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“IS IT TRUE ” JANUARY 24, 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 last week we predicted that Ben Trockman will be a candidate for the 1st Ward City Council seat?  …last night our prediction came true? …if you would like to show your support for Ben for the 1st Ward City Councilman you can do so by attending his official filing on January 30, 2019, at the Civic Center at 2:00 at the Election office? …if Ben Trockman wins he will be the first Democrat to be elected to this seat since Paul Hatfield won it 52 years ago? …that Bens announcement that he’s running for the 1st Ward City Council is seen as a major boost to the Democratic party of Vanderburgh County?

IS IT TRUE that longtime political veterans Missy Mosby and Jonathan Weaver just announced that they are running for re-election? …we are told that Republicans are going to do everything in their power to defeat Mosby and Weaver?  …we predict that the 2019 City elections will be the most spirited in many years?

IS IT TRUE we been trying for several days to get an official copy of the entire political contribution report of Mayor Winnecke from the County Clerks office?  …we haven’t been successful so far? …when we get a copy of the 44-page political contribution report of Mayor Winnecke we shall publish it for your reading pleasure?  …we are told that this report is an extremely interesting read?

IS IT TRUE that heading into the 2019 City of Evansville elections it is hard to imagine how anyone with any future political aspirations would choose to oppose a third term for Mayor Lloyd Winnecke?…with $600,000+ on hand and more fundraising events going on weekly, no one is going to be capable of putting any kind of a true opposition campaign to the somewhat popular Mayor?…this mayoral election is shaping up to be very much like the second coronation of Jonathan Weinzapfel in 2007 when a completely unknown person won the Republican primary only to be trounced by a margin of 85-15?…the only surprise in 2007 was that his opponent got any votes at all given his zero budget and without the support of the Vanderburgh County Republican Party? …if Weinzapfel would have stayed true to his roots and listened to the people that elected him instead of sneakily trying to take our Homestead Tax Credits, tried to force Joe Wallace the former CEO of GUAGE to pay a past Evansville DMD Director (who wasn’t an employee of GAUGE) a part-time salary from GUAGE funds and shoving $129 million dollar Ford Center down the taxpayer’s throats without allowing the Evansville taxpayers to vote on this issue, we may be looking at a fifth term for Weinzapfel?

IS IT TRUE we wonder why Mayor Winnecke just don’t come out and announce that the Ford Center has been a financial drain on the city ever since he took office?  …we wonder why he doesn’t publically state that the major reason why is that the city has to cover the cost for the $8 millions bond payment on that building every year?  …the bottom line is that Mayor Winnecke didn’t build the Ford Center he just inherited the $8 million dollars yearly bond payments?

IS IT TRUE that the question of political ambitions of Weinzapfel and Winnecke came up in a conversation at a popular beer joint on West Franklin Street recently?…the possibility was raised that both may someday cast their desires on the United States House of Representatives?…a day will come that Congressman Larry Bucshon decides to retire from the now Democrat-controlled rancorous House? …Mole #3 even tells us that the Democrat machine is looking to make a comeback and many of the old boy networks would like nothing more than to entice Weinzapfel out of his cushy position at IVY Tech to dispense with the Mayor Winnecke once and for all?

IS IT TRUE that such a campaign against Mayor Winnecke may not be as easy for Weinzapfel as the beer chuggers seemed to think? …Winnecke was able to get a downtown hotel at a high price to the public after Weinzapfel failed miserably to deliver? …Winnecke has been saddled with the entire cost of the Ford Center that Weinzapfel promised would fund itself? …directly involved in making the downtown IU Medical school a reality?…the truth of the matter is that Mayor Winnecke has been able to achieve what Weinzapfel could only talk about?…that Winnecke seems to have every advantage over Weinzapfel in a straight up race?…the only place they are equal is in the size of their political war chest?… Weinzapfel left office with over $700,000 and raised the last $43,000 the day before he announced he would not run?…we assume he still has the money to be used against Winnecke when and if that campaign comes to be?

IS IT TRUE that the head coach of the Evansville Thunderbolts semi-pro hockey team was arrested over the weekend for driving while intoxicated?…in all fairness the CCO wishes that Coach Ian Moran will take care of this issue in a timely manner so he can get back coaching hockey?…we also wish that the Thunderbolts would win more games?

IS IT TRUE that former Mayor Weinzapfel built a $129 million sports arena without allowing the Evansville taxpayers to vote on this project?…this is the same Weinzapfel that made fun of Mayor Russ Lloyd Jr. for wanting to invest $20 million on a downtown baseball stadium that would have brought a Triple AAA affiliate of the LA Dodgers to town?

IS IT TRUE during January 23-27 the Ford Center is playing host to Cirque du Soleil: Corteo?  …that           Cirque du Soleil: Corteo  show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth?  …this event offers something for the entire family?

Todays“Readers Poll” question is: If the election was held today for the Evansville City Council 1st Ward seat who you vote for?

Please go to our link of our media partner Channel 44 News located in the upper right-hand corner of the City-County Observer so you can get the up-to-date news, weather, and sports.

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

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

 

Senate Bill Would Limit Government Role In Reproductive Health Issues

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Senate Bill Would Limit Government Role In Reproductive Health Issues

January 22, 2019,

Victoria Ratliff
TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS—Two years ago, Ali Brown found herself needing emergency contraceptive services after becoming pregnant while a copper intrauterine device, or IUD, was still in place.

Her regular physician was unavailable to see her for at least two weeks, so Brown turned to Planned Parenthood and received treatment within 24 hours. And without that quick treatment, she said she wouldn’t have been able to deliver a healthy son.

That is why Brown was at the Statehouse Tuesday as part of a press event to support Senate Bill 589, which would grant all Hoosiers complete reproductive freedom.

Ali Brown talked about her experience with Planned Parenthood when she needed medical services quickly. Photo by Carolina Puga Mendoza, TheStatehouseFile.com

It was the 46thanniversary of the historic Supreme Court case, Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion across the country. As the press event continued inside the Statehouse, anti-abortion advocates from Indiana March for Life protested outside the building.

“My vision is to build an Indiana where families thrive in safe and healthy communities,” said Sen. Jean Breaux, D-Indianapolis, who authored SB 589 with the goal of helping Hoosiers like Brown get the medical services they need.

Rev. Anastassia Zinke, senior minister of All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Indianapolis, said that reproductive rights shouldn’t be a matter of politics. She has been asked to counsel women, men, and couples who attend her church as they made hard decisions about their reproductive health.

“I have yet to meet a person who is asking his or her legislator to play this role,” Zinke said.

She wants Hoosiers to make their own decisions about the reproductive health and doesn’t want them determined by legislators in Indianapolis, who do not face these issues daily.

Breaux agrees.

“It is my hope that we stop playing politics with our health and our lives, and instead work together to shape an Indiana where we strengthen families by protecting Hoosier rights,” she said.

Tracey Wilkinson, assistant professor of pediatrics at Indiana University, said that Hoosiers should have control over whether they want certain reproductive health services or not.

“Hoosiers, not politicians, should be the ones making decisions about their contraception, pregnancy, abortion, adoption, and parenting,” she said.

Three bills have been filed in the current legislative session to limit abortion services, including House Bill 1430 which dictates that human life begins when a human ovum is fertilized by human sperm and Senate Bill 210 makes it legal for a health care provider to refuse abortion services if it violates their religious, moral or ethical beliefs.

Breaux’s bill has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee, however, it has not been scheduled for a hearing. The anti-abortion House bills have been assigned to the Public Policy Committee and SB 210 has been assigned to the Health and Provider Services Committee. There have been no hearings scheduled on any of the bills.

FOOTNOTES: Victoria Ratliff is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

Missy Mosby Announces That She Is Running For Re-Election To The Evansville City Council

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Missy Mosby Announces That She Is Running For Re-Election To The Evansville City Council

On Wednesday, January 23rd, Evansville City Councilor Missy Mosby will file for re-election in the 2nd Ward at 4 pm.

“I am pleased and honored to announce my candidacy for 2nd Ward City Councilor. During my time on City Council, I’ve fought to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods and gained an understanding of the complexities of city government including its capabilities and limitations.”

Mosby pledged to continue her passionate advocacy for the 2nd Ward. “There are many road, utility, and park issues that will come before us in the next four years. I intend to be a vital and active communications link between the people and the city administration. I understand what the 2nd Ward needs.”

Mosby promised to work hard on the campaign trail and as a Council member. “I look forward to a positive campaign, meeting citizens, and tackling challenges.”

USI Softball Favored To Repeat As GLVC champs

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University of Southern Indiana Softball has been picked by Great Lakes Valley Conference Coaches to repeat as league champions in 2019. The Screaming Eagles received 11 first-place votes and 166 points in the annual GLVC Softball Preseason Coaches’ Poll, which was released by the league office Wednesday afternoon.

Trailing USI in the poll was 2018 GLVC regular-season champion University of Illinois Springfield with one first-place vote and 149 points, while McKendree University was third with one first-place votes and 140 points. University of Indianapolis was picked fourth with 138 points, while the University of Missouri-St. Louis rounded out the top five picks with 126 points and one first-place vote.

On the heels of a historic 2018 campaign, the Eagles return five position starters and all but one pitcher from a team that captured the GLVC, NCAA II Midwest Region and NCAA II national titles last season.

After finishing the regular-season with a 27-22 overall record and a 15-13 mark in GLVC play, USI went on to win 14-of-15 postseason games en route to the school’s first-ever team national title.

Included in that was a 4-0 run through the GLVC Tournament as the Eagles, who entered the weekend as the No. 6 seed, won their first conference tournament title since 1998.

Head Coach Sue Kunkle, who earned her 500th career win during the GLVC Tournament last season, returns for her 18th year at the helm of the Eagles after her coaching staff was named the NFCA National Coaching Staff of the Year. Kunkle will look to a two-time All-American in junior pitcher Jennifer Leonhardt (Louisville, Kentucky) to lead her squad into 2019.

Leonhardt was named the NCAA II Softball Championship Most Outstanding Player after going 5-0 with a
1.44 ERA, a .091 opponent batting average and 40 strikeouts in 34 innings of work. That effort included a one-hit shutout of top-ranked University of North Georgia as well as USI’s first-ever post-season no-hitter in USI’s 3-0 win over Angelo State University.

In the post-season, Leonhardt posted a 12-1 overall record with a 1.35 ERA, .152 opponent batting average and 96 strikeouts.

Leonhardt is one of several returning players that made a major impact last year. Senior second baseman Claire Johnson (Pittsboro, Indiana) and senior outfielder/pitcher Caitlyn Bradley (Forest, Indiana) each earned NCAA II Softball Championship All-Tournament accolades a year ago. Johnson hit .313 with two home runs and four RBIs in the NCAA II Softball Championship; and posted a team-best .356 batting average with nine RBIs and 17 run scored throughout the postseason.

Bradley hit .375 with a double, home run and seven RBIs during the Eagles’ five-game championship run a year ago after posting a 7-4 record with three saves, a 1.87 ERA and a .241 opponent batting average in the circle as a sophomore in 2018.

USI, which has won two straight regional titles, opens the season February 8 when it takes on Young Harris College at the UAH Charger Chillout. The Eagles are slated to host the Midwest Region Crossover February 22-24 at Deaconess Sports Park before taking part in The Spring Games March 2-9 in Clermont, Florida.

Ben Trockman To Run For The 1St Ward Evansville City Council Seat

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 It’s with incredible pride and enthusiasm that I announce my intention to run for City Council to represent Evansville’s First Ward! #BT4EVV #RockwithTrock #Strive2Thrive

I have an immense passion for our community, especially the east side, where I have called home my entire life. The First Ward is where I created all of my childhood memories: from learning how to drive on the back streets of Brookshire and Lakeside Terrace (sorry, neighbors) to my baseball days at Plaza Park, to detailing my dirtbike in the front yard, these were the best of days!

It’s my desire to play an intricate role in the continued development of our city: I believe there is no better platform to do so then as your City Councilman, representative of the First Ward.

As your Councilman, I will promise to operate with unparalleled honesty, and always welcome constituents (my friends and family) to approach me, at any time, with concerns and feedback.

I believe we stand at a unique time in our history as a city. We have unparalleled enthusiasm and commitment from a new generation of leaders. With your support, I hope to join the “official” list of humble Councilman, who will help guide our community to the next generation of greatness.

We have a long journey ahead of us, until election day in November 2019, but with your support, your enthusiasm, and your honest feedback, I believe we can reach our dreams!. #Strive2Thrive

In the next few weeks and months, there will be ample opportunity for you to provide feedback, and support in a variety of different ways. Those details will come soon, and I will share ASAP.

What can you do now? See below, the event “Ben files for City Council, First Ward” and JOIN ME as I file for election at the Election Office in the Civic Center on Wednesday, January 30 at 2 PM. #RockwithTrock

Lastly, if you feel the urge to make a contribution to my campaign (thank you) please make your check out to “Trockman for Evansville” and send to my Treasurer, Mary Allen at 44 Washington Ave. 47713.

With any questions, please feel free to reach me at TrockmanforEvansville@gmail.com

Thank you for your support in the past, and for your support in the future. #Forward

Together, we will #Strive2Thrive and continually make #eisforeveryone!

Your friend,

Ben Trockman

Local Veterans and Military Hopefuls Speak Out Against Transgender Military Ban

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Local Veterans and Military Hopefuls Speak Out Against Transgender Military Ban

JANUARY 23RD, 2019 MEGAN DIVENTI INDIANA

Local veterans and military hopefuls are speaking out against the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold President Trump’s ban on transgender military members.

Katherine Lowrie is an 18-year-old Owensboro native with dreams of enlisting in the U.S. Army.

“It just kind of breaks my heart that neither I or anybody else like me can join because of this ban,” says Katherine Lowrie, Army hopeful.

Lowrie is openly transgender and was part of the ROTC through high school.

“I looked into the army. I thought it would be a great opportunity to advance my career and I actually wanted to go into the Army as either EOD or infantry,” says Lowrie.

She says her dream of joining the military runs in her family.

“My grandfather was telling me about whenever he was in the Navy and I was just like it sounded amazing,” says Lowrie.

On Tuesday, the United States Supreme Court granted the Trump Administration’s request to ban people who identify as transgender from serving in the military.

The High Court ruled five to four allowing the plan to take effect with the court’s five conservatives approving the president’s proposal while the remaining four saying they would not impose a ban on transgender military members.

A decision directly affecting people like Lowrie.

“Then I went back the second time and they said I can’t join because there was a new ban in place they just can’t accept people like me,” says Lowrie.

April Barnett, United States Marine Corps Veteran, is also transgender and says if someone is able to serve and wants to that’s what should matter.

“If someone wants to serve the country, their country, my country, your country, if they can do it there shouldn’t be any problems,” says April Barnett, USMC Veteran and Tri-State Alliance Transgender Support Group Chair.

Until a few years ago, service members could be discharged from the military for being transgender, but that all changed under President Obama. In 2016, the military announced transgender people already serving in the military could continue to openly serve.

“I really don’t understand why they want to do what they’re doing. I grew up in an era where I don’t really, and maybe it was going on at that time, but it wasn’t something that I was aware of so this is all new to me,” Bob Reinhart, VFW Post 2714 Commander and Air Force Veteran.

Lowrie says otherwise.

“If you’re willing to serve your country you should be able to serve your country no matter if you’re gay, straight, transgender, whatever,” says Lowrie.

In response to the Supreme Court’s decision, Lowrie says she’s currently looking into a new career in a surgical tech program.

Right now members of the transgender community say they’re overwhelmed with uncertainty asking ‘What happens next?’

JUST IN: EPD Theft Investigation

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Evansville Police are investigating a theft of scrap metal. The theft happened in the overnight hours of January 10th-11th, 2019.

Surveillance footage shows two white males taking scrap metal from a business in the 4900 blocks of Oak Grove Rd. The cameras also captured images of their car. Please note the plastic window covering and lack of rear hubcap. 

If you recognize the car or the men, contact EPD or WeTip. 

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USI Students Ready To Prepare Taxes Through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program

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Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA), University of Southern Indiana students in the Romain College of Business will provide free federal and state income tax preparation on Mondays, February 4 through March 18.

“We have 15 students enrolled in the program this year,” said Dr. Brett Bueltel, assistant professor of accounting. “Our students are excited for the opportunity to serve our community and gain real world experience preparing tax returns.”

In VITA programs, the Internal Revenue Service partners with national and local organizations to provide tax services to individuals with low-to-moderate income at no cost to the taxpayer. Accounting students will interview and prepare the taxes of those taxpayers who make an appointment for the service. VITA sites do not prepare Schedule C business forms or Schedule E rental forms. Federal and state tax returns are prepared at the time of the appointment, and all taxpayers must be available to sign their returns. Preparation of returns typically takes 90 minutes to two hours to complete.

The sessions will be held by appointment only in Room 1004 in the Business and Engineering Center on the following Mondays: February 4, 11, 18 and 25; and March 11 and 18. Appointments will be available at 5 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. The USI VITA site is closed March 5 for Spring Recess. All USI employees are eligible to take advantage of the VITA tax preparation services.

Individuals are required to bring their tax information, photo identification cards and Social Security cards for themselves and any dependents. International students must bring their passports and visas as well. The IRS encourages electronic filing and returns will be filed electronically for those who are eligible.

Please bring copies of your prior year state and federal tax returns if they are available. Your tax returns from the prior year are very helpful in preparing correct and complete current year returns. Paper returns will be prepared for those taxpayers who do not qualify for electronic filing or prefer paper returns.

To make an appointment, call the Romain College of Business at 812-464-1718.

Arts Council’s Free Kid’s Film Festival Includes Free Admission To The Evansville Museum

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Arts Council’s Free Kid’s Film Festival Includes Free Admission To The Evansville Museum

Families in Evansville can enjoy a free day of international children short films and activities this Saturday at the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science thanks to the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana.

The free admission is part of the Arts Council’s annual children’s film festival, which features the New York International Children’s Film Festival Kid Flicks Tour from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26 at the museum’s Koch Immersive Theatre.

Admission to the museum and theatre would normally cost $60 for a non-member family of four with two adults and two kids over the age of 4, but thanks to the Arts Council’s generous contribution to host the event, admission is free for all to enjoy.

“Children’s familiarity with film, and the humor and charm of short films make the Children’s International Film festival an approachable avenue to introduce young people to other cultures and ideas,” said Arts Council Executive Director Anne McKim.

The New York International Children’s Film Fest Kid Flicks Tour features the best international short films from the prestigious film event. From 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, people can come and go as the theatre shows 30 short films from 13 countries. The average runtime for films is 7 minutes.

In addition to the short films, the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library will offer children’s activities connected to the event’s international themes. The Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science is also hosting its Super Saturdays on Saturday, Jan. 26. The theme is “Artspocalypse” – a hands-on, out-of-the-box art experience for the whole family, including creating melted crayon art, painting rocks, inventing art monsters and more.

FILM SCHEDULE:

11:30 a.m. – Kid Flicks 1 (Ages 3-7)
9 films in English, or no dialogue. Average runtime of 6 minutes.
12:30 p.m. – Kid Flicks 2 (Ages 8+)
9 films in English, with English subtitles, or no dialogue. Average runtime of 9 minutes. 2 p.m. – Viva Kid Flicks! (Ages 7+)
11 films in Spanish with English subtitles, or no dialogue. Average runtime of 7 minutes.

For more information, contact Zach Evans with the Arts Council at zach.evans@artswin.org.

The Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana is a 501(c)3 nonprofit located in Downtown Evansville at 212 Main St. The Arts Council operates the Bower-Suhrheinrich Foundation Art Gallery and is the only free public art space in the city. To learn more about the Arts Council, visit artswin.org, and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

St. Vincent Evansville Birth Announcements for January, 2019

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Jessica and Andrew Reckelhoff, Evansville, daughter, Bernadette Marie, January 10

Amanda and Chad Oost, Evansville, son, Miles Everett, January 11

Maria and Brian Heathcott, Evansville, son, Gunner Michael, January 13

Samntha and Dakota Hall, Evansville, son, Elliott Shane, January 15

Jasmine Jackson and Ryan Russell, Evansville, son, Ryan Bernell Jr, January 18

Kendal and Erick Voelker, Evansville, son, Miller Nathaniel, January 18

Elisabeth and Tanner Boarman, Mount Vernon, IN, son, Caiden Todd, January 18

Misty and Dallas Wickstrom, Mount Vernon, IN, son, Landon Michael, January 18

Ally and Seth Ferguson, Evansville, daughter, Emme Kate, January 18

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