December 6, 2022 - The Posey County News

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Posey Co. officials take steps to improve security in all buildings

By Trisha L. Lopez

The Posey County Council approved a funding request to help strengthen courthouse security at Tuesday’s meeting at the Hovey House.

Posey County Circuit Court Judge Craig Goedde shared ongoing concerns about the courthouse’s lack of security and the county’s failure to comply with a decade-old Supreme Court mandate that court security is present anytime a courthouse is operable.

“We’re not in compliance with that. We haven’t been in compliance with that. So I want to not only get compliant with my bosses, but I also want the folks that come in and out of our building to be safe and secure,” Judge Goedde said.

He shared steps that have been taken to address the problem, including applying for about $166,000 in grant funding to cover the cost of two security machines and pay for two additional deputies to serve on-site throughout the day. He asked council to cover the cost of one metal detector, one baggage scanner and approval to hire three deputies to be designated as courthouse security only.

He said he would not immediately purchase the equipment with the funds approved because “the grant folks that I’ve talked to (said we) can’t do what we want to do and then the grant gets approved and we just send them receipts, because I specifically asked them that. I said ‘I don’t want to waste anymore time with anybody not being safe. I want to get what we need to get to get it now.’ They said ‘That’s wonderful if you do that, but until your grant is actually approved, we can’t go backtrack and give you money.’ So if you all approve this to-

day, I’m still not ordering anything until I get word from them that tells me ‘Yes, we are going to approve this or no we’re not going to do this’ because, ideally, the day they give me the word that our grant is approved at least for the equipment, then I’m ordering the equipment. If the equipment comes in and we have to pay for it before the grant money is actually funded, then they will take our receipt and they will reimburse us 100 percent of what we spent. But until we get that actual approval nod from them, they said ‘You’d be spending your money at your own risk.’”

Judge Goedde explained that this issue is nothing new.

“It started initially with me looking into doing something with the front door. There’s a lock system on the building itself that you can lock when we leave and unlock when we get in the morning. It’s not probably the most ideal system. Former employees….there’s probably about 20 codes out there generically that everybody seems to know and everybody utilizes. If somebody that doesn’t even work for us anymore wants to come back into the building when nobody’s there, technically, they can. Everybody that I’ve talked to doesn’t know exactly how to reset that or to give everybody personal codes,” Judge Goedde said.

He said the conversation shifted to looking into safety measures at the Posey County Memorial Coliseum and Hovey House, but he said both buildings already possess locking mechanisms. The courthouse does not.

“We have none. If you want to walk in and you want

Rose named ‘22 winner of ILE Distinguished Service Award

Special to the News

Posey County Prosecutor’s Office Investigator Kenneth Rose has been named the recipient of the 2022 Indiana Law Enforcement Distinguished Service Award.

The award is issued annually by the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council to honor law enforcement officers in the State of Indiana who have had lengthy and successful careers in law enforcement. Rose is the first member of law enforcement from Posey County to be receive this award.

“Using the word humble does not begin to express how I feel about receiving this award,” stated Rose. “Over my 43 years in law enforcement, I have had the privilege and honor of working alongside some of the finest officers and detectives – many of them far better at the job than me. I have also been fortunate to work with some of the best prosecu-

tors and chief deputy prosecutors from whom I have learned so much.”

Rose started his career in law enforcement in 1979 at the age of 23 as a patrol officer with the Mount Vernon Police Department in Posey County. In 1987, he was named MVPD’s Chief of Police. After five years in that role, Rose and his family moved to his wife Dee’s home state of California, where he continued his law enforcement career as a private bounty hunter. During that time, he helped apprehend numerous drug dealers and other offenders. His stint in California was short lived, because in 1994, Rose returned home to serve as the Investigator for the Posey County Prosecutor’s Office. In 1996, Rose helped the Prosecutor’s Office form the multiagency Posey County Drug Task Force that is currently still in place today.

Study finds MV full of possibilities

By Lois Mittino Gray

After almost a year of steering committee meetings, social media posts, and survey analysis, members of the Mount Vernon Common Council heard the results of a Comprehensive Plan prepared for the city as the main New Business at its November 16 meeting.

Matthew O’Rourke, the Planning Group Leader with American Structurepoint Inc., drove down from the company headquarters in Indianapolis to present the summary report to the city leaders. O’Rourke is an American Institute Certified Planner who has spent over fifteen years working in urban planning for the public sector.

He said that the report is the result of a year’s work and is actually “three studies in one” with this plan. “We updated the Downtown Revitalization Plan done in 2014, especially looking at historic area economic development. We also did an East Side Subarea plan, looking at all the industry and development being done on highway 62 as the eastern Gateway to your city. The last part addresses the needs of the whole city comprehensively,” he explained.

Mount Vernon Mayor Bill Curtis added the cost of the plan is being shared by the city and the Mount Vernon Redevelopment Commission. “The Commission picked up $20,000 of the fee,” he informed the councilors.

During his PowerPoint presentation, O’Rourke shared that “working in your community has been a lot of fun and there has been so much public participation.”

A steering committee met five times representing a diverse group of citizens. Some 253 responses were received from an online survey put out on social media. “This number is

so much better than responses we have received in the past and from some other cities,” the planner positively remarked. A well-attended public open house was held on March 15, 2022, and they also had a booth at River Days in September to

Urban planner Matthew O’Rourke presents the Comprehensive City Plan to the Mount Vernon City Councilors after one year of study and citizen participation.

Photo by Lois Mittino Gray

Kenneth Rose

Two friends enjoying the Mount Vernon Winter Formal on Saturday evening are Emma Ward-Miller and Krystal Lambrich, of Mount Vernon. The event was well-attended. Photo by Theresa Bratcher

Enjoying the North Posey Snowball for 2022 are students Heidi Lowe and Wyatt Gamblin. Many students enjoyed dancing the night away. Photo by Theresa Bratcher

Christmas in New Harmony welcomed a special gift into Posey County on Saturday during the annual Christmas in New Harmony Parade. A near-record number of people were in town on Saturday and again on Sunday. Photo by Dave Pearce

Seniors’ Executive Club - Thursday, December 8 - 2 until 4 p.m. - Premier Healthcare of New Harmony - NH

Mount Vernon Christmas Parade - Friday, December 9 - 7 p.m. - MV

Lighting of Christmas Tree and live NativityFriday, December 9, 7 p.m. - Riverbend Park - MV

Character BreakfastSaturday, December 10, 9 a.m. - 3 Chicks FudgeryMV

Candy Cane MarketSaturday, December 10, 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. - North Elementary School - PV

Kids Christmas Party, Food Trucks, Music and Fun - Saturday, December 10 - Noon untul 4 p.m.MV

Christmas Movie - Saturday, December 10 - 5 p.m. - Riverbend Park Amphitheatre - MV

Big New Harmony Christmas Party - Saturday, December 10 - 7 until 10 p.m. - Ribeyre Gymnasium - NH

Poseyville Golf Cart Christmas Parade and Caroling - Sunday, De-

cember 11 - 3:30 until 5 p.m. - North Elementary School - PV

MV

Community Church-Black’s Chapel - Drive-through live Nativity - Sunday, December 11 - 5 until 7 p.m. - MV

Wolfgang Orchestra and Chorus Christmas Concert - Sunday, December 11, - 5 p.m. - First UMC Wesley Hall - MV

PARP Credits - Friday, December 16 - 8 until 10:30a.m. - Cynthiana Town Hall - CY

Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus - Saturday, December 17 - 8 until 11 a.m. - Poseyville Community Center - PV

Poseyville Community Event - Games, crafts, cookies - Saturday, De-

cember 17 - 1 until 3 p.m. - Poseyville Community Center - PV

Saint Paul’s - Blue Christmas a Service of Hope and HealingWednesday, December 21 - 6:30 p.m. - PV

Saint Paul’s - Christmas Eve by Candlelight Service - Saturday, December 24, - 11 p.m. - PV

New Harmony Open Tues.- Fri., 10-4 Saturday, 10-1 812-682-5027 612 Main Street, NH goldenrosefloral.com

Mount Vernon Open Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, 10-5 p.m. Saturday, 10-1 p.m. 812-682-5005 601 E 4th Street, MV

United Fidelity Bank in Mount Vernon hosted the 14th Annual Pictures With Santa on Saturday. Some 140 youngsters turned out for the event. Here, Carson Hulsey tells Santa what she wants. Photo provided

Miranda Noah and Teresa Welch try to stay warm on Saturday afternoon as they wait for the judging of the pet parade during Christmas in New Harmony. Photo by Dave Pearce

Photo

Cynthia “Cindy” Darlene Mills, 53, of Evansville, Ind., passed away on November 26, 2022 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Ind., after a decades-long journey with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease.

Cindy was born on April 5, 1969 to Norman and Suzanne Mills in Evansville, Ind. She attended North Posey Senior High School and graduated in 1987. The same year, she married George Cook; they had two children together. Raising her children was the joy of her life. As a stay-at-home mother, Cindy played an active role in her children’s lives and extracurricular activities.

She worked at Daughters of Charity in Evansville, Ind., where she was beloved. Although she moved to Evansville, Ind., where she lived with her longtime partner and later fiancé, her heart remained in Posey County.

Cindy had a remarkable ability to connect with people and love others. She possessed the heart of a social worker and many knew her compassion. She enjoyed sharing laughter, often accompanied by a signature snort, with others. She was also known for being stubborn, headstrong, and highly opinionated. Having survived five strokes, she displayed exceptional strength and tenacity. According to rumors, she inspired many folk songs.

She enjoyed reading, gardening, coloring, traveling, watching Days of Our Lives,

Beverly Sue (Reed) Clevenger, 70, of Mount Vernon, passed away on Friday, November 25, 2022, at Linda White Hospice House. Beverly was born on January 17, 1952, the daughter of William and Mary (Marks) Reed. She married John Clevenger and he preceded her in death.

Beverly worked at the Mount Vernon Kmart for several years. She loved to sing and enjoyed being able to go places to sing Karaoke. More than anything she loved her family and spent as much time as she could with them.

She is survived by her daughters, Suzanna Clevenger and Shannon (Ryan) Mullen; grandchildren, Dakota (Morgan) Reed, LaStat Mullen, Jasper Mullen, and Jazann Clevenger; greatgrandson, Jason Reed; sib-

Dennis D. Kost passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2022. He was born to the late Mark and Helen Kost in Evansville, Ind., on April 25, 1950. He was a graduate of Mount Vernon High School and received his bachelor’s degree from ISU-E, now USI. Dennis retired from Cargill as plant manager after 33 years in the corn processing industry. Dennis loved spending time at the lake house with his wife, Deb, sons; Ryan (Julie), Nathan (Bri), and grandchildren; Wes (Kinzie), Charlotte, and Henry; brother, Mark (Jill); nieces and nephews whom he is survived by.

and spending time with family and friends. Cindy was often found in one of her happy places: either sitting on the front porch of her log cabin watching butterflies, hummingbirds, and aerobatics squirrels in the Spring and Summer, or inside next to a roaring fire during Fall and Winter.

Cindy was preceded in death by her father, Norman, and mother, Suzanne. She is survived by her children, Johnathan and Stephanie Cook, fiancé, David Cox, siblings Timothy (Diana) Mills, James (Brenda) Mills, Daniel Mills, Norma (Mike) Johnson, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Cindy to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation at pkdcure.org/give. Please also consider eating a slice of pizza (Cindy’s favorite was pepperoni) in her honor.

Cindy will be greatly missed by the many lives she touched. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Joan Elizabeth Hostetler, 78, of Evansville, Ind., born April 4, 1944, to John F. and Evelyn Jo (Wiggins) Erbacher in Evansville, Ind., passed away, Monday, November 28, 2022 at University Nursing and Rehab in Evansville, Ind.

She graduated in 1962 from The Academy of The Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, Ind. She worked at several different businesses over the years in Evansville, Ind. She contributed her time to her parents and family, hosting many family gatherings. Her hobbies were playing cards, quilting and yard sales. Joan was a very caring and giving person to all who knew her.

Surviving are her brothers: James R. Erbacher (Betty) of Dundas, Ill., Father Joseph F. Erbacher of Evansville, Ind., and Jerome P. Erbacher (Stephanie) of Mount Vernon, Ind.; sisters: Joyce Ungetheim (Bill) of Poseyville, Ind., Janice Erbacher-MaCurdy (Keith) of Evansville, Ind., Jo Mary Erbacher of Evansville, Ind., and Julie M. Mayes of Evansville, Ind., along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband: Donald Glenn Hostetler; brothers: Jack and Jeffrey Erbacher and sisters: Jean Erbacher and Judith Price.

A Funeral Mass was conducted 1 p.m., Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at Saint

Maryann Watson, 75, of Mount Vernon, Ind., passed away on December 1, 2022. She was born on May 19, 1947, the second child of Dr. Henry French Watson and Mary Frances (Strait) Watson.

Visitation was from 10 a.m. until 12:45 p.m., Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at the Werry Funeral Home in Poseyville, Ind.

The family would like to thank the staff at University Nursing and Rehab for their care and love that they showed daily.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Saint Francis Xavier Cemetery Fund, 10 North Saint Francis Avenue, Poseyville, IN 47633 or University Nursing and Rehab, 1236 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN 47714.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family online at: www.werryfuneralhomes.com.

Sarah “Pauline” TraversDunigan, 94, passed away on Monday, November 28, 2022 at the Charles Ford Retirement Community. She was born in Mount Vernon, Ind., on December 29, 1927.

Pauline was a member of the ADAA, the IDAA, and the Evansville Dental Assistant Society where she was a past President. She loved to line dance, golf and travel by air and by motorcycle. Pauline also loved to cook, especially making her home baked bread. Above all, she was very proud of and dearly loved her family.

She was preceded in death by her first husband of 42 years, Lloyd Earl Travers who passed away in 1989; brother, Thomas Wayne Coburn; daughter, Paula Kay Nelson; grandson, Kendall J. Downey; son-in-law, John Nottingham.

Pauline is survived by her sister, Emily Elliott; her daughters, Mickey Nottingham, Vicki Downey (Jeff); son, Michael Travers (Joan); son-in-law, Roger Nelson; grandchildren, Tom, Scott (Lori) and Andy Nottingham, Matt Downey (Kristy), Amber Lord (Josh), Kelly Nelson and Gregory Travers; 14 great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her second husband, Gerald “Doc” Eugene Dunigan

who passed away in 2022; and Gerald’s son, Gerald Dunigan, Jr.

Pauline is survived by Gerald’s children, Dianne Compton (Ron); Dr. David Dunigan (Carol); Michael Dunigan (Kathy); Dr. Patrick Dunigan (Janet), Timothy Dunigan, Kelly Jones (Kyle); 13 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren.

A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 2, 2022 at Alexander West Chapel officiated by Pastor Beth Ann Cook with burial in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Wadesville, Ind.

Friends visited from 10 a.m., until service time at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Laurel Hill Cemetery, P.O. Box 297, Poseyville, IN 47633.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.

lings,

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the Denning Family Funeral Home to help defray funeral expenses. Online condolences may be left at denningfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Maryann held both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree from Indiana University and of course was a Hoosier fan, often writing letters to coaches; she was especially pleased when Bobby Knight would write back, discussing basketball strategy and sometimes behavior. Although a lifelong Hoosier, she worried the rest of the family by taking over 20 trips to various parts of Africa, Borneo, Mexico, Galapagos, the Amazon River, and other parts of the world, usually working with animal conservation groups in a range of ways, from helping raise infant Orangutans and Chimps, to measuring white rhinos in Central Africa or sea turtles along the Gulf coast of Central America. An accomplished amateur photographer, her photographs and slides found their way into many of the classes she taught to both high school and middle school students. A music lover, she was also a member of the Wolfgang Orchestra and Chorus.

Maryann’s friends and her family remained in her heart as she traveled and she tried to keep in touch with the many diverse friends she met around the world. Never

married, she treated her sibling’s children as if they were her own, and wasn’t afraid to let them know about her strong opinions and ideas.

As a teacher, she was in a category all her own - the Maryann Watson category. She believed that the word science is a verb - in her Forensics course, the best example of that was measuring and examining the rates of decomposing fetal pigs and the various insect species found on the samples - all buried on the school property.

Her family and close friends will be holding a short recognition for Maryann from 2 until 4 p.m. on Friday, December 9, 2022 at Schneider Funeral Home, 512 Main Street, Mount Vernon, Ind.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Evansville Audubon Society or the Tristate Herpetological Society.

Condolences may be made online at www.schneiderfuneralhome.com.

Jon E. Randell, Sr., 64, of Oakland City, formerly of Mount Vernon, passed away Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh. He was born April 26, 1958 in Evansville to Jon Boyer and Winnie Randell. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School and earned an Associates Degree from Ivy Tech. He was Sergeant First Class in the United States Army serving from 1978 to 1994.

Jon was a Computer Analyst for Web MD and had also worked for Fifth Third Bank and General Finance. He attended Clarks Chapel Church in Somerville and was a member of the Evansville VFW Post 1114.

Jon is survived by his wife, Robin Randell of Oakland City; son, Jon E. Randell, Jr. (Melissa) of Henderson, Ky.; daughters, Melanie Tanner (Chris) of Yorktown, Va., and Mandi Yeatts of Princeton; grandchildren, Sofia Randell, Christopher, Austin and Tristan Tanner, Skylar Brushwood, Lexi Hurst, Avrie Yeatts, Emily McCallum, Everliegh Hurst, Christina Barela and Christopher Barela; twin sister, Jan Wagner (Tom) of Mount Vernon; and special friends, Debbie Rakestraw, Linda Water Rhodes, Jack Delgrosso and Beth.

He was preceded in death

by his parents and grandson, Richard Aaron Yeatts.

A funeral service was held at 1 p.m., on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton with Pastor Jeff Bryant officiating. Burial will follow at Columbia White Church Cemetery in Princeton. Military Graveside Services by Retired Military Veterans. Visitation was Tuesday at the funeral home from 11 a.m., until the hour of service. Memorial contributions may be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project, 223 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, Suite 301, Nashville, TN 37203. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www. colvinfuneralhome.com. Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve the Randell family.

Cynthia Darlene Mills

A visitation was held at Flanner Buchanan - Decatur Township, 5463 Kentucky Avenue, Indianapolis IN 46221 on Sunday, October 23, 2022, from 2 until 4 p.m.

Dennis D. Kost

Sarah Travers-Dunigan

Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Poseyville, Ind., with burial following in Saint Francis Xavier Church Cemetery near Poseyville, Ind. Celebrants officiating are Father Ed Schnur, Father Joseph F. Erbacher and Father Ted Temple.

Jon E. Randell, Sr.

Garry (Janet) Reed and Cindy Hurley. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son, Jason Reed.

Beverly Sue Clevenger

Maryann Watson

Trevor Wayne Lochmueller, 23, of Mount Vernon, Ind., passed away November 24, 2022. He was born June 8, 1999 in Evansville, Ind., to Jeffrey and Barbara (Nelson) Lochmueller.

Trevor graduated from Mount Vernon High School, Class of 2018. He enjoyed playing video games.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara and grandparents, Ann Brooks and Joseph Nelson.

He is survived by his father, Jeff; grandparents, Wyman “Jack” Brooks, Richard and Millicent Lochmueller; aunts, Tracey Whitten (Bruce) and Gayla Brown (Greg); uncles, Trent Lochmueller (Jamie) and Galen Brooks; cousins, Camry Costello, Laura, Allison, Hannah and Bianca Lochmueller and Eva Neidig.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at Schneider Funeral Home, 512 Main Street, Mount Vernon, Ind., with Rev. Dallas Robinson officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be made online at www.schneiderfuneralhome.com.

December 6 at 10 a.m. - Christmas Crafts for AdultsRESCHEDULED from November 6. Join us to make a Grinch ornament out of a paintbrush. Registration begins October 18. We will be in the Wabash Meeting Room.

December 6 at 3:30 p.m. - Teen Advisory Board (TAB) - The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is a group for teens to give us your input and help come up with cool programs and events at the library. This month we’ll have craft supplies available to make some fun DIY gifts for the holiday season. Come make something for yourself or for someone on your list.

December 6 at 5:30 p.m. - Christmas Movie Night - Come watch “The Polar Express” and get in the holiday spirit. We will serve cookies and hot chocolate before the movie. Come dressed in your Christmas pj’s and bring a pillow and blanket if you want. No registration required. This is a family event.

December 7 at 6 p.m. - Wander the World - Wander the World, an armchair travel and culture series hosted by Marissa and Joan. This month we “visit” Denmark. Come on in and have fun and learn something about this fascinating country.

Birthdays

December 6 - Jim Folz, Vickie Huck Harris, Judith A. Robison, Erika Kohlmeyer, Lisa White, Scott Lloyd, Autumn Johnson, Callie Moore, Clint Grimm, Kay Bryant

December 7 - Candy Loveridge, Chris Koester, Charles Schwan, Micah Hottel, Pat Culley

December 8 - Greg Wehr, Laura Heriges, Donnie Peerman, Samantha Werry, Wilton Juncker, Lola Roby, Hadley Smith, Judy Good December 9 - Tim McGennis, Larry

They are

members of a set, they were given to the Working Men’s Institute at the same time, or they were given by the same donor.

The two artifacts we examine this week are not members of a set, nor were they donated to the WMI at the same time, nor were they given by the same donor. But they are connected.

The first is a sauceboat, a 19th century container used at the dinner table for pouring sauce or gravy. Based on the registration marks printed on it, we

National and Local News 100 Years Ago

Note: News in this issue includes: Letters to Santa, City Officials urged to curb speeders, “Tuberculoisi Sunday” at Saint Paul, WabashPatoka levee will help Posey, Behrick to build armory, sports, news briefs and personals. Note: We will start letters to Santa in today’s issue.

Send Letters To Santa Claus - Here’s good news for the kiddies. The editor of The Western Star has just received a communication from Old Santa Claus himself, in which that jolly old fellow asks us to remind the good little boys and girls of Posey County that the night is not far distant when he will come down the chimney with his pack of toys and nuts, and in fact everything the little ones wish for. Now Santa Claus gets a great amount of joy out of hearing from and pleasing little folks on Christmas morning. So,

write a letter to Santa, mail it or bring it to our office and we will try to publish your letter in the “Star.”

City Officials Urged To Curb Speeders - At a meeting of the City Council Monday night, City Clerk Dixon read a communication from the Tuesday Club, in which these ladies urged the city officials to put a stop to auto speeding upon the streets of Mount Vernon and recommended the establishment of safety zones around the school buildings of the city to protect the younger pupils as they go to and from school. The matter was referred to Mayor Osborn and the city police for action.

Other business: the resignation of Fred Beste, who for the past 28 years has been a faithful member of the local fire department and who for the past 15 years has acted as assistant chief, was presented to the council and

accepted. Elmo Dunn was named to succeed Mr. Beste.

“Tuberculosis Sunday” Observed At Saint PaulTuberculosis Sunday was observed at Saint Paul’s M.E. Church Sunday night, at which time Rev. Betz delivered a sermon for the occasion. He said in part: “Of all the plagues that have hit the world, none is more deadly than tuberculosis, the “Great White Plague”and has kept up its destruction year after year for more than 2,500 years.” Rev. Betz closed with a plea to support the drive in the sale of the Tuberculosis Christmas Seals.”

Wabash-Patoka Levee Given State Approval - Full approval of the WabashPatoka Levee project, the estimated cost of which is $1,110,634 has been given by the State Conservation Department, following a survey by the department’s engineers. The report shows that the drainage district comprises over 62,000 acres in Gibson and Posey Counties. The reason for the needed project is to protect the land from overflow.

Behrick Gets Contract

For Armory - J.A. Behrick and Son, local contractors, were awarded the contract

December 8 and 15 at 10 a.m. - Adult Drawing and Watercolor Workshop - This free series is for anyone wishing to learn or perfect skills in drawing or watercolor. If you have questions or would like to take part call 812-838-3286. Must provide your own art supplies for this program. Our next series of workshops will begin on January 12, 2023.

December 9 at 5 p.m. - Silly Safari Reindeer - See Amazon John from Silly Safaris as Jingle John the Elf along with a LIVE reindeer and other animals of the North Pole when they visit the Alexandrian Public Library. All ages welcome. No registration required.

December 13 at 3:30 p.m. - Anime Club - For grades 6-12. Come hang out, watch and discuss manga and anime, do some crafts, and have some Japanese snacks If you can’t make it right at 3:30 p.m., it’s okay Join us whenever and hang out as long as you want. No registration needed.

December 13 at 6 p.m. - Novels at Night - Join us for a discussion of “The White Darkness” by David Grann at Tequilla’s. Walk-ins always welcome.

Trembczynski, Juanita Underwood, Kristi Teague, Marilyn Straw, Sheri Anderson, Jamie Grabert, Shona Lansdell, Juanita Bailey, Doris Crawford, Jenifer Hargett, Linda Healy, Jennifer McCarty December 10 - Juanita Bailey, Deborah J. Cox, Scott Turney, Luke Brown, Mariah Lynn Mobley, Fred Martin, Nicki Viviano, Melissa Lagoo, Shona Lensdell, Hermie Scheller, Kindall Morris, Holly Leffel December 11 - Kira M. Garrett,

believe that it was made in England sometime between 1844 and 1867. It is a blue and white pitcher, graceful and handsome. It was donated to the WMI in 1923 by Bessie Bennett McVenn, along with the information that it had belonged to her mother.

The second artifact is a photograph of a woman. On the back is handwritten “Ella Bennett with a Merry Christmas” and “Mrs. John Bennett.” Mrs. Bennett was Ella’s aunt by marriage, and it was an exceedingly kind gesture to send her a personal photograph as a Christmas card.

In 1928 Ella and her sister Mollie donated this photo to the WMI as part of a photo album.

The connection between these two

for the erection of the Armory building on the Phil Hageman lot on lower Main Street. The building will be headquarters for Battery E, commanded by Captain Phil Rowe. A stable will be built across the alley to accommodate their horses.

Sports - Mount Vernon boys lost to Yankeetown 25 to 21 in this city. The local feminines beat Central 17 to 13 last Friday. The Central High girls suffered their first setback in two years. Playing for Mount Vernon were: Wilson, Young, Stallings as center, Zimmerman and Johnson. Substitutes used were Blackburn, Wolfinger, and Short. Wilson was the top scorer for Mount Vernon with 6 field goals.

Other Scores: Wadesville High won both ends of a double header from Cynthiana High Wednesday night at Wadesville. No games in Mount Vernon for three more weeks. Friday night Mount Vernon will play at Newburgh.

Letters To Santa

Dear Santa Claus, Will you please bring me a doll that says ”mamma” and a set of dishes? Please do not forget my brother and sister and my father and mother.

Yours truly, Irma Juncker Dear Santa, I am a little boy 5 years old. I have tried to be a good boy and I hope you will come to see me and bring me something. I would

Haley Goad, Martha Mathews, Kathy Reibold, Gary Ambrose, Riley Trela, Jean Ann Hutchinson, Connie Voight, Dawn Worman, Kathy Neaveill December 12 - Kathy Reibold, Gary Ambrose, Riley Trela, Carl Isbell, Kathy Anderson, Donna Hutchison, Steve Tomlinson, McAllister Wathen, Ray McConnell, Joseph Toon

If you have a name to be included, please send to: Posey County News, P.O. Box 397, New Harmony, IN 47631, or email: news@poseycountynews.com.

artifacts is that the woman who owned the sauceboat was Sarah Jane “Sallie” Edmonds Bennett, and she was the Mrs. Bennett depicted in the photograph.

Upcoming at the WMI:

Preschool Story Time with Peggy Meyer will be each Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m.

Advanced Yoga with Patty Beagle is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m.

Kiwanis Story Time will be on December 22 at 6:30 p.m.

Weaving Camp will be taught by Peggy Taylor on December 28, 29, and 30. There will be no charge for the class, but pre-registration is required. Call the Working Men’s Institute at 812-6824806 to register.

Admission to all lectures is free. Lectures are recorded and available in several formats. DVD and Blu-ray may be checked out at the library. They are also available on YouTube. Links are posted on our Facebook page.

cap pistol, play automobile, candy and nuts. Don’t forget my sister, Marie. She is 10 years old.

Your little friend, Paul Elmer Mann

Dear Santa Claus, I am a little girl 6 years old and I haven’t been very bad this year. I want a little stove, a little sleepy doll with bobbed hair, and a slate and slate pencils. And, I want some oranges, candy, and apples. And, I have a little niece that lives close to my house. Be sure and bring her something.

Your little friend, Naomi Cole

Dear Santa, I am a little boy who will be 8 years old next Saturday. I want you to bring me a set of Tinker Toys, a pop gun, story book, a pair of shoes and stockings, and please bring my sister, Edith, a doll, a set of dishes, a broom, a rubber ball, a pair of shoes and stockings, and bring my little brother, Merle, a wagon, a toy streetcar, a rubber ball, a broom, and a doll. Also, bring us each a surprise or something we do not know what it is till we find it Christ-mas morning. Also, bring us some candy, nuts, oranges, apples, bananas, and coconuts. Do not forget the poor little children. Do not forget my dear mama and papa.

Your little friend, Leonard James Kessler

Dear Santa Claus, I am a little girl. I have been good

for a long time. My name is Elizabeth Deusner. I want you to bring me a box of dominoes, a birthstone ring, a doll and doll buggy, a little girls’ purse, and a few other games. My birthstone is an opal. I also want a storybook, some candy, oranges, bananas, and nuts. Please don’t forget Gladys and Lillian, and mama and papa.

Yours truly, Elizabeth Deusner

Dear Santa, I am a little boy, 7 years old. I go to Farmersville School. I am in the second grade and have not missed a single day last year or so far this year and have not been tarty, either. My teacher is Miss Deliah Rippey. I have a little brother and a little sister. We all are looking for you on Christmas Eve. I want a football, a train, a gun and a sled.

Your little friend, Melvin Miller

Note: (father of my wife, Marsha)

News Briefs And Personals - Birth - A son, John, was born to Mr. and Mrs. William Cameron Tuesday. Sick List - Mrs. Alfred Cox is seriously ill at her home. George, son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Benner is on the sick list. An epidemic of diphtheria is being experienced at Stewartsville. Visits - Louis York gave us his annual call Friday. Oral Erwin gave us a call on Saturday. Henry Krittenstein of Wadesville was in the city shopping Tuesday. Mrs. Ruth Curtis was a shopping visitor Saturday.

Sunday Visits - Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ziegler and daughter of Mount Vernon spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. John Schmitzer and family. Marriages - Miss Agnes Hitchinson and Mr. Edwin Hausman went to Carmi, Illinois last week and were secretly married and on their return to this city, announced their marriage which greatly surprised their parents and relatives. Miss Irma Bishop and William Grabert were married in Princeton on Saturday.

News 125 Years Ago

Marriage Licenses - John Elleser and Lizzie Apple; and Louis Schauss and Eliz. Huber.

P C H J K

News From The Western Star, December 6, 1922 - Mount Vernon

Frequently there are connections between artifacts.

WMI’s Artifact Under Exam by by Melora Adams

Seventeen-month-old Maelee Merkley wanted no part of seeing Santa and Mrs. Claus while her five-year-old sister, Jade patiently waited for her to calm down. The sisters are the children of Eric and Jenna Merkley of Griffin. The photo was taken at Breakfast With Santa in New Harmony on Saturday. Photo by Lois Mitino Gray

Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Bill Denning, Funeral Director

Trevor Wayne Lochmueller

PCCF Community Scholarship Program now accepting applications

This year, donors to the Posey County Community Foundation are once again making scholarship awards available through the Community Scholarship Program.

“Many Foundation donors have honored their loved ones, high schools, or professions by endowing scholarship opportunities through the Foundation,” says Amy Smith, the Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact. “We administer separate scholarship funds established by individuals, families, and organizations to assist

This week’s Viking Pride features sophomore Bekah Alderson. Bekah is a member of the SADD club.

SADD, sponsored by Mrs. Jessica Schenk, stands for Students Against Destructive Decisions. This club’s objective is to help promote and advertise students making good choices throughout their life, but especially during high school.

Here is more about Bekah, Tell me about yourself.

I am a sophomore at North Posey High School. I am involved in multiple school activities. I also play for our school’s tennis team.

How long have you been in the activity?

This is my first year being in the SADD club.

Tell me about your role, responsibilities, and/or involvement in this activity.

Being involved in SADD is to spread awareness about why you should not make destructive decisions and how to prevent them. My role and responsibility is to make sure if there is a bad situation, I am the one to step up and make a GOOD decision and help others do the same.

What do you enjoy most about the activity?

I enjoy promoting and helping people make good decisions that will have the best

local students in pursuit of advanced education. Together, these scholarships make up our Community Scholarship Program.”

Students may apply for one or more scholarships, as long as they meet the particular eligibility requirements. Details about each scholarship and the application are posted on the website at poseycountycf.org/scholarships.

Eligibility requirements and selection criteria are determined by donors and are posted on the website. Each scholarship is

Viking Pride

results.

What keeps you interested and involved in your activity?

or for fun) during your free time?

I love spending time with friends and family. I also like watching movies and going shopping.

What advice would you share with younger elementary or middle school students?

Think before you do something or say something. You want to make sure you are saying or doing the right thing.

What is a fun fact about you that people may not know?

I was born in Springfield, Tennessee.

unique and supports students with a variety of backgrounds, educational goals, and economic statuses. Awards are made without regard to race, creed, color, sex, religion, or national origin and are based on a competitive process which may consider academic achievement, extracurricular activities, personal aspirations, educational goals, and financial need.

The Foundation offers the following tips to help students complete their applications: • Review the Community Scholarship

Tips to Apply document.

• Print the Student Review Sheet to assist with your scholarship review process.

• Begin working on the application early.

• Follow all instructions carefully and make sure you are submitting all the required parts (including letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc.).

• Check and double-check your application before submitting.

The deadline to apply is 12:00 midnight on Monday, February 13, 2023.

Wildcats of the month

I have seen a lot of people go down wrong paths that lead them to having many regrets. I want to help prevent people from going down those wrong paths.

What other activities are you involved in?

I am involved in HOSA, a member of student council, and I am a part of the North Posey High School girls tennis team.

Tell me about your family. My family is full of amazing people. They are the reasons why I am so big on being against destructive decisions. They help me make the right decisions and give me advice when it is needed.

What do you enjoy doing (out of school activities and/

What is your favorite quote and why?

“Don’t make a permanent decision for a temporary emotion” -Bishop T.D. Jakes

This is my favorite quote because when I do have a decision to make, this reminds me to look at more than just what I am feeling at the moment.

It is evident that Bekah is a great example for Vikings to look up to when it comes to making decisions. Not only does she think long-term and make good decisions, but she also goes out of her way to help others do the same. Great job to Bekah and the rest of North Posey’s SADD club for all they do to help North Posey students make better choices.

Weekly Wildcat

Welcome to the Weekly Wildcat where we highlight a Mount Vernon High School student and their involvement in both their school and community. Hunter Elderkin is a senior and a member of the varsity wrestling team.

Tell me about yourself.

I’m a senior in Mount Vernon High school. I am a three year varsity wrestler, a member on Black Twp. Fire & Rescue, and a member of the Indiana Army National Guard. I also coached Park & Rec. flag football. I love to hunt. In the summers, I am a counselor at Camp Ondessonk in southern Illinois.

Tell me about your family.

My mom is a librarian at Alexandrian Public library and my dad is a paramedic at Posey County EMS. They both graduated from Mount Vernon High School. I have an older brother who graduated from MVHS and a younger sister who is currently a freshman at MVHS. I also have two dogs.

What is a fun fact about you that many people don’t know?

I was Black Townships youngest ever firefighter cadet at 10 years old. What words do you live by? Enjoy the little things.

Briefly

Premier Healthcare of New harmony will host the Seniors’ Executive Club on Thursday, December 8, from 2 until 4 p.m. There will be club announcements, a light afternoon lunch, Bingo, prizes and lots of fun. RSVP to Edna by Tuesday, December 6, via text or phone 812781-4004.

PC Sewer District Board to meet

The board of the Posey County Regional Sewer District will meet on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 9 a.m., at the Hovey House, 330 Walnut, Mount Vernon, IN 47620.

Immanuel UCC hosting “The Dulcimer Invasion” Musicians

“The Dulcimer Invasion” musicians will preform at 10 a.m. Decem-

ber 11, Sunday worship service. They will offer special music in a beautiful setting of a country church. They will play pre-service music, and musical selections throughout the service, including an old Irish melody and Amazing Grace.

MV Community Church-Black’s Chapel Live Nativity

Mount Vernon Community Church-Black’s Chapel UMC will present their annual free drive-thru live Nativity on Sunday, December 11, from 5 until 7 p.m. There will be live animals to help portray the night of Jesus birth. Everyone is invited to help us celebrate this special occasion, the night of our Savior’s birth,

Wolfgang Orchestra and Chorus Christmas Concerts

Come and listen on Sunday, December 11, at 5 p.m., at First UMC Wesley Hall.

New Harmony Lamp Project BG Projects (at New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art) is proud to present The Lamp Project, a group show featuring ceramic installations by University of Southern Indiana’s Ceramics II students. Artists include Ashley Banks, Lunar Bowen, Caro Burks, Elizabeth Garland, Zoe Lawrence, Mia Mitchell, Katherine (Kassi) Norton, Katelynn Roy, Jaeda Thompson, and Leanne Werkmeister.

The Lamp Project will be on view from November 12 through December 17, 2022, with gallery hours from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Central, Tuesday through Saturday.

Christmas on Main Street in Mount Vernon

What is a funny or your favorite memory that relates to your involvement at school or the community?

Spending half my school day working with the fire department this school year.

What do you enjoy doing (out of school activities and/ or for fun) during your free time?

Hunting, working with the fire department, working at summer camp, and sleeping. What advice would you share with younger elementary or middle school students?

Get involved with extra curricular activities.

What plans do you have for the future?

I ship out Army Basic Training this summer. Then I plan to attend Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. There I plan to major in Fire Science with a minor in Military History and will commission as an officer in the US Army .

Hunter loves to stay busy. You can find him practicing wrestling or at the Black Township Fire Department volunteering. Get out and support your Mount Vernon Wrestling team at their home meet on Tuesday, December 13th against Southridge.

Join us for our two day event starting on Friday, December 9, at 7 p.m. for the Christmas Parade and at 7:50 p.m. for the lighting of the Christmas tree. Live Nativity immediately following tree lighting.

Then come back on Saturday, December 10, for the 9 a.m. Christmas Character Breakfast, the kids Christmas party with food trucks, music, and fun from noon until 4 p.m., followed by a Christmas movie at 5 p.m. at the Amphitheater.

Open House Retirement Party for Sophie Roby

Open house retirement party for Sophie Roby will be held Sunday, December 11, from 1:30 until 3:30 p.m. at the Alexandrian Public Li-

brary in the Ohio room. Come join and help celebrate her retirement.

Deadline to certify planted wheat December 15, is the deadline to certify planted wheat, planting dates are required.

If you have cover crops please certify them as soon as possible.

The 2023 Farm Program sign up is ongoing and the deadline to get all signature on the contract back in the office is March 15. Producers have the option of changing the elections on the contracts. All producers who have a share on the contract must sign the contract.

Please contact the Posey County FSA Office at 812-838-4191, ext. 2 to set up an appointment or if you have any questions.

The following ten students were selected by the faculty of Mount Vernon High School as “Wildcat of the Month” for November, 2022. Students are selected based on criteria which include academics, citizenship, effort and attendance. Honorees are: Adam Burke, Aaliyah Cavalier, Shelby Lang, Gianna Starnes, Lia Hurtado, Cade Pierce, Mallory Kuhn and Ava Renaud. Not Pictured: Solicity Muncy and Frank Wurtz

klWildt h Whtif lWildt

Hunter Elderkin

Bekah Alderson

Seniors’ Executive Club

Enjoying Christmas in New Harmony but also volunteering on Saturday are Angie Wiley, Tracy Burks, Hannah Kolley, and Jennifer Burks-Kolley. Photo by Dave Pearce

Pastor Elisabeth sees Holy Spirit moving at Immanuel

By Pam Robinson

Pastor Elisabeth Baer has witnessed the Holy Spirit’s movement since she first answered the call to serve at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 5812 Ford Road, in Mount Vernon. The church has welcomed nine new members since her installation in January 2022.

It has approved buying new playground equipment to bring the playground back to life. It has presented movie nights with freshly popped popcorn or a light meal. It has provided special music, special programs, and potluck meals.

Speaking about the new members, she says, “That’s been astounding. That’s one indice of growth, the outward growth in members. But, I think, what it portrays more is the inward growth that, I hope, I’m experiencing and others as well. And Immanuel is continuing to be a welcoming presence in the area.”

To say the church is welcoming, is an understatement. The playground renovation was inspired less than eight months ago. A little child leading, a young boy in elementary school attended church with his family one day. After worship, he asked Pastor Elisabeth, “What’s with the playground?”

The Immanuel community answered with two members, Brett Baldwin and Jennifer Willett, stepping up to form a team and research other playgrounds in the area. The entire congregation approved a line item in the budget to ensure the playground team’s work wasn’t in vain. And the interest and involvement in the playground restoration doesn’t end there.

“We have a junior in high school, Beau Baldwin, who’s working toward his Eagle

Scout,” Pastor Elisabeth notes. “He plans to have his Eagle Scout project with us, possibly in the playground.”

That’s only one way Immanuel has answered the desire to welcome young families and children. Every Sunday, all children are invited to Children’s Moment when the children learn about God’s love. They then head out to the Kids’ Room for light refreshments as well as arts and crafts.

A smile skips across Pastor Elisabeth’s face as she recalls a church member, Carol Williams, gently strummed a dulcimer during Children’s Moment. She had never played a dulcimer until then. It brought joy to both the musician and the children. “That epitomizes the community—that they’re open to letting the Spirit move among us and to trying new things. That was fun.”

Another Sunday school class has started before worship for young adults. At 9 a.m., they meet –upon their own initiative.

Immanuel has started offering Community Movie Night with family-friendly movies one Saturday evening each month. This past Saturday, December 3, was the viewing of the newly released, highly-acclaimed movie, “Slumberland,” after a light meal. “We invited the wider community to attend,” Pastor Elisabeth comments. “A member made a wall-sized screen to help foster community at the movies. It’s good old-fashioned fun.”

The church welcomes children of all ages with music throughout the year and special music during liturgical seasons such as Advent, Lent, and Easter. Beth Folz is the regular pianist at the church with Gail Angel providing organ music about once a month. The

choir has formed again in spite of COVID, and makes a joyful noise unto the Lord most Sundays.

Popular community singers and musicians delight everyone throughout the year. On Sunday, December 11, for example, the “Dulcimer Invasion,” will offer pre-service music and music for worship at 10 a.m. Led by Rick Huffman, the group of five will offer such favorites as “Amazing Grace” and an old Irish melody--and more.

Special programs are a feature of the Dorcas women’s group, meeting the third Thursday of every month at 1 p.m. The programs include guest speakers on a variety of topics. In addition, Pastor Elisabeth as well as church members will present such special programs like the one held before Thanksgiving entitled “Grace and Gratitude.”

The wider community is invited to Immanuel’s Advent happenings also. Just this past Sunday, December 4, the congregation celebrated the Hanging of the Greens with Scripture readings and readings explaining the symbols of Advent and Christmas. These symbols appear on the 18 ft. tall Chrismon tree, which was lighted during this time also.

As British poet John Keats would say, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” The tree alone is a welcome sight for church members and visitors alike, much like the stained glass windows in the sanctuary.

“How could I not mention the stained glass windows? That is the best-kept secret in the area,” Pastor Elisabeth insists. “Our stained glass windows were designed and created by our church members in a church member’s basement. They are absolutely beautiful. They are stunning. Every time I go into the sanctuary, I’m in awe of them.”

On Sunday, December 11, it bears repeating, the “Dulcimer Invasion” will offer their music before and during 10 a.m. worship. Equally delightful is the Cookie and Cake

Walk in the fellowship hall after worship. Posey County people come to this event to buy homemade cookies and candy for Christmas gatherings. The cookies and candies sell for $6 per pound!

On Christmas Eve Saturday, a candlelight service of lessons and carols will welcome children and families. This child-friendly, family-friendly service starts at 6 p.m. on December 24.

Since Christmas Day falls on Sunday this year, the December service at 10 a.m. will focus on the lighting of the Christ candle in the center of the Advent wreath. Once again, children and families are welcome.

With the advent of the New Year, the community can expect continuing celebration with January 1, 2023, also falling on Sunday. What better way to ring in the New Year than to join the 10 a.m. service?

“We forget Christmas isn’t just one day,” Pastor Elisabeth reminds us. “It’s a season, so we’re still celebrating Christmas that day.” All four candles on the Advent wreath and the Christ candle in the center will be lit as a visual reminder to continue to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

The Advent season ends January 8 with Epiphany Sunday to remember the coming of the Wise Men to see Baby Jesus.

“There are some dynamics going on that tells our community that the Holy Spirit is moving among us. That’s exciting, that openness to the Spirit,” Pastor Elisabeth reflects. “I have been welcomed well. There is such a sense of joy in the ministry shared there. It’s very much a shared ministry. It’s a welcoming place.”

If community residents are searching for a church home, Pastor Elisabeth invites them to grow along with Immanuel and to experience the movement of the Holy Spirit for themselves and their families. They might even learn to play the dulcimer.

Saint Matthew Catholic School celebrates All Saints Day

Sermon of the Week - Tempted

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (12) So be careful. If you are thinking, “Oh, I would never behave like that”—let this be a warning to you. For you too may fall into sin. (13) But remember this - the wrong desires that come into your life aren’t anything new and different. Many others have faced exactly the same problems before you. And no temptation is irresistible. You can trust God to keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it, for he has promised this and will do what he says. He will show you how to escape temptation’s power so that you can bear up patiently against it.

Have you ever said, “I wouldn’t do that”? Have you ever thought, “That couldn’t happen to me”? Life is filled with temptations. Life is filled with difficulties. And we all must make decisions daily on how we will react to that which comes before us. Someone has said, “God won’t put more on you than you can stand”. That’s not really what the Word of God says. God’s Word tells us that with each temptation God will show us how to escape or overcome the temptation or problem. The Word of God does not tell us that we will not have problems and that some of them will seem as more than we can handle. Some things that we face we must patiently work on and then wait for the results. We can’t get the idea

that because we trust Christ we won’t have problems. We can’t get the idea that as a Christian we will never fall into the traps of sin. We are all tempted and at times we all fall into the temptation of sin. Don’t get the idea that it can’t happen because you might be tempted and hit on your blind side.

So, how do I avoid temptation? We don’t! Jesus faced temptation just as we do. And for every temptation that Jesus faced the Father made a way off escape. Luke 4 can and will teach us a great deal about facing and overcoming temptation. We are not told in the Word of God that we will never be tempted. We are not told in the Word of God that we will not yield to temptation. But, we are told that God is faithful in all things and God will provide for our strength to escape or stand against the temptation. Our ability to face or overcome the temptation is not in our own strength. Our strength comes from God just as Jesus strength came from God. We are weak in our own ability but by the grace of God we are made strong. In our weakness God is at His strongest. Sometimes our greatest temptation is that we think we will never do some things. Have you ever been told, “Don’t repeat this” and you said you wouldn’t. And then for some strange reason we tell what we have heard. Yes, we all fall into the trap of temptation and God can and will help us overcome the temptation. However, it may take time and we can’t give up. We

learn to hang on by the grace of God. In God’s grace we face and overcome the temptation. But don’t get in a hurry, some things take more time than we thought.

We have all faced or will face the same problems. We can’t get the idea that God won’t let that happen to me. Remember, God allowed Job to experience some real problems and Job never gave up on God. Job said in the mist of all his problems and temptations, “I know that my redeemer lives” (Job 19:25). We must have the faith to believe that God will help us overcome our problem. We must have the faith that God is with us and we have not been forsaken. God was with the Children of Israel for forty years before they entered the Promised Land. And that was a long trip. So, we must be ready to trust and wait for God no matter what we face. Someone has walked the road we travel before and we can also walk the road. It is by the grace of God that we are not consumed (Lamentations 3:22). By the grace and strength of God we can face all things and by that grace and strength we can overcome all things. Our responsibility is to trust God and follow His leadership. Remember, you can do all things through Christ who is your strength (Philippians 4:13).

I have prayed for you this morning. I pray that we all know and understand that God will be with us in all the temptations we face and He will be our strength to withstand.

Kate Bohleber was nominated by the principal for the student of the week. She has excellent grades, attendance, behavior, and attitude. She

she can.

NORTH POSEY STUDENT OF THE WEEK KATE BOHLEBER Saint Philip Catholic School

Bro. Tom Doty

Pastor Elisabeth Baer

Fifth grade Saints in the front row, l to r, are: Addie Blackburn, Braxtyn Saum, Olive Muller, Nevaeh White, Ana Gonzalez and Kaylee Raben. Back row, l to r: Dax Konrath, Samuel Green, Jaclyn Le, Abbey Bourne and Lola Haggard.

Fourth grade Saints in the front row, l to r, are: Scarlett Altstadt, Alie Girten, Jordyn Ricketts, Brinkley Gregory, Jack Konrath, Isaac Matthews. Back row, l to r: Cece Collins, Lauren Seifert, Iliza Ritzert, Daisy Roberts, Lily Altstadt, Kenadee Axley.

The fourth and fifth grade students of Saint Matthew Catholic School recently celebrated All Saints Day by Awakening the Saints. Each student learned about their chosen saint and then participated in the Saints Come Alive. They memorized the life story of their saint,

dressed up like them and stood like a statue waiting to be awakened. They each had a small bucket in front of them, and they were “brought to life” when money was dropped in their bucket. They raised $674.20 which was donated to the River Bend Food Pantry.

Legal Advertising and Court News

Arrests November 20

Kelly Arnold - Mount Vernon - Criminal Trespass, Unlawful taking of Deer or Wild Turkey with Silencer - DNR November 21

Malissa Nall - Operating or Permitting Operation Without Financial Responsibility - PCS November 22

2022-351

Scott Beste - Mount Vernon - Possession of Methamphetamine, Resisting Law Enforcement, Possession of Marijuana (petition to revoke bond) - PCS November 23

Michael Miller - Mount Vernon - Warrant, Neglect of a Dependent x 3 - PCS

April Miller - Mount Vernon - Warrant, Neglect of a Depen-

2022-344

Cause No. 65C01-2210-EU-00062

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LARRY J. KUSTURIN, DECEASED.

dent x 3 - PCS

Tyler Spaulding - Enfield, Ill. - Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia - PCS

November 26

Benito Alonzo - Evansville - Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Ever Obtaining a License - PCS November 27

Christian Welborn - Evansville - Warrant, Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession or Use of a Legend Drug, Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Possession of Paraphernalia (petition to revoke) - PCS

Tianha BredenkampEvansville - Driving While Suspended - MVPD

Robert Wills - Olney, Ill.Possession of Marijuana - PCS

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NOTICE OF UNCLAIMED FUNDS

6, 2022 - hspaxlp

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

THE POSEY CIRCUIT COURT

IN

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Andrew Kusturin was, on November 9, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of LARRY J. KUSTURIN, deceased, who died on July 24, 2020.

All persons who have claims against this estate, whether or not now due, must file the claim in the office of the clerk of this court within three (3) months from the date of the first publication of this Notice, or within nine (9) months after the decedent’s death, whichever is earlier, or the claims will be forever barred. DATED: November 15, 2022.

CLERK, POSEY CIRCUIT COURT

Prepared By: Joshua Mastison, # 26476-82 Mastison Law & Mediation, Inc. Attorney-at-Law & Certified Domestic Relations Mediator 7899 Bell Oaks Dr., Suite 6 P.O. Box 1202 Newburgh, IN 47629 Published in the Posey County News on November 22, November 29, December 6, 2022 - hspaxlp

2022-347

NOTICE OF UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION

NO. 65C01-2211-EU-000067 IN THE POSEY CIRCUIT COURT IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ERIK O. ARNEBERG, DECEASED

Notice is hereby given that James Owen Coleman and The Goldman Sachs Trust Company, N.A. were, on November 18, 2022, appointed as Co-Personal Representatives of the Estate of Erik O. Arneberg, Deceased, who died testate on August 6, 2022, and were authorized to proceed with the administration of said decedent’s estate without court supervision.

All persons who have claims against this estate, whether or not now due, must file the claim in the office of the Clerk of this Court within three (3) months from the date of the first publication of this notice, or within nine (9) months after the decedent’s death, whichever is earlier, or the claims will be forever barred.

DATED at Mount Vernon, Indiana on 11/18/2022.

Kay Kilgore, Clerk, Circuit Court of Posey County, Indiana By: Donna Curtis Deputy

D. Andrew Nestrick, Esq. Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC One Main Street, Suite 201 Evansville, IN 47708-1473 Ph: (812) 452-3510 Fax: 812-421-4936 Email: andy.nestrick@skofirm.com Published in the Posey County News on November 29, December 6, 2022 - hspaxlp

NOTICE TO BIDDERS SCHOOL BUS CONTRACTS

Notice is hereby given that the Board of School Trustees of the Metropolitan School District of Mt. Vernon will, at the MSD of Mt. Vernon Administration Office, 1000 West Fourth Street, Mt. Vernon, Indiana until the hour of 10:00 a.m. local time, December 20, 2022, receive sealed negotiable bids for the letting of contract school bus routes for the transportation of school children to and from school for a period of four (4) years, effective the start of the 2023-2024 school year.

Complete specifications, which describe the routes to be required in the contract, are on file and may be secured in the Administration Office at the above address.

Said negotiable bids will be opened at the above time and presented to the Board of School Trustees at their second meeting in January, 2023.

The contract will be awarded ordinarily to the respective lowest responsible bidder, but the Board of School Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all negotiable bids; to waive technicalities; and to delay the awarding of contracts until all cost data can be analyzed.

METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF MT. VERNON

Board of School Trustees Secretary

Published in the Posey County News on November 29, December 6, 2022 - hspaxlp

2022-348

NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS OF PROPOSED ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS

Notice is hereby given the taxpayers of the City of Mount Vernon,

(15) days of receipt of a Certified Copy of the action taken.

*Fiscal Impact: There is no fiscal impact for this Resolution – the additional appropriation requested is due to reimbursement of funds being appropriated back into the budget.

Published in the Posey County News on December 6, 2022 - hspaxlp

Andrew ScheideggerEvansville - Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Paraphernalia - PCS November 28

Tracy Cartwright-Friedman - Evansville - Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession or Use of a Legend Drug, Possession of Paraphernalia - PCS November 29

Georgia Bourne - Owensville - Driving While Suspended - PCS

Complaints November 20 2:11 a.m. - Juvenile Problem - Juveniles out in the yard, yelling and screaming and throwing a party. Subjects went inside but still very loud - Walnut Street, Mount Vernon

Pursuant to the law of the State of Indiana (I.C. 8-1-13-11) and the Bylaws and Policy of Western Indiana Energy Rural Electric Membership Corporation (WIN Energy REMC), formerly Knox County REMC and Sullivan County REMC, and pursuant to notice of eligibility of capital credit refund having been given previously to the members as required, after the 6th day of February 2023, WIN Energy REMC will recover all unclaimed capital credit refunds issued December 10, 2020 for the year 1995.

If you were a member during 1995 and have not received a capital credit refund, please notify the office by calling 800882-5140 or mail your claim to: WIN Energy REMC, 3981 S US Highway 41, Vincennes, IN 47591.

In the event members eligible for the capital credit refund do not make a valid claim within sixty (60) days of this notice, the capital credits issued December 10, 2020 for the year 1995 shall be forfeited to the corporation by operation of law.

Published in the Posey County News on December 6, 2022 - hspaxlp 2022-350

STATE OF INDIANA )

IN THE POSEY CIRCUIT COURT ) SS: COUNTY OF POSEY ) 2022 TERM CAUSE NO. 65C01-2210-EU-000063

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF OF BARBARA DAVIDSON, DECEASED NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

IN THE POSEY CIRCUIT COURT OF POSEY COUNTY, INDIANA.

Notice is hereby given that John P. Davidson was, on the 20th day of October, 2022 appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of Barbara Davidson, who died on the 15th day of May, 2022.

All persons who have claims against this estate, whether or not now due, must file the claim in the office of the Clerk of this Court within three (3) months from the date of the first publication of this notice or within nine (9) months after the decedent’s death, whichever is earlier, or the claims will be forever barred.

Dated at Mount Vernon, Indiana, this 28th day of November, 2022.

Beth McFadin Higgins (IN#11615-65)

Attorney for the Estate McFadin Higgins & Folz, LLP 227 Main Street, Mt. Vernon, IN 47620 Telephone: (812) 838-9720 bethmh@mhfmvlaw.com

Kay Kilgore Clerk of the Posey Circuit Court for Posey County, Indiana

Published in the Posey County News on December 6, December 13, 2022 - hspaxlp

2022-352

City of Mount Vernon, IN Unsafe Building Enforcement Authority Sherry Willis 520 MAIN STREET MT. VERNON, IN 47620 812-838-5576 December 1, 2022, ORDER

ORDER MADE PURSUANT TO I.C. 36-7-9 AND MT. VERNON CODE OF ORDINANCE, CHAPTER 150 Owners: Trishana D. Wheeler Paula Raddatz 700 Goad Cemetery Road New Harmony, IN 47631

Paul G. Coan, Estate of Paul G. Coan, the unknown heirs assigns, and successors in Interest to Paul G. Coan REGARDING Lot Number Two (2) in Henry Schnur’s Enlargement to the City of Mount Vernon, Indiana. ALSO more commonly known as 925 Lower New Harmony Road, Mt. Vernon, Indiana 47620

ACTION REQUIREDDemolish and remove building on the above premises. The following violations exists on the structures. Unsafe Building – IN Code 36-7-9-4(a)(4) Ordinance 2013-13 Local property Maintenance Code for Exterior Maintenance of Residential and Commercial Buildings

Item #5 Accessory Structures All accessory structures on premises shall be maintained in compliance with all Property Maintenance Codes.

Item #9 General Exterior Condition - The exterior of a structure shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and sanitary so not to pose a threat to the public health or, safety, welfare, or be a public nuisance. All exterior walls shall be free from holes, breaks, and loose or rotting materials; and maintained weatherproof and properly surface-coated where required to prevent deterioration.

Item# 10 Protective Treatment All exterior surfaces including, but not limited to doors, door and window frames and trim shall be maintained in good condition. Exterior wood surfaces shall be protected from the elements and decay by painting or other protective covering or treatment. Outside walls and wood around windows shall protected from the elements.

Item #12 Foundation Walls All foundation walls shall be maintained plumb and free from open cracks and breaks and shall be kept in such condition so as to prevent the entry of rodents and unwanted animals.

Item#13 Roofs and Drainage The roof and flashing shall be sound and tight and not have defects that admit rain. Roofing shall be installed as designed by its manufacturer. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior portion of the structure. Every structure shall have adequate gutters and downspouts in sound condition maintained in good repair to divert normal rainwater from the roof to an available storm sewer or to other areas on the premises, not including a sanitary sewer, where dispersal of water will not adversely affect the foundation of any structure and will not cause a public hazard. If there is no storm sewer available, the downspouts shall terminate above grade with a diverter and splash block to direct water away from the foundation of any structure, and in a manner that will not cause a public hazard.

Item #20 Posting of Street Numbers To enhance response for emergency services, it shall be the responsibility of every property owner, trustee, agent, and occupant of every structure (residential or commercial )to post or maintain address numbers at all times. Each structure to which a street number has been assigned shall have such number displayed on the front of the structure or on a mailbox located on the same lot and readable from the public right-of-way at all times, from either direction. All numbers shall be Arabic numerals equivalent) at least three inches (76mm) in height and a minimum of one-half-inch (13mm) stroke, and shall be a contrasting color from it’s background. If the structure is fifty feet or more from the public roadway, the number must be at the entrance to a driveway accessing the structure and again on the structure if the driveway provides access to multiple structures. An addition, multiple-unit structure must display the building number in such a manner to clearly identify each unit.

Attest: Dr. Matt Thompson Superintendent of Schools

LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Alcohol Beverage Board of Posey County, Indiana will hold a public hearing at 10:00 am on December 21, 2022 at the City Hall, 520 Main Street, 520 Main Street in the city of Mount Vernon in said county, to investigate the propriety of holding an alcoholic beverage permit by the applicants listed herein to wit: RR6537758 Beer Wine & Liquor - Restaurant (210) RENEWAL SI SENOR TACOS & TEQUILA BAR LLC 225 MAIN STREET Mount Vernon IN Published in the Posey County News on December

Legal Advertising and Court News continued

November 21

6:53 a.m. - Theft - Advised male subject stole caller’s phone - Water Street, Mount Vernon 11:29 a.m. - Harassment - Caller advised she was followed home by female subject the other night. She advised she has had other issues with this subject and is wanting to file a report - Second Street, Mount Vernon 11:30 a.m. - Domestic Violence - Request to have her boyfriend removed - Vine Street, Mount Vernon 12:23 p.m. - Breaking and Entering - Not in progress. Caller advised someone kicked in his garage door and stole several tools. Advised this occurred sometime while he was in jail - Jackson Road, Mount Vernon 1:22 p.m. - Message - Advising that she is being threatened by sister’s neighbors 2:04 p.m. - Repossession2016 Chevy Traverse, white. Owner is aware - Second Street, Mount Vernon 2:05 p.m. - Repossession - 2019 GMC Acadia. Owner is aware - Sherman Street, Mount Vernon 3:55 p.m. - General Complaint - Advised daughter found tracking device on car - Oriole Circle, Mount Vernon 5:32 p.m. - VandalismAdvised someone destroyed a drill press - Tenth Street, Mount Vernon November 22 7:34 a.m. - Family FightAdvised two people fighting, no weapons - Nettleton Street, Mount Vernon 4:40 p.m. - Domestic Violenc - Advised he needs police at his residence. Kept saying he needed them there quickly - Cale Street, Poseyville November 23 10:07 a.m. - Citizen Dispute - Advised she was assaulted by an employee at gas station. Advised she exchanged words with female employee. Advised male got in her face and started yelling at her. Caller advised that male never touched her, just got in her face. Caller then left the store. Prior to this call, store manager did call in reference a female in a pink shirt in the store screaming at employees and customers but canceled the call due to her leaving the property while he was on the phone with dispatch - Fourth Street, Mount Vernon 11:15 p.m. - Domestic Violence - Advised neighbor is screaming in the street and yelling at kids - Brown Street, Mount Vernon 12:51 p.m. - Theft - Checks stolen out of the mailbox and then cashed - Old SR 62, Mount Vernon 4:52 p.m. - Breaking and

Entering - Advised laundry room was broke into and a coin box was stolen - Old Blairsville Road, Wadesville November 24 5:56 p.m. - SuspiciousBlack SUV at the boat ramp - New Harmony Boat Ramp, New Harmony November 25 5:39 a.m. - General Complaint - Caller advised her father and her ex-husband are abusing her children - SR 66, Wadesville 9:56 a.m. - Domestic Violence - Advised female subject started punching herself in the head and then busted the windshield. Wearing green sweatshirt, walking north on SR 165 - SR 66/SR 165, Wadesville 11:10 a.m. - Domestic Violence - Advised wife has been screaming at caller and daughter, verbal only - Elk Trail Drive, Evansville 3:57 p.m. - Citizen Assist - Advised female subject assaulted caller’s six year-oldGregory Lane, Mount Vernon 10:28 p.m. - Threatening - Caller took dog out tonight, neighbor threatened to shoot caller and her dogs. Neighbor also pointed gun at caller and her dogs - Main Street, Griffin November 26 6:01 p.m. - Domestic Violence - Caller advised an exboyfriend of her daughter’s is at her daughter’s house, banging on the door and won’t leave - Second Street, Mount Vernon 11:49 a.m. - Harassment - Meet with caller reference getting a piece of mail from someone she has a restraining order on - Briar Ridge Road, Wadesville

Felony/Misdemeanor

Valerie Dawn Shepherd, 47, Mount Vernon. Ct. 1- Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony; Ct. 2- Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor; Ct. 3- Possession of Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor. Ct. 2 and 3 are dismissed. 18 months Indiana Department of Corrections, suspended. $1 plus costs, $200 countermeasure fee, 18 months probation and fees.

Dawn Marie Davis, 53, Mount Vernon. Ct. 1- Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony; Ct. 2- Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 5 Felony; Ct. 3- Maintaining a Common NuisanceControlled Substances, Level 6 Felony; Ct. 4- Possession of Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor; Ct. 5- Possession of a Controlled Substance, Class A Misdemeanor. Ct. 2, 3, 4 and 5 are dismissed. 10 years Indiana Department of Corrections. Fine and costs are waived.

Devon Ray Craft, 29, Cynthiana. Ct. 1- Possession of Methamphetamine, Level

5 Felony; Ct. 2- Dealing in Marijuana, Level 6 Felony; Ct. 3- Unlawful Possession of Syringe, Level 6 Felony; Ct. 4Maintaining a Common Nuisance-Controlled Substances, Level 6 Felony; Ct. 5- Possession of a Controlled Substance, Class A Misdemeanor; Ct. 6Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor; Ct. 7- Possession of Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor. Ct. 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 are dismissed. Ct. 1- six years Indiana Department of Corrections; Ct. 4- two years Indiana Department of Corrections. $1 plus costs, $200 countermeasure fee.

Devon Ray Craft, 29, Cynthiana. Ct. 1- Dealing in Marijuana, Level 5 Felony; Ct. 2- Dealing in a Schedule I Controlled Substance, Level 4 Felony; Ct. 3- Maintaining a Common Nuisance-Controlled Substances, Level 6 Felony; Ct. 4- Dealing in Methamphetamine, Level 3 Felony; Ct. 5- Dealing in Marijuana, Level 6 Felony; Ct. 6- Maintaining a Common NuisanceControlled Substances, Level 6 Felony. Ct. 4, 5 and 6 are dismissed. Ct. 1- six years Indiana Department of Corrections; Ct. 2- eight years Indiana Department of Corrections; Ct. 3- two years Indiana Department of Corrections. $1 plus costs, $200 countermeasure fee.

Robert Dean Ray Wolf, 33, Mount Vernon. Ct. 1- Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Level 5 Felony; Ct. 2Strangulation, Level 6 Felony. Ct. 1- six years Indiana Department of Corrections; Ct. 2two years Indiana Department of Corrections. $1 plus costs, no contact with Frederick Esche.

Terra Lea Cleveland, 38, Mount Vernon. Ct. 1- Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony; Ct. 2- Driving While Suspended, Class A Misdemeanor. Ct. 1- 18 months Indiana Department of Corrections; Ct. 2- one year Posey County Jail to be served in the Posey County Community Corrections Program. $1 plus costs, $200 countermeasure fee, driver’s license suspended 30 days, counseling.

David A. Helms, 59, Poseyville. Criminal Recklessness, Level 6 Felony. 18 months Indiana Department of Corrections. $1 plus costs, no contact with Kelsie Helms.

Robert E. Young, 50, Charlestown. Ct. 1- Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 5 Felony; Ct. 2- Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony. Ct. 2 dismissed. One year Indiana Department of Corrections. $1 plus costs, $200 countermeasure fee.

Christian Armstrong, 29, Evansville. Ct. 1- Operating

a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person With a Passenger Less Than 18 Years of Age, Level 6 Felony; Ct. 2Neglect of a Dependent, Level 6 Felony; Ct. 3- Possession of a Controlled Substance, Class A Misdemeanor; Ct. 4- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person, Class A Misdemeanor; Ct. 5- Reckless Driving, Class C Misdemeanor. Ct. 1- two years Indiana Department of Corrections to be served on Community Corrections; Ct. 2- two years Indiana Department of Corrections to be served on Community Corrections; Ct. 3- one year Posey County Jail, suspended; Ct. 4- one year Posey County Jail, suspended; Ct. 5- 60 days Posey County Jail, suspended- $1 plus costs, $200 countermeasure fee, driver’s license suspended one year, counseling.

Brandon Thomas Sellers, 30, Mount Vernon. Ct. 1Dealing in Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony; Ct. 2- Maintaining a Common NuisanceControlled Substances, Level 6 Felony. Ct. 1- five years Indiana Department of Corrections; Ct. 2- two years Indiana Department of Corrections. $1 plus costs, $200 countermeasure fee.

Steven Michael Cage, Jr., 45, Mount Vernon. Ct. 1- Battery, Level 5 Felony; Ct. 2Domestic Battery, Level 6 Felony; Ct. 3- Criminal Mischief, Class B Misdemeanor. Ct. 2 and 3 are dismissed. Ct. 1- two years Indiana Department of Corrections to be served on Community Corrections. $1 plus costs, counseling, restitution to Nicole Moorman.

Nicholas J. Forsee, 31, Mount Vernon. Visiting a Common Nuisance-Controlled Substances, Class B Misdemeanor. Three months Posey County Jail. Fine and costs are waived.

Nicholas J. Forsee, 31, Mount Vernon. Ct. 1- Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor; Ct. 2- Driving While Suspended, Class A Misdemeanor. $1 plus costs. Seven months Posey County Jail. Ct. 2 is dismissed.

Jessica Wallis, 32, Mount Vernon. Ct. 1- Possession of a Controlled Substance, Class A Misdemeanor; Ct. 2- Possession of a Controlled Substance, Class A Misdemeanor. Ct. 2 is dismissed. $1 plus costs, $200 countermeasure fee, counseling, one year probation and fees. One year Posey County Jail, suspended.

Harry Edward Weccele, 59, Evansville. Ct. 1- Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony; Ct. 2- Driving While Suspended, Class A Misdemeanor. Ct. 2 is dismissed. $1 plus costs, $200 countermeasure fee. Six months Indiana Department of Corrections.

John W. Bollinger, 43, Mount Vernon. Ct. 1- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxi-

2022-353 The

Participating in the Zion-Lippe children’s Christmas program on Sunday afternoon are front row: Caylee Blythe and Isaiah Voelker. Back row: Dax Woolley. Photo supplied

cated Endangering a Person, Class A Misdemeanor; Ct. 2- Driving While Suspended, Class A Misdemeanor; Ct. 3- Reckless Driving, Class C Misdemeanor. Ct. 3 is dismissed. $1 plus costs, $200 countermeasure fee, one year probation and fees, driver’s license suspended one year, counseling. One year Posey County Jail, suspended.

Lindsay Cowman, 39, Springfield, Ill. Reckless Driving, Class C Misdemeanor. $1 plus costs, 30 days good behavior. 30 days Posey County Jail, suspended.

Markell T. Brown, 39, Springfield, Ill. Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor. Dismissed.

David M. James, 46, Wadesville. Ct. 1- Domestic Battery, Level 6 Felony; Ct. 2- Domestic Battery, Class A Misdemeanor. Ct. 2 is dismissed. $1 plus costs, $50 Domestic Violence Fee, nine months probation and fees, counseling. Nine months Indiana Department of Correction, suspended.

Christian J. Welborn, 30, Evansville. Ct. 1- Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony; Ct. 2- Unlawful Possession or Use of a Legend Drug, Level 6 Felony; Ct. 3- Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Class C Misdemeanor; Ct. 4- Possession of Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor. Ct. 1- one year Indiana Department of Correction; Ct. 2- one year Indiana Department of Corrections; Ct. 3- 60 days Posey County Jail; Ct. 4- 60 days Posey County Jail, suspended. $1 plus costs, $200 countermeasure fee, one year probation and fees, driver’s license suspended 30 days, counseling.

Byron Ayscue, 34, Carmi, Ill. Auto Theft, Level 6 Felony. $1 plus costs, one year probation and fees, no contact with Sara Holman or her children, restitution to Sara Holman in the amount of $930. One year Indiana Department of Correction, suspended.

Amanda D. Sanders, 43, Evansville. Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony. $1 plus costs, $200 countermeasure fee, one year Community Corrections Program, one year probation and fees, counseling. Two years Indiana Department of Correction, suspended.

Charles Stuart, Jr., 49, Evansville. Driving While Suspended, Class A Misdemeanor. Dismissed.

Nicole Morgan, 40, Evansville. Ct. 1- Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony; Ct. 2- Possession of Paraphernalia, Class A Misdemeanor. $1 plus costs, $200 countermeasure fee, provide a sworn cleanup statement. 18 months Indiana Department of Correction.

Francisco Landa, 36, Chicago, Ill. Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Ever Receiv-

Albert E. Gmutza Jr $99.60

Alyssa C. Smolsky $15.98

Amelia L. Gonzalez $16.96

April Harris $99.60

Benjamin R. Anselman $18.92

Bernice J. Robinson $15.00

Beverly J. Simmons $99.60

Brooke A. Helfert $38.52

Carol. S. Vancleve $16.96

Carrie M. Straus $80.00

Connie S. Wallace $124.10

Dakota L. Koontz $25.78

David A. Will $44.40

David M. Platts $83.92

Elizabeth M. Magruder $24.80

Erica A. Hershberger $15.98

Erin Berger, Attny At Law $8,581.65

Eugene L. Higginson $23.82

Fox and Lutz $3,447.50

Floyd A. Hines $101.56

Groves Law Office LLP $1,016.50

Jacob L. Matz $17.94

Jean E Hadley $2,042.50

John J. Adamitis $15.98

John Jacob Warrum $541.50

John M. Stofleth $34.60

John W. Alexander $34.60

Joshua G. Orem $1,306.25

ing a License, Class C Misdemeanor. Dismissed.

Corey Steven Hooker, 33, Cynthiana. Intimidation, Level 6 Felony. Dismissed.

Kayla Hutchinson, 18, Mount Vernon. Theft, Level 6 Felony. Judgment of Conviction entered as a Class A Misdemeanor. One year Posey County Jail, suspended. $1 plus costs, restitution to Huck’s Convenient Store in the amount of $1,140 no contact with any Huck’s stores, one year probation and fees.

Rickey Miller, 62, Mount Vernon. Violation of Driving Conditions, Class C Misdemeanor. Dismissed.

James W. Gough, 47, Mount Vernon. Ct. 1- Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony; Ct. 2- Possession of Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor. Ct. 2 is dismissed. $1 plus costs, $200 countermeasure fee. Six months Indiana Department of Correction.

Heather M. McGowan, 43, Brazil. Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor. 60 days Posey County Jail, suspended. $1 plus costs, $200 countermeasure fee, one year probation and fees, counseling.

Auston S. Roten, 25, Evansville. Ct. 1- Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony; Ct. 2- Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Ever Receiving a License, Class A Misdemeanor; Ct. 3- Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor. Ct. 3 is dismissed. Ct. 1- one year Indiana Department of Correction; Ct. 2- one year Posey County Jail. $1 plus costs, $200 countermeasure fee, driver’s license suspended six months.

Robert P. McDowell, 31, Evansville. Ct. 1- Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony; Ct. 2- Possession of Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor. Ct. 1- 18 months Indiana Department of Correction; Ct. 2- 60 days Posey County Jail. 18 months probation and fees, $1 plus costs, $200 countermeasure fee, counseling.

Robin A. Ande, 34, Evansville. Ct. 1- Battery on a Person Less Than 14 years Old, Level 6 Felony; Ct. 2- Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury, Class A Misdemeanor; Ct. 3- Invasion of Privacy, Class A Misdemeanor. Ct. 1- 18 months Indiana Department of Correction; Ct. 2- six months Posey County Jail; Ct. 3- six months Posey County Jail, all suspended except six months. One year probation and fees, $1 plus costs, counseling, no contact with the juveniles in this case.

Robert J. Kester, 39, Mount Vernon. Ct. 1- Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 5 Felony; Ct. 2- Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony; Ct. 3- Public Indecency, Class A Misdemeanor. Ct. 1 and 2 are dismissed. 244 days Posey County Jail. $1 plus costs.

Kevin M. Franklin $19.90

Leanne R. Seibert $34.60

Lisa A. Bourne $119.20

Mark S. Mcdonald $17.94

McFadin Higgins & Folz Beth H $4,776.01

Mary A. Scott $29.70

McKims IGA $131.44

Melinda R. Redmon $32.64

Michael A. Wassmer $28.72

Michael Head $23.20

Paula J. Erwin $99.60

Paula S. Goebel $23.82

Randall

Rebecca

Redwood

Samantha

Shephard

Smith

Stoll

Sue

Terri

Tonya

Van

Wayne

Yevetter

$399.00

$111.46

$39.50

$15.98 Zachary

$16.96

Ambryn Siddons, Lillian Chapman, and Amari McGee pause from dancing for a photo during the Mount Vernon High School Winter Formal held Saturday evening. Photo by Theresa Bratcher Addie Murphy, MaKenna Bryant, and Kyleigh Bender enjoy the music and atmosphere at the North Posey Snowball Dance held Saturday evening. Photo by Theresa Bratcher

Mount Vernon Council Districts to change by end of year

By Lois Mittino Gray Posey County Clerk

Kay Kilgore attended the November 16, meeting of the Mount Vernon Common Council to support an ordinance realigning the Council districts in the city as required by federal law before the end of the year.

“This is something we are required to consider every ten years after the national census. In the second year after the census, we are to review population numbers for each voting district and realign if necessary. Council districts are changed if there is a deviation of ten percent either above or below the last census,” explained City Attorney Beth McFadin Higgins.

Kilgore took over with the details of switches that need to be made. “It seems that Districts 3 and 4 are out of line now. District 4 became the largest, and District 3 became the smallest. Technically, we cannot cross precinct lines, but we almost have to now. The statute says we can cross precinct lines if necessary and we can’t equal the population any other way,” the Clerk told councilors. “The County reviewed this last year, and the precincts remained the same. We will have to go down to reviewing census blocks.”

Two census blocks had issues to address. One affects seven people, and the other, 66 people. Moving those 73 people would get the districts back in line. Residents around Eighth Street and the Southwind Apartments would stay in district Four. The rest would move into District 3. Kilgore stated Black 10 would be

to go to the third floor, nobody’s going to stop you. You want to walk into my office and you want to pack a weapon or something with you…it is what it is. I have a window. I have several windows. But it’s going to be very difficult to get out of a window. I have a door that gets me to the third floor balcony, but if you come in the front door of my office, I’m pinned. If you do the same thing on the second floor with the other court reporters, they also have windows but they’re not really operable. Even if they could get them opened fast enough, they’re not going anywhere to get out. The same thing with the first floor,” Judge Goedde explained, adding that even if the windows were an exit option, one could not “get out fast enough to be able to help themselves in the event somebody really wants to come in and do some damage.”

Goedde said he spoke with Posey County Sheriff Tom Latham about the possibility of conducting a safety exercise at the courthouse to assess the building’s vulnerability.

“I told him I would love basically to do an exercise one day and have somebody that nobody knows walk in with a backpack, set it down in the main foyer of the building and just walk out and see how long it takes anybody to do anything about it. You know, my guess is it would be hours to be honest with you. Even if somebody went over it and unzipped it, I’m going to put a sign in there that says ‘Bang, you’re all gone.’ Realistically, that’s how easy that can happen in that building.”

Goedde said that he, Sheriff Latham and Posey Superior Court Judge Travis Clowers have “united in the need that we need to start somewhere and the courthouse is the place to start currently.”

Throughout his 43-year career, Rose has had various roles within law enforcement, including a previous assignment with a DEA Task Force that involved apprehending dangerous individuals at the U.S.-Mexico border. In his current role, Rose is responsible for helping keep drugs off the streets of Posey County as the supervisor of the Posey County Drug Task Force.

Rose and the Drug Task Force utilize long-term undercover operations in order to identify and apprehend drug dealers in Posey County. No one organizes a “drug raid” quite like Rose. Rose has been integral in investigating, planning and organizing numerous drug raids throughout his career on the Drug Task Force. This work includes vetting confidential

split and there will really be no difference to the voter. Attorney Higgins noted they are not sure how many of the 73 are registered voters.

Councilman Andy Hoehn inquired how a block is determined. Kilgore replied she actually has no idea, but Attorney Higgins interjected that she believes it is a federally-set figure.

Hoehn asked the population number before the census and wondered if the population dropped. Attorney Higgins replied it is currently 6493, and it dropped from 6688 in 2010 census.

A first reading of the motion to pass the ordinance carried unanimously 4-0. Councilwoman Jillian Brothers was not present to vote.

Attorney Higgins added this needs to be passed before the end of the year, possibly at the next meeting. The rules could be suspended, and it could be passed then on both second and final readings, December 7 and December 21.

The Mayor said other New Business involved the announcement that Access Group will be working on Southwind Apartments renovation. The work will not require any ground disturbance, rather it is things like putting in new fixtures and the like. Comments need to be made before November 30. The Mayor added his only comment would be positive.

Councilman Hoehn stated he acknowledges they have received the information and they will now watch and see how it progresses. He expects good things.

Under Old Business, it was agreed that At-

He said community discussions followed about the county’s needs and ways to balance safety protocols with the fact that the building is a “beautiful” public building that Judge Goedde said attracts residents who enter out of curiosity about the appearance of courtrooms.

He said he believes that Posey County is one of just “maybe five counties in the state that doesn’t have any type of metal detector or baggage scanner or an actual security guard that sits walking in the door to either direct traffic or deter somebody from doing something stupid and just to overall assist with the security of the personnel of the building itself.”

He explained that the Indiana Office of Court Services has grants available for courthouse improvements, including security.

“I’ve already taken the liberty to draft and write and submit a grant that went out and I think they received on November 7 for everything that I’m asking for today, financially… that is the cost of the machines that we need and ideally for both courthouses now and the people to run them. Obviously, if we spend the money to buy the machines you know that all looks good, (but) you know we’ve got two machines right now that I think were were bought back in 2006. October, I think, or around that time? Ours sits on the south wall of our courthouse. To my knowledge, it’s never been plugged in. It’s never been operable,” Judge Goedde said. He said he and a deputy had unsuccessfully tried to get the machine to work several weeks ago. He said a second machine sits against a wall in the Coliseum.

He referenced security measures utilized in Vanderburgh County that have made it an “exercise to get in and out of the building. It’s done the right way and they have the personnel

informants, setting up and organizing controlled buys, debriefing informants, processing evidence, applying for arrest and search warrants, organizing teams and an operations plan for raid day, and making sure to have other agencies such as the Department of Child Services and medical officials ready to assist. In April of 2019, Rose lead the way in organizing and implementing Operation Guillotine, which was the largest drug raid in Posey County history that resulted in 42 offenders being arrested on drug-related charges.

Rose is respected by law enforcement agencies from all over the area, and has helped train numerous officers in his career. He is a World War II buff and a former Navy service member

Heckert Office Supports Toys for Tots Drive locally

Drew Heckert, a local Edward Jones financial advisor, is supporting the local Toys for Tots program by using his office as a drop-off location for this year’s toy drive.

Local residents may help make a difference for children in the area by bringing in a new, unwrapped toy to the office, 431 East Fourth Street Mount Vernon, Ind.,

during regular business hours beginning November 9 through December 9. Monetary gifts cannot be accepted.

“With the holiday season around the corner, we are all getting ready for the festivities,” Heckert said. “And as this is the season of giving, now is a great time to remember the less fortunate in our community.”

who honorably served his country in Vietnam. Rose truly loves what he does, and gives every case the same effort and attention to detail. He will always follow the new lead, track down another witness or turn over the last rock in every investigation.

A family man, Rose and his wife Dee celebrated their 46-year wedding anniversary this year. Rose and Dee have four children, two sons and two daughters, as well as two grandchildren.

Rose is scheduled to receive the 2022 IPAC Law Enforcement Distinguished Service Award as presented by Prosecutor Thomas Clowers at a ceremony in Indianapolis on Monday, December 5.

Clowers commented: “I’m incredibly proud to present this award to Investigator Rose. Without question, there is no one more deserving. To be recognized out of all law enforcement officers in the State of Indiana, it truly speaks to the type of person Kenny is and the distinguished career he has had in law enforcement. Posey County is a better and safer place to live and raise a family because of law enforcement officers like Kenny Rose. I’m thankful to him for all he has done for our community.”

would like to thank all those who came to pay their respects and condolences, those who sent things, those who made donations, the Point Township Volunteer Fire Department, the Black Township Volunteer Fire Department, the Point Township Church of the Nazarene for the wonderful meal, and Pastor Bryan Thompson for his kind words and moving tribute to Mike. Those who helped at Mike’s house, the funeral home and church, there are too many to mention by name, Thank You.

Your kind words have comforted us, your support strengthened us, the stories, and memories you shared truly helped our family and highlighted what a special person Mike was, and your love has sustained us. We extend our deepest thanks to you for your kindness during this difficult time and for caring so much about Mike.

torney Higgins will prepare an ordinance to make all fines outlined in city ordinances fair and consistent. If a case goes to court, there needs to be a wider range of fines for the judge to consider. Members of Council felt some of the fines were too low and did not serve as deterrents.

In Department Reports:

--Police Chief Andrew Rush reported that, since the last meeting, there were 23 traffic offenses; six accidents; 10 animal complaints; and 140 other complaints. There were seven individuals arrested for a total of 19 charges, including possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and two drunk driving arrests. The department continues to be active in community events including the successful Lunch with Law Enforcement Program at district schools.

As for the hiring process, two individuals already had an Indiana Academy certification and two have been interviewed who are now in the background checking phase. Testing will start for applicants who do not have any law enforcement academy certifications soon. One of their applicants has already accepted another position. Councilman Hoehn asked about “the one that got away.” Did a hiring incentive lure him away? Chief Rush replied he is not sure, but this person had no previous academy experience to get the discussed incentive.

Rush said the investigation is complete on the riverfront vandalism and there were two

to man it and to do it right. We clearly don’t.” Goedde said “on a good day” a deputy arrives at 8 a.m. to help open the building and remains until 4 p.m. to ensure the building is locked.

“That’s a good day. That’s when we’re in court all day. That’s when we’re in trials. That’s when we have typically multiple deputies that will come in and out of the building during the day because of the traffic that we have,” Judge Goedde said. “On a normal day, I will say on average maybe three days a week… if you add up all of the hours…is when we have actual court security or personnel there to be able to manage the people coming in and out doing their business.”

He said manpower is needed downstairs to operate the machine, in the courtroom anytime court is in session and to cover court transports to either the courthouse itself, the Indiana Department of Corrections or neighboring counties.

“This stems wholly from my discussions with Sheriff Latham. If we’re going to do something, let’s do it right and here’s what it’s going to take to do it,” Goedde said.

Goedde explained the grant funding is available for equipment and he learned this year that the possibility of grant funding for labor is “not out of the ballpark.”

“We’ve all had conversations about what I would like to see and what I think this county needs as far as getting the personnel to man it. Obviously, when we’re not in service, then, theoretically, we’ve got extra people in the streets to be able to help our community anyway,” Judge Goedde said. “Those could be for transports. Those could be for road patrol. It can be for whatever. I would personally ask

gather community comments. O’Rourke conducted 11 stakeholder meetings with 18 individuals, featuring over an hour of personal conversation with them on perceived needs. What’s important to the citizens of this community? “From what we have found, solid employment is important to folks, as well as retention of youth being a concern. People feel young bright persons leave for college and then don’t return to work in this community,” he said. An obstacle Mount Vernon must face is not being able to supply more housing for new residents, especially affordable family housing for these young people.

“Only 53 new units have been built here since 2010,” he reported. “648 workforce employees live locally, 2432 local members of the workforce export out of the county to work, and 1763 non-local members of the workforce import in to work here from elsewhere.” He also said it is important for people to support local business.

As part of the plan, the firm wrote the following Vision Statement:

Mount Vernon is a robust employment center known for its wealth of job opportunities while maintaining a small town feel and charm for its residents. The city will embrace its past as a river city and preferred business destination while striving to enhance mount vernon’s visibility, downtown activity, connectivity, and utilization of publicly owned assets.

He continued by stating a few goals of the plan include more housing, enhanced branding, wayfinding, economic development, placemaking, downtown redevelopment, and a focus on parks and recreation. He added he heard a lot of positive comments about Brittlebank Park and the pool and other features, but many commentors feel the facility is being underutilized.

juveniles involved. They are currently working with the prosecutor’s office and juvenile probation.

--Fire Chief Wes Dixon told the board that this past Tuesday, his department hosted a training at the fire station and used the haunted house for a victim search and retrieval. before it was dismantled, Tammy Schneider’s class from the high school visited the station to look at the Safe Haven Baby Box. “They learned how it works, what happens to the baby once it is put inside, and all about the program,” he said. Paula Rudibaugh asked if the Hedges siren is working and Chief Dixon replied no, it has not worked the last two weeks.

--Utilities Superintendent Chuck Gray stated they will be hosting an exam prep class at the fire station January and February, on Mondays from 4 to 7 p.m. Anyone interested should contact him at 812-838-2136. There are still some chairs available, and it is open to other utilities as well.

--a resolution was approved to move money around in the Parks and Recreation budget to balance accounts at the end of the year, from other parts of the same budget.

–Lastly the Mayor dourly announced, “The crows are back!” He said the Health Department is looking into things that might help, as Gray did in the past. He added he wants to be optimistic new ideas might work, but putting lids on trash cans can be very helpful.

for somebody that’s going to be designated as courthouse security, so when we are there and we are open, they are working with us consistently.”

Goedde said his grant request covers, at minimum, funding for two sets of machines and two full time courthouse security deputies. He said he would prefer to have three deputies. He said he was told that the grant application process would move quickly, possibly by the end of the year.

Goedde broke down the grant funding request for Posey County Council President Heather Allyn, outlining the cost for two additional deputies would be $109,477.90 and the cost of the equipment and supplies was $56,294, taking his total amount requested through the grant application to $165,771.90.

Latham broke down the funds needed to cover the additional deputies.

“The cost would probably cover the salary and the equipment to outfit the deputies is about $5,500 a piece. Assuming that this grant will not cover benefits such as insurance and those types of things. If that was the case, it would probably cost upwards of $80,000 per deputy. $80,000 to $85,000,” Latham said.

Allyn stressed the need to address Goedde’s concerns about the courthouse’s access code issues as well.

“I’d like to see that addressed immediately,” Allyn said.

Other items covered by council include:

Council approved $4,000 to pay for DNA testing to determine the source of high E.Coli bacteria levels found at Big Creek by the Soil and Water District.

Members also approved the schedule for 2023 meetings.

City Attorney Beth Higgins stated she appreciates the use of current photographs in the report. “Even our city website has outdated pictures, and pictures of buildings that are now torn down,” she observed, referring to the Tresslar Building.

Curtis noted every time O’Rourke is in town, he comments about the solid stream of traffic down Second and Fourth Streets when SABIC employees get off work in the afternoon. “The idea is to get everyone coming downtown again and that is good. Think of it as future activity and potential,” he urged. The Mayor said he recently had some real estate developers in the office, and they were talking about that situation as an asset as well. “Even though it is a headache for many local residents,” he joked.

Fire Chief Wes Dixon asked O’Rourke about cities partnering with developers to build housing communities. “Do you see much of that? Is it even done anywhere?” he queried.

O’Rourke replied that 10 years ago, not at all; the last three to five years, yes somewhat. “There are good examples ‘out there’ of that starting to happen,” he remarked..

After the PowerPoint and ensuing discussion, Curtis stated that Council needs to adopt this plan at some point. Councilman Rusty Levings opined, “This looks pretty good. It is encouraging to see all the community input. It is exciting, especially with the riverfront plans, and the creativity of the possibility of using some of the alleyways.”

Councilman David Dodd agreed and said he would like to piggyback on what Levings said. Councilwoman dana Baldwin also concurred and remarked they need to take the next steps and move forward. The issue will be addressed at the next meetings of the Council.

‘Security’ continued from Page A1

‘Rose’ continued from Page A1

‘Comprehensive plan’ continued from Page A1

Our family appreciates it more than our words could ever express, and it will always be remembered.

Christmas: Rest and peace

Christmas is a good time to catch up on your pumpkin pie eating. Pecan pie seems readily available so this too is a good option. Try to drink one glass of eggnog during the season of joy. Eggnog does have some calories and fat grams but one glass won’t hurt you too bad. I don’t recommend drinking a gallon.

D . G M

If you had turkey and ham for Thanksgiving, you may have it again for Christmas. There is nothing wrong with repeating the Thanksgiving meal especially if it was good. If it was bad then you might consider something else. The only time of the year that I eat much turkey or country ham is during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. Be careful eating too much of that smoked turkey and ham because they can be a bit salty. You don’t want to swell up like a balloon on Christmas. Christmas should be a relaxing time. If you believe Santa Claus is coming then let him take care of the work. Surely,

F T S B D H

he will show up. Just ask him to bring dinner when he comes. Make sure he comes in the front door. I don’t know about bringing broccoli casserole down the chimney.

If you are putting up lights, now is the time to do so. You want to have time to enjoy the lights and the more you string together and cover your house the more electricity you are using. This is turn creates a big electric bill but you are keeping the paychecks going for the utility people.

The main thing is don’t go crazy this Christmas. You don’t have to buy everything. The stores love for you to max out your credit cards but you won’t love it in February and March when you are paying it back. Use commonsense when it comes to the entire season. Eat a piece of pie but don’t eat the pie. Eat a slice of turkey but don’t eat the turkey. Decorate if you wish but you don’t have to spend a week putting up lights. They all have to come back down you know. Spend only what you can afford. If you can’t afford much then don’t press yourself to do what you cannot do.

Christmas is the birthday of Jesus but we often make it a day

Better late than never

I often ponder a bit too much, and I sometimes reason within my own head certain things until I can finally come to a conclusion that seems logical... to me anyway.

It says in the Bible that we are formed by God in Isaiah 43:7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

So as most of you have gathered by now, I have been blessed (or cursed) with a sense of humor. There are a lot of folks that think Christian folks are supposed to be straight laced, starched, and pressed, stiff as a board with a sense of humor as dry as parched corn.

But I beg to differ.

I think our creator, almighty God himself has a sense of

humor. Why else would he have given us a sense of humor if he himself didn’t have one?

Anyway...This morning we left the farm and were running late to church, so I mashed the pedal a little harder trying to get us to church on time. It reminded me of younger days when we were always trying to get to church on time with 2 kids in tow, after trying to find matching shoes while giving spit baths wiping dried milk and egg yolk off our kids faces and Sunday shirts.

Anyway... I got to wondering the whole way to town if it was a sin to break the speed limit on your way church. How would God see it? Would I be punished for breaking the law? Will I, on that great day of judgment, be chastised for not getting around in a timely manner which then caused us to be late, and thereby choosing to break “mans law” of speeding by running 30 over the limit?

You see I just can’t quite get around that feeling I get when you walk into church late and everybody’s singing and those

of bedlam. The birth of Jesus was in Bethlehem. His parents were poor. They had gone to an out of the way town to pay their taxes. There was no place for them to sleep. They slept in a barn and Jesus was born while they were there. Mary laid him in a cow’s trough. They were poor, tired and life was not very easy for Mary, Joseph and Jesus.

Keep in mind that Jesus came to save us from our sins. He came to give us peace. The Bible calls him the Prince of Peace. Most people need some peace and one way to have more peace is to focus on the baby of Christmas. Christ is comfort and peace.

You don’t always find your peace at church. The church isn’t Jesus. If your church is stressing you out, harping about money every Sunday, and pulling you in ten different directions then you might consider taking a step back and reevaluating.

The season of joy is here. Don’t depend on others to create joy for you. Get alone with God every day and focus on him. You’ll discover a peace and a rest that only He can provide.

heavy church doors close behind you, and as it slams shut it sounds like someone pounded a bass drum. It’s like that door is announcing to everybody you’re here!

You’re late, but you made it!! Then everybody does that rubbernecking thing... with those judgmental eyes... just staring ya down like Clint Eastwood while silently saying to themselves “you feeling lucky punk”... and internally you know they are sentencing you 99 to life for being late.

Ahh, but now for further punishment you are forced to do the walk of shame... like it was planned... that all the church pews in the back of the building are to be filled first so that all the latecomers must run the gauntlet and find their way to any remaining empty pews up in the front.

When it happens I still get the same feeling that Jonah must’ve had after being in the belly of that whale for 3 days and nights only to be puked out on the beach in front of all those onlookers...

Next week I reckon I’ll try a little harder not to be late.

Remembering Christmases Past

Editor’s Note:

I have to confess that Tim Decker is my cousin. Tim and I have always been close in spirit for most of our lives. As with most cousins, our lives have been tangled together throughout the years and all through the family tree. As I read this from Tim, it reminded me that most families have the same types of precious memories, So, my friends, feel free to change the names to fit your family and travel back with Tim and I to a time when things were simpler, and at least in our minds, better.

It’s difficult to celebrate the holidays and be cheerful when one misses the ones who have passed on. I’m sure others feel the same way. But, it’s their memory that lives on. Dad was the strong hold in our family. He always made things a little better and had an answer to things that brought family together.

His singing and guitar playing was a treat and made family and others happy and cheerful.

He was a good story teller. I loved hearing about the past and his adventures as a young teen, down in a little place called Kyrock, Ky.

And there was Grandma Addie with her contagious laugh and smile. Most of all the good food that brought family together. Whether breakfast or dinner, she was always ready to prepare a meal, With a smile and lots of love that help keep family together.

And Uncle Bill who was so friendly and kind. If you missed his Sunday School class you missed out on a good message. I remember he would go down the line in class and have everyone who wanted to read a verse from the lesson. This also brought us together as we learned a new lesson every Sunday. Lots of fun because he made it fun.

Letter to the Editor

Lanterns have a history

To the Editor:

I just received the “News” with the article about the new Christmas decorations for the town. The article mentioned that no one knew when the lanterns were purchased.

To the best of my memory they were purchased in 1968 or 1969 by the Jaycee Wives organization. I was chairman of that committee and in charge of raising funds for the purchase. The “New Harmony Times” published a pen and ink drawing of the

G G B J J R

lanterns along with an article asking for donations. The people of New Harmony responded and enough money was raised to fund the purchase.

The lanterns have held up well as they are at least 50 years old.

Wishing all my friends in New Harmony a Merry Christmas.

Shari Taylor Rueger Mt. Juliet Tennessee

As I miss them so much and realize how much they loved us and went out of their way to make us happy I would love to see them but I know they are happier than ever. Dad is still singing, Grandma’s talking about a love beyond earth and Bill is talking about the Bible to the ones who actually were inspired to write it. And they are there with the one whom gave them the love that was passed on to us while they were here. His name is Jesus Christ. He loves us, he will keep us and will bring us into his everlasting arms. Love holds us together as our family members did that we miss so much.

Amazon, the new Tower of Babel

In Genesis, Chapter 11 God observed the tower that King Nimrod and his Babylonian people had built to reach heaven and the gods and said, “Behold the people is one and they have one language … now nothing will be constrained from them.”

So the gods destroyed the tower, convoluted the one language into many and stopped human progress toward godly status. The Tower of Babel was the ultimate example of the axiom, “Pride goeth before a fall.” Now I do not understand why God would not want people to reach for the heavens, but He certainly devised the perfect way to stop us.

Of course, in Exodus Chapters 20 and 34, He warns us He is a jealous being and in Isaiah Chapter 55 He tells us not to try to figure Him out as His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Just a few frustrating moments of trying to understand what the jangling television commercials are saying or an attempt to make sense out of the song lyrics mumbled and slurred into multi-million dollar sound systems designed to make sounds intelligible,

will remove any doubt that our contemporary cacophony of colliding incoherent babel surpasses all understanding. Human progress has been hoisted on the effete petard of the universal response to all attempts to communicate, “Huh?”

It is as if the gods have become overly concerned about humanity’s movement back to a universal language, Amazonia perhaps, and have come down to earth to stop us from “all just getting along” by shopping over the Internet. After all, if we can communicate from sea to shining sea via a few simple electronic clicks, there is much less likelihood of a major miscommunication and ergo a misunderstanding that might escalate to conflict. Heck, we might even learn to work together on all sorts of projects, world famine, global warming, the World Cup, who knows what heights we could reach?

Well, if Jeff Bezos is the new King Nimrod and if Jeff really does simply work full-time giving his billions made from Amazon away to charity, I can foresee the Old Testament gods getting concerned. And one way to staunch human progress is to release upon the world Satans of the communications world, you know, movies, cable tv, commercials and what passes for contemporary music.

The goal of the gods might be to attack human progress by having leaders of competing countries such as China and the US of A rely upon translations of news broadcasts in which snippets of the highly paid but incomprehensible speakers instead of enunciating important concepts, peaceful coexistence for example, mumble a leader’s language so that the words come out as threats of nuclear war.

Now I realize this whole column may be based on a false premise of my being personally challenged. Maybe you, Gentle Reader, have no difficulty making sense out of what is muttered during TV, radio, movies, plays, concerts, sporting events, and even sermons. If my failings are simply my personal problem, good, and amen. However, if the whole world is being prevented from understanding what the heck is truly being said and meant, I suggest this new Tower of Babel may soon come tumbling down.

On the other hand, there is a cure to this polemic pandemic, could everyone please slow down and speak up?

For more Gavel Gamut articles go to www.jamesmredwine. com. Or “Like/Follow” us on Facebook and Twitter at JPegOsageRanch.

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Guest Column: Tim Decker

Artist Stan Campbell shines brightly without a spotlight

By Pam Robinson

Artist Stan Campbell seeks to put the spotlight on other artists. Instead of talking about his own work, he will suggest interviews with his students about their work. The head of marketing and public relations at Alexandrian Public Library, or APL, Campbell will encourage you to meet with the library director about her art.

Or he will downplay his early talent. He started drawing at the age of 5 or 6, inspired by his artist mother, Helen (Foster) Campbell. “I was basically doing art whether I wanted to or not,” he alleges.

If someone sits with him long enough, though, he begins to warm to the task at hand—sharing information about his own pen and ink drawings and his new venture into watercolor. That said, he will begin with a welcome to anyone to join his art class, “Basic Drawing and Watercolor,” offered at the APL, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, every Thursday.

“Some students have been with me from the beginning over six years ago,” he proudly tells you. “They work on their own projects now [outside of class].” Campbell’s skill as a master artist and teacher are highlighted alone in the longevity of the class and the skill his students have developed. Several of his students had their work displayed in the recent county-wide art show at APL.

His teaching has not been limited to the APL. He taught at Lockyear College in Evansville before it closed. Afterward, he taught several classes at Ivy Tech in Evansville. He has both a bachelor of science and a master of science in art. He is pleased his former Ivy Tech students “keep in touch.”

Yet, he once again, deflects the spotlight off himself to his boss while he taught at Ivy Tech. “There are things I learned when I was teaching classes at Ivy Tech that I was not taught in fine arts at college,” he states. “I learned ways to do things quicker and more accurately. I had a good boss, very into commercial art. He would show me an easier way of doing things.”

One comes to understand Campbell considers himself a perennial student rather than a master of his art. He says he must teach himself first before teaching anyone else. When he started teaching at the APL over six years ago, he admits he then started his own pen and ink drawings. No one

would ever know it.

His pen and ink drawings feature many historic sites in New Harmony—among them, Thrall’s Opera House, the Roofless Church, the Granary, the Workingmen’s Institute, the Atheneum. These and his drawing of the APL have been

ship Enterprise, familiar to Star Trek fans in his portfolio. The final drawing in the portfolio features a hero, Captain America.

Campbell usually starts with a photograph and his finished product is 90 perent freehand. He has demonstrated his process to his students. He takes 10-15 minutes on a quick sketch, in itself a work of art, then chooses a spot within the sketch to fill in with detail and work his way outward. The finished drawing requires a minimum of 36 hours to complete.

Every original drawing is a 16 by 20. “This size looks better when reduced to a print. The mistakes will disappear. It’s a commercial art technique,” he explains. He prints 100 copies of each original. They sell from $10 to $100 each, depending on size.

The fine detail in his drawings is precise. He counts the exact number of bricks to include in a drawing, say, of Thrall’s Opera House. Campbell doesn’t have to speak for his drawings. They speak for themselves.

His drawing hand has started to shake, so Campbell is working more with watercolors now. He has begun also the process of experimenting with Silverpoint, a technique used on chemicallytreated paper by painting with small metal wires of silver or platinum or gold or copper. He likes to paint flowers with the Silverpoint technique.

Campbell has earned blue all the way to honorable mention on his art work at the Posey County 4-H Fair exhibits. He notes several of his students have collected ribbons at the local fair also.

reduced and printed on note cards.

He likes to create pen and ink drawings of vintage objects also, tractors and cars. A classic carriage car, older than a Model T, is kept in his portfolio and noted as his first pen and ink drawing. His drawings of landscapes with barns are some of this farm girl’s favorites.

He did a series of portraits for the Vincennes Rendezvous, which features Revolutionary War reenactments. He jokes about disliking working with live people “because they move.”

Just for fun, he has a pen and ink drawing of the Star-

He genuinely believes in the latent talent in everyone. He trusts he can teach anyone, no matter the skill level, to do art work. “Some people have natural talent; other people just have to learn how to do it,” he states. “If you come in and say, ‘All I can draw is stick figures,” I can teach you how to draw if you want to learn how to do it. You just have to keep at it.”

No wonder he is such an inspiration to his students. He believes in them. They believe in him also. He is not only an artist, but a friend.

Stan Campbell shines without a spotlight. His light is all natural.

New Harmony’s Lowrey Hollow...everything old is new again

and down, made repairs, painted the rooms, and cleaned up the garden. It took about nine months.”

According to a framed history on display upstairs in the shop, it was originally built by Major James W. Swift to serve as a mercantile and residence. The building was purchased by James Chadwick in 1852 and operated as a saddler store, later a general store, and housed his family.

By Lois Mittino Gray

One of New Harmony’s primo gift shops has moved to a new “old” location in town.

Lowry Hollow opened its doors for business about a month ago in the Chadwick-Fretageot Building, located at 617 Main Street, on the corner of Main and Tavern streets. The historic structure, built in 1830, was previously known as the Arbor House.

“This is one of only three remaining buildings that have survived from the ‘Owen Period’ in town, and we are honored to own it now. It has gone through many uses through time, and we have worked about nine months restoring it,” explained proprietor Lynn Clark. “We refinished all the floors upstairs

After Chadwick’s death in 1865, the ground floor was leased to Judge James Twigg for use as the New Harmony Post Office. In 1870, John Ribeyre rented the downstairs for use as one of New Harmony’s earliest banks until 1874. Members of the Fretageot family lived there in the late 1800’s. For a short while, it was owned by the State of Indiana and used as the town visitor center. It truly had an ecle sponsored sssctic mix of uses.

“We are told the unusual ‘door that goes nowhere’ on the second floor facing Main Street was used to load the stagecoach on the Mount Vernon-New Harmony-Princeton line,”

Another room upstairs is the ‘Man Room’ with a variety of male-themed gifts hand selected by Lynn’s husband, Rod Clark. “I realized there was no place in New Harmony to buy gifts for men,” he noted, as he passed out samples of bourbon-flavored honey. There are pickled okra spears and sassy spiced okra to add zest to the special Bloody Mary mix he offers, as well as a variety of bourbon and whiskey flavored items, spiced nuts and crackers and cigars. A fun poster of “100 Whiskeys to Try Before You Die “ has each one pictured and you scratch it off like a lottery ticket after you sample it. For readers, there is a scratch off poster of “!00 Novels to Read Before You Die’ and one on ball parks to visit.

Lowry Hollow was initially located in the Old Train Depot across town, but that site was off the beaten path for tourists. The Clarks moved it over to two rooms in the Antique Mews for two years. Barbara Lance, the former owner, offered them the opportunity to buy the 617 Main property and the pair jumped at it.

The gift shop motto is “We have the perfect gift for any and every occasion.” The store offers a variety of home décor items-vintage and antique, unusual foodstuffs, bees and birdhouses, candles, books and art, and garden decorations. There is a chil-

dren’s room with all kinds of toys, puzzles, and activities. Shannon Corrigan will coordinate the programming activities.

The extensive garden area is cleaned out and will be ready in the spring for rejuvenation. Lynn hopes that, as time passes and they get more settled in, she can turn the rear first floor room into a catering kitchen. She envisions simple meals and snacks that could be served for dining alfresco while listening to musicians on Sunday afternoons.

One beautiful historical feature in the house are the windows looking out the south end of the back room. Their design was a protype of a window designed by David Dale Owen and Robert Dale Owen for the Smithsonian when they served on its Architecture Committee. This design was selected for use and can be seen today in the main Castle building of the Smithsonian.

Lynn said the name Lowry Hollow comes from a road in her hometown of Portsmouth in southern Ohio. “The design on the shop’s painted sign shows the driveway to my old house on the side of the hill,” she reminisced. Rod hails from the Mattoon-Effingham area of southern Illinois and the couple met while attending college. They moved to this area for his work with loading grain barges. Both are very active in the local community’s activities.

To contact the Clarks, the phone number is 812-306-5338 or contact them at lowryhollow@gmail.com. The store is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, it is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Sunday it is open from noon to 4 p.m.

Artist Stan Campbell stands next to his pen and ink drawing of a vintage tractor featured in the 2022 County Art Exhibit held at the Alexandrian Public Library, where he serves as head of marketing and public relations. Photo by Pam Robinson

Lynn said. The Stagecoach Room will be used to showcase the work of local artists and to host sponsored activities. It currently features nature photographs on metal taken around New Harmony, including the local Bald Eagles, Blue Herons, and Pileated Woodpeckers.

Rod and Lynn Clark

Vikings edge the Wildcats in round one of annual rivalry

By Trisha L. Lopez

The battle between county rivals North Posey and host Mount Vernon did not disappoint on Friday. Eight ties, 10 lead changes, big shots and heart-pounding action in front of the Wildcats biggest crowd in three years created an electric atmosphere. The score was tied with just over a minute to go when a triple by the Vikings gave the visitors the edge en route to a 47-43 finish.

“When it’s Mount Vernon and North Posey, games are always close. It’s always a dog fight,” said Vikings Coach Rusty Sey-

mour. Seymour had an unusual vantage point on the night’s contest. Recovering from heart surgery, Seymour watched from the upper bleachers as his team fought on the floor. The suspense couldn’t have been easy and when asked what his doctor might have thought about Seymour’s stress level, Seymour just shook his head and grinned.

“My wife was yelling at me the entire time. I was up there. I was trying to be good. But… it’s Mount Vernon and North Posey…” Seymour said.

The teams entered the night following drastically different prior outings…North Posey off of a 79-66 loss to Boonville two days earlier and Mount Vernon off of a 64-18 November 22 matchup against Vincennes Rivet in which the Wildcats appeared to score at will.

Friday was a different story.The team’s stats weren’t dissimilar. Both squads ended the evening with a 38 percent field goal percentage. Both shot just under 30 percent from beyond the arc. North Posey had 30 total rebounds. Mount Vernon had 31. North Posey had seven turnovers to Mount Vernon’s eight.

Viking reserves help complete the sweep

By Trisha L. Lopez

Posey County basketball fans were treated to back to back nail biters on Friday as the Vikings junior varsity squad claimed a 44-43 victory over the host Wildcats in the opening contest of the night.

Mount Vernon jumped out to an early lead. Freshman Meyer Robb put the Cats on the board and grabbed a takeaway on the other end of the floor. Freshman Bryce Clowers scored to put the Cats on top, 4-0. North Posey junior Kaden Gengelbach sank a three to cut the lead to a point with 5:35 to go in the first quarter. Neither team could make much headway over the next few minutes as both squads struggled with missed shots. A steal by Vikings junior Noah Roberts put North Posey in a position to go ahead, but the Vikings couldn’t convert. Freshman Logan Clowers rebounded a missed Vikings shot and dished the ball to Robb for a triple at the top of the key, stretching the Cats lead, 7-3. Robb drew a foul in the paint on the next Mount Vernon possession and hit a pair of free throws to take the lead to six. Roberts answered with a bucket with two minutes to go in the period, but Mount Vernon junior Jacob Swartz scored to slam the door on the Vikings momentum. Swartz got the job done on defense as well, snagging a steal to give the Cats the ball back, but Mount Vernon’s shot was off the mark and the Vikings came away with the rebound. A bucket by Gengelbach followed. Gengelbach drew a foul with a minute to go in the quarter and hit one of two free throws, cutting into the Wildcats lead 11-8. A Wildcats turnover put the ball in Vikings junior Reece Thompson’s hands for a triple at the buzzer to tie the contest 11-11.

A steal by North Posey sophomore Noah Koester gave the Vikings the ball early in the second quarter. Sophomore Ethan

Mansfield drew a foul and hit both free throws to give North Posey its first lead of the night. A bucket by junior Logan Simmons stretched the lead to four. The Cats found Bryce Clowers for a basket. A North Posey turnover setup Robb for his second three of the night and put the Wildcats back on point. A three by junior Ryan Kelley added to Mount Vernon’s advantage, 19-15. Koester scored to cool off the Cats, but Kelley struck again and Mount Vernon led 22-17 with 1:57 to go in the half. Mansfield hit a three of his own 30 seconds later and a triple by Simmons gave the edge to the visitors who took a 23-22 lead into the break.

Mount Vernon scored to open the second half, but the Vikings bounced back with buckets by Koester and Mansfield. Bryce Clowers stepped up in a big way on both ends of the floor. He hit a jumper to draw the Cats to within a point with 5:30 to go in the third quarter and followed it up with a steal and dish underneath to Robb for the go-ahead basket, 28-27. The Vikings responded with a three by Koester and a steal by Gengelbach. North Posey fed Koester who drew a foul and went to the line for two. He missed the first, but hit the second, putting the Vikings up 31-28. Robb got the ball for Mount Vernon and drove into the paint for a quick two points, but free throws by sophomore Stone Riecken gave the Vikings a threepoint advantage. Bryce Clowers and Riecken traded buckets and Kelley’s third three of the contest tied the game at 35-all.

Mansfield answered, reclaiming the lead for the Vikings, but Robb could not be stopped and the teams were tied once again. Turnovers and missed shots plagued the final moments of the third quarter and the score remained deadlocked going into the

Mount

The Wildcats claimed the opening tip, but missed threes and a jump ball put the ball in North Posey’s hands, setting up Vikings sophomore Austin Schmitt for the first score of the night. A bucket by junior Jackson Graff

Mount Vernon swimmers are impressive in season openers

By Trisha L. Lopez

The Mount Vernon swim team continued to impress in the pool last week with a payback win against Evansville North…the team that beat them at the Mount Vernon Invite earlier in the season…and Evansville Central at home on Thursday.

The Lady Wildcats wracked up wins in 10 events in Thursday’s meet en route to a 55-46 victory over the Lady Huskies and an 81-10 victory against the Lady Bears.

Bazan and sophomore Jaley Hamilton claimed top honors in the 200 medley relay.

Kelley added individual wins in the 50 freestyle and 100 breaststroke. Bazan won the 200 IM. Hamilton won the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke.

Senior Sophie Kloppenburg scored wins in the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle.

The relay team of Hamilton, junior Maddie Maier, Glover and Kloppenberg claimed the 200 freestyle relay win. Bazan, Maier, Kloppenburg and Kelley added a victory

and the 400 freestyle relay as well.

The boys swim team defeated Evansville Central, 65-23, but fell to Evansville North, 73-29. Coach Erinn Jankowski said the boys team had a “solid first meet with numerous lifetime best swims and many ‘firsts’ for new swimmers and our diver” on the team’s website.

The Wildcats will be back in the pool on

they

to Terre

Vikings wrestlers win openers, gain experience in Invite

By Chris Morlan

North Posey wrestling team begin their 2022-23 campaign last Thursday night in a triangular meet at home against Boonville and Daviess County, Kentucky. On this year’s schedule, North Posey only has two home wrestling meets this season. Both home meets are opening the season. It was also Senior Night for the Vikings wrestlers. Seniors Gavin Wheeler, Reece Terhune, and Tristen Gammon along with their parents were recognized at center court for their accomplishments during wrestling careers.

The first competition of the night was between North Posey and Boonville. After the first five matches, Boonville led 24-18. From that point, North Posey won six of the next seven matches to win this dual 52-27 over the Pioneers. “Boonville doesn’t have a bad squad,” North Posey coach Cody Moll said. “I told the team that this dual would be closer.

We have some holes in our lineup. We had some forfeits. It tough to compete but Boonville has a pretty good group of guys that are competitive. That’s the most they have scored on us but giving up three or four forfeits isn’t easy but it’s part of it. Our team wrestled pretty good in their first match of the year. Our conditioning was good, and we didn’t look or feel tired. We just must fine tune some stuff to be a little more aggressive.”

In the second competition of the evening, Boonville went against Daviess County. The Pioneers defeated Daviess County 54-24. For the final dual competition of the night, North Posey beat Daviess County 67-6. The Vikings won 12 of the 13 matches in this dual. Also, both teams forfeited the 126-pound weight class. “Daviess County, I hated that they showed up with not a lot of guys,” Moll said.

The difference? The Vikings got shots to fall when they needed them.

Vernon put up 21 points in the first quarter against the Patriots in the team’s first game. North Posey held the Cats to just six on Friday.

Junior Julien Glover, senior Kaleigh Kelley, junior Krissy

Saturday when

travel

Haute to compete in the Splashing Through the Snow Invitational at the Terre Haute Aquatic Center.

The Mount Vernon Wildcats have a problem stopping North Posey sophomore guard Jackson Graff, this time on a drive to the basket. Photo by Dave Pearce

Mount Vernon’s Nicot Burnett goes high for a shot over North Posey’s Kylen Wathen during action Friday night in Mount Vernon. Photo by Garry Beeson

Wildcat Bryce Clowers goes high in an attempt to block a shot by Viking Ryan Kelley. Photo by Dave Pearce

North Posey’s Jace Martin takes a quick glance at the clock as time winds down in one of his impressive wins on Saturday at the North Posey-Mater Dei Invitational held at North Posey High School. Photo by Dave Pearce

Vikings lose control of the game in loss to PAC’s Boonville

By Chris Morlan

First home game of the year at “The Barn” on the North Posey campus. The Vikings played last Tuesday evening against the Boonville Pioneers. This was the Vikings second game of the season. North Posey was searching for their first win of the year.

The first quarter started off well for the Vikings. North Posey was in control of the game and left the first quarter with a 17-16 lead. Then the disastrous second quarter where every basket Boonville shot went in and North Posey had too many costly turnovers and easy missed shots. At the end of the first half, North Posey was down 39-28.

North Posey played a better second half, but the bad second quarter was too much to overcome as the Pioneers beat the Vikings 79-66. Bad passes, easy shots missed, communication and missed free throws sunk North Posey in this game. The Vikings fell to 0-2 on the season, while Boonville improved to 1-0.

There were nine players between the two schools that scored in double digits. Five players for Boonville and four for North Posey. Colin Schipp led the Vikings in scoring with a gamehigh 24 points. Clay Conner led Boonville in scoring with 20 points. Neither team

game.

1, A. Schmitt 1), Boonville 6 (D. Sharp 3, Lavell Tinsley 2, J. Fuller 1);

Free Throws: North Posey 12-22, Boonville 11-15; Fouls: North Posey 15, Boonville 18

The junior varsity Vikings opened the evening in their matchup against the Pioneers. North Posey played a good first quarter and closed out the first seven minutes of the game with a 14-4 lead. During the second quarter, Boonville went to a full court press and stayed within reach of the Vikings. At the end of the first half, North Posey led 25-16.

In the third quarter, North Posey pulled away and led by as much as 37-16 with a little over three minutes left in the period. After three quarters, North Posey led 39-25. North Posey maintained their lead and control of the game in the fourth quarter to cruise on to the victory.

Noah Koester and Stone Riecken led North Posey in scoring with ten points each. Reece Thompson scored nine points on three, three-point baskets. Carson Woods and Noah Roberts scored eight points apiece, while Trey Buecher finished with two points. Isaac Miller led Boonville in scoring with a game-high 11 points.

JUNIOR VARSITY, Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at North Posey North Posey 14 11 14 10 — 49 Boonville 4 12 9 9 — 34

NORTH POSEY (49): N. Koester 2 5-6 10, C. Woods 4 0-0 8, S. Riecken 5 0-0 10, R. Thompson 3 0-0 9, K. Gengelbach 0 0-0 0, C. Cullum 0 0-0 0, P. Seymour

Lady Vikings on five-game win streak

By Chris Morlan

North Posey played their first of two games last week on Wednesday night at home against the Boonville Lady Pioneers. The Lady Vikings overcame a rough first quarter to defeat Boonville 53-37. For the season, North Posey improved to four wins and one loss. This was also the Lady Vikings fourth win on a row. Boonville fell to one win and six losses. The Lady Pioneers have now lost five games in a row.

Boonville jumped out to an early 6-1 lead over the Lady Vikings. North Posey scored the next six points to lead 7-6. The Lady Pioneers maintained control of the first quarter. After the first eight minutes of this matchup, this game was tied at 11-11. “For some reason, we have struggled to get started for each game,” North Posey coach Jessica Schenk said. “I hate having to get in their ear to get rolling. That is something we will have to get better at when we face the rest of our schedule.” During the start of the second quarter,

North Posey opened with a 7-0 scoring run to lead 18-11. The Lady Vikings closed out the first half with a 29-20 lead.

The Lady Vikings extended their lead by as much as 13 points in the third quarter. At the end of the third quarter, North Posey led 38-30. For the fourth quarter, North Posey kept a double-digit lead for the final seven minutes of the game to cruise to a 16-point win over the Lady Pioneers.

North Posey sophomore Alyssa Heath played a great game with a double-double performance of 22 points and 15 rebounds. Coach Schenk said, “Alyssa stepped up and played like the player we know she is. She is versatile and can contribute both inside and out.” Jaz Ward scored 13 points and pulled down eight rebounds. Ella Weatherholt scored one point with 13 rebounds and five steals. Schenk said, “I think our inside players play an important role. You can’t key on one of them because they all can battle under the basket and step up to shoot that 15-foot jumper.” Baylee Mare led Boonville in scoring with 16 points.

VARSITY, Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at North Posey North Posey 11 18 9 15 — 53 Boonville 11 9 10 7 — 37 NORTH POSEY (53): M. Luigs 2 1-2 5, A. Elpers 2 0-0 5, A. Heath 8 1-4 22, A. Blankenship 1 2-3 4, E. Weatherholt 0 1-2 1, L. Kihn 1 0-0

3, J. Ward 3 7-10 13, M. Bryant 0 0-0 0

BOONVILLE (37): B. Fuquay 3 0-1 7, A. Ward 1 1-3 3, B. Mare 5 5-8 16, E. Parker 3 3-3 9, K. Mockobee 0 2-2 2, A. Wongler 0 0-2 0, J. Miller 0 0-2 0

3-point field goals: North Posey 7 (A. Heath 5, L. Kihn 1, A. Elpers 1), Boonville 2 (B. Fuquay 1, B. Mare 1); Free Throws: North Posey 1221, Boonville 11-21; Fouls: North Posey 17, Boonville 17

North Posey went on the road to the Eastside of Evansville to play the Harrison Lady Warriors last Thursday evening. The Lady Vikings started off this matchup a little slow and were down 16-14 after one quarter. “Harrison is another game we got off to a super slow start, coach Schenk said. “I’m proud of the way we battled back.” North Posey regrouped in the timeout between quarters and came out in the second quarter outscoring the Lady Warriors 22-5 and took a 36-21 lead at the end of the first half.

In the second half, North Posey maintained that momentum in the third quarter and finished those eight minutes leading 48-33. The Lady Vikings blasted this game out of reach in the fourth quarter with a 21-7 scoring run to win 69-40. With this win, North Posey extended their win streak to five games in a row. Harrison lost their seventh game in a row. “I thought we got big minutes from Blan-

kenship and Elpers,” Schenk said. “Heath had another solid night and played the way we know she is capable. (Lauren) Kihn offered a spark that we needed on defense. Mallory (Luigs) had another solid game. She doesn’t get frazzled and handles the pressure like a seasoned point guard, not a freshman. I think our freshman post players, Ella Weatherholt and Jaz Ward are battling inside and will continue to get better and more confident underneath.”

Alyssa Heath Led the Lady Vikings with a game-high 17 points. Heath also had eight rebounds, four assists and three steals. Ashton Elpers scored 13 points with seven rebounds. Ashleigh Blankenship with 13 points and seven rebounds. Lady Warriors Jordan Mackey and Annabella Thomas led the Lady Warriors in scoring with ten points apiece. “We have a big test ahead of us in our next few games,” Schenk said. “We can’t start off slow like we have the past couple of games.”

VARSITY, Thursday, December 1, 2022, at Evansville Harrison North Posey 14 22 12 21 — 69 Harrison 16 5 12 7 — 40

NORTH POSEY (69): M. Luigs 4 1-4 9, A. Elpers 5 2-2 13, A. Heath 7 3-7 17, A. Blankenship 6 0-0 13, E. Weatherholt 2 4-9 8, L. Kihn 0 0-0 0, J. Ward 4 1-3 9, M. Bryant 0 0-0 0, J. Wehmer 0 0-0 0

HARRISON (40): J. Berry 1 3-8 5, G. Bushrod 1 0-0 3, K. Heyward 0 0-0 0, A. Thomas 4 0-0 10, K. Payne 1 0-0 2, A. Griffin 2 1-2 6, K. Quesinberry 1 0-0 2, K. Robertson 0 0-0 0, A. Williams 0 0-0 0, M. Lanier 0 0-2 0, J. Mackey 3 3-6 10

3-point field goals: North Posey 2 (A. Blankenship 1, A. Elpers 1), Harrison 6 (A. Thomas 3, G. Bushrod 1, A. Griffin 1, J. Mackey 1); Free Throws: North Posey 11-25, Harrison 7-18

The North Posey junior varsity team easily defeated Evansville Harrison 52-13 in the opening game last Thursday night. North Posey led 32-9 at the half and outscored the Lady Warriors 20-4 in the second half for the win.

Makenna Bryant led the Lady Vikings in scoring with ten points. Jenna Wehmer scored nine points. Kyleigh Bender and Laney Owens each scored eight points. Mackenzie Mills with six points, Addie Murphy with five points, Katelyn Seibert with two points, Courtney Helfert with two points, and Ava Crawford with two points.

North Posey senior Erin Hoehn signed her intent to play softball for the University of Michigan this week.

NORTH POSEY

Austin Schmitt shows intensity as he pump-fakes before going up for this shot against Boonville. The Pioneers defeated the Vikings in Poseyville this week. Photo by Dave Pearce

Ashton Elpers comes to a jump stop as she brings the ball up the floor in action this week at Harrison. After a slow start, the Vikings blew out the Warriors. Photo by Dave Pearce

“A lot of guys quit the team. Four of those guys were state-ranked. We want to wrestle teams with a full roster. Daviess County is down this year. Rowan Wheeler wrestler of that dual and got his first varsity win.”

North Posey 52, Boonville 27: 106: M. Belt (NP) won by forfeit; 113: A. Whitfield (B) def K. Baehl (NP) by fall (5:02); 120: G. Wheeler (NP) def B. Haire (B) by fall (2:24); 126: J. Lockyear (B) def R. Wheeler (NP) by fall (0:27); 132: E. Mayes (B) won by forfeit; 138: T. Martin (NP) def G. Whitsell (B) by fall (1:02); 145: T. Mauck (NP) def J. Durham (B) by fall (3:34); 152: W. Gamblin (NP) def L. Ellis (B) by major decision 12-0; 160: A. Duke (NP) won by forfeit; 170: L. Shelby (NP) def H. Evans (B) by fall (3:31); 182: B. Oakley (NP) won by forfeit; 195: R. Ter-

hune (NP) def B. Marchand (B) by fall (1:59); 220: A. Hudson (B) won by forfeit; 285: J. Mueller (B) def T. Gammon (NP) by decision 5-0.

North Posey 67, Daviess County, KY 6: 120: G. Wheeler (NP) def J. Rudkesky (DC) by fall (0:40); 126: Both teams forfeited; 132: R. Wheeler (NP) def G. McNabb (DC) by fall (0:48); 138: T. Martin (NP) def K. Nichols (DC) by fall (1:25); 145: T. Mauck (NP) won by forfeit; 152: W. Gamblin (NP) won by forfeit; 160: A. Duke (NP) won by forfeit; 170: L. Shelby (NP) def A. Colburn (DC) by fall (0:37); 182: B. Oakley (NP) won by forfeit; 195: R. Terhune (NP) def J. Winkler (DC) by fall (3:06); 220: G. Nicodemas (DC) won by forfeit; 285: T. Gammon (NP) def C. Cruz (DC) by decision 10-5; 106: M. Belt (NP) def A. Ramburger (DC) by major decision 13-4; 113: K. Baehl (NP)

def J. Stoner (DC) by fall (3:00).

The annual North Posey-Mater Dei Invitational was held last Saturday at North Posey High School. Five very good teams competed against the Vikings. You had Union County, which is the Mater Dei of Kentucky. Louisville Trinity that is one of the best teams in Kentucky. Zionsville from outside of Indianapolis is always state ranked. A muchimproved Evansville North team and we all know who Evansville Mater Dei is and their history in wrestling.

“Evansville North has gotten better, and I compare them to how Tell City used to be,” Moll said. “Now Tell City is solid, and I’ve noticed the last few years that North has gotten better. North is making bigger jumps than we are. Trinity was a good win. They have some state ranked guys. They also have a few hammers that took it to us. Everyone on our

team took a loss today. We have no undefeated wrestlers. This is the tournament is what we wanted because it is hard. More competitive than I thought. This tournament looked like a state competition. Next week when we go to PAC duals, our kids are going to be happy because the competition won’t be as rough. The team will not see this type of competition until state. We wanted to get tested and see where we are at. I thought we wrestled well against Union actually and I thought we battled Zionsville. I told our guys how impressed I was on few pins we gave up. I was disappointed in the Mater Dei dual. I thought that was a lack of effort. We will get better from this.”

Evansville North 44, North Posey 27: 106: M. Belt (NP) def Broshears (N) by decision 5-4; 113: K. Baehl def Miller (N) by fall (5:47); 120: G. Wheeler (NP) def

Jackson (N) by fall (1:48); 126: Anderson (N) def R. Wheeler (NP) by TF 17-1; 132: Doran (N) won by forfeit; 138: T. Mauck (NP) def E. Jorgensen (N) by fall (4:35); 145: Pegram (N) def T. Martin (NP) by MD 9-0; 152: Bowenburger (N) def W. Gamblin (NP) by decision 8-4; 160: P. Bell (N) def A. Duke (NP) by fall (0:30); 170: A. Bell (N) def L. Shelby (NP) by TF 15-0; 182: Johnson (N) def B. Kortz (NP) by fall (0:58); 195: R. Terhune (NP) def Leyston (N) by fall (3:49); 220: Reeves (N) won by forfeit; 285: Coswell (N) def T. Gammon (NP) by decision 5-1. North Posey 39, Trinity (KY) 29: 106: Cowan (T) def M. Belt (NP) by decision 7-1; 113: K. Baehl (NP) def Steuer (T) by fall (5:17); 120: G. Wheeler (NP) def Pulmmeri (T) by fall (3:27); 126: Crowe (T) def R. Wheeler (NP) by TF 18-3; 138: T. Martin (NP)

def Schuster (T) by fall (0:29); 145: T. Mauck (NP) won by forfeit; 152: W. Gamblin (NP) def Holster (T) by fall (0:56); 160: L. Shelby (NP) def Viers (T) by fall (1:22); 170: Ferree (T) def A. Duke (NP) by fall (0:21); 182: Kaiser (T) def B. Kortz (NP) by fall (0:48); 195: R. Terhune (NP) def Rittenmueller (T) by decision 7-5; 220: Lingle (T) won by forfeit; 285: Keys (T) def T. Gammon (NP) by decision 5-0.

Zionsville 58, North Posey 12: 113: Stauffocher (Z) won by forfeit; 120: T. Frazier (Z) def G. Wheeler (NP) by decision 11-5; 126: Phoenicie (Z) def R. Wheeler (NP) by fall (0:53); 132: Ramirez (Z) won by forfeit; 138: Conner (Z) def T. Mauck (NP) by MD 13-0; 145: T. Martin (NP) def Fritts (Z) by fall (2:17); 152: Wahl (Z) def W. Gamblin (NP) by MD 16-7; 160: Wagner (Z) def A. Duke (NP) by fall (0:56); 170: Mangus (Z) def L. Shelby (NP) by MD 14-6; 182: Penola (Z) won by forfeit; 195: Machlaughten (Z) def R. Terhune (NP) by decision 2-0; 220: Hodges (Z) won by forfeit; 285: T. Gammon (NP) def Souer (Z) by fall (1:02); 106: S. Frazier (Z) def K. Baehl (NP) by MD 11-2.

Union County (KY) 59, North Posey 12: 120: Heady (UC) def G. Wheeler (NP) by decision 125; 126: J. Rainey (UC) def R. Wheeler (NP) by fall (0:12); 132: H. Jenkins (UC) won by forfeit; 138: T. Martin (NP) def J. Ray (UC) by decision 9-5; 145: G. Mays (UC) def K. Brown (NP) by fall (3:28); 152: A. Fletcher (UC) def W. Gamblin (NP) by decision 7-1; 160: L. Ricketts (UC) def L. Shelby (NP) by TF 17-2; 170: C. Vincent (UC) def A. Duke (NP) by fall (0:30); 182: G. Ricketts (UC) won by forfeit; 195: K. Brown (UC) won by forfeit; 220: H. Pogue (UC) def R. Terhune (NP) by fall (1:10); 285: T. Gammon (NP) def A. Cummings (UC) by fall (1:00); 106: K. Baehl (NP) def A. Fowler (UC) by decision 16-11; 113: J. Rainey (UC) def M. Belt (NP) by fall (0:36).

Evansville Mater Dei 68, North Posey 3: 126: E. Seng (MD) def R. Wheeler (NP) by fall (0:38); 132: B. Elpers (MD) won by forfeit; 138: T. Vanover (MD) won by forfeit; 145: T. Martin (NP) def G. Voegel (MD) by decision 1410; 152: H. May (MD) def K. Brown (NP) by fall (0:16); 160: J. Pierre (MD) def W. Gamblin (NP) by decision 5-2; 170: S. Turner (MD) def L. Shelby (NP) by TF 18-2; 182: Schapker (MD) won by forfeit; 195: Maroni (MD) def R. Terhune (NP) by fall (0:27); 220: C. Martin (MD) won by forfeit; 285: A. Vanover (MD) def T. Gammon (NP) by fall (1:32); 106: Alstadt (MD) def K. Baehl (NP) by decision 5-0; 113: Randolph (MD) def M. Belt (NP) by MD 13-0; I. Schaefer (MD) def G. Wheeler (NP) by TF 23-7.

‘Reserves,’ continued from Page B1

fourth period, 37-37.

North Posey junior Reece Thompson scored with 6:27 to go to put the Vikings back on top, but Kelley’s fourth three of the night brought the Cats right back. Thompson answered with a three of his own to take a 42-40 lead. Mount Vernon couldn’t capitalize on back to back steals by Logan Clowers, but got things rolling again with a Robb basket to tie the contest with 2:30 remaining. The Clowers cousins… Bryce and Logan…forced a North Posey turnover, but Mount Vernon couldn’t score.

North Posey had the ball with 26.6 seconds to go and Simmons hit a clutch shot to put the Vikings back on top, 4442. Mount Vernon turned the ball over and the Cats were forced to foul to try to extend the game. North Posey had the ball out of bounds under the Wildcats basket and Bryce Clowers snagged the ball on the inbound play. He found Robb who was fouled and sent to the free throw line to shoot for a chance to tie the game with 5.5 seconds to go, but neither shot fell. The Wildcats fouled Thompson, who missed the front end of a one and bonus. Mount Vernon sophomore Nate Howard hauled in the rebound and the Wildcats called a timeout with 3.3 seconds on the clock. The Wildcats got the ball under North Posey’s basket with just enough time to inbound a launch a Hail Mary. The team’s last second shot fell short and the Vikings clinched a 44-43 victory.

Robb led the way for Mount Vernon with 21 points, three assists and five rebounds.

Kelley had 12 points (4-5 beyond the arc), two assists, two rebounds and one steal. Bryce Clowers had eight points, three assists, one rebound and three steals. Swartz had two points and one steal. Logan Clowers had two assists and four rebounds. Howard had seven points, one block and one steal. Junior Aaron Weiss had three rebounds.

Members of the All-PAC team are, from right to left, Jackson Graff, Caige Christie, Tristen Gammon, Gavin Myers, Jed Galvin, Liam Stone (offensive captain) and Honorable Mention Kaleb Herke, Kaedyn Stewart, Kaleb Egan, and Jace Gauer. Photo submitted

Award winners at the North Posey Football Awards banquet this week are, left to right, Man of the Year - Reese Terhune, Iron Man - Jace Gauer, MVP - Liam Stone, Mental Attitude - Caige Christie, Offensive MVP - Jed Galvin, Scout/JV MVP - Julian Dickison, Breakout Player - Kolton Gardner, Special Team MVP - Kaleb Herke, Outstanding Lineman - Tristen Gammon, and Defensive MVP - Gavin Myers. Photo submitted

‘County Rivalry’ continued from Page B1 a minute later stretched the visitors’ lead, 4-0. Mount Vernon junior Jackson Clowers answered on the Cats next possession. North Posey junior Liam Stone’s shot was blocked and Mount Vernon freshman Brady Schickel came away with the ball. Junior Nicot Burnett…the Cats leading scorer in 2022…drove to the hoop and tied the contest, but the Vikings came right back with a triple by Graff. North Posey snagged a defensive board, but the dish down the floor was long and Mount Vernon got the ball back. The Cats fed Clowers, who scored to cut the lead to a point with 3:02 to go in the period. Mount Vernon freshman Nash Hostetter grabbed a rebound from a missed North Posey free throw, but the Cats couldn’t capitalize. A bucket by Vikings sophomore Austin Schmitt extended North Posey’s advantage and free throws by Graff stretched the lead, 11-6. Graff came up with a steal and drew a foul from Clowers, his second of the evening. Junior Kylan Wathen scored underneath to put the Vikings up by seven at the start of the second quarter.

Mount Vernon made up for lost time in the second quarter. Clowers opened the period with a jump shot from the free throw line. A triple followed by Vikings junior Colin Schipp, but Clowers struck again. Mount Vernon’s defense stepped up. Schickel got his hands on the ball, forcing a deflection that sent multiple players scrambling on the floor and ended with Burnett connecting with Clowers for a three. A Vikings miss on the other end was rebounded by Schickel who found Clowers. Clowers drew a foul and hit a pair of free throws to cut the lead to a point with just under six minutes to go in the half. Clowers picked up his third foul on the next play, forcing the Cats leading playmaker…with 13 of the team’s 15 points…to watch from the bench. Stone hit the second of two free throws to give North Posey a 17-15 lead. Mount Vernon wasn’t done yet, however. Schickel battled underneath and came up with a big offensive rebound and basket to tie the game. The Cats defense held the Vikings offense at bay and Hostetter found junior Jacob Swartz

for the go-ahead basket to give Mount Vernon its first lead of the night. It didn’t last long. A bucket by Graff tied the game again. Mount Vernon sophomore Jack Campbell drained a three from the corner to give the Wildcats a 22-19 edge with 3:25 to go in the half. Hostetter came through with a block on the other end and a rebound by Burnett led to a second score for Swartz to stretch the home team’s lead to five points. North Posey called time out, cooling the Cats momentum and setting up a three by Wathen. Schickel came up with a loose ball under the basket and was fouled. He hit the first but missed the second free throw. The Vikings came up with a rebound, but couldn’t capitalize. Campbell played pickpocket for Mount Vernon and the Wildcats went into the break with a 25-22 lead.

Schmitt scored for the Vikings to open the third quarter, but the Wildcats answered with a bucket by Burnett. A miss by the Vikings was rebounded by Schickel, but Mount Vernon couldn’t convert. North Posey got a rebound, but Mount Vernon junior Logan Dutkiewicz grabbed a steal. The Wildcats turned the ball over, but a missed Vikings shot ended with a Dutkiewicz rebound and long pass to Clowers for an easy layup, giving Mount Vernon a 2924 lead with 6:28 to go in the third quarter. A three by Wathan…his second of the night… cut into the Cats lead. Graff intercepted Mount Vernon’s inbound pass and drew a foul. He sank his first free throw, but missed the second and Schickel came away with the rebound. North Posey’s defense kept the Cats off the board and Stone scored to reclaim the lead for the Vikings, 30-29. Graff added a basket a minute later. Burnett tied the contest with a three, but the Vikings responded with a threepoint play by Stone and another Graff score, giving North Posey a five-point lead with a minute to go in the third. The Wildcats missed a three and the Vikings got the ball back. North Posey held for the final shot of the period, but missed and Schickel hauled in the rebound and found Hostetter who banked in a deep three at the buzzer to shrink the Vikings lead to two. A bucket by Clowers tied the game a min-

ute into the fourth quarter, but Schmitt put the Vikings back on top. Clowers came through again and the score was tied at 39-39 with 5:55 remaining. Graff scored a minute later, but Mount Vernon found Clowers who drove up the middle and scored to tie the game at 41-all with four minutes to go. Clowers was called for a foul on the floor, his fourth. The Vikings found Graff again and North Posey took a 4341 lead. Mount Vernon drove down the court, but missed a shot. Clowers came up with the rebound and put back to take away North Posey’s lead once again. The Wildcats had a chance to reclaim the lead, but turned the ball over outside the three-point line. Dutkiewicz blocked a shot by Graff and the Cats got the ball back, but they failed to score. North Posey found Wathen in the corner along the Mount Vernon sideline for a deep three to give the Vikings a 46-43 lead with a minute to go. Back to back timeouts were called by both teams. The Wildcats missed a shot and Clowers fouled out with a contest-leading 23 points fighting for the rebound. Mount Vernon was forced to use fouls to try to extend the game. Schmitt was sent to the free throw line for a one and one with 31.5 seconds to go. His shot came off the rim and Swartz pulled down the rebound for the Wildcats. Mount Vernon drove down the floor and Coach Newcomb called for a timeout just as Dutkiewicz fielded a pass and hit a three that, if counted, would have tied the game. The shot was too late, however, and the Vikings retained their three point edge. The Cats had the ball with 17.7 seconds to go, but couldn’t score. Schmitt added a point from the free throw line and the Vikings claimed the team’s first win of the season, 47-43.

Seymour said he liked what he saw from his squad…even from his unfamiliar perspective as a spectator.

“It’s a little different perspective for me coming off surgery, getting to sit up there and watch it in the stands. They’re playing really, really hard. Even in our two losses (Washington and Boonville), they are fighting. They are giving us everything they have. We’re still learning. We’re still trying to get through some

stuff, but we never question our kids’ effort,” Seymour said. “They give us everything they have every game. They play hard and we’re really proud of that.”

Seymour said he was proud of his team’s ability to hold Burnett to just seven points and said the team has been focused on shutting down Burnett and Clowers.

“They are their two main scorers. Those are the two we wanted to stop. Defensively, that’s who we are going to focus on and try to at least make shots tough when they shoot them and contest them enough so that hopefully they don’t hit them,” Seymour said.

Seymour said the win was a team effort and he didn’t want to single any one player out as a stand out.

“Jackson, Colin (Schipp)... Kylan Wathen has been a big addition for us. He hit the big shot here in the corner to put us up three late in the game. Those three stand out, but all of them play hard. I hate to just point out one or two. Offensively we have guys that stand out. Defensively we have guys that stand out. All of them as a group…all six or seven of them that played…gave us everything that they had,” Seymour said.

Graff led the Vikings with 18 points. Wathen was the team’s second leading scorer with 13 points…nine from beyond the arc. Schmitt had eight points. Stone had six points and Schipp had three. Defensive statistics were unavailable for the Vikings when this story was written.

Mount Vernon was led by Clowers with 23 points, five rebounds and one block. Burnett had seven points, four assists, six rebounds and one steal. Swartz had four points and one rebound. Schickel had three points, two assists and eight rebounds. Campbell had three points, three rebounds and one steal. Hostetter had three points, four assists, four rebounds and one block. Dutkiewicz had two assists, four rebounds, one block and one steal.

North Posey (1-2) will be back in action tonight at home against Evansville Day (2-2). Mount Vernon (1-1) will travel to Mount Carmel, Ill., tonight to face the Golden Aces.

North Posey Junior High boys sweep Mount Vernon in rivalry

By Chris Morlan

The North Posey Junior High boys’ basketball seventh and eighth grade teams played on the road at Mount Vernon Junior High last Thursday night. Both teams defeated Mount Vernon in their matchups played.

(Seventh Grade) North Posey 47, Mount Vernon 35: The seventh grade Vikings pulled away in the second half of their game for a 47-35 win. Dylan Murphy led the Vikings with a game-high 25 points. Brennon Reich scored nine points, followed by Tyler Arnold with seven points, Evan Becker with three points, Bret Buecher with two points, and Lane Young with one point.

(Eighth Grade) North Posey 43, Mount Vernon 19: North Posey eighth grade team cruised to a 43-19 win over Mount

Vernon. Brayden Compton and Carter Schickel led the Vikings in scoring with ten points apiece. Brody Fehn scored six points, Landon Huff with five points, Trevor Sikes with four points, Drake Schweizer with two points, and Easton Robinson with two points.

North Posey Junior High boys’ seventh and eighth basketball teams went on the road last Monday night to Reo to play the South Spencer Rebels. In the seventh-grade game, South Spencer jumped out to a comfortable 22-8 lead after the first quarter and coasted to a 34-22 win over the Vikings. For the eighth-grade game, North Posey lost 45-14.

(Seventh Grade) South Spencer 34, North Posey 22: After a rough first quarter, North Posey struggled to stay in this game and lost this matchup by twelve points. Dylan Murphy led the

Vikings in scoring with 12 points. Brennon Reich scored four points, Lane Young with two points, Tyler Arnold with two points, Levi Koester with one point, and Will Barton with a free throw shot.

(Eighth Grade) South Spencer 45, North Posey 14: The Rebels led 10-2 after one quarter, then expanded their advantage outscoring the Vikings 16-0 in the second quarter. At the end of the first half, South Spencer led 26-2.

North Posey could not get back in this game in the second half due to a large deficit. After three quarters played, South Spencer led 43-5. North Posey won the fourth quarter 9-2 but still took a 31-point loss. Will Bippus led the Vikings in scoring with six points, followed by Brody Fehn with five points and David Nenneker with three points.

By Trisha L. Lopez

The Mount Vernon girls basketball team is hoping to bounce back from a tough week by focusing on skill development and growth.

The Lady Wildcats fell to Princeton at home on Tuesday, 64-21, and at Pike Central, 44-15, on Saturday.

The Cats will have a busy week ahead as they travel to Mater Dei (4-3) tonight and host Boonville (1-6) on Saturday and Coach Kendra Steinhart is looking ahead at ways to continue to improve as the season advances.

“We need to focus on the individual improvements that we can make that will then make us better as a team,” Steinhart said.

The Cats have struggled to score in the three weeks since the team’s home opening 41-31 win against Evansville Bosse and have fallen short of 30 points in each of the five games that have followed.

Steinhart said her team has battled illness off the court that has impacted its performance on the court. Senior Lera Wilson led

the Cats in scoring against the Tigers with eight points on Tuesday, but played limited minutes and did not score in Saturday’s loss to the Chargers. Senior Mallory Nurrenbern..an All-PAC honoree in volleyball and an athlete that Steinhart has said is one of the strongest players on the court…did not play in Tuesday’s game. Junior Abbey Ries played no minutes in either contest.

Wilson led the way for the Cats against Princeton with eight points, 11 rebounds and three steals. Junior Arlissa Sharber had six points, six rebounds and one steal. Junior Cora Bell had three points, one assist, six rebounds and one steal. Senior Braiden Browning had two points and three rebounds. Junior Molly Jones had two points, three rebounds and one steal.

Sharber led the team against Pike Central on Saturday with six points, one assist, two blocks and three steals. Nurrenbern had four points, eight rebounds and one block. Freshman Hannah McNeece had two points, one

assist and two rebounds. Bell had two points and three rebounds. Junior Ashley Lilleston had one point, one assist and two rebounds.

Despite the challenges the team has faced. Steinhart praised girls’ efforts. She said Browning had a standout week.

“I was proud of Braiden Browning’s hustle and heart in each game this week,” Steinhart said.

In junior varsity action, the Lady Wildcats dropped a close game against Princeton on Tuesday, 30-25, and claimed a 10-7 victory in an abbreviated matchup shortened due to low numbers for the Lady Chargers.

Mount Vernon was led by freshman Kiara Shepherd in Tuesday’s game against the

Tigers with seven points, one assist and five rebounds. Sophomore Livi Robles had six points, three assists, four rebounds and five steals. Sophomore Chloe Swartz had four points, nine rebounds and three steals. Sophomore Addison Chilton had four points, four rebounds and one steal. Freshman Lorelai Boyd had two points and two rebounds. Freshman Abbie Powell had two points, one assist, five rebounds and one steal.

The Lady Wildcats were led by Robles in Saturday’s game with four points, three rebounds and one steal. Sophomore Kyra Rainey had two points. Powell had two points and one rebound. Freshman Maiya Jones had two points.

Santa’s helpers at the Breakfast With Santa on Saturday morning in New Harmony are, in front from left: Hazel Tepool, Mrs. Claus, Will Brady, Santa, and (naughty girl) Eleanor Buchanan. In back are: Linda Blankenberger, Marilyn Marshall, Lois Gray, Jim Scarafia, Susie Bender, Jane Koch, Marcia Marti, Eddie Creek, Linda Wildeman, Shelly Powell, Debra Johnson, and Ann Scarafia.

Members of the 2022-2023 North Posey Varsity/Junior Varsity Basketball team include first row, left to right: Noah Koester, Kade Buecher, Austin Schmitt, Ethan Mans-

field, Stone Riecken, Colin Schipp, Carson Woods, Kaedyn Stewart, and Braylon Games. Back row, l to r: Reece Thompson, Noah Roberts, Logan Simmons, Liam Stone, Kyle Downey, Kylan Wathen, Jackson Graff, Cole Cullum, and Kaden Gengelbach. Photo courtesy of Straub Photography

Members of the 2022-2023 Mount Vernon Boys Varsity Basketball team, front row, left to right: Keirra Deig (Manager), Jack Campbell, Ryan Kelley, Meyer Robb, Nash Hostetter, Amari McGee (Manager), and Ava Watters (Manager). Back row, l to r: Michael Landers (Asst. Coach), Joe Newcomb (Head Coach), Jackson Clowers, Logan Dutkiewicz, Aaron Weis, Jacob Swartz, Nicot Burnett, Brady Schickel, Nick Burton (Asst. Coach), Logan Worthington (Asst. Coach), and Grant Newcomb (Asst. Coach). Photo courtesy of Daniel Knight Studio B

Underclassmen must grow up fast for Lady Wildcat Basketball

By Trisha L. Lopez

Coach Kendra Steinhart is hoping to capitalize on a veteran lineup with the return of nearly every starter from last year’s squad as the Lady Wildcats look to improve upon their 4-18 2021-22 season record.

Steinhart is looking to seniors Lera Wilson and Mallory Nurrenbern to lead the way. She called Wilson an offensive threat, a key ball handler and fast defender capable of leading the team in steals and deflections. She praised Nurrenbern’s athleticism and said “most of the time she is the strongest player on the court.”

Senior Bailey Cox is also a returning starter, but has been

sidelined due to injury. Steinhart said Cox is using her experience and knowledge to help the team from the bench as she works to get back onto the floor.

Steinhart’s fourth senior player, Braiden Browning, is new to the Wildcats varsity team. Steinhart complimented Browning’s love for the game and attitude and said she will “count on her for rebounds and all-out hustle.”

She said juniors Arlissa Sharber, Ashley Lilleston and Cora Bell and freshman Hannah McNeece have stood out in the early going this season as well.

Sharber has established herself as an offensive and defensive threat on the court for the Wildcats. She had 20 points in the team’s victory against Evansville Bosse on November 12 and has been either the team’s top point producer or second highest scorer in each game so far this season.

Steinhart said Lilleston worked in the off season to get stronger and improve her ball handling skills. She said she is impressed by Lilleston’s determination to drive to the basket and get to the free throw line.

Bell has played a variety of roles for Steinhart and is a strong rebounder. Steinhart said she “greatly appreciates her willingness to put the team before herself and step up to the task at hand.”

McNeece has quick ball handling skills and forces turnovers on defense with her quickness and aggressive play, Steinhart said.

Seniors Carlotta Pascual Centellles and Logan Steedman have joined the team as managers.

Steinhart said her goal for the season is to “continue to build a program that instills high expectations of athletes on

“(We

Members of the 2022-2023 Mount Vernon Girls Basketball team, front row, from left to right: Cora Bell, Abbey Ries, Logan Steedman, Braiden Browning, Mallory Nurrenbern, Bailey Cox, Carlotta Pascual Centelles, Ashley Lilleston, Molly Jones, and Arlissa Sharber. Middle row, l to r: Kendra Steinhart, Addison Chilton, Hannah McNeece, Kyra Rainey, Kiara Shepherd, Maiya Jones, Emily Jones, Julie Long, Lorelai Boyd, Nicholas Burton, and Cody Ungetheim. Back row, l to r: Mela Robles, Liv Robles, Chloe Swartz, Abby Powell, Ashley Lilleston, and Taylor Ellison. Not pictured: Coach Hazel Osborne and Lera Wilson. Photo courtesy of Daniel Knight Studio B

and off the court.” She also hopes to have players make the High School Basketball Coaches Association’s All Academic Team for the third consecutive year.

want to) continue to improve throughout the season so that we are playing our best ball at tournament time,” Steinhart said.

Wildcat underclassmen looking for leaders, scorers

By Trisha L. Lopez

Mount Vernon boys basketball will feature a lot of new faces this season, but fourth-year Coach Joe Newcomb said he likes what he’s seeing from his young squad.

“I like how these guys compliment each other and fit together. It will be interesting to watch how we grow and improve throughout the year. I am really excited about the challenges in front of us and just thankful to have the opportunity to coach here and go to battle each night with some great kids. The kids are what makes coaching so much fun and I cannot wait to get going with them,” Newcomb said.

The Wildcats graduated six seniors from the 10-14 2022 squad, three of which were multi-year starters. Newcomb has no seniors on this year’s team and returns just two starters…juniors Nicot Burnett and Jackson Clowers who proved themselves to be impact players on both ends of the court a year ago.

“Nicot is an All-PAC guard who had a really solid sophomore season for us and is primed to take another big step forward. He is going to have to be a great leader for us each day as we break in some newcomers and they learn how to play consistently at the varsity level,” Newcomb said. “He will see some things defensively that he hasn’t seen before and it will be up to the staff and the players around him to help get all of us in positions to succeed.”

Clowers led the team in its scrimmage against Evansville Day School on November 19 with 28 points and nine rebounds. Newcomb said Clowers can do a “multitude of things on both ends and plays really hard, which I really appreciate and value in him.”

Newcomb’s varsity newcomers are expected to hit the ground running.

Junior Logan Dutkiewicz is primed for a good season, Newcomb said.

“He has grown and gotten stronger and is playing with a lot of confidence right now. I think he really gets the game and makes those around him better because of that,” Newcomb said.

Newcomb said juniors Jacob Swartz and Aaron Weis will be “key contributors” as well.

Several freshmen have the ability to help the Cats win at the varsity level this season, Newcomb said.

“Brady Schickel and Nash Hostetter I think are both guys who will play a lot for us. Brady is a young man who plays really hard, loves the game and can rebound and defend and make open shots. I like what he brings to the team. I also like Nash and his ability to handle the ball and score in a variety of ways, so it will be fun to watch them grow as players throughout the season,” Newcomb said.

Newcomb is not daunted by the team’s lack of seniors.

“Having the same team for the next two years is really exciting. I think it allows guys to become comfortable around one another and etch out roles and personalities that will fit with our team,” Newcomb said.

Relying on younger players to fill leadership positions will benefit the squad in the long run.

“Nicot is obviously a guy who has to lead for us both on and off the court. He is someone that understands what I expect as he has started the majority of the past two seasons for us. He is now an extension of the coaching staff on the floor. He does a great job of holding kids accountable, being a voice when we need one and making sure we keep ourselves focused during times of distraction. I think we have some other guys who have stepped up in that department as well. Jackson Clowers and Logan Dutkiewicz were named captains by their teammates and they both do a great job leading through their approach and attitude each day which goes a long way,” Newcomb said.

Newcomb expects leadership from his freshmen, too.

“Brady Schickel is a guy who is vocal on the basketball court and does a good job of leading with his work ethic

and commitment and Meyer Robb is another young guy who has led with his willingness to stay to work on his game and help out other young guys after our practices,” Newcomb said.

New faces doesn’t mean Wildcat fans should expect new team goals. Newcomb said he remains committed to making sure his team is the “hardest working team on the floor every night we play.”

“So far the identity of our team is that they work their tails off each day we come in the gym and have been eager to learn and get better. If we can continue to have those traits I think it will help us be successful this season. We have to have guys who are willing to do things others will not: dive on the floor, take charges, play fundamental throughout the game in order for us to win consistently,” Newcomb said.

Newcomb said he hopes to see the community get behind his guys each week. After back to back double digit winning seasons…a first for Mount Vernon in over a decade.. Newcomb said he feels like the fan base has grown and “there is some excitement about what we are building here in regards to basketball.”

“Within the schools, we are developing a Pep Club to help get student backing that will hopefully encourage our students to come out and be active participants at games. We are doing some elementary spirit days to help create connections among our current athletes with our future athletes so we can hopefully get some younger fans out with their families,” Newcomb said. “I think our home opener against North Posey on December 2 provides a great opportunity for us to come out and play in front of a good crowd. Hopefully, our boys will lay it all on the line and win our fans over that night.”

Members of the 20222023 Mount Vernon Boys C-Team, front row,

Members of the 2022-2023 Mount Vernon Boys Varsity Basketball team, front row, left to right: Keirra Deig (Manager), Jack Campbell, Ryan Kelley, Meyer Robb, Nash Hostetter, Amari McGee (Manager), and Ava Watters (Manager). Back row, l to r: Michael Landers (Asst. Coach), Joe Newcomb (Head Coach), Jackson Clowers, Logan Dutkiewicz, Aaron Weis, Jacob Swartz, Nicot Burnett, Brady Schickel, Nick Burton (Asst. Coach), Logan Worthington (Asst. Coach), and Grant Newcomb (Asst. Coach). Photo courtesy of Daniel Knight Studio B

Members of the 2022-2023 Mount Vernon Boys Junior Varsity Basketball team, front row, from l to r: Keirra Deig (manager), Meyer Robb, David Jones, Bryce Clowers, Graeson Lyons, Jack Campbell, Logan Clowers, Amari McGee (Manager), and Ava Watters (manager). Back row, l to r: Michael Landers (Asst. coach), Grant Newcomb (Asst. coach), Brandon Givens, Nate Howard, Aaron Weis, Jacob Swartz, Ryan Kelley, Nick Arvin, Nick Burton (Asst. coach), and Logan Worthington (JV Coach). Not pictured JV: Reese Harshbarger. Photo courtesy of Daniel Knight Studio B

Graduation takes toll on Vikings, young players must step-up

By Chris Morlan

The 2022-2023 North Posey boys’ basketball team come into this season with some spots to fill from four starters graduating last year.

North Posey has one starter returning from a year ago with Jackson Graff. This year, North Posey has one senior and a talented junior class. Last season, the Vikings finished the year with an 16-7 record. North Posey lost in the sectional championship to Forest Park 46-41. North Posey has not won a sectional since 1966.

Viking Head Coach Rusty Seymour will be on medical leave until the first of the year. This is Seymour’s third season with the Vikings. The interim head coach will be Damon Cardin. The rest of the coaching staff includes Larry Kahle, Nick Bohler, Jake Riecken, Austin Graves, and Nick Stump.

North Posey lost eight seniors from last years’ team. This years’ team returns one starter with Jackson Graff which started all 23 games last season. Juniors Colin Schipp and Liam Stone along with sophomore Austin Schmitt will play right away and spend the entire season on the varsity team.

Other players who will get playing time at varsity level this year is senior Kyle Downey. He is the only senior on this year’s team. Cardin said, “he is our leader, always at practice, that guy we can rely on. We hope to get him as much playing time as possible. He is a good kid and knows what is going on. He believes in us, and we believe in him.”

“Juniors Colin Schipp and Liam Stone along with sophomore Austin Schmitt will step in right away and spend the entire season on

the varsity team. Jackson Graff, our main guy returning,” Cardin said. “We are hoping he can bring his shot up to what it needs to be. Colin Schipp and Austin Schmitt can also step up in that role to be that second or third guy.”

Other players who will get varsity playing time are juniors Kylan Wathen, Kaden Gengelbach, Carson Woods, Logan Simmons, and Reece Thompson. Sophomores Ethan Mansfield, Stone Riecken, and Noah Koester.

Playing on the junior varsity team are Kaden Gengelbach, Stone Riecken, Carson Woods, Noah Koester, Logan Simmons, Reece Thompson, Noah Roberts, Cole Cullum, Trey Buecher, Grant Cullman, and Peyton Seymour.

The C-Team will consist of Evan Buchanan, Ben Freeman, Seth Gentil,

Dylan

“Our expectations of this year’s team are just taking one game at a time,” Cardin said. “We want to try and improve overall at the end of the season when it gets down to sectional time. We are fully prepared and ready to compete for a sectional championship which hasn’t been done here since 1966. We are going to have some setback here and there. We want to be mentally and physically ready.”

What has the team done to prove they can win those close games they lost last season. “We noticed that last year when we were down by two or three points,” Cardin Said. “We got a base idea on what situation will happen and what we are going to do about that. We are

better prepared for those situations. Just with the new guys, we felt we needed to be more prepared.”

Other than Jackson Graff, who else has been an impact on the court for the Vikings. Cardin said, “a big impact for us is that everyone is willing to work. We can use eight to nine guys. We trust them. We believe in them. We can put them in a game and not worry. Right now, we are at eight or nine and we are going to stick with that. We have been impressed with everybody.”

One newcomer on this year’s team is six-foot, three-inch Kylen Wathan who transferred to North Posey from Evansville Mater Dei. He is a junior and adds more depth to the team. He should see quite a few varsity minutes. Wathan will play power forward or center. As for the team, it’s pretty open for anyone to

earn playing time.

The Vikings schedule has changed this season with Crawford County, Perry Central, Eastern Pekin, and Salem on the slate to better prepare for the upcoming sectional. North Posey will not play Evansville Memorial, Evansville Central, Evansville North, and Evansville Christian.

Cardin said, “we would like to wish Coach Seymour well. The boys are asking how he is doing daily. Trying to stay together as a team with the adversity that is going on and build from it for the sectional. Our main goal is to take it one step at a time. Overall, I just want us to improve every day.”

The Vikings open their season at home on Friday, November 25 at Washington. The junior varsity game will start at 5 p.m. and the varsity matchup will tip-off at 6:30 p.m.

Members of the 2022-2023 North Posey Varsity/Junior Varsity Basketball team include first row, left to right: Noah Koester, Kade Buecher, Austin Schmitt, Ethan Mansfield, Stone Riecken, Colin Schipp, Carson Woods, Kaedyn Stewart, and Braylon Games. Back row, l to r: Reece Thompson, Noah Roberts, Logan Simmons, Liam Stone, Kyle Downey, Kylan Wathen, Jackson Graff, Cole Cullum, and Kaden Gengelbach. Photo courtesy of Straub Photography

Detty, Trey Buecher, Kade Buecher, Peyton Seymour, Roman Esche, Grant Cullman, Alex Powers, and Braylon Games.

Viking

is no such thing as a

year with the

Each year, there goal is to win

state and get as far as they can individually in the state

North Posey coach Cody Moll is in his ninth year leading this team and set the bar high on expectations he wants from the wrestlers. Year in and year out, North Posey continues to win and show why they are one of the best teams in the area.

North Posey won the Team State championship in 2020 and hopes to bring that championship back to Poseyville again in 2023. Also, back with Vikings this season are coaches Matt Cox, Nathan Willman, and Tristan Martin. “Last year, we were never at full strength other than the time we wrestled Tell City and then we lost by two points in the duals,” coach Moll said. “Then we were at full strength and then after that, we had injuries, stuff going wrong and that’s part of the sport. We took the state champs down to the last match and then we got pinned. Then Tell City wins team state, and we get some busted up knees and that is part of the sport for every team. It’s not an excuse, you just hate it.”

North Posey returns seven true varsity wrestlers back to this years’ team. They are seniors Gavin Wheeler, Tristan Gammon, and Reece Terhune. Also returning are Kaleb Baehl, Trace Martin, Ty Mauck and Lander Shelby. Wheeler is a two-time semi-state wrestler and last year was a ticket rounder and you couldn’t get any closer to making state. Gammon, Terhune and Martin also made regionals last year. This year’s senior group will win a lot of matches. “Trace (Martin) and Ty (Mauck) were not healthy at the end last year,” coach Moll said. “They are some impact guys for us and should carry a lot of wins.” Baehl won over twenty matches last season but received the toughest draw in sectional with a compete bracket full of twenty plus win wrestlers.

Freshman wrestlers who should crack the varsity lineup this season are Wyatt Gamblin and Myles Belt. Moll said, “Gamblin is a hard worker and Belt will find some varsity time and works hard. Belt also stays after practice to put in extra time. We got some other freshman and sophomores who come out for the first time in a while that could get some varsity matches.”

The game plan for North Posey, year in and year out is to win. “We are going to have at least one forfeit in our lineup. We haven’t forfeited a match in a while,” Moll said. “We

had an injury with Brant Oakley with an ACL. Hard to fill that spot. We have some guys to move around and fill spots. It’s hard to win duals with forfeits. We are going to be competitive.”

Also wrestling for the Vikings this year are Kylen Brown, Rowan Wheeler, Austin Duke, Brandon Kortz, and Ethan Streuh.

Other than Evansville Mater Dei and Tell City, who else is very good on the North Posey schedule. “December third is going to be a grinder,” Moll said. “We are going to have Zionsville who is in the top fifteen every year. Mater Dei is Mater Dei. Union County, they are the Mater Dei of Kentucky. They have two wrestlers that are in the top six in the nation. Evansville North who always has a good team and St. Xavier from Kentucky.” This meet on December third is at North Posey. “I tell the team that competing against these teams is similar to wrestling someone at semi-state or state,” Moll said. “If you can win those, you could make a deep run in the state tournament. The same thing for the Mater Dei Holiday Classic. If you do well at that tournament, you have a good chance to advance far in the state tournament.” North Posey each year loads up on tough teams in the regular season to help the team advance farther in the postseason.

The toughest teams in the Pocket Athletic Conference this season are Tell City, Heritage Hills, Southridge, Mount Vernon and North Posey. Moll said, “Heritage Hills brings a lot of guys back, Tell City returns some key wrestlers, Southridge will be good, and Mount Vernon is usually pretty good.

Obviously, a county rival, we need to put more emphasis on that Mount Vernon match. Mount Vernon comes to that dual meet at full force, and we need to put more importance on this match.” Last year, Mount Vernon beat the Vikings at North Posey. The Wildcats are fired up for that match, including their fans.

North Posey is eligible again to compete in the 2023 IHSWCA Class 1A Team State competition. This year’s team state will at Franklin Community High School. It is not much farther than last years competition at Martinsville on I-69.

Moll said, “they are working hard; they are getting better. We are looking forward to Boonville and Daviess County on December first at North Posey. Physically and mentally, these guys are ready to go for a nine-minute match and I think they are. The group we have is good.”

Members of the 2022-2023 North Posey Wrestling team, front row, left to right: Kaleb Baehl, Myles Belt, Gavin Wheeler, Rowan Wheeler, Trace Martin, Julian Dickinson, Ethan Streuh, and Kylen Brown. Back row, l to r: Ty Mauck, Austin Duke, Wyatt Gamblin, Lander Shelby, Reece Terhune, Tristen Gammon, and Brandon Kortz. Not pictured: Brant Oakley. Photo courtesy of Straub Photography

By Chris Morlan

There

rebuilding

North Posey wrestling program.

team

tournament.

Members of the 2022-2023 North Posey Junior Varsity Cheer team are, front row,

Piper Rollins, Kylee Heath,

Charlotte Smith. Back row, l to r: Ashlyn Smith, Kelsey Herke, Ady Gamblin, and Mylee Allen. Photo courtesy of Straub Photography

MV Wildcat wrestlers will need experience to excel

By Dave Pearce

When Mount Vernon wrestling coach Tim Alcorn announced last season that he would not be returning to coach the Wildcats this year, school administrators did not have to look far to find a qualified replacement. Perhaps Mount Vernon’s most decorated wrestler was already ibn the school system.

Austin Bethel, a four-time state qualifier (first in Mount Vernon history), a three-time sectional champion, a two-time conference champion, the first Mount Vernon freshman wrestler to make it to state, and an academic All-State student-athlete was waiting in the wings to take over the top spot.Bethel was humbled by the opportunity to return to Mount Vernon and his dream job.

“I want to thank all my former coaches throughout my career, especially my predecessor Tim Alcorn, who leaves big shoes to fill,” Bethel said. “I’d like to thank the Mount Vernon School District for allowing me the opportunity to return home and give back to my alma mater. I’d like to thank the Mount Vernon Wrestling Community for their endless support of me over the years. Lastly, I’d like to thank my friends and family for encour-

aging me to chase my dreams.”

Bethel says much credit should go to Alcorn as the two are still close and he feels he can call upon Alcorn at any time.

When Bethel took over the program, he indicated he would like to grow the women’s wrestling program and increase numbers from elementary through high school. He would like to help the Wildcats get into a position to eventually chase a team state title.

But above all, Bethel emphasized, he would like to help create and maintain a polished, organized, and successful environment that produces not only phenomenal athletes, but also strong, independent, critical thinking men and women.

“This is my home-town but this program in itself, kind of saved me when I was a kid growing up,” Bethel explained. “It surrounded me with good people to help me and my family find our way back and get back on our feet and find a good, healthy direction to go in. It has always been in my mind and my heart to come back here. When I got ready to graduate, it was clear to me that I wanted to come back here and help kids who are like I was and help them find the right path.”

Some of those goals are beginning to come to fruition, in only his first year at the helm.

As for numbers, the Wildcat program had 33 wrestlers come out on the men’s side and with the help of two-time defending state champion Hannah West, the girls’ program is able to field a complete team.But on the boys’ side, the Wildcats lost a big and talented senior class to graduation. But Bethel knows the key to any good program is to get wrestlers started early and give them the opportunity to work their way into a competitive team by the time the tournament rolls around.

“This year, I don’t want to call it a rebuilding year because we still have some strong individuals,” Austin said. “But we are still very young. Of the 33 on the team, 14 are freshmen.”

Bethel sees this as a blend of opportunity and challenge as the ingredients are there to build a program.

“We are all over the place experience-wise,” he said. “We have some who have wrestled a couple of years and we have others who will be getting their first look at competitive wrestling. But with so many youngsters on the team, it has forced our sophomores to step up and be leaders earlier than they had expected. Obviously, our seniors are doing a great job of leading

by example.”

This year’s senior class consists of only four, Ethan Yarbor, Hunter Elderkin, Jarrett Dye, and Ethan Sutfin. They help corral the youngsters.

“They have helped me a lot,” Bethel said. “As a first-year coach, it can sometimes be like herding cats.”

Aside from the seniors, the majority of the wrestlers are freshmen and sophomores. One sophomore to mention is Colton Schneider, who qualified for semi-state as a freshman last year.

“Obviously making it that far last year, people are going to look at him as the big fish,” Bethel said. “We told him that going into the season. His role is changing this season. He is no longer the goofy freshman. It is time for him to step in and lead by example. It’s early and we hope he will be able to fulfill that role. We have a lot of faith in him.”

The Wildcats are currently 4-3, after changing the schedule to make it very travel-heavy the first part of the season. The team wrestled in a triple-dual against Henderson County and Owensboro Apollo and the Wildcats were able to win those handily. However, taking a young group north to see some of the teams that the Wildcats will not see again until tournament time, opened the eyes of the team and made them realize their work is not nearly done. The Wildcats have dropped decisions to Martinsville, 47-26, where a highlight performance of the dual was turned in by Ethan Yarber. He had a hard-fought victory while also battling through illness. A gritty performance that inspired others throughout the day, according to his coach. The Wildcats edged Indian Creek 41-39. Mason Suits, Grant Lippe, Ethan Yarber, and Hunter Elderkin all provided falls for the Wildcats helping them narrowly surpass the Braves at the Edgewood invitational. Cascade got the best of the Wildcats by a 60-16 count, but Ethan Yarber and Malachi Spainhoward both captured falls.

In an exciting 34-30 win over Indianapolis Ben Davis, Maddox Suits, Malachi Spainhoward, Noah Barritt, Zack Bulkley, Connor Collins, and Bryce Bourne all captured falls for the Wildcats.

Against host Edgewood, the Cats fell short 35-16, but Maddox Suits, Mason Suits, Ethan Yarber, and Eli Anderson were all able to pick up falls.

The Wildcats finished third at Edgewood and will be at home for the next few matches. Bethel urges all Wildcat fans to come out and support the team and help build the program.

Members of the 2022-2023 Mount Vernon Wrestling team are, in front, from left to right: Rees Lyons, Nate Hatch, Jarrett Dye, Ethan Yarber, Hunter Elderkin, Ethan Sutfin, Camaro Crawford, Dillan Ethridge, and Mason Suits. Middle row, l to r: Brycen Howell, Maddox Suits, Derek Bradshaw, Jaden Railey, Jayden Stillwagoner, Grant Lippe, Louis Allyn, Dylan Gentry, Bryce Bourne, and Clayton Green. Back row, l to r: Kalem Harris, Trevor Reeves, Colten Schneider, Hunter Temme, Connor Collins, Eli Anderson, Konnor Ethridge, Chance Brock, Nathan Tinsley, and Malachi Spainhoward. Photo courtesy of Daniel Knight Studio B

MV WILDCATS BOYS WRESTLING TEAM

Wildcat swimming looks to continue excellence this year

By Trisha L. Lopez

Mount Vernon swimming has a long track record of success and second year coach Erinn Jankowski believes that her 2022-23 squad is capable of contributing to the program’s heritage in big ways.

The Wildcats return sectional champions and state

qualifiers Jaley Hamilton, Julien Glover, Kaleigh Kelley and Sophie Kloppenburg and Jankowski hopes to see a conference-winning celebratory fire truck escort make its way through Mount Vernon by the end of the season.

“This year’s team is starting the year with much more focus and attention to detail

after seeing their potential and buying into the training and taper,” said Jankowski, a Ball State University swimming alumnus who earned three MAC conference titles that competed in the 2000 Olympic Trials.

Jankowski knows what high school swimming success looks like. She was a member of Richmond High School’s state runner up team, earned All American honors and was a state finalist each year of her high school career…achievements that led to a full ride swimming scholarship.

Seniors Kloppenburg and

Kelley have already committed to swim at NCAA Division I schools, Columbia University for Klopenburg and Indiana State University for Kelley.

“Sophie Kloppenburg and Kaleigh Kelley already have their eyes set on medaling as top eight finishers this season and get on the podium (at the State Finals),” Janksowski said. Kloppenburg is the defending 100 free sectional champion and finished 13th at state in the 100 free and 200 free. Kelley is the defending 100 breaststroke sectional champion and a state finals qualifier in the

event.

Kelley and Kloppenburg were joined by sophomore Hamilton and junior Glover as sectional champions and state qualifiers in the 200 medley relay in 2022.

“Our seniors are our strongest and most experienced swimmers with a rich history of high level contributions and success,” Jankowski said. “They look to lead our team as role models and in their ability to show up and race.”

Senior Haley Rutledge was an All Pocket Athletic Conference First Team honoree and a State Finals alternate in 2022.

On the boys side, senior Khai Willard is looking for a top three finish at sectionals and Jankowski believes he has the potential to be a state finals qualifier. Scott Russell and Rossy Hollinger will also provide senior leadership for the Cats.

A strong senior class is joined by talent at all grade levels. Hamilton was a state qualifier and sectional title holder in her freshman season and has started her sophomore campaign with relay and individual wins in the team’s first two meets. Jankowski said freshman

and club swimmer Samantha Bouch has “big potential with a solid foundation in all four strokes.”

The Wildcats roster is relatively small when compared to other state powerhouse teams, but Jankowski said the girls top 20 finish last year continues to “put MV on the map as one of the most competitive programs in the state.”

“We are a small team, but mighty. We aim to keep that tradition going and pushing through the hard work of morning practices and weights to remain a quality program,” Jankowski said.

Girls swim team members are: seniors, Kloppenburg, Kelley, Rutledge; juniors, Glover, Krissy Bazan, Maddie Maier, Grace Reyes; sophomores, Hamilton, Andrea Rutledge and Malley Wagner; and freshmen, Bouch, Courtney Raleigh and Ellie Blackburn.

Boys swim team members are: seniors, Willard, Russell and Hollinger; junior, Mark Gray; sophomores, Jaxston Raben, John Thompson and Drew Aaron; and freshman, Ryan McCollum.

Dive team members are: junior, Josh Shumate; and sophomore, Kaitlynn Hoy.

Members of the 2022-2023

Mount Vernon Girls Swim team, front row, left to right: Haley Rutledge, Ellie Blackburn, Courtney Raleigh, Kaitlynn Hoy, Malley Wagner, Kaleigh Kelley, Samantha Bouch, Kyla Williams, Jaley Hamilton, Andrea Rutledge, and Sophie Kloppenburg. Back row, l to r: Krissy Bazan, Grace Reyes, Maddie Maier, and Julien Glover. Photo courtesy of Daniel Knight Studio B

Members of the 2022-2023

Mount Vernon Boys Swim team, front row, left to right: Head Coach Erinn Jankowski, Assistant Coach Rachel Wheaton, Scott Russell, John Thomason, Khai Willard, Rossy Hollinger, Ryan McCullum, Diving Coach Kyle Williams, and Assistant Coach Steve Loehr. Not pictured: Drew Aaron, Mark Gray, Josh Schumate, and Jaxston Raben. Photo courtesy of Daniel Knight Studio B

Lady Wildcat wrestlers make their mark on history

By Dave Pearce

There’s a new team on the athletic schedule at Mount Vernon High School. The Wildcats can boast they now offer female high school students the opportunity to participate in wrestling. The Wildcat season has begun and the team has enough wrestlers to fill every weight class.

Mount Vernon first-year coach Austin Bethel, with the help of Coach Ashton Forzley, has placed an emphasis on the women’s program.

When Bethel took over the program, he indicated he would like to grow the women’s wrestling program and increase numbers from elementary through high school. He would like to help the Wildcats get into a position to eventually chase a team state title.

But above all, Bethel emphasized, he would like to help create and maintain a polished, organized, and successful environment that pro-

duces not only phenomenal athletes, but also strong, independent, critical thinking men and women.

As for numbers, the Wildcat program has 33 wrestlers on the men’s side and with the help of two-time defending state champion Hannah West and Forzley, the girls’ program is able to field a complete team.

“Surprisingly, this was originally Coach Forzley and I sitting down and talking and he said he wanted to run with it so I said, ‘Let’s try it’,” Bethel said. “We ran the idea past Leigh (Mount Vernon Athletic Director Leigh Latshaw) and she was 110 percent behind the idea. We started putting information out and we heard inklings of girls who might be interested but we didn’t want to count our chickens before they hatched. Then we had our call-out meeting and I asked Coach Forsley to give me the news.”

The Wildcats had 15 girls come to the call-out meeting and 13 of those are now varsity wrestlers at Mount Vernon High School.

People come in all shapes and sizes but the wrestling gods must have been smiling down on the girls’ wrestling program. Of the 13 who remained with the program, each of them could fill their own individual weight class.

“Right now, I think we forfeit two weight classes but the girls have stuck with it,” Bethel said. “It is crazy to see how much they improve ad how they are taking to the sport. Wrestling is an eye-opener to do for the first time. A combat sport is a whole different world.”

While the Wildcats will not be able to get the kind of experience they would like because sheer numbers at other schools make it nearly impossible to wrestle the entire team.

“However, with our team,

we are looking to keep our numbers growing,” Bethel said. “The girls seem to love it and a lot of them are underclassmen.”

Reitz has two wrestlers in their program and Heritage Hills has a pair. But the Wildcats are ahead of the game, a fact that Bethel is excited to see.

“It is growing so fast up north, in southern Illinois and in Kentucky,” he explained. “I feel it is really going to take root in this area very soon.”

In mid-November, the Lady Wildcats took on the Northview Invitational. For many of the girls, this was their first wrestling meet. The girls finished in tenth place out 22 teams. Raycee Stallings placed fifth at 113, Peyton Rush placed fourth at 132, Chloe Schroeder-Lambert placed sixth at 182, Jillian Higginson placed eighth at 182, Hannah West placed first at 195, Cammie Ritchie placed sixth at 220, and Emma

Elderkin placed fourth at 285.

At the most recent invitational, West went 2-0, defeating two males in her weight class. Maddie McCarthy also went 2-0 in the Invitational as did Amber Siddons. Raycee Stallings went 1-1 for the Wildcats and Jillian Higginson went 1-1 as a senior in her first year. Taylor Mason went 1-1 and.

The girls wrestled very well, finishing fifth in an invitational that featured a lot of Indiana’s Who’s Who in Girls’ Wrestling teams.

Bethel has high praise for these wrestlers who have come out to help create something larger than just themselves. Together, they form Mount Vernon’s first full wrestling team and that title can never be taken away from them.

The girls will have a regional tournament at year-end and will move straight on to state, because of sheer numbers.

MV WILDCATS GIRLS

WRESTLING TEAM

2022-2023

Emma Elderkin Jillian Higginson

Kiki Howell

Aaliyah Ledbetter

Taylor Mason Maddy McCarty

Cammie Ritchie

Peyton Rush Chloe Schroeder-Lambert

Ambryn Siddons

Raycee Stallings

Hannah West

“With Hannah last year, with her alone, we placed 12th in the state with all her bonus points,” Bethel said. “We hope to take some girls and see where the chips fall. We are hoping to show well for a first-year program. These girls are a part of history and they are super-excited to see where this is going to take them individually and as a program.”

North Posey swim team to make waves in inaugural season

By Chris Morlan

In their first season as a squad, the North Posey swim team will compete for the first time in school history. There are six girls’ and four boys swimming for the Vikings. North Posey has enough swimmers to compete for team scores and there are some talented athletes on these teams.

Members of the Viking teams for the girls are juniors Chloe Newman and Aubree Beyer. Sophomore Mallory Shadley, along with freshman Mackenzie Carrier, Izzy Walden, and Sophia Stone. The boys team consist of juniors Noah Walden and Elijah King, sophomore Braeden Harp and freshman Isaac Holder.

The team, this year, is fully self-funded and they have a great team of coaches that are volunteering their time. The coaches are Kelley Tenbarge, Rhonda Wells, Eric Walden, and Michelle Walden.

The North Posey swim team holds their practices at the St. Vincent Ascension YMCA downtown Evans-

ville. A majority of the Viking swim meets in the regular season will be at either Mount Vernon or Boonville. Other places the Vikings will compete in the regular season are Tell City, South Spencer, and Northeast Dubois.

Impact swimmers on this year’s team and see leading the team in meets this

season are Noah Walden, Isaac Holder. Aubree Beyer, Sophia Stone, and Izzy Walden. All five swimmers have prior club experience.

“Our swimmers are really picking up the sport quickly and working hard so this is really unknown at this time,” coach Michelle Walden said.

“Since this is a new sport for North Posey High School, we are sure to set, and break records all year for the team.”

Fitting the team leadership and captain role for this season are Noah Walden and Aubree Beyer. Walden said, “Noah and Aubree have prior experience competing in high school swimming. Each member of the team has been working together to write North Posey High School history, though. “

Instead of focusing who the best teams in the area are this season. “For our first year, we are trying to make sure we are able to compete against each of the confer-

ence team prior to the championship meet,” Walden said. “Pool space, fees, and preset schedules for other teams make this challenging but the local athletic directors and coaches have been willing to work us in where they can. Our goal is to begin to develop a standard schedule for our growing team.”

Last year, Noah Walden competed for North Posey as the only swimmer. He finished well in each meet and placed many times. “Noah is hopeful for a great personal competitive season with some record-breaking goals in mind,” Walden said. “He is most excited though, to have a team competing with him this year and for the opportunity to compete in relays.”

Walden said, “It is our hope that this inaugural team will spark others to join next year and build a great tradition at North Posey High School.”

“SIC puts the community back in community college.”

- Devin of Carmi

SIC Mens Basketball Athlete

“I’m a part of something special - state, regional, and international championships.”

- Omari of Mt. Vernon

SIC Forensic Falcons Member

“I didn’t just want to be in theatre to sell tickets. I wanted to show my passion for being on stage.”

- Bailey of Marion SIC Theater star of Cinderella

“Staying in my hometown means family in the stands.”

- Peyton of Harrisburg SIC Baseball Athlete Y E

Members of the 2022-2023 Mount Vernon Girls Wrestling team, front row, from left to right: Hannah West, Peyton Rush, Jillian Higginson, Taylor Mason, and Raycee Stallings. Back row, l to r: Emma Elderkin, Kaylen Salee (Manager), Chloe Schroeder-Lambert, Ambryn Siddons, Keke Howell, Maddy McCarty, Cammie Ritchie, Aaliyah Ledbetter, and Ashton Forzley (Head Coach). Photo courtesy of Daniel Knight Studio B

Lady Viking basketball set to challenge for top PAC spot

By Chris Morlan

The North Posey Lady Vikings basketball team begin the 2022-23 season with high expectations, more wins and extra experience. In her second season, Lady Vikings head coach Jessica Schenk will guide this group. North Posey lost four seniors from last years’ team, but they return three starters from a year ago. North Posey has a great freshman class that will receive many minutes on the varsity squad. During the 2021-22 season, North Posey won nine games and lost 13, which was more wins than the previous three seasons combined.

The expectations of the 2022-23 team. “I expect big things from this team,” coach Jessica Schenk said. “We have a solid group who all push each other every day. I think that is all that you can ask from your players is to come out and compete every day. They continue to get better every day and are starting to do the little things that make a team successful.”

Some of the things this team has done or showed to improve to possibly win those close games they lost last season. “We are starting to change the mindset of not letting up when things get tough, or we face adversity,” Schenk said. “We must believe we can win and will win.”

This years’ varsity team will consist of senior Lauren Kihn. The junior class will be Ashton Elpers, Ashleigh Blankenship and Makenna Bryant, along with sophomore Alyssa Heath. Freshman Mallory Luigs, Ella Weatherholt,

Jaz Ward, and Elle Jo Johnson will round out the players on the varsity team. As of now, the starting lineup is Luigs, Elpers, Weatherholt, Blankenship and Heath. Then you have a solid group with Kihn, Bryant, Ward, and Johnson coming off the bench.

About the senior class, there is only Lauren Kihn. Schenk said. “I expect Lauren to be a motivator this year for her teammates. When Lauren brings the energy and motivation the rest of the team will follow. She is a great kid and a huge asset to our program. It takes a lot to be the only senior out there and we are so proud of her effort and leadership.”

As of a big impact player on the floor early into this season. Schenk said, “I think everyone has their own role and impact on the team. We did lose our top rebounder from last season and have had some girls step into that role. There are two freshman that have stepped up and aren’t afraid to battle inside. Mallory Luigs has been someone that has taken that point guard roll that we have been missing. I think her in that position has opened some opportunities for our other guards where they are more comfortable.”

This season’s schedule will be tough for the Lady Vikings. Schenk said, “I think we will just keep our game plan approach like we do for every game. We should come into everyday with the mindset that we are here to win.”

Playing on the junior varsity team are juniors Ava Crawford and Jenna Wehmer. Sophomores Courtney Helfert and

Laney

“We have a strong freshman class with eight girls, Schenk said. “I think that is the biggest freshman class we have had in a long time. They have all played a lot of basketball and really know the game. I think having a strong underclassman is a good thing because it pushes everyone to compete every day. We will continue to keep building this program up. We have solid athletic teams here at North Posey and our plan is to put the North Posey Lady Vikings basketball team part of that conversation.”

Owens. Freshman Kyleigh Bender, Mackenzie Mills, Addie Murphy, and Katelyn Seibert. Schenk said, “We should have a solid junior varsity team this year. This is a fun group, and our new junior varsity coach Morgan Daly is doing a great job with them.”

Members of the 2022-2023 North Posey Girls Basketball team are, front row, left to right: Mackenzie Mills, Elle Jo Johnson, Lauren Kihn, Mallory Luigs, and Addie Murphy.

Middle row, l to r: Reagan Fortune (Manager), Katelyn Seibert, Laney Owens, Courtney Helfert, Jazalyn Ward, Ella Weatherholt, Kyleigh Bender, and Ava Staples (Manager).

Back row, l to r: Morgan Daly (JV Coach), Jessica Schenk (Varsity Head Coach), Ashleigh Blankenship, Ava Crawford, Alyssa Heath, Makenna Bryant, Jenna Wehmer, Ashton Elpers, Ashlynn Lutz (Manager), and Michele Parrish (Varsity Assistant Coach). Photo courtesy of Straub Photography