Marilyn Cosby Takes The Helm as Publisher Of City County Observer

05/26/2025

A New Chapter for the City-County Observer: Marilyn Cosby to Take the Helm as Publisher

Published Monday, April 26, 2025

By Staff

Just days after announcing the closure of the City-County Observer, founders Ron and Marilyn Cosby were overwhelmed by an outpouring of positive support from readers across Southern Indiana. Phone calls, handwritten letters and notes, and heartfelt emails poured in from citizens who rely on the Observer to keep a pulse on local events, politics, and community affairs. The message was clear: Evansville/Vanderburgh County needs a locally owned, independent news source now more than ever.

With Ron Cosby stepping away from daily operations due to ongoing serious health concerns, he has passed the reins to a woman who has been at the heart of the Observer since day one—his wife and longtime partner, Marilyn Cosby. As of this week, Marilyn will assume the role of publisher, marking what may be a historic milestone for the City-County Observer.

A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS FOR THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER

Ron expressed both gratitude and confidence as the transition began.For 24 years, “Marilyn has always been more than my right hand,” he said. “She has been the voice of reason, the editor behind the scenes, the community conscience, and the backbone of this publication for 23 years. No one is better suited to lead it forward.”

A Voice For The Women Of Evansville

As publisher, Marilyn Cosby is already making headway by issuing a call to the women of Evansville: Contribute. Submit letters, essays, guest columns, and opinion pieces. Share your insights, your challenges, your humor, your hopes for the future of our city and region.

“In many communities, women are the glue that holds families, neighborhoods, and worthy civic efforts together,” Marilyn said. “It’s time more of those voices were heard. We invite women from all walks of life to speak up and speak out.” in the City-County Observer.

Submissions can be sent via email or mail, and a new “Women of Southern Indiana” feature will launch later this spring to showcase the region’s diverse perspectives.

Why Local Matters

The City-County Observer remains proudly local, fiercely independent, and committed to covering Evansville and Southern Indiana without fear or favor. Local ownership ensures that the publication is answerable only to the people who live, work, and raise families here.

“We’ve always believed that sunlight is the best disinfectant,” Ron said. “We don’t exist to be popular. We exist to be honest, transparent, and accountable.”

The continuation of the Observer under Marilyn’s leadership is a rare and refreshing story of resilience in a landscape where too many local voices have gone silent. It’s also an opportunity to write a new chapter that’s more inclusive, more engaged, and more representative of the people it serves.

“Peace Out—But Not Goodbye

Ron Cosby may be stepping back, but he promises to remain a loyal supporter and, perhaps, an occasional contributor. His signature sign-off, “Peace Out,” remains not a farewell, but a toast to the next generation of civic conversation.

To Marilyn and the City-County Observer staff: the ink is in your hands.

Recognizing Indiana’s veterans and active-duty members

05/26/2025

0

by Wendy McNamara

Each May, our nation comes together to recognize the service and sacrifice of our military members and their families. As your state representative, I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to the brave men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform in defense of our freedom.
National Military Appreciation Month, established by Congress, is more than a symbolic recognition — it’s a time for all Americans to reflect on the courage, commitment and sacrifice of our Armed Forces. Indiana has a long and proud history of military service. From our National Guard units to our dedicated veterans and active-duty personnel, Hoosiers have always answered the call to serve. This session, I was proud to support legislation aimed at improving the lives of service members, veterans and their families. This includes efforts to: Boost benefits for members of the Indiana National Guard and strengthen support for military spouses and dependents (HEA 1111) Modernize military recognition in our state and expand eligibility requirements and opportunities for those who have served (HEA 1637) Ensure Hoosier veterans have streamlined access to the assistance and support they deserve by improving county veteran service officers (SEA 433)

If you or someone you know is a veteran or military family member seeking assistance, we’re here to help connect you with trusted resources. Those include the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs for benefits and claims support, the VA Indiana Healthcare System for medical services, and Indiana National Guard Family Programs for family readiness and counseling. Veterans can also explore career opportunities through the Next Level Veterans employment program or find local assistance through their county’s Veterans Service Officer. My office is open year-round to help guide you through these options and more by visiting in.gov/h76 or calling 317-232-9802. Let’s take time this month to thank those who serve, honor those who have fallen and support those who stand beside them.

Updating the Transportation Secretary on I-69 Ohio River Crossing

05/26/2025

0

recently had the opportunity to join U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and a delegation of leaders from Indiana and Kentucky in Washington, D.C., to discuss the progress of the I-69 Ohio River Crossing project and to advocate for federal funding for the bridge. Members of Congress, legislative staff and other representatives from the region were also in attendance.

The I-69 Ohio River Crossing project is a bi-state effort that will connect Evansville to Henderson, Ky. It will provide interstate cross-river connectivity to reduce traffic congestion and delays while improving safety for drivers. The project is divided into three sections for construction and project delivery. The I-69 bridge is part of section 2 and construction is expected to begin in 2027.

The I-69 Ohio River Crossing project is vital for the future success and economic growth of our region. Meeting with Secretary Duffy and working alongside our Kentucky partners shows just how committed we are to making this project a reality. It will enhance commerce, drive long-term growth and improve the daily lives of residents in Southwest Indiana and the surrounding area.

It’s an honor to serve you and represent the people of Southwest Indiana at the Statehouse, and on projects that affect our region like this one. To learn more about the project, visit i69ohiorivercrossing.com.

To share any questions, concerns or thoughts with my office, visit in.gov/h78 or call 317-232-9759.Sincerely,

Tim O’Brien
State Representative

Board of School Trustees of the EVSC Meeting

05/26/2025

0

The Board of School Trustees of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation will meet in executive session at 4:00 PM. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 in the Schroeder Conference Centre located in the EVSC Administration Building, 951 Walnut, IN 47713, Evansville, IN. The session will be conducted according to I.C. 5- 14-1.5-6.1.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the following: collective bargaining, (b)(2)(A) initiation of litigation or litigation that is either pending or has been threatened specifically in writing, (b)(2)(B); purchase or lease of property, (b)(2)(D); and discussion of the assessment, design, and implementation of school safety and security measures, plans, and systems (b)(3).

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

05/26/2025

0

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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

Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

05/26/2025

0

Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

SPECIAL “IS IT TRU E ” MAY 26, 2026

05/25/2025

0

Big seventh leads Otters to second straight series win

05/25/2025

0

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Evansville Otters (7-7) used another seventh inning rally to beat the division-leading Lake Erie Crushers (9-4), 5-3.

The Otters sent CJ Backer to the mound for his third start and it got off to a rocky start. The Crushers pushed three across the board in the first but left the bases loaded.

The second inning started with three straight singles to load the bases for Lake Erie. After dialing up a strikeout, Backer would field a hard hit ball back to him and turn around to deliver a strike to second, where George Callil would throw to first for an inning ending double play.

After that inning, Backer became unhittable. Using the momentum from that inning, he proceeded to pitch into the seventh, only allowing one hit and two walks during that time. Backer would finish with a quality start in the longest outing of the year for an Otter starter.

The offense took some time to heat up, only recording two hits through the fourth inning, but it finally came alive in the fifth. Evansville managed two hits and one run in each of the next two innings to push the score to 3-2 Crushers.

The Otters began the home half of the seventh red hot. Evansville opened the inning with four straight hits to jump on the first pitcher out of the bullpen for the Grapes. Callil singled, followed by a Graham Brown triple to tie the game. Alain Camou doubled in Brown to take the lead as the inning would be capped off by the double from LJ Jones to score the third run of the inning.

Grif Hughes came on to get the final out in the seventh, then shut down Lake Erie in the eighth. Nate Wohlgemuth was brought on in the ninth for the third game this week and delivered his third save of the season after he made a great snag on a comebacker that he would throw to first for the game-ending double play.

Evansville finished with nine hits in the final four frames to grab their second series win in a row against a team above them in the standings.

Gardner plays well at NJCAA Division II National Championships

05/25/2025

0

PLYMOUTH, Ind. – Vincennes University freshman golfer Landon Gardner (Danville, Ind.) represented Vincennes University well this week as an individual qualifier at the 2025 NJCAA Division II National Championships.

Gardner took part in the 72-hole, four day tournament hosted at Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth, Ind.

The tournament began with the opening round Tuesday, May 20 with Gardner getting a very early start as part of the second group of golfers on the course.

Gardner had to battle some tough early rainy conditions finishing the first nine holes at seven over before bouncing back strong to play the back nine at two over to finish the first day of competition with an opening round 81.

Gardner then got a late start to his second round with some of the field needing to finish their first rounds and the rainy conditions continuing into Wednesday.

Gardner continued this strong play Wednesday starting the second round with three birdies on the front nine to shoot a one-over 37.

Play was suspended due to darkness with Gardner only finishing the first nine holes.

Gardner returned to the course Thursday to finish his second round, coming away with a four-over back nine to finish the second round with a five over 77.

Gardner made his biggest move up the leaderboard Thursday as he continued play with the third round.

Gardner opened his third round with a birdie on hole one and came away with a very solid even par front nine in round three.

Gardner kept the strong play going in the back nine, holding firm at two-over through 16 before fatigue set in, playing 27 holes in a National Championship environment in one day, finishing the third round at six over 78.

Gardner came back Friday for the final round and looked to continue his climb up the leaderboard.

Gardner opened the final day of competition with a two-over par front nine before closing the week just as strong with a three-over back nine including a birdie to finish the final round at five over 77.

Gardner finished the four-round tournament with a final score of 25 over par, finishing in a tie for 56th place overall, seventh among individual qualifiers, with a final tournament total of 313.

“Overall Landon had a good performance in the National Championship at Swan Lake,” VU Hall of Fame Golf Coach Dennis Chattin said. “His scores put him in the top half of al 124 players.”

“He got a bit of a bad draw as far as tee times were concerned when his first day was 7:09 in the morning when it was raining really hard,” Chattin added. “He was five over through the first five holes in that pouring rain and wind. He battled well but that was his worst nine of the tournament with a 43.”

“The tournament was filled with rain, cold and wind with four rain and lightning delays and the final day with a frost delay but I was proud of the way he battled through it,” Chattin said. “Obviously because it was the National Championship, there were some very good players in it and for a freshman, I felt he handled the pressure well.”

Overall it was a pretty successful season for the Vincennes University Golf team with the Trailblazers looking to build on their success this year and come back next season even stronger.

“We have four of our top five players back next season,” Chattin said. “So hopefully he will be able to go back with teammates next year.”

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College came away with the team National Championship with Stanley Campbell of Mississippi Gulf Coast earning medalist honors for the week.

The Word in 120 by Jerome Stewart, The Pulpit For Jesus

05/25/2025

0

The Pulpit For Jesus

What has happened to our belief system in America? Why have people become turned off by organized religion? The prophet Isaiah a messenger of God says chapter 55 vss. 10 and 11; “For as the rain comes down from heaven, and do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” The primary focus of an evangelist is to preach the salvation of Jesus Christ. Titus 2 vss. 11 and 12 says;

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lust, we shall live soberly, righteously in this present age.” A September 2, 2024 USA Today newspaper article says; “As millions leave organized religion, spiritual and secular communities offer refuge.

Eight in 10 adults say religion in America is diminishing, according to a Pew Research Center survey, an all-time high.” Think about the anger on display today.

In reference to Christians in Revelation chapter 3 vss. 14 thru 17 Jesus says; “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” Hebrews 4 vss. 12 and 13 says; “For the word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to Him of whom we must give an account.” Proverbs 29 vs. 18 says; “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint.” So what would Jesus say about what is being preached from the pulpit today?