Is HB 1423 Putting the Foxes and Hawks in Charge of the Chicken house?
The City County Observer has published several articles in the past of an informative nature that have factually pointed out that here on the north side of the money saving bridge the basic charge for electricity for the average user is 188% higher than it is in Henderson and 133% higher than it is in Princeton.
Today the Indiana House of Representatives released a bill that was designed to allow utilities in Indiana including electrical, gas, water, and wastewater providers to choose between adjusting rates annually according to a “formula†or applying for rate increases the old fashioned way by applying to the respective regulatory board.
A majority of consumer groups oppose the bill on the grounds that consumers are better served by regulation of legislated monopolies than they are by subjecting themselves to complicated formulas that will have substantial input from the utilities. Consumers are also concerned with granting the utilities the privilege to choose which way to apply for increases. Intuitively speaking each utility would choose whichever method maximized their own revenue which would not benefit consumers.
Stan Pinegar the President of the Indiana Energy Association supports the bill on the grounds that customers will have more stable rate increases rather than be subject to rate spikes associated with regulation. Consumers presently have the option of budget plans with most utilities to desensitize their bills to extreme weather.
The sponsor of the bill is Republican State Representative L. Jack Lutz of the 35th House District that is northeast Indianapolis in the area between and around Anderson and Muncie.
IS IT TRUE that the Indiana House of Representatives smokefree workplace bill is getting so full of loopholes and exception that it in no way resembles a bill that will actually change anything in a substantial way?…that our state legislature is once again proving first that rural areas and urban areas have dramatically differing mindsets and second that the state legislature just does not seem to have the courage to push this forward in a meaningful way?…that worker’s rights, if they are indeed rights should not be subject to the whims of a cash hungry political body?…that smokefree work place laws should apply to all workers and not just to the ones whose employers are essentially paying the state or certain cities off with “special†taxes from “special†relationships?
IS IT TRUE that Indiana’s urban areas such as Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend compete with other urban areas in the country for economic opportunities?…that economic opportunities translates into JOBS in political terminology?…that by consciously letting the fear of losing the sale of a hamburger to a small village that the City Council of Evansville sends the message of insignificance and irrelevance to the outside world?…that urban areas like Evansville need to focus on being competitive with the places that we actually should be competing with and stop worrying about losing business to the “Greasy Spoon Diner†in Monkey’s Eyebrow, Kentucky?…that abdicating the responsibility to set good public policy that protects public health, makes this a more attractive place to young professionals, and elevates Evansville’s ability to compete with peer cities is no longer acceptable?…that this year is the time for the Evansville City Council to follow the lead of the Vanderburgh County Commissioners and pass a comprehensive smokefree workplace ordinance?…that the old saying “lead, follow, or get out of the way†will ring loud and clear in the City of Evansville elections of 2011?
IS IT TRUE that the University of Evansville Purple Aces delivered another unexpected win last night against the rival Indiana State University Sycamores?…that Coach Marty is finally finding his groove and is on a realistic path to a winning season?…that it would make an interesting challenge to see which venue draws the most spectators?…that the last Aces game in Roberts Stadium may just draw more people than the first Aces game in the new Evansville Arena?
IS IT TRUE that the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau has finally seated a new board of directors?…that the choices are young, energetic, and to a very large extent homegrown?…that this young, energetic, and homegrown is the right combination of talents to run the ECVB?…that they need to convene very quickly to get on about the business of hiring an Executive Director to replace Marilee Fowler?…that these folks better stay away from the Opus One?…that we would suggest Opus Two for next years party?…that Opus Two is a local term for the Two Buck Chuck sold at Trader Joe’s?
IS IT TRUE that there is another group in town called the Evansville Sports Corporation that is out shopping the town as a place to hold competitions?…that the Evansville Sports Corporation was recently featured in an article posted on the NCAA website as trying to attract a Division 2 Sports Festival that would have a need for 800 hotel rooms?…that the ECVB and the Evansville Sports Corporation need to start coordinating efforts on projects like this?…that the City County Observer is very curious about a supposedly independent group that is promoting Evansville as a sports destination and would welcome the opportunity to publish and entity profile?…that the official address on the State of Indiana website for the Evansville Sports Corporation is ONE VECTREN SQUARE, Evansville, IN?
IS IT TRUE that it has now been 1,357 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 1,211 days since the Evansville Redevelopment Commission at the request of Mayor Weinzapfel approved the spending of $603,000 to purchase the parking lot?
IS IT TRUE that there are now 653 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?
It’s that time again! Come join us next Tuesday, February 1st 6:30PM at Rounders II on outer Green River Road for our monthy discussion group. We have a couple things we would like to cover, but other than that would like to hear any current issues that you would like to bring up as well. Hope to see you there!
PS – We would also like to encourage you to bring any friends or family members that you think might benefit our group. We have a small core group of people who come to meetings and correspond regularly through email, but in order to start seriously having our voice heard in our community, we need to continue building our membership.
Best Regards,
Bart Gadau
(812 305-0842
i_luv_itzi@yahoo.com
When evaluating home insurance companies, there are three extremely important criteria you need to consider: price, coverage, and service. These three criteria can be referred to as the “three-legged insurance stool,” because the stool (or your insurance policy) can’t stand unless all three elements are present in your policy. A complete home insurance policy is one that has a great price, excellent coverage, and fantastic service.
Price. Price is extremely important when evaluating your home insurance. In today’s economic climate, everyone is looking to save a buck or two. Many companies will use their reputable name and catchy slogans to make people feel like they have the best prices. The best way to know for certain you are getting a reasonable price is to shop your insurance coverage around. Get quotes from at least three different companies to ensure that the prices you are getting quoted are reasonable and comparable to other insurance companies in the area.
Coverage. Home insurance coverage comes in many shapes and sizes. From extremely poor coverage (an HO1 policy) to excellent, near bullet-proof coverage (an HO5 policy), you have many options. One mistake you need to make sure not to make is to assume that all home insurance policies are one and the same. If you don’t know the different policy types available, you might end up with a policy that doesn’t cover important perils like water damage or falling objects. This could ultimately end up costing you hundreds to thousands of dollars! In this case, knowledge truly is power. If you don’t know too much about the different home insurance policy types, at the very least ask your agent what is and isn’t covered with the policy he’s giving you.
Service. The final leg of the “three-legged insurance stool” is service. You can have the best price and excellent coverage, but if you don’t have quality service to go along with it, you will probably end up disappointed with your insurance provider. If you need to file a claim, how important is it to have your claim taken care of quickly and efficiently? If you answered “very important,” then service should be an important element that you evaluate before you switch insurance companies. The best way to evaluate service quality is to talk to family and friends (who have preferably filed a claim) that have the same insurance carrier and love it. If you don’t know anyone who has your potential insurance provider, checking the AM Best rating, the Better Business Bureau, JD Power ratings, and your state’s insurance site are great ways to do your due diligence.
Good luck!
Lincoln Stevens is Director of Marketing for Insurance Education Group, a web-based company aimed at helping people obtain the best house insurance they possibly can. Are you looking for a better rate on your home insurance? We can help! In five minutes or less you can fill out our online quote form and receive multiple quotes from multiple companies. Insurance Education Group not only has the best and quickest online quote forms on the web, but also a library of insurance information free to all those who visit the site! Become a well-informed consumer and field multiple free insurance quotes all at Insurance Education Group!
Unedited Questionnaire Sent to Subscribers to Pops Series
Dear Pops Subscriber,
Since we didn’t have a patron name, we have just sent you a survey with the heading 10-11 Pops Subscriber. If you are not a Pops subscriber, please disregard this heading. Rest assured, the survey is the same except one question. The mailed survey included the following question, which the email survey does not:
Which is more important to you:
___ Avoiding traffic/parking problems even if it means a concert start time as early as 5:30 p.m.
___ A later concert start time, even if it may mean some traffic/parking problems.
If you’d like, you can leave this answer in one of your comment windows at the end of the survey.
Thank you for your continued interest in your Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra!
Dr. H. Dan Adams EVANSVILLE, INDIANA: A WONDERFUL PLACE TO LIVE
Evansville is a unique place on the Ohio River, here for more than two hundred years. Its intimacy with the river has sustained it over all that time, bringing it food, settlers, and business. During World War II, Evansville stepped up as a formidable provider of the tools for victory.
The Evansville Golden Crescent is made up of roughly four parts:
Upstream has concentrated the expression of our history with the LST 325, the Evansville Museum, and the delightful historic home section.
The Golden Crescent
Next is the business engine of banks, larger corporations, courts, new Arena and government. Below that area is the Entertainment District containing Aztar, its bars and gambling. Finally, in the Evansville’s last, downstream section resides it heavy industry with its promise of rejuvenation of a slack water port in the decade to come. Here lies our city !
Surrounded by four major midwestern cities, Evansville has the major advantage of being able to easily get to those urban centers, if desired. Yet our city does retain the marvelous features of quiet sustaining neighborhoods, personal kindness, safe streets and relatively low taxes.
City of Evansville Population
(2009) – 116,584
(2010) – 116,500 with annexation areas included
Vanderburgh County Population (2009) – 175,434
GPS Location – 37.966865 -87.566724
Evansville Regional Airport, IN
Elevation 417 ft Latitude: 38.04306; Longitude –87.52028
Estimated Median Household Income: Evansville – $33,600 Indiana – $47,966
CITY OF EVANSVILLE PROJECTED REVENUES
Miscellaneous $ 88,192,216
General Fund Property Tax 56,605,735
Sewer Fund Fees 36,244,000
Water Fund Fees 23,237,700
Local County Income Tax 11,367,609
River Boat Fund 10,641,310
Park Fund Property Tax 6,247,500
Fire Pension Property Tax 105,000
Police Pension Property Tax 105,000
Grand Total Revenue Projected $232,782,070
Miscellaneous Revenues: (in Million $)
General Misc 26.4, Fire Pension 5.7, Police Pension 7.0, Parks Misc 3.9, Park Refunding 0.4, Redevelopment Bond 2011 1.3, Redevlmt Bond ret. 0.2, Print & Supply 0.5, Law Enforcement Ed 0.1, COIT Misc1.8, Cumultv Capital Improvemt 0.3, Rvboat Misc 0.03, Highwy 4.5, Rny Day 0.03, Golf 1.5, Redevlmt TIF Ret Bond 0.4, Sports 0.4, Greenway 0.3, Local Rds & Strts 1.8, Cert Tech Pk, 0.001, Pking Gargs 0.5, HUD Fair Hsing 0.03, EEOC 0.05, TIF Projects Acct 6.9, Hospitalization 19.5, Unemplmt Fd 0.1, Wrkers Comp 1.0, Liabty Ins Fd2.4, Waste Watr 0.7 = $88,192,216
CITY OF EVANSVILLE 2011 PROJECTED EXPENSES
Total Utility – Water, Sewer & Wastewater $60,133,316
Police 29,420,344
Fire 23,690,223
Total Insurance Fund 22,885,311
Local Income Tax Use Fund 15,318,892
Riverboat Fund 11,168,030
Miscellaneous 10,535,608
Parks and Recreation 10,311,606
Remainder of General Fund 9,053,661
METS 7,159,122
Master TIF Projects 6,917,997
Fire Pension 5,635,137
Highway Fund 5,498,396
Central Dispatch 3,192,956
Local Roads & Streets 2,131,186
Golf Course Non-Reverting 1,511,728
Redevelopment Bond Fund 1,375,519
Dept of Metro City 1,238,655
Code Enforcement 1,185,720
Grand Total City Projected 2011 Expenses $228,363,407
CITY OF EVANSVILLE – CHALLENGES
BACK to BASICS:
Recession – Slow recovery or double dip.? As the stimulus money’s effect has blunted the potentially catastrophic deep slope of a depression, it is now time to slow BIG government spending, until the exact length and depth of the downturn can be accurately determined. The independent variables of increased revenue from phased-in, newly annexed city areas and a hopeful increase of sales tax income may counter balance the dip caused by the constitutionally demanded property tax ceilings and the EPA sewerage judgment. New hiring for jobs is most needed and should come in one to two years. It is time to be cautious to commit money to projects other than those of the most basic nature. A full-scale attack on new business creation with continued intense encouragement of existing businesses is primary.
Basic Services – As police and fire create public safety and trash collection protects us from epidemics, these needs are paramount. The Firefighter contract must be promptly settled. In the future, arbitration legislation may be needed to push the process along. If the possible revenue crunch does become prohibitive, these primary obligations will take precedent for all other city funding, which could include administrative pay cuts. In light of these basic needs, other much less demanding, frivolous spending should be sharply curtailed.
Sewer Correction – Although an admirable start to correct a huge long-standing problem has been done, much is needed yet. The sewer/water rates have been increased regularly over recent years with each sewer project. Because of the uncertain nature of our economy, no new sewer rate increases should be entertained for at least two years. The Public’s squeal factor is beginning to be heard. The slope of sewer rate increases should be flattened, until the final bill to be paid from the EPA case is known. Ultimately soon, the decades present, eye-and-nose sore of Bee Slough should made into a cleansing fen.
New Arena – About three quarters of the way through its creation, the new Arena’s building goes apace. It IS a beautiful edifice. Hopefully, it will finish early and under budget, as it has so far. When done, it should draw crowds of people to the Downtown on more than 130+ occasions per year. Roberts Stadium costs $15,000 per month to maintain empty, which will not occur for some months. Would it not be worthwhile to retain the iconic building and create another interior use for it? Any solution should wait for at least a year, until it so apparent that the worse of the recession’s damage has passed. All other solutions should be fleshed out during this waiting period to deliver value to ALL of our citizens…not just a handful.
City-County Merger – Although many good ideas have come forth in this most recent effort, the decision not to have the referendum be on this fall’s ballot has effective paralyzed its forward progress. Now that the study has been turned in on January 11st, it may sit gathering dust for almost two years before an appropriate election cycle occurs. The public’s present apathy may well be in concrete by then. The study’s cost of $108,000 for legal and secretarial uses needs to be documented in detail. The question of whether the study was worth the money has yet to be answered.
Summary – The search for city/public consensus management is desperately needed. A kinder, gentler, less “my way or the highway†approach should be sought.
Tri-State Economy Derives Much Wealth from Coal Industry
Written by Sy A. Ali
According to the International Energy Agency and the Energy Information Administration’s joint report of July 2010:
In 2008, coal used for power generated 45 percent of U.S. electricity compared to 2 percent from wind energy in spite of major federal and state subsidies.
The 2035 projection shows coal generating 43 percent of increased U.S. electric power, compared to an estimated 5 percent from wind, and about 9 percent from all renewable sources including hydro and solar.
The criteria pollutant emissions from electric power plants decreased more than 90 percent between 1970 and 2009 while the quantity of coal burned over the same period increased up to four times. During this period, particulates were reduced by 99 percent. The Environmental Protection Agency in its 2010 report to Congress pointed out that the economic value of health benefits in the United States from these reductions in 2010 was $110 billion.
Renewable resources vary across the country based on climate and geography. Installing wind turbines offshore seems to be the most desirable location. Yet, according to a 2010 report of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Midwest led wind turbine installation in 2009. Fertile agricultural land in the Midwest appears to be a less efficient location for wind turbines.
The National Academy of Sciences in its report last year emphasized that to achieve 20 percent power from renewable sources by 2020 would cost $300 billion, plus an additional $100 billion for transmission improvements.
Wind power added to date through 2009 was 10 GW (2 percent of total electricity) at a cost of $21 billion. This addition was accomplished with major financial stimulus funds and subsidies granted by federal and state governments for renewable energy.
The Midwest was the U.S. leader in the addition of wind power. In 2009, the United States led globally in the addition of wind energy and import of wind energy equipment. It imported $2.3 billion of wind turbines in 2009 alone, which represented 34 percent of worldwide imports.
Renewable energy for electric power, despite federal and state financial stimulus, has not created many jobs.
Indiana mines 35 million tons of coal per year. One miner mines 12,000 tons per year. Each miner’s job produces an additional three jobs in the community. These 35 million tons mined in Indiana support 2,900 mining jobs plus an additional 8,700 jobs in the community, for a total of 11,600 jobs.
Fossil fuels and nuclear will remain the predominant fuel source for electric power generation globally during the first half of this century. Private enterprise and governments worldwide are continually working to achieve near zero emissions from power plants. Electric power is essential to not only maintain but also enhance the quality of life in the United States and abroad.
IS IT TRUE that last night’s meeting of the Vanderburgh County Commissioners as was the sight of a surreal moment?…that Vanderburgh County Treasurer Rick Davis who is the only announced Democratic candidate for Mayor of Evansville gave a report on the earnings from monies on deposit that Vanderburgh County has earned over the last three years from the over $60 Million that the county keeps in various bank accounts?…that the man who Mr. Davis was standing before making the presentation Commissioner Lloyd Winnecke and he will most likely be facing each other in the campaign for Mayor of Evansville just four short months from now?…that Vanderburgh County earned right at $3 Million in interest way back in 2008?…that Treasurer Davis reported under $400,000 for 2010?…that the reason for the collapse in earning power of the Vanderburgh County’s $60 Million was largely a result of the drop in interest rates paid by banks in the aftermath of the Great Recession and Bank Bailouts?…that cities and counties all across America are seeing multimillion dollar holes in their budgets due to decreased earning power of good old American cash?…that to really make this an ironic moment that Commissioner Winnecke’s day job is working for a bank?
IS IT TRUE that fear of a $2 Million hole in the budget of the City of Evansville had the City Council using that fear as one of the many excuses to shoot down a resolution championed by Councilman Dr. H. Dan Adams to strengthen our smokefree workplace laws?…that there has been nary a peep and no hint of outrage over a hole in the budget due to banking institutions choices to pay less than 1% and in some cases ZERO for money on deposit?…that we thank Rick Davis for bringing this up in a public meeting?…that Mr. Davis did get bids from banks on how much they would pay Vanderburgh County for the money on deposit?…that you bet he did and that some of those bids came back ZERO?…that Mr. Davis was successful in getting a commitment of a minimum of 0.25% on the substantial sum of money that is kept in the county’s checking account?…that this demonstrates good stewardship of taxpayer dollars?
IS IT TRUE that there is quite an uproar over the perfectly legal maneuver pulled by the EVSC to circumvent the bidding process on their new headquarters?…that the bidding process was established for the purpose of preventing public dollars from being squandered on “good old boy†backroom deals?…that such an arrangement of transferring a property to a non-profit and then buying it back can make the job go quicker?…that if such things are going to be done that pre-emptive public disclosure is the best way to build support and avoid accusations of impropriety?…that the public was not well warned and was taken by surprise by this action?…that the contractor chosen not only has a great reputation for quality and professionalism but also has a reputation for winning competitive bids?…that ICI will do a good job and will communicate weekly with state of the art project management tools with the EVSC over the duration of the contract?…that EVSC could learn something from ICI about communication and disclosure?…that there really is no reason to intentionally do things that create suspicious minds in times like these?…that the City County Observer will keep an eye on this little legal scheme?
IS IT TRUE that it seems like every month there is something “legal but fishy†that gets exposed in Evansville?…that the uproar over circumventing the bidding process for construction jobs is what is the basis for the uproar at the EVSC?…that no bid contracts are awarded everyday by local, state, and federal governments?…that no bid contracts for professional services seem to be standard operating procedure?…that services, of engineers, architects, arena planners, insurance policies, and legal services are routinely handed out by councils and commissions at nearly every meeting?…that if the bidding process is so vital to responsibly managing taxpayer dollars that it should extend beyond the construction industry?…that an insurance review and getting quotes for professional services is one of the hallmarks of running a household?…that local government should lead the way in seeking bids for professional service contracts, financial products, and insurance policies?
IS IT TRUE that since it is the day after the State of the Union address that we will dedicate one section to a non Evansville issue?…that we will focus our gaze across the border to the west and the State of Illinois where insanity is increasingly taking hold?…that the City of Chicago, the source of most of the insanity in Illinois is now preventing Rahm Emmanuel from running for Mayor?…that the reason given is because he has not lived there for the past year?…that he has represented Chicago in the United States House of Representatives, owns a home an pays taxes in Chicago, and only left at the request of Chicago’s pride and joy President Barack Obama?…that Chicago openly claims the Hawaii born President as their native son?…that if Rahm Emmanuel is not allowed to run for Mayor of Chicago that the City of Chicago needs to shut up about being the home of President Obama who also owns a home and pays taxes there?…that some laws are just too stupid to cling to?…that love him or hate him Rahm Emmanuel is as qualified to run for Mayor of Chicago as any other resident of the city of the big shoulders ever has been?
IS IT TRUE that President Obama as always delivered very good State of the Union address to the nation last night?…that he openly asked the Republicans in congress to work with him in a bipartisan manner to move the nation forward?…that diversity and differing opinions are needed to emerge with better ideas than “groupthink†will ever produce?…that we are ready as a people for a period of prosperity like we had in the 90’s when a popular charismatic Democratic President teamed up with a Republican led congress to really show the world what America can do when innovators and entrepreneurs mind their businesses instead of struggling to survive?
Recently Defeated Democratic Incumbent Senator Bags Mayoral Appointment
(EVANSVILLE, IN) – January 25, 2011 – Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel has named
Bob Deig as General Manager of Metropolitan Evansville Transit System (METS), a position he
will assume immediately.
“Between managing transit systems, operating facilities, supervising personnel, negotiating
contracts, managing large budgets, and generally serving the public, Bob Deig has the right mix
of skills and experience to effectively lead METS,†said Weinzapfel.
Deig served as the Facilities Director for the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library (2004 –
2006), Facilities Director for Evansville Catholic High Schools (2002 – 2004), Facilities and
Transportation Supervisor for the Metropolitan School District of Mt. Vernon (1993 – 2002), and
Site Energy Shift Supervisor for General Electric Plastics (1979 – 1993). In addition to his
relevant experience with transportation and facility management, Deig holds licenses and
certifications in several areas related to maintenance and transit.
Most recently Deig served as Indiana State Senator for District 49 from 2006 to 2010. In this
capacity, he worked with local, State and Federal agencies to spur economic development,
improve education and enhance the quality of life for all residents; and worked with constituents
on healthcare, education, pension, social services, and many other issues of concern. He served
on the State Senate Local Government and Elections Committee, Appropriations Committee,
Small Business and Agriculture Committee, Public Policy Committee, Utilities and Technology
Committee, and Pension and Labor Committee, as well as on the National Committee on Labor
and Economic Development.
“I am excited that I’ll be able to continue serving the public through the role of General Manager
of the Metropolitan Evansville Transit System,†said Deig. “I will immediately begin
communicating and collaborating with City and other municipal representatives, community
partners and riders to not only continue current operations, but also to identify opportunities to
enhance the image of METS fixed route and mobility services, increase ridership, enhance the
rider experience, and provide better overall service to the Evansville community.â€
METS, which is part of the Evansville Department of Transportation and Services, currently
operates a fleet of 11 hybrid buses, nine conventionally-fueled buses, 11 paratransit buses, six
fixed route vans, and two trolleys. METS provides transportation for the public on 17 fixed
route service areas and provides paratransit service for persons 65 years or older or those with a
documentable disability that limits their use of the METS regular fixed route system (not for
emergency use or ambulance service).
Operationally, METS is responsible for informing the public of existing routes, as well as new or
improved service; coordinating and planning routes and schedules; keeping a constant check on
the effectiveness of service; and implementing and controlling all managerial functions involved
with the METS transit operation.
METS’ maintenance responsibilities include implementing preventative maintenance programs;
providing complete mechanical failure restoration; repairing and refurbishing vehicles when
applicable; reducing operation expenses and increasing fleet productivity by monitoring
equipment; and recording and maintaining a viable inventory of parts to provide prompt and
accurate maintenance of the fleet.
More than 45 million passengers have been transported via buses and paratransit vans since
METS was created in 1971.
Dan Wallace, Joe Wallace and Johnny Kincaid in the Evansville Offices of Townsquare Media Townsquare Media and City County Observer Announce Exclusive Agreement
January 24, 2011
Contact: Joe J. Wallace
(812) 431-3877
hadannahbusiness@aol.com
For Immediate Release Evansville, IN: Townsquare Media, the City County Observer, and the Community Observer are pleased to announce that they have entered into an exclusive agreement for the purpose of leveraging the mutually beneficial assets of the respective organizations to enhance the promotion of their radio and online digital media news formats. The agreement calls for cross promotional interactive advertising and promotion of news and opinion articles through joint efforts in the Evansville, IN and Owensboro, KY media markets.
Joe Wallace of Hadannah Business Solutions, business advisor and a frequent contributor to the City County Observer offered the following comment regarding the agreement. “The volume of internet traffic and the rise in national traffic rankings obviously caught the attention of the management of Townsquare Media. The rapid growth in readership of the City County Observer can be attributed to the integration of its feature column “IS IT TRUE†that tackles local politics with an edge into the daily reading routine of greater Evansville’s population.†Wallace went on to say that “a population that is starved for frank opinion articles on taboo subjects obviously has embraced the City County Observer’s pragmatic and realistic content that strives for good public policy.â€
Townsquare Media’s Johnny Kincaid added that “our agreement with the City County Observer is right in line with our corporate mission to grow the listener base for the five radio stations under our management in Evansville and the two in Owensboro.†“This strategic decision will accelerate Townsquare Media’s commitment to excellence in both local radio and web based mediaâ€, Kincaid continued.
“The recently launched Community Observer’s mission is to present a more positive and informative approach in choosing content†said Daniel Wallace, the Community Observer’s editor. “The Community Observer also provides a place to experiment with new venues such as iPhone application development and social media optimization as it pertains to online publicationâ€, Wallace continued.
About Townsquare Media: Townsquare Media, LLC, is a local media company focused on acquiring, developing and operating radio stations and digital properties in mid-sized markets. Townsquare Media owns and operates 171 radio stations and associated digital assets in market-leading clusters in 36 U.S. cities. The Company’s majority shareholder is a fund managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. During 2010, the Company has re-launched over 30 digital properties for its local radio station brands across six of the Company’s 36 markets. Townsquare Media operates FM 99.5 WKDQ, FM 106.1 WDKS, FM 103 WGBF, FM 105.3 WJLT, and AM 1280 WGBF in Evansville along with FM 92.5 WBKR and AM 1490 WOMI in Owensboro.
About City County Observer & Community Observer: The three year old City County Observer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dogtown Publishing Incorporated. The City-County Observer and Community-Observer have risen as a new source of online news media for the people of Evansville. The City-County Observer is charged by analysis of local politics, while the Community-Observer reports news with a much more light-hearted tone than other news sources. Both online news services have a consulting arrangement with Joe J. Wallace of Hadannah Business Solutions to provide business advice and editorial opinion columns that focus on local politics and issues. The overall goal of both online publications is to promote good public policy. The websites of the respective publications are www.city-countyobserver.com and www.community-observer.com.
