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Office of Environmental Adjudication director set to retire

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INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced today that Mary Davidsen, the state’s longtime chief environmental law judge, plans to retire at the end of the year. Judge Davidsen has served in her role as director of the Office of Environmental Adjudication (OEA) since being appointed in 2003.

Under Davidsen’s leadership, OEA has concluded more than 2,300 cases, facilitated resolution of more than 90% of its cases without resorting to extensive litigation efforts, and has not been reversed for avoidable error on judicial review.  OEA also provides mediation services to cases involving other Indiana state agencies and the citizens they regulate.

“Judge Davidsen has had an incredible tenure dealing with often complex cases involving environmental concerns. She dedicated her career to this important work and it’s an honor to recognize her as a colleague,” said Gov. Holcomb.

OEA provides independent resolution of disputed decisions rendered by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). Issues decided by OEA involve permitting and enforcement of air, land and water laws, and the Excess Liability Trust Fund (ELTF), and examples include cases concerning electric utility fly ash ponds, community sanitary sewer and water supplies, confined feeding operations, and ELFT reimbursements claimed for site cleanups.

“It has been the greatest honor of my legal professional life to serve Hoosier citizens across the state for 20 years,” Judge Davidsen said.  “The challenges of providing a fair, efficient forum to hear the first level of legal challenges to decisions made by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) could not have evolved as smoothly without the commitment of the parties to advocating their positions.  I am incredibly proud of the work being done by our state and will be forever grateful to those who continue to fulfill the needs of our communities by improving the environmental conditions for Hoosiers.”

Judge Davidsen also has served in leadership positions with the Sagamore American Inn of Court, the environmental section of the Indiana State Bar Association and assisted the Indianapolis Bar Association’s pro-bono initiative to connect qualified estate attorney volunteers with indigent hospice patients with urgent needs for representation for end-of-life concerns.

The process to replace Judge Davidsen will commence before the end of the year.

Update : Officer Involved Shooting 1700 blk S Evans Ave.

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 On October 25th, around 5:42 p.m., Evansville Police Officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Cross St. in reference to a Disorderly Conduct. The caller stated that the subjects were fighting and threw a fish tank out the door. 

Around 5:55 p.m., the responding EPD Officer arrived on scene and made contact with a female who was walking out of an apartment. She told the officer that everything was fine. Another female who was inside of the apartment, closed the door when the officer tried to speak with her. The officer did not witness any injuries on either female and since the parties had separated on their own, the officer left the scene. 

At 6:02 p.m., Dispatch received another 911 call about a person with a gun. The caller saw the same female, who had been involved in the earlier Disorderly Conduct run, walking outside towards the park carrying a gun. The female was described as a white female wearing a multi-color hoodie with black leggings. 

At 6:08 p.m., a responding EPD officer encountered the female walking in the 1700 block of S. Evans Ave. The officer stops his squad car, opens his car door, and tells the female to stop. The female turns around and looks at the officer but continues to walk away. The officer tells her at least 3 more times to come back to him. The female eventually complies and walks toward the officer. She was carrying a basketball under her right arm. The female starts reaching into her jacket pocket with her left hand. The officer yells at the female to stop reaching 

two separate times but she continues to dig into her pocket. The officer pulls out his duty weapon and points it at the female. The female pulls out a gun from her pocket and holds it down to her side. The officer yells at the female to drop the gun but instead, it appears that she tries to hide the gun behind her back. The female then brings her arm up in a motion as if lifting the gun. At that time, the officer discharged his duty weapon. The female was shot, fell to the ground, and landed on the gun. 

For officer safety purposes, an EPD K9 was used to separate the female away from the gun so officers could safely approach her to render first aid. Officers, including an EPD Tactical Medic, rendered first aid to the female until AMR and Evansville Fire Medics arrived on scene. They also attempted life-saving measures, but the female was pronounced dead at the scene. No other individuals were injured during this incident. 

Per protocol, the officer was taken to a local hospital for a blood draw. Our EPD Peer Support Team was called in to be with our officer during the process. 

The gun was recovered from the scene and was determined to be a Smith & Wesson airsoft gun. It was photographed and collected from the scene. The gun looked like a revolver and did not have any type of orange or bright color tip. 

The name of the female may be released by the Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Office at a later time. 

Officer Involved Shooting in the 1500 blk S Evans Ave.

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 On October 25th, around 5:42 p.m., Evansville Police Officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Cross St. in reference to a Disorderly Conduct. The caller stated that the subjects were fighting and threw a fish tank out the door. 

Around 5:55 p.m., the responding EPD Officer arrived on scene and made contact with a female who was walking out of an apartment. She told the officer that everything was fine. Another female who was inside of the apartment, closed the door when the officer tried to speak with her. The officer did not witness any injuries on either female and left the scene. 

At 6:02 p.m., Dispatch received another 911 call about a person with a gun. The caller saw the same female, who had been involved in the earlier Disorderly Conduct run, walking outside towards the park carrying a gun. The female was described as a white female wearing a multi-color hoodie with black leggings. 

At 6:08 p.m., a responding EPD officer encountered the female in the 1500 block of S. Evans Ave. The female displayed a gun, and the officer ordered the female to drop the gun. The female did not comply with the officer’s commands. The officer discharged his duty weapon. The female was shot, fell to the ground, and landed on the gun. 

For officer safety purposes, an EPD K9 was used to separate the female away from the gun so officers could approach her to render first aid. Officers, including an EPD Tactical Medic, rendered first aid to the female until AMR and Evansville Fire medics arrived on scene. They also attempted life-saving measures, but the 

female was pronounced dead at the scene. No other individuals were injured during this incident. This is still an active investigation. 

A Media Press Conference will be held at EPD Headquarters at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, October 26th, to discuss updated information and review officer body cam footage. 

Drugs are a Trick Not a Treat Halloween trick-or-treating event

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 911 Gives Hope is proud to bring Drugs are a Trick NOT a Treat event to Evansville. 911 Gives Hope is partnering with the DEA, Evansville Police Department, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, other community organizations, and other local first responders to provide a safe trick-or-treating event geared at putting prevention materials in the hands of youth and families. 

We encourage kids of all ages to dress in their favorite costume and come by Bosse Field on October 26th between 5-7 p.m. to meet your local first responders and get some candy 

Southwest Indiana thriving on new state investments in education, roads & quality of life

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In visiting the many local businesses, educational institutions and attractions in Southwest Indiana, it’s clear our communities are seizing transformational opportunities on behalf of the Hoosiers who live, work and play here. With our strong economy, local colleges and universities, infrastructure investments and quality-of-life improvements, Southwest Indiana is open for business.

Our prime location along the Ohio River is our economic ace in the hole, attracting new industries, providing jobs and growing our tax base. With the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, or READI, $50 million is going toward innovative projects located throughout the Evansville Region. As part of the award funding from the state, over $1.2 million is dedicated to the Ohio River Vision and Strategic Plan, a comprehensive riverfront strategy for downtown Evansville, Newburgh, Mount Vernon and other smaller sites in our area.

Based on input from community members weighing in at several open houses and online, a master plan celebration is expected in February.

Home to the University of Southern Indiana, the University of Evansville, Ivy Tech Community College Southwest and other post-secondary schools, we have access to education, culture and events right in our backyard. These schools are focusing on expanding in-demand programs, and recruiting and retaining a highly trained workforce. READI grants are also supporting the University of Evansville’s Multidisciplinary Mental Health and Wellness Clinic, the Indiana University School of Medicine‐Evansville, and USI nursing and health professions programs.

With thousands of motorists hitting local roads every day, our infrastructure must be safe and reliable. Thanks to the Community Crossings Grant Program, the state has invested more than $10 million in Vanderburgh County infrastructure enhancements since the program launched in 2016, supporting economic development, creating jobs and strengthening local transportation networks. The ongoing Interstate 69 Ohio River Crossing bridge project connecting Evansville to Henderson, Kentucky, is entering the second phase. Most recently, Indiana and Kentucky applied for a federal grant, which if approved, could help reduce the number of years tolls would need to be used.

As someone who first arrived in Evansville in 2011 as a USI student and who now proudly calls Vanderburgh County home, I believe Southwest Indiana is one of the best places to live. Our quality of life is supported by trails and parks, and top-notch attractions like the Mesker Park Zoo, Evansville Museum and Old National Events Plaza, just to name a few.

Our corner of the state is second-to-none, with a strong economy, local colleges and universities, infrastructure investments and quality-of-life improvements. As your state representative, I look forward to continuing to support programs like READI and Community Crossings so that Southwest Indiana thrives.

 

BRAUN: U.S. SHOULDN’T SEND ANOTHER DOLLAR TO GAZA UNTIL EVERY AMERICAN HOSTAGE IS RELEASED BY HAMAS

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“This is what America’s Last leadership looks like.”

WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Braun released the following statement calling on President Biden to suspend all aid to Gaza until every American hostage is released by Hamas terrorists.

“The United States shouldn’t send another dollar to Gaza until every American hostage is safely back on our soil. How backward are this administration’s priorities that President Biden would cut a $100 million check to Hamas-controlled Gaza after Hamas terrorists killed 33 Americans and still hold American citizens hostage? This is what America Last leadership looks like.” - Senator Mike Braun

As many as 10 Americans are being held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Thirty-three Americans were killed in Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack on Israeli civilians.

Seven days ago, President Biden announced $100 million in humanitarian aid to Hamas-controlled Gaza, with no conditions. The White House’s press release noted working “closely with partners in the region to stress the importance of upholding the law of war,” presumably about Israel but did not mention applying pressure to the terrorist butchers currently holding American citizens hostage in Gaza. 

Hamas controls Gaza, and Israel and even the Biden administration’s own State Department have expressed concern that any aid delivered to the Gaza Strip will go to fund Hamas’ continued terrorism or free up resources to commit to further terror attacks.

Gov. Holcomb celebrates opening of new Indiana State Police Post and Laboratory

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Gov. Holcomb celebrates opening of new Indiana State Police Post and Laboratory

LOWELL, Ind. –Governor Eric J. Holcomb was joined by Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter today to commemorate the completion of the newly constructed Lowell State Police Post and Regional Laboratory facilities.

“This is another great day for northwest Indiana as we celebrate the opening of the new Lowell State Police Post and Regional Laboratory,” said Gov. Holcomb. “This project is years in the making and I’m grateful for state and local leadership that made it happen.”

The modern, 40,000 square foot facility will replace the 8,000 square foot facility, which has been home to the Indiana State Police in northwest Indiana since 1977. The Lowell Regional Laboratory provides forensic analysis of criminal case evidence for all local agencies across 15 counties in northern Indiana. Building a new facility became a top priority due to an increase in demand from local law enforcement agencies requesting evidentiary analysis.

“This building isn’t just for us, this state-of-the-art facility is for the community and for those who have been victims or have family members that have been victims of violent crime,” Superintendent Carter said. “It represents all that is the very best in law enforcement and our continuing, and unwavering partnerships with those agencies in and around the Lowell District coverage area who, too, will benefit from the services provided by our dedicated laboratory personnel.”

The upgraded Lowell Post and Regional Laboratory facility was stage 2-of-3 in a large-scale project which will modernize and increase the department’s forensic laboratory services across the entire state.

Construction on the new facility began in August 2021 and the total cost of the facility was $30 million.