Marion County Election Board refers alleged case of intimidating poll workers to prosecutor
Thirty-four states have laws that make it a crime to intimidate and/or interfere with election workers, with Indiana joining the pack just last year.
In 2024 the Indiana legislature passed SB 170 which included a provision that makes threatening or intimidating an election worker a Level 6 felony.
Last Wednesday, the Marion County Election Board met, anticipating testimony from Michael John Palombi, an Indianapolis man who flashed two handguns and a knife in a Quaker church on Election Day.
“I didn’t want to have my mind made up before I heard everything, because I feel that that’s my responsibility to hear everything before,” Marion County Circuit Court Clerk and election board secretary, Kate Sweeney Bell said. “If I’m in his shoes, I want somebody sitting where I am to give me a chance so I can be heard.”
Although he and his attorney had negotiated with the board and chose Feb. 27 as the date he would appear, Palombi did not show up. His attorney had notified the board earlier in the day that Palombi would not be giving his account of the incident.
Along with Sweeney Bell, the board meeting included vice chair Jennifer L. Ping and Anne Mullin O’Connor, a proxy for chair of the board Nolita Stewart.
“At this point there’s been an investigation and there’s been opportunity to be heard by the persons involved. Mr. Palombi chose not and told his council not to appear and that was his decision,” Mullin O’Connor said.
The board decided to move forward on the matter and passed four separate motions which alleged Palombi had violated four state election laws. The laws are voter intimidation, I.C. 3-14-3-21.5, electioneering, I.C. 3-14-3-16, obstructing interfering, or injuring an election worker or voter, I.C. 3-14-3-4, and threatening election workers, I.C. 3-14-3-18.
The board will send a referral to the Marion County Prosecutor’s office, who will ultimately decide if Palombi will be charged.
“This is a new law, this is the test, the test case. And we had to get it right,” said Sweeney Bell, commenting on I.C. 3-14-3-18. “It could be zero (charges), up to four, and based on what their office sees, and they’re gonna do their own investigation, there might be more. They could find more (violations).”
On the Nov. 5, 2024 Election Day, Palombi showed up at the First Friends Church polling site wearing a shirt displaying President Donald Trump and a “Make America Great Again” hat. After a poll worker asked Palombi to remove his political attire, a video shows him placing his hat on the worker’s head and removing his shirt, exposing two firearms.
Margo Kelly, who was working as the poll inspector at First Friends and has more than two decades experience as an election worker, was surprised by the incident. Also, she is unsure what will happen with the election board’s referrals.
“We’ve had eccentric voters, like just people that were excited and confused or whatever, but nothing, nothing like this,” Kelly, the polling inspector who called 911 and is credited with keeping the situation from escalating said. “I just feel the way things are going right now, there’s no desire to prosecute people that are, you know, intimidating. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
If Palombi is charged and found guilty of violating Indiana’s new prohibition against threatening or intimidating election workers (I.C. 3-14-3-18) he could face up to two and a half years in prison and pay a fine of up to $10,000.
Kate Breeden is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
Governor Mike Braun Signs Executive Order to Strengthen Parental Leave, Childbirth Recovery Leave for State Employees
INDIANAPOLIS – Today, ahead of International Women’s Day this Saturday, Governor Mike Braun signed an executive order to strengthen paid parental leave for state employees. The executive order also provides paid childbirth leave for women recovering from giving birth, as well as paid leave for those grieving from the tragedy of losing a baby.
“Strong families are the cornerstone of strong communities, and it’s so important for a family to have quality time to care for their newest member. I believe employers should do everything they can to accommodate the needs of new parents, and today I’m setting an example by strengthening our state’s policies for paid parental leave (including adoption), childbirth recovery leave, and paid leave for those facing the tragedy of losing a baby. These new paid parental leave policies will benefit women recovering from childbirth, their spouses, and the newborns whose health and development will be improved by more time with their parents in those first critical weeks. Indiana supports strong families!” – Governor Mike Braun
Under this new executive order from Governor Braun:
All employed women who give birth are eligible for six weeks paid childbirth recovery leave, and up to eight weeks paid childbirth leave for employees who deliver via C-section. This leave policy also applies to employees who experience the tragedy of losing a baby in utero at 20 weeks or beyond.
All full-time state employees may receive up to 150 hours of paid parental leave (75 hours for part-time employees) following the birth or adoption of a child regardless of how long one has been employed with the state.
Replacing previous policy, Governor Braun’s parental leave policies will now apply no matter how long the employee has worked for the state. If an employee who has worked for the state fewer than 6 months takes parental/childbirth/or stillbirth leave, the employee must agree to complete at least one year of consecutive employment following his or her return to work as a condition for taking leave.
USI Romain College of Business student team places fourth, wins Spirit Award at Alberta Not-For-Profit Case Compeition
USI Romain College of Business student team places fourth, wins Spirit Award at Alberta Not-For-Profit Case Compeition
This February, a group of students from the University of Southern Indiana’s Romain College of Business had the opportunity to travel to Canada and returned home with not one, but two distinct accolades from participating in the 2025 Alberta Not-For-Profit Association External Case Competition in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
A student team made up of seniors Rachel Ha of Evansville, Gracie Madison of Montgomery, Indiana, Sydney Mancini of Brownsburg, Indiana, and freshman Olivia Talley of Evansville, competing as SOAR Consulting, placed fourth in the External Case Competition. In addition to placing in the top five, the team also received the Spirit Award. USI was the only team from the United States in the competition. This trip was made possible through generous donations to the USI Foundation.
This was USI’s first trip to this competition since 2021 and seventh overall appearance. USI placed first in 2015 and also won the Spirit Award in both 2014 and 2017.
“The students used what they learned from all their case study practices and delivered an outstanding presentation at the competition,” said Jeanette Maier-Lytle, Faculty Advisor and Instructor in Accounting. “I was amazed at their level of comfort as they presented in front of the judges. Other coaches and students shared that they were very impressed with the team’s presentation as well.”
The students worked with case competition sponsor Bison Lodge, a non-profit association in Edmonton which serves as a community hub hosting a variety of events such as weddings, corporate functions and cultural gatherings. The team had 24 hours to research and develop a recommendation and prepare their presentation for a panel of judges. The participating teams were split into different cohorts with the top team from each cohort advancing to the final round–SOAR Consulting was victorious in Pool B.
Leading up to the main case competition, the USI team placed second in a fun case competition with students from other universities by coming up with side hustles for superheroes. USI’s student team also placed second in a non-profit trivia competition.
“Competing was an amazing opportunity to challenge ourselves and showcase our skills,” Ha said. “Placing fourth was a great achievement, but winning the Spirit Award truly reflected our teamwork and enthusiasm.”
In addition to the competition, the team had the opportunity to explore Edmonton and the University of Alberta. They also had the chance to listen to a speaker panel of industry experts, network with students from other universities and participate in extracurricular activities like laser tag and trying new food, including BeaverTails, a Canadian restaurant specializing in fried dough pastries.
Overall, the students were grateful to have the opportunity to travel outside the country while getting to showcase their skills on an international stage.
“We had an amazing time–I’m very proud of our team and our performance in the competition,” Madison said. “I absolutely loved the experience and am so grateful to the Romain College of Business and Professor Maier-Lytle for supporting us and providing us this opportunity!”
Mancini added: “This trip was one that I will remember forever, these girls feel like family now. I’m so proud of them.”
Learn more about USI’s Romain College of Business online.
National Consumer Protection Week is the Time to Battle Robocallers
National Consumer Protection Week is the Time to Battle Robocallers
National Consumer Protection Week is March 2 to March 8
To kick off National Consumer Protection Week, Attorney General Todd Rokita is reiterating his commitment to protecting Hoosier consumers, urging them to protect themselves from robocalls and report scams and fraudulent activities to his office’s Consumer Protection Division.
“Quite often, these robocalls are part of criminal schemes aimed at stealing Hoosiers’ identities and taking your hard-earned money,” Attorney General Rokita said. “These annoying and illegal calls are the work of professional scammers looking to prey on unsuspecting victims. Make sure you take the necessary steps to protect yourself when robocallers try to disturb your peace.”
While technology is flourishing and scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, here are some tips on how to protect yourself from unwanted robocallers:
Blocking unwanted calls
Attorney General Todd Rokita has joined other attorneys general in demanding telephone companies make more call-blocking services available to consumers.
Below is a non-exhaustive guide to services available today. You can find more information on the FCC’s website: https://www.fcc.gov/
Landline phones
Some carriers allow you to block a limited quantity of numbers or block anonymous callers. Fees vary, depending on your plan. Contact your service provider for details. Call-blocking gadgets or devices are available for purchase online. Be cautious when dealing with unknown sellers and look at customer reviews and return policies. Most work with landlines, VoIP, DSL and digital voice services. Most require caller ID and/or an internet connection to work.
Smart phones
CTIA-The Wireless Association® has compiled a list of call-blocking apps available on iOS and Android smart phones. The list is available at: https://www.ctia.org/
Also, check your device manual to learn about built-in blocking features.
Services available through your telephone provider
Most telephone service providers have some form of blocking services for customers. Call your provider or visit their website for information about available services and fees.
File a complaint with the FTC
If you encounter an impostor scam, let the FTC know. File a complaint at ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP.
The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Watch a video, How to File a Complaint, at ftc.gov/video to learn more.
The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
File a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General
If your number is registered on the Indiana Do Not Call list, you can file a Do Not Call complaint about an unwanted text message or call by visiting our website, www.IndianaConsumer.
Four Lenten Fish Fries at Germania Männerchor start this Friday
Four Lenten Fish Fries at Germania Männerchor start this Friday, March 7th!
Go OVERBOARD at Germania Männerchor’s famous Lenten Fish Fries this Friday, March 7th with serving from 4:45-7pm at 916 N Fulton Ave in Evansville! Three other fries are planned on Fridays March 21st plus April 4th & 18th. All are open to the public.
Meals consist of TWO breaded & deep-fried filets, choice of German OR American potato salad, baked OR green beans, creamy coleslaw & rye bread – all for only $15 per plate. A ONE filet meal is $13. Or get a fish sandwich and one side for $12. Desserts also available for sale.
There will be plenty seating in the Rathskeller and upstairs in Fest Halle – Dine-in or carry out. Germania’s event is believed to be the only non-profit dine-in fish fry in the area with full bar service.
Southwest Chapter Celebrates Red Cross Month
Southwest Chapter Celebrates Red Cross Month
EVANSVILLE, Ind., March 3, 2025 — The Southwest Chapter is kicking off its celebration of Red Cross Month today, March 3rd at 9:30 a.m. at the local Red Cross office, located at 29 S. Stockwell Road in Evansville.
At this event, the Red Cross will celebrate a new partnership with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation. Students, volunteers, Red Cross board members, and community partners will also work together to assemble comfort kits. These kits, which will include brand-new stuffed animals donated by local students, are distributed to families impacted by disasters such as home fires, providing much-needed support and comfort during times of crisis.
Officials from the City of Evansville will join the celebration to issue a Red Cross Month Proclamation, honoring those who provide critical support in emergencies when help can’t wait. Darla Hoover, Chief of Schools and Instructional Core for the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation will also participate in the event.
Red Cross Month Celebration
Monday, March 3rd | 9:30 a.m.
American Red Cross | 29 2. Stockwell Rd., Evansville
Red Cross Month is a national tradition that began in March 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation — and each U.S. president has followed ever since.
About the American Red Cross Indiana Region:
The American Red Cross of Indiana Region serves 6.9 million people in 104 counties in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio through its chapters: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Greater Indianapolis (Regional Headquarters). The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit us at Redcross.org/Indiana or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @indianaredcross. LinkedIn: American Red Cross of Indiana.
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Parks Board Agenda for Wednesday 3/5/2025
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
ROOM 301, CIVIC CENTER COMPLEX
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2025
NOON
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. MEETING MEMORANDUM FEBRUARY 19, 2025
3. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Request Re: Approve and Execute Park Property Use Permit Application with the West Side Nut
Club for the Fall Festival. – Crook
b. Request Re: Approve and Execute Park Property Use Permit Application with Allison Bush for
Woof Fest at the West Side Library on September 27, 2025.- Crook
c. Request Re: Approve and Execute Park Property Use Permit with P.A.W.W.’s for Woof Fest at
the West Side Library Park on October 25, 2025.- Crook
4. OLD BUSINESS
N/A
5. NEW BUSINESS
a. Request Re: Presentation of Regional Trails Master Plan for adoption to Parks Five Year
Master Plan. – Van Hook
b. Request Re: Any Other Business the Board Wishes to Consider and Public Comment.
6. REPORTS
Danielle Crook- Executive Director
7. ACCEPTANCE OF PAYROLL AND VENDOR CLAIMS
8. ADJOURN
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.