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“IS IT TRUE” AUGUST 9, 2019

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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 according to Vanderburgh County School Board member Anne Ennis that the iLearn test has cost the Indiana taxpayers about $45 million over the last three year?

IS IT TRUE that  Dr. Adrian Brooks niece is the newly appointed Superintendent of the Indianapolis public school system?

IS IT TRUE we are told that a couple of local of financially well-heeled business people would be interested in bringing back an ECHL professional hockey team to Evansville if they could get the same $1,000 Ford Center home game rate as the Evansville Thunderbolts?

IS IT TRUE that the person calculating the official attendance of September 1, 2019, live race at Ellis Park must have had a serious computer glitch?  …they reported around 18,000 people attended September 1, 2019, live races at Ellis Park?  …the track largest recorded attendance was 8,500 people when they had the Camel and Ostrich races on the same day?

IS IT TRUE a couple of years ago the only grocery store in Jacobsville closed without warning?…this creates a food desert right after a politician proclaimed Jacobsville is an up and coming neighborhood?…the reasons given by the Buehler’s IGA for closing the doors was the high levels of theft that were occurring at the store?…this is the same kind of criminality that supposedly killed the Wesselman’s, the Sunshine Market?

IS IT TRUE that a neighborhood grocery store is a vital part of any redevelopment effort?  …if you want to clean up places like Jimtown and Jacobsville, the first step is to get rid of the Jims and Jacobs who rob and pillage everything that is out there? …good-paying jobs, reliable public transportation, affordable livable housing, good schools, affordable daycare services, a quality grocery store, and accessible and affordable healthcare would go a long way in helping people in that area?

IS IT TRUE we are hearing that there is a quiet movement afoot to find a way to fund a discount grocery operation on North Main Street?  …we won’t be surprised if Mayor Winnecke will announce that he has found someone to build aa new grocery store on North Main street just before the election?  …we really hope that happens?
IS IT TRUE we also wonder when construction will begin on the old downtown YMCA annex building?  … this building has been vacant of at least 35 plus years?  …many years years ago we read in the local newspaper that local developers were going to turn this former 5th Street YMCA annex building into housing for the homeless? …this proposed housing project turns out to be another downtown “Pie In The Sky“ venture that can’t get bank financing?
IS IT TRUE that the Executive Director of the “Right To Life of Southwest Indiana”, Mary Ellen Van Dyke is doing an excellent job of protecting the unborn?
IS IT TRUE we have an outstanding group of law enforcement professionals that are doing everything they can to protect us?  …It’s almost impossible for members of law enforcement to stop anyone from killing someone?  …It’s obvious that its time for our elected officials to look for more creative ways to help of our law enforcement agencies so they can do a better job fighting violent crime?
IS IT TRUE the City-County Observer is somewhat distressed over the number of shootings and beatings that are happening in Evansville that are being reported?…nary a day goes by that some poor soul gets shot in either the Southside or downtown  Jacobsville?  …our local first responders are doing one heck of a job in chasing down the bad people that are responsible for these criminal acts?
IS IT TRUE that 31% of fatal drunk-driving accidents occur on the weekend?  …more drunk drivers are on the road Saturday nights between midnight and 3 AM than any other time of the week?
IS IT TRUE since the Evansville Courier and Press sold their office building on Walnut Street, laid many employees off and moved the printing of their paper to Lousiville, Ky we hope that they will become more productive and profitable?  …that the City-County Observer wishes the good people at the Courier and Press many more successful years in the publishing business?
IS IT TRUE that the Evansville Regional Airport has experienced several multi-million dollar expansion projects over the last several years?  …there has been some extensive expansion of the flight terminal and the runways and also an increase in new flight destinations to other cities during the last several years?  …we give five (5) cheers to the Board and Directors, management and staff at the Evansville Regional Airport for a job well done?
IS IT TRUE we wonder how many people have received a summons to appear at the Warrick, Posey and Vanderburgh County Superior Court-Small Claims Division to dispute the validity of a medical debt allegedly owed for medical services at our local hospitals and medical clinics during the last two years?  …that ProPublica claims that medical bills are often riddled with errors? …that they also suggest that you should ask your medical provider if they have a financial assistance policy, which could result in a sliding scale discount?
IS IT TRUE that we are pleased to report that the Toyota plant in Princeton is growing by leaps and bounds? …Toyota provides people with high wage jobs with impressive benefits and it is hard to imagine the Tri-State without Toyota?
IS IT TRUE we are hearing that many people are extremely pleased with the way our Vanderburgh County Commissioners are conducting themseleves?
Todays “Readers Poll” question Is: Should State official be held harmless because of the extreme drop in the state ILEARN test scores?
Please take time and read our articles entitled “STATEHOUSE Files, Channel 44 News, LAW ENFORCEMENT, READERS POLL, BIRTHDAYS, HOT JOBS, LOCAL SPORTS, AND OBITUARY.  You now are able to subscribe to get the CCO daily
If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us CityCountyObserver@live.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners Meeting

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AGENDA Of The Vanderburgh County

Board of Commissioners On September 10, 2019, At 3:00 pm, Room 301

  1. Call to Order
  2. Attendance
  3. Pledge of Allegiance
  4. Action Items 
    1. GAGE Update
    2. Health Department
      1. Analyst Systems Support Contract with Mark Healy
      2. Fatality Review and Prevention Grant
  5. Department Head Reports
  6. New Business
  7. Old Business
  8. Consent Items
    1. Approval of September 3, 2019, Meeting Minutes
    2. Employment Changes 
    3. Economic Development Coalition August 2019 Report
    4. Sheriff: Christian Fellowship Church Road Closure Request
    5. County Engineer: Department Report
  9. Public Comment
  10. Adjournment

Tatum Tornatta Gives Verbal Commitment To Southern Illinois University

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Tatum Tornatta Gives Verbal Commitment To Southern Illinois University

By Rachel Ketzner

Reitz Memorial student-athlete, Tatum Tornatta (class of 2020), has given her verbal commitment to play volleyball for the Salukis at Southern Illinois University.
Tatum is entering her third season as a starter with the Tigers, under Coach Andi Allford.  She was a SIAC 1st Team pick in her Sophomore and Junior campaigns, and City Player of the Year as a Junior.  During that time Tatum helped lead her team to a combined 50-13 record and 16-2 in conference play with a 2017 Sectional title.  She also played basketball giving legendary Coach Bruce Dockery his 500th win and tennis on a team that was one win away from a state title.  She is an Evansville United club team member and has been invited to play with the USA Volleyball A1 Continental teams in the National tournament.
Tatum intends to pursue her student-athletic career in the area of health sciences at SIU, under newly hired Coach Ed Allen. Coach Allen has had stops at Anderson, Presbyterian, Tulsa and most recently the University of Alabama, where he compiled a record of 646-284 for a (.695) winning percentage.
Tatum’s parents are Troy Tornatta and Tomelle Greenfield, and brother Tucker (13).

CHRISTINE H. KECK SELECTED  AS CITY COUNTY OBSERVER “OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE” AWARD WINNER

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CHRISTINE H. KECK  IS MANAGING DIRECTOR, FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, 

CENTERPOINT ENERGY  

 With the February 2019 acquisition of Vectren Corporation by CenterPoint Energy (CNP) Christine leads Federal advocacy and policy engagement for CNP, enterprise-wide, covering the regulated gas and electric utility operations which now encompass 8 states as well as the company’s non- regulated subsidiaries which have a nation-wide footprint.  With the Vectren acquisition, CNP is now the 2nd largest natural gas utility in the United States, serving more than 7 million metered customers.

 This builds upon Christine’s efforts since 2008 leading public policy, strategy and external engagement initiatives for Vectren and its subsidiaries, advancing public policy critical to addressing and improving our Nation’s pipeline infrastructure, the nexus between domestic energy production and independence with defense and national security, energy efficiency, regulatory regimes and tax policies.

 In 2015 Christine was recognized with the national “Energy Champion” award by the Energy Services Coalition, in recognition of her efforts to advance the use of performance-based contracting and for her efforts in successfully securing a 3-year cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy.

 Christine is active in energy industry associations, including the American Gas Association, the Edison Electric Institute,  the Federal Performance Contracting Coalition,  the National Association of Energy Services Companies and the Energy Services Coalition, for which she is the past board president.

 Prior to joining the company in 2008, Keck served as Senior Vice President, Southern Region Corporate Lending Executive for Evansville, Indiana based Old National Bank. Christine began her career with Old National as part of the Bank’s Management Training program, and worked in a variety of capacities, primarily in the Commercial and Corporate Lending groups.

 In October of 2018, Christine was elected as Chairman of the Southwest Indiana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, serving in this capacity to October 2020. In July 2019 Christine became the Chairman of the St. Vincent Hospital Foundation Board of Directors.

 In recognition of her community service and leadership, Christine was recently awarded the Sara B. Davies Award by Leadership Evansville. She has also been a finalist for the Athena award in 2018, 2014 and 2012. 

 EDUCATION

Christine attended McGill University in Montreal, Canada and graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. She has received several professional certifications including the prestigious designation of “CRC”, Credit Risk Certified, by the Risk Management Association, a national organization dedicated to the use of sound credit and lending practices in the financial services industry.

 LEADERSHIP, PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS, AND RECOGNITIONS

  1. Chairman, SW Indiana Chamber of Commerce of Board 
  2. Trustee, University of Southern Indiana
  3. Chairman St Vincent’s Hospital (Ascension Health) Foundation Board
  4. Board Member, University of Evansville Schroeder School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board

Young & Established Inspires And Motivate Area Youth

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Courtney Lee Johnson, Founder of Young & Established, was born and raised in Evansville, Indiana. He completed his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Southern Indiana.

Since embarking on his entrepreneurship journey, Courtney has dedicated his time and energy to giving back to his community and inspiring those he meets along the way.

Johnson created Young & Established 6 years ago to build a community-oriented organization which seeks to inspire and motivate youth while addressing the challenges young people face every day.

Through our mentoring programs, community events, and relevant campaigns, we strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of today’s youth. Courtney believes the work he does is bigger than himself, and his greatest desire is to do everything possible to make the world a better place, one community at a time!

USI Men Finishes Road Trip With Wild 3-3 OT Tie

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The University of Southern Indiana men’s soccer team finished its two-match non-conference road swing with a 3-3, double-overtime tie at Northwood University Sunday afternoon in Midland, Michigan. The Screaming Eagles finish the non-conference road trip 0-1-1, while Northwood goes to 1-0-1.

USI sophomore midfielder Ryan Nevins (St. Peters, Missouri) put the Eagles on the scoreboard first with a goal inside the box at 23:23. Nevins was assisted on his first tally of the season off a through ball by junior forward Graham Miller (Owensboro, Kentucky).

The USI lead would last until the 44th minute of the first half when Northwood put heavy pressure on the Eagles’ defense and knotted the match at 1-1 before the intermission.

A wild second half ensued with the Eagles and the Timberwolves scoring a pair of goals each. The Timberwolves took the lead for the first time in the match, 2-1, with a goal 1:19 into the second half. USI rallied for the first time in the match to tie the game, 2-2, when sophomore defender Colten Walsh (St. Louis, Missouri) recorded his first goal of the season at 72:27 off a pass from senior midfielder Adam Becker (Columbia, Illinois).

The tie did not last long as the Timberwolves grabbed a 3-2 advantage 30 seconds later at 72:57. Miller put the Eagles back into contention in the final 10 minutes when he got USI’s second equalizer at 80:40 off of a second assist by Becker.

The USI defense blocked a pair of shots and junior goalkeeper Justin Faas (Carmel, Indiana) made a pair of tough saves in the final minutes of regulation to get the Eagles to the overtime periods.

In the overtime periods, both teams got off two shots each, but no one was able to put an end to the match before the final whistle on the tie. Faas recorded the tie for the Eagles, allowing the three goals and making seven saves.

The Eagles start the 2019 home schedule and GLVC campaign next weekend when they host McKendree University at Strassweg Field at 2:30 p.m. USI was forecast to place fourth, while McKendree was predicted to finish seventh in the GLVC.

McKendree has started the year 1-1-0 after falling to Saginaw Valley State University, 2-0, and defeating Oakland City University, 3-0, this weekend in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Lady Eagles Pound Cavaliers, 4-0

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Lady Eagles Pound Cavaliers, 4-0

BOX SCORE (HTML)

NORTH CANTON, Ohio. – The University of Southern Indiana women’s soccer team concluded 2019 non-conference play with a convincing 4-0 victory at Walsh University this afternoon in North Canton, Ohio. The Screaming Eagles start the year 2-0-0, while Walsh begins 1-1-0.

USI junior forward Maggie Winter (St. Louis, Missouri) led the Eagles’ offensive attack with a pair of second-half goals after assisting on the first goals of the match. Winter, who has a team-high seven points on three goals and one assist in the first two matches of the season, scored her goals within a minute, finding the back of the net at 74:14 and 75:07. She was assisted on her goals by sophomore midfielder Rachel Gray (Franklin, Tennessee) and junior forward Taylor McCormick (Rapid City, South Dakota).

Senior forward/midfielder Emilie Blomenkamp (Smithton, Illinois) posted the eventual game-winning goal at 22:32 of the first half off an assist by Winter and junior defender Madelyne Juenger (Columbia, Illinois). The goal was Blomenkamp’s second of the season and would stand up through halftime.

Sophomore forward Katlyn Andres (Louisville, Kentucky) sealed the victory for USI 51 seconds into the second half with her second goal of the season. She was assisted on the play by Juenger.

Between the posts, freshman goalkeeper Maya Etienne (Midland, Michigan) posted her second-straight shutout. Etienne faced a total of 12 shots and made eight saves to earn the win.

The Eagles start the 2019 home schedule and GLVC campaign next weekend when they host McKendree University at Strassweg Field at noon. USI was forecast to place sixth, while McKendree was predicted to finish second in the league.

McKendree has started the year 1-1-0 after defeating Kentucky Wesleyan College, 3-2, and losing Ohio Dominican University, 1-0, this weekend at home.

Live coverage of the USI-Walsh match-up can be found at GoUSIEagles.com.

Yesteryear: Old Vanderburgh County Courthouse

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Yesteryear: Old Vanderburgh County Courthouse

BY PAT SIDES

Seen here in the 1920s, the stately old Courthouse has occupied an entire city block downtown since its completion as Evansville’s third courthouse.

The building’s ornate Baroque style reflected the city’s growing civic pride and economic prosperity as the century drew to a close.

The cornerstone was laid on November 27, 1888, in an imposing ceremony led by the Grand Lodge of Masons, and citizens were granted a half-day off work to participate in the festivities. “It Is Done,” a headline in the Evansville Courier proudly proclaimed in late 1890, calling the structure a “perpetual monument of Vanderburgh’s greatness.”

In the distance (at right) are Lockyear College and the YMCA building, which were erected in the early twentieth century. 

10 Companies You’ve Never Heard Of Control More Than 50 Of The Biggest Restaurant Chains In The World

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10 Companies You’ve Never Heard Of Control More Than 50 Of The Biggest Restaurant Chains In The World

by Yutong Yuan and  Katie Taylor for Business Insider

  • Ten companies control more than 50 of the biggest names in the chain restaurant business, from Panera to Burger King.
  • As it becomes more expensive to run a restaurant, more chains are consolidating under mega-companies.
  • Here is a look at who actually owns some of the biggest names in the restaurant business.
Your favorite fast-food chain may not be exactly what it seems.

While chains like Burger King, Taco Bell, and Olive Garden have name recognition, many of the biggest brands in the restaurant business are actually owned by mega-companies. These holding companies and private-equity firms often invest in or own a number of brands, in and outside of the restaurant industry.

As costs rise, the scale is increasingly crucial in the restaurant business.

“If you can take it and spread the cost across 8,400 restaurants versus 3,600 restaurants … there’s an inherent advantage in that,” Paul Brown, the CEO of Arby’s, Sonic, and Buffalo Wild Wings parent company Inspire Brands, recently told Business Insider.

Read more: Inspire Brands CEO reveals his plans for Buffalo Wild Wings’ comeback, Sonic’s expansion, and more acquisitions

Here is a look at which companies actually own some of the biggest names in the restaurant business:

Yum BrandsHollis Johnson/Business Insider

Yum Brands owns KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell.

“We don’t need to do an acquisition to build scale. We already have a scale,” David Gibbs, Yum Brands’ president and chief financial officer, told Business Insider in December.

Gibbs says he believes scale is becoming increasingly important. For example, the company’s scale helped make possible its deal with GrubHub, in which Yum Brands purchased a $200 million stake in the delivery company.

“That’s why you’re seeing so many other companies go out and try to acquire new concepts just to try and build their own scale,” Gibbs said.

Read more: The company behind Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut hasn’t been caught up in the restaurant industry acquisition spree — yet. Here is what the president is looking for.

Restaurant Brands International

Restaurant Brands InternationalHollis Johnson/Business Insider

Restaurant Brands International is the parent company of Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes.

“In the past, you’ve seen us be opportunistic,” executive chairman Daniel Schwartz said in a call with investors on Wednesday, regarding the company’s acquisition strategy. “We’ve acquired three incredible brands that we think have great global growth potential.”

Going forward, Schwartz said that Restaurant Brands International would consider acquiring other “iconic” brands with significant long-term growth potential.

Read more: Burger King’s parent company is rumored to be considering buying Papa John’s. Here’s what the chairman says he looks for in a brand.

Darden RestaurantsHollis Johnson/Business Insider

Darden Restaurants is the Orlando, Florida-based company that owns eight chains, including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen.

“Really, nothing has changed in the last 40 years with dining,” Darden CEO Gene Lee said in a presentation in January.

“With all the technological advancements, if you think about it, we’re still basically doing the same thing,” Lee continued. “I don’t see in the next 10 years any dramatic changes other than a continued transparency with what you’re serving people. And, I think, you are going to have to be a little bit more convenient for them.”

Read more: The CEO of Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse’s parent company reveals what the company looks for in an acquisition — and it’s not a trendy fast-casual chain or a ‘technologically advanced experience’

JAB Holding

JAB HoldingHollis Johnson

One of the most massive food-and-beverage giants is JAB Holding, the investment arm of the secretive Reimann family. JAB owns chains including Krispy Kreme, Panera, Caribou Coffee, Au Bon Pain, and Pret A Manger, as well as Keurig Dr. Pepper and bottled-water brand Core.

Read more: The European company that owns Panera and Krispy Kreme has quietly acquired a new bottled-water company in its quest to create a beverage empire

Focus BrandsHollis Johnson/Business Insider

Focus Brands is the franchisor and operator behind Carvel, Cinnabon, Schlotzsky’s, Jamba Juice, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Auntie Anne’s, McAlister’s Deli, and Seattle’s Best Coffee.

The company is owned by private-equity firm Roark Capital, which is reportedly considering an IPO for Focus Brands in 2019. Roark’s portfolio expands beyond food and beverage, with stakes in companies such as Anytime Fitness and Drybar, as well as Inspire Brands, another restaurant-centric company.

Inspire Brands

Inspire BrandsHollis Johnson

In September, Inspire Brands announced it would be acquiring burger chain Sonic for $2.3 billion, including debt. The deal follows Inspire Brands — which already owned Arby’s — closing on a deal to acquire Buffalo Wild Wings and Rusty Taco earlier in 2018.

“We like brands that are great brands, that have gone through a period of great success, and maybe in a temporary period with a little bit of a challenge, where there’s an opportunity to come in and get it back on a path,” Inspire Brands CEO Paul Brown told Business Insider at the time.

Inspire Brands is majority-owned by Roark Capital.

Read more: Arby’s former CEO is building a fast-food empire

Bloomin' BrandsFacebook/Outback Steakhouse

Bloomin’ Brands is the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse.

In 2018, activist investor Barington Capital Group encouraged the company to spin off or sell some of the chains to focus on Outback Steakhouse.

Brinker International

Brinker InternationalFacebook/Chili’s

Brinker International owns Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy. Previously, the company has owned chains including Romano’s Macaroni Grill, On the Border, and Corner Bakery Cafe.

Golden Gate CapitalHollis Johnson/Business Insider

Golden Gate Capital owns Bob Evans and California Pizza Kitchen, and it holds a majority stake in Red Lobster. The holding company’s portfolio also includes Eddie Bauer, Pacific Sunwear of California, and Next Model Management.

Jollibee Foods Corporation

Jollibee Foods CorporationHollis Johnson

In addition to its namesake Jollibee, Jollibee Foods Corporation has also invested in American chains such as chef Rick Bayless’ Tortas Frontera and Smashburger, which JFC acquired in 2018. JFC additionally serves as an international franchisee for a number of brands, including Dunkin’ Donuts and Burger King.

 EPA Seeks Comment on New Policy Proposals to Facilitate Market-Based Opportunities to Improve Water Quality

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 EPA Seeks Comment on New Policy Proposals to Facilitate Market-Based Opportunities to Improve Water Quality

OXON HILL, Md. (September 5, 2019) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced an important step to help promote the use of market-based approaches to efficiently and cost-effectively improve water quality across the nation. Speaking at the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council meeting, Administrator Wheeler announced several new policy proposals that could simplify and give more flexibility to states, tribes and stakeholders seeking to develop market-based programs or to generate or use nutrient reduction credits.

“EPA is proposing updates to our water quality trading policy that would help state and local partners take advantage of new technologies or develop market-based programs for improving water quality,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Building on efforts already underway at the state, local and tribal level, EPA is helping facilitate the use of innovative tools and technologies that will deliver critical water quality improvements at a lower cost.”

The action seeks comment on policy options related to one of the six market-based principles identified in EPA’s February 6, 2019 Water Quality Trading Policy memo—encouraging simplicity and flexibility in implementing baseline concepts. The proposal seeks comment on approaches to clarify and provide flexibility for nonpoint sources to generate credits for use in water quality trading.

Under the Clean Water Act, water quality trading is an option for those seeking compliance with a discharge permit. Under trading programs, permitted facilities facing higher pollution control costs may be able to meet their regulatory obligations by purchasing environmentally equivalent (or superior) pollution reductions from other sources at lower cost. While EPA has long interpreted the Clean Water Act to allow for pollutant reductions from water quality trading, the practice has not been used to its fullest potential.

EPA invites the public to consider the policy options presented in today’s notice and provide written comment on those options and others that may help promote market-based approaches to water quality improvements. EPA will host a public meeting to facilitate discussion on this important aspect of market-based programs, including water quality trading, that can be used to cost-effectively achieve water quality improvements.

For more information visit: www.epa.gov/npdes/water-quality-trading.

Background

On Feb. 6, 2019, EPA released the Water Quality Trading Policy memo to modernize the agency’s water quality trading policies to leverage emerging technologies and facilitate broader adoption of market-based programs. The memo identified five additional market-based principles that EPA encourages policy makers and stakeholders to consider in developing market-based programs:

  • States, tribes and stakeholders should consider implementing water quality trading and other market-based programs on a watershed scale.
  • EPA encourages the use of adaptive strategies for implementing market-based programs.
  • Water quality credits and offsets may be banked for future use.
  • A single project may generate credits for multiple markets.
  • Financing opportunities exist to assist with deployment of nonpoint land use practices.

The memo reiterates the agency’s support for water quality trading and other market-based programs to maximize pollutant reduction efforts and improve water quality. These actions are part of a larger collaboration with stakeholders across the country to better coordinate and focus federal resources on some of the nation’s most challenging water resource concerns, including addressing excess nutrients in waterways.

 

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