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3 NWI Early Learning Providers To Receive Funding In Statewide Contest

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Three Northwest Indiana early education providers will receive thousands of dollars in funding to assist in students’ transition to K-12 learning.

The School City of Hobart’s Building Brickies Program, the Portage Township YMCA and the United Way of Porter County will each be awarded between $5,000 and $25,000 from Early Learning Indiana’s Preschool Development Grant.

The three programs were chosen among 55 entries representing school districts, early learning providers and community nonprofits in 24 Indiana counties for their innovative programming designed to support early learners in their first kindergarten experience, according to an Early Learning Indiana news release.

Commentary: Piety & Power: Mike Pence Is Who We Always Thought He Was

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Commentary: Piety & Power: Mike Pence Is Who We Always Thought He Was

By Michael Leppert
MichaelLeppert.com

INDIANAPOLIS–Tom LoBianco’s long-awaited biography of Vice President Mike Pence is out. I remember when I heard the news he was going to write it, and looking back I’m a little embarrassed how excited I was. Finally, someone is going to tell us all of the things that will make sense of this man, character contradictions and all! Maybe that was asking a bit too much.

This book is about the conflict between Pence’s ambition and faith. Piety & Power explains both as clearly as possible–given the fact that Pence would not give an interview for the book. But what ultimately is made most clear by the book is the unreconcilable conflict between those things.

There are numerous life stories that explain an upbringing that sounds familiar to many in Indiana. Cornfields and Catholic schools, with post-War prosperity and an Irish family heritage combine for a common Hoosier profile. The first recognizable talent that separated him from the rest of the kids in Columbus was public speaking. His obvious talent in the fifth grade at St. Columba School, led to contest victories and an active role on the speech team throughout high school.

While at Columbus North High School, he came across a book on the Constitution that he “read over and over.” Debbie Shoultz, Pence’s speech team coach and mentor describe this as when he “became interested in politics.” This descriptive is an important one.

Throughout the book, the stories of his political ambition pile up. He wants to be President of the United States. He wants to be elected as such, not given it through a string of unfortunate events that are being considered today.

What is consistently missing in the stack of stories is any storyline about his passion to actually govern. That has always been a Pence shortcoming, and Piety & Power illustrates it in overwhelming detail. His term as governor in Indiana does not feature any innovative management or policy accomplishment. Even when he had a policy victory, like his conservative version of Medicaid expansion, it was overshadowed by his propensity for governing mismanagement. Specifically, in this example, I am referring to the “Justin,” state-run news service.

He was originally attracted to politics by the Constitution, became a veteran of the talk and news radio scene, but was now planning to have state government compete with the free press. This remarkable error in judgment was eventually dwarfed later on by his monumental transgression, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a debacle that occurred only a few weeks later.

Both spun out of control due to Pence’s failure to recognize the crises they were, and both were founded in a lack of governing instincts. Lobianco’s chronicling will be the source of history for generations to come.

How Pence was chosen by President Donald Trump to join him on the 2016 ticket serves as an excellent precursor of the chaos America is living today. The erratic and shallow decision-making process aside, the president actually did choose wisely on that one. Pence was the right guy to help Trump win. His ability to carry the message and stay on it in Trump’s world is a golden asset.

But after the dust of the 2016 election upset settled, Pence found himself in the position as the one in the room who should have been the most prepared to run a government. Even after nearly three years of dizzying turnover and disarray in the White House, he still might have that designation. The unavoidable truth remains that he is not a manager or a policy pro. He is a pure politician not driven by those pesky things. The disconnection between elections and government helps define him.

I do not question his faith in Jesus Christ, or his love for and devotion to his wife, Karen and the rest of his family. However, his betrayals of that faith are detailed many times throughout Piety & Power.

I did not like the title of the book when I first saw it. I do now. It perfectly captures the things that make Pence who he is: a man who wants his faith to justify his drive for power. But it doesn’t.

Lobianco shares a story from Robert Schenck, an evangelical pastor from one of Pence’s old prayer groups. He tells Pence “more than anything, we need you to find your conscience.” Pence’s response is not surprising, “It’s always easier said than done.”

Everyone in America should read this book. I knew it would be good, but now it should be required reading.

FOOTNOTE:  Michael Leppert is a public and governmental affairs consultant in Indianapolis and writes his thoughts about politics, government and anything else that strikes him at MichaelLeppert.com.

This article was posted by the City-County Observer without opinion, bias or editing.

Mid Levee Corridor Greenway Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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Please join Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the Mid Levee Corridor Greenway.  A brief ceremony will be held at the greenway near the entrance to the Heidelbach Canoe Launch, Heidelbach, and Tulip Avenues.  

Who: Mayor Lloyd Winnecke and Evansville Parks Department Executive Director Brian Holtz

What: Mid Levee Corridor Greenway Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

When: Wednesday, October 23, 2019, at 10:00 am

Where: Entrance to the Heidelbach Canoe Launch

Details:  The Mid-Levee Corridor is part of the city’s non-motorized transportation network designed to enhance recreation opportunities and make Evansville more walkable and bicycle-friendly.  The corridor is approximately .4 miles in length, stretching from the Heidelbach Canoe Launch to Stringtown Road.  It features a 10-foot wide asphalt trail, bike racks, and new tree plantings, and landscaping. 

The Mid Levee Corridor Greenway is a $1.1 million dollar federally funded matching grant project with the federal government paying for 80 percent of the cost.  The local share of the project’s costs was paid for with grants obtained by the city specifically for the Mid Levee Corridor. 

PHONE BANKING

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Join the candidates and volunteers this week to phone bank before the election on November 5.

Beginning on Tuesday October 22, the Vanderburgh County Democratic Party will be calling voters each day at 951 North Park Drive at the Laborers 561 from 6 to 8 pm.

Please reply to this email or call our phone bank coordinator James Powell at 812-499-9257 to sign up Tuesday through Sunday at help us get the vote out in Evansville for our City Council candidates. at the Laborers 561 from 6 to 8 pm.

FIND OUT MORE

MFCU Investigation Leads To Jail Time In Medicaid Fraud Case

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A Marion County Superior Court, pursuant to a plea agreement, has sentenced a nurse to three years following her conviction on multiple counts of forgery. The defendant, Mia Merriweather, was taken into custody at her Oct. 15 sentencing to serve 60 of those days in jail. Merriweather was also ordered to pay $7,956.25 in restitution to the Indiana Medicaid Program during her probation.

The case was investigated by Attorney General Curtis Hill’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) and was subsequently prosecuted by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office with the assistance of counsel from the MFCU.

Merriweather defrauded Indiana Medicaid by submitting fraudulent timecards to her employer, Indiana Fitness Works, from Sept. 17, 2017, to Dec. 4, 2017. Each timecard contained false time entries, and Merriweather accepted payment for services that she never provided. Under the plea agreement, Merriweather pleaded guilty to three counts of forgery.

“These types of cases are essentially about theft,” Attorney General Hill said. “Indiana Medicaid was robbed of the resources that are needed to serve more than a million Hoosiers who depend on it to survive. Indiana taxpayers, whose hard-earned money keeps this system funded, were defrauded in the process. Unfortunately, we see these cases far too often. Our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit works tirelessly to investigate these crimes to protect Medicaid and those whom it serves.”

DOUG bays

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AssuredPartners Evansville has deep roots to the Evansville business community.  The office DNA goes back to Citizens Insurance, The Jesse Stock Agency and Douglas Bays & Associates.  AssuredPartners has a unique philosophy when it comes to growth thru acquisition.  Partner with the best of the best, provide them with the tools and resources to help their community businesses, then let them do what they have always done, make independent decisions at the local level as to what is best for Evansville. It is this very philosophy that has catapulted AssuredPartners inside the top 10 insurance brokers in the United States.  “It is truly a unique (outside the box) approach to growth that has been extremely successful”, said Doug Bays, Agency President for AssuredPartners Evansville.  

When Doug heard about the CCO “Living Outside the Box” speaker series, he was thrilled.  He has deep roots of his own with the founder, Ron Cosby, and former editor, Joe Wallace, who inspired the speaker series with his book, “Living Outside the Box”.  “When Ron first thought about starting the paper, he used me as a sounding board for his ideas.  When the paper had it first printing, which was done in Princeton, IN, I had a pickup truck, so I was called to help him go pick them up and distribute them.  I’ll never forget trying to beat the rain with all those papers in the back of the truck for his first edition.  There are many funny stories to share about those early days of the paper.  The CCO itself is a tremendous example of one man, who had a call to action, was joined by others who also felt compelled to get involved for the purpose of promoting good public policy for our community.  When you see now where it has come, it is quite impressive but not surprising.  People are interested in accountability.  Accountability provides transparency. Transparency provides confidence and a path forward toward good”.

When Mr. Cosby recently shared with Doug that he had interest from local elected political officials in helping to underwrite the speaker series, he voiced concern.  “Not because of the people involved, many of them are my friends, the principle was the issue.  I felt that this speaker series should be void of political influence as much as possible.  Politics has it place, but often-times, it inhibits real growth and opportunity because certain inefficiencies override what is best for everyone and only benefit a few.  It’s an unintended consequence.  I felt this speaker series was an opportunity for our local business leaders to share with others and that it should not be influenced by any political ties”.  I suppose that in some way is itself, an example of “Living Outside the Box”. 

 

AssuredPartners Evansville has deep roots to the Evansville business community.  The office DNA goes back to Citizens Insurance, The Jesse Stock Agency and Douglas Bays & Associates.  AssuredPartners has a unique philosophy when it comes to growth thru acquisition.  Partner with the best of the best, provide them with the tools and resources to help their community businesses, then let them do what they have always done, make independent decisions at the local level as to what is best for Evansville. It is this very philosophy that has catapulted AssuredPartners inside the top 10 brokers in the United States.  “It is truly a unique (outside the box) approach to growth that has been extremely successful”, said Doug Bays, Agency President for AssuredPartners Evansville.  

When Doug heard about the CCO “Living Outside the Box” speaker series, he was thrilled.  He has deep roots of his own with the founder, Ron Cosby, and former editor, Joe Wallace, who inspired the speaker series with his book, “Living Outside the Box”.  “When Ron first thought about starting the paper, he used me as a sounding board for his ideas.  When the paper had it first printing, which was done in Princeton, IN, I had a pickup truck, so I was called to help him go pick them up and distribute them.  I’ll never forget trying to beat the rain with all those papers in the back of the truck for his first edition.  There are many funny stories to share about those early days of the paper.  The CCO itself is a tremendous example of one man, who had a call to action, was joined by others who also felt compelled to get involved for the purpose of promoting good public policy for our community.  When you see now where it has come, it is quite impressive but not surprising.  People are interested in accountability.  Accountability provides transparency. Transparency provides confidence and a path forward toward good”.

When Mr. Cosby recently shared with Doug that he had interest from local elected political officials in helping to underwrite the speaker series, he voiced concern.  “Not because of the people involved, many of them are my friends, the principle was the issue.  I felt that this speaker series should be void of political influence as much as possible.  Politics has it place, often-times, it inhibits real growth and opportunity because certain influences override what is best for everyone and only benefit a few.  It’s an unintended consequence.  I felt this speaker series was an opportunity for our local business leaders to share with others and that it should not be influenced by any political ties”.  I suppose that in some way is itself, an example of “Living Outside the Box”. 

 

 

AssuredPartners Evansville has deep roots to the Evansville business community.  The office DNA goes back to Citizens Insurance, The Jesse Stock Agency and Douglas Bays & Associates.  AssuredPartners has a unique philosophy when it comes to growth thru acquisition.  Partner with the best of the best, provide them with the tools and resources to help their community businesses, then let them do what they have always done, make independent decisions at the local level as to what is best for Evansville. It is this very philosophy that has catapulted AssuredPartners inside the top 10 brokers in the United States.  “It is truly a unique (outside the box) approach to growth that has been extremely successful”, said Doug Bays, Agency President for AssuredPartners Evansville.  

When Doug heard about the CCO “Living Outside the Box” speaker series, he was thrilled.  He has deep roots of his own with the founder, Ron Cosby, and former editor, Joe Wallace, who inspired the speaker series with his book, “Living Outside the Box”.  “When Ron first thought about starting the paper, he used me as a sounding board for his ideas.  When the paper had it first printing, which was done in Princeton, IN, I had a pickup truck, so I was called to help him go pick them up and distribute them.  I’ll never forget trying to beat the rain with all those papers in the back of the truck for his first edition.  There are many funny stories to share about those early days of the paper.  The CCO itself is a tremendous example of one man, who had a call to action, was joined by others who also felt compelled to get involved for the purpose of promoting good public policy for our community.  When you see now where it has come, it is quite impressive but not surprising.  People are interested in accountability.  Accountability provides transparency. Transparency provides confidence and a path forward toward good”.

When Mr. Cosby recently shared with Doug that he had interest from local elected political officials in helping to underwrite the speaker series, he voiced concern.  “Not because of the people involved, many of them are my friends, the principle was the issue.  I felt that this speaker series should be void of political influence as much as possible.  Politics has it place, but often-times, it inhibits real growth and opportunity because certain inefficiencies override what is best for everyone and only benefit a few.  It’s an unintended consequence.  I felt this speaker series was an opportunity for our local business leaders to share with others and that it should not be influenced by any political ties”.  I suppose that in some way is itself, an example of “Living Outside the Box”. 

 

 

2019 Champion Of Youth First Breakfast

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Dan Arens to Receive 2019 Champion of Youth First Award

Youth First, Inc. will honor community leader and former Board Member Dan Arens at its 12th Annual Breakfast of Champions event on Tuesday, October 22nd, at 7:00 am at St. Vincent Manor in Evansville. Arens will receive the Dr. William Wooten Champion of Youth First Award.

Dan’s passion for youth and the community is evident in everything he does, including raising a family with his wife, Sherri; growing a business; and serving as a volunteer for numerous organizations. An Indiana native, Dan received undergraduate and graduate degrees in management from Purdue University and launched his business consulting career. In the late 1970s, he moved to Southwest Indiana, where he co-founded Keller Schroeder & Associates, information technology and consulting firm.

While serving on Youth First’s Board from 2004 – 2011, and continuing to volunteer to this day, Dan has been instrumental in helping the organization plan for healthy growth and sustainability. His current community involvement includes the Downtown Evansville Rotary Club, the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville, the Evansville Industrial Foundation, the Evansville Police Department Foundation, Crossroads Christian Church, and Youth First.

Understanding & Treating Heel Pain

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Understanding & Treating Heel Pain

Brandt Dodson, DPMDeaconess Clinic Podiatry09/11/2018

In my 30 years of practicing podiatry, I’ve cared for thousands of people with heel pain. It’s actually one of the most common complaints I hear in my office.

While every patient’s pain is different, heel pain can really be divided into two categories – traumatic and mechanical issues.

Trauma is pain caused by an injury, either sudden (an accident, something falling on the foot, etc.) or repetitive. Stress fractures, such as those found in runners, are an example of a repetitive traumatic injury.

Pain stemming from mechanical issues means some part of the foot isn’t functioning properly.

For the purposes of this article, I want to concentrate on the two most common examples of mechanical foot pain: plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.

Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar means “bottom of the foot” and fascia is a ligament that extends from the bottom of the heel to the ball of the foot. It provides stability.

When this ligament is abnormally pulled or stretched, it will often partially tear. The pain comes from the damaged ligament and the repetitive “pulling” on it when people walk.

When you’re non-weight-bearing (sitting or reclined and not putting any bodyweight on the foot), the ligament will tighten up. This is why the first steps you take in the morning or following periods of rest (such as standing up after sitting for a while) hurt so much.

Diagnosing and Treating Plantar Fasciitis
A plantar fasciitis diagnosis is based on a physical exam and the patient’s reported symptoms and history.

When the diagnosis is confirmed, there are a variety of treatment options to consider.

  • Stretching. Before getting up each morning and at the end of the day, the foot should be stretched and exercised.
  • Proper shoe selection. Supportive shoes with stiff soles are always best for people with plantar fasciitis. Flexible soled shoes, as well as shoes without backs, should be avoided.
  • Anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can be helpful.

If these aren’t effective, see a podiatrist. You may benefit from:

  • Physical therapy
  • Taping
  • Immobilization with a splint or brace
  • Orthotics for long-term control

90%+ of all people with plantar fasciitis will respond to some combination of these treatments.  VERY few people need surgery, although it can be an option after trying all other treatments with no pain relief.

Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is a tendon, different from the fascia, which is a ligament. The Achilles tendon is located behind the heel, running up the back of the heel to connect the calf muscle to the heel. If the tendon is tight, it exerts a pulling force and can occasionally irritate the plantar fascia, since the two are connected.

The symptoms of Achilles tendonitis are very similar to plantar fasciitis, but with Achilles, the pain centers on the back of the heel rather than on the bottom of the foot.

Diagnosing and Treating Achilles Tendonitis
An Achilles tendonitis diagnosis is also based on a physical exam and the patient’s reported symptoms and history. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, treatments are very similar to plantar fasciitis, with a few differences.

  • Stretching. Before getting up each morning and at the end of the day, the foot should be stretched and exercised.
  • Proper shoe selection. Supportive shoes with a bit of an elevated heel are always best for people with Achilles tendonitis. Flat soled shoes, as well as shoes without backs, should be avoided.
  • Anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can be helpful.

If these aren’t effective, see a podiatrist. You may benefit from:

  • Physical therapy
  • Immobilization with a splint or brace
  • Heel lifts for long-term control

Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendonitis

  • Age. The older you get, the more likely you are to have this issue. Given enough time, almost everyone will develop one or both of these issues at some point in their life.
  • Activity level. Runners, basketball players, people involved in jarring/explosive movements, etc. are prone to developing this issue. Weekend warriors, or those who suddenly increase their activity, can also be more likely to develop either problem.
  • People who stand on concrete for long spans of time, such as factory workers.
  • Those who climb ladders, such as electricians and construction workers.
  • Family history of this type of foot problem.
  • Being overweight can contribute to these issues, due to putting more stress and pressure on the foot overall.

Risk Reduction
It’s not always possible to prevent plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, but the risk can be lessened by following these tips:

  • Stretching before and after activities such as yard work, running, other athletic activities, or unusual amounts of walking (such as on vacation).
  • Wearing appropriate shoes for activities.
  • Moderate activities. Gradually increase activity if you want to exercise more. Going from no activity to a lot at once is going to set you up for problems.
  • If needed, work on getting to a healthier weight. It will protect your feet and all other joints as well.

Orthotics
A true orthotic is a device constructed to a corrected model of an individual person’s foot. Most orthotics are rigid in nature to help control and/or correct the abnormal function of the foot. However, when working properly, the orthotic will not feel hard—it will feel supportive.

Orthotics are designed to be worn daily, for long periods of time. They don’t “fix” your foot—they help the foot function properly. (Eyeglasses are a similar example: they don’t fix what’s wrong with your vision, they simply correct it.)

Here at Deaconess Clinic, we have advanced orthotic-development technology. A laser scanner is used initially to capture a model of each foot. We then use a computerized digital system to make corrections to the structure to develop an orthotic that will help bring the foot into the closest-to-normal alignment and positioning possible. The closer to normal the foot performs the less structural pain results.

In conclusion, heel pain isn’t something you have to live with.  Try some of the suggestions above first, and if you still are suffering, please schedule an appointment online now!

Learn more about the author

Brandt Dodson, DPM
Specialty: Podiatry

WINTER JAM 2020 IS RETURNING TO FORD CENTER JANUARY 30

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FAN FAVORITE CROWDER TO HELM WINTER JAM 2020

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Christian music’s premier multi-artist annual outing, the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular, steps into a new decade with a fan-favorite headliner, GRAMMY®- nominated singer/songwriter Crowder. With such recent hits as “Red Letters” and “All My Hope,” the genre-spanning artist—who has sold more than 3 million units and appears regularly on the Grand Ole Opry—leads a star-studded 2020 lineup featuring some of the

page2image24421184Biggest Names In Christian Music.

Winter Jam, which is hallmarked annually by its musical diversity, the central focus on the Gospel, and a “no ticket required”/$15 donation at the door, will hit a total of 42 cities around the country next year. Highlighted by a time of worship each evening, international chart-
toppers Hillsong Young & Free are set to make their Winter Jam debut in 25 cities, while renowned worshippers Passion, as well as acclaimed pastor/author/speaker and Passion Movement founder Louie Giglio, will be featured on all other tour stops.

“It’s crazy to think this is my first time speaking on Winter Jam, one of the most influential tours of the last few decades,” says Giglio. “I’m pumped, and really excited to share the nights with our fam—Crowder, and Passion!”

“We can’t wait to get out on Winter Jam 2020,” echoes Crowder. “There is nothing like it and 2020 is going to be just insane! Too much goodness in one place.”

Winter Jam 2020’s lineup also showcases Reach Records hip-hop recording artist and producer Andy Mineo; Dove Award-winning pop hitmakers Building 429; GRAMMY®- nominated rockers RED; Dove Award-nominated singer/songwriter Austin French; GRAMMY®-nominated Winter Jam creators and tour hosts, NewSong; and Dare2Share speakers Greg Stier and Zane Black. Additionally, the PreJam opening set will feature 2019 New Artist of the Year Dove Award-nominee Riley Clemmons and will introduce singer/songwriter and evangelist Billy Ballenger, as well as emerging rap/hip-hop recording artist Santee.

Kicking-off January 10 at Jacksonville, Florida’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Winter Jam 2020 is slated to hit Chicago’s Sears Centre Arena; State Farm Arena in Atlanta; Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena; Pittsburgh’s PPG Paints Arena; Banker’s Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis; Oklahoma City’s Chesapeake Energy Arena; Kansas City, Missouri’s Sprint Center; and PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina, among numerous other leading venues around the country, before concluding March 29 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland.

“I’ve never been more excited about Winter Jam than I am for 2020,” says NewSong founding member and Winter Jam creator Eddie Carswell. “The lineup is amazing and the desire to see Jesus change lives remains our top priority. Bring your friends, bring your youth group— just don’t miss it.”

In addition to the tour’s popular Jam Nation membership, which allows attendees to advance venue entry among other special perks, Winter Jam is introducing a limited number of Jam Nation Ultimate Access passes for 2020. This exclusive pass includes a backstage meet & greet

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with Crowder, premium reserved Jam Zone seating and free Jam Nation entry to any other 2020 Winter Jam date.

The Winter Jam 2020 Tour Spectacular is produced by Premier Productions and sponsored in part by Holt International, Liberty University, “A Week Away: The Musical” and Destiny Rescue.

Created and hosted by one of Christian music’s most influential bands, NewSong, the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular exploded from a single show in 1995 to become the genre’s benchmark tour. Throughout two decades, the tour has regularly ranked among Pollstar’s top first quarter outings. Showcasing the best and brightest in Christian music, Winter Jam provides a powerful platform for the Gospel in major arenas nationwide.

For further information, visit jamtour.com or turningpointpr.com. Follow Winter Jam on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

“Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab”

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“Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab” was created because we have a couple of commenters that post on a daily basis either in our “IS IT TRUE” or “Readers Forum” columns concerning National or International issues.
The majority of our “IS IT TRUE” columns are about local or state issues, so we have decided to give our more opinionated readers exclusive access to our newly created “LEFT JAB and Middle Jab and RIGHT JAB”  column. They now have this post to exclusively discuss national or world issues that they feel passionate about.
We shall be posting the “LEFT JAB” AND “MIDDLE JAB” AND “RIGHT JAB” several times a week.  Oh, “LEFT JAB” is a liberal view, “MIDDLE JAB” is the libertarian view and the “RIGHT JAB is representative of the more conservative views. Also, any reader who would like to react to the written comments in this column is free to do so.

Today’s “Readers Poll’ question is: If the election was held today for City Council Ward Two (2) who would you vote for?

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