EVANSVILLE MAYORAL CANDIDATE MICHAEL DAUGHERTY ANNOUNCES POLITICAL PLATFORM
EVANSVILLE MAYORAL CANDIDATE MICHAEL DAUGHERTY ANNOUNCES POLITICAL PLATFORM
AUGUST 25, 2023
Obviously, my opponents have realized my candidacy as valid as their attacks have started. I’m here to put my campaign for Mayor of Evansville into perspective.
After much prayerful thought, and talking to family, friends, and supporters, I have come to the conclusion to make the following public commitments to you, the citizens.
First of all, I joined the race for Mayor of Evansville because I know Evansville is at the crossroads of economic and financial peril. I know that with the help of the citizens of Evansville combined with my educational background, life experiences, and business background, we can truly bring Evansville back from the current financial crisis.
One of the reasons why I ran for Mayor of Evansville is to help stop the financial and economic decline of Evansville during the last twelve (12) years.
If elected, I hereby commit to the citizens of Evansville that I will be a one (1) term mayor who will take a political non-partisan approach to revitalizing Evansville’s infrastructure and stagnant economy. I want to stress that I will not be a typical politician but a public servant who will practice “Good Public Policy” and therefore will be a “Good Steward Of The Public Trust”.
If I’m fortunate to be elected Mayor of Evansville I hope that you understand that I understand that I will work for you and that I will be an employee of you, the citizens of Evansville.
As your next mayor, you can expect to see me either in the neighborhoods looking at issues that need addressing, or behind my desk making sound business decisions within our budget restraints and not in front of the camera promoting myself or a self-serving political agenda.
My campaign slogan is “People Over Politics”, which simply means, I will govern with the US in mind, not me!
You can expect me to govern without bias or political affiliation. It is important to point out that if I’m elected, Mayor of Evansville  I am not going to be a “Good Mayor but I pledge that I “Will Be A Great Mayor”
Your vote is not a vote for me, but a vote for you! The days of political patronage, nepotism, and “Party Over People” will end with my administration.
Finally, I would like to point out that there are many talented people currently working for our city and I will ensure you that they are retained and rewarded for their devotion and hard work for the citizens of Evansville. I will also commit to appointing the most qualified people for numerous boards and commissions, without regard to political affiliations.
However, I shall be appointing a new Police Chief and Fire Chief and expect to find their replacement within the current ranks.
When I am elected Mayor of Evansville, get ready to roll up your sleeves because we have a lot of work to do correcting our public safety issues, addressing our serious financial problems, revitalizing our parks, and repairing our streets and sidewalks that have been ignored during the last 12 years.
I will always choose TRUTH OVER  POPULARITY! My administration will truly be an administration for ALL people of Evansville.
ABOUT LIBERTARIAN MAYORAL CANDIDATE MICHAEL DAUGHERTY
Born and raised in Evansville, Indiana Michael is no stranger to Evansville’s rich history. He left to attend Purdue University where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. While at Purdue, he worked for an information technology company. After graduation, he was promoted to Vice President of IT. He worked there for 7 years, assisting in a patent that emerged as telehealth for adults with disabilities.
Michael passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) to become a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Indiana. Michael returned to Purdue University receiving his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) while working full-time.
He then taught at Ivy Tech for two years. In 2008, he founded an information technology company. Growing this company from the ground up, Michael supported customers in IT all across the world. With family health issues.
He returned to Evansville in 2020 to assist his family. Selling his thriving IT business, he retired and purchased a 47-acre horse farm to ensure his mother could retire with her passion, horses.
Upon his return to his roots, he noticed Evansville was not the same. He began to investigate what had happened to his hometown. Increased crime, drugs, crumbling roads, decrepit parks, political patronage, and fiscal irresponsibility pushed Michael to stand up and do something about his beloved hometown.
This is why Michael Daugherty entered the race for Mayor. “I’m proud to announce my campaign slogan, PEOPLE OVER POLITICS!â€Â
For more information, please visit www.PeopleOverPolitics.vote
FOOTNOTE: Â THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER POSTED THIS ARTICLE WITHOUT OPINION, BIAS OR EDITING. Â WE SHALL DO SIMILAR FOR MAYORAL CANDIDATES STEPHANIE TERRY (D) AND NATALIE RASCHER (R).
VANDERBURGH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MOURN LOSS OF OLD COURTHOUSE CLOCKKEEPER

It is with heavy hearts that the Vanderburgh County Commissioners announce the passing of Carroll Kenneth Hickrod, the dedicated volunteer clock keeper of the historic Old Courthouse.
For more than fifteen years, Carroll Hickrod toiled in the hidden corners of the Old Courthouse, dedicating countless hours to repairing, maintaining, and nurturing the intricate mechanisms that powered the clock’s hands. His hands, weathered by time much like the clock itself, worked with a meticulous precision that only true dedication could
inspire. His unwavering commitment meant that, even as the world around us evolved, the courthouse clock continued to mark the passage of moments with grace and authenticity.
But Carroll’s legacy extended beyond the mere mechanics of gears and cogs. His steadfast presence became a bridge connecting our community’s present to its history, reminding us that continuity and preservation are values worth embracing. His humility and dedication resonated with all who crossed his path, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to know him.
As we reflect on Carroll’s journey, let us remember the power of selfless service. His story teaches us that heroes are not always those in the limelight; they are the ones who, quietly and consistently, contribute to the tapestry of our lives. Through his actions, Carroll showed us that love for community and history can manifest in the smallest of gestures, yet their impact can be immeasurable.
The courthouse clock shall continue to chime, its cadence echoing the legacy of Carroll Hickrod. As we bid him farewell, let us stand in awe of his dedication and honor his memory by upholding the values he held dear. In his name, let us strive to become guardians of our heritage, ambassadors of unity, and champions of the timeless spirit
that binds us all.
May Carroll’s soul find eternal rest, knowing that his legacy lives on, ticking alongside the heartbeat of our town, reminding us that every moment is a precious gift and that the spirit of service can illuminate the darkest of hours.
In a heartfelt tribute to Carroll and with the support of the Board of Commissioners, the Old Courthouse Foundation will be illuminating the clocktower in a serene blue hue beginning August 24th through August 27th. This display of blue lights is a symbolic gesture and beacon of remembrance to honor Carroll’s unwavering commitment to preserving and guarding our town’s history. We invite our community to join us in this tribute by taking a moment to reflect on Carroll’s contributions and the indelible mark he left on Evansville.
CK Newsome Center Cooling Center Reopening Tomorrow
“The CK Newsome Center will reopen as a cooling center on Friday, August 25th, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. While we’ve implemented temporary repairs to the HVAC system, we’re seeking a long-term solution. Thank you for your understanding and patience.”
Please help us spread the word to those who may benefit.
USI Recognizes Award Recipients, Collects Over 2.3 million Volunteer Hours
Volunteer USI, the University of Southern Indiana’s volunteer organization, celebrated its 2023 award recipients and dedicated volunteer community during the annual Volunteer USI Recognition Dinner on Wednesday, August 23. During the 2022-23 fiscal year, volunteers devoted 52,262 hours to USI and the local community. Since 1996, Volunteer USI has recorded a total of 2,400,022 volunteer hours.
Each year, Volunteer USI recognizes three award recipients who have contributed outstanding service with a lasting impact to USI and/or the community. The award categories include Volunteer of the Year, Mentor of the Year and Student Volunteer of the Year.
Volunteer of the YearÂ
Dr. Terry Alvey ’84 has been named the 2023 Volunteer of the Year. A long-time member of the USI Alumni Association, Alvey served on the Alumni Council for four years and currently holds a pivotal role on the USI Foundation Board of Directors. Alongside his wife Jean, also a USI alumna, the Alveys have shared expertise as workshop presenters for the Pott College Alumni Medical Professionals Celebration, offering guidance to students pursuing medical careers.
Notably, his commitment to mentorship shines through his active involvement with USI pre-med students. He advocates for the USI Mentor Program, provides career counseling and encourages students to embrace all the USI community has to offer.
Alvey’s impact goes beyond campus as he generously supports various community initiatives. With his wife, he established the Terence A. ’84 and C. Jean ’85 Alvey Unrestricted Endowment, a testament to their dedication to education and community welfare. Now enjoying retirement after an influential career as a podiatrist, Alvey’s passion for enhancing educational experiences and fostering growth continues to shape both the USI and Evansville communities.
An anonymous nominator says, “Dr. Alvey volunteers out of the spotlight, making great use of his interpersonal skills and attention to detail.â€
He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from USI and a doctorate in podiatric medicine from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.
Student Volunteer of the YearÂ
Christina Butler ’24 has been selected as the 2023 Student Volunteer of the Year. She is pursuing a major in finance and minoring in public and nonprofit administration.
An active member of USI’s Tri Sigma sorority, Butler dedicates numerous hours weekly during both Fall and Spring Semesters to coordinate various events related to the sorority. In addition, she holds the position of Vice President for two student organizations: Be the Match, which strives to give students and the local community the opportunity to join the bone marrow registry, provide financial support and volunteer their time; and USI Eagles in Action, a student organization focused on developing and leading community service projects.
An anonymous student nominator says, “Christina Butler exemplifies strength, compassion and kindness in everything she does. She has proven to be a woman who exceeds expectations at all costs, without ever asking for anything in return. She takes challenges in stride and uses her keen organization skills to help others follow her example in excellence.â€
Mentor of the YearÂ
Dr. Urska Dobersek, Associate Professor of Psychology, has been named the 2023 Mentor of the Year. At USI, Dobersek leads a dynamic research lab where she guides undergraduate students on various research endeavors, including survey and experimental research, systematic and scoping reviews and meta-analyses.
Her research focuses on individuals’ identity, sexual and mate selection, objectification of women and diet and mental health. Dobersek has published over 90 peer-reviewed abstracts, publications and book chapters in her professional career.
Praised by an anonymous student nominator, Dobersek’s commitment to personal and professional growth is evident in her efforts to support and elevate students in the same regard. Her passion for psychology and research is readily apparent, inspiring those around her.
Dobersek earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in general/experimental psychology, both from McNeese State University. She earned a doctorate in sport and exercise psychology from Florida State University and is currently completing a master’s degree in clinical mental health psychology at the University of the Cumberlands.
Attorney General Supports School District’s Legal Battle Concering Bathroom Useage
Attorney General Todd Rokita issued the following statement supporting the Metropolitan School District of Martinsville, which is seeking affirmation from the U.S. Supreme Court that it may require students to use bathrooms corresponding to their biological sex:
“Nothing in the U.S. Constitution, Title IX or any other federal law requires schools to have coed bathrooms, locker rooms and showers, which pose a direct threat to the health, privacy, safety and security of our children. Accordingly, federal courts should never mandate that boys and girls must be able to use the same school bathrooms depending on gender identity.
“For these reasons and others, I applaud the Metropolitan School District of Martinsville’s decision to appeal the Seventh Circuit’s recent decision mandating coed bathrooms to the U.S. Supreme Court.
“I strongly encourage leaders in the Vigo County School Corp. to stand strong and do the same.
“Fortunately, at least one other U.S. Court of Appeals has reached a different conclusion and affirmed schools’ right to maintain separate boys’ and girls’ bathrooms, regardless of gender identity.
“Amid such inconsistency, the time is ripe for the U.S. Supreme Court to resolve the dispute over coed bathrooms once and for all—for the sake of children, parents, schools, and the rule of law.
“As legal actions proceed, my office and I will continue working boldly on the side of Hoosier families and school officials by advocating for the safe and sensible policy of protecting our children with single-sex bathrooms.â€
THUNDERBOLTS SIGN NOAH WILLIAMS FOR 2023-24 SEASONÂ
Evansville, In.:  The Evansville Thunderbolts and Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes are pleased to announce the signing of forward Noah Williams for the 2023-24 season.  The Thunderbolts’ 2023-24 season will get underway on Saturday, October 21st at Ford Center as they host the Huntsville Havoc.
Williams, a native of Potsdam, New York, played the past five seasons at Norwich University, tallying 16 goals and 51 points in 106 games, and was team captain in the 2021-22 season. Prior to his time at Norwich, Williams played one season of Canadian junior hockey with the AJHL’s Calgary Canucks and CCHL’s Cornwall Colts in 2017-18, tallying a combined 5 goals and 14 points in 46 games.  Reacting to joining the Thunderbolts, Williams remarked: “I’ve heard nothing but great things about the fans, the organization, and the city of Evansville, and I am extremely excited for October to arrive so I can get there and be a part of it.  I can’t wait to feel the energy inside Ford Center!â€
In reaction to signing Williams, Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes commented: “Noah comes from a very good college program.  He’s the type of player that does all the little details for a team to be successful.  All his teammates wanted to play with him because of this, which is the best compliment you can get as a player.â€
Wine Walk Presented by Romain Cross Pointe is Friday, August 25
Romain Cross Pointe continues as the Presenting Sponsor for the third year. Other sponsors include Edward Jones Steve Harding, F.C. Tucker Emge Realtors, Gerling Law, and Rumble Boxing. The Gerling Law Sober Rides Program will be offered to guests. Gerling Law will reimburse guests up to $30 for rides. For program details, visit Downtown Evansville Indiana or Gerling Law on social media.
“The Wine Walk continues to be a popular attraction. Our attendee numbers have increased eightfold since we started in 2017. We encourage guests to buy their tickets now before we sell out. After you enjoy the wine, cool off inside at one of our 50+ Downtown restaurants,†said Josh Armstrong, president, EID.