Betty Boop (pictured) – Betty Boop is a gorgeous Shetland Sheepdog mix, and unlike that other Betty Boop, she’s just a little shy! She is six years old. Her previous family had her for her entire life but they decided they had too many animals, so they brought Betty Boop in to find her new forever home. She can be a little nervous when it comes to playing and will need a little work with socialization, so a home with small children may not be suitable for her. But for a family with older children, she may be just the perfect fit you’re looking for! Her adoption fee is $100, which includes her spay surgery, microchip, age-appropriate vaccinations, and a bag of food.
Other Dogs
Queenie – Queenie is a 3-year-old miniature pinscher mix! She is very friendly, lively, and playful and will make a great family pet in most environments. Her current weight is about 15 lbs., so she will be small for the rest of her life. She came from a family who no longer had a home for her, and she’s ready to start her new life with her forever people! Queenie’s adoption fee is $120, which includes her spay surgery, microchip, vaccinations, and a bag of food.

Starla – Starla is a 6-year-old Collie/retriever mix. She is full of life and love to give! A nice woman found her as a stray near Washington Square Mall and brought her to the VHS so she would be safe, sound, and taken care of until she meets her forever family. As a result, not much is known about her background before now, but she sure is charming the staff that takes care of her at the shelter! Starla’s adoption fee is $100, which includes her spay surgery, microchip, vaccinations, and a bag of food.

Taylor – Taylor is an active, friendly Lab/retriever mix! He needs regular play and exercise time since he’s such a big dog, so an active family will be his best fit. He’s two years old, and LOVES to play! His favorite toys are Frisbees, balls, and kongs. He’s also affectionate and will do best with lots of positive reinforcement as he learns what’s expected of him in his new home. He already knows several commands, too. Taylor’s previous family had him for his first 2 years of life, but then they developed health problems that made them unable to give him the time & attention he deserved. So, he’s ready for a lively family to give him a run for his money! Taylor’s adoption fee is $100, which includes his microchip, vaccinations, and a bag of food. He’s already neutered, so he’s ready to go home with you TODAY!

Mama Gingersnap (pictured) – Mama Gingersnap is an absolutely gorgeous tortoiseshell cat. She is three years old, and is the mother of the five “Candyland” kittens who will be old enough for adoption soon! She is independent and does not usually like to be held much, but she is friendly and likes to be petted. She was born in her previous family’s home back when they already had a few animals, so when she became a mother herself, there just wasn’t enough room for the whole family. Now, she’s back from foster care and ready to find her forever family! Her adoption fee is $30, and that includes her spay surgery, vaccinations, nationally-registered microchip, and a bag of food.
Other Cats
Gizmo – Gizmo has officially won the hearts of a few staff members at the VHS. He is a five-year-old male tomcat. He’s been through some rough waters, and when he arrived at the shelter he had multiple bumps and bruises that have now healed. He’s unique from tail to toe – literally! He’s missing a toe on one paw and his tail has been deformed since birth. But both of these are congenital defects, like birthmarks, so they will not affect his health whatsoever! Gizmo is a survivor, and he’s looking forward to meeting his forever family when they fall in love with how beautiful he is, inside and out. His adoption fee is $30, which includes his neuter, microchip, vaccinations, and a bag of food to take home.

Puss ‘N Boots – Puss ‘N Boots is a friendly 10-month-old calico female ready to steal your heart! She is affectionate towards anyone who visits the cageless cat room where she lives at the VHS. Since she’s in there with several other cats, she is litterbox-trained and used to having to share her space! Puss’ adoption fee is $30, which includes her spay, nationally-registered microchip, age-appropriate vaccines, and a bag of food.

Jethro – Jethro is a handsome guy who has recently returned from foster care, and he is ready to win your heart and become a part of your family forever! He is about two years old, and was found by a landlord in an abandoned property. A few of Jethro’s favorite things include playing with toy mice, belly rubs, and prancing around on his hind legs when he wants attention! He did well with other cats in his foster home and he also lives in the cageless cat lounge at the shelter now, so he’s used to having to share his space with other cats. Jethro’s adoption fee is $30, which includes his vaccinations, neuter surgery, microchip, and a bag of food.

Omelette – Omelette is one of the kittens from the “breakfast” litter! He and his four siblings came to the VHS when their mother had a litter that their family did not want to keep. Now that they’ve had a few months to grow big, strong, and even cuter, they are ready to melt your heart and become a lifelong part of your family! Adoption fees for kittens like Omelette are $50, which includes their age-appropriate vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, nationally-registered microchip, and a starter bag of food to take home.

RABBIT

Alfie – Alfie is an oh-so-handsome rabbit who is very loving and curious! His previous family developed allergies to their beloved pet, and had to bring him to the VHS to find his permanent home. He is 2 years old and neutered, so he’s ready to leave with you today! His adoption fee is $30, which also includes a cardboard carrier to take him home in. The VHS also sells various types of gently-used donated animal cages & care items, so be sure to stop by on your way out the door to see if we have anything in stock that you may be able to use for Alfie!

Amanda Bienhaus

Public Relations, Media, and Special Events

Vanderburgh Humane Society

(812) 426-2563 ext. 211

United Leasing, INC. is proud to sponsor the United Leasing Championship at Victoria National June 24th-30th! The PGA Tour prides itself on giving back to the community. All proceeds from full week tickets will go to charity!

Purchase tickets from

April 15th-June 23rd for $35!

It’s as easy as 1-2-3!
1.Go online to www.ulcgolf.com
2.Select WNIN from the drop down menu of charitable options.
3.
Have a week of fun at Victoria National knowing your money is going to help WNIN in the coming year!

Warrick County – Indiana State Police are currently investigating the death of a 37-year-old Warrick County inmate.

Last night, June 9, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Warrick County Jail personnel were making their security rounds when they discovered James Pyott, 37, of Evansville, was unconscious in his cell. Jail personnel and EMS personnel attempted to revive him, but they were unsuccessful.

Foul play is not suspected. Pyott was incarcerated on June 4 for theft and was being held on bond.

An autopsy is scheduled for later today.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Today the City County Observer got a copy of the audit of the Ford Center construction project which we respectfully make available to our readers on the following link.

Some key conclusions taken from the audit are as follows:

“Based on procedures performed, the initial deposits to capitalized interest trust accounts were correct but subsequent deposits to the 2010B capitalized interest trust account were incorrect.”

“Based on the disbursements reviewed, the following disbursements were noted that did not appear to be for the construction of the Ford Center.”

“Based on the procedure performed, the City of Evansville did not spend $32 million of local funds on the Construction of the Ford Center.”

“Based on the procedure performed our review of Resolution C-2009-29 indicates that the total cost of design and construction of the Downtown Multi-Purpose Arena was capped at $127,500,000 excluding finance costs, furniture, and prior feasibility studies. Based on the expenditures reviewed, the total amount spent on the design and construction of the Downtown Multi-Purpose Arena from the reviewed funds and trust accounts was $128,279,998 as of December 31, 2012. This amount exceeds the cap of $127,500,000 proposed by the City Council in Resolution C-2009-29.”

“Based on the procedures performed, payments made on several contracts were not within the approved contract amount. Of the contracts reviewed ten were paid more than the contract amount plus (minus) change orders. The total amount overpaid was $1,052,732.”

“Based on the invoices reviewed, all paid invoices were not properly documented.”

“Results of the procedure performed indicates that not all of the deposits to and disbursements from the 2009 BAN A and 2009 BAN B bank accounts and the 2010 A and 2010 B trust accounts were appropriate and/or approved by the Redevelopment Commission or Redevelopment Authority Board.”

You can read the details that lead to the above derogatories and the official City of Evansville response on the following link.

Ford Center Construction Audit

Enjoy outdoor cooking while keeping cancer risk to a minimum, expert urges

SUNDAY, June 9 (HealthDay News) — For many Americans, summer just wouldn’t be the same without a backyard barbecue. However, the blackened meats and smoky flavor that come with grilling could put your health at risk, experts caution.

The good news, though, is that by planning ahead and making some smart choices, you can enjoy summer barbecues and reduce your exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.

High-heat grilling can convert proteins found in red meat, pork, poultry and fish into heterocyclic amines (HCAs). These chemicals have been linked to breast, stomach, prostate and colon cancer.

“What happens is that the high temperature can change the shape of the protein structure in the meat so it becomes irritating in the body and is considered a carcinogenic chemical,” Stacy Kennedy, a nutritionist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, said in an institute news release.

Another cancer-causing agent, called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), is found in the smoke from the barbeque. PAHs form when fat and juices from meat cooking on the grill drip down onto the heat source.

“That’s where the main cancer-causing compound occurs in grilling,” Kennedy said. “So you want to reduce the exposure to that smoke.”

For those who plan to fire up the grill this summer, Kennedy offered the following tips to reduce exposure to cancer-causing agents:
•Choose meats wisely. Avoid grilling high-fat meats, like ribs and sausages. Instead, choose lean meats, which create less dripping and less smoke. Always trim excess fat and remove skin. It’s also a good idea to choose smaller cuts of meat, such as kabobs, which require less cooking time.
•Try thin marinades. Thicker marinades tend to char, which could increase exposure to cancer-causing agents. Choose marinades made with vinegar or lemon, which will form a protective layer on the meat.
•Reduce grilling time. Always thaw meat before cooking. Meat and fish also should be partially cooked in the microwave before grilling. This will reduce cooking time and the risk for smoke flare-ups.
•Flip often. Flipping burgers once every minute will help prevent burning or charring.
•Consider food placement. Be sure to place food at least six inches away from a heat source.
•Create a barrier. Do not allow juices to spill and produce harmful smoke. Line the grill with aluminum foil or cook on cedar planks.
•Consider veggies. Try grilling your favorite vegetables since they do not contain the protein that forms harmful HCAs. “People are surprised, but you can safely eat charred vegetables,” Kennedy said. “They have different proteins that are not affected the same way as the meat protein.

Despite the risks, Kennedy said, barbecue enthusiasts should keep things in perspective. “If you’re grilling and following the proper safety tips, the risk of getting cancer from grilling food is very low,” she said. “Being overweight or obese, which are at epidemic levels in the U.S., are far greater risk factors for developing cancer than the consumption of grilled foods.”

President Abell: Under new business, Burdette Park passes for county employees. You’re not here to discuss that, are you? I spoke with Mr. Craig on the phone today about this. He has not ordered those. He’s leaving that decision on whether or not to provide them up to us. Of course, this is where we’re going to make that decision, because the three of us having discussed it. I don’t know how the other two feel, but, we just, I just do not think this something we can continue to afford. We’re operating at bare bones. We’re losing money at Burdette Park every year, and I don’t think we can continue to provide passes for anyone to use the facilities, but I will entertain comments from my fellow Commissioners.

Commissioner Melcher: Well, it’s not just not the county employees. Every time we do the county employees, the next two weeks we’ve got to come back and do the building here. So, they’re not on here again, so that means they’ll be back at the June 4th meeting wanting to know where their passes are. I agree, you know, right now, with the times the way they are and all of this, I was in a meeting with Shetler yesterday, you were on the phone, we’ve got to find out where all of this money is going to come from. You know, we hate to do that, but, you know, nothing says we can relook at this some other time. So, I don’t even think–

Commissioner Kiefer: Don’t do anything.

Commissioner Melcher: – don’t even do anything on it, no. So, we’ll just move on with old business.

President Abell: No action. There will be no action on this, and there will be no park passes issued this year.