According to a report in the Evansville Courier and Press, A contentious public hearing on Tuesday did little to resolve the ongoing saga of Warrick County’s suspended Health Officer, Rick Yeager. The board remains divided on Yeager’s fate, with no clear path forward emerging from the two-hour session.

Yeager, who has held the position for two decades, was abruptly suspended last week without explanation. This move sparked outrage from his supporters, who packed the hearing demanding transparency from the board.

While the board eventually revealed its concerns about Yeager’s leadership, the details remain murky. Board member Dr. Paul Perry referenced “mismanagement” and low morale within the department, but also acknowledged his personal respect for Yeager.

A key point of contention was Yeager’s alleged inflammatory statements and his handling of a recent staff dispute. Perry accused Yeager of calling county commissioners “liars,” while Yeager countered that he was simply responding to threats from department employees to walk out.

Adding to the confusion, Yeager’s attorneys claim he was unfairly blamed for the loss of grant money due to a lack of administrative support following the firing of Health Department Administrator Aaron Franz.

The hearing also exposed a potential breach of confidentiality, with board members referencing concerns about Yeager’s work habits gleaned from an executive session. Yeager’s attorneys vehemently objected to this disclosure.

The board is yet to schedule a follow-up hearing, where Yeager will be given a full opportunity to defend himself. Legal counsel suggests the outcome will likely be either Yeager’s reinstatement or the appointment of interim Health Officer Dr. Julie Wohrley to a permanent position.

The situation highlights the ongoing turmoil within the Warrick County health department, a period of instability that some trace back to the firing of Franz seven months ago. With two of the commissioners who made that decision voted out recently, the future of the department remains uncertain.