Evansville Courier & Press

An Interview with Usi President H. Ray Hoops Quality, Not Numbers

The University of Southern Indiana's spring semester begins today. Last year, USI opened the new David L. Rice Library and completed extensive renovations at the Physical Activities Center. It now is in the early stages of planning a new School of Business building and an expansion of its Student Fitness Center.

Legislators Report Session Wish Lists

The Legislature reconvenes today, and lawmakers from Southwestern Indiana have their own bills they are introducing, reflecting the needs of their constituents. Free textbooks, health insurance and identity theft are among the issues they are passionate about.

School Post Luring National Interest

Applications to be Evansville's next public school superintendent are coming in and several more are expected before the Jan. 24 deadline. The position has been advertised in national publications and online. But search officials aren't relying only on advertising.

Big Brother Could Be Lurking in the Future

When a new year arrives, we think of the future in personal terms -- lose weight, stop smoking, read more, whatever. But advertisements for a new movie in town titled "Children of Men" puts me in mind of the broader future.

House Shift Gives Area Lawmakers More Clout

With Democrats recapturing control of the Indiana House of Representatives in the November election, Southwestern Indiana has gained some additional legislative clout. Before the election, Republicans controlled the House 52-48 and Southwestern Indiana had two representatives in the majority party - - both freshmen members, with little seniority. Six Democrats were in the minority. Being in the House majority means the ability to control state spending priorities; and it allows legislators to...

She's Learning to Take Smaller Steps Victim of Drunken Driver has New Career Goal

As she approaches the second anniversary of the night a drunken driver smashed into her apartment and ran her over, Jennifer Reutter faces a new and vexing question. Reutter's doctor says she probably has reached the limit of what she can do to recover from a significant brain injury and loss of intellectual function. She has also maximized physical therapy to repair her broken body.

Violent Crime Fell in First Half of '06

Bucking national crime trends, violent crime during the first half of 2006 was down in Evansville, compared to the same period in 2005. The Federal Bureau of Investigation recently released crime statistics recorded from January to June 2006 in cities with populations of more than 100,000. Data for the entire year are being submitted and compiled now and likely won't be released for a few months.

Highways and Byways a Weekly Photographic Report

"You start in one direction and you don't know where you'll wind up," glass jewelry artist Jack Minick said of his creations. "It's like a cook in the kitchen who tries new things and isn't sure how things are going to turn out."

Howell Went Bananas After Rail Cars Became Stranded

THIS DAY IN 1937: Jan. 8: River stage was 32.1 feet at 7 a.m. The forecast was for rain changing to snow and colder temperatures.

There Won't Be Much for Next Generation to Crab About

I know I ought to be quiet, and not expose myself to charges of being a crabby old man, but I saw something the other day that strikes me as so wrong for so many reasons I have to speak up. I do it out of concern. I'm concerned for the way we're depriving kids of today -- the next generation. It's the fate of each generation to suffer. That's how adults -- i.e. crabby old men -- attain the moral high ground.

Info Line

If you have a brief question about the news, use a Touch-Tone phone to call: (812) 464-7466

Task Force Resuming Work On Flood Plan

Opportunities abound this week for city residents to get the attention of local public officials. On Tuesday, the Stormwater Task Force meets at 5:30 p.m. in Browning Room A of the Central Library, at Walnut Street and King Boulevard.

New School Board Members Take Their Seats Today

Two newly elected members will take their seats on the Evansville- Vanderburgh School Board today. Sally Becker and Patricia Swanson join the board for its 5:30 p.m. meeting at the school corporation office, 1 SE Ninth St., in the Civic Center Complex.

Obituaries

Local obituaries Elvera McFadin `Mac' Benthall

Dog Rescued From River Island

From project rescue to project adopt. That's the story of a white pit bull that was captured and brought to the Henderson animal shelter Dec. 29 after he made an island between Henderson and Indiana his home for at least four days.

Money Is Starting to Flow in Ky. Gubernatorial Race

Potential candidates for the 2007 governor's race still have about three weeks to file their official candidacy papers, but money has already been flowing in by the millions. The four candidates actively raising money for the May primary have tallied a combined $4.6 million. A little more than half of that has already been spent, and there're still nearly four months before the election.