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IS IT TRUE JULY 3, 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?

IS IT TRUE that the City-County Observer is overjoyed to see someone from the mainstream media cast aside the rose-colored glasses that have defined local reporting for over a decade and call out the problems of the City of Evansville’s infrastructure for what it actually is?

IS IT TRUE that Courier and Press reporter Jon Webb has once again taken the legacy of local government to task over the looming utility bills that are facing the ratepayers of all who are subjects of Vectren and the City of Evansville Water and Sewer Department?…if the Courier and Press along with the local television stations and radio had taken this stance five decades ago and kept away from the Kool-Aid being served by a series of administrations, the current dire situation with respect to affordability may have never happened?

IS IT TRUE we thank Jon Webb and encourage him to keep informing the public about political malfeasance the way that the CCO has been since day one?

IS IT TRUE to paraphrase and project from where Mr. Webb started in his recent article on the looming affordability crisis with respect to electricity, water, and sewer we submit the following?…Mr. Webb accurately pointed out that the water and sewer bill of the average customer will increase 85% during the next three years, what he left out was that this 85% increase is only funding 1.5% of the necessary replacements for water pipes that are close to 100 years old and have been substantially neglected by every Mayor of Evansville since Roberts?

IS IT TRUE to scale the increase that we can expect due to replacing water pipes just multiply that 85% by 66 and what you will have is a monthly water bill that exceeds $2,000 when the pipes have been replaced?…$2,000 per month is sufficient to pay a mortgage on a $400,000 house at today’s interest rates and we all know that Evansville is not sufficiently affluent to deal with an average housing price of $400,000?.

IS IT TRUE to add insult to injury, there is another BILLION DOLLAR SEWER PROBLEM that is also on the mandatory list as the EPA has made very clear?…with that problem solved we may all be facing $3,000 monthly bills for sewer and water by the time our infrastructure has been made whole?…this is a looming problem for anyone who owns a home and for any government depending on taxing houses that may become worthless due to the operating costs?

IS IT TRUE that the other entity that Mr. Webb called out Vectren that already charges the highest electrical rates in Indiana?  …he pointed out that the ratepayers have been forced to pay for Vectren’s adventures in coal-fired generation and now we are going to get the cost of converting to natural gas before the coal investments have been used up?…there is really no end to the rate increases that the always Vectren compliant Indiana Utilities Regulatory Commission grants legislated monopolies like Vectren?

IS IT TRUE that Mr. Webb pointed out that only 20% of registered voters actually voted in the last city elections and that is always a formula for keeping the status quo in power?…that Dr. Einstein’s definition of insanity was doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different result?…that is what Evansville has been doing for at least 60 years?… Should INSANITY be a call to action?

IS IT TRUE it’s been alleged that immediately following the recent “Blue Ribbon Jail Committee” meeting at the Civic Center a member of that this committee contacted RQAW and asked them for a contract for the proposed jail renovation project?  …we are puzzled why anyone would take it up on their own to contact someone to send them a contract for the jail renovation since the committee hasn’t officially selected anyone to design and build it?

IS IT TRUE that any request for a contract concerning the renovation of the Vanderburgh County Jail should have been requested by the committee Chairman Sheriff Dave Wedding and by not by a member of this committee?
Todays “Readers Poll” question Is: Do you feel that the Winnecke Administration should give a detailed explanation to City Council on how much did it costs the taxpayer to subsidized the Thunderbolt Hockey team for 2018?
Please take time and read our articles entitled “STATEHOUSE Files, CHANNEL 44 NEWS, LAW ENFORCEMENT, READERS POLL, BIRTHDAYS, HOT JOBS” and “LOCAL SPORTS”.  You now are able to subscribe to get the CCO daily
If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us CityCountyObserver@live.com.

 

Notre Dame’s Barrett Smart Money For SCOTUS Pick?

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Dave Stafford for www.theindianalawyer.com

7th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge and Notre Dame law professor Amy Coney Barrett is the odds-on favorite to be President Donald Trump’s nominee to replace retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy on the U.S. Supreme Court.

So says an offshore gambling website that has installed Barrett as the leading choice among a field of more than two dozen candidates. BetDSI Sportsbook’s proposition on Trump’s SCOTUS pick gives Barrett odds of +250, meaning a $10 wager would pay $25 if she is the nominee.

Barrett, a Trump appointee to the 7th Circuit who joined the appellate bench in November, is viewed as having many of the qualities Trump is seeking in a justice, particularly her age. Trump has said he wants to appoint a justice who is smart, young and tough who will serve for decades. Many believe Barrett, 46, is likely to be his choice.

“The stars are aligning for her,” Faegre Baker Daniels partner and federal court practitioner Brian Paul told Indiana Lawyer last week after Kennedy announced his retirement.

The 20-year-old Costa Rica-based BetDSI site runs numerous wagering propositions on questions of public concern, and its SCOTUS odds reflect the conventional wisdom of who Trump is considering as his nominee. The second choice to Barrett is D.C. Circuit Judge Brett Kavanaugh at +350, followed by Third Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Thomas Hardiman at +500. Also among the favorites are two judges from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals — Raymond Kethledge, +800, and Amul Thapar, who also is a former aide to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, at +1,000.

Notre Dame’s Barrett smart money for SCOTUS pick?

Judge Diane Sykes, from Barrett’s 7th Circuit, also is on the President’s list of potential nominees. She was seen as a potential Supreme Court nominee when George W. Bush was in the White House. The Wisconsin native was apparently among the four candidates that Trump interviewed in January 2017 for Antonin Scalia’s seat, according to CNN, but her star is now not as bright, according to BetDSI. Her odds of her being the next nominee are +3,000.

But gamblers looking beyond the prominently mentioned SCOTUS candidates have several choices in the pool. A $10 wager on Attorney General Jeff Sessions, for instance, would pay $1,000 if he were chosen. If that’s not rich enough, TV judges Joe Brown and Judge Judy would return $2,500. If you think Trump might keep the SCOTUS pick in the family, a $10 wager on daughter Ivanka Trump would be worth $25,000, or $50,000 if he picks Donald Trump Jr. Richer still, your $10 bet on Kanye West to be nominated to the Supreme Court could be worth $100,000.

 

Forbes Names Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union In Inaugural Best-In-State List

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Forbes Names Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union In Inaugural Best-In-State List

Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union has been acknowledged on the inaugural Forbes list of Best-In-State Banks and Credit Unions released on Thursday. The list ranks financial institutions nationwide based on survey results of overall satisfaction, as well as other areas such as digital services, branch services, and financial advice.

Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to produce the list, which recognized only 2.4% of U.S. financial institutions. ETFCU was recognized in Indiana as Best-In-State. It is the only locally headquartered bank or credit union on the list.

“We are proud to receive this acknowledgment. The entire Evansville Teachers organization is focused on returning value to our membership in every way we can. We believe this recognition is a testament to our commitment to service excellence for our members,” said Bill Schirmer, ETFCU President, and CEO.

Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union has gained industry attention for its successes in recent years. The credit union has led the Evansville area in mortgage market share since 2015. In 2017, ETFCU’s credit card growth rate ranked third nationally among the largest credit unions. Most significantly, ETFCU continues to attract increased local interest in its popular Vertical Checking account, the credit union’s flagship deposit product. Vertical Checking offers members a high rate of 3.00% APY, as well as the reimbursement of fees charged at any ATM worldwide.

ETFCU currently operates 14 full-service retail offices, including six in Evansville. The organization has plans to add seven new offices in the area and throughout the region within the coming year.

PROFILE OF WALLY PAYNTER A POLITICAL ACTIVIST AND CRUSADER OF PEOPLE RIGHTS

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 WALLY PAYNTER POLITICAL ACTIVIST AND CRUSADER OF PEOPLE RIGHTS

The City-County Observer is pleased to recognize an outstanding crusader of people rights.  Wally Paynter has carried the torch for people equality for many years.  He is the current Board President & CEO of the Tri-State Alliance and coordinates a youth group for LGBTQ middle & high school students (Aug. 1998 to present), chair Tri-State AIDS Holiday.

Wally worked as the Vanderburgh County Health Department, Disease Intervention Specialist for 22 years until his retirement March. During his tenure, he tests and informs patients for a variety of communicable diseases including HIV and syphilis, made sure patients accessed treatment, and located partners of the need for a test and provided immediate testing.

He worked for Ronald Warrum, Attorney At Law, as a full-time Executive Assistant, from April 1992 – Sept. 1996. He helped with clients, assist in writing wills and powers of attorney, manage tax collection caseload.

He was also employed with the Illinois Department of Aging as a Case Manager. He investigated cases of elder abuse and referred clients to services to help them to stay at home.

Education:
May 1996, Nursing Degree, Southeastern Illinois College.

May 1989, BA in Psychology, University of Evansville. Community Involvement

Community Boards He Serves On:

Tri-State Alliance, June 1989 to present, Board President & CEO. Coordinate a youth group for LGBTQ middle & high school students (Aug. 1998 to present), chair Tri-State AIDS Holiday Project serving over 400 low-income households impacted by HIV / AIDS in a 3 state area; write grants, coordinate fundraising, manage a variety of projects, serve as an organizational spokesperson and community trainer.

Muscular Dystrophy Association Board of Directors, 1989 – 2013. Served as Board President, 1991- 1995, 1999-2003, 2007-2011,

Substance Abuse Council of Vanderburgh County, Board of Directors, 2008-Present. Chair of Special Events.

1st Presbyterian Church of Evansville, Diversity Committee Chair 1999-2016. Deacon 2011-Present.

University of Evansville, Student Government President 1987-1989; UE Board of Trustees and UE Alumni Board, 1989-1992. UE Diversity & Inclusion Committee, 1998-Present.

If you have a chance to talk with Wally please thank him for doing an outstanding job to protect the civil rights of members of the LGBTQ community.

Oh, just in case you didn’t know that Wally Paynter is really a nice and down to earth person.

NEW HARMONY GAZETTE PUBLISHER RUNS FOR POSEY COUNTY COMMISSIONER

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NEW HARMONY GAZETTE PUBLISHER RUNS FOR POSEY COUNTY COMMISSIONER! 

Dan Barton, Publisher of the New Harmony Gazette, has announced that he is officially running for public office as a candidate for Posey County Commissioner, District 2.

Mr. Barton says that he chose this course of action after realizing that the County’s vision for infrastructure support was not reaching some of the smaller town’s, such as New Harmony. He cited the failure of the Posey County Commission to stand by it is 2014 vote to take title to the abandoned Harmony Way Bridge as one blatant example of the lack of commitment by the County Commission to all of the smaller towns in Posey County. Barton also believes that the Indiana Route 66 corridor is an integral part of the Posey County economy that connects towns of Illinois like Crossville, Carmi and Grayville with our Indiana towns like New Harmony, Wadesville, Blairsville and all the way to Evansville. He views these towns as one interconnected community.

In 2012 the Harmony Way Bridge was closed and it immediately cut off access to Indiana for 300,000 vehicles a year that crossed the bridge and used Indiana 66 as an everyday and weekend thoroughfare. He estimates that Indiana and the Harmony Way Bridge potentially lost over a million dollars a year because of County inaction, or over seven million dollars in the total in the seven years it’s been closed.

Barton says that he will also promote more open government and be committed to sharing the accurate facts with the citizens of Posey County on how the decisions for spending their tax money are made. “Transparency in County government is vital for citizens to be able to fully participate in the decision-making process. It’s better than too much information regarding the details of a county project are released to the public than too little,” he noted.

He said, “I will make it a point to bring the true facts to the decision-making process and bring those facts before the public, as I have done in the newspaper I publish, The New Harmony Gazette.” “More than once over the past four years Commissioners have released inaccurate information to the public on potentially beneficial public projects, without being able to support the information in question. I will not be a part of that disinformation process. When elected we work for the people of Posey County and not for special interests.”

He pointed out that, “If elected I will dedicate myself to making only fact-based decisions that make sense by the numbers and I will work hard to ensure that the doors of government are opened wide for the citizens to see, hear and participate in those decisions.”

EVSC Executive Director B J Watts Reappointed to State Board of Education

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Governor Eric Holcomb recently announced the reappointment of EVSC Executive Director B.J. Watts to the Indiana State Board of Education. Watts, who was selected by fellow board members to serve as Vice-Chair in 2018, will continue to serve on the 11-member board through June 30, 2022.

Watts spent 17 years as a teacher and coach with the EVSC and is currently serving as the executive director of the new EVSC initiative OptIN, a program that educates students on their options – either post-secondary or career – that best match their interests and strengths, and gives them a clear path for success.

“It has always been, and will continue to be, an honor to serve on the Indiana State Board of Education and I am humbled by the confidence of Governor Holcomb,” Watts said. “I truly believe that my experience with the EVSC and the high-quality work being done in this corporation allows me to bring valuable knowledge to the State Board of Education that will allow us to positively impact the education of all students in Indiana.”

Watts was originally appointed to the State Board in 2011 by Governor Mitch Daniels and reappointed by former Governor and current Vice President Mike Pence in 2015.

Dr. Ronald Rochon Begins Service As USI President

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FIRDT DAY FOR DR. RONALD  ROCHON

Today is the first business day of Dr. Ronald Rochon’s service as the fourth president of USI. He officially assumed the duties of president on Sunday, July 1.

10 a.m. Wednesday, July 4

New Harmony celebrates Fourth of July with annual program, golf cart parade and picnic

The town of New Harmony, Indiana’s 2018 Fourth of July celebration will start at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 4 at the Atheneum with the annual program from The Friends of the Working Men’s Institute. Following the program, there will be a decorated golf cart parade from the Atheneum through town ending at Maclure Park, where the golf carts will be judged and prizes awarded. At Maclure Park, festivities will continue with a community-wide picnic. The New Harmony Kiwanis will cook hot dogs and hamburgers that can be purchased for a nominal fee and Bob Minnette and the Dixieland Society will perform patriotic music from the bandstand. Read More

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

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.

Friday, July 13 – 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, running July 13-15 and July 19-22. Tickets are on sale now, and season tickets may be purchased through opening night. 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. Season tickets are $72 for adults, $66 for seniors (60 and over) and $30 for those age 25 and younger. All performances take place at the historic Murphy Auditorium, 419 Tavern Street in New Harmony, Indiana. Ticket Information

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 programming 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

Saturday, November 3

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

 

HOT JOBS IN EVANSVILLE

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Agency Manager – Home Care Services
Help At Home, LLC – Evansville, IN
Two (2) years home care/in-home service experience; Help At Home, LLC is seeking an *Agency Manager*….
Easily apply
Jun 25
Special Education Assistant for a 1:1 with a student
Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation 39 reviews – Evansville, IN
We require two years of study in an institution of higher education or an associate’s degree or higher; Vacancy is posted first for EVSC Special Education…
Jun 25
Sanitation Operator
Kerry 426 reviews – Evansville, IN
Strong organizational skills & excellent communication skills are essential. Want a job you can feel good about?…
Jun 25
Caregiver
Walnut Creek – Evansville, IN 20 reviews – Evansville, IN
High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Potential for exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Walnut Creek Alziemers Special Care Center….
Easily apply
Jun 21
Business Office Manager
Silver Birch Living – Evansville, IN
Silver Birch Living of Evansville, an Affordable Assisted Living community, is seeking a Business Office Manager. This role works within federal and state…
Easily apply
Jun 25
Child Care Toddler Teacher
High Point Child Care Learning Center – Evansville, IN
We are now hiring a Toddler Co-Teacher with a proven record of caring for one and two-year-olds and has at least a CDA and/or previous professional child care…
Easily apply
Jun 22
Clerical Assistant
Wolfe’s Evansville Auto Auction Inc – Evansville, IN
Clerical assistant with responsibilities including working in a busy office environment. Some duties will be scheduling of vehicle pick ups, computer entry…
Easily apply
Jun 25
Light Housekeeper
Healthcare Services Group 1,355 reviews – Evansville, IN
Must be able to lift/carry a maximum of 30 pounds, push/pull a maximum of 50 pounds, stand, sit, bend and walk for extended periods of time….
Jun 24
Laundry Worker
Healthcare Services Group 1,355 reviews – Evansville, IN
Must be able to lift/carry a maximum of 50 pounds, push/pull a maximum of 50 pounds, stand, sit, bend and walk for extended periods of time….
Jun 24
Seasonal Stockroom Operations Associate (Early Morning)
KOHLS 15,015 reviews – Evansville, IN
Increases customer loyalty, enhances the in-store experience and creates a positive shopping environment for Kohl’s customers. Responsible for meeting both…
Jun 25
Housekeeper
Holiday Retirement Village – Evansville, IN
The Village is seeking a part-time housekeeper. Candidate will perform daily and scheduled housekeeping duties of retirement village. This includes mopping,…
Easily apply
Jun 25
Family Case Manager
Indiana Department of Child Services – Mount Vernon, IN
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university required. The starting salary for the Family Case Manager position is $33,748 annually….
Easily apply
Jun 19

EVSC to Host Extended Day Center Program Career Fair

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The Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation will host a career fair for individuals interested in working in the district’s Extended Day Center Program – before and after school care/programs. The fair is scheduled for Thursday, July 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the EVSC’s Center for Family, School, and Community Partnerships, located at 123 Main Street in Evansville.

At the fair, individuals will learn more about open positions and be able to interview, on the spot, for Extended Day Center coordinators and daycare aides. Open interviews will take place at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Applicants are asked to apply online at www.evscschools.com/employment prior to the event. Laptops will be available at the career fair for those who are unable to apply beforehand.

Parking for the fair is available on the street or the Old National Bank parking garage. Individuals are asked to use the Locust Street entrance.

All EVSC elementary and K-8 schools are sites for the Extended Day Center program. The Centers are open from 6:30 to 8:15 a.m. and 2:30 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday during school days. Interested employees must be at least 18 years old to apply and be able to pass a background check and drug screen.

For more information on the career fair or the EVSC’s Extended Day Centers, call 812-435-8435. Individuals also can apply directly for the open positions at www.evscschools.com/employment.

 

Eight Otters Voted As Frontier League All-Stars

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Eight players on the Evansville Otters roster have been selected as Frontier League All-Stars, the league announced Monday.

The All-Star Game will take place Wednesday, July 11, at CarShield Field in O’Fallon, Mo. Voters in the league-wide process included broadcasters, general managers, field managers, coaches and local media.

Last season, Evansville sent seven players to complete in the All-Star Game for the West Division and Jeff Gardner also won the Home Run Derby. In 2016, former Otter Nik Balog earned All-Star Game MVP honors after he went 2 for 3 with two home runs.

This year, the All-Star Game will have a new format with experienced players going against rookies.

The rookie team includes players in their first or second professional seasons while the experienced team will have players with more than two full seasons of professional experience.

All eight Evansville selections are making the Frontier League All-Star Game for the first time.

Ryan Long was chosen as an outfield starter for the rookies after hitting .318 with 20 RBIs and 31 runs. Long also leads the Otters in hits with 54.

Another rookie player is second baseman David Cronin, who entered Monday with a .309 average with 12 RBIs and 20 runs.

Catcher Mike Rizzitello also made the rookie team after appearing in 22 games for Evansville so far this season. He has 15 hits and 10 RBIs to go along with five doubles.

Two pitchers from Evansville made the rookie team as closer Mitchell Aker and starter Randy Wynne were selected.

Aker leads the Frontier League in saves with 14 and he has a 1.96 ERA in 18 1/3 innings. Wynne started the year in the bullpen but has made a smooth transition to a starter and he entered this week 3-4 with a 3.35 ERA in 51 innings.

Last week’s Frontier League Pitcher of the Week Luc Rennie earned a spot on the experienced team. So far this season, he is 4-1 with a 2.31 ERA in 62 1/3 innings. He also leads the league in strikeouts with 70.

Toby Thomas, a Frontier League Player of the Week selection earlier this season, also made the experienced team. He is batting .299 with 29 RBIs and five home runs.

Evansville’s final representative on the experienced team is outfielder Travis Harrison, who is hitting .286 to go along with 30 RBIs and 44 hits.

Following an off day Monday, the Otters will start a six-game road trip with a three-game set against the Lake Erie Crushers before squaring off against the Washington Wild Things before the All-Star break. Evansville returns to Bosse Field Tuesday, July 17, at 6:35 p.m. for the first of three against Lake Erie.

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