Home Blog Page 3

U.S. News & World Report Names 4 Ascension St. Vincent Locations Among Best Hospitals for 2025-2026

0

U.S. News & World Report Names 4 Ascension St. Vincent Locations Among Best Hospitals for 2025-2026

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (JULY 29) − Four Ascension St. Vincent locations have been named a 2025-2026 Best Hospital by U.S. News & World Report. This year, U.S. News announced 160 Best Hospitals across 49 states and 95 metro areas that have demonstrated superior outcomes in at least one specific specialty.

The following Ascension St. Vincent locations received this recognition:

  • Ascension St. Vincent Hospital (Indianapolis, IN)
  • Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center (Indianapolis, IN)
  • Ascension St. Vincent Evansville (Evansville, IN)
  • Ascension St. Vincent Carmel (Carmel, IN)

“What sets Ascension St. Vincent hospitals apart is our unwavering commitment to our Mission and the relentless dedication of our physicians and caregivers to provide compassionate, high-quality care to every patient we serve,” said Stephan Masconcup, JD, Chief Strategy Officer for Ascension St. Vincent. “We are extremely proud of our associates and honored to be recognized among the nation’s ‘Best Hospitals,’ a reflection of the healing ministry we live out each day.”

U.S. News evaluated more than 4,400 hospitals across 15 adult specialties and 22 procedures and conditions; only 13% of evaluated hospitals earned a Best Hospitals designation. 

To determine the Best Hospitals, U.S. News analyzed each hospital’s performance based on objective measures such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and level of nursing care. The Best Hospitals Specialty rankings methodology and Procedures & Conditions ratings methodology measure patient outcomes using data from over 800 million records of patient care. 

Ascension St. Vincent Celebrates Blessing, Ribbon Cutting of Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital

0

INDIANAPOLIS – Ascension St. Vincent celebrated the blessing and ribbon cutting of Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital, a new facility that underscores Ascension St. Vincent’s role as a regional leader in advanced brain and spine care. The event marked a significant milestone in the ongoing, multi-year transformation of Ascension St. Vincent’s 86th Street Campus.

The new hospital will serve as a regional hub for advanced brain and spine care across Indiana. The facility includes 38 specialized ICU rooms, eight operating suites and two advanced interventional neuroradiology labs offering advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive treatments for stroke, brain aneurysm and other neurovascular conditions.

The Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent combines leading-edge technology with thoughtful, patient-centered design. Each patient room is state-of-the-art and ICU-capable. The surgical suites are equipped to support advanced neurological procedures with 360° imaging, real-time contrast tracking and streamlined navigation that reduces operating time. Space-saving instrument tables, universal power access and integrated lighting optimize efficiency, while built-in streaming technology supports education through Ascension St. Vincent’s Neurological Surgery Residency Program.

“This is more than just a new hospital, it’s a transformative investment in our patients and our community,” said Stephan Masoncup, JD, Chief Strategy Officer for Ascension St. Vincent. “This facility will enable us to deliver the most advanced care for brain and spine conditions, ensuring that children and adults in Indiana and beyond have access to world-class treatment close to home.”

Named in honor of the Lucas family, the hospital reflects their transformative generosity and long-standing commitment to advancing care at Ascension St. Vincent and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. Katie Lucas, president of Lucas Oil and board chair of the Ascension St. Vincent Foundation, and Morgan Lucas, chief executive officer of Lucas Oil, offered remarks during the ceremony.

“Our family is deeply grateful for the extraordinary care we have received through Ascension St. Vincent, and it is an honor to support this exceptional organization and everything it represents,” said Katie Lucas. “This hospital will make a difference in countless lives, and we are proud to be part of something so impactful for our community and those traveling to receive this world-class care.”

In addition to its clinical excellence, the facility integrates subtle but powerful design principles intended to support whole-person healing. Drawing inspiration from nature, the environment promotes calm, clarity and emotional well-being through thoughtful use of space, light and visual landmarks—an important consideration for patients whose neurological conditions may affect memory, perception or emotion.

The Lucas Family Brain and Spine Hospital marks a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of the Ascension St. Vincent 86th Street Campus. This major investment also includes the recent opening of the Ascension St. Vincent Women and Infants Hospital, which began serving patients in January 2025.

ECHO Housing & Community Development Announces Inaugural Patriot Gala Honoring

0

Veterans & First Responders

Evansville, IN – ECHO Housing & Community Development is proud to announce its inaugural Patriot Gala, presented by Business Communications Solutions (BCS), on Saturday, November 1, 2025. This unforgettable evening will celebrate our community’s Veterans and First Responders while raising vital funds to support ECHO’s programs and services.

This year’s Casablanca-themed formal event will transport guests to the glamour of the 1940s with vintage-inspired décor, live entertainment, and heartfelt moments of tribute. Held at the CK Newsome Center, the Patriot Gala will feature casino style games, dinner, an awards ceremony, raffle, dancing, and more. Community members, businesses, and organizations are invited to join us in honoring our local heroes.

As a leading advocate for Veterans in the region, ECHO provides critical services to those experiencing homelessness, substance use or mental health challenges. ECHO maintains the area’s Veteran By Name List to drive efforts to end Veteran homelessness, facilitates the River City Veteran

Resource Group, helps coordinate the Annual Veterans Stand Down, and strengthens partnerships to ensure Veterans can successfully reintegrate into the community. ECHO’s 11-county service area also relies on the collaboration and courage of local first responders.

Recognizing that many Veterans continue their public service as law enforcement officers, firefighters, medical personnel, dispatchers, and other community protectors, the Patriot Gala will pay tribute to these remarkable individuals who serve both our country and our neighborhoods. “At ECHO, we work tirelessly to support and advocate for Veterans and the most vulnerable in our community. The Patriot Gala is a night to honor those who have served—and those whocontinue to serve—whether in uniform or through their unwavering commitment to housing,

healing, and hope. It’s a celebration of service, sacrifice, and the partnerships that make our

mission possible.”

Savannah Whicker, CEO, ECHO Housing & Community Development

The event is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors, including House Sponsors, Veterans

Overwatch and Fifth Third Bank, whose commitment to supporting Veterans and first responders

aligns with ECHO’s mission.The Patriot Gala is open to all who wish to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s and

community’s heroes.

There are multiple ways to participate in the Patriot Gala:

Purchase a table of 6 or individual tickets to attend this unforgettable event.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for businesses and organizations that want to

showcase their community support.

Donate items and/or experiences to help create a dynamic and meaningful guest experience.

Examples of needed items can be found on event website linked below.

Nominate a Hero – Help us honor those who have served or protected our community by

submitting a nomination for our Awards Ceremony. Award nominations are due by September

1, 2025. Nomination form can be found on event website linked below.

For details, ticket sales, sponsorship information, the nomination form or a way to donate to the raffle,

visit:

1st Annual Patriot Gala

Let’s come together to honor the past, celebrate the present, and invest in a stronger, more

compassionate future

Alexis Tucker joins UE softball

0

Tucker comes to UE from Wabash Valley College

 EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville head softball coach Bailey Dillender has announced the addition of Alexis Tucker to the Purple Aces softball program.  The pitcher/first baseman is a native of Fort Branch, Ind.

Alexis Tucker – Pitcher/1B – Fort Branch, Ind.

Local native Alexis Tucker makes the move to Evansville following two seasons at Wabash Valley College in Mount Carmel, Ill. She made her mark both offensively and in the circle and completes her time at WVC ranking in the top ten in multiple categories including career wins, single season wins, career strikeouts, career home runs, single season strikeouts, single season home runs, career innings pitched, and single season innings pitched.

As a sophomore in 2025, Tucker went 27-6 with 234 strikeouts in 192 1/3 innings of work. She threw 23 complete games while posting a 2.29 ERA. Tucker put forth a stellar offensive performance batting .412 with 14 home runs and 51 RBI.  During her freshman campaign in 2024, Tucker won 17 games and struck out 175 batters while registering a 2.32 ERA.

The graduate of Gibson Southern had a strong senior campaign as she notched an ERA of 0.90, which was sixth in Indiana.  She won 15 games, fanned 156 batters, and batted .394.

Coach Dillender on Tucker – “Alexis had a breakout season at Wabash Valley, impacting their success in the circle and at the plate. I think her ceiling is still untouched and am hopeful she can help us make some immediate progress for the Aces.”

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

0
EPD

 

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.

A New Chapter for the City-County Observer?

0

A New Chapter for the City-County Observer?

As we prepare to close this chapter of the City-County Observer, many have asked: Is there a future for the publication beyond Ron and Marilyn Cosby?

The answer is—perhaps. While Ron’s health and shifting priorities have made it necessary for us to step back, we recognize that the legacy of the CCO still holds incredible value to this community. With an established online platform, a loyal following, and a monthly reach of over 180,000 unique IP addresses, the infrastructure remains strong. The audience is engaged. The brand is respected. And the mission is still relevant.

There is no debt associated with the publication. What we’re seeking is someone—or a team—who shares our passion for transparency, accountability, and fearless local journalism. Someone who understands the power of independent voices in an era of consolidation and complacency. Someone who will continue to speak truth to power and advocate for smart public policy.

If you’re a journalist, a media entrepreneur, or a civic-minded leader looking for a platform with history, impact, and community trust, we invite you to reach out and begin a conversation.

In parallel, there are plans underway to compile the best of the CCO—including many never-published exposés and behind-the-scenes stories—into a book that captures the spirit and fire of what this publication has stood for. Those archives will need to be preserved and accessed thoughtfully to honor the work that’s been done and to inform future generations.

So while we are winding down operations for now, the City-County Observer may yet have another life—whether in new hands or on the printed page.

Interested parties can reach out directly to begin a confidential dialogue about acquisition and transition.

Let the next great chapter begin.

A New Chapter for the City-County Observer?

0

A New Chapter for the City-County Observer?

As we prepare to close this chapter of the City-County Observer, many have asked: Is there a future for the publication beyond Ron and Marilyn Cosby?

The answer is—perhaps. While Ron’s health and shifting priorities have made it necessary for us to step back, we recognize that the legacy of the CCO still holds incredible value to this community. With an established online platform, a loyal following, and a monthly reach of over 180,000 unique IP addresses, the infrastructure remains strong. The audience is engaged. The brand is respected. And the mission is still relevant.

There is no debt associated with the publication. What we’re seeking is someone—or a team—who shares our passion for transparency, accountability, and fearless local journalism. Someone who understands the power of independent voices in an era of consolidation and complacency. Someone who will continue to speak truth to power and advocate for smart public policy.

If you’re a journalist, a media entrepreneur, or a civic-minded leader looking for a platform with history, impact, and community trust, we invite you to reach out and begin a conversation.

In parallel, there are plans underway to compile the best of the CCO—including many never-published exposés and behind-the-scenes stories—into a book that captures the spirit and fire of what this publication has stood for. Those archives will need to be preserved and accessed thoughtfully to honor the work that’s been done and to inform future generations.

So while we are winding down operations for now, the City-County Observer may yet have another life—whether in new hands or on the printed page.

Interested parties can reach out directly to begin a confidential dialogue about acquisition and transition.

Let the next great chapter begin.

JULY 2025 BIRTHDAYS

0

JULY 2025 BIRTHDAYS

KATHY WATSON

RONALD COBY

JOE JACK WALLACE

PAUL  GREEN

JUDE McCORD

JOHN LUTZ

KATHY WATSON 

CASSANDRA WATERS

BOB WALTERS 

MARK MILLER

TINA DENSEY

DOUG CLAYBORN

BOB FITZIMMONS

KELLY DOCKERY

HADLIE DRAKE-SCHRIBER

KATHY WILSON

FRANK  ENDRES

DAVID HHERRENBRUCK

J FRED WHITMAN

 

BOB P