“IS IT TRUE” AUGUST 4, 2023
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IS IT TRUE that is no greater ambassador of goodwill than a homegrown non-partisan community newspaper? Â …that local newspapers can serve as a “Community Watchdog” by sounding the alarm when the citizen’s rights are being violated? …we realize that a community can have no greater ambassador of goodwill than one which keeps its citizens informed about their accomplishments, failure, and triumphs?
IS IT TRUE that some of our elected officials seemly have forgotten that the first amendment to the U. S. Constitution states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the rights of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievance”?
IS IT TRUE that inflated egos, know-it-all attitudes, self-serving demeanors, and inflated opinions about one’s leadership skills have created many delusional political leaders?
IS IT TRUE that we have been told when Mayor Winnecke announced that he wasn’t running for re-election right after his announcement some misinformed people considered him to be a political lame duck? Â …we feel it would be a mistake to classify the Mayor as a Lame Duck? Â …we considering him just retiring from politics?
IS IT TRUE that the Evansville Chief of Police and his Assistant Chief stunned many members of the community, members of the Evansville Police Department, and some members of the Republican Party of Vanderburgh County, when they publicly, announced that they are supporting Democrat Stephanie Terry for Mayor of Evansville? Â …we are told we can expect to hear that several other well-known city employees will follow suit and suit by endorsing either the Democratic or the Libritaiarn candidate for Mayor?
IS IT TRUE that “political patronage” came about at about the same time that the Tammany Hall shakedown tactics in New York City were being used to drain the public coffers to enrich the politically connected?…the one thing that “political patronage“ staffing never seems to require is any expertise at concerning to the job that one is being appointed to
IS IT TRUE we are extremely pleased with the way that State Senator Vaneta Becker is representing the people of her District?
IS IT TRUEÂ that back in 2019 members of the Evansville City Council voted to take money from the Local Income Tax account so they could transfer money from one account to another in an attempt to balance the 2019 City budget? …that there are several ways to balance a budget? …that they are to spend within their means and say “NO” to unneeded capital projects?
IS IT TRUE we have been told by reliable sources that Lousiville, Kentucky business tycoon Ron Geary will be in town in a couple of weeks to meet with a group of local well-heeled business people to discuss a possible big-ticket venture in Evansville proper?
IS IT TRUE when a Chairman of a political party sweeps an election he takes total credit for this accomplishment? Â …when a Chairman of a political party loses he blames everyone else for the loss?
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UE President Named Vice Chair of NCAA Division I Board of Directors
UE President Named Vice Chair of NCAA Division I Board of Directors
AUGUST 4, 2023
EVANSVILLE, IND. (08/03/2023) University of Evansville (UE) President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz has been named Vice Chair of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Board of Directors, showcasing his commitment to advancing excellence in higher education and collegiate athletics. Pietruszkiewicz will also continue to serve on the Finance Committee and become the Chair of the Administrative Committee as the NCAA navigates the changing landscape in college sports.
Evansville’s sports culture is enriched by NCAA Division I athletics, fostering teamwork, discipline, and pride among our university and Evansville community, both on and off the field. Pietruszkiewicz’s appointment comes as he finishes his term as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Independent Colleges of Indiana, the collective voice for excellence in higher education for all of Indiana’s 29 private, non-profit, regionally accredited colleges, and universities.
“In a time of great transformation in collegiate athletics, I am honored to serve our nearly 200,000 Division I student-athletes as they work in the classroom to prepare themselves for a lifetime of success and on the field as they pursue their athletic dreams. We know we have work to do in the next few years and I look forward to being a part of the solution,” said Pietruszkiewicz. “I take great pleasure in being a member of an institution that values the significance of athletics in higher education and demonstrates the positive impact it has on the lives of student-athletes and our community.”
FOOTNOTES: The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university located in the southwestern region of Indiana. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and vibrant campus community of changemakers.
Home of the Purple Aces, UE offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton College, a Victorian manor located in the countryside of the United Kingdom. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.
Otters fall in series finale to Y’alls
The Otters were held scoreless through the first eight innings. Florence starter Carter Spivey tossed seven shutout innings allowing just four baserunners.
Evansville mounted a rally in the ninth inning, trailing 4-0. Bryan Rosario was hit to start the inning. After a strikeout, Dakota Phillips walked.
Reyes then mashed a three-run home run over the centerfield wall to trim the deficit to one.
Ethan Skender was hit by a pitch to put the tying run aboard. Florence struck out the next two batters to win the game.
Evansville starter Zach Smith pitched a quality start. He allowed just two hits and one unearned run over six innings of work, completing an eighth quality start of the season.
Florence scored the first run of the game in the fourth. A leadoff double put a runner on second. They advanced to third on a passed ball then scored on a groundout.
The Y’alls added three more runs in the eighth inning. A walk, single and hit batter loaded the bases.
Two singles then scored two runs to stretch the lead to four.
Bryan Rosario extended his on-base streak to 18 games as the only Otter to reach base twice. Evansville had three total hits.
Evansville continues the homestand with a series against the Schaumburg Boomers. Friday is “E†is for everyone night at Bosse Field, with no tickets required for GA seating. Fans will also enjoy a jersey auction and post game fireworks. First pitch is slated for 6:35 PM CT.
All home and road Otters games this season are televised on FloSports with audio-only coverage available for free on the Evansville Otters YouTube page.
Winners of the 2023 Indiana Agriculture Photo Contest announced
INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 3, 2023) — Today, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture announced the winners of the 2023 Indiana Agriculture Photo Contest. The winning photographs will be displayed in the lieutenant governor’s Family of Business offices in Indianapolis throughout the next year.
“Each year it is always a joy to review the photos submitted to the Indiana Agriculture Photo Contest,†said Lt. Gov. Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “The 10 photos selected as winners truly capture the Hoosier spirit and farming tradition to the highest degree. I want to thank and congratulate all participants for helping us showcase Indiana agriculture.â€
The winning photos were chosen from hundreds of entries in the following four categories: Agritourism, Conservation, Faces of Agriculture and On the Farm. Two winners were selected from each category, along with two winners overall.
To be considered, the photo had to be taken in the state by an Indiana resident. The photos were evaluated by a panel of independent judges based on creativity, composition and category representation.
“Hoosiers have always been on the forefront when it comes to farming and agricultural practices,†said Don Lamb, Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director. “This year we received nearly 600 photo submissions in the Indiana Agriculture Photo Contest, and with each submission the Hoosier agriculture story is put on display. We look forward to sharing those stories throughout the year in various ways.â€
The following list includes the photo contest winners for 2023:
Agritourism Category
- “Whimsical Twilight†by Bethany Hudspeth from McCordsville
- “Joy†by Allyson Avery from Plainfield
Conservation Category
- “A Days Reflection†by Elli Lange from Rising Sun
- “Wild Connections†by Carson Hughes from Osgood
Faces of Agriculture Category
- “Generations†by Linsie Middlesworth from Marion
- “A Girl at Her Family Christmas Tree Farm†by Amanda Flickinger from Wakarusa
On the Farm Category
- “Flossie the Dairy Cow†by Kerri Burke from Covington
- “Sunset Bean Harvest†by Chad Boswell from Frankfort
Overall Category
- “Flying it On†by Laura Niemiec from Michigan City
- “A Pumpkin for my Pumpkin†by April Lamb from Milford
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EVSC WILL HOLD TOWN HALL MEETING
The Board of School Trustees of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation will meet for the regularly scheduled Board meeting Monday, August 7, 2023, at 5:30 PM in the Board Room of the EVSC Administration Building located at 951 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN. Board meetings can also be observed by tuning to EVSC’s radio station, 90.7 WPSR or live-streamed online at https://www.wpsrhd.com/.
Prior to the regularly scheduled Board meeting, three members of the Board, along with district administrators, will hold a Town Hall beginning at 5:00 PM. This Town Hall is for Vanderburgh County residents to speak directly with Board members in attendance about issues involving EVSC schools. The Town Hall will be held in the Technology and Innovation Center located at 951 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN. Members of the public who would like to attend the Town Hall should register by completing the Town Hall Registration Form located on our website at district.evscschools.com.
Agriculture visionaries announced
INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 3, 2023) — Today, at the Indiana State Fair, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch presented Cindy Hoye, executive director of the Indiana State Fair, and Beth Archer, executive director of AgrIInstitue, with the state’s highest agricultural honor, the AgriVision Award.
Now in its 17th year, the award is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the agriculture industry and their communities.
“Indiana agriculture continues to grow and is driven by the remarkable contributions of visionary Hoosiers, like Cindy Hoye and Beth Archer,†said Lt. Gov. Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “With their exceptional leadership and knowledge, the State of Indiana continues to prove itself as a leading force in the agricultural sector. It is my pleasure to award the state’s highest agricultural honor to such deserving individuals.â€
Cindy Hoye joined the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center as a marketing director in 1988. She was appointed to executive director in 2004 by former Governor Mitch Daniels. In this role, she oversees year-round operations of the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center, as well as the annual Indiana State Fair. Throughout her time as executive director, she has worked diligently to carry out the vision of the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center.
Ensuring the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center is a premier, year-round gathering place that maximizes its resources to host a wide range of diverse activities is a top priority for Hoye. During her time as executive director, she has overseen projects that enhance and preserve the fairgrounds to better meet the vision of the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center. In May 2014Â , the Indiana Farmers Coliseum reopened after a $63 million renovation to the facilities. Today, the coliseum hosts over one million guests annually and over 150 sporting events. Apart from non-fair events, the coliseum functions as an exhibition venue for livestock during the annual Indiana State Fair. The highlight of this exhibition is the supreme and grand drive, where champions from each species are chosen and awarded each year.
Along with ensuring the facilities are equipped for an array of activities, Hoye strives for the Indiana State Fair to be recognized as the best in the country and one that showcases Indiana agriculture and youth in an educational, entertaining and safe environment. Under her leadership, Discovery Hall was remodeled and now houses the Indiana State Board of Animal Health.
She has spent countless hours ensuring various barns and exhibition halls receive the proper renovations to better serve and showcase youth livestock projects. Most recently, a $50 million renovation took place on the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion (Swine Barn). Additionally, the Blue-Ribbon Pavilion and Pop Weaver Youth Pavilion received upgrades which enhanced the youth livestock experience.
For 35 years, Cindy Hoye as dedicated her time and talents to the Indiana State Fair. Through her diligent efforts and leadership as executive director of the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center, Hoye has made the fairgrounds a premier gathering place that is committed to hosting diverse activities and showcasing Indiana agriculture and youth across the state.
“Hoosier agriculture is thriving because of leaders like Cindy and Beth,†said Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “We are thankful for their commitment to advancing agriculture in the Hoosier state. It is an honor to present these outstanding individuals with this well-deserved recognition.â€
Since 1992, Beth Archer has been the executive director of AgriIInstitue, an organization that prepares leaders to advance agriculture and serve the industry’s related communities. Under the umbrella of AgriInstitue is the Indiana Agriculture Leadership Program (ALP), a prestigious program that fosters leadership and personal development amongst agriculture leaders.
For the past 31 years, Archer has been a driving force behind the development of future agriculture leaders through her oversight of the ALP program. In this role, she has facilitated workshops and discussions, all while challenging the conventional thoughts of participants.
Archer has overseen the funding process which ensures full programming for each class. Due to her work, approximately 75% of each participants program fees have been covered.
Additionally, Archer works directly with her board to develop strategic plans for continued growth, ensuring the organization’s vision is effectively carried out. Her collaborative approach has fostered meaningful partnerships on the state and federal level. As a result of her leadership, program participants have gained invaluable knowledge and skills, which hold the potential for a promising future for agriculture within the state and on a national level.
Under her guidance, the ALP has become a premier leadership program that aids in the development of agricultural professionals. Archer has created a large and growing network of agricultural leaders who will continue to lead and push the agriculture industry forward for years to come. Her commitment to AgriInstitute and its programming is immeasurable, but immense.
Remembering a childhood on the farm with a trip to the fair
Abby Dunlap and her two sons stopped in the swine barn at the Indiana State Fair Wednesday afternoon.
They came to the fair to carry on a family tradition. Abby’s boys, 6 and 4, have been coming since they were just 1 and 2 years old.
“We just enjoy coming to the state fair,†said Abby. “I grew up on a farm. Showing them the animals and everything, so they experienced some of the same stuff I did, is important to me.â€
The kids look forward to the rides, but their grandpa has a hog farm, so pigs are nothing new to them.
Some highlights they planned for the day were walking through all the animal barns, going to the soybean barn and the DNR building, and finally finishing off with rides.