“IS IT TRUE” JUNE 30 2024
IS IT TRUE that a public revelation made in 2023 that the three entities that have partnered for more than a decade to do the economic development work for the City of Evansville, Vanderburgh County, and parts of the surrounding counties have been merged into a single organization impressed some people as a way to save money and concerned others about the concentration of efforts?…the merged entities consist of the Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana that did traditional chamber activities like mixers, lobbying, and the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) to mentor micro businesses, the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville (GAGE) that was formed to foster entrepreneurship in industries that pay a thriving wage, and the Southwest Indiana Coalition for Economic Development that focused on attraction of outside businesses were merged into a new entity called E-REP that stands for Evansville Regional Economic Partnership?…historically government supported the two economic development entities and private businesses supported the Chamber of Commerce?
IS IT TRUE that from the first day of formation, E-REP with the help of special interest groups positioned those in political control to build political and financial dynasties? …so far it seems like the power broker to control the financial wealth and political influence of this region is working quite well so far?
IS IT TRUE that citizens expect their government employees to be good stewards of taxpayer money? …that certain Evansville City and Vanderburgh County employees may have forgotten that expectation?.
IS IT TRUE that many public employees working at the Civic Center are now engaging in a “Workday Scavenger Hunt” to make work more fun? …that the public employees are searching the Civic Center for small animal figurines that are hidden by other Civic Center employees? …that the employees at the Civic Center also have a “Tiny Animal Scavenger Hunt” Facebook group? …that since the “WORKplace SCAVENGER” group was created last week, it has grown to over 120 people, representing 16 different city and county departments? …that seeing is believing, and you can visit the “Workday Scavenger Hunt” group for yourself. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1505988456973507
IS IT TRUE that we have been told that long-time Water And Sewer employee Harry Lawson recently retired with little notice? …we hope everything is well with Mr. Lawso and we wish him well?
IS IT TRUE that we have been told that the WESTSIDE NUT CLUB recently donated to the Evansville Fire Department around $5,000 worth of special firefighting tools to assist in fighting serious fires?
IS IT TRUE that we give 5 cheers to ONEP CEO Nick Wallace, Ginger Harper-Marketing Director, and Emily Kemper-Ticket Supervisor for doing an outstanding job in their positions at the ONEP? … we also thank the Old National Events Plaza staff for doing an incredible job?
IS IT TRUE that Carol Coudret, Environmental Health Specialist for the Vanderburgh County Health Department is doing a credible job in keeping our readers informed concerning the important happening at the Health Department?
IS IT TRUE that Kalah Hirsch, Records Specialist, and Asst. IDACS Coordinator for the Evansville Police Department is doing a credible job in providing us with the daily EPD Activity Report on time.
IS IT TRUE when the people fear the Government we have Tyranny and when the government fears the people we have Liberty?
If you would like to advertise in the CCO please get in touch with us City-County Observer@live.com
IS IT TRUE when the people fear the Government we have Tyranny and when the government fears the people we have Liberty?
Hudson seeks nomination for Lt. Governor
Tonya Hudson is seeking the 2024 Libertarian nomination for Lieutenant Governor of Indiana. Â
The LPIN will have its annual convention in March 2024.
Hudson is a REALTOR associated with Suddarth & Company Real Estate. As a real estate broker in Southern Indiana, she has been privileged to work with individuals from many walks of life and understands how property taxes have become such a burden for Hoosiers.
“I know the problems created in the State Capital by the broken two-party system are not helping the people in Indiana who work so hard to make ends meet. The strict laws placed on the citizenry by the duopoly, led by a Republican majority, is a hindrance and hardship for both individuals and small businessesâ€, Hudson said.
Tonya Hudson (formerly Tonya Millis) was the 2020 and 2022 Libertarian candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, Indiana’s Ninth District (Tonya for Congress). At the LPIN Convention in March of 2023, Hudson was elected as the Vice Chair of the Libertarian Party of Indiana and stepped down from that office on 7/21/23 to run for Lt. Governor. Â
For more information about Tonya’s campaign, go to her website, www.HudsonforHoosiers.com or follow her on Facebook, Hudson for Hoosiers.
AMERICAN HERITAGE RIVERBOAT TO DOCK IN EVANSVILLE THROUGHOUT THE FALL
AMERICAN HERITAGE RIVERBOAT TO DOCK IN EVANSVILLE THROUGHOUT THE FALL
Evansville, IN – July 25, 2024 – Explore Evansville and American Cruise Lines have announced that the American Heritage will return to Evansville for eight stops throughout the summer and fall of 2023. The American Heritage, a classic newly renovated paddle-wheeler carrying 150 passengers, will moor at the dock formerly occupied by the LST 325 at Inland Marina on the following dates:
| Thursday | July 27, 2023 | 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| Wednesday | August 2, 2023 | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Wednesday | August 16, 2023 | 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| Tuesday | August 22, 2023 | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Tuesday | September 5, 2023 | 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| Monday | September 11, 2023 | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Monday | September 25, 2023 | 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
With one stop in the market already this summer, the passengers will visit regional attractions while in Evansville, including the Evansville Wartime Museum, Audubon Museum & Nature Center, Wesselman Woods and others.
Members of the community are invited to Inland Marina to view the riverboat and welcome passengers, but tours of the American Heritage will not be available to the public. Marina Pointe will be open for beverage service starting at 10 AM and lunch service at 11 AM.
“We are thrilled to welcome the American Heritage and American Cruise Lines back to Evansville again this year! We are excited about this growing partnership, and Explore Evansville continues to seek ways to bring more attractions to the riverfront that will serve both visitors and the local community,†said Alexis Berggren, President & CEO.
Anyone interested in volunteering as a member of the Evansville Welcoming Committee is encouraged to contact Explore Evansville at info@exploreevansville.com.
About American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines offers river cruising and small-ship cruising in the U.S.A. American continues to launch the newest U.S.-built ships for Cruising Close to Home®. On all American cruises, guests discover the history, spirit, and culture of the United States aboard a sophisticated fleet of American riverboats and small cruise ships. In 2023, America will operate 17 ships, each accommodating just 90-180 passengers, which cruise more than 50 domestic itineraries in 35 states. American offers domestic Flat-Rate Airfare for all its U.S. cruises and Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stays in cities across the country.
About Explore Evansville
Explore Evansville is the official sales and marketing agency for tourism in Evansville, Indiana and Vanderburgh County. Explore Evansville is dedicated to marketing and supporting local hotels and attractions and enhancing the area’s economy by selling the region as a premier destination for conventions, meetings, sports events, leisure, and business. Additionally, Explore Evansville operates the Evansville Sports Complex, a state-of-the-art, multi-use sports facility, home to Deaconess Sports Park and Goebel Soccer Complex.
Damien Center will honor the legacy of two Indy gay bars in new expansion
Damien Center will honor the legacy of two Indy gay bars in new expansion
INDIANAPOLIS—By the end of 2024, the Damien Center, which describes itself as Indiana’s oldest and largest AIDS service organization, is set to open a new location on East Washington Street and Oriental Avenue. This marks not only a physical expansion but an expansion of the organization’s mission to serve and protect Indiana’s LGBTQ+ community—a legacy predated by the building itself.
The impetus for the expansion was twofold, said Damien Center President and CEO, Alan Witchey: to accommodate the increased number of clients (which doubled, going from 4,000 to 8,000 in the past year) and to combat anti-LGBTQ sentiments propagated by the state legislature.
“With all of the recent political attacks in Indiana and across the country, it’s more important now than ever that we provide that kind of safe environment,†said Witchey.
“It is not uncommon for people for the LGBTQ community to disproportionately face unemployment … because they may not feel safe, but also, all these attacks have created a culture and environment where people can act negatively and can act really discriminatorily against LGBTQ people.â€
The nonpartisan Center for American Progress found in 2022 that half of U.S. LGTBQ adults had faced workplace discrimination and about a third had experienced housing discrimination. More than half said recent laws restricting LGTBQ and trans rights had negatively impacted their mental health.
Before the Damien Center bought the building, it was home to two gay bars, Witchey said: Zonie’s Closet and Illusions, which each held the space for about 15 years.
“Collectively, this has been an establishment for the LGBTQ population, drag shows, and other individuals in the community to really go socialize, meet friends and make connections to other people,†said Witchey. “And it has been a very important role because that’s not always easy for the LGBTQ community because it’s not always safe to go and meet people in a traditional setting. “
Witchey mentioned that Zonie’s Closet specifically hosted fundraisers and events in hopes of making Indiana a safer place for LGBTQ people. Because of this, the prior owners wanted to ensure they passed the space on to an organization with a similar mission.
“They really wanted us to have the ability to really work to negotiate to try to make sure that we would do something that would continue to honor and recognize the LGBTQ culture and community in an important way,†Witchey said.
And recognize the community they shall. Plans for the new building include housing an Employment and Education Center, a coffee shop, a shared work space, various employment training programs, resume building workshops, programs to help find housing and more, all to provide care for individuals living with HIV, low-income individuals, and LGBTQ people of color (who have a higher risk for contracting HIV).
The center also plans to host larger social events at night, such as drag shows, poetry and band performances, and fundraisers, to support the community in a variety of ways just as the bars did.
In doing this work, Witchey said he and other employees have faced backlash, such as online hate and threats. Nevertheless, the Damien Center has remained undeterred, providing services to 73 counties in 2021.
“This kind of program is more important, now more than ever, because people need to know that there’s somebody on their side helping them get through, to actually gain stability and increase their income and stability,†Witchey said.
FOOTNOTE:  Kayla Barlow, of Indianapolis, is a Howard University junior working for a month with TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
USI Foundation receives gift commitment from Heritage Federal Credit Union to support USI Athletics
In recognition of a generous gift commitment from Heritage Federal Credit Union (Heritage) to the University of Southern Indiana Foundation, the Varsity Club Suite in the Screaming Eagles Arena has been named the Heritage Varsity Club Suite.
The new name was unveiled during a brief ceremony on July 20, with representatives from the USI Foundation and Heritage, including CEO Tony Aylsworth, a USI alumnus from the Class of 1987.
Funds from the commitment will be used to support student-athletes and USI Athletics.
“We are grateful for Heritage’s investment in our students and athletic programs,†said Jon Mark Hall, Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics. “This gift will continue to elevate our University community through our athletic pursuits.
Heritage is a longtime supporter of the University on a broad range of initiatives including support of the American Marketing Association Chapter, Varsity Club Golf Scramble, Heritage Artisan Days in New Harmony, Indiana, and the USI Medical Professionals Alumni Celebration.
“We are thrilled to partner with USI to empower student-athletes and promote academic excellence,†says Sami Etienne, Heritage Director of Marketing. “At Heritage, we are driven by a clear mission to improve lives and simplify banking. This partnership allows us to extend our support to a new generation and represents our dedication to ensuring a bright future for the next generation of leaders.â€
Otters use big fifth inning to roll past Boulders
Pomona, NY – The Evansville Otters defeated the New York Boulders 7-3 behind a six-run fifth inning and six shutout innings from Parker Brahms Friday night at Clover Stadium.
The Otters got off to a big start in their first ever trip to Clover Stadium as Noah Myers hit a leadoff home run to left field to start the game.
Brahms dominated from the mound, allowing just three baserunners over six innings with a season-high nine strikeouts. He worked three in-order frames and never allowed multiple runners to reach in any inning.
Evansville blew the game open with six runs in the fifth inning. George Callil started the inning with a double before Myers followed with his third hit of the day, scoring Callil.
With two outs, the Otters strung together four straight hits. Dakota Phillips and Jomar Reyes hit RBI singles before Ethan Skender hit a two-RBI double off the left field wall.
Bryan Rosario capped the scoring with a run-scoring hit.
New York scored three runs in the eighth inning on four singles and a walk. Jon Beymer entered with two runners on to strike out the last batter of the inning.
Jake Polancic pitched a scoreless ninth inning to secure the win.
Brahms moved his season record to 4-1 and earned his third quality outing of the year.
Myers hit his 11th home run of the season and his third leadoff blast of the year. He extended his on-base streak to 18 games. Evansville garnered hits from eight of nine batters for 13 total hits.
Jomar Reyes hit two singles to extend his hit streak to 10 games.
Evansville looks to clinch the series win on Saturday facing New York from Clover Stadium with a 5:35 PM CT first pitch. The game will be broadcast on the Otters Digital Network and simulcast on FloSports.
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.
Indianapolis’ Eiteljorg Museum Puts Focus on Native American Art
by Mandy Shunnarah
The museum world is undergoing a reckoning. Whose art is deemed worthy of gallery space? What does that say about the museum’s—and society’s—ideas about whose stories are worth telling and whose culture is worth preserving? When a people or culture’s art is deemed worthy of museum space, are their voices centered in the narrative? 
These are questions the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis has been asking and their Curator of Native American Art, Dorene Red Cloud, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, is helping them answer.  
“I feel like the inaugural exhibits were most likely curated by someone who wasn’t Native American. Not every Native person has the same experiences, but we do have similarities, and I feel like that insight is really what has guided the process and helped the project overall,†Red Cloud told Indianapolis Monthly.  Â
The Eiteljorg was founded in 1989 and is the only museum in the Midwest that focuses specifically on Native American art and art from the American West. Recently, the Eiteljorg’s Native American Galleries were completely redesigned with the help of Red Cloud and are now open again to the public. The mission driving all the years-in-the-making changes was having Native Americans tell their own stories in the museum’s narrative and making the space welcoming to Indigenous peoples of all backgrounds.  Â
Past visitors to the Eiteljorg will immediately notice the updates. The galleries focus far less on the location of Native Americans and instead consider each Indigenous community’s culture and the relationships they share with other Indigenous peoples. 
“The original galleries were organized by geographic regions, which is becoming an outmoded way to introduce Native peoples to students. It teaches that these people lived here or there, but now with the influx of Native peoples to the cities and outside of reservations, it’s really more appropriate to let go of those old anthropological geographic regions and organize by theme,†Red Cloud explained to Indianapolis Monthly.  
Red Cloud (Oglala Lakota), collaborating with former Native American Art Curator, Scott Shoemaker (Miami), wanted the main takeaway to be that the Eiteljorg is ensuring visitors understand these Indigenous communities are still here and still making art. Upon entering the galleries, visitors will be greeted in various Indigenous languages, which Red Cloud is quick to note are still in use. Â
The gallery updates aren’t just from a philosophical or intellectual approach. The redesign includes digital interactive components as well as tactile activities too, like beadwork, patchwork, and pottery that visitors are allowed to touch, making it a fun and educational experience for the whole family.  Â
With these updates the Eiteljorg Museum is building upon its legacy of displaying contemporary art, actively purchasing pieces made by living Indigenous artists. A number of artworks are purchased from the beneficiaries of the Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship, which awards $50,000 annually to five Native American and First Nations artists. 
Baird introduces leads effort hold war criminal Assad accountable
Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) joined House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia Chairman Joe Wilson (R-TX) to lead the introduction of legislation that will block the Biden administration from extending or reissuing Syria General License 23, which authorized direct transactions with the Assad regime for 180 days after the February Turkey–Syria earthquake.
“For far too long, the Biden administration’s soft-on-crime foreign policies have had wide-reaching and devastating international effects that have weakened the United States’ standing on the global stage,â€Â said Congressman Baird. “By extending General License 23, the administration is effectively refusing to hold Bashar Al Assad accountable for his unspeakable war crimes and sends a dangerous message to the world that the United States condones this humanitarian crisis. As the world’s leader, we have a responsibility to send a resounding message to all that this despicable conduct will not be tolerated, which is why I am introducing a bill to block this extension.â€
“Bashar Al Assad is a war criminal who has faced no accountability for his crimes against the Syrian people. Yet he is increasingly being welcomed back into the international community, particularly by governments in the Middle East,” said Chairman McCaul. “Extending General License 23 would undermine our Syria sanctions and send a message that the United States accepts normalization with Assad. That’s why we’re introducing this bill to block the extension of this over-broad license, especially since our Syria sanctions already contain humanitarian exemptions.â€
“The criminal Assad regime has directly benefitted from General License 23 while refusing aid to areas hit hardest by the earthquake,â€Â said Chairman Wilson. “In fact, mass murderer Assad and war criminal Putin have relentlessly bombed northwest Syria since the earthquake. Humanitarian exemptions are built into U.S. sanctions, and the Biden administration should not renew this broad license which allows the Assad regime to profit as he continues his assault on the Syrian people.â€
BACKGROUND:
On February 9, 2023, in response to the February 6th Turkey-Syria earthquake, the Biden administration issued a Syria General License (GL23) that would authorize sanctions lifts for 180 days on all transactions related to the earthquake. Recently, the administration signaled that it plans to extend this general license despite the devastating humanitarian crisis created and perpetuated by the Assad regime. The general license was set to expire August 8th. The Safeguarding Syrian Sanction Act would: