Henderson police names Potter as officer of the month
Henderson Police Department Officer Jordan Potter has been named HPD’s officer of the month.
According to police, Potter was at a local restaurant when he noticed a woman who appeared to be choking on her food, and the officer moved to her, verified she wasn’t choking and gave her the Heimlich maneuver, dislodging the food.
The woman was able to breathe again thanks to his efforts, the HPD release said.
For his life saving actions, Officer Potter has named the Henderson Police Department Officer of the Month, said the release.
Thursday groundbreaking set for renovations/addition at East Heights
Henderson County Schools will hold a groundbreaking for a renovation and addition at East Heights Elementary School at 10 a.m. Thursday.
The project will be completed in four phases over an estimated two to three years, said a release from HCS.
HCS said the school will see significant updates, including:
- Construction of a new classroom wing to provide improved learning spaces for students
- Demolition of the existing pods to modernize the school’s layout and functionality
- ADA accessibility and code improvements, such as upgraded doors, hardware, drinking fountains, toilets and ramps
- A new HVAC system to improve energy efficiency and climate control
- An expanded parking area
- Front office entry modifications to enhance safety and functionality.
The school was built in 1973 and most recent renovations occurred in 1996, said HCS.
“These improvements will not only modernize the school but also enhance accessibility and overall functionality for years to come,” said Superintendent Dr. Bob Lawson. “Most importantly, this investment in our facilities will enhance educational opportunities and help students pursue excellence in their learning.”
The project is being designed by RBS Design Group, with Codell Construction serving as the construction manager, and has an estimated cost of $25 million, said HCS.
Henderson police arrest Evansville man on dating violence charges
Henderson police arrested an Evansville man Wednesday on several charges related to dating violence.
Zachary Layne, 29, was charged with fourth-degree assault, first-degree strangulation, third-degree terroristic threatening and auto theft.
According to a Henderson Police Department release, Layne took a woman’s car without her permission on Wednesday. After returning hours later without her car, Layne slapped the woman, pushed her into a wall and then grabbed her by her hoodie and drug her up a flight of stairs, said police. The woman was able to get away for a moment, but then Layne punched her in the back of her head, leaving her unconscious, police said.
Layne then attempted to strangle the woman while she was unconscious before two witnesses told him to stop, police said. He stopped but then threatened them and fled before officers arrived, police said.
Later officers were alerted Layne returned to the scene and officers took him into custody outside of the Akin Drive residence. He was lodged in Henderson County Detention Center.
Deaconess breaks ground on new Evansville facility
Deaconess last week broke ground on the region’s first-ever dual emergency and urgent care facility, Deaconess ER & Urgent Care, which will be located at 5001 Healthy Way near the intersection of Lynch and North Green River roads in Evansville.
The facility, set to open in 2026, will be a multi-purpose 3-story facility with medical offices, imaging and an outpatient lab, totaling about 60,000-square-feet.
The facility eliminates the need for patients to self-diagnose before seeking medical attention, said a Deaconess release. Upon arrival, patients are evaluated by a board-certified emergency physician, who determines whether care is needed at the urgent care or emergency room level, said the release.
“By integrating emergency and urgent care under one roof, we are eliminating barriers to timely treatment, reducing costs for patients and enhancing the overall healthcare experience,” said Deaconess Central Region President Dr. Brad Scheu. “This innovative model ensures that individuals receive the right level of care without the stress of deciding where to go.”
