s parental rights, which was granted in September 2015. Father appealed.
Father argued that because he is deaf and has cognitive and mental health problems DCS was required to provide him accommodations under the ADA, and DCS’ failure to accommodate his disability is a defense.
The COA in a decision written by Judge Paul Mathias said A.C. did not bring up his ADA defense to the trial court, and as such waived the issue on appeal. A.C. argued that the failure to accommodate his disability was fundamental error, but the appeals court disagreed.
Even if he did not waive his arguments, however, A.C.’s claim would fail because the ADA does not apply in parental termination decisions, Mathias wrote, citing Stone v. Daviess Cnty. Div. of Children and Family Servs., 656 N.E.2d 824 (Ind. Ct. App. 1995). In that case, the COA ruled the services provided to the father were in connection with the CHINS proceeding and not in connection with or as a prerequisite to the termination proceedings and such services are not required in Indiana.
Also, the COA further said A.C.’s disability was accommodated by DCS. He was provided an interpreter and didn’t complain about the quality of the interpreter. Also, DCS recommended he see a psychiatrist and go to counseling, but A.C. did not do either.
The case is In the Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship of N.C. (Minor Child) and A.C. (Father) v. The Indiana Department of Child Services, 49A02-1510-JT-1711.