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Attorney General Todd Rokita warns consumers to be aware of romance scams 

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Attorney General Todd Rokita urges Indiana consumers to be on the lookout for romance scams approaching the holiday season.

“Online dating is a popular route for a lot of people these days in their search for true love,” Attorney General Rokita said. “In some cases, innocent people are connecting with scammers who lie and cheat them out of their hard-earned money instead. Protecting Hoosiers from fraudsters is one of my office’s top priorities.”

In romance scams, perpetrators prey on unsuspecting matches by creating fake profiles to take advantage of victims online. They go to great lengths to pose as prospective romantic partners with similar interests to lure people into providing gifts, money, or personal information.

Just this year, a Westfield resident lost nearly $100,000 to a romance scam. This type of dupery can happen even in Indiana. According to the FBI, victims of romance scams lost $1 billion in 2021 alone.

Here are a few warning signs that someone might be more interested in your money or personal information than a relationship:

  • Your new romantic interest sends a picture that doesn’t look realistic. Rather, the person looks more like a model from a fashion magazine.
  • The relationship is moving fast, and the other person quickly professes their love for you.
  • The person attempts to isolate you from friends and family.
  • The person requests inappropriate photos or financial information that could later be used against you.
  • The person can’t meet you in person or communicate on facetime.
  • The person asks you for money to buy their ticket to visit you, help pay for medical expenses (for them or a family member) or invest in a business.
  • The person tells you how to pay. He or she requires specific payment methods that are hard to recoup, such as a wire transfer, preloaded gift card, cryptocurrency, or money transfer app.

EPA and Justice Department File Complaint Alleging Environmental Violations by eBay

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Lawsuit Alleges that eBay Unlawfully Sold Pesticides, Banned Chemical Products and Devices that Defeat Pollution Controls on Motor Vehicles

WASHINGTON (September 27, 2023) – Today, in federal court in Brooklyn, the U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of EPA, filed a complaint against eBay Inc. (“eBay”) for unlawfully selling, offering for sale, causing the sale of, and distributing hundreds of thousands of products in violation of the Clean Air Act (“CAA”); the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (“FIFRA”); and the Toxic Substances Control Act (“TSCA”).

“Our nation’s environmental laws protect public health and the environment by prohibiting the unlawful sale of defeat devices; unregistered, misbranded and restricted use pesticides; and unsafe products containing toxic chemicals such as methylene chloride,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “The complaint filed today demonstrates that EPA will hold online retailers responsible for the unlawful sale of products on their websites that can harm consumers and the environment.”

“Laws that prohibit selling products that can severely harm human health and the environment apply to e-commerce retailers like eBay just as they do to brick-and-mortar stores,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “We are committed to preventing the unlawful sale and distribution of emissions defeating devices and dangerous chemicals that, if used improperly, can lead to dire consequences for individuals and communities.”

“eBay’s sale of emission control defeat devices, pesticides and other unsafe products poses unacceptable risks to our communities disproportionately impacted by environmental and health hazards,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “Together with our partners, this Office will vigorously enforce federal law against those whose conduct endangers public health and the environment.”

The Clean Air Act prohibits selling, offering for sale, or causing the sale or offer of aftermarket parts that defeat motor vehicle emission controls (commonly known as “aftermarket defeat devices”).  Today’s complaint alleges that eBay sold, offered for sale, or caused the sale of more than 343,000 such parts.  Aftermarket defeat devices can cause motor vehicles to emit hundreds to thousands of times more pollution than a motor vehicle with properly functioning emission controls, including nitrogen oxides (“NOx”), carbon monoxide (“CO”), non-methane hydrocarbons (“NMHCs”), and particulate matter (“PM”), and impede efforts by the EPA, states, tribes, and local agencies to plan for and attain air quality standards. Exposure to these pollutants is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular health effects as well as premature death, among other things.

FIFRA prohibits the unlawful distribution or sale of unregistered, misbranded, and restricted use pesticides, and authorizes EPA to issue Stop Sale, Use, or Removal Orders to anyone with ownership, custody or control of such pesticides being unlawfully sold or distributed. Today’s complaint also alleges that eBay has unlawfully distributed or sold at least 23,000 such products, and that some of those sales were in direct violation of a stop sale order issued to eBay in 2020 and amended in 2021. Examples of these pesticides include a high toxicity insecticide banned in the U.S., restricted use pesticides that only certified applicators may apply, and products fraudulently claiming to protect users against SARS-CoV-2.

TSCA’s Methylene Chloride Rule prohibits retailers from distributing in commerce products containing methylene chloride for paint and coating removal to prevent unreasonable risks, including death, presented by these types of products. The complaint alleges that eBay has distributed over 5,600 items in violation of TSCA’s Methylene Chloride Rule, including illicit paint and coating removal products.

The complaint seeks a ruling that eBay’s business practices as an e-commerce retailer violated the CAA, FIFRA, and TSCA and injunctive relief to enjoin eBay from further violations of these laws, as well as civil penalties for violations of the CAA.

Vincennes University named nation’s No. 1 Homeland Security bachelor’s degree for second straight year

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VINCENNES, Ind., September 27, 2023 – For the second year in a row, Vincennes University’s Homeland Security and Public Safety program ranks No. 1 in the nation as the Best Bachelor’s Degree Program by Intelligent.com.

“Being recognized as the top-ranking program in the nation for our Homeland Security and Public Safety bachelor’s degree is a testament to the dedication and excellence of our faculty and students,” VU Homeland Security and Public Safety Program Chair and Professor Louis Caprino said. “It reaffirms our commitment to fostering a generation of professionals equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation necessary to safeguard our nation’s security and protect our communities.”

VU offers the Homeland Security and Public Safety bachelor’s degree on the Vincennes Campus and online, which allows flexibility for working adults, parents, and others to earn a bachelor’s. 

Career opportunities in homeland security and public safety are copious and rewarding. VU’s degree provides HSPS graduates with an excellent academic gateway to outstanding careers in the public sector, including local, state, and federal law enforcement like the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Transportation Security Administration, the Secret Service, and the Department of State, and private sector careers in corporate and international security.

VU HSPS majors develop enhanced knowledge, skills, and abilities in a broad range of homeland security concepts and issues in a rapidly evolving domestic and international landscape through in-depth learning and real-world experiences.

The programs on Intelligent’s list are nationally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). A complete list of rankings and methodology is available on the Intelligent website.

VU offers more than 180 programs of study, including 21 bachelor’s degrees in Education, Nursing, Technology, Healthcare, and Homeland Security in addition to associate degrees and certificates.

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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EPD

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

 

 

FOOTNOTE:  EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.

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THIS ARENA MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

dated this day in 2011, is entered into between the Evansville Redevelopment Commission (City”) and the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Building Authority (‘Building Authority”).

WITNESSES:
WHEREAS  the Building Authority is a municipal corporation organized and existing

pursuant to IC §36—9—1 3 for the purpose of financing. acquiring, improving, constructing, reconstructing, renovating, equipping. operating, maintaining, and managing governmental buildings for eligible governmental entities; and

WHEREAS. pursuant to section 3.30.128 ol the City of E\’ansville, Indiana Municipal Code the Director of the Department of Metropolitan Development, and DM1). have provided. and will continue to provide, staff assistance to the Redevelopment Commission in connection with the construction ol’ the multi—purpose arena (‘‘Arena”) in downtown Evansville. Indiana

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WHEREAS. the City of Evansville and the Evansville Redevelopment Commission isinvolvedintheconstructioandfinancingo1.theArenathroughtheissuanceofbondsinthe
name of the City of Evansville and the pledge of HF funds. Ibod and beverage Lax and funds from the Casino Aztar requiring City ( ‘ounci I approval, and

Whereas. the (‘ii”, as an eligible governmental cut it”, p1l’Sua11t to I C § 36—9— 3—2. has
,
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requested that the Bui ding Aulhorit\ undertake the maintenance and cleaning responsibilities relating to the ne downtown arena currently under construction in Evansville, Indiana (the
‘‘Arena’’): and

 

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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Booked Last 24 Hours

CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER “SPEAKER SERIES” LUNCHEON HELD TODAY AT BALLY’S

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CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER “MONTHLY SPEAKER SERIES” LUNCHEON GUEST IS VANDERBURGH COUNTY SHERIFF NOAH ROBINSON

City-County Observer event Chairman Steve Hammer stated “that our “Monthly Speaker Series” luncheon focuses on homegrown businesses and politically successful individuals. Mr. Hammer says; The CCO MONTHLY SPEAKERS SERIES luncheon features unique and insightful stories of success and perseverance from prominent community leaders that tend to fly under the public radar.”   “We understand that there are a lot of successful entrepreneurs and political leaders who, because of economic, technological, or political challenges, have experienced a negative impact through their careers”

Event sponsors are County Commissioner Ben Shoulders and his wife Shannon Shoulders.  Commissioner Shoulders said; “The CCO “Speaker Series” has turned out to be a great resource for locally owned and developing businesses and elected officials.”  We are extremely pleased to announce that the extremely popular Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson will be our guest speaker at the September 27, 2023 luncheon event at Evansville.  This event is full.

Sheriff Noah Robinson is a Newburgh, Indiana native who graduated from Castle High School. Sheriff Robinson attended the University of Southern Indiana where he received his Associate’s Degree in Social Science and his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. Sheriff Robinson joined the Owensboro Police Department in 1999 and served the City of Owensboro until he was appointed as a deputy with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office in March of 2001.

Sheriff Robinson became a field training deputy in 2003 and spent eight years assigned to Motor Patrol. In 2009 Robinson was promoted to the rank of sergeant and spent the next five years assigned to the Professional Standards Unit where he developed policy and procedure for the agency as well as conducted internal investigations. Robinson was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in June of 2014, assigned to headquarters, and placed in charge of information technology, public information, and grants. Robinson served was then promoted to the rank of major and served as the executive commander of the Administration Division from 2018-2019. He later served as the Sheriff’s Chief Deputy and second in command of the Office from 2019 until 2021.

Sheriff Robinson was elected to the Office of Sheriff in November of 2022 and began his first term on January 01, 2023.

Since assuming Office, Sheriff Robinson re-designed the proposed jail expansion, adding capacity to include a mental health unit and a substance use offender unit. Sheriff Robinson successfully lobbied the Council to approve the final round of funding for the jail expansion project, which is set to commence in the Winter of 2023. Sheriff Robinson partnered with Southwest Behavioral Healthcare to provide mental health crisis response in the county. Robinson embarked on an ambitious recruitment campaign, taking a chronically understaffed jail to nearly a full complement of officers in just nine months. Sheriff Robinson plans to unveil his flagship neighborhood-based policing program later in 2023.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL BUDGET HEARINGS SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 29

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civic center

VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL BUDGET HEARING SCHEDULED ON SEPTEMBER 29

CC AGENDA 9-29-23

AGENDA Budget Hearings 9-29-23

Vanderburgh County Crash Report

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Crash Report

Adam Trinkel named Executive Director for Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District

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Adam Trinkel named Executive Director for Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District
Trinkel currently leads marketing and events efforts for the region’s only business improvement district

ANNOUNCEMENT, September 26, 2023 – The Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District (EID) Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Adam Trinkel as the Executive Director for the EID. Trinkel currently serves as the EID’s Marketing, Communications, and Events Director and begins the new role on October 2, 2023. He will provide leadership for all aspects of the EID and is charged with leading the EID in its mission to create a more active and inclusive Downtown Evansville.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Adam Trinkel. Adam has been with the EID since 2018 and has provided valuable contributions to growing the EID and to position Downtown Evansville as a more active and inclusive place for businesses, residents, and visitors,” said John Lamb, Chair of the EID Board of Directors.

Trinkel currently leads marketing, communications, and event efforts for the organization that represents over 450 properties that receive self-funded benefits in the central business district of Downtown Evansville. During his tenure, the EID launched the Downtown Evansville brand, increased its online presence by creating and developing a website and highly engaged social media channels, and organized 12 signature events that welcome over 50,000 visitors annually Downtown. He has also developed relationships with Downtown business owners, created a growing event volunteer program, and launched and sustained a sponsorship program that generates in excess of $100,000 annually.

“Building relationships with Downtown property owners, businesses, residents, workers, sponsors, volunteers, and visitors during the past five years has been the most rewarding aspect of my work. The EID team is a hard-working group of individuals who all remain passionate about our work to foster a growing and vibrant neighborhood. I am excited to lead this important work,” said Trinkel.

The EID has office space in Innovation Pointe located at 318 Main Street in Downtown Evansville.

About the Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District: Following a 2017 petition process of member property owners, the EID was formed in 2018 to provide benefits and services to member properties paid for by a special annual assessment on these properties. The EID builds a move active and inclusive Downtown Evansville. It enhances resident, consumer, investor, worker, and visitor experiences in Downtown Evansville. In 2023, the EID will lead over $1,250,000 in projects which improve the appearance of Downtown, in addition to marketing, advocacy, and safety programs. To learn more about the EID and its progress in enhancing the Downtown experience, visit www.downtownevansville.com.

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