A TRIBUTE TO MIKE WHICKER FROM HIS FAMILY
OCTOBER 2, 2024
In remembrance of Mike Whicker, we celebrate a man whose life exemplified resilience, determination, compassion, love, and service. Mike was many things to many people—a beloved husband, father of five, dedicated teacher, skilled plumber, respected coach, celebrated author, and devoted public servant. His journey was a testament to the power of perseverance, as he balanced the roles of provider, mentor, and family man while pursuing his dream of becoming a teacher.
With a full-time job, five children, and a passion for coaching football, Mike refused to let any obstacles stand in his way. He remained resolute in his goal of entering the classroom and inspiring young minds, all while juggling the demands of a family and his career as a plumber. His drive and commitment never wavered. Those who knew him couldn’t help but admire his grit, as well as the kindness and friendship he extended to everyone he met. Whether it was as a favorite plumber, teacher, coach, or public servant, Mike had a lasting impact on countless lives.
People would ask about Mike wherever his family went, sharing their fond memories of his influence on their lives. His notoriety spread far beyond his many titles and roles—he was a friend to all, never turning away someone who approached him, be it a former student, an avid reader of his novels, former football player, or someone he had met through his community work. He had a gift for making connections, for building bridges between people and leaving a positive mark on everyone he encountered.
Mike’s love for travel was unmatched. Having visited 31 U.S. states and over 16 different countries, many of which he traveled to multiple times for research and to guide tours for his readers, he was always eager to explore the world. But no matter where his travels took him, his heart remained at home with his family. His greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren, teaching them how to play cards, coaching them in football, taking them to the circus, or simply watching movies together. He shared a deep bond with his loved ones, filled with laughter, stories from his childhood, and his legendary pranks.
A devoted fan of the Denver Broncos, Notre Dame, great Italian food, and a good cigar, Mike enjoyed the simple pleasures of life—family gatherings, local restaurants, and reminiscing with his children. His pride in his family was boundless. He taught them to dream big, work hard, and never give up on their goals, leaving behind a legacy of determination that his children and grandchildren carry forward.
Mike’s accomplishments are as vast as his heart was generous. With more than 30 published novels, including the acclaimed Invitation to Valhalla series, he made his mark as a celebrated author. He was awarded the Key to Evansville and played an instrumental role in bringing the LST 325 to the city, a proud moment for the community he loved so deeply. His contributions were recognized when he was named Evansville’s Best Author by Evansville Living. Mike’s impact extended to Reitz High School, where he dedicated over a decade to teaching English and Literature, coaching football, and track, always striving to help young people succeed.
Mike’s personal memories were just as rich as his professional accomplishments. From playing semi-pro football for the Colorado Colts and forming his own semi-pro team, the Colorado 76ers, to helping scout for the University of Notre Dame during the Gerry Faust era, he lived a life full of passion and adventure. He cherished riding motorcycles, experiencing flights in WWII-era planes, and the thrill of throwing out the first pitch at an Evansville Otters game. One of his most cherished moments was flying over Reitz Bowl in a helicopter with his son, Zach, a memory he held dear.
Above all, Mike Whicker was a man of service, compassion, and love. He celebrated his children’s and grandchildren’s successes, never missing an opportunity to encourage and support them. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the love he shared so freely. As we remember Mike, we honor a truly well-lived life—a life filled with determination, friendship, family, and an unwavering commitment to making the community a better place.
Handling Credit Claimers: How to Deal with Organizations That Publicly Take Credit for Economic Success
Handling Credit Claimers: How to Deal with Organizations That Publicly Take Credit for Economic Success
BY JOE WALLACE-GUEST COLUMNIST
SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
In the realm of economic development, there’s a familiar cast of characters: Chambers of Commerce, economic development entities, and various non-profits. Many do valuable work, connecting businesses, fostering growth, and improving communities. But there’s a recurring issue—some of these organizations and their leaders frequently step into the limelight to claim credit for successes, often overshadowing those who genuinely contributed. Whether they’ve played a role or merely seized the narrative, dealing with these credit-claimers requires a strategic approach. Here are ways to navigate this dynamic and maintain focus on genuine contributions.
1. Recognize the Pattern
Understanding the motivations behind these credit claims is the first step. Organizations, especially those reliant on public perception for funding and influence, often use moments of economic success to showcase their value. This behavior is not inherently bad; they need to justify their existence and funding. However, the problem arises when these groups overstate their impact, diminishing the contributions of those who were truly involved. Recognize that this behavior is common and often strategic rather than malicious.
2. Document Contributions Clearly
Documentation is your best defense against misplaced credit. Whether you’re an individual, business, or another entity actively involved in a successful initiative, keep clear records of your contributions. Detailed documentation, including timelines, actions taken, and specific outcomes, can serve as evidence of your role when disputes arise. Not only does this safeguard your efforts, but it also sets a precedent that contributions should be transparent and accountable.
3. Be Proactive in Telling Your Story
Rather than waiting for others to claim the narrative, be proactive in sharing your story. Use press releases, social media, blogs, and other platforms to highlight your role and contributions. Being first to the story often positions you as a credible source of information. Don’t shy away from using data and specific examples to underscore your impact. The goal isn’t to discredit others but to ensure that your work receives the recognition it deserves.
4. Build Relationships with Media
Media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception. Building strong relationships with journalists and local media outlets can help ensure that your contributions are accurately reported. Engage with reporters, provide them with clear, concise, and factual information, and make yourself available as a reliable source for stories. By establishing a reputation as a credible and accessible contributor, you increase the likelihood of balanced coverage.
5. Engage in Collaborative Recognition
Sometimes, the best approach is to turn the tables and involve these credit-claiming organizations in a collaborative recognition effort. Publicly acknowledging all parties involved, including those who tend to overstate their impact, can foster a spirit of inclusivity and shared success. By framing recognition as a collective effort, you not only validate your contributions but also subtly hold others accountable for the accuracy of their claims.
6. Stay Focused on Your Mission
The noise created by organizations seeking attention can be distracting. However, staying focused on your mission and continuing to deliver results is the most effective long-term strategy. Results speak louder than claims, and a track record of consistent, impactful work will ultimately overshadow empty proclamations. Over time, the community, stakeholders, and media will come to recognize who truly drives economic progress.
7. Call Out Misattributions Tactfully
When credit-claiming crosses the line into outright misrepresentation, it’s appropriate to address it—tactfully. Publicly correcting the record should be done carefully to avoid unnecessary conflict. Focus on stating the facts rather than attacking the other party. For example, a statement like, “We are proud of our role in this initiative, where we led the development of [specific action],” can correct the record without appearing confrontational.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of credit-claiming organizations requires a mix of diplomacy, strategic communication, and a steadfast commitment to your mission. While it’s frustrating to see others take undue credit, remember that your ongoing work and genuine impact will speak volumes in the long run. By proactively telling your story, building credibility, and staying focused on meaningful contributions, you can ensure that the right parties receive the recognition they deserve.
City Investigating Groundwater to Supplement New Water Treatment Plant
Evansville, IN) – Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) is investigating the use of groundwater as a cost-saving alternative to building an all-new surface water treatment plant.
EWSU Executive Director Vic Kelson made the announcement at today’s meeting of the Evansville Rotary Club, saying that the Utility is putting a temporary pause on the new water treatment plant to further explore the groundwater option. Utility officials believe that supplementing surface water from the Ohio River with groundwater from wells could save upwards of $50 million on a new plant now, lower the cost of treating PFAS later, and reduce the need for significant water rate increases in the near future.
Kelson said the idea first came up after state regulatory officials made clear that the Utility is required have a plan to treat PFAS – known as “forever chemicals” – by the summer of 2025, and the Utility must be ready to implement the plan five years later.
Treating PFAS is extremely expensive, Kelson said, and could add an additional $100 million in future capital expenses, plus future operation and maintenance costs.
“At that point, we considered the possibility that our groundwater might not have PFAS,” Kelson said. “After realizing that an earlier groundwater study hadn’t looked at treating groundwater and surface water separately, we decided to investigate and see if that would be a viable approach to dealing with PFAS.”
EWSU drilled several monitoring wells and a test well to determine the groundwater quality, and to find out how much water each well could produce. Tests found no detectable levels of PFAS, and that the wells could pump enough water to decrease the City’s total reliance of surface water.
In addition to saving money on capital projects and providing better water quality, using groundwater would diversify the City’s water supply so our community is not completely reliant on a single source of water. Currently, EWSU’s only water intake structure is on the Ohio River several yards from the riverbank, where it is vulnerable to passing barge traffic.
The savings could also allow the Utility to restore the long-term water main improvement program that was suspended as a cost control measure.
Reducing capital costs, lowering operational expenses, better water quality and holding down significant rate increases is a win for the entire community, said Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry.
“As a city, we’re committed to moving forward in the most responsible – and the most fiscally responsible – manner possible,” Mayor Terry said. “By incorporating groundwater into our water system, we could not only see tremendous financial benefit for the city and all EWSU customers, but we also could see cleaner water from a more diversified water supply.
“So I encourage Vic and the EWSU team to continue exploring this option, because if their early findings hold true, this has the potential to offer numerous benefits to our entire community.”
‘Smurf’ culture makes better cartoon than political fundraising tactic, declares letter to ActBlue
Attorneys General Todd Rokita and Brenna Bird co-lead a 19-state effort to protect elections from fraudulent, foreign, and illegal interference.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita and Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird are co-leading a 19-state letter to ActBlue officials seeking information on whether ActBlue has appropriate safeguards in place to combat improper donation activity, including, among other things, the practice of “smurfing” — a type of money laundering in which large donations are broken up in a way that disguises who the money comes from so that donor can skirt contribution limits.
“Hoosiers deserve to know that the powerful interests funding political campaigns are operating ethically and legally,” Attorney General Rokita said. “They deserve the assurance that elections are being conducted with fairness and integrity rather than rigged in ways that dilute and undermine their own individual votes.”
Recent reporting suggests that individuals identified on Federal Election Commission filings as having made donations through ActBlue (and other affiliated entities) may not have actually made those donations.
ActBlue, one of the largest fundraising platforms for election-related donations, has processed billions of dollars in campaign contributions this election cycle.
To ensure confidence in elections, citizens deserve transparency and assurance that political donations — particularly in such large volumes — are being solicited, made and processed consistent with campaign finance, consumer protection and other state and federal laws.
VANDERBURGH, WARRICK, POSEY, AND GIBSON SEXUAL ASSAULT RESPONSE TEAM
Evansville, IN – Prosecuting Attorney Diana Moers announces her office now facilitates the regional Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) for Vanderburgh, Warrick, Posey, and Gibson counties. Prior to the change, Albion Fellows Bacon Center had successfully led the regional SART for years. Prosecutor Moers discussed statutory requirements with the SART partners that dictate the county Prosecutor shall establish the SART and took steps to assume leadership of the SART and enhance its effectiveness.
The Vanderburgh, Warrick, Posey, and Gibson County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) consists of representatives from Prosecution, Law Enforcement, Indiana State Police Forensics Lab, Advocacy Services, Medical Services and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (“SANE”) Nurses, SANE Training Services, Universities, and more partners. Each discipline works together to effectively carry out the newly established Mission Statement:
The mission of the Vanderburgh, Warrick, Posey, and Gibson County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) is to utilize each member discipline to ensure a victim-centered, effective response to sexual assault in Vanderburgh, Warrick, Posey, and Gibson counties by establishing and abiding by the sexual assault response protocols, analyzing trends in sex crimes, assessing services available to victims, encouraging members to stay up-to-date on trainings and best-practices, and overall advocacy for victims of sexual assault.
“My goal is to work with this great team of trained professionals to increase public awareness of available resources in the region for victims of sex crimes, increase communication between each discipline who works to respond to sexual assault reports and serve victims, and conduct regular case reviews to identify gaps and increase effectiveness in response protocol going forward. Victims of sexual assault can rest assured we will assist them and get them the resources they need to make it through whatever situation they have encountered—they are not alone,” states Prosecutor Moers.
If you are a victim of sexual assault:
- Call 911. An officer will respond and make a report;
- Go to the Emergency Room for treatment if there is a sexual assault of any kind, if there are injuries or other physical or mental health concerns. You will be seen by specially trained medical staff;
- An officer or the hospital can connect you with an advocate if you choose, or you may contact a local advocacy center directly. Advocates will walk with you through the investigation and legal procedures.
HOT JOBS
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BUDGET ADOPTIONVanderburgh County Council Meeting
Vanderburgh County Council Meeting/2025 Budget Adoption
OCTOBER 2, 2024
3:30 P.M.
AGENDA
| 1. | OPENING OF MEETING |
| 2. | ATTENDANCE ROLL CALL |
| 3. | PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE |
| 4. | INVOCATION |
| 5. | APPROVAL OF MINUTES: |
A. County Council Meeting – September 4, 2024
B. County Budget Meeting – September 4, 2024
| 6. | PERSONNEL REQUESTS: |
A. CCPI – Work Release / Superior Court – INDOC Grant Treatment Court
1. Request to create (4) PT positions in 9317/93180000-199000 (Extra Help) and move the (4) PT positions from 11222505-199000 (Extra Help)
B. Auditor
1. Request to fill vacancy for Bookkeeper/Claims 10001020-102115
C. Prosecutor
1. Request to fill vacancy for Legal Secretary 10001080-108128
D. Assessor
1. Request to fill vacancy for Real Estate/PTABOA Deputy III 10001090-109116 and allow advanced step placement
E. Public Defender
1. Request to fill vacancy for Public Defender 10001420-142163
2. Request to fill vacancy for PT Public Defender 10001420-142174
3. Request to fill vacancy for Participant Advocate 10001420-142187
F. Highway Department
1. Request to fill vacancy for Laborer 11760000-117645
G. Health Dept – WIC
1. Request to fill vacancy for PT Health Educator 84030000-199000 (Extra Help)
H. Health Dept – Early Learning Grant
1. Request to create and fill vacancy for Community Health Worker II 94270000-942703
| 7. | APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE: |
A. Sheriff
B. Weights & Measures
C. Election Office
D. County Commissioners
E. Circuit Court
F. LIT – Jail
G. Public Defender Supplemental
H. American Rescue Plan
| 8. | REPEALS: |
A. County Clerk
B. American Rescue Plan
| 9. | TRANSFERS: |
A. Veterans Services
B. County Commissioners
C. Jail
D. Circuit Court
E. Superior Court
F. Legal Aid
| 10. | OLD BUSINESS: |
A. Tax Phase In Compliance with DSM/Envalior – Patrick Hickey, E-Rep Economic Development Director
B. Sheriff Department Pension Plan – Kevin Carey, Actuarial Consultant for Nyhart
| 11. | NEW BUSINESS: |
A. Evansville-Vanderburgh Airport Authority – 2025 Budget Adoption
B. Solid Waste Management District – 2025 Budget Adoption
C. Health Department: Proposed (MOU) for Lease of Additional Space – Joe Gries, Administrator
D. Board Appointments to The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Coliseum Preservation Foundation
| 12. | AMENDMENTS TO SALARY ORDINANCE |
| 13. | PUBLIC COMMENT |
| 14. | REMINDER OF UPCOMING MEETING DATES/TIMES: |
A. County Budget Adoption – October 2nd (following today’s Council Meeting)
B. P&F Meeting – October 30th @3:30 PM
C. County Council Meeting – November 6th @3:30 PM
| 15. | ADJOURNMENT |
VANDERBURGH COUNTY 2025 BUDGET ADOPTION
1. OPENING OF MEETING
2. ATTENDANCE ROLL CALL
3. OPENING REMARKS – PRESIDENT JILL A. HAHN
4. FINANCE CHAIRMAN JAMES RABEN
A. Amended Position Titles
B. 2025 Salary Ordinance and Exhibits A through J
C. Miscellaneous Budget Changes/Additions
5. APPROVAL OF ALL BUDGETS – 2000, 3000 AND 4000 ACCOUNTS
6. APPROVAL OF 2025 HEALTH INSURANCE BUDGET
7. ESTABLISH COUNTY TAX RATE
8. ESTABLISH CUMULATIVE BRIDGE TAX RATE
9. CLOSING REMARKS AND PUBLIC COMMENT
10. ADJOURNMENT
Remembering the UE Plane Crash with author Steve Beaven | Oct. 5
Steve Beaven, a seasoned journalist and Evansville native whose work has appeared in The New York Times and The Oregonian, will be at Willard Public Library for an engaging author talk on his book We Will Rise: A True Story of Tragedy and Resurrection in the American Heartland. The book chronicles the 1977 plane crash that devastated the University of Evansville basketball team and the community’s extraordinary effort to heal and rebuild. Join us for this inspiring discussion, followed by a Q&A and book signing.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
Time: 2 PM
Location: Browning Gallery (lower level)
We Will Rise offers a poignant account of the tragic crash and the remarkable resilience of a small Indiana town. Beaven’s detailed narrative explores themes of grief and the indomitable spirit of a community determined to honor its fallen heroes and restore its beloved team.
About the Author:
Steve Beaven is an accomplished journalist and author whose work has appeared in The New York Times and The Oregonian. As a native of Evansville, Indiana, he provides a personal and insightful perspective in his writing. Beaven resides in Portland with his wife and two sons.
Eagles finish homestand versus Lindenwood USI on the road this weekend
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Soccer looks to finish its five-match homestand with a winning record Thursday when it faces Lindenwood University in an Ohio Valley Conference showdown. The match is slated for a special 1 p.m. kickoff.
USI, which has won back-to-back matches for the first time since April 2021, returns to the road this weekend when it travels to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The single-match road swing is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start.
Next week, the Eagles will be back at Strassweg Field for a pair of matches. USI will host Houston Christian University October 10 for Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night and the University of Incarnate Word October 13 for Senior Day.
USI fans can attend all Men’s Soccer 2024 home matches for free, courtesy of a sponsorship from ProRehab. Game coverage for 2024, including links to live stats and video streams, can be found on USIScreamingEagles.com.
USI Men’s Soccer Week 6 Notes:
USI opens OVC with 2-1 win: The USI Screaming Eagles opened Ohio Valley Conference play with a 2-1 win over Eastern Illinois University. Sophomore forward Jackson Mitchell gave USI a 1-0 lead in the opening half, while senior defender Brock Martindale scored the game-winner in the second half. Sophomore goalkeeper Andrew Klott got his second win of the season by making four saves and allowing one goal.
USI got on the scoreboard vs. Rose-Hulman: The Eagles got on the scoreboard for the first time in 2024 with a 1-0 victory over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Tuesday. Sophomore forward Jackson Mitchell scored his first goal of the season and the game-winner in the 38th minute of the first half. Sophomore goalkeeper Andrew Klott posted his first shutout of the season by making three saves.
USI wins back-to-back matches: USI has won back-to-back matches for the first time since October of the 2021 season.
USI finds some offense: USI snapped a 380:21 scoreless streak when sophomore forward Jackson Mitchell scored his first goal of the season at 37:21 into the win Wednesday evening versus Rose-Hulman.
Martindale gets first USI goal: Senior defender Brock Martindale scored his first USI career goal versus EIU, the game-winner.
USI finishes homestand vs. Lindenwood: USI concludes the homestand against Lindenwood University October 3 at 1 p.m. and has a chance to win the homestand. After falling to Bellarmine University and Purdue University Fort Wayne to begin the five matches at home, USI has won two straight to give the Eagles a chance to win a homestand for the first time since April of 2021 (COVID season).
Leading the offense: The Eagles are led offensively by freshman midfielder Ahiro Nakamae, who has seven points on three goals and one assist. Sophomore forward Jackson Mitchell follows with six points on two goals and two assists.
Lindenwood in 2024: Lindenwood is 4-4-1 overall this fall after losing its OVC opener, 2-0, to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville September 28. The Lions have lost two of their last three after a three-match winning streak.
USI vs. Lindenwood: USI and Lindenwood are tied 3-3-0 in the all-time series between the two schools. The Eagles split the series with the Lions last year, falling in St. Charles, Missouri, 1-0, but bouncing back to win at Strassweg Field, 4-2, to end the season.
SIUE in 2024: The Cougars of SIUE are 3-3-2 during the season’s first month. SIUE won its OVC season opener, 2-0, at home versus Lindenwood.