Archive for July, 2010

National Education Expert to Speak at EVSC Retreat

By
admin
 – July 30, 2010Posted in: Education

Stephen Peters, nationally known educator, to keynote Glenwood Leadership Academy Retreat

Monday, August 2

12:30 p.m.

Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center, 1901 Lynch Rd.

Stephen Peters, who has served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of secondary education and an education expert, will speak at Glenwood Leadership Academy’s retreat, Monday, August 2, at 12:30 p.m. Approximately 70 teachers from Glenwood Leadership Academy, Lodge Elementary School, Washington Middle School and Bosse High School will be attendance.

Peters will speak about his experiences in transforming schools and share ideas on how to turn adversity into success in urban schools. In addition to Peters, staff at the retreat will participate in team-building activities, getting them excited and prepared for the upcoming school year.

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Mead Johnson Delivers Solid Second Quarter Results; Emerging Markets Drive Sales Growth

By
admin
 – July 30, 2010Posted in: Business

 

GLENVIEW, Ill., Jul 29, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Mead Johnson Nutrition Company (NYSE: MJN) announced today its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2010, including:

  • Net sales in the quarter were up 6 percent versus the second quarter of 2009. Excluding the favorable impact of foreign exchange, sales increased 4 percent.
  • GAAP net earnings of $0.59 per diluted share for second quarter of 2010, compared with $0.66 per diluted share for 2009.
  • Non-GAAP (1)net earnings of $0.63 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2010, down slightly from $0.65 per diluted share a year earlier.
  • Sales growth was driven by strong performance in Asia and Latin America, partially offset by a decline in North America. Earnings benefited from sales growth in emerging markets, lower interest expense and reduced effective tax rate, offset by higher commodity costs, demand-generation investments and costs incurred as a stand-alone company.
  • Full-year non-GAAP EPS guidance range narrowed to $2.35 to $2.40 from $2.33 to $2.40. Including specified items estimated at $0.26 per share, GAAP EPS guidance is $2.09 to $2.14.
    (1) See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and the reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP results included in this release.

 

“We are pleased with our performance for the second quarter,” said Chief Executive Officer Stephen W. Golsby. “The year continues to progress as expected with double-digit sales and earnings growth from emerging markets continuing to drive our results. Our quarterly earnings performance is particularly rewarding given the investments we are making in geographic expansion and demand creation, as well as the higher costs as a stand-alone company and the impact of anticipated increases in dairy costs.”

Second Quarter Results

Net sales for the quarter ended June 30, 2010, totaled $764.2 million, up 6 percent from $719.3 million a year ago. Sales benefited 4 percent from price and 2 percent from foreign exchange with volume flat. Earnings before interest and income taxes (EBIT) for the second quarter totaled $172.9 million, down from $218.1 million a year earlier. Net earnings attributable to shareholders for the second quarter of 2010 totaled $121.4 million, or $0.59 per diluted share, compared with $134.5 million, or $0.66 per diluted share for the prior-year period.

The decline in EBIT in the second quarter of 2010 was primarily due to higher commodity and manufacturing costs, increased advertising and promotion spending, costs of an increased sales force and costs to separate from Bristol-Myers Squibb’s IT platform. Partially offsetting the impact of these items was the benefit of significantly lower interest expense as a result of the debt refinancing completed in the fourth quarter of 2009 and a lower effective tax rate. Results for the second quarter of 2009 benefited from an $11.9 million gain on the sale of a non-strategic asset, partially offset by costs associated with the company’s initial public offering (IPO) in February 2009.

On a non-GAAP basis, which excludes specified items, net earnings attributable to shareholders totaled $130.1 million, or $0.63 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2010, compared with $133.4 million, or $0.65 per diluted share, for the same quarter a year ago.

Second Quarter Segment Results

The Asia/Latin America segment had net sales of $471.7 million for the second quarter of 2010, up 19 percent from $396.5 million in 2009. Sales benefited 10 percent from volume, 6 percent from price and 3 percent from foreign exchange. Segment performance was driven by double-digit constant-dollar sales growth, notably in China, Mexico, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Brazil and Peru. EBIT totaled $157.7 million, up 8 percent compared with $146.1 million for the year-ago second quarter. EBIT was adversely affected in the quarter by increased dairy prices and higher demand-generation investments in advertising and promotion and sales force additions in support of geographic expansion efforts, primarily in China and Brazil.

The North America/Europe segment reported net sales of $292.5 million for the second quarter of 2010, down 9 percent from $322.8 million in 2009. Sales benefited 2 percent from price and 1 percent from foreign exchange, offset by a 12 percent decline in volume. The company’s launch of Enfamil Premium in the United States led to a retail inventory build in the second quarter of 2009. The timing of changes in inventory accounted for approximately three-quarters of the sales decline in the second quarter of 2010 with the balance primarily due to market contraction in the United States driven by lower births. EBIT totaled $78.2 million, compared with $119.0 million in the second quarter a year ago. The decrease was principally the result of lower sales and the impact of increased dairy and manufacturing costs.

Six-Month Results

Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2010, totaled $1,527.7 million, up 8 percent from $1,412.3 million a year ago. Sales benefited 4 percent from price, 3 percent from foreign exchange and 1 percent from volume. EBIT for the first half of 2010 totaled $370.8 million, down from $406.9 million a year earlier. Net earnings attributable to shareholders for the first half of 2010 totaled $247.0 million, or $1.20 per diluted share, compared with $238.0 million, or $1.21 per diluted share for the prior-year period.

For the first half of 2010, the benefit from lower interest expense and a lower effective tax rate was offset by higher operating expense, including investments in advertising and promotion, and IT separation and stand-alone company costs. Results for 2009 include costs associated with the company’s IPO, partially offset by a $10.0 million patent settlement in the first quarter and the $11.9 million gain on the asset sale in the second quarter, noted above.

On a non-GAAP basis, which excludes specified items, net earnings attributable to shareholders totaled $263.9 million, or $1.28 per diluted share, for the first half of 2010, compared with $249.2 million, or $1.22 per diluted share, for the same period a year ago.

Six-Month Segment Results

The Asia/Latin America segment had net sales of $927.7 million for the first half of 2010, up 18 percent from $786.3 million in 2009. Sales benefited 8 percent from volume, 6 percent from price and 4 percent from foreign exchange. EBIT totaled $324.0 million, up 10 percent compared with $294.8 million for the year-ago period. Segment results benefited from double-digit constant-dollar sales growth in the majority of the company’s largest markets. In 2010, the company increased investments in advertising and promotion and sales force in support of geographic expansion efforts, primarily in China and Brazil.

The North America/Europe segment reported net sales of $600.0 million for the first half of 2010, down from $626.0 million in 2009. Sales benefited 2 percent from foreign exchange and 1 percent from price, offset by a 7 percent decline in volume. The sales decline was primarily attributed to the impact of the retailer inventory build in the second quarter of 2009 and market contraction in the United States. EBIT totaled $175.3 million, compared with $220.2 million in the same period a year ago. The decrease was primarily due to lower sales, a lower gross margin driven by higher commodity and manufacturing costs, and increased advertising and promotion spending.

Conference Call Scheduled

The company will host a conference call at 7:30 a.m. CDT today during which company executives will review second quarter financial results and respond to questions from analysts and investors. The call will be broadcast over the Internet at meadjohnson.com. To listen to the call, go to the Web site at least 15 minutes before the call and click on the Investors tab. Security analysts and investors wishing to participate by telephone should call 1-866-700-7173, pass code: Mead Johnson. Callers outside of North America should call +1-617-213-8838 to be connected. A replay of the conference call will be available through midnight CDT Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010, by calling 1-888-286-8010 or +1-617-801-6888, pass code: 54354269. The replay will also be available at meadjohnson.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release are forward looking as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which are identified by words such as “expects,” “intends” and “believes,” involve certain risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations as of the date of this news release. These risks include, but are not limited to: (1) the ability to sustain brand strength, particularly the Enfa family of brands; (2) the effect on the company’s reputation of real or perceived quality issues; (3) the adverse effect of commodity price increases; (4) increased competition from branded, private label, store and economy-branded products; (5) the effect of an economic downturn on consumers’ purchasing behavior and customers’ ability to pay for product; (6) inventory reductions by customers; (7) the adverse effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates; (8) legislative, regulatory or judicial action that may adversely affect the company’s ability to advertise its products or maintain product margins; (9) the possibility of changes in the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program, or increases in levels of participation in WIC; and (10) the ability to develop and market new, innovative products. For additional information on these and other factors, see the risk factors identified in the company’s periodic reports, including the annual report on Form 10-K for 2009, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission, available upon request or at meadjohnson.com. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Mead Johnson

Mead Johnson, a global leader in pediatric nutrition, develops, manufactures, markets and distributes more than 70 products in 60 markets worldwide. The company’s mission is to create nutritional brands and products trusted to give infants and children the best start in life. The Mead Johnson name has been associated with science-based pediatric nutrition products for over 100 years. The company’s “Enfa” family of brands, including Enfamil(R) infant formula, is the world’s leading brand franchise in pediatric nutrition. For more information, go to meadjohnson.com.

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Customers encouraged to consider energy efficiency tips during peak of cooling season

By
admin
 – July 30, 2010Posted in: Business, Community

Evansville, Ind. – This summer’s stifling heat, including a month of July that is set to finish 15 percent warmer than normal and 85 percent warmer than last year, continues to drive energy consumption of Vectren’s southwestern Indiana electric customers. As such, the utility is reminding customers to consider ways to conserve energy given August is typically the hottest month of the summer.

“June and July’s stifling heat has taken its toll on customers’ air conditioners and cooling fans that undoubtedly had to run more frequently to keep pace with these high temperatures,” said Doug Petitt, vice president of marketing and conservation. “This heat has produced summer energy bills that are higher than last summer, which was very mild. As we continue through the cooling season, we are encouraging customers to practice energy efficiency and find simple ways to cut energy costs by reducing their energy usage.”

Customers who receive a disconnect notice or find themselves challenged to pay these summer bills should call Vectren at (800) 227-1376 to see if they qualify for a payment arrangement, through which the total bill amount can be spread into smaller payments over a set period of time.

Below are some simple tips to help conserve energy and keep your house cool during this period of extreme heat:

  • Regularly clean and/or replace your air conditioner filter to help your unit run at full efficiency and supply better air flow.
  • Clear leaves and other debris away from your air conditioner’s condensing unit on the outside of your home and hose off any accumulated dirt.
  • Reduce energy costs and increase comfort with a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat can maximize your energy savings without the hassle of manually adjusting your thermostat. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a summer thermostat setting of no lower than 78 degrees. For each degree, the thermostat is raised for a sustained, 8-hour period, you can save 1 to 3 percent in cooling costs. Vectren customers with natural gas service are eligible for a $20 rebate when purchasing a programmable thermostat. Visit vectren.com for details.
  • Close storm windows and doors to keep hot air out and cool air in.
  • Minimize the use of ovens, stoves, washers, dryers and other major appliances that generate heat inside the home when used.
  • Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan. By changing the direction to counter-clockwise in the summer, the fan will circulate the cool air. With this cooling effect, you can raise the thermostat three to four degrees and feel just as comfortable.
  • Keep in mind that ceiling fans cool people, not rooms. If the room is unoccupied, turn off the ceiling fan to save energy.
  • Close your blinds or curtains to keep sunlight out. The sun’s rays will warm your home and cause additional air conditioning use.

 

About Vectren
Vectren Corporation (NYSE: VVC) is an energy holding company headquartered in Evansville, Ind.  Vectren’s energy delivery subsidiaries provide gas and/or electricity to more than one million customers in adjoining service territories that cover nearly two-thirds of Indiana and west central Ohio. Vectren’s nonutility subsidiaries and affiliates currently offer energy-related products and services to customers throughout the Midwest and Southeast. These include gas marketing and related services; coal production and sales; and energy infrastructure services. To learn more about Vectren, visit http://www.vectren.com.

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What’s New at the 2010 Great Indiana State Fair

By
admin
 – July 30, 2010Posted in: Agriculture, Community

The following is a list of new additions to the 2010 Great Indiana State Fair:

·        Year of Pigs presented by Indiana Pork Farmers - Celebrating the Indiana Pork Industry with pig-themed entertainment throughout the fair, special pork barbeque contests and events honoring this $3 billion industry in our state!

·         ”Bridges to Japan” Exhibit - Created in partnership with the Japan-America Society of Indiana and Indiana Economic Development Corporation, this exhibit will present both traditional and contemporary Japan and the close ties the country has with Indiana.  Japanese performances, food and displays will truly take visitors on a trip overseas.

·        “God Bless America” - Located in Dow AgroSciences Celebration Park all 17 days of the fair, this 25-foot sculpture of Grant Wood’s famous “American Gothic” portrait depicts traditional farming life and is a great, fun photo opportunity!

·        Boy Scout Bridge – This Boy Scouts of America Legacy Project is a bridge made from Indiana Hardwood Lumber that stretches across the drive tunnel on the east side of the Fairgrounds. It honors the 100th anniversary of Boy Scouts of America in 2010. Year-round, the group will utilize the bridge and encampment area as a gathering site for Indiana Boy Scouts. The bridge dedication will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15.

·        Habitat for Humanity Home - Volunteers for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis and Indiana agricultural entities will construct a 5-bedroom home on the Fairgrounds’ north side for the first 15 days of the fair (there will be an Open House during the fair’s final weekend).  The house will be transported to its permanent location after the fair where it will be the home of an Indianapolis woman and her five children.

·        Indiana State Fair App – The Indiana State Fair will offer a FREE Smartphone application available in the iPhone application store, iTunes for the iTouch and the Android marketplace. The purpose of the app is to showcase the 2010 Great Indiana State Fair in a contemporary medium. Included in the app is the event calendar, a Google map with labeled buildings, ATMs, restrooms, coupon information for Midway rides, food vendors and more. Utilizing the app, users can rate and review things like State Fair food and exhibits.

·        Clarian Healthy Zone - Previously located in the Clarian Lifestyles Pavilion, these free exhibits and health screenings are now in the Exposition Hall for all 17 days of the fair.

·        $2 Tuesdays Taste of the State Fair – On both Tuesdays (8/10 and 8/17), admission is only $2 with voucher available at www.TurkeyHill.com and there are numerous $2 deals for midway rides and food concessionaires .yum!

·        Farmers’ Market Café presented by Clarian Health – The Ball State Ag/Hort Building features fresh fruit, salads and sandwiches made with local produce throughout the fair.

·        DockDogs® – Some of the area’s best canine athletes compete in Big Air Dogs, Extreme Vertical and Speed Retrieve events throughout the fair’s 17-day run in Dow AgroSciences Celebration Park. Fair visitors can register their family dog for the various competitions at http://www.dockdogs.com/ beginning June 25. Registration closes August 3 for competitions through Aug. 15 and on Aug. 12 for competitions through Aug. 22.

·        Admission-Midway Combo Pass – Available for the first time, customers can purchase a $25 State Fair admission and Midway ride combination pass at all Indiana Walmart stores through Aug. 8.  That’s an $8 savings! Tickets good for every day, except Aug. 16.

·        Hedrick’s Racing Pigs presented by Eastgate Chrysler Jeep Dodge & Westgate Chrysler Jeep Dodge - This fun, family-oriented show features professional pig callers and their athletic swine, complete with racing silks.  Audience participation is encouraged and laughs are unavoidable as the pigs race down the “ham stretch” five times per day in the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand Side Lot.

·        Gold Rush Activity - Located in Riley Fun Park, kids can feel like pioneers as they pan for gold rocks within an Old West setting all 17 days of the fair.

 

Hoosier Lottery Grandstand Entertainment

(ALL LISTED TICKET PRICES INCLUDE STATE FAIR ADMISSION)

·        Rascal Flatts with special guests Kellie Pickler & Chris Young – Saturday, Aug. 7 at 8 p.m. ($48, $68 & $84). Rascal Flatts started their roll in 2000 with “Prayin’ for Daylight,” and they haven’t stopped.  Crossover hits like “Bless the Broken Road” and “What Hurts the Most” have made the group popular to more than just country music fans.  Kellie Pickler’s star continues to rise since being introduced on “American Idol,” and newcomer Chris Young is getting lots of attention with his first CD and the hit “Drinkin’ Me Lonely.”

·        KISS – Monday, Aug. 9 at 7:30 p.m. ($45, $59 & $70).  This flamboyant group known for its facepaint and pyrotechnics as well as its music has been rockin’ around the world since 1973.  The band sold more than 80 million albums worldwide and will play their old songs and new hits from their latest album, “Sonic Boom.”

·        Chris Tomlin & TobyMac – Wednesday, Aug. 11 at 7:30 p.m. ($25 & $35).  Both of these great Christian artists have multiple Dove Awards between them and continue to create chart-topping music.  Tomlin is known for his songwriting and vocals, while TobyMac is one of the first artists to introduce Christian rap music to the masses.

·        Drake with New Boyz and Iyaz – Friday, Aug. 13 at 7:30 p.m. ($25, $35 & $45). The New York Times calls Drake “The New Face of Hip-Hop” and that his music doesn’t cover “violence or drugs or street-corner bravado. Instead emotions are what fuel Drake.”  The Canadian rapper dropped his debut album, “Thank Me Later” on June 15 and is, for the first time, headlining a tour with opening act, New Boyz and Iyaz.

·        Keith Urban with special guest Kris Allen - Saturday, Aug. 14 at 7:30 p.m. ($40, $50 & $67).  The New Zealand native has had 10 number one singles, including “Sweet Thing,” “But for the Grace of God” and “You’ll Think of Me.”  Known for his incredible guitar playing, he surprised the crowd at the 2009 Indiana State Fair by climbing the Grandstand fencing and playing in the middle of the massive audience.  Former “American Idol” finalist Kris Allen has hit it big with “Live Like We’re Dyin’.”

·        Selena Gomez presented by Voice.TV - Sunday, Aug. 15 at 4 p.m. ($15 & $17).  Gomez is best known for her acting career, particularly her role as Alex Russo on Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverly Place,” but her music career is growing as lead singer of Selena Gomez & the Scene.  Her many acting accolades include a Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Award, Teen Choice Award and two Alma Awards.

·        Jeff Dunham – Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 8 p.m. ($30, $35 & $40).  He’s been called “America’s Favorite Comedian” and it’s easy to understand why.  His Comedy Central specials, millions of DVDs sold and YouTube hits make him one of the most-viewed entertainers of all time.  His ventriloquism features “friends” Walter, Peanut, Melvin the Superhero Guy and others.

·        Sugarland with Little Big Town – Friday, Aug. 20 at 7:30 p.m. ($35, $45 & $60).  The Grammy Award winning duo has recorded hits like “Baby Girl,” “All I Wanna Do” and “Stay.”  Jennifer Nettles also sang with Bon Jovi on the single “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” which went on to become a #1 hit on the country charts.  Little Big Town is a regular on the country music charts after Top 10 hits “Boondocks” and “Bring It On Home.”

Free Entertainment

·        Naptown Roller Derby Girls Bout – Tuesday, Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. (FREE) Forget the fights and flash, the Naptown Roller Derby Girls are all about athleticism and skill. This league is made up of great skaters, volunteers, referees and fans who bring flat-track roller derby to the Circle City.

·        Rick Springfield presented by Hoosier Lottery - Thursday, Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. (FREE) Known to some fans as 80′s rock musician, Rick Springfield, and others as “General Hospital” heartthrob actor, Dr. Noah Drake, the singer of “Jessie’s Girl” will perform many of his 17 top 40 hits at this year’s fair.

·        Tribute to: the Eagles, Creedence Clearwater Revival and the Rolling Stones – Thursday, Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. (FREE) Rewind to the 1960′s and 1970′s as bands pay tribute to some of the world’s most famous rock groups. If you are a fan of “Hotel California,” “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” or “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” you won’t want to miss this free show!

·        Rowdy Rooster Puppet Show - It’s lights, camera and bring-on-the-action as Rowdy Rooster takes on Diesel Weasel in this delightful, uplifting farmyard adventure.  In addition to performing three shows daily at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 and 5 p.m in the Riley Fun Park, Rowdy will be cruising in the Daily Parade each evening at 6:30 p.m.

·        Welde’s Big Bear Show & Grizzly Falls - The Welde family brings their beautiful bears ranging in size from 200-1,200 pounds to educate fairgoers about these incredibly intelligent animals through patience, reward, love and understanding.  There are three shows daily in the Riley Fun Park, and visitors can also view the bears throughout the day as they enjoy playtime in Grizzly Falls, their own private waterfall and pool.

·        Blue Monkey Sideshow - This professional troupe performs family entertainment “with an edge,” and they’ll be at the fair all 17 days!  Visitors can witness their incredible feats of skill and endurance five times per day near the west end of Dow AgroSciences Celebration Park.

·        Hoosier Rodeo Series Final 2010 - Monday, Aug. 16 at 1 & 7 p.m. (FREE) International Professional Rodeo Association cowpokes will try their best to buck their broncos to compete for cash prizes at the Hoosier Rodeo Series Final, located at the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand.

·        Ugly Pickup Truck Contest: After a two-decade-long hiatus, the Ugly Truck Pickup Contest will rear its ugly head again at this year’s State Fair. “Born Ugly Pickups” include trucks that were downright ugly when they came off the assembly line, while “Age Caught Up with Me” entrants are trucks which lost their beauty after years of hard work or neglect. Register Ugly Pickup Trucks in Pioneer Village before the Farmers’ Day Parade, Aug. 18.

·        Indiana Soybean and Cornhole Toss Tourney presented by Indiana Corn & Soybean Farmers - A tournament for enthusiasts of America’s newest tailgating pastime will take place in the Hoosier Grandstand Side Lot, Aug. 20-22.

·        Horseshoe Pitching – The American Horseshoe Pitching Association of America will have a designated horseshoe pitching area for families to take part in this traditional summer pastime. Located in the Riley Fun Park, demonstration and audience-participation pitching will occur during the week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and tournaments will be held during the first two weekends of the fair.

·        The Truly Remarkable Loon - He’s a comedian, juggler and unicyclist – he’s the Truly Remarkable Loon! Keep your eyes open for flaming pins while he wanders about the Fairgrounds, Aug. 19 – 22.

·        Alpha Pig - Lickety Letters! PBS’ kids’ television star Alpha Pig will make appearances at the Farm Bureau Building at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 16.

 

Fair Food

·        Garbage Burger (Indiana Pork) – This year’s Indiana State Fair Signature Food, the “Garbage Burger” is a Hoosier pork burger topped with pulled pork and seasoned with Shoup’s Country Foods barbecue sauce.

·        Country Fried Bacon(Barto’s Catering & Concessions) – Thick-cut bacon strips with a crispy, country-fried breading (regular or Texas-style) served with a side of peppercorn country gravy for dipping.

·        Delia’s Pulled Pork Tacos (Delia’s Ribs & Catering) – Slow-roasted, shredded BBQ pork tacos, seasoned and served in a hard or soft taco shell, topped with cheese, salsa and jalapenos.

·        Delia’s Root Beer Ribs (Delia’s Ribs & Catering) – Hickory-smoked baby-back ribs, marinated in root beer for 24-hours and seasoned with Delia’s BBQ sauce.

·        Pig in a Pancake (R.E. Smith Concessions) – A sausage link on a stick, dipped in pancake batter, deep-fried, sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with warm Log Cabin syrup.

·        Doughnut Burger (Carousel Foods) – A beef patty topped with two strips of bacon, covered with melted American cheese and sandwiched between two Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Toppings include lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion.

·        Deep-Fried Butter (Carousel Foods) – Salted butter balls, rolled in a cinnamon-brown sugar mix, dipped in funnel cake batter and deep-fried. Four deep-fried, buttery balls are served in a boat for portability.

·        Chocolate-Covered Popcorn Balls (Carousel Foods) – A baseball-sized ball of popcorn on a stick. Chocolate options for popcorn balls include a traditional dark chocolate, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and Oreo Crunch.

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Comments not adding up in Caldwell Homes project

By
Jamie Grabert
 – July 28, 2010Posted in: News

There’s a rule experienced journalists know to follow – look beyond the face value of anything you are told. “Caldwell going green” was the lead story in last Tuesday’s Evansville Courier & Press.  This story announced to its readers that the Evansville Housing Authority was undergoing a renovation project at the Caldwell Homes development.

On the surface, renovating these homes to allow low-income residents seems like a great idea. In fact, no one is questioning the complex’s need for updating. Residents relish the idea of newer décor and amenities, but they are befuddled by some of the comments made by Mildred Motley, Executive Director of the Evansville Housing Authority.

In the article mentioned above, Motley reportedly told staff writer Jared Council, “Just because you’re low-income doesn’t mean you should be warehoused on a little bit of land…You should be able to have green space, larger units and amenities…We’re trying to make it more livable…where people would be proud to live.”

Last Thursday, a revealing trip was made to the Caldwell Homes housing development. Upon entering the complex from Sweetser Ave. on the right, two fenced areas with rubble and remnants of what people used to call home were noted in fenced in areas. Across the street were apartment buildings, some with people, others waiting for the wrecking ball and backhoes. Beyond the buildings was a fenced in area with a space that looked like a picnic shelter.

A stroll between two buildings, one set for demolition and the other for renovation, revealed a large park. This park had basketball goals with bleachers in place (which were missing nets), a backstop for a baseball diamond with concrete bleachers already in place, a large open area for virtually any type of activity and multiple picnic shelters with grills. The park also has swing sets that have no swings. Isn’t that green space?

According to Council’s article, “In their place [the demolished buildings] will be green space, trees and two playgrounds. The changes are being made to improve the quality of the development and to reduce density, said Motley.”

When asked why green space was more important than people having a place to live, Motley responded, “Green space is not more important but [it] is a component to make a better place for our families to live.”

Sondra Matthews, Publisher of Our Times Newspaper, wrote an article last week titled, “Political, Social, and Economical Upheaval: Urban renewal by another name: re-gentrification.” In this editorial, she stated, “The whole notion of Oakdale, or Caldwell Homes, especially the family units of 10 buildings being torn down to make way for ‘green space’ and ‘two playgrounds’ is suspicious, regardless of the rationale…if this a new national policy? Or is this Weinzapfel’s appointed EHA Board of Commissioners acquiescing with the city’s longstanding policy of displacement…because families didn’t just become human beings with children needing green space to play and develop!”

Each building has a grassy area with trees that appear to be at least as wide as the apartment buildings separating the housing units. At the back of one buildings near the park, was a former CAPE office. The doors of which are missing and spray paint is on the walls. A playground with equipment that did not appear to be more than a few years old was in a fenced area behind the CAPE office.  It was overgrown and had not been maintained. It looked almost deliberate, which was confirmed by residents that curiously watched.

“I’ll talk to you if you promise not to use my name. I don’t need to lose my home. They just let this area go. Nobody understands why they didn’t take care of them buildings or mow that grass. My kids used to play back there. I got friends on the waiting list to get in here. We were going to help take of each other’s kids, so we can get out and look for jobs,” said one mother with a small boy tugging her arm.

Another resident chose to talk economics. “We only pay $50 month to live here. Utilities are included. The rent goes up based on your income. These apartments need some updating, but I don’t get the whole green space thing. We have that huge park. We don’t feel cramped here, at least the people I’ve talked to don’t feel cramped.”

Motley stated that Caldwell Homes is public housing and is not funded by Section 8. She noted that rent is “based on income for all of our developments, not on the renovation costs.”

 

When asked about the logic for this project, Motley replied, “We assessed the viability of all of our existing public housing, as Caldwell is the oldest site in our inventory, it is in need of renovation.  Based on the existing regulations regarding asset management, every public housing authority needs to evaluate their existing housing stock and determine if it is viable, including financially as well as structurally.”

Money for this project came from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Capital Funds. The projected cost of the renovations and demolition is approximated at $1 million. Motley said she would not be asking any local boards or commissions for additional funds.

The executive director also said, “We needed to make the entire development viable.  We don’t have sufficient funds to renovate the entire development nor is that feasible given the developments dynamics.”

According to Motley, the Evansville Housing Authority is demolishing 10 buildings, which equals 62 units.  Buildings to be demolished are scattered throughout the site.

But Matthews went on to say in her editorial what many residents within the complex are thinking, “It makes one wonder, who are they waiting to move so Erie Homes’ replacement can begin construction. Is it Rev. Adrian Brooks and Memorial Community Development Corp., who have proposed redeveloping the area?”

To some that comment may seem a bit off the cuff, but after a drive through the Caldwell Homes development, one can hardly miss the Memorial Townhouses II development across South Garvin Street from the complex. Upon researching, Memorial Development Corp. has built already housing complexes of their own.

Motley said that no residents of Caldwell Homes will be displaced. She has acknowledged that a waiting list for people hoping to move to this complex exists, but no details are given for privacy reasons.

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Editor’s Note

By
admin
 – July 28, 2010Posted in: News

In last week’s issue, the staff of the Independence Times announced, we announced that we would begin a series of article on the departments and organizations associated with Community Development Block Grants, HOME Investment Partnership and other federal monies dispersed locally. In this week’s staff meeting, our writers began discussing how groups like HOPE of Evansville, Habitat of Evansville and other such organizations receive money from HUD. This week, we are taking a look at the Caldwell Homes Project.

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WHY I WALK

By
Judge James Redwine
 – July 28, 2010Posted in: Columns, Op-Ed

About a year ago Peg began to occasionally mention her view that our white picket fence was not that white.  She would opine, usually when I was watching a ball game or contemplating the meaning of it all, as how even Tom Sawyer got Aunt Polly’s fence whitewashed.  I found the whole topic of the fence so disconcerting that I refused to watch as Peg spent three weeks painting the fence herself and muttering something that sounded like worthless.  At least the cadence she kept up, much as a gandy dancer, appeared to soothe her soul and smooth out her brush strokes.

            When she completed her paint job, I had to admit it looked real nice.  In fact, I was so impressed I decided it was time Peg finally got that golf cart she has wanted ever since we moved to JPeg Ranch, which is quite near that officially sanctioned golf cart community of New Harmony.

            When it comes to golf carts, I have always eschewed them and walked the golf course.  While I usually say I prefer to walk as it provides exercise and improves my golf game, I may allude to the real reason ere you reach the end of this column; I know I am making a few assumptions here.

            But, back to Peg’s golf cart.  Our friend and golf professional, Heath Rigsby, found a fine looking used green E-Z-GO cart at a price commensurate with Peg’s desires and my guilt over the fence.  Peg was so happy she not only forgave me for not helping with the fence, she even quit interrupting my afternoon naps.

            Life was good at JPeg Ranch until today when Peg’s fence met up with Peg’s golf cart.  I know what you’re thinking.  What is your problem, Jim?  Peg resolved several issues for you by destroying her fence with her golf cart.  And, you would be so right if Peg had been driving it.

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Government learning session

By
admin
 – July 28, 2010Posted in: Op-Ed, Politics

I just read that the former executive director of the Evansville Convention & Visitors Bureau- pressured to resign earlier this year after discussing with reporters a possible location for the Sports Complex at Wesselman Park- has filed lawsuit, which has been transferred to U.S. District Court. She says Mayor Weinzapfel was upset with her interview and had not wanted that info released to the public. WOW!

In my opinion, this is the perfect opportunity to report on an event Jim and I attended on June 21, 2010 at the University Of Evansville Schroeder School Of Business Administration. The general public was invited as well as elected officials to attend the first in a series co-sponsored by the JFK CLUB EDUCATIONAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE. (THANK YOU FOR INVITING THESE REPUBLICANS!! We learned a lot.)

Mr. RELMOND VAN DANIKER, CPA discussed Government accountability and TRANSPARENCY!! He stated that:

“THE PUBLIC BELIEVES OVERWHELMINGLY THAT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE CITIZENS ABOUT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND SHOULD PROVIDE TRANSPARENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION. THE PUBLIC IS DISSATISFIED WITH ALL 3 LEVELS OF FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT!!”

The Federal site — www.recovery.gov — allows the public access to financial data related to the American Recover and Reinvestment Act, 76% of visitors said they would like to see a similar website for State and Local Government financial management information. CITIZENS POLLED STATED –THEY WOULD LIKE A FOUR (4) PAGE REPORT![NO MORE THAN 4 PAGES].

PUBLIC ATTITUDES TOWARD GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY [AGA], is committed to fulfilling in the public interest what the government express in complex financial details, in an understandable form, delivered in a timely manner. At present, the distrust of government’s complex financial details using language not understood by moms is a major problem!! Van Daniker suggests using the MOM test; if mom can understand the report, then it is a good report!!

AGA believes the city should prepare to LEVEL WITH THE PUBLIC. The public has a RIGHT to understand, so make it simple:
1] USE CLEAR AND UNDERSTANDABLE WORDS. NO ACCOUNTING WORDS OTHER THAN ‘REVENUE’ AND ‘EXPENDITURES’.
2] UPDATE REGULARY AND OFTEN.  Citizens deserve ACCURATE AND ACCESSABLE information on where the government finances STAND AT ANY GIVEN TIME!!!!!
3] REPORTS SHOULD BE DELIVERED TO LOCATIONS WHICH ARE EASY FOR THE PUBLIC TO LOCATE, AND ACCSAAABLE TO ALL– internet and media and direct communications. A 4 page DOCUMENT!! GIVE THE PUBLIC SOMETHING THEY CAN READ. Not all people use the internet.
4] AN HONEST REPORT.
 
All this information is already available on the internet. But someone must be the leader and compile this info so average citizens can make good decisions!!

 SO, HOW DO WE DEVELOPE SUCH A REPORT OF FINANCES FOR EVANSVILLE???
1] GO TO BUDJET MEETINGS AND ASK THEM TO PROVIDE SUCH A REPORT!
2] START A FOCUS GROUP
3] ASK WHERE THE CITY’S $$$$$ COMES FROM, AND WHERE IT IS GOING!!!!
4] ASK FOR A WRITTEN 4 PAGE ACCOUNT OF ‘WHERE $ IS GOING AND WHERE $ COMES FROM’.  (EX. roads, education, fire and police, health care, airport, etc.)
Stimulus reports need only be 2{two} pages.
 1] were the $$$$ comes from.
 2} what did we do with the $$?
 3]CITIZENS DESERVE TO KNOW

So, putting something on the website is the FIRST STEP.
A report to the citizens of the State of Nevada on the Recovery Act is an example;
~10 lines were used to report on jobs FOUND

~8 lines were used to report any increases in State revenue due to stimulus $$ by the STATE CONTROLLER.
~2 lines on GOALS of the Recovery Act.
~3 lines on how to achieve these goals.
~8 lines on where $ was spent with a pie graft.
~22 lines on ‘ongoing’ projects.

The STATE OF ALASKA”S ‘REPORT TO OUR CITIZENS’ in 2008;
~ 1 page; VISION STATEMENT
~ 2 PAGE; ‘HOW ARE WE DOING?’
~ 3 page; REVENUES AND EXPENSES.
~ 4 page; WHAT NEXT?
 Each page is ASSIGNED TO A SEPERATE PERSON AND SHOULD TAKE NO MORE THAN ONE WEEK TO COMPILE!

 So, how do we distribute this report?
1]When elected officials have a speaking engagement- pass out this report to citizens [4 pages only]
2]have report available at library.
3]have report available at grocery stores.
4]Talk about report on radio talk shows.
5]New Papers need report.
6]Bulk mailings. One city mailed the 4 page report as a insert to each citizen, once a year in the local newspaper!
7]post report on website.

PEOPLE ARE WAITING FOR SOMETHING—Even a 2 page report is better than nothing. WE WANT TO KNOW…WHERE DID EVANSVILLE’S $$$$ COME FROM? HOW IS EVANSVILLE’S $$$ BEING SPENT? PEOPLE HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW!

If you are interested in more information, contact Susan Fritzlen by email at  sfritzlene@agacgfm.org.

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Wielebnicki Hired As UE Volleyball Assistant Coach

By
admin
 – July 28, 2010Posted in: Sports

University of Evansville volleyball coach Mike Swan has announced the hiring of Josh Wielebnicki as the program’s assistant coach.  Wielebnicki will officially begin at UE on August 1 and he joins the Purple Aces’ staff after working in the same position last year at Western Carolina University.

“I am excited and eager to have Josh on staff here at UE,” said Swan.  “He is a very likeable guy with the type of volleyball background I was hoping to find, and since he was already familiar with the Missouri Valley Conference, I knew this was a perfect choice.  He is going to bring enthusiasm and great experience to our program.”

Wielebnicki (pronounced WILL-ub-nick-ee) served as Western Carolina’s top assistant last season, while working primarily with outside hitters and defensive specialists.  He also assisted with recruiting and served as the program’s camp director, two functions he will also handle at Evansville.  Prior to working at Western Carolina, Wielebnicki served as both a student manager and a student assistant coach at Missouri Valley Conference rival Illinois State, where he received his degree in history in 2008.  While at Illinois State, he was part of a Redbird program which finished runner-up in the MVC in 2007 and advanced on to the 2007 NCAA Tournament as an at-large selection.

“When the Evansville position came open, I really jumped at the opportunity to be back in the Valley and back in the Midwest,” said Wielebnicki, a native of suburban Chicago, Illinois.  “This is a great opportunity to further my career and to help out the University of Evansville, an already established volleyball program, get to new heights.

“I am really looking forward to working hand-in-hand with Coach Swan.  I’ve known Mike for about four or five years, and I feel like I owe him a lot, because he has been instrumental in my coaching career.”

Wielebnicki not only coached, but also played volleyball collegiately at Illinois State, as he served as co-captain and vice president of Illinois State’s men’s club volleyball team, and helped the Redbirds to a third place finish at the Division I-AA national tournament in 2008.  Wielebnicki began his college career at Lewis University, playing two seasons of Division I men’s volleyball at Lewis before transferring to Illinois State in 2006.

Evansville will return eight letterwinners, including five starters and a libero, from last year’s 14-16 squad this fall.  The Purple Aces will open the 2010 season on August 27-28 at the Michigan State Showcase in East Lansing, Michigan.

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Where Are They Now: Andrea Sonnenschein

By
admin
 – July 28, 2010Posted in: Sports

This season, the University of Evansville athletics department will bring you updates on what former Purple Aces are up to these days with our “Where Are They Now” feature.  We continue our feature series now with former cross country standout Andrea Sonnenschein.

If you are a former UE student-athlete, we would love to hear from you to find out what you are up to these days.  Please click here to submit your story.  Also, fans, if there is a former Purple Ace you would like to find out “Where They Are Now,” let us know by clicking here.

—

When Andrea Sonnenschein ran cross country at the University of Evansville from 2004 through 2007, she could usually be found at the front of the pack for the Purple Aces.  Nowadays, she’s still at the front of the pack, but now it is in a classroom setting, as Sonnenschein is a teacher at the Sonoran Science Academy in Tucson, Arizona.

Sonnenschein came to the University of Evansville in 2004 after a stellar high school career in her native Poy Sippi, Wisconsin, where she won the state’s Division II cross country title at Berlin High School as a senior.  Sonnenschein was one of the top cross country runners in UE history during her days at Evansville, earning four team Most Valuable Runner awards and setting both 5-K and 6-K school records which still stand to this day.  In fact, Sonnenschein owns the top three times on record at UE for both distances, and no one is even within 26 seconds of either record.

After graduating from UE in the spring of 2008, Sonnenschein wasn’t sure exactly where life would take her, but a talk with her mother, Paula, whom she is close to, set her down a path towards Arizona.

“My whole plan initially was that I really wanted to go live in Seattle, Washington,” said Sonnenschein.  “I’m not really sure why, but I have always wanted to live there. 

“But, after graduation, that really wasn’t an option, so I stayed in Evansville and worked at CBS 44 for a year in media sales.  I eventually found that that wasn’t where I really wanted to be, so I talked to my mom, and she told me about the education program in Arizona where I could work towards my teaching degree and still teach at the same time.  After that talk, I decided that that was where I wanted to go.”

And, Andrea wasn’t alone in her trip to Arizona.  Her older sister, Deanna, had already made the move to Arizona 12 years prior, and her mother, Paula, decided to head to Arizona as well.  And, it just so happened that they all were able to work at the Sonoran Science Academy.

“It’s great to be able to work with both of them on a daily basis,” said Andrea, who teaches physical education and art to children in kindergarten through fifth grade.  “Usually, during my down time, I like to go in and observe both my sister and my mother in class to see how they teach.  I can learn so much from both of them, especially my mother because she has been teaching for a long time.  I feel like it is a very good start to my teaching career.”

And, not only is Sonnenschein teaching in the classroom, but she also taught on the course this past fall as the cross country coach at San Miguel High School in Tucson.  In fact, she helped one of San Miguel’s runners place 13th overall in the state of Arizona cross country championships.  But, not only did Sonnenschein teach the runners at San Miguel, but she also learned a few things in her first year as head coach.

“I will say I learned a lot this past year,” said Sonnenschein.  “As a coach, you really have to find the right words to motivate your athletes, and each athlete is different and not everyone is as dedicated as you would want them to be as a head coach.  At times, it was frustrating.

“I definitely have a lot more respect for the job Coach (Don) Walters did when I was a student now, because I know that I was one of those stubborn athletes when I ran at UE.  If it wasn’t for Coach Walters, though, I wouldn’t be where I am today.  He always pushed me to be better, and I can not thank him enough for that.  I was actually in town and got to see him this summer, and it was really good to see him.  We got to talk and it was really nice to catch up.

“I am also very impressed with what he’s doing to help out the program with his work in the Armory.  When I was a student, we didn’t have an area like that to practice and train, but for him to do that is great for the program.”

While Sonnenschein has decided to take a step back from coaching this year to focus on her own training for the Chicago Marathon this fall, she says one day she’ll likely go back to coaching.  But, for now, Sonnenschein happy to be back doing what she loves:  running and being at the head of the pack, both on the trails and in the classroom.

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