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“IS IT TRUE” September 21, 2018

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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 on Monday Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke presented proposed his 2019 city budget?  …his proposed budget has been increased by 15 percent over last years? …his proposed 2019 budget is over $395 million and the city plans to collect around $402 million in revenue from various taxes? …its reported by City officials that utility fees and property taxes are the largest revenue sources for the city to draw their working capital from?

IS IT TRUE it’s time that the taxpayers and members of the City Council force an open and honest dialogue with City Controller Russ Lloyd, Jr., CPA concerning the current financial status of the Evansville Thunderbolts?  … that members of City Council are the stewards of the public trust and should start acting like it?…if members of City Council don’t question the current financial status of the Evansville Thunderbolts then they can expect this will be a re-election issue in 2019?

IS IT TRUE by 2021 many miles of water and sewer pipes will be replaced and its estimated that the City of Evansville water rates may be increased by 118%? …it’s also estimated that the new pipes alone could cause a major increase in the rates for the next 3 years? …we should also be prepared for this to happen many more times as the sewer and water pipe replacement program comes to its conclusion?…while the CCO is supportive of and an advocate for these updates, we hope that some of the people who live in Evansville won’t be ruined out of town by the costs associated with this much need public works project?
IS IT TRUE over the years we have made numerous reference that the Evansville Water and Sewer Utilities Board was also used as a funding source to help the City of Evansville in their occasional financial cash flow problems?  … it’s safe to say that over the last several years the Evansville Water and Sewer Utilities Board give the City of Evansville many millions of dollars in cash advances to help the city with cash shortfalls? …we must remind our city officials that the Evansville Water and Sewer Utilities Department isn’t a bank?
IS IT TRUE that the recent revelation that Evansville City Controller Russ Lloyd Jr., CPA hasn’t paid the $369,000 in Victory Theater bills for 2017 has really got the attention of many people?  …he has taken $369,000 from the 2018 city budget to pay for the operating expenses of the Victory Theater for 2017?  …we wonder how City Controller Lloyd is going to find the money to pay for the Victory Theater bills for 2018? …we hope that members of the Evansville City Council will force this subject to be discussed in an open budget meeting?
IS IT TRUE after Mondays evening City Council budget meeting City Council Missy Mosby made the following post on her Facebook account?  …Ms. Mosby posted “The City administration has always provided City Council with the prior year’s actual expenses, the current year’s budget, the current year to date, and the following year’s proposed “This year, for 2019 Budget Hearings, the administration mysteriously chose not to include year to date information in the budget books. Instead, the Deputy Mayor suggested we consult a separate book with a different organization and numbering.”  “He even sarcastically offered to turn the pages for us”. “The Taxpayers deserve more professionalism from its City employees.”  ….all we can say about Ms. Mosby post was that it hit the mark?
IS IT TRUE that the Evansville Regional Airport has been short three (3) Airport Safety Officers for almost 2 years now?  ..there are 5 board members on the Airport Board, 3 appointed by the Mayor and 2 by the Vanderburgh County Commission? …the Airport gets $2 million in Vanderburgh County tax dollars?  …we have been told the Vanderburgh County Council has given Airport employees raises 4 of the last 5 years?  …it’s been reported that the Airport Manager salary over the last 5 years went from $100K to $121K?  …if this statement is correct the Airport Manager now makes more than the Mayor of Evansville?
IS IT TRUE that the Safety Officers at Evansville Regional Airport has eight (8) different functions? …the functions are: 1) Fire Response. 2) Medical Responders: all officers are medically certified and AMR. 3) Security Responders: they patrol the airport terminal and rest of the 1400 acres of ground on foot and by a patrol car.  4) Dispatchers: The dispatch office must be manned 24/7. 5) Weather Spotters and Monitors- they call in snow removal and weather crews during bad weather. 6) Wildlife: they remove flocks of birds and mammals such as coyotes that could crash a plane. 7) Maintenance- there is no maintenance personnel after hours so they do all kinds of functions to keep the airport operating. 8) Customer Service: they assist customer 24/7 with any needs they might have.
IS IT TRUE that the Evansville Regional Airport has experienced several multi-million dollar expansion projects over the last several years?  …there has been some extensive expansion of the flight terminal and the runways and also an increase in new flight destinations to other cities during the last several years?  … it’s obvious that the expansion of the Evansville Regional Airport has increased the responsibilities of the Safety Officers at Evansville Regional Airport?  …we wonder why the Evansville Regional Airport Board of Directors decided to cut three (3 ) Safety Officers from their employment during a time of extensive growth?  …maybe its time for our city and county officials have a serious conversation with the airport board members about this issue?
Todays “Readers Poll” question Is: Are you planning to attend President Trump political rally at the Ford Center?
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HERONEMUS ANNOUNCES RUN FOR 3RD WARD CITY COUNCIL

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HERONEMUS ANNOUNCES RUN FOR 3RD WARD CITY COUNCIL

Will Run As Democratic Candidate For Evansville’s City Council

[Evansville, IN, Dec 19, 2018] Zachary Heronemus, 38, will be filing to run for Evansville’s 3rd Ward City Council in the 2019 city election.  

“With the many great developments happening in Evansville recently, I believe the city is primed for growth that can benefit all citizens. To ensure we reach our potential, we have to keep a keen eye on the quality of life issues and infrastructure needs that help attract business and jobs to Evansville and better retain the jobs and talent we already have in the community. We should work to strengthen our partnerships with our institutions of education to ensure more of our children have access to higher education or skills training for the workforce. And we should remain diligent in maintaining an affordable tax levy that reinvests wisely in our community for both the short and long-term.” 

Raised as an Army brat, Heronemus developed a passion for public service at an early age. Having relocated to Evansville in late summer of 2007 with his wife, Megan, he has served the community of Evansville as an activist for education, Chief Deputy Treasurer of Vanderburgh County, and in nonprofit development for United Way of Southwestern Indiana. Heronemus is currently a licensed realtor serving clients in Southwestern Indiana. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science in 2008 as well as a Master of Public Administration in 2011 – both from the University of Southern Indiana (USI).

“I’m very excited about this opportunity to serve Evansville and look forward to knocking on doors, listening to the residents’ concerns and desires for our community, and working hard to earn the trust and faith of the voters in the 3rd Ward. I believe that my background and education will serve the residents of the 3rd Ward well on the City Council as an experienced, knowledgeable, and forward-thinking voice and will always work toward the goal that the City of Evansville functions in the best interest of every one of its residents.”

Heronemus lives in the Midtown area of Evansville with his wife of 14 years, Megan. Their son, Jackson, attends Harper Elementary, and they have just recently given birth to a daughter, Madelyn. Heronemus is a Board Member for Aurora, Inc., an Advisory Board Member for First Tee of Evansville, was formally a member of Rotaract Club of Evansville for 3 years, and served as President, Vice-President, and Membership Director for USI College Democrats.

A formal campaign kickoff event will be scheduled in late January 2019 in coordination with his filing.

[Friends of Heronemus; Paul Green – Chairman, Ryan Beal – Treasurer]

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If you would like more information regarding the campaign and candidacy, please call Zac Heronemus at 812-431-8381 or email him at ZacHfor3rdWard@gmail.com

“READERS FORUM” DECEMBER 22, 2018

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We hope that today’s “READERS FORUM” 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? 

WHATS ON YOUR MIND TODAY?

Todays“Readers Poll” question is: Who was the most effective City Council member in 2018?

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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.
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AURORA INC. APPOINTS COMMUNITY ADVOCATE TIMOTHY WEIR TO SERVE AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Timothy Weir

Aurora Inc. – the homeless housing solutions agency serving Evansville and the surrounding community – today announced that it has appointed community advocate Timothy Weir to serve as its Executive Director. He will lead and support the team of professionals delivering Aurora’s valued rapid-rehousing, re-entry, permanent supportive housing, and homeless street outreach programs locally.

Weir joins Aurora from Evansville-based Accuride Corporation, a supplier of wheel-end systems to the global commercial vehicle industry. He had served as Accuride’s Director of Communications & Government Relations since June 2011 and was a member of its executive leadership team. Weir will begin his new role on January 7, 2019, succeeding Aurora Program Director Susan Steinkamp, who has served as Interim Executive Director since October 2018.

Weir has been an active contributor to the Evansville community since relocating from Detroit in 2011. In addition to managing Accuride’s local community engagement and philanthropic efforts, he has led several community initiatives as a volunteer, including three years as co-director of the Commission on Homelessness for Evansville and Vanderburgh County (2015-2018). He was appointed to the Commission role in May 2015 by Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke. Weir was recognized by Leadership Evansville as the 2017 recipient of the Winternheimer/LaMar Award for Public Service and was named Homeless Advocate of the Year in 2016 by Aurora.

“All of us at Aurora are excited to welcome Timothy as the organization’s new Executive Director,” Carolyn Dearmond, President of the Aurora Board of Directors, said. “His passion for preventing and ending homelessness in our community is clear and inspiring. He exemplifies servant leadership through his volunteer service work, including three years as Co-Director of the Commission on Homelessness for Evansville and Vanderburgh County.  In addition to the leadership and communication skills Timothy brings to Aurora, he will be a selfless, dedicated advocate for those facing homelessness.”

“We will miss Timothy here at Accuride,” said Accuride President & CEO Rick Dauch. “We understand and fully support his decision to join and lead Aurora. Timothy’s passion to help and care for others – especially the homeless and those in need – is a calling that we respect and admire.”

About Timothy Weir

Timothy G. Weir, APR is Executive Director of Aurora Inc.  He joined Aurora from Accuride Corporation, a $1.2 billion global supplier of wheel-end systems headquartered in Evansville, where he served as Director, Communications & Government Relations and was a member of the Executive Committee. Weir’s 37-year career in corporate communications included prior roles with Textron Inc. and United Technologies Corporation, among others. He served from 2015 to 2018 as Co-Director of the Commission on Homelessness for Evansville and Vanderburgh County, to which Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke appointed him. He contributed to Leadership Evansville’s award-winning VOICE Community Visioning initiative and chaired the City of Evansville’s Clean Evansville anti-litter initiative in 2012. A resident of downtown Evansville, Weir is a 1981 graduate of Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications and an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America.

About Aurora Inc. Founded in 1988, Aurora leads the way in our community with three decades of experience of ending homelessness.  The Evansville-based non-profit organization began as a coalition of people and organizations addressing homelessness and transformed into an independent agency that strives to prevent and end chronic homelessness through its range of programs, services, and housing.  Aurora impacts more than 1,600 men, women, and children annually and collaborates with over 75 area agencies.  Aurora serves anyone who is homeless, chronically homeless (without a home for longer than 12 months), or at risk of becoming homeless.  Aurora was named the Southwest Indiana Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit of the Year for 2016 and “Organization of the Year” by Leadership Evansville in 2017.  For more information: http://auroraevansville.org.

WHO DOES WHAT?

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WHO DOES WHAT?

GAVEL GAMUT By Jim Redwine

On Wednesday, December 26, 2018, at 12:30 p.m. in our historic courtroom in the Posey Circuit Court in Mt. Vernon, Indiana you have the opportunity to see the people whom you have chosen to help run your life take an oath to perform their public trust. On November 6, 2018, you voted for a new Circuit Court Judge, Craig Goedde, another term for Prosecuting Attorney, Travis Clowers, and a new Sheriff in town, Tom Latham, to oversee your legal and law enforcement system.

They will be working with new County Clerk Kay Kilgore, Auditor Sara Beth Meighen, Assessor Nancy Hoehn, Coroner Bill Denning, County Commissioner Randy Thornburg, and four elected or re-elected members of our seven-member County Council, Tom Schneider, Dave Pearce, Stefani Miller, and Marilyn Brenton.

Further, each of our ten county townships: Harmony; Black; Point; Marrs; Lynn; Center; Robb; Robinson; Bethel; and, Smith has an elected Trustee and a three-member Advisory Board.

Each of the major office holders has the duty and authority to appoint staff such as Court Reporters, Probation Officers, Deputy Prosecutors, Deputy Sheriffs, and numerous assistants. While it would require more pages than your newspaper has to name all the support staff for those offices, the inability to mention each one does not mean their roles are not important. In fact, some of the public functions the deputies and admin-staff perform are where the rubber meets the road if you or your family need government services.

You may have never thought about all the government employees you hire and pay or you may have wondered: “How do I get that done and who does it where?” Well, on the day after Christmas you have the opportunity to see in person many of the people who will be sworn in to help you.

If you have questioned whether our democracy is alive and well, come to the Courthouse and see it in action. It will make you feel good.

Want to read other Gavel Gamut articles? Go to www.jamesmredwine.com

Indiana Unemployment Rises to 3.6 Percent in November

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Indiana Unemployment Rises to 3.6 Percent in November

Indiana’s jobless rate ticked up slightly for the month of November.

That’s according to new numbers from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

The unemployment rate rose to 3.6 percent for November up slightly from 3.5 percent in October.

Indiana’s employment rate still remains below the national average which sits at 3.7 percent.

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Toys for Tots Impacted By Toys R Us Closure

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Toys For Tots Impacted By Toys R Us Closure

After Toys R Us closed, Toys for Tots felt the loss. Every year, the U.S. Marine Corps would set up collection boxes at Toys R Us stores around the country.

Last year alone, shoppers donated more than 250,000 toys to the charity drive. The company also gave Toys for Tots $5 million in corporate contributions.

So far this year, donations are down 25 percent because there are fewer places to drop off toys and even fewer places where you can buy toys that also have collection boxes.

Other corporate sponsors including Hasbro, Disney and Build-A-Bear are working to fill the gaps in donations and may make financial contributions to help.

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COUNTDOWN TO THE NEW YEAR WITH MORE AT TROPICANA EVANSVILLE!

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Resolve to have MORE FUN in 2019!  Start with Tropicana Evansville’s biggest party of the year on New Year’s Eve!  There’sMORE FOOD, MORE MUSIC and MORE GAMES with a special countdown at 421 Lounge as the clock ticks away the last seconds of 2018.

MORE FOOD.  Try the All-You-Can-Eat New Year’s Eve Buffet from 4PM – 10PM at The Kitchen, featuring Carved Prime Rib.  In addition, sample baked ham, herb-roasted turkey, fried chicken, fried shrimp, peel & eat shrimp, blackened salmon, and a pasta station.  Plus, there are plenty of side dishes and desserts – for just $23.95 per person.

MORE MUSIC.  From 7PM to 2AM, hear seven hours of live music with two bands in 421 Lounge – The Devonshires and THE HOOTZ!  The Devonshires are always a crowd-pleaser, performing a show that includes a healthy dose of classic ‘70s and ‘80s rock, with costume changes and on-stage antics.  THE HOOTZ are a hoot and a holler, mingling the forces of rock, pop, country-western and hip-hop for a show you have to hear to believe!

MORE GAMES.  The casino is open 24/7 for non-stop gaming action.  Check out the old and ring in the new – the newly-installed slots, that is – like Iron Man, The Godfather, the Harley-Davidson Freedom Tour, Zuma and Dreams of Asia!

Awesome party favors will be available while supplies last.  And, take advantage of free security-patrolled parking in the adjoining seven-level garage.

For more band information, contact Bobbi Warren, Bobbi Warren Productions, at 812-401-0094 or bobbi.warren@att.net.