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This Week At USI-Welcome Back, Students!

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Below is a list of events and activities happening in and around the USI community in the coming weeks:

Start of spring 2020 semester and Welcome Back Weeks

Today is the first day of classes for the spring 2020 academic semester. New this year are Welcome Back Weeks – events scheduled from Saturday, January 11 through Saturday, January 25 meant to kick-start the new semester by increasing activities for students. A full schedule of events is available at USI.edu/welcomeback.


 

Event at 11:30 a.m. Monday, January 20

April Ryan
White House reporter, author April Ryan to keynote 2020 USI Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon
April Ryan, journalist, political correspondent and award-winning author, will provide the keynote address at the University of Southern Indiana’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Monday, January 20, 2020 in Carter Hall located in University Center West on the USI campus. Read More

STUDENT EVENTS

A collection of events on campus and in the community sponsored by USI student organizations can be found on the USI events calendar by clicking here.

Event starts at 2 p.m.; Keynote starts at 6 p.m. Wednesday, February 5

MSJD-2020.png
Angela Davis to deliver 2020 Nelson Mandela Social Justice Day keynote at USI
The University of Southern Indiana will host Dr. Angela Davis, a distinguished professor, activist and social justice advocate, as the keynote speaker for its 2020 Nelson Mandela Social Justice Day at 6 p.m. Wednesday, February 5 in Carter Hall. Davis’ presentation, “Democracy and Civil Engagement,” will be free and open to the public as space allows. An activism fair featuring USI and community organizations will be held in the Carter Hall concourse beginning at 2 p.m. prior to the keynote address. Read More

SOUTHERN ROCK ICONS THE CHARLIE DANIELS BAND AND THE MARSHALL TUCKER BAND

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“FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN” TOUR

VICTORY THEATRE – MAY 3

TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY – JANUARY 17

Evansville, IN– This morning, southern rock icons The Charlie Daniels Band (CDB) and The Marshall Tucker Band (MTB)announced the “Fire on the Mountain” tour, a national road show that will bring together two of the genre’s most beloved musical legends.

“The idea of us touring again with the CDB leads to all kinds of possibilities,” says MTB lead singer Doug Gray. “It’s not just about the music, but also the friendships and the reunion with the fans who’ve been with us for many years. We’ll be playing all of our hit songs as well as material from an upcoming re-released vinyl album.”

The tour title is a nod to The Marshall Tucker Band’s 1978 hit song, “Fire on the Mountain,” as well as The Charlie Daniels Band’s 1974 platinum-selling album of the same name.

“”We have played more shows with the MTB through the years than any other band and have worked together for over forty years,” adds Daniels. “We have so much history and so many memories and the music is so compatible that when we get together, the audience, CDB and MTB have a big ole southern-style good time.”

About Charlie Daniels

From his Dove Award-winning gospel albums to his genre-defining southern rock anthems and his CMA Award-winning country hits, few artists have left a more indelible mark on America’s musical landscape than Charlie Daniels. An outspoken patriot, beloved mentor, and still a road warrior at age 83, Daniels has parlayed his passion for music into a multi-platinum career and a platform to support the military, underprivileged children, and others in need. The Charlie Daniels Band has long populated radio with memorable hits and his signature song, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” Over the course of his career, Daniels has received numerous accolades, including his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Musicians Hall of Fame and becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Daniels helps to shine the spotlight on the many causes that are close to his heart. He’s a staunch supporter of the military and lends his time and talent to numerous charitable organizations, including The Journey Home Project, that he founded in 2014 with his manager, David Corlew, to help veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

For more information, visit charliedaniels.com.

ADOPT A PET

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Josie was transferred in to VHS from Evansville Animal Care & Control at the end of April, then got adopted… but when she got lost again one time, her adoptive family never came back. She’s a blue & white pit bull mix and is about 2 years old. Look at that gorgeous contemplative face, just wishing for someone to come get her! Her adoption fee is $110. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 for adoption details!

Lane sets new school record at Vulcan Invite

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University of Southern Indiana’s Kaylee Lane and the women’s distance team proved to be impressive at the UAB Vulcan Invite held in Birmingham, Alabama Saturday.

The Freshman, Lane, set the tone for the remainder of the meet with a blazing time of 58.44 in the 400-meter finals which put her into sixth place. Lane’s mark in the 400m was a new USI record besting the previous fastest time of Natalie Clark (59.80) set 15 years ago in 2005.

Jennifer Comastri (5:03.80) and Hope Jones (5:05.57) nabbed the top two spots in the mile to continue to propel the team’s momentum.

The Screaming Eagles dazzled in the 3000m finals with Doriane Langlois (10:18.04), Mckenna Cavanaugh (10:33.42) and Hadley Fisher (10:35.94) took third, fourth and fifth place respectively.

In the field events, Freshman Miranda Anslinger notched a top-ten finish placing eighth with a leap of 5 feet, one inch to close out the day.

Up Next: The USI Women’s Track and Field team shifts their attention to the John Craft Invitational held on Jan. 18 in Charleston, Illinois.

USI Men’s Distance Runners Dominant At Vulcan Invite

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University of Southern Indiana’s Titus Winders and the men’s distance squad put on a show at the UAB Vulcan Invite held in Birmingham, Alabama Saturday.

Tyler Garrett kicked things off for the Screaming Eagles in the 800m finals where he finished fifth with a time of one minute and 58.3 seconds.

The Winders’ brothers, Titus (4:10.94) and Javan (4:22.58); kept the momentum going for the Eagles in the mile where they finished second and seventh respectively. Titus’s mark in the mile was narrowly good enough for a NCAA II provisional mark, which is 4:11.24. Titus is currently the fifth fastest man in the mile for NCAA II after Saturday’s performance.

The 3000-meter final capped off what was a spectacular showing from the Eagles altogether as they claimed the top six spots out of seven and nine out of the top 15. Austin Nolan (8:30.51), Wyat Harmon (8:37.11) and Gavin Prior swept the top three places respectively. Cameron Cox (8:55.90) came in fifth place with Matthew Scales (8:59.29) and Matt Everling (9:00.48) rounding out the top seven.

Up Next: The USI Men’s Track and Field team returns to competition on Jan. 18 at the John Craft Invitational held in Charleston, Illinois.

 

EPD REPORT

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EPD REPORT

IS IT TRUE JANUARY 13, 2020

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We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUE” 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?

IS IT TRUE we have been told at tonights Evansville City Council meeting that Alex Burton (D) will be elected President, Zachary Heronemus (D) will be selected Vice President and Republican Ron Beane will be elected Finance Chairmen of the 2020 City Council?  …we are also told that the other two newly elected City Council members Ben Trockman (D) and Kaitin Moore Morley (D) will be appointed by President Burton to head city influential boards?

IS IT TRUE that Senate Bill No. 73 authored by State Senator James Tomes of Wadesvile could eliminate the option for concerned Hoosiers to anonymously report potential environmental violations to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management?   ..that currently, IDEM gives users the option to omit personal information like name, address and other contact information when submitting a tip online, over the phone and by mail?  …this anonymous reporting procedure would change if the bill is passed?  …if this bill passes it would force IDEM to program their site to not allow the submission of a report to the department unless the name and address form fields are filled in, and allow IDEM to reveal the reporting person’s name and address to the subjects of the complaint?

IS IT TRUE that the bill, authored by State Senator Vaneta Becker, R-Evansville, would prohibit health maintenance organizations or other health insurance providers from modifying an individual’s coverage on a drug during the plan year?  …we give five (5) cheers to State Senator. Vaneta Becker, R-Evansville for pushing common-sense legislation for the common good of her constituents?

IS IT TRUE over the years the City-County Observer has strived to serve as a “Community Watchdog” by sounding the alarm when our citizen’s rights are in danger of being violated by our elected or appointed officials?

IS IT TRUE we realize that a community can have no greater ambassador of goodwill than one which keeps its citizens informed about the accomplishments, failures, and triumphs of individuals, the business community, church and community groups, educational institutions and elected and appointed officials?

IS IT TRUE that for more than 17 years this column has served the citizens of Evansville and Vanderburgh County as the place to go to learn things that are going on in local government that other media is reluctant to cover?…much good has come from things posted in “IS IT TRUE” and the comment section and has, for the most part, made the City-County Observer the go-to place for open constructive dialog?

IS IT TRUE that the primary focus of this publication was built upon the foundation of providing our readers with contemporary information in order to enhance their quality of life? …our mission is to provide vital information concerning social, entertainment, political and educational articles for your reading pleasure?  …over the years we strived to inform our readers about important issues that help shape their lives?

IS IT TRUE that it has been reported that after 5 years Evansville war against blight is just getting started?…ten years ago, former Director of Evansville DMD Tom Barnett gave the CCO a tour of some of the worst blighted areas in Evansville and it looked pretty darn bad?… Barnett told us that there were over 10,000 homes in Evansville that needed more than $100,000 in work to be habitable?…he also told us something we already knew and that was those homes would only sell for $50,000 after having $100,000 in work?…that means this work will never get done and that the 10,000 homes really just needed to be demolished?…at $5,000 each to demolish those homes the cost to do this would amount to $50 million?…that is why after 5 years the job is still just getting started?…only rising housing prices will put these efforts into private hands and that is a long way into the future if at all?

IS IT TRUE we feel that over the years this publication has served the taxpayers of this region well and we are proud to have done so?…as a reminder, one of the earliest breaking stories that the CCO profiled was when a former Mayor and his associates conspired secretly to eliminate the Homestead Tax Credit?…the CCO was alerted to this by one of our most trusted MOLES and we exposed this SENEGAL meeting and the amount of money that the taxpayers of Vanderburgh County were about to be fleeced out of?…that number was $5 million per year when the CCO’s exposure of this sneaky dirty trick saved the taxpayers of Evansville?

IS IT TRUE that from drug addict needles in public playgrounds to potholes and from decrepit sewers to antiquated water pipes, the CCO has been the watchdog for the people against ignorant and malignant local government actions? …the $50 million misguided smart water meters that were snuck through by a former Mayor in its last weeks in office was opposed and exposed by the CCO and our willingness to do this saved the city taxpayers a bunch of money? …finally and this may have been our finest hour, we exposed the Earthcare Energy project as a scam and saved an oblivious city council from handing $4 million to a project team that didn’t even have a patent they claimed to have?…through all of this we taught Evansville the meaning of the term VETTING?…we hope this is a lesson that is never forgotten?

IS IT TRUE we been told that numerous people are encouraging the former 8th District Republican Chairman Rick Martin to run for the State Representative House District #75 seat that is currently held by Ron Bacon of Chandler? …that Mr. Bacon recently announced that he shall not seek re-election?  …if attorney Rick Martin decides to run for the soon to be vacant State Representative House District #75 seat currently held by Ron Bacon we predict that he shall be the odds on favorite to win the nomination in the Republican primary?

IS IT TRUE over the years the Evansville Water and Sewer Utility Department has earned a reputation of being the mecca for political patronage and pork-barrel politics? …we still wonder if the members of the Board Of Directors receive either $3,000 or $5,000 for server on this board?  …we also wonder if any members of this board are eligible to receive city-paid health insurance?

IS IT TRUE when the people fear the Government we have Tyranny!  When the Government fears the people we have Liberty

Today’s “Readers Poll” question is:  How do you rate the overall performance of State Representative Ryan Hatfield?
If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us at City-County Observer@live.com
Footnote: City-County Observer Comment Policy. Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will be tolerated and will be removed from our site.”
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.
Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers.

 

 

 

 

Just In: Krupp Enters AG Race: ‘Time For Hoosiers To Hire A New Lawyer’

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Krupp Enters AG race: ‘Time For Hoosiers To Hire A New Lawyer’

for Indiana Lawyers

Indiana State Department of Revenue Commissioner Adam Krupp announced Monday he will challenge incumbent Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill for the Republican Party nomination, saying he will promote “leadership, integrity, and results.”

“It’s time for Hoosiers to hire a new lawyer. Someone they can trust, someone who is proven to be a passionate public servant whose work has been dedicated to improving the lives of Hoosiers. Someone with a track record of delivering tangible, successful results,” Krupp said. “I’m asking Hoosiers to hire me as their lawyer in 2020.”

In what he described as the most difficult decision of his life, Krupp officially submitted his resignation as the Department of Revenue commissioner to fully immerse himself in seeking the GOP’s nomination. His resignation as commissioner is effective Jan. 31. Gov. Eric Holcomb appointed Krupp to the position in 2017.

Before a crowd of friends, family and supporters Monday at the Westin Indianapolis hotel, Krupp said he stands ready to provide leadership, integrity, and results to Hoosiers by bringing a proven combination of the private sector and government experience to the table.

“The attorney general’s office is a public trust, meaning Hoosiers are operating under the presumption that the officeholder will serve with the highest integrity in following the rules of professional responsibility, build trust with the executive and legislative branches, and always remember the oath of all attorneys, especially that of Indiana’s chief legal officer to abstain from an offensive personality and to maintain the confidence of our clients,” Krupp said.

Krupp, who hails from Plymouth, said under his direction the attorney general’s office will implement a number of statewide initiatives designed to fulfill its ultimate purpose of protecting Hoosiers. That includes focusing on cybercrime, identity theft, child support obligations, human trafficking, and Medicaid fraud.

Additionally, Krupp said he will ask the Indiana Legislature to transfer responsibility and authority over Indiana’s Access to Public Records Act (APRA) to the AG’s office as part of “the creation of an open government division” that will genuinely promote “transparency in ways that build trust and confidence in Indiana government.”

Regarding the individuals who work the AG’s office, Krupp said under his leadership the office would recruit and train Hoosier lawyers to provide “consistent, high-quality advice and counsel that rivals a private sector law firm.”

“We will conduct ourselves with integrity and civility,” he said.

When asked if he believes Hill should resign from the position, Krupp said his opinion is not relevant and that the decision is “very personal.” He added that it’s up to the governor’s office and the GOP to determine whether to keep Hill out of office.

Krupp joins the race for the Republican nomination alongside Indianapolis attorney John Westercamp, who announced a bid for the GOP nomination last summer. State Sen. Karen Tallian of Ogden Dunes and former Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel are seeking the Democratic nomination. Both parties will select their nominees during conventions this year and voters will choose the next AG in November.

Hill announced in November he was seeking re-election, despite calls from both Holcomb and other state leaders for his resignation following allegations that he drunkenly groped four women at a bar in March 2018. Hill is awaiting the outcome of an attorney discipline case against him resulting from the accusations and his conduct afterward.

Krupp, who has never run for public office, said he believes his record of success in both the private sector as a litigator and government leaders will benefit his campaign efforts. The candidate stated he is supportive of conservative Hoosier values, but also wants to focus on providing advice and counsel to both the legislative and executive branches of Indiana government.

“I’m going to bring my energy to this and let them know that they can trust me and have confidence and faith based on the track record that I have developed thus far,” he said.

Prior to his role as commissioner for the Department of Revenue, Krupp served as general counsel for Indiana’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles, special counsel to the office of former Gov. Mike Pence, and deputy director and counsel for Indiana’s Division of Family Resources.

Krupp graduated from Purdue University with degrees in secondary education specializing in speech communication, theatre, and English. He taught high school in Evansville before attending and graduating from Indiana University’s Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 2004. Krupp lives in Zionsville with his wife and two children.

House Committee Weighs Extending Voting Hours

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By Haley Carney and Haley Pritchett

TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS— Hoosiers would get more time to vote after work under a bill debated Thursday by a House committee.

No vote, however, was taken. Rep. Tim Wesco, the Osceola Republican who authored House Bill 1221 and also is chairman of the House Elections and Apportionment Committee, decided to hold the bill after hearing testimony, leaving its future in doubt.

Currently, polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Indiana. Under the bill, precinct polling places and voting centers would be open until 8 p.m. It also would allow a county election board to create voting centers – centralized places where anyone in that county can vote – by a majority vote rather than a unanimous vote.

Rep. Timothy Wesco, R-Osceola, presents his bill pushing the change of polling hours on election day. Photo by Thomas Samuel, TheStatehouseFile.com

Rep. Timothy Wesco, R-Osceola, presents his bill pushing the change of polling hours on election day. Photo by Thomas Samuel, TheStatehouseFile.com

Of Indiana’s 92 counties, 39 have replaced precinct polling places with voting centers.

“Vote centers require much less manpower because you can have fewer centers and you don’t have to have one in every single precinct like the precinct system,” Wesco said.

But the combination of longer voting hours, potentially encouraging more people to vote, and fewer voting places concerned some.

Angela Nussmeyer, co-director of the Indiana Election Division, told the committee she approves of extending polling hours, noting Indiana and Kentucky have the earliest poll-closing hours in the nation. But she said that extending voting hours likely would “bump up” the number of voters, and lead to the need for more rather than fewer places to vote.

Nussmeyer said she is concerned that minority voices would not be heard if fewer polling centers were available, in turn making the two extra hours given to voters pointless.

“Minority voice is important,” she said. “And you can extend [voting] hours, but if their nearest polling location is completely opposite from where they live and they don’t have transportation, then that two hours is of no means to them.”

Vote centers became an option for counties starting in 2011, and Wesco argued that they are more accessible than precincts.

“In general, I think [voting centers] are the future of elections in Indiana. I foresee that vote centers are going to be the way people vote in the new age, so this is just trying to move that ball forward,” he said.

But he also acknowledged complications of extending voting hours.

“Our average poll worker is 72 years old. You’re talking a 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily,” he said. “So that’s a legitimate and real concern… But at the same time, I support giving as much opportunity for people to vote as is reasonable and possible.”

Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, said that he did not see the extra two hours as necessary.

“The heaviest voting for the working-class community is from six to eight in the morning and four to six in the afternoon,” he said. “As you all know, I’m pretty close to the labor folks. They were pretty strong about wanting that early morning voting before they go to work so I would advocate that.”

FOOTNOTE:  Haley Carney and Haley Pritchett are reporters for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.