(Evansville, Indiana) Recognizing the tremendous decrease in taxpayer project costs, the Libertarian Party of Vanderburgh County announced Friday it would discontinue its vocal opposition to the proposed downtown Evansville hotel development.
“It’s clearly not ideal by libertarian standards, but we’re pleased that the costs to taxpayers has been nearly halved from the original proposal,†noted LP County Chairman Bart Gadau. “It’s quite a testament to our citizens – particularly our party members – that came together to make their voices heard. Luckily we were loud enough and our elected officials open-minded enough to listen to our concerns.â€
“We clearly have different views from our political opponents on the proper role of government in such private investment projects,†Gadau continued. “In my conversation this morning with Mayor Winnecke, I let him know we would reluctantly stand down our opposition based on his good-faith effort to negotiate a plan that involves more accountability, less taxpayer funds and a better return on our public investment.â€
“Because of our involvement, a $37.5 million project was capped at $20 million and will still move forward. Ultimately, the Libertarian Party would like to see our tax dollars go to essential government services and not into the speculation of picking winners and losers in business. But, that’s a fight we’ll wage at the polls with our own candidates. In the meantime, this deal is probably the best we could hope to see from the old political parties.â€
The Libertarian Party platform defines the Party’s view of the role of government in business clearly: “The only proper role of government in the economic realm is to protect property rights, adjudicate disputes, and provide a legal framework in which voluntary trade is protected. All efforts by government to redistribute wealth, or to control or manage trade, are improper in a free society.â€
Updated Information: Police Locate Vehicle possibly used in Armed Robbery
Gibson County – This afternoon at approximately 3:16 p.m., Gibson County Sheriff’s Department located and stopped a Maroon Lincoln Town Car at 5th and Broadway in Princeton. Police had received information earlier that the vehicle matching this description was possibly used in an armed robbery that occurred earlier today in Fort Branch. A female subject is currently being detained and investigated for driving while intoxicated. No one has been arrested for armed robbery at this time.
This is an ongoing investigation and further information will be released as it becomes available
Gibson County – Friday afternoon, September 27, at 12:42 p.m., Fort Branch Police, Indiana State Police and Gibson County Sheriff’s Department responded to Rose’s Tanning located at 207 North
U.S. 41 in Fort Branch to investigate an armed robbery.
Preliminary investigation revealed a white female in her 20’s, entered the store, displayed a handgun, demanded cash and fled the scene after receiving an undisclosed amount of cash. The female was last seen running south from the store. No customers were inside and the clerk was not injured.
Officers are also looking for a Maroon 1992 Lincoln Town Car that may have been involved.
Description of Suspect:
• White Female, 20’s
• Approximately 5’5â€
• Approximately 115 lbs.
• Wearing Black Wig
• Scarf covering her face
• Multi-color sweater
Anyone with information concerning the identity of the suspect or information concerning this armed robbery is encouraged to contact police immediately.
Indiana Department of Correction Officers and Prisoners
Donate Monies to the K-9 “Kilo†Memorial Fund
The Indiana Department of Correction, (IDOC), donated $8,419.00 to the Kilo Memorial Fund. The donation will be used to support the Indiana State Police’s K-9 Section. The funds were raised by both staff and offenders through various prison programs and fundraising events. IDOC Deputy Commissioners, James Basinger and Amanda Copeland, presented Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter with a check on Monday, September 23rd.
Indiana Department of Correction Commissioner, Bruce Lemmon commented, “As partners in public safety, the IDOC jumped at the opportunity to support the Indiana State Police’s K-9 program. Our staff and offenders give back to a lot of important causes throughout the year, and we will always step up to help our fellow law enforcement agencies protect and serve our communities,â€
Indiana State Police K-9, “Kiloâ€, was killed in the line of duty on June 24, 2013 while searching for an armed suspect in Sellersburg, IN. The Indiana State Police Alliance set up a memorial fund in honor of the slain K-9 hero. The funds being raised will be used to support the Indiana State Police K-9 program.
***Media Note***
A photo of the check presentation is attached. Pictured in the photo from left to right are IDOC Deputy Commissioner James Basinger, ISP Superintendent Doug Carter and IDOC Deputy Commissioner Amanda Copeland.
IS IT TRUE that the people who run the Facebook page that was on board to support subsidizing the now all but assured downtown hotel to the tune of $38.5 Million and their brethren in elected positions are a giddy as a teenager on prom night?…in a very real way we all are and even the most staunch opponents of the $38.5 Million handout were for a hotel in that location all along but were not in favor of a subsidy that was so high it would be like paying $10 per gallon for gasoline and being happy to do so?…some have even suggested that places like the CCO and the Facebook page of “citizens against†have finally seen the light and joined them?…they are a bit delusional in their backtracking?…the reality is that we, “against†team, and six practical minded members of the Evansville City Council drug the long time support it at any price group kicking and screaming into a palatable deal?…some may wonder where the $38.5 Million figure came from and the answer is straight from the City Council resolution that was prepared for the September 3rd meeting?…the truth of the matter is the thinking people in the room forced the hand of the emotion driven people in the room and today we have a deal with a $20 Million deal that includes a $7.5 Million subsidy that is the deal of the decade for downtown convention hotels that in other cities that have fallen on hard times after following their emotions on over subsidizing convention hotels?…when all things are considered, the $20 Million deal is exactly what it should have been in the first place to have a sustainable and expandable TIF district in place for the hotel?
IS IT TRUE in February of 2013 Mayor Winnecke was quoted as saying “This project in Downtown would indeed be transformational, not just for Downtown but for the entire region, more than just the Ford Center or the conventional hotel,â€?…he was of course speaking of the IU Medical School that should be the next and only spending initiative under serious consideration for the City of Evansville until this issue is settled?…we must all be cognizant of the fact that Mayor Winnecke is the Mayor of all of Evansville and not just the downtown?…there are at least three other locations within the city that are viable candidates for the IU Medical School?…those are namely the Roberts Stadium field, the State Hospital grounds, and the old North High School?…since this project is according to the Mayor transformative for the whole region focusing all of our efforts just on the downtown would be short sighted?…to lose the IU Medical School to another county because all of our eggs were tossed into one basket would be a tragedy?…once the buzz of euphoria from getting the 9 – 0 vote to proceed with the hotel has dissipated we hope that our elected leaders will put their Tom Terrific thinking caps on and develop a competitive proposal for IU that offers several locations within the City of Evansville?
IS IT TRUE one cannot underestimate the importance of the apartments associated with the downtown hotel as a tax revenue source to make this TIF sustainable?…quite frankly Evansville will need the property taxes from these apartments to service the debt on the parking garage that is a City owned subsidy for the hotel and apartments?…it is estimated that the annual debt service on the parking garage will amount to $375,000 while the apartments if assessed at $20 Million will be paying $400,000 in property taxes (apartments are a 2% tax as opposed to hotels being at 3%)?…those numbers are so conveniently appropriate that one would actually think it had been planned?…Monday night’s resolution should include the apartments in it along with some freedoms for the City to rent out parking spaces at market rate for Ford Center events?…the number of spaces will be rather low compared to the seats in the Centre?…if there are 100 events per year that sell 100 parking spaces at $20 per event that would add $200,000 of revenue to the public coffers?…that would just about pay for the operation of the parking garage?…when all definable and predictable revenue streams into the TIF are accounted for it really does seem like the bonds can be serviced from property taxes, parking fees, and food and beverage taxes from day one?…that is why this is an acceptable deal to move forward with?
IS IT TRUE the CCO wishes all of our readers, especially our new ones courtesy of the Courier a great weekend?…this week we have already had a record day, record week, and by the end of today a record month for internet traffic?…we expect next month to break this month’s records?
 The Evansville Hotel Lodging Association announced today it is pleased with its efforts in communicating with the Evansville City Council regarding the downtown hotel. From the project’s inception, the local hoteliers have repeatedly told the Mayor and City Council they are not against a downtown hotel, but are against the $37.5 Million of public subsidy. The association’s members have been talking to City Councilpersons over the past several weeks providing insight, data and statistics to help them better understand the mistake in such a large commitment of public money.
Despite immense pressure and a massive campaign by downtown hotel supporters, the majority of City Council apparently agreed with the local hoteliers and the result is taxpayer savings of at least $17.5 Million. The local hoteliers are proud of their efforts and the vigilance of City Council members Robinson, Friend, O’Daniel, Brinkerhoff-Riley, Lindsey and Adams, that led to this success.
“We have said time and time again that we are not against a downtown hotel. However, we have always been against such a huge commitment of public funds. We are pleased that City Council’s position and our efforts forced substantial changes to the downtown hotel financing plan and resulted in saving taxpayers millions,†said Laci Maldonado, President of the Evansville Hotel Lodging Association.
Despite the local hoteliers belief that the current project by the City is simply too large and cannot sustain itself, the hoteliers are no longer focusing their efforts on opposing the recently modified hotel plan. Instead, they look forward to working with the City, County and other businesses to showcase Evansville and increase convention demand. “Hoteliers in Evansville look forward to working with the Evansville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau to increase convention business in the City and increase demand for rooms City wide,†said Maldonado.
Below is a list of felony cases that were filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday, September 26, 2013.
Tarandal Dilworth                    Operating a Vehicle as a Habitual Traffic Violator-Class D Felony
Michael Eastwood                      Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury-Class C Felony
Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury-Class A Misdemeanor
Tamara Starks                              Theft-Class D Felony
(Habitual Offender Enhancement)
Elizabeth Key                           Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated-Class C Misdemeanor (Enhanced to D Felony Due to Prior Convictions)
Kaylan Sloan                               Possession of Marijuana-Class A Misdemeanor
(Enhanced to D Felony Due to Prior Convictions)
Possession of Paraphernalia-Class A Misdemeanor
(Enhanced to D Felony Due to Prior Convictions)
Possession of Schedule IV Controlled Substance-Class D Felony
For further information on the cases listed above, or any pending case, please contact Kyle Phernetton at 812.435.5688 or via e-mail at KPhernetton@vanderburghgov.org
Under Indiana law, all criminal defendants are considered to be innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
Victory Theatre is excited to announce that the celebrity guest host for The Price is Right Live! stage show on Saturday, October 26, will be Emmy Award winning television host Todd Newton. Newton is known to audiences for his work on E! Entertainment Television. For over a decade, Todd’s personable interviewing style and amiable personality connected viewers with Hollywood’s elite and provided an All Access Pass to star-studded red carpet events.
The Price Is Right Live! is the hit interactive stage show that gives contestants pulled right from the audience the chance to “Come On Down” to win appliances, vacations and even new cars by playing classic games from television’s longest running and most popular game show. From Plinko to Cliffhangers to the Big Wheel, and even the fabulous Showcase, all the favorite games are played just like the TV show.
Playing to near sold out audiences for nearly nine years, The Price Is Right Live! has given away more than 10 million dollars in cash and prizes and sold more than 1.2 million tickets.
If you enjoy the rush of emotions experienced while watching the show on television, just imagine the possibilities if you were actually in the audience watching it live.
Tickets are on sale now at the Ford Center Ticket Office, Ticketmaster.com, or charge by phone at (800) 745- 3000.* The show is presented in partnership with Kenny Kent Chevrolet.
The Price Is Right is produced by FremantleMedia North America and licensed by FremantleMedia.
*Additional purchase not required for contestant registration. Open to US legal US residents, 18 years or older. Ticket purchase will not increase your chances of being selected to play. For complete rules & regulations, including eligibility requirements, visit or call the venue box office. To enter theater
The University of Southern Indiana cut the ribbon last week on its new state-of-the-art $3.3 million Applied Engineering Center and students began using the start of the fall semester. The Applied Engineering Center, featuring equipment not found elsewhere in North America, is a learning factory for students in USI’s Engineering and Industrial Supervision programs as well as a valuable tool to help support the regional business community.
The 16,226-square foot facility, designed with input from USI’s Industrial Advisory Board, representing a cross section of major manufacturers in Southwest Indiana, incorporates key features such as a 9,000-square foot open high bay with a 10-ton bridge crane and wide utility trenches that allow for increased configuration flexibility.
“Through the Division of Outreach and Engagement, the Applied Engineering Center can be a resource as well as a catalyst for economic development in Southwest Indiana and the Tri-state region,†said Daniela Vidal, director of USI’s Center for Applied Research and Economic Development and former instructor/coordinator of advanced manufacturing and industrial supervision.
With more than $3 million in high-tech manufacturing and engineering equipment, the center has unique features setting it apart from other facilities in the United States and North America. Equipment totaling $2.6 million was funded through three federal grants, while an additional $400,000 came from University matching funds.
One of the center’s showpieces is the MPS Transfer Factory Manufacturing System built by German company Festo, a leading world-wide supplier of automation technology and the performance leader in industrial training and education programs. Located in the center’s automation lab, it features a complete assembly line that can be reconfigured in different layouts to meet a variety of manufacturing needs. “This is the only equipment of its kind outside of Germany,†said Vidal. “The other is located at Osnabruck Technical College, located in Evansville’s sister city in Germany.†Vidal learned about the concept during a visit to Germany in 2010 and worked with Festo to have the equipment custom built for the USI facility.
Other areas of the center include material processing and fabrication, machining, plastics technology, circuit fabrication lab, automation lab, and a precision measuring lab/CAD lab. Key features include the latest technology in additive manufacturing, Wire EDM, a 5-Axis Waterjet, a welding robot, and a coordinate measuring machine.
The Applied Engineering Center will be used to teach students everything from the basics of manufacturing and equipment integration to more advanced industrial engineering concepts and production control. “That’s what makes this facility so special,†said Vidal. “The capabilities are unique to the United States.â€
Added Vidal, “The new facility offers opportunity to partner with local industries that want to experiment with designing different production cells. “The goal is to use local industry to present problems that students can solve, but also use the building and its capabilities to offer training and certificate programs for employees of local companies.â€
USI has already hosted visits from the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane (NSWC Crane), Berry Plastics Group, Kimball International and Flanders – a privately-owned manufacturer of motors, power systems, and automation solutions – to look at ways to collaborate.
In addition, the University has hosted a number of corporate site selectors and economic developers at the facility. “Technical talent is critical to Southwest Indiana’s large advanced manufacturing sector along with the rest of the nation,†said Greg Wathen, President & CEO, Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana. “USI’s Applied Engineering Center will provide the platform for students to learn how to work on real world projects by real employers and begin to minimize the skills gap.â€
In 2012, USI matched curriculum with capabilities through a comprehensive review and update conducted for its Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Supervision program. With the added capabilities now available through the Applied Engineering Center, it will be possible to significantly enhance the curriculum and open the door to new offerings in the future.
“We placed more emphasis on automated equipment, lean manufacturing business management strategy, and other modern manufacturing philosophies,†said Vidal. “According to an ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) representative that reviewed our Engineering Program, there’s not another program in Indiana that teaches students in such a practical and hands-on way. It gives students an understanding of the challenges they’ll face, as well as contact with industrial partners that can later translate into employment.â€
