Home Blog Page 5365

IS IT TRUE JUNE 22, 2016

26

IS IT TRUE we are pleased to announce that CCO is once again getting some valuable information from our Civic Center “MOLES”? …in the near future we shall be sharing some interesting information that members of the Winnecke Administration have attempted to keep from going public?

IS IT TRUE we have been told that BRANDON LEE FERGUSON has decided to run for the Vanderburgh County Council seat as a Democrat in the upcoming November 8, 2016 election?  …we  predict that Mr. Ferguson will be selected in the upcoming June 30, 2016 Democratic caucus as a candidate for the Vanderburgh County Council seat?

IS IT TRUE that yesterday one of our readers posted  the following question? …he said: “I wish I knew more about if there was a trust fund for Mesker Amphitheater. I suspect the plan to demolish it is because it is sitting on money someone wants to spend more freely”? …we strongly recommend  that he contact City Controller Russ Lloyd Jr and City Council Finance Chairmen Dan McGinn and let them explain why this TRUST FUND was mis-used by the City of Evansville?

IS IT TRUE during the last election several voting centers weren’t handicap accessible.  …we are pleased that officials of The Indiana Disability Rights groups attended the Vanderburgh County Election Board meeting to voice “legal concerns.”  about the lack of accessibility for handicap people of the several voting centers? …we are sure this issue will be resolved in an reasonable manner?

IS IT TRUE we are extremely proud of the University of Southern Indiana Chamber Choir for winning  first place in the Mayo International Choral Festival in Castlebar, Ireland?   …USI competed against more than 30 choirs from Ireland, Norway, Wales and the U.S.?  …USI won both the four-part competition, the sacred music competition and placed second in the Gaelic languages competition?

IS IT TRUE Killer is the only locally owned skate shop with a first class skate park?   …the publicly owned Lamasco skate park on West Columbia Street  has seen better days? …the publicly owned skate park at Wonder Ice Rink has long been dismantled?  …Killer is run by Glenn Davidson and his wife Sheena?  …Killer offers skate camps, contests and the basics of skating?  …Killer is open Monday through Saturday noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information on Killer, visit their website at  www.killerskatepark.com?   …Killer is located at 1315 North Cullen Avenue?

IS IT TRUE according to the City Engineers’s Office the the following road are closed?  …the reason why is that asphalt street milling activities will be taking place Tuesday (6/21/16) through Friday (6/25/16) at the following locations:· Division Street from Boeke Road west to the on-ramp for the Lloyd (between Taft Ave and Fairlawn Ave) and  Washington Ave from Hebron Ave west to Boeke Road?

FOOTNOTES:  Todays “Readers Poll” question is:  Do you feel that Mayor Winnecke will save Mesker Amphitheater from the wreaking ball?

Please take time and read our newest feature articles entitled “HOT JOBS” and “LOCAL SPORTS” posted in our sections.

If you would like to advertise in the CCO please contact us City-County Observer@live.com.

Copyright 2015 City County Observer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed

EDITORIAL: Method Used To Convey Ideas About The Revitalization Effort Of Mesker Amphitheater Questioned

8

With great skepticism, we attended one of the sessions that the Mayor is sponsoring to hear what the public wants to do with Mesker Amphitheater.  The session began with a “tour” of what remains of the historic landmark that holds a special place in the hearts of many Evansvillians.  It was very similar to visitation at a funeral home when a friend has passed on, with shared memories and a sense of melancholy.

If the tour was like viewing a corpse, the discussion held afterward was like a session with a grief counselor. Led by Lynn Miller Pease of Leadership Evansville, it felt like an exercise in futility for anyone who came there with a viable plan for making Mesker a lively outdoor venue for music and entertainment again.  Participants were encouraged to “think outside the box” and were asked not to argue amongst themselves.

Participants were given four topics of discussion, including what we wanted the site to be and how the project could be financed. The process seemly  took on the pointless, too cute by half characteristics typical of the “brainstorming” sessions Pease is known for facilitating. Instead of inviting people to publicly speak to the group, we were instructed to write or draw our ideas on Post-It-Notes and stick them on larger papers headed with the suggested topics.

There was at least one person in the group who has a great deal of technical knowledge in the field of media and entertainment production who chose to walk away from the process.  She felt if the quest to save Mesker was legitimate, then serious input from knowledgeable individuals would be sought instead of exposing them to the dog and pony show.  She also felt this method made it impossible to openly convey a coherent comprehensive ideas about the revitalization effort of Mesker Amphitheater.

She also wonder what would have been wrong with offering an open mic and logical discourse, instead of cutesy gibberish that can be easily dismissed. Given the opportunity, she would have suggested that the City take a look at the new “Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater” in Nashville. It has no concession stands or restrooms. Port-a-johns and food trucks take their place. Dressing rooms are replaced by trailers, and band buses have convenient parking. The bulk of the money spent at Fontanel went into making it a great venue for artists, with good acoustics, state-of-the art technical hook-ups, and functional equipment loading docks. “Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater” minimalist approach appears to quite successful.  Bottom line, her idea is seemly is an affordable way to save Mesker Amphitheater from the wreaking ball and is worth exploring.

Evansville is a strong market for Country and Western acts, and it has become clear that most bands prefer outdoor venues in summer. If something similar to Fontanel was done on Mesker Park Drive, the word would get out among touring acts and Evansville could again have great summer entertainment. We now know that the Ford Center is not going to attract acts that tour in the summer, so this wouldn’t really compete with it.

We hope that we will not be told that the public failed to offer a way to save Mesker Amphitheater, and that it will fall to the wrecking ball in the same way Robert’s Stadium did.

St. Mary’s Hospital for Women & Children Birth Records

0

Leandra and Arthur Adye, Evansville, son, Miles Patrick, Jun. 12

Ashley and Matthew Presley, Evansville, son, Lincoln Matthew, Jun. 13

Lauren and Layne Singleton, Evansville, son, Logan Nichols, Jun. 13

Heather Applewhite, Carmi, Ill., son, Bryson Michael, Jun. 13

Rebecca and Michael Raben, Evansville, daughter, Anna Louise, Jun. 13

Lauren and Darren Dulay, Newburgh, Ind., son, Kellan Davis, Jun. 13

Sarah Dean and Ron Harper, Evansville, son, Preston Alexander, Jun. 14

Keela Kerney, Evansville, son, Amari Colton, Jun. 14

Christina and Brennan Carter, Evansville, son, Josiah Luke, Jun. 14

Whitney and David Russ, Evansville, son, William Axel Ancil, Jun. 14

Sierra Koberstein, Princeton, Ind., daughter, Kyndal Aaliyah Rae, Jun. 14

Kelsey and Benjamin Peter, Evansville, daughter, Eloise Ruth, Jun. 15

Casey and Matt Thomas, Evansville, daughter, Emelyn Jo, Jun. 15

Chantal and Caleb Hulfachor, Petersburg, Ind., daughter, Reaghan Iris-Dionne, Jun. 15

Kristina Reed and Mikel Acker, Evansville, son, Karson Alexander, Jun. 16

Ivy Altheide and Nathan Moats, Evansville, daughter, Blaire Lynae, Jun. 16

Miranda and Clint Bolden, Mount Carmel, Ill., daughter, Avery Jo, Jun. 16

Elizabeth and Benjamin Lovell, Evansville, son, Liam Michael, Jun. 16

Ashley and Troy Smith, Evansville, daughter, Evelyn Jane, Jun. 16

Abby and Shane Render, Elberfeld, Ind., daughter, Brooke Nicole, Jun. 18

COA: ADA Does Not Apply In Termination Proceedings

0

Scott Roberts for www.theindianalawyer.com

The Indiana Court of Appeals ruled the Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply in termination of parental rights proceedings in a case where a deaf father with cognitive and mental health problems appealed the termination of his parental rights to his son.

In 2007, A.C. admitted to the allegations in the petition alleging his son, N.C., is a child in need of services. A.C.’s visitation privileges were suspended during this time and he was diagnosed with a number of cognitive disorders. The court then ordered N.C.’s permanency plan changed to adoption.

When N.C. was enrolled at Damar Behavioral Services in 2010, his father was granted supervised visitation rights. During visits, A.C. promised his son he’d take him to Washington, D.C., and that they would live together. During father’s last visit with his son, he again made the promise they would live together. A Damar official reminded the father not to make those promises and he got very angry and threatened the foster mother. N.C. said he no longer wanted to visit with his father because of his behavior and false promises.

The Indiana Department of Child Services filed a petition to terminate A.C.’s parental rights, which was granted in September 2015. Father appealed.

Father argued that because he is deaf and has cognitive and mental health problems DCS was required to provide him accommodations under the ADA, and DCS’ failure to accommodate his disability is a defense.

The COA in a decision written by Judge Paul Mathias said A.C. did not bring up his ADA defense to the trial court, and as such waived the issue on appeal. A.C. argued that the failure to accommodate his disability was fundamental error, but the appeals court disagreed.

Even if he did not waive his arguments, however, A.C.’s claim would fail because the ADA does not apply in parental termination decisions, Mathias wrote, citing Stone v. Daviess Cnty. Div. of Children and Family Servs., 656 N.E.2d 824 (Ind. Ct. App. 1995). In that case, the COA ruled the services provided to the father were in connection with the CHINS proceeding and not in connection with or as a prerequisite to the termination proceedings and such services are not required in Indiana.

Also, the COA further said A.C.’s disability was accommodated by DCS. He was provided an interpreter and didn’t complain about the quality of the interpreter. Also, DCS recommended he see a psychiatrist and go to counseling, but A.C. did not do either.

The case is In the Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship of N.C. (Minor Child) and A.C. (Father) v. The Indiana Department of Child Services, 49A02-1510-JT-1711.

LINK Of Vanderburgh County Death List for 6-11-16

0

6-11-16 DEATH LIST 1

YESTERYEAR: Ewing Lewis

0

The man standing at left is Ewing Lewis, a correspondent for the Evansville Courier early in the twentieth century. The newspaper sent him to the Mexican border to cover the U. S. government’s military operations against revolutionary Pancho Villa, who had led raids across the border onto American soil. Ewing’s task was to locate and interview soldiers from the Tri-State. Born in Evansville, he had attended Millikin Military Academy in Illinois before returning to the city to work at the Courier, where he became known for his human interest stories. His promising career ended prematurely with his unexpected death from pneumonia in 1918.

FOOTNOTES: We want to thank Patricia Sides, Archivist of Willard Library for contributing this picture that shall increase people’s awareness and appreciation of Evansville’s rich history. If you have any historical pictures of Vanderburgh County or Evansville please contact please contact Patricia Sides, Archivist Willard Library at 812) 425-4309, ext. 114 or e-mail her at www.willard.lib.in.us.

Second Men’s Basketball Day Camp set for next week

0

Camp runs from Monday through Thursday

  Beginning on Monday, June 27, the University of Evansville men’s basketball team will host its second Day Camp of the summer, which goes from Monday through Thursday.

Campers will have three options for the camp.  They may attend for the full day (9 a.m.–4 p.m.) or just the morning (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) or afternoon sessions (1-4 p.m.).

The Camp is for students in grades 1-12 and campers will focus on individual skill development, contests along with 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 games.  All campers also receive a t-shirt and basketball.  Those who choose to participate in the full day camp will also receive lunch on all four days.

Cost for the full day camp is $225 for the four days while the cost to do either a morning or afternoon session is $105.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. on Monday and walk-ups are welcome.  For more information or to sign up, contact Kavon Lacey at 812-488-2757 or at kl82@evansville.edu.

Japan’s Largest Steel Producer Adding Operations in Shelby County

0

 

Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence and Shelbyville Mayor Tom DeBaun joined executives from Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation (NSSMC), Japan’s largest steel producer, today as the company announced plans to establish operations in Shelbyville, creating up to 70 new jobs by 2021.

“Indiana’s business climate is attracting international investment, with 800 global corporations now supporting more than 150,000 Hoosier jobs across the state,” said Governor Pence. “Indiana is home to the largest Japanese investment per capita in the nation, and today I’m proud to welcome yet another Japan-based firm to the Hoosier state. Global firms like Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation continue to choose Indiana for growth and job creation because of our efforts to create an affordable, pro-growth economic environment while investing in our hardworking Hoosier workforce.”

The new company, Nippon Steel & Sumikin Cold Heading Wire Indiana Inc. (NCSI), will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tokyo-based NSSMC and will invest $50 million to construct and equip a 150,000-square-foot facility at 400 Northbrook Drive. Adjacent to another NSSMC operation, Indiana Precision Forge, the company will process cold heading steel wire used for fastener applications by the automotive parts industry, producing 39,000 metric tons annually and serving manufacturers across Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. The company broke ground on the new facility today and expects to be fully operational by the spring of 2018.

“This facility is the first U.S. production plant for the NSSMC Bar & Wire Rod Unit, already operating in Thailand and China, and we are excited to be locating in Indiana,” said Hideoki Kimura, president of Nippon Steel & Sumikin Cold Heading Wire Indiana. “High quality wire is essential to producing nuts, bolts and other fasteners used in cars and trucks to ensure the highest levels of safety. We chose Indiana and the Shelbyville community for this investment because of the central location, established manufacturing industry and the skilled workforce available.”

Nippon Steel & Sumikin Cold Heading Wire Indiana marks NSSMC’s fourth investment in Indiana, including Indiana Precision Forge, Seymour Tubing Inc., and IN/Tek and IN/Kote in New Carlisle. The company plans to begin hiring for administrative, customer service and sales positions in January 2017 and for manufacturing positions in late 2017. The company will lease office space at Intelliplex Business Park in Shelbyville until construction is complete.

Established in 2012 by the merger of Nippon Steel Corporation and Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd., NSSMC is the world’s second largest steel producer by volume, providing high-grade steel products for three main industries – automotive, resources and energy, as well as civil engineering, construction and railways. Headquartered in Tokyo, NSSMC employs more than 84,000 associates across the globe, operating nine research and development facilities and producing steel in 15 countries, including Japan, Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, Mexico, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, the UAE and the United States. In addition to NSSMC, several other Japanese companies are investing in Nippon Steel & Sumikin Cold Heading Wire Indiana including Toyota Tsusho, which has existing operations in Indiana.

“This project is a great example of the success a community can realize when all of the partners are working together for a common good,” said Shelbyville Mayor Tom DeBaun. “Shelby County Development Corporation, the city, the county and the state have all worked well together in this instance to bring another quality development and employment opportunities for the area residents. The investment in our community by NSCI is validation of the positive business climate in Shelby County.”

Today’s announcement comes on the heels of Governor Pence’s second economic development mission to Japan last fall, where he visited with representatives of NSSMC and the company’s joint venture partner, Toyota Tsusho. Among all U.S. states, Indiana has the largest amount of Japanese investment per capita with more than 250 Japan-based businesses. Together, they employ more than 53,680 Hoosiers and that number continues to grow.

Since January 2013 alone, nearly 40 Japan-based companies have committed to locating in or growing their operations in Indiana, with plans to create 6,050 new jobs in the coming years. Within the last year, Honda Manufacturing of Indiana in Greencastle announced plans to hire 100 new employees, NTN Driveshaft broke ground on a new facility in Anderson that will create 510 new jobs, and Subaru of Indiana Automotive announced expansion plans in Lafayette with plans to add 1,204 Hoosier jobs.

“Indiana is an ideal location for international investment, and specifically for Japanese businesses because of the strong relationship our countries share,” said Takashi Kusakabe, general manager of NSSMC Bar & Wire Rod Unit. “I want to thank Shelbyville and the state of Indiana, and specifically Governor Mike Pence and Mayor Tom DeBaun, for their support. We look forward to growing this partnership as we work to create more jobs for the people of Indiana.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Nippon Steel & Sumikin Cold Heading Wire Indiana up to $475,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $140,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Shelbyville will consider additional incentives at the request of the Shelby County Development Corporation.

 

Eagles Nolan to 2016-17 mix

0

University of Southern Indiana Men’s Cross Country/Track & Field Head Coach Mike Hillyard announced that incoming freshman Austin Nolan (Evansville, Indiana) has signed a national letter of intent to compete for the Screaming Eagles in 2016-17.

Nolan, the brother of former USI standout Trent Nolan and son of USI and GLVC Hall of Fame member Jim Nolan, is a graduate of Reitz High School where he earned varsity letters in cross country and track & field.

A four-time All-SIAC honoree, Nolan finished 92nd at the IHSAA State Cross Country Championships last fall after posting three first-place finishes during the regular-season. Nolan finished his career ranked No. 2 on RHS’s all-time 5k list after winning the 2015 regional championship with a personal-best mark of 15:39.

“I’ve watched Austin grow up in our back yard here at USI and have always hoped that he would one day be a Screaming Eagle,” Hillyard said. “His progression over his last three semesters of high school has been tremendous.

“Like his dad, Austin is a late bloomer,” Hillyard continued. “He has the work ethic and race focus of a champion and has a fair amount of talent for the sport as well. We expect big things from him in the near future and are thrilled that he chose to continue his education and running career at USI.”

Nolan joins a list of incoming freshmen that include Nathan Hall (Springfield, Missouri), Tyler Lowhorn (Palatine, Indiana), and Javan Winders(Mansfield, Tennessee). Hall, Lowhorn, and Winders signed NLIs during the early signing period last fall.

 

USI WXC/T&F signs Drone, Lawhorn

0

University of Southern Indiana Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field Head Coach Mike Hillyard announced that incoming freshmen Leslie Drone (McLeansboro, Illinois) and Ashley Lawhorn (Frankfort, Kentucky) have signed national letters of intent to compete for the Screaming Eagles in 2016-17.

Drone is a graduate of Hamilton County High School (McLeansboro, Illinois) where she was a four-time state qualifier on the cross country course, a four-time state qualifier in the 1,600 meters and 3,200 meters on the track, and a member of three conference championship teams on the cross country course.

An All-State honoree as a junior, Drone finished 14th at the 2014 IHSA 1A Cross Country Championships. Additionally, Drone was the All-South Runner of the Year in 2014 as well as a four-time All-Conference and three-time All-South award winner in both cross country and track & field.

“Leslie comes from the same area in Southern Illinois where I grew up and she is a stand-alone athlete,” Hillyard explained. “What I mean by that is she hasn’t had any footsteps to follow. Everything that she has done has been out of her own pure love of competition.

“I believe that she will improve by leaps and bounds once she is exposed to a higher level of training and is surrounded by a large group of talented young women,” Hillyard concluded.

Lawhorn is a graduate of Franklin County High School in Frankfort, Kentucky, where she was a member of three state qualifying teams and four county championships.

A three-time All-State honoree on the cross country course, Lawhorn finished 19th at both the 2014 and 2015 KHSAA 2A State Cross Country Championships. She was a four-time All-County champion on the cross country course and a six-time All-County champion on the track, earning a combined six All-Region awards.

On the track, Lawhorn earned a pair of All-State accolades as a sophomore in 2014 after finishing seventh in the 800 meters and eighth in the 1,600 meters at the KHSAA 2A Outdoor Championships. She finished her career as a combined 10-time state qualifier in on the track.

“Ashley comes from a running family as both of her parents were collegiate distance runners,” Hillyard said. “With that being said, she comes from a pretty obscure high school program without a great deal of tradition.

“Much like Leslie, I believe that she will flourish in an environment where the level of training—and training partners—is much higher,” Hillyard predicted. “She is a tough racer and wants to be good. She will be a big part of our future success.”

Drone and Lawhorn are the first two incoming freshmen to sign NLIs to compete for USI Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field in 2016-17.

 

 

 

1...5,3645,3655,366...7,144Page 5,365 of 7,144