“IS IT TRUE” NOVEMBER 7, 2023
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IS IT TRUE that today’s City election will be a new beginning for the citizens of Evansville? Â …that we ask you to choose wisely and vote for whom you feel will lead Evansville from a debt-ridden status to once again become a city that will live within our financial means? Â …that we hope that the new Mayor will conduct a detailed exit audit to ensure that the past financial decisions during the last 12 years meet the stringent test of appropriate State and Federal accounting practices?
IS IT TRUE that we have been told that Evansville’s current Mayor, City Controller, and City Council members have known about the serious City Employee Health Care plan deficit for many years and haven’t done anything significant to correct the problem? Â …we hope that the new Mayor and City Council members will put out a competitive bid.to find an affordable Healthcare policy that meets the healthcare needs of our hardworking City employees?
IS IT TRUE that we find it interesting that several Evansville City Council members called the “Lease/Rental Revenue Bonds” creative financing? Â …..that members of our current City Council recently approved a 9 million dollar loan to update the Ford Center by using the naming rights of city streets as collateral to purchase the FORD CENTER bonds? …that we wonder how many city streets have been sold and how much money has the City collected from the sale/naming rights of our city streets? …that we find it interesting that several Evansville City Council members called the “Lease/Rental Revenue Bonds” creative financing but we call it stupid financing?
IS IT TRUE that the people of Evansville hope that our new Mayor will figure out a way to pay down our current one (1) billion dollars plus bond indebtedness?
IS IT TRUE that the people of Evansville hope that our new Mayor will provide them with accurate financial information on how Evansville will pay the projected $300 million cost to build a new sewer plant on the banks of the mighty Ohio?
IS IT TRUE that the people of Evansville hope that our new Mayor will postpone big-ticket capital projects until we take care of our current infrastructure challenges?
IS IT TRUE that the people of Evansville deserve a Mayor who will acknowledge that he or she is employed by the taxpayers and not the other way around?
IS IT TRUE that the people of Evansville hope that our new Mayor will correct the poor condition of our City streets and sidewalks?
IS IT TRUE that the people of Evansville hope that our new Mayor will improve the deplorable condition of our city parks?
IS IT TRUE that the people of Evansville hope that our new Mayor will encourage the employees working at Area Plan to become more consumer-friendly?
IS IT TRUE that the people of Evansville hope that our new Mayor will find the appropriate solutions to correct the serious problems with public safety?
IS IT TRUE that the people of Evansville hope that our new Mayor will curtail the practice of barreled politics and political patronage?
IS IT TRUE that the people of Evansville hope that our new Mayor will not spend our hard-earned tax dollars on non-essential and irrelevant capital projects?
IS IT TRUE that the people of Evansville want a mayor who can say no to frivolous capital projects?
IS IT TRUE that the people of Evansville hope that our new Mayor will be transparent, fiscally responsible, fair, and objective, and who will be a good steward of public trust and will make great business decisions?
COUNTY CLERK ANNOUNCES CHANGE AT VOTE CENTER AT CALVARY TEMPLE
COUNTY CLERK ANNOUNCES CHANGE AT VOTE CENTER AT CALVARY TEMPLE
Vanderburgh County Clerk Carla Hayden announced today that there will be a slight change for voters at Calvary Temple Assembly of God this election. “We were informed late Friday afternoon that a car had hit one of the posts at the main entrance making that entrance inaccessible. The alternate entrance will be on the north side of the building. Additional signage directing voters to the alternate entrance will be in place,†Hayden said.
Below is a list of all vote centers open on Election Day:
| LOCATION | ADDRESS | ZIP |
| Bethel United Church of Christ | 3029 N. Green River Rd | 47715 |
| Calvary Temple Assembly of God | 5050 N. First Ave | 47710 |
| Fairlawn United Methodist Church | 2001 Parker Dr. | 47714 |
| St. Lucas United Church of Christ | 33 W. Virginia St. | 47710 |
| Memorial Baptist Church | 605 Canal St. | 47713 |
| Methodist Temple | 2109 Lincoln Ave. | 47714 |
| Caze Elementary School | 2013 S. Green River Rd. | 47714 |
| Glenwood Leadership Academy | 901 Sweetser Ave | 47713 |
| Northeast Park Baptist Church | 1215 N. Boeke Rd. | 47711 |
| Academy for Innovative Studies (AIS) | 2319 Stringtown Rd. | 47711 |
| Cedar Hall Elementary School | 2100 N. Fulton Ave. | 47710 |
| Southern Indiana Career and Technical | 1901 Lynch Rd. | 47711 |
| St. James West United Methodist | 3111 Hillcrest Terrace | 47712 |
| Plaza Park Middle School | 7301 Lincoln Ave. | 47715 |
| Simpson United Methodist Church | 2201 W. Illinois St | 47712 |
| Washington Square Mall | 4801 Washington Ave. | 47715 |
Over $1M in route to Vanderburgh County, Evansville road projects
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 6, 2023) – Vanderburgh County and Evansville are set to receive a combined total of more than $1 million in state funding to help complete road and bridge projects, according to area legislators.
State funding is available for local projects through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, including road and bridge preservation, road reconstruction, intersection improvements and other items. In total, over 180 towns, cities and counties will receive more than $91 million in state matching grants.
“The Community Crossings program has helped Hoosier communities of all sizes complete essential infrastructure projects more quickly,” said State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee tasked with crafting the state budget. “These dollars will be put to good use as we focus on keeping our roads and bridges safe and functioning for years to come.”
Vanderburgh County will receive $517,027 and Evansville will receive $555,335.
“Indiana is one of the top-rated states for infrastructure, and this program is a big reason why,” said State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville). “Thousands of motorists travel through Southwest Indiana every day so it’s important that we invest in our roadways and keep them well-maintained.”
To qualify for the competitive grant, smaller municipalities provide a 25 percent match in local funds, while larger communities provide a 50 percent match. State law requires 50 percent of the available matching funds be awarded annually to communities within counties with a population of 50,000 or fewer. Since 2016, Community Crossings has awarded more than $1.2 billion to improve local roads and bridges.
“Indiana’s economic success depends in part on having safe and reliable infrastructure,” said State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka). “These grants go a long way toward ensuring our momentum continues while helping our communities attract and retain residents.”
Library of Congress Recognizes Plagiarized University of Evansville Archaeologist After 90 Years
EVANSVILLE, IND. (11/06/2023) The Library of Congress, a bastion of knowledge and information, has taken a historic step in acknowledging the groundbreaking contributions of Dr. Mary Ellingson, a former University of Evansville archaeologist whose work was wrongfully attributed to another individual. After a staggering 90 years of anonymity and academic injustice, Dr. Ellingson’s name now graces the catalog entry of the Excavations at Olynthus series, a monumental archaeological publication. This recognition comes as a result of tireless efforts to correct the historical record, and it marks a triumph for those seeking justice for a woman written out of history.
Dr. Mary Ellingson, an archaeologist with a profound passion for her field, taught at the University of Evansville between 1963 and 1974, leaving an indelible mark on her students and colleagues. Little did they know the secret she carried – a story of her invaluable contribution to the field of archaeology dating back to her graduate years in 1931.
During her graduate studies, Dr. Ellingson began work excavating at the Greek site of Olynthus, a project led by David Robinson. This excavation focused on domestic architecture and provided unprecedented insight into the private aspects of ancient Greek culture. Dr. Ellingson’s involvement in directing Greek workers and documenting terracotta figurines in the field became the foundation for her master’s thesis. A few years later, she furthered her groundbreaking analysis by crafting her dissertation, which redefined the interpretation of ancient Greek figurines.
In a shocking act of plagiarism that has few parallels in the history of archaeology and the sciences, David Robinson published both of Dr. Ellingson’s documents under his own name as part of the Excavations of Olynthus series. This deception remained undetected for decades until the rediscovery of Dr. Ellingson’s photo album and letters from 1931 by University of Evansville archaeology professor Dr. Alan Kaiser. Dr. Kaiser unveiled this scandalous history in his 2014 book titled “Archaeology, Sexism, and Scandal.”
The exposure of this academic injustice resonated with reviewers and supporters of Dr. Kaiser’s book, compelling them to call for acknowledgment of Dr. Ellingson’s contributions to the Excavations at Olynthus series. Johns Hopkins University Press, the current copyright holder of the series, heeded this call and, last year, petitioned the Library of Congress to rectify the historical record by adding Dr. Ellingson’s name as an author to their catalog entry for the series.
In late October, in a move unprecedented before for archaeology and the sciences, the Library of Congress recognized Dr. Mary Ellingson’s groundbreaking contributions by adding her name to the catalog entry. This momentous recognition not only rectifies the historical injustice suffered by Dr. Ellingson but also serves as a triumph for all those who have tirelessly sought justice for a woman unjustly omitted from the pages of history.
In celebration of this historic milestone, Dr. Alan Kaiser, the archaeology professor whose work led to this momentous change, offered these words:
“Recognizing Dr. Mary Ellingson’s long-suppressed contributions to the Excavations at Olynthus series is a significant step toward justice in the academic world. Her groundbreaking work has finally received the acknowledgment it deserves, and her story stands as an inspiration to all those who strive for truth and recognition in their respective fields.”
Filled Up 4, A Ceramic Cup Show to exhibit at USI’s New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art
The University of Southern Indiana New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art (NHGCA) is proud to present Filled Up 4, A Ceramic Cup Show, in partnership with New Harmony Clay Project. Filled Up 4 features ceramic cups by contributing artists around the United States, juried by noted ceramic artist Pattie Chalmers.
The exhibit opens at 3 p.m. and will host a public opening reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, November 11, featuring a juror’s talk and an award announcement.
An additional public reception for Filled Up 4 will be held Saturday, December 2 in conjunction with Christmas in New Harmony from 4 to 6 p.m. where visitors can remove purchased works from the Gallery.
Partnering with New Harmony Clay Project, over 80 submissions were received, 57 of which were accepted by the juror. The cup, one of ceramics’ more iconic productions, has been used as a metaphor, a sculptural element, a sculptural foundation and a functional daily piece of dinnerware. Whether you choose to fill your cups with beverages, food, pencils, or ideology, this exhibition will feature a multitude of handmade creations from artists across the country.
Chalmers currently serves as a Professor at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Professionally, Chalmers has exhibited in group exhibitions on five continents, in six countries and in 34 states. She has had six solo exhibitions in the past five years. Recent exhibitions include The Mudmaid Museum at the Sheldon Art Center in St. Louis, Missouri, and Imperfect Ramblings at Merwin Gallery at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois. Chalmers has taught at the University of Minnesota and Ohio University.
She earned a bachelor’s in fine arts degree in printmaking in 1994 from the University of Manitoba and a master’s degree in fine arts in ceramics in 2001 from the University of Minnesota.
New Harmony Clay Project (NHCP) is an artist residency and educational center located in historic New Harmony, Indiana. NHCP fosters an environment that supports the investigation of new ideas and work in the ceramic arts. It was established in 2015 by Lenny Dowhie, an internationally known ceramic sculptor and Professor Emeritus of Ceramics at USI.
NHCP is supported by the Robert Lee Blaffer Foundation, Efroymson Family Fund, Greater Houston Community Foundation and Lenny and Anne Dowhie Trusts. The goal is to encourage emerging and professional visual artists/ educators in ceramics by giving them quiet space and time to develop a new body of work. The Clay Project is located within the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Ceramic Studio in New Harmony, next to the Roofless Church.
The NHGCA promotes discourse about and access to contemporary art in the southern Indiana region and is an outreach partner of USI. The gallery is located at 506 Main Street in New Harmony, Indiana. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit the NHGCA website, or call 812-682-3156.
This exhibition is made possible in part by the Lenny and Anne Dowhie Trust, Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana, and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Woodward Commercial Realty, Inc. Taps Economic Development Leader For Newly Created Chief Operating Officer Role
EVANSVILLE, Ind -Â Woodward Commercial Realty Inc, a full-service real estate development and business brokerage firm, announced that Audrie Burkett has joined as COO and executive vice president. The organization is led by CEO and managing broker Evan Beck and Zach Martin, president of Woodward Development and Construction.
In this new role, Burkett will lead Woodward’s marketing, internal operations and continued expansion of its real estate development and investment activities across Indiana and Kentucky. Burkett will play an important part in enhancing Woodward’s internal processes pertaining to acquisitions, development, leasing, asset management and property management.
“I’ve worked with Audrie over the past eight and a half years through her economic development role, and her dedication, expertise and unwavering commitment to her work are a rare find, said Beck. As we envision the future, Audrie brings the horsepower, knowledge of industry and integrity that we pride ourselves with at Woodward. She will greatly enhance our deliverables to current and future clients.â€
Most recently, Burkett served as the COO and executive vice president of the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP), an economic development led chamber organization. Burkett oversaw the day-to-day operations of E-REP while strategically aligning priorities to the organization’s mission. Burkett has been a key leader driving the $50 million Regional Economic Development + Acceleration Initiative (READI) for the Evansville region. Burkett will continue to serve as the E-REP Foundation chair and lead a communications committee.
“We are thrilled for Audrie and her new opportunity to grow and expand our community in the private sector, said Tara Barney, CEO at E-REP. I am grateful for the energy, strategic vision and team growth Audrie brought to the E-REP organization in our early formation. I look forward to leaning on her strategic vision as a volunteer and witnessing her contributions to Woodward’s continued growth and impact on the Evansville region.
Burkett is a Purdue Boilermaker and joined E-REP and its predecessor in 2015. In addition to overseeing the internal successful alignment of the organizations that now comprise E-
REP, she has provided administrative oversight and led two significant initiatives: Southwest Indiana’s Regional Cities Initiative dispersing $42 million for quality-of-place initiatives and public policy work championing increased internet access for those living in rural areas.
“I am deeply impressed by Woodward’s history and success, Burkett said. Not only am I excited about the future opportunities, knowing that I can help execute and bring operational excellence, but I am also pleased to be joining a firm representing some of the best people in commercial real estate.â€
Raised on a dairy farm in Posey County, Burkett currently resides with her husband and two daughters in the Evansville region. Burkett is an integral part of her family’s small business, a dental practice located on Evansville’s Westside. She currently serves on the President’s Advisory Council for Mater Dei High School. Additionally, she was named Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives “40 under 40†in 2022 and Rotary Club of Evansville “20 under 40†in 2021.
USI Theatre continues its 2023-24 season with Exit, Pursued by a Bear
University of Southern Indiana Theatre continues its 2023-24 season with Exit, Pursued by a Bear, a revenge comedy by Lauren Gunderson, directed by Joshua Robinson, Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre in the Philip H. Hagemann Performing Arts Department. Performances will run from Thursday, November 16 through Sunday, November 19 in the USI Performance Center.
Exit, Pursued by a Bear shows revenge is not only sweet, but hungry. Nan, a simple woman, has had enough. Enough of her rural life. Enough of her crushed dreams. But most importantly, she has had absolutely enough of her husband Kyle. Domestic bliss turns to domestic abuse, and now Nan is walking away. But not before giving Kyle one last glimpse at just how bad it’s been. With the help of her best friend Simon, and a stripper turned friend by chance, Sweetheart, Nan intends to make sure Kyle knows just exactly how much trouble he’s really in. And just how far she’ll go to even the score.
Billed as a “dark revenge comedy,â€Â the production balances the serious with the absurd. Gunderson’s story of abuse and escape is all too real for those survivors of domestic abuse. While extreme, Exit, Pursued by a Bear shows that there are creative ways to find your voice and a path to a better life. By placing her abuser in a position to be forced to watch his sins be recounted, Nan gets a chance to extract a bit of catharsis mixed with revenge.
Director Robinson will be joined by a design team including Paul Weimer, Associate Professor and Chair of Theatre, as Scenic Designer; Shan Jensen, Professor of Theatre, as Costume Designer; Brandon Bagwell, Assistant Professor of Theatre, as Lighting Designer; Andy Hammond, Theatre Technical Coordinator, as Technical Director; as well as students, Grey Miller as Stage Manager and Mel Hanebutt as Sound Designer.
The cast of Exit, Pursued by a Bear includes USI students Chloe Kummer as Nan, Gavin Carter as Kyle, LillyBea Ireland as Sweetheart and Leo Rasche as Simon. Joining the stage crew will be Ian Palomino and Korbyn Taylor as Assistant Stage Managers.
USI Theatre will be using reserved seating, and ticket buyers can choose their own seats when purchasing online at https://usitheatre.
Aces women’s basketball begins the 2023-24 season against Lipscomb
EVANSVILLE, Ind. —Â The University of Evansville women’s basketball team officially begins the new season tomorrow against a team it hasn’t seen in almost 15 years.
UE last faced the Lipscomb Bison in 2009 at their home arena in Nashville. Evansville has not lost a game to the Bison in their short four-game series. UE will look to defend their perfect record against Lipscomb on Tuesday night in a very different world of college basketball.