In just 16 hours, generous supporters of the 2015 Kids First auction helped to raise over $33,000 during the event.

Kids First went on the air at 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 21. By about 1:30 a.m., hoarse announcers, workers, TV crews and fans cheered when the figure $33,179 was reached. “That's the best we've ever done with the auction,” advised Jessica Jones, Kids First treasurer.

Mayor Bill Graham was a familiar figure at the auction, as he usually is. He was spied earlier in the day inspecting the beautiful dark red 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis, donated by Wheels and Deals Auto Sales, which was parked out in front of the Knights of Columbus Hall. The Mayor got the car for a bargain $3,000.

Millard the Bear is now in the possession of the winning scottcounty.tv crew, which donated $500 for that privilege. The huge overstuffed bear is “sold” each year during the auction in memory of the late Millard Moore, a longtime Scottsburg city employee and a dedicated supporter of Kids First.

A donation of $2,500 was presented to Kids First staff on behalf of the Scottsburg Wal-Mart in a special ceremony.

Several contributions were given in memory of Sue Barnett-Amick, who recently died. Sue was administrative assistant to Mayor Graham since his first year in office, 1989, until she retired this past June. Glen Deaton gave $1,000 in her memory, and that amount was matched by Mayor Graham. Kenny and Joyce Spence provided $300.

Everything from cases of turkey gravy, handmade blankets and hand-woven rugs, decorative dolls, knives, Christmas decorations, small appliances, cute little jars filled with candies and other items donated by schoolchildren, theme baskets and a really cool-looking child's motor-driven car were auctioned off this year.

Additional dollars were raised through a wrap-up auction conducted at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Monday night, November 23. Bob Tobias kept that action going with his patented patter. Jones said a final total for the auction will be announced in the next couple of weeks.

A Scottsburg man has been charged in Scott Circuit Court with child molesting and sexual misconduct regarding his actions with two girls ages 12 and 14.

The mother of the younger child contacted the Sheriff's Department. She and the pre-teen met with city policemen Sgts. Steven Herald and Rodney Watts about the allegations on November 2.

The child allegedly told the officers that Elzie W. Vincent Jr., 37, had had intercourse with her and the other girl multiple times as well as encouraging other sexual acts.

Vincent also provided the girls with alcohol, according to the child's story.

Vincent reportedly admitted to some details when Sgt. Herald interviewed him. The man also allegedly told the officer he was in love with the 14-year-old and wanted to have a relationship with her when she turned 18.

Vincent was taken into custody, and his initial hearing in Circuit Court was conducted on November 13.

Judge Roger Duvall entered a preliminary plea of not guilty for Vincent on charges of child molesting as a Level 1 felony; child molesting as a Level 4 felony; two counts of vicarious sexual gratification, one as a Level 3 felony and one as a Level 4 felony; and five counts of sexual misconduct with a minor, four as Level 4 felonies and one as a Level 5 felony.

A jury trial date of March 15 was scheduled, and Vincent's case was assigned to a public defender. His bond was set at $250,000 by corporate surety bond or full cash.

Protective orders were filed for the children involved in the case.

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