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IT’S TIME TO CONDUCT A “FORENSIC AUDIT” OF THE FORD CENTER

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 CCO EDITORIAL: IT’S TIME TO CONDUCT A “FORENSIC AUDIT” OF THE FORD CENTER

FEBRUARY 14, 2024

Following six years of mystifying, extravagant impact claims, and efforts to influence the public without a vote, Evansville opened the Ford Center in November of 2011 with a concert by Tri-State favorite Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band. The first concert was a sellout and the facility proved itself to have good acoustics and comfortable seats. The then City Council members filed in smiling and waving to the crowd while occupying the first-row seats at the long-awaited concert.

The Ford Center construction was managed by John Kish, who should have gotten a standing ovation for bringing the project to fruition on time and within the original budget of $128.5 million. Most projects of this type go over budget by tens of millions of dollars and Kish will be forever remembered for being an impeccable steward of the Evansville taxpayer’s money.  We also give five cheers for the outstanding job that members of our local trades did building the Ford Center.

With minor opposition from Evansville movers and shakers, the City of Evansville and its surrogates decided to move forward with construction without having a public vote. One former citizen who didn’t support a stadium launched a campaign called “Sewers Before Stadium” to try to force a prioritization of projected billion-dollar-plus Water and Sewer improvements mandated by the EPA to no avail. The Ford Center is now completed, and has become an anchor of Downtown development and some positive progress has been made with the all-important projected billion-dollar-plus Water and Sewer project that Evansville has needed for many decades.

Years ago, the City of Evansville commissioned a consulting firm called Chema to do a financial projection for the Ford Center and they concluded that it would pay for itself from day one and start to earn profits in year three. These projections never have been achieved.  Quite the opposite, the Ford Center has reportedly lost the City of Evansville millions of dollars in cash flow since it was opened. In fact, over the years other city departments’ budgets have suffered due to the unprojected recurring annual financial shortfalls at the Ford Center.

In defense of former Mayor Winnecke from day one his administration inherited the 6-million-dollar annual interest payment associated with a $128.5 million arena construction bond debt. Coupled with the annual 6-million-dollar arena bond payment his administration was also forced to figure out a profitable marketing plan to generate enough income to pay the bills. After attempting to do so for the last 12 years it turned out to be an impossible task.

The early years of athletics and entertainment created the illusion of financial success with dollars flowing to the Ford Center from rents north of $9,000 to $10,000 per game rental charge and income from concession sales from the University of Evansville Aces men’s and a lot less for women’s basketball teams, and the Evansville Icemen hockey team, plus a healthy dose of income from Country and Rock concerts.

After only a few years, the Evansville Icemen decided to leave the Ford Center after a contractual disagreement with the city for the greener grass of Jacksonville, Florida where they reportedly found phenomenal success. The Lady Aces unfortunately never had the kind of crowds to pay the kind of rent that the Ford Center required and left for the friendly environment of Carson Center on the University of Evansville campus. The UE men’s basketball team struggled with attendance and with winning as the Purple Aces fans had become accustomed to at Robert’s Stadium where they won 5 NCAA championships and routinely drew crowds of over 10,000 per game. The Evansville Thunderbolts that were brought in to replace the Evansville Icemen have also been disappointing in attendance because of their up-and-down seasons over the years.

The largest crowds ever at Ford Center are the two trips to the Tri-State by former President Donald Trump during his campaigns that drew over-capacity crowds that spilled into the street. It is not publicized as to whether the Trump campaign paid a fee or not.  Also, over the years several rock and county concerts drew large crowds, which helped pay some of the operating costs at the Ford Center.

The Ford Center, as nice as it may be, has seemingly never been anything but a financial drain on the people of Evansville. The most recent example is the approval of Evansville City Council Financial ordinance G-2023-17 that grants the City of Evansville Redevelopment Authority (not to be confused with the Commission of the same name) the approval of a 9 million dollars in “LEASE /RENTAL REVENUE BONDS by a 6-2 vote.  Missy Mosby and Ron Beane voted against the proposal with Jonathan Weaver absent and didn’t vote. Voting yes for the proposal were: Ben Trockman, Alex Burton, Zac Heronemus, Jim Brinkmeyer, Koehler Lindsey, and Kaitlin Moore). The City Council members voted Yes to approve the “LEASE /RENTAL REVENUE BONDS to do major capital updates to the Ford Center knowing that the current Ford Center annual income cannot support an additional 9 million dollar bond debt payment.

The collateral for the 9-million-dollar projected costs to update the FORD CENTER interior and exterior signage and concession areas was questionable from the very beginning.  City Council approved the leasing and renaming rights of 29 streets throughout Evansville by using an obscure provision in a law known as “LEASE/RENTAL REVENUE” bonds.  It’s important to point out that members of the Evansville City Council unwisely approved this transaction with little discussion and without asking for a detailed breakdown of the costs of the capital improvements at the Ford Center, the interest rate of the bonds, or the term of repayment of these bonds. These terms and conditions were not disclosed in the loan document given to City Council members at the time they voted.  We wonder how many leasing and renaming rights of the 29 streets throughout Evansville that the City of Evansville Redevelopment Authority has sold and for what amount since the City Council approved the issuance of the bonds.

It is time for transparency to be demanded on behalf of Evansville taxpayers concerning the Ford Center’s financial operations. The Evansville taxpayers, (not the politicians) who pay the tab at the Ford Center deserve to know how the cash flows from one government entity to another in the game of Multiple Card Monte played in Evansville to generate a reasonable profit at the Ford Center.

We urge Mayor Terry to do the right thing by encouraging our newly elected City Council members to join her call to conduct a Forensic Audit by an out-of-state private auditing firm of the Ford Center.  We would like to stress that we feel that a Forensic Audit would be appropriate due diligence on behalf of the taxpayers of Evansville that will help our current elected officials address any questionable financial or management issues of the past to forge a new direction for making the Ford Center more financially sustainable.

FOOTNOTE: Attached below is a link to the 2021 contract between the EVANSVILLE REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AND VENUE WORKS which manages the FORD CENTER on behalf of the City of Evansville. Finally, we find this legal agreement extremely detailed and bureaucratic. 

Ford Center Renewal Contract July 2021

 

 

“PAYING THE WORLD” BILLS AND IGNORING OUR OWN” – SENATOR BRAUN’S STATEMENT ON $95 BILLION FOREIGN AID PACKAGE VOTE

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WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Braun released the following statement on a $95 billion foreign aid package – over $70 billion of which will go to foreign countries – that passed the Senate early this morning in a 5:13AM vote. Senator Braun previously supported an Israel aid bill passed by the House of Representatives that was paid for with cuts to the $80 billion President Biden spent to double the size of the IRS.

“In the middle of the night, the Senate voted to give away $70 billion of borrowed money to foreign nations – not one dollar of it a loan, paid for, or offset with cuts. By paying the world’s bills and ignoring our own $34 trillion debt, we are neglecting our duty to our kids and grandkids.” – SENATOR MIKE BRAUN

Laugh Your Heart Out this Valentine’s Day Weekend with My Funny Valentine Comedy Show

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Jasper, IN – February 13, 2024 – Jasper Community Arts presents an evening of laughter and love with “My Funny Valentine,” a night of stand-up comedy featuring the hilarious Amy Barnes and the witty Pat Hazell. This comedic extravaganza will take place at the historic Astra Theatre on Saturday, February 17, at 7:30 pm.

“My Funny Valentine” promises to be an unforgettable night filled with side-splitting humor and heartfelt moments, perfect for couples, friends, and anyone looking to share some laughs this Valentine’s Day weekend.

Amy Barnes, known for her sharp wit and relatable humor, has been captivating audiences with her comedic talents for years. With her unique perspective on everyday life and relationships, Barnes is sure to leave the audience in stitches. A quick witted stand-up comic with an amazing voice will leave you feeling like you reconnected with an old friend.

Joining her is the incomparable Pat Hazell, whose clever observations and quick wit have made him a favorite on the comedy circuit. Hazell’s ability to find humor in the ordinary and turn it into comedy gold is a testament to his talent as a comedian. Showtime declared Pat Hazell one of the five funniest people in America. His 30 years of experience as a writer, producer and director have made him a go-to-guy for new American theater. Pat is one of the original writers for NBC’s Seinfeld, a veteran of The Tonight Show, a critically acclaimed playwright and a contributing commentator to National Public Radio.

“We are thrilled to present ‘My Funny Valentine’ as part of our ongoing commitment to bring quality entertainment to the Jasper community,” said the organizers from Jasper Community Arts. “This promises to be a night of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories.”

Tickets for “My Funny Valentine” are available now and can be purchased online at Jasper Community Arts’ website (www.jasperarts.org/tickets). Don’t miss your chance to experience this hilarious night of comedy with Amy Barnes and Pat Hazell.

Event Details:

What: My Funny Valentine – A Night of Stand-up Comedy

Featuring: Amy Barnes and Pat Hazell

Where: Astra Theatre, Jasper, IN

When: Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 7:30 pm

Jasper Community Arts is a department of the City of Jasper. Additional support is provided by, Friends of the Arts, Inc., Dubois County Tourism, the Indiana Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts with special thanks to the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana.

University of Evansville Theatre Presents “A BRIGHT NEW BOISE”

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EVANSVILLE, IND. (02/13/2024) The University of Evansville Theatre commences its Spring 2024 season with Samuel D. Hunter’s A BRIGHT NEW BOISE. This production opens at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 15, in the May Studio Theatre. Additional performances are at 7:30 p.m., on Feb. 16, 17, and at 2:00 p.m. on Feb. 17 and 18. Winner of the 2011 Obie Award for Best Playwriting, this tragi-comedic play explores the intricacies of faith and the power of forgiveness. Set in the dismal break room of a Hobby Lobby, these low-wage earners struggle with both mundane daily routines and larger questions posed by the havoc that can be wreaked by blind faith. No respite from a scintillating scrapbook section can be found here though, as group politics dissolve into utter pandemonium!

A BRIGHT NEW BOISE is directed by Bradley Baumhover, a senior theatre management major, from Joplin, Mo. Maya Barry, a junior stage management major from Marietta, Ga., serves as the scenic designer; Kylee Hassell, a senior design and technology major from Portland, Tenn., is the costume designer; Jamey Pearson, a senior design and technology major from Moody, Texas, is the lighting designer; Bailey Piontkowski, a first-year design and technology major from Fort Worth, Texas, serves as the sound designer; Claire Londenberg, a first-year theatre management major from Sabine Pass, Texas, serves as video designer; Marguerite Winzinger, a first-year directing and dramaturgy major from Bordentown, N.J., is the dramaturg; Katie Lawhorn, a junior stage management major from Louisville, Ky., is the stage manager, and Visiting Assistant Professor Scott Carpenter ’05 serves as the technical director.

The cast features Kurt Sparks, a first-year performance major from Millville, N.J., as Will; Daphne Wheeler, a first-year performance major from Star, Idaho, as Anna; Guldana Karman, a first-year performance major from Katy, Texas, as Pauline; Matthew Manders, a first-year performance major from Houston, Texas, as Alex, and Adam Techmanski, a junior performance major from Richmond, Texas, as Leroy.

Seating is limited, and general admission tickets are $12. UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at noon on the day of the performance they wish to attend. Single tickets may be purchased online at theatre.evansville.edu or by calling the ticket office at 812.488.2031.

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.

 

Breaking News: Former Libertarian Mayoral Candidate Michael Daugherty Mayoral Candidate Files For Republican Precinct Committeeman

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Former Libertarian Mayoral Candidate Michael Daugherty Files For Republican Precinct Committeeman

FEBRUARY 14, 2024

On February 8, 2024, former Libertarian candidate for Mayor of Evansville Michael Daugherty filed for Republican Precinct Committeeman and State Delegate.

During his filing, Mr Daugherty said “As we look at today’s local Republican party, it may be time for someone to come in and shake it up. The failure of the Vanderburgh Republican Party Chairman to defeat Democrats in any of the contested City Council races and the Mayor’s race all point toward needed change within the local Vanderburgh County Republican party starting with Republican Party Chairman Mike Duckworth’s position”.

Daugherty also stated that “It’s time for members of the Vanderburgh County Party to replace some of the self-serving “RINOS” that is currently controlling the local GOP with true conservative Republicans to lead our “GRAND OLD PARTY” in a new direction”.

Footnote;  The CitY-County Observer posted this article without opinion, bias, or editing.

Attorney General Todd Rokita asks NBA All-Star fans to watch for signs of human-trafficking

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Attorney General Todd Rokita welcomes sports fans visiting the Circle City this week for the NBA All-Star games and asks them to be on alert for signs of human trafficking. This week, over 100,000 sports fans are expected to visit Indianapolis for the 2024 NBA All-star games. Unfortunately, large events with out-of-town spectators are known to create an increased risk of human trafficking. 

 “All-Star weekend is meant to be fun and safe,” Attorney General Rokita said. “But a large sporting event is a trafficker’s ultimate marketplace for this modern form of slavery. Please be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement.” 

 People in certain job roles — such as medical professionals, restaurant workers, hotel staff and truck drivers — are particularly likely to come into contact with trafficking victims. 

 Human trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar criminal enterprise. It occurs anytime someone uses force, fraud or coercion to make another individual provide labor, services or commercial sex acts. If the person performing commercial sex acts is under 18, the crime of human trafficking still occurs, even without the elements of force, fraud or coercion. 

 According to the U.S. State Department, signs that someone might be a victim of trafficking include observations that someone: 

  • lives with their employer.
  • lives with multiple people in a cramped space.
  • otherwise experiences poor living conditions.
  • is prohibited from speaking alone to strangers.
  • gives answers that appear to be scripted and rehearsed.
  • has an employer holding their identity documents.
  • shows signs of physical abuse.
  • is submissive or fearful.
  • is unpaid or paid very little.
  • is under 18 and working in the commercial sex industry.

 If you have suspicions that someone is being trafficked, you should immediately call local law enforcement. You may also call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. 

 In America, the scourge of human trafficking is propagated in significant part by criminal cartels operating out of Mexico. 

 “Human trafficking might not seem like a threat to everyday Hoosiers, but with the constant threat taking place at our border, it should be on our minds constantly,” Attorney General Rokita said. 

In addition to multiple lawsuits on this border issue, Attorney General Rokita and his team are engaged in other efforts to combat human trafficking. 

The Office of the Attorney General operates the Address Confidentiality Program, which helps protect victims of certain crimes — including those who have been trafficked — by concealing their residential address from the public and thereby their victimizers.

 

Happy Valentine’s Day to Everyone

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On this special day, I wish for our hearts to be filled with the warmth of cherished memories and the promise of a future filled with love

Hundreds of high school students showcase their skills at Vincennes University Trailblazer Speech Tournament

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VINCENNES, Ind., February 13, 2024 – Vincennes University was alive with the energy of passionate young speakers showcasing their oratory skills and eloquence in a series of engaging competition rounds at the Vincennes University Trailblazer Speech Tournament.

 

The Vincennes Campus was buzzing on Saturday, Feb. 10, with the excitement of 200 students representing 13 high schools in a tournament designed to provide an exceptional competition experience. It served as a platform for students to sharpen their communication skills and build connections with peers who share their enthusiasm for public speaking.

 

According to Indiana Schools Speech and Debate Association Section 7 Chair and Evansville Memorial High School Speech Team Coach Tony Fehrenbacher, “Competitive high school speech and debate in Southern Indiana is growing rapidly. In fact, our section experienced the largest growth rate in Indiana in 2022-2023. So, Section 7 did not hesitate to jump at the opportunity that Vincennes University presented us – a chance to showcase our talented speakers to the rest of Indiana in our own backyard.”

 

The Trailblazer Speech Tournament mainly included high school speech teams from Section 7, which consists of programs from Monroe, Dubois, Warrick, Vanderburgh, and Posey counties. Additionally, the tournament drew teams from sections around the Indianapolis and Fishers areas.

The Signature School, Fishers, Evansville Memorial High School, Ben Davis Speech, and Evansville Mater Dei High School made up the team sweepstakes top five.

 

Fehrenbacher said, “Vincennes University spared no expense or effort in rolling out the proverbial red carpet for high school speakers across Indiana. Our students experienced first-hand what it is like to compete on a beautiful college campus in front of experienced judges, including college professors. Where else could they get that kind of an opportunity? The tournament was such a smashing success that coaches from teams outside of Section 7 – teams that traveled multiple hours away from Vincennes – have promised to return and have already begun encouraging teams in their section to make the trip to Vincennes University for the 2024-2025 season. Now that the word is out, Vincennes University should be prepared to expect to see a sharp increase in the number of high school speakers on campus next year! We simply cannot thank Vincennes University enough for this amazing experience.”

 

The College of Social Science, Performing Arts, and Communication’s successful hosting of the inaugural speech tournament signals a fresh dedication to promoting communication proficiency in youths.

 

“VU takes great pride in fostering an environment where young minds can thrive,” VU Associate Professor of Communication Ann Hefner said. “The tournament’s success underscores VU’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders.”

 

Communication education benefits students in all areas of their lives. The experience of preparing speeches, articulating their ideas effectively, engaging with diverse audiences, and receiving constructive feedback helps students develop crucial communication competencies that will serve them well in their future careers.

 

VU offers degrees in Broadcasting, Public Relations, Journalism, and Communication Studies, all of which emphasize the importance of substantial speaking skills. These programs prepare students for careers where effective communication is essential, whether they are delivering news broadcasts, managing public relations, or analyzing communication strategies. Hosting a speech tournament provides an invaluable opportunity for students to practice and improve their speaking abilities in a competitive yet supportive environment.

 

Amidst the eloquent speeches, the VU Communication faculty played pivotal roles in ensuring the smooth execution of the tournament. As judges, they leveraged their expert knowledge as contestants navigated through rounds of intense competition. The VU faculty judges have advanced degrees in communication, and they’ve taught public speaking at the college level for many years. Additionally, they have acted as judges for other speech and speech-related competitions.

 

According to VU College of Social Science, Performing Arts, and Communication Dean Dr. Cynthia Ragle, “The VU Trailblazer Speech Tournament showcased the talent and dedication of young individuals from across Indiana as they delivered dynamic speeches on diverse topics. VU is thrilled to have hosted a vibrant speech tournament, and we wish all the participants the very best in their future endeavors. We are confident in their ability to apply the communication honed during the competition to achieve success in their academic and professional pursuits.”

USI starts marathon road swing Screaming Eagles on the road for the next four​​​​​​​

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball starts a marathon road trip through the Ohio Valley Conference, beginning with visits to the University of Tennessee at Martin Thursday and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Saturday. Tip off Thursday in Martin, Tennessee, is set of 8 p.m., while tipoff in Little Rock, Arkansas Saturday is scheduled for 3 p.m.
 
Fans can track your Eagles all season by visiting the schedule on USIScreamingEagles.com for links to follow all of the action on the ESPN+, ESPN 97.7FM (http://listentotheref.com), and 95.7FM The Spin (http://957thespin.com/).
 
USI (7-18, 4-8 OVC) hits the road after splitting the Homecoming homestand last week. The Eagles stumbled in the opening game, 81-71, to Eastern Illinois University, but bounce back to win on Homecoming, 84-67, over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. USI sophomore guard/forward AJ Smith (Edwardsville, Illinois) led the Eagles with 17.0 points and 11.5 rebounds in the two home games last week, shooting 50 percent from the field (10-20).
 
Sophomore guard Jack Campion (Milton, Wisconsin), who posted a career-high 20-point game versus EIU, followed with 16.5 points per contest with junior forward Jack Mielke (Downers Grove, Illinois) and junior guard Jeremiah Hernandez (Chicago, Illinois) completing the double-figure scoring with 12.5 points and 10.5 points per contest, respectively.
 
For the season, Hernandez leads USI with 16.6 points per game this season, 20.5 points per contest in the OVC. Smith follows Hernandez with 13.0 points and a team-best 9.1 rebounds per outing, while posting a team-high 11 double-doubles.
 
USI has six games remaining in the 2023-24 regular season, five in February and one in March. The Eagles, currently eighth in the OVC, are on the road for four and at home for two as they fight for a spot in the league’s post-season tournament at the Ford Center March 6-9.
 
Following the trips to UTM and Little Rock, USI completes the road swing with a trip to Morehead State University February 20 and Western Illinois University February 25. The Eagles complete the 2023-24 regular season with visits to Screaming Eagles Arena by Lindenwood University February 29 and Southeast Missouri State University March 1.
 
The Skyhawks of UTM (15-10, 8-4 OVC) rose into a three-way tie for second in the OVC after posting a 62-59 win at Western Illinois University Saturday. UTM has won five of its last six games following the match up with WIU and splitting last week.
 
USI and UTM split last season with both teams winning on their respective home court. USI took the first meeting in 2022-23, 80-66, at Screaming Eagles Arena, but UTM got the second round in overtime, 86-83, in Martin, Tennessee. 
 
The Trojans of Little Rock (14-11, 8-4 in the OVC) won its only game last week, defeating WIU, 63-60. Little Rock, which hosts Morehead State University Thursday, enters this week’s action on a three-game winning streak and has won six of the last seven. The six of the last seven stretch started with USI on January 18.
 
USI lost the opening game of the 2023-24 series with Little Rock in close 77-75 decision that came down to the final seconds. Hernandez led the Eagles in the loss with 28 points, while Mielke and junior guard/forward Javius Moore (McComb, Mississippi) followed with 17 points and 15 points, respectively. 
 

Rare Opportunity to View Ancient Relic: The UE Mace Pop-Up Exhibit

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EVANSVILLE, IND. (02/13/2024) The University of Evansville Department of Archaeology, in collaboration with UE Public Safety, invites you to a limited-time pop-up exhibit showcasing the historic UE mace. This unique event offers a rare opportunity for the public to view the intricacies of this ancient relic up close for a half hour only.

The griffins adorning the summit of the mace hold a captivating backstory – crafted based on an ivory inlay excavated by a UE student at the renowned Murlo site in the 1990s. Originally part of a decorative piece, possibly a box or furniture, the inlay traces its origins to the ruins of an Etruscan palace dating back to approximately 600 BCE. The site, tragically consumed by an accidental fire, holds invaluable insights into ancient civilization.

Details of the exhibit are as follows:

Date: Tuesday, February 20

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location: The Archaeology Lab in Hyde Hall 22 located on the University of Evansville campus.

 

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