EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
FOOTNOTE: Â EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
“IS IT TRUE” JULY 15, 2024 WORKING COPY
We hope that today’s IS IT TRUE will provoke honest and open dialogue concerning issues that we, as responsible citizens of this community, need to address rationally and responsibly.
We understand that sometimes people don’t always agree on candid discussions and may become a little heated. The use of offensive language and/or insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.
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IS IT TRUE we hope that one day the voters will realize that they are surrounded by two-faced and self-serving politicians? …we hope the voters start relying on the wisdom of divine guidance instead of relying on a politician who always says “Trust me I Don’t Lie”?
IS IT TRUE that because of the actions of the less than honorable politicians America is experiencing trouble from the “Out House to State House to the Whitehouse to Our House?
IS IT TRUE that over the years we have made numerous references that the Evansville Water and Sewer Utilities was not only known for its political patronage activities but was also used as a funding source to help the City of Evansville with its occasional financial cash flow challenges? …that it’s safe to say that over the years the Evansville Water and Sewer Utilities Department was used as an in-house bank that loaned the City of Evansville many millions of dollars to help the city with short-term cash shortfalls challenges?
IS IT TRUE that we are sad to report that a massive 5-alarm fire caused the Morton Avenue Warehouse property unrepairable damages? …that every warehouse building located on this industrial/storage site was destroyed by fire is still untouched by a professional cleanup crew hired by the City Of Evansville Building Commission? …that we also feel that the Evansville City Administrators seem uninterested in doing anything to make the site safe for people living in less than the scenic areas of Evansville?
IS IT TRUE that Evansville firefighters were recently dispatched to the dilapidated Morton Avenue Warehouse property site to fight another fire? …that credible sources tell us the recent fire started in a large furniture and trash pile dumped on the site during the last several months?
IS IT TRUE that the only “No Trespassing” sign at the above property has been torn down? …that we predict that one day city officials will be reading about a serious injury or death on this extremely dangerous and unsecured Morton Avenue Warehouse property.
IS IT TRUE that “Good Public Policy” starts with fiscal responsibility? … in days gone by, the City Of Evansville had an impressive “RAINY DAY FUND” so our elected officials would have a financial cushion for unexpected budget shortfalls?
IS IT TRUE that 77 city employees were paid more than $100,000 in salary last year? …that the City-County Observer has been looking at the past and current employee’s budget numbers and will share details of our budgetary investigation shortly?
IS IT TRUE that many people feel that E-REP has more political influence and financial authority than any of our current elected members of the City Of Evansville or Vanderburgh County?
IS IT TRUE that local taxpayers are quietly observing the excessive spending habits of the Evansville City Council?
IS IT TRUE that we have been told that the voters all over America are finally getting in the mindset to get rid of the tax and spend politicians?
IS IT TRUE that the law professor Jessica Levinson for NBC News said that “the Presidential pardons are transparently transactional, having nothing to do with fairness or justice and everything to do with rewarding loyalists, allies, and, almost inexplicably, war criminals and disgraced politicians”? …that Presidential pardons are supposed to act as a fail-safe when the federal criminal justice system malfunctions?
IS IT TRUE that several years ago the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis provided some clarifying data about who stands to lose the most from social distancing in a recent report? …that occupations at the highest risk of unemployment also tend to be lower-paid occupations? …the average annual earnings of the low-risk occupations are $64,600, about 75% higher than earnings in the high-risk occupations, at $36,600″? …that they went on to say that, the economic burden from this health crisis has most directly affected those workers who are likely in the most vulnerable financial situation.
IS IT TRUE that the cost of complacency is about to come crashing down on the customers of the City of Evansville Water and Sewer Utility Department?…that the long-needed replacements of old cast iron water and sewer pipes are finally underway and the cost of the project is staggering? …that we feel that an aggressive and creative management style could save some serious money if they would stop a few employees from paying the “good ole boys” pity political patronage games?
IS IT TRUE that the City of Evansville Employees Healthcare Insurance has continually posted a severe deficit over the last several decades? …that it looks like it’s time for newly elected members of the Evansville City Council to vote to hire a new Employee Health Insurance broker to find a long-term solution to create an affordable City of Evansville Employee Healthcare Insurance plan?
IS IT TRUE that many people feel that E-REP has more political influence and financial authority than any of our current elected members of the City Of Evansville and Vanderburgh County?
IS IT TRUE when the people fear the Government we have Tyranny and when the government fears the people we have Liberty?
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IS IT TRUE that it was also reported in the Evansville Courier and Press that 1st Ward City Councilman Ben Trockman said, “I would ask the Mayor or Deputy Mayor to spend some time with the council in the new year to (address) the city’s health insurance plan issue†is kicking the political can down the road? …that .Mr. Trockman would have been spot on if he had made the motion to immediately put the city’s health care insurance plan out for a formal bid in the private sector?
IS IT TRUE the back side wing of the WELBORN HOsipital is currently being demolished to ass an underground parking garage?
IS IT TRUE that several years ago the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis provided some clarifying data about who stands to lose the most from social distancing in a recent report? …that occupations at the highest risk of unemployment also tend to be lower-paid occupations? …the average annual earnings of the low-risk occupations are $64,600, about 75% higher than earnings in the high-risk occupations, at $36,600″? …that they went on to say that, the economic burden from this health crisis has most directly affected those workers who are likely in the most vulnerable financial situation.
IS IT TRUE that the modern history of presidential pardons is full of examples of presidents who provided a “Get Out Of Jail Free Card” to friends, family members, and donors? …that President Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother, Roger Clinton, and campaign donor Marc Rich? …President George W. Bush pardoned the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, Scooter Libby after he was convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice?
IS IT TRUE that over the last several decades the City of Evansville Employees Healthcare Insurance has continually posted a severe deficit each year? ..iit’s time for newly elected members of the Evansville City Council to vote to hire a new Employee Health Insurance broker in order to find a long-term solution to create an affordable City of Evansville Employee Healthcare Insurance plan.
IS IT TRUE that it was also reported in the Evansville Courier and Press that 1st Ward City Councilman Ben Trockman said, “I would ask the Mayor or Deputy Mayor to spend some time with the council in the new year to (address) the city’s health insurance plan issue†is kicking the political can down the road? …mediately put the city’s health care insurance plan out for a formal bid in the private sector?
INDIANA CLOSES THE FISCAL YEAR WITH $2.9B IN RESERVES
STATEHOUSE — State Comptroller Tera Klutz, CPA confirmed today that the State of Indiana closed the 2023 fiscal year with $2.9 billion in state reserves.
“Indiana’s reserves of $2.9 billion are once again within the healthy range of 10-15% of our fiscal year 2024 budget,†said Comptroller Klutz. “We have prudently managed State resources to ensure appropriate reserves are available to weather any economic shifts that may come.”
The State of Indiana began fiscal year 2023 with more than $6 billion in reserve balances. The General Assembly contributed $2.5 billion to the pension stabilization fund and increased the 2023 budget over $3 billion for other one-time expenditures.
“Indiana’s strong fiscal leadership continues to serve all Hoosier residents and businesses well,†Comptroller Klutz continued. “We have just completed another very productive year with taxpayer refunds and historic investments in education, public safety, infrastructure and economic development.â€
In addition, the State collected approximately $21.1 billion in general revenues, which was $25 million (0.1%) more than expected and $133 million (0.6%) less than the State collected in 2022.
“Gov. Holcomb and the General Assembly have made substantial investments in critical areas such as public health, education and workforce while paying our long-term obligations,†said Office of Management and Budget Director Cris Johnston. “We continue to maintain a reputation of being a fiscally minded state that meets the needs of all Hoosiers.â€
The 2022-2023 Fiscal Year Close-Out Statement, ending on June 30, 2023, is prepared by the State Budget Agency.
“Closing the state fiscal year with a healthy reserve offers financial security if the state faces unexpected economic stress,†said State Budget Agency Director Zac Jackson. “We accomplish this year after year by spending less than the state is projected to take in, even taking into account income tax rate reductions.â€
Click here to view the full report.
FOOTNOTE: THE CIYT-COUNTY OBSERVER POSTED THIS LETTER WITHOUT BIAS Â OR EDITING.
Indiana National Guard Two-Star General Retires After 33 Years of Service
INDIANAPOLIS – A retirement ceremony was held for Major General Robert Burke, Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Indiana National Guard Headquarters in Indianapolis.
Burke, a New Hampshire native, began his service with the Indiana National Guard in 1993, after serving on active duty for several years at Fort Carson, Colorado. He received his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Norwich University in 1989.
During the ceremony, Burke expressed his gratitude and thanked his family for their support throughout his military career.
Burke and his wife, Tina, have four children: Tyler, Kayli, Macy and Kyle.
“We are thankful for Major General Burke’s service to the state of Indiana both as a soldier in the National Guard and as a Trooper with the Indiana State Police,” said Major General Dale Lyles, Adjutant General of Indiana. “He embodies what it means to live here, work here, serve here.”
His most recent position was as the Deputy Commanding General for the historic V Corps, at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Previous assignments include the Deputy Chief of Staff for NATO Multinational Corps in Szczecin, Poland, and serving as commander of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Lawrence.
Burke served in multiple leadership roles in the Indiana National Guard, to include leading the 1st Squadron 152nd Cavalry Regiment during a deployment to Iraq in 2008 and serving as the Operations Officer for the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat team in Afghanistan in 2004.
He has numerous decorations and awards to include the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Combat Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge and Bronze Star.
Burke, a resident of Knightstown, currently serves as a Captain with the Indiana State Police, and is in his 30th year of service with the Department.
USI Board of Trustees approve annual budget, student fees
At its regular meeting on Thursday, July 13, the University of Southern Indiana Board of Trustees approved a $127.3 million annual operating budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
University income is derived from two primary sources, tuition and fee revenues, and state appropriations.
The Board also approved miscellaneous fees and reviewed the schedule of student fees and other mandatory fees for 2023-24.
In additional business, the Board approved the disbursement of financial aid awards for the 2023-24 academic year and received an update on current campus construction projects.
USI to host finalists at 40th annual Hagemann Awards for Musical Performance Concert
The University of Southern Indiana’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.
Finalists for this year’s concert are Brenna Julian, piano; Ainsley Pierce, trombone; Jaycee Jarvis, voice; and Alayna Reising, voice. All students were seniors at Mt. Vernon High School during the 2022-23 academic year.
Each finalist will play a 20-minute portion of the concert. The top-scoring performer will receive an $800 award and an Alexander Scholarship (not affiliated with USI). The remaining finalists will receive a $400 award.
UE Volleyball earns 2023 USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award
Program recognized for the 14th time
LEXINGTON, Ky. – For the 14th time in program history, the University of Evansville volleyball team was recognized by the United States Marine Corps and the American Volleyball Coaches Association with the USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award.
As a team, the Purple Aces completed the 2022-23 school year with a cumulative GPA of 3.480. Eight student-athletes hold a cumulative GPA of 3.56 or higher.
“I am very proud of the hours and effort our student-athletes put in every day, not only on the court but also in the classroom,†UE head coach Fernando Morales said.  “UE places such a focus on academics and what our girls are doing in classes while playing Division I volleyball is amazing.  I am so proud of everyone in this team.â€
The award was initiated in the 1992-93 academic year and honors volleyball teams that maintain a year-long grade point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale or a 4.1 on a 5.0 scale. In total, 1,333 collegiate and high school volleyball teams were recognized.
IU Swimming and Diving Sends 15 Participants to World Championships
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Fifteen individuals with ties to the Indiana swimming and diving program will compete or coach at the Fukuoka 2023 World Aquatics Championships beginning Friday (July 14).
Eleven athletes and four coaches will represent IU on the world stage this month in three different disciplines: pool swimming, open-water swimming and diving. IU’s participants will also represent five countries, and 10 Hoosiers will compete or coach for Team USA; six with USA Swimming and four with USA Diving.
Indiana head diving coach Drew Johansen will serve as the head coach for USA Diving as the competition begins Friday. Indiana diving alums and Olympians Andrew Capobianco and Jess Parratto as well as sophomore Maxwell Weinrich are slated to compete over the next week.
Open water swimming also kicks off Friday. Junior Mariah Denigan will represent USA Swimming in the women’s 10K and 5K races. Indiana associate head coach Cory Chitwood will serve as an assistant coach for the U.S. open water swimmers.
Pool swimming will begin next Saturday, July 22. Seven Hoosiers will compete in the pool, while Indiana head swimming coach Ray Looze will once again serve as an assistant coach for Team USA. IU assistant coach Luke Ryan will be a member of the Tunisian Swimming Federation’s coaching staff.
Comprehensive coverage of the Fukuoka 2023 World Aquatics Championships will stream on Peacock.
Below is a breakdown of the Indiana swimming and diving affiliated individuals participating at World Championships, with their discipline, country affiliation and event.
| Name | Discipline | Country | Event/Role |
| Drew Johansen* | Diving | United States | Head Coach |
| Andrew Capobianco | Diving | United States | 3m |
| Jess Parratto | Diving | United States | 10m Synchro |
| Maxwell Weinrich* | Diving | United States | Mixed 10m Synchro |
| Cory Chitwood* | Open Water Swimming | United States | Assistant Coach |
| Mariah Denigan* | Open Water Swimming | United States | 5k, 10k |
| Ray Looze* | Swimming | United States | Assistant Coach |
| Lilly King | Swimming | United States | 50m Breaststroke, 100m Breaststroke, 200m Breaststroke |
| Josh Matheny* | Swimming | United States | 100m Breaststroke,
200m Breaststroke |
| Anna Peplowski* | Swimming | United States | 4x200m Freestyle Relay |
| Luke Ryan* | Swimming | Tunisia | Assistant Coach |
| Tomer Frankel* | Swimming | Israel | 50m Butterfly, 100m Butterfly, 100m Freestyle |
| Ching Hwee Gan | Swimming | Singapore | 200m Freestyle, 400m Freestyle, 800m Freestyle, 1500m Freestyle |
| Ahmed Hafnaoui* | Swimming | Tunisia | 400m Freestyle, 800m Freestyle, 1500m Freestyle |
| Rafael Miroslaw* | Swimming | Germany | 200m Freestyle, Relays |