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Parks Board Member Jerome Stewart Speaks Against the $ 24 Million Bond

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On Wednesday, the Board of Park Commissioners met to determine whether to pass a $24 million parks bond. Before voting, he made a strong presentation to his fellow board members. Following is the text of his presentation: 

December 31 will be the end of my time on this board for a total 20 years as an appointee to the board of Park Commissioners, by two previous Mayors, Democrat Jonathan Weinzapfel for two terms and Republican Mayor Lloyd Winnecke for 3 terms.

There have been many improvements to our Parks system. Outstanding citizens that care about this city such Steve Bohleber Jay Ritter, Gary Shetler as well as myself have serve as Presidents. All served with passion and concern, yet in the spirit of civility.

We now have our first female President, that I know of, Michelle Peterson who I think has been just as passionate as the other past Presidents. I am confident progress will continue to be made with the administration of Mayor Stephanie Terry. I personally wish her the best.

Before I go any further I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul to the brethren in Colossians 4 vs. 6 which says; “Let your speech always be with grace seasoned with salt.” Which means in conversation and discourse, be absolutely at all times under all circumstance kind and gracious.

In 2022 the board in place at that time approved 2 bond issues. Here’s what I want to note; Series A bond was for 5.5 million dollars of which $5,050,000 in projected are listed with the amount of each to be funded. Series B bond is for $5,000,000 of which 19 projects were listed to be funded at $4,640,000 dollars.

So in 2022 the board in place at that time approved 2 bonds for a total of $10.5 million dollars. Take note: Bond B has Hartke Diving board $40,000 and Hartke Slide and Improvement $150,000 and Helfrich pool repairs $50,000. Both were closed for the summer.

Moving forward I want to reiterate that I have been on this board with 4 meetings to go for 20 years. At least twice in the last couple of months this board was kindly reminded that we approved the 5 year Master Plan which I will allude to. As to being reminded of approving the 5 year Master Plan I was President at that time. My signature is on the approval document.

Which leads me to the next point I wish to make. Our longtime highly respected councilwoman Missy Mosby has said on more than one occasion the need for the city of Evansville to maintain what we have as related to our Parks.

In 2006 the city talked about replacing seven swimming pools under the administration of Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel. I am very thankful we were able to replace at least 2. Mosby Pool which was Howell and Rochelle Landers pool due to the closing of Tepe pool.

I am very thankful for Councilman Connie Robinson’s help ensure we would have new neighborhood pool due to the closure of Tepe pool in an underserved area. Parks director the late Dan Schall said in an article I read quote; “Our pools are 50 to 60 years old. We have exhausted our main power to keeping them up and operational.” End quote.

That was in 2008. Today Hartke pool is closed, Helfrich pool is closed and Lorraine Pool is on its last leg.

Look it up a city the size of Evansville with a population of over One hundred thousand residents should have at least 7 pools. Cleveland has 10.8 per 100,000 residents.

It is a quality of life issue. I am thankful the $10,000,000 initially proposed for a Giraffe Barn was removed.

Now let’s look at the amount of the bond issues approved 2 short years ago and the amount left with the removal of the Giraffe barn. The combined total comes to 24.5 million dollars. That is a 3.5 million increase.

In the document titled General Information Sheet relating to Proposed City of Evansville 2024 Park District Bonds he projects identified amount to less than $9 million dollars with the removal of the Giraffe Barn.

That would come to $15 million dollars of yet to be announced appropriations. That is akin to approving a blank check for $15 million dollars.

I am not only a member of the Parks board, I am a taxpayer.

The bond attorney stated that we can borrow another $30 million dollars next year.

Thank you for allowing me to express my views to the public who have every right to know.

I cannot approve something that I do not know what it being approved for. My vote will be no.

USI Athletics receives $10 million gift from Liberty Federal Credit Union for Screaming Eagles Arena naming rights

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During a press conference on Thursday, October 31, the University of Southern Indiana announced Liberty Federal Credit Union has made a historic $10 million gift to the University of Southern Indiana Foundation for USI Athletics, securing the naming rights to the Screaming Eagles Arena for the next 20 years. The Arena will now be named Liberty Arena, Home of the Screaming Eagles. This landmark gift marks the largest single donation in the history of the University.

The new name, Liberty Arena, Home of the Screaming Eagles, will be proudly displayed on the exterior of the Arena. Additionally, the Liberty Federal Credit Union logo will be featured prominently on both halves of the Arena floor.

“Liberty Federal Credit Union and the University of Southern Indiana have grown in this community together. In fact, I’ve personally banked with them for the last 35 years,” said Steve Bridges, Interim President of the University of Southern Indiana. “This generous gift from Liberty will greatly enhance our athletic programs and provide much-needed support as we continue our transition to Division I athletics. Liberty’s commitment will help pave the way for future success and ensure our student-athletes have the resources they need to thrive.”

The funds from this gift are unrestricted, allowing USI Athletics to direct them where they are most needed. This includes support for student-athlete scholarships, travel, Division I transition requirements and other essential needs. The gift represents a significant boost to USI Athletics, positioning the Screaming Eagles for continued success in their Division I journey.

Bill Schirmer, President and CEO of Liberty Federal Credit Union, noted the organization’s deep roots in education. “Our mission is to support our members and community through education,” said Schirmer. “As a credit union that was founded by Evansville teachers, our ties to the educational community in this region are strong. Supporting the advancement of USI students and their athletic programs aligns well with our mission of providing value to our members and the communities we serve.”

Jon Mark Hall, Vice President and Director of Athletics at USI, highlighted the importance of the partnership in furthering the University’s vision. “When we made the decision to transition to Division I athletics, we knew we had to align with progressive, forward-thinking partners within this community and region. This partnership with Liberty allows us to take our vision and make it a reality,” said Hall. “As we move into years three and four of our Division I transition, we are aligning with partners who share our drive for success at the highest level. Liberty and USI Athletics will both continue to be impactful in the community, striving for the highest level of achievements.”

This $10 million contribution is the largest gift Liberty Federal Credit Union has made to date, underscoring the credit union’s commitment to the University, the community and the future of athletics at USI.

2024 UE Athletics Hall of Fame banquet just over a week away

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2024 has been announced.  The latest class includes Tim Ernst, Talmadge Vick Sr., Krista McKendree, and Daryl Buente.   The enshrinement ceremony is just over a week away and tickets are still available.

On November 9, 2024, the Class of 2024 will be enshrined in a reception at the Evansville Country Club.  A reception will take place at 6:30 p.m. that evening before dinner and the program begin at 7 p.m.  Tickets are available now for $150 and include dinner and drinks along with the program.  You can register now at www.uealumnionline.com/HOF24.

Multiple sponsorship opportunities are available including a presenting sponsor, event sponsor, and table sponsor.  Information on all three are available by clicking here.

Hall of Fame Reception Tickets and Sponsorships 

Tim Ernst – Men’s Soccer

Tim Ernst played a pivotal role in one of the most successful periods that UE Athletics and the men’s soccer program had ever seen.  Ernst opened his career in 1987 and was named to the Soccer America Freshman All-America Team.  In the four seasons Ernst was with the program, the Purple Aces earned four NCAA Tournament berths, three MCC Championships, and an appearance in the Final Four in 1990.

Ernst continues to rank in the top ten in program history in career goals (31), career assists (24), and single-season assists (12 in 1990).  The 2-time All-Mideast Region honoree garnered All-MCC accolades on three occasions.  Ernst was the team captain of the 1990 Final Four squad and went on to play in the ISAA Senior Bowl in 1991.  His career continued as he played for the Detroit Express indoor professional team for seven seasons. 

Talmadge Vick Sr. – Football

One of the most talented football players to wear the Purple Aces uniform, Talmadge Vick Sr. was a pioneer, being one of the first African-American football players in program history.  After opening his college career at Tennessee State A&I, Vick was drafted and served in the Army from 1952-55.  Upon discharge, he attended UE and completed the 1958 season as the #$5 passer in the nation.  Vick left the program holding numerous records including passing yardage, completed passes, completion, and longest touchdown pass (81 yards).

Following graduation, Vick had the opportunity to play at the professional level for the Chicago Cardinals, but chose to stay home and tend to his ailing father while serving as the head coach at Lincoln High School.  He was the Chairman of the Really Concerned Citizens (RCC), which one a federal suit against the EVSC to desegregate each its schools.  Vick went on to work for the EVSC for over 40 years as an administrator, teacher, coach, and counselor at all grade levels.

Vick was the recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash in 2005, which is the highest honor that can be bestowed by the Governor of Indiana.

Krista McKendree – Women’s Soccer

Krista McKendree put the Purple Aces women’s soccer program on the map in a playing career that spanned from 1998 through 2001.  She led UE to three NCAA Tournaments (1998, 1999, 2001) and garnered All-MVC First Team honors in each of her four campaigns.  McKendree was the MVC Player of the Year in 2000 after being named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year in the prior season.

She was chosen third team on the 2000 NSCAA/Adidas Women’s Soccer Division I All-America Team, becoming Evansville’s first All-American in women’s soccer.  McKendree was chosen for the MVC Women’s Soccer All-Centennial Team in 2006.  Following her playing career, McKendree served as the head coach for the Aces from 2008 through 2019 and led the program to a pair of MVC championships. 

Daryl Buente – Equipment Manager

Daryl Buente was the Equipment Manager at UE from 1981 through 2019.  He was the recipient of the 2011-12 John Sanders “Spirit of the Valley” Award and later earned the Athletic Equipment Managers Association Lifetime Achievement Award. 

He began his time at UE as a student in 1968 before graduating in 1972.  Buente was a student manager during his undergraduate work with the university. Throughout his career, Buente oversaw a large staff of student managers who assisted his work with all the Purple Aces athletics programs.  His work included caring for equipment and uniforms at every home event, maintenance of certain UE playing facilities and much more.

SANTA ARRIVES IN EVANSVILLE THIS WEEKEND!

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(Evansville, IN – October 30, 2024)  The Vanderburgh Humane Society’s annual Pet Pictures with Santa are Saturday and Sunday, November 2nd & 3rd. This year marks the 38th for this holiday tradition sponsored by NFP and Hook’s Apothecary. VHS is the Tri-State’s original Pet Pictures with Santa in Evansville, and still the best!

 Pet Pictures will take place at Washington Square Mall in the food court. All pets must be kept on a leash or in a carrier until the time of their photo. Times are as follows:

Saturday, November 2nd, 10 AM – 6 PM

Sunday, November 3rd, 11 AM – 4 PM
(don’t forget the time change!)

For $30, participants receive two digital images for their own use. Photos may include more than one animal, and kids and adults are also welcome in photos with or without pets! This is an excellent opportunity for a family Christmas card. Costumes are welcome, and rental holiday accessories for pets are available free of charge! Cash or check only please.

Both the photographer and the venue space at Washington Square Mall are donated. Therefore, the entire $30 fee will come to the animals of the VHS and all monies help local animals. Santa is taking time out of his busy North Pole schedule and has volunteered to be at the mall both days! This is the same popular, beloved Santa who has done VHS photos for many years!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 The VHS was the first in the area to introduce Pet Pictures with Santa. Net proceeds average $8,000 a year.  Typically hundreds of families attend, bringing pets & people of all types and ages. Santa has been known to visit with not only dogs but cats, rodents, chickens, snakes, pigs, even goats & horses! Funds raised from this event will help the VHS care for nearly 3,500 animals that are surrendered to the facility each year and provide low cost spay/neuter services.

For more details on this event and for photo/broadcast opportunities, please contact the staff at the above information.

CHILLING. TERRIFYING. FASCINATING. SERIAL KILLER EXPERT BRINGS Q & A TOUR TO EVANSVILLE

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TICKETS GO ON SALE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, AT 10 AM

 Evansville, IN – October 31, 2024 — Old National Events Plaza is proud to present a new national tour,Serial Killers with Dr. Scott Bonn will visit Evansville this spring. The deliciously chilling evening with renowned criminologist and serial killer expert, Dr. Scott Bonn will take place in Aiken Theatre on Friday, April 9, 2025. Fans can pick up tickets and save 15% on select seats now through November 3 at 10 PM during the venue presale by using code HALLOWEEN on Ticketmaster.com.

Dr. Bonn is a producer, TV commentator, podcast host, public speaker and author of the best-selling popular culture book Why We Love Serial Killers: The Curious Appeal of the World’s Most Savage Murderers. He provides expert commentary and analysis for several high-profile true crime TV shows and documentaries on A&E, Discovery Network, Oxygen, Investigation Discovery and Travel Channel.

  Serial Killers with Dr. Scott Bonn

When:                  Friday, April 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM

Where:                Old National Events Plaza | 715 Locust Street | Evansville, IN 47708

Tickets:                Tickets start at $20.00 plus applicable fees and tax.

VIP Info:              A limited quantity of VIP tickets are available. Package includes a Meet + Greet and photo op with Dr. Scott Bonn.

In this thrilling 90-minute show, Dr. Bonn reveals the insatiable, psychological hungers that drive the likes of Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer to kill repeatedly with impunity and no remorse. He explains why most serial killers are either psychopaths or sociopaths, how the two differ, and he reveals that every serial killer is compelled to murder by a unique fantasy need. He also explains how/why serial killers can successfully avoid apprehension, blend into a crowd and become invisible.

Dr. Bonn has interacted with notorious serial killers Dennis Rader (“Bind, Torture Kill”) and David Berkowitz (“Son of Sam”), often sharing shocking tales from his actual experiences with these murderers. He developed a profile of the unknown “Long Island Serial Killer” in 2011 that matches the alleged perpetrator, Rex Heuermann, perfectly. He shares the secrets of how he was able to predict the psychological and behavioral makeup of the Long Island Serial Killer with such incredible precision years before his capture.

Rather than employing a pop psychology or checklist approach to describe serial killers, Dr. Bonn relies on his direct interactions to explain that serial killers are psychologically complex, diverse and evolve from forces of both nature (biology) and nurture (environment). Simply put, Dr. Bonn takes his audience inside the minds of some of the world’s most terrifying killers from his own unique experiences rather than from a textbook.

In addition, Dr. Bonn explains our curious fascination with serial killers and true crime. Finally, you can ask anything you ever wanted to know about serial killers in a dynamic, live Q&A session with Dr. Bonn.

Registration open for November USI Open House

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University of Southern Indiana will host an Open House for prospective students from 7:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, November 16 to provide interested students and families an opportunity to explore campus and learn about what the University has to offer.

Families still exploring options or those who are set on USI are welcome. The Open House will provide an inside look at campus life, student organizations and the resources that will help students thrive. Participants will also get the chance to connect with other future Screaming Eagles who share their academic interests.

“We’re excited to welcome families to campus and help them experience USI’s culture of care firsthand,” said Troy Miller Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Management. “Our Open House gives students a glimpse into what makes USI unique, and visiting campus is a critical step in finding a place where they can truly belong.”

The day’s schedule is as follows:

  • 7:45 a.m. Check-in: Meet with student organizations, explore study abroad options, and chat with representatives from residence life, career services, and more!
  • 8:15 a.m. Welcome: Get a warm welcome from USI leaders and kick off the day’s events.
  • 9 a.m. – noon Academic Sessions and Campus Tours: Dive into specific academic programs with faculty experts, and tour the campus with our Student Ambassadors.
  • 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Explore Additional Resources: Learn more about financial aid, scholarships, the Honors Program, and meet with admissions counselors ready to answer your questions.

UE opens 4-match homestand on Friday

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Aces welcome Bradley and Illinois State

 EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Following a weekend trip to Iowa, the University of Evansville volleyball team returns home this weekend to face Illinois State and Bradley inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse.  The Purple Aces and Redbirds meet up at 6 p.m. on Friday before the Braves come to town on Saturday at 5 p.m.; both matches will be on ESPN+.

Last Time Out

– Facing Drake on Saturday, UE put its best foot forward, giving the Bulldogs everything they could handle despite falling by a 3-0 final

– Each set was decided by six points or fewer as Giulia Cardona recorded a game-high 23 kills

Adding to her total

– Giulia Cardona added 23 kills to her tally on Saturday and currently has 2,118 in her illustrious career

– She is approaching the all-time MVC record of 2,293, which was set by Lily Johnson

– Cardona had a season-high 37 kills against SIU in a match that saw her become just the second player in MVC history to record 2,000 kills in her career

In a Zone

– Since her return to the floor, Ainoah Cruz has been regaining her form

– Over the last three matches, the sophomore is averaging 5.22 digs per set with 47 digs in nine sets

– Her season mark of 3.71 digs per set is 10th in the MVC

Settling Back In

– Kora Ruff missed 11 matches following the first weekend of the season but has regained her edge as of late

– Ruff finished with a season-best 55 assists in the win over SIU and is averaging 9.07 for the season; her mark would be 4th in the MVC with enough appearances

– Her season average of 2.46 digs per set is 4th on the squad

Scouting the Opposition

– Illinois State heads into the weekend with a record of 11-13 while posting a 6-5 MVC mark

– ISU has dropped its last four matches after winning six in a row

– They are led by Aida Shadewald’s 3.53 kills per game

– Bradley holds a 10-13 record and are 5-6 in Valley play after dropping their last five contests

– Iva Popovic paces the Braves with 3.44 kills per set

USI to host Lighting a Tradition event December 5

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Alumni Engagement and Volunteer USI and the Activities Programming Board will host the annual University of Southern Indiana Lighting a Tradition holiday celebration from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, December 5 in the Performance Center Dunn Lobby and University Center East. Full of family-friendly festivities, the event is open to the public at no charge.

This year’s event will feature a magical holiday village. Stroll through inflatables, try your luck at holiday carnival games, create your own hot chocolate and much more!

Lighting a Tradition special features for 2024 include:

  • Tree lighting and carol singing at 6 p.m.
  • Santa Claus in the Fireside Lounge
  • DIY hot chocolate including peppermint, chocolate chips, marshmallows and other savory delights
  • Magical holiday village with festive inflatables, crafts, carnival games and plush prizes
  • Holiday photo booth with instant prints to commemorate your experience
  • Archie’s Closet donation drive for cleaning products and toiletries

Activities are available while supplies last. Stop by and visit USI’s most festive event of the year!

Destiny Wells Outraises Rokita in Q4, Powered by Grassroots Support from Hoosiers and Organized Labor

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Indianapolis, IN— In a decisive display of grassroots support, Indiana Attorney General candidate Destiny Wells announced her campaign raised over $280,000 in the fourth quarter—surpassing Todd Rokita’s fundraising totals for the same period. Since becoming the Democratic nominee in mid-July, Wells has raised over $1 million, driven largely by individual contributions from in-state and powered by organized labor.

Unlike her opponent, whose support is largely drawn from out-of-state contributions, Wells’ campaign continues to garner extensive support from Indiana voters. The Wells campaign listed 906 individual contributions in Q4, with 886 of these coming directly from Indiana residents. In contrast, Rokita’s reported only 45 individual contributions, and just 26 came from in-state—equating to less than two in-state donors per day. Meanwhile, Wells saw an average of 42 Hoosiers contributing each day.

“Our campaign is powered by the people of Indiana, and I’m proud to have organized labor and everyday Hoosiers standing shoulder to shoulder with us,” said Destiny Wells. “Unlike my opponent, who leans on out-of-state interests, we are fueled by the hard-working families of this state who want real accountability and integrity in the Attorney General’s office. This is a movement to bring transparency back to Indiana, and Hoosiers are making it clear they want change.”

According to Rokita’s Q4 filing, more than 77% of his contributions came from outside Indiana. Wells’ fundraising success is a testament to the high level of local engagement in her campaign and the clear desire for a new kind of leadership.

 

In Q4 alone, Wells received 34 times the number of contributions from Hoosiers as her opponent, underscoring a groundswell of grassroots support heading into the final stretch.

Retail Food Establishment Inspection Report

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Healthy food. Healthy eating background. Fruit, vegetable, berry. Vegetarian eating. Superfood

media reports Oct 6-12, 2024

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