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Vanderburgh County  Commissioners Slash Residential Building Requirements, Increasing Flexibility for Property Owners 

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 Vanderburgh Commissioners Slash Residential Building Requirements, Increasing Flexibility for Property Owners 

EVANSVILLE, IN – September 28, 2023 – In a unanimous decision today, the Board of Commissioners of Vanderburgh County took a significant step forward by revising residential building requirements in the unincorporated county. 

Most notably, the Commissioners abolished the minimum land size requirement for housing construction on platted lots in the unincorporated county. This action builds upon the earlier work of the Commission which reduced minimum acreage from 5 to 2.5 acres for homes reliant on septic systems, reduced the minimum square footage of homes, and allowed “mother-in-law” structures on existing lots. 

Effective upon publication in the County’s official codebook on October 3, 2023, these revisions are centered around “Table A – Standards for Principal Buildings on Individual Lots.” Key amendments include the elimination of minimum lot size and rear yard requirements, an expansion of maximum height and lot coverage allowances, and a reduction in minimum lot width requirements. 

Cheryl Musgrave, President of the Board of Commissioners, emphasized the practical impact of this revision, stating, “Simply put, this revision of ‘Table A’ signifies that families now have the opportunity to make the most use of their land whether it’s for new construction or additions to existing homes.” 

Justin Elpers, vice president, stated, “This transformative shift not only makes housing more affordable for families when constructing their homes but also gives property owners greater freedom to build on existing lots.” 

Ben Shoulders stated, “This most recent step reflects the Commissioners’ commitment to curbing urban sprawl by allowing smaller lots and without the need for time-consuming variances.” 

BACKGROUND: Under previous regulations, a home in district R-1 required a minimum lot size of 6,000 square feet, restricted height to no more than 35 feet, and capped lot coverage at 30%. With the amended ordinance, the burdensome minimum lot size requirement has been completely removed, the maximum height restriction of 35 feet lifted entirely, and lot coverage expanded to 75%. 

LINK OF ORDINance

Ordinance NO. CO.07-19-017 – Ordinance Amending Section 17.38.010 (Table A – Standards for Principal Buildings on Individual

Vanderburgh County Crash Report

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Crash Report

SENATOR BRAUN TO HELP VETERANS GET THEIR ESSENTIAL MILITARY RECORDS

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BRAUN, OSSOFF LEAD 20 SENATORS IN BIPARTISAN LETTER TO HELP VETERANS GET THEIR ESSENTIAL MILITARY RECORDS

 WASHINGTON — Sen. Mike Braun and Sen. Jon Ossoff led 18 of their Senate colleagues in a bipartisan letter to the National Archives of the United States (NARA) seeking answers on the backlog of veterans’ record requests. Service records are often required to access critical government benefits and services, so ensuring requests are completed expeditiously is of utmost importance.

Senators Jerry Moran, Jon Tester, Bill Cassidy, Elizabeth Warren, Jacky Rosen, John Thune, John Cornyn, Tim Kaine, Jeanne Shaheen, Todd Young, Marco Rubio, Ben Ray Lujan, Tammy Baldwin, Ted Cruz, John Boozman, Bernie Sanders, Katie Britt and Rick Scott joined Sen. Braun and Sen. Ossoff on the letter.

The Senators write:

We write to express our concern regarding reports of ongoing delays in constituents receiving their military service records from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). As part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (P.L. 117-263), Congress passed the Access for Veterans to Records Act. This authorized $60 million for the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to address the records backlog and improve response times for requests from Veterans for their military service records.

The Senators continued:

While we recognize and commend NARA for the significant strides it has made to address this backlog, we must ensure all incoming requests are still met with a timely response and that this does not occur again in the future. For the sake of our constituents, we kindly request NARA respond to the following questions by Monday, October 16, 2023.

Read the full letter here. 

Senator Braun is committed to ensuring that veterans can access the benefits that they are entitled to in a straightforward and timely manner. Last year, Sen. Braun introduced bipartisan legislation with Sens. Ossoff, Rounds, and Shaheen to address the backlog of veterans’ service records nationwide when the National Personnel Records Center had a backlog of nearly half a million record requests from veterans and their families. Just this month, Sen. Braun introduced the Wounded Warrior Access Act with Sen. Padilla to allow veterans or their representatives to make requests to receive their claim files electronically.

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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Booked Last 24 Hours

Ivy Tech Community College New Hires

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Ivy Tech Community College New Hires

Evansville, Ind.- Ivy Tech Community College Evansville has announced its recent new hires.

Amanda Faucett is now a member of the nursing faculty at the College. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Southern Indiana (USI) and is currently working toward a master’s degree in nursing and leadership from USI. Faucett most recently served as adjunct faculty for the College. She currently holds the following certifications: BLS, ACLS, and CMSRN.

Robin Mallory is now a member of the paramedic faculty at the College. She holds a master’s degree in art illustration and a bachelor’s degree in fine art painting, both from the Savannah College of Arts and Design. She holds the following credentials: AHA/BLS CPR with AHA/BLS Instructor, AHA/ACLS, Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support, Indiana EMS Paramedic, and National Registered Paramedic. Mallory is currently working toward multiple educator and instructor credentials. She is a retired United States Air Force Master of Liberal Arts nationally registered paramedic/firefighter.

Angela Mamat is now a member of the nursing faculty at the College. She holds an associate degree in computer information Systems from Ivy Tech, a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from the University of Southern Indiana (USI), an associate degree in nursing from Ivy Tech, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Western Governors University (WGU), a master’s degree in nursing from WGU and is currently working toward a doctoral degree in nursing from the Indiana University School of Nursing. Mamat holds the following certifications: medical/surgical registered nurse, BLS, BLS Instructor, ACLS, ACLS Instructor and NIHSS, and is an international board-certified lactation consultant. She most recently served as staff nurse for Deaconess Health System.

Karen Oldham is now executive administrative assistant to the Chancellor at the College. She holds a master’s degree in business administration and engineering management, as well as a bachelor’s degree in radio/tv from the University of Southern Indiana (USI). Oldham most recently served as physician compensation coordinator for Deaconess Health System.

Cori Pendleton is now an accounts receivable clerk at the College. Cori holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an associate degree in accounting from Ivy Tech.

Dr. John-Morgan Phillips is now a member of thepsychology faculty at the College. He holds a doctoral degree in educational leadership and administration with psychology content specialization from the University of the Cumberlands, a master’s degree in human services counseling (marriage and family) from Liberty University, a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies – religion and social science also from Liberty University, and an associate degree in general studies from Madisonville Community College. He is a board-certified practitioner in human services. He most recently served as associate professor of human services, psychology, and addictions counseling at Jamestown Community College – State University of New York.

Carnell (CJ) Tillotson is now a member of the nursing faculty at the College. She holds a master’s degree in nursing education from Chamberlain University, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Murray State University, and an associate degree in both science and nursing from Henderson Community College. Tillotson holds certifications in BLS, ACLS, CMSRN, and NIH Stroke Scale. She most recently served as a staff nurse for Deaconess Gateway Hospital Neurosurgical Unit.

Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

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Courier Warrants

State Comptroller Announces Retirement from Public Service After 20 Years

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State Comptroller Announces Retirement from Public Service After 20 Years

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023

STATEHOUSE – Auditor of State Tera Klutz, whose operating title was recently changed by state law to State Comptroller, submitted her resignation to Governor Eric J. Holcomb earlier today and notified her staff that she would be stepping away from public service.

“The past 20 years of leading and serving the financial offices of state and local government have been challenging, rewarding and the opportunity of a lifetime,” Comptroller Klutz said about her career in public service.

“In 2002, I left public accounting to join the Allen County Auditor’s office because I was looking for more flexibility for my young family. What I found was my dream job. My career in government started as the state was dramatically changing the way property was assessed and taxed resulting in tax bill delays in all 92 counties. While working through those early challenges, I learned I had a passion for solving problems and helping people, which ultimately led me to run for office at the local and then state levels.”

Comptroller Klutz was appointed by Gov. Holcomb in 2017 as State Auditor. In nearly seven years, she has implemented a more efficient way to pay the state’s bills in half the time, modernized the state’s payroll system and overhauled the Indiana Transparency Portal to include easier access to government finance information.

“The highlight of my public service career has been working with my team of dedicated public servants who provide accountable and reliable back-office functions that keep our State running efficiently and successfully.

“My service as the State Comptroller afforded me the opportunity to travel the state and meet so many Hoosiers. I am especially grateful for the welcome and respect our local and state officials have shown me.”

Comptroller Klutz will continue her service through November 30.

“I am excited about my next chapter – spending more time with family and friends, and returning to a career in the private sector,” said Comptroller Klutz. “I have committed to helping the Governor, if so desired, to find a qualified individual to serve as Indiana’s next State Comptroller and assist in a smooth transition of responsibilities.”

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 About the Comptroller

Tera K. Klutz is the 57th Indiana Auditor of State and the first Certified Public Accountant to serve as the state’s Chief Financial Officer. Effective July 1, 2023, Klutz also became the first State Comptroller for Indiana, per House Enrolled Act 1001.

Appointed by Governor Eric J. Holcomb in January 2017, elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, Klutz is focused on providing accurate information, maintaining and enhancing government transparency, and delivering great customer service to ALL Hoosiers.

Prior to becoming the State Comptroller, Klutz served as the County Auditor in Allen County, the third largest county in the state by population and the largest geographically.  First elected in 2010 and again in 2014, Klutz streamlined local government processes, reduced debt, and maintained a balanced budget with responsible reserves. Between 2013 and 2016, Klutz was very active in the Association of Indiana Counties’ Legislative Committee serving as the Chairwoman where she oversaw and directed the Association’s legislative priorities.

In 2016, Klutz was named Auditor of the Year by the Indiana Auditors’ Association for her dedicated and tireless work. Before serving in the public sector, Klutz was as a Senior Accountant at Crowe and PwC in Ft. Wayne.

As State Comptroller, Klutz manages the Indiana Transparency Portal to provide Hoosiers an easily accessible and in-depth look at Indiana’s finances and assets. In addition, she created an Internal Controls Department to review and document the processes within the office to reduce the risk of misstatement and opportunities for fraud.

Klutz holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Indiana University- Purdue University Fort Wayne. She is a member of the Indiana CPA Society, the American Institute of CPAs, and Cornerstone Lutheran Church. She and her husband Zach have two daughters, Alyx and Julian, along with two Goldendoodles, Margo and Leo.

About the Comptroller’s Office

The State Comptroller’s office has four main areas — Accounts Payable, Accounting and Reporting, Local Government, and Payroll. Each of these departments plays a crucial role in the functionality of state government. From paying state employees to balancing the state’s checkbook to working with locals and developing year-end financial reports, these departments and the employees within them are dedicated to accurate and transparent accounting on behalf of Hoosiers across the state. To learn more about these specific departments, click here.

As State Comptroller, Klutz has four primary responsibilities including:

  • Accounting for all state funds
  • Overseeing and disbursing county, city, town, and school tax distributions
  • Paying the state’s bills and state employees
  • Administering Indiana’s Deferred Compensation Plan, known as Hoosier START

 

Gov. Holcomb announces Judicial Appointments for Howard and Vanderburgh Counties

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INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced two judicial appointments in Howard and Vanderburgh Counties.

Rebecca R. Vent has been appointed to the Howard County Superior Court #2 and will replace Judge Brant J. Parry who will step down Dec. 31, 2023.

Vent currently works in private practice in Kokomo. Since 2008, she has served as an attorney for the Kokomo School Corporation and since 2012 she has worked as a part-time public defender for Children in Need of Serves (CHINS) cases. Previously, Vent served as a part-time deputy prosecutor in the Howard County Prosecutor’s Office and was a contract attorney for the Department of Child Services. Vent volunteers as a guardian ad litem which advocates for children in CHINs cases.

Vent received an undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and a law degree from Ohio Northern University.

Gov. Holcomb also appointed Jillian Kratochvil to the Vanderburgh County Superior Court #1 and she will replace Judge Brett J. Niemeier who resigned Sept. 2.

Kratochvil currently works as an attorney with Stoll Keeon Ogden PLLC in Evansville and has worked in private practice since 2014. Her practice has a primary focus of family law, and she serves as a family law mediator. Kratochvil assists in public defender cases in Posey County and accepts criminal appointments in the federal court. She is a member of the Vanderburgh County CASA Board, the Reitz Home Museum Board and the St. Vincent Learning Center.

Kratochvil received an undergraduate degree from Indiana University and a law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law.

Vent and Kratochvil will be sworn in as Judges on a date to be determined.

39 Hoosier artists strengthen careers, communities through fellowships from the Indiana Arts Commission  

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(INDIANAPOLIS) Today, the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announced it has awarded $78,000 to 39 creative entrepreneurs to fund arts projects around the state through the agency’s On-Ramp Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator program.

Each funded project will support the pursuit of a clearly defined business goal that also supports the entrepreneur’s community.   

“The On-Ramp 2023 cohort is representative of the incredible talent, skill, and entrepreneurial spirit that is on display from artists all around the Hoosier state,” said Jordan Adams, Artist Services Program Manager with the Indiana Arts Commission. “The On-Ramp Fellowship allows artists to grow their creative careers here in Indiana, supporting economic growth and creating more vibrant places for Indiana residents to live, work, play, study, and stay.”

Marion Country resident Solomon Mabry, a fashion photographer, plans to use his fellowship to develop a photography book of Indiana-based fashion designers. The fellowship funding will be devoted to the necessary fees for producing the book. Mabry’s goals for the project include further developing his body of work and further establishing the relationships within the local Indiana fashion community.

Sydney Wells, a writer from Bartholomew County, plans to utilize her fellowship to write and produce her next project, the Good Days/Bad Days Journal, which will fulfill a need for young kids to have a safe space to write, reflect, and create while working through both tough situations and exciting or new chapters in their lives. Wells’ goal for the project is to publish the journal and distribute it to non-profit organizations, schools, and bookstores to give children a tool for processing the highs and lows that come with both everyday and more extreme stressors.  

EDS K-6 Technology Instructor Awarded VEX GO Grant by TechPoint Foundation

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Evansville Day School K-6 Technology Instructor Ms. Chamness has been selected to receive the prestigious VEX GO Grant from TechPoint Foundation for Youth. This grant will provide an incredible opportunity to enhance the learning experience of our primary and middle school students. The VEX GO Grant will equip the PS and MS classrooms with a set of 10 VEX GO robots, ensuring a dynamic and engaging hands-on learning experience for our students. This initiative will bring robotics education to life, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

In addition to the state-of-the-art robots, the grant also includes a comprehensive curriculum specially designed for VEX GO. This curriculum will be seamlessly integrated into our second-semester coursework, enriching the educational journey of our students. By leveraging the skills they are currently acquiring through our classroom STEAM bins, students will transition into the captivating world of robotics, further broadening their horizons.

This design ensures that students are not only captivated by the learning process but also equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in robotics. Furthermore, the grant extends educational support to both the students and Ms. Chamness, providing a foundation for success in this exciting venture.

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