For over two decades, the City-County Observer has been a recognizable and trusted name in local digital journalism. Built during a time when community-focused reporting mattered most, the Observer established itself as a platform for government transparency, civic dialogue, and independent reporting. Today, it presents a rare opportunity: the chance to acquire a legacy online newspaper with an established brand, existing readership, and significant growth potential.

A Recognized Name with Community Credibility

The City-County Observer is not a startup—it is a known entity. The name carries weight in the community, particularly among readers who value local government coverage, public accountability, and independent commentary. In an era when local journalism is disappearing, this publication represents something increasingly rare: brand recognition tied to civic trust.

For the right buyer, the City-County Observer is more than a website—it is a foundation. One that can be revitalized, expanded, and positioned for long-term success in the future of local media.

If interested, please contact citycountyobserver@live.com,  or 8127748012

Evansville, IN — [1/22/2026] — As a significant winter storm is expected to impact the region this weekend, the Evansville Rescue Mission (ERM) is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable friends and neighbors. ERM will activate its White Flag status that will operate as a warming center; providing a safe, warm place for individuals seeking shelter from extreme cold conditions. The ERM’s atrium will be open, and ERM will continue to offer three meals each day throughout the duration of the storm. Overnight shelter at this facility will remain available for men only.

“No one should have to face dangerous winter weather alone, ” said Tracy Gorman |President/CEO. “Our goal during times like this is simple: remove as many barriers as possible and make sure people know they have a warm, welcoming place to go.”

Anyone who is hungry, cold, or in need of a safe place to stay warm is encouraged to come to the Evansville Rescue Mission. These measures are being taken to ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity have access to essential resources during extreme weather.

Those who wish to support these efforts can make a secure online donation on our website or mail a check to the Evansville Rescue Mission at 1400 Professional Blvd. Community support plays a vital role in helping ERM meet increased needs during severe weather events.

The Evansville Rescue Mission urges community members to check on neighbors, especially those who may be elderly or vulnerable, and to  share this information with anyone who may need it.

For more information about ERM’s services or how to help, please visit evansvillerescuemission.org or contact [812] 421 – 3800.

New voluntary program gives residential electric customers tools to save by shifting energy use to lower-cost hours 

 500 customers to be selected for two-year pilot 

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Jan. 22, 2026 – CenterPoint Energy today announced the launch of TimeWise, a new voluntary pilot program that offers residential electric customers in southwestern Indiana a pricing option designed to help them save money by using energy during lower-cost hours. The program, approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission as the Critical Peak Pilot, will begin enrolling customers starting this month as part of CenterPoint’s ongoing effort to provide customers with additional tools and programs to help manage their energy costs. 

“We know affordability is top of mind for our customers, and TimeWise is another new tool that provides participating households with a new way to manage their energy costs by making informed decisions about when they use electricity,” said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana. “This pilot reflects the feedback we’ve heard from customers and stakeholders. We look forward to identifying how programs like this can further support affordability and reliability across southwestern Indiana and hope to expand the option to all residential customers should the pilot prove to be successful.” 

How TimeWise works 

With TimeWise, energy costs decrease when demand is lower. During the summer months of June through September, participants will pay lower rates during off peak hours:  

·         Weekday mornings before 1 p.m. 

·         Weekday evenings after 7 p.m. 

·         Any time on weekends 

Rates are higher on summer weekday afternoons between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. when demand for electricity is greatest. By shifting daily household activities, such as washing dishes or clothes, to lower cost time periods, customers will have the opportunity to save money while actively supporting grid reliability.  

TimeWise participants will also be called to reduce usage throughout the year during times of critical need. TimeWise participants will receive advance notice through their preferred method of communication before a “critical peak” event. At least one day before a critical peak event, customers will receive an email, text alert or both so they can plan ahead. Rates are significantly higher during these separate four-hour events, giving customers an added reason to shift their usage any time throughout the year to free capacity on the grid for reliability.  

Pilot program details 

Up to 500 residential electric customers will be randomly selected from those who apply for the TimeWise pilot. Key details include: 

·         $75 account credit: Participants will receive a one-time credit after participating in at least one critical peak event, with the potential to save more by shifting energy use to lower-cost hours. 

·         Program launch: TimeWise officially launches in spring 2026. 

·         Duration: The pilot is expected to run for up to two years, during which CenterPoint will evaluate customer experiences to inform potential future offerings. 

TimeWise builds on CenterPoint’s Community Affordability Actions, a series of initiatives announced in late 2025 focused on supporting customers by keeping base rates at or below the rate of inflation through 2027 and providing tools and resources to manage energy costs. 

For more information about TimeWise, including eligibility requirements, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/TimeWise. 

January is National Radon Action Month, and the Vanderburgh County Health Department is partnering with Popham Construction to help keep our community informed and safe.

Radon is an invisible, odorless and radioactive gas that can build up in homes and businesses.  This gas is naturally occurring and can enter buildings from the soil around a home or business.  Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and the EPA estimates radon causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year. The best and only way to know if a home or business has high levels of radon is to test.

The Health Department is sponsoring four events to allow Vanderburgh County and Evansville residents an opportunity to receive a free radon test kit to use in their homes or businesses.  Dates, times and locations are listed below.  Any Vanderburgh County resident is eligible to receive a FREE radon testing kit.  Additional information and instructions will be provided during these events.

What’s included with each free kit:

• Radon test kit
• Free USPS return shipping to the laboratory
• Free laboratory analysis

NOTICE OF EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Loan Administration Board of the City of Evansville will meet in Executive

Session pursuant to IC 5-14-1.5-6.1 (b)(7) at 9:15 A.M on Friday, January 23,

2026, in Room 301 of the Civic Center Complex, 1 NW Martin Luther King Jr.

Blvd., Evansville, Indiana.

The purpose of the Executive Session will be to consider confidential financial

information. Upon the conclusion of the Executive Session, a public meeting will

be convened to take formal action on a loan request.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

The Loan Administration Board of the City of Evansville will meet following the

above noted Executive Session at approximately 9:30 A.M. on Friday, January 23,