The city plans to pay $49,400 on behalf of the owner of the old Pearl Cleaner
By Jay Young
The city plans to pay $49,400 on behalf of the owner of the old Pearl Cleaners site to clean the property from debris left by a fire and partial demolition.
The Board of Public Safety agreed Aug. 14 to hire Stemaly Excavating to complete the job after the owner ignored City orders to clear the property.
The City started a process to target the company after an investigation by the City County Observer identified Eric N. Morgan as the owner of the entity that holds the property.. https://city-countyobserver.com/breaking-news-owner-of-the-burnt-down-former-peal-clearners-site/
The Pearl Development LLC., no relation to the former dry cleaning business, hasn’t paid property taxes since it purchased 428 NW Third St. in 2022. County records show about $46,000 in taxes and fines are due.
City officials say the company hasn’t responded to their inquiries, which were sent to an Evansville residence that public records show is not associated with the business.. Even after Morgan was evicted from that address, his attorney this year told the Indiana Department of State that the business still operates there.
https://city-countyobserver.com/445901-2/
Under current procedure, the City will send the cleanup invoice to that address and then pay the contractor if nobody responds. If the City isn’t reimbursed, it will place a lien on the property. These liens are rarely paid.
City officials haven’t said if they will pursue legal action to force payment from the owner.
This property is scheduled for tax sale this fall, which starts a years-long process that could result in Vanderburgh County taking the property.
Reflection on Today’s Economy, Government Control
Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged and Its Reflection on Today’s Economy, Government Control, and Workforce Dynamics
by JOE J WALLACE
AUGUST 16, 2024
Aryn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged, published in 1957, presents a dystopian vision of a soiety where government overreach, economic mismanagement, and the systematic suppression of individual talent lead to societal collapse. Though the novel is a work of fiction, its philosophical themes resonate with contemporary discussions about the economy, government control, and the departure of top talent from the workforce. This article explores these parallels and contrasts the world of Atlas Shrugged with current realities.
The Economy: Then and Now
In Atlas Shrugged, the economy is in a state of decline, largely due to government policies that stifle innovation, entrepreneurship, and productivity. The novel’s world is one where industries are overregulated, profits are demonized, and successful entrepreneurs are taxed and burdened until they can no longer sustain their businesses. This leads to a gradual erosion of economic vitality, as fewer and fewer individuals are willing or able to contribute to the economy’s growth.
Today, the global economy faces its own set of challenges, some of which echo the issues Rand highlighted. While the current economic situation is far from the catastrophic collapse depicted in Atlas Shrugged, there are growing concerns about economic stagnation, the impact of overregulation, and the sustainability of certain fiscal policies. Governments worldwide have implemented extensive regulations to address various societal concerns, from environmental protection to financial stability. However, there is ongoing debate about whether these regulations sometimes do more harm than good, particularly when they create barriers to entry for small businesses or stifle innovation in emerging industries.
Moreover, discussions about wealth distribution, corporate taxation, and government intervention in the economy are increasingly polarized. Critics argue that excessive taxation and regulation can disincentivize productivity, much like the policies in Atlas Shrugged that punish the most successful members of society. On the other hand, proponents of these measures contend that they are necessary to address inequality and ensure a fairer distribution of resources.
Government Control: A Growing Influence?
One of the central themes of Atlas Shrugged is the extent of government control over the economy and individual lives. In the novel, the government imposes policies that force successful businesses to redistribute their wealth and resources to less successful ones, leading to widespread inefficiency and economic decline. The novel’s dystopian society is one where government overreach has led to a loss of personal freedom and the erosion of individual rights.
Today, concerns about government control manifest in various ways. In many countries, the expansion of government power—whether through regulation, surveillance, or social policies—has sparked debates about the balance between public interest and individual freedom. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, led to unprecedented levels of government intervention in economies worldwide, with lockdowns, stimulus packages, and public health mandates reshaping daily life. While these measures were seen as necessary by many, they also raised questions about the long-term implications for personal freedom and economic autonomy.
In the realm of economic control, issues such as corporate bailouts, government subsidies, and central bank interventions are often at the forefront of debate. Critics argue that such interventions distort free markets, much like the policies in Atlas Shrugged that favor certain industries or companies at the expense of others. Supporters, however, argue that these measures are essential for stabilizing economies during crises and ensuring the broader public good.
The Exit of Top Talent: A Modern-Day Brain Drain?
One of the most striking elements of Atlas Shrugged is the “strike of the mind,” where the most talented and productive individuals—engineers, artists, entrepreneurs—withdraw from society rather than continue to support a system that exploits their abilities. John Galt, the novel’s central figure, leads this exodus, symbolizing the importance of individual talent and innovation to societal progress.
In today’s world, we see a different kind of “exit” of top talent, often referred to as a “brain drain.” This phenomenon can be observed in multiple contexts, including the migration of skilled workers from one country to another, the early retirement or resignation of highly talented individuals from the workforce, and the shift of innovators from traditional industries to more flexible, less regulated sectors such as tech startups or freelance work.
Several factors contribute to this modern-day brain drain. High taxation, restrictive regulations, and a lack of opportunities can push talented individuals to seek better conditions elsewhere, either in different countries or different sectors. Additionally, burnout, dissatisfaction with corporate culture, and a desire for greater work-life balance are leading more people to step back from traditional career paths, much like the characters in Atlas Shrugged who choose to leave a system they see as corrupt and unsustainable.
The tech industry, in particular, has seen a significant shift in talent dynamics. Many of the brightest minds are leaving established companies or academic institutions to start their own ventures, often driven by a desire for autonomy and creative freedom. This trend mirrors the novel’s emphasis on the importance of individual initiative and the dangers of stifling creativity through excessive control or collectivist policies.
Conclusion
Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged offers a stark warning about the dangers of government overreach, economic mismanagement, and the suppression of individual talent. While the novel presents an extreme and dystopian scenario, its themes remain relevant in today’s discussions about the role of government in the economy, the balance between regulation and freedom, and the factors driving the departure of top talent from traditional roles.
The parallels between Rand’s fictional world and current realities suggest that the questions she raised—about the nature of freedom, the importance of individualism, and the role of government—are as pertinent now as they were in the mid-20th century. As societies continue to grapple with these issues, Atlas Shrugged serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to consider the long-term consequences of the choices we make today.
E-REP Statement of Activities From April-June 2024 (Q2)
E-REP Statement of Activities
April-June 2024 (Q2)
AUGUST 16, 2024
QUALITY OF PLACE
• Awarded a maximum READI 2.0 award of $45 million for the Evansville Region on April 11. Coordinated media team for award announcement and application process. Assessed interest forms and created the application for READI 2.0. Prepared to host a series of roadshows to guide applicants.
• Providing grant administration for multiple READI 1.0 awards in the county and regional projects of interest to the county.
• Created and encouraged applications from multiple projects within the county and its incorporated areas for the Lilly Endowment Initiative.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
• Working on multiple large-scale industrial projects with end users and site selectors.
• Responded to 10 Requests for Information (RFIs) from the Indiana Economic Development Corp.
regarding prospective new businesses, focusing on manufacturing. Of note, did not submit an
additional 10 RFIs due to unsuitable buildings or sites.
• Advanced the development of the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy to
unlock new funding opportunities.
• Hosted Lunch with the Lt. Governor on April 11 and Lunch with the Governor on June 20.
• Participated in the Indiana Business Journal’s Engage Indiana Southwest on April 12.
• Provided continued marketing support for the Evansville Regional Airport and the county’s
announcement to restore service to Chicago on April 12.
• Ensured all eligible county taxpayers submitted compliance paperwork for tax phase-in.
• Facilitated and helped organize a Department of Energy workshop to promote the 48C tax credit
for prospective businesses on April 16 at the University of Southern Indiana.
• Convened the E-REP Economic Partners and Elected Officials Council on April 18 with guest
speakers from CDFI Friendly Evansville Region and Community One.
• Advanced the development of the I-69 Corridor Study, significantly tied to the county.
• Attended the Indiana Economic Development Association’s Spring Conference on April 25-26 in
South Bend.
• Represented the county at the quarterly Indiana Association of Regional Council’s in-person
meeting on May 9 in Indianapolis.
• One staff member participated in the Indiana Communities Institute’s Economic Development
Basic Course from May 13-17 in Muncie, a precursor to Certified Economic Developer (CEcD).
• Awarded a $5,000 grant by Duke Energy to enable a paid internship to evaluate economic
development marketing materials and create new drone footage of key sites• Represented the region at the Indiana Global Economic Summit on May 23-24, interfacing with key stakeholders.
• Communicating with potential grant writing consultants for EPA brownfield redevelopment
opportunities.
• Represented the region at an Indiana Power Partnership Consult Connect Event in Chicago on
June 12-13, promoting opportunities for new business attraction.
• Participated in the Evansville Water Sewer Utility’s Citizens Advisory Council on June 17, 26.
• Evaluating various tactics (programs, software) to improve efficiency and productivity.
TALENT DEVELOPMENT / TALENT EVV
• Secured $100,000 from the Department of Energy for regional capacity building related to aging
energy assets.
• Secured business partners for the first-year launch of the Orr Fellowship Evansville Regional
Chapter.
• Collaborated with EVSC to build a comprehensive approach to Modern Youth Apprenticeships,
developing more connected talent pipelines.
• Completed 14 Business Retention and Expansion visits in the county.
• Offered three manufacturing-specific educational courses through Purdue MEP to over 50
manufacturing employees.
• Provided a Family Business Succession Planning Workbook to members to support effective
business succession planning.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
• In April, the Southwest Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) served 65 clients
from the county, supported 212 jobs, and facilitated $511,000 in loans and equity, leading to the
creation of 3 new jobs.
• In May, the SBDC helped start 5 new businesses, served 55 clients, and supported 128 jobs, with
a total of $152,350 in loans and equity, resulting in 30 new jobs created.
• In June, the SBDC served 42 clients, supported 125 jobs, and facilitated $5,800 in loans and
equity, leading to the creation of 3 new jobs.
MARKETING
• Belong Here Talent Attraction Program: In May, achieved 392,822 Meta impressions and 14,410
link clicks. LinkedIn impressions were 47,089, with 597 link clicks. Recorded 72 applicants, with 5
securing jobs and moving to the area, including positions at Deaconess and Hubert Family
Dental. Five movers successfully secured housing. In June, the campaign saw 489,586 social
impressions and 9,175 link clicks. LinkedIn impressions increased to 55,446, with 724 link clicks.
The total number of applicants rose to 81, an increase of 9 from May.
• Make My Move Remote Work Program: In May, 14 households, with 298 in the pipeline and 17 in accepted status looking for housing. The program had 132,878 impressions, 65,023
FOOTNOTE: The City-County Observer posted this article without opinion, editing, or bias.
CHILD MOLESTER OSCAR RAX XI RECEIVES MAXIMUM SENTENCE OF 50 YEARS
CHILD MOLESTER OSCAR RAX XI RECEIVES MAXIMUM SENTENCE OF 50 YEARS
Evansville, IN – Prosecutor Diana Moers announces that on August 14, 2024, after a sentencing hearing, The Honorable Judge Les Shively of the Vanderburgh County Superior Court sentenced convicted child molester Oscar Rax Xi to the maximum allowable sentence of 50 years in the Indiana Department of Correction for his conviction of a Level 1 felony child molesting charge and an additional concurrent 11 years for his conviction on a Level 4 felony child molesting charge. On July 23, 2024, a jury found Oscar Rax Xi guilty of both counts. The Defendant will also be credit-restricted felon and have a lifetime designation as a sexually violent predator.
In July of 2023, Holly’s House conducted a forensic interview and uncovered the sexual abuse of an 8-year-old child. Holly’s House forensic interviewers were able to determine from the victim’s disclosure that Oscar Rax Xi regularly sexually abused the child and used tape to keep the victim from screaming. Throughout the investigation, the Defendant Oscar Rax Xi made comments about fleeing back to Guatemala.
At the sentencing hearing the Judge heard details that the abuse spanned the child’s lifetime and included continuous sexual and physical abuse while the child was kept inside the house and away from society. The child has remaining mental and physical scars.
Prosecutor Moers commented: “I personally handled this sentencing hearing and requested the maximum possible sentence allowable by law (noting that consecutive sentencing was not permissible in this case based on the facts and caselaw) to ensure that the community knows child molestation and abuse cases are a top priority; in my office all child abuse and molestation cases are considered high-profile matters and given the utmost consideration and resources.
Prosecutor Moers went on to state: “This case has touched all who have worked on it. At the sentencing hearing the victim’s new loving foster parents wrote a very impactful statement of the damage this defendant did to this small child throughout their life; they have suffered mentally and physically at the hands of the Defendant for years. The dedicated CASA worker also gave testimony and I presented case law and factual arguments to justify the maximum allowable sentence in this matter. The victim herself also bravely testified to tell the court what they would like to see happen.
I thank Judge Les Shively for his dedication to children and his amazing handling of this case. The court can be a scary place, but we have all worked together to ensure this very young victim had a voice. Because of the care taken by the Judge, this young child felt comfortable taking the stand at the sentencing. Now, this child never has to worry about being hurt by this monster again: the sentence handed down coupled with his sexually violent predator designation will hopefully ensure he never has access to another child.
The victim in this case is a survivor and has inspired us all with their remarkable resilience and bravery— that even most adults would not be capable of given the same circumstances. We will never forget this innocent child and want them to know they will remain in our hearts.
”Prosecutor Moers extends a special thank you in this case to the great work done by the forensic interviewers at Holly’s House, Prosecutor victim advocate Teresa Wilcox, CASA representative Renee Minnett, Evansville Police Detective Zach Oxford, who thoroughly investigated this case, as well as all of the EPD law enforcement who responded to assist the child.
UE Music Conservatory Invites Musicians to Join Community Ensembles
EVANSVILLE, IND. (08/15/2024) The University of Evansville (UE) Music Conservatory is excited to announce the start of its Community Ensembles for the upcoming season. The ensembles provide a unique opportunity for musicians of all skill levels to come together and share their love of music. Whether you’re dusting off an old instrument or eager to sing again, the UE Music Conservatory welcomes you.
The Community Ensembles include band, choir, and orchestra, each offering a welcoming environment for participants to hone their skills, make new friends, and perform collaboratively.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with your love of music making,” said Dennis Malfatti, Professor of Music & Director of Choral Activities. “Our ensembles are perfect for rekindling that passion. By joining, you’ll also be contributing to the cultural fabric of our community through music.”
2024 Amateur Tryouts For Westside Westside NuT Club Festival
2024 Amateur Tryouts For Westside Westside NuT Club Festival
AUGUST 16, 2024
A reminder that the 2024 West Side Nut Club Amateur Hour tryouts are next week. The goal is to expand this to anyone in Southern Indiana/Kentucky/Illinois areas to bring out the best of the best. All of the details are attached.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Errors cost Otters in road trip finale
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Finishing their 11-game road trip in a rubber match on Thursday afternoon, errors hurt the Evansville Otters as they allowed four unearned runs to the Schaumburg Boomers in a 6-5 loss.
The Otters (35-47) had the lead from early in the game until the late stages. They opened the scoring, plating two runs in the second inning. Randy Bednar roped an RBI double to right-center field and then later scored on a wild pitch. They added on in the third with a Pavin Parks RBI single to make it a 3-0 game.
In the home third, the Boomers (41-40) jumped on the scoreboard with one run. Answering in the fourth, Bednar homered to left-center, getting the run right back.
Trading another run, the Boomers plated one more in the home half of the fourth, making it 4-2.
Evansville marked the score column for the last time in the fifth inning. Gary Mattis led off with a double just after throwing a runner out at third base from right field to end the fourth. Parks followed with a flare shot to center to score another run.
The seesaw tipped back toward Schaumburg in the home fifth, leading to another two runs to pull within one — both were unearned on an error.
Trailing 5-4 in the seventh, the Boomers finalized the scoring with two runs, capitalizing off another two errors from the Otters’ defense to take the final lead of the game.
Grif Hughes (1-1) picked up his first loss of the year after pitching well and surrendering two unearned runs. Hambleton Oliver (1-3) was the winning pitcher, seeing two and one-third scoreless innings.
ProRehab is your ticket to USI Soccer, Volleyball and Softball
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles fans will be able to attend all USI Soccer, Volleyball and Softball 2024-25 home games for free courtesy of ProRehab.
ProRehab is your ticket to USI Soccer matches at Strassweg Field, USI Volleyball matches inside Screaming Eagles Arena, and USI Softball games at USI Softball Field.
“ProRehab is proud to support the USI Screaming Eagles, players and fans in the 2024-25 season,” ProRehab Inc. CEO Pat Wempe stated. “Making a difference in communities, helping student-athletes perform at their best, and helping people pursue a happy, healthy life is our driving force. We are looking forward to being part of the Screaming Eagles team.”
“ProRehab has made it possible for many families across this region that they serve to come to USI to watch Division I athletics at no cost,” USI Vice President and Director of Athletics Jon Mark Hall said. “Our student-athletes and coaches appreciate the investment in our community and our campus. It is great to have ProRehab as part of our team.”
The special admission deal for 2024-25 starts Saturday, August 17 when USI Men’s Soccer hosts an exhibition at Strassweg Field against Bradley University at 7 p.m. USI Women’s Soccer will kick off regular-season action from Strassweg Field on August 22 at 7 p.m. against Robert Morris University. The men’s regular-season home opener is September 14.
Free admission to USI Volleyball home matches starts Friday, September 20 when the Screaming Eagles host the University of Evansville for a 6 p.m. tilt as part of the USI Invitational at Screaming Eagles Arena.
USI Softball will announce its 2024 fall schedule in the coming weeks and its 2025 championship season schedule later in the year.