http://www.vanderburghsheriff.com/jail-recent-booking-records.aspx
IS IT TRUE SEPTEMBER 5, 2018
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?
IS IT TRUEÂ we are told that Mayor Winnecke will be announcing this week that he plans to build a new $28 million dollars Aqua Center at Garvin Park on North Main Street? Â …we hear that the Mayor plans to build the new Garvin Park Aqua Center by taking $10 million dollars from the North Main TIF funds? Â …he also plans to float a 14 year $18 million dollars bond issue to help pay for the $28 million dollars Aqua Center at Garvin Park? Â …we are also told that the Mayor will announce that he plans to sign a contract with the local YMCA for them to manage the new pool once it’s finished? Â …the new Aqua Center will have an 800 seat arena for competitive swimming? …we expect that the Mayor will also announce a naming rights sponsor for the Aqua Center later this week? …this is a developing story?
IS IT TRUEÂ that a couple members of the “Aqua Center Blue Ribbon” committee told us that the majority of the committee members wanted Robert Parks as the site for the new Aqua Center? Â …we are told that the recommendation by the “Aqua Center Blue Ribbon” committee to build the new Aqua Center at Roberts Park was nixed by the Mayor?
IS IT TRUEÂ last week that the Evansville Vanderburgh Airport Authority Board of Directors announced that they have appointed a new airport Executive Director? …on January 1st, 2019 Nate Hahn will replace the current Executive Director, Doug Joest? Â Â …several of our more sophisticated readers tell us because the airport is subsidized by Federal, State, and local tax dollars and that this position should have been advertised nationally, statewide and locally? Â …we hear that several Vanderburgh County Council members are very upset with the way that the Airpot Board of Directors handled the hiring of the new Executive Director? …this may be a developing story?
IS IT TRUE that the City of Evansville Employee Hospitalization fund currently has a deficit of exactly of $2.7 million dollars?
IS IT TRUE we hear that several Evansville City Council members are talking about cutting the city operations budget around $3 million dollars for 2019?
IS IT TRUE we are told by people close to Evansville City Councilman Jonathon Weaver that he reached out to members of the “Trump and Braun campaign staff asking them to allow him to welcome the President to Evansville since the Mayor wasn’t able to attend to the event?
IS IT TRUE that we been told that Freedom Of Speech isn’t alive and well in the Vanderburgh County Republication party?  …a well known and respected Vanderburgh Republican Precinct Committeeman Phillip Davis was recently relieved of his position by the Vanderburgh County Party Chairman Wayne Parke?  …that reason why Mr. Parke removed Mr. Davis from his Precinct Committeeman position was that he wrote a letter endorsing Knight Township Trustee Kathryn Martin (D) for re-election?  …we are told that Mr. Davis removable from the leadership ranks of the local Republican party may cause a political backlash within the  Vanderburgh County Republican party?
IS IT TRUE that all the rooms at the downtown Doubletree Hotel were totally occupied during President Trump visit to Evansville?  …housing the advance team and secret service members were part of the reason why the Downtown Doubletree Hotel was sold out?… we were told that the security team with the “Trump and Braun” political rally occupied most all of 5th, 4th, and 3rd floors days before and the day of the event? …since the reason for this trip was totally a politically partisan event we hope that the local taxpayers didn’t foot the bills for food and lodging at the downtown Doubletree Hotel?
IS IT TRUE because the “Trump and Braun” rally was a partisan political event several of our readers wonder if both campaigns are going to pay for the rental of the Ford Center, extra security costs, and cleaning up the trash around the Ford Center after the function we over with?
Todays“Readers Poll†question is: Do you feel that local taxpayers should be responsible to pay for costs related to staging President Trump (R) and Mike Braun (R) campaign rally held at the Ford Center?
Please take time and read our articles entitled “STATEHOUSE Files, Channel 44 News, LAW ENFORCEMENT, READERS POLL, BIRTHDAYS, Hot Jobs†and “LOCAL SPORTSâ€.  You now are able to subscribe to get the CCO daily.
REPUBLICANÂ PHILLIP DAVIS ENDORSES Â KNIGHT TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
REPUBLICANÂ PHILLIP DAVIS ENDORSES Â KNIGHT TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
Every now and then I do something that is out of the norm for me to do, I cross party lines and endorse a candidate because I truly believe that they have performed well in their position, have served their constituents very well and deserve to stay in their current position.
This is the case for Knight Township Trustee, Kathryn Martin. This is in no way meant to disrespect or diminish her opponent, Johnny Kincaid, who I truly respect and have appreciated his friendship. My endorsement is based solely on Kathryn’s impeccable record and the recognition that she has received throughout the state as one of the best trustees in Indiana. She has been named the “Trustee of The Year” by the Indiana Township Association. She has been commended by the Indiana State Board of Accounts for her office’s performance.
She came into the position after the previous Trustee had abused the people’s trust and left the office over $150,000 in the hole. Because of her leadership, the Knight Township Trustee Office was able to climb out of that deficit and responsibly serve the people of the Township.
Another thing that impresses me with Kathryn is her heart to serve the people of the community and Township. Most of us are familiar with how she came into the public eye with her desire to help others when life has struck a blow to them. She served thousands of families with CJ’s bus and added a silver lining to the dark cloud that hung over the heads of children who were going through their own ordeals. Kathryn then took over the Knight Township Trustee office to replace the Trustee that was embezzling the funds from the office.
Kathryn did well and earned the support of the people to be elected to keep the position. For a lot of political people, the Trustee position is a springboard to other political offices, but not Kathryn. She loves her job and wants to keep it. Â if the voters of Knight Township allow it. I can’t vote for her because I don’t live in her Township, but I urge my friends who can vote for her to give her your support. It’s important to keep the good people in their positions.
Sincerely,
Phillip Davis
Former Vanderburgh County Republican Precinct Committeeman
Footnote:  Phillip Davis was recently relieved of his Precinct Committeemen position by Vanderburgh County Party Chairman Wayne Parke.  The reason why Mr. Parke relieved Mr. Davis from his Precinct Committeeman position was that he wrote the above letter endorsing  Knight Township Trustee Kathryn Martin (D) for re-election. we are told that Mr. Davis removable from the leadership ranks of the local Republican party may cause a political backlash within the Vanderburgh County Republican party.
Commission Approves Federal Tax Reduction For Vectren Bills
Commission Approves Federal Tax Reduction For Vectren Bills
Customer bill amounts to decrease by $125 over a 12 month period
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) approved the final phase of an agreement between Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana – South (Vectren) and various consumer groups to reflect decreases in natural gas and electric rates as a result of the Federal income tax reduction prescribed in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
Today’s approval, combined with the first phase approved in June, results in customers who receive Vectren electric and natural gas service seeing their annual energy bill reduced by a combined total of about $125 over a 12-month period; roughly $90 is associated with the electric portion of the bill, and the remaining $35 related to the natural gas charges.
“Current bills include the cost of income taxes and with this agreement, customers will directly benefit from this reduced cost resulting from the lower tax rate,†said Brad Ellsworth, president of Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana – South. “Vectren is committed to ensuring all reductions approved within the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 are received by customers.â€
Vectren announced its plan to lower rates in February, which was followed by a March regulatory filing with the IURC. The first phase of the plan was approved by the IURC in June and immediately implemented. The additional reductions approved today are expected to be reflected in bills by the end of 2018 or early 2019.
Indoor Football Team Returning to Evansville March 2019
Indoor Football Team Returning to Evansville March 2019
September 5TH, 2018 
TYRONE MORRIS EVANSVILLE, INDIANA
The Ford Center in downtown Evansville is home to the Thunderbolts, Purple Aces and now a third team. The National Gridiron League is kicking off an arena football team called the Indiana Firebirds. Evansville hasn’t had a team like this one in more than ten years.
“We feel like Evansville brings tremendous value to the league and what we’re putting together,†says NGL president Joe McClendon. “Wanted that name to really speak for this community how it’s on the rise, there’s a lot of positive things happening in this community and we wanted that name to really fit the local market.â€
The league wants to help Evansville economically as well as bring a family-friendly outing for the community to enjoy.
“There’s a lot of things going on in between the timeouts and halftime of games that the young kids can really love and enjoy. But at the same time it’s great for the fathers that can come and enjoy positive football and then just a safe family atmosphere that I think the mothers in the community can really get behind,†says McClendon.
The last team to play was the Evansville Blue Cats who played at Roberts Stadium for five seasons ending in 2007. Arena football makes the game experience a little more personal than the average football game.
“The indoor game allows the fan to be really involved in the game. You’re able to be close to the action, hear those impacts but at the same time, you can smell the player’s sweat as well,†says McClendon.
The first player draft for the Firebirds will be in October that could be men or women.
“We want the best players and the end of the day the only thing that matters to us is the best players because we want to put the best possible product on the field,†says McClendon.
The team will have eight home games and eight away games and the season will start in March 2019.
Comments
Just In: Long Time Civic Center Employee John Gerard Found Dead At Home
Long Time Civic Center Employee John Gerard Found Dead At Home
I regret to inform everyone that John Gerard has passed away. He did not report for work this morning and did not call in, which was unlike him, so we contacted a family member who went to check on him and found him deceased. We don’t have any details at this point.
Carla Hayden
Clerk of the Circuit Court for Vanderburgh County
Tri-State Treasures: Kiwanis Club
Tri-State Treasures: Kiwanis Club
September 4TH, 2018 MITCH ANGLE EVANSVILLE
The Downtown Kiwanis Club is celebrating 100 years of serving and supporting the city of Evansville this month.
Reminders of their lasting contributions can be seen all around town with the club’s signatures trademark “K†leaving a lasting legacy on land markers throughout the city.
The mission of the downtown Kiwanis Club began in 1918 following a business trip and a long train ride out west.
Club historian and club member Kelly Courses say a local attorney was playing cards on a railroad train on his way back from Kansas City when he overheard gentleman from Kansas City talking about a club they belonged to. This club consisted of businessmen that spent their time raising money, mainly for children, in 1917.
The attorney, Charles Rudd, began talking with an organization about opening a similar club in Evansville. Just like the Kansas City Club, helping children in need became the focus of Kiwanis.
Kiwanis members have been behind several city tributes and gifts such as the fountain at Garvin Park, displays at the Mesker Park Zoo, the creation of Swirca, and the Kiwanis clock that still keeps time outside of Central Library.
USI to host Indiana in charity baseball game
University of Southern Indiana Baseball will host Indiana University in an exhibition game October 20 at historic Bosse Field in Evansville, Indiana. The 4 p.m. exhibition game will benefit the fight against Friedreich’s’s ataxia (FA), a degenerative neuro-muscular disorder that affects one in 50,000 people in the United States.
Most individuals have onset of symptoms of FA between the ages of 5 and 18 years, but can occur anytime during adulthood. The Friedreich’s’s Ataxia Research Alliance is supporting research that will improve the quality and length of life for those diagnosed with FA and will lead to treatments that eliminate its symptoms. More information about FA can be found at CureFA.org.
Tickets for the exhibition game, which go on sale September 10, are $10 for adults and $5 for students and can be purchased at the following locations: USI Athletics, Indiana Baseball Office, Southern Indiana Athletic Conference (SIAC) baseball programs, and all Banterra Bank Evansville/Newburgh locations. Fans also can purchase tickets on-line at curefa.org/baseball.
USI is coming off its fifth NCAA Division II Championship Series appearance and Midwest Regional Championship. The Screaming Eagles, who were 36-23 last spring, are under the direction of Head Coach Tracy Archuleta, who has directed the Eagles to a pair of NCAA II National Championships (2010, 2014) in his 11 year tenure.
The Eagles return senior right-hander Austin Krizan (Mt. Vernon, Indiana), who was 3-4 last spring with a 3.99 ERA and 63 strikeouts, and senior second baseman Jacob Fleming (Evansville, Indiana), who finished the season with a .301 average and a 20 stolen bases.
Indiana, who is under the direction of new Head Coach Jeff Mercer, was 40-19 in 2018 and has appeared in the NCAA Division I Tournament three of the last four seasons. The Hoosier also feature sophomore catcher Drew Ashley and sophomore outfielder Elijah Dunham from Evansville and junior pitcher Cal Krueger, son of former USI and 1992 All-Midwest Regional catcher Blake Krueger.
Gov. Holcomb outlines Next Level Connections program
Gov. Eric J. Holcomb today announced his infrastructure agenda plan for 2019, including a new $1 billion investment in infrastructure projects. The Next Level Connections program will expand broadband services in rural Indiana, grow the state’s systems of trails, create more nonstop international flights, and move up the completion of major highway projects. The state also will continue to pursue building a new fourth water port at Lawrenceburg and expansion of rail projects in northwest Indiana.
“Today we’re sending a big message to the world that Indiana is making a huge investment in our quality of life and for those who aspire to join us,†said Holcomb. “We are linking Hoosiers to each other and to the world.â€
Through the Next Level Connections program, Gov. Holcomb will:
- Commit $100 million to bridge the digital divide in rural areas of the state. The state will create a grant program to bring high speed, affordable broadband access to unserved and underserved areas of the state.
- Utilize $90 million to link communities through more hiking, biking and riding trails. The state will initiate a grant program that encourages local and regional collaboration to grow the state’s trails system.
- Complete major highway projects
o  Accelerate completion of I-69 Section 6 from 2027 to 2024 ($600 million)
o  Add new interchanges on U.S. 31 between South Bend and Indianapolis and expand the number of projects that will be completed on U.S. 20 and 30 through 2023 ($190 million)
o  Focus INDOT resources to clean up the state’s highways
- Establish Indianapolis as the preferred Midwestern destination by adding more nonstop international flights ($20 million)
- Complete evaluation of the purchase of land to develop the state’s fourth port on the Ohio River near Lawrenceburg
- Pursue federal funding for the West Lake and South Shore rail projects in Northwest Indiana
The Indiana Finance Authority will amend its agreement with the Indiana Toll Road Concession Company (ITRCC), which operates the Indiana Toll Road, to allow ITRCC to increase the toll rates for heavy vehicles by 35 percent, beginning in October. The $1 billion in proceeds from the amended ITRCC agreement will be used to fund planned road projects in the seven Toll Road counties, which will free up INDOT resources to be directed to the Next Level Connections program.
As a part of the new agreement, ITRCC will put $50 million into additional Toll Road upgrades, including safety, technology and communications initiatives such as a smart truck parking system and expansion of overhead message boards, cameras and variable speed signs. Over 10 years, by 2025, ITRCC will invest more than $500 million in Toll Road upgrades.
“Improvements on the Toll Road, on Highways 20, 30 and 31 will make our roads safer for truck and vehicle traffic alike and enhance economic development opportunities,†said Gov. Holcomb.
The toll increase will impact Class 3 and above vehicles. For example, the tolls for a Class 3 vehicle will increase from $16.33 to $22.04 (electronic card) for the entire 157-mile trip. For a Class 5 vehicle, the toll will increase from $44.46 to $60.02. The IFA will consider the agreement at a meeting later this month. With the increase, the rate per mile will remain lower than nearly all other similar roads across the country.
“Today, we’re defining Indiana differently than ever before. Next Level Connections is a direct investment in Hoosier infrastructure and quality of life that is essential to take Indiana to the next level,†said Gov. Holcomb