“IS IT TRUE” APRIL 8, 2024

04/08/2024

We hope today IT TRUE will provoke honest and open dialogue concerning issues that we, as responsible citizens of this community, need to address rationally and responsibly.

City-County Observer Comment Policy: Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will be tolerated and will be removed from our site.

We understand that sometimes people don’t always agree and discussions may become a little heated. The use of offensive language and insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.

IS IT TRUE that the revelation in 2023 that the three entities that have partnered for more than a decade to do the economic development work for the City of Evansville, Vanderburgh County, and parts of the surrounding counties have been merged into a single organization impressed some people as a way to save money and concerned others about the concentration of efforts?…the merged entities consist of the Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana that did traditional chamber activities like mixers, lobbying, and the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) to mentor micro businesses, the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville (GAGE) that was formed to foster entrepreneurship in industries that pay a thriving wage, and the Southwest Indiana Coalition for Economic Development that focused on attraction of outside businesses were merged into a new entity called E-REP that stands for Evansville Regional Economic Partnership?…historically government supported the two economic development entities and private businesses supported the Chamber of Commerce?

IS IT TRUE that someone should inform EVSC Suoerintent of Schools Dr. David Smith that silence isn’t always golden?…it’s time for Dr. Smith to man up and address the serious allegation concerning the action of a teacher in a classroom for “Special Needs Students?

IS IT TRUE that many local taxpayers feel it’s time for Mayor Terry and her newly appointed City Controller to acknowledge that the Ford Center is a prime candidate for a forensic audit? …that it’s also obvious they need to find creative ways to correct the deficit spending habits at the Ford Center?

IS IT TRUE that we have been told by several people at the Civic Center that Mayor Terry and her newly appointed City Controller need to analyze the financial debt that the former Mayor of Evansville left them with?

IS IT TRUE that we are told by credible sources that the combined debt of Evansville may be around One Billion and two hundred million?

IS IT TRUE every time an elected body ignores the will of the people it comes back to bite them on the backside?

IS IT TRUE that The City-County Observer does not promote or condone discrimination of any kind including preference based on race, religion gender identity, or political preference”?

IS IT TRUE that we are told that under the duties of the DEI Council, there are indeed three articles that promote quotas and the third one extends to private workforces?

IS IT TRUE that we are told that the recent Vanderburgh County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner was well attended by a broad cross-section of party members? …that old grudges and new rivalries were apparent with hard stares were seen across the room?

IS IT TRUE that we have been told that two candidates for governor were in attendance at the recent GOP Lincoln Day Dinner? …that when the Vanderburgh GOP Chairmen Mike Duckworth introduced Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch as “the next Governor of the State Of Indiana” it upset several GOP members working for other candidates for Governor? …that it is obvious Chairman Duckworth continues to cause unnecessary friction and divide within the local GOP?

IS IT TRUE that many of the candidates running for the 8th district congressional seat would love to be endorsed by former president Donald Trump? …that in their stump speeches and advertising materials they tout their relationships with Trump? …that over the weekend a PAC Committee posted on social media that Congressional candidate Mark Messmer (R) was endorsed by Donald Trump? …that as soon as the endorsement claim was proven untrue, the post disappeared?

IS IT TRUE that the City-County Observer newspaper is a proud supporter of our law enforcement?

IS IT TRUE that everyone has a right to their opinions even if they are wrong?

IS IT TRUE that we would like to give five (5) cheers to members of the EXPLORE EVANSVILLE Board Of Directors and their talented staff for doing an incredible job in staging today’s ECLIPE event?

IS IT TRUE when the people fear the Government we have Tyranny? …when the Government fears the people we have liberty?

IS IT TRUE our “READERS POLLS” are non-scientific but trendy?

FOOTNOTE: The CCO staff would like to thank the many friends for their prayers and words of encouragement for our publisher’s speedy recovery.

Ron recently sustained a life-threatening fall which landed him in a local trauma facility for 30 days. He sustained a traumatic brain injury with required 46 staples and stitches and 5 units of blood. He is now at home resting and receiving Rehab 2 times a day for 3 days a week.

We would give special thanks to Ron’s wife Marilyn and family members for the strong support and love they gave him during his serious medical crisis.

Marilyn has also managed the publishing of our online, mobile sight, and monthly printed paper and is doing an outstanding job.

Mayor Terry to Deliver State of the City Address on Tuesday

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Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry will deliver her first State of the City address, “The First 100 Days,” on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.

Mayor Terry will give the speech in the Riverfront Event Center at Bally’s, as part of the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Evansville. Members of the public are welcome to attend at no cost; standalone seating will be set up in the back of the room for those who wish to hear the speech without eating the Rotary lunch. Those wishing to eat lunch can purchase those tickets through the Rotary Club.

E-REP Sponsors Lunch With Lt. Governor Crouch Event – Thursday, April 11, 2024

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Join the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership and a sold-out crowd on Thursday for lunch and a Q&A discussion with Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch.

The Lt. Governor will participate in a Q&A fireside chat giving numerous updates from state initiatives and the legislative session.

Thursday, April 11, 2024

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (CDT)

Riverfront Event Center – Directly following the luncheon

Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch will be departing promptly at 12:55 PM

Bally’s – Riverfront Event Center

421 NW Riverside Dr, Evansville

Lt. Governor, Suzanne Crouch

Curt Begle – Chair, Board of Directors (E-REP)

Luke Yaeger – Chair, Government Affairs & Strategy Committee (E-REP)

Lloyd Winnecke – CEO (E-REP)

Justin Groenert – Chief Strategy Officer (E-REP)

Sarah Frey, America’s Pumpkin Queen, to Speak at UE on April 10

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EVANSVILLE, IND. (04/05/2024) Sarah Frey, founder and CEO of Frey Farms, will speak at the University of Evansville (UE) from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10. The event will be held in Eykamp Hall, located on the second floor of Ridgway University Center. Afterwards, a meet and greet will be held and 25 copies of Frey’s books will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who already have a copy can bring their book to have signed. This is free and open to the public.

Sarah Frey oversees the diverse operations of Frey Farms, including land acquisition, regenerative agriculture initiatives, raw ingredient manufacturing, and a full-scale beverage business. The Sarah’s Homegrown brand of produce and beverages are distributed across the U.S. from over 200 cold-chain distribution centers across both retail grocery and food service. Frey Farms is best known as being America’s largest producer of fresh pumpkins, but watermelons are, in fact, their top commodity.

In 2020, Frey authored the best-selling book “The Growing Season: How I Built a New Life – and Saved an American Farm.” Her entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured at the age of eight while accompanying her mother on a summer produce route selling direct to grocery retailers in southern Illinois. When she turned 16, Frey took over the route and eventually expanded it to more than 150 stores. At age 19, she negotiated with Walmart, turning her vision into reality and bringing her four older brothers back to the family farm.

This event is part of UE’s Patricia H. Snyder Concert and Lecture Series, created in 1997 to bring speakers or performers of national renown to Evansville at no cost to the public. The series spans a wide variety of topics, and previous speakers and musicians include Doc Severinsen, Daymond John, Barbara and Jenna Bush, and Eileen Collins.

The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university located in the southwestern region of Indiana. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and vibrant campus community of changemakers.

Home of the Purple Aces, UE offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University’s very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.

Virtual Author Talk: Diane Foley & Colum McCan | April 9

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As we navigate through life, we often encounter stories that profoundly touch our souls, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. It’s with great anticipation and reverence that we extend to you an invitation to join us for a virtual event that promises to be one such experience.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Time: 1 PM

Location: Streaming Online

In this deeply moving Virtual Author Talk, we are honored to host Diane Foley and Colum McCann for a conversation that delves into the deepest corners of the human spirit. Diane Foley, the remarkable mother behind the heartrending book “American Mother,” will courageously share her journey of confronting her son’s killer. Her son, Jim, was a freelance journalist captured and beheaded by ISIS in 2014. Alongside her, we have the esteemed National Book Award-winner Colum McCann, who will guide us through this narrative of resilience, forgiveness, and the transformative power of empathy.

USI Baseball falls Sunday, loses series to Lindenwood

04/08/2024

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Baseball could not hold onto an early 3-0 lead and fell to Lindenwood University, 9-4, Sunday at the USI Baseball Field. USI is 14-18 overall and 4-5 OVC, while Lindenwood goes to 10-21, 4-5 OVC.

USI junior second baseman Lane Crowden (Jackson, Missouri) shifted the momentum early to the Screaming Eagles in the third inning. Crowden saved a run defensively in the top of third with a diving stop before leading off the bottom half of the frame with a single to start a three-run USI rally.

Crowden singled and scored along with senior rightfielder Ren Tachioka (Japan) when sophomore shortstop Caleb Niehaus (Newburgh, Indiana) singled and advance to third on a two-base Lindenwood error. Niehaus would come the plate with the third run of the frame on a sacrifice fly by senior designated hitter Jack Ellis (Jeffersonville, Indiana).

USI would hold the 3-0 lead until the top of the fifth when Lindenwood exploded for four runs on three hits and one Eagles’ error. The Lions’ bats would erupt for five more runs in the eighth inning to extend Lindenwood’s lead to 9-3.

The Eagles would get one of the runs back in the bottom of the ninth when junior third baseman Ricardo Van Grieken (Venezuela) hit a bomb over the right field fence to close the gap to the final score of 9-4. The home run was Van Grieken’s second of the season.

On the mound, junior right-hander Gavin Morris (Brazil, Indiana) started and took the loss. Morris (3-3) went 4.1 innings, allowing four runs, two earned, on five hits and two walks.

Board of School Trustees of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation Meeting

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The Board of School Trustees of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation will meet for the regularly scheduled Board meeting Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 5:30 PM in the Board Room of the

EVSC Administration Building located at 951 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN. Board meetings can also be observed by tuning to EVSC’s radio station, 90.7 WPSR or live streamed online at

https://www.wpsrhd.com/.

Prior to the regularly scheduled Board meeting, three members of the Board, along with district administrators, will hold a Town Hall beginning at 5:00 PM. This Town Hall is for Vanderburgh County residents to speak directly with Board members in attendance about issues involving EVSC schools. The Town Hall will be held in the Technology and Innovation Center located at 951 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN. Members of the public who would like to attend the Town Hall should register by completing the Town Hall Registration Form located on our website at district.evscschools.c

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

04/08/2024

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EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.

VU Golf team takes third at Battle of the Woods

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TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – The Vincennes University golf team got their top two scorers back this weekend for the two-day Battle of the Woods tournament at Hulman Links in Terre Haute.

While they were still battling lingering injuries, the Trailblazers showed tremendous improvement on another tough course in windy conditions to come away with a third-place finish as a team.

The two-day, 36-hole tournament began Saturday morning with the first round and the Blazers looked to be in great shape after the first 18 holes of the tournament.

Freshmen Alex Nealis (Olney, Ill.) and Andy Clark got off to a great start, finishing the first round with a six-over 78, placing them in a tie for fifth on the individual leaderboard.

Sophomore Aaron Brink (Nashville, Ill.) returned to the course after an injury to shoot a first round 80, good for a tie for 10th after the first day.

Sophomore Preston Broce (Indianapolis, Ind.) also returned to the links after an injury and was ablet to come away with a first day 81 for a tie for 13th.

Freshman Xavier Brown (Franklin, Ind.) rounded out the VU golfers Saturday with an 89, putting him in a tie for 24th overall.

The Trailblazers looked to be well within striking distance of top spot on the team leaderboard, ending the first round with a team score of 317 in second place, nine shots out of first.

The Blazers returned to Hulman Links Sunday morning for the final round of the tournament and the windy conditions and injuries again looked to get the better of VU.

Preston Broce led the Blazers Sunday with an 80, giving him a tournament score of 161 and a tie for 5th place finish overall.

Broce tied with fellow VU sophomore Aaron Brink, who finished his round Sunday with an 81, giving him a tournament score of 161 as well.

Alex Nealis slid a little in the windy conditions, shooting an 84 on Sunday but was still able to place in the top-10 in a tie for 8th.

Andy Clark shot an 88 on Sunday, giving him a tournament score of 166 and a tie for 15, before the Blazers were rounded out by Xavier Brown, who had the biggest improvement from round one with an 86 on Sunday and a tournament score of 175 for a tie for 22nd place finish.

The Trailblazers as a team shot a 331 on Sunday, giving them a tournament total of 648 which was good for a third-place finish as a team.

BELMONT SHUTS OUT BASEBALL ACES, 12-0

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Belmont starting pitcher Joe Ruzicka tossed a complete-game, three-hit shutout on Sunday, and the Bruins launched five home runs, as Belmont salvaged the series finale over the University of Evansville Purple Aces with a 12-0 victory at E.S. Rose Park in Nashville, Tennessee.

Belmont would get all of the offense that it would need just two batters into the contest, as after a lead-off walk by Sam Slaughter, second baseman Jack Rando launched a two-run home run to left field to give the Bruins a 2-0 lead.

Belmont would add a solo home run in the second inning, and a three-run home run in the fourth inning off of UE starter Nick Smith (2-5) to build a 6-0 lead. Smith suffered the loss after giving up six runs on five hits, including three home runs in 3.1 innings.

Belmont would add a pair of solo home runs in the fifth inning, as Ruzicka held UE without a hit until the sixth inning, when senior shortstop Simon Scherry roped a ball through the left-side of the infield for UE’s first hit of the game. UE put the first two men on in the sixth inning, but a strikeout and a double-play ground ball ended the UE threat. Belmont would tack on four runs in the home-half of the sixth inning to provide the final margin of victory and enact the mercy rule in the series finale.

Outfielder Michael Lareau went 3-for-3 with a double and a home run out of the bottom spot in the Belmont batting order to lead the Bruins offensively. Evansville was limited to just three hits overall, with Scherry, graduate third baseman Brent Widder, and graduate first baseman Chase Hug each collecting a hit on the day.

With the victory, Belmont improves to 17-15 overall and 5-4 in the Missouri Valley Conference. Evansville, meanwhile, sees its four-game winning streak snapped and falls to 14-17 overall and 4-5 in the Valley with the loss. The Purple Aces will hit the road briefly on Tuesday with a mid-week game at Butler at 3 p.m. central time, before returning home to German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium next weekend for a three-game series against Illinois State beginning on Friday.