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Attorney General Todd Rokita reminds Hoosiers to be alert while booking summer vacations  

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Attorney General Todd Rokita reminds Hoosiers to be alert while booking summer vacations  

Attorney General Todd Rokita warns Hoosiers to avoid scams as summer heats up. If you are preparing for an out-of-town trip, make sure your time away is as safe as possible by using caution to avoid crafty scammers.   

“Summer is a time to spend with friends and family – not a time be a be the target of a scam,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Remember, anyone can fall victim to a scam, regardless of their age, race, or location. Keep in mind – if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.” 

Attorney General Rokita shared the following list of tips to avoid common vacation scams:  

  • Avoid high-pressure sales pitches before you book a trip.  
  • Be extra cautious when booking through an unfamiliar company. Check the Better Business Bureau ratings and research the name online to see if there are any allegations of scams.  
  • Read the fine print in the contract before you sign it. It will tell you about the conditions under which the operator can change or cancel the trip and the rules and penalties for cancellation.  
  • Pay by credit card. It gives you more protection than cash or checks.  
  • Use good judgment when sharing about your trip on social media. Consider changing your online privacy settings while on your trip.  
  • Lock your valuables, including personal information, in your trunk or hotel safe.  

If you believe you have been the victim of a vacation scam, file a complaint at www.indianaconsumer.com with Attorney General Rokita’s office.   

 

 

 

HAPPENINGS AT USI

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Below is a list of events and activities happening in and around the USI community this week:

UPCOMING EVENTS

7 p.m. Wednesday, July 19

USI to host finalists at 40th annual Hagemann Awards for Musical Performance Concert

USI’s Philip Hagemann Department of Performing Arts will host the 40th annual Hagemann Awards for Musical Performance Concert, a competition for Posey County, Indiana, high school students, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 19 in Murphy Auditorium in New Harmony, Indiana. The event is open to the public at no charge.

Read more

SAVE THE DATE

August 10-11

Mid-America Institute on Aging and Wellness returns to the USI campus August 10-11

USI and SWIRCA and More, a local agency on aging, will present the 16th annual Mid-America Institute on Aging and Wellness (MAIA) August 10-11 on the USI campus.

Read more

October 5-7

USI Communal Studies Association Conference to explore communal theory, practice and impact

The Communal Studies Association (CSA) Conference will meet Thursday through Saturday, October 5-7, on the USI campus and in New Harmony, Indiana. The theme for the 2023 Conference is “Communal Theory, Practice and Impact,” in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the CSA.

Read more

Below is a list of events and activities happening in and around the USI community this week:

UPCOMING EVENTS

7 p.m. Wednesday, July 19

USI to host finalists at 40th annual Hagemann Awards for Musical Performance Concert

USI’s Philip Hagemann Department of Performing Arts will host the 40th annual Hagemann Awards for Musical Performance Concert, a competition for Posey County, Indiana, high school students, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 19 in Murphy Auditorium in New Harmony, Indiana. The event is open to the public at no charge.

Read more

Below is a list of events and activities happening in and around the USI community this week:

UPCOMING EVENTS

7 p.m. Wednesday, July 19

USI to host finalists at 40th annual Hagemann Awards for Musical Performance Concert

USI’s Philip Hagemann Department of Performing Arts will host the 40th annual Hagemann Awards for Musical Performance Concert, a competition for Posey County, Indiana, high school students, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 19 in Murphy Auditorium in New Harmony, Indiana. The event is open to the public at no charge.

Read more

SAVE THE DATE

August 10-11

Mid-America Institute on Aging and Wellness returns to USI campus August 10-11

USI and SWIRCA and More, a local agency on aging, will present the 16th annual Mid-America Institute on Aging and Wellness (MAIA) August 10-11 on the USI campus.

Read more

October 5-7

 

USI Communal Studies Association Conference to explore communal theory, practice, and impact

The Communal Studies Association (CSA) Conference will meet Thursday through Saturday, October 5-7, on the USI campus and in New Harmony, Indiana. The theme for the 2023 Conference is “Communal Theory, Practice and Impact,” in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the CSA.

Read more

October 21

USI Norwegian Foot March returning to campus

The 19th annual USI ROTC Norwegian Foot March, an intense mental and physical challenge, sponsored by the USI Student Veteran Association, will take participants 18.6 miles through the rolling hills of Evansville’s west side on October 21. Carrying a 25-pound rucksack, participants will begin and end on the USI campus, working to make it back to the finish line in roughly under four and a half hours.

Read more

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Released Friday, July 14

Hardgrave named USI Interim Assistant Provost, Berry appointed Dean of Students

USI has named Dr. Jason Hardgrave as Interim Provost, effective August 1, and Dr. Laurie Berry has been selected as Dean of Students, effective Friday, July 21.

Read more

USI CALENDARUSI CALENDAR

A collection of events on campus and in the community can be found on the USI Events Calendar.

FOOTNOTE:  Founded in 1965, the University of Southern Indiana enrolls more than 9,200 dual credit, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in more than 130 areas of study. A public higher education institution, located on a beautiful 1,400-acre campus in Evansville, Indiana, USI offers programs through the College of Liberal Arts, Romain College of Business, College of Nursing and Health Professions and the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. USI is a Carnegie Foundation Community Engaged University and offers continuing education and special programs to more than 15,000 participants annually through Outreach and Engagement. USI is online at www.usi.edu.

 

SAVE THE DATE

 

 

August 10-11

Mid-America Institute on Aging and Wellness returns to USI campus August 10-11

 

USI and SWIRCA and More, a local agency on aging, will present the 16th annual Mid-America Institute on Aging and Wellness (MAIA) August 10-11 on the USI campus.

 

Read more

 

 

October 5-7

USI Communal Studies Association Conference to explore communal theory, practice and impact

 

The Communal Studies Association (CSA) Conference will meet Thursday through Saturday, October 5-7, on the USI campus and in New Harmony, Indiana. The theme for the 2023 Conference is “Communal Theory, Practice and Impact,” in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the CSA.

 

Read more

 

 

October 21

USI Norwegian Foot March returning to campus

 

The 19th annual USI ROTC Norwegian Foot March, an intense mental and physical challenge, sponsored by the USI Student Veteran Association, will take participants 18.6 miles through the rolling hills of Evansville’s west side on October 21. Carrying a 25-pound rucksack, participants will begin and end on the USI campus, working to make it back to the finish line in roughly under four and a half hours.

 

Read more

 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

 

 

Released Friday, July 14

Hardgrave named USI Interim Assistant Provost, Berry appointed Dean of Students

 

USI has named Dr. Jason Hardgrave as Interim Provost, effective August 1, and Dr. Laurie Berry has been selected as Dean of Students, effective Friday, July 21.

 

Read more

 

 

USI CALENDAR

A collection of events on campus and in the community can be found on the USI Events Calendar.

 

Founded in 1965, the University of Southern Indiana enrolls more than 9,200 dual credit, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in more than 130 areas of study. A public higher education institution, located on a beautiful 1,400-acre campus in Evansville, Indiana, USI offers programs through the College of Liberal Arts, Romain College of Business, College of Nursing and Health Professions and the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. USI is a Carnegie Foundation Community Engaged University and offers continuing education and special programs to more than 15,000 participants annually through Outreach and Engagement. USI is online at www.usi.edu.

 

 

Below is a list of events and activities happening in and around the USI community this week:

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

 

7 p.m. Wednesday, July 19

USI to host finalists at 40th annual Hagemann Awards for Musical Performance Concert

 

USI’s Philip Hagemann Department of Performing Arts will host the 40th annual Hagemann Awards for Musical Performance Concert, a competition for Posey County, Indiana, high school students, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 19 in Murphy Auditorium in New Harmony, Indiana. The event is open to the public at no charge.

 

Read more

 

SAVE THE DATE

 

 

August 10-11

Mid-America Institute on Aging and Wellness returns to USI campus August 10-11

 

USI and SWIRCA and More, a local agency on aging, will present the 16th annual Mid-America Institute on Aging and Wellness (MAIA) August 10-11 on the USI campus.

 

Read more

 

 

October 5-7

USI Communal Studies Association Conference to explore communal theory, practice and impact

 

The Communal Studies Association (CSA) Conference will meet Thursday through Saturday, October 5-7, on the USI campus and in New Harmony, Indiana. The theme for the 2023 Conference is “Communal Theory, Practice and Impact,” in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the CSA.

 

Read more

 

 

October 21

USI Norwegian Foot March returning to campus

 

The 19th annual USI ROTC Norwegian Foot March, an intense mental and physical challenge, sponsored by the USI Student Veteran Association, will take participants 18.6 miles through the rolling hills of Evansville’s west side on October 21. Carrying a 25-pound rucksack, participants will begin and end on the USI campus, working to make it back to the finish line in roughly under four and a half hours.

 

Read more

 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

 

 

Released Friday, July 14

Hardgrave named USI Interim Assistant Provost, Berry appointed Dean of Students

 

USI has named Dr. Jason Hardgrave as Interim Provost, effective August 1, and Dr. Laurie Berry has been selected as Dean of Students, effective Friday, July 21.

 

Read more

 

 

USI CALENDAR

A collection of events on campus and in the community can be found on the USI Events Calendar.

 

Founded in 1965, the University of Southern Indiana enrolls more than 9,200 dual credit, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in more than 130 areas of study. A public higher education institution, located on a beautiful 1,400-acre campus in Evansville, Indiana, USI offers programs through the College of Liberal Arts, Romain College of Business, College of Nursing and Health Professions and the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. USI is a Carnegie Foundation Community Engaged University and offers continuing education and special programs to more than 15,000 participants annually through Outreach and Engagement. USI is online at www.usi.edu.

 

USI Norwegian Foot March returning to campus

 

The 19th annual USI ROTC Norwegian Foot March, an intense mental and physical challenge, sponsored by the USI Student Veteran Association, will take participants 18.6 miles through the rolling hills of Evansville’s west side on October 21. Carrying a 25-pound rucksack, participants will begin and end on the USI campus, working to make it back to the finish line in roughly under four and a half hours.

 

Read more

 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

 

 

Released Friday, July 14

Hardgrave named USI Interim Assistant Provost, Berry appointed Dean of Students

 

USI has named Dr. Jason Hardgrave as Interim Provost, effective August 1, and Dr. Laurie Berry has been selected as Dean of Students, effective Friday, July 21.

 

Read more

 

 

USI CALENDAR

A collection of events on campus and in the community can be found on the USI Events Calendar.

 

Founded in 1965, the University of Southern Indiana enrolls more than 9,200 dual credit, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in more than 130 areas of study. A public higher education institution, located on a beautiful 1,400-acre campus in Evansville, Indiana, USI offers programs through the College of Liberal Arts, Romain College of Business, College of Nursing and Health Professions and the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. USI is a Carnegie Foundation Community Engaged University and offers continuing education and special programs to more than 15,000 participants annually through Outreach and Engagement. USI is online at www.usi.edu.

 

 

THERESA CAPUTO LIVE! THE EXPERIENCE OCT 5 VICTORY THEATRE

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Tickets go on-sale Friday, July 21 

Acclaimed medium and beloved personality, Theresa Caputo, will be appearing live at the [Venue] on [Day, Date, Time]. Known for her unique ability to communicate with those who have passed on, Theresa will share personal stories about her life and provide comfort to audience members through healing messages from their deceased loved ones. Tickets for this extraordinary event will go on sale [Day, Date, Time], and can be purchased through the website, charge by phone, or the venue box office. Ticket prices start at $39.75 (plus applicable service charges) and are subject to change. Please note that purchasing a ticket does not guarantee a reading.

“The Experience” brings Theresa face-to-face with her fans as Spirit guides her through the audience. A full-stage video display ensures that everyone in the theater has an up-close experience regardless of seat location. “The Experience isn’t about believing in mediums. It’s about seeing something life-changing” says Theresa Caputo. “It’s like Long Island Medium live, witnessing first-hand spirit communication.” 

Long Island Medium debuted in 2011 on TLC and follows Theresa’s life as a typical Long Island mom with one very big difference…she can communicate with the dead. Since she cannot “turn off” this gift, messages from departed loved ones can come through at any time, which leads to spontaneous readings with those she encounters. In addition to her television series, Theresa has appeared on such programs as “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” “Live with Kelly and Michael,” “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” “Tamron Hall,” & “The Today Show.”

Theresa has authored five books including NY Times Best Sellers “Good Grief: Heal Your Soul, Honor Your Loved Ones, and Learn to Live Again” (2017) and “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up” (2014). Her latest project, the “Hey Spirit” podcast, helps guests work through their grief to allow them to heal and move forward with peace and self-assurance, 

Recognized as one of the most renowned mediums for over 30 years, Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience is the awe-inspiring event you won’t want to miss. Learn more about Theresa at www.theresacaputo.com.

 

Tickets will be available at the Ford Center Ticket & Ticketmaster.com starting Friday, July 21st at 10:00 AM.

21 VU Trailblazers named to NJCAA All-Academic Teams

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VINCENNES, Ind. – The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) announced their 2022-23 All-Academic Teams Monday morning and the list of over 10,000 student-athletes featured 21 Vincennes University Trailblazers.

VU had six student-athletes named to the All-Academic First Team, earning a GPA of 4.00 during the 2022-23 academic year. Eight student-athletes were named to the Second Team with a GPA between 3.80 and 3.99 and seven named to the Third Team with a GPA between 3.60 and 3.79.

Vincennes University and the VU Athletic Department are proud of the hard work and dedication these student-athletes have shown not only on the competition field, but in the classroom as well.

Full list of VU honorees

Alexis Chrappa (Effingham, Ill.), First Team, Volleyball

Holden Clifton (Louisville, Ill.), Second Team, Baseball

Colton Evans (Henderson, Ky.), First Team, Baseball

Giorgia Fino (Francavila Fontana, Italy), Third Team, Track and Field

Lara Gomes de Castro (Sao Paulo, Brazil), Third Team, Volleyball

Bryton Griffy (Louisville, Ill.), Third Team, Baseball

Kennadi Harris (Columbus, Ohio), Third Team, Women’s Basketball

Blake Heyerly (Monroe, Ind.), Third Team, Baseball

Garrett Hulfachor (Lawrenceville, Ill.), Second Team, Golf

Nick Kapostasy (Cincinnati, Ohio), First Team, Baseball

Daisie Kinnett (Wheatland, Ind.), Third Team, Cross Country

Reed Lawless (Kouts, Ind.), First Team, Cross Country

Katrina Litte (Valmiera, Latvia), Second Team, Women’s Basketball

Morgan Netcott (Montague, Mich.), First Team, Volleyball

Ryan Oliver (Antioch, Tenn.), Second Team, Men’s Basketball

Keegan Schlotterbeck (Centerville, Ind.), Second Team, Baseball

Isaac Stanford (Flora, Ill.), Third Team, Cross Country

Daylynn Thornton (Lafayette, Ind.), Second Team, Women’s Basketball

Gwen Weaver (Hebron, Ind.), First Team, Track and Field

Devawn White (Montreal, Quebec), Second Team, Men’s Basketball

Carter Whitehead (Huntingburg, Ind.), Second Team, Baseball

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

20230718025419485

FOOTNOTE:  EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.

Otters quiet in loss to ValleyCats

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Troy, NY. – The Evansville Otters were shutout in a 5-0 loss to the Tri-City ValleyCats in the series rubber match Sunday evening.

Tri-City starter Dan Beebe held the Otters to four hits over 7.2 innings. Evansville had one runner in scoring position all game.

Zach Smith earned his sixth quality start of the season but took the tough luck loss. He allowed two earned runs over six innings of work with four strikeouts.

Smith retired the first six ValleyCats’ batters before Tri-City broke through with three runs in the third inning. Three base hits were followed by a two out two-RBI double.

Tri-City added another run in the fifth on two hits and one more run in the eighth on a hit and three walks to cap the scoring.

Otters’ second baseman Trevor Austin recorded a hit in his first professional career appearance. Noah Myers extended his hit streak to eight games.

The Otters return home to Bosse Field on Tuesday to open a six game homestand. Evansville faces the Lake Erie Crushers with a 6:35 PM CT first pitch on a Fifth Third Bank Family Night.

Families of four can receive four general admission tickets, four hot dogs, four bags of chips and four drinks all for $40 ($55 value). Click here for more information.

“IS IT TRUE” JULY 17, 2023

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City-County Observer Comment Policy. Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will be tolerated and will be removed from our site.”
We understand that sometimes people don’t always agree and discussions may become a little heated.  The use of offensive language, or insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.
Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers.
IS IT TRUE that it’s obvious that some elected officials can’t manage a crisis very well because they allow the crisis to manage them?

IS IT TRUE there is a major difference between politicians and political leaders? …that the voters respect and listen to political leaders

IS IT TRUE  that we are told that several local taxpayers are disappointed that not even one member of the Evansville City Council has requested the City Controller to give them a detailed financial (income, expenses, and net profit) report of the FORD CENTER?
IS IT TRUE that we are hearing there are several talented and qualified practicing attorneys who are considering applying for the next Vanderburgh County Superior Court Judge position when it becomes available?
IS IT TRUE we give Vanderburgh County Coroner Steven W. Lockyear and his staff five (5) cheers for doing an incredible job for the people of our community?
IS IT TRUE that we are pleased to hear that once the CEO/President of the Area Chamber Of Commerce retires the Board of Directors will conduct a national search for her replacement?
IS IT TRUE  that are told that many people really miss former State Representative Gail Riecken because she is a down-to-earth, humble, and friendly person who has a passion to help the disadvantaged?
IS IT TRUE that pandemics have a way of separating thinkers from emotional people?  …that defeating the pandemic did not come from the gut but the mind?
IS IT TRUE that Banks raked in $10 billion in fees for handing out US-backed loans to shore up small businesses battered by the coronavirus despite taking on little to no risk on the deals?

IS IT TRUE that Small Businesses represent one-half of the workforce in the United States?

IS IT TRUE that around 75 companies that received government stimulus money had a market value of over $100 million dollars each?

IS IT TRUE we give five (5) cheers to State Senator Vaneta Becker, R-Evansville for pushing common-sense legislation for the common good of her constituents?
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IS IT TRUE that we wonder if the members of the Board Of Directors of the Evansville Water and Sewer Board and members of the Evansville/Vanderburgh County Parks Park Board receive a stipend for serving on these boards?
IS IT TRUE that several years ago Indiana Congressmen Larry Bucshon stated that walking through a metal detector violates his constitutional rights?  …we also remember when another elected official felt the same way?  …in 1976 United States Senator R. Vance Hartke (D) claimed congressional immunity and refused to go through the security gate at the Evansville airport Indiana?  … that the voters were so outraged by his display of arrogance that they went to the polls and soundly elected Dick Luger (R) as the next Senator from Indiana?
IS IT TRUE that it’s time for the taxpayers to rally against the ignorant and malignant attitudes of a few locally elected and appointed officials?
IS IT TRUE that several years ago the best-selling book on Amazon was the dystopian novel by George Orwell called “1984”?…this book shows what happens in the future when a groupthink-driven dictator called “Bob Brother” takes power and proceeds to impose his will upon the entire populace by canceling and changing the reality of history and making small transgressions against his ideology as capital crimes?
IS IT TRUE that we would like to thank a long-time supporter and friend Joe Wallace for his help with the City-County Observer during the time that our publisher was facing serious health problems?  …that Joe Wallace is a shining example of what true friendship is all about?
IS IT TRUE when the people fear the Government we have Tyranny?  …when the Government fears the people we have Liberty?
FOOTNOTES:  Please take time and read our articles entitled “STATEHOUSE FILES, LAW ENFORCEMENT, “READERS POLL”, BIRTHDAYS, HOT JOBS”, EDUCATION, OBITUARIES, and “LOCAL SPORTS”. You now are able to subscribe to the CCO daily without a charge.

 

Mitch McConnell’s Machiavelli act misfires

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Mitch McConnell’s Machiavelli act misfires

Mitch McConnell doth protest too much.

John Krull, publisher, TheStatehouseFile.com

The Senate minority leader recently wrote an op-ed column for The Washington Post in which he argues, tediously and not at all persuasively, that the U.S. Supreme Court is friend to neither Republicans nor Democrats. The court is, the Kentucky Republican contends, a completely independent arbiter of justice.

One can understand why McConnell would feel a tad sensitive about how the nation’s high bench is perceived.

In its current form and makeup, this Supreme Court is a creature of McConnell’s making. He packed it and stacked it, rewriting rules, inventing new procedures and trampling over decades- and centuries-old precedents in the process.

Until recently, the GOP leader took bows for his work in remodeling the court, styling himself as a Machiavellian master of political intrigue who delivered what had been the number one item on the right-wing wish list for decades.

Then something funny happened.

Once the court started delivering the other items on the conservative shopping list—an end to reproductive rights, the dismantling of affirmative action, etc.—its public approval numbers began dropping like a boulder in freefall.

Once the most revered of the three branches of the federal government, the court has seen much of its support vanish. A Marquette Law School poll released in May found that only 41% of the public approved of the court’s performance while 59% disapproved. Other less reliable surveys found that only 30% of Americans liked what the justices were doing.

Worse, from McConnell’s perspective, is that the citizenry’s displeasure hasn’t been confined to the courts.

The 2022 congressional elections were supposed to be a red tidal wave in which Republicans rolled back into power in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives.

Instead, 2022 turned into a purple trickle. Democrats not only held onto the Senate but picked up a seat. Republicans took control of the House, but by a much, much narrower margin than expected.

Part of the problem was that many voters were outraged by the court’s decision to overturn—after a half-century—Roe v. Wade and thus restrict rather than expand personal liberty for the first time in the bench’s history. Much of the ire generated by the Dobbs decision burned the hottest in America’s suburbs, once one of the GOP’s strongholds.

Many suburban women who had leaned Republican, it turned out, didn’t much care for being told that they couldn’t be trusted to make decisions about their own bodies and lives.

But that wasn’t the only problem.

It also turned out that the public didn’t appreciate the way the court went about dismantling what had been considered settled law—a way that leaned heavily on the McConnell playbook.

To secure their spots on the bench, Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett had to blandly offer mistruths that they considered Roe v. Wade untouchable law.

Then, once installed on the court, they went about the business of demolishing that untouchable law with all the finesse of an untethered wrecking ball. They ignored precedents that had endured for generations and reached back to the 17th century—long before the United States existed—to find the justification for a ruling that was long on religious faith and short on legal reasoning.

Perhaps McConnell and the justices expected to be applauded for their work. After all, much of their contact with members of the American public is confined to those who inhabit the rightist fringes of the national tapestry.

But the country’s appetite for the establishment of a theocracy and a rollback to the days when women, Black people and LGBTQ Americans were second- or even third-class citizens doesn’t extend far beyond those fringes.

That’s why McConnell felt compelled to try to sanitize the court’s reputation while distancing himself and his party from its actions at the same time.

The task McConnell set for himself required the skill of an acrobat. His op-ed piece, though, was executed with the grace of a water buffalo, arguing that relatively minor decisions that please Democrats carry the same weight as overturning Roe.

In short, comparing cap guns to atom bombs.

As to McConnell’s efforts to separate himself and his party from the court’s record of destruction, good luck with that.

His backers bought this court.

He built it.

Together, they own it.

FOOTNOTE:  John Krull is director of Franklin College’s Pulliam School of Journalism and publisher of TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students. The views expressed are those of the author only and should not be attributed to Franklin College.

Indiana governor’s race grows more crowded with the addition of controversial former AG

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Indiana governor’s race grows more crowded with the addition of controversial former AG
  • By Jack Sells, TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS—A seventh candidate for Indiana governor was announced this week, as former Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill attempts to put his past groping controversy behind him in his quest to regain public office.

Former Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill.

“Hoosiers are hungry for a proven conservative leader with the courage to stand up for the traditional values upon which our Republic was built,” Hill said in a press release.

Hill has accused four women of drunkenly groping them in 2018 and had his law license suspended in the lead-up to the 2020 Republican state primary, resulting in delegates selecting current AG Todd Rokita over Hill.

He has denied the accusations, publishing a statement back in 2018 that said, “The allegations against me, which continue to change, are vicious and false. At no time did I ever grab or touch anyone inappropriately?”

Two years later, after the suspension was handed down, a Hill press release said, “I accept with humility and respect the Indiana Supreme Court’s ruling of a 30-day suspension of my license with automatic reinstatement.”

Hill returned to the political scene last year, running in the primary to be the Republican nominee to fill the U.S. House of Representatives seat that was open after Rep. Jackie Walorskidied in a car crash in August 2022. Rudy Yakym won the primary and the general election.

Hill will continue to attempt a political comeback by joining the increasingly crowded field of candidates for governor.

“Our campaign will emphasize a positive vision for Indiana, restoring faith in our institutions, protecting our children, investing in our law enforcement, prioritizing the rebuilding of our economy and placing the needs of Hoosiers above the manipulation of Washington, D.C.,” Hill’s statement said.

During his time as attorney general, Hill criticized Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears for saying he wouldn’t prosecute people for possessing an ounce or less of marijuana and testified in front of the Indiana General Assembly against a bill allowing cities to create needle exchange programs without approval from the state.

He also partnered with the faith-based organization Indianapolis Ten Point Coalition in an attempt to reduce crime. The coalition does peace walks to build relationships with the community and has members who work as liaisons to get information about crimes from community members to the police.

And in 2017, Hill wrote an opinion article for The Statehouse File criticizing NFL players kneeling, saying, “Rather than kneeling in silence, they should choose to stand as men of character and courage and tackle black-on-black violence.”

Hill joins three other Republicans, two Democrats, and a Libertarian in the race to succeed Gov. Eric Holcomb, who is term-limited from serving a third consecutive time.

  • U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, the Republican, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2018 after spending three years in the Indiana House of Representatives.

  • Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, the Republican, went from being a state representative to state auditor to her current position, lieutenant governor under Holcomb.

  • Eric Doden, Republican, has never held public office but was president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation under Gov. Mike Pence for two years.

  • Jennifer McCormick, the Democrat, served as superintendent of public instruction under Holcomb but has since switched party allegiance.

  • Bob Kern, the Democrat, is a perennial candidate who, since 2012, has appeared in primaries for the U.S. House, Indiana House, Indiana Senate and, most recently, Indianapolis mayor.

  • Donald Rainwater, the Libertarian, is most known for his 2020 gubernatorial run in which he received 11.4% of the vote.

$80 million is available for local communities to increase broadband coverage

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Gov. Holcomb announces fourth round of Next Level Connections Broadband grants

($80 million is available for local communities to increase broadband coverage)

INDIANAPOLIS–Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced today the fourth and final round of Indiana’s Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program is now open for applications.

The NLC grant program, which seeks to bridge the digital divide by bringing high-quality, reliable broadband to unserved and underserved parts of Indiana, began as part of Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level Connections initiative, a $1 billion statewide infrastructure program announced in 2018.

“As a state, since 2018 we have made unprecedented investments in connecting Indiana residents to their neighbors, schools and the rest of the world like never before in our history,” Gov. Holcomb said. “This final round of Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program funding will be yet another critical component of the transition to the recently announced $868 million of additional funding from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program to connect more Hoosiers to begin being implemented next year and beyond.”

With $80 million remaining in state funds and federal Capital Project Funds appropriated by the Indiana General Assembly for Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program, this round will provide a maximum of $5 million per grant to fund projects by telecommunications providers and utility cooperatives. Service providers must provide a minimum 20 percent match of the total allowable project costs. In Round 4 of the NLC program, local governments will inform the State of unserved or underserved areas in their communities.

Since 2019, the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program awarded more than $249 million to 187 projects, for a total investment of $547 million with local matching funds. These previously awarded projects will bring broadband infrastructure to more than 69,154 homes, commercial locations, and anchor institutions, such as schools, universities, hospitals or major employers, in 81 counties.

“Whether I’m meeting with realtors in Allen County or farmers in Montgomery County, access to affordable and reliable high-speed connectivity is the number one priority around Indiana,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, who also serves as Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “As a state, we are aggressively closing the gap between Hoosiers who have broadband and Hoosiers who do not. This grant money, combined with the matching funds required by the providers, will get Indiana closer to complete broadband saturation.”

Applications and more information can be found at www.ocra.in.gov/nlc. For questions on grant applications, contact nlc@ocra.in.gov.

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