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“IS IT TRUE” JANUARY 8, 2020

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We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUE” 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 Ellen Horan has just resigned as the Executive Director of GAGE to take a job in Texas?  …we wouldn’t be surprised if this “E For Everyone” group will pay big bucks to hire an out town agency to find an out-of-towner to replace Ms. Horan?

IS IT TRUE that yesterday’s political endorsement by Democrat Vanderburgh County Commissioner Jeff Hatfield of Republican County Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave has shocked the “donkey nation”? …they say that that timing is everything?  …today at high noon at the Civic Center Commissioner Musgrave will officially announce her intention to seek re-election?

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 E”?…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?

IS IT TRUE the first full report is expected to be coming out soon for the year 2019?…in the meantime, there is a 4-page brief that shows some of the realities of living in Evansville?…the CCO has reviewed this brief and is encouraged by the candid nature of the things exposed as opportunities to make things better in Evansville?…this brief does not sugar coat anything shows verifiable statistics that are seldom seen anywhere but in the City-County Observer?

IS IT TRUE an honest feedback publication that is designed to get people’s attention with truth is a welcome addition to what can sometimes seem like a downtown is perfect and so is everything else echo chamber?…we see this as a publication that may have some positive impact if the chicken fat dancers can admit to some of the non-flattering facts and start fixing things instead of denying them?

IS IT TRUE the above-mentioned brief flatly calls out the performance of our 3rd graders since a full 21% of them failed the pass an age-appropriate reading test?…they also point out that this 21% is 4 times less likely than other children to graduate from high school?…it is also pointed out that cases of children being neglected have risen by 43% since 2008 and that is a damning statistic on the parenting skills of the adults who created that statistic?

IS IT TRUE it is also pointed out that Evansville has a 20% higher rate for death from drug overdoses than the State of Indiana and that 40% of the families in Evansville are living paycheck to paycheck?…that number sounds disastrous but this is a place where Evansville is doing better than the nation as it has been published that less than half of the people of the nation have $500 in savings for emergencies?…that is a statistic that is predominantly influenced by personal decisions as opposed to the economy which is at a better place than it has been for over 50 years?

IS IT TRUE that the brief does not address crime statistics that have defied the national trends of reducing crime and have increased over the last 10 years?…there was a bright spot on murder in 2019 with a documented murder rate of “only” 10 per 100,000?…a couple of years ago that was 20 but even at 10 Evansville ranks as a very violent city on par with places like Miami and Houston but well higher than Los Angeles and New York City?

IS IT TRUE we are intrigued to see what the full report will choose to include in the State of E Report and how different this report will be compared to past State of the City reports given by mayors at the Rotary Club?…we are pleased to be joined in pointing out areas for improvement that leads to better public policy?

IS IT TRUE it’s been alleged that an individual with some local political connections are quietly buying up dilapidated and distressed properties in the North Main Street area?  ….we wonder if they know something more about the future development plans for this area than the average joe?

IS IT TRUE that the newly appointed President/CEO of the ECVB first order of business is to show supporters of this not-for-profit board that “E Is For Everyone”?  …that the best-known secret in Vanderburgh County is that the ECVB doesn’t have one minority employed within the agency or serving on their Board of Directors?

IS IT TRUE we predict that the next Chairman of the Board Of Directors of the ECVB will be Joey Kiefer?

IS IT TRUE we are told by reliable sources that business tycoon Ron Geary will be in town in a couple of weeks to meet with a group of local well-heeled business people to discuss the possibilities of a multi-million venture capital opportunity in Evansville/Vanderburgh County? …we also told that former Governor Jay Y Brown of Kentucky is looking at this potential investment? …we are pleased to hear if Mr. Geary decides to move forward with this mega capital venture he will not be asking for any local governmental handouts?  …that “Government shouldn’t do for Ron Geary and is a group of investors  for what they can do for themselves”

IS IT TRUE that Mayor Winnecke left the door wide open for a fourth (4th) term during his recent weekly cabinet meeting?

IS IT TRUE when the people fear the Government we have Tyranny!  When the Government fears the people we have Liberty

Today’s “Readers Poll” question is: Who would you like to be the next President of the Evansville City Council?

If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us at City-County Observer@live.com

Footnote: City-County Observer Comment Policy. Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will not be tolerated and shall be removed from our site.

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.

 

 

Find Your Indiana School’s 2019 Federal Accountability Rating

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Find your Indiana School’s 2019 Federal Accountability Rating

By Emma Kate Fittes FOR CHALKBEAT, INDIANA

Most of Indiana’s more than 1,800 schools are considered to be meeting or approaching the state’s expectations, according to 2019 federal ratings released Friday.

Few schools — just 87 — rose to “exceeding expectations.” Around 200, or 11%, were not considered to be meeting standards and scored in the lowest category.

The 2019 federal ratings offer the first gauge of how schools performed last year while state A-F grades remain tied up by a potential hold harmless exemption to protect schools from low test scores in the first year of the new ILEARN exam.

The state adopted this second measure in 2017 to comply with new federal requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act without changing state grades. Schools are scored based on whether they are on track to meet the state’s long-term goals in seven different areas: test scores, growth scores, attendance rates, graduation rates, the percentage of students who earn honors diplomas, gaps in passing rates among student groups, and progress for English-language learners.

 

This is the first year schools were put into categories. In 2018, they were given federal A-F grades, but the Indiana Department of Education altered its approach after the practice was criticized for being confusing.

Find your school’s 2019 federal rating in our searchable database below.

 

STATE OF EVANSVILLE REPORT

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STATE OF EVANSVILLE REPORT

Unless you love the place you live, you can never be an agent in its transformation. Do you love Evansville? Listening is the first act of love each of us can do for our city. What are the needs and dreams of our city? What holds us back?

The purpose of the State of E Report is to coalesce and communicate our city’s most pressing needs so that individuals like you can leverage it to solve those needs.

While there are many needs worth addressing, we intend this report to highlight the ones that have an exponential effect on the flourishing of every person.

In 2019, we set out to establish a preview of what we hope will become a trusted guide in subsequent years for navigating our community’s needs and dreams. We hope you’ll read it, digest it, pull people together, and act on it.

https://13312edd-0fbc-42bb-81d2-c3e7e303ffed.filesusr.com/ugd/5eb270_786977cdd63146eda52244969c00cadf.pdf

 FOOTNOTES:

FULL AND FUTURE REPORTS

Thank you for reading through this brief summary of our pilot report for 2019. We hope exploring a highlight of these five issues leads you to a better understanding of our city and a clearer focus on where to invest your time, talent, and resources. Future reports will also help you discern how you can make those investments.

You Can Download The Free Full Report At

www.forevansville.org/stateofe.

ABOUT FOR EVANSVILLE

We are a social entrepreneurial organization committed to cultivating collaboration between the Church and the City around the city’s needs and dreams that align with the mission of Jesus Christ.

We want to see Evansville be a city where every person: Experience love and give love prioritizes the holistic well-being of all people and has work that prioritizes the holistic well-being of all people and has work that provides community value and individual purpose.

That kind of city is for everyone.

In order to build a trusted resource of synthesized, actionable data and insight for our community, we are looking to coordinate and collaborate with local research experts for the 2020 State of E Report (i.e. foundations, consultants, and businesses).

If you or your organization would like to help us improve, support, and verify future reports, please contact us at info@forevansville.org.

Citywide flourishing happens when every person in the city flourishes. We pursue the flourishing of every person by bringing people together to solve our city’s most pressing needs.

We do that by convening church and community leaders, cultivating the mindsets and language necessary for transformative impact, and storytelling about the way things are and the way things could be.

We believe there is an enormous amount of opportunity for people of different backgrounds and perspectives to work together toward common passions.

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COMMISSIONER HATFIELD ENDORSE MUSGRAVE AND SHOULDERS FOR RE-ELECTION

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COMMISSIONER HATFIELD ENDORSE MUSGRAVE AND SHOULDERS FOR RE-ELECTION

As a Vanderburgh County Commissioner, I find myself managing a host of different issues, most totally unrelated to each other: such as zonings, drainage, roads, health insurance, board appointments, public safety, etc.

I believe citizens want a commissioner who will handle each issue in a manner that is best for the community as a whole. I believe citizens want a commissioner who is not led by “group think” or politics. The community needs commissioners who gather as much information as possible before making a decision.

In the one year that I have served as Vanderburgh County Commissioner, I have had the pleasure of serving with two individuals who possess these qualities.

It is for these reasons that I am pleased to endorse both, Ben Shoulders and Cheryl Musgrave, for re-election as Vanderburgh County Commissioner in 2020.

EPA At 50: Progress For A Stronger Future

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the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its 50th anniversary theme, “EPA at 50: Progress for a Stronger Future.”

“For fifty years, EPA employees and our many partners have worked together to fulfill the agency’s mission to protect human health and the environment. Today, Americans enjoy cleaner land, air and water than ever before,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “I look forward to celebrating the agency’s accomplishments throughout the year, and I hope that we can inspire the next generation of environmental leaders to continue building on our progress for the next 50 years.”

Throughout 2020, EPA will commemorate the agency’s many achievements and continued progress, culminating in a 50th Anniversary celebration on Dec. 2, 2020. During the month of January, EPA will be highlighting the agency’s efforts to create a cleaner, healthier environment for all Americans. Since 1970, EPA has made significant progress in protecting the nation’s water, cleaning up our air and land, and safeguarding human health. Historic milestones include setting the nation’s air quality standards to protect human health, regulating the quality of public drinking water, creating the Superfund program to clean up hazardous waste sites, and protecting children from exposure to lead-based paint, to name a few.

EPA was established on Dec. 2, 1970, to consolidate into one agency a variety of federal environmental responsibilities including research, monitoring, standard setting, and enforcement activities to ensure environmental protection while simultaneously safeguarding human health. The agency’s first administrator, the late William Ruckelshaus, took the oath of office on Dec. 4, 1970.

SIGMA EQUIPMENT EXPANDS THEIR SHOP SERVICES

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(Evansville, IN) January 7, 2019 — SIGMA Equipment, in Evansville, Indiana, announced today the expansion to their reconditioning shop and shop services. 

The 10,000 square foot expansion includes multiple enhanced shop capabilities that will allow the SIGMA Equipment team to take on larger and more in-depth projects.

The New Shop Will Include:

28 new power stations equipped to handle up to 100 amps of service, in addition to the 30 power stations currently housed. The new stations can accommodate larger and more power-consuming equipment such as ovens, bakery mixers, and heat tunnels. 

The lathe, mill, and welders are also a new feature that gives SIGMA the opportunity to build and manufacture their own parts as needed for the equipment and projects they are servicing. 

Finally, the shop now boasts a new “SIGMA Red” epoxied floor that is not only a safety enhancement but will be used for additional branding and marketing efforts. 

Owner, Rob Palmer, said “In my mind, the new build-out is a continuation of our commitment to provide world-class reconditioning services to our existing and future customers.  We’ve built the largest reconditioning shop in North America committed to the processing and packaging industry.  We now have space to power-up and retool up to 50 units simultaneously.  It is a very exciting time for the SIGMA Team and we look forward to sharing our passion for machinery with our customers.” 

SIGMA has doubled its number of engineering projects over the last few years. As the number of projects has increased, so have the needs for the shop.

“Our Shop Services division has grown exponentially over the last year. We are excited about all the opportunities the new expansion will bring, not just for SIGMA, but for the community as well.” Shop Supervisor, Jim Dougan said. 

SIGMA Equipment will be expanding its offering of on-site technical start-up services to offer traveling service techs and integration services in addition to the currently offered power up videos and customized engineering projects. 

Through the creation of this new shop, SIGMA Equipment will be looking to hire 3-4 new shop technicians in the immediate future, with room for growth in the future. 

This expansion is one of many that SIGMA Equipment has been working on over the last 5 years. The most recent being the expansion of the Marketing and IT department’s workspace, completed in 2017. 

For interest in open positions, please select one of the links below: 

 HYPERLINK “mailto:kdus@sigmaequipment.com” kdus@sigmaequipment.com

Link to video: https://youtu.be/JGJcX0M7tQU 

TRADITIONAL REITZ MEMORIAL AND MATER DEL HIGH SCHOOLS LOTTERY RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER

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Evansville Catholic High Schools | Tradition Lottery Website

Prevent Lung Cancer: Test Your Home for Radon

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This National Radon Action Month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages Americans around the country to test their homes for radon, the second leading cause of lung cancer. Make 2020 a healthier, safer new year by testing your home.

“Radon exposure is one of the most important public health issues affecting Americans today,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.  “Nearly 21,000 people die each year from lunch cancer caused by exposure to radon.  Each January, EPA recognizes National Radon Action Month by spreading awareness of prevention and mitigation methods that will save lives.  I encourage everyone to take time this January to test and prevent radon exposure in their home.”

EPA’s radon program began more than 30 years ago as the scientific and public health community began to understand the risks associated with indoor radon exposure. Since then, elevated radon levels have been fixed in approximately two million homes in the United States and millions more have been tested. In many states, radon testing has become a standard part of real estate transactions. However, EPA estimates that about seven million high-radon homes remain across the United States.

Testing is the only way to know if a home has an elevated level of radon. Affordable do-it-yourself radon test kits are available online and at most home improvement and hardware stores. You can also hire a qualified radon professional to test your home. EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend taking action to fix your home if the radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air or more.

Taking action to reduce your exposure to radon is a long-term investment in your families’ health and your home. The cost of reducing radon in your home depends on how your home was built and the extent of the radon problem. Most homes, however, can be fixed for about the same cost as other common home repairs.

Wonder Where Your Tax Dollars Are Spent?

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DOR Launches Campaign to Tell You Where Your Tax Dollars Are Spent

Ever wonder how the taxes paid to the State of Indiana are utilized? The Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) is embarking on a communications campaign in collaboration with 12 other state agencies throughout 2020 to answer that question.

While DOR administers all state taxes, determining where these funds go is a function of the Indiana Legislature. Once processed, funds collected on behalf of the state are made available to state agencies with the oversight of the State Budget Agency.

“This campaign is long overdue,” said DOR Commissioner Adam Krupp. “Taxes are complicated; explaining how state agencies utilize these funds to benefit Hoosiers on a personal level is a great way to connect DOR’s core functions to the various state-wide services provided.”

DOR will be highlighting a state agency each month throughout 2020 to showcase how the work each agency does is supported by state tax dollars, such as preparing children for kindergarten, preventing pollution of the state’s waterways and helping homeless veterans. The participating agencies include:

  • Department of Revenue (January)
  • Department of Natural Resources (February)
  • Family and Social Services Administration (March)
  • Department of Environmental Management (April)
  • Indiana State Police (May)
  • Department of Corrections (June)
  • Department of Education (July)
  • Indiana School for the Blind (August)
  • State Department of Health (September)
  • State Library (October)
  • Department of Veterans Affairs (November)
  • Department of Homeland Security (December)

DOR’s campaign will be promoted on the agency’s social media platforms, which can be found by searching @INRevenue on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Individuals can also follow the campaign by subscribing to DOR’s Tax Talk Blog at dor.in.gov/3877.htm.

Gov. Holcomb Names Richardson As Executive Director Of Indiana Office Of Energy Development

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Gov. Eric J. Holcomb today announced he has selected Jennifer Richardson to serve as the executive director of the Indiana Office of Energy Development.

“Jennifer brings the vision, collaboration, and experience that Indiana needs as it navigates the changing and evolving energy landscape across the nation,” Gov. Holcomb said. “Under her leadership, Indiana will remain competitive as we develop reliable, affordable energy solutions for Hoosiers.”

Richardson has worked as the director of energy policy, renewables and resilience in the Office of Energy Development since 2018, where she has overseen the development of sustainable programs with utility, private-sector and non-profit partners and served as a federal and state advisor on strategic and technical expertise on key energy policy.

Her work developing energy and fuel policies for the state has brought together stakeholders and leveraged private sector resources that help Indiana’s economy.

Previously, Richardson worked as a regional manager for state regulatory affairs and policy for Midcontinent Independent System Operator. She also worked for several years for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and had a 10-year career at the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, including working as the director of federal and legislative policy.

The Indiana Office of Energy Development focuses on the development and implementation of comprehensive energy planning for the state that utilizes all of Indiana’s energy resources and supports a strong, dynamic, and growing economy and affordable energy for Hoosiers.

FOOTNOTE: Richardson’s new position was effective Dec. 30. 2019

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