A first class hotel the people of Evansville can afford would be a big boost for downtown Evansville. A first class hotel is what we the taxpayers were sold. A first class hotel is what the city of Evansville deserves. Unfortunately, the hotel we are getting is neither first class nor affordable.
WHO: Mayoral Candidate Gail Riecken
WHERE: 401 SE 6th Street, Suite 200 Evansville
WHEN: September 3, 2015, 2:00 P.M.
Governor Mike Pence will travel to Vanderburgh and Clark counties to discuss the newly-created Governor’s Task Force on Drug Enforcement, Treatment, and Prevention, an initiative to combat drug abuse in Indiana. At each stop, he will hold a press conference and will lead a roundtable with local experts in the field of drug enforcement, treatment, and prevention. Details below.
Thursday, September 3:
10:00 a.m. CDT – Governor Pence to hold press conference regarding the Governor’s Task Force on Drug Enforcement, Treatment, and Prevention
Youth First, 111 Southeast 3rd Street, Evansville, IN
10:30 a.m. CDT – Governor Pence to lead roundtable with local experts in the field of drug enforcement, treatment, and prevention
*Media will have B-roll opportunity for 15 minutes at the beginning of the roundtable.
Youth First, 111 Southeast 3rd Street, Evansville, IN
2:30 p.m. EDT – Governor Pence to hold press conference regarding the Governor’s Task Force on Drug Enforcement, Treatment, and Prevention
Ivy Tech Sellersburg – Ogle Hall, 8204 Highway 311, Sellersburg, IN
3:00 p.m. EDT – Governor Pence to lead roundtable with local experts in the field of drug enforcement, treatment, and prevention
*Media will have B-roll opportunity for 15 minutes at the beginning of the roundtable.
Ivy Tech Sellersburg – Ogle Hall, 8204 Highway 311, Sellersburg, IN
Bob Englehart / Hartford Courant
By Tom Purcell
After the wild stock market downs and ups last week, I crawled out from under my desk and began Googling plans for a backyard survival bunker.
You see, not being an economist or expert about government debt and spending, I have trouble grasping what is going on in the world and when the next economic collapse will occur.
All I know is that our Congressional Budget Office, a nonpartisan federal agency within the legislative branch of our government, keeps warning the country, as it did again last week, that we are on an unsustainable financial path.
Simply put, the CBO says our debt is growing too fast. Whereas the historical average level of publicly held debt over the last 50 years was 38 percent of America’s gross domestic product, our debt-to-GDP ratio is now 74 percent and will hit 103 percent in 2040.
To get back to historical debt levels, the CBO says, we’ll have to increase revenue by 14 percent or cut spending by 13 percent. If we don’t, we will eventually face a real crisis.
Once creditors doubt our ability to repay our debt, interest rates on the debt will have to increase to entice them to buy it, and it will be “game on.â€
Some doomsayers predict this will ignite the next economic collapse, which will make the 2008 collapse look like a day at a government-funded amusement park. So I’m wondering about a bunker in the countryside on the edge of the suburbs, where my home is located.
Unlike big, sophisticated, wired cities where people couldn’t survive a day if their Internet service went down, the people who live in the country can function just dandy without modern conveniences.
My neighbors know how to grow, trap and shoot their own food. They make their own bullets and are proficient with rifles.
They can boil water from the creek and grow their own food. They can hand-fell trees and build houses that they make cozy with an abundance of firewood — and keep their bunkers warm as they protect themselves from all the suburbanites flooding to the countryside, looking for some grub.
Most importantly, they know how to make moonshine, one of America’s most valuable products. For years, moonshine helped settlers convert their corn harvests into a valuable commodity that was as good as gold — and might be again if the doomsayers’ predictions come true.
If all heck breaks loose, my country village would be fine. I’d still be able to amble down to the local watering hole and sing Willie Nelson tunes on karaoke night.
We’ll never run out of food. Wild turkey and deer pass through my yard daily. All of my neighbors have deer meat stashed somewhere within their houses and ingenious methods for powering electrical generators to keep their freezers cold.
Some analysts say worry about a big economic collapse is overblown. They say the government can inflate its way out of the situation, which could significantly reduce the value of the amount our government owes — and punish people whose savings would also be significantly reduced. But that one sounds fishy to me.
In any event, I hope the big one never happens — I hope the experts who keep meddling with our economy through zero interest-rate policies and expansion of the money supply don’t unwittingly thrust us into the mother of all breakdowns.
Still, when the stock market soars up and down as it did last week, I find comfort in smoking and storing large batches of beef jerky, just in case.
IS IT TRUE it was reported that construction has started on the downtown hotel?….most people
fall into the category that sees the value in downtown development?….none of us really want to
live in a suburb of nothing?
IS IT TRUE assuming that we want a strong downtown, people fall into three categories thereafter?….the first category is those who have no problem with a hotel but object to the tax payer’s involvement in funding the project?….this group of people see the inherent unfairness of subsidizing one private business to compete against those who did not receive a leg up from government?….this is a tricky topic given that business on its own would not build a hotel with 244 rooms in downtown Evansville?…the government has an idea of what’s good for the community but must make a financial offering to help pay for the project to get it done?…the question for these people is what are the odds that any business requiring public dollars to get started will thrive over the long haul?…when we say long haul, we mean at least the length of the 20 years of bond payments?
IS IT TRUE the second category of people are those who recognize that government must at times invest public monies to leverage some amount of private investment?….the Mayor’s office would point to the Arts District as a good example?….the Arts District, with the Department of Metropolitan Development’s math, has garnered about 2.5 million in investment with the City putting in 500,000 of that total?….these people are just as unconcerned about restaurants that must compete with the new subsidized restaurants in the Arts District as they are hoteliers that must compete with the subsidized hotel?….it’s a bit of a greater good argument- what’s best for the community?….it has little basis in conservative views on economic policy?….it’s also probably a NIMBY (not in my backyard) argument, in that hotels and restaurants and barber shops are fine, but don’t go subsidizing someone in my industry?…..these people simply want what they want without any reflective thought on the hotel’s ability to make a profit or the future in general?…they just know it will be grand for 3-5 years before the drapes and carpets need replaced, and the hard truth of lack of profitability of the business sets in?…and after all, it’s the elusive, faceless tax payer’s money anyway?….the hard question that persists is why did this business model need a subsidy to get started if it’s going to be so great once it’s opened?
IS IT TRUE the third category of people were skeptical to begin with but made their way to the compromise that 20 million in City and County combined tax payer funding was loads better than the originally filed 38.5 million bond request?…..they agreed that downtown development is important and found their way to accepting the original deal?….and then something happened?….the price went up, the building got shorter and the amenities and quality of the project were reduced?….to make matter worse, government and its partners fumbled around for years with false start after false start that ate up at least a million dollars in wasted services?….to add injury to insult, the local government had the audacity all through the mistake laden process to act as if nothing had happened?…they called people who questioned the wisdom of continuing the project in light of the changes and medical school approval obstructionist and claimed they were being political?….their overall response in a nutshell was, “look, we’re still getting a hotel, so shut up alreadyâ€?
IS IT TRUE the devil is always in the details?….the end does not always justify the means?….it is a very real possibility that the cost of any endeavor can ultimately outweigh the value of the finished product?…..for those that crunch the numbers, the issue was never that the hotel would pay for itself?….we’ve always known, even before the price went up, that the bond payments would not be recouped by property taxes or sales taxes in the new sports district?…the argument was that although the City would be upside down after revenue at least 500,000 a year, the economic activity generated by the hotel would put money in the pockets of employees and local businesses?….those are the folks that are supposed to pay it forward by putting their income back into the local economy in all sorts of ways?….ultimately there’ll be some number collected in income taxes from the souls specifically benefiting financially from the development?
IS IT TRUE it all begs the question of just how many endeavors can the City of Evansville go upside on in an attempt to generate economic activity for its citizens?…..where is the point where all of the upside down numbers could have been invested very differently or just handed out as wads of cash to residents?….the Victory Theater was going to transform the downtown, and it annual operating deficit is 700,000 before capital expenses are calculated?….the arena is 600,000 upside down every year on top of a 8.2 million bond payment and varying capital investment needs?….the zoo runs 3.2 million to the upside down every year and is screaming for a 40 million investment?…..Goebel Soccer Complex, Swonder Ice Arena, CK Newsome Center and all of the pools also operate at a deficit?….should we even strive to break even with this idea government sponsored economic activity?….we certainly don’t need to make money, but the concept of breaking even is largely driven by the need for the ability to keep investing?
IS IT TRUE the medical school will cost 3.5 million annually in bond payments and is the only medical school in the state of Indiana built by a municipality?….no one disputes that there will be a positive economic impact?….it won’t have a positive effect on City coffers, but the goal again will be to drive economic activity to employees and local business owners?…it’s just as laudable a goal as all the ones before, except now the City’s credit card is all but maxed out?….the idea (again) in breaking even on these ventures is to be able to keep doing them?…the devil is always in the details?
Pence creates statewide drug task force
FW Journal Gazette – Niki Kelly
The task force consists of state agency heads, community experts and lawmakers to evaluate the growing national drug problem and how it relates to Indiana. It will analyze available resources for treatment and best practices as well as identify early intervention programs to deter youth from using drugs.
Pence said “if you are dealing in drugs in this state we’re coming for you. If you are caught up in addiction there is help. There is hope.”
Governor Pence announces new task force to combat drug abuse across state
FOX 59 – Jillian Deam
“Drug abuse problems are not unique to Indiana, and while multiple entities are doing their part to combat drug abuse, we must work together as a state identify gaps that hinder us from preventing drug abuse, treating drug abuse, and effectively enforcing drug laws,†Pence said.
“Together is the best way to reduce, prevent, and treat drug addiction in Indiana.â€
Gov. Pence Announces Multi-Agency Drug Task Force
Indiana Public Media – Brandon Smith
The governor says the newly-created drug task force will identify gaps in enforcement, treatment and prevention and develop solutions for the state.
“How do we make sure that the efforts that are happening at the local level are better coordinated with efforts that are happening at the state and even the national level?†he said during a press conference.
The governor also says his message to the task force is one of urgency. He wants recommendations that could both be implemented immediately through administration action and next year through legislation.
Heroin deaths prompt Gov. Pence’s drug plan
IndyStar – Chelsea Schneider
“Drug abuse problems are not unique to Indiana, and while multiple entities are doing their part to combat drug abuse, we must work together as a state (to) identify gaps that hinder us from preventing drug abuse, treating drug abuse and effectively enforcing drug laws,” Pence said in a statement.
Pence created the task force by executive order. Its membership includes Indiana State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Jerome Adams, Indiana Department of Child Services Director Mary Beth Bonaventura, law enforcement and health officials and state lawmakers.
Pence said law enforcement plays a critical role, but the state also must recognize the need to “address the root causes of addiction and focus on treatment.”
Tully: Indiana’s drug crisis begs us to come together
IndyStar – Matt Tully
“The time has come for a fresh approach to how we address drug addiction,†the governor said Tuesday morning, adding: “Together is the best way to reduce, prevent and treat drug addiction in Indiana.â€
He is right.
And if ever there was an issue that should be free of partisanship, this is it. If ever there was an issue that could inspire a state to come together, to work together, and to hope together, this is it. This is about an epidemic that has smashed through urban, rural and suburban divides, as well as through racial, economic and just about every other sort of divide. There is no downside to coming together on this issue, and there is every incentive.
Pence launching task force to combat state drug abuse
News & Tribune – Maureen Hayden (CNHI)
INDIANAPOLIS — As deaths from heroin overdoses soar, Gov. Mike Pence is launching an effort to plug gaps in drug enforcement, as well as treatment and prevention programs.
Pence appoints drug task force
WISH – Jim Shella
Gov. Mike Pence called for a new approach to the battle against drug abuse Tuesday as he appointed a 21 member task force to find solutions to a serious problem.
VIDEO: Pence announces task force to combat drug abuse in Indiana
WTHR – Kevin Rader
The task force will evaluate existing resources, identify gaps in enforcement, treatment and prevention, and make recommendations for improvement. It will also look at strategies to bring federal, state and local law enforcement together to fight drug abuse. Treatment and prevention will also be on the agenda.
As many of you are aware, September 18th is the game, season and franchise opening for the newly minted and very exciting elite junior hockey team, the EVANSVILLE THUNDERBOLTS. As a part of this opening weekend (playing against the Pt. Mallard Ducks at Swonder Ice Arena, both Friday and Saturday night with puck drop at 7:30 p.m.) the BOLTS will also be celebrating long time hockey play-by-play broadcaster Terry “Fic” Ficorelli’s 3500th game broadcast at the Saturday (September 19th) game.
Please join the BOLTS Community in honoring this significant milestone in Terry Ficorelli’s career at the Saturday, September 19th, 2015 opening weekend game. Tickets are very reasonable (only $5.00 on game night – or $2.00 if you want to stand in the beer garden). Many of you may have press passes, so tickets may not be a concern. We want to make this night special for Terry and your presence at the game either as a part of the press, a friend or colleague would be greatly appreciated by both Terry and I.
Top scholars continue to make University a first choice
This year, the University of Southern Indiana welcomed its largest incoming freshman class in two years. Nearly 1,700 first time in college students enrolled at the University, making it the largest class since the 2013-2014 academic year. Of these students, approximately 54 percent earned college credit while in high school.
In addition, USI’s incoming class has the strongest credentials in its history and represents some of the brightest students the state has to offer. Average high school GPAs for incoming freshmen continue to rank among the highest the University has seen at 3.27. And, once again, USI was one of the top two college choices for Tri-state area high school valedictorians.
“This freshman class marks a turning point for USI,†said Dr. Linda L. M. Bennett, president. “Several years ago we set out to make sure we were attracting some of this state’s finest students while keeping our cost at a point that continues our long tradition of affordability. The size of this incoming class, coupled with student performance indicators, ranking among the highest this University has seen, solidify our place as an institution of excellence and knowledge in Indiana higher education. Student satisfaction survey results indicate USI continues to be a first choice for students across the state.â€
Additionally, the University enrolled an estimated 1,900 top high school students through its College Achievement Program (CAP) which successfully prepares students to graduate college in four years or less. In 2014-2015, CAP partnered with 27 high schools to offer 45 courses at a significantly reduced cost. Total USI enrollment, including undergraduate, CAP and graduate students, is 10,929 for the 2015 fall semester.
“The pathways to a college education are changing. Many matriculating high school seniors are coming to us with a college transcript in hand,†Bennett noted. “Credits are being earned on and off campus and USI is a significant player in the region in helping students gain accredited undergraduate coursework in area high schools.â€
Profile of USI’s Student Population
The majority of students at the University of Southern Indiana come from Vanderburgh and contiguous counties. Students come from 90 Indiana counties; 36 other states; and 69 countries. Minority and international students make up just over 13 percent of the student population. More than 21 percent of USI students are 25 years of age or older. Full-time students continue to be the majority at 78 percent and approximately 900 graduate students are enrolled. Student housing is near capacity with 2,577 students living on campus.
Terry Ficorelli
Evansville ThunderBolts VP Broadcast/Media Swonder Ice Arena 209 N. Boeke Evansville, IN 47711 (812) 430-1705 terryfic9@gmail.com fic@totalpackagehockey.com www.evvbolts.com www.Twitter.com/EvvBolts www.Facebook.com/EvvBolts
THE THUNDERBOLTS PLAYERS JOIN MAYOR WINNECKE IN RESTORING THE PRIDE PROGRAM
BOLTS PLAYERS LEAD THE CLEAN EVANSVILLE LITTER CLEAN-UP THIS SATURDAY MORNING
EVANSVILLE, IN— The Evansville ThunderBolts organization and its players will be out in full frontal force this Saturday, joining Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, in demonstrating their civic pride and community spirit in making the city of Evansville a better place to live and to work.
As part of the “Restoring Pride†city-wide program, “Let’s Work Together to Make Evansville a Better Place To Live,†the ThunderBolts players will don their non-hockey playing gloves and tote trash bags for a clean Evansville litter clean-up event this Saturday morning, September 5th, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. The cast of ThunderBolts players will be at the Riverside Drive through Kentucky Avenue area with the mission of making a difference in our great Evansville community.
It is all part of our city’s overall program of a clean Evansville and keeping Evansville beautiful. This event is sponsored by the City of Evansville, Keep Evansville Beautiful and Republic Services; www.cleanevansville.org.
The ThunderBolts exciting unveiling to Evansville and the Tri-State region is less than three weeks away! The grand opening night and weekend bonanza extravaganza is set for FRIDAY NIGHT, SEPTEMBER 18TH AND SATURDAY NIGHT, SEPTEMBER 19TH AT SWONDER ICE ARENA AGAINST THE POINT MALLARD DUCKS. BOTH GAMES AT 7:30 PM.
ThunderBolts Season Tickets are FAN-FAMILY-FRIENDLY! All 22-weekend home games for only $70!! Single game seats are only $5. Check it out at www.evvbolts.com.
‘Bolts pocket schedules are now available throughout our area including all Penn Station locations and the TPH Pro Shop at Swonder. ‘Bolts merchandise is on sale at the TPH Pro Shop. All the ThunderBolts games, home and away are broadcast live on Evansville’s WVHI-AM 1330.
St. Mary’s is hosting a community blood drive from 7:00am – 11:00am at the Manor Annex, Thursday September 17.