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“IS IT TRUE?” November 25, 2024
We understand that 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.
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IS IT TRUE that local media scrambled to cover the car driving off the roof at Bally’s? …that breaking news presents a challenge and first reports on breaking news aren’t always correct? …that WEVV 44News won the award for best early images from the scene with a still photo taken from their drone showing the vehicle and the hole in the roof?
IS IT TRUE that Dottie Thomas realizes that good public policy includes a compassionate approach to assisting taxpayers? …that as Vanderburgh County Treasurer, she helped keep people in their homes by developing payment plans to get them caught up on delinquent property taxes? …that she has given struggling homeowners a hand up while saving money for the county by keeping properties off of the tax sale list? …that Dottie is already thinking about how she is going to make the County Clerk’s office more efficient and accountable?
IS IT TRUE that local political party bosses are facing challenges from party members? …that autocratic decisions and poor communications have alienated some members? …that Democratic precinct committee members have sought legal council over the caucus that placed, what many believe to be, an ineligible person in the 4th Ward City Council seat? …that Republican precinct committee members are still angry over the removal of three PCs earlier this year and plan to remove the chairman? …that either party would be wise to realize that the real power belongs to the grassroots, not the grasstops?
IS IT TRUE that inflation has impacted everyone and every industry? …that the largest newspaper company in America has recently raised their subscription rates? …that the City-County Observer has never charged for access to the news? …that our pledge is to continue to provide our daily news website and our monthly printed paper for free?
IS IT TRUE that there is no greater ambassador of goodwill than a homegrown, non-partisan community newspaper? …that local newspapers can serve as a “Community Watchdog” by sounding the alarm when the citizen’s rights are being violated? …we realize that a community can have no greater ambassador of goodwill than one that keeps its citizens informed about their accomplishments and triumphs?
posted in “IS IT TRUE,” and the comment section has, for the most part, made the City-County Observer the go-to place for open, constructive dialog.
Your Thanksgiving Survival Guide: Keeping Your Sanity When the Family Gets Together
Your Thanksgiving Survival Guide: Keeping Your Sanity When the Family Gets Together
Johnny Kincaid
November 25, 2024
Thanksgiving Day will be here soon and we’re all looking forward to a joyous day with the people we love. Right? Well, it probably is true for those with the perfect Norman Rockwell-type family. But, for a lot of us, some stress comes with family gatherings, and in some cases, when everyone gets together, there’s friction.
This year, I’ll stuff myself with my 67th Thanksgiving meal. Some were wonderful and relaxing while others ended on the verge of a drunken brawl. So, in the interest of family peace, I will offer a few tips on surviving the big get-together.
Don’t let the work take the fun out of the day: The first point of stress happens long before the meal begins. One of your guests may feel overwhelmed by the task of making the green bean casserole and may find it difficult to relax and quit jabbering about the cost of cream of mushroom soup. The entire meal prep process can make you lose your holiday spirit. Acknowledge that there are limitations to what you and your guests can get done and consider buying the meal from a restaurant.
Be prepared for travel plans to get changed: If you’re flying this weekend, understand that delays and cancellations are inevitable. Don’t be one of those who has a viral-worthy meltdown. There is very little you can do about those delays other than make the best of it. You might have to miss out on the home cooked meal and replace it with a horribly over-priced airport burger.
Set Boundaries: If I’ve learned anything, it’s that you can love your family and still protect your peace. That means it’s okay to say no—no to hosting every year, no to discussing politics at the dinner table, and no to overloading your plate (literally and figuratively).
Let Go of Perfection: Look, no one’s going to remember whether the napkins matched the tablecloth. They’ll remember the laughs, the hugs, and yes, the disasters. Like the year my turkey caught on fire. Was it embarrassing? Sure. But now it’s a family legend.
Stay Grateful (Even When It’s Hard): Families aren’t perfect, and neither are the holidays. But focusing on the good—like the joy of seeing your grandkids’ faces light up or the comfort of sharing a meal together—can make the tough moments easier to bear.
The First Holiday After a Loss
Now, this is the tough one. There’s no sugarcoating it: the first holiday season after losing someone you love is hard.
Give Yourself Grace: You don’t have to do it all. Some years, all you can manage is showing up—and that’s okay. Let yourself feel whatever you’re feeling without guilt.
Honor Their Memory: Set aside a moment to remember those who aren’t with us. Maybe it’s a toast, a candle, or even just a story about them. Keeping their memory alive can be a source of comfort.
It’s Okay to Say No: If a gathering feels too overwhelming, it’s perfectly fine to sit this one out. There will be other holidays, other celebrations. This year, focus on what you need.
A Word About Humor
If I’ve learned anything in my years, it’s this: life will throw you curveballs, especially during the holidays. The best thing you can do is laugh when things go sideways.
When the dog steals the ham, when the lights on the tree refuse to cooperate, when you burn the pie because you got caught up chatting—it’s all part of the story. And someday, you’ll look back and laugh.
So here’s my advice, from someone who’s been around the block a few times: don’t sweat the small stuff. Focus on the people you love, let go of the rest, and when in doubt, have another slice of pie. Because at the end of the day, the holidays aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection, love, and a little bit of chaos.
In the end, it’s all in God’s hands.
What Mike Braun Told the State Assembly
Following is the open letter that Governor-elect Mike Braun sent to legislators at Org Day:
“As Governor-elect, I am honored to share an update on our transition efforts and outline the key areas of focus for the agenda we will pursue together. Indiana has a proud tradition of leadership and innovation, and as we prepare to govern, I am committed to working in partnership with you to deliver bold and meaningful outcomes for Hoosiers.
“As I’ve traveled the state over the last several months, Hoosiers have shared their hopes for Indiana and the challenges they want us, as elected leaders, to address in the upcoming session. Their input highlights a diverse set of challenges and opportunities, underscoring the need for thoughtful collaboration between the executive branch and the legislature to deliver real results.
“Our transition is progressing well, and I am deeply encouraged by the hundreds of Hoosiers who have stepped up to serve our state by joining the transition effort. These dedicated individuals, representing a wide range of expertise and backgrounds, are serving on 12 transition councils tasked with evaluating key areas of state government and developing thoughtful recommendations. Their work will help shape our policy priorities, but true success will require strong collaboration between the administration and the General Assembly.
“As part of this collaboration, I look forward to working closely with each of you to refine and implement our shared priorities. In the coming weeks, I will release a detailed agenda that will outline my administration’s primary initiatives for our work together. Below are several key areas that I look forward to working on with each of you to deliver solutions for Hoosiers:
“1. Cut, Cap, and Reform Property Taxes – Provide relief to taxpayers and ensure a fair,
predictable system.
“2. Pass a Balanced Budget – Promote fiscal responsibility, government efficiency, and
sustainability.
“3. Improve Constituent Services – Deliver faster, more efficient services to Hoosiers.
“4. Universal School Choice and Education Quality – Expand opportunities, improve quality, and increase accountability.
“5. Public Safety – Protect Hoosiers from violent crime and drugs, and support law enforcement.
“6. Lower Healthcare Costs – Tackle rising costs through competition, transparency, and
innovation.
“7. Economic Development – Focus on wage growth, workforce development, and measurable outcomes.
“8. Energy and Water – Develop comprehensive strategies for reliable and affordable utilities.
“These key areas reflect the shared priorities of Hoosiers and provide a strong foundation for our work together. I am committed to maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a spirit of collaboration as we address these challenges.
“My door will always be open to you, and my team stands ready to work with the General Assembly to advance legislation that serves the best interests of our state. Thank you for your service to Indiana. Together, we can ensure that our state remains a beacon of prosperity, innovation, and Hoosier values.”
ECHO Housing & Community Development Launches Giving Tuesday Campaign to Ensure
“Home Sweet Home for the Holidays” for Formerly Homeless Clients
EVANSVILLE, IN: This Giving Tuesday, on December 3, 2024, ECHO Housing and Community
Development invites the community to join its “Home Sweet Home for the Holidays” campaign, a heartwarming initiative to bring the joy of the holiday season to formerly homeless individuals and families in need. With the goal of raising $2,500, this campaign will ensure that every client has a gift to open, filled with essential household items and something special just for them.
Each holiday season, our generous donors bring tremendous joy by contributing thoughtful gifts to our clients. This support is invaluable and truly uplifts those we serve. As the holiday season approaches, there are often gaps in what some individuals receive, creating inconsistencies in the experiences ECHO strives to provide. These disparities impact the sense of connection and care
ECHO aims to build with each client. By raising funds through “Home Sweet Home for the Holidays,” the case management team can address these gaps directly with the goal of providing for those formerly homeless residents that typically do not receive anything. This ensures that every person served feels valued, supported, and cared for during the holiday season, allowing ECHO to create a more consistent and impactful experience for all.
“Our case managers see firsthand how powerful it is to present a thoughtfully selected gift to a client filled with essential household items they have worked much of the year to get for themselves,” says Savannah Wood, CEO. “It’s not just a present—it’s an expression of respect, compassion, and support that helps show our appreciation for them as an individual regardless of background. We recognize the importance of others feeling heard, thought of, and valued.”
By providing gifts that include needed items alongside a small personal wanted item, ECHO Housing and Community Development hopes to make the holiday season a little brighter for those who have faced immense challenges. This campaign is an opportunity for the community to contribute meaningfully, helping to provide warmth, comfort, and joy to those who have worked so hard to regain stability in their lives.2
Donations for “Home Sweet Home for the Holidays” can be made on our website at
https://echohousing.org/giving-tuesday/ or by mailing a check to ECHO Housing, 528 Main Street,
Suite 202, Evansville, IN 47708. 100% of the proceeds will be used on this campaign with the results posted on the campaign page as contributions are made.
Every dollar helps create moments of joy, connection, and stability for our clients, reminding them that they are not alone during the holiday season.
Tickets on sale for Christmas at Germania on December 6th & 7th!
Tickets on sale for Christmas at Germania on December 6th & 7th!
You’re invited to get into the Christmas spirit “Germania style” by attending Christmas at
Germania December 6th and 7th at 7pm. This annual Evansville tradition of singing and
pageantry is open to the public.
The event features both the Germania men’s and ladies’ choirs singing Christmas songs in
German and English. Plus, Germania members have written and will perform a creative and
humorous play that’s set in the ancient German community of Thüringen.
And what would a Germania event be without its wonderful food? A pork chop meal
including a potato prepared German style, red cabbage, green beans and a roll is sure to
tantalize everyone’s taste buds!
Tickets are just $30 each and can be reserved by calling 812-424-9800. Or they can be
bought online at www.evvgermanclub.com/event.
UE Music Conservatory to Host Annual Holiday Pops Concert
UE Music Conservatory to Host Annual Holiday Pops Concert
The University of Evansville (UE) Music Conservatory is excited to present its annual Holiday Pops concert, a festive celebration of music and community. This cherished event will take place on Tuesday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Victory Theatre in downtown Evansville. Admission is free and open to the public.
The evening will showcase the incredible talents of UE’s large ensembles, including the University Choir, Choral Society, Symphony Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble. In addition, the United Sound Change Lab will join the performance, adding a unique dimension to the event’s musical offerings. Together, these groups will perform a variety of seasonal favorites, classical works, and holiday-inspired pieces, creating an unforgettable night of music.
“Holiday Pops has become a treasured tradition for the Evansville community, bringing people together to celebrate the season through song,” said Dennis Malfatti, Professor of Music & Director of Choral Activities. “This year’s program promises to deliver joyful melodies and performances, offering something for everyone to enjoy.”
Join us for a magical evening of music, community, and holiday spirit at Holiday Pops!
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024.
Time: 7:30 p.m. CST.
Location: Victory Theatre, 600 Main St, Evansville, IN 47708.
Admission: Free and open to the public.
Notice of School Board Meeting on Monday 11/25
The Board of School Trustees of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation will meet for the regularly scheduled Board meeting Monday, November 25, 2024 at 5:30 PM in the Board Room of the EVSC Administration Building located at 951 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN. Board meetings can also be observed by tuning to EVSC’s radio station, 90.7 WPSR or live streamed online at https://www.wpsrhd.com/.
Prior to the regularly scheduled Board meeting, three members of the Board, along with district administrators, will hold a Town Hall beginning at 5:00 PM. This Town Hall is for Vanderburgh County residents to speak directly with Board members in attendance about issues involving EVSC schools. The Town Hall will be held in the Technology and Innovation Center located at 951 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN. Members of the public who would like to attend the Town Hall should register by completing the Town Hall Registration Form located on our website at district.evscschools.com.
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.