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GREEN TURTLE BAY RESORT PIER 11 DESTROYED BY FIRE
“IS IT TRUE” JULY 13, 2020
We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUEâ€Â will provoke honest and open dialogue concerning issues that we, as responsible citizens of this community, need to address in a rational and responsible way?
City-County Observer Comment Policy. Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will be tolerated and will be removed from our site.â€
We understand that sometimes people don’t always agree and discussions may become a little heated.  The use of offensive language, insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.
IS IT TRUE when well-credentialed scientists and medical professionals cannot make an accurate prediction how to contain the COVID-119 virus better than a dart flinging monkey, what is a medically intellectually challenged elected official to do?…the answer is that politicians make edicts that are then overturned time and again because they are literally in way over their heads?…in Evansville the official position of local medical community and government has gone from “COVID-19 will never come to Evansville so please come visit us for a virus-safe holiday” to “wear a mask but we are not going to do anything about it if you don’t”? …and the most famous advice given by those in charge is that you should wash your hands for 20 seconds and don’t panic?…at this point, the litany of inconsistencies has shaken people’s faith in the ability of government to contain the spreading the COVID -19 virus?
IS IT TRUE it looks like we have some political oneupmanship and gamesmanship going on at the Civic Center?
IS IT TRUE last Friday Evansville Mayor Winnecke dropped a political bombshell on the masses by announcing an “Executive Order” declaring starting this coming Wednesday that everyone living in or visiting Evansville must wear a protected mask while conducting their daily activities? Â …the Mayor will provide additional details of his “Executive Order” before this coming Wednesday? Â …this is a developing story?
IS IT TRUE that another ordinance that mandates wearing a mask in public has been filed by three members of the Evansville City Council?  …that this ordinance is being sponsored by Councilmembers Weaver, Heronemous, and Moore-Morley?  …it was interesting just right after this “Wear Your Mask” ordinance was filed by the above City Council members Mayor Winnecke announced his “Executive Order”?
IS IT TRUE on July 14, 2020, a County Commission resolution recommending that citizens wear face-covering in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Vanderburgh County will be discussed?
IS IT TRUE we wonder how does the local Chamber Of Commerce leadership feel about  Mayor Winnecke’s “Wear A Face Mask” mandate?
IS IT TRUE we have been told that many of the First Amendment advocates are gearing up to legally challenge any City Of Evansville/Vanderburgh County mandate that requires people to wear protective masks in public?
IS IT TRUE that the Vanderburgh County “COVID-19 RESOURCE AND AWARENESS TASK FORCE” are really doing a credible job in providing free mobile testing sites for the virus?  ..since securing $50,000 in funding from the Vanderburgh County Council and collaborating with many generous community leaders? …we thank N95 Mask Partners, Ascension St. Vincent, Mike Stepto of the Pet Food Center, Pete Mogavero of Anchor Industries Sam’s Club and Anchor Industries because this group has donated money, food, hundreds of free masks and PPE supplies and so far have provided numerous free tests to those living in Vanderburgh County?
IS IT TRUE millions of Americans are going hungry as pandemic erodes incomes?
IS IT TRUEÂ we been saying for months that the more we test people for the COVID -19 virus the number of viruses will greatly be increased? Â …all we can say to the COVID-19 handlers is hello big ‘RED TRUCK”?
IS IT TRUEÂ it’s been reported that a confidential CDC document states that fully opening schools and Universities are high risks?
IS IT TRUE that autopsies are revealing how the CORVID -19 virus is silently spreading across American?
IS IT TRUEÂ to no one surprise the Evansville Police Department, Vanderburgh County Sheriff Department, and local the Health Department all stated that they would not have the time or manpower to enforce a wear a protective mask mandate?
IS IT TRUE that since the “defund the police” movement has taken hold in some large American cities violent crime has increased by over 100% in many of those cities?
IS IT TRUEÂ at tonight City Council meeting a resolution authorizing them to approve a $400,000 grant (from Affordable Housing Funds) to build 10 single-family homes in a disadvantage area of Evansville? …we are told that several investors/builders are wondering why didn’t the Evansville DMD publically announce or prominently advertise this Federal grant in the Courier and Press in order to alert potential investors/builders so they could submit a competitive bid on this worthy community project?
IS IT TRUE we been told by several reliable sources that the extremely popular two-term Democratic Vanderburgh County Sheriff, Dave Wedding voted Republican in the most recent primary election? Â …we are told that several Democrats are extremely upset with him? Â … that they have vowed to never support him again for an elected office?
IS IT TRUE we give five (5) cheers to TV Channels 14 credible job covering the Coronavirus news?
IS IT TRUE we would like to thank Bailey Davis, Administrative Assistant for the Vanderburgh County Commission for sending us news articles in a timely manner?
IS IT TRUE when the people fear the Government we have Tyranny! Â When the Government fears the people we have Liberty?
IS IT TRUE our “READERS POLLS†are non-scientific but trendy?
Today’s “Readers Pollâ€Â question is: HOW DO YOU RATE MAYOR WINNECKE’S HANDLING OF THE COVID-19 CRISIS?
Please take time and read our articles entitled “STATEHOUSE FILES, LAW ENFORCEMENT, “READERS POLLâ€, BIRTHDAYS, HOT JOBSâ€, EDUCATION, OBITUARIES and “LOCAL SPORTSâ€.
You now are able to subscribe to get the CCO daily.
City Council Meeting JULY 13, 2020
On JULY 13, 2020Â At CIVIC CENTER COMPLEX At 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA
| I. | INTRODUCTION |
07-13-2020 Agenda Attachment:
| II. | APPROVAL OF MEETING MEMORANDUM |
06-22-2020 Draft Memo Attachment:
| III. | REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS |
| IV. | SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY |
| V. | CONSENT AGENDA:Â FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS |
A. ORDINANCE G-2020-09 An Ordinance Vacating that Remaining Part of 15’ Alley Running Parallel to West Franklin Street Between North Main Street and Baker Avenue in the City of Evansville, Indiana Sponsor(s): Heronemus Discussion Led By: Public Works Chair Brinkmeyer Discussion Date: 7/27/2020 G-2020-09 Attachment:
B. ORDINANCE G-2020-10 An Ordinance Creating Article VIII in Chapter 8.05 (Pandemic Response) of the Evansville Municipal Code Sponsor(s): Heronemus, Moore, Weaver Discussion Led By: ASD Chair Trockman Discussion Date: 7/27/2020 G-2020-10 Attachment:
C. ORDINANCE F-2020-10 An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations, Additional Appropriations and Repeal and Re-Appropriation of Funds for Various City Funds Sponsor(s): Beane Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Beane Discussion Date: 7/27/2020 F-2020-10 Attachment:
| VI. | COMMITTEE REPORTS |
| VII. | REGULAR AGENDA:Â SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS |
A. ORDINANCE G-2020-08 An Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of Sewage Works Refunding Revenue Bonds of the City of Evansville, Indiana for the Purpose of Refunding the City’s Sewage Works Revenue Bonds of 2007, Series A, Sewage Works Revenue Bonds of 2007, Series B, and Sewage Works Revenue Bonds of 2008, Series B, and all Matters Related Thereto Sponsor(s): Brinkmeyer Discussion Led By: Public Works Chair Brinkmeyer Discussion Date: 7/13/2020 G-2020-08 Attachment:
B. ORDINANCE R-2020-10 Amended An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 1209 & 1211 E. Columbia St Petitioner: Troy Tornatta Owner: Harry E. Gulledge & Casey Spivey Requested Change: R2 to C4 Ward: 3 Heronemus Representative: Troy Tornatta R-2020-10 Amended Attachment:
| VIII. | RESOLUTION DOCKET |
A. RESOLUTION C-2020-15 A Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Evansville, Indiana, Authorizing Affordable Housing Funds for Memorial Community Development Corporation 50 Homes Initiative in the City of Evansville, Indiana in an Amount Not to Exceed Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000) Sponsor(s): Beane Discussion Led By: President Burton Discussion Date: 7/13/2020 Notify: Kelley Coures, DMD C-2020-15 Attachment:
| IX. | MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS |
A. THE NEXT MEETING of the Common Council will be Monday, July 27, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.
B. ADDITIONAL MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
| X. | COMMITTEE REPORTS |
| XI. | ADJOURNMENT |
Economic Development Coalition Creates New Loan Fund to Help Small Businesses
As the financial effects of COVID-19 continue to spread throughout the Greater Evansville region, more of our resilient, local businesses are beginning to need help. That’s why we recently created the Grow Local Lending Fund. This program was designed to offer recovery assistance to qualifying businesses in need. We encourage you to learn more about the program below and help share this opportunity with business owners throughout Southwest Indiana!
The Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana, in partnership with Banterra Bank, Community State Bank of Southwestern Indiana and Old National, has created a low-interest loan program to help local small businesses with 25 employees or less continue operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Grow Local Lending Fund is designed for businesses that may not have been eligible for other federal loan programs and are located within the four-county Southwest Indiana footprint including Gibson, Posey, Vanderburgh and Warrick Counties.
Loans will range between $5,000 and $7,500 funds and can be used for working capital, continued operation expenses or to support remote work expenses. Interest-only payments are available for the first six (6) months with payment over a total 42-month term. Loans will carry an interest rate of one (1) percent over the life of the loan as well.
“We’re excited to partner with the Coalition on this important small business loan program,†said Chris Rutledge, Market Executive, Banterra Bank. “With so many small businesses challenged during the pandemic, we thought this was an excellent way to help.â€
Community State Bank of Southwestern Indiana President Steve Bennett echoed a similar sentiment: “Small businesses help to drive Southwest Indiana’s regional economy, and this low-interest loan program can mean the difference for some small businesses reopening.â€
Old National, Southwest Indiana’s largest headquartered financial institution, saw the program as another way to help small distressed businesses. “For more than 180 years, Old National has made a commitment to help Southwest Indiana grow, and this is a great program to assist small businesses in their restart,†added Brad Gilbert, Senior Vice President, Old National.
Businesses interested in the Grow Local Lending Fund are encouraged to apply, and the first step is to complete the online form. To apply for funding or find more information, go to www.southwestindiana.org/covid19-loans.
Why Boating Is The Perfect Coronavirus Recreation This Summer
Why Boating Is The Perfect Coronavirus Recreation This Summer
First-Time Boat Buyers Are On The Rise
Over the last four months, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a growing sense of uncertainty for Americans about what life may look like in the days, months, and years ahead.
Amid ever-changing state orders, social-distancing guidelines, and the new normal, it is clear that there will be lasting impacts to the way we previously carried out our daily lives.
This new reality also applies to how we vacation, relax, and blow off steam as summer enters full swing.
As springtime came to a close, fears of a “lost summer” echoed throughout the country.
BOAT SALES BOOMING AFTER CORONAVIRUS SINKS SUMMER PLANS
Thankfully, our natural resources are wide open for the recreational activities that have long been a hallmark of the season, and this year, a growing number of people are turning to a longstanding American pastime — recreational boating.
Captain Chase Fulton takes guest fishing in the Florida Keys on his chartered sportfishing boat June 1, 2020, in Islamorada, Fla. (Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau via AP)
First-time boat buyers are on the rise as Americans are recognizing that boating is one of the safest and most accessible atmospheres to enjoy quality time with their loved ones and improve their mental health outlook during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ATV DEMAND REVVS UP AS FAMILIES LOOK FOR GREAT OUTDOORS ADVENTURES
More than 100 million Americans go boating each year, and 62 percent of boaters have an annual household income of $100,000 or less.
With the retail price of a new aluminum boat package averaging $36,000, and new 3-passenger personal watercraft (PWC) averaging $12,000, there’s an opportunity for boating to attract even more participants looking for responsible ways to spend time outdoors with their families. And new data indicates that Americans are doing just that.
In May, the recreational boating industry saw an unprecedented increase in PWC sales, which were up 75 percent compared to May 2019.
Outboard engine sales also saw an uptick of 7 percent in May.
To meet this demand, manufacturing activity is slowly starting to pick back up and saw impressive gains in May following two months of shutdowns.
CORONAVIRUS HELPS PRIVATE JET COMPANIES CLEAN UP WHILE COMMERCIAL AIRLINES STRUGGLE
Shipments of PWCs, outboard engines, wake sport boats, and jet boats increased by a range of 19 to 160 percent compared to April.
The recreational boating and fishing community is committed to helping more people get out on the water, especially during the social distancing era.
That’s why we teamed up this spring to launch the Get On Board campaign. This initiative aims to help more Americans experience the restorative health and wellness benefits of recreational boating and fishing.
While the accessibility of boating and its compliance with social distancing is attracting more people to the lifestyle, there is also the shared responsibility of ensuring boaters are recreating responsibly.
Discover Boating, the nation’s leading consumer boating resource, has answered this call by connecting boaters with resources on how to access boating in a way that adheres to public health guidelines—including boating education.
A boater who knows the rules of the water is more confident and ultimately creates a safer, more enjoyable boating experience for everyone.
Although many have long known about recreational boating and the unrivaled relief and relaxation it provides for families, what has been lesser known is the strong, uniquely American industry behind it — made up of small businesses, manufacturers, and mom-and-pop shops across the country.
With 95 percent of boats sold in the U.S. made in the U.S., becoming a boater is a great way to stand with the 35,000 businesses and 691,000 American workers our Made-in-America industry supports.
Over the past several months, the American people have been carefully deciding what is most important in their lives and it is really no surprise that recreational boating has made that list.
Since the founding of our great nation, boating has been a favorite American pastime.
At this critical time, we look forward to playing a restorative role in the health and wellness of our country’s citizens and welcoming more people to the lifestyle in the months and years ahead.
Nominations Open For 2020 “Torchbearer Awards”
Nominations Open For 2020 “Torchbearer Awards”
by Wendy McNamara
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Nominations are being accepted for the 2020 Torchbearer Awards, Indiana’s highest honor for women.
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The Indiana Commission for Women established the award in 2004 to recognize Hoosier women who have broken down barriers to equality, overcome adversity and helped make their communities and our state a better place to live. Criteria for nominees include their contributions in areas such as professional careers, community leadership and public service, and their courage and perseverance to blaze a trail and serve as an inspiration for others. The application can be found here. Nominations are due by 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 15. Award recipients will be announced at a special ceremony on Sept. 23. |
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EARLY CHILDHOOD GOES WILD
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MEET JOANNE MASSEY A RENOWNED ARTIST AND SCULPTOR
When Faith and Art Collide
With all the craziness and commotion the world is enduring right now, local artist, Joanne Scott Massey, decided to shed some light on social media with hopes of uplifting others with her artwork. On April 12th of this year, which also happened to be Easter, Joanne shared this special painting with the Evansville community on Facebook. This oil painting was actually done in 2000 for Christ the King Church, now known as Annunciation Catholic Church. Today, the painting remains as part of their original, permanent collection. After Christ the King had remodeled their church at that time, Joanne worked with a fellow parishioner to create this piece of art for the newly redone entryway. The painting shows a glowing dove surrounded by angels which brings the viewer a feeling of peace and security. The very talented, late Victor Ubelhor from Christ the King created a beautiful, dark wood frame for the painting to be displayed in. The painting itself is rather large having the dimensions of 98†by 60.†This incredible piece of art is concluded with a quote on a plaque at the bottom of the frame reading, “Angels and Ministers of Grace Protect Us at Christ the King.â€Â
Painting at Christ the King
Joanne’s Facebook post gained quite a bit of attention which left everyone wanting to know more about Joanne’s artwork and where she finds the inspiration to create. After talking to Joanne about other artwork she has created, it was discovered that she has pieces all over Evansville. One of the most interesting locations her artwork is displayed is Deaconess and Gateway Hospitals. A generous patron, John M. Lawrence, purchased many of Joanne’s paintings with the intention of displaying them at the two hospitals where they are still a part of the permanent collection. John understood the therapeutic benefit that artwork can induce. He purchased countless of Joanne’s large, floral paintings as he was personally moved by her work. John’s deep connection with Deaconess inspired him to share this joy with patients and visitors to the hospital. Hung together, the paintings had the effect of making someone feel as if they were walking through a garden.
A hospital may initially seem like an unlikely place to display countless large paintings. However, artwork in hospitals has an incredible impact on anyone who steps foot into them. Hospitals can be a place of immense stress and artwork can impact them in ways unimaginable by lifting families up in a time of uncertainty. Displaying artwork in hospitals can bring light into a time that may be dark. In the opposite sense, it can add light to a moment that is beautiful- such as a baby being born or a family member finally recovering. Lining a hospital hallway with bright artwork has the potential to make a walk down the hallway so much more hopeful, optimistic, and positive.Â
The feedback received after the paintings were displayed in the hospital hallways was incredible. Due to this success, John later commissioned Joanne again in 2014 to create a large, abstract painting with the intention of representing 5 different faiths. Joanne was up for the challenge and wanted to create a piece that could possess the power to move individuals of all different religions. The painting was to be hung inside the hospital chapel so different faiths could come together as one. Linda E. White, the president and CEO of Deaconess Health System, provided much insight to Joanne as the two discussed the deeper meaning of the painting. Linda explained how they yearned for a piece that was cohesive with the preexisting environment but could also emphasize the importance of different colors. The faiths needed to be represented equally within the symbolism. The painting is shown below along with the words on the plaque that explains the representation and symbolism within.
Open Your Hearts to Hope
Representation – Symbolism
The white Lotus grows through water basking in the sun.
The Lotus represents Buddhism which signifies the progress of the soul and spiritual perfection.
The star and crescent represent the Muslim beliefs of compassion, charity, and humility.
The Om represents the Hindu sacred sound. It is the symbol of piety.
The six-pointed Star of David represents a symbol of unity for the Jewish. The star that points up represents God. The star that points down represents us here on earth.
The Lily is a symbol of innocence and purity in Christianity. It also represents motherhood and rebirth.
Two Fish swimming in harmony represents happiness and freedom.
The Dove represents all of us. It is a universal symbol of Love and Peace.
The bright golden light beckons us to go over the eternal ridge of eternity and seek the unity of peace and love.
Together they are woven into one.
 More About Joanne Massey
Joanne has created artwork her entire life and has lived in Evansville for most of it. She attended the University of Southern Indiana where she majored in Fine Arts and minored in Marketing. Today, Joanne works to create art in many ways with different mediums. She is represented by the Rumjahn Gallery and also teaches art classes at Angel Mounds. Within the past 10 years, Joanne has discovered her love of pottery. Some of her most unique pieces of art combine clay and paint resulting in fascinating, three-dimensional paintings. Joanne has received a grant from the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts to get pottery classes started at Angel Mounds. She hopes the pottery classes can begin later in 2020. Two of her three-dimensional paintings can be seen below.
 
           
The biggest question surrounding Joanne’s artwork is simply the inspiration behind it. What inspires her and how does she use artwork as an outlet for that inspiration? Her answer is rather simple but moving. Joanne said she is inspired by “whatever she is moved by in the moment.†Joanne has always been drawn to beauty, especially in a natural sense. She has never aimed her focus at symmetry because most natural things are not symmetrical, and they are not perfect. Nature is her muse. The seasons impact and inspire Joanne. She loves flowers and specializes in large, floral paintings. Anything that has character and looks like it is alive intrigues, Joanne. This admiration of natural beauty is what led Joanne into making pottery. Her pottery is hand-built and she carefully sculpts each piece. See two of her pottery pieces below.
         
Joanne resides on the Eastside of Evansville with her husband, local attorney Tom Massey. Many pieces of artwork can be seen by appointment at Massey Law Offices downtown.
Court View Conference Center at Massey Law Office
Together, Tom and Joanne have three children: Rachel, Scott, and Ellie. All three children attended Purdue University majoring in a variety of studies. Rachel, the oldest daughter, works at Eli Lily and lives in Indianapolis with her husband, Cory. Scott is the founder and CEO of Heliponix, a hydroponics company that sells refrigerator-sized appliances that allow consumers to grow to produce in the comfort of their own home. Tom and Joanne’s youngest daughter, Ellie, is a junior at Purdue currently completing her degree in Industrial Management.
Family photo from Christmas Wedding on 12/27/2019
FOOTNOTE: More of Joanne’s artwork can be seen on her website JoanneMasseyFineArt.com. Any inquiries about art classes can be directed to masseyevin@wowway.com.
Factory Jobs Catch Bounce From PPE Manufacturing
Factory Jobs Catch Bounce From PPE Manufacturing
It’s really the big thing right now,†said Designetics President Sydney Spraw. “It’s been a nice addition to what we’ve lost on the automotive side.â€
While the company still ships its windshield coating system to more than 60 countries, that part of the business has become unpredictable, Spraw said.
“You can make something and ship it and then the country closes down and it can’t be delivered because there’s literally nobody there to accept it,†Spraw said. “Or the delivery person refused to be screened so they won’t accept it. That’s happened. We have to switch to a different service.â€
Manufacturing jobs nationwide are starting to come back from their pandemic nosedive. Falling by more than 1.3 million between February and April, they hit 11.4 million, the lowest number since March 2010, after the Great Recession.
Manufacturing jobs increased in May and June by about 700,000 but remain 6% below the same point in 2019 — about the level they were five years ago as the recovery took hold, according to a Stateline analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.