“IS IT TRUE” DECEMBER 12, 2019
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?
IS IT TRUE that the City-County Observer has recently been approached by a group of financially successful business investors asking us to consider publishing a printed Sunday newspaper on their behalf for the Evansville/Vanderburgh County area?  …we told them we will give them an answer on January 15, 2020?
IS IT TRUE we have been conducting a non-scientific but trendy “READERS POLL” concerning printing a Sunday newspaper over the last 10 days?  …we are blown away with the number of votes this poll has attracted? …please take the time and cast your vote in this poll? …that our “Readers Poll” is non-scientific but trendy?
IS IT TRUE that former two (2) term Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel has finally decided what he wants to do with his life? Â …Mr. Weinzapfel after joining the local law firm Jones and Wallace only a few weeks ago has decided to apply for a job that will require a vote of the entire State of Indiana?…the apple of Weinzapfel’s eye these days is to run for the elected office of Attorney General of Indiana?…it is fair to ask just exactly what Weinzapfel has done as a practicing attorney to put in enough hours to be qualified to do the most important legal job in Indiana?
IS IT TRUE we predict that former two-term Mayor of Evansville  Jonathan Weinzapfel will be selected as the Democratic nominee for the State of Indiana AG job?  …we also predict that Mr. Weinzapfel should be ready to defend every aspect of his personal, professional and political life in the general election?  …we highly recommend that he better not forget that Indiana is a solid “RED” state?
IS IT TRUE according to an article written by John Martin of the Courier and Press that applications for the Executive Director CVB job came from local residents and from people outside the area? Â …we still highly recommend that the CVB search committee give preference to someone with local connections?
IS IT TRUE that John Martin of the Evansville Courier And Press also reported that John Chaszar, President of the CVB Board and Chairman of the search committee also announced that he will ask the Mayor, not to reappointed him n 2020 but will remain, Chairman of the search process, until it is completed? Â …that a City Of Evansville ordinance states that one member of the CVB Board of Directors must be an employee of Tropicana -Evansville?
IS IT TRUEÂ we have been told that current attorney for the Evansville City Council will retain his position by an impressive 6-3 margin? …could this be a good indication that legal skills are more important than a political party affiliation?
IS IT TRUE we been told that the newly elected At-Large City Councilperson Kaitlin Moore Morley (D) has really upset many local Democratic party loyalists for playing both sides of the City Council Attorney issue?  …we are told that the opportunity of her being considered for a higher office within the Vanderburgh County Democratic Party in the future is slim?
IS IT TRUEÂ according to the Courier and Press political writer Thomas Langhorne that Mayor Winnecke’s wife, Carol McClintock stated that she will now support Cheryl Musgrave in the upcoming Vanderburgh County Commission race? Â …this is a big boost to County Coummioners Musgrave re-elect campaign?
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
Holcomb, Crouch Announce Second Round Of Next Level Connections Broadband Grants
Governor Eric J. Holcomb and Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch announced details of the second round of the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant program, which includes a new application and challenging process.
“While we still have far too many Hoosiers without access to affordable high-speed internet, Next Level Broadband is off to a great start,†Gov. Holcomb said. “I’m excited to see more projects moving forward with the single largest investment in broadband in our state’s history as this will positively impact the quality of life, agriculture, economic development, and our families.â€
This is the second round of the $100 million broadband grant program. Broadband providers and utility cooperatives can apply for up to $5 million to expand service to unserved areas if they provide a minimum 20 percent match of the total allowable project costs. Unserved areas are without at least one broadband provider offering internet of at least 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload. Proposed projects must provide a minimum level of service at actual speeds of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload. In order to apply, applicants must first submit a letter of intent to provide the list of census blocks they intend on applying for funding. Prior to the full application due date, a challenging period will open for 30 days.
Gov. Holcomb has asked Lt., Governor Suzanne Crouch, along with the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, to oversee the program.
“Connecting Indiana and bridging the rural digital divide is a top priority for our administration,†said Lt. Governor Crouch. “With an eye to the future, we are continuing to invest in broadband to better connect Hoosiers to each other, to the nation and to the world. As far as we’ve come, we know there’s more to do to help our rural communities achieve their full potential.â€
The grant program is a component of Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level Connections initiative, a $1 billion statewide infrastructure program announced last year. The first round of funding awarded $28.41 million to 14 projects, for a total investment of $51.68 million. The total first-round funding will provide broadband infrastructure to more than 11,300 homes and commercial locations in 18 counties.
Applications and more information can be found on ocra.in.gov/nlc.htm. The deadline for letters of intent is January 6, 2020 by 3 p.m. ET.
Vanderburgh County Transportation CIPP Receives Engineering Excellence Award
Evansville, IND —The Vanderburgh County Transportation Capital Improvement Plan and Program (CIPP) that identifies the county’s future infrastructure needs are being recognized for excellence by an Indiana trade association.
The Indiana chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC Indiana) revealed that the CIPP received State Finalist recognition in the 2020 Engineering Excellence Awards in the Studies, Research and Consulting Engineering category.
The CIPP encompasses 550+ miles of publicly maintained roads in the unincorporated areas of Vanderburgh County. It is a two-part document that identifies infrastructure project needs and then evaluates the projects to assign an order in which they should be addressed over a 20-year period. The Capital Improvement Plan prioritizes 47 roads, seven Trailway and five drainage projects for implementation. The five-year Capital Improvement Program serves as a timely guide for implementing the Capital Improvement Plan. It prioritizes 11 roadway projects covering 23.6 miles and three trail projects covering 0.58 miles.
The Vanderburgh County Commissioners authorized engineering consulting firm American Structurepoint to research and develop the CIPP. Since adopting the plan in August 2018, the commissioners have used the plan’s data and prioritizations to seek state and local funding for seven projects covering approximately 30 miles now in various stages of engineering and design. The CIPP has been the commissioners’ catalyst for seeking funding avenues to move projects from the report’s pages into production, providing economic development opportunities and improved safety and quality of life for county residents.
The ACEC Indiana recognition is the second award the Vanderburgh CIPP has received. In October, the Association of Indiana Counties gave Vanderburgh County a 2019 County Achievement Award for its development and use of the Capital Improvement Plan and Program.
About American Structurepoint
American Structurepoint began a business in Indianapolis in 1966 and has since grown into a respected multidiscipline consulting firm recognized for its experienced professionals, quality work and customer service. Engineering News-Record (ENR) has consistently listed the company as a Top 500 National Design Firm. ENR Midwest in 2019 named American Structurepoint the No. 1 Indiana design firm and the No. 12 Top Design Firm. After more than 53 years of steady growth and a staff of 500 experienced professionals, American Structurepoint offers complete consulting and comprehensive design services. For more information, visit www.structurepoint.
AG Curtis Hill: Fentanyl Should Remain A Schedule I Drug
Attorney General Curtis Hill today called for Congress to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs, which are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
“We need to continue to do our part to assist law enforcement when it comes to the war on drugs,†said Attorney General Hill. “The FIGHT Fentanyl Act allows for law enforcement to do their jobs and continue to take action against those distributing this lethal drug.â€
Attorney General Hill is part of a bipartisan coalition of 56 attorneys general endorsing the measure. In a letter, the attorneys general urge Congress to pass S. 2701, the Federal Initiative to Guarantee Health by Targeting (FIGHT) Fentanyl Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Joe Manchin (D-WV).
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a temporary scheduling order in February 2018 that has allowed federal law enforcement authorities to bring criminal actions against individuals who manufacture, distribute or handle fentanyl-related substances. This scheduling order is set to expire on Feb. 6, 2020.
The FIGHT Fentanyl Act will ensure that law enforcement agencies and courts retain the tools needed to keep those who traffic in this deadly substance off the streets.
In 2017, there were 72,000 drug-related deaths in the United States. Of those deaths, roughly 40% involved fentanyl or a fentanyl-related compound.
Attorneys general from every state, territory and the District of Columbia signed the letter.
With the support of every attorney general, the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) has chosen to endorse the legislation as one of its official policy positions. NAAG typically endorses approximately a dozen policies a year.
Students Celebrate Indiana’s 203rd Birthday
By Brandon Barger
TheStatehouseFile.com
INDIANAPOLIS—The marble halls of the Statehouse filled with many voices Wednesday. It wasn’t a rally, but it certainly felt like one. It was actually the voices of many third and fourth grade students from around the state singing the classic song, “Happy Birthday.â€
The voices that echoed around the building and up into the Rotunda weren’t honoring an individual, though. Instead, they were singing: “Happy birthday, dear Indiana. Happy birthday to you.â€
The Plainfield Belles and Beaux Choir sings Back Home Again in Indiana at the Statehood Day event at the Statehouse on Dec. 11.
Photo by Brandon Barger, TheStatehouseFile.com
This birthday party was honoring Indiana’s 203rdyear as a state.
The Statehood Day event commemorates the day – Dec. 11, 1816 – when Indiana transformed from territory to the 19thstate of the union.
About 100 people attended Wednesday’s celebration. In addition to the students, attendees included Gov. Eric Holcomb, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Chief Appellate Judge Nancy Vaidik and former President Benjamin Harrison, represented by an impersonator.
The atrium where the event was held was decorated for the occasion with a large blue-and-gold Indiana state flag hung from the third-floor banister. As the program began, the Indy Metropolitan Memorial Color Guard presented the national and state flags to the assembled group and the Plainfield Belles and Beaux Choir from Plainfield High School sang the national anthem and later, Back Home Again in Indiana.
The theme of the birthday party, Today is Tomorrow’s History, was emphasized by Connor Lakin, a fourth-grade student from Van Rensselaer Elementary School who was the winner of the Statehood Day essay contest.
Gov. Eric Holcomb shakes fourth-grader Connor Lakin’s hand after Lakin’s speech at the Statehood Day event on December 11.
Photo by Brandon Barger, TheStatehouseFile.com
“History is how we grow, and Indiana is a huge part of my history,†Lakin said, noting he lives in the same home in which his father grew up.
After Lakin finished, he was awarded several prizes, including one of the state flags that has flown over the Statehouse and a proclamation honoring him from the governor.
Holcomb also talked about the theme, asking the children what they wanted to do in the future. Their stories, he noted, will become part of the history of Indiana in the years to come.
FOOTNOTE: Brandon Barger is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalists.
UE Now Guarantees $24,000 Scholarship For Students Who Complete The EVSC Medical Professions Academy
The University of Evansville and the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation’s Medical Professions Academy (MPA) have enhanced their partnership to provide scholarships to MPA students, as well as integrate UE faculty and resources into the MPA program. The partnership also will also help increase the pool of qualified medical professionals in the area.
Through the partnership, students who successfully complete the MPA program and who are admitted to UE will be offered a minimum of $24,000 in annual scholarships with the possibility of more depending on academic credentials. In addition, UE will provide faculty and resources that will help enhance the learning opportunities students receive through the program.
“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the University of Evansville with this increased scholarship,” said Dr. Andrew Freeman, MPA and Central High School principal. “This is such an exciting opportunity for us and our students, who will greatly benefit by not only gaining valuable knowledge, skills, and experiences, but also through securing a way to help pay for their post-secondary education. With this partnership, we have the opportunity to make MPA an even better program, and provide more options for our graduates.”
The EVSC created the Medical Professions Academy, housed at Central High School, for high school students interested in pursuing careers in science, health care, and medicine. An integrated science, English, and technology curriculum, paired with hands-on learning and relevant internships and shadowing experiences, prepares students for post-secondary science, medical, and health profession majors. They take courses at both their home high school and also at Central where the MPA courses are offered. Students complete AP courses in the sciences, English language, and psychology and also participate in experiential opportunities at St. Vincent and Deaconess. There are currently 254 students in the 4-year program.
“Students who have completed the EVSC’s MPA program are a step ahead,” said Kenton Hargis, director of admission at UE. “We are excited to partner with such outstanding students and start them on the journey down one of our many health profession career paths.”
Health profession programs at UE include athletic training, clinical laboratory science, exercise science, health service administration, music therapy, neuroscience, nursing, physical therapy, physician assistant, and public health. Additionally, UE offers a baccalaureate to doctor of medicine program for Indiana residents and beginning in 2021 will offer the Nurse Anesthesia Program (pending accreditation approval).
Direct entry programs are also available for high school seniors in the athletic training, nursing, physical therapy, and physician assistant programs. Pre-professional programs at UE include science, pre-dentistry, pre-medicine, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy, pre-physician assistant science, pre-optometry, and pre-veterinary studies.
“Many of our undergraduate programs can be used as a pre-professional foundation to apply to University of Evansville graduate health programs or those offered elsewhere,” said Mary Kessler, UE’s dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences. “In fact, many students who graduate with an undergraduate degree from UE go on to professional health programs and are now working as physical therapists, physician assistants, physicians, optometrists, podiatrists, athletic trainers, or physical therapist assistants.”
Meet Evansville’s Own “Shoe Shine Man” William (Bill) H. Burris
Yesterday, the City-County Observer publisher, while walking into the ETFCU Plaza, was warmly greeted by Evansville’s own “Shoe Shine Man” William (Bill) H. Burris. Our publisher was pleasantly taken aback by Mr. Burris’s warm and sincere greeting.
William (Bill) H. Burris was born on January 14, 1945, in Henderson, KY.  Bill has been one diligent, honorable, and outstanding member of our local Tri-State community and country for many decades.
As a proud father to five children, three girls and two boys, and one joyous grandfather to six precious grandchildren, Bill spends most of his free time fulfilling his passion, shining shoes.
We asked Bill how long he’s been shining shoes.  He responded, “I started out as a kid in the local Barber Shop, and my passion for it progressed over the last 25 years.â€
Not only is Bill one proficient polisher in the region but he is also a highly decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corp.  In 1963, Bill enlisted in the Navy and spent three years stationed in Norfolk, VA. He spent another six years in service to the USA as a TDY Gunnery Sergeant in Seattle, WA.
When asked what it was like to be in his military position at that time, Bill proudly stated, “I was the Man with the Big Guns and could handle them all.† Not only has Bill devoted years of his life to the service of our great nation, but he has continued to make a phenomenal impact in our community with his congenial presence at the ETFCU Plaza.
The City-County Observer highly recommends that you stop by to take advantage of “Bill’s SHOE SHINE  SERVICES” so you can protect your shoes and boots from rainy and snowy weather conditions.  Costs for shining shoes is a mere $3 and $5 for boots.  Tips would most be appreciated.  The ‘Shoe Shine Man” has an array of polishing creams available and polishes men’s and women’s shoes alike.  You will also be supporting a well-deserving local Veteran.
Oh, Bill also sends his “Love and Blessings” to all this Holiday Season and New Year to come.
FOOTNOTE: Background information concerning “The Shoeshine Man” William (Bill) H. Burris was provided to the CCO by Ashley Hulsey.