OPEN HOUSE THIS SATURDAY 1/26 THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 26
JOIN THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY AT THE PLUMBERS AND STEAMFITTERS LOCAL 136. 2300 St Joseph Industrial Park Dr, Evansville, Indiana 47720
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This Week at USI
TODAY – Monday, January 21
Political strategist, author Donna Brazile to keynote USI’s 2019 Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Luncheon
Donna Brazile, former Chair of the Democratic National Committee and New York Times best-selling author, will be the keynote speaker at the University of Southern Indiana’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Luncheon at 11 a.m. Monday, January 21, 2019, in Carter Hall, located in University Center on the USI campus. Brazile will address the media at 10:40 a.m. in University Center room 226, located next to Carter Hall, and will hold a book signing and question-and-answer session following the event.  Read More
Monday, January 21
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
USI will not hold classes on Monday, January 21 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 22.
Now available on USI.edu
Fall 2018 issue of Southern Indiana Review available for purchase
The latest issue of Southern Indiana Review (SIR), the University of Southern Indiana’s literary review, is now available for purchase. SIR presents a cross-section of emerging and established artists and writers whose work is both regional and national in scope and degree of recognition. With the support of the Indiana Arts Commission and National Endowment for the Arts, SIR is published in October and May by the University of Southern Indiana and sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts. Read More
Tuesday, January 29
First Global Salon Series of 2019 features USI Marketing instructor
A lecture by Virginia Weiler, University of Southern Indiana instructor of marketing, will take place at noon Tuesday, January 29 as part of USI’s 2018-19 Global Salon Series. The lecture, titled “The Good, the Bad, and The Ugly: Marketing in the Global Space†will be held on campus in Room 0017 in the lower level of the David L. Rice Library. This event is free and open to the public. Read More
Exhibit open through Sunday, February 3
Gallery showcases art and design faculty work to ring in the new year
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Kenneth P. McCutchan Art Center/Palmina F. and Stephen S. Pace Galleries, an art exhibition showcasing the works of University of Southern Indiana Art and Design Department faculty will be on display in the gallery from Wednesday, January 2 through Sunday, February 3. The show features a wide variety of artworks in media ranging from wood, ceramics, oil paint and steel, to digital imagery and animation. Read More
Exhibit open through Saturday, February 16
New Harmony Gallery to host work of New Harmony Clay Project artists
The New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art is hosting a ceramics exhibition, showcasing artists in residence at the New Harmony Clay Project, through Saturday, February 16. The exhibition is free and open to the public. The exhibition will feature a diverse set of styles and techniques in both functional and sculptural ceramics from six resident artists who participated in the project in 2018. Read More
STUDENT EVENTS
A collection of events on campus and in the community sponsored by USI student organizations
can be found on the USI events calendar by clicking here.
Tuesday, February 26
Author, scholar, activist Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor to keynote 2019 Mandela Day
Dr. Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, author and assistant professor of African American Studies at Princeton University, will present the keynote address for the 2019 University of Southern Indiana Nelson Mandela Social Justice Day at 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 26 in the USI Performance Center. The presentation will be free and open to the public. The keynote address is the culmination of a full day of activities meant to raise dialogue at USI around current issues of human and civil rights, public service, and activism. Read More
Wednesday, March 21.
Annual Shaw Biology Lecture to feature director of National Center for Science Education
Ann Reid, director at the National Center for Science Education in Oakland, California, will present the University of Southern Indiana’s eighth annual Marlene V. Shaw Biology Lecture at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, in Mitchell Auditorium, located in the lower level of the Health Professions Center on USI’s campus. The presentation, titled “The Enduring Power of Evidence,†will be free and open to the public.
Thursday, April 4
General Colin Powell to speak on leadership at USI in April
The University of Southern Indiana will present “Leadership: Taking Charge,†a moderated discussion with General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2019, at the new USI Arena. The discussion will be free and open to the public. General Powell will be the fourth speaker in the University’s Romain College of Business Innovative Speaker Series. Previous speakers include T. Boone Pickens, legendary entrepreneur and philanthropist in 2013, Dr. Ben Bernanke, former chairman of the Federal Reserve in 2015, and Dr. Oscar Salazar, founding chief technology officer of Uber in 2017. Read More
JUST IN: USI Cheer Team Finishes Sixth At Nationals
USI Cheer Team Finishes Sixth At Nationals
ORLANDO, Fla.—The University of Southern Indiana Cheer Team finished sixth out of 17 teams in the finals of the 2019 UCA UDA College Cheer & Dance National Championships All-Girl Division I competition Saturday night.
USI began the day by finishing in the upper half of the preliminary round before churning out its top-six finish in the finals.
The Screaming Eagles, under the direction of fifth-year Head Coach Shane Wycoff, improved on their seventh-place finish in 2018. USI was sixth in 2017 and fifth in 2016 after posting a school-best finish of second in 2014.
This a developing story.  More to come later.
IS IT TRUE JANUARY 21, 2019
We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUEâ€Â 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?Â
IS IT TRUE that we have just confirmed that Ben Trockman is poised to announce that he will be a candidate for the 1st Ward City Council seat? Â …we are told that Ben will run as a Democrat in the Republican 1st Ward? …if Ben is elected as the 1st Ward City Councilman he shall be the first Democrat to win this seat since Paul Hatfield did 52 years ago?
IS IT TRUE we were just informed that 5th Ward City Councilman, Justin Elpers (R) will be having a Democratic opponent in the upcoming City Council election? …we’ve been told that his opponent is extremely well known in the 5th Ward and that she will be well funded?
IS IT TRUE LT. GOVERNOR SUSAN CROUCH is doing an incredible job? …she works day and night for the betterment of the citizens of this great state? Â …that Lt Governor Crouch is respected by members from both sides of the political aisle? …that our crystal ball predicts that one day she may have the title of Governor of The State of Indiana?
IS IT TRUE that last week we posted a comment stating that “FUNK IN THE CITY” raised over $200,000 to support charitable activities in the Center City and the Hayne’s Corner areas over last 10 years? Â …we forgot to say this organization may have been under the direct control of the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau for the last 9 out of the 10 years? …we been told that “FUNK IN THE CITY” now have their own Board of Directors and are currently applying for non-profit status with the IRS? …we are hearing that the “FUNK IN THE CITY” Board of Directors are hoping that CVB kept detailed accounting records of the money raised by this group and how they used this money for charitable activities during the last 9 out of 10 years?
IS IT TRUEÂ back in 2017 we reported that the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation was the proud owner of a far Northside golf course?…it was alleged EVSC purchased this golf course on the far Northside for the handsome sum of $3.5 million dollars? …in 2017 we also stated that golf was a declining sport and we consider this to be a questionable venture? …early this year the family that sold this golf course to the EVSC announced that are now selling this property to any interested developer? Â …we wonder what happened to this $3.5 million dollars deal between the golf course property owners and EVSC? …we wonder if the Supt. of the Evansville/Vanderburgh County Schools or members of the EVSC Board would spend their personal money the same way they spend our tax dollars on questionable projects? Â …we bet you know the answer to this question?
IS IT TRUE that our good friend Marty Friend is having some serious health challenges? Â …over the last six (6) month she has been in and out of hospitals? …we ask that you join up in praying for Marty’s quick recovery? …we also give praise to her loving husband, John for being with her every step of the way during this most difficult time?
IS IT TRUEÂ several years ago the Evansville DMD purchased the Knotty Pine Restaurant on North Main street and demolished it for a paved public parking lot? Â …that today this property is nothing more than a corner vacant lot full of weeds? …we wonder if the Executive Director of the Evansville DMD or the members of the ERC Board of Directors would spend their personal money the same way they spend our tax dollars on questionable projects? Â …we bet you know the answer to this question?
IS IT TRUE we are told that the lawmakers of the State of Indiana are trying to set the stage that all of the state agencies will be getting more casino tax dollars if “Sport Books” gaming is approved?…we remember back when casino gambling was first approved the politicians proclaimed that it was going to be the “manna from heaven” that will have a major impact in the funding of public education? …later on our elected officials declared that those gaming dollars could be redirected to help pay for new infrastructure projects?…here we are more than 20 plus years later our city officials are now borrowing $25 million against future “casino gaming tax money” to pay for projects that will not impact the economy any more than Weinzapfel’s folly Ford Center did?
IS IT TRUE that ECHO Housing Corp has just completed a housing project for the homeless located at 101 North Garvin Street in Evansville, Indiana? …this old office-warehouse building was converted into a 27 one bedroom apartments for the homeless at an eye-popping price of $6.1 Million dollars?…this project works out to $225,000 per one bedroom apartment?…unless these apartments are going to rent for $1,750 per month the taxpayers of the United States, Indiana, and Evansville are getting hosed in a big way?…given that such apartments will likely be in the Section 8 pool of properties the rent for a one bedroom apartment will not exceed about $550 month? …we wonder how the homeless, unemployed and economically disadvantaged are going to pay their rent and utilities once they move into these very nice one bedroom apartments? …we wonder how many two bedrooms Habitat type homes that ECHO Housing Corp. could have built with this $6 million dollars State grant earmarked for providing housing for the homeless and economically disadvantaged?
IS IT TRUE that CCO contributing author Joe Wallace and his wife Karen were recently seen having dinner with former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice? …Wallace and Rice first met at Stanford University back in the 80s when they were both young energetic whippersnappers and should have much to talk about what they were both up to their eyeballs in?…perhaps the most activist thing that happened on campus back then was the establishment of a ragtag group called Mandella Free University that was demanding that Stanford divest it’s holding of all things tied to South Africa until Nelson Mandella was set free from the Robbin Island prison?…that worked like a charm as divestment drove justice without firing a shot, setting a fire, or breaking any windows?… Did mandella go on to become president of South Africa and lead his country elegantly through troubled times of change?
IS IT TRUE that CCO contributing author Joe Wallace has been writing an extremely exciting book during the last several years? Â …we were sent a for-your-eyes-only draft copy of his book and must say his reference to the City of Evansville was spot on? …we predict that Mr. Wallaces will be well received among those who have a passion of starting an “Angel Fund” and thinking outside the box?
IS IT TRUE during the last two years as many as a third to half of the federal agency executive positions have remained vacant, either because they resigned, was never confirmed by the Republican-led Senate, or we’re never nominated to begin with? …according to the nonprofit group Partnership for Public Service who has been keeping tabs on key executive branch nominations that require Senate confirmation — including Cabinet secretaries, deputy and assistant secretaries, chief financial officers, general counsels, and agency heads for many years?  …this group reports that they are currently tracking roughly 700 vacant executive branch positions and only 433 have been confirmed?
Todays“Readers Poll†question is: Do you think that the Republicans will take control of the Evansville City Council in 2019?
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.
Evansville African-American Museum Preparing for MLK Day
Evansville African-American Museum Preparing for MLK Day
JANUARY 19TH, 2019 
AMANDA PORTER INDIANA
The Evansville African American Museum in Evansville hosted a showing of the documentary “King In The Wilderness,†in preparation for Martin Luther King Jr. day Monday.
The film focused on the final 18 months of Doctor King’s life leading up to his assassination on April 4, 1968. Those who attended the screening say they were impressed with what they learned about the civil rights leader.
“This video really shows his mission, and his impact to end racism everywhere regardless if it was the South, or the North; he had a mission to eradicate it, everywhere. We are glad to show the film and we’re glad to remember and reflect, but most importantly to champion his dream. So we’re glad we did that,†says EAAM director Ashley Jordan.
More observations of Martin Luther King Jr. Day will take place Monday. A symbolic walk will be held on the campus of the University of Evansville starting at the Fitness Center at noon.
Deadline Nears For Leadership In Law Awards Nominations
IL for www.theindianalawyer.com
Only one week remains to submit nominations for Indiana Lawyer’s Leadership in Law Awards. Entries for the 2019 Up and Coming Lawyer and Distinguished Barrister awards will be accepted until noon Friday, Jan. 25.
Each year, Indiana Lawyer selects 15 Distinguished Barristers and 15 Up and Coming Lawyers from attorneys nominated by their peers. Distinguished Barristers are those who have practiced at least 20 years, while Up and Coming Lawyers are rising stars in Indiana’s legal community who are in their first 10 years of practice.
Nominations may be submitted here. Award recipients will be honored at a reception in May.
The Leadership in Law Awards honor members of Indiana’s legal community who have excelled in their profession while also living up to its ideals of service. Last year’s recipients, as well as more than 400 attorneys who have previously received the honors, personify outstanding professional achievement, social and civic involvement and volunteerism, serving diverse communities statewide.
More award criteria and information about Indiana Lawyer’s Leadership in Law Awards is available here. For more information, contact Indiana Lawyer editor Dave Stafford at dstafford@ibj.com.
Common Winter Illnesses In Children
Common Winter Illnesses In Children
Deaconess Clinic Pediatrics
It’s “sick seasonâ€â€” kids everywhere are sharing germs with children at school, daycare and other activities. Some of these germs cause mild symptoms like a runny nose, but others can lead to life-threatening conditions. I want to share helpful information about common winter illnesses so parents, grandparents and caregivers know what to do, and how to help their child feel better.
The Common Cold
Most people will get more than one cold during the winter months, especially children in daycare or school. This virus occurs so frequently the word “common†is part of its name! The common cold is a virus that affects the upper respiratory system. Symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, low-to-midgrade fever, and sore throat. (Body aches, high fevers, headache and/or chills are signs of flu or other infections.)
The best support and treatment for a cold is symptom management. That usually means fluids and rest. Nasal saline can thin out mucus and decrease inflammation in the nasal passages. If your child is over one year of age, a spoonful of honey can help with cough and sore throat. Orange juice may be something that kids will enjoy drinking and the extra vitamin C may be helpful and won’t hurt. (Limit to 4-6 ounces per day, as juice has lots of sugar.) Over-the-counter cough and cold medication may be effective for adults, but it really doesn’t help kids under the age of 12.
Most importantly, antibiotics are used for bacterial infections. The common cold is caused by a virus, not bacteria, and antibiotics do not treat viruses.
Bronchitis
Many coughs that accompany a cold are still a virus and part of the cold symptoms. Even “productive coughs†(where you cough up mucus and gunk that you spit out) can be just another part of the cold.
Bronchitis is more than a cough. It is inflammation/swelling of the larger airways leading to the lungs. Bronchitis generally develops as a secondary infection—usually bacterial—that comes along after several days or even weeks of experiencing cold symptoms.
If your child is having higher fevers with cough for 3-4 days, they should be seen by a doctor. The doctor will listen to the child’s breathing to determine if it’s bronchitis. Because bronchitis is (usually) a bacterial infection, treatment may require antibiotics.
Bronchiolitis
Children less than two years old often get lower respiratory infections from viruses. Bronchiolitis is a common illness caused by an infection of tiny airways – called bronchioles – that lead to the lungs. Symptoms start out looking like the common cold, but once inflamed, the airways swell and fill with mucus. This can lead to wheezing, difficulty breathing, and lack of interest in food and drinking.
Most children diagnosed with bronchiolitis are still treated with supportive care and can be managed at home. Sometimes breathing treatments are prescribed.
Any child in respiratory distress should see a doctor immediately—either in the office, urgent care or if overnight, the emergency department.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
RSV is a very common and contagious respiratory virus with symptoms that mimic a cold or the flu.
For most babies and toddlers, the virus causes nothing more than a cold-like illness. However, premature infants, those under a year of age, and children with other health issues are at an increased risk of the virus developing into bronchiolitis and even viral pneumonia.
If your child is age two or younger and has trouble breathing, or has a cough producing yellow, green, or gray mucus, or shows signs of dehydration, call your doctor. If diagnosed with a mild case of RSV, the provider will instruct you on how to care for the child at home. Kids with severe RSV may need to be hospitalized.
No medication treats the virus itself. Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections, not viruses.
If your child seems very tired, breathes rapidly, or has a blue tint to the lips or fingernails, get medical attention immediately.
Influenza (The Flu)
Influenza is generally referred to as “the flu.†It is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Unlike a cold, the flu comes on suddenly and causes symptoms like chills, fatigue, severe cough, high fevers and body aches. People can experience a mild form of the flu or a severe case that requires hospitalization.
Anti-viral medication such as Tamiflu can shorten the duration and severity of the illness if received within the first 48 hours of having symptoms. That’s why it’s important to call your doctor or visit an immediate care provider sooner than later.
The most effective way to prevent flu in people of all ages is to get a flu shot every year. Simple actions such as washing your hands, staying away from people who are sick, and covering coughs and sneezes also help slow the spread of viruses like influenza.
Stomach Viruses
The “stomach flu†and influenza are not the same thing. When people say they have the “stomach flu†they are generally referring to viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhea – not a respiratory virus.
While very unpleasant, most intestinal viruses simply need to run their course for 24 or 48 hours. Antibiotics or anti-diarrheal medication won’t treat the virus strain, so supportive care like drinking fluids and resting is most helpful. (Stay away from sugary drinks as they can lead to more diarrhea.)
If your child has severe vomiting for a long period of time and can’t keep anything (including water) down, they’re at risk of being dehydrated. Call your provider, as he or she may either want to see your child or provide direction over the phone.
Signs of dehydration include:
•     Urinating less than 2-3 times in 24 hours
•     Dry mouth
•     No tears when crying
•     Listlessness, being very lethargic, and not “acting right†beyond just being sick
Where to take a sick child for treatment
If you’re worried about your child, it’s always OK to make an appointment for medical evaluation. Even if they have a viral illness and there isn’t much that can be done about it, as providers, we’re glad to rule out any serious illnesses. We can also recommend the best treatment options.
If you are established with a Deaconess Clinic provider (pediatrics, family medicine, etc.) and need an appointment, call the doctor’s office or schedule an appointment using MyChart. You can also send non-urgent messages via MyChart.
If your child is sick in the evening, or over the weekend during daytime hours, Deaconess offers the only Pediatric Urgent Care in the region on our Gateway campus. Other Urgent Care and EXPRESS locations also provide care for children. Visit deaconess.com/urgentcare to schedule online, or to see wait times for walk-in care. You can use sorting and filtering tools to find the right level of care by symptoms, choose locations based on wait times or proximity to you, and more.
Finally, if your child is severely ill overnight (breathing distress, high fevers in infants, etc.), the emergency department at both Midtown and Gateway Hospitals is always open.