It is with a heavy heart that we share this message with everyone who has followed the City-County Observer for more than two decades. As of February 1, 2026, there will be no further publications of the City-County Observer.
With Ron’s passing, continuing his legacy has been incredibly difficult. This paper was truly his passion, and it meant a great deal to him to keep the community informed.
We are deeply grateful to all who supported and read the paper over the years, especially those who enjoyed “Is It True?” and the many articles that sparked conversation and kept readers engaged.
As we close this chapter, we do so with a salute to Ron and the work he dedicated so much of his life to.
EVANSVILLE, IN — January 29, 2026 — Leadership Everyone (LE) announced today that it will honor 138 nominees at the 31st Annual Celebration of Leadership (COL) on March 18, 2026, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at the Old National Events Plaza. The event is presented by CenterPoint Energy.
Celebration of Leadership is a community-wide recognition program honoring individuals, projects or programs, and businesses or organizations whose collaborative efforts strengthen and transform the region. Nominees are recognized across five categories: Arts & Culture; Community & Neighborhood; Education; Government, Public Service & Environment; and Health & Social Services.
For three decades, COL has been known for its breadth, diversity, and ability to inspire civic engagement. Since its inception, the program has recognized nearly 3,000 nominations and presented more than 900 awards,highlighting servant leadership in action throughout the region.
Nominees will be recognized at the March 18 ceremony, with award recipients announced live during the event. In advance of the celebration, nominees will also be invited to a special networking reception on February 22,offering an opportunity to connect, share their work, and celebrate alongside fellow changemakers.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students, with complimentary tickets available as needed, no questions asked. Tickets are on sale now at col.leadershipeveryone.org.
Nominees
INDIVIDUALS
Arts & Culture
Carol Dallinger
Dick Engbers
Dr. Leanne Hampton
Sean Stone
Community & Neighborhood
Olivia Alston
Danny Barr
Catie Catanese
Cynthia Chester
Leonard Collins
Dr. Dan Diehl
Jessica Ellis
Markanthony Garcia
Neal Hagan
Susan Harp
Terri Hartweck
Joel Hopper
Kyra Hoss
Tommy Housman
Cherri Johnson
Jessica Knapp
Eliza Kumapley
Lynn Kyle
Kelly Lanham
Christine Leraris
Dr. Austin Maxheimer
Sr. Jane Michelle McClure
Ashlyn McKee
Tom Moore
Jasmine Mouncil
Kristie Randolph
Gloria Schwartz-Mazo
Amy Jo Sheeley
Eric Tillman
Education
Jamie Bandy
Brian Bobbitt
Rick Cameron
Rebecca Coomer
NaShayra Dilworth
Niti Moore
Sandra Moore
Laura Nordine
Brittney Welch
Government, Public Service, & Environment
Abby Baumgart
Payton Broshears
Danielle Crook
Emily Earhart
Salah ElSadi
Rian Kisner
Tony Knight
Ariah Leary
Lieutenant Erik Nilssen
Luke Nordine
Christopher Norrick
Chaze Patrick
Chris Pugh
Elizabeth Stuckey
Health & Social Services
Jessica Beaven
Nicole Brauser
Brittany Henderson
Cyndie Kieffer
LaRissa Madison
Keesha Medley
Molly Mendenhall
Lisa Myer
Collette Smith
Dr. Lois Welden
Savannah Whicker
Dr. Julie Wohrley
PROJECTS & PROGRAMS
Arts & Culture
Children’s Center for Dance Education’s “The Children’s Nutcracker” Sensory Friendly Performance
Never Forget, Never Again—Irene Rechnic Holocaust Story
UE Dance Company’s Silver Aces
University of Evansville Theatre’s Rogue and Peasant Aces Community Tour of MACBETH, by William Shakespeare
Keep Rolling
Community & Neighborhood
AstraZeneca Vitalize
Avery’s Place
Book Buddies
ChangeLab in the EPN
e is for everyone – Belong Here
E3 Initiative
Flavor Lab
Foodie Friends Community Garden
Garvin Park Activity Zone
Jacobsville Bus Shelters Volunteer Effort
Kyle L. Parker Memorial Scholarship Board of Directors
Mexican Mobile Consulate
MTV Neighborhood Garden
The Newburgh Neighbors Program by Historic Newburgh, Inc.
Posey County Ramp Team
Presidents Neighborhood Association Food Insecurity Initiative
Education
Baby Explorer Bundles
EVSC IREAD Tutoring Program
Gentleman’s Academy
Gibson County CEO
Helfrich Park STEM Academy Land Between the Lakes
JA Evansville Regional Business Hall of Fame
Junior Achievement JobSpark
Marrs – AstraZeneca Community Collaboration
New Tech High School STEM Fest
Government, Public Service, & Environment
EVPL Historical Programming
Vanderburgh County CISMA
VHS Help for Heroes
Health & Social Services
Granted House of Hope
Henderson County Homeless Coalition & Daniel Pitino Shelter Partnership in Henderson County
Karen’s Wig Shop by Chemo Buddies
Pastimes: A Publication for Older Adults
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
Suicide Prevention Coalition of Southern Indiana
Vanderburgh County Health Department Condom Distribution Program
VHS Margie’s Pet Food Pantry
BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS
Arts & Culture
Bosse Instrumental Boosters, Inc.
Children’s Center for Dance Education
Ohio Valley Art League (OVAL)
The School of Ballet Indiana
Victory International Film Festival
Community & Neighborhood
American Legion Newburgh Auxiliary Unit #44
Bedford Collab
Community Action Program of Evansville (CAPE)
The Cox Group
GOAT Escape Rooms
Hair by Kyra Hoss
Henderson KY Pride Inc
Pet Partners of the Tri-State
The Salon Professional Academy
Tillman Bros Lawn Care
Young and Established
Education
AstraZeneca’s STEM in the Community
SABIC/MVHS Internship Program
Signature School
Government, Public Service, & Environment
New Harmony Native Trees and Shrubs
Newburgh Chemical Fire Response
Retired Veteran Memorial Club
Society for Advancement of Fatality Elimination on Roads (SAFER)
Health & Social Services
Easterseals Rehabilitation Center
ECHO Housing & Community Development
Matthew 25 AIDS Services, Inc.
Mustang Adoption Academy & Mustangs of Service Veterans Program
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ohio Valley
The Faith and Values weekly Sunday meditation has been well received by the many subscibers to the CCO.. It will continue uninterrupted at the blog of theword120.com as usual every Sunday.
Reitz Memorial High School and the Memorial Athletic Department proudly announce that the Reitz Memorial High School Football Team has been named the 2025–26 Indiana Class 3A Academic Excellence Award recipient by the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame. This marks the second consecutive year the Tigers have earned this prestigious statewide honor.
The National Football Foundation National High School Academic Excellence Awards recognize football programs that demonstrate exceptional achievement in the classroom while competing at a high level on the field. Teams must maintain a minimum cumulative team GPA of 3.0, underscoring a commitment to academic discipline, leadership, and character.
“This recognition speaks volumes about the culture of our football program,” said Coach John Hurley.
“Our student-athletes take pride in their work in the classroom, and this award reflects the accountability, discipline, and support they receive from our coaches, teachers, and families.
Reitz Memorial Director of Athletics added, “To earn this honor for the second straight year is a tremendous accomplishment. It reinforces our belief that success at Memorial is defined by excellence in all areas — academics, athletics, faith, and service.”
In addition to Reitz Memorial’s achievement, Indianapolis Cathedral High School — a fellow Holy Cross partner school — was also recognized by the National Football Foundation at the Class 6A level this year, further highlighting the shared commitment to academic excellence within Holy Cross education.
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 29, 2026) — A bill authored by State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) to increase notification requirements for crime victims prior to the release of a violent felon was passed by the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
O’Brien authored House Bill 1250 after Evansville real estate agent Susan Haynie was killed last fall by a serious violent offender who was released from prison just six months earlier. The legislation is aimed at strengthening protections for victims of violent crime through enhanced notification requirements upon release of a violent felon.
“Susan was a cherished community builder and a friend to many,” O’Brien said. “Hoosier Hospitality is nothing new, we aid our neighbors when something tragic occurs. The outpour of support comes as no shock to me or anyone else who knew Susan and understands the positivity and friendship she fostered in our community.”
On Tuesday, the Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners voted to pass a resolution urging their support for the bill. Additionally, a change.org petition supporting HB 1250 garnered more than 2,000 signatures in just over a week.
O’Brien said that he worked closely with Haynie’s family while crafting this legislation. They joined forces with a group of the perpetrator’s other victims to form the Susan Haynie Committee, advocating for stronger public safety measures and improved victim notification across Indiana.
The bill would require the Indiana Department of Correction to notify law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney of the county or community where they’re releasing a serious violent felon as well as the same authorities of where their crime was committed at least seven days before the release. A court and prosecuting attorney would then notify any victims through Indiana’s Statewide Automated Victim Information & Notification(SAVIN) program of the felon’s release.
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. To learn more about HB 1250 and follow session, visit iga.in.gov.
Attorney General Todd Rokita’s Office provides the Parents’ Bill of Rights and Eyes on Education portal to empower Hoosier families.
National School Choice Week (January 25–31) is an ideal time for parents to reflect on their rights and responsibilities in directing their children’s education, Attorney General Todd Rokita said today.
“When parents aren’t in control of their children’s education, bureaucrats and ideologues step in to fill the void — indoctrinating our kids with divisive ideologies instead of teaching core fundamentals,” Attorney General Rokita said. “That’s just one reason school choice is essential: it empowers Hoosier parents to select the best path — public, charter, private, faith-based or homeschool, ensuring education aligns with family values rather than one-size-fits-all government mandates.”
To support parents navigating K-12 education, the Attorney General’s Office first released the Parents’ Bill of Rights in 2021. Now in its fourth edition, this comprehensive guide covers key areas such as curriculum transparency, medical decision-making, school choice and religious liberty.
Additionally, in February 2024, Attorney General Rokita launched the Eyes on Education portal, an online tool for parents, teachers and citizens to report concerning classroom materials or curricula. Attorney General Rokita invites Hoosiers to visit the Eyes on Education portal and submit any materials that raise concerns.
“Here in Indiana, we are blessed to have many great schools and outstanding teachers,” Attorney General Rokita said. “But we are not immune from the troubling trend nationwide of left-wing indoctrination creeping into our kids’ classrooms. We must remain vigilant and fight back when necessary. And we must exercise our rights to choose where our kids get their schooling in the first place.”
FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
For over two decades, the City-County Observer has been a recognizable and trusted name in local digital journalism. Built during a time when community-focused reporting mattered most, the Observer established itself as a platform for government transparency, civic dialogue, and independent reporting. Today, it presents a rare opportunity: the chance to acquire a legacy online newspaper with an established brand, existing readership, and significant growth potential.
A Recognized Name with Community Credibility
The City-County Observer is not a startup—it is a known entity. The name carries weight in the community, particularly among readers who value local government coverage, public accountability, and independent commentary. In an era when local journalism is disappearing, this publication represents something increasingly rare: brand recognition tied to civic trust.
For the right buyer, the City-County Observer is more than a website—it is a foundation. One that can be revitalized, expanded, and positioned for long-term success in the future of local media.
It is with a heavy heart that we share this message with everyone who has followed the City-County Observer for more than two decades. As of February 1, 2026, there will be no further publications of the City-County Observer.
With Ron’s passing, continuing his legacy has been incredibly difficult. This paper was truly his passion, and it meant a great deal to him to keep the community informed.
We are deeply grateful to all who supported and read the paper over the years, especially those who enjoyed “Is It True?” and the many articles that sparked conversation and kept readers engaged.
As we close this chapter, we do so with a salute to Ron and the work he dedicated so much of his life to.
Republican Indiana senators on Tuesday approved a bill aimed at prohibiting transgender students at public K-12 schools and state universities from using restrooms or locker rooms that match their gender identity.
Provisions of Senate Bill 182 would require those schools and universities to designate multiple-person restrooms, locker rooms, and changing areas for use only by males or females based on their reproductive biology at birth.
Supporters described the bill as helping protect the safety and privacy of women and girls, while opponents argued its restroom requirements would increase bullying of transgender youth and force transgender men into women’s restrooms.
Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, speaks during a Senate debate on Dec. 11, 2025. (Photo by Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Bill author Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, said during the Senate debate that the proposal allows “women to continue to have their private spaces.”
“We’re not singling anyone out. You can continue to identify any which way you want,” Brown said. “But if you’re born a male, you’re going to the male bathroom. Pretty simple. You’re born a female, going to the female bathroom.”
The Senate endorsed the bill in a 37-8 party-line vote, sending it to the House for consideration.
Protesters denounce bill
About a dozen transgender-rights supporters gathered outside the Senate chamber ahead of the vote and argued that the bill would lead to more harassment of transgender people.
Emma Vosicky, the executive director of GenderNexus, criticized provisions that would allow anyone “who is directly or indirectly injured” by an alleged violation of the restroom restrictions to file a lawsuit against the school.
“The opportunity for the bounty is just going to feed the desire for some people to think that they are the gender police, which means anybody who’s dressed in a way that doesn’t perfectly conform with what our social structure says,” Vosicky said.
The bill also toughens the restrictions on changing the sex designation on a birth certificate. It would limit such changes to a “medically verifiable genetic or physiological disorder of sex development.”
Restroom impact debated
Sen. Shelli Yoder, D-Bloomington, argued against the bill, saying its requirements would force transgender men, often with beards and other masculine features, into women’s restrooms.
Andre Hardy speaks against Senate Bill 182 along with other transgender-rights supporters outside the Indiana Senate chamber on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (Photo by Tom Davies/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Yoder said the bill encourages “a vigilante culture that targets everyone.”
“It’s an invitation for strangers to police the bodies of everyone, including women who are not transgender,” she said. “By mandating these bans, the state is encouraging a culture of harassment.”
Erica O’Connell, an attorney with the conservative group Alliance Defending Freedom, testified in support of the bill last week, arguing that someone’s sex should not be based on a “person’s subjective sense of gender identity.”
“Women and young girls deserve to have their privacy and dignity safeguarded in the spaces where they are most vulnerable,” O’Connell said.
Andre Hardy was among those who protested against the bill on Tuesday.
“I’m a transgender man, and I do not belong in the women’s restroom,” Hardy said. “I do not want to be in the women’s restroom.”
Hardy said he could face situations of not being allowed to use a men’s restroom: “I deserve the human right to use the bathroom.”
