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Virtual Author Talk: Charles Soule

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You’re invited to an awe-inspiring chat with New York Times bestselling author Charles Soule as he talks about his newest book, The Endless Vessel, which explores the way we’re all connected—and what can happen when we lose our capacity for joy.

The Endless Vessel transports us to a few years from now, in a world similar to ours, where there exists a sort of “depression plague” that people refer to simply as “The Grey.” No one can predict whom it will afflict or how, but once infected, there’s no coming back.  A young Hong Kong-based scientist, Lily Barnes, is trying to maintain her inner light in an increasingly dark world. The human race is dwindling, and people fighting to push forward are increasingly rare. One day, Lily comes across something that seems to be addressing her directly, calling to her, asking her to follow a path to whatever lies at its end. Is this the Endless Vessel that leads to happiness? She leaves her life behind and sets out through time and space to find out.

Charles Soule artfully channels history, science, and drama to create a story for the ages—a story of hope and love, and possibility.

About the Author: Charles Soule is a New York-based, #1 New York Times-best-selling novelist, comic book writer, musician, and former attorney. While he has worked for DC and other publishers, he is best known for writing Daredevil, She-Hulk, Death of Wolverine, and various Star Wars comics from Marvel Comics and his creator-owned series Eight Billion Genies and Curse Words (with Ryan Browne), Undiscovered Country (with Scott Snyder & Giuseppe Camuncoli), Letter 44 (with Alberto Jimenez Alburquerque) and the Shrouded College series (with Will Sliney), which began with Book I: Hell to Pay in November 2022.

His first novel, The Oracle Year, was released in April 2018 by the Harper Perennial imprint of HarperCollins. His second novel, Anyone, was released in November 2019. His third original novel is The Endless Vessel.

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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FOOTNOTE:  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 12, 2023

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dottedline600.gifWe 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 in a rational and responsible way.

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.

tmobilespace.gifIS IT TRUE THAT we have an outstanding group of law enforcement professionals that are doing everything they can to protect us?  …It’s almost impossible for members of law enforcement to stop anyone from killing themselves or someone else?  …It’s obvious that it’s time for our elected officials to look for more creative ways to help our law enforcement professionals so they can do a better job-fighting crime?

IS IT TRUE that we have been told by several reliable sources that when Tamra Barney retires as the CEO of the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership outgoing Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke may be the leading candidate as her replacement?  …we are also told that Ms. Barney’s annual salary may be around 2 1/2 times higher than what Mayor Winnecke is currently making?

IS IT TRUE that the City of Evansville has seemly allowed the EPA to pussyfoot around with the lead contamination issue in the Jacobsville area for many years? …the real tragedy is that lead poisoning can be treated, but any damage caused by contaminated lead cannot be reversed?
IS IT TRUE we are told that many people are extremely pleased with the way that Vanderburgh County Superior Court Judge Tom Massey is conducting himself on the bench?
IS IT TRUE that one word that some local elected officials can’t say when they are discussing budget requests is the word “NO”?
IS IT TRUE that one of the favorite tactics that a few locally elected officials love doing when discussing an upcoming public works project is relying on using the ole “Bait And Switch” method?
IS IT TRUE that soccer is an international sport and the Evansville area has enjoyed some very good college and high school soccer teams over the years?  …It might be time for area soccer enthusiasts to start discussing the idea of starting a professional soccer team in our area?
IS IT TRUE that a well-respected local entrepreneur recently wrote a “Letter To The CCO Editor”?  …that he brought up the obvious poor maintenance issues at the Evansville City Parks?  …that he researched and documented the poor conditions of our parks?  …that we give local citizen and entrepreneur Daniel Woods 5 cheers for standing up and speaking his mind concerning the obvious poor maintenance issues at our city parks?
IS IT TRUE that we give City Councilman and Finance Chairman Ron Beane 5 cheers for expressing his strong objection concerning giving a last-minute Tax Credit to a company building a “Low-Income Housing” project in Evansville?  …that Councilman Beane was upset because he felt that this request looks like a “Bait and Switch” maneuver?
IS IT TRUE that we hope one day that mainstream media will consider doing an investigative article concerning the over-aggressive debt collection practices of some of our area medical providers?
IS IT TRUE that several years ago ProPublica publication claimed that medical bills are often riddled with errors? …that they also suggest that you should ask your medical provider if they have a financial assistance policy, which could result in a sliding scale discount or a more flexible and affordable payment schedule?
IS IT TRUE that the Knight Township Trustee, Katherine Martin, her staff and Board members are doing an amazing job in serving the needs of the economically disadvanced in their area?
IS IT TRUE that it may be time for the more financially analytical citizens of Evansville/Vanderburgh County to do a causal budget overview in order to get a reasonable projection on the final costs to finish the City Of Evansville Water and Sewer project?  …we have been told that this project may be several millions of dollars over budget?  …if the powers that be don’t get a handle concerning the excessive spending practices of this project the ratepayers could buy a gallon of Jack Daniels cheaper than a gallon of water from Evansville Water And Sewer Department?
IS IT TRUE that we wonder how on earth can elected officials in a city that has ZERO population growth and minimal wage growth feel that they can collect more tax money and increase the Water and Sewer rates by a measurable amount of money than the year before from its huddled masses?
IS IT TRUE that the heroin, opioid, and fentanyl epidemic continues to claim lives in the City of Evansville/Vanderburgh County has to be driving the Vanderburgh County Coroner nuts?…it looks like 2023 is going to end the year with a major increase in deaths due to opioids, heroin, or Fentanyl overdoses?
IS IT TRUE that the Vanderburgh County Surveyor Linda Freeman and her staff are really doing an outstanding job for the taxpayer of this Community?
IS IT TRUE we hope that the newly hired CEO of the Evansville Sports Corporation will do extensive homework before allowing his organization to bring another less than financially successful National Sporting Event to the Ford Center?
IS IT TRUE that the Evansville city employees’ hospitalization fund has been insufficiently underfunded over many years? …we have been told the city’s employees’ hospitalization fund, from which city employee medical claims are paid, could have a serious negative financial balance at the end of this year?
IS IT TRUE that when a male officeholder takes a stand against a controversial issue some male voters call him strong?  …when a female officeholder takes a stand against a controversial issue some male voters call her irrational?
IS IT TRUE that Pickleball injuries may cost Americans many millions in health care costs this year?  …that Pickleball is especially risky for seniors, who tend to be more injury-prone and who, apparently, really really love the game?  …that healthcare providers feel Pickleball exercise will positively impact health outcomes, but seniors can pose a greater risk of sports injuries, leading to a greater number of orthopedic procedures?  …we suggest that our seniors play Pickleball with caution?

IS IT TRUE that many years ago the city-owned and operated Oak Hill and Locust Hill cemeteries were in poor conditions?  …that we recently checked the overall condition of these two cemeteries?  …we are happy to report that major improvements have been made to both of these cemeteries over the years?   …that trees are trimmed, grounds are very well kept, graves markers and stones are in an upright position, and the flower vases are neatly installed on top of grave markers? …we would like to give Christopher Cooke, Superintendent of City Cemeteries, and his staff five (5) cheers for a job well done?

IS IT TRUE that the Evansville City Clerk, Laura Windhorst, and her staff are really doing a credible job of coming up with new ways of improving public accessibility to City Council meetings and convenient online payment methods?   …. when an elected official does an outstanding job they usually run unopposed for re-election?
FOOTNOTE:  Please take time and read our articles entitled “Statehouse Files”, Law Enforcement, Weekly Birthday, Hot Jobs, and “Local Sports”.  
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Todd Rokita and team make national impact by leading fight against woke anti-consumer ESG strategies

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Attorney General Todd Rokita’s leadership of a 17-state effort opposing the anti-capitalism and anti-consumer schemes of so-called ESG investing has helped prompt action at the federal level.

“Our team here in Indiana works hard to protect liberty, free enterprise and the rule of law,” Attorney General Rokita said. “With servants’ hearts, we aspire each day to defend the interests of individual Hoosiers across the state. And through collaboration with other states, we make a positive difference for all Americans.”

In May, Attorney General Rokita co-led a multistate motion to intervene in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC’s) dealings with BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager. BlackRock has sought to force a radical climate agenda on American utility companies.

Following that action, a group of 11 U.S. senators has also demanded that FERC investigate BlackRock’s actions — and BlackRock’s CEO has begun backpedaling from the company’s past record.

This month, Attorney General Rokita and other attorneys general penned a letter to BlackRock Mutual Funds trustees warning them of potential deceptive and unfair acts and practices — and violations of state securities laws and state common law. 

ESG investing seeks to impose an “environmental, social and governance” agenda that could not otherwise be implemented through the ballot box.

At least one of the 11 senators demanding the FERC investigation cited the17-state motion to intervene as inspiring the senators’ letter.

Previously, BlackRock has signed onto activist crusades such as Climate Action 100+ (CA100+) and the Net Zero Asset Managers (NZAM) initiatives — which seek to coordinate shareholder voting power across their membership to influence the operations of utilities.

“Ultimately, the radical activists would force utilities to retire all of their gas and coal plants,” Attorney General Rokita said. “But gas and coal represent over 60% of America’s electricity supply. Losing this energy would weaken our country and raise utility bills for regular Americans, including elderly Hoosiers on fixed incomes.”

Further, he added, the ESG strategies diminish the value of retirees’ investment accounts.

According to news reports, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink proposed replacing the term “ESG” with “conscientious capitalism” because of the negative perceptions of the former term.

“Whatever you call it, an investment strategy aimed at achieving woke left-wing outcomes rather than maximizing returns for investors is bad news,” Attorney General Rokita said. “There’s no point trying to put lipstick on that pig.”

Aside from the BlackRock example, Attorney General Rokita has also led efforts against ESG investing in other cases — filing another motion to intervene in a case involving the Vanguard Group, for example, and filing a lawsuit against the Biden administration over a Department of Labor rule.

City Swim Meet Returns for 2023, Showcasing Top Swimmers at Deaconess Aquatic Center

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The highly anticipated City Swim Meet is set to make a splash this weekend at the state-of-the-art Deaconess Aquatic Center.

Taking place on Saturday, July 15, and Sunday, July 16, the City Swim Meet promises two action-packed days of exhilarating races. The preliminary races will kick off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, followed by the highly anticipated finals at the same time on Sunday.

This year’s City Swim Meet is expected to draw local swimmers, ranging from talented youngsters as young as four years old to seasoned veterans aged over 65. Spectators are encouraged to come out and show their support for their favorite swimmers and neighborhood teams.

Deputy Mayor/Interim Parks Director Steve Schaefer will be participating as a swimmer for the Helfrich Hurricanes.

“Competing for the Hurricanes as a kid was such a transformative experience for me,” said Schaefer. “It’s truly special to be back in the water, reliving those memories and representing the team once again. I’m thrilled to be part of this incredible event that brings our community together through the sport of swimming.”

In order to accommodate the expected influx of attendees, additional parking will be available at the Bosse Field parking lot.

Gov. Holcomb selects Justin McAdam to join Indiana Tax Court

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INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced he has selected Justin McAdam, who is the deputy director and the chief legal counsel of the Indiana Office of Management & Budget (OMB), as the next judge of the Indiana Tax Court. McAdam will replace retiring Judge Martha Wentworth.

“Justin’s vast knowledge of the law combined with his deep conviction to do what’s fair and just have been proven time and time again,” Gov. Holcomb said. “He has become an invaluable member of the team who has guided the administration to make sound financial decisions benefitting our constituents by helping to maintain a fiscally healthy state and AAA credit rating.”

In his role as deputy director and chief legal counsel for OMB, McAdam advises the executive branch on all aspects of tax and fiscal policies. He provides guidance and legal counsel to nine agencies that are tasked with maintaining the state’s financial health and works closely with the legislature and key stakeholders on tax and fiscal policy.

Since 2019, McAdam has chaired the Distressed Unit Appeal Board, established by the general assembly, which temporarily manages financially troubled school districts and assists in finding a more permanent solution. McAdam has been integral in strategically managing the oversight and transition of Muncie Community Schools and Gary Community Schools towards a successful sustainability plan.

McAdam has served as a trustee for the Indiana Public Retirement System and the Next Level Fund Investment Board and as chairman of the Indiana Board of Depositories. As trustee and chairman, he has provided financial guidance and expertise to assist agencies in making financially sound decisions and optimizing investment opportunities for the state.

“It is a tremendous honor to be selected to serve as Indiana’s next tax court judge. I am honored by Governor Holcomb’s confidence in me,” McAdam said. “Indiana’s tax system is key to the continued growth and development of Indiana’s economy, and the tax court is integral to ensuring the system is administered fairly and as the general assembly intended. I look forward to working alongside my new colleagues in the judiciary to propel Indiana’s courts forward.”

McAdam has also been active in the Hendricks County community. He is a board member of the Light & Life Free Methodist Church and serves on the finance committee and is a former board member of the Avon Education Foundation.

McAdam was raised in Terre Haute. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and a law degree from Harvard Law School. McAdam lives in Avon with his wife Amy and their four children.

A date for McAdam’s robing ceremony will be determined by the Indiana Supreme Court.

Aces Basketball Golf Scramble set for August 28

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Rolling Hills Country Club to host the event

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – With the season quickly approaching, the University of Evansville men’s basketball program will be hosting the Aces Basketball Golf Scramble on August 28, 2023.

Rolling Hills Country Club in Newburgh will be hosting the event with a full day of festivities on tap.  Registration is set for 10:45-11:45 a.m. with lunch being served from 11 a.m. until noon.  The scramble officially gets underway with a shotgun start at noon. A reception with refreshments will take place at approximately 5 p.m. or immediately following the round.

There are multiple ways to join the scramble or support the program.  Foursomes cost $600 with individuals set for $150.  Champion-level members of the Aces Assist Club receive a complimentary entry into the scramble.  Other ways to support include hole sponsors ($100), golf cart sponsors ($1,500), and title sponsors ($5,000).

August 11 is the registration deadline.  There is a limit of 26 teams and registrants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.  To register, please visit www.uealumnionline.com/2023AcesGolf.  For more information or to sign up, please contact Logan Belz at 812-488-2623.

HEALTH OFFICIALS LAUNCH START SMART CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE BACK-TO-SCHOOL VACCINE CLINICS

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INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) has partnered once again with local health departments and other healthcare entities across the state to host summer back-to-school immunization clinics as part of a statewide effort to help families easily access required and recommended school immunizations prior to the start of the 2023-24 school year.

Now in its second year, the Start Smart campaign includes a map showing dates, times and locations of community immunization clinics. The map can be found at https://startsmart.health.in.gov/. The clinics are open to children ages 5 and older. Families will not be charged at the site of the clinic but should provide insurance information if available.

“Routine immunizations are the best way to protect children from highly contagious diseases like measles, mumps and chicken pox and can help ensure every student has a healthy start to the school year,” said State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP. “During last year’s back-to-school outreach, nearly 50 percent of children who were behind on their immunizations got caught up on at least one vaccine, giving them protection that can last a lifetime. We hope to see even greater success this year.”

IDOH is also mailing letters to parents of children whose state immunization records show they are behind on a required immunization. A list of immunizations required for school can be found here.

“Partners across the state are coming together to make it easier than ever to ensure that your child is protected from preventable illnesses before the start of school,” Dr. Weaver said. “I encourage every parent of a school-age child to check their child’s vaccine status today and to schedule an appointment with their healthcare provider or take advantage of these convenient opportunities in their communities.”