EVANSVILLE, Ind. – For the first time this season, the Evansville Otters have swept an opponent, downing the Lake Erie Crushers 6-3 at Bosse Field on Sunday.
In the finale, the Otters (27-40) fell behind in the middle innings, but for the second night in a row found redemption immediately to gain back the advantage, eventually leading to the brooms being brought out against the Crushers (38-28).
It was another terrific effort on the mound for Zach Smith (6-5). He tossed in six frames, allowing two unearned runs with seven strikeouts and one walk on four hits. The right-hander retired the first 10 batters to begin the night. Jack Eisenbarger (6-4) was handed the loss.
Leading the offense for the Otters, Justin Felix went two-for-three with a home run to plate the first run of the game in the third inning. Bringing home the winning run later in the contest, the catcher finished with two RBI on the night. Randy Bednar also notched a two-hit effort with a triple and a pair of RBI.
Lake Erie took the lead in the fifth inning after scoring a pair of unearned runs. Pouncing back in the sixth, the Otters answered to edge back ahead 3-2.
Pavin Parks led off the inning with a walk, then Bednar smoked one into the left-center gap to score him. With Bednar advancing 90 feet to home on the play, Felix hit a ground ball off the third base bag later to score the go-ahead run. The Otters never looked back.
They scored their final three runs in the seventh inning. Gary Mattis, David Mendham and Bednar all picked up RBI hits. Lake Erie finalized the scoring after plating one in the eighth frame.
Off tomorrow, the Otters look to go full steam ahead continuing their nine-game home stand against Schaumburg on Tuesday. With momentum and a win streak, the first pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. CT. Coverage is available on the Otters Digital Network and FloBaseball.
Lilly King has a chance to make history Monday night in the 100-meter breaststroke. With a top-three performance, the Hoosier State native would become the first American to capture three Olympic medals in the 100 breast. King would join Australian Leisel Jones as the only two women to complete the feat.
King is set to race at 3:25 p.m. ET Monday from lane No. 3. Fans can watch the race on NBC and Peacock.
King finished third in the semifinal Sunday inside La Défense Arena, going 1:05.64, while racing between fellow former gold medalists Ruta Meilutytė (2012) and Tatiana Smith (2020). Indiana Swim Club teammate Kotryna Teterevkova placed 16th in the semifinal.
Join us for an incredible session with this year’s winner of the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, Dan Santat. Dan will inspire tweens and teens to tell their own stories through graphic novels. His winning book, A First Time for Everything, is a graphic memoir based on his own awkward middle school years and the trip to Europe that changed his life.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Time: 1PM
Location: Streaming Online
Graphic Novels are Life! Telling Your Own Story in a Graphic Novel with Dan Santat (5th-8th Grade)
Dan Santat began drawing as a young boy and although he first studied microbiology, he pursued his passion for illustration. He spent many hours as a child and teenager teaching himself to draw by copying illustrations from comic books until he developed the unique, recognizable style that we see today. His talk will inspire listeners to draw their own story and give practical tips on creating graphic novels.
About the Author
Dan Santat is a Caldecott Medal winner, a National Book Award winner, and a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator. His artwork is also featured in numerous picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade novels. Santat created the animated television show, “The Replacements,” as well. He lives in Southern California with his wife and two children.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from a master storyteller and illustrator!
IS IT TRUE that an alternative spring break party called “Freaknik” rose to notoriety in Atlanta during the 1980s and 90s? …that the parties became such a nuisance with allegations of sexual assaults and other alleged criminal activities that the city had to shut the event down?
IS IT TRUE that there has been a renewed interest in “Freaknik” in recent years, including a documentary currently airing on HULU? …that earlier this year a woman was caught in the crossfire and died at a “Freaknik” themed event in a small town in Alabama? …that the police chief in Selma, Alabama, was put on administrative leave after a gun battle broke out at the event in Selma?
IS IT TRUE that “Freaknik” events are overwhelming police departments nationwide? …that promoters often hold the events without permits, and police only learn of the event when problems require police intervention? …that “Freaknik” events often promote a car show, along with loud music, drugs, and alcohol? …it is a common practice for many attendees of “Freaknik” events to openly participate in a variety of physical “anything goes” activities?
IS IT TRUE that Roberts Park in Evansville was the scene of an event promoted as the “Kentuckiana Freaknik Hoedown” on June 29?
A portion of the park use application for a “rodeo.”
IS IT TRUE that the Evansville Parks Department use permit listed the purpose of the June 29 event as a “rodeo”? …that a proposed rodeo in Roberts Park should have raised a few eyebrows? …that parks director Danielle Crook approved the permit for a rodeo after collecting a $500 special event fee 12 days before the event? …that the event approval is at the sole discretion of the parks director because the application estimated attendance at 250, and the contract does not require parks board approval unless the event anticipates over 500 attendees? …that the estimated attendance was also below the threshold of 300, which would require liability insurance? …that city residents could have been on the hook for any damage or personal injury claims?
IS IT TRUE that the activities in Roberts Park on June 29 bore no resemblance to a rodeo? …that the only horses on display were the horsepower of the cars showing off with burnouts? …that the event resembled an open-air club with a bar and DJ? …that the “anything goes” attitude of “Freaknik” parties was part of the atmosphere here in Evansville? …that reliable sources tell us that the crowd size at Roberts Park could have been over 500?
IS IT TRUE that the use permit states that Evansville parks close at 11 PM and events in parks must conclude and clear out by then? …that many partygoers did the responsible thing and went home, while others considered it too early to call it a night? …that at closing many carloads of people left Roberts Park in search of another location for the party to continue?
IS IT TRUE that Evansville Watch chronicled the hours of police calls that followed? …that Evansville Watch provides a valuable service for Evansville citizens by monitoring emergency dispatch radios and providing as-it-happens reports on social media? …that Evansville Watch reported a large group of cars racing on the Lloyd Expressway at Vann (near Roberts Park) at 11:50 PM?
IS IT TRUE that sources say the police were called to the Corner Pocket on Fulton and the Circle K at Fulton and Columbia to control the crowds? …that at about 1 AM police responded to a fight at Waterworks and LST Drive (near Marina Point) and they were called back about about 45 minutes later for possible shots fired? …that the crowd moved to the area of S Kentucky & E Riverside where a responding officer called for backup from all available units? …that a crowd of around 300 gathered at Washington Square Mall at 3 AM and a large fight broke out with people armed with baseball bats?
IS IT TRUE that after the crowd was dispersed from Washington Square Mall, 911 dispatchers received a call reporting shots fired at an establishment on Covert and Greenriver Road? …that when officers responded they discovered that three people had been wounded by gunfire? …that the youngest victim was 16 years old and was seriously injured? …that police have arrested two suspects so far and the investigation is ongoing?
IS IT TRUE that Evansville police are to be commended for their excellent work in keeping the rowdy party from getting further out of hand? …that without patrol officers on duty the outcome of the evening could have been much worse?
IS IT TRUE that the City-County Observer feels that citizens of Evansville deserve better than allowing the Evansville parks director to be the sole decision maker for large unvetted events? …that the Parks Board should provide oversight on major events? …that a higher level of due diligence would make the Roberts Parks safer for Evansville families?
Today’s Readers Poll question is: How do you rate the overall current condition of America?
Oh, you can subscribe to the CCO online daily at no cost. You also can pick up our monthly printed papers at no cost at different locations throughout Evansville.
If you want to advertise in the CCO, don’t hesitate to get in touch with City-County Observer@live.com.
On August 3rd, we will start the process of selecting our next oldest Veterans from our database for the EVV17 Honor Flight on October 5, 2024. This upcoming flight we celebrate our 10 years of service as the Honor Flight Southern IN hub. So far we have provided these FREE honor flights to 1221 local Veterans. And we have many more very deserving Veterans waiting to go. We need your help in getting the word out into the counties we serve. Listed below is what we hope you will publish:
1.) If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who is 80+ years old, who hasn’t taken his/her Honor Flight and wants to go… We need Veteran Applications to be submitted before July 31st to be considered for the October 5th flight. Applications can be completed online through our website at www.honorflightsi.org. or call our hotline number, leave your name and phone number and we will call you back. Phone Number is 812-297-4136. But any Veteran who served this country and has an Honorable discharge can sign up through our website. We select the oldest veterans first with the exception of a Veteran who is medical priority.
2.) We need the Tri-State communities to help support our Honor Flight mission. Attached is our Wish List flyer and Mail Call flyer. Wish List items are items we need to help complete the mission and many of these items go into a cinch bag that each Veteran receives before the flight. Mail Call is a crucial part of their Honor Flight experience. This is an opportunity to say “Thank You” to those who have served this great country to defend our freedoms. Details are on the Mail Call flyer.
3.) Follow the Honor Flight Southern IN facebook page to keep informed about upcoming flights and other activities.
4.) Save the Date: Plan to attend the October 5th Heroes Welcome Home Parade at Evansville Regional Airport. This is a free and public event. Many of our senior Veterans never received their Heroes Welcome Home and we get to change this! Details on the Welcome Home Flyer.
Thank you for your support and getting the word out there. If you have any questions please let me know.
Artificial intelligence has become part of our lives. It helps us write emails and make art. AI allows us to get where we are going quickly and to “talk” with retailers when we have insomnia and must have the latest gadget you saw on YouTube. These are all good things. Unfortunately, AI comes with a dark side.
The dark side of AI was the subject of an excellent program presented by IN-CASE.ORG and hosted by the Shepard Center. The seminar, entitled “AI Isn’t Sci-Fi,” was attended by over 165 people who were treated to presentations by the Indiana Attorney General’s Office, the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office, the Social Security Administration, the Senior Medicare Patrol, and the FBI. The event was conducted by Allison Gormley, a consumer investigation reporter for WTHR.
Because these agencies were willing to share their time and expertise, those in attendance learned that AI has made it easier for scammers of all sorts to raise the level of their scams. Email scams now sound like normal correspondence, the voices on the phone sound realistic and the responses to questions seem reasonable. The attendees also learned things they could do to better protect themselves.
Here are some simple things that all of us can and should do:
Have a safe word within your family so that if a scammer calls pretending to be a family member, you can easily tell if that is your family if they know the safe word;
Use double security verification on all online accounts;
Remember that the IRS will never call you; and
Always remember that if it is too good to be true, it is. Stay safe by remaining vigilant.
Evansville, IN – July 29, 2024 – Evansville proudly presents the inaugural Panther Classic 2024, an exciting new event for soccer enthusiasts and families alike. Hosted by Reitz High School Girls Soccer, this tournament will debut at the Goebel Soccer Complex on August 30-31, 2024. The Panther Classic will feature varsity and junior varsity teams from high schools across Indiana, showcasing top-tier girls’ soccer talent over two days.
Media personnel are invited to visit Daniel Wertz School on Wednesday, July 31st, at 9:30AM to learn more about this tournament and conduct interviews with local officials.
What: 2024 Panther Classic Media Preview
When: Wednesday, July 31, 9:30 AM
Where: Daniel Wertz Elementary School, 1701 S Red Bank Rd, Evansville, IN 47712
Tickets for the event are available for $20, which includes a weekend pass for both Friday and Saturday at the Goebel Soccer Complex.
Please contact Jeremy Wolfe at (812) 483-3061 for any further inquiries.
Newly hired RNs on or after October 1, 2014 with five (5) years or less nursing experience are required to receive their BSN within five (5) years from date of…
Inquiries via correspondence, electronic mail, or telephone are to be worked within seven to ten business days. Must be able to travel to Evansville, IN.
Performs various operations, including unloading, picking, packing, counting, and checking items to maintain inventory. Level 4 children’s enrichment centers.
An interprofessional team consisting of registered nurses, clerical associates, patient care technicians, Physical and Occupational Therapists, Case Managers,…
Patient Transporters will also assist patients at time of discharge from the hospital. Patient Transporters at Deaconess will work in a fast paced environment…
Braun’s tax relief plan, U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan’s visit, charitable giving warning
Staff Report
On Friday, Sen. Mike Braun, the Republican gubernatorial candidate for Indiana governor, released a two-page plan for tax relief on X, formerly Twitter.
Braun, on Twitter: “Hoosiers are hurting from an excessive property tax burden. As your next Governor, I have a plan to provide much-needed relief.
U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, R-Indiana. Photo courtesy of U.S. Senate Historical Office, www.congress.gov.
“Here’s my plan:
• “Cut homeowner property taxes
• “Cap property tax bills
• “Increase local government transparency
• “Reform the referendum process”
Braun, in a press release: “Nothing is more important than ensuring Hoosiers can afford to live in their homes without being overburdened by rising property taxes driven by rapid inflation in home values. As governor, I will introduce a bold agenda to deliver historic property tax relief for all Indiana residents. My plan focuses on capping property tax increases, updating deductions, increasing transparency, and reforming the referendum process. My commitment to this agenda stems from my dedication to protecting the financial stability and well-being of Hoosier families.”
On Friday, Sen. Mike Braun, the Republican gubernatorial candidate for Indiana governor, released a two-page plan for tax relief on X, formerly Twitter.
Braun, on Twitter: “Hoosiers are hurting from an excessive property tax burden. As your next Governor, I have a plan to provide much-needed relief.
U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, R-Indiana.Photo courtesy of U.S. Senate Historical Office, www.congress.gov.
“Here’s my plan:
• “Cut homeowner property taxes
• “Cap property tax bills
• “Increase local government transparency
• “Reform the referendum process”
Braun, in a press release: “Nothing is more important than ensuring Hoosiers can afford to live in their homes without being overburdened by rising property taxes driven by rapid inflation in home values. As governor, I will introduce a bold agenda to deliver historic property tax relief for all Indiana residents. My plan focuses on capping property tax increases, updating deductions, increasing transparency, and reforming the referendum process. My commitment to this agenda stems from my dedication to protecting the financial stability and well-being of Hoosier families.”
Jennifer McCormick, Democratic candidate for governor. Photo providedhttps://www.mccormickforgov.com/
Jennifer McCormick, Democratic candidate for governor: “Mike Braun claims to support cutting property taxes, but his record shows he’s voted to increase Hoosiers’ property tax bills.
“Hoosiers are sick and tired of politicians who will say anything to get elected. Mike Braun voted for higher Hoosier property taxes when he had the chance and is now only talking about a tax cut because he’s another politician Hoosiers are sick of.”
Donald Rainwater, Libertarian candidate for governor Photo provided: https://www.rainwaterforindiana.com/
Donald Rainwater, Libertarian candidate for governor: “The property tax proposal that was introduced today by the Braun campaign has many concerning elements:
“ This plan does not eliminate the possibility of Hoosiers losing their homes to tax sales.
“ This plan reduces the rate of annual increase, but does not stop the increases.
“ This plan continues the annual increases of Hoosier homeowners’ property taxes in perpetuity.
“In summation, this is a band-aid meant to temporarily quiet the citizen’s concerns during an election year, instead of an actual resolution to the problem of Hoosiers never really owning their property.”
Mike Schmuhl, chair of the Indiana Democratic Party.Photo provided.
Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl: “Hoosiers deserve real relief from rising property taxes, not gimmicks that would balloon local deficits, endanger local services, and suffocate Indiana’s housing market. From cutting care for our most vulnerable children to watching property taxes soar for seniors without immediate action, Indiana Republicans are proving they are not the party of fiscal responsibility.”
“It’s time to break their supermajority hold on the state legislature and elect Jennifer McCormick as our next governor for property tax reform that protects public schools, keeps seniors in their homes, and ensures resilience for local services.”
Hoosier Democrats will welcome former Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan to French Lick Aug. 3 to keynote the annual Lee H. Hamilton Dinner.
Indiana Ninth District Democratic Party Chair Adam Dickey: “Known for his passionate service and advocacy for hard-working families, Tim’s leadership in Congress helped transform the economic and cultural landscape of Northeast Ohio after years of disinvestment and neglect. Indiana and Ohio share a common Midwest experience and we welcome Tim’s insight as Hoosier Democrats work to bring needed change to our own state after years of being left behind by Republican administrations.
Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl: “After taking on J.D. Vance directly in 2022, no one knows the dangers he, Trump, and the MAGA movement pose to working families better than my friend, former Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan. Tim is a true Midwesterner and understands what working families have gone through under the Republican tax cuts for the wealthy, and stood up to champion union labor and better opportunities for all every single day in Congress. His advocacy for veterans and manufacturing helped usher in a new era of progress for working families in Northeast Ohio and the heartland from new electric vehicle production to VA benefits for veterans and families impacted by Agent Orange.
“We are excited to hear Tim speak to Hoosier Democrats in French Lick and continue the momentum around Democrats in Indiana and across the country in the coming days and weeks.”
Attorney General Todd Rokita is warning Hoosiers to watch out for scammers soliciting donations for fake charitable causes purporting to raise funds in the wake of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.
From the press release: “Attorney General Rokita offers the following tips:
“Slow down. A real charity will accept your donations any day of the week. Take as much time as you need to research and feel confident about the organization before handing over your hard-earned money.
“Know that it’s OK to ask questions. If the request for a donation is over the phone, the caller should be able to answer critical questions.
“Know who’s making the request. Don’t assume a request to donate is legitimate because a friend posted it on social media. Your friend might not personally know about the charity or how it spends money.
“Make sure you are dealing with a real charitable organization.
“Always donate by credit card rather than cash or other methods. This will ensure you can access the protections available through your credit card company.
“Research the cause or the organization. Search online for the name of the organization or cause with words like ‘review,’ ‘scam,’ or ‘complaint.’ See if others have had good or bad experiences with the charity. Check out what charity watchdog groups say about that organization.”
Rokita: “These fraudsters appeal to people’s natural sense of compassion and patriotism in order to steal their hard-earned money. Although most of us are appalled by such vile conduct, this is exactly the way scammers think and operate. They try to take advantage of difficult circumstances for their own personal gain. We want to help good-hearted Hoosiers avoid falling for these schemes.”
Photo provided: https://www.mccormickforgov.com/
Jennifer McCormick, Democratic candidate for governor: “Mike Braun claims to support cutting property taxes, but his record shows he’s voted to increase Hoosiers’ property tax bills.
“Hoosiers are sick and tired of politicians who will say anything to get elected. Mike Braun voted for higher Hoosier property taxes when he had the chance and is now only talking about a tax cut because he’s another politician Hoosiers are sick of.”
Donald Rainwater, Libertarian candidate for governor. Photo provided: https://www.rainwaterforindiana.com/
Donald Rainwater, Libertarian candidate for governor: “The property tax proposal that was introduced today by the Braun campaign has many concerning elements:
“ This plan does not eliminate the possibility of Hoosiers losing their homes to tax sales.
“ This plan reduces the rate of annual increase but does not stop the increases.
“ This plan continues the annual increases of Hoosier homeowners’ property taxes in perpetuity.
“In summation, this is a band-aid meant to temporarily quiet the citizen’s concerns during an election year, instead of an actual resolution to the problem of Hoosiers never really owning their property.”
Mike Schmuhl, chair of the Indiana Democratic Party. Photo provided.
Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl: “Hoosiers deserve real relief from rising property taxes, not gimmicks that would balloon local deficits, endanger local services, and suffocate Indiana’s housing market. From cutting care for our most vulnerable children to watching property taxes soar for seniors without immediate action, Indiana Republicans are proving they are not the party of fiscal responsibility.”
“It’s time to break their supermajority hold on the state legislature and elect Jennifer McCormick as our next governor for property tax reform that protects public schools, keeps seniors in their homes, and ensures resilience for local services.”
Hoosier Democrats will welcome former Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan to French Lick on Aug. 3 to keynote the annual Lee H. Hamilton Dinner.
Indiana Ninth District Democratic Party Chair Adam Dickey: “Known for his passionate service and advocacy for hard-working families, Tim’s leadership in Congress helped transform the economic and cultural landscape of Northeast Ohio after years of disinvestment and neglect. Indiana and Ohio share a common Midwest experience and we welcome Tim’s insight as Hoosier Democrats work to bring needed change to our own state after years of being left behind by Republican administrations.
Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl: “After taking on J.D. Vance directly in 2022, no one knows the dangers he, Trump, and the MAGA movement pose to working families better than my friend, former Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan. Tim is a true Midwesterner and understands what working families have gone through under the Republican tax cuts for the wealthy, and stood up to champion union labor and better opportunities for all every single day in Congress. His advocacy for veterans and manufacturing helped usher in a new era of progress for working families in Northeast Ohio and the heartland from new electric vehicle production to VA benefits for veterans and families impacted by Agent Orange.
“We are excited to hear Tim speak to Hoosier Democrats in French Lick and continue the momentum around Democrats in Indiana and across the country in the coming days and weeks.”
Attorney General Todd Rokita is warning Hoosiers to watch out for scammers soliciting donations for fake charitable causes purporting to raise funds in the wake of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita.
From the press release: “Attorney General Rokita offers the following tips:
“Slow down. A real charity will accept your donations any day of the week. Take as much time as you need to research and feel confident about the organization before handing over your hard-earned money.
“Know that it’s OK to ask questions. If the request for a donation is over the phone, the caller should be able to answer critical questions.
“Know who’s making the request. Don’t assume a request to donate is legitimate because a friend posted it on social media. Your friend might not personally know about the charity or how it spends money.
“Make sure you are dealing with a real charitable organization.
“Always donate by credit card rather than cash or other methods. This will ensure you can access the protections available through your credit card company.
“Research the cause or the organization. Search online for the name of the organization or cause with words like ‘review,’ ‘scam,’ or ‘complaint.’ See if others have had good or bad experiences with the charity. Check out what charity watchdog groups say about that organization.”
Rokita: “These fraudsters appeal to people’s natural sense of compassion and patriotism in order to steal their hard-earned money. Although most of us are appalled by such vile conduct, this is exactly the way scammers think and operate. They try to take advantage of difficult circumstances for their gain. We want to help good-hearted Hoosiers avoid falling for these schemes.”
