“IS IT TRUE” JANUARY 9, 2020
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 a group calling itself “FOR EVANSVILLE†is in the process of putting together a publication on the State of Evansville that is called “THE STATE OF Eâ€?…the report is expected to be a fair and honest look at the state of things in the City of Evansville and will be a snapshot of how life is for the citizens of Evansville at the end of a given year?  …we must confess that the information we read so far has motivated us to post some additional facts and information that might be helpful to the “THE STATE OF E” report created by the “FOR EVANSVILLE” group?
IS IT TRUE that Evansville was just profiled in a summary of FBI statistics in the State of Indiana for being the 4th most dangerous city in the state?…many members of the CCO readership have expressed surprise but that just tells us that they have not been paying attention?…the rise of the rates of violent crime in Evansville has been the subject of dozens of columns in the CCO starting with drive-by shootings and a parking lot shoot out in downtown Evansville roughly 10 years ago and continuing through 2017 when Evansville had enough murders to compete with hell holes like St. Louis, Detroit, and Baltimore for the dubious honor of the murder capital of America?…the specific words used in the article were, “with a crime rate of 57 per one hundred thousand residents, Evansville has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to communities of all sizesâ€?…the only cities in Indiana identified as more dangerous than Evansville were Indianapolis, South Bend, and Michigan City
IS IT TRUE we wonder how Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend will explain the distinction of South Bend being the 2nd most dangerous in Indiana after he had been in charge for 8 years?…we highly doubt that being the mayor of a small violent town with crime statistics that mirror giant lawless communities qualifies anyone to claim to have the qualifications to be the President of the United States?…we expect the crescendo regarding the shortcomings and legacy of crime and poverty in South Bend will be ratcheted up in the next Democrat debate and that Mayor Pete will really have no adequate response to explain any of this away?
IS IT TRUE everyday members of our local law enforcement work many scenes of shootings several times every week? …they also chase and apprehend suspects fleeing the scene of the shootings? …we are proud of our man and women in blue for help keeping our community safe from bad people? …our law enforcement has an extremely stressful and dangerous job?  …the next time you see our first responders please give them a “thumbs up” for doing a great job in protecting us?
LETTER TO EDITOR: COUNTY COMMISSIONER JEFF HATFIELD TO PURSUE CHANGES IN COUNTY POLICYS
COUNTY COMMISSIONER JEFF HATFIELD TO PURSUE CHANGES IN COUNTY POLICY
Dear Editor,
I am very excited about two issues I intend to pursue in 2020.
I intend to put up for a vote this year a new “Sexual and General Harassment “ Policy for Vanderburgh County Government employees. This is long overdue. Our current policy is not up to date. We intend to research some of the strongest languages from other entities across the country and incorporate these in our Policies. Workers have the right to a safe and harassment-free work environment and our policy should be clear-cut and straightforward. I intend to protect our workforce!
The second change I intend to pursue is allowing ATV’s onto some of our most rural roads.
Currently, this is not allowed. Of course, we will continue to prohibit this on all major thoroughfares, but there are currently roads that get very little traffic that is used by farmers and recreationists that it is currently not legal for them to drive on. I intend to make this legal.
Other than these two, it will always be my goal to re-pave more of our roads each year, to make our roads the best in Indiana!
Sincerely,
Jeff Hatfield
Vanderburgh County Commissioner
Commissioner Musgrave Announces She’s Running For Re-Election as County Commissioner
Commissioner Musgrave Announces She’s Running For Re-Election as County Commissioner
Yesterday Vanderburgh County Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave formally announced that she is running for re-election in front of an impressive gathering of family and friends at the Civic Center.
Commissioner Musgrave stated that “It’s an exciting time to live and work in Vanderburgh County. You can see the growth in our community while we preserve the nature of our rural areas. I have worked hard to improve our community for us, our children, and our grandchildren”.
But there is more to do, and I am ready, willing, and able to work for you to complete what we have begun. Today, I announced I am running for re-election as County Commissioner in 2020.Â
Over the past four years, I have delivered for you on key issues:
- Tremendous progress on roads. I worked hard to initiate more than $80 million in paving and road reconstruction. We are well on our way to improving our roads—complete with trails and sidewalks—while at the same time paving and patching more than ever in our history. You can see the progress for yourself! The Commission’s progress was recognized by the Association of Indiana Counties with the 2019 County Achievement Award.
- Jobs and Economic Development:Â I initiated 6 job fairs so far, matching local employers to folks looking for a job. This is more than any previous Commission has ever done! I supported new construction and helped create new jobs at the Vanderburgh Industrial Park, a real win for the whole community.
- Slashing Bureaucratic Regulations:  As Commissioner, I’ve approached the job of cutting back over-reaching, growth-killing ordinances and regulations like never before. My work got this effort off the ground and onto the floor of the Commission. Major reductions in bureaucratic red tape have been achieved, helping to solve the affordable housing issue here in our community.
- Bringing Connectivity to Whole County. Access to the Internet is critical to our community’s success, whether you live Downtown, in a subdivision, or on a farm. I am serious about attracting broadband investment to allow everyone to compete in today’s economy, attend school electronically, or participate in telemedicine. Our focus on broadband earned “Broadband Ready†state designation. I initiated a three-county team that is currently hard at work to qualify for grants to help bring Broadband to all residents.
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Vanderburgh County Commissioner for the past three years.
Your support has always been vital, and I ask for your continued support for a second term. You can donate or volunteer, but most of all: I ask for your vote.
ATHENA AWARD® NOMINATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED THROUGH JANUARY 30
 ATHENA AWARD® NOMINATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED THROUGH JANUARY 30
 EVANSVILLE, IN – Mark your calendar for this year’s ATHENA Awards Luncheon – February 28, 2020, at the Old National Events Plaza.
The Southwest Indiana Chamber and ANEW (A Network of Evansville Women) are accepting nominations to honor women from the Greater
Evansville region who have made outstanding contributions to our community. Finalists of the ATHENA Award demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession. They are visionaries who have shaped the community we know today and who are taking charge to ensure a bright future for the region.
The luncheon will be held from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm and will showcase inspirational stories and extraordinary achievements by formally recognizing and celebrating the outstanding contributions of women in our region. These awards honor exceptional women of all ages, of diverse cultures and roles, celebrating the power of individuals to spark change and improve their community and beyond.
 New this year!
The Athena Awards will recognize women in these disciplines:
- Executive of the Year
- Rising Star of the Year
- Entrepreneur of the Year
- Educator of the Year
- Healthcare Professional of the Year
- Non-Profit Professional of the Year
New this year!
We are especially honored to welcome Keynote
Speaker Dr. Sue Ellspermann. Dr. Ellspermann is the President of Ivy Tech Community College, a former
Lieutenant Governor, and a long-time friend of
Southwest Indiana. She will offer remarks and
congratulations to the ATHENA Honorees.
If you know an outstanding woman whose life of leadership and dedication has led to success. Please honor her by offering a
nomination before January 30. The form is online at:
https://members.swinchamber.com/events/details/athena-award-luncheon-4571
For more information about the ATHENA Award Luncheon, to purchase seats, or to inquire about
sponsorship opportunities, email Karen Robinson, events manager, krobinson@swinchamber.com or call 812-425-8147.
Dottie Thomas Announces For Vanderburgh County Treasurer
Yesterday Dottie Thomas announced that she is running for Vanderburgh County Treasurer position in the upcoming 2020 election.
Her public service career started in 1998 with the State of Indiana as an employee of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. She then accepted a position with the Vanderburgh County Clerk’s Office where I held positions of Court Clerk, Bailiff, and Supervisor of Bookkeeping.
In 2012 Susan Kirk asked her to serve as her Chief Deputy Treasurer and with great pride, she accepted this position, Â She has worked alongside Susie for the past 7 years.Â
During those 7 years, Susie Kirk and Dottie have saved the taxpayers money by substantially lowering the office operating cost, the number of parcels on tax sale have decreased, E-billing was implemented, tax sale courtesy letters were sent to taxpayers, and the office stayed consistent with a 94% collection rating by deadline period.Â
Dottie is currently serving as the Vice-Chairman for the Republican Party Central Committee since 2017 and also serves on the Evansville Land Bank Board.
She was born and raised most of her life in Evansville. She and her husband Jeff, of 27 years and I have one daughter and two beautiful granddaughters. Dottie is also a Mom to an active Boxer pup named Rusty.
Dottie says she has the passion to help make Evansville/Vanderburgh County be the best it can be. Â It is with that passion and desire that I ask for your vote as your County Treasurer.
NATALIE DUESLER JOINS OLD NATIONAL EVENTS PLAZA AS EVENT MANAGER
Duesler, a recent graduate of Indiana University, brings extensive event coordination and customer service experience to the venue team.
Old National Events Plaza has hired Natalie Duesler as its newest Event Manager.
Originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, Duesler completed her study at Indiana University in December 2019 with a major in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management. While matriculating, Duesler was active in the Event Planners Association, participated in Service Learning, was a member of the Redstepper Dance Team. She has held event management positions and completed internships with a variety of organizations, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Ritz Charles, Fifth Third Bank and Outboard Boating Club of Evansville.
“Natalie will be a tremendous asset to our team. Her previous experience and passion for the events industry make her a perfect fit for Old National Events Plaza. An event manager is key to our success, and we are confident she will work to exceed our clients’ expectations,†said Alexis Berggren, General Manager of Old National Events Plaza.
In her new role, Duesler will serve as a primary contact for venue customers in event planning, logistics coordination and on-site execution.
Meet Your Legislators On January11, 2020
Meet your legislators as they make themselves available to answer questions from the public during the Indiana Legislative Session.
EVPL Central • Browning Rooms • 9:00 – 11:00 am
January 11, 2020: https://bit.ly/2N1nUui
February 8, 2020: https://bit.ly/2T12ukJ
March 14, 2020: https://bit.ly/2QUwKLG
This event is made possible thanks to the support of Evansville Teachers Association, League of Women Voters of Southwestern Indiana, Plumbers & Steamfitters, Local 136, Teamsters Local 215, United Neighborhoods of Evansville, and Valley Watch.