Faith and Values: Hope for the New Year
Faith and Values: Hope for the New Year
by Jerome Stewart
January 1, 2024
Now that we have entered 2025 many people hope that it will be a very good year. In an article in Mental Health News, it says according to a Forbes Health/OnePoll survey conducted in October of 2023, 61.7% of respondents say they feel pressured to set a New Year’s resolution. The article also says; “The reality is, however, that over 90% of New Year resolutions will be abandoned within just a few months.” As to this writer, I do not have a New Year’s resolution to share, but I do have hope.
It is rooted in a belief that when there is a willingness to trust in the wisdom of the almighty God as opposed to the misguided wisdom of mankind, the world, this nation will become a much better place. So let’s just cut to the chase which means get to the point. Here’s the point. Do you know Jesus? If not you need to. He died for you. In Romans chapter 12 the brethren were reminded of the importance of Christian conduct.
Be advised God has shown us the power of love. He sent us Jesus! Every child of God should take to heart the things said about Jesus and by Jesus. When no time or thought has been given in seeking to understand the things said in the word of God, then recognizing one will have no sense of direction. It is essential to get into the word of God and be spiritually fed every day. The word is our lifeline. It is the spiritual oxygen we need to survive in a civilized society.
We gain a sense of direction as to how to live this life. The words of Lewis Carroll come to mind which says; “If you don’t know where you are going any road will get you there.” We have so much anger-filled behavior today because so many people are lost having rejected the gospel of Jesus Christ. Romans 12 vs. 9 the apostle Paul says; “Let love be without
hypocrisy. Abhor which means (hate extremely) is evil. Cling to what is
good.” Vs. 21 says; “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Listen to the words of Paul to the brethren in Colossians chapter 3 vss. 12 thru 14 which says; “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another, even as Christ forgave you, so you must also do. But above all these things put on love,
which is the bond of perfection.” 1 st . Corinthians 13 vs. 4 says; “Love suffers long and is kind.” May you have a blessed 2025!
PREDICTIONS FOR 2025
With the start of a new year comes the predictions of what to expect over the next 12 months. Here are the City-County Observer predictions for 2025:
- New restaurants are coming to town.
If there’s anything that Evansville residents love, it’s a new restaurant. The culinary scene in the Tristate had 92 new entries in 2024, according to Fingers, Fork, Knife & Spoon. New eateries in 2025 are expected to include Chuy’s Tex Mex, S&J Caribbean Bakery & Restaurant, Kfire Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, Swagat Indian Café, and over 20 others. - The city will continue to borrow. Look for another parks bond in 2025.
In spite of a debt load of well over a billion dollars, the City of Evansville is likely to. take on even more debt in 2025. After the parks board stripped the $11 million giraffe breeding barn from the $24 million parks bond in 2024, representatives of the Parks and Recreation Department and Mesker Park Zoo indicated that they would continue to pursue the giraffe barn and may introduce another bond in 2025 to fund it. - Vanderburgh County GOP will replace their chairman, and local Democrats will face legal challenges
On March 1, both of the major Vanderburgh County political parties will meet to elect their party leaders. After the turmoil of that past year the Republicans will struggle to find unity in a party that is divided into multiple fragments. It is unlikely that current GOP chair Mike Duckworth will remain as party chair. While Democrat chair Cheryl Schultz is probably safe for another term heading the party, the democrats are likely to face legal challenges in the aftermath of the selection of a replacement for 4th Ward City Councilman Alexander Burton. - Braun will lower property taxes and local income tax will increase to offset the revenues
One of the issues that Mike Braun campaigned on was giving Hoosiers tax relief. Braun’s plan is to reduce property taxes. Some local officials have speculated that, because of local reliance on property taxes, they would have to offset the loss of income by increasing local income taxes. The issue of tax reforms will be a hot discussion in this legislative session.
30 Years Ago Evansville was Trying a New Way to Welcome the New Year
In December, 1994, Evansville joined other cities across the country in celebrating on New Year’s Eve with an event called “First Night.” The concept was simple, hold throw an alcohol free party and invite everyone, regardless of age.
At the first event in 1994, there was live music, stories for kids, an interfaith service, and other family activities. Different venues were used downtown and people walked from venue to venue.
First Night was a New Year’s Eve event in Evansville for 11 years before it fell victim to declining interest and attendance.
2025 Starts with Colder Temperatures and Potential for a Winter Snow
Weather forecasters agree that the Evansville area is in for some cold temperatures for the next several days. Starting on Friday temps will be close to or below freezing for several days.
There’s potential for an impactful weather event over the weekend, with ice, sleet, and snow possible. Different forecasters are predicting amounts that range from no accumulation to up to a foot.
As the weekend draws near, forecasters will come to a consensus on the tracking of the winter storm and its impact on the Evansville area.
First “Meet Your Legislator” Meeting of 2025 is Scheduled
The first “Meet Your Legislator” meeting for the 2025 session will be on January 11 at 9:00 AM in the Browning Room at the Central Library.
The meetings are a monthly occurrence during the legislative session and gives people the opportunity to ask questions of their State Representatives and State Senators. All of the legislators representing the Evansville area are invited to attend.
TOP STORIES OF 2024
The past year has provided us with many interesting stories. Here are some of the top stories of 2024:
19. Evansville sports standout Clinton Keown dies in a car crash
18. Fall Festival breaks records in more ways than one
A week of good weather helped bring out record crowds for the weeklong event that raises funds for numerous nonprofit groups. This year’s half pot went to $2 million, turning Al Lindsey into a millionaire with his winning ticket.
17. Police and firefighters received hefty raises
The pay increases brought Evansville police and firefighters to par with other cities in Indiana, improving recruiting and retention.
16. Ryan Hatfield elected Circuit Court Judge
Ryan Hatfield decided to step down from his seat as State Representative for District 77 and ran for Circuit Court Judge.
15. Evansville baseball beats No. 1 Tennessee in game 2 of the NCAA Super Regional
The Purple Aces took down the #1 national seed Tennessee Volunteers, 10-8, and, with the victory, Evansville evened the best-of-three Super Regional series with the Volunteers and forces the “if necessary” game. Tennessee won game three.
14. Liberty Federal Credit Union buys naming rights to USI sports arena for $10 million
In October, the University of Southern Indiana announced Liberty Federal Credit Union has made a historic $10 million gift to the University of Southern Indiana Foundation for USI Athletics, securing the naming rights to the Screaming Eagles Arena for the next 20 years. The Arena will now be named Liberty Arena, Home of the Screaming Eagles.
13. City Councilman Alexander Burton is Elected to the Statehouse while questions swirl about the eligibility of his replacement
Burton ran unopposed for the District 77 Statehouse seat vacated by Ryan Hatfield. After the caucus held by Democrats to fill Burton’s city council seat, allegations were raised about the eligibility of the new 4th Ward Council member. The controversy is likely to continue in 2025.
12. ONB/ Bremer merger
Old National and St. Paul, Minn.-based Bremer Financial Corporation jointly announced that they are entering into a definitive merger agreement.Bremer, with $16.2 billion in total assets, bolsters Old National’s presence in the Twin Cities and expands its footprint into several other vibrant Midwestern markets
11. Lloyd Expressway construction
The Lloyd Expressway created headaches for drivers in 2024. While the re-engineered intersection at Epworth Road was finished, work at Vann/Stockwell and on the westside continues to be the scene of plenty of orange barrels.
10. Parks board passes a $24 million bond
The Evansville Parks Board approved a $24 million bond measure to pay for a handful of park projects. Before passage, they removed a planned $10 million giraffe breeding barn from the list of projects.
9. Pike Mattress Factory Fire
The Pike Mattress Factory on Division Street burned down in September. The ruble on the site remains open with no fencing to keep children (or adults) off of the big piles of bricks.
8. The Haitian grew this year in Evansville, prompting Attorney General Todd Rokita to investigate local businesses and non-profits.
7. Lilly King brings home more Olympic gold
Stating that it would be her last Olympic competition. Evansville native Lilly King competed in the Paris Games, bringing more gold home with her.
6. Berry Plastics sold
Switzerland-based Amcor has agreed to buy Berry Global for $8.43 billion in an all-stock deal, creating a consumer and healthcare packaging giant with combined revenues of $24 billion.
5. Upheaval in the GOP
Despite the Republican victories at the federal, state, and local levels, the GOP experienced a year of turmoil throughout Indiana. The year started with record numbers of Republicans filing to run for Precinct Committee members (PCs) and Convention Delegate positions. The Vanderburgh County Chair filed challenges against some candidates and expelled three party members as not being “Republicans in good standing.” The newly elected State Delegates went to the convention and approved Micah Beckwith for Lt. Governor over the choice of Gubinitorial candidate Mike Braun. Additionally, the state party chair stepped down after five months on the job. Despite the party turmoil, Republicans elected Mike Braun as Governor and swept the elections for county offices.
4. EREP Riverfront plan unveiled
The plan calls for a total renovation that would create a park setting along the entire Evansville riverfront. The total price tag for improvements to the riverfront in Warrick, Posey, and Vanderburgh County is $600 million over 30 years.
3. Cheryl Musgrave defeated in the primary
After decades of public service, Cheryl Musgrave was defeated during the primary in her bid for re-election to county commissioner.
2. Mayor Terry takes office
Evansville’s first black and first female mayor was sworn in for her first term in January. Mayor Terry announced an initiative to fight blight in the city, distributed opioid settlement money to non-profits, and crafted a city budget for next year that totals almost half a billion dollars.
1. The Eclipse
In perhaps the most anticipated 2 minutes of 2024, the Evansville area was in a perfect position for total darkness during the total eclipse that drew thousands of visitors to the area. Explore Evansville reported the following economic impact to the region:
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.