July 21, 2015 - The Posey County

Page 1

SEE POSEY COUNTY’S 4H FAIR RESULTS INSIDE! Successor to The Poseyville News & New Harmony Times

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1882

E, “OUR LIBERTIES WE PRIZ L MAINTAIN.” AND OUR RIGHTS WE WIL

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Posey County’s ONLY Locally Owned Newspaper.

$1.00

(USPS S4 439-500) 39 5 0 0)

Volume 135 Edition 29

Camp gets nod of approval for next three years at NPSB By Valerie Werkmeister North Posey Schools Superintendent Dr. Todd Camp’s contract was renewed for an additional three years, but not without commentary on his background criminal history prior to the school board’s vote. During the school board meeting last Monday, July 13, board attorney William H. Bender read his opinion on the criminal history findings he said were brought out by the Posey County News last month. However, it was statements made by Bender during the June 8, school board meeting regarding a lawsuit filed against the school corporation and Dr. Camp by Linda Butler as well as several other requests from within the Posey County community that prompted Posey County News Publisher, Dave Pearce to investigate the allegations further and to run a complete background check. The statement read by Bender is as follows: “The board is aware of an incident involving Dr. Camp and Linda Butler on January 31, 2015 at DT’s Tavern in Wadesville. Dr. Camp fully disclosed the details of this incident to the board within days. The board is familiar with the Posey County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) initial case report and in the opinion of the board the case report completely exonerates Dr. Camp, and upholds his claim that Linda Butler attempted to provoke him into an assault. The PCSD thoroughly investigated the case and the Posey County Prosecutor carefully reviewed the file, and no charges have been or will be filed. Perhaps the most compelling evidence within the report is a statement by Kelsie Kemmerling in a phone interview with investigating officer Dustin Seitz which reads as follows: “Kelsie advised she really wasn’t the biggest fan of Dr. Camp, but also did not think he was in the wrong.” Thereafter, the pre-1992 criminal history of Dr. Camp became public and was essentially provided by the Posey County News to this board. In response to the Posey County News’ submission of Dr. Camp’s criminal history report, the board directed the school’s attorney, William Bender, to review the report.

The board requested Mr. Bender’s opinion on the following topics: 1) Is there anything in the background check that would violate Dr. Camp’s current terms of employment, 2) Is there anything in the background check that would violate Dr. Camp’s Indiana Teacher’s, Administrator’s, or Superintendent’s license, 3) Is there anything in Dr. Camp’s personnel file indicating he misrepresented anything at any time to MSD of North Posey. Mr. Bender’s official opinion response was No for all three items. Dr. Todd E. Camp began his employment with MSD of North Posey August, 2001 as the principal of North Posey High School. He was promoted to assistant superintendent in July 2003, and became superintendent July 2009. Immediately prior to his employment with North Posey, Dr. Camp was assistant principal at North High School of EVSC for three years. Previous to that, Dr. Camp has served at other school districts in Indiana and North Carolina in teaching and administrative positions. Before his hire by North Posey, his personnel file indicates an Indiana State Police inquiry dated July 26, 2001. The inquiry did not reveal a limited criminal history record, meaning no criminal history was found for the parameters of the search. This search was the standard search by the Indiana State Police for school hires at the time of Dr. Camp’s hiring in 2001. Thereafter, on February 26, 2010, Dr. Camp renewed his superintendent’s license with the state of Indiana. The relevant questions asked on the application were have you been convicted of a felony, and have you been convicted of a misdemeanor since January 15, 1994. Dr. Camp accurately responded no to both questions. There is nothing in Dr. Camp’s personnel file at North Posey that indicates he ever misrepresented anything. Dr. Camp has held valid Indiana licenses for teacher, principal, and superintendent during his employment with North Posey, and there is no indication of any misrepresentation on his part to obtain those licenses.

Continued on Page A6

Briefly

Citizens ask for action on 2013 Nuisance Ordinance By Lois Mittino Gray Mount Vernon resident Randy Adams spoke at the Mount Vernon Common Council meeting on July 9 with an old Posey County News article in hand. Dated August 27, 2013, the headline stated his neighborhood was up in arms about nuisance property problems at a council meeting. “It has been almost two years since our group of citizens first began working for a nuisance property ordinance and we wonder why there has been no action,” Adams said. Councilman Brian Jeffries, who was not present at the July 9 meeting due to National Guard commitments, met with Adams and his group for over two hours in early June. Adams said a follow-up meeting was to be held on June 22 at 11 a.m. with landlords, but he was the only one to show up. Jeffries called afterwards and asked Adams to email a copy of their proposed nuisance tenant ordinance for him to work on. Adams mailed it on June 27 and by July 5 had not received a reply from Jeffries and contacted him again with no reply.

The group is trying to get the landlords to be responsible for their tenants, therefore, making them more careful on who they rent to. Five group members have gone around town letting neighbors read the ordinance and have over 25 signatures on it. Mayor John Tucker said he could not speak for the absent Jeffries, but he will get a hold of Councilman Jeffries personally and have him contact Adams. Tucker added he knows Jeffries has been working on it, but there is much involved such as who would enforce the ordinance, definitions of a nuisance, and evictions. Adams stated he would appreciate that as well as a little better communication. Councilman Andy Hoehn expressed his frustration on the issue taking so long. “I’ve talked with Randy about the number of police calls to this section of the city. The number is way beyond the statistical norm for any other place in town,” he said. “I saw on TV the other night that Evansville City

Continued on Page A9

Mold is latest problem for NHS

Friends of Harmonie State Park announces annual Luau July 25, 2015 is the date to enjoy some of tropical fun. The Friends of Harmony State Park will host their annual Luau with the feast, consisting of pulled pork, sides, fruit, and drinks, being served from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Those purchasing a meal ticket before July 25 can also enjoy a late swim on Friday, July 24. Meal ticket prices are as follows: three and under free; ages four-10 $5; adults $10 and can be purchased in advance at the main office, the front gate, or site 110 in the campground.

St. Mary’s, area agencies sponsor free physicals, immunizations The EVSC School-Community Council, in collaboration with ECHO Community Care, St. Mary’s Children’s Services, Vanderburgh County Department of Health, and the Evansville Courier and Press, will sponsor free school physicals, sport physicals and immunizations for uninsured and underinsured students. The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 1 at ECHO Community Health Care, 315 Mulberry Street, Evansville. School physicals, IHSAA High School sport physicals, and immunizations will be provided free of charge. This is open to Kindergarten, Sixth and Ninth grade students from Vanderburgh, Warrick, or Posey County who have no health insurance or who are underinsured. The student must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and they must have their current immunization record. Interpreters will be available to assist Spanish-speaking families. Appointments are required. Please call EVSC Center for Family, School, and Community Partnerships at 812-435-8343 today to schedule your appointment.

PC Historical Society to meet The Posey County Historical Society will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 25 at Mount Vernon’s Riverfront Park, where the new Korean War Memorial will be dedicated. Following this historic occasion, the Society will be at The Water’s Edge for their regular monthly meeting and lunch together. Everyone is invited.

Christmas in August to be held at Harmonie State Park On August 1, 2015 from 2-4 p.m. Operation Christmas Child will hold a box packing event. If you cannot help pack, donations of school supplies, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toys, hard candy and new clothing items are much needed. To donate or for more information contact Linda Schneider at swampland@tds.net or 812-449-1876.

NP Class of 1960 to hold reunion The North Posey High School Class of 1960 will hold its 55th Class Reunion on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Red Wagon in Poseyville, Ind. 5 p.m. - Cash Bar and Social, 6 to 9:30 p.m. – Buffet Dinner and Socializing. The following classmate have not been located: Mike Huston and Margaret Matlock. If you have any information, please call Ruth Redman at 812-673-4627 or Bill Butler at 812-204-7009 with the current address of these classmates.

BBBS seeks mentors, volunteers Come join the fun and learn about helping others by volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Posey County. Become a mentor or volunteer time with the fundraising and planning group. Either way, you can make a big difference in a child’s life. Visit our Facebook page, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Posey County, to see children on our waiting list. To learn more, come to Brittlebank Pool, Wednesday, July 22, 2015, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Meet some of our Big and Little matches and volunteers. Start something for kids in our community.

MVCC sets date for Ice Cream Social Mount Vernon Community Church - Black’s Chapel UMC will be hosting their annual Ice Cream Social, under the awning, on Saturday, July 25, 2015 from 5 to 8 p.m. This event is free to the community. Come enjoy homemade ice cream, hot dogs, cookies and entertainment. MVCC-Black’s Chapel is located at 1800 West Fourth Street, next to the water tower.

Retrospective........A4 Legals ...................B4 Classifieds ........ B 7 - 8 Community...........A5

Veroniz Orth, Faith Kirsch, and Molly Harris dance to ‘Blue Ribbon Bunny’ at the Posey County Fair. Photo by Dave Pearce

By Valerie Werkmeister New Harmony Town Council members are dealing with a mold problem in the former New Harmony School building. The topic was discussed during their meeting last Thursday, July 16. Local resident David Flanders questioned the council members present (Andrew Wilson and Don Gibbs were absent) about the situation. Karen Walker explained she discovered the mold during a walk-through on June 27. In addition to contacting the insurance company, she also contacted companies that could aid in the damage assessment and remediation process. To date, they have received a $39,000 quote to eliminate the mold, remove the ceiling tiles and clean every surface to prevent the mold from spreading.

The council has also received a $197,000 quote that will remediate the entire building. The insurance company is currently trying to determine the root cause of the mold in order to determine whether they will pay for the damages the building has sustained. At this time, the building is not usable. While Flanders pushed for possible decisions the board might take regarding the building, Walker stated she is trying to take one step at a time as they learn more information about the situation. Once the insurance company completes their assessment, they will determine the next step in the process. This comes on the heels of last month’s approval to allow the Workingmen’s Institute (WMI) to have

Continued on Page A9

Posey man held on arson charge By Dave Pearce the roadway in front of the address. When Henrich A Mount Vernon man remains lodged in the Posey neared, Miller rolled down the window of the vehicle County jail following a string of bad deciand pointed north, telling the officer that sions that led to his arrest. Owen had run in that direction. According to the probably cause affidaHenrich met Mount Vernon Police vit, John Eric Owen, of Mount Vernon, had Officer Tony Stallings and also saw a been released on probation and was staying white male with no shirt and a hat runwith his stepfather at 7574 Sauerkraut Lane ning across the highway. in Mount Vernon. Both officers activated their emerOn July 11 just before noon, Posey Coungency lights and blocked the male in on ty Sheriff’s deputies were alerted to a situathe west-bound lane of SR 62. Henrich tion at that address. Dispatchers advised that indicated he immediately recognized the the complainant called and said his son was man to be Owen. destroying his home and threatening to burn When officers attempted to get inforJohn Eric Owen Jr. it down. mation from Owen, he was described as When deputy Matt Henrich arrived, Owen’s stepContinued on Page A9 father and Owen’s daughter were parked in front of

Pair arrested after Posey County break-in Special to the News Indiana State Police says Wednesday afternoon, around 4:15 p.m., troopers and deputies were sent to the 2700 block of John Avenue in New Harmony after getting a report that a man and woman had been seen breaking into an apartment. When authorities arrived at the scene they found one of the windows had been damaged. Tricia Knowles After going inside, au-

Deaths .................... A3 Church...................A7 Social .....................A6 School ....................A8

thorities found 35-year-old Tricia Knowles and 31-year-old David Basham. ISP says their investigation revealed the pair had forced their way into the apartment and neither one of them had permission to be there Authorities also found out that Basham had an outstanding felony warrant out of Vanderburgh County. They were both arrested and taken to the Posey David Basham County Jail.

Sports ...............B1, 3 Bus/Ag .................A8 Opinion ................A2 TV Guide...........B5-6


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.