South Gibson Star-Times

South Gibson Star-Times Top News Tuesday, Januar y 16, 2018 A- 3 Do you have an upcoming community event? Send the details to editor@sgstartimes.com THIS WEEK Visitors and Tourism to meet Gibson County Visitors and Tourism Board will meet at 8 a.m., Jan. 18 at the Princeton Train Depot to discuss reports, election of officers and requests for sponsorship. THIS MONTH Celebrate the new year with 10 free flowering trees from the Arbor Day Foundation Residents in your state can ring in the New Year with 10 free flowering trees by joining the Arbor Day Foun- dation any time during January 2018. By becoming a part of the nonprofit Arbor Day Foun- dation, new members will receive two Sargent crabap- ples, three American redbuds, two Washington haw- thorns, and three white flowering dogwoods. "These beautiful trees will beautify your home with lovely flowers of pink, yellow and white colors," said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "These trees are perfect for large and small spaces, and they will provide food and habitat for songbirds." The free trees are part of the Foundation's Trees for America campaign. The trees will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting, between February 1 and May 31, with en- closed planting instructions. The 6 - to 12-inch tall trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge. Members will also receive a subscription to the Foun- dation's bimonthly publication, Arbor Day, and The Tree Book, which includes information about tree planting and care. To become a member of the Foundation and to receive the free trees, send a $10 contribution to TEN FREE FLOWERING TREES, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410, by January 31, 2018. Residents can also join online at arborday.org/january. Knight's of St. John to have chicken dinner Jan. 21 The Knight's of St. John in Haubstadt will be having a chicken dinner on Sunday, Jan. 21 from 10 :30 a.m. to ? Menu includes fried chicken, dressing, dumplings, green beans, mashed potatoes, corn, coleslaw and great desserts. Dine in or carry out. Adults $10, child (10 and under) $5. GCSW regular monthly Board Meeting to be Jan. 22 The regular monthly Board Meeting of Gibson Coun- ty Solid Waste Management District will be at 8 a.m. in the conference room of the Recycling Center, 771 Old Highway 41 N., Princeton, on Monday Jan. 22. Suicide prevention training set Free Training: Ask a Question, Save a Life! "QPR" – Youth Suicide Prevention and Intervention will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Vincennes University Gibson Center, Room 128 in Fort Branch. During this training event, participants will learn about the QPR – Question, Persuade, Refer – suicide prevention model. Like CPR, QPR is an emergency re- sponse to someone in crisis and can save lives. The QPR mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide pre- vention training. Information and education can empower all people, regardless of background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know. This training will help attendees: 1) learn the facts about suicide; 2) identify warning signs of someone in crisis; and 3) know how to intervene. Participants will receive a QPR training certificate. The presenter is Laura Keys, LCSW, director of Social Work, Youth First, Inc. She is a licensed clinical social worker for 20 years and is trained in QPR Suicide Pre- vention and CALM Gatekeeper. She also serves on the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Vanderburgh County. Lunch will be provided at no cost. If Gibson Southern school district is closed this day, the training will be postponed. To register, visit SurveyMonkey.com/r/GibsonCoY- WC013118. DOWN THE ROAD ABATE of Indiana meeting schedule ABATE of Indiana/Gibson-Knox County month- ly meeting will take place on the 2nd Saturday of each month at the Hilltop Tavern in Hazleton at noon. For more information, call/text 812-677-3852. Every- one is welcome at all meetings. Hoosier Days in Sebring, Fla. Many Indiana people plant themselves in Florida for the winter months. The annual gathering for lunch and fellowship will be in Sebring, Fla., at Homers Buffet (corner of Hwy. 27 and Sebring Pkwy. across from Wal-Mart on Satur- day, Feb. 3. Sign-in at 11 a.m. meal at noon. Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Program sign up is now underway The Gibson County Farm Service Agency would like to announce the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Program sign up is now underway for the 2018 crop year. The enrollment deadline is August 1. For further questions or to schedule an appointment, call the office at (812) 385 -5033 ext. 2. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Kindergarten Registration Begins South Gibson Kindergarten registration begins: • Fort Branch Community School on Wednesday, March 7 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m. • Owensville Community School on Wednesday, March 14 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m. • Haubstadt Community School on Wednesday, March 21 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m. Students age 5 years or older, on or before Aug. 1 are eligible to register. Parents or guardians must bring a copy of your child's current immunizations, a certified birth certificate and your child for testing. A birth certificate is required and can be received from the health department in the county of birth (Gib- son County 812-385 -3831, Vanderburgh 812-435 -2400 and Warrick 812-897-6105). There is a fee charged for each copy and may be requested by mail if the fee is en- closed. A copy of the certified birth certificate is made and placed in the student's permanent school record. Registration for in town students is reserved for morn- ings. Registration for rural students is reserved for the afternoons. Call the schools if you have any questions. Community Bulletin STATE Continued from page 1 Obituaries • Highly challenging, advanced academic curriculum • Caring, faith-based education in a secure, nurturing, stimulating environment • Proper classroom behavior, manners and social skills • Integrating latest technology: the only early childhood program in the area with a SMARTboard! For more information contact Kara Hoke at Holy Cross School: 812-753-3280. REGISTRATION IS MARCH 2 from 1-3 p.m. at the Crusader Academy • 3-years-old by August 1 • Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-11 a.m. • Afternoon class from noon-3 p.m. • 4-years-old by August 1 • Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8-11 a.m. • Afternoon class from noon-3 p.m. PRESCHOOL PRE-K CLASSES OFFERED: Holy Cross Crusader Academy ROBERT A (BOB) GUDGEL Bob Gudgel, 93, died Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. He was born at home, in Owens- ville, in 1924, to Arthur and Lurah (Epperson) Gudgel. Bob was a retired (life long) farmer, welder, mas- ter carpenter, electrician, husband, caretaker, "Pa- paw Bob" to his grandchil- dren and most importantly a very special Dad. He lived in and around Owensville most of his life. He was proceeded in death by his wife of 53 years, Beth Gudgel; a son, Rob- ert "Gene" Gudgel; great- grandson, Taylor Leister; a sister, Ruth Denning; and a son-in-law, Jeff Julian. Bob is survived by his two girls, Linda (Dan) Presnell and Mary Julian; five grand- children ; eight great-grand- children; sister, Dorothy Douglas; and several niec- es and nephews. Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, January 15 at Holder Funeral Home in Ow- ensville, with a private buri- al in the Owensville Ceme- tery at a later date. In lieu of flowers the fam- ily requests you give to any military related charity of your choice. Share your messages of condolence with the family of Mr. Gudgel by visiting his tribute at www.HoldersFu- neralHome.com. ELSA E. THACKER Elsa E. Thacker, 85, of Princeton, passed away Sat- urday, Jan. 6, 2018, at the Good Samaritan Home and Rehab in Oakland City. She was born Dec. 29, 1932, in Bruni, Texas to Manual and Catalina ( Valdez) Mendieta. She was member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Princeton. She was a retired Spanish teacher, at Franklin and St. Joseph school. She also was a Spanish inter- preter for the Gibson Coun- ty Court. She was a member of D of I, Beta Sigma Phi and the teachers association. She is survived by her children, Debbie (Kenny) Bateman, of Patoka, Pam ( Jerry) Parker, of Princeton, Jerry Thacker, of Beaumont, Texas and Frank Thacker, of Haubstadt; 13 grandchil- dren; 10 great-grandchil- dren; one great-great-grand- son; brother, Hector Mend- ieta, of Texas. Preceding her in death were her parents; daugh- ter, Brenda Hartman; three brothers and two sisters; and two infant siblings. A Mass of Christian Buri- al was at 10 a.m. on Satur- day, Jan. 13, 2018, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 410 South Race Street, Prince- ton, with Father Brian Em- mick, celebrant. Burial fol- lowed in the St. Joseph Cath- olic Cemetery in Princeton. Visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday evening at the Colvin Funeral Home, Princeton. D of I Rosary was prayed at 7 p.m. on Friday evening. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School Scholar- ship Fund, 401 South Race Street, Princeton, IN 47670. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memo- rial candle at www.colvinfu- neralhome.com. THERESA ANDERSON Theresa Anderson, 60, of Fort Branch, passed away Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, at her home, following a coura- geous battle with cancer. She was born July 5, 1957, in Evansville, to Jerry and Deloris (Klenck) Anderson of Fort Branch, who survive her. Theresa worked at the Whirlpool plant for over 20 years, where she served as a union steward in addition to her regular duties. A fter working at Whirlpool until it's close, Theresa began a career in the medical field as a phlebotomist at Gate- way Medical Center. She is also survived by three daughters, Michelle Johnson, of Fort Branch, Decia (Ken) York, of New Harmony, Jonie (Cory) Lamb, of Evansville; five brothers, Jerry ( Jonie) An- derson, of Owensville, Rog- er (Deborah) Anderson, of Oakland City, John Ander- son, of Owensville, Steve (Becki) Anderson, of Haub- stadt and Ed Anderson, of Fort Branch; three grand- daughters. Stodghill Funeral Home at 500 East Park Street, Fort Branch, will be in charge of arrangements. Visitation was on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018, from 3 to 8 p.m. and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thurs- day. A Celebration of Life took place on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018, at 10 a.m. in the same location. In lieu of flowers, ex- pressions of sympathy may be made to cover medical and funeral expenses at: Stodghill Funeral Home, 500 East Park Street, Fort Branch, IN 47648. Condolences may be left online for the family at www. stodghillfuneralhome.com. DEBBIE L. (SIMPSON) BROSHEARS Debbie L. (Simpson) Broshears, 59, formerly of Fort Branch, passed away on Jan. 4, 2018, at Sugar Creek Nursing and Rehab in Greenfield. She was born May 6, 1958, in Princeton to Nolan and Lois (Mauck) Simpson. She grew up in Owens- ville and later moved to Fort Branch. She is survived by her three children, Terry Bro- shears, Jr. and Greg Bros- hears, of Fort Branch, Chris Stanton, of Evansville; two grandchildren; father, No- lan Simpson, of Fort Branch; sister, Brenda Starcher, of Springfield, Mass.; broth- ers, Steve (Mary) Simpson, of Severn, Md., Randy (Lin- da) Simpson, of Fort Branch and Mark (Nikki) Simpson, of Owensville; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her mother, Lois in 2011; and brother, Jim in 2006. Funeral services were at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 12, 2018, at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton, officiat- ed by Pastor Bob Douglas. Burial followed at Mauck Cemetery in Owensville. Visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the fu- neral home. You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memo- rial candle at www.colvinfu- neralhome.com GREER Continued from page 2 lard, the student said he panicked and lied about the relation- ship, then called Greer to ask what to do. The student said Greer asked him not to tell. "At the time, I had a lot of feelings for him and didn't want him to lose his job," the student said. Nevertheless, Ballard decided there was enough evidence to warrant further investigation, and he turned the case over to Indiana State Police, he testified. The case landed on the desk of ISP Det. Craig Starr, a spe- cial investigator assigned to Southern Indiana who works with cases involving public officials. Eventually, the student came forward. "Later I told officers. Even though my feelings were great for (Greer)...I felt violated," he said. The defense, on the other hand, pointed out that the victim was on an app that required users to be 18 years old. They asked him about the positions he held of responsibility, for ex- ample, as manager in his fast food job. They pointed out before and after the incident he maintained good grades. "You did this of your own free will," asked Moody. "Yes I did," the student said. The defense's case rested on the idea that as a voluntary de- tail, the resource officer position wasn't part of Greer's more official police duties, and that, at the time the sexual relation- ship occurred, the officers were not paid by the school dis- trict, they were paid by the sheriff's department, then reim- bursed by the district. The defense contended that the relationship wasn't contin- gent on Greer's position as an officer. In cross-examinations of Supt. Stacey Humbaugh and Jon Adams, they characterized resource officers as not having the power to discipline students, and not being in the posi- tion of counselors. In final remarks, the state contended Greer could be prose- cuted under the statute in all three ways depending on inter- pretation of the law—as a child care worker because he was supervising students, as a person in a professional relation- ship, or as a law enforcement officer. The defense contended he was not in any of those roles or using his influence as an officer to influence the student. Ultimately, the state had the last word to the jury in Hurst's final speech. "(The student) said after all this that he felt violated. He said 'it made me feel less than what I was.' I would argue that (Greer) befriended this kid in middle school. He followed him through the years...this sheepdog, this guardian...There is a line that must not be crossed," Hurst said, adding that if Greer had believed his actions justified, he would not have asked the student not to talk about the relationship. He also char- acterized the case as setting a precedent, answering a ques- tion for future cases. "Can school resource officers pick their sexual partners from among the children they are charged to protect? " he asked the jury. A fter several hours, an hour after the courthouse building closed, at shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday, they answered the question with 'no'—or more specifically, found Greer guilty of a level five felony that starts at a three-year advisory sentence. The best moment of the whole event was being on stage as Miss Congeniality, and hearing the loud cheers and whistle of her sister as she took the stage. "I distinctly heard a whis- tle, and she asked me after- wards if I heard it...I never felt so much like I achieved something for her. I felt like, in that moment, I was the role model I was meant to be for my sister," Bittner said. She said the family sup- port she's received was something she couldn't have succeeded without, and she was happy with winning the personality component of the competition. "Of course I wanted to place better. I wanted to move on, but I presented who I was to those ladies. I learned I did have that ef- fect on others. It didn't mat- ter how I did. The thing I learned was I had an effect on others," she said. She and her mom also laughed about the second Congeniality win, because not only had she come full circle to her first pageant, but when they'd been watch- ing T V in Indianapolis, the movie Miss Congeniality 2 was playing just before she left for the weekend compe- tition. Bittner is moving on from pageants; the public rela- tions major said she's at peace with where she is and wants to focus on her career in public relations as she maintains her 4.0 GPA and prepares to graduate from Vincennes University in the spring. She plans to contin- ue towards a master's degree at University of Southern In- diana. She hopes to one day be- come a motivational speaker, though she adds that she'll do whatever is in God's plan for her. "If that's not in His plan, that's okay," she said. She'll also be continuing to represent Gibson County by judging pageants, mak- ing appearances, and con- tinuing in the duties of fair queen, up until she passes on the crown this summer. When asked what peo- ple need to know about her, she takes a minute to think about it. "Everything I do, every- thing, everything, goes cen- ter back to God. And that is what makes me, me. I'm hu- man. I'm going to make mis- takes, and learn from them. My personality, my achieve- ments, my beliefs go back to God...it's all God's plan. I try to live my life for what He has planned for me," she said. "I think another thing is, for me, I've been through a lot, and it's opened my life to have a new love for all sorts of people. I don't look at what people wear or look like. I look at what's inside of them. Personalities and relationships have made my heart so full."

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