“READERS FORUM” JULY 18 2018
We hope that today’s “Readers Forumâ€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?
WHATS ON YOUR MIND TODAY?
Todays“Readers Poll†question is: If the election was held today for the Indiana 8th Congressional District who would you vote for?
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.
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FOOTNOTE: City-County Observer Comment Policy. Â Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will not be tolerated and shall be removed from our site.
We understand that sometimes people don’t always agree and discussions may become a little heated. Â The use of offensive language, insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.
How Fast Is Your Internet?
How fast is your internet? Indiana’s Broadband Map Will Tell You
By Brynna Sentel
TheStatehouseFile.com
INDIANAPOLIS—Indiana’s lieutenant governor’s office has taken the first steps toward extending the reach of broadband internet connections to rural areas.
Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch announced last week that the Indiana broadband map is up and running with more interactive features that show Hoosiers available internet connection speeds across the state. Citizens can check the map to see whether their internet providers are delivering the internet connections that are available.
Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch is leading efforts to update the state’s maps of broadband internet coverage.
Photo By Brynna Sentel, TheStatehouseFile.com
“Gov. Holcomb and I both believe rural Indiana is the next great economic development frontier,†Crouch said. High-speed internet is a download speed of 25 mpbs—megabits per second—and an upload speed of 3 Mbps. TheStatehouseFile.com reported last year that one in five Hoosiers don’t have access to internet service that allows for downloading information like work documents or movies at high speeds.
From 2009 to 2014, broadband maps were updated using funds from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration federal grant. However, when the funds ran out so did the efforts to keep the broadband coverage map up to date.
House Enrolled Act 1065, which passed in the 2018 legislative session, a fund was created to expand broadband and high-speed internet service in rural Indiana.
One of the most useful interactive features of the new map allows Hoosiers to type in their home address and find what kind of coverage and speed is offered in their area.
“Our next step is to get our director of broadband opportunities filled but also to get feedback from the public on the maps themselves,†Crouch said.
The director of broadband opportunities will serve as the single point of access in the government for the providers as well as the general public. So far, the state has received more than 60 applications from all over the country for the position.
After the position is filled, actions will be taken to provide rural Hoosiers the broadband coverage they need.
“What I envision is, We know what the map looks like now we should say in X amount of years we would like it to be 100 percent or 90 percent or whatever that number is and every year we need to see movement so that we continue to expand that access,†Crouch said.
To see whether your area offers broadband or high-speed internet service, check the map.
 FOOTNOTE: Brynna Sentel is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
USI Holds Mental Health Summit for Struggling Veterans
USI Holds Mental Health Summit for Struggling Veterans
JULY 18TH, 2018 
MITCH ANGLE EVANSVILLE, INDIANA
This was done as a way to help veterans in the Tri-State who may be struggling with recourses to help.
Recently, more effort has been made to help support the mental health of our veterans. Data has shown that summits, such as the one held today, are working.
Dale Horaz, a spokesperson for the Suicide Prevention Program, say 20 veterans die by suicide every day. He explains that the number has been decreasing steadily, but there is still a lot of work to be done to eliminate suicides.
USI’s Veteran, Military, and Family Resource Center have a guide to several community groups that offer support to veterans.
That guide can be seen by clicking here.
TRISTATE FIRST RESPONDERS HONORED BY DEACONESS FOUNDATION, HEARTSAVER + THE DIAMOND GALLERIA
The Diamond Galleria has partnered with HeartSaver, a program of the Heart Hospital at Deaconess Gateway to provide life-saving automated external defibrillators AEDs to the Tristate First Responders. Individuals driving along Evansville’s Burkhardt Road this month will notice emergency vehicles along with “Tristate First Responders Month†signs at The Diamond Galleria.
On July 19th, The Diamond Galleria and its owners, Bert and Tyna Wheat, will host a special event in the store to highlight the program. Sheriff Wedding, Police Chief Billy Boling, and Fire Chief Connelly will be present along with the HeartSaver committee members and members of the Deaconess Foundation. Food and beverages will be available, and a small ceremony will take place.
The public is invited. “Brave men and women right here in our community so often go above and beyond the call in helping others. We want to celebrate all they do for our community,†says Bert Wheat.
The Diamond Galleria has set aside the entire month of July to recognize the incredible work and bravery each first responder performs each and every day. Giving back to the community is one of the core values of The Diamond Galleria. A portion of sales all month long will be donated to the HeartSaver program to provide lifesaving AEDs for the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Department, Evansville Police Department and Evansville Fire Department to be placed in police and sheriff vehicles. And, first responders have received a voucher on behalf of The Diamond Galleria to be used during the month of July. “We’ve partnered with many local charities, but we are particularly proud of this project. This will literally save lives right here at home,†says Bert Wheat.
The Diamond Galleria has previously raised funds to place 6 AEDs locally. The HeartSaver organization has placed over 200 AEDs and The Diamond Galleria’s focus with this event is for First Responders in the Tri-State and surrounding areas.
The celebration event will be held at The Diamond Galleria and will begin at 5:30 PM. The Diamond Galleria invites the public to join.
This Week at USI
Thursday, July 19 – Sunday, July 22
New Harmony Theatre season continues with Nunsense
The 2018 New Harmony Theatre season will continue with Nunsense, the second longest running Off-Broadway show in history, July 19-22. All evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. and matinees begin at 2 p.m. Individual adult tickets are $30. Discounted tickets are available for students, seniors, and groups. All performances take place at the historic Murphy Auditorium, 419 Tavern Street in New Harmony, Indiana. Ticket Information
Open through Monday, September 10
USI to exhibit works by Stephen Pace to celebrate Art Center anniversary
Stephen Pace: An Artist’s Process, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the University of Southern Indiana McCutchan Art Center/Pace Galleries, will be on display through Monday, September 10 at the Art Center.  Stephen Pace (1918 – 2010) was an internationally recognized abstract expressionist and figurative painter.  Pace, along with his wife Palmina, was instrumental in the completion of the Art Center galleries, which opened to the public on September 7, 2008. This exhibition displays the series of related drawings, prints, paintings, and/or woodcut plates together to give the viewer deeper insight into Pace’s artistic process. The exhibition also provides a timeline reflecting the influences that determined the trajectory of Pace’s career and the development of his distinctive artistic style. Read More
Wednesday, August 8 – Friday, August 10; Early registration ends Friday, July 27
Early registration deadline nears for Mid-America Institute on Aging and Wellness
The University of Southern Indiana and SWIRCA and More, the local agency on aging, will present the 11th annual Mid-America Institute on Aging and Wellness (MAIA) on the USI campus on August 9 and 10, with a pre-conference workshop on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care scheduled for August 8. The conference this year will feature four public keynote speakers: Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA; Ashton Applewhite; Jeff Speck, AICP, CNU-A, LEED-AP; and Bill Thomas, MD. The deadline for a reduced registration fee is Friday, July 27. After that date, the rate increases for the pre-conference workshop and one- and two-day registrations. There is a discounted rate for students and retirees. More information about registering is online at USI.edu/maia or by calling 812-464-1989. Read More
Saturday, September 29
2018 USI Doggie Dash Dog Walk and Run
Registration is now open for the 2018 University of Southern Indiana Doggie Dash to be held on Saturday, September 29. This event allows whole families (including the four-legged children) an opportunity to walk and run on the beautiful University of Southern Indiana campus. Registration for the 3K and 5K runs is $25 for individuals or $20 for members of a team, and free for youth ages 10 and under. A portion of the proceeds from the Doggie Dash will be used to offer to the programme and provide professional development opportunities for student clubs within USI’s Pott College. Another portion of the proceeds will be given to It Takes A Village Pet Rescue. Read More
Registration now open for the 17th annual Norwegian Foot March
Registration is now open for the 17th annual University of Southern Indiana Norwegian Foot March on Saturday, November 3. The march, an intense mental and physical challenge, will take participants 18.6 miles through the rolling hills of Evansville’s west side. Carrying a 25-pound rucksack, participants will begin and end on the USI campus, working to make it back to the finish line in under four and a half hours. ROTC cadets, soldiers and veterans, as well as civilians, may register individually or as part of a four-member team. Registration can be completed online or by calling USI Outreach and Engagement at 812-464-1989. Early registration is recommended, as the event sells out quickly. ROTC cadets from any school can register for $25 and all other participants can register for $45. Registration will close on October 15 or when the event is full at 500 participants. The Norwegian Foot March is sponsored by USI’s Student Veteran Association. Proceeds from the foot march enhance the training of the students in the USI ROTC Program. Funds are used to cover costs associated with training, travel, team development and additional equipment. Read More
Rolling Hills Country Club Wins County Club Championship
Rolling Hills Country Club Wins County Club Championship
by Aulden Nance
Oak Meadow country club, Tri-State Athletic Club, Rolling Hills Bounty club, Evansville Country Club, and Western Hills Country Club all competed for a title yesterday. It was a very hot and long day, and all of the teams gave all of their might trying to swim towards a championship. The Oak Meadow Otters hosted the championships this year. We’d like to thank Oak Meadow for hosting such a great meet.
Lyle Snyder (age 5) swam a great freestyle event. Brody Drake (age 5) swam a very great backstroke. James Dus (age 5) made constant improvements throughout the season and did a great freestyle. We’d like to congratulate all of the swimmers and their coaches for such a great season.
Western Hills country club got fifth place, with 293 points. Tri-State Athletic Club got fourth place with 478 points. Oak Meadow Country Club got third place with 1,686.50 points. Evansville Country Club got second place with 2,360.50 points. Rolling Hills Country Club got first place, capturing the championship, with 2,426 points.
Country Commissioner Ben Shoulders and General Manager of the Miami Marlins Don Mattingly were in attendance.