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New cameras and video equipment
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A school-wide PA system
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A student creative suite subscription
Evansville Day School Receives Major Grant
Lt. Governor Beckwith, OCRA announce new round of training and capacity building program for rural communities
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INDIANAPOLIS (May 29, 2025) – The Office of Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs today announced a new round of the Rural Empowerment and Development program has been made available. The program is a capacity-building and planning initiative created in partnership with Ball State University’s Indiana Communities Institute. RED is designed to enhance community engagement and assist in the implementation of actionable projects. Each participating local team will undergo a four- to six-month program tailored to each community’s specific needs. “Indiana is taking bold steps to empower our rural communities,” Lieutenant Governor Beckwith said. “The RED program isn’t just about training – it’s a launchpad that gives local leaders the tools to innovate and create plans tailored to their needs.” RED begins with an intensive multi-day learning experience and continues over several months with coaching from the Indiana Communities Institute. Throughout the process, the community develops and refines a vision and community engagement plan. The team will work with the Indiana Communities Institute to analyze data about its community, review existing plans and take steps to identify issues, opportunities and solutions. “The Rural Empowerment and Development program gives communities the framework to build out a plan and increase capacity for future projects,” OCRA Executive Director Fred Glynn said. “I encourage community members and leaders looking to take that next step towards meaningful development to apply.” Each applicant should be made up by a local team of community members and leaders. These local teams should be led by either a county-wide nonprofit or a county government. Additionally, local teams should include two or more incorporated local units of government within the county boundary. Any municipality included must have a population under 50,000 to participate and applicants must not be already involved in the Stellar Pathways or PreservINg Main Street programs. Two local teams will be selected to participate in this round of RED, with staggered start dates in 2025. Applications are now open and will close Wednesday, July 2, at 12 p.m. ET. |
Governor Braun Celebrates Public Safety Wins to Protect Hoosier Families
INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Mike Braun held a ceremonial signing for two major public safety bills: Senate Enrolled Act 324 and House Enrolled Act 1014.
“Keeping Hoosiers safe is our top priority, and we’ve secured several wins for public safety this session. These bills will increase the penalty for pushing fentanyl on our streets, help keep police officers safe, and make our communities safer for Hoosier families.” — Governor Mike Braun
SEA 324 increases the penalty levels of crimes related to fentanyl and provides that a court shall consider requiring certain persons charged with a crime of domestic violence to wear a monitoring device as a condition of bail.
Governor Braun thanked bill author Senator Aaron Freeman and bill sponsor Representative Chris Jeter.
HEA 1014 is a suite of solutions on public safety and common sense.
The law makes being in the country illegally when you commit another crime an aggravating sentencing factor, as well as having distributed a controlled substance.
The law makes clear that governments shouldn’t be organizing sexually explicit performances at taxpayer expense.
The law protects police officers by making clear that force is never justified against a law enforcement officer while trying to resist arrest for a crime.
The law also incentivizes treatment for substance abuse disorders by making successful completion of those programs a mitigating factor in sentencing for certain crimes.
Governor Braun thanked bill author Representative Alex Zimmerman and bill sponsor Senator Sue Glick.
HOT JOBS
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USI signs Bailey for 2025-26
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball announced the signing of forward Cardell Bailey for the 2025-26 season.
We are excited today to announce the signing of Cardell Bailey,” said USI Head Coach Stan Gouard. “He comes from a good upbringing, phenomenal parents, and a terrific support system.
“Cardell’s a guy that can compete right away to help us out this season because his skill set translates well to the way we play,” continued Gouard. “He’s got a very unique skill set in terms of being able to do everything pretty well and comes into our program with a great understanding of how to make everyone better.”
Bailey is transferring to USI after spending 2024-25 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He appeared in 28 games and made 15 starts for the Hawks, averaging 8.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game.
The 6’6″ guard scored a season-high 27 points versus Morgan State, while grabbing a season-best eight rebounds at the University of Illinois and dishing four assists versus North Carolina Central University.
Prior to playing for Maryland Eastern Shore, Bailey spent a season at Navarro College and Yavapai College. He averaged 7.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 2023-24 at Navarro, while posting 10.0 points and 3.4 rebounds per game at Yavapai.
Bailey graduated from TLAP Sports Academy in May of 2021, where he had a team-best 26.7 points per game, in addition to 8.0 rebounds per game. He also led TLAP to a semi-finals appearance at prep school nationals and a prep south conference championship. He also earned Most Improved Player honors during his senior season.
Before playing at TLAP as a senior, Bailey spent three seasons at Fayette County High School.
The USI Screaming Eagles are a member of the Ohio Valley Conference and will be NCAA Tournament eligible in 2025-26 following the completion of the accelerated transition from Division II. USI has reached the OVC Championship in two of the first three seasons of Division I action.
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Three Arrested During Joint Narcotics Investigation
In May of 2025, the DEA Evansville Resident Office (ERO) and the Evansville Vanderburgh County Drug Tas Force (EVCDTF) began an investigation into Alphonso Kelly distributing methamphetamine and cocaine. The illegal narcotics were being transported from the Louisville, Kentucky area.
On 5/23/2025, members of the DEA ERO and EVCDTF conducted surveillance on Kelly, who was seen riding in a vehicle traveling south on Interstate 69. During a traffic stop, approximately two pounds of crystal methamphetamine and more than two ounces of cocaine were seized.
Laurene Winrow and Tanya Swearingen were also in the vehicle during the car stop. All three, Kelly, Winrow and Swearingen were arrested for Dealing Methamphetamine and Dealing Cocaine. It was also discovered that Kelly had active warrants for narcotics dealing out of Floyd County.
Otters lead early, fall to Boomers in finale
The Otters got off to a hot start in the first inning. Graham Brown singled and stole a base which set up JT Benson to single him home later on. The following batter, JJ Cruz, then doubled home a run to extend the lead to 2-0.
Schaumburg quickly responded with a two-run home run in their half of the first to tie it all back up. Two innings later, another two-run home run gave them their first lead of the night.
In both the third and the fifth, JT Benson singled again to collect his second and third hits of the day. The Otters were not able to drive him in either time.
During the fifth and the sixth frames, the Boomers would strike again, extending their lead to 7-2.
Evansville fought back in the top of the seventh, though. Catcher’s interference allowed Graham Brown to advance to first to lead off the inning. Pavin Parks stepped in and singled into right field to put runners on the corners for Benson. He would get his fourth hit of the day to score Brown and cut the lead to 7-3.
The Boomers scored again in their half of the inning and eventually finished out the 8-3 win over Evansville in the series finale.
Benson finished with a 4-for-5 day that came with two RBI and a stolen base. Cruz also had a multi-hit day with an RBI double.
The Otters are back in action on Friday to begin a three game weekend set in Florence. The two teams are tied in the Central Division, giving the series some early season significance. First pitch is scheduled for 6:03 p.m. CT in Florence, KY.
CITY OF EVANSVILLE Board of Public Safety Agenda
CITY OF EVANSVILLE Board of Public Safety
Civic Center Complex, Room 301
Agenda
May 28th, 2025
Building Commission – Johnny McAlister Jr. Transportation & Services – Todd Robertson City Engineer’s Office – Mike Labitzke
Police Department – Chief Phillip Smith
Fire Department – Chief Tony Knight
~ Pledge Of Allegiance ~
A. Old Business
1. Tiki On Main Requests Approval Of Their Monday Night Bike Nights
CLOSING: Main Street Between 5th And 6th Streets
WHEN: Every Monday Night From 5:00 P.M. To 9:00 P.M. Starting May 18th Thru The Month Of June.
PURPOSE: To Provide Parking And Safety For Motorcycles For The Bike Night Event.
B. Departmental Reports
1. Police Department – Captain John Mc Quay
a. Requests Approval To Award The Bid For 21 Police Patrol Vehicles.
2. Fire Department – Deputy Chief Kim Garrett
a. Requests For Approval Of A Contract With Hinderliter Construction For The Purpose Of Soil Testing And
Remediation Of An Oil Tank Leak. Contract Amount: $14,800.00
b. Requests For Approval To Surplus The Following Items:
1) One (1) SCBA Regulator (MK10) – Past Serviceable Life
2) Two (2) Hose Dryers (Station 14 & 16) Past Serviceable Life
c. Accept Donation From EFFF
1) Five (5) Stairmasters
3. Building Commission – Kim Josey
a. b. Requests For Approval Of Contract With Ryan M Shulz To Serve As Building Commission Hearing Authority Officer
Pursuant To PMC 15.15. Contract Amount Is $9,450.00
Request Approval To Open Bids For The Following Properties:
1) 114 E. Tennessee St.
– Raze (Demolish) House And Garage
2) 100 Lexington Rd.
– Raze (Demolish) Shed Only
3) 1807 Ridgeway Ave.
– Raze (Demolish) Three (3) Shed
4) 3900 Saunders Ave.
– Raze (Demolish) House, Garage And Shed
Ken Schultheis, President
Diane Masterson, Vice President
La Toya Johnson, Member
Aaron Allen, Counsel Attorney
Board of Public Safety
Evansville, IndianaCITY OF EVANSVILLE
Board of Public Safety
Civic Center Complex, Room 301
Evansville, IN 47708
812.436.7897
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. City Engineering – Jennifer Blankenship
a. b. Approval Of Stop Control Enhancements On Virginia Street At Willow Road Per Exhibit A.
Approval To Remove The Crosswalk And The RRFB On The East Side Of Court Street At Sixth Street Per Plan Sheet
C4 And Relocate It To The North Crosswalk On Cherry Street At First Street Per Plan Sheet 1
5. Special Event Permit – Sgt. Adam Will
a. b. c. d. e. Germania Maennerchor Requests Approval Of Their Volksfest 5k Run/Walk
Closing: West Maryland Street Between Fulton And Flags Blvd
When: Saturday, August 2nd From 8:00 A.M. To 9:00 A.M.
Purpose: 5k Run/Walk For Germania Maennechor’s Volksfest
BARRICADES REQUESTED
Urban Seeds Requests Approval Of Their Market On Main Event
CLOSING: Main Street Between 6th Street And Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, One Lane Of Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
Between Sycamore & Locust.
WHEN: Weekly On Wednesday’s From June 4th Through September 17th From 7:30 A.M. To 2:00 P.M.
PURPOSE: Seasonal Farmers Market Supporting Small Businesses And Promoting Access To Fresh Food.
BARRICADES REQUESTED
Haynie’s Corner Art District Association Request Approval Of Their Heavy On Haynie’s Event
CLOSING: The Portion Of Adams Avenue Beginning At 58 Adams Avenue, Continuing South To SE 2nd Street
WHEN: Friday, June 13th From 4:00 P.M. To 11:00 P.M.
PURPOSE: Music Event
BARRICADES REQUESTED
Haynie’s Corner Arts District Request Approval Of Their Pride Night Event
CLOSING: The Portion Of Adams Avenue Beginning At 58 Adams Avenue, Continuing South To SE 2nd Street, And
2nd Street From The Intersection To Jefferson Ave.
WHEN: Friday, June 20th From 4:00 P.M. To 10:00 P.M.
PUPOSE: Music And Resource Fair In Conjunction With River City Pride
BARRICADES REQUESTED
Haynie’s Corner Arts District Association Requests Approval Of The Front Porch Fest
CLOSING; The Portion Of Adams Avenue Beginning At 58 Adams Avenue, Continuing South To SE 2nd Street, And
2nd Street From The Intersection To Jefferson Ave.
WHEN: Saturday, September 6th From 3:00 P.M. To 11:00 P.M.
Sunday, September 7th From 1:00 P.M. To 9:00 P.M.
PURPOSE: To Celebrate Music In The Evansville Community
BARRICADES REQUESTED
Ken Schultheis, President
Diane Masterson, Vice President
La Toya Johnson, Member
Aaron Allen, Counsel Attorney
Board of Public Safety
Evansville, IndianaCITY OF EVANSVILLE
Board of Public Safety
Civic Center Complex, Room 301
Evansville, IN 47708
812.436.7897
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
f. Haynie’s Corner Arts District Association Request Approval Of The Pumpkin Carving Event
CLOSING: The Portion Of Adams Avenue Beginning At 58 Adams Avenue, Continuing South To SE 2nd Street
WHEN: Wednesday, October 29th From 3:00 P.M. To 9:00 P.M.
PURPOSE: To Celebrate The Arts Community In Our Neighborhood With Free Pumpkin Carving.
BARRICADES REQUESTED
g. New Hope Missionary Baptist Church Requests Approval Of Their Church Picnic Event
CLOSING: DR W Brown Between Bellemeade & E Mulberry St.
WHEN: Saturday, June 7th From 10:30 A.M. To 4:00 P.M.
PURPOSE: Church Picnic
BARRICADES REQUESTED
h. Mo’s House Is Requesting Approval Of Their Event Mo’s House First Fridays
CLOSING: SE 2nd Street From The Alley By Schymik’s Kitchen To The Corner Of Jefferson Street.
WHEN: First Friday Events Starting June 6th
, July 4th
, August 1st
, September 5th Ending October 3rd From 3:30 P.M.
To 10:00 P.M. This Runs In Conjunction With Haynie’s Corner Art District 1st Fridays Event.
PURPOSE: First Fridays Event Haynie’s Corner.
BARRICADES REQUESTED
C. Consent Section
1. Road Closures – Request Approval Of The Following:
a. 527 Main Street – 4 Parking Spaces Requested
Evansville Building Authority – Dave Rector
WHEN: June 16th Through July 2025
PURPOSE: Construction Project For Elevator Modernization, Spaces Needed For Dumpster And Contractor
Equipment.
b. 728 Locust Street – 3 Parking Spaces Requested
Legacy Concrete Construction, INC – Brian Goebel
WHEN: May 21st Through June 11th – This Would Be An OCCASIONAL Use Of Spaces. Spaces Would Only Be Closed
Off When Concrete Trucks Would Be Delivering Concrete.
PURPOSE: Allowing Concrete Trucks To Get Close To Curb For Construction Project On Danks & Danks Building.
c. 607 E Chandler
Stemaly Excavating
WHEN: Wednesday, May 28th from 2 p.m. to Friday, May 29th 5:00 p.m.
PURPOSE: Water Main Tap.
2. Container In The Street – Request Approval Of The Following:
a. 2301 Vann Avenue
Sarah J Ortego Clark
WHEN: Monday, June 2nd Through July 7th
.
PURPOSE: Storage While Preparing To Move.
Ken Schultheis, President
Diane Masterson, Vice President
La Toya Johnson, Member
Aaron Allen, Counsel Attorney
Board of Public Safety
Evansville, IndianaCITY OF EVANSVILLE
Board of Public Safety
Civic Center Complex, Room 301
Evansville, IN 47708
812.436.7897
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Dumpster In The Street – Request Approval Of The Following:
a. 215 Main Street
ARC Construction – Chirs Krampe
WHEN: Monday, May 19th Through October 17th
PURPOSE: Construction – Remodeling Debris.
b. 321 E Virginia Street
Village Real Estate Company – Dino Buljubasic
WHEN: Tuesday, May 20th Through June 3rd
PURPOSE: House Clean Out
c. 713 E Oregon Street
Village Real Estate Company – Dino Buljubasic
WHEN: Tuesday, May 20th Through June 3rd
PURPOSE: House Clean Out
4. Massage Therapy Requests Approval Of The Following:
a. Star Spa – 3000 N Green River Road
OWNER: Mark Trinh
Employees: 1 Number Of Massage Tables: 2 Indiana Licensed Massage Therapist On Record: Bingrung Fu
D. Other Business:
Number Of Shower Stalls: 1
1. Requesting Approval Of Claims
2. 3. 4. Requesting Approval Of Minutes From May 14th
.
Announcements: Next Meeting: Wednesday June 11th @ 1:00 P.M.
Requesting Approval To Adjourn: _
“IS IT TRUE?”MAY 29, 2025
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Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers.
IS IT TRUE that Kentucky Fried Chicken Founder Col. Harlen Sanders was a HOOSIER? …that Sanders was born in Henryville, Indiana, 116 years ago today?
IS IT TRUE that Bobby Helms, the singer who gave us the song “Jingle Bell Rock,” in 1957, was a Hoosier from Helmsburg, Indiana?
IS IT TRUE that a CCO reader recently dropped a Christmas Card in the mail for delivery to a neighbor? …that the US Postal Service took five days to deliver the card?
IS IT TRUE that Santa left an early birthday gift in parking spot #3 at the Civic Center? …that a new SUV with municipal plates now occupies the space reserved for Mayor Stephanie Terry? …that long-time Civic Center moles tell us that they cannot recall a mayor provided with a taxpayer-paid car?
IS IT TRUE that if every man, woman, and child in Evansville would send $13,823.01 to the Civic Center, we could retire all of the city’s bond debt?
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