FOOTNOTE: Â EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
Subject with a Gun/Arrest 600 blk Lincoln Ave
 On August 24th, around 6:08 p.m., Evansville Police Officers were dispatched to Lincoln School in reference to a subject with a gun. The suspect was described as a black male wearing a ski mask, all black clothing, and white socks over his pants. The suspect had a handgun in his waistband, but never pulled it out or pointed it. The suspect was inside the school during a school sporting event.Â
School staff members at the school approached the suspect and he left the school before officers arrived on scene. Within 4 minutes of the 911 call, officers located the suspect walking around the intersection of Garvin St. and Lincoln Ave. The suspect was identified as 34-year-old Lashad Stuckey. Stuckey matched the description from the 911 call and he had a 9 mm handgun on his person. Officers determined that he was the suspect who had been inside of the school.Â
Officers discovered that Stuckey is a convicted felon and is not allowed to be in possession of a handgun. Stuckey was arrested for Possession of Firearm on School Property and Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon. Stuckey was booked into the Vanderburgh County Confinement Center.Â
Impaired Driver Arrested after Driving 81 mph in School Zone
Posey County – Friday morning, August 25, at approximately 8:00 a.m., Trooper Fulton was patrolling the school zone on SR 62 at Marr’s Elementary School when he stopped the driver of a 2017 Dodge Journey for driving 81 mph in the posted 45 mph school zone and for nearly colliding into the rear of another vehicle. The driver was identified as Jerome Abernathy, 34, of Crete, IL. During the traffic stop, Abernathy displayed signs of impairment and failed field sobriety tests. Further investigation revealed Abernathy had a BAC of .16%. He was arrested and taken to the Posey County Jail where he is currently being held on bond.
Arrested and Charges:
- Jerome Abernathy, 34, Crete, IL
- Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated with a Prior Conviction, Level 6 Felony
- Reckless Driving, Class C Misdemeanor
Arresting Officer: Trooper Fulton, Indiana State Police
Assisting Agency: Posey County Sheriff’s Office
UE men’s soccer ties Bellarmine in opening contest
Nacho Diaz Barragan scores the Purple Aces first goal of 2023
EVANSVILLE, Ind. —Â University of Evansville men’s soccer opened the 2023 season in front of its fans with a 1-1 draw against the Bellarmine Knights.
The Purple Aces outmatched the Knights in shots and possession through 90 minutes on Thursday evening, coming back from a one-goal deficit thanks to a goal from forward Nacho Diaz Barragan. Defenders Tobias Bak and Nacho Diaz-Caneja chipped in with Evansville’s first assists of the young season in the 56th minute. Midfielder Jose Vivas had multiple on-target opportunities for UE, leading the team with five shots and three on goal.Â
“After preseason we felt pretty prepared coming into this match,” said Interm Head Coach Robbe Tarver. “Bellarmine is a familiar opponent but also one that is going to give you a tough game. [Their] well coached, committed, always going for 50/50’s and they’re relentless. I thought we matched Bellarmine’s intensity, which needs to be a calling card for us if we’re going to be successful this year,”.Â
It was a slow burn to begin the game as the teams found their footing in the new season. The Knights opened up the shooting in the sixth minute but would only record two shots in the first 45 minutes compared to the Aces seven. Evansville tested Bellarmine goalkeeper Matthew Brozovich, forcing two saves including a late corner kick attempt by midfielder Carlos Barcia. Barcia’s shot from the left corner forced a jumping save almost finding its way into the far upper corner of the net.Â
But it would be the Knights who struck first as they scored in the 51st minute on a goal by CalleSjoberg. Their lead wouldn’t last long as the Aces quickly found the tying goal in the 56th minute. Bak made a cross to the right side of the field where Diaz-Caneja connected with his head, putting the ball just inside the box. Diaz Barragan finished the job with a leaping scissor kick, connecting with his right foot to beat Brozovich. With momentum on their side, the Aces peppered Bellarmine’s end through the rest of the second half, racking up six shots that included three for Vivas in the final two minutes of play.Â
 UE gets to remain home for the weekend, with its next match at McCutchan Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Aces will take on Cal State Fullerton on Aug. 27 with kick-off at 1 p.m.
The Purple Aces outmatched the Knights in shots and possession through 90 minutes on Thursday evening, coming back from a one-goal deficit thanks to a goal from forward Nacho Diaz Barragan. Defenders Tobias Bak and Nacho Diaz-Caneja chipped in with Evansville’s first assists of the young season in the 56th minute. Midfielder Jose Vivas had multiple on-target opportunities for UE, leading the team with five shots and three on goal.Â
“After preseason we felt pretty prepared coming into this match,” said Interm Head Coach Robbe Tarver. “Bellarmine is a familiar opponent but also one that is going to give you a tough game. [Their] well coached, committed, always going for 50/50’s and they’re relentless. I thought we matched Bellarmine’s intensity, which needs to be a calling card for us if we’re going to be successful this year,”.Â
It was a slow burn to begin the game as the teams found their footing in the new season. The Knights opened up the shooting in the sixth minute but would only record two shots in the first 45 minutes compared to the Aces seven. Evansville tested Bellarmine goalkeeper Matthew Brozovich, forcing two saves including a late corner kick attempt by midfielder Carlos Barcia. Barcia’s shot from the left corner forced a jumping save almost finding its way into the far upper corner of the net.Â
But it would be the Knights who struck first as they scored in the 51st minute on a goal by CalleSjoberg. Their lead wouldn’t last long as the Aces quickly found the tying goal in the 56th minute. Bak made a cross to the right side of the field where Diaz-Caneja connected with his head, putting the ball just inside the box. Diaz Barragan finished the job with a leaping scissor kick, connecting with his right foot to beat Brozovich. With momentum on their side, the Aces peppered Bellarmine’s end through the rest of the second half, racking up six shots that included three for Vivas in the final two minutes of play.Â
 UE gets to remain home for the weekend, with its next match at McCutchan Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Aces will take on Cal State Fullerton on Aug. 27 with kick-off at 1 p.m.
FIRST WEST NILE VIRUS CASE OF 2023 REPORTED IN JOHNSON COUNTY RESIDENT
INDIANAPOLIS — State health officials are urging Indiana residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites following the identification of the first West Nile virus disease case of 2023 in a Johnson County resident, as well as multiple detections of West Nile virus in mosquitoes across the state. No additional information about the patient will be released due to privacy laws.
To date, 225 mosquito samples taken from 60 counties have tested positive for West Nile virus.
“The risk of mosquito-borne disease remains through the first hard freeze, so it is important that Hoosiers take precautions against mosquito bites until then,†said State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP. “Mosquito season is far from over, and simple prevention steps can help Hoosiers enjoy the outdoors without putting themselves at unnecessary risk.â€
Mosquitoes can transmit viruses such as West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis (triple-E) virus, and La Crosse virus. State health officials recommend the following measures to prevent mosquito-borne diseases:
- Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone to clothes and exposed skin;
- Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are active (especially early morning, late afternoon, and the hours between dusk and dawn);
- Cover exposed skin by wearing a hat, long sleeves and long pants in places where mosquitoes are especially active, such as wooded areas;
- Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of the home.
Even a container as small as a bottle cap can become a mosquito breeding site, so Hoosiers should take the following steps to eliminate them:
- Discard old tires, tin cans, ceramic pots or other containers that can hold water;
- Repair failed septic systems;
- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors;
- Keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed;
- Clean clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains;
- Frequently replace the water in pet bowls;
- Flush ornamental fountains and birdbaths periodically; and,
- Aerate ornamental pools, or stock them with predatory fish.
West Nile virus can cause West Nile fever, which can include fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash. Some people will develop a more severe form of the disease affecting the nervous system, including inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, muscle paralysis, or even death. People older than 60 years are at higher risk of severe West Nile virus disease. People who think they may have West Nile virus disease should see their healthcare providers.
MAYOR WINNECKE AND EWSU HONORED AT 2023 AIM IDEAS SUMMIT
August 24, 2023 — The Winnecke Administration received two major awards for the City of Evansville at the 2023 Accelerated Indiana Municipalities (Aim) Ideas Summit this week.
Mayor Lloyd Winnecke was honored with the Russell G. Lloyd Distinguished Service Award, named in memory of former Evansville Mayor Russell G. Lloyd, Sr.
Nominees for this award are assessed on various criteria, including dedication to public service, leadership qualities, personal initiative, and contributions to Aim.
Upon receiving the award, Mayor Winnecke said, “First, I’d like to thank my wife, Carol. Without her unwavering support and guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am today. She has always been my rock. This award isn’t just a recognition of my tenure as the mayor of Evansville; it symbolizes the hard work of our remarkable leadership team, staff, and community partners who consistently strive to elevate our city as a leading destination to live, work, and play. Our journey in local government goes beyond providing city government services. It’s a commitment to envision a brighter future for all.â€
EWSU Wins Community Placemaking Award
Adding to the city’s accolades, the Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) proudly announced its win of the 2023 Aim Community Placemaking Award for the transformative Sunrise Pump Station and Cascade project.
The Sunrise Pump Station and Cascade is an initiative designed to address the Clean Drinking Water Act’s mandate, redirecting up to 40 million gallons of treated effluent daily from the East Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Ohio River. Launched in 2011 and completed in 2023, the 11-acre project not only addresses environmental and health concerns but also enhances the city’s downtown area, incorporating a cascade system over the levee and offering recreational spaces.
The project is an example of Evansville’s commitment to innovation, community engagement, and sustainable development.
“The Sunrise Pump Station and Cascade demonstrate how environmental solutions can coexist with community spaces, transforming utility sites into sought-after downtown destinations,†said Evansville Water and Sewer Utility Executive Director Lane Young. “It’s an example of what we can achieve when we come together as a community.â€
Throughout the Winnecke Administration, the City of Evansville has garnered multiple Aim awards for innovative projects, including the North Main Streetscape, the Climate Action Plan, and the Reopen Evansville Task Force initiative.
 VANDERBURGH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AWARD LITTLE LAMBS OF EVANSVILLE WITH ARPA FUNDSÂ
 VANDERBURGH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AWARD LITTLE LAMBS OF EVANSVILLE WITH ARPA FUNDSÂ
AUGUST 26. 2023
With the support of the Vanderburgh County Council, the Vanderburgh County Commissioners were proud to award Little Lambs of Evansville with $9,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds.Â
To respond to the public health emergency impact with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts, Vanderburgh County appropriated funds to non-profit organizations whose missions focus on arts, culture, and educational initiatives benefiting the County’s residents.Â
Encouraging healthy parenting acts that will increase the physical and mental development, health, and safety of infants, Little Lambs believes that a critical ingredient in our community’s ability to thrive and grow is a culture in which every infant is guaranteed the opportunity to grow up in a safe and healthy environment. Since 1995, Little Lambs has helped safeguard the health and well-being of infants and small children by creating alliances with professional organizations that provide prenatal and pediatrics care, behavioral services, nutrition, drug and alcohol education and rehabilitation, and more. When parents obtain services from partnering organizations, they are rewarded for positive acts on behalf of their children with vouchers that can be traded for baby and child items offered through Little Lambs’ store. Little Lambs is also a Child Passenger Safety Inspection Station and offers a Safe SleeÂ
Area II Administrative Assistant Retires after Thirty-Six Years of Service
Area II Administrative Assistant Retires after Thirty-Six Years of Service
AUGUST 26, 2023
Today, after thirty-six years of devoted service with the Indiana State Police, Kate Stuart, PE 4983, Area II Professional Staff Administrative Assistant has retired. Kate was appointed to service on June 1, 1987. During her tenure she has served for many North Zone and Area II Commanders, including (chronologically) Captain John Siegel, Captain Dave Saggars, Captain Larry Rollins, Captain Bob Rich, Major Gary Robbins, Captain Keith Kopinski, Captain Andy Coffee, Major Ed Schroeder, and currently working for Major Tony Casto and Captain Kevin Smith.
Anyone who has had the privilege of working with Kate knows the value of her warm and caring personality in the workplace, especially the commanders that have relied on her administrative support over the last thirty-six years. She has an intellectual value and working knowledge of the department that will take many years to develop and replace.
In honor of her service and anticipated retirement, a celebration was held at the Fort Wayne Post training room last Friday. As expected, it was a packed house of family, friends, and co-workers representing nearly four decades of public service. Specifically in attendance to speak on behalf of the guest of honor was Superintendent Doug Carter, Major Tony Casto, and Captain Kevin Smith.
During their respective tributes, Superintendent Carter stated that, “There is someone… at each district that keeps things moving, but there’s not another Kate Stuart at any one of our districts, there just simply is not.† Major Casto noted, “The difficulty with completing Kate’s performance evaluations over the years, was filling out all the intangibles that aren’t on the standard checklist…her institutional knowledge is priceless.† Captain Smith expressed that “Kate has had a big effect on this place over the yearsâ€, noting all the Majors and Captains that she has worked for (with) over thirty-six years. “I just can’t express to you what she means to all of us.” Captain Smith then presented Kate with an encased United States flag that had been previously flown over the Fort Wayne Post, symbolic of her own retirement and in appreciation for her dedicated public service.
After that presentation, an emotional Kate spoke on her own behalf- in typical fashion expressing first and foremost her gratitude and love for every person in attendance, and then highlighting the many friendships and memories that she will forever cherish. She memorialized her first day on the job with the Indiana State Police, noting the great pride that she felt to have such an opportunity. She recalled, “Oh my gosh, I was so proud to be working for the Indiana State Police. I was working for the best, but I had no idea what ‘the best’ really was at that point. As the years have gone on it has only gotten better. I love this place. I have always felt safe here… even when I am not here, I feel like I am surrounded by this protective shield of you all.â€
– Kate, that is the ISP Family that we have all come to know and love, and you will always be a very special part of this Family- even into retirement. Farewell Kate! Â
                                                     -Your ISP Family