“Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain.”
$1.00
Since 1882 ~ Successor to The Poseyville News and The New Harmony Times • New Harmony, IN Posey County’s locally-owned newspaper
Tuesday July 5, 2011
(USPS 439-500)
Volume 131 Edition 28
State civil suit joins list of charges against Poseyville’s Lupfer By Holly Heerdink A law passed in 2009 could come back to haunt a Poseyville woman accused of embezzling $53,557 from Poseyville town funds. The law, which was introduced as a deterrent to unlawful conduct by public officials, allows the state to sue for triple the amount of damages alleged in civil cases. Christina Lupfer, the former Poseyville Town Clerk who resigned last fall during the midst
of a state audit, not only will face criminal charges in Posey County, but now must also face the maximum civil charges of $200,000. Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller announced the lawsuit Wednesday at a press conference at the Hovey House in Mount Vernon. In a press release distributed at the announcement, Zoeller stated, “While our colleagues the county prosecutors can file
criminal charges to hold officials individually accountable for public embezzlement, my office files civil lawsuits against officials to recover misappropriated tax dollars and reimburse the public treasury. Though it is disheartening if an elected municipal official violates the public trust, the civil and criminal sides of our State’s justice system work in tandem to protect the public when such violations occur.”
The State Board of Accounts audited the Poseyville town government’s finances and discovered several instances of embezzlement. The audit included reports that Lupfer had double-payed herself via direct deposits and hard copies of her paychecks and charged $3,883.42 on the town’s credit card for personal uses, among other expenses. Following the news conference, Zoeller compared the amount of
Fourth and Main work set
Mount Vernon Street Commissioner Roy Maynard has announced that the Indiana Department of Transportation, or INDOT, will repair the intersection at Fourth and Main streets this Thursday and Friday, July 7 and 8. Main Street will be shut down between Fourth and Fifth streets both days while state road crews dig out half the area down to the base and repave. Semi-trucks will be routed at the bypass.
Continued on Page A4
Continued on Page A3
Kiwanis scramble set
The Children’s Learning Center is a nonprofit organization that provides quality child care for infants to 12 years of age located in Mount Vernon. The Board of Directors would like to invite you to a golf scramble on July 22, 2011, at Western Hills Country Club. The scramble will begin at noon with a lunch followed by a 1 p.m. shotgun start.
Hoosier Salon to host
A new exhibit opens Friday, July 8, at the Hoosier Salon New Harmony Gallery, 507 Church St. The public is invited to a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information contact Maggie Rapp, director, Hoosier Salon New Harmony Gallery, 459-9851.
Poseyville site closed
The Poseyville Yard Waste Site will be closed Saturday, July 2nd. For more information, contact the Posey County Solid Waste District at 838-1613.
Christmas in July set
The Salvation Army in Posey County will be holding a “Christmas in July” Red Kettle Campaign on Saturday, July 9, All funds collected stay in Posey County to help those in need. Collection sites in Mt. Vernon will be McKim’s IGA and Wesselman’s. Poseyville locations will include Hirsch’s, Patti’s, and the Feed Mill. If you would like to volunteer to ring the bells please contact Beth Russell at 812-8386875 or familymatt2006@aol. com.
Open Heart to sing here
Harmony Chapel Church of the Nazarene in New Harmony would like to invite you to a service of music and worship with the Open Heart Quartet. Open Heart is led by Wayne Maynard, formerly of the Kingsmen quartet. Service will be at 10:30 a.m. on July 10 with a dinner following. Harmony Chapel is located at the Corner of Brewery and Steammill in New Harmony.
ThePCN
The Vanlaningham Family took home a major prize for the third straight year in the New Harmony Fourth of July golf cart parade. Photo by Dave Pearce
New Harmony seeks grant for storm project Tri Kappa raises over $2,300 in 10 days for cemetery upkeep
By Pam Robinson The New Harmony Town Council took action on Thursday night to prepare the grant application to the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs for the South Street storm water project. Council approved Larry Stillwell to conduct the archaeological survey at the Labyrinth at a cost of $2,190. In addition, council approved payment of $2,350 to Paul Breeze for the South Road survey, contingent upon recording of the survey and submission of a final legal description. A public hearing will be held regarding the South Street storm water project on Friday, July 1, at 10 a.m. The proposal for the grant application is due Friday, July 22. After the meeting, Councilman Joe Straw spoke also about the construction of the new fire and emergency medical services station in New Harmony. He stated that on Wednesday, June 22, at 10 p.m., the final papers will be signed with the contractors. Danco Construction is expected to begin work after the Fourth of July holiday with completion by the end of the year. In related action at Thursday night’s meeting, council approved ordinance 2011-8, amending ordinance 2011-1, that makes the addition of annexing 1.008 acres of the state right of way at the old fairgrounds property, the site of the new fire and emergency medi-
cal services station. In other business: •Council approved the waste collection specifications for bids on the town’s trash collection, running from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2014. The lowest bidder will receive the town’s contract for services. Sealed bids must be submitted to Town Hall no later than 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, 2011. •Council passed resolution 2011-3 authorizing the 2011 town election to be conducted by the Town of New Harmony rather than the Posey County Election Board. •It was the consensus of council members to send a certified letter regarding the demolition of the Simmons property at 916 Brewery Street. •Council approved the festival application for Becky Gray and Rosie Benton to hold a farmer’s market for the sale of produce and homemade items. •It was the consensus of council that Fred Martin do ductwork in Town Hall to resolve climate control issues. •Don Julian, Pharmacy Director at St. Mary’s Hospital in Evansville, presented council with a proposal for provision of primary healthcare services to New Harmony. Julian recommends regular quarterly healthcare
Continued on Page A3
Dana Taylor is ACSI Artist of Year By Pam Robinson Dana W. Taylor, vocal director and technical theatre instructor at Mount Vernon High School, or MVHS, has recently been named the 2011 Artist of the Year by the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana. Taylor will be honored during a dinner and awards ceremony on Thursday, September 1. In addition, Taylor has been awarded the 2011 Founders’ Award by the Educational Theatre Association for significant contributions to theatre education in the United States. He accepted the award last week during the International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Neb. In response to the honors, Taylor
Inside this issue... Retrospective ................. A4 Legals ........................... B10 Classifieds ................ B7-10
Dana Taylor shares an anecdote about a question concerning his recognition as 2011 Artist of the Year. “What medium do you work
Dixon, Harms sworn in as new MVFD chief, Asst.
in?” a woman asked, expecting to hear about oils or acrylics. “I work in teenagers,” Taylor answered. He validates those teenagers as the inspiration behind his longstanding success since he came to MVHS 22 years ago. “The kids always make it interesting,” he says. “They are always willing to try to do things.” In addition, Taylor credits the Mount Vernon community, and MVHS administration as part of that community, for their support of the arts. “I always feel encouraged and applauded,” he comments. “I tell
Family Matters will be collecting items to help the families in Posey County affected by the flood waters. Nearly 100 families were affected, and many are in need of basic household items. Presently, a survey is being conducted to determine what items and resources they need. We plan on collecting and distributing the items through July 16, 2011. If you are interested in donating items or have questions please call Beth Russell at Family Matters at 838-6875.
CLC golf scramble
Continued on Page A3
By Pam Robinson The highlight of Thursday’s Mount Vernon Board of Public Works and Safety meeting was the swearing in of new Mount Vernon Fire Chief Wes Dixon and new Mount Vernon Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Harms by Clerk-Treasurer Cristi Sitzman. Mayor John Tucker read a brief statement congratulating the two new chiefs immediately before Sitzman administered the oath. Dixon and Harms will begin their new duties effective today, July 5, as a result of the retirement of former Fire Chief Roger Waters just yesterday, July 4. Formerly Assistant Fire Chief, Dixon has been with the city fire department 15 years while Harms has served for eight years, according to Tucker’s statement. “I really do believe the fire department and this community are very fortunate to have these two individuals leading Mount Vernon Fire Department,” Tucker said. Later in the meeting, Dixon announced that Matt Johnson is the new hire in the fire department. All documentation and training are expected to be in order this week for Johnson to assume his responsibilities by the middle of July. In other business: •Wastewater Superintendent Rodney Givens announced that Kieffer Brothers is scheduled to begin Phase 2 of the sewer project today on West 2nd Street. •Street Commissioner Roy Maynard announced that the Indiana Department of Transportation, or INDOT, will repair the intersection at Fourth and Main streets on Thursday and Friday, July 7 and 8. Main Street will be shut down between Fourth and Fifth streets both days while road crews dig out half the area down to the base and repave. Semi-trucks will be routed at the bypass. •Chief of Police Grant Beloat announced that the first 2011 Neighborhood Watch meeting will be held for Council District 1 on Thursday, July 21, at 7 p.m. in the Hovey House. •The board approved the request of Police Chief Grant Beloat to proceed with contacting local gas suppliers about their rates for a gas card for use in emergencies only. •The board authorized Mayor John Tucker to sign the permit to allow American Environmental to make a street cut for the remediation work at the BP Station on Fourth Street. •Street Commissioner Roy Maynard reported that mosquito spraying is being done four to five nights a week. •Street Commissioner Roy Maynard continued by stating Phase 1 paving in Mount Vernon is almost complete. He noted that economic development income tax, or EDIT, funds paid for the paving. He added that Phase 2 paving is expected to begin late July or early August. •Chief of Police Grant Beloat reported that the new police patrol car is expected to arrive at Expressway this week. He also stated that test-
Family Matters helps
The Annual Poseyville Kiwanis Golf Scramble will be coming up soon, July 23. If you would like to participate, let us know. For more information see our web page or e-mail us at poseyvillekiwanis@ hotmail.com
embezzled funds to similar cases in the state. Last Tuesday, the water utility clerk for Vigo County was arrested after an audit showed $362,000 in missing funds. But Zoeller said the scale of the situation in Posey County made it unique. “It’s pretty high on the dollar amount, and especially for a place like Poseyville. If it were money
Go to www.poseycountynews.com Community ........... A5 Social ..................... A6 Deaths ................... A3 Sports .................. B1-6 School.................... A8 Bus./Ag ................ A10
457476310