FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
BRAUN MAY HAVE A REAL ASSET IN BECKWITH
BRAUN MAY HAVE A REAL ASSET IN BECKWITH
by Johnny Kincaid
JUNE 25, 2024
Micah Beckwith’s election at the Indiana GOP convention to run for Indiana Lieutenant Governor has caused quite a stir in political circles. Pundits on the left and the right have expressed skepticism about the pairing of Beckwith and Mike Braun.
When the outcome of the delegates’ vote was announced, there was a palpable shock. The tradition of delegates rubber-stamping the Gubernatorial candidate’s choice for his running mate was shattered as the delegates rejected Braun’s choice, Julie McGuire.
The media and observers on the left jumped at the opportunity to talk about a divided ticket and paint Beckwith as an unwelcome burden to Braun.
Braun was obviously surprised by the rejection of his choice for running mate, and he made it clear that he was in charge. He knew that Beckwith had invested a year traveling around the state to generate support. Beckwith has aspirations beyond the standard role of lieutenant governor, and Braun sees himself as the one who sets policy.
Can two strong-willed men with differing agendas work as a team to win the election and run the state? Can they overcome their generational differences? The left says no, and the media also says no.
But these two men share much in common: they believe in the conservative values of less government and lower taxes. They support Donald Trump, have a business background, and see Indiana as a great place to live.
The task now is building a team that can present a united front. Braun, Beckwith, and their wives spent a day together recently in Jasper, and both sides sounded more confident after the experience. Then, the two should do a unity tour together and spread the vision for the future of Indiana.
Beckwith will need to be patient and build trust from Braun, and Braun would be well served by looking at some of the ideas that Beckwith has been discussing during his campaign.
We can imagine the negative ads that will be broadcast during the campaign: grainy, slo-mo, black-and-white footage of an out-of-context statement from Beckwith, with a voice-over reinforcing a message crafted to show how dangerous his beliefs are to our freedoms.
The more the left tries to paint Beckwith as a radical “Christian Nationalist,” the more the GOP needs to focus on the principles of good public policy. Smaller government, lower taxes, more individual freedom—keep these values at the forefront and avoid the temptation to outstink a skunk.
Even though the team was forced together, Braun, Beckwith, and Attorney General Todd Rokita can present a unified ticket to move Indiana into a prosperous future.
FOOTNOTE: This article was posted without opinion, bias, or editing.
Annual Bike Giveaway June 26 at Harrison HS
What: 21st Annual Ivy Tech Bike Giveaway
When: Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Noon-2 p.m.
Where: Harrison High School Gymnasium
211 Fielding Rd., Evansville, IN 47715
Background: Each year, donations provide bicycles for students in the EVSC’s Summer Programs, and selected other organizations including Isaiah Project 1:17 – as an incentive to attend the programs, and for good behavior.
Thanks to the generosity of donors across the community, more than 4,500 bicycles and 34 adaptive bikes have been awarded since the program’s inception 20 years ago. Several entities, in addition to the donors, come together to make this event happen.
School Board President Chris Kiefer is the primary individual soliciting and receiving donations for the event, Gerling Law provides helmets, EVSC Foundation provides assistance and funds, and Ivy Tech Foundation provides the bicycle locks, so a child has everything they need to not only ride their bike, but keep safe. EVSC’s Supportive Services provide the manpower to transport the bikes to and from the event.
Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners Meeting
AGENDA
Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners
June 25, 2024 – 3:00 p.m.
Room 301, Civic Center Complex
1. Call to Order
2. Attendance
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Action Items
A. Engineer
1. Jerry David Enterprises, Inc. Construction Contract: VC24-06-01 “Milling and
Resurfacing of County Roads”
2. Change Order #2: Oak Hill Road Contract No: R-41778
3. Change Order #3: VC24-08-01 “Concrete Street Repairs”
4. Amendment #3: Oak Hill Road Reconstruction from Lynch Road to Eastwood
Drive
5. Right of Way Offers: Oak Hill Road
i. Parcel 34 – Helen Ault
ii. Parcel 35 – Jimmie Young
iii. Parcel 38 – Jochem Properties, LLC
iv. Parcel 39 – Ronald Hoffman, Jr.
v. Parcel 40 – Stacy Davidson
vi. Parcel 41 – Oak Hill Christan Center Assembly of God, Inc.
vii. Parcel 42 – Bruce Claybrooks
viii. Parcel 43 – Theresa Covington
ix. Parcel 46 – Tommy Kerchief
x. Parcel 48 – Garry Banter
B. Health Department
1. Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) Grant Agreement Contract #84005
2. Voyce, Inc. Services Agreement
C. Sheriff
1. Agreement For Professional Services: School Resource Deputy
2. Addendum to the Agreement for the Towing and Storage of Nuisance and
Wrecked Vehicles Impounded by the County Sheriff’s Office: Hamrick’s Towing
& Recovery, LLC
3. Letter of Understanding and Agreement: Teamsters Local Union No. 215
D. Superintendent of County Buildings
1. Extension to Old Courthouse Listing Contract: Hahn Kiefer Real Estate Services
E. Aurora, Inc. 2024 Grant Agreement
F. TeamCare Participation Agreements
1. Area Plan Commission
2. Assessor
3. Auditor
4. ClerkDrainage Board Immediately Following
5. Commissioners – Administration Staff
6. Coroner
7. Council
8. Council – Administration Staff
9. Highway
10. Prosecutor
11. Public Defender
12. Sheriff
13. Surveyor
14. Treasurer
15. Veteran’s Services
G. Settlement Agreement and Release: Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas
Health and Welfare Fund
5. Department Head Reports
6. New Business
7. Old Business
8. Consent Items
A. Approval of June 11th Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes
B. Employment Changes
C. Auditor
1. Claims Voucher Reports
i. June 10, 2024 – June 14, 2024
ii. June 17, 2024 – June 21, 2024
2. 2024 Covered Bridge Certification
D. Engineer
1. Report and Claims
E. Sheriff
1. Surplus Request
F. Substance Abuse Council
1. 2024 Comprehensive Community Plan – Local Drug Free Communities Fund
G. Veterans Memorial Coliseum
1. Fire Suppression System Application
H. Commissioners’ 2025 Budget Request
I. Chief Elected Officials’ Agreement
9. Public Comment
10. Adjournment
Comptroller Nieshalla Welcomes Review of Indiana Pension Fund Manager to Ensure Fiduciary-Only Approach
STATEHOUSE – State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla, serving as a board member of the Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS), welcomes a report to the Board from State Treasurer Daniel Elliot on fund manager BlackRock, Inc. Nieshalla says the report offers needed insights into the company’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing policies and how they are incorporating non-financial factors in their investment decisions. The Treasurer’s findings were reported to the Board as required under state law enacted in 2023.
“We need fund manager partners who balance fiduciary duty with market risks to maximize return rather than prioritizing non-financial factors such as social, political and ideological interests,” Nieshalla stated. “As a board, we must review our relationship with BlackRock and its investing policies as a whole.”
Nieshalla’s comments follow the June 21, 2024 Board meeting where the State Treasurer presented information that BlackRock engages in the prioritization of ESG factors over acting in the best interest of the beneficiaries and their investment returns. The report refers to the company’s Securities and Exchange Commission public filing that says, “management and reputational risks related to ESG engagement may cause revenue and earnings to decline.”
Nieshalla added, “I appreciate the efforts of our State Treasurer for his research and reporting and for INPRS’ contribution to our due diligence as a board.”
In accordance with Indiana statute, the next step requires the Board to consider other fund managers not engaged in prioritizing ESG factors that are comparable in financial performance to ensure the Board’s fiduciary duty to beneficiaries. The Board has 180 days to fulfill this duty.
Head Coach Robbe Tarver announces incoming 2024 men’s soccer class
The Purple Aces add 10 new student-athletes for the fall 2024 season
JUNE 25, 2024
EVANSVILLE, IND. – The University of Evansville men’s soccer team announces its upcoming class for the fall 2024 season.
Head Coach Robbe Tarver’s 2024 class includes 10 new Purple Ace student-athletes. The new class comprises seven incoming freshmen and three transfers.
“We are excited about the group coming in!” says Tarver. “We have a mix of guys that will impact the field immediately. And we have guys that can push our starters and then develop into key players. We think these individuals can enhance our program on and off the field and help us compete in the Missouri Valley Conference.”
Hugo Amo · GK · Burgos, Spain · Casper CC
Amo joins Evansville after two years of playing at the junior college level. In goal, Amo led Casper CC to the 2023 NJCAA Division I National Tournament, after winning the conference and district championships. Along with leading Casper to the national tournament, Amo was named First Team All-Region for his efforts. Amo spent his youth career playing for Burgos FC as part of their youth club.
“Hugo brings experience competing at a high JUCO level and winning games while being a leader at Casper,” says Tarver. “We are looking forward to seeing him compete this fall.”
Amo is the son of Oscar Amo & Ana Marta Riaño and has two brothers. Amo chose UE because of his ability to combine soccer while also getting a degree. He will be majoring in business during his time at Evansville.
Håkon Smedsrud Edstrøm · Midfielder · Baerum, Norway · NTG
Edstrøm comes to UE from Norway after a youth career with Asker. After a successful youth career, Edstrøm moved up to Asker’s first team, where he has appeared in 27 matches for the first team in the Second Division and Third Divisions in Norway.
“Håkon has many attributes that translate to college soccer,” says Tarver. “He’s good in the air, able to be physical in the tackle, and shows a good range of passing.”
Son of Brit and Finn Ole … 3 siblings … chose UE because of high level soccer and good academics that align with career ambitions … Majoring in Business Undecided.
Nacho Garcia · Defender · Zaragoza, Spain · UNIR
Garcia comes to the River City from Zaragoza, Spain, after a youth career with Villareal. Garcia most recently competed with Huesca II, the same club fellow Ace, Jose Vivas, played for from 2019 to 2021.
“Nacho is mature and experienced coming to Evansville,” says Tarver. “His versatility will help us utilize him in multiple ways, while he will bring presence and maturity to our backline.”
Sean Hendrie · Midfielder · Summit, NJ · Summit HS
Hendrie joins the Purple Aces after spending a gap year in Valencia, Spain with the Eture Gap Year Program. Originally from New Jersey, Sean was 2x First Team All-State, Northeast All-Region, and Union County Player of the Year en route to the Group III 2021 state title with Summit HS.
“Sean is a feisty attacking player who has a knack for creating scoring opportunities,” says Tarver. “We like his background as a winner and what that experience will bring to our program.”
Hendrie is the son of Karen & Frank and has 3 siblings. Hendrie chose UE as he can continue his academic and soccer journey at the highest level.
Conner Johnson · GK · Owensboro, KY · Daviess County HS
Johnson comes from across the Ohio River to Evansville after spending his youth career with Bowling Green FC and Daviess County HS. Johnson was named the Owensboro Sports Co-Player of the Year and 2nd team All-State for Daviess County in 2023 as the Panthers made a run to the KHSAA Quarterfinals. In his final season, Johnson was also named to the All-Tournament team, the Owensboro Sports All-County team. With Bowling Green FC, Johnson was a 3x state champion including most recently in June of 2024.
“Conner possesses many traits of a high-level goalkeeper,” says Tarver. “He has also been a leader for both successful high school and club teams. We are excited to see him develop as a Purple Ace.”
Johnson is the son of Angela & Jeremiah Johnson and has a sister. Johnson chose UE because of the connection he has to both the team and the coaching staff.
Michal Mroz · GK · Elk Grove, IL · Elk Grove HS
Mroz comes to Evansville from FC United in MLS Next, a youth team well known for producing quality goalkeeping talent. While with FC United, Mroz played under former Aces assistant, Toney Anderson, as well as GK guru and Toney’s father, Stan Anderson. Mroz helped FC United reach the MLS Next Flex tournament and the playoffs in 2024.
“Michal is mature beyond his years in goal,” says Tarver. “He has a knack for making big saves in 1v1 situations. We are excited to see him come in and compete with our older GKs.”
Mroz is the son of Magdalena & Krzysztof and has three brothers – Krystztof, Patryk, & Jakub. He chose to attend UE because of the smaller class sizes and the program’s mutual interest in him as a player. While at UE Mroz will be majoring in Business.
Sami Owusu · Attacker · Denver, CO · University of Dayton
Owusu comes to Evansville as a grad transfer after time at Dayton, Cal State Fullerton, and Salt Lake CC. At Salt Lake CC, Owusu was a teammate of current Ace, Kai Phillip, where together they won the 2020 NJCAA Division I title. During the 2020 run, Owusu was also named a First Team All-American & the NJCAA Region Player of the Year. At Fullerton and Dayton, Owusu appeared in 32 games with 13 starts, scoring 6 goals and providing 1 assist. He also helped Dayton to an A10 Championship and a NCAA Appearance in 2023.
“Sami has attacking qualities that you cannot teach and a history of scoring big goals,” says Tarver of the grad transfer. “We hope to unlock more of his potential here in the 2024 season.”
Owusu is the son of Victor Owusu & Mary Appiah. He chose UE because the staff made him feel comfortable and his relationships with current players on the team like Kai Phillip. Owusu will be earning his Graduate Degree in Leadership while at Evansville.
Brady Seaton · GK · Evansville, IN · Evansville North HS
After spending time with Indiana Fire South and North HS, Seaton stays in his hometown of Evansville and joins the Purple Aces. During his time at North HS, Seaton was named to 2nd Team All-State, Academic All-State, and Defensive Player of the Year in Class 5A. Along with his state accolades, Seaton earned the most wins (26) and clean sheets (19) in North HS history.
“Brady is a Purple Ace,” says Tarver. “He’s shown up in big moments both for North and the Fire. We are excited to add his passion for UE to our program this fall.”
Seaton is the son of Christopher Seaton & Misty Murty and has two siblings. Seaton chose UE because of the great PT program, and growing up an Aces fan as his mom is a UE grad. Seaton will be majoring in Exercise Science (Pre-PT) at Evansville.
Peyton Williams · Attacker · Dallas, TX · DeSoto HS
Williams joins UE after time in the ECNL with DKSC in Dallas. Willaims also played in the MLS Next Development League with the Dallas Hornets. With DKSC, Williams led the team to the ECNL Playoffs and to the Dallas Cup final. With the Hornets, Williams was part of a bid to MLS Next Flex. With DeSoto HS, Williams was named the District Player of the Year and All-Region as only a sophomore.
“Peyton can create for himself and for his teammates. Shows an eye for the final pass but also the grit to defend and compete up top.”
Son of Damien & LaStassia … has 2 brothers & 2 sisters … chose Evansville because of the family atmosphere with the staff and players … Majoring in Business.
Martin Wurschmidt · Defender · Fram, Norway · Thor Heyerdahl VGS
Wurschmidt comes to the River City from Fram, Norway, where he played for Fram Larvik in the Norwegian Third Division. He has represented Fram Lavrik through the youth ranks and most recently played with the Senior Team in Post-Nord League. Wurschmidt made 14 appearances with 1 goal on the Senior Team. In 2022, Wurschmidt helped the team gain a promotion to the second Division in Norway and in 2023 he was named the Division’s Young Player of the Year.
“Martin has fantastic ability in the air and can cover the ground defensively,” says Tarver. “We like his maturity and his ability to play out of the back.”
Wurschmidt is the son of Øyvind & Lene and has a brother and sister. He chose UE because of both the academic and soccer opportunities at the University.
Capobianco Makes Second Olympics, Tyler Earns Historic Double
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana swimming and diving athletes Andrew Capobianco and Carson Tyler qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics on the 3-meter springboard Sunday (June 23) at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials inside the Allan Jones Aquatic Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Capobianco makes his second Olympics after medaling at the 2020 Tokyo Games in the 3-meter synchronized competition and finishing 10th in the individual event.
Tyler, who won the 10-meter event on Saturday, earned his second event with his second-place finish on the springboard. He becomes the first U.S. diver since Mark Ruiz in 2000 to qualify for the Olympics in both individual events.
IU divers were the top-three finishers on the 3-meter springboard as Capobianco won with a score of 971.80, Tyler finished second (945.75) and Quinn Henninger took third (870.50). Capobianco and Tyler created a 55-point cushion between themselves and the field through Friday’s semifinal and did not let up Sunday. Boasting an average 3.6 degree of difficulty, Capobianco scored at least 80 points on five of his six dives Sunday. Tyler was sharp on his lower DD list, recording better than 70 points on each attempt. Henninger outscored both Olympians on Sunday after Friday’s scores carried over, hitting two dives for 91 points.
Indiana will send three divers to the 2024 Paris Games as Jessica Parratto earned her third Olympics, qualifying in the women’s synchronized 10-meter. The Indiana swimming and diving program has produced an Olympic diver in every Summer Games since 1964.