May 4, 2021 - The Posey County News by The Posey County News

This Copy Reserved Especially For:

SPRING SPORTS INSIDE TODAY Inside This Week: Opinion ................A2 Obits .................... A3 Retro ....................A4 School/Bus .............A5

Lifestyle .................A6 Church ...................A8 Social/Comm.........A9 Jump ................. A11

Sports ...........B1, 2, 4 Legals ............... B5, 8 Court News ..... B5, 8 PCSWCD ..........A6, 7

Bus Direct..............B9 Classifieds..........B11 Spring Sports .. C1-8

SINCE 1882 Successor to The Poseyville News & New Harmony Times

P C N $1.00

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Volume 141 Edition 18

Zoning faces yet another fight Rezoning at Main and Roosevelt raises neighbor concerns By Lois Mittino Gray Zoning changes and APC solar ordinance issues were the hot topic of the evening at the April 21, Mount Vernon Common Council and Water Utility Board meeting. Under Legals, Lisa Saltzman and Laura Varner attended the Zoom meeting to speak on a proposed ordinance to rezone Roosevelt Drive at Main Street from RS (residential single) to O (office district). The la-

dies are next door neighbors to the location and live on Washington Street. They stated they are highly opposed to this rezoning and told councilors there has been a lot of negative feedback on Facebook. Councilman Rusty Levings replied he is the District 4 Councilman for that area and he asked that they “reach out” to him. Councilwoman Jillian Brothers added they can also “reach out” to her as she is the Council-at-Large repre-

sentative. A lot of “reaching out” is planned for the issue, using Council’s favorite buzzword, in the form of an opposition petition. Saltzman asked City Attorney Beth Higgins if her group could start a petition and was told that they can make that personal choice, but Council cannot advise them. She commented that Council does not rely on social media

Continued on Page A11

Robinson Twp. is center of library issue By Lois Mittino Gray The small little country mouse is roaring at the Fat Cat to get its fair share in the library “Battle of the Tax Revenue.” Heather Morlan, Poseyville Carnegie Library Director, and its board members, are spearheading a campaign to get the tax money from Robinson Township back into their smaller coffers. Library taxes usually go to the library situated in the school district for a township. Students in Robinson Township attend MSD of North Posey schools, not Mount Vernon schools, but the Alexandrian Public Library is allocated its library tax dollars every year. The APL operates with over a two million dollar budget. Morlan, Poseyville Library Board President Linda Reising, and Posey County Common Council President Heather Allyn attended the April 20, meeting of the Alexandrian

Library Board to plead their case on the agenda, armed with letters of support from the North Posey School Board and other documents. Morlan also presented the board with her findings in an “Official Investigation Request of Library Taxing Districts” report that she prepared for tackling the issue “Let’s just say that they are not being very receptive to input,” she said after the meeting. Robinson Township encompasses the area around Saint Wendel and Saint Phillip in the north eastern end of the county. It is seven miles to Poseyville from there and 15 to Mount Vernon. “All we need is a resolution to change Robinson Township to our library district. We need to get the following message out. If you township residents

Continued on Page A11

North Posey Prom King and Queen Alex Bare and Brooke Coleman. Photo courtesy of Straub Photography

Where will all the people live? The first of a series on Posey housing By Trisha L. Lopez Where did you sleep last night? It’s a simple question. For some, the question would be quickly answered. For others, questions about sleeping arrangements and “home” are anything but simple. Over the next few weeks, the Posey County News will take an in-depth look at the state of housing in Posey County and the many areas directly impacted by the shortage of available homes. Safe, quality and affordable housing is an essential foundation for the future. Housing impacts everything. Development can’t happen if workers have nowhere to call home. Money for infrastructure

and improvements doesn’t exist without property taxes. Schools are funded per pupil by the state. Declining enrollment means fewer course offerings, staff and accommodations for kids in need. A lack of affordable housing leads to homelessness that can range from kids sleeping on relatives’ couches to families living in tents. Michelle Hudson sees this problem every day. A veteran real estate agent at Shrode Real Estate in Mount Vernon, Hudson has a backlog of clients waiting for homes. “We have no homes,” Hudson said. “Anything that’s coming on the market is sold literally, if not that day, within a couple of days at or above list price right now. That’s Posey County, Vander-

burgh (County), Warrick (County) and anywhere from $50,000 up to $750,000. It’s unheard of. We’ve had that market for over a year now. We’ve got buyers out there, but we just don’t have homes available.” Real estate website Zillow listed just 11 houses for sale in Posey County last week. Nationally, housing trends are alarming. Low interest rates have made buying attractive, but there’s not enough homes available to meet the demand.

Continued on Page A9

MV ponders police code, info

By Lois Mittino Gray Members of the Mount Vernon Board of Works discussed the rules involved in getting information on the number of police calls to a single residence at the April 22, regular meeting. Board member Andy Hoehn stated he has people hearing of neighbors with police visits on a routine basis, and that is causing some concern. The councilman queried, “If we want to put an ordinance together addressing frequent calls, say ten times a year to the same residence, taking the police away from their duties, can I have access to that information? Is a complaint written out each time?” Mount Vernon Police Chief Tony Alldredge replied, “Anytime an officer is dispatched to a location, there is always a narrative typed into our Spillman record system.” Hoehn asked if this information is accessible to the public, to which Alldredge replied in the negative. Hoehn questioned why. The Chief replied a Freedom of Information Act form would have to be filled out, and then approved by him, es“Well worth the Drive” is the motto of Nancy Hastings’ greenhouses near Hovey pecially if someone has specific information to Lake. They are open from 9 to 5 daily, but not on Sunday. Don’t forget Mother’s Day add to a case number. He added anyone with questions can come in and talk to him as the is this weekend. Photo submitted

public cannot have access to Spillman. The Chief said that to get information on call date and address and reason, that information is on file at Posey County Dispatch and that office would be the record holder of a complaint. “That is public information,” Mayor Bill Curtis agreed. “We started down this road a few years ago with Ninth Street. We need to look at problematic properties, and the number of calls to addresses as part of developing an ordinance,” Hoehn urged. City Attorney Beth McFadin Higgins stated locations, 911 calls, and the like would all be in the dispatch log. Things like police investigative reports would be statutorily protected information and would fall under the Freedom of Information Act. Higgins assured Hoehn that getting information for an 18 month period would be possible and pulled up by address from Posey County Dispatch. In other board action: • Under Legals, the board took action on quotes received on the County Club Estates storm drain repair project. Higgins stated three quotes were submitted and the lowest quote,

Continued on Page A11

The end of an era...Cox Family sells Four Seasons Motel By Pam Robinson Fifty-two years after she and her husband, Box Cox, built Four Seasons Motel, Jean Cox and her son, Rodney, are retiring. They will transfer ownership of the motel to Jay and Nick Patel on Friday, May 14,2021. “We’re going out on a good note. We don’t have to sell. I’ll turn 90 on October 18. Most people my age are in the grave, or they’re in the nursing home, or they know it’s right around the corner. It’s time for me to step back,” Jean states. “I’m leaving with mixed emotions. I’ll miss it. It’s been good for us.” Jean and Rodney Cox will be available as consultants to the new owners, and the six current staff members will remain at the motel.

(USPS 439-500)

One of the owners, Jay Patel, has already moved to the area and will live on-site to manage Four Seasons. “We look forward to serving this community,” he stated. Jean recalls she and her husband, Bob, sold nearly everything they owned and used all their savings to build Four Seasons on land acquired from her father. She says their bank and their attorney were convinced the business wouldn’t survive. “The banker told me if it was his money, he wouldn’t give it to us,” Jean recalls. ”The attorney advised us to create two corporations, one for the building and one for the equipment, so we wouldn’t lose everything if we didn’t make it. Her husband applied humor to the situation “He said, ‘If it doesn’t work out, we can always turn it into a chicken pen,’” she explained.

But it was her father, William DeKemper, who gave her advice that eased her mind. “’Don’t look back,’ he said, and from then on I never did,” Jean states. “I think that’s pretty good advice for anyone.” The rest, as they say, is history. Four Seasons Motel has grown from 15 units with the first color TV in the area to 44 units, including two conference rooms and four suites similar to an apartment. “The room rate when we opened was $9 per night plus 2 percent tax. Minimum wage was $1.25 an hour. We really hoped $9 wasn’t overcharging,’” Jean says. With Bob’s passing in 1983, Jean and her son, Rodney, have managed the motel together. During high school, her daughter, Sherri Cox Banks, taught swimming lessons to

Continued on Page A11

Rodney and Jean Cox

PAGE A2 - THE POSEY COUNTY NEWS G G

Baseball Vs. Football

“If a woman’s just a woman but a good cigar’s a smoke” (Rudyard Kipling), football’s just a game but baseball’s who we are. Or, as my friend and favorite song writer, Randy Pease, sang about baseball (and life), “Maybe I should quit but that’s a hard thing to admit, God, I love this game.” Randy honed his musical skills when he took a break from his studies at Oklahoma State University where I also found pursuits other than the prescribed curricula. Another Cowboy that Randy occasionally played guitars and sang with in Stillwater, Oklahoma was a songwriter named Garth Brooks who also loved baseball. I wonder if he ever made the big leagues? For as Garth, Randy and the rest of us frustrated would-be major leaguers eventually accept and as the protagonist in Randy’s song knows, “our playing days are numbered and our fastball’s lost some speed” but we aren’t quite ready to “hang up the cleats and mitt.” On the

B J J R

D M B C P

Madeleine, as I have mentioned many times, my current physical limitations have made most of my days spent sitting in my chair and watching television. I have chosen to binge watch many old favorites. There are a few shows I can re-watch repeatedly. “The Big Bang Theory” never gets old. It pairs good writing with excellent acting. I also like “Mike and Molly,” and “The King of Queens.” I am happy that “Law and Order” has so many episodes to pick from. I have had comments from other folks in my age group about their viewing choices. One person goes clear back to the old westerns, like“Gunsmoke”. If any program is still available on the schedule, I have to assume some-

M V

other hand most of us, not Tom Brady of course, have no angst about leaving the sweaty football pads hanging in the dank locker room while we are still a ways from our porch swings. Baseball is not just America’s Past Time it is America. It is a grimy catcher’s mask and miraculous or stumbling catches in left-center field. It is come from behind in the bottom of the ninth and lessons learned from games that should have been won. It is sweat and spit and grief and grit and all that makes us glad to endure heat and aches. Boys and girls and men and women of all ages can and do play baseball and softball; not so much football once high school fades. Baseball affords fathers and mothers a parent’s greatest satisfaction, being asked by their adult children for advice. No kid over fourteen seeks football insights from their folks but even aging children who may question a parent’s sanity on matters of politics, music or religion still occasionally rely on mom and dad on how to hit a softball or play old folk’s league shortstop. As a parent slowly rocks and questions decisions she or he once made, when their grown offspring re-

the cleats and mitt?” Lyrics to “I Love This Game” My name is Eddie Roberts, and I’m a starting pitcher For the Winston-Salem Warthogs in the Carolina League. I’m thirty-four years old. My playing days are numbered. I can’t control my curveball, and my fastball’s lost some speed. I’ve been knockin’ ‘round the minors since I got out of high school, signed my ﬁrst pro contract on my seventeenth birthday. From Burlington to Birmingham to Charlotte I have traveled, But the White Sox never called, and I stalled in Triple-A. Chorus I love this game. I love this game. Maybe I should quit, but that’s a hard thing to admit. God, I love this game. I won fourteen games one year, led the league in shutouts.

Memories and television shows one is watching it. We are lucky to have the technology available to record things and keep them indefinitely. Don and I run through the list a few times a week to get rid of things we are both finished with. Even though we don’t agree on many things, we both actually watch many of the same shows. He actually enjoys some Hallmark movies. He has a strange fascination with CNN news. I want to be informed about what is going on, even the things that make me stressed and angry. However, Grandpa likes to hear all of the commentary. I can recall the events that kept us glued to our television screens, like the tragic events of 9-11 or the Kennedy assassination, as well as the 1969 Moon Landing. Considering my advanced age, I have been able to see most historical events broadcast on television. There

are some images burned into our brains. Imagine if this had been available for earlier events. Many things have been re-created by skilled movie makers, like the sinking of the Titanic, various battles of the wars, and almost every notable event in our history. However, having a news reporter commenting on things as they happen is a bit different. Many of us will always remember Walter Cronkite tearfully telling the country that JFK had passed away. Getting back to programs, I cannot imagine what type of person watches some things. I have been in some crowds watching something which is decidedly dumb and unfunny, but some of the folks are obviously entertained. I have always liked game shows, and it drives me crazy when I know the answers more than the contestants. I do concede that it is probably harder to

You have medical rights You

turn to ask the best way to use a pinch hitter the cobwebs seem less opaque. On the other hand, no post-teenager cares what a parent thinks about a statue-of-liberty or a flea-flicker trick football play. So, we can continue to pretend we understand football’s pass defense coverage two and can continue to yearn for our adult children to ask us to explain it and other football errata or we can thank baseball for keeping us in the real game. But I’ll let Randy finish the column because he is a fine writer of both prose and song lyrics: “Although the song is on the surface about baseball, it’s really about life and how we should love our lives even when it beats the crap out of us nearly every day. In baseball, even the best hitters get on base only three times out of ten. Such is life. It’s full of disappointments and heartbreaks. But there’s always that hope the next at bat you’ll knock the ball out of the park. And baseball is a sign of spring - new grass, new life, renewal, redemption. It represents the hope that comes with a new season. And it poses a tough question: Can I still play or is it time to hang up

MAY 4, 2021

don’t

B D . have to stay in G the nursing home M if you don’t want to. If you can manage to get out and have a place to go then it’s your life. Even if you want to spend your remaining days crawling in the ﬂoor to the kitchen or the bathroom then it’s your God given right to live out your days in such a way. Too often people feel as if they do not have choices. Some nurse or social worker says, “Oh, you can’t leave here.” Really? If you are mentally and physically able then you can show them by getting up, putting on your clothes, if you are able, and walking or crawling out the door. A few years back, an acquaintance went to the emergency room. After 30 minutes of feeling like she was being treated very poorly, she got up and left. An attending nurse called for her to stop saying, “Wait, you can’t leave.” The acquaintance said, “Watch me.” The nurse responded, “You have to see the doctor.” The acquaintance said “No, I don’t.” To which the nurse responded, “You can’t leave without signing this paper.” The acquaintance responded, “I’m not signing anything,” as she walked out the door. Most of the time we are submissively obedient to everything the medical community says to do. Many years ago, when Magic Johnson was diagnosed with HIV, many of us believed he would die very soon. That was in 1992 and he is still alive today. Johnson once said, “I do what my doctor tells me to do.” It only makes sense to pay attention to our doctors. Most of the time, they know more than we do. If your cardiologist says to take statins or high

blood pressure medicine then it would be wise to do so until you can get your numbers under control. A friend of ours was advised by her doctor that she needed a hysterectomy. The doctor scheduled the procedure. Days before the procedure our friend called to say she had some unresolved questions. The doctor never called her back so our friend called and emailed the doctor’s office to cancel. The morning of the scheduled surgery, the doctor called the woman from the surgical room infuriated because our friend did not show up. Our friend said, “Doctor I never received a return call to answer my questions, so I cancelled the surgery.” The doctor said, “I can answer those questions here, you need to come on now.” Our friend said, “No, I won’t be there, I have questions about this procedure that I need to have resolved.” The doctor verbally berated her and forbid her to cancel. Our friend did not have the surgery. Months later she got a second opinion and learned she didn’t need the hysterectomy. There was a much less invasive procedure that would remedy her problem. She had the less invasive procedure and has been fine for several years. We are entitled to ask questions and get answers when it comes to our healthcare, surgery or any medication. If your doctor will not answer your questions then find a doctor who will. We also have the right to be informed about all medical costs instead of being blind-sided later and pushed into bankruptcy. We are thankful for our good doctors and all who help us with our medical needs. It’s important for us to listen to what they say, ask our questions and then determine the right thing to do. The right thing to do, is to ask questions, get answers, and make informed decisions.

think of the correct answers in person. If I ever was lucky enough to be chosen to appear on one of these shows, I would probably freeze and not be capable of thinking quickly enough. Due to the pandemic, many classes were taught online this past year, but most young folks said they preferred the traditional, in person, method. In this age of technology some things are still best left alone. I am very resistant to doing “face time” and some medical related calls ended up speaking to one of my dogs. I just don’t feel comfortable having to be seen. I used to say that we should have recorded many of the happenings which occurred at Country Cottage and that was way before “reality television” was thought of. I still smile when I remember having to keep a straight face to customers when something was going on behind the scenes. No, of

course, we did not serve food that was less than perfect, but having a diverse group of employees always made for drama. Even after the passage of two decades, I cannot repeat some of the things which I will never forget. Sadly, I also recall so many folks which are no longer with us. A nightly pleasure for some was driving through the state park to see the deer, and then coming in to eat. I was tied to being in the restaurant and never got to do this. I could make further comment, but like so many things, this is a bygone time. If it was as easy to take photos then as it is now, I would have recorded so many people and happenings. The actors in the summer plays came in to eat before their performances. I got to meet so many folks from all over the world during those years. I have great memories of so much. It would have made a great television show.

Jim Tomes, State Senator Communities in Senate District 49 receive nearly $3 million in road-funding Communities in Senate District 49 will receive nearly $3 million to improve roads and bridges through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program (CCMG), said State Sen. Jim Tomes (R-Wadesville). The CCMG, established by the Indiana General Assembly in 2016, aims to advance community infrastructure projects, strengthen local transportation networks and improve Indiana’s roads and bridges. Since it was put into place, the program has awarded more than $930 million in state matching funds for local construction projects. In Senate District 49, the following communities received grants: Darmstadt received $193,365.59; Gibson County received $1 million; Haubstadt received $101,720.25; Mount Vernon re-

ceived $344,864.02; New Harmony received $69,308.84; Posey County received $1 million; and Vanderburgh County received $255,263.20. “It’s great to see our communities investing in their long-term infrastructure needs,” Tomes said. “Our local oﬃcials should be commended for their eﬀort to seek out additional resources to complete necessary projects. Congratulations to these communities.” Through the program, the Indiana Department of Transportation matches up to $1 million annually when localities invest in road and bridge repairs. Counties with populations fewer than 50,000 and cities and towns with populations fewer than 10,000 receive a 75/25 match, while counties with populations of greater than 50,000 and cities and towns with populations of greater than 10,000 receive a 50/50 match.

We couldn’t believe it! A week or so later I was able to catch him again and I hauled him back to my hired mans house once again. Guess what? Yep he came back! So I kinda let him be for a while, mainly because he wised up to the trap and I couldn’t catch him. But in the meantime he really stunk up the place marking his territory. One day I came in for lunch and set down at that picnic table to pull my boots off, and that cat was perched on top of the grill. He was eyeing me with contempt. As I was pulling my boots off he turned around and wiggled his tail and squirted me with musk. The stuff went right through the screen, all over the table, and all

over me, and cat urine stinks! I can take a lot of smells but cat urine isn’t one of them. I blew my top and had enough! I ran to the truck and grabbed my thunder stick and went on the hunt! That cat had an epiphany of what was to come and he lit outta there. He had a good head start and I was in such a rage I had forgotten to put my boots on when I took out after him. I was getting goat heads and stickers in my sock feet, and the more it hurt the madder I got. That cat was plumb elusive for a while, but I ﬁnally caught up with him. That cat might’ve had 9 lives... but he used every one of em when he squirted me through the screen.

Matt Hostettler, State Representative Share the road with farm equipment With the arrival of spring, farmers are planting crops across the 15 million acres of Indiana farmland. As they move large equipment from ﬁeld to ﬁeld, more farmers are on local roads and covering a lot of ground in a short amount of time. Hoosier motorists need to be alert, courteous and patient when encountering farm machinery on the road. Farm equipment typically travels at 25

T S

mph or less, which can be frustrating for other drivers, but going slow and practicing patience is important for everyone’s safety. Farm equipment can be very wide and take up most of the road, and farmers will attempt to pull over when they are able, so motorists can safely pass. If you live or travel rural roads, allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and be aware of alternate routes.

Cats...

I’ve never been a fan of B D cats unless they H earned their keep and stay outta my way. So if you are a cat lover you better stop reading this right now because you’re liable to get oﬀended. Good critter catchers are alway in high demand (kinda like farm hands) on our farm but seldom are good ones found. Most of the time they are just a nuisance. Again nothing against cats as long as they keep their distance and earn their keep, and stay out from under my feet! Years ago our house had a breeze way be-

tween the house and the garage. It was all screened in and we had a picnic table in there where I use to sit and pull my muddy boots oﬀ before I went in the house. Happy wife, happy life as they say. Well outside the breeze way we had a barbecue grill. Now there was an old tomcat that took up residence at our place, and he decided that grill was his love perch and commenced to hanging out there. He’d moan and carry on with his love calls at all hours of the night till it about drove us all crazy! I decided to trap him in a live trap and haul him to my hired mans house about seven miles down the road... but two days later he was back! P / E D P

S W C M

dpearce263@poseycountynews.com

sports@poseycountynews.com

M E T B news@poseycountynews.com

Ph. 812-682-3950 PO Box 397 • 606B Main Street New Harmony, IN 47631 Fax 812-682-3944 www.poseycountynews.com

O M S D oﬃce@poseycountynews.com

C P Pocobooks@aol.com

W / R L G G R T L V D M C Y

The Posey County News - USPS 439500 is published weekly for $45 in-state and $50 out-of-state by Pearmor Publishing LLC, PO Box 397, New Harmony, IN 47631. Periodicals postage paid at Mount Vernon, Indiana Publisher: Dave Pearce Postmaster: Shawn Medley Send address changes to: The Posey County News, PO Box 397, New Harmony, IN 47631

MAY 4, 2021 Nancy Kay Cardin Nancy Kay Cardin 73, of Evansville passed away at 4 a.m., Sunday, April 25 2021, at her daughter’s home surrounded by her loved ones. Nancy was born in Evansville to Donis and Ellen (Woods) Hayden on July 19, 1947. She was a 1965 graduate of Mount Vernon High School. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Bill Cardin, daughter Andrea (Ron) Orth, son Brett (Jordan) Weilbrenner, stepson, Brian (Allison) Cardin, stepdaughter Christine (Scott) Woodrow, grandchildren Alexandra, Kayla, Seth, Will, Veronica, Caelan, Thomas, Nolan, Damon, Annemarie, Lauren, Jacob, and great grandchild Annalise. Nancy was preceded in death by parents Donis Hayden in 1963 and Ellen (Woods) Hayden in 2017. Nancy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and enjoyed spending time with her friends and family. She enjoyed her time at Kentucky Lake and eating out with her husband, family and friends. She was a faithful patron at the Merry Go Round restaurant in Evansville. Nancy will be remembered for her kind and compassionate ways. She loved life to the fullest, had an amazing personality, and always remained positive and brought joy to everyone around her. She had a quick wit about her and never met someone that she didn’t call a friend. She will be missed by many people.

James Clair Knowles

The family would like to give a special thank you to Heritage Hospice for providing support, kindness and compassionate care to Nancy and the family during this difficult time. A memorial service will be held at Werry Funeral Home in New Harmony, Indiana on Friday, May 7, 2021. Visiting hours will be from 5 - 7 p.m., with the Memorial Service starting at 7 p.m. Pastor Brian Buschkill will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution envelopes will be made available during the service or you can send your contribution directly to The American Cancer Society in memory of Nancy Kay Cardin, at https://www.cancer.org or American Cancer Society, 5250 Vogel Road Suite A, Evansville, IN 47715. Due to the national health crisis masks are recommended and social distancing should be observed. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family online at: www.werryfuneralhome.com.

Helen Jane Cleveland Helen Jane Cleveland, 92, of Poseyville, Indiana, born to Dorris Monroe and Allegra Ellen (Smith) Marvel on November 26, 1928, in Poseyville, Indiana, graduated from this life to her eternal home in heaven, Thursday, April 29, 2021 at Walnut Creek Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in Evansville, Indiana. She was also a resident of Altria Newburgh for the past few years and was a life-time resident of Posey and Gibson Counties. She graduated from Cynthiana High School in 1946. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother (great and great-great) and an example of a selﬂess caring person with unconditional love. She enjoyed her homemakers’ club meetings for many years and loved crafts and made several ceramic projects as well as other crafts. She loved playing board games and cards. She retired from Estech and was a long time member of Old Union Christian Church in Poseyville, Indiana. She will be lovingly remembered by her surviving daughters: Cinda Painter (Charles), Sue Anne Ward Tate (Lowell) and Vicki Clark (Jay); brother: Doyle Marvel (Deloris); two sister-in-law’s: Rebecca Marvel and Marcilyn Marvel; six grandchildren: Collin Painter (Pam), Carmen Lowry (Matt), Kimberly Sharp, Amiee Floyd, Chris Ramsey and Amanda Smith (Colin); six great grandchildren: Jaymen Painter (Sarah), Bethany Joy Jean-Francois (Jack), Cara Painter, Tristen Sharp, Brooklynn Floyd and Kali Clarke; two great-great grandchildren: Calvin and Leo Jean-Francois. Preceding her in death were

THE POSEY COUNTY NEWS - PAGE A3

her parents; loving husband: Charles J. Cleveland; siblings: Morris Wayne Marvel, Ewell Marvel, Jim Marvel, Tom Marvel, Ruth Bass and Evelyn Brittingham and a sonin-law: Kennith Ward. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 8, 2021 at the Poseyville Cemetery in Poseyville, Indiana with Pastors Greg Marvel and Baret Fawbush oﬃciating. Due to the national health crisis, masks are recommended and social distancing should be observed. In lieu of ﬂowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Mission 1:11, Haiti Mission, House of Hope & Joy Children’s Home, Jack & Joy Jean-Francois Ministry Outreach, or Jack & Joy Jean-Francois Family, www. mission111.org/about-us or SouthernCare Hospice, 12251 US 41, Suite C, Evansville, IN 47725 or Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter, 6100 Dutchmans Lane, Suite 401, Louisville, KY 40205, www.alz.org. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family online at: www.werryfuneralhomes.com.

James Clair Knowles, age 80 of Knoxville,Tenn., passed away May 2, 2021. He was born on December 7, 1940, in Owensville, Indiana. Jim married Nancy Ellen Heim on January 28, 1962. Jim was a devoted follower of Christ who spend over 20 years in vocational ministry. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great- grandfather. Jim graduated from Milligan College (University) in 1989. He pursued a Master’s Degree from Emmanuel School of Religion. He served as a minister of the gospel at churches in Elizabethton, Tenn., and Seymour, Tenn. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Audrie Knowles; and his wife of over 50 years, Nancy Knowles. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law: Angie and Mark Aubrey (Seymour, Tenn.), Lori and Chris Higgins (Owosso, Mich.). Grandchildren: Daniel, Andrew, and Rebecca Higgins; Edison and Mekinna Aubrey, and Caroline Aubrey Great-Grandson: Oliver James Aubrey Sister: Sharon Knowles Deal (Owensville, Ind.). Memorial contributions in lieu of ﬂowers may be given to Christian Student Fellowship (Utah) or Brazil

Dora Marie Newman

River of Life Ministries. The family would like to express a special thanks to Avalon Hospice for everything they did for them during this diﬃcult time. Pallbearers: Daniel Higgins, Andrew Higgins, Edison Aubrey, Tom Gibson, Tim Rice, and Stan Brock. The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 5 from 4 - 6:30 p.m., at Seymour Heights Christian Church, 122 Boyds Creek Highway, Seymour, TN 37865 with service to follow at 6:30 p.m., oﬃciated by Pastor Chris Higgins and Pastor Bob Berry. Family and friends will meet at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 6, 2021 in Highland South Cemetery for graveside service and interment. Online condolences may be made at www.atchleyfuneralhome.com.

Dora Marie Newman, 96, of Poseyville, Indiana, born to Albert and Lucille (Saulmon) Smith on December 22, 1924, in Owensville, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at her home in Poseyville, Indiana. She was a member of Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school classes for 67 years. She worked at Deaconess Hospital, Welborn Clinic, Allison’s Nursing Home and as Administrator for the Charles Ford Home in New Harmony, Indiana. She also was a volunteer nurse for the American Red Cross. Surviving are her sons: Charles Stephen Baker (Cathy) and Bruce Clinton Baker (Lynda) both of Poseyville, Indiana; daughters: Jeane Koester (John) of Saint Wendel, Indiana and Andrea Goldman (Bart) of Poseyville, Indiana; son in law: Norman “Skip” Mills; daughters in law: Dixie Akers and Roberta “Robbie” Newman; 20 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents; ﬁrst husband: Andrew C. Baker; second husband: James Olin Newman; children: William Ray Baker,

Milma Beth Baro Marcia Razor Marcia Razor, 81, died April 30, 2021 in Evansville, Indiana, after a six-year battle with cancer. She was born at home July 20, 1939 in Linn, Kansas to the late Kenneth and Lylah (Gross) Alexander. Marcia graduated high school in Washington, Kansas, and Clark’s Business College in Topeka, Kansas. She was employed as an Executive Secretary for many years and was a Paralegal when she retired in 2011. In 1961 she married Myron Razor and they celebrated 60 happy years together. Marcia was an accomplished musician playing the piano, organ, clarinet, and guitar. She was known for her extensive flower gardens and enjoyed all flowers, especially the 400 varieties of registered daylilies she grew. She was an active member of Saint Paul’s UCC, German Township, served on numerous committees, and helped maintain the church flower gardens. Survivors include her husband Myron, son Dr. Mark (Karla) Razor of Evansville, daughter Melanie (Tracy) Sut-

ton of Houston, Texas, granddaughters, Haley (Justin) Dowling and Katelyn (Adam) Peterson, grandsons, Samuel and Maximilian Razor, great grandsons Liam, Cameron and Jaxson Dowling and Kai Peterson, brother Kenneth (Linda) Alexander, and brother-in-law Willis (Sharon) Razor. Marcia was cremated and there will be no services. Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Paul’s UCC, 8601 Cynthiana Road, Evansville, IN 47720. Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.

National Day of Prayer activities set for May 6

Milma Beth (Oliver) Baro, 83, of Mount Vernon, Ind., passed away April 27, 2021, at her home. She was born July 21, 1937 in New Harmony, Ind., to the late William Oliver and Marjorie (Fisher) Taylor. Milma was a 1955 graduate of Robb Township High School in Poseyville. She was an administrative assistant at the Methodist Church and several businesses. Milma enjoyed playing bridge, sewing and cooking wonderful family dinners. She was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Karl “Linc” Baro; and stepfather, Walter Taylor. She is survived by her children, Karl Aaron Baro, Dwight “Bill” Baro (Leigh Ann), Beth Ann Baro and Linda Baro Walters (Rusty James); grandchildren, Matthew Lincoln Walters, Audrey Walters, Karl N. Baro and Toni Waddell; great-grandchild, Raeleigh; sister, Ann Kay Fox; niece, Kelly Mullins; and her furry companions, Riddles, Jasper and Tipper. Memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at Schneider Fu-

NH Legion Color Guard Monday, May 31, 2021 Maple Hill Cemetery, 9 a.m. Griﬃn Cemetery, 9:30 a.m. Bethsaida Cemetery, 9:45 a.m. Stewartsville Cemetery, 10 a.m. Wadesville Cemetery 10:30 a.m. Old Beech Cemetery 10:45 a.m. New Harmony Town Hall, Memorial at 12 noon.

J.L. Hirsch Company 8 W. Main St. Poseyville

812-874-2719

Personalized funeral services, burials & cremations, pre-planning As a locally owned and operated funeral home, we take our commitment to your family personally. We value your trust in us, and it is our honor to help you through your time of sorrow with compassionate service, professional guidance and a dignified tribute to your loved one.

Locally Owned & Operated

Serving all of Posey County and the Westside of Evansville

Prices effective 5-5 through 5-11 We Reserve The Right To Limit Quantities and Correct Printing Errors.

Pasta-A-Roni Side ........................... 4.8oz $1.09 Rice-A-Roni Side ............................. 6-7oz $1.09 $ Kraft Easy Mac Cup .......................... ..........................2.05oz 2.05oz 1.49 $ Velveeta Shells Cup ......................... .........................2.39oz 2.39oz 1.49 General Mills Cheerios ..................... 12oz $2.99 General Mills Honey Nut Cheerios 10.8oz $3.29 General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch 12oz $3.29 Kellog’s Rice Krispies ......................... 12oz $2.99 $ Kellog’s Froot Loops .........................10.1oz .........................10.1oz 3.29 Quaker Instant Oatmeal ....................... 10ct $3.59 Quaker Chewy Granola Bars ................ 8pk $2.69 $ Nabisco Belvita Breakfast Bars ......... .........8.8oz 8.8oz 2.99 4/$ Kool-Aid Unsweetened.......................2qt ....................... 2qt 1.00 Betty Crocker Traditional Brownie Mix .... $1.19

neral Home, 512 Main Street, Mount Vernon, Ind., with Rev. Jamie Kent oﬃciating. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. service time on Wednesday at the funeral home. Due to the national health crisis, masks are recommended and social distancing should be observed. The family would like to thank Dr. Joseph Lee, Tiffany and her team at Deaconess Encompass Hospital and Heart to Heart Hospice for their care and support in Milma’s ﬁnal days. Memorial Contributions may be made to Willow Tree of Posey County. Condolences may be made online at www.schneiderfuneralhome.com.

Memorial Day Service:

The Rev. Rick Sellers of First Christian Church in Mount Vernon will lead the 2021 National Day of Prayer worship service on behalf of the Mount Vernon Ministerial Association. The prayer service will be held on Thursday, May 6, beginning at noon. The event will be held outside on the west end of the Posey County courthouse. The observance will feature music, readings from Scripture, and of course prayers. The prayers will be said for various levels of government, the military, law enforcement, businesses, schools, churches, and families. The theme of this year’s National Day of Prayer is based on 2 Corinthians; “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Lord pour out your love, life, and liberty. Everyone is invited to come and pray for our nation and community.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY. 812-682-3950 Honoring the Memory of Your Loved One

Susie Mills, Rhett Newman; grandson: Billy Ray Jessie along with four siblings: Burl, Gerald & Ralph Smith and Hildred Nichols. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m., Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the Werry Funeral Home in Poseyville, Indiana with burial in Poseyville Cemetery. Visitation was held 2 - 6 p.m., Friday, April 30, 2021 and 1 p.m. until service time Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the funeral home. In lieu of ﬂowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church, 46 South Cale Street, Poseyville, IN 47633. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family online at: www.werryfuneralhomes.com.

Bakers Angel Flake Coconut............... 14oz $2.59 $ Nabisco Chips Ahoy Cookies .......... ..........9-13oz 9-13oz 2.69 Keebler Club Crackers ................... 12-14oz $3.19 Wick’s Strawberry Glaze......................... 16oz 89¢ Mt. Olive Hamburger Dill Chip ............ 16oz $2.49 Mt. Olive Munchies ............................. 16oz $2.49 Taco Bell Seasoning.................................... 79¢ Taco Bell Refried Beans ..................... 16oz $1.19 Taco Bell Shells .......................................... $1.69

Jimmy Deans Breakfast Bowls .......... 7oz $2.49 $ Hy•Top Fruit Bag .................................... ....................................16oz 16oz 2.99 Sara Lee Cheese Cakes ................ 17-19oz $3.99 Sara Lee Coﬀee Cakes .................... 11.5oz $3.99 $ NY Garlic Breadsticks ........................... ...........................10.5oz 10.5oz 2.49 NY Texas Garlic Toast ...................... 11.25oz $2.49 Sister Shubert’s Yeast Roll ............. 15oz $3.19 Pillsbury Grand Biscuits Bag .............. 12ct $2.99 Prairie Farms Ice Cream ..................... gal $6.59 Blue Bunny Ice Cream ...................... 46oz $4.29 North Star Sundae Cups ...................... 6ct $2.99 Velveeta Singles ................................. 12oz $3.69 Kraft Velveeta Shredded Cheese .......... 8oz $2.69 Kraft Big Slice Cheese ........................... 8oz $3.59 Yoplait GoGurt........................................ 8ct $2.49

$ Ribeye Beef Reg. $15.49 lb ...................lb ...................lb 10.59 Ground Beef Lean ................................. lb $5.59 $ Bar S Franks.............................................. lb $1.29 Purex Detergent ................................. 150oz 8.49 $ ............................ 6Rolls 6.49 Bar S Bologna ........................................... lb $1.29 Scott Paper Towels ............................6Rolls

MOTHER’S DAY SALE

512 Main Street | Mount Vernon 812-838-4331 | www.schneiderfuneralhome.com

Tom Schneider Funeral Director

•30% OFF SPRING APPAREL •25% OFF ACCESSORIES • •RELAY FOR LIFE BASKET RAFFLE DRAWING MAY 8, 2021

PAGE A4 - THE POSEY COUNTY NEWS

Enjoying some time on the swing at Murphy Park on Sunday afternoon in New Harmony are Travis Martin and his son Holden Martin of Fort Branch. Photo by Dave Pearce

Enjoying their visit to New Harmony with a walk through Murphy Park on Sunday afternoon are Sydnie Sharp, Reese Dassel, Amy Dassel, Ashtyn Sharp, Jackson Dassel, Kathy Flowers, and April Sharp. Photo by Dave Pearce

MAY 4, 2021

Finishing watering the plants on front of the window of his New Harmony apartment on Sunday afternoon is Ben Barnes. Photo by Dave Pearce

Postal Inspectors warn Vets of scams targeting them COVID Vaccination, Romance Scams and VA Loan Scams Just Some of the Scams Targeting Veterans; Postal Inspection Service’s Operation Protect Veterans Provides Veterans with Resources and Assistance The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is warning the nation’s veterans that scammers are creating and implementing scams specifically designed for them. These scams include: COVID Vaccination Scams: Scammers will offer veterans a “cut in the vaccination line,” cash payments, or other incentives around obtaining a COVID vaccination. Romance Scams:

Veterans and active-duty service members are tempting targets for “catfishing” romance scams, where scammers will utilize a picture of a service member posted online and create fake dating profiles to lure unsuspecting singles into giving up personally identifiable information and/or money. VA Loan Scams: Offers to refinance VA loans at extremely low rates. Update Your File Scam: An imposter, claiming to be from a government agency, attempts to get a veteran’s personal information to “update their file” so they can maintain their benefits. Secret Veteran Benefits Scam: Veterans are told they

WMI’s Artifact Under Exam by Melora Adams The name Owen is strongly associated with New Harmony, as well it should be. We have many artifacts that relate to Owens, but some of the most interesting are less well known. This week’s artifact is a metal stencil for a business, possibly used for marking crates or barrels for shipping. It reads “Owen & Owen Manufacturer’s New Harmony Ind.” A note in the records here says that Owen & Owen was a partnership between Julian Dale Owen and Alfred Dale Owen. It states that they bought a hardware business as a going concern from Victor Duclos in September of 1868. The weekly newspaper, the New Harmony Register, was running regular ads for the hardware store belonging to Victor Duclos. In September of 1868, the ads continued but they were slightly diﬀerent. They show Owen & Owen as Victor’s successors. They state that the ﬁrm was going to be doing the same business as before, but deal extensively in grain, as well. The store was located on east Main Street, between Church and Tavern, according to the article -- in the block where the Main Café is now. Julian Dale Owen was a son of Robert Dale Owen and grandson of Robert Owen. He was a merchant and a father and later a stepfather. Julian traveled to Syria to visit his sister Rosamond Dale Owen Templeton, who had gone there to live. In the collection here at the WMI, we have objects that he brought back from Syria. Alfred Dale Owen, a son of David Dale Owen and grandson of Robert Owen, was a merchant

P C H Note: News in this issue includes: Memorial Coliseum case, Gypsies ordered out of city, Osborn and Moeller are candidates for mayor, annual school art exhibit, farmers’ news, church news, and many news briefs and personals. Memorial Coliseum Case Is Continued By Judge - The Courtroom was filled Friday morning long before the hour set for the hearing of the petition filed by Organized Public Service Association - recently organized in the upper part of the county - for a temporary injunction restraining the Posey County officials from further proceedings in the erection of the proposed Soldiers and Sailors’ Memorial on the corner of Third and Walnut Streets. The bids for its construction work to have been received on Tuesday, May, 3, 1921. The case was heard before Judge Clements, the petitioners being represented by Attorneys Hatfield, Brill, and Brady of Evansville, and the entire bar of Mount Vernon being present to represent the defendants. Attorney Espenschied spoke for the defendants. Judge Clements said that the case was purely one of law; that he would decide it as such, and take it under advisement. The opposing sides would argue their case in the May term. Gypsies Ordered To Move - A band of Gypsies in eight dilapidated autos struck this city at noon last Thursday. The women (gaudily attired in their red clothing) entered homes to tell the dwellers their fortunes, at so much per fortune, while the men closely followed them in the rear. Chief Stevens with the assistance of several “deputized” citizens soon had the band corralled. They then headed them towards New Harmony and telephoned the Marshall at that place to keep them moving. The band, which was composed of about 40 or 50 men, women and children, were driven out of Evansville, Wednesday, and escorted by the police to the Posey County line, camping the night about five miles east of the city. For the past three weeks, they have been traveling through the southern part of the state stealing everything in sight, and since they travel by auto, instead of using horses, they have nothing to trade. Fortune telling is their only visible means of support. Primary Election - Osborn And Moeller Candidates For Mayor - Lemuel Osborn will head the Democratic ticket for mayor, receiving 392 votes. Dr. Wm. Robison, his nearest competitor for the

J K

and later a politician. He went on to be elected a mayor of Mount Vernon and ran for Congress in 1900. One of the exhibits here at the WMI contains a button from that campaign. He lost by a narrow margin, by the way. So they were cousins who went into business together. But apart from their being family members, this artifact relates them and relates the artifacts that we have from them. And it relates them to the community of New Harmony. Looking at the stencil prompts us to wonder what Owen & Owen manufactured. As often happens, we do not have an answer to all the questions. Upcoming at the W M I : F a r m e r ’s & Artisan’s Market on Saturday

qualify for “secret” government programs or benefits that offer thousands of dollars - but first, they attempt to collect personal information or a fee. Pension Poaching Scam: Scammers often offer veterans lump sum payments upfront, in exchange for signing over all their future monthly benefit checks. Aid and Attendance Scam: Veterans (or their family members) receive an offer to move their assets into a living trust so that they can qualify for financial assisted-Iiving benefits. According to an AARP survey, veterans are twice as likely to be targets of scammers as the general public. That is why the U.S. Postal Inspection Service joined with AARP to create Operation Protect Veterans, a crime prevention program designed to provide information and resources to veterans and military families nationwide about scams and fraud schemes specifically created for them. What can veterans do to protect themselves? Operation Protect Veterans recommends the following: Don’t give any personal information over the phone to someone who contacts you. This includes bank account numbers, credit card numbers and your Social Security number. Don’t be pressured into acting immediately. Always check out any offer with a family member, trusted friend, local Veterans

Affairs office, or local Better Business Bureau chapter. Contact your telephone service provider and ask what kind of services they offer to help you block unwanted calls. Sign up for real-time fraud alerts by visiting the AARP Fraud Watch Network website: www.aarp.org/ fraudwatchnetwork. If you believe you have been scammed, don’t let shame prevent you from reporting it. Contact your local police, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (www.uspis.gov or 877-876-2455), or AARP (protectveterans@ aarp.org or 877-908-3360). “In addition to many of the same scams fraudsters use to target veterans, we’re now seeing more ‘timely’ scams, like those related to COVID,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale. “And as May is Military Appreciation Month, it’s a great time for everyone to become informed and spread the word about scams targeting veterans in order to, in some small way, help repay the tremendous debt we all owe those who have served.” For more information on scams targeting veterans and how to defend against them, visit http://www.uspis.gov/veterans/. To report a scam, visit https://www.uspis.gov/report/, or contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at 877-908-3360 or www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

Birthdays May 4 - Kurt Georgesen, Angela Davis, Kennedy Schmitt, Dalton Keith Kuhn, Audrey Crawford, Lorene Brakie, June Courey, Mike Robert, Ilse Horacek May 5 - Karen Logan, Michelle Harmes, Christine C. Woodrow, Ryan Holtzclaw, Freddie Stallings May 6 - Nancy Briggs, Greg Cammeron, Clinton Mathews, Morgan Mathews, Jennifer Werry, Debbie Lamar May 7 - Eugene P. Eaton, Marcia Schneider, Mark Oﬀerman, Christopher Robb, Christopher Emmert, Hannah Hawn, Sarah Counts, Kevin Greg, Marcia Schneider, Rose Wagner, Jim Vance May 8 - Eric Williams, Teresa Blackburn,

Damon Mercer, Peggy L. Taylor, Haley Wilson, Kay VanLaningham, Robert Costner, Marie Houchin, Heather Morlan May 9 - Izaac Roper, Steve Cohoon, Kim Davis Nightingale, Ben Igou, Phyllis Jacob, Toby Sturgell, Robert Mathews Jr., Priscilla Rutledge, Albert Foster, Gene Robison, Dorothy Freimiller, Trudy Keach May 10 - Brandon Brauser, Terry Briant, Damon Carl, Brooklyn Becher, Lauren Becher, Shae Bolding, Ella Beth Nelson, Judy Butler, Dennis Luebkem, Lindsey Beuligmann, Ron Risley If you have a name to be included, please send to: Posey County News, P.O. Box 397, New Harmony, IN 47631, or email: news@poseycountynews.com

National and Local News 100 Years Ago News From The Western Star, May 4, 1921 - Mount Vernon office, received 125 votes. In the republican race for mayor, John Moeller ran far ahead of his opponent, Thomas B. Brown. Herb Leffel is the democratic city chairman, and Otto Weilbrenner, is chairman for the republican party. Both are predicting victory for their respective candidates. Annual Art Exhibit At Central School - The annual city schools’ art exhibit will be held May 6, 7, and 8 at the Central School. The exhibit will be open to the public with teachers in charge each day. The exhibit will continue throughout Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 2 until 5 p.m. The art exhibit consists of the handwork of pupils in the grades and high schools in the art, domestic science, and manual training departments under the supervision of Mrs. Johnson, Miss Mildred Blake, and Mr. Brown. A cordial invitation is extended to the public to inspect the exhibits. No admission charge. Farmers’ News - Herbert Hoover is in sympathy with the American Farm Bureau Federation and said: “I wish to express my approval of the excellent work the Farm Bureau is doing.” In Related News - There will be a joint meeting of the threshermen and farmers at the Courthouse in Mount Vernon at 1:30 Saturday afternoon. The objective of this meeting is to have the farmers cooperate with the threshermen in making arrangements for the thrashing of the wheat crop. Church News - Attendance Last Sunday - Last Sunday was set aside as “Go To Sunday School Day,” and 1, 250 responded to the call. First Methodist had the top attendance with 394. All churches were up in attendance and much of the credit goes to Charles Woodward, President of the Black Township Sunday School Association. News Briefs And Personals - Illness - William Uhde, residing in the Crab Orchard neighborhood, was removed to Saint Mary’s Hospital in the Short ambulance Wednesday morning, and late in the afternoon underwent an operation. Dr. Wilson is the local attending physician. No Births Recorded - Baptism - Thirty-five were baptized at the pond at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Saturday afternoon by Rev. Taylor. Zoarville - Everyone is busy in Zoarville, going to the bottoms and cleaning house. More rain on Monday is not very good news for farmers. Trips And Visits John Maier was a business visitor to this office Monday. George Damm of Wadesville transacted business in the city Friday and while here gave us a pleasant call. L. Wade Wilson, of the New Harmony Fair Assoc., was in the city yesterday in the

interest of the Fair. Sunday Visits - Mr. and Mrs. John Weatherford and daughter spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. W. Curtis and daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Duley and son, John, were guests of Frank Conlin and family Sunday. Doyle Westfall of Poseyville, Percy Vines of Savah, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Greene and little daughter, Faye, were guests Sunday of Dave Redman and family. Mount Vernon 125 Years Ago - Mrs. Henry

Yuncker of Grafton, who has been in our city the past three weeks taking treatment for oakpoisoning contracted while picking greens in a pasture, returned home Saturday having almost fully recovered from its eﬀect. River pirates stole 12 sacks of corn oﬀ the banks opposite this city. A baseball club has been organized in this city. Marriage Licenses - Wm. Hume and Emma Bryan; John Renschler and Eliz. Whitt.

MAY 4, 2021

S /B

THE POSEY COUNTY NEWS - PAGE A5

‘Need for Speed’ drives Greathouse to winner’s circle By Lois Mittino Gray Move over, Roller Derby Queens, a Posey County sixth grader has a ‘Need for Speed!’ Twelve-year old Jewel Greathouse, of New Harmony, won the Second Place Overall Champion award in her age group at the Land of Lincoln Speed Skating Invitational. It was held during the Easter holiday, April 2 through April 4, at Illini Skateland, in Danville, Illinois. This was no small feat for her rolling feet. Participants vied for awards from 23 teams, representing 12 States, including California and Texas. This was not the first time Jewel

has skated in competition against other teams. She also competes against members of her own team, the Cobra Speed Team, based out of Skate World in Evansville, Indiana. Members participate by age groups. Jewel’s winning overall score resulted from her placings in four individual events. She placed first in her age group on a five lap event, had two more second place scores in other five lap races, and placed fourth in a ten lap race. She prefers racing the shorter lap races where she can race side by side with others and build up a good head of speed. This event was sanctioned by the US Roller Speed Skating Association and the Midwest Point Series. The North Elementary School student says she has been skating since second grade. “Well, my father promised me that he would take me skating if I did fine on the Wednesday prespelling test. I did very well and that Friday, he took me skating. We went many times and by Christmas, I received my first pair of skates: white with pink wheels.” Jewel’s current fancy skates are a real source of pride for her in their uniqueness. “They are a vintage pair made in 1983 from kangaroo skin. My dad found them on the Internet and I was gifted them for my birthday,” she recalled. Jewel is the daughter of Mark Greathouse and Katie McCarty. Getting on the Cobra Speed Team was an accomplishment in itself. “You even have to try out to be able to practice with them. I practiced for a year and a half before they actually Jewel Greathouse holds a pair asked me to be a member of the team,” she explained. The deof vintage 1983 Kangaroo skin voted skater spends a great deal of time working with her teamskates that were gifted as a birth- mates. She practices three times a week for two and a half to Jewel doing what she does best. day present from her father. three hours. Her coaches, with her from the beginning, are Pam

Coaches Pam Dieckmann, left, and Doug Heiman, right, have been with Jewel from the beginning. All photos submitted Dieckmann and Doug Heiman. “Roller skating is great exercise for her. It burns about 600 calories an hour. I read only swimming and jumping rope can beat it. You wouldn’t think it does, but it is a lost art,” her father stated with pride. “I never realized how fast they go when all 10 to15 of them are together in a race.” He estimated about 20 miles per hour in instances. Even though skating takes up so much of her free time, Jewel also likes to do painting, pottery, and extreme four wheeler riding in rocky terrain. “I have multiple cats and am a true cat lover, any size, any kind,” she said with a smile. Until some type of display is made, her medals now hang in the kitchen. They remind her of her stellar accomplishments. “I feel proud of myself and exalted to have done this well,” she noted. Her father added, “She still amazes me. They roll faster than roller derby and skate so close together.”

Reising receives national recognition The INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD recog- of The Farm nized The Keeping in the category of Poetry as a Wife’s Almadistinguished favorite. The competition is judged nac In 2021, the by experts from different aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book I N D E P E N cover designers and professional copywriters. Se- DENT PRESS lected award winners and distinguished favorites AWARD had entries worldare based on overall excellence. What strikes one first about The Keeping is Lin- wide. Particida Neal Reising’s proficiency at writing portrait pating authors Just finishing up an oil change on a pleasant but overcast Sunday afternoon in New poems with evocative details bringing character and publishers reside in countries such as AustraHarmony are Justin and Randy Ferrell. Photo by Dave Pearce alive. It’s like a short story writer putting together lia, Canada, India, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, Swita sequential series that becomes a novel of place. zerland, United Kingdom, and others. In addition, Her images are so vibrant we believe her pen is books submitted included writers located in U.S. a painter’s brush. ––Norbert Krapf, Indiana Poet cities such as Atlanta to Santa Fe; Chicago to New Laureate 2008-2010, author of Indiana Hill Coun- York; from Boise to Honolulu, and others. meet on May 5, 2021 at the Sheriff’s Office in “We congratulate this year’s 2021 winners and try Poems Trivia Night to Benefit Cancer In her powerful book, The Keeping, Linda Neal distinguished favorites in the annual INDEPENTrivia night to benefit the Indiana Elks can- Mount Vernon at 9:30 a.m. Reising honors the resilience of the people she grew DENT PRESS AWARD. The quality and quantity cer research project will be held May 15. Trivia up with—women and men of Cherokee, Shawnee, of excellent independently published books hit a rebegins at 7 p.m., with Master Paul Rynkiewich, Camping reservation site gets a new look and Wyandotte descent that inhabit Oklahoma’s cord. Independents recognized are thriving around The website for making camping reservations a pork chop dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. with hard scrabble farms and isolated Route 66 towns. the world. We are so proud to announce these key reservations only (by May 7) for $12, teams of at DNR properties has a new look and features She pays homage, as well, to those outside the hu- titles representing global independent publishing.” up to six players can register by calling the Elks to make booking your next getaway a snap. man realm, to the tenacious spirit of hunted coy- said awards sponsor Gabrielle Olczak. Camper. or a sign up sheet will be at the Elks. It is $10 For more information, please visit independentotes and wind-torn catalpa; land-locked crawdads You now have more options to search for per person to play. Any questions call the Elks pressaward.com; and to see this year’s list of IPA’s and covered springs. These are poems of witness, camping, cabins, or day-use facilities by filter812-838-3361. deeply observant and empathetic, with potent im- Distinguished Favorites, please visit the webing your search results to look at park activities, ages that spark “like flint against stone.” —Shari site page: https://www.independentpressaward. specific site types, accessibility needs, and your Celebrate Recovery on Thursdays Wagner, Indiana Poet Laureate 2016-2017, author com/2021distinguishedfavorites. Co-ed Celebrate Recovery group meets on desired date range. Other features allow you to: Thursday evenings at 6 p.m., at the Beyond the •Discover available sites for the upcoming Walls Campus, 424 Vine Street, Mount Vernon. weekend for last-minute trips The spring deadline for 2021 property taxes time with a postmark of May 10. •Save favorite campsites, cabins, and facili- Drop box located in front of the Coliseum is Monday, May 10, and the Posey County Bethsaida Cemetery Clean Up Day Building at 126 E. Third Street, Mount Treasurer’s office is open to the public. Join us on Saturday, May 15, at 9 a.m., at ties for quicker access to making future reservaVernon. Other options to pay your property taxes Bethsaida Cemetery in Posey County. We will tions at those locations - Drop off at United Fidelity Bank in Mount are: •Shop for a variety of Indiana State Parks be cleaning up the cemetery and can use the help Vernon, the West Side, and St. Joseph Avenue Send your tax payment in the mail to 126 products, including gift cards, park passes, of anyone willing. locations in Evansville. E. Third Street, Room 211, Mount Vernon, clothing, and gifts galore - Pay online at poseycountytax.com. Ind. 47620. We do accept your payment as on •Check the balance of a DNR camping gift Johnson UMC to hold Rummage Sale card The Johnson UMC rummage sale in New •Donate to support Indiana State Parks Harmony will be held on Saturday, May 8, beNow is a great time to book your next trip at ginning at 8 a.m. The Mount Vernon Indiana packet to get them enrolled. The Junior Academy is camp.IN.gov. If you have not already done so, Police Department is acceptAcademy dates are June 7 11. something that our Officers be sure to create an account to track your reserHonors’ Day Program ing applications for the 2021 Academy Application Packets and Instructor Cadre look forvations, favorite campsites, and opt in to receive The Honors’ Day Program will be held at Junior Police Academy. can be obtained by messaging ward to and enjoy, so please North Posey High School this year on May 13, news, information and special offers from DNR. If you know someone high them on Facebook or email- ensure applicants are ready to 2021. This program starts at 8 a.m. and will end school-aged that may be inter- ing Officer Turner at sturner@ learn and have an interest in Poseyville Legion to hold Memorial Day Seraround 10 a.m. All parents/guardians of North ested, request an application mountvernon-in.com law enforcement. vice Posey High School seniors are invited to attend. Poseyville American Legion Post 278 is going All attendees must wear a face covering. to hold a Memorial Day service at the Poseyville Cemetery on May 31, 2021. The ceremony will AA Meetings to be held on Tuesdays May 1 through May 31 - May is for Mango! stellation Painting - This craft is designed for teens. AA meetings are held on Tuesday evenings at be held next to the flags and monument at the - Join us as we celebrate Mango Languages and If there are any kits left over after the date of the 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Wadesville. northwest end of the cemetery. The starting time Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage program, they will be made available to all ages. will be 10 a.m. Month, Haitian Heritage Month and Jewish-Amer- Register to claim a free kit to create your own Everyone is invited to attend as the Post AA Meetings scheduled for Thursdays glowing constellation painting. Use a template to ican Month. AA meetings are held on Thursdays at 7 p.m. shows its respect to those Veterans who have May 4 at 2 p.m. - Virtual Teen Crafternoon: make your astrological sign or light up your own at the Lighthouse Assembly of God in New Har- passed with a special part of the service dediStar Wars Magnets - This craft is designed for pattern. For grades six-12. cated to those Post members who have passed in mony. May 12 at 3:30 p.m. - Virtual Book Review by teens. If there are any kits left over after the date the last two years. of the program, they will be made available to all Miss Janis - Miss Janis will be reviewing the book Please plan to come and share in this rememTrinity UCC AA Meetings set for Saturdays ages. Register for a free kit to DIY your own Star “The Crossover” by Kwame Alexander. AA meetings are held on Saturdays at 9:30 bering service. May 13 at 10 a.m. - Virtual Take & Make Wars magnets. May the Fourth be with you. May 5 at 10 a.m. - Virtual Ornament of the Adult Craft: Hanging Bird Bath - Join Joan as a.m. and will continue until further notice. Join Month Club: Gnomes - Join Monica as she shows she demonstrates how to make a hanging bird bath. us at Trinity UCC in Mount Vernon and enter PC Regional Sewer District to meet you how to make adorable gnome ornaments. Reg- Most supplies provided. Registration begins May through the back. The board of the Posey County Regional 1. ister for your kit now. Sewer District will meet on Thursday, May 13, Note: To register for any of our FREE adult, teen May 8, 15 and 22 at 10 a.m. - Virtual Chapter Tribute to Pearl Jam set for May 22 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at the Hovey House, 330 Walor children project kits, go to the event calendar Chats with Miss Janis (Sideways Stories from The Lincoln Amphitheatre will host a full nut, Mount Vernon, IN 47620. For questions, on our website at alexandrianpl.org then click on Wayside School) Students in third to fi fth grade band acoustic tribute to the music of Pearl Jam please contact the Health Department at 812the day of the event or call the library at 812-838will enjoy this quirky book. on Saturday, May 22. Doors for the event will be 838-1328. May 11 at 2 p.m. - Virtual Teen Glowing Con- 3286. You can also visit the Information Desk. open at 6:30 p.m. central time, with the two-set performance beginning at 7:30 p.m. All tickets PC Democrats Golf Scramble MOUNT VERNON NORTH POSEY will be general admission, are $19.95, and can PC Democrats golf scramble will be held on STUDENT OF THE WEEK STUDENT OF THE WEEK be purchased online at www.LincolnAmphithe- June 14, at Western Hills Country Club. For MARCUS RIECKEN MAKAYLA HELFERT atre.com or by calling 812-937-2329. more information about teams and hole spon-

Briefly

Spring Property Tax deadline set for May 10

Junior Police Academy set for June

APL News

PC Sheriff’s Merit Board to meet The Posey County Sheriﬀ’s Merit Board will

sors call Ed Adams 812-457-1183, leave message or go to our Facebook page @Posey County Democrats.

Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Bill Denning, Funeral Director

Farmersville Elementary

North Elementary

Marcus is a ﬁfth grader and one of our most hard working, creative, and goal oriented students. He is always willing to give a helping hand. He even tutors some of our younger students at school. Marcus is also on our student council and created, organized and helped build our new “Give a book, take a book” for our outdoor classroom. We just installed it on Earth Day. We are going to miss Marcus at Farmersville when he goes to the Jr. High but are very excited for his future.

Makayla is an excellent student. She is involved in Student Council, Band, Choir and Cheerleading. Math is her favorite subject and she loves a challenge. Makayla has always been willing to help others and sets a great example for students at North Elementary.

SPONSORED WITH PRIDE BY THE

5520 Industrial Road, Mount Vernon

(812) 838-0370

AMY HIGGS State Farm Corner of St. Philip’s Rd and HWY 66

(812) 985-0934

P C N

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Big Wildcat On Campus raises funds for MVHS Social Worker By Lois Mittino Gray Six macho male seniors from Mount Vernon High School just had way too much fun competing for the title of ‘Big Wildcat on Campus’ Wednesday night, April 28. Confidence and swagger spilled out from each one of them in spades at the first-time ever event. The audience rollicked with laughter as the six appeared in an interview segment, talent show, personality wear portion, and a grand finale group dance. Gabe Owens won the BWOC title and $100 as the night’s champion. Hank Denning was named the People’s Choice crowd favorite, earning $50 and bragging rights, after receiving the most money votes in his jar. Blake Ritzert was awarded the ‘Mr. Congeniality” honor, voted on by his fellow participants, and took home $25. Money came from sponsors. One of the judges said the key to Gabe’s win was his “charisma”. It was evident from the beginning as he marched down the aisle of the school’s PAC Auditorium for his introduction. Owens, 18, was escorted by Brock Veatch and Blaise Hartman, who were hilarious as his “bodyguards”. Before they allowed him onstage to join the others, they swept the curtains looking for threats in true Secret Service style. In his introduction, emcee Leigh Latshaw said his life’s dream is to open a donut shop in Mount Vernon like he remembered as a kid. This led to her calling him by his new moniker, “Would You like Coffee with That?” Owens. The BWOC was also called “Mr. Magic” for his funny fake magic Photo sticks with the six BWOC contenders were on sale to show support. Isaiah McFadin bought two as he couldn’t pick just one. He’s shown with contestant Aiden Gillian’s stick (left) and Hank Denning’s. Photo by Lois Mittino Gray

talent show, pulled off with flair. He made a tape measure stand upright in the air and dramatically gestured as it went back down with a push of the button. He forced an obvious hidden football out of his shirt, and made a metal garbage can lid go up in response to his beckoning hand, after he stepped on the pedal. The crowd hooted as the lid slowly lowered on its own as if by “magic.” Owens chose a classic blue suit for his personality wear segment with sunglasses and cool moves as he sidled across the stage to “So Fresh, So Clean.” People’s Choice winner Hank won the heart of the crowd during the talent portion. As the stage curtains opened, he was seated in the

Dalton Schmidt, Blake Ritzert, Aiden Gillian, Hank Denning, Xavier Angel and Gabe Owens vie for ‘Big Wildcat On Campus’ during the pageant that took place on Wednesday, April 29, 2021. Proceeds from the event go towards helping Mount Vernon High School to attain a Social Worker. Photo by Garry Beeson limelight at the piano in a full length vintage mink coat crooning, “You Make Me Feel like a Natural Woman” in true Aretha style. For his personality wear, he wore sunglasses, a cap perched atop his long hair, and a casual plaid shirt. He ran down into the audience and grabbed the video camera being used and filmed a short movie clip from the stage. “Action,” he yelled, making the crowd stand and wave. It fit his personality as the creative teen, 18, wants to get a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in film and television directing. He cited Steven Spielberg as his role model, “He made a lot of movies and money.” When he was introduced, emcee Latshaw said, “He was an intern for us in media, but don’t let that fool you, he ran the department.” When asked what Disney character Denning would like to be during the interview, he answered pirate Jack Sparrow. “He is brave, funny, has a heart of gold, and I dressed up like him for four Halloweens in a row. You had to call me Captain Jack all the time.” Blake Ritzert, 18, said 4H, FFA, and his friends are important to him. His pleasant nature was evident in everything he did, no wonder his peers voted him “Mr. Congeniality.” He wore sunglasses, a plaid shirt, boots and his trademark cowboy hat as he moseyed across the stage to display his personality wear. He enjoys sports, hunting, and fishing and will be joining the Plumber’s Union after graduation. During questioning, he was asked to pick what animal he would be and he chose a dog. “That way I can sit around and sleep all day.” He said all the teams he has been on were rewarding, he could not choose just one. For his talent, Blake did a lip synch rap to “I’m Sorry Miss Jackson; I Never Meant to Make your Daughter Cry,” complete with grinding moves, twerks, great facial cringes, and strutting all over the stage. Aiden Gilligan, 17, played a trio of patriotic tune snippets on French Horn for his talent. It was fitting as he wants to major in Music Education at Western Kentucky University. Throughout the competition, he had a red, white and blue theme going. He wore a

All six contestants ended the show with a group dance featuring YMCA, Macarena, Cotton Eyed Joe, The Pony, and the Electric Slide. They had the choreographed aid of Student Council members Amber Allyn and Faith Delancy.

Give Mom Her Just Desserts

Here to guide you along the way, on your retirement journey. Professional financial advice designed to help you achieve your financial and lifetime goals.

Mother’s Day is live on the website! We are featuring a beautiful picnic basket this year for the moms you want to treat! A basket filled with one dozen fudge dipped strawberries, a 8 x 8 charcuterie box from Board & Wheel, a cozy blanket and a bottle of sparkling lemonade!

Jeff Greenwell, Financial Advisor 126 East 2nd Street Mt. Vernon, IN 47620 Phone: (812) 457-7076 Fax: (812) 704-5836

305 Main Street Mount Vernon, IN 47620

812-457-2633

www.3chicksfudgery.com

draped flag kimono during talent and for his personality wear, he rolled across the stage in shoe skates, waving flags in an Uncle Sam costume, complete with big top hat. In the interview session, when Aiden was asked what one dance move he would do for the rest of his life, he immediately fell to the floor and did “the worm”, as those assembled roared with laughter. “He said the main things he learned at MVHS were English, Algebra, leadership, love of country, and all the hard work teachers do for our country.” Dalton Schmidt, 18, said he loves duckhunting, friends, and duckhunting with friends. He will be joining the Marines after graduation. “Do not argue with teachers or authority” was his advice to students at school, shaking his head remembering the time he did just that! His talent was the odd mixture of telling lame jokes and doing a back flip. Both fell short, but Dalton Gabe Owen was chosen ‘Big bore with it and the crowd Wildcat On Campus’ during the loved his moxie and deterinaugural event at MVHS. Phomination. For his personality wear, he strolled across to by Garry Beeson stage in sunglasses and cutoffs carrying a pizza box trying to bribe the judges. Xavier “Mr. Bigshot” Angel, took advantage of his recent Homecoming King win to wow the crowd with his swagger. Walking down the aisle, Hank Denning threw jellybeans at him from the stage and he caught them in his mouth, one of his listed talents, as he blew kisses to the crowd. He said his proudest moment was making the longest field goal in school history. He joked that Paul Blart of “Mall Cop” fame was his biggest role model as he “overcame so much, saving two malls and Vegas.” For his talent, Xavier busied himself making balloon animals to circus music in a rainbow wig and red and white striped IU pants. He made a snake, a worm, and a sword that he swashbuckled with onstage. During the personality portion, he wore a pink and blue pair of shorts to show off his pretty legs as he posed. The event was a Student Council service project and fundraiser that will go towards getting a high school social worker. Sponsors were Hawg N’Sauce, Priceless Foods, Ace Hardware, Bud’s Hardware, WSI, and Di Maggio’s Pizzeria. Judges were Charles Seifert, Director of Buildings, Grounds, and Transportation for MSD of Mt. Vernon, and MVHS graduates Ashley Dorsam and Keely Burkhart. Both ladies are the Co-Directors of the annual 4 H Fair beauty pageants. The event was emceed by Greg Delancy, Assistant Football Coach and Leigh Latshaw MVHS Athletic Director. It was a great night of fun for a worthy cause that students will remember for a long time.

jgreenwell@spectrumfinancialgroup.com www.jeffreygreenwell.com

3chicksfudgery@gmail.com

Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Fri. 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR EXTENDED EASTER HOURS!

Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc., Jeffrey D. Greenwell, Registered Representative, Investment Advisor Representative. Smart Retirement Solutions and Securities America are separate companies.

THE POSEY COUNTY NEWS - PAGE A7

MAY 4, 2021

Pictured are Mount Vernon High School student Connor King and his dad, Wayne, with his certiﬁcate and his check for placing in the top ten in a recent welding competition. King, 17, was in a welding competition at Kentucky Welding Institute (KWI) in Flemingsburg, Ky. There were 126 High Schoolers from 17 states that came to weld. They had to weld everything that they had for them in 90 minutes. It then went to inspection. He placed sixth out of 126 Pictured on the tee box at the Saint Matthew Golf Fundraiser on Sunday afternoon competitors. He received a $1,000 scholarship for just at Western Hills Golf Course are, left to right, Kyle Rapp, Eric May, Jeﬀ Lupfer, and Brad Arhelger. Photo by Dave Pearce being entered and then he received another $3,500 for placing in top 10. He attends Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center in Evansville for welding and will his senior year too. Photo submitted

The Diligent Ones 4-H club held their annual community service clean-up on April 21 at Brittlebank Park in Mount Vernon. They picked up trash around the park and spread mulch in two of the playground areas. Pictured are club members, sitting are Sydney Deno, Stella Hall, and Eastin Hall. Standing (l to r), are Aiden Wathen, Blake Bell, Nolan Deno, Drew DeFur, and Simon Seifert. Club leaders are: Rachel Deno and Cathy DeFur. Photo submitted

North Posey High School senior Reagan Koester was recently honored as Youth of the Year, Youth Resources of Southwestern Indiana. She is pictured here with parents Dale and Lisa Koester. Photo submitted

is pleased to announce

WELLSPRINGS A specialized unit, designed to offer unparalleled Memory Care

Coming Spring 2021 The Heritage Center at Holiday Health Care will soon be expanding its services to provide memory care programming to the Evansville community. This extraordinary service will be offered specifically to meet the needs of female residents who are coping with Alzheimer’s or other dementia related diagnosis. Our Wellsprings unit will provide a secure environment, yet still feel like home to our residents. Each resident will receive personalized programming to assist in their daily care needs, based on their interests and experiences. This approach is designed to keep all residents engaged by offering a variety of activities throughout the day. What makes us unique? For over 50 years, Holiday Health Care has been known as the premier provider of seniorcare in the region, in part because we care for our residents like we would our own family. We also recognize that every member of our family is unique, and we feel as though the care we provide for them should reflect that. We will offer lifestyle enhancing programs including social, educational, devotional, and recreational opportunities designed specifically to meet the needs of our female residents with cognitive impairment. Additional features which we are excited to offer on Wellsprings include the following: • Private or companion suites available • Designated Memory Care Director devoted to serving our residents and families • Care givers with Dementia-specific training • Designated Activity Specialist who designs and provides specific memory care programming to each resident • Payor sources accepted include: Private pay, Medicare, Medicaid, and most private and commercial insurances.

We are accepting inquiries about our unit today! Please contact our admissions team at 812-429-1605.

PAGE A8 - THE POSEY COUNTY NEWS

MAY 4, 2021

Newcomer is anything but Long-time teacher uses experience to keep tradition alive By Lois Mittino Gray Last Thursday, April 15, was one of Traci Newcomer’s “favorite days of the school year.” She watched all of the sixth grade students at North Elementary School in Poseyville present their Wax Museum talks as parents and staﬀ walked up to them to listen. With COVID concerns, listeners couldn’t touch them anymore and pretend to press a button to get the students started. Instead, the creative teacher Traci Newcomer ﬁgured a way to have guests press their foot on the chalk circle ‘button’ on the sidewalk in front of each speaker to get each one started. Dwight D. Eisenhower and Ruth Bader Ginsburg were there. “I’m super excited about that one!” she noted. Others include Olympian Wilma Rudolph, Ben Franklin, Rosa Parks, Helen Keller, au-

thor C.S. Lewis, Shirley Temple, and even, Caleb Bradham, a pharmacist who invented Pepsi. “I especially like the persons who are success stories after been told they couldn’t do it. Michael Jordan was told he was not good enough and cut. Walt Disney was told he was not creative enough to become successful. Those stories inspire my students.” How did her students choose the persons they would portray? “Well, first I ask them what are you interested in? One student loves art, so I gave her some names to research. She is going to be Georgia O’Keefe, the New Mexico desert flower artist. Another student really enjoys cars. He chose Ferruchio Lamborghini, who founded his own company when he had trouble with his Ferrari,” she said. Another student chose Cesar Chavez, a Hispanic labor leader, and he will recite a quote he memorized in Spanish. All total, 51 sixth graders participated in the Wax Museum program. Mrs. Newcomer has been doing the special event for 17 of her 21years of teaching. “I love this because all students can do it, no matter what they think. At first, they say they can’t, but that is because they are afraid to speak in front of people. They don’t mind the research, and writing out their notecards. It’s the public speaking, but what a great skill to learn. At our final practice the day before, every student gave their presentation to the class, not using their notecards. Look, you CAN do it!” I said, praising all of them. A Posey County native, Mrs. Newcomer was a member of the NPHS Viking class of 1989. She earned her undergraduate degree in

Elementary Education from Ball State University by 1992. “At the time when I graduated, there were zero teaching jobs in Indiana, but Illinois was hiring. I lived with my aunt and uncle in Springfield, Illinois. My first job was teaching Kindergarten and second grade in the small nearby town of Chatham for four years.” After that, she returned to “my home grounds in the area, married my husband, and took a job with the Catholic diocese teaching at Resurrection School.” She taught fourth grade there for 13 years. In 2016, she went back to Viking land and has been there ever since teaching sixth grade at North Elementary for five years. “I teach language arts to my homeroom and I teach Social studies to all fifth and sixth graders.” She also works with students in School Council and in the Sling Studio, learning to do the daily school newscasts and working in front of green screens. She has been the junior high cross country coach for the past three years. Next year, she plans to assist with the high school cross country team. A busy lady! Traci enjoys spending time with her family, too. Husband John is employed at German American Bank and they have two children. Shelbi recently graduated from Purdue University majoring in Communications. Son Cole is a freshman at North Posey High School. “Reading and history and children, of course, are my passions in life,” she stated. “I’ve enjoyed all the grades that I’ve taught, but I really enjoy the older fourth and sixth graders. I like to have fun and make them relaxed and then, learning comes naturally. The curriculum is so rich.”

Former NH Clay Artist to be featured at Black Lodge

A worker puts the ﬁnishing touches on the newly-painted cupula at the Posey County Courthouse in Mount Vernon—Photo by Dave Pearce

Enjoying some family time in Murphy Park on Sunday afternoon are cousins Kenlee Werry and Ella Weinzapfel. Photo by Dave Pearce

Sermon of the Week - Spring Homecoming By Terry Atchison “Do you need some help, Hon?” Lena was watching the man of her life, Lance, holding the rail as he descended the back steps. He looked so frail and tired. Her heart ached as she followed his slow progression towards the gazebo next to the pond. He could barely push the walker along the sidewalk. It was a beautiful, crisp, sunny day in April. The trees were boasting their colors of red, white, yellow and purple blossoms. The air was cool, but the sun felt warm on the skin. Limpid blue skies framed the colors below in a tableau of nature’s wonders. Ducks were swimming in lines across the pond as geese flew overhead, announcing their arrival with the usual ruckus. Lance was now sitting alone, drinking in the sounds and visual beauty of God’s creation. He liked to spend his days here, “being friendly with The Man”, as he would say. He felt closer to God out here in the air than cooped up inside. Lance reflected on his fifty-two years of life that was soon to be coming to an end. “AML”, is what the doctor had pronounced four years ago. Acute Myeloid Leukemia was the disease taking the life from his body. He had fought hard with chemotherapy and combinations of drugs. Now the fight was almost over and Lance just wanted to be at home, at peace. “Lord, we have had a great time together, haven’t we? I thank You for all the good and the bad times. You taught me so much.” He smiled as he looked skyward. “Lena is the best gift that I have ever had in my life. You sure do know how to pick ‘em. Don’t know what I would do without her. Thank You Father.” His voice was just a whisper. He tried to change positions, to lean more on the arm of the bench, but his body did not have

Worship with us

enough strength to respond. “You have blessed my life in so many ways. I remember a song that talks about the different phases of life we go through: the spring years, the summer years, the autumn years, and then the winter years. Well, I am thankful that I have gotten to my autumn years. I would liked to have spent my winter years with Lena, but I understand that You will be there to comfort her. Doesn’t get much better than that.” His voice was now very weak and he felt sleepy. He smiled as he thought of his beautiful, loving wife. Lena was watching through the window as the sky started turning a reddish, violetorange color. The sunsets had been magnificent lately. She would go out and sit with Lance once the coffee was made. She knew he liked to have his time alone with God. Many times she would just watch him and cry and cry. Lena knew that soon he would be gone and was trying to prepare for that moment. But how could she? She was happy that he could still make it outside to his favorite place. This was his favorite time of year, too. “Honey, do you want a little coffee now?” She was carrying a tray, with their cups of coffee, out to Lance. It was rare that he would sip some, but he did like the aroma. He did not answer her or move, but this was normal. She sat the tray down and sat down beside him. As she looked over the pond and enjoyed all the wonderful colors and sounds, she took his hand. It felt very cold; colder than normal. Lena looked over and saw that he was looking straight ahead, with a big smile on his face. She could tell that he was not breathing. “Lance. Baby. Are you okay?” He didn’t move or make a sound. She knew that he was

Church of the Nazarene 531 E. Steammill Street New Harmony, IN 47631 Fair Haven Christ Fellowship Church 10500 Hwy 68 Cynthiana, IN 47612 812-568-8409 Faith Fellowship Church Pastor Brad Nolan 1201 W Fourth Street Mount Vernon, IN 47620 812-568-9642

Agape Family Ministries Pastor Jim Weihrauch 5529 Industrial Road Mount Vernon, IN. 47620 812-838-2232 Apostolic Bible Church 9808 New Harmony Road Poseyville, IN. 47633 812-851-5456 Bethesda General Baptist Church Pastor Stan Hoffman 1600 Savah Road Mount Vernon, IN. 47620 Beyond The Walls Pastor Bryan Thompson 424 Vine Street Mount Vernon, IN 47620 812-455-3013 Calvary Baptist Church Pastor Kevin Petty 618 Main Street Mount Vernon, IN. 47620 812-838-4777 Church of Christ Preacher Eric Padgett 700 Mill Street Mount Vernon, IN. 47620 812-838-2635 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints President Bernie Gerth 736 Smith Road Mount Vernon, IN 47620

First Baptist Church Pastor Joshua Hammond-Kelley 1205 N. Main Street Mount Vernon, IN. 47620

gone. “Oh honey, I love you so much.” She held him close as tears ran down her cheeks. She noticed that he was holding something in his right hand. It was their wedding picture. They had been married in April, thirty years before, right here in this gazebo. The wind gusted, showering them both with multicolored, fallen blossoms. This was his favorite time of the year. Lance knew that God would protect Lena once he was gone. As he stated: “I understand that You will be there to comfort her. Doesn’t get much better than that.” Psalm 68:5 - A Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. Psalm 91:4 - He will cover you with His feathers. Under His wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Lena was not bitter or angry. She thanked God for all of the great years she had shared with Lance. Lena never lost her faith in God, prayed for peace in her heart, and never felt alone. 1 Timothy 5:5 - She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. Psalm 147:3 - He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. For those of us who has lost a loved one to that horrible disease, finding comfort and ending the pain seems overwhelmingly hopeless at first. In the end there IS a peace to be found. Some find it in months, others in years, but eventually God will guide you to that peace. It has taken me six years. Pain will come and go, but the peace will remain in your heart and soul. John 16:33 - I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

Griﬃn, IN 47616 812-851-3291 Harvestime Temple Pastor Mark Tabor 101 Roosevelt Drive Mount Vernon, IN. 47620 812-838-5447 Holy Angels Catholic Church 423 South Street New Harmony, IN 47631 812-838-2535 House of Prayer Pastor Darryl Hargett 8012 Bald Knob Road Mount Vernon, IN 47620 812-319-1840

First Baptist Church Pastor Larry Conyers E. Tavern Street New Harmony, IN 47631 812-682-3225

Immanuel United Church of Christ Reverend Douglas Turner 5812 N. Ford Road Mount Vernon, IN 47620 812-985-3115

First Christian Church 7226 Hwy 66 Wadesville, IN 47638 812-673-4278

Johnson United Methodist Church 403 Raintree New Harmony, IN 47631 812-682-4648

First Christian Church Pastor Rick Sellers 1403 Country Club Road Mount Vernon, IN. 47620 812-838-2855

Lighthouse Assembly of God Pastor Jason Farrar 1005 E. Tavern St. New Harmony, IN 47631 812-682-3118

First Presbyterian Church Pastor Larry Langer 120 E. Sixth Street Mount Vernon, IN 47620 812-838-2473

Living Word Church Pastor Dale Culbertson 716 Locust Street, Door 13 Mount Vernon, IN 47620

First United Church of Christ 10920 North Street Cynthiana, IN 47612 812-845-2776

Messiah Lutheran Church Reverend Sean Esterline 7700 Middle Mount Vernon Road Evansville, IN 47712 812-985-2278

First United Methodist Church Pastor Christopher Millay 601 Main Street Mount Vernon, IN 47620 812-838-2640

Mount Vernon Baptist Church Pastor Matthew Watson 1717 N. Main Street Mount Vernon, IN. 47620 812-838-4555

Griffin Christian Church 319 N. Main Street

Mount Vernon Community Church Black’s Chapel Pastor John Motz 1800 Highway 62 West Mount Vernon, IN 47620 812-838-0318 Mount Pleasant General Baptist Church Pastor Dan Reisinger 3801 Blackford Road Mount Vernon, IN. 47620 812-483-8414 Mount Pleasant Church of God In Christ Shepardess Regina King 812 E Third Street Mount Vernon, IN 47620 Mount Zion General Baptist Church 1425 Oliver Road Wadesville, IN. 47638 812-783-2337 New Beginnings Christian Fellowship Church Pastor Darrick Hayden 11420 Middle Mount Vernon Road Evansville, IN. 47712 812-985-5288 New Harmony Christian Church 307 N. Brewery Street New Harmony, IN 47631 New Harmony Seventh-Day Adventist Church Pastor Robert J. Lloyd 611 Steammill Street New Harmony, IN 47631 812-550-5345 New Life Pastor James Robinson Poseyville, IN 47633 812-874-2028 Old Union Christian Church 10017 S. State Rd. 165 Poseyville, IN 47633 812-874-3186 Pentecostal Assembly Reverend David L. Payne 321 Mulberry Street Mount Vernon, IN 47620

Blayze Buseth, who was an artist-‐in-‐residence at the New Harmony Clay Project in 2018 and 2019 has opened The Creation Shop, a new pottery studio and workshop, in his hometown of Fergus Falls, Minnesota. The Black Lodge Coffee Roasters in New Harmony will be featuring his work beginning May 1. “The Creation Shop is a creative space where you can let loose, learn, and create someThe Black thing out of clay,” said Buseth. The inspiration Lodge Coﬀee for the Creation Shop is based on Buseth’s travel and cultured artistic training that has included Roasters will be the two residencies in Jingdezhen, China, Minne- featuring work of Blaze sota and at the New Harmony Clay Project. beginIn New Harmony, Blayze’s intent was to Buseth ning May 1. immerse himself in the community in order to create artwork based on his surroundings and concepts that he was confronted by during his stay. He also worked with new clay bodies and formulated new glazes during his residency. While in Indiana, Buseth launched a Kickstarter Campaign “Tom’s Adventure” which he brought to life at the Pottery Workshop Artist Residency in Jingdezhen. “From an early age I fell in love with clay,” Buseth said. “It was the medium to work in three dimensions and if you could master clay, you could create anything.” Buseth explained that the ancient artifacts of cultures from around the world have inspired him. “Observing various cultural artifacts I began taking ideas from my mind and rendering them in physical, ridged reality. I often wondered who the creators were of the sacred items found in the world. I wondered what these objects meant to the lost civilizations, and how their artifacts instilled life and meaning into their societies.” After creating his own artifacts inspired by forms of various cultures during his New Harmony artist residency, Buseth wanted to bring the objects to life. “That is what inspired the illustrations of Toms Adventure’s,” Buseth said. “During Tom’s adventure and encounter with the ancient city of Jingdezhen the artifacts and their meaning are brought to life.” Tom is a cartoon character that resembles a ball of clay and serves as the logo for The Creation Shop. “Tom is a character designed to represent each and every individual,” Buseth said. “The catch is this character represents us before we were conditioned to see the world a certain way. Tom represents childlike wonder, creativity, and intuition. Tom is a genderless symbol of play and connectedness.” Tom’s playful story is told through fine china porcelain and digital illustrations. The Creation Shop offers a variety of activities and membership access with a primary focus on the art of pottery. “Whether it’s a date night or a team-‐building experience, the Creation Shop has something for everyone for all skill levels,” Buseth said. “We want people to come and have fun, experience the joy of making something out of clay.” The shop’s workspace features four electric wheels, one kick wheel and two electric kilns, two large tables and a glazing area. It includes a gallery showcasing the illustrative narratives of Tom’s Adventures, fine china artifacts and pottery from Buseth’s collection and works from collaborative artists. “I am very excited about this new studio space,” Buseth said. “Here I will have a new place to create my work and share the fun of creating with the community, and be surrounded by the positive energy of Tom.” More information about the Creation Shop is available at https:// www.creationshopmn.com. Black Lodge Coffee Roasters is at 610 Church Street, in New Harmony - https://black-‐lodge-‐coffee-‐roasters-‐llc.square.site/. Point Church of the Nazarene Pastor Bryan Thompson 12611 Bonebank Road Mount Vernon, IN 47620 812-838-5182 Poseyville Christian Church Pastor Rocky Wrye 6 E. Main St. , Poseyville, IN 47633 812-874-3411 Saint John’s Episcopal Church Reverend Allen Rutherford 602 Mulberry Street Mount Vernon, IN. 47620 812-838-5445 Saint Matthew Catholic Church 421 Mulberry Street Mount Vernon, IN 47620 812-838-2535 Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church 46 Cale Street Poseyville, IN 47633 812-874-2251 Saint Peter’s United Church of Christ 10430 Hwy 66, Wadesville, IN 47638 812-985-3416 Saint Peter’s United Methodist Church Pastor Cory Gieselman 2800 S. Saint Philips Road Evansville, IN 47712 812-985-3751 Saint Philip Catholic Church 3500 St. Philip Road South Mount Vernon, IN. 47620 812-985-2275 Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church 318 Main Street New Harmony, IN 47631 812-682-4604 Saint Wendel Catholic Church Reverend Ed Schnur 10542 W Boonville New Harmony Road Evansville, IN 47712 812-963-3733

Salem Heusler United Church of Christ 11325 Lower Mount Vernon Road Evansville, IN 47712 812-985-2542 South Gibson Apostolic Chapel 6144 S. 1075 W. Owensville, IN 47665 812-729-7231 St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Reverend Ed Schnur 10 N. St. Francis Avenue, Poseyville, IN 47633 812-874-2220 Stewartsville United Methodist Church 10060 Pumpkin Run Road Poseyville, IN 47633 Turning Point Reverend Scott Cassel 9800 Middle Mount Vernon Road Evansville, IN 47712 812-646-8050 Trinity United Church of Christ 505 Mulberry Street Mount Vernon, IN 47620 812-838-3805 Wadesville Christian Church Pastor Aaron Sweigart 7226 Highway 66 Wadesville, IN 47638 812-673-4278 Wadesville General Baptist Church 3262 Princeton Street Wadesville, IN 47638 812-673-4660 Welborn United Methodist Church Reverend John Adams 4999 Welborn Church Road Mount Vernon, IN 47620 812-838-3222 Zion Lippe United Church of Christ Pastor Jeff Long 9000 Copperline Road East Mount Vernon, IN 47620 812-985-2437

MAY 4, 2021

S /C

THE POSEY COUNTY NEWS - PAGE A9

New Harmony founder Owen’s birthday celebration in May By Lois Mittino Gray The month of May brings another fun scavenger hunt around town and a birthday party complete with children’s activities, cookies, and music to New Harmony. Banners hung from light poles on Main and Church Streets announce that Robert Owen’s 250th birthday will be celebrated this year. Robert Owen was born in Scotland on May 14, 1771 and in 1824, he and his partner William Maclure purchased New Harmony from the Harmonists and led the town’s second attempt at Utopia and social reform through education. His intelligent visage looks out from the banners and that is what a person needs to look for “hidden, but in plain view” in the scavenger hunt challenge. “After the success of the gnome hunt at Christmas here in New Harmony, we decided that was one fun way to celebrate his birthday. We are going to hide the same picture that is on the banners in ten locations that are significant to Robert’s story. They are like yard signs on a frame and will be inside or outside the locations,” explained Claire Eagle, Community Engagement Manager for Historic New Harmony. The agency and USI are the sponsoring organization. Eagle said the hunt area is a little larger than the one used for the gnomes, so that it can include the Atheneum. It makes a rectangle using South, North, Arthur and East Streets as boundaries. Anyone wishing to join the hunt may pick up an entry at the Atheneum Visitor Center. The event starts May 8 and ends by May 22 at 5 p.m. After all ten sites are located, return the form to the Atheneum for a chance to win one

of two prizes: First prize will be $200, and Second prize is $100. The drawing will take place on Monday, May 24 at 1:30 p.m. and can be watched live on Facebook. This event is being sponsored by the Leather Leaf Inn, a bed and breakfast on North Street. On May 14, the 250th anniversary of his birth will kick off officially world-wide in New Harmony, New Lanark, Scotland; and at the Robert Owen Museum in his birthplace of Newtown, Wales, where he died in 1858. Robert Owen Day will be declared with a most notable proc-

lamation from New Harmony’s Town Council, highlighting his life, influence, and continued global impact. The proclamation will be read and posted at the birthday party celebration on Saturday, May 15 at Owen Square in New Harmony. Owen Square is the area directly across the street from Thrall’s Opera House with the physician’s office. The public is invited to join in the free birthday celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Music will be provided by members of the New Harmony Dulcimer Shop, and Donut Bank is making cookies with Robert Owen’s face on them. Water will be on hand and guests are invited to bring a picnic lunch from home or local eateries. Picnic tables and tents will be set up. Masks and physical distancing are required.

Eagle plans several old-fashioned games for children during the party. “We’ll have hoop and sticks, stilts, and cornhole games,” she said. She noted that cornhole is really making a resurgence these days and is very popular, often seen set up at picnics and campsites. A craft session on how to make a Silent Monitor stick, similar to the one Robert Owen utilized in his Scottish cotton mills to tell employees how they are doing, will be offered. Another activity for children is the chore chart available online. Instructions are “to fill in different chores that you do around the house. When you have completed a chore, put a checkmark on the day you completed it. When you complete 10 chores, return this chart to the Front Desk at the Atheneum along with a parent or guardian.” Prizes are a choice of one Rock Candy and one Robert Owen 250th Sticker. Submissions for that close August 1, 2021. A writing contest is also being promoted in celebration of the 250th Anniversary of Robert Owen’s birth. Writers are asked to creatively connect one of Robert Owen’s philosophies, passions, or aspects of his life with current world events. Poems should be no longer than two pages; essays should be between 500-1500 words; and short stories may be up to 10 pages (using a 10 point type or larger). Works will be judged on originality and content, not on length, in three age groups: those under 13, 13 through 17 and 18 plus. Each age group will have a $100 first place and a $25 second place award. Submissions close July 1, 2021. Indiana’s Poet

Claire Eagle shows oﬀ one of Robert Owen’s yard sign pictures to hunt for in his birthday scavenger hunt. They are hidden in ten locations around town starting May 8 Laureate Matthew Graham will be the judge for the entries. This program has been made possible through a grant from Indiana Humanities in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Robert Owen Celebration is also brought to you through the generous support of Dr. George and Mrs. Peggy Rapp. Claire Eagle said new events will be added throughout the year to continue the celebration, such as a Wellness Day. She urges interested persons to check the website often or call. For more information, visit USI.edu/Owen250 or call the Historic New Harmony offices at 812-682-4488.

First Brush of Spring award winners for 2021 announced After missing 2020 due to the pandemic, the 22nd Annual First Brush of Spring (FBOS) recently concluded in New Harmony, Indiana. The event is jointly sponsored by the Indiana Plein Air Painter Association (IPAPA) and the Hoosier Salon and its Gallery in New Harmony. Over 120 artists descended on the Wabash River town in Southwestern Indiana, competing for over $20,000 in prizes and purchase awards. Donna Shortt, an artist who participated stated, “The weather was great, and it was good to see everyone after a year off. In a way, I was glad last year’s event was cancelled. It helped recharge my batteries. It made me more grateful for the opportunity to paint and see all of my friends.” Four separate and distinct events took place during this fourday festival. Elizabeth Pollie from Harber Springs, Michigan was the judge for all four events in 2021. The event includes a gallery show opening on Wednesday, a Quick-Draw competition on Thursday and a paint-out competition held on Saturday. A Nocturne Competition on Friday evening was new this year. The gallery show opening on Wednesday at the Hoosier Salon New Harmony Gallery is titled “Field to Finish”. Usually, field studies stamped at the previous year’s FBOS are submitted along-

side a studio version completed during the year. However, since the 2020 event was not held, artists could use any field study and present it along with a studio version. Awards were given to Pam Newell, Donna Shortt, Jerry Smith, Mark Burkett and Ann Feldman. The Best of Show went to Wyatt LeGrand. On Thursday evening, fifty artists competed in a 75-minute Quick Draw. Awards went to Roy Boswell, Jerry Smith, Kyle Ragsdale, Rachel Dowd, Kathleen Gray Farthing and David Seward. This year, in addition to cash awards, the winners were presented with a coveted pin/badge honoring Larry Rudolech, who passed away early in 2020. A beloved fixture at all of IPAPA’s events, he was an accomplished plein air artist who won the Best of Show Award in 2018. The badge features a self-portrait of Larry. The first Nocturne Competition on Friday evening drew an impressive number of artists. Awards were given to Troy Tatlock, Beverly Bruntz, Lon Brauer and Roy Boswell. The final and most prestigious event was the paint-out competition on Saturday, April 27. A total of 23 works were recognized from a field of 120. Best of Show was awarded to Lon Brauer for Gray House. Wyatt LeGrand won First Place for Fool on the Hill,

Justin Vining was awarded Second Place for In the Grass, and Third Place went to Jason Bailey for Side Tracked. Elizabeth Pollie remarked, “As the awards Judge of the 2021 First Brush of Spring and the Hoosier Salon, Field to Finish competition, I had no idea what to expect.” “The judging was not easy given the large variety of strong talent. I was happy to see that the subject matter was broad and that the artists were given free rein to choose their sites and employ their unique style. With every event being well organized, it allowed me the very important time to study and privately deliberate. In the end I felt very settled on my choices and also admiration for all who made the time and effort to participate. While any good plein air event needs to include more value than just the awards, this one has a number of very nice cash awards. For hard working artists, this type of award is always the most prized.” She added, “IPAPA’s First Brush of Spring and The Hoosier Salon’s Field to Finish and Nocturne Competition not only brings art to a small iconic town, but also offers collectors a wonderful opportunity to add to their collections, discover the magic of New Harmony and experience the return of spring in all of its smalltown glory. “

‘Housing’ continued from Page A1 According to a report published by Freddie Mac, 58 percent of homes that went under contract had an accepted offer within the first two weeks on the market, a new all-time high. About 46 percent of homes had an accepted offer within the first week. Homes are selling faster...but there’s fewer homes on the market. Freddie Mac estimates that the US housing market is short nearly 3.8 million homes to meet the demand and active April 2021 listings are down 47 percent from active April 2019 listings. “As we navigate our way through the year and get beyond the pandemic, we expect the housing supply shortage to be one of the largest obstacles to inclusive economic growth in the U.S.,” the report stated. “Simply put, we must build more singlefamily entry-level housing to address this shortage, which has strong implications for the wealth, health and stability of American communities.” Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb included housing in his 2021 Next Level Agenda. Gov. Holcomb said that he expects the state to see record growth in jobs as more companies are eyeing Indiana as a future home. “The Indiana Economic Development Corporation is on track to attract an all-time record number of new job commitments coming to Indiana in the coming years, which will lay the foundation for a sustained recovery, over 31,000 new job commitments already that average over $28 an hour, with over $5.6 billion of Capital investment just this year. Let that settle in. We’re bringing in more new jobs this year compared to last year, and soon, we’ll set the all-time record even during a pandemic. Companies are choosing to grow in Indiana, which grows more opportunities for Hoosiers,” Gov. Holcomb said. The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, overseen by the office of Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch, has been tasked with taking stock of the state’s housing situation to generate reliable data about Indiana’s housing needs. “As we continue to build our workforce, housing stock is of critical importance. Therefore, our IHCDA is creating a public-private partnership to develop a comprehensive overview of our state’s housing supply and needs on a county-by-county basis,” Lieutenant Governor Crouch said. What does this mean in Posey County? Current numbers don’t exactly paint a picture of growth. Posey County has only had three years of population growth in the past 11 years according to data from www.worldpopulationreview.com. Population numbers have dropped by 1,241 since 1990. State data forecasts a further drop from 25,173 in 2021 to 23,260 over the next nine years...a drop of 2,652 by the year 2030. County officials and Jenna Richardt, executive director of the Posey County Economic Development Partnership, are working on ways to bring in new job-producing business...and new families... but, with limited housing options, it’s an uphill battle. “Over the past month or so, there have been close to 12,000 job postings in our five-county area. Everyone’s unemployment, for the most part, is low. Ours, in this region, is the lowest out of all of them. We have so many jobs to fill and not enough people to fill them. Housing demand and job openings directly correlate with one another because we have to figure out how to recruit from outside of our region and bring people here,” Richardt said. “Once they’re here, there’s no housing for them.”

When pitching potential industrial-sized, large job producing projects, Richardt takes a broader regional approach to try to meet the needs of multiple families to avoid the county’s lack of housing. County officials would prefer to see those jobs filled by new Posey County residents, spending money in Posey County businesses, sending children to Posey County schools and supporting the Posey County economy. “I think that we all know that as we get more industry in the county, we are going to need to find additional housing or we will end up with more people commuting to Posey (County) to work instead of living here,” Posey County Commissioners President Bill Collins said. Poseyville-based Nix Companies has planned a $1.6 million building expansion and $1 million equipment addition to its headquarters that will bring in 25 new jobs during the next two years, a blend of construction, management and skilled labor jobs, with five positions averaging $21 per hour available right away. The fifth-generation, family-run metal business which also has facilities in Rockport and Princeton has established long roots in Posey County and has committed to growing its future here as well. Jarrid Baehl, Nix Companies’ CFO, told Posey County Council members during the February council meeting that finding Posey County housing for employees has been challenging. “Our employees are making very good money. They want nice, middle class housing. If we are going to get more people to come to work at Nix Companies and to live in Posey County, that’s what we are going to have to have,” Baehl said. A lack of affordable housing in the northern part of the county limits the economic benefits Posey County might have otherwise experienced if housing was available for the local business’s new hires. Matthew Nix, CEO, said his employees are living in Posey, southern Gibson, Warrick and Vanderburgh Counties. “There’s not good options,” Nix said. “It can hurt us from bringing qualified people into the area. As we made the decision to expand, bringing in labor was a big decision. If we want to attract people to move into the area, we have to have the right housing.” Zillow listed several land purchase options available, although some have been on the market for more than 225 days. The cost to build has skyrocketed since the early days of the pandemic. According to the National Association of Home Builders, increased lumber prices, limited supplies, supply chain issues and skilled labor deficits “make it almost impossible for homebuilders to make a profit on entry level homes which is the price point that’s hurting the most in today’s market.” Trading Economics listed Chicago lumber futures trading at $1,468.50 per thousand board in April, the highest price recorded since the group began tracking statistics in 1978. “The stay-at-home lifestyle has encouraged homeowners to expand or remodel their existing dwellings, while record-low mortgage rates exacerbated this home-building spree,” according to the commodity tracker’s website. “On top of that, supply remains quite scarce, with purchases struggling to fulfil existing and new buying requirements in the aftermath of coronavirus-driven production curbs.” Business Insider reported that lumber prices have climbed 250 percent in the past year alone. Hudson said that builders are leery. The increase

in costs is an issue. The lack of existing infrastructure in Posey County drives up development costs as well. “Builders across the board here in Southwest Indiana are hesitant to build spec homes right now. They got burned so bad in 2008. We still see a number of custom homes being built in upper price ranges. Here in Mount Vernon and Posey County we could definitely use more in that $250,000 to $350,000 range, nice 2,500 to 3,000 square foot houses. Getting builders to do spec homes...they’re fearful of getting caught in a down market,” Hudson said. Hudson said the Posey County Economic Development Partnership has a residential task force that has looked into the issue of expanding housing development for years. “People who want to build houses don’t want septic for the most part. We can pretty much get water. Going between here and Evansville, most places you can get German Township water, but we don’t have a sewer system out there and that’s where our possible residential land is...going between Mount Vernon and Evansville,” Hudson explained. “If a developer has a 100 acre parcel and he’s going to put a subdivision in, by the time he puts roads in, he just dropped that down to 80 acres because he’ll use 20 for infrastructure. If he has to have septic, that 80 acres just became 60 to 70. If you don’t have to have septic, if you can have a sewer system, he can sell half acre lots, three-quarter acre lots, or one-acre lots. His return on money is much, much higher. If they can sell more lots, they’ll get the return on their money on investment and starting a new subdivision. That’s absolutely huge in terms of getting developers into Posey County.” “When we have that, then we have those new employees coming out of college being hired by Sabic, CountryMark, AstraZeneca, Valero, GAF and new teachers coming in. They’ll have a selection of homes and live here. They’ll pay taxes. They’ll use local services. It benefits the community immensely. It grows our tax base immensely,” Hudson said. She said recent advancements in community sewer and broadband service made by local officials will be attractive to potential newcomers, but those improvements are going to take time. “Between sewer and broadband, those are two huge things of why we’re not having residential expansion here. That is why we’re not having Posey County employees in whatever area their job is, living here. Until we can get sewer and broadband, Warrick and Vanderburgh Counties offer a whole lot more than we do,” Hudson said. Rental availability is just as scarce. Social media pages dedicated to apartment and home rental seekers are heavily trafficked. “You can’t find a rental house. They’re nonexistent,” Hudson said. “That’s pretty much always been our market of needing rental houses. We have so few apartments in this area. We need some apartments in the area here, but we need nice apartments that corporate people would move into. Again, trying to attract a young professional whether they be a teacher or with one of the area corporations, if you are a young professional and you’re single or just married and you like to go and do, Mount Vernon is not a go and do place. If you like to go out to dinner every night, or you want to go to the bars you’re going to need Evansville. It’s kind of the chicken and the egg thing. If we don’t have the shopping here, we don’t have the restaurants. We don’t have the bars. We don’t have the entertainment. People don’t want to come here

and put shops in until we have the population base to support it.” She said Mount Vernon is ideal for families with children though. “You’re two minutes to the soccer field and you work and get a call that your kid’s (sick) at school and you’re two minutes to get to the school to pick them up. You know their friends. You know their parents. You work and they’ve got a baseball game at 3 p.m. after school, you can take off and go watch that and go back to work. We have very good schools. You’ve got to have the housing though. We are just short of housing. Period. We’ve always been short of housing, but the last year and a half has been exponentially short.” The low income housing market is even more challenging. According to www.welfareinfo.org, the poverty level annual income for a family of four is $25,100. Posey County’s poverty rate is 9.5 percent. National Low Income Housing Coalition statistics show a fair market rent estimate for a two bedroom unit is $793 per month and $1,097 monthly for three bedrooms. The estimated mean average renter wage in Posey County is $12.14 per hour. At that rate, the NLIHC says renters would need to work about 50 hours a week to afford a two bedroom unit or 66 hours a week for a three bedroom unit. There are programs available for people who need help with rental expenses, but numbers are limited and may require applicants to join a waitlist. A web search of available Posey County Section 8 units produced just two options. Beth Russell of Family Matters of Posey County, a Mount Vernon-based program dedicated to helping connect families in need with available services, said the issue is “really bad.” “Trying to find someplace affordable is difficult, extremely difficult. For folks that are on low income to find something they can afford would be substandard most likely, a very, very small house probably not in real good shape,” Russell said. “Section 8 housing assistance is available in some cases, but those funds are limited. Families are doubling up or making due with what they can.” “It’s serious,” she said. “We have no homeless shelter. We have transitional housing, they call it the Mount Vernon Homeless Shelter, which does a great job. It fills a need. I have people occasionally who will call and say I have no place to stay tonight. What am I going to do? The best we can do is refer them to Vanderburgh County to one of the homeless shelters in Evansville and hope they’re not full.” Russell said measuring actual homelessness in Posey County is a separate challenge altogether. “We’ve got a group together trying to work on things. In May, we’re going to do an informal survey through the food banks, asking folks just a basic question. ‘Where did you sleep last night?’ If we get a response ‘in a car’ or I know people have been living in somebody’s garage or somebody’s shed… This time of year there will be more of them living outdoors in places that they can find and get into without anybody chasing them off.” She said finding affordable housing is more challenging in the northern part of the county, where apartments are more limited than Mount Vernon. “We do have several apartment complexes that are available. Many don’t want to live in an apartment because they have pets. There are some options, but it is a difficult decision for many families to make. Where am I going to go? What am I going to do? There’s not a lot of solutions to those problems,” Russell said.

PAGE A10 - THE POSEY COUNTY NEWS

MAY 4, 2021

FOR ALL YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS...

SAVE YOURSELF THE DRIVE AND CONTACT US FOR ALL YOUR OUTPATIENT THERAPY NEEDS.

Schultheis Insurance

DEBBIE MORGAN • ADMINISTRATOR CALL: 812-682-4104 • MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED 251 HIGHWAY 66, NEW HARMONY, IND.

220 E 4th St | Mt. Vernon | 838-4321 Visit us online at www.schultheis-ins.com

Auto| Home | Health| Life| Bank

Community Calendar

May

Amy Higgs Insurance & Financial Parker Settlement | Corner of St.Phillips & 66 812-985-0934 | www.amyhiggs.com

Events may be included by calling 812-682-3950! Mount Vernon Homeless Shelter - Ribfest - Friday, May 7, - 3 - 6 p.m. - McKim’s IGA - MV Sandlot Movie - Saturday, May 8, - 7:30 p.m. - Poseyville Community Center Lawn - PV Danny Embrey ATV/Jeep Ride - Saturday, May 8, - 12 p.m. - Froggy’s Restaurant WV Johnson UMC to hold Rummage Sale - The Johnson UMC rummage sale in New Harmony will be held on Saturday, May 8, beginning at 8 a.m. Mount Vernon Senior High - Honors Night Monday, May 10, - 7 p.m. MVSHS - MV

North Posey High School Honors Program - Thursday, May 13, - 8 a.m. - North Posey High School - PV Willy Wonka Jr. - Mount Vernon Jr. High School - Friday, May 14, 7 p.m. - Saturday, May 15, - 3 p.m. - MVHSPAC - MV Wolfgang 221 Spring Concert - Friday, May 14, - 7 p.m. - Ribeyre Gymnasium - NH Mount Vernon High School - Graduation Friday, May 28, - 6 p.m. - Mount Vernon High School - MV Big Brothers Big Sisters Ribfest - Friday, May 28, - 3 - 6 p.m. - McKim’s IGA - MV

438 SOUTHWIND PLAZA MT. VERNON, IN 47620

3-DAY SALE | MAY 7 - 9

10” Hanging Baskets

Bedding Plants

10/ 10 $

2500

Reg $48 ea.

3 Wick Candles

Hummingbird Park City Shopper Tote

BUY ONE GET ONE

BOGO

Hallmark

FREE

Carson Cell Phone Crossbody

T-Shirts

2 for $30

Reg $27.99 ea.

2000

Reg $35 ea.

Mt. Vernon Ace Get Ace Rewards! Download the App.

TEXT “MTVERNON” TO 900900

Summary Terms & Conditions: Our mobile text messages are delivered via USA short code 900900. You may receive up to 8 message(s) per month for f text alerts. l Message andd data d rates may apply. l Carriers are not liable l bl for f delayed d l d or undelivered messages. This service is available to persons with text-capable phones subscribing to carriers including AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile®, Sprint, Virgin Mobile USA, Cincinnati Bell, MetroPCS, Centennial Wireless, Unicel, U.S. Cellular®, and Boost. For help, text HELP to 900900. You may stop your mobile subscription at any time by text messaging STOP to short code 900900.

TO: 900900 message:

MTVERNON

PAGE A11 - THE POSEY COUNTY NEWS

MAY 4, 2021

‘Library’ continued from Page A1 choose Poseyville Library, your tax rate will be lower, even if you don’t even use the library.” “I have already talked to the County Council and I have their support that says it needs to be done to be fair. Allyn and the county reps are trying to facilitate change. County Attorney Joe Harrison already drew up a resolution to make the change and we left it with the Alexandrian Board. According to the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF), four members on their board have to sign the resolution to make it pass. The attorney said a next step would be to get a petition started if that won’t happen,” she explained. Morlan will continue to do research as to when the split happened and why. She went back to records from the 1970’s that the library files have, but it was before that time period. County Councilman Aaron Wilson is helping support the cause and is checking with local legislator Wendy McNamara. “She had a similar case and got it through,” the director said with optimism. Reising said the Carnegie Library had to take out a bond issue just to repair the leaking roof and fix the handicapped elevator lift. According to last year’s NAV records and tax rates, the Alexandrian Library received $182,519 from Robinson Township,

Residents of Robinson Township who support the change are with this year’s amount being $170,607, not going to Poseyville. “For us to get that kind of money in taxes, it would be an asked to write letters of support for the Poseyville library. “Letimmense increase. It would be over 50 percent of our 2019 ters of support to help us get funds would be great,” Morlan budget of $187,621. The Alexandrian Library’s 2019 budget is said. “We are between a rock and a hard place. Everybody is for $2,235,330. To lose that won’t have as much negative effect on this, except for Mount Vernon. We’ll fight the fight.” them. It is frustrating to ask them for what should be ours. They have so much money and we want our measly share of it,” she emphatically remarked. The same report lists Alexandrian Library’s employee total in 2018 as 32 on the roster. The Carnegie Library number is 8. “It’s down to four employees now, including me, making from $8.50 to $10.50 an hour.” Reising stressed that, “We have given a couple hundred library cards out to Robinson Township residents. Any student in North Posey can get a library card from us. We don’t turn anyone down if we don’t get their tax money or have representation of them on our board.” “We support the entire MSD of North Posey, every staff and student, and do outreach and the summer lunch program for all Just finishing one of his mowing jobs in New Harmony on of them. We service every kid in the school district,” Morlan Sunday afternoon is Eric Janik. Photo by Dave Pearce said.

‘Zoning’ continued from Page A1 for feedback, but a petition is different. Councilman Andy Hoehn asked that they be as specific as they can on their objections, when presenting the petition to the Council at the next meeting. Rick Mileham, the property owner who requested the rezoning switch, said all of the other property surrounding the area is either apartments or offices. “When the subdivision was finished, the zoning should have been similar and it fell through the cracks. There are no residences along that stretch as it is such a busy highway,” he observed. He has already had proposals on the property from persons interested in putting apartments there, which he noted would help with Mount Vernon’s tax base Saltzman objected to a multilevel apartment building saying they all have fenced backyards for a reason. People could look down from higher floors and cause them to lose their privacy and there would be dumpsters next to their homes. Area Plan Director Mindy Bourne was asked to comment what can go on the site. Bourne replied multi-family dwellings, manufactured dwellings, studios, restaurants, home occupations, etc. Higgins stated any site development plans would go to the APC, showing the layout, egress, ingress, parking, and other pertinent factors. Hoehn asked Bourne what the maximum height was for buildings in O zoning. She replied, “2.5 stories, not to exceed 35 feet.” Mileham stated he dropped off the site plan at the APC. This property is surrounded by commercial property all the way up to IGA. Councilwoman Dana Baldwin agreed, but added behind the property it is all residential. Mileham concurred and remarked that, “Commercial properties with residential subdivisions behind them are seen everywhere.” Levings asked if rezoning from RS to O would make it easier for Mileham to sell the property. “I have had offers from gyms, duplexes, apartments; but until it is rezoned, it won’t get much traction. This should have already been zoned this way,” he reiterated. Council members voted unanimously to pass the zoning change ordinance on first reading, but the Mayor reminded everyone that this is only the first of three mandated readings, so anyone can comment at the other two readings. It will be back on the agenda for the May 5 meeting at a new location site at the Emergency Management Building at 311 Mill Street in Mount

Vernon. Bourne also addressed the issue of council members passing the solar and wind ordinance, now that the Posey County Commissioners voted to accept the proposed APC amendments to it. Bourne stated there have been recent amendments made and heard by the APC, and she is now certifying them to all of the jurisdictions. However, after the certifications, she noted that the ordinance for Mount Vernon is a different version than that of the unincorporated county. Changes need to be made to the section numbers. She assured them that there will be no change in the language, just the numbering system used. She will bring it back to council, possibly by the May 5 meeting, after she tweaks the numbers. Council has 90 days to act, per statute. Baldwin moved action on the ordinance be tabled until the numbering can be corrected and it passed unanimously. In other council concerns: • Finishing up Legals, a vote on resolution 21-07 establishing the Youth Tennis Fund within the City of Mount Vernon and Black Township Park and Recreation Department carried unanimously. The attorney explained this will be a non-reverting fund, accepting registration fees and covering expenses for the program and requires only one reading. • Curtis stated under New Business is a COVID-19 Small Business Grant discussion. He stated the city was once again approved for $250,000, and those that were recipients last year have already been notified. It was also in the paper today. Applications started being accepted today at noon and will close May 5 at 3 p.m. The Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana will once again be handling this since they did last time. Money should be received by the end of May, first of June. Information is on the city website along with contact links. • The next discussion under New Business was on stray cats, even though the Mayor pointed out it is an old, commonplace topic at meetings. Brothers said that people have “reached out” to her about stray cats around town and they are asking what can be done. She wondered what procedure was in place. Hoehn replied that it is like dogs, “If they are not on a leash or in a home, and if you feed it, you own it.” Brothers retorted, “They aren’t the ones feeding them, but the cats are still there.” Curtis commented that trying to catch feral cats is very diffi-

‘MV ponders’ continued from Page A1 TMI was missing signatures. She explained they are quotes since the project is under the threshold amount for bids. Bids must be advertised in the newspaper. City Engineer Barry Tanner said he spoke with Bill Blum who checked on the site certification, Higgins stated the forms were all notarized, just not signed. Board members were made aware that the TMI submission contained an escalation clause, it was not a firm number. Tanner added he has never seen this clause come up before, though the market is “goofy” right now and prices for materials may rise, so it may get more common to see. Higgins stated they just need to be aware that with that clause in there, the price TMI quoted may not be the final price. Curtis asked if they could ask TMI to remove it or go with the next lowest quote. Board member David Dodd remarked he would be interested in that last part to be sure they wouldn’t end up paying more than the next lowest quote. Hoehn asked why that clause would even be in there. He commented that is not ordinary and he is somewhat troubled by it. “Seriously, it’s one piece of concrete pipe. Just one piece.” Dodd made a motion that Tanner speak with TMI to remove the escalation clause, with no change in price, and then to proceed forward with them. If they will not remove the clause, then the board will move on to the next lowest responsible responsive bidder. The motion carried 2-1, with Hoehn voting no. Curtis stated he understands price fluctuation, but in the future the city will ask for firm costs, no escalation clauses. • D. Mosley was on the agenda concerning collecting donations at intersections, but he did not appear at the meeting. Although he was not there, the board discussed their opinions on the subject as there have been no collections at Fourth and Main for quite

awhile. After the intersections were widened and the landscape changed at that location, it was felt there is just too much of a liability with the trucks and all, although there is no ordinance against it. Curtis noted the fire department used to do it often, along with other local groups, and asked Fire Chief Wes Dixon his opinion. He stated it is not a safe, intelligent thing to do anymore and definitely not worth the risk. Hoehn stated traffic flow there right now can be confusing on a good day and he does not feel it is smart for the city to be approve that. Dixon added he didn’t think it is a good idea on any street in Mount Vernon. Hoehn stated on private property, like an IGA, would be better. He would like to see a resolution or ordinance to disallow it and Curtis agreed to get it done. • In department reports, Alldredge told the board his department had 166 calls since the last meeting. Dixon reported 32 calls. Of these, six were fire calls, no car accidents, and the rest were medical runs. Utilities Superintendent Chuck Gray stated “everything is running as well as can be expected.” • Street Commissioner Max Dieterle reported they had 23 extra trash pick-ups generating $1,140; hauled 124 tons of trash to the landfill; and sent four property violations, resulting in one that the department had to clean up. He announced the City Wide CleanUp is slated for May 10 through 14, with big dumpsters set up at three city locations. All information will be in social media posts. • Tanner stated he met with Dieterle about the drainage issue at old Hwy 62. They cannot find the drainage easement, so he is not sure, but there may be some other options they can pursue. Hoehn stated annexed property is to enjoy all amenities that the city enjoys within a certain time frame. Higgins will get with Tanner to work on the problem.

cult. There is no place contracted for cat placement, and he is not sure who even does that anymore. Hoehn added they have never been able to get their hands around this issue, and not many other cities have either. There have been attempted spay and neuter programs, but that doesn’t really do anything either. Feral cats are still around and they will still kill songbirds and mark territory as they are cats. The biggest issue is people feeding them. There are a lot of folks that feed every cat in the neighborhood, so there is no good answer. • Right now, there is a vacancy for an Animal Control officer. Curtis reported he has an individual being interviewed, being drug tested that should start in two weeks. Higgins also suggested Brothers get on AmLegalPublishing.com where cities in the State of Indiana have their ordinances listed and she can then search the topic in order to compare methods. • Under Old Business is further discussion on the fire department changing part time hourly rate from $12 to $15 per hour. Fire Chief Wes Dixon stated moving the rate from $12 to $15 would be an increase of $8,600 in line 116, not including adding part time guys on second shift. Councilman David Dodd stated they can take a look at the budget when they talk this fall Baldwin stated she would like to see the numbers to better understand the figures being discussed. • Brothers asked what happened to the equipment at the toddler playground at Brittlebank Park as it is no longer there. Will it be replaced? Curtis replied he called Parks Superintendent Michael Harshbarger and mentioned it to him and he said his department took it down. He will check with him in a few days on the status of the playground. • Hoehn asked if the large flashing digital signs recently put up are working to keep semi drivers turning on Grant Street to get to GAF and WSI. Street Commissioner Max Dieterle replied he hasn’t seen any semis in the area following their GPS and turning illegally into the Lawrence Addition subdivision. Curtis added he hasn’t seen any either, nor has he received any phone calls reporting it anymore. Hoehn asked if there are counters up there, and Dieterle replied no, just flashers. • Curtis stated the final item is Council acknowledging receipt of the TIF Management report in order that it be submitted in the Gateway System. A roll call vote was taken to acknowledge it and it was unanimous. • At the Water Utility Board meeting held right before the council meeting, Utilities Superintendent Chuck Gray stated the VacCon truck was delivered on Friday and the camera system on Monday. The new equipment will allow his work crews to use a camera to go into sewer lines looking for breaks and clogs. He reported the new water tower was inspected today and “everything is in good shape.”

~Vintage/ Collectable Cars, Trucks and SUVs ~Antique Gas Pumps and Bicycles ~Vintage Signage/ Advertisements

‘Motel’ continued from Page A1 children. Later she provided catering for the motel until her untimely death in 2012. The Cox family has been close-knit and proud of their business. In sixth grade when his parents opened Four Seasons in 1968, Rodney remembers delivering and selling fresh, hot doughnuts from the local bakery to guests at the motel. “I’d make $2 or $3 every morning before I went to school,” he recalls. Their guests have typically come from a 150-mile radius, Rodney notes. Famous guests have included Little Jimmy Dickens, the Rascal Flatts Band, Mel Tillis, and Patty Loveless. Unfamiliar with Patty Loveless and her music, Rodney regrets turning down her gift of a signed t-shirt. Business professionals have been, though, the most frequent guests. These men and women have traveled here to work. “Our local businesses have been very loyal to us,” Rodney states, “with Countrymark leading the way.” Their guests leave satisfied. They frequently compliment the cleanliness, comfort, and hospitality at Four Seasons. Some even want the manufacturer name of the pillows and mattresses. Everyone loves the homemade muffins served with the complimentary breakfast. Jean and Rodney credit their

staff with their guests’ satisfaction. They shower past and present employees with their highest praise. “We couldn’t have run this business without a great staff,” Jean says. “It’s meant everything.” Jean and Rodney appreciate the community they have served and lived in. Rodney tells the story of a one-vehicle car accident caught on the motel’s security camera. He said that the driver lost control when he lapsed into a diabetic coma, and his vehicle slid underneath the motel canopy, knocked the corner off the of-

fice wall, and landed inside Room 16. Fortunately, no one was injured. “The community was here to help. I’ll never forget it,” Rodney states. “First responders were here within a few minutes, and Ries Farms came with trucks and manpower to help clean up the mess.” Once again, the family rallied. Jean’s grandchildren (Sherri’s children), Dan and Sam, took off work to help as well. Rodney expresses gratitude also for community support of additional business ventures. “I’ve had so many doors

opened for me,” he says. In addition to Four Seasons Motel, Rodney owns 40 rental properties in the area. Their formula for success is one Jean recommends to everyone, including the new owners of Four Seasons Motel. “Be honest, sincere, and grateful,” she reveals, “and appreciate good help.” Four Seasons’ employees share admiration for their management. Personnel held a retirement celebration for Jean and Rodney this past Sunday, May 2. They were wished the best.

~We appraise classic vehicles ~

GERTON AUTO SALES 201 W. Second Street | Mount Vernon, IN 812-838-2248 | www.gertonautosales.com

Hey!

Let’s Do Lunch Daily Lunch h Specials: l $9.99 $

Visit Our Facebook Page for Daily Lunch Specials **Subject To Change**

A good crowd was on hand Sunday afternoon as employees of the Four Seasons Motel celebrated the recent retirement of Rodney Cox and Jean Cox. Pictured, left to right, are Rodney Cox, Nick Bebout, Sharon Roach, Fred Bebout, Judy Axton, Ryan Shockley, Shirley Cordle. Libby Stevens, Callie Littlepage, and Jean Cox. Photo by Dave Pearce

WEEKLY TRIVIA & ENTERTAINMENT WATCH FACEBOOK FOR UPCOMING EVENTS!

231 W. Second Street | Mt. Vernon, IN 47620 812-643-0518 | Facebook: Half Moon Saloon

PAGE A12 - THE POSEY COUNTY NEWS

MAY 4, 2021

SPORTS

SINCE 1882 Successor to The Poseyville News & New Harmony Times

P C N Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Volume 141 Edition 18

1501 McDowell Rd. Evansville, Indiana

1-812-985-9955

TAKE A LOOK, WE’RE JUST MINUTES AWAY!

Vikings remain perfect in PAC with win over Gibson So.

North Posey senior and Murray State commit Kyle LaVanchy tees off on this pitch during baseball action this week. The Vikings won their seventh in a row, moved to 10-4 on the year, and remained perfect in the Pocket Athletic Conference with three wins this week. Photo by Dave Pearce

By Chris Morlan The North Posey baseball team got in three games last week with all the rainstorms that were in the forecast. The Vikings defeated Gibson Southern in a close game last Tuesday on the road. Last Thursday, the Vikings were scheduled to play a home game against South Spencer and the game was cancelled due to rain. On Friday, the Vikings played at home against Mount Carmel for a 6-3 win. North Posey went to Tell City last Saturday morning for a makeup game last week due to rain and shutout the Marksmen 3-0 for their third win of the week. The Vikings have won seven games in a row and have a 10-4 record on the season. North Posey 3, Gibson Southern 1: The Vikings escaped a road game at Gibson Southern with a win. Gibson Southern got on the scoreboard first during the bottom of the second inning to take a 1-0 lead. In the top of the third inning, Harold Bender doubled a line drive to left field. Jake Will reached base on a dropped strike three and Bender moved to third base. Next up to the plate was Clay Douglas and he flew out to center field. Bender scored after tagging up at third base to tie this game at 1-1. North Posey got some more work done in the top of the fourth inning when Chris Akers hit a ground ball to shortstop and reached first base safely on an error. Chase Christie then doubled, moving Akers to third base. Jaydyn Wehmer singled on a fly ball to right field to score Akers and give the Vikings the lead in this game. A few batters later, Harold Bender grounded out to second base, allowing Christie to score. In the middle of the fourth inning, North Posey led 3-1 and no more runs were scored by either team in the final

three innings of the game. Clay Douglas got the win for North Posey on the mound. Douglas lasted seven innings, allowing six hits, one run and one walk with seven strikeouts on 88 pitches. 63 pitches went for strikes. North Posey had seven hits in the game as a team. Chase Christie went two for four hitting with a double and one run. Jaydyn Wehmer went one for three with one RBI. Chris Akers went one for three with one run and one walk. Harold Bender went one for three with a double, one RBI and one run scored. Gaige Kihn went one for three and Adyn Collins went one for two at the plate. North Posey 6, Mount Carmel 3: The Vikings played a home game against Mount Carmel last Friday evening. North Posey received great pitching from Harold Bender and Aydn Collins. Bender was awarded the win and lasted four innings, allowing two hit and two runs while striking out eight. Collins threw the final three innings giving up four hits, one run with three strikeouts. North Posey got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first inning when Chris Akers scored from third base on a wild pitch to give the Vikings a 1-0 lead. Mount Carmel tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the second inning. Caleb Applebey from Mount Carmel homered in the top of the third inning to give the Aces a 2-1 lead. In the bottom of the fourth inning, North Posey scored two runs to retake the lead at 3-2 with runs scored by Owen Spears and Lucas Bass. A few batters later, Akers doubled on a line drive to center field and Gaige Kihn scored

Continued on Page B4

Wildcats fourth, Vikings fifth at Mount Vernon Invitational By Chris Morlan The annual Mount Vernon Invitational took place last Friday evening. There were eight teams competing in the boys’ competition. This track meet is a great tune up for the upcoming IHSAA sectional in a few weeks. Mount Vernon and North Posey each performed well individually and as a team. Gibson Southern won the meet with a team score of 110 points. Evansville Mater Dei finished second with 108 points, Evansville Central came in third place with 105 points, Mount Vernon placed fourth with 102 points, North Posey finished fifth with 84 points, Evansville Memorial in sixth place with 70 points and South Spencer in seventh place with 37 points. North Posey senior Jaxon Wiggins won the 200-meter dash with a new school record time of 22.82 seconds. Wiggins broke his previous record of 22.85 seconds on April 15, at Evansville Central. The previous school record in the 200-meter dash was held by Kelly Freeman with a time of 22.9 seconds in 1993.

Mount Vernon’s Caleb Tyus won the long jump with a leap of 21-feet, two inches and a new personal best for the season. North Posey senior Tyler Underwood won the high jump at the height of five feet, six inches. The Wildcat 4 x 400-meter relay team of Carson Tucker, Ace Reeves, Trevor Frisby and River Snodgrass won the race with a season best time of 3:36. Team Scores: Gibson Southern 110, Evansville Mater Dei 108, Evansville Central 105, Mount Vernon 102, North Posey 84, Evansville Memorial 70, South Spencer 37 Placing for Mount Vernon and North Posey: 4 X 800-METER RELAY: 4. North Posey (T. Droege, L. Herke, K, Herke, B. Bauer) 9:55; 110-METER HURDLES: 2. J. Keeneth-MV 17.16, 4. S. HeckmanMV 18.39, 5. T. Turner-NP 18.99, 8. K. Wahl-NP 19.75; 100-METER DASH: 5. C. Tyus-MV 11.71, 6. D. Wunderlich-NP 11.75, 7. L. Hoehn-MV 11.76; 1600-METER RUN: 7. C. Tucker-MV 5:02, 8. R. Basham-NP 5:03; 4 X 100-METER RELAY: 3. Mount Vernon (R. Snodgrass, A. Reeves, C. Tyus, L. Hoehn) 45.63, 4.

North Posey (L. Stone, C. Lutz, D. Wunderlich, J. Wiggins) 45.71; 400-METER DASH: 2. R. Snodgrass-MV 52.71, 5. A. Danhauer-NP 55.48, 6. T. UnderwoodNP 55.93; 300-METER HURDLES: 2. T. Frisby-MV 44.88, 3. L. Freeman-NP 46.07, 7. J. Swartz-MV 47.57; 800-METER RUN: 6. C. Tucker-MV 2:12, 8. L. Herke-NP 2:13; 200-METER DASH: 1. J. Wiggins-NP 22.82, 4. R. SnodgrassMV 24.07, 6. A. Reeves-MV 24.56, 7. D. Wunderlich-NP 24.82; 3200-METER RUN: 8. E. Suffin-MV 12:31; 4 X 400-METER RELAY: 1. Mount Vernon (C. Tucker, A. Reeves, T. Frsiby, R. Snodgrass) 3:36, 4. North Posey (A. Danhauer, R. Basham, T. Underwood, J. Wiggins) 3:43; SHOT PUT: 4. C. Doubler-NP 41’7, 6. T. Washabaugh-MV 39’3, 8. B. Baldwin-MV 37’0; DISCUS: 3. C. Doubler-NP 124’07; HIGH JUMP: 1. T. Underwood-NP 5’6, 3. N. Gordon-MV 5’6, 4. A. Danhauer-NP 5’4, 6. J. Swartz-MV Mount Vernon’s Trevor Frisby clears a hurdle on the way 5’2; LONG JUMP: 1. C. Tyus-MV 21’2, 3. J. Wiggins-NP 19’4, 7. L. Stone-NP to his first-place finish to help the Wildcats score more points 17’5; POLE VAULT: 3. H. Spalding-MV in the Mount Vernon Invitational held over the weekend. Photo by Garry Beeson 9’0, 4. K. Willard-MV 9’0

ARENA--By Chris Morlan North Posey tennis beats Princeton 3-2 North Posey 3, Princeton 2: The North Posey girls’ tennis team is playing well on the courts. Last Tuesday afternoon, the Lady Vikings went to Princeton to take on the Lady Tigers. This outcome went in favor of North Posey winning three matches to Princeton’s two. North Posey has won three straight matches as a team and five of the last six competitions. Sydni Flowers (North Posey) defeated Korinth Whetstone (Princeton) 6-1, 6-2 at One Singles. During the Two Singles match, Alexa Simmons (North Posey) survived a battle against Savannah Gambrel (Princeton) that lasted three sets 6-2, 4-6, 6-2. In the Three Singles match, Meaghan Pearl (North Posey) beat Haley Davis (Princeton) in two sets 6-4, 6-4. Ellie Carlson/Rachel Newman (North Posey) lost against Kelsey Ellis/Elizabeth James (Princeton) in two sets 6-1, 6-1 of the One Doubles. Mya Lambert/Albree Wallace (Princeton) defeated Kennedy Gauer/ Grace Cullman (North Posey) in the Two Doubles match by two sets 6-3, 6-1. North Posey improved their season record to eight wins and four losses. The Lady Vikings are also 5-2 in the Pocket Athletic Conference. Viking golf defeats Southridge in dual match The North Posey boys’ golf team competed at Cambridge Golf Course last Monday afternoon in a dual match against the Southridge Raiders. This was a very close match. When it was all said and done, North Posey escaped with a 200-206 win. Points in this dual match consisted of the top four golfers per each team. Jaxson Bender led the Vikings and shot a 46. Brennon Sweeney finished

with 48 strokes. Tyler Thompson shot a 52 on the greens and Caleb Dyson ended with 54. Other members of the Vikings golf team who competed were Reece Thompson with a

51, followed by Carter Hannah shooting a 54, Kaden Gengelbach with a 59, Cole Cullum with a 64, Cody Wright with a 66 and Blake Zirkelbach with 69 shots.

Attention Class of ‘74 Welcome to Medicare! Reduce the confusion and the stress, get advice from a local professional with over 20 years of experience. There is no charge to you for the service. Don't try to make these important decisions alone, online or on the phone with a stranger. Let a local professional help you. (MVHS Class of ‘75)

Call Today 812-457-7076

Jeﬀrey Greenwell Financial Advisor Re Smart Retirement Solutions LLC 126 East 2nd Street, Mount Vernon, IN 47620

Licensed in IN, IL, KY References available upon request Not aﬃliated with any government agency

STILL COMMITTED TO SERVING TODAY’S GREATEST GENERATION!

Do you have concerns with ǁŚĂƚ ƌĞƟƌĞŵĞŶƚ ůŽŽŬƐ ůŝŬĞ now with COVID-19?

We may have the answer. Call Ashley today at (812)985-9955 Email: amayo@cardon.us 1501 McDowell Rd., Evansville, IN 47712

PAGE B2 - THE POSEY COUNTY NEWS

MAY 4, 2021

Lady Vikings move to 12-3 with pair of conference wins

Lady Viking Haley Lowe lays down a bunt to move a runner over into scoring position during action this week. The Vikings are 12-3. Photo by Dave Pearce By Chris Morlan The Lady Viking softball team got two of their three scheduled games in last week. North Posey defeated Heritage Hills in a close game 4-3 on Monday, April 26. The Lady Vikings were scheduled to play Evansville Mater Dei last Thursday, but the game was cancelled due to rain. On Friday, North Posey went to South Spencer and beat the Lady Rebels 13-1 to improve their season record to 12-3. North Posey has won 11 of their last 13 games and currently on a two-game win streak. North Posey 4, Heritage Hills 3: Last Monday, the North Posey softball team played at home against the Heritage Hills Lady Patriots. It was also senior night to recognize catcher Kennedy Hallam. She is the only senior on this years’ Viking team. Hallam has been a big part

of this program for many seasons. During the bottom of the first inning, Erin Hoehn went yard and smashed a home run to give North Posey a early 1-0 lead. Heritage Hills rallied in the top of the third inning to score three runs and to take a 3-1 advantage. North Posey’s Lauren Kihn was the first at bat in the bottom of the third and hit by a pitch. Kihn stole a base and scored on a passed ball to cut the Heritage Hills lead to 3-2. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Addie Fullop doubled to reach base. Then Kennedy Hallam came up to the plate and doubled to drive in Fullop for a score and tie this game at 3-3. North Posey took control of the game in the bottom of the sixth inning starting with Addie Fullop’s single. Taylor Pieszchalski doubled on a fly ball to right field scoring Fullop giving the Lady Vikings a 4-3 lead. Erin Hoehn was the winning pitcher. Hoehn threw five innings, allowing two hits, no runs, no walks with nine strikeouts. Addie Fullop started the game and went two innings giving up two hits, three runs and two walks. Fullop led the Lady Vikings in hitting with two hits on three at bats with a double, two runs and one stolen base. Hoehn went one for three with a home run, one RBI and one run. Kennedy Hallam went one for two with a double, one RBI and one walk. Maddy Olander went one for three with a double and Taylor Pieszchalski had one double along with one RBI. North Posey 13, South Spencer 1: The Lady Vikings went on the road beat the Lady Rebels last Friday night scoring runs in each of the first four innings of the game. This game was called after five innings. North Posey got their offense going in the top of the first inning when Haley Lowe hit a ground ball and reached base on an error. Then Maddy Olander walked. Addie Fullop came to the plate and doubled on a fly ball to center field scoring Lowe for a Viking run. Then Kennedy Hallam singled on a fly ball to center field to score Olander for their second run in the first inning. During the second inning, North Posey got things going with the bats when Ashleigh Blankenship singled on a pop fly to second base. Ava Lowe was walked. Lauren Kihn grounded out but moved Blankenship to third and Lowe to second base. Erin Hoehn came to the

plate and homered on a shot to left field and gave the Lady Vikings a 5-0 advantage. Haley Lowe and Maddy Olander were both walked. Kennedy Hallam reached base on a dropped third strike to load the bases. Ashton Elpers doubled to center field scoring Haley Lowe and Maddy Olander for two more runs and extend their lead to 7-0. In the third inning, Maddy Olander singled on a ground ball that scored Lauren Kihn for a score and an 8-0 lead. South Spencer scored their only run of the game in the bottom of the third inning. North Posey rallied again in the top of the fourth inning when Kennedy Hallam singled on a ground ball to center field. Jenna Wehmer singled a line drive to right field. Sybil Renshaw loaded the bases with a walk. With the bases loaded, Lauren Kihn reached base on a walk that scored Hallam. Erin Hoehn was next up to bat and she doubled to center field scoring Wehmer and Renshaw, plus moving Kihn to third base. Kihn was called out at third for base, leaving Hoehn on second base. Haley Lowe hit a home run to center field scoring two more runs for North Posey. After four innings, North Posey led 13-1 and this game was called after the fifth inning due to the ten-inning rule. Addie Fullop got the win on the mound for the Vikings. Fullop threw four innings, allowing two hits, one run, no walks and struck out seven on 46 pitches with 29 going for strikes. Shaina Farrar came in for relief and threw the final inning for the Lady Vikings. Farrar gave up one hit and no runs. Erin Hoehn led the Lady Vikings in hitting by going two for three at the plate with one home run, one double, five RBI’s, two runs and one walk. Haley Lowe went one for three with a home run, two RBI’s, three runs and a walk. Addie Fullop went three for four with one double and one RBI. Kennedy Hallam went two for four with one RBI and one run. Ashton Elpers went one for two with a double and two RBI’s. Lauren Kihn went one for three with one RBI, one run and one stolen base. Maddy Olander went one for two with one RBI, two runs and two walks. Jenna Wehmer went one for one hitting with one run. Ashleigh Blankenship went one for four with one run scored. Sybil Renshaw and Ava Lowe each walked once and scored one run apiece.

Track teams compete favorably while golfers edge Central By River Snodgrass The Mount Vernon Track Team was back in action with yet another great week of competition. The boys were scheduled to have an invitational on Wednesday, April 28, but it was cancelled due to inclement weather. Fortunately, Mount Vernon was able to host their invite on Friday, April 30, the first night of good weather the Cats have seemingly experienced all year. The Wildcats ran well and competed with six other teams. First place finishers were Caleb Tyus in long jump with a personal best of 21 feet 2 inches, and the 1600 meter relay team consisting of Carson Tucker, Ace Reeves, Trevor Frisby, and River Snodgrass with a personal best of 3 minutes and 26 seconds. Second place finishers were River Snodgrass in the 400-meter dash, Noah Gordon in High Jump, and Trevor Frisby in the 300-meter hurdles. Third place finishers consist of Jacob Swartz in the 110-meter hurdles, the 400-meter relay, consisting of River Snodgrass, Ace Reeves, Caleb Tyus, and

Luke Hoehn, along with Hunter Spalding and Parker Willard in Pole Vault. Mount Vernon finished fourth overall, edged out of third place by just three points. The boys look forward to the coming competition as they have an important meet coming up on Tuesday, May 4. The Lady Wildcats had an amazing week with the opportunity to compete in both of their invites this week. The Lady Cats traveled to Forest Park for an invite where they finished third overall with an amazing score of 92. First place finishers were as follows: Kori Leverenz in the 400-meter dash and 200-meter run, and Emma Thompson in the 800-meter run. Second Place finishers for the day were Lera Wilson in High Jump, and the 1600-meter relay team consisting of Kori Leverenz, Grace Schroeder, Maddie Maier, and Emma Thompson. Third place finishers were the 400-meter relay team consisting of Kori Leverenz, Natalie King, Grace Schroeder, and Lera Wilson. The Lady Cats then hosted an invite on Fri-

day, April 30, where they finished fourth overall out of eight teams. Maddie Maier finished first in Pole Vault. Second place finishers for the night include Emma Thompson in the Mile and 800-meter run, Kori Leverenz in the 400-meter dash, and Lera Wilson in High Jump. After a great week of finishing top five in two different invitationals, the Lady Cats are excited for the competition to come. The Mount Vernon Unified Track and Field Team kicked off their season this week on Tuesday, April 27, where they were victorious in a tri-meet against Boonville and Vincennes Lincoln, beating Boonville by one point with an outstanding overall score of 121 points. Those who won their respected heats for the night include: Jesse Russ, Gabe Owens, Drew Rapp, Nolan Deno, Lennon Haton, Keaton Brickner, Braiden Royal, Genna Biggerstaff, Lauren Carr, Emily Hueftle, Kylee Ricketts, and Jadyn Ricketts. The Unified Track Team will be back in action this week at home on Tuesday, May 4.

Along with the track team, the golf team was busy this week as well. Competing against Southridge, North Posey, and Gibson Southern, the Wildcats finished third in a hard fought match. Finishing with an overall score of 204, just four strokes behind North Posey, the Cats were led by Dru Henderson who shot a 46. Following Dru was Zach Culley and Logan Dutkiewicz with a 52, Mack Conyers with a 54, and Alex Carlisle with a 55. Although the Cambridge Golf Course is a tough course due to the fast greens and the gusty winds of the day, the Cats played well and improved their game. The Mount Vernon golf team then turned around and had a match on Tuesday, April 27. Coming down to the last hole, the Cats barely defeated the Central Bears with a tight score of 202 to 203. Leading the Wildcats was, once again, junior Dru Henderson. Following Dru was Zach Culley and Landon Fischer, each with 51, and Alex Carlisle with a 53. The Cats will be back in action on Thursday, May 6.

Lady Cats finish third, Lady Vikes sixth at FP Invitational By Chris Morlan The Mount Vernon and North Posey girls’ track teams competed at the Forest Park Invitational last Tuesday evening. This invitational had eight different schools participating in this meet. Evansville Memorial won as a team with 123 points. Mount Vernon placed third with 91.50 points and North Posey finished sixth with 66 points. The following placed in the top three of an individual race or field event. Kori Leverenz (Mount Vernon) won the 400-meter and 200-meter dashes. Emma Thompson (Mount Vernon) won the 800-meter run. Olivia Esche (North Posey) placed second in the 3200-meter run. Lera Wilson (Mount Vernon) tied for second place in the high jump. Reagan Koester (North Posey) finished second in the 400-meter dash. Taylor Freeman (North Posey) placed third in three different events (long jump,

300-meter hurdles and 100-meter hurdles). Brooke Coleman (North Posey) finished third in the 1600-meter run. Team Scores: Evansville Memorial 123, Forest Park 115, Mount Vernon 91.50, Northeast Dubois 83, Boonville 77.50, North Posey 66, Washington 44, Shoals 16 Placing for Mount Vernon and North Posey: HIGH JUMP: T2. L. Wilson (MV) 4’10, 4. L. Gentil (NP) 4’10, T6, M. Maier (MV) 4’6; POLE VAULT: 4. M. Maier (MV) 7’6; LONG JUMP: 3. T. Freeman (NP) 13’7, 4. L. Wilson (MV) 13’7, 8. L. Gentil (NP) 12’10; DISCUS: 4. G. Thompson (MV) 94’10.5; SHOT PUT: 7. G. Thompson (MV) 25’4.5; 4 X 800 METER RELAY: 3. North Posey (B. Coleman, M. Ashby, O. Esche, A. Hirsch) 11:19, 6. Mount Vernon (A. Lilleston, D. Underwood, R. Sullivan, E. Thompson) 12:28; 100-METER HURDLES: 3. T. Freeman-NP 17.41, 8. B. Sledd-MV 20.52;

100-METER DASH: 4. L. Wilson-MV 13.58, 7. N. King-MV 14.02; 1600-METER RUN: 3. B. Coleman-NP 5:45, 5. E. Thompson-MV 6:01; 4 X 100-METER RELAY: 3. Mount Vernon (K. Leverenz, G. Schroeder, N. King, L. Wilson) 54.07; 400-METER DASH: 1. K. Leverenz-MV 1:04.18, 2. R. Koester-NP 1:06.59, 5. G. Schroeder-MV 1:09.69, 6. A. Pardon-NP 1:11.60; 300-METER HURDLES: 3. T. Freeman-NP 56.57; 800-METER RUN: 1. E. Thompson-MV 2:33.29, 4. A. Hirsch-NP 2:40.13; 200-METER DASH: 1. K. Leverenz-MV 28.15, 7. H. Dickinson-MV 30.53; 3200-METER RUN: 2. O. Esche-NP 12:19.04; 4 X 400-METER RELAY: 2. Mount Vernon (K. Leverenz, G. Schroeder, M. Maier, E. Thompson) 4:34.65, 3. North Posey (B. Coleman, A. Hirsch, R. Koester, T. Freeman) 4:37.76 Last Friday evening, the Mount Vernon and North Posey girls’ track teams were back in ac-

tion again for the annual Mount Vernon Invitational. This meet is very competitive and a good warmup for the postseason. There were eight teams that competed in the Mount Vernon Invitational. Gibson Southern won the meet with a team score of 122 points, followed by Evansville Mater Dei in second place with 113 points, Evansville Memorial in third place with 106 points, Mount Vernon finished fourth with 77 points, North Posey placed fifth with 60 points, Vincennes Lincoln in sixth place with 48 points, Evansville Central in seventh with 43 points and Evansville Bosse in eighth place with 41 points. There were two Lady Viking runners that broke school records in two races at the Mount Vernon Invitational. Lady Viking senior Brooke Coleman won the 1600-meter run with a time of 5:31 and broke the school record previously

Continued on Page B4

Wildcat softball endures trying week, keeps morale high By Trisha L. Lopez Last week was Mount Vernon softball’s toughest stretch of the season as the Lady Wildcats faced conference rivals Gibson Southern, Tecumseh and Heritage Hills after opening the week with Evansville Bosse on Monday, going 1-3 on the week. “It was an extremely challenging week, by far the hardest we have faced yet. Each of the teams won regional championships two years ago,” Mount Vernon Head Coach Kasey Spindler said. “I think the key word here is growth. We have to use every game, search for the positives and use it to grow and prepare us for the postseason.” The Lady Wildcats had 15 hits in last Monday’s 11-0 win against Bosse. Led by Senior Paige Robinson’s and sophomore Peyton Rush’s three RBI, 3 hit performances at the plate, Mount Vernon batters dominated Bosse pitching. Sophomore Kayleen Salee went 2-for-4 from the plate and threw a two-hit shutout on the mound, striking out eight. Sophomore Bailey Cox and freshmen Taylor Mason and Raycee Stallings each had a pair of hits as well. The challenges grew from there. Facing Gibson Southern (13-4) at home on Tuesday, Mount Vernon struggled. The Lady Wildcats gave up 12 runs in the first three innings, digging an insurmountable hole before falling 15-1. The team’s lone run came in the fourth inning with an RBI from junior Bailey Rhodes.

“We knew going in that they were an extremely tough team. I told the girls that our mindset has to be to give 110 percent in every aspect. In those types of games, you have to do every single little thing right. If you make any type of errors, they will absolutely capitalize on them. I was disappointed in our energy that day and the end result was a direct reflection of our mentality going in,” Spindler said. They fell to 2A top ranked Tecumseh (13-3) on the road on Thursday, 10-0. Rush led Mount Vernon’s offense with

two of the team’s four hits. “We had higher energy and played a bit better, but we gave up five runs in the first inning. Several of them were unearned. Against a team like that, you absolutely can’t have a big inning and make the mental mistakes that we did,” Spindler said. The Lady Wildcats battled Heritage Hills on Saturday. Down 0-2 in the fourth inning with a 3-2 count, Cox hit a deep bomb that cleared both the left field fence and the outer fence around the park to tie the game. Rush walked and eventually

scored on back-to-back errors by the Lady Patriot’s middle infield to take the lead, 3-2. But Heritage Hills (9-6) didn’t stay down long, putting up three runs on multiple hits to go back on top 5-3 in the top of the fifth. They added two more runs in the sixth and went on to claim a 7-3 conference win. Salee and freshman Cassidy Brown led the team with two hits each. “All in all, it was a great learning week. I always tell the girls that each game is a teaching tool for the postseason. We

MOUNT VERNON

NORTH POSEY

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK KORI LEVERENZ

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK GIRLS TRACK

Kori Leverenz finished first in both the 400-meter dash and 200-meter run in the track invitational this week at Forest Park.

North Posey freshman Olivia Esche, at left, shattered the school record in the 3200-meter run while Brooke Coleman, at right, set a new standard for the 1600-meter run this weekend.