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Harpur Becomes Third Former IceMen Player to Reach NHL
(Rookie defenseman recalled by Ottawa Thursday appeared in four games for Evansville in January.)
  The Ottawa Senators, NHL affiliate of the Evansville IceMen, announced Thursday that the club recalled defenseman Ben Harpur from the AHL’s Binghamton Senators. The 21-year-old from Hamilton, Ontario becomes the third former IceMen player in franchise history to reach the NHL.
Binghamton loaned Harpur to Evansville for four games in late January and recorded two assists with a plus-2 rating. The rookie defenseman has spent the majority of the 2015-16 campaign in the AHL with the B-Sens, where he scored one goal and added 4 assists in 43 games. Ottawa drafted Harpur in the 4th Round (108th overall) in the 2013 NHL Draft.
Before turning pro, he spent four seasons of juniors in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he totaled 55 points (11 goals, 44 assists) in 196 games with the Guelph Storm, and 11 points (1 goal, 10 assists) in 29 games with the Barrie Colts.
Harpur becomes the third former IceMen player to reach the NHL, following goaltender Chris Driedger and defenseman Brent Regner. Driedger appeared in 40 games for the IceMen in 2014-15 and was called up to Ottawa directly from Evansville in February and again in March of last season. The 21-year-old goalie has been in Binghamton most of this season, but has earned three stints with Ottawa and has appeared in two NHL games in his young career.
Regner played in two games with the IceMen during the 2012-13 season, but has spent most of his pro career in the AHL. The 26-year-old defenseman made his NHL debut in February with the Florida Panthers, where he played in seven games.
ICEMEN FINISH HOME SCHEDULE THIS WEEKEND
Fri. 4/1 – Cincinnati at Evansville (7:15pm) – Ford Center
                        Autism Awareness Night
Sat. 4/2 – Tulsa at Evansville (7:15pm) – Ford Center
Home Finale – TRCI Mini Stick Giveaway – Zooperstars
IS IT TRUE APRIL 1 2016
IS IT TRUE that Republican County Commissioner candidate Alex Schmitt has had several small claims lawsuits filed against him in the Vanderburgh Superior Court during the last 3 years for the non-payment of bills? Â …that a couple judgments were entered against Mr. Schmitt as a result of the filing of such small claims lawsuits against him?
IS IT TRUEÂ that the Vanderburgh County Commissioners may have caused county employees to lose money when they decided to re-invest their hard-earned dollars in another plan? Â …its alleged when their money was moved to another firm the fixed rate on their investment will drop from 3.5% to 2.1%? Â …that its alleged that the son of County Commissioner Joe Kiefer and now candidate for County Council Joe Kiefer works for the company the 457 account was transfer to? Â …that Mr. Kiefer abstained from voting on the transfer of the 457 account when the issue came before the County Commission?…that this issue is causing Mr. Kiefer political problems with county employees?
FOOTNOTE: Todays “Readers Poll” question is: Â If the election was held today for the Republican primary for District 77 State Representative would you vote for?
The First City-County Observer “OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD†Winner For 2016 Is Anne Audain
We are pleased and excited to announce that Anne Audain has been selected as the first CCO “OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD†Winner For 2016.
Few Evansvillians, even enthusiastic distance runners, are aware that there is a world-class pioneer in professional distance running living right here among us, in the person of Anne Audain. The native New Zealander has traveled a long road both geographically and metaphorically from her native land to Southern Indiana.
She chronicles her journey in her biography, “Uncommon Heart†from Cedarwinds Publishing and is the subject of the documentary film “Anne Audain: Running Her Way.†Her life is traced from meeting challenges as a child born with deformed feet, to a teen-aged running phenom after painful surgery to correct the foot problems, to a career as a teacher. From her teaching career, she stepped onto the world stage to make a name for herself as a three time Olympian, World record holder, Gold medalist and the first woman to become a professional distance runner in the US. Ms. Audain is now a motivational speaker who has spoken at institutions of higher learning such as Indiana and Purdue Universities and in the corporate world for companies like her former running sponsor, Nike.
We are struck by Anne’s philosophy as a teacher, which is to endeavor “to give children the self-esteem necessary to reach their goals and dreams.†She is a living example of just what determination and belief in oneself can accomplish, which makes her as much of a “natural†as a motivational speaker as she is as a distance runner. Her discussion of her father’s influence on her success offers some wisdom to all parents who are dedicated to helping their children accomplish exceptional goals. His extraordinary adopted daughter credits him with teaching her the attitudes that led her to being inducted into three Halls of Fame in two countries and recognition from Queen Elizabeth II as a Member of the British Empire.
The City-County Observer is pleased to spread the news of this renowned resident’s accomplishments by awarding two autographed copies of “ Uncommon Heart†to our readers weekly for the next several months. One copy will go to the most notable posters, one on this site and our Facebook page. Monday, March 14 is the first day of the first contest and the winners will be announced at the end of the week. Good luck, everybody! Winning this prize is worth your efforts, as the book is a “great read.â€
Accomplishments Of Anne Audain
Qualified for Six Olympic Games –1972 to 1992 in every distance from 800m to marathon.
Pioneered professionalism for female track and field competitors by accepting prize money at the first professional event in 1981 which resulted in a “temporary†lifetime ban from the sport.
Set a World Record for 5000 meters, Auckland, New Zealand 1982.
Awarded the New Zealand Medal of Honor, 1990.
Honored by Queen Elizabeth II of England with a Member of the British Empire award in1995.
Inducted into the Running USA Hall of Fame, 2008. www.runningusa.org
Inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, 2009. www.halloffame.co.nz
Inducted into Road Runner Clubs of America Distance Hall of Fame 2014 www.rrca.org
Founded the “St Luke’s Women’s Celebration 5K†in Boise, Idaho (1993) that became the largest run /walk for women and children in the USA. Now called FitOne (2013) www.FitOneBoise.org
Philosophy
Few know that before Anne Audain was a household name in running, she was a household name in the homes of her grade school students in the Auckland School District. Anne always wanted to teach because she believed in giving children the self-esteem necessary to reach their goals and dreams. Today she relies on her running experiences and other accomplishments to teach through her motivational speaking and other activities. Her speaking engagements include those at Indiana University, Purdue University, U of Evansville, Vincennes University, Case Western University, Delta Airlines, KeyBank, Pepsi Co., Nike Concept Stores and the Women’s Sports Foundation.
History
Born 1955 in Auckland, New Zealand, with severe bone deformities of both feet. Adopted at birth.
Did not walk correctly until re-constructive surgery at age 13. Three years later qualified for the 1972 Munich Olympic Games in the 1500m.
Graduated from Auckland Teachers College with honors (1975). Taught at the elementary level for 4 years before arriving in the USA to further her sporting career (March 1981).
Won more USA road races (75) than any other male or female runner in the 1980’s.
Won Gold (3000m) and Silver (10,000m) medals at the Commonwealth Games – Australia 1982, Scotland 1986.
Founded the Anne Audain Charitable Trust (1991) to support “at risk†youth in Auckland,
New Zealand.
She became USA Citizen, in 1995.
Her many and supporters friends launched the Anne Audain Scholarship Awards which fund college scholarships for young women balancing academics, sports, leadership and community endeavors- Idaho, 2000.
This years awards luncheon will be held at Tropicana-Evansville Walnut rooms A and B. The registration begin at 11:30 am, the event officially starts at 12 noon on October 26, 2015. Â Last years event was a sellout.
Last years winners of the “Outstanding Community Services Awards†are: Vanderburgh County Commissioner Joe Kifer, well respected local attorney Joe Harrison, Jr, Indiana State Auditor Suzanne Crouch and former Vanderburgh County Sheriff and 8th District Congressmen Brad Ellsworth, Dr. Dan Adams, Dr Steven Becker MD, Tracy Zeller-President of Tracy Zeller Jewelry Holly Dunn-National Movation Speaker on Domestic Violence, Cheryl Musgrave who sits on the Vanderburgh County Board of Zoning Appeals  and  retired political icon Betty Hermann.
Evansville Celebrates 5th Year Anniversary Of Ford Center With Carrie Underwood Concert
EVANSVILLE CELEBRATES FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF FORD CENTER WITH CARRIE UNDERWOOD CONCERT
Evansville, IN – This November will mark the five year anniversary of Ford Center in downtown Evansville. “This is a grand slam way to celebrate this momentous occasion,†stated Ford Center Executive Director Scott Schoenike. VenuWorks has been working with AEG Live for some time to attract such a prestigious country entertainer as Carrie Underwood for this celebration.
Seven-time Grammy winner and ACM Female Vocalist of the Year nominee Carrie Underwood has just announced The Storyteller Tour- Stories in the Round will extend through the fall including a stop in Evansville, IN. The in-the round arena tour launched to rave reviews in January and has already played sold out shows across the U.S., including a crowd of over 17,000 at Boston’s TD Garden. Carrie recently returned from Europe where she played five shows in five countries, each part of Country to Country Festival (C2C).
“I always love being on the road performing for my fans,†shares Underwood, “but something about this tour feels more magnetic than ever. Having a 360-degree view of the audience gives me the opportunity to connect with more fans and feed off their energy. I can’t wait to continue this tour into the fall!â€
Concert review critics have applauded Underwood’s confidence and command over the massive stage that spans the entire length of the arena floor. The Washington Post claimed she’s “at the top of her game,†and the Hampton Daily Press said the show’s presentation is overwhelming, from start to finish- a spectacular sensory overload that had the crowd roaring all night long.†Rollingstonecountry.com praised “the in-the-round setting provides each concertgoer with the best experience possible. Simpler still is the storytelling aspect of the show and country music’s reliance on conveying memorable stories in song.†The Boston Globe stated, Underwood “demonstrated that she now truly can stare unflinchingly into those lights and dominate a stage, with confidence, defiance, and a sense of ownership that have been a treat to watch come to fruition. A rock-solid, deftly sequenced hour-and-45-minute long set, which moved from playful to solemn, smooth to twangy, and from cinematic scope to smaller, intimate moments. The most stunning part of the production however, remains Underwood’s voice, strong and nuanced.â€
The North American tour, promoted by AEG Live, will include special guests Easton Corbin and The Swon Brothers. Tickets will be available for The Storyteller Tour beginning Friday, April 8 at 10 a.m. local time at www.aeglive.com American Express Card Members can purchase tickets for the U.S. shows before the general public beginning Monday, April 4th at noon local time through Thursday, April 7th at 10 p.m. local time. For information on fan club and D2C pre-sale opportunities and VIP packages go to www.carrieunderwood.fm.
Carrie will continue a donation of $1 from each ticket sold at the U.S. dates of The Storyteller Tour to be contributed to the C.A.T.S. Foundation to help aid its causes including Checotah, Oklahoma’s education and literacy programs. Established in 2009, the C.A.T.S. (Checotah Animal, Town and School) Foundation helps with general causes, needs and services in the area of Checotah, Oklahoma, Carrie’s hometown, to directly impact the community.
Tickets can be purchased at Ford Center Ticket Office, Ticketmaster.com or by phone 800.745.3000
Represent The People Not The Power
Represent The People Not The Power
End Un-Funded Mandates By Big State Government On Counties
By Ann Ennis
In 2014, HB 1006 created a wave of change in Indiana’s criminal code. One change expanded the levels of felony crimes from four to six. The intent was to reduce state prison population and costs, and to prevent recidivism by putting non-violent, first-time and less career-criminal offenders into community-based treatment programs – the new levels allowed for different sentencing. Shorter sentences are now served in the home county of the crime.
That is a good idea in principle but suffers much due to poor research by state representatives before Indy passed the law. My research shows that, per county officials in Gibson and Vanderburgh counties, no funding from the state followed the increase in community corrections and county jail population.
As per an article in The Indiana Economic Digest, 12-27-2014 by Mark Wilson (of Evansville Courier & Press), Judge Wayne Trockman of Vanderburgh County, noted that the intent was to allow nonviolent offenders to stay in local jail, treatment and training programs and not send them into the mega-system of the state prisons.Â
Wilson writes, “Although legislators may have intended for the changes to direct more offenders away from state prisons and into the care of local jails and programs, additional resources will be needed to make that work.â€
According to the elected officials whom I spoke with, the “additional resources†did not come.
Food, beds, and treatment for offenders are now being paid by the counties across the state, including all counties in District 64. Staff safety may be compromised because of more community-housed offenders with no more staff or funds to care for and supervise them. And all the while, the state officials can say they are saving the Indiana Department of Corrections money.
On our backs.
Current Representatives too often vote for bills like 2014’s House Bill 1006 and for other big state-mandates, such as ISTEP, IREAD, and centralized expensive corporate test grading. Why? Because they rarely meet with their district’s other elected leaders to get advice.
I have been told that, “if state representatives would meet with their county government officials before voting on these type of laws, so they can get advice from the county finance managers, unfunded mandates would end.â€
Isn’t a representative supposed to represent the district and its voters?
Why do representatives represent the Indianapolis power machine instead?
I support helping non-violent, non-career offenders to change and grow, but not by saving the state money while making our counties pay. Stop un-funded mandates by Indy on our counties.
Aces set to welcome Florida Gulf Coast this weekend
After racking up 28 runs over the last 14 innings on the field, the University of Evansville baseball team will be looking to keep its high-scoring offense rolling on Friday as the team is set to play host to Florida Gulf Coast for a three-game set at Charles H. Braun Stadium.
The Aces (12-11) are only able to officially count 13 of those 28 runs for record purposes after an unfortunate rainout on Wednesday evening wiped out a 15-0 scoreline against Indiana in Bloomington. Despite this, the Aces still boast of one of the most dangerous offenses in the Missouri Valley, and the team enters Friday’s contest posting better than seven runs per game with a .283 team batting average.
Overall, 11 UE hitters have slugged a home run this season, and the team ranks second in the Valley with 24 on the season, which already stands as the most homers by an Aces squad since the 2011 campaign.
It’s been more than just offensive excellence that has helped UE this season, beginning with senior hurler Connor Strain, who has not allowed a single score in 18 of the 19 innings that he’s pitched this season. The Shelburn, Ind., native will enter Friday with a scoreless streak in excess of 16 innings, and he’s coming off a career-best eight strikeouts in over six frames at Eastern Kentucky a week ago.
Patrick Schnieders, who will be making his sixth start of the season on Saturday, has also been impressive, and he currently boasts of a 1.80 earned run average over a team-best 30.2 innings of work. Freshman southpaw Alex Weigand will get the nod in the series finale after spending the bulk of the season to this point as a midweek starter.
Meanwhile, FGCU will enter the weekend after taking home five consecutive weekend series. Overall, the team has won four of its last five games, with the lone loss coming last Friday in 14-9 fashion at FAMU.
First pitch on Friday is slated for 6 p.m., and Saturday’s doubleheader will get started at noon.
NOTES: This weekend will mark the first-ever series between Florida Gulf Coast and Evansville … More Aces players have hit home runs this season than in any season since 2001, when 13 players left the park … The 15 runs on Wednesday at Indiana would’ve represented the most runs ever scored by the Aces against Indiana and the third-most for UE against a Big Ten opponent … Since 1978, UE is 9-30 against teams that hail from the Sunshine State.
LOW-INFORMATION ECONOMICS
LOW-INFORMATION ECONOMICS Making Sense by Michael Reagan
I just came back from a cruise in Asia.
I met lots of nice people and saw a bunch of beautiful places. I didn’t always understand what I was looking at or what was going on in their crazy economies.
But I can tell you one thing for sure — the people of Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Hong Kong are keeping busy making things for American consumers.
They’re probably just as busy as the people of Mexico, China and wherever else American companies are having their smart phones, TVs and T-shirts made.
What I saw in Asia — jobs that used to be done by Americans — reminded me of what’s happened in California.
My home state’s criminally high taxes and its punitive regulations have been driving away businesses and companies that make things for decades.
We’re not talking about mom and pop outfits that make organic earrings or high-end backpacks.
We’re talking real companies that hire thousands of people for their offices or factories — Toyota, Nissan, Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, eBay, Occidental Petroleum and RifleGear, the firearms retailer.
Throw in Charles Schwab, which fled pricy San Francisco, and Farmers Coffee, too. A large percentage of these runaway companies went to Texas, where business people are not automatically greeted like captured enemy combatants.
A lot of California’s human beings left for lower-taxed states, too, especially older people.
Several millionaires that I know are selling their big homes and moving to Nevada or Puerto Rico to escape California’s cruel taxes. I’d do the same if I didn’t have kids and grand kids in L.A.
No one knows how many companies have split from California in the last decade. A recent study that counted what it called “California divestment events†came up with the estimate of 9,000 events.
A “divestment event†is when a business leaves the state entirely, expands in other states instead of California or planned to expand in the Golden State but ran the numbers and chickened out.
California is a mini version of present-day America — and maybe our country’s future.
The liberals who’ve permanently taken over Sacramento have mastered the art of punishing business and abusing the wealthy.
The state is bleeding good working-class jobs, scaring away corporations and watching its economy poke along for the same dumb reasons the rest of the U.S. is: high taxes and too many regulations.
Now California’s Democrats have voted to hike the state’s minimum hourly wage to $15 by 2022.
It’s a stupid Bernie Sanders idea that is the leftwing equivalent of Donald Trump’s dumb idea to slap a 35 percent tariff on stuff imported from Mexico.
Both Sanders and Trump are appealing to low-information voters who don’t understand a thing about economics.
Who pays in the end when you tell businesses they have to start paying a person with a broom $15 an hour or have to pay heavy import taxes?
It’s the consumer, stupid.
The consumer always pays in the end, whether Jerry Brown or Donald Trump know it or not, because businesses always pass the cost of their labor and taxes on to their customers.
If their customers don’t want to pay higher prices, companies eventually have to close up or move to a more business-friendly place like Texas or Mexico.
Corporations are in the business of making money, not losing it like government.
The executives who run them are not as stupid as low-info candidates like Trump or Sanders or the people who vote for them.
A business exec can tell when it’s time to build a new Boeing plant in South Carolina or move his brokerage offices to Austin.
States like Texas and even New York know it’s good for their economies, their people and their taxpayers to lure businesses with low taxes, fewer regulations and a friendly attitude.
California will never learn.
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