Hope is Alive Today! By Jerome Stewart

Psalm 147 vs. 11 says; “The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy.” Because of the mercy of God Jesus came into world so that mankind would experience the powerful meaning of His mercy and grace. Believe it to the fullest extent possible that there is always hope in Jesus Christ. 

However; there must be a full understanding of the meaning of what the apostle Paul said to the brethren in Romans 8 vss. 24 and 25 which says; “For we were saved by hope, but hope seen is not hope for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.”

Titus chapter 2 vss. 11 and 12 says; “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. Vss. 13 and 14 specifically tells us why. The bible says; “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” 

For those handling the word of God vs. 15 says; “Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.” The word of God is meant to convict and not appease the hearing of those engaged in sinful behavior.

The apostle Paul told his mentee Timothy in 2^nd. Timothy 4 vs. 2; “preach the word! Be instant in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching.”

Strongly consider the words about and of Jesus in Luke chapter 4 vss. 16 thru 19 which says; “So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: 

“The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me, To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; *To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” 

When there is a willingness to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ we will experience the meaning of a hope that can only be found in Him. It is an eternal hope. Write it down! The world cannot give us the hope found in knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior, a hope that is able to navigate us through the difficulties of this life. Which begs the question. Do you know Jesus? If not you need to. He died for you!

It is with a heavy heart that we share this message with everyone who has followed the City-County Observer for more than two decades. As of February 1, 2026, there will be no further publications of the City-County Observer.

With Ron’s passing, continuing his legacy has been incredibly difficult. This paper was truly his passion, and it meant a great deal to him to keep the community informed.

We are deeply grateful to all who supported and read the paper over the years, especially those who enjoyed “Is It True?” and the many articles that sparked conversation and kept readers engaged.

As we close this chapter, we do so with a salute to Ron and the work he dedicated so much of his life to.

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 23, 2026) – State Rep. Wendy McNamara’s (R-Evansville) bill to bolster punishments for those who make or distribute child sexual abuse material (CSAM) passed out of the House.

McNamara said the bill would create a new crime for distribution of CSAM, separating and raising the penalties and sentencing enhancements for possession of CSAM, distribution of CSAM, and child exploitation.

“We want to ensure our courts have strong tools to hold criminals accountable for crimes committed against Hoosier children,” McNamara said. “By clarifying and strengthening parts of our laws, this bill better protects victims and sends a message that these crimes will not be tolerated in Indiana.”

McNamara said the bill would also create certain restrictions on CSAM in discovery to also apply in civil proceedings. She said this change would help protect victims by ensuring these images are only shown to relevant parties in a legal proceeding.

To learn more about House Bill 1303 and follow the legislative session, visit iga.in.gov.

Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry and the Vanderburgh County Commissioners have declared a State of Emergency for the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County, effective through Sunday, February 1, or until otherwise rescinded, pursuant to Indiana Code 10-14-3-29.

In addition, the Civic Center, County Courts Building, and Old Vanderburgh Courthouse will be closed on Monday, January 26.

Further updates will be provided as they become available.

January 25, 2026

To protect the public safety and welfare during this winter storm, Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry and the Vanderburgh County Commissioners have declared Evansville and Vanderburgh County in a State of Emergency through Sunday, February 1, or until otherwise rescinded, pursuant to Indiana Code 10-14-3-29.

The Civic Center complex also will be closed on Monday, January 26.The State of Emergency is a response to the winter storm currently affecting Evansville and Vanderburgh County, and follows Governor Mike Braun’s declaration of a State of Emergency for the State of Indiana.

The effect of this declaration is to:

1. Activate the response and recovery aspects of all applicable city and county disaster emergency plans.

2. Authorize the furnishing of aid and assistance under the plans.

A full draft of the State of Emergency is attached to this news release.

City of Evansville-Vanderburgh County Commissioners Emergency Proclamation 01.25.2026