Only Two Places in the World Duplicate this Festival: Louisville and Washington D. C., City County Observer is Evansville’s Media Representative at Festival

For additional information click on: http://www.abbeyroadontheriver.com/index1.php

Attendance at its Highest in 10 Year History of 5 Day Festival

The Abbey Road on the River festival that features 300 Beatles tribute concerts over a period of 5 days has broken new ground in progressive moves this year banning smoking even in the outdoor venue of Belvedere Park. The sign featured below is not in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, or New York’s Central Park, or even at a street festival in Boulder, CO. This is Louisville, Kentucky on the banks of the Ohio River.

Through a two hour rendition of the “Love” tribute that plays in Las Vegas there was only one person seen trying to sneak a taste of Kentucky’s second largest cash crop. Of course a few more were noticed by the river sneaking a taste of what has become Kentucky’s largest cash crop but that is governed by a different law.

Attendance at the festival which costs $30 per day to attend is at an all time high according to event organizers.

IS IT TRUE that the month of May has been a tough month on the City of Evansville?…that during the month of May that it has become widely known that we have been awarded the distinction of “the most obese city in America”?…that during the month of May we were fingered by the FBI for a 14.1% increase in violent crime?…that to add injury to insult that the Blue Angels through no fault of anyone from Evansville had an unexpected management change that resulted in the cancellation of their much anticipated appearance at the upcoming Shriner’s Fest?…that Evansville during the month of May could easily be called “the city that can’t catch a break”, or even “bad luck city”?

IS IT TRUE that lifestyle, accomplishment, and prosperity is not really about luck or what others can do for you?…that amidst all of this externally driven “bad luck” that some Evansville people and organizations were out there manufacturing their own “good luck”?…that under the leadership of Ann Ennis at Keep Evansville Beautiful that the fund raising effort to refurbish the fountain at Garvin Park was a solid locally driven success?…that this is a prime example of Evansville helping Evansville to be a better place and an accomplishment that benefits us all?…that not a dime of government money was needed to do this?

IS IT TRUE that the primary of 2011 is another place where the people of Evansville started the process of making their own luck?…that the groundwork for electing a balanced and deliberative City Council has been put into place with the victories of candidates for City Council that are not under the thumb of any quasi control group?…that if there was really an infamous “machine” in Evansville politics that it took at punch in the nose during the primary on May 3rd?…that the victorious candidates of both parties are proof that Evansville people can mobilize and make something different happen?

IS IT TRUE that several other self made successes that were not dependent on outside help or validation occurred during “bad luck month” as well?…that the grass at the McCurdy was mowed and that the Director of DMD was on TV talking about how “equal enforcement” of local ordinances is the rule of the day with his department?…that this has not been the perception for some time and that maybe the McCurdy rat, snake, goat, and pigeon tutorial will level the playing field going forward?…that the Audubon Apartments are now open for occupancy after a couple of decades of emptiness?…that this is a great example of Evansville Elevating Evansville?

IS IT TRUE that when Evansville Elevates Evansville it always seems to work out for the best?…that this rule is somewhat universal?…that the cities of America that help themselves always seem to rise to the top and those that stick their paw out for a handout never seen to catch a break?…that this rule works for people, groups of people, and formal organizations of people?…that to truly prosper and elevate the “quality of life” in Evansville that we need to ask ourselves what can we do ourselves to improve this city?

IS IT TRUE that “self improvement” is the theme that should dominate the City of Evansville elections in 2011?…that the candidates that can help or inspire the people of Evansville to help themselves are the ones that should be elected?…that as this campaign progresses that candidates who say that they will get “BIG BROTHER” to come into Evansville from the outside to rescue us from the dilemmas that were “Made in Evansville” should be viewed with skepticism?…that the candidates that present ideas and detail plans to utilize Evansville talent to solve Evansville problems are those that are worthy of support?

IS IT TRUE that our distinction as “America’s fattest city” might make us want liposuction but that what we really need is a nutritious diet and an exercise plan?…that the outside intervention of liposuction is certainly the easy path to instant gratification but that a healthy lifestyle is the only real sustainable answer?…that LIPOSUCTION GOVERNANCE that is dominated by outside money and outside control is no different?…that Evansville needs to reject the temptation to seek the easy short term solutions and support sustainable local governance that creates an atmosphere in which everyday people can flourish?

IS IT TRUE that Mole #133 has informed us that City Councilman John Friend has requested a copy of the “Consultant’s Report” for the Insurance coverage on the Arena?…that he made this request a City Council appointee on the Evansville Redevelopment Commission?…that Arena Project Manager John Kish stated in a public meeting about two weeks ago that this “Consultant’s Report” was now completed?…that Councilman Friend has not yet been given this information?…that he copied the entire Evansville City Council on his request?…that Councilman Friend has thus far been a gentleman about this matter but that if the request is not honored soon that the gloves may come off?…that the option of not providing this requested information to the head of the Finance Committee of the Evansville City Council is not an option at all?

IS IT TRUE that Section 2.05.050(F) of the City of Evansville Municipal Code requires that the Mayor of Evansville shall provide any information regarding City affairs that the legislative body (City Council) requests?…that the Mayor of Evansville must not only provide documentation, but information requested by the City Council concerning City of Evansville’s business?…that it’s time that Mayor of Evansville and the Evansville Redevelopment Commission adhere to documentation requests submitted to the Mayor by 5th Ward City Councilman, John Friend, CPA and 1st Ward City Councilman, Dan McGinn, ESQ?

IS IT TRUE that if Councilman Friend simply requests it that the City County Observer’s business consultant will gladly turn the heat up a bit by writing a Freedom of Information request for him fee gratis (FREE) in the spirit of seeking transparency, honesty, and good public policy?…that it will be a sad day indeed if the City of Evansville government has to be forced to make required disclosures to the Evansville City Council through the Freedom of Information Act?

IS IT TRUE that the discussion regarding the number of members of the County Council in a future consolidation has now started pointing to the number 15?…that the only tangible financial savings that has been identified so far that can be attributed to consolidation has been the elimination of a few elected positions?…that with this increase nearly every dollar of the financial efficiencies that have been identified just vaporized?…that we are trying to remember why this is even being considered in the first place?…that oh yes, we just remembered that it is because the world will see us differently if we draw the lines on the map in different places?…that if one cattle farmer with 100 acres and 117 cows merges with another cattle farmer with 200 acres and 62 cows that to any outside observer it is still just a 300 acre pasture with 179 cows?

IS IT TRUE that it has now been 1,486 days since the announcement was made on May 14, 2007 that the McCurdy Hotel was to be refurbished into luxury apartments?…that it has now been 1,340 days since the Evansville Redevelopment Commission at the request of Mayor Weinzapfel approved the spending of $603,000 to purchase the parking lot?…that City Centre Properties and Scott Kosene the developers of the McCurdy project are both listed as contributors to the Weinzapfel for Mayor committee for 2010?

IS IT TRUE that there are now 523 days remaining in the two years that the EPA had given the City of Evansville to present an acceptable solution to the Combined Sewer Overflow problem?…..that this plan is an expensive and complex endeavor that needs immediate attention to avoid the embarrassment and expense of another round of fines?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Blue Angels C.O. Relieved

Chief of Naval Air Training, Rear Adm. Bill Sizemore, relieved Cmdr. Dave Koss, Commanding Officer of the Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron Friday, May 27, at his request following a lower-than-normal maneuver during the team’s last performance at the Lynchburg Regional Air Show May 22. “With deep personal regret I shared with my command today that I will be voluntarily leaving the greatest flight demonstration team. I performed a maneuver that had an unacceptably low minimum altitude,” said Koss. “This maneuver, combined with other instances of not meeting the airborne standard that makes the Blue Angels the exceptional organization that it is, led to my decision to step down. I have the utmost respect for the Sailors and Marines of the Blue Angels organization and all that they embody. The reason this team is so successful, brings thrills to millions of fans across America, and represents the U.S. Navy so superbly is because of the absolute commitment to safety and perfection by every member of the team. I am honored to have been a part of this organization and I look forward to watching its success in the future.”

Koss will be replaced by Capt. Greg McWherter, who was the previous Blue Angels’ Commanding Officer, for the duration of the season. This move requires the cancellation of the Blue Angels’ scheduled performances at the Rockford Airfest June 4-5 and the Evansville Freedom Festival Air Show June 11-12. The Blue Angels will remain in Pensacola for additional training and air show
demonstration practice. Any potential changes to the team’s future schedule will be announced at a later date.

The Blue Angels regret any inconvenience and look forward to continuing to represent the Navy and Marine Corps service members serving around the world

IS IT TRUE that in the consolidation workshop last night that the subject of term limits was discussed?…that term limits are thought by many to be one of the best ways to keep fresh minds cycling into public service?…that term limits also serve to prevent lifetime elected officials from getting stale or complacent?…that the other side of the argument is that sometimes term limits force the retirement of dedicated high quality elected officials and that the election cycle is the ultimate form of term limits?…that both arguments have merit?

IS IT TRUE that last night the Vanderburgh County Commissioners Abell, Winnecke, and Melcher were unanimous in their support of limiting a future elected County Council to two terms of office?…that these are people who have a unique understanding of the value of serving in different offices as they have all served on multiple governing bodies in their political careers?…that the Evansville City Council was not in such agreement?…that 7 members of the City Council were in attendance but that all seven voted?…that Councilmen McGinn and Adams both agreed with the County Commissioners that two terms is an acceptable limit?…that lame duck councilmen Walker and Watts opposed term limits?…that sitting members of the City Council Robinson, Friend, and Mosby joined in the opposition?…that the most vocal opponent of term limits was incumbent Democratic candidate from the 2nd Ward Missy Mosby?

IS IT TRUE that Councilwoman Connie Robinson is an excellent example of why term limits can have negative consequences?…that term after term that Connie continues to be the most energetic and qualified representative of the 4th Ward?…that term limits would rob the City of Evansville of Councilwoman Robinson’s dedicated service?

IS IT TRUE that on the other side of that coin, public entities across the world without term limits seem to end up populated with self serving or disinterested people who “NEED” the financial benefits of public service?…that term limits prevent City Councils, State Legislators, and National Governing bodies from becoming a dumping ground for people with only name recognition and patronage favors to keep them in office?…that for every one wonderful Connie Robinson there seems to be dozens of Strom Thurmonds who hang onto power until they can’t stay awake through the legislative sessions?…then that the term limit question may be answered by asking “is it worth letting dozens of Strom Thurmonds maintain power for the privilege of keeping one Councilwoman Robinson”?

IS IT TRUE that perhaps there is a better way?…that a competency test administered every election cycle would not only solve the problem of having entrenched career bureaucrats but could also act as a form of “vetting” for cognizant thought capacity too?…that an idiot in office can do just as much damage during a first term and they can in their 10th term?

Memorial Day, Monday 30 May 2011

By Stephen R. Melcher

Shakespeare wrote of the bond between warriors in Henry the Fifth. “We few…we happy few…we band of brothers. For he that shed his blood with me, shall be my brother.”

More than one million American service members have died in wars that our nation has been involved in since the first colonial soldiers took up arms in 1775.

Many of them died protecting one another, but they served so that we could keep the things that we love the most – God, Country and Family. By remaining true to these principles, we honor their sacrifice.

Observances like this are happening in communities across America, but there can never be too many of them.

The first Memorial Day was not called Memorial Day. It is believed to have been celebrated with a parade of freed slaves and Union soldiers marching through Charleston, South Carolina in 1865.

Waterloo, New York, is considered the official birthplace of Memorial Day because after it was observed there on May 5, 1866, General John Murray and General John A. Logan called on all communities to honor the war dead every year.

Logan had been impressed with how the South had honored the fallen Confederate soldiers for years. In1868, Logan, the head of the prominent veterans group, the Grand Army of the Republic, issued a proclamation that “Decoration Day,” should be observed nationwide. The date was May 30th – specifically because it was not on the anniversary of a major battle.

Still, many communities did not observe “Decoration Day” because of lingering resentments from the Civil War.

The alternative name, “Memorial Day,” wasn’t commonly used until after World War II. Federal law recognized the holiday as “Memorial Day” in 1967. As the unofficial beginning of summer, we must never lose focus of what Memorial Day means. It’s not about beaches, picnics or auto races. It is a day to remember.

Remembering our fallen once a year is not enough. The widows, widowers, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and children remember EVERYDAY.

Whether one fought in World War II, Korea, the jungles of Vietnam, the Middle East or elsewhere, the stories of American heroism and sacrifice continue to resonate.

All Americans need to pause to reflect on, remember and give thanks to our many heroes. We owe them no less.

God bless our veterans, our fallen and God Bless America.

Memorial Day Program 2011

COUNCIL OF VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS
MEMORIAL DAY COMMITTEE 2011

COMMANDER OF VETERANS ORGANIZATION
Stephen Melcher……………………………………………………Commander

ADJUTANT VETERANS COUNCIL
Jim Kothe……………………………………………………………Secretary

QUARTERMASTER VETERANS COUNCIL
Paul DuPont…………………………………………………………Treasurer

MEMBER VETERANS COUNCIL
Vincent (Joe) Misuraca………………………………………………Program Chairman

The following was appointed to act as Producer of the Spanish American War Veterans Camp Ground Ceremony.

William Mitchell, Retired Veterans Memorial Club ……………… Commander

ALEXANDER MEMORIAL PARK CEMETERY
Monday, May 30, 2011 – 9:00 a.m.
VFW 1114

CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
14340 Old State Road, Evansville, IN 47725
(812) 867-3920
Sunday, May 29, 2011 – 10:40 AM

SALEM CEMETERY
CAMP GROUND ROAD
Sunday, May 29, 2011 – 2:00 PM
Retired Veterans Memorial Club

McCUTCHANVILLE CEMETERY
Sunday, May 29, 2011 – 11:45 AM
McCutchanville Community Church

OAK HILL CEMETERY
Monday, May 30, 2011 – 11:00 AM
Funkhouser Post No. 8 The American Legion

LYLES CEMETERY
RED BANK AND NURRENBERN ROAD
Monday, May 30, 2011 – 10:00 AM
Otis Stone American Legion Post #354

PARK LAWN CEMETERY
Monday, May 30, 2011 – 10:30 AM
American Legion Eugene Pate Post #265

TUPMAN CEMETERY
Monday, May 30, 2011 – 1:00 PM
Amvets Post #84

LOCUST HILL CEMETERY
Monday, May 30, 2011 – 10::00 AM

JAMES GRESHAM CHAPTER No. 7
DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS

EVERETTE BURDETTE POST #187
AMERICAN LEGION

MEMORIAL DAY AGENDA
Sunday, May 29, 2011
ZION CHURCH SERVICES

Member Service…………………………………………….Zion Cemetery
Member Service…………………………………………… Barnett Cemetery
Member Service……………………………………………North View Cemetery
Member Service…………………………………………….Nobles Chapel Cemetery
Member Service……………………………………………Susott Cemetery
Member Service…………………………………..At Lot on 1st & Main to Honor All

AMERICAN LEGION POST 351
Elberfeld, Indiana 47613
Monday, May 30, 2011

Posey County V.F.W. Post No. 6575 & Auxiliary
Monday, May 30, 2011 at the following Cemeteries:
St. Joseph Cemetery (Vanderburgh County) 8:15 AM
St. Wendel Cemetery 9:00 AM
Liberty Cemetery in Cynthiana 10:15 AM
Veterans Memorial in Poseyville 11:00 AM
Laurel Hill Cemetery in Wadesville 11:45 AM

SUNSET MEMORIAL GARDENS CEMETERY
Monday, May 30, 2011 – 10:00 AM
VFW Post 2953

BLUE GRASS CEMETERY
Cemetery Road
Sunday, May 29, 2011 – 10:00 AM at the Cemetery

(As per General Logan’s General Order #11, a red carnation has been placed on each Veteran’s grave at Blue Grass Cemetery).

******************************************

Veterans Memorial Coliseum fundraising events

The Veterans Council of Vanderburgh County, Inc. is embarking on a fund raising campaign for a new 35’ flag pole, solar lighting, and landscaping. After researching the costs, we have set a budget of $5000 to complete this project. The flagpole will be placed in front of the Coliseum on the southwest corner of the building.

We are seeking sponsors and any donations we can get. Those businesses, organizations and individuals who become a sponsor will be recognized on a plaque of marble stone as part of the landscaping around the flagpole. All donations will be recognized and appreciated. Donations are tax deductible.

Sponsorships
Gold Sponsors $1000 — Silver Sponsors $500 — Bronze Sponsor $250

Please make checks payable to the Veterans Council and mailed to:
PO Box 3764, Evansville IN, 47708.

Mark your calendars every Friday night: The Veterans Memorial Coliseum will host a Bingo, the doors open at 4:00pm games start at 6:00pm.

Stephen R Melcher
Commander Vanderburgh County Veterans Council
US Army Veteran
Sgt First Class E-7
gan to

It took a beating to a person who attempted to use an emergency call box to get the City of Indianapolis to pay attention to the randomly functioning system in their downtown. In the space of the last week the City of Evansville has had the emergency kiosks on the greenway trail exposed for not working. Is this the emergency call to the city that is needed or will this unacceptable situation continue?

We would like to pose the following question. What is the financial liability associated with knowingly leaving non working emergency kiosks in place if someone tries to report a violent crime and there is no answer? If this problem is not addressed the City of Evansville is likely to find out in the near future.

Link to the Indianapolis story.

http://www.wthr.com/story/13517160/city-expected-to-replace-broken-emergency-call-boxes

IS IT TRUE that News 25 has done a piece of good investigative journalism that deserves congratulations?…that in the aftermath of the alleged sexual assault on the greenway this week in the Garvin Park area that News 25 tested the emergency kiosks that are located on the greenway trail that is used by joggers, walkers, and bicyclists?…that some of these kiosks are not working and when the emergency button is pushed that there is no response?…that there is no notice on the non-working kiosks to indicate that they are broken?…that if a woman or a child was eluding an attacker and sought police protection at these kiosks that it is a throw of the dice as to whether the kiosk nearest was working or not?…that on the 6 pm news last night that Evansville Director of Parks and Recreation Dan Schall was filmed making a statement that he was aware that some of these kiosks are not working?…that Mr. Schall made a statement that emergency kiosks are something that may not be needed since people have cell phones?…that this is one of the most astonishingly uninformed statements of rationalization that a public official has ever dared to utter?…that if your sister, your daughter, or your wife went jogging on the much celebrated Evansville greenway that it is ASSUMED that the emergency kiosks are in working order?…that to have no kiosks is risky but acceptable?…that to have working kiosks is the best situation?…that having non-functioning decoy kiosks is absolutely not acceptable?…that having non-working kiosks is the same as having a non-working 911 emergency response center?…that non-working emergency kiosks trick the public into feeling secure when they are not secure at all?…that if there were no emergency kiosks that maybe young women would choose to exercise elsewhere, carry pepper spray, or be certain to have a cell phone at all times?…that the people of Evansville pay for and deserve better than this?

IS IT TRUE that to rationalize about the inevitable obsolescence of having a non-functioning emergency network is simply not sound logic from a senior government official?…that such an attitude and such poor judgement is not acceptable from a public servant?…that Mr. Dan Schall is a well paid department head for the City of Evansville?…that this is the same individual that presides over the park where a child was stuck by a discarded drug addict’s needle?…that the parent of this child attempted for months to get the attention of the City of Evansville Parks Department and was continually dismissed and delayed?…that only when Dr. Neil Troost stood before the Evansville City Council and told local media the story of the needle in the sandbox did even so much as acknowledgement of the problem come forth?…that the time has come for the person who presided over the needle in the sandbox and knowingly left non-working emergency kiosks on public jogging paths to either justify this performance or step aside?…that a dismissive tone and disregard for public safety has no place in the Office of the Director of Parks and Recreation in any American city?…that Mr. Schall should do something for the people of Evansville who pay his salary and present a solution to these problems, a reason for these situations, or step aside?…that there is no place for this kind of attitude in public service?

IS IT TRUE that any and all officers of the City of Evansville whether elected, appointed, or hired who were aware that these emergency kiosks were not working and kept their silence about this need to go too?…that any and all members of the board of directors of the Evansville Parks and Recreation Department that had knowledge that these emergency kiosks were not functional and perpetuated the situation with their silence should step aside too?…that to compromise public safety with what are essentially decoy devices is a bigger disservice to the public that to have never had emergency kiosks in the first place?…that this is the equivalent of willfully preventing the police department from receiving vital information needed to do their job?….that in a week where Evansville was fingered by the FBI for having a 14.1% increase in violent crime that we also have learned that the emergency kiosks on our greenway are not working and have not been working for some time?…that the Director of Parks and Recreation knew it and said nothing?…that this is not an acceptable way for any city to operate?

IS IT TRUE that if this is not our moment of hitting bottom with respect to maintenance of our infrastructure then we all should shutter at where the bottom will be?…that we have truly become a city where the sewers do not work, the emergency kiosks on public trails have failed, that is spending $128 Million on entertainment?…that this looks more like a scene from “Deliverance” than from a mid sized Midwestern city?

Take That: May 27, 2011

In Response to: McCurdy Hotel Weed Problems

“Thanks to the CCO for staying on this story and not letting the City of Evansville off the hook. Make no mistake, without the CCO the city would not be mowing this grass, nor would they be holding the Mayor’s big donor accountable. You guys have done more to make Evansville a better place than all of the politicians have for years. Please keep it up.” The Donald

“After these excellent articles highlighting the McCurdy money pit decay snafu, don’t expect the CCO to be invited to the regime’s farewell party.” Joe Biden

“Kudos to CCO for spearheading this, it would seem someone downtown is reading the CCO daily, taking notes, and reporting to their handlers what is being said, for this problem to go on for so long and just now get some attention speaks volumes….but then again maybe someone from the shrine made a phone call and got-it-done….either way I’m sure the past yard tenants just moved over to the River House.” Blanger

“As a “WATCHDOG” CCO does not “STAY ON THE PORCH!” “Get’em!” Bubbageek

“with all that grass and an abandoned building, I’d imagine there is a rat problem in the works if one does not already exist. And I’m not referring to the owners shady dealings with Mr Weinzapel and his administration, although if the shoe fits……. Henry

“hopefully the dmd code enforcement will step up to the plate and do their job ,i drove by the old mccurdy a little while ago and yes it does look seedy ,did my duty as a taxpaying citizen and called it in to the dmd ,together we can all make evansville a beautiful city again as long as ALL do their job” evilletaxpayer

In Response to: Rusty Guardrails Make an Ugly Gateway

“Let me see if I have this right? You want to be on the City Council and do not know where the city limits are and you are silly enough to think that consolidation will magically get guardrails painted. The only feasible response to that is “you must be kidding”. Come on man, if the city and county need consolidation to paint a guardrail there is nothing worth consolidating.” Free Bird to Conor O’Daniel

“Hint: The centerline of the levee is the city limits. Everything inside the levee is city, plus the Harbor’s Edge subdivision, and everything outside the levee is county.” Soon2B to Conor O’Daniel

“Is it in the city or the county? The limits are right there. If it is county property then don’t they have the responsibility. Yet another reason consolidation makes sense.” Conor O’Daniel

““PARABLE OF THE STINKING TOILET”
Picture this:
You are invited into someone’s home. It has “curb appeal.”
As you tour the house new furnishings and fixtures are apparent, but as you near the bathroom, the unmistakable stench of human waste burns your eyes and nose.
You try to ignore it and not show your disgust but as you peer into the bathroom bowl, you spot excrement floating in stagnant urine.
The toilet appears to have been used for weeks without flushing. You (at this point) can’t help yourself, and blurt out, “what the hell is going on here?”
The host calmly explains, “well, we spend our time and money on more important things. Won’t you stay for supper, perhaps stay the night?
We have a brand new ‘big screen TV’”
_____
What would be your reply?
_____
This disturbing parable parallels the mayor’s strategy for attracting visitors to Evansville. Currently, stories of city streets caving into the sewers abound.
One thing is certain:
The citizenry has paid their taxes and Evansville’s toilet is full. Bubbageek