A bit of information that you might like to know about. We have friends here in our community and one of their sons is an entomologist (insect expert), and has been telling them that there is an epidemic of bed bugs now occurring in America. Recently I have heard on the news that several stores in NYC have had to close due to bed bug problems, as well as a complete mall in New Jersey.
He says that since much of our clothing, sheets, towels, etc. now comes from companies outside of America, (sad but true), even the most expensive stores sell foreign clothing from China, Indonesia, etc. The bed bugs are coming in on the clothing as these countries do not consider them a problem. He recommends that if you buy any new clothing, even underwear and socks, sheets, towels, etc. that you bring them into the house and put them in your clothes dryer for at least 20 minutes. The heat will kill them and their eggs. DO NOT PURCHASE CLOTHES AND HANG THEM IN THE CLOSET FIRST. It does not matter what the price range is of the clothing, or if the outfit comes from the most expensive store known in the U.S. They still get shipments from these countries and the bugs can come in a box of scarves or anything else for that matter. That is the reason why so many stores, many of them clothing stores have had to shut down in NYC and other places. All you need is to bring one item into the house that has bugs or eggs and you will go to hell and back trying to get rid of them. He travels all over the country as an ad visor to many of these stores, as prevention and after they have the problem.
Jonathon WeinzapfelRibbon cutting at Eclipse Spanish Tapas Bar & Restaurant today at 4:00 p.m.
(EVANSVILLE, IN) – October 11, 2010 – Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel will participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony to help officially open Eclipse Spanish Tapas Bar & Restaurant, 113 S.E. Fourth St., at 4:00 p.m. today.
“We chose Downtown because it has the right personality and is a perfect fit for a Spanish tapas restaurant: Old World, European, classic,†said Sandra Stohl, Eclipse owner. “With the new Arena and other developments, Downtown is growing and attracting more people Downtown, which offers more opportunity to grow as a business. In my personal opinion, Downtown is the heart and most beautiful place in Evansville, and we want to be part of it,†Stohl added.
Downtown Evansville’s newest eatery is also the first Spanish tapas restaurant in Evansville. Popular in bars and restaurants throughout pain, “tapas†are small foods such as olives, nuts, cheeses, meats, paella, seafood dishes, etc. that can be eaten as appetizers or as a meal. Literally translated as “lid†or “cover,†the epicurean usage of the word is derived from the practice of people in Spain covering their wine with a slice of bread, ham or cheese, leading to the concept of small portions.
According to owner Sandra Stohl, “Eclipse offers a warm, cozy, romantic, Old World, relaxed ambiance. Eclipse reflects the Spanish romanticism in a unique, eclectic, new concept of sharing food and having a fun experience of dining.â€
Eclipse will be open today from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. In honor of the grand opening, free hors d’oeuvres samples will be served from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.; and a special 20% discount will be offered during dinner hours from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Normal hours of operation will be Monday through Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (lunch) and 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. (dinner); and Saturday 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. (dinner only).
Executive InnImmediate Decisive Actions are Needed to get Back on Track
By: Don Counts, Editor; Ron Cosby, CEO; and Joe Wallace, Business Advisor
It has been reported during the past week that the option of refurbishing the Executive Inn is still on the table and that local developer, The Kunkel Group has an interest in taking on that task. The City County Observer is very curious to know just why this option is still being considered. John Kish is on record with the following quote, “The Executive Inn model has failedâ€, on August 18, 2010. Browning Investments has stated that the structural issues with the Executive Inn and the parking garage are so bad that building new is most cost effective solution for Evansville to have a convention hotel. Finally, the president of the Evansville Redevelopment Commission, Bob Goldman, has stated that he is reluctant to seek renovation proposals because it would discourage good developers from submitting ideas for new construction. Why spend the time and money needed to assemble a proposal only to be outbid by a cheap renovation plan, Goldman continued?
It seems as though the people in charge of this project have finally reached an agreement that the Executive Inn is not an appropriate candidate for refurbishment. The City County Observer agrees with this position and encourages the Evansville Redevelopment Commission to move rapidly to remove this option from the forthcoming Request for Proposal that is being developed. The citizens of Evansville have endured a two and a half year drama that started with an announcement by Browning and Mayor Weinzapfel that a new 4-Star hotel would be built in downtown Evansville, at a cost of $35 Million, if and only if an Arena was approved. That morphed down to a 3-Star refurbishment of the Executive Inn and finally last month to nothing as Browning has returned ownership of the dilapidated shell to the City of Evansville.
The Arena construction is humming along and seems to be on schedule for a fall 2011 opening. The hotel site is in limbo. This is not a time to vacillate or delay actions that are well known to all involved. The Arena will open in 14 months and if fast and appropriate action is taken now, a nationally branded Convention Hotel can be opening along with it. Now is the time to take step one. Lets commit to start with an unadulterated lot as opposed to something that has become the brick and mortar equivalent of that Halloween pumpkin left on the porch until Christmas. It is time for the wrecking ball to swing again. Simultaneously, allocate the time to put the RFP together as quickly as possible so that interested bidders can respond in time for construction to allow a fall 2011 opening.
It has been suggested that a 21C Museum Hotel would be a great brand to draw overnight visitors and conventions to Evansville. That may be so, but any of the 3-Star or 4-Star options previously discussed would be welcomed as well. One thing that we should all agree on is that a hotel is needed and that it has to reflect the quality of the Centre and the Arena.
It is now well known that significant public participation in financing a hotel will be necessary to attract a quality developer. Getting the people of Evansville on board to spend tax money for a hotel will be a difficult sell, yet it will have to be done or we will have a convention center and arena with no hotel. That will be a big problem. It is not a time to point fingers about the actions, inactions, and oversights that created the Executive Inn dilemma. It is time to get on about finding creative and effective ways to protect the $200 Million investments of public money that have given us the Centre and the Arena. Make haste, the Arena will be opening soon and the 2012 conventions will be making their choices too.
The City County Observer calls upon Mayor Weinzapfel to address this issue in the confines of his offices without any Indianapolis political advisors around to confuse the situation and put forward self serving recommendations. We would like to see the Jonathan Weinzapfel of old emerge from this dilemma as the leader that we became accustomed to during his first term. During his first term as Mayor, the majority of the people of Evansville were proud of the way he conducted business on behalf of Evansville. That was validated in his re-election landslide in 2007. The CCO will go on record as proud supporters of the first term of Mayor Weinzapfel. We encourage him to take this bull by the horns, put his mistakes behind him, and lead the effort that will result in an opening day for the Arena that he fought so hard for along with a new Convention Hotel at the same time.
Greg ZoellerNational role to focus on consumer financial fraud
INDIANAPOLIS – Attorney General Greg Zoeller today announced he has accepted an appointment to co-chair the National Association of Attorneys General Consumer Protection Committee. As committee co-chairman, Zoeller takes on a national role in the fight against identity theft, foreclosure scams, deceptive business practices and other financial fraud schemes. Zoeller was appointed by North Carolina’s Attorney General Roy Cooper, who was elected President of the National Association of Attorneys General in June.
“The consumer protection role of the Attorney General is very important during these times of economic difficulties,†Zoeller said. “Too many of our citizens are vulnerable to a growing number of scams being run by ever more sophisticated rings that prey on the elderly, unemployed and those who are desperate for financial help. Working together, Attorneys General are better able to provide the greater protection needed while pursuing those who have defrauded consumers in our states.â€
The Consumer Protection Committee works to improve the enforcement of consumer protection laws by State Attorneys General. Additionally, the committee:
Supports multi-state consumer protection enforcement efforts
Coordinates training opportunities for law enforcement
Promotes information exchange among the states and federal agencies to aid investigations
“Protecting consumers from frauds and scams is critical in challenging economic times,†Cooper said. “I’m pleased to have Attorney General Zoeller serve in this key role to help coordinate consumer protection efforts among states.â€
As committee co-chair, Zoeller will be reviewing the effect the newly passed Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act will have on state consumer protection laws. The law creates a new Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFP) which takes effect in October. The law also attempts to clarify issues of state preemption, particularly with regards to state regulators holding banks and financial institutions accountable to state regulations. Historically, individual states have been unable to take action against banks for violations of state laws. Zoeller is also part of a working group to research the new law and its implications to ensure regulations under the statute will provide for states to have enforcement abilities provided by the statute.
In addition to leading national consumer protection initiatives, Zoeller announced his office is the recipient of a $53,500 consumer education grant. The grant was awarded by a special committee of state attorneys general and is funded by a multi-state settlement with national retailer Sears. The grant will be used to develop educational programs for those most at risk for identity theft scams, especially senior citizens and college students in Indiana. The funds will allow the Attorney General’s Office to implement a train-the-trainer program by offering online identity theft prevention presentations via Webinar for consumer advocacy groups across the state.
Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the country. Hoosiers can place a free security freeze, also known as a credit freeze, on their credit report to block identity thieves from accessing credit information and opening new accounts in their name. Freezes can be lifted as needed free of charge.
Visit www.IndianaConsumer.com or call 1.800.382-5516 to learn more about how to place a security freeze.
The Central Labor Council of Southern Indiana, an Evansville-based umbrella group of local unions, announced today that it endorses Nicholas Hermann as their candidate of choice for Vanderburgh County Prosecutor. The Central Labor Council represents approximately 12,000 members in southwestern Indiana in a variety of local unions.
Already the Evansville Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 73 and the Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police have endorsed Hermann. The local FOP claims more than 600 active members among current and retired law enforcement officers. Approximately 14,000 members make up the Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police.
For over two decades the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office has been as much a burden to the victims of crime as it has to the police officers, probation officers, and advocates who work to achieve justice for them. The citizens of Vanderburgh County deserve more than lip service, empty promises and inaction. The citizens of Vanderburgh County deserve a new prosecutor.
Stay connected with the Hermann for Prosecutor campaign online. Click here to visit the campaign’s Facebook page and visit www.HermannForProsecutor.com for the official website.
Paid for and authorized by Hermann for Prosecutor – Mike Robinson, Treasurer
DISCLAIMER-THE CCO SUBMITT THIS TO OUR READERSHIP WITHOUT ANY OPINION OR BIACE
Dear Friends,
As residents of Warrick County, I am asking for your support in our efforts to provide the voters of this county with enhanced access to voting opportunities in the November Election. In 2008, the voters of Warrick County enjoyed greater access to the polls as a result of the opening of a satellite office for voting in the Newburgh/Ohio Township Central Library. Over 1,500 voters took advantage of this opportunity in the 2008 general election. In the spring of 2010, it was proposed to re-open the Newburgh Library for satellite/early voting, and to add a second satellite voting location in Lynnville for voters in the northern parts of Warrick County. A unanimous decision of the election board is required to open satellite voting locations. The Democrat member of the election board voted NO, and as a result, the voters of Warrick County were denied the opportunity to cast their votes early at satellite offices in Newburgh and Lynnville in the 2010 Primary Election.
The Warrick County Election Board is scheduled to meet at 6pm on Thursday, September 16th in the Commissioner’s Meeting Room in the Old Courthouse in Boonville to consider, among other things, the use of satellite/early voting in the 2010 General Election in November. With the help of voters like you, we may be able to bring back satellite voting locations! Here’s how you can help:
2. Attend the election board meeting on September 16th and make your voice heard;
3. Pass this email along to friends and family members in Warrick County and ask them to show their support as well.
Together, we the voters of Warrick County can, and will make a difference!
C. Richard Martin
Martin & Martin, Attorneys at Law, P.C.
125 S. Second St.
P.O. Box 29
Boonville, IN 47601
Telephone: (812) 897-3650
Facsimile: (812) 897-3651
Email: rick@martinlawyers.net
Mark_R_Owen Published Without Bias or Editing by the City County Observer
When I took over as Chairman several years ago for my second stint, one of the first things that Former Chairman Larry Aiken said to me was to get rid of the Central Committee (CC) booth. We just didn’t need two separate booths at the Fall Festival, particularly because this booth had failed to make any negligible profit.
During the summer, I was approached by Rick Davis and asked to sub-contract our booth out to the JFK Club. This organization has no legal association and is not a part of or a division of the Vanderburgh County Democratic Party. This is an entirely separate and distinct organization with their own by-laws, officers, etc. I agreed to let them run the booth. Late last week, I was advised by one of our Democratic Officeholders that this arrangement was prohibited. Upon further review, I was advised that we had violated Rule 13 of the Nut Club and were not allowed to sub-contract this booth. I was told that other organizations were on a waiting list and the booth should be withdrawn, although they indicated it would be my decision at this point what to do.
I decided to withdraw the second booth. We still have another booth near St. Joe Ave., where we sell the best gyros you’ll ever find. All of our candidates are working out of this booth, helping at the booth and will benefit financially from the profits derived from this booth. Because we are concentrating our efforts on the remaining booth, we are looking forward to a banner year. Incidentally, profits from these booths have never been donated to any charities. The purpose of these booths are to raise funds for democrats and all funds have gone for that purpose. We expect to be a part of the Fall Festival for many years to come.
In regards to Rick’s candidacy, I asked Rick to wait until after this election before he made any announcement about the election next year. We have some very competitive races this year and all of our energies should be directed to this election. We have great candidates and we are confident that we will be successful this election. Rick chose to pursue his “unofficial announcement†which is his right. I just preferred that we wait until after November 2nd.
The West Side Fall Festival is a great community event. We are doing all that we can to support this event and suggest that your readers visit our Democratic Booth on the south side of the street, just off St. Joe. They’ll find the best gyros in town and the best candidates for public office and volunteers serving them,
(Evansville, IN) – The Board of Directors for the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville
(GAGE) is pleased to announce the hiring of Ms. Deborah Davis Dewey, filling the
previously open position of president of GAGE.
Ms. Dewey, a native of Evansville, attended the Florida Institute of Technology earning a
Mechanical Engineering degree. She joined Westinghouse as a design engineer rising to
Manager of Strategic Planning before joining General Electric where she was a Product
General Manager while completing her MBA. Deborah later returned to the Midwest
taking a position with Louisville Gas & Electric where she ran their Western Kentucky
Energy business helping return this entity to profitability. Deborah has consulted on
business plan development, acquisition strategy and business startâ€up. She has formed
her own businesses. Deborah established an economic development function within
the power company where she served as President, and as such, supported local,
regional and state efforts to attract new business. She has developed packages for
‘angel’ and tier one investor groups and partnered with local and state government for
incentive packages for green field business projects. Deborah helped lead Henderson,
KY to establish its own United Way organization and she was a founding member and is
currently a Performing Arts faculty member for the Riverbend Academy, a Henderson,
KY educational resource for Visual & Performing Arts.
“We could not be more pleased to have Debbie lead the GAGE team. Debbie has
outstanding experiences that will enable GAGE to better serve Evansville and
Vanderburgh County across a wide range of economic development opportunities.
Debbie’s broad experience with large firms, startâ€ups, community services and projects
including her recent development work with the Port of Louisville will have direct
beneficial impact on our region. We welcome Debbie and look forward to her
partnering with businesses, elected officials, higher education and residents of our area
to help craft strategies that grow our economy,†said Daniel C. Bugher, Chairperson of
GAGE.
“I was raised in Evansville. I am proud to have been selected to participate in and lead
Evansville and Vanderburgh County’s economic development organization and I look
forward to working with businesses of all sizes and our elected officials in meeting their
economic development goals through a variety of strategies. Evansville has so much to
offer to both new and existing businesses and I believe that Evansville is poised for
growth with economic recovery,” said Deborah Davis Dewey.
A not-for-profit public-private partnership, The Growth Alliance for Greater
Evansville was created in early 2007 through the concerted efforts of government,
business and higher education. GAGE has five operating divisions: Entrepreneurial,
which operates Innovation Pointe; Downtown Development; EnGAGE, the program of
business outreach and assistance; EvansFests which plans certain Downtown-focused
events; and Technology Transfer, which oversees the partnership with the Naval
Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane).
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – A Sept. 9 debate between Vanderburgh County Commissioner candidates Marsha Abell (Rep.) and incumbent Troy Tornatta (Dem.) will be open to the public at Central Library Browning Rooms A and B. The debate begins at 6 p.m.
The Sept. 9 debate will be hosted by local group WOMEN Right of Center (WOMEN R.O.C.).
In addition, WOMEN R.O.C. will host a debate on September 28 between Vanderburgh County Prosecutor candidates Nick Hermann (Rep.) and incumbent Stan Levco (Dem.). This event will begin at 6 p.m. at Central Library.
“Our group plans these public events because we feel it is so important for the community to be informed about the issues before they step into the voting booth,†notes Holli Sullivan, president of Evansville-based Women Right of Center. “We’re not about endorsing one party over the other at such events. Our mission is to promote knowledge and involvement in politics and the community.â€
For more information about the either debate or to R.S.V.P. contact Melissa Mauser, V.P. Communications, at womenrightofcenter@yahoo.com or call 812-480-2675.
EVANSVILLE, Due to training on records database system changes, the Vanderburgh County Health Department VITAL RECORDS office will be CLOSED and no certificates will be issued on SEPTEMBER 24th, 2010.
Dr. Ray Nicholson, VCHD Medical Officer, stressed the importance of the training. “It is important we properly train and familiarize our Vital Records staff with a new electronic records system that we are mandated to begin using soon. We apologize for any inconvenience this one day closing causes. “ –
