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:

Twelve Things to do in 2025 to Make America Better

by Joe Wallace December 31, 2024

In 2025, the United States stands at a critical juncture, facing opportunities to address deep-seated challenges and shape a brighter future. Here are twelve key actions the nation can take to foster progress and unity:

1. Revamp Education for the 21st Century The U.S. must prioritize a modernized, inclusive, and equitable education system. This includes expanding STEM programs, vocational training, and digital literacy to prepare students for evolving job markets. Investing in teacher training, infrastructure, and free community college initiatives can bridge education gaps and bolster economic competitiveness.

2. Advance Clean Energy and Combat Climate Change Accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources is vital. Federal support for solar, wind, and nuclear energy projects, alongside incentives for electric vehicle adoption, can reduce emissions. Infrastructure upgrades, such as a modernized grid and sustainable public transportation, will solidify America’s leadership in combating climate change while creating jobs.

3. Reform the Healthcare System Affordable and accessible healthcare remains a pressing need. Expanding Medicaid, controlling prescription drug prices, and implementing mental health programs can improve overall well-being. Addressing systemic disparities in care is essential to achieving a healthier, more equitable society.

4. Invest in Infrastructure and Housing A robust infrastructure plan can revitalize the nation’s roads, bridges, and water systems. Tackling the housing crisis by incentivizing affordable housing development and offering assistance to first-time homebuyers will address homelessness and housing insecurity.

5. Strengthen Bipartisan Governance Bridging political divides is paramount to restoring faith in government. Encouraging bipartisan initiatives on key issues like criminal justice reform, election integrity, and economic policy can rebuild public trust and foster national unity.

6. Support Small Businesses and Innovation Small businesses are the backbone of the economy. Simplifying tax codes, providing low-interest loans, and reducing regulatory hurdles will empower entrepreneurs. Enhancing funding for research and development can drive technological advancements and maintain the nation’s competitive edge.

7. Address Systemic Inequality Combating racial, gender, and economic inequality requires targeted policies. Strengthening anti-discrimination laws, closing the gender pay gap, and offering economic opportunities in underserved communities will promote inclusivity and equity.

8. Reform Immigration Policy A comprehensive immigration reform plan is long overdue. Streamlining visa processes, creating pathways to citizenship, and enhancing border security can balance compassion with practicality, benefiting both the economy and humanitarian interests.

9. Prioritize National Security and Cyber Defense Emerging threats demand a robust and adaptive national security strategy. Investments in cybersecurity infrastructure, international alliances, and counter-terrorism measures will protect citizens and maintain global stability.

10. Promote Civic Engagement and Media Literacy Strengthening democracy starts with an informed and engaged populace. Encouraging voter participation through accessible voting methods and implementing media literacy programs to combat misinformation will enhance civic responsibility and informed decision-making.

11. Improve Government Efficiency Streamlining government operations and reducing bureaucratic red tape will enhance public trust and effectiveness. Implementing technology-driven solutions, eliminating redundant programs, and fostering accountability can ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly.

12. Ensure a Healthier Food Supply Promoting sustainable agriculture and ensuring access to nutritious, affordable food can improve public health. Incentivizing local farming, reducing reliance on processed foods, and regulating harmful additives will create a stronger, healthier population.

By addressing these twelve priorities, the United States can take meaningful strides toward a more prosperous, sustainable, and unified future. Achieving these goals will require collective effort and visionary leadership from government, businesses, and communities alike.

Want to Make Your Resolutions Stick? Here Are Some Tips

by Johnny Kincaid  December 31, 2024

As the calendar turns to 2025, many of us are thinking about New Year’s resolutions—those promises we make to ourselves to improve, grow, and achieve something meaningful in the months ahead. Whether you’re someone who writes out a detailed list or just keeps a few goals in mind, the start of a new year feels like the perfect time to hit the reset button and focus on what matters most.

New Year’s resolutions can be as varied as the people who make them. Some of us want to get healthier, whether that means eating better, exercising more, or taking time for mental health. Others might focus on relationships, making an effort to spend more time with loved ones, or being kinder and more patient. Career goals, personal development, and even spiritual growth often make the list, too.

But let’s be honest: sticking to resolutions isn’t always easy. Life gets busy, old habits creep back, and by February, many of those well-intentioned goals have fallen by the wayside. So how can we make resolutions that truly stick and make a difference in our lives?

First, it helps to set realistic and specific goals. Instead of saying, “I’m going to get healthy this year,” try something more concrete like, “I’ll go for a 30-minute walk three times a week” or “I’ll add one extra serving of vegetables to my meals each day.” Breaking your goals into small, actionable steps makes them more achievable and gives you a sense of progress along the way.

Second, write your resolutions down. There’s something powerful about putting your goals on paper. It makes them feel more real and gives you a point of reference to come back to. You can even post them somewhere visible—on your fridge, your mirror, or your phone—as a daily reminder.

Accountability is another key to success. Share your resolutions with a friend, family member, or coworker who can cheer you on and help keep you on track. Better yet, find a resolution buddy who has similar goals and work on them together. Whether it’s a workout partner, a book club, or someone to swap recipes with, having support makes the journey more enjoyable and less daunting.

Another tip is to focus on progress, not perfection. Nobody’s perfect, and there will be days when you fall short. The important thing is to keep going and not let a slip-up derail your entire resolution. Celebrate the small victories along the way, and remember that every step forward counts.

As we think about our own resolutions, it’s also a great time to consider how we can make a positive impact on our community. What if one of your goals this year was to volunteer, support a local charity, or simply be a better neighbor? Small acts of kindness—like checking in on someone who’s lonely, picking up litter in your neighborhood, or donating to a food bank—can create ripples of good that extend far beyond yourself.

For those of us who value our faith, New Year’s resolutions can also be an opportunity to grow spiritually. Maybe you want to spend more time in prayer, read through the Bible, or get involved in a church group. Resolutions like these not only strengthen your relationship with God but also equip you to be a light to those around you.

Finally, let’s remember to be kind to ourselves as we embark on this journey. Resolutions aren’t about perfection—they’re about progress and intention. It’s okay to revise your goals if they’re not working for you, and it’s okay to take a break when you need one. The important thing is to keep moving forward and to celebrate the effort you’re making to grow and improve.

As we welcome 2025, let’s embrace this fresh start with hope, determination, and a commitment to making the most of the year ahead. Whether your resolutions are big or small, personal or community-focused, may this be a year of growth, connection, and meaningful change for all of us. Happy New Year!

John Krull, publisher, TheStatehouseFile.com 

December 31, 2024

During his years in the White House, he was caricatured as a naïve, moralizing micromanager who was in over his head.

While he was commander-in-chief, events conspired to magnify his all too human shortcomings. Critics, for example, spun the tale of him scheduling time on the White House tennis court as an example of his controlling nature, rather than seeing it for what it was—a desperate attempt to keep squabbling longtime aides whom he could trust by his side while he struggled to defend himself in a hostile political climate.

The cliché is that his presidency was a failure.

In political terms, perhaps it was. His repudiation by the voters in the epochal 1980 presidential election in favor of Republican Ronald Reagan was decisive—so overwhelming that his fellow Democrats distanced themselves from him during campaign seasons for the rest of his long life.

Other Democratic presidents—Bill Clinton, Barack Obama—would find themselves in demand during election cycles, but rarely Carter, so toxic were the memories of his time in power.

The truth is that, in policy terms, his presidency was far more successful than it appeared.

His political weakness sprang from the same qualities that were his greatest source of strength—his determination to see things with his own eyes and make his own decisions, consulting in the end only with his own heart and his God in the process.

In those post-Vietnam years, he angered his fellow Democrats by strengthening the U.S. military. He thought the United States needed to have more flexible might at its disposal to meet the challenges presented by an evolving world.

After Carter left the White House, much of the muscle-flexing Reagan did on the world stage was done with muscles Carter provided.

The same was true of his economic policies.

He, perhaps alone among modern presidents, refrained from trying to artificially juice the American economy as he approached reelection. He believed in cycles of growth and saw government’s role as a source of support for those who suffered during downswings, not as a stimulant to unnatural and ultimately dangerous growth spurts.

In short, he was the sort of president—independent, guided by his own conscience—that so many Americans say they want but rarely mean it when they say it.

The characteristics that doomed his chances to be a two-term president, though, liberated him when he left the White House.

The second great cliché of Carter’s life was that his post-presidency was a spectacular success.

In many ways it was.

He won a Nobel Prize for his humanitarian and diplomatic labors and earned the world’s respect for his advocacy of enduring moral principles.

The same qualities that made him easy prey for Reagan served him better outside presidential strictures.

The traits that encouraged the presidents, Republican or Democrat, to keep him at arm’s length—his independence and determination to follow his own conscience—made the poor, the dispossessed and the disparaged of the world see him as an honest broker, someone they could trust to hear and speak to their grievances and concerns.

It was this appreciation of the shared humanity of people around the world that tied his political career and his long post-presidential odyssey together.

His faith was grounded in a worldly understanding of human frailty.

When he ran for president, he said in an interview that he had known lust in his heart. In an era in which our dominant political figure lusts openly for sex, for money and for power, Carter’s admission seems quaint.

But his acknowledgement was consistent with his beliefs.

Before he was even sworn in as president, he stripped the inaugural proceedings of much of the pomp and circumstances that defined previous transitions of power. He and his wife, Rosalynn, walked in the parade as a reminder that they were not elevated above or distant from the people they led.

His message, in the White House or not, was always the same: We are all failed creatures in a hard world, and we should not look for strong men to save us.

Redeeming the life of this planet is God’s work and, for the devout, God’s work must truly be our own.

Jimmy Carter in all his flawed nobility died Dec. 29. He was 100.

May he rest in peace.

John Krull is director of Franklin College’s Pulliam School of Journalism and publisher of TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students. The views expressed are those of the author only and should not be attributed to Franklin College.