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We understand that sometimes people donâ€™t always agree and discussions may become a little heated. Â The use of offensive language, or insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.

Any comments posted in thisÂ column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertiser

IS IT TRUE that right after Maui and Lahania were ravaged by the deadliest wildfires in more than a century, and as residents search and wait for word about their missing loved ones, low-life looters were trying to cash in on the tragedy? …that businesses were also looted for any remaining goods in the ruins? …that CCO staff says; “Arrest the looters and thugs and throw their ass– in jail and throw away the key?

IS IT TRUE that the City Of Evansville budget hearings have begun? Â … that casual observers attending the budget meetings are hearing rumors that Evansville may have some financial challenges because our City officials may have maxed out on our Municipal Bonds borrowing capacity?

IS IT TRUE that if Evansville is really in a financial bind and can’t borrow anymore Municipal bond money for future capital projects we hope that they don’t resort to the questionable practice of having a Corporation fund and build the capital project for them and in return, the City signs a long term lease agreement with the builder?

IS IT TRUE that the main responsibility of a City Controller is to make sure that the Mayor and City Council members live within their budget restraints?

IS IT TRUE that we can guarantee that the City Controllers that worked for Mayors Jonathon Wienzapfel and Frank McDonald Jr. ensured that the City officials lived within their budget restraints?

IS IT TRUE that former Evansville Mayors Jonathon Weinzapfel and Frank McDonald Jr. not only lived within their budget restraints but when they left office they had comfortable cash balances in the “Rainey Day” fund to pass on to their successors?

IS IT TRUE that it’s time for candidates running for the Mayor and City Council positions in Evansville to start openly discussing issues that are affecting our quality of life?

IS IT TRUE that its time for the Evansville Mayoral and City Council candidates to publically discuss ways to correct some of the following issues within Evansville proper: spending beyond our means, uncontrollable drug addiction problems in Evansville, low employee morale, escalating murder, and crime rates, the neglect of our City Parks, crumbing streets and sidewalks throughout Evansville proper and needc to find a way to defer unexpected increases in our water and sewer rates?

IS IT TRUE that we have been told by a couple of people in attendance at the City Of Evansville budget hearings that they are pleased with the way that City Councilmembers Mosby, Weave, and Beane involved themselves in budget discussions?

IS IT TRUE that we wish that our locally elected officials, business leaders of this region, patriots, and Veterans groups would feel similar about the Veterans Memorial Coliseum as they do the LST? …its time that the citizens of this community demand that the Veterans Memorial Coliseum receive the same media attention and public financial support as the LST does? …its time that the community brings back the “Veterans Memorial Coliseum” Â to its original grandeur?

IS IT TRUE that because of the personality conflicts between certain members of the Evansville City Council it has allowed Mayor Winnecke to craft a successful political strategy that ensured that his future capital projects plans become a reality? Â …we are told that divide-and-conquer political strategies most always succeed?

IS IT TRUE that Mesker Park Zoo lost over $4 million dollars in revenue in the 2022 budget year?

IS IT TRUE that we are told that the FORD CENTER was several million dollars in the red for the 2022 budget year? Â …that we expect this year’s Profit and Loss statement may yield similar results?

IS IT TRUE that the Ford Center needs $8 to $9 million dollars to spend on much needed maintenance and repairs issues? Â …that the City needs to find the money to purchase a new multi-million dollar interior electronic scoreboard and also an exterior electronic display banner sign? Â …we wonder why the FORD CENTER didn’t have a maintenance and repair account to take care of issues like these?

IS IT TRUE that the Executive Director of the AREA PLAN COMMISSION stunned members of the Vanderburgh County Council when he requested that this board increase his 2024 salary by $26,500?

IS IT TRUE that for many years the City of Evansville has had a serious financial shortfall in the City of Evansville employee healthcare plan? Â …that we hope that the newly elected Mayor of Evansville will put out a public RFP request to area insurance carriers in this area to search for more affordable employee health care plans?

IS IT TRUE that our number one supporter Mark Chandler asks us why are the new city sidewalks on corner lots of Habitat homes in the Jacobsville area being constructed without handicap ramps? …that Mark also added the comment that this sidewalks project seems to violate the ADA? Â …that we agree with him?

IS IT TRUE that the Regional Representative for the United States Senator Mike Braun is doing a credible job? Â …that Steven W. Hammer is working extremely hard to carry the message to the masses that United States Senator Braun is a man of his word by following through with his campaign promises. Â …we give five (5) cheers to Steve Hammer for doing a credible job for United States Senator Mike Braun?

IS IT TRUE to hear some American progressives talk about our social progress one would have to conclude that we are light years behind the Nordic countries which are capitalist economies with a stronger safety net than ours.

IS IT TRUE that we are told that several people are hoping that Democrat State Representative Ryan Hatfield will run for a Vanderburgh County Judgeship position when it becomes available? …we feel that Ryan Hatfield has the skills and ability to make a good Judge?

IS IT TRUE that our “Readers Poll” is non-scientific but trendy? Â …our current “Readers Poll” question is: Â If the general election was held today who would you vote for Mayor of Evansville”?

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Braun to Hold Aging Committee Hearing in Indianapolis on Economic Challenges and Opportunities for Older Americans

08/17/2023

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INDIANAPOLISÂ – On Tuesday, AugustÂ 22, U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging Ranking Member Mike Braun will hold a field hearing entitled, â€œEconomic Challenges and Opportunities for Older Americans.â€ The hearing will examine obstacles older Americans have faced under recent economic conditions, approaches to alleviating these burdens, and opportunities ahead. Specifically, the hearing will consider the impact of inflation on older workers and retirement security; the effect of misguided labor regulations like the Joint Employer Rule on employers, and of ESG policies on family farmers; and the consequences of Social Securityâ€™s shortcomings on the lives of law enforcement officers. The hearing will also highlight the value older workers provide to employers and communities.

Witnesses for the hearing will include:Â

Mr. Toby Deaton, Vice President, Indiana Fraternal Order of Police, Chief Deputy Sheriff, Scott County, IN
Mr. Tom McKinney, President and Owner, McKinney Farms, Inc., Kempton, IN
Mr. Wesley Snyder, Multi-brand Franchise Owner, Fishers, IN
Ms. Valerie A. Jones, Assistant to the Philanthropist, St. Vincent de Paul, Indianapolis, IN

When:Â Tuesday, August 22, 2:30PM ET.Â

Where:Â Pershing Auditorium at the Indiana War Memorial, Indianapolis, IN Â

Watch:Â Live broadcastÂ online here.

Media RSVPÂ toÂ Allison_Dong@braun.senate.govÂ by 10:00AM ET on Tuesday, August 22^nd.

For Background:

Over the last two decades, the share of the workforce aged 55 or older almost doubled. By 2028, over a quarter of the workforce will be aged 55 or older.

Inflation has been a factor inÂ forcing retireesÂ back to work. 43 percent of those considering returning to work are doing so because of inflation.

In May, Senator Braun released a report entitled, â€œWhatâ€™s Working for Older Workers,â€ which examines the challenges that older workers are facing and provides recommendations for Congress and the Administration to support older workers, protect their retirement security and strengthen their workforce participation.Â Read the full reportÂ here.Â

Mother Arrested for OWI while Transporting Two Children

08/17/2023

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Gibson County â€“ Wednesday night, August 16, at approximately 9:25 p.m., Trooper Hurley was patrolling in the area of SR 165 and SR 65 in Owensville when he stopped the driver of a 2015 Chevrolet for having an improper taillight and no license plate light.

The driver was identified as Tamera Reeves, 28, of Princeton. She also had her two-year-old son and four-week-old daughter in the backseat. Reeves displayed signs of impairment and failed field sobriety tests. Further investigation revealed Reeves had a BAC of .07% and tested positive for cannabis and amphetamines.

She was arrested and taken to the Gibson County Jail where she is currently being held on bond. The two children were released to a family member.

Arrested and Charges:

Tamera Reeves, 28, of Princeton, IN

Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated with a Passenger less than 18 years of age, Level 6 Felony
Neglect of a Dependent, Level 6 Felony

Vanderburgh County Commissioners Award The Arc of Evansville With ARPA Funds

08/17/2023

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With the support of the Vanderburgh County Council, the Vanderburgh County Commissioners were proud to award The Arc of Evansville with $50,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds. To respond to the public health emergency impact with respect to COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts, Vanderburgh County appropriated funds to non-profit organizations whose missions focus on arts, culture, and educational initiatives benefiting the Countyâ€™s residents.

Creating a community that values all individuals, The Arc of Evansvilleâ€™s mission is â€œto
empower individuals with disabilities to build relationships, gain independence, and achieve
their full potential.â€ Assisting both children and adults, The Arc of Evansville provides multiple support programs aimed at helping each person served to have a meaningful day, every day, and encouraging all participants to live as independently as possible as active, contributing members of our community. The Arc of Evansville serves and advocates for over 750 children and adults
annually.