It is with a heavy heart that we share this message with everyone who has followed the City-County Observer for more than two decades. As of February 1, 2026, there will be no further publications of the City-County Observer.

With Ron’s passing, continuing his legacy has been incredibly difficult. This paper was truly his passion, and it meant a great deal to him to keep the community informed.

We are deeply grateful to all who supported and read the paper over the years, especially those who enjoyed “Is It True?” and the many articles that sparked conversation and kept readers engaged.

As we close this chapter, we do so with a salute to Ron and the work he dedicated so much of his life to.

CenterPoint Energy asks customers to conserve energy and reduce electricity use 
 

Evansville, Ind. – Jan. 24, 2026 – The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), CenterPoint Energy’s Indiana electric grid operator, has declared a conservation alert. Due to colder than normal temperatures and potential shortfalls in electric generation, CenterPoint and other utilities’ residential and business customers within the MISO footprint are being asked to reduce their electricity use as much as possible. 

“CenterPoint has sufficient energy supply to serve our service territory and customer load,” said Shane Bradford, CenterPoint’s Vice President, Indiana Electric. “As the grid operator, MISO is experiencing shortages across its multi-state footprint, and we are following their guidance to encourage customers to conserve energy.”  

Customers can assist by utilizing these tips to conserve energy: 

·         Set thermostats a few degrees lower; set programmable thermostats to a lower temperature (health permitting).  

·         Avoid using large appliances, such as ovens and washing machines.  

·         Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances.  

·         Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible.   

·         Larger, commercial electric customers should consider reducing non-essential production processes.  

 
If conditions worsen, MISO may issue a directive to curtail power delivered to customers. This would require member utilities, including CenterPoint, to implement controlled outages. These outages are planned, temporary shutoffs of power to prevent longer or more widespread outages. They are an emergency measure only implemented as a last resort to maintain reliability of the electric system. If ordered, these outages will rotate in brief intervals across the service territory.  

Customers are encouraged to prepare in advance and have a back-up plan in place, especially those who rely on electricity for life-sustaining equipment.  

CenterPoint will continue to keep customers informed of any developments. Customers are encouraged to follow the company’s communication channels, including the company’s state-specific X account (@CenterPoint_IN), Facebook, Power Alert Service® and the web. 

• Wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, gloves, hat and water-resistant boots. Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth.
• Stay warm to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes are often the first areas affected. Act fast and get out of the cold immediately if you see signs of hypothermia or frostbite.
  • Signs of frostbite include pain, numbness or a change in skin color.
  • Signs of hypothermia, which can be deadly, often include shivering, confusion, drowsiness and slurred speech.
• Check on your neighbors, especially elderly people living alone, people with diabetes and children.
• Gather emergency supplies, including food, water, medicine, extra chargers and batteries, warm clothing and blankets.
• If you experience a power outage, monitor local weather and utility alerts. Evacuate if your home is too cold and visit local warming centers and power charging stations.
• Avoid frozen pipes. Run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent pipes from freezing. Open cabinet doors to allow warmer air from the room to get to pipes near sinks.
• Be careful when completing strenuous tasks like shoveling snow. Take frequent breaks.
• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full and clean the lights and windows to help with visibility.

• If you must use a space heater, never leave it unattended. Place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, such as a ceramic tile floor. Don’t place it on rugs and carpets, or near bedding and drapes.
• Plug space heater power cords directly into outlets — never into an extension cord. Turn the space heater off every time you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Keep children, pets and anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment.
• Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
• Never leave a fire burning in the fireplace unattended. Make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home. Use a glass or metal fire screen to keep embers in the fireplace.
• Test smoke alarms monthly and practice a two-minute home fire escape plan.

Mayor Terry will host a media availability today at 2:30 p.m. at the Department of Street Maintenance, 3200 N. Harlan Ave., to provide updates and discuss preparations regarding the winter storm forecast for this weekend.

Mayor Terry will be joined by representatives from street maintenance, first responders, and community partners involved in storm response, including the American Red Cross of Indiana, Feed Evansville, and CenterPoint Energy.

WEEKLY DEATH REPORT DEC 22 TO DEC 28, 2025

Company monitoring conditions and has cold weather action plan in place 

 NWS forecasting sub-zero wind chills to follow snow 

Customers encouraged to visit Winter Energy Guide 

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Jan. 23, 2026 – With significant snowfall and bitter cold expected across southwestern Indiana this weekend according to the National Weather Service, CenterPoint Energy has its cold weather action plan in place and is prepared to maintain safe, reliable service.  

CenterPoint prepares for winter weather through proactive measures that support reliable delivery of electric and natural gas service. This includes: 

·         checking critical systems and equipment ahead of cold weather events, 

·         coordinating with local agencies and emergency responders, and 

·         positioning crews to respond to potential service issues safely and quickly. 

Preparing for the weekend  

With heavy snow in the forecast—and sub-zero wind-chills expected to follow—many customers may find themselves spending more time indoors over the next few days. When temperatures drop, heating systems may work harder to keep homes comfortable. A few simple steps can help manage energy use and keep homes comfortable: 

·         Lower the thermostat. Small adjustments can reduce heating costs without sacrificing comfort. 

·         Open blinds during the day. Sunlight provides natural warmth; close them at night to keep heat in. 

·         Keep exterior vents clear. Check that outdoor vents and air intakes are not blocked by snow. Heating equipment needs proper airflow to operate safely. 

·         Change the furnace filter. A clean filter helps the heating system run efficiently. 

·         Have a storm kit ready. Stock up on essentials and keep flashlights handy. Avoid candles, which pose a fire risk. 

Customers with natural gas service should keep meters clear of snow by gently brushing them off with a broom. Shovels may cause damage. 

Electric customers are encouraged to enroll in Power Alert Service® to receive outage updates, estimated restoration times and customer-specific information during severe weather. Customers can choose to receive updates via phone, text or email. Sign up at CenterPointEnergy.com/PowerAlertService. 

Warming center locations and hours are available through Indiana 211. Call 2-1-1, text a ZIP code to 898-211 or visit IN211.org. 

For additional safety tips and energy-saving ideas to help customers stay safe and warm this winter, visit CenterPoint’s Winter Energy Guide at CenterPointEnergy.com/ReadyforWinter.