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Reducing court delays due to mental health evals

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by Wendy McNamara

This session, I’m working on legislation aimed at alleviating delays when it comes to determining a defendant’s competency to stand trial.

The process of determining an individual’s competency to stand trial is among the top concerns of Indiana’s criminal justice system. Often, defendants facing misdemeanors and level 6 felonies spend more time waiting to be deemed ready to face court than they would in jail after sentencing, which not only hurts their chances of rehabilitation, but also bogs down our state’s judicial resources. The goal of my legislation is to speed up the process for the victim and the accused.

A defendant must be considered competent, or able to understand court proceedings, before a trial begins. Determining a defendant’s competence to stand trial may require multiple mental health examinations, which may be requested by either the defense or the prosecution. According to data collected by the Indiana Supreme Court, for 1,629 competency cases heard in the state between 2018 and 2022, the average time between when a defendant is charged and when a competency hearing is scheduled is 348 days.

The length of time these defendants, especially those charged with low-level offenses, spend in jail waiting for a hearing is dictated by the availability of qualified mental health professionals. This bill will update the competency process and alleviate the burden on our criminal justice system.

House Bill 1238 would streamline the mental health exam requirements to help expedite justice. For Level 6 felonies, which are the lowest, only one competency evaluation would be required instead of two. Additional evaluations may be requested by the defense or prosecution. However, the bill would maintain two to three evaluations for level 1 through level 5 felonies, which are more serious.

Currently, the list of professionals who can determine an individual’s competency are limited to psychiatrists, physicians and psychologists – all professions experiencing workforce shortages. To help, the bill would expand the list to include Advanced Practice Registered Nurses with a certification in psychiatric nursing or physician assistants specializing in psychiatry and mental health.A court would also be allowed to dismiss criminal charges against an individual if it is determined they would not regain competency, including after six months of mental health treatment. A judge would be allowed to dismiss if the defendant has certain diagnoses impacting their ability to assist with or understand court proceedings, such as Alzheimer’s, dementia or a traumatic brain injury.

As chair of the House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code, I’m encouraged by the support for this bill including from the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council, the Indiana Public Defender Council, the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association and the Coalition of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses.

HB 1238 now heads to the Senate for further consideration. To follow the bill and watch session live, visit iga.in.gov.

Vincennes University Robotics Competition Scrimmage

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Vincennes University’s Center for Applied Robotics and Automation (CARA) is hosting the VU Robotics Competition Scrimmage. It is the first-ever scrimmage event on the Vincennes Campus for teams of high school students in Southern Indiana. The scrimmage is preparation for a FIRST Indiana Robotics district event at Washington (Ind.) High School March 28-30.

 

FIRST Robotics Competitions combine the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited time, and resources, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. The sports-like challenges build self-confidence and problem-solving skills.

 

The VU Robotics Competition Scrimmage is an opportunity for teams to test their robot on the playing field, receive design feedback from faculty in VU’s Advanced Manufacturing Robotics and Mechatronics degree program, tour the College of Technology, and learn more about VU’s robust technology offerings that will allow the students to transform their interest in robotics into a fulfilling career path.

Robotics teams of high school students from southern Indiana, VU College of Technology faculty, and VU students. VU CARA Director Kimberly Wright is available for interviews.

Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, 10 a.m. (ET

Vincennes University, Vincennes Campus, Student Recreation Center, 1600 Short St., Vincennes, IN 47591

USI visits Morehead State Tuesday Eagles finish road swing at WIU Saturday​​​​​​​

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball begins the second half of its road swing Tuesday with a visit to Ohio Valley Conference front running Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. (CT).
 
The Screaming Eagles’ road swing comes to a conclusion Saturday at 3:30 p.m. with a trip to Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois.
 
Fans can track your Eagles all season by visiting the schedule on USIScreamingEagles.com for links to follow all of the action on the ESPN+, ESPN 97.7FM (http://listentotheref.com), and 95.7FM The Spin (http://957thespin.com/).
 
USI (7-20, 4-10 OVC) are 0-2 in the first half of the road trip, falling at the University of Tennessee at Martin, 77-68, and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 82-68, last week. USI sophomore guard/forward AJ Smith (Edwardsville, Illinois) led the Eagles with 21.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game last week. Junior guard Jeremiah Hernandez (Chicago, Illinois) followed with 17.0 points per outing.
 
For the season, Hernandez leads USI with 16.6 points per game this season, 20.4 points per contest in the OVC. Smith follows Hernandez with 13.6 points and a team-best 9.1 rebounds per outing, while posting a team-high 11 double-doubles.
 
USI has four games remaining in the 2023-24 regular season, three in February and one in March. The Eagles, currently eighth in the OVC, have two on the road and at home in the final two weeks as they fight for a spot in the league’s post-season tournament at the Ford Center March 6-9.
 
The MSU Eagles (20-7, 11-3 OVC) holds a slim one-game lead in the OVC after stumbling twice last week. MSU, despite losing two-straight, has won seven of its last nine games.
 
The MSU Eagles got the better of the USI Screaming Eagles in January, winning 81-70 at Screaming Eagles Arena. Hernandez led USI with 30 points in the loss. MSU also leads the all-time series with USI, 3-0.
 
The Leathernecks of WIU (17-10, 10-4 in the OVC), who stayed in the race for the OVC regular season title after posting a pair of wins last week, are hosting MSU Thursday before welcoming the Screaming Eagles. WIU has won three of its last five games after Saturday.
 
WIU took the first meeting of the season with USI, 73-68, at Screaming Eagles Arena. USI had three players in double-digits, led by the 26 points from Hernandez. The Leathernecks lead the series with USI, 4-1.
 
Following the conclusion of the four-game road swing, the Eagles finish the 2023-24 regular season by hosting Lindenwood University February 29 and Southeast Missouri State University March 2 at Screaming Eagles Arena.
 
Tickets for the final homestand of the season are on sale and can be purchased by visiting the USI Ticket Office on-line. For more information, call the USI Ticket Office at 812-465-1189.
 

CreatINg Places: Brothers 2 Brothers United

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Founded in 2019, Brothers 2 Brothers United(B2B), a not-for-profit organization located in Muncie, is working to connect young men between the ages of 8-18 with mentors and social outlets to positively impact their lives.

A conversation between friends resulted in a car ride to a dilapidated building on the east side of Muncie, which in turn solidified the vision for something prosperous in the neighborhood where Melvin Kelly grew up in (and where he still lives today).

His personal life experience coming up in a poverty-stricken, single-parent household motivated Kelly to better his community with a focus on young men. After telling his wife on many occasions about the many needs of the community, he decided to take her advice of “either do something about it or shut up.” He believes that helping young men understand their value and importance is a key step in changing the lives and the overall narrative of young Black men.

IHCDAs CreatINg Places program provided a $10,000 matching grant to acquire the aforementioned building that now serves as the main office and community center of B2B. With the support of the mayor’s office, Ball State University, local businesses and community volunteers, B2B was able to complete renovations on the one-story brick building on Muncie’s East side, transforming it into a community mentoring center.

The mentoring center is equipped with computers, mixed-media options, games and more. It is a safe space for people to come for guidance, or just to sit and be around other people. Additional fundraising and grant opportunities are being pursued to continue building the organization and its mission.

The end goal of B2B is to cultivate self respect, self love, cultural identity, work ethic and family values. Surrounding these young men with valuable tools and resources is the first step towards change for B2B, but bridging the gap isn’t an easy task. Brothers 2 Brothers is in it for the long haul and refuses to give up on the goal of prosperity and progress.

The Summer issue of IHCDA…The Magazine will provide an update on Melvin Kelly and the people surrounding him, all of whom share a dream to uplift youth and pave a better path for their futures.

Sen. Becker welcomes local students to Statehouse

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STATEHOUSE (Feb. 20, 2024) – State Sen. Vaneta Becker (R-Evansville) welcomed the following local students to the Statehouse who served as Senate pages in January.

Pages spend a day at the Statehouse touring the historic building, observing debates from the Senate floor and interacting with their state senator.

“Seeing the curiosity and amazement on the faces of our Senate pages at the Statehouse is truly one of the highlights of session,” Becker said. “It was great to welcome these bright young students from my district and watch them experience our state government firsthand.”

Students in grades six through 12 participate in the page program on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays during the legislative session. Groups serve on Wednesdays.

To learn more about the Senate Page Program, visit www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Page-Program.

 

Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners Meeting Today

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civic center

 AGENDA

 Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners

February 20, 2024 – 3:00 p.m.

 Room 301, Civic Center Complex

  1. Call to Order
      1. Attendance Youth Resources’ Teen Advisory Council in Attendance Ruby Farmer
      2. Zeke Farmer
      5. Pledge of Allegiance
      6. Health Department’s Pre to 3 Presentation
    2. Action Items Resolution Opposing the Verified Petition of Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company d/b/a CenterPoint Energy Indiana South (“CEI South”) for Rate Changes before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), Cause No. 45990
      1. Health Department IDOH Grant Agreement Contract #80700: Pre to 3 Program
      2. Ordinance Establishing a Non-Reverting Pre to 3 Fund
      3. Third Addendum to Lease Agreement: Southwestern Healthcare, Inc.
      5. Engineer Notice to Bidders: VC23-03-01 “Milling and Resurfacing of Green River Road”
      6. Interlocal Agreement with the City of Evansville for Cost Sharing on Green River Road Contract
      7. Notice to Bidders: VC23-03-02 “Pine Place Pipe Replacement”
      9. Treasurer Finance Board – Election of President
      10. 2023 Investment Report
      12. Burdette Park Contract for Valve Replacement with Deig Bros, Inc.
      14. Superintendent of County Buildings Advanced Network and Computer Services Network Agreement for Veterans Memorial Coliseum
      16. Sheriff Agreement for Correctional Facility Healthcare Services with Comprehensive Correctional Care
      17. Agreement for Professional Dental Services with Dr. Joe King
      18. Independent Services Agreement with William Wright
      20. Service Agreement: Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP)
      21. Grant Agreement: Youth Resources of Southwestern Indiana
      22. Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): Prosecutor’s Office – Effective January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2026
      23. Permission to File Indiana Arts Commission FY25 Arts Project Support Grant
      24. Request to Authorize the County Attorney to Approve Subrogation Claims

Drainage Board Immediately Following

    1. Final Reading of Ordinance No. CO.01-24-003: An Ordinance Adding Section 8.05, Regulating Tall Structures as Codified in State Law
    2. Approval of February 6th Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes
    3. Employment Changes
        1. Auditor Claims Voucher Reports February 5, 2024 – February 9, 2024
        2. February 12, 2024 – February 16, 2024
      2. Commissioners Appropriation Request
      4. Clerk January 2024 Monthly Report
      6. Engineer Report and Claims
        1. Travel Requests Annual Purdue Road School Transportation Conference
        2. Field Supervisor Certification Course
      7. Treasurer The Master’s Touch, LLC Pricing Proposal
        1. Prosecutor Surplus Requests Office Printers
        2. JBL Quantum Headphones
        3. Computer Monitors
      9. 2024 Township Trustee Guidelines Armstrong Township Trustee
      10. Center Township Trustee
      11. German Township Trustee
      12. Knight Township Trustee
      13. Perry Township Trustee
      14. Pigeon Township Trustee
      15. Scott Township Trustee
      16. Union Township Trustee
        1. Board Appointments Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Coliseum Preservation Foundation, Inc. Cheryl Musgrave
        2. Justin Elpers
        3. Mike Goebel
        4. Alyssa Nilssen
        6. Vanderburgh County Redevelopment Commission
  1. Department Head Reports
  2. New Business
  3. Old Business
  4. Consent Items

Drainage Board Immediately Following

        1. Justin Elpers
        4. Final Reading of Rezoning Ordinance VC-1-2024 As Amended
  1. Rezoning

Petitioner: GP & JP Properties, LLC

Address: 101 S Rosener Road

Request: Change from C-4 with UDC to R-1

  1. Public Comment
  2. Adjournment

Evansville Redevelopment Commission AGENDA 

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Evansville Redevelopment Commission  

AGENDA 

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 – 8:30 am 

Civic Center Complex – Room 301 

1. Call to Order 

2. Approval of Minutes – February 6, 2024 (roll call vote) 

3. Financial Statements – Accounts Payable Voucher (roll call vote) 

4. Jacobsville Redevelopment Area (roll call vote) 

a. Resolution 24-ERC-03 Authorizing An Amendment To The Agreement With ECHO Housing Corporation As A Neighborhood Development Corporation 

5. South Kentucky Avenue Economic Development Area (roll call vote) a. Resolution 24-ERC-04 Authorizing A Memorandum Of Understating Among Evansville Redevelopment Commission And Memorial Community Development Corporation 

6. Other Business 

a. Resolution 24-ERC-05 Authorizing An Amendment To An Agreement For Consulting Services (roll call vote) 

b. Resolution 24-ERC-06 Engaging London Witte Group For Municipal Advisory Services Related To Redevelopment District Taxable Tax Increment Revenue Note, Series 2023 (SP Evansville, LLC Project) (roll call vote) 

c. Discussion – Design Review Guidelines 

7. Adjournment 

* This preliminary Agenda is subject to change. The final Agenda will be posted at the entrance to the location of the meeting prior to the meeting. 

USI School of Graduate Studies to hold Graduate Student Colloquium

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The University of Southern Indiana School of Graduate Studies is proud to announce the 7th Annual Graduate Student Colloquium, happening Wednesday, March 20. The event is open to the public at no charge. Anyone with an interest in academia, research or higher education is encouraged to attend and participate.

The Colloquium aims to foster intellectual exchange and showcase the innovative research and scholarship of graduate students under the theme, “The Impact of Engagement.” Attendees can expect a day filled with engaging presentations, thought-provoking discussions and networking opportunities centered around exploring the profound effects of engagement in various fields of study.

“The School of Graduate Studies promotes all types of scholarly inquiry and research and encourages all students to share the impact of their work with others,” says Dr. Michael Dixon, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. “The Graduate Studies Colloquium is a venue not only to present such research but also to explore how work intersects with broader themes such as engagement.”

This year’s Colloquium will delve deep into the theme of engagement, showcasing active involvement and participation with external communities, campus organizations and the broader scholarly community. Current and former graduate students at USI were invited to submit abstracts for the event, examining research outcomes, societal progress and individual growth.

The Colloquium will also feature a keynote presentation by Justin Groenert M’16, Chief Strategy Officer for the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership. He will speak on the importance of community engagement and how his USI master’s degree in public administration has helped him be successful in his professional career.

USI Swim and Dive set to climb the Summit League Championships

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Swimming and Diving embarks on the journey to Minneapolis, Minnesota today for the Summit League Championships. The event takes place at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center on the campus of the University of Minnesota, February 21-24. 
 
The championships are the culmination of the season’s efforts with an opportunity to win the conference for each squad. The conference is highly competitive featuring the University of Denver, Eastern Illinois University, Lindenwood University, University of Nebraska Omaha, University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, St. Thomas University, and USI. The Screaming Eagles look make their mark after both squads finished eighth last year.
 
When asked about the team’s mentality going into the event, head coach Cameron Kainer said, “Our mentality is to not put so much pressure on ourselves going in and knowing that we are going to continue growing year to year and be better each time. I think having a group who have already competed at the meet last year, gives us a leg up on this year’s meet and the competition.”
 
Men
The men’s squad has steadily grown this season with wins over Valparaiso University twice, Eastern Illinois University, Rose-Hulman University, and a fourth-place finish at the Purdue University Indiana Intercollegiate meet. Freshman Cole Baker (Springville, Indiana) leads the Eagles with five season best events. Freshman Nathan Deputy (Evansville, Indiana) leads the diving team in the three-meter event with a score of 284.90, while sophomore Lane Pollock (Boonville, Indiana) looks to chase his school leading score of 264.75 in the one-meter event. 

Women
The women’s squad is entering the championships on the right foot. Season highlights include a fifth-place finish at the A3 Performance Invitational and wins against Valparaiso, Eastern Illinois twice, and Rose-Hulman. Freshman Hayden Shurtz (Ft. Wayne, Indiana) leads the Eagles with six total season best events. Freshman Maranda Uttke (Grafton, Wisconsin) has impressed all year for the diving squad leading in both the 1-meter (247.40) and 3-meter events (220.05).

Online Information
Championship Website and schedule of events: 2024 Swimming & Diving Championships – The Summit League
Live Stream: SLN – Midco Sports Plus (fee included)
Live Stats: Meet Results: 2023 Summit League Swimming & Diving Champs (sidearmstats.com), MeetMobile App, or DiveMeets.com
Online Championship Merchandise: Products – Summit League – Swimming & Diving 24 – Fox Promo (chipply.com)
Summit League social media on Instagram, facebook, and twitter: @thesummitleague or download the Summit League app.
 
Event Information
Each day is considered a session and doors will open for spectators 60 minutes prior to each session.
Concessions will be available. Outside food and drink are permitted. Glass bottles and other breakable containers are prohibited.

Ticket Prices

  • All-Session Pass – $60 + applicable tax/fees
  • Wednesday Single-Day Pass – $15 + applicable tax/fees
  • Thursday/Friday/Saturday Single-Day Pass – $25 + applicable fees
  • Children 2 years of age and under – Free

UE’S MCGINNIS NAMED MVC PLAYER OF THE WEEK, BASEBALL ACES HOST BELLARMINE TUESDAY

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – After a monster weekend at the plate to help power the University of Evansville baseball team to a series victory at #26 Oral Roberts, UE junior second baseman Cal McGinnis (Kimberly, Wis./Kimberly HS/Bradley Univ.) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week.  McGinnis and the Purple Aces will be back in action on Tuesday by hosting Bellarmine at 3 p.m. at German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium for the 2024 home opener.

McGinnis posted a .462/1.000/.533 slash line for the Purple Aces in his first weekend at UE.  He had hits in all three games of the series, and opened his UE career just a double shy of the cycle, going 3-for-5 with a triple, a home run, three runs scored and four RBI in Friday’s season-opener.  He also knocked two doubles and drove in a run in UE’s 14-3 victory on Saturday, and had a hit and a run scored in UE’s 7-6 victory at #26 Oral Roberts on Sunday.  For the weekend, McGinnis led UE in hits (six), runs scored (five), RBI (five), extra-base hits (four) and total bases (13) in the three-game series against the 2023 College World Series participant.

Evansville will bring a 2-1 record into Tuesday’s home opener against Bellarmine.  Offensively, UE totaled 31 runs in the three-game series victory at Oral Roberts, while hitting .306 combined as a team.

Bellarmine, meanwhile, will bring a 1-2 overall record into Tuesday’s game after dropping the final two games a three-game set at Tennessee Tech over the weekend.  Junior designated hitter/catcher Matt Flaherty, a transfer from Abilene Christian, hit home runs in his first two at-bats as a Knight at Tennessee Tech and drove in four to lead Bellarmine to an 11-3 victory in the season-opener.  Flaherty leads Bellarmine with a .333 average, and the Knights boast three players hitting above .300 so far this year.

Sophomore right-hander Elias Hachem will get the start for UE on the mound on Tuesday.

 

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