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IS IT TRUE JULY 17, 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  that “a lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity.”  …this is a quote by the Dalai Lama?

IS IT TRUE according to the Evansville Courier and Press the Evansville/ Vanderburgh County Convention and Visitors Bureau announced that the USSSA Fastpitch GreatLakes National is holding their 200 team tournament at baseball fields located in Vanderburgh County, Boonville, and Henderson?  …the visiting teams were welcomed by Mayor Winnecke?  …we were surprised that the Director of the CVB, Joe Taylor didn’t invite the Presidents of the Vanderburgh County Commission and County Council to also welcome the participants of this tournament to Vanderburgh County?  …doesn’t the County contribute to funding of the Vanderburgh/Evansville  Convention And Visitors Bureau? …we are even more surprised  that Mr. Taylor didn’t send a press release to the City County Observer about this worthy community event?  …we where hoping that Mr. Tayor would be more transparent then the person he replaced?  …so far it looks like business as usual at the CVB?
IS IT TRUE that the only way to promote the best in an election is by candidates and their sponsors being straightforward, open, and clear in their communication to voters?
IS IT TRUE that our Civic Center “Moles” tell us that Mayor Winnecke has decided to not to mess with the “HOMESTEAD TAX CREDIT” in 2020?  …it looks like the Mayor made a smart political move concerning this issue?
IS IT TRUE that last year the Evansville City Council did exactly as the City-County Observer predicted and voted to plunk down $2.7 million taxpayer dollars to move the LST from Marina Pointe to the old casino boat site? …we are surprised that only one (1) City Council member questioned who’s going to pay to dismantle the LST dock once the boat leaves Marina Pointe? …we wonder who’s going to pay to dismantle the LST dock once the boat leaves Marina Pointe?

IS IT TRUE we wonder why City Controller Russ Lloyd, Jr hasn’t informed members of City Council how much did it cost the taxpayers to subsidize the Evansville Thunderbolts operating expenses during the 2018-19 hockey season?

IS IT TRUE that former owner of the Evansville Icemen just sold his Jacksonville Icemen team for an extremely handsome figure?  …we wonder how many millions of dollars would Ron Geary have gotten from the sale of the Evansville Icemen if he wasn’t forced to leave Evansville because political tampering?

IS IT TRUE we are told that our City and County elected officials are considering raising the County Option Income Tax (COIT)  for 2020 without seeking any input  from the public?

IS IT TRUE we are hearing that numerous taxpayers were disappointed with Mayor Winnecke becaise he nixed the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Committee to locate the $28 million dollars Deaconess Aquatic Center at Robert’s Park?  …that some people are now saying that Mayor Winnecke has seemly adopted a benevolent dictator style of managing City Government?

IS IT TRUE it’s obvious that some of our our elected officials are practicing “taxation without representation” but also has a “taxation without explanation” attitude?
IS IT TRUE that the City of Evansville raised our taxes by 7.6% in 2019?…we wonder how on earth can a city that has ZERO population growth and minimal wage growth feel that they can collect 7.6% more tax money from its huddled masses than it did the year before?
IS IT TRUE don’t be surprised to hear that the Vanderburgh County Council will decide to use the entire allocation” of COIT funds for 2019 and 2020  to build a new addition to the Vanderburgh County jail?
IS IT TRUE we are pleased that the Vanderburgh County Commissioners passed a resolution stating they opposed INDOT’s draft of the Lloyd Expressway Corridor Management Plan and the U.S. Highway 41 Corridor Plan?
IS IT TRUE  several years ago we remember when the “Jacobsville Join In” office was officially opened on North Main Street?  …that a large group of people observed the Mayor, officials from Echo Housing and the Evansville DMD officially cutting the ribbon to opening the office?  …at the official opening, the dignitaries in attendance told us how “Jacobsville Join In” is going to make major positive changes in the North Main Street corridor? …recently without fanfare “Jacobsville Join In” group abruptly vacated their office located on North Main Street?  …that “Jacobsville Join In” was sponsored by ECHO Housing and allegedly received their operating funds from the Evansville DMD?  …this building is now going to house a new hair salon?
IS IT TRUE we hear that the City of Evansville officials are talking about cutting the city operations budget around $3 million dollars for 2020 in order to cover the projected deficit of the Evansville Employee Hospitalization fund?

Todays“Readers Poll” question is: Should the Presidents of the Vanderburgh County Commission and County Council been allowed to welcome the participants of the Fastpitch Softball tournament to Vanderburgh County?

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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.

A MESSAGE OF COMFORT TO OLIVER “OLLIE” DILL’S FAMILY

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A MESSAGE OF COMFORT TO OLIVER “OLLIE” DILL’S FAMILY
OLIVER “OLLIE” DILL a precious little boy will live in the hearts and minds of many of us for years to come. We have never had the honor or privilege of meeting him but today he has gone home to live in the loving arms of God.
Today Oliver “Ollie” Dill is starting a new adventure in heaven and he’s got things to do and people to see. He will observe unimaginable things that we couldn’t even begin to fathom such streets of gold, beautiful sunsets, people laughing, dancing, rejoicing and people living in harmony and peace. Most importantly he will meet his maker and rejoice in all things good.
This beautiful, innocent little boy was a living example of love, peace and joy. God’s plan is greater than ours and God needed him more than we did.
Starting today he will never have any worries, feel sadness, loss or pain. This isn’t the end for Oliver “Ollie” Dill but is only the beginning. He’s now watches over the people he loves with joyful anticipation when they can all meet again.
May the pain and sorrow that we feel now will last only for a short while and it will quickly turn into beautiful memories of Oliver “Ollie” Dill that will last a lifetime.
Please join us today at 11:00 am in a moment of silence in tribute to the memory of OLIVER “OLLIE” DILL.  We also hope that you will also join us in praying for members of the Dill family in hope that that one day soon they will be able to find peace and joy once again. 
OBITUARY OF OLIVER “OLLIE” DILL
Oliver “Ollie” Dill, 3, Evansville, IN passed away on July 9, 2019. He was born on June 2, 2016 in Providence, RI to Dr. Andrew and Jamie (Martin) Dill.

He loved playing with his brother, Owen and cousin, Anniston. Ollie enjoyed reading and playing in the sandbox and water tables at USI Children’s Learning Center, where he loved the ladies. He had a love for food, especially, turkey, mashed potatoes and mac-n-cheese. Ollie was known for being a practical joker. He had a love for animals and enjoyed going to the zoo.

Oliver “Ollie” is preceded in death by his grandmother, Charley Dill.

He is survived by his parents; brother, Owen Dill; grandparents, James E. (Charlene) Martin and Tom (Tamara) Dill; aunts and uncles, Chris Martin, Dan Martin, Eric Dill (Heather Southworth) and Amanda Smith (Steve); and many other cousins, extended family and friends.

Funeral Services will be held today at 11:00 a.m. at Alexander East Chapel and officiated by Celebrant Carrie Hatchett.

Friends may visit today 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. Burial will be at Alexander Memorial Park.

Memorial Contributions may be made to USI Children’s Learning Center, 8600 University Blvd, Evansville, IN 47712.

IU’s Capobianco Wins Bronze at FINA World Championships

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Indiana University diver Andrew Capobianco, along with teammate Katrina Young, won bronze for Team USA in the mixed team diving event at the 2019 FINA World Championships on Tuesday.

Capobianco and Young combined for a score of 357.60 to win the bronze medal for Team USA. China won gold with a score of 416.65, while Russia took silver with a total of 390.05.

The team event involves two divers – one male and one female – who will perform three dives apiece. All six groups of dives must be represented, and each diver must perform at least one dive from the 3-meter and one from the 10-meter. Both divers also are required to do one dive with a degree of difficulty of 2.0.

After combining to score an 80.00 on the duo’s first dive – 201B with a difficulty of 2.0 – the Americans found themselves in 15th place.

Capobianco and Young then catapulted up the leaderboard on the team’s second round of dives, scoring a 141.80 to move into fourth place.

In the final round, Capobianco and Young posted a combined total of 135.80 to surpass the Malaysian team to win bronze.

 

Old National Bank Foundation Awards Ivy Tech Community College $500,000 Grant To  Prepare High School Students

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Old National Bank Foundation (ONBF) has awarded Ivy Tech Community College a $500,000 grant to be shared across several Indiana communities over five years. ONBF’s intent with this donation is to use the funding for innovative programs that enhance the quality of life within the communities they serve. The announcement was made today at a news conference at Ivy Tech.

Beginning in August, Ivy Tech Evansville, in partnership with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, will roll out Pathways Plus as a way to prepare high school students for high-wage, high-demand careers that exist in our communities by allowing them to complete a college degree by the time they graduate from high school. Pathways Plus builds on the many dual credit courses already offered in the high schools and the Southern Indiana Career & Technical Center by combining them with dual enrollment courses offered at Ivy Tech to intentionally provide career pathways that can lead to a college credential. 

Ivy Tech Evansville Chancellor Jonathan Weinzapfel, said, “Pathways Plus provides an intentional college pathway for high school students, plus the opportunity to earn a college certificate, technical certificate or degree; plus the opportunity to prepare skilled employees for the workforce; plus an opportunity to use those credits to continue their college education.” 

The initiative will begin with the EVSC’s Southern Indiana Career & Technical Center (which includes students from North and South Gibson, Warrick, Vanderburgh, Posey and the southern half of Spencer counties) and EVSC high schools. Other high school career pathways are being developed in the surrounding counties for potential Spring and Fall 2020 starts.

The Old National Bank Foundation grant will help fund dual enrollment classes taken by high school students that lead to a college completion, as well as additional College Connection Coaches who work closely with students to counsel, guide, and assist them in career exploration and college enrollment. The coaches will also help EVSC increase enrollment of middle school students in the 21st Century Scholars Program – which provides a free college education to those who qualify. 

“Old National Bank is focused on developing partnerships with organizations dedicated to leveraging opportunities that serve low- to moderate-income individuals in order to develop our workforce, improve achievement gains and build skills and knowledge,” said Jim Sandgren, President and Chief Operating Officer for Old National Bank. “We are proud to partner with Ivy Tech Community College to strengthen our communities through initiatives with meaningful impact.”

“Ultimately, our vision is that every high school student graduates with a college credential. This will create great career opportunities, help to solve our employers’ shortage of a skilled workforce, and give our young people the opportunity to make a decent living, raise a family and contribute back to our community,” Chancellor Weinzapfel said. “Old National’s grant will also assist Ivy Tech in helping make college affordable for families,” he added. 

Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation Superintendent David Smith said partnerships can provide opportunities for students and the community. “We are excited for another opportunity to collaborate with both the public and private sector to provide even more opportunities for all EVSC students. It is through partnerships like these that help us to continue the OptIN mission to introduce, explore, and prepare EVSC students for all pathways leading to high-wage, high-demand career opportunities that are paired with student interest, abilities, skills and knowledge.”

For additional information about Pathways Plus, go to www.ivytech.edu/PathwaysPlus

Ron Geary Jacksonville Icemen Sold To New Local Ownership

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Jacksonville Florida Icemen Announce New Local Ownership

(Ron Geary Transfers Ownership to Andrew Kaufmann)

JACKSONVILLE, FL – The Jacksonville Icemen, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets and AHL’s Manitoba Moose, announced Tuesday that El Acquisitions, a group led by Ron Geary has sold the Icemen organization to SZH Hockey LLC led by Jacksonville resident Andrew Kaufmann and includes Icemen President Bob Ohrablo. Tuesday’s announcement wasmade during a press conference hosted by the JAX Chamber in downtown Jacksonville.

“I want to thank Ron Geary and our past partners for sharing my vision for hockey inJacksonville.” said Icemen President and Alternate Governor Bob Ohrablo. “From thebeginning, our priority was to have a team locally owned. The addition of Andy Kaufmann completes that vision and we are excited what Andy brings to the Icemenorganization and to the region.”

Kaufmann now becomes the CEO and Governor of the Icemen.

“My family and I are excited about working with the Icemen organization,” saidKaufmann. “We look forward to growing Icemen Nation to new heights in the years to come. My role will be serving as a steward for what is the community’s team.”

Kaufmann is a successful entrepreneur and businessman who started in his family business (Revere Supply Company, a manufacturer of marine survival products) while in high school, working for his dad and compensated with baseball cards. After graduating Emerson College and a stint at Radio Disney in Boston, he moved back to New Jersey and assumed full responsibilities of business operations in 2001.

In 2010, Kaufmann acquired UST Brands. He spearheaded and oversaw all aspects of this venture which became a leading provider of high-quality survival and camping equipment with distribution nationally through such retail giants as Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, West Marine, Advance Auto Parts and Meijer. Through Kaufmann’s leadership, Walmart quickly recognized and ultimately sold UST.

After selling UST Brands, he acquired Majority Ownership of the Fort Myers Miracle Baseball team (Single A) on January 8th, 2019. Andy determined that his next business would be a long-term family business where he can teach what he knows to his two sons as they grow.

He decided to combine two of his lifelong passions, business and sports. Andy, his wife Farah and their sons Sawyer and Zachary live and are very active in the Jacksonville community recognized and ultimately sold UST.

After selling UST Brands, he acquired Majority Ownership of the Fort Myers Miracle Baseball team (Single A) on January 8th, 2019. Andy determined that his next business would be a long-term family business where he can teach what he knows to his two sons as they grow. He decided to combine two of his lifelong passions, business and sports. Andy, his wife Farah and their sons Sawyer and Zachary live and are very active in the Jacksonville community.

The Icemen will open their third season of competition in the ECHL at home on October 12 against Greenville.

“On behalf of the League, I’d like to thank Ron Geary for bringing the team to Jacksonville and giving the community the chance to experience ECHL hockey,” said ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin. “With the success of the Icemen and their fan base, I look forward to even more growth with the excitement and energy that Andy is going to bring to the team, as well as his local presence in the community.”

Last week the League approval of the sale followed negotiations between Ron Geary of El Acquisitions and Andrew Kaufmann were managed by Tommy George and The Sports Advisory Group. The Sports Advisory Group represents clients in the sale and acquisition of professional sports franchises, providing services to current sports team owners, prospective team owners and investors, management companies, league administrators, municipalities and venue operators

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FOOTNOTE: The Jacksonville Icemen open the 2019-2020 season at home on Saturday, October 12 against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. Full and partial season ticket packages are currently on sale. Call 90-604-7825 or visionwww.jacksonvilleicemen.com for more information.

 

Justices Reverse Conviction Over Incomplete Advisement Forms

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Marilyn Odendahl for www.theindianalawyer.com

A Knox County man had his misdemeanor conviction overturned after the Indiana Supreme Court found he did not validly waive his right to a jury trial.

Mohamed Dadouch was found guilty at a bench trial of a Class A misdemeanor domestic battery. He had signed two separate advisement of rights forms, but when he filed motions to continue the trial date and set the case for a jury trial, the Knox Superior Court denied the request for a jury trial as untimely.

Dadouch’s counsel argued he had asked his prior counsel to request a jury trial but no demand was filed. The attorney speculated there may have been a “linguistic barrier.”

Again, the court denied the request for a jury trial and set a date for a bench trial. At the start of that hearing, Dadouch renewed his demand for a jury to hear his case, but the court proceeded with the bench trial and found him guilty.

The Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction in a memorandum decision filed March 14, 2019.

However, the Indiana Supreme Court took a closer look at the two advisement forms and found neither completely explained the rights defendants charged with misdemeanors have to demand a jury trial.

In particular, neither form advised Dadouch he had to file for a jury trial no later than 10 days before the scheduled trial date, and that failure to file would automatically waive his right. Also, by the time he signed the second advisement form, the deadline to request a jury trial had passed.

The Supreme Court granted transfer and in a per curiam decision reversed Dadouch’s conviction in Mohamed M Dadouch v. State of Indiana, 19S-CR-404. Noting they agreed with the Court of Appeals that the evidence was sufficient to support the conviction, the justices pointed out the state is free to retry the defendant.

Also, the justices offered some advice to trial courts handling misdemeanor cases.

“While it is not required that trial judges use a written advisement of rights form in misdemeanor cases, it is the best practice and we urge all trial judges to incorporate an accurate one into their practices,” the Supreme Court wrote. “The very best practice in these cases is to use both a written advisement of rights form together with the dialogue to insure that a reversal does not occur.”

Marriage Licenses Issued For Vanderburgh County

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Marriage Licenses Issued

St. Vincent Evansville Birth Announcements For July 16, 2019

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Kandace Kolley and Larry Cardwell, Mount Vernon, IN, daughter, Delilah Raine, July 3

Daneisha Farmer and Anthony Hickey, Evansville, daughter, Trust Marie, July 3

Lida Daugherty and Zackery May, Evansville, daughter, Zoey Jeanne, July 3

Carneluia Fields, Evansville, daughter, Legendary La’Rae, July 4

Rebecca White and Zachary Downs, Evansville, daughter, Cecilia Jane, July 5

Lexis James and Cedric McCord, Evansville, daughter, Kyndaya Mishaye Leigh, July 5

Tierney and Tyrone Douglas, Evansville, son, Jayzerion Tyshawn, July 5

Kara and Trent Gunn, Tell City, IN, daughter, Myla Jo, July 5

Bailey and Joshua Balbach, Evansville, daughter, Tessa Jean, July 6

Kendra and Matthew Lloyd, Carmi, IL, son, Ezekiel Riley, July 8

Myeshia Howard, Evansville, son, Myel Michael, July 8

Meghann and Chase Morgan, Evansville, daughter, Cordellia Rose, July 8

Rachael Williams and Ryan Banks, Princeton, IN, son, Aiden Jeffrey Rebel, July 9

Mikayla Beck and Brent Ferguson, Evansville, daughter, Meredith Lee-Nicole, July 9

Megan and James Clark, Mount Carmel, IL, son, Colton James, July 9

Justine and Steven Mayer, Fort Branch, IN, son, Oliver Michael, July 9

Heather and Steve Rose, Olney, IL, son, Owen Lee, July 9

Kaitlynn Wanke and Jordan Keen, Vincennes, IN, daughter, Meredith Ann Lynn, July 10

Kaitlynn Wanke and Jordan Keen, Vincennes, IN, son, Quentin William Lee, July 10

Eileene De La Torre-Muniz and Gabriel Calez-Gonzalez, Evansville, daughter, Amelia, July 10

Kabrea Howes and Bryant Baxter, Winslow, IN, son, Dayshawn Ray, July 11

Cheyenne and Grant Dougan, Princeton, IN, daughter, Reagan Leigh, July 11

Emily and Travis Morgan, Oakland City, IN, son, Rhyett Lee, July 11

Michelle Schweikhart and James Merritt, Evansville, son, Wyatt Scott, July 12

“LEFT JAB AND RIGHT JAB” JULY 17, 2019

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“LEFT JAB AND RIGHT JAB”

“Right Jab And Left Jab” was created because we have two commenters that post on a daily basis either in our “IS IT TRUE” or “Readers Forum” columns concerning National or International issues.
Joe Biden and Ronald Reagan’s comments are mostly about issues of national interest.  The majority of our “IS IT TRUE” columns are about local or state issues, so we have decided to give Mr. Biden and Mr. Reagan exclusive access to our newly created “LEFT 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 “RIGHT JAB” several times a week.  Oh, “LEFT JAB” is a liberal view and the “RIGHT JAB is representative of the more conservative views. Also, any reader who would like to react to the written comments of the two gentlemen is free to do so.

FOOTNOTE: Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers.

ADOPT A PET

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Rocky is a male Boxer mix! He’s about 5 years old. He has been surrendered to the VHS a total of 5 times for various reasons. Sometimes things he did, but most times for things that were out of his control like owner’s pregnancy or being found as a stray. Poor Rocky needs some stability! He does also need a dog-free home. He’s even made it through heartworm treatment during that time. Rocky’s adoption fee is $110 and includes his neuter, microchip, vaccines, and more. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 for adoption details!

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