Expanded festival and light show coming to Santa Claus - 08/31/09 08:20 PM
Christmas will be a monthlong celebration this year in this Spencer County town famous for its name and gung-ho-ho spirit.
In past years activities were packed into one weekend.
"This is going to be the event we've always wanted but never had," said Philip Koch, president of Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort, coordinating the celebration with Kevin Klosowski of Santa's Candy Castle.
Activities will begin Nov. 20.
A major addition will be a 1.2-mile "Family Christmas Light Adventure" light show at Lake Rudolph next to Holiday World & Splashin' Safari theme park.
Costing several hundred thousand dollars and telling the … (0 comments)

Five Maintenance Issues Owners Shouldn't Ignore - 08/30/09 12:56 PM
Consumer Reports magazine advises home owners not to put off important maintenance projects, noting that waiting until the economy rebounds could end up making the repairs more costly while putting a family's health at risk.
The magazine identifies five crucial maintenance issues: 
Check the gutters: Clogged gutters, broken fasteners and separations where the gutters meet the fascia board will lead to roof leaks if they haven't already. Inspect the roof: Cracked, curled and mussing shingles mean a roof is nearing the end of its useful life. Cracks around chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys can also suggest the roof might be leaking. Look for … (2 comments)

City of Evansville Forms Rapid Response Team To Address Whirlpool Announcement - 08/29/09 07:47 AM
        (EVANSVILLE, IN) - The City of Evansville, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana and the Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana, have formed a rapid response team to assist employees who will be effected by the closure of Whirlpool Corporation's Evansville, IN manufacturing facility. The team will also work to retain the Product Development Center currently located in Evansville, which serves as the North American center for all refrigeration technology within Whirlpool.  
"First and foremost, our hearts go out to the hard-working men and women who have to cope with what this decision will mean to … (0 comments)

TERRE HAUTE REALTORS PARTICIPATE IN "HOME IS WHERE YOU ARE" PROJECT - 08/29/09 07:28 AM
Responding to discussions with the Vigo County Sheriff's Drug Task Force and Child Protective Services (CPS) regarding the enormous problems resulting, both socially and economically, from methamphetamine drug abuse in Vigo County, the Terre Haute Association of REALTORS'® (THAAR) Community Services Task Force have gotten involved.
Particularly it is the children who have been removed the drug environment and placed in foster care. Children who have been removed from their homes by CPS leave with very few, if any, personal possessions, and frequently without even the clothes they are wearing.
THARR is aiming to help ease the transition for these children … (0 comments)

Evansville Fire Department Wins 2 Awards - 08/28/09 11:37 AM
EVANSVILLE - The Evansville Fire Department has received two prestigious awards at the 2009 Emergency Response Conference in Indianapolis.
The awards are the Basic Life Support Provider of the Year Award and the Emergency Medical Technician of the Year, which goes to Evansville Firefighter John Riggs who's been with the department for 15 years. Riggs is a 15-year member of the Evansville Fire Department and active with the Hazardous Materials Team and the Rope/Confined Space Rescue Team.  
"The Evansville Fire Department is comprised of great men and women who put their lives on the line every day for the citizens of … (1 comments)

Indiana Landmark Wins 'Manliest Restaurant' Honor - 08/27/09 07:17 PM
An Evansville eatery has been named the "Manliest Restaurant in America." The men's lifestyle Web site Asylum.com, which is operated by AOL, says the Hilltop Inn has won the honor for 2009 in an online vote. The Web site's editor says the fried brain sandwich helped put the restaurant over the top. He says there's something about it "that's guaranteed to put hair on your chest."
Our partners at the Evansville Courier & Press reports the owners say they sell 13,000 pork brain sandwiches a year.
The Hilltop Inn captured nearly 67 percent of the 50,000 votes cast online.
It … (0 comments)

Incentives Spurring Housing Market Rebound - 08/27/09 05:35 PM
New U.S. home data out Tuesday suggests the U.S. may be easing out of its 3-year housing slump.
The U.S. home prices index is made up of home prices in the 20 largest U.S. cities, and while Evansville isn't one of them, an Evansville mortgage banker says home sales here are following suit.
The for sale signs still litter neighborhoods, but the housing market is busy making its comeback.
"We have definitely seen a big increase in the number of purchase transactions we're doing over the last few months," says Shannon Curry-Bartnick, President of Mortgage Masters.
Curry-Bartnick says part of this "rise from the slump" comes as … (0 comments)

New home sales surge again - 08/27/09 05:25 PM
New U.S. home sales surged 9.6 percent in July, rising for the fourth straight month and beating expectations as the housing market marches steadily back from its historic downturn.
The Commerce Department said Wednesday that sales rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 433,000 from an upwardly revised June rate of 395,000. Sales are now up 32 percent from the bottom in January, but off 69 percent from the frenzied peak four years ago.
Last month's sales pace was the strongest since September and exceeded the forecasts of economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters, who expected a pace of 390,000 units. … (1 comments)

Bill Encourages Energy Improvements - 08/27/09 05:19 PM
A bill that helps home buyers afford energy improvements and encourages banks to offer a discount on loans to pay for reducing energy usage passed the U.S. House in June and could pass the Senate in the fall.The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 requires Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to offer discounts on mortgages that include extra cash for making a home more energy efficient. These discounts, which are already in effect at some lenders like J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and Bank of America, include savings on closing costs for homes that have Energy Star appliances. The … (0 comments)

8 Easy Steps to Refinishing Your Wooden Deck - 08/27/09 01:13 PM
Does your wooden deck need refinishing? There is an easy way to tell: sprinkle a few drops of water on your deck. If the drops bead on the surface, your deck is fine. If they sink into the wood, it's time for new finish.
These eight tips can show you how to refinish your wooden deck quickly and easily.
Start with a clean deck. A pressure-washer can remove all the debris from your deck, even the stubborn dirt in those tight corners. For smaller jobs, use a stiff bristle brush and a good commercial cleaner. Protect the plants. To protect the … (0 comments)

St. Mary's gets mention in "America's Best Hospitals" issue - 08/26/09 06:19 PM
St. Mary's Medical Center's quality improvement efforts have earned the Evansville hospital recognition in the U.S. News and World Report "America's Best Hospitals" August 2009 issue. The issue included 569 other hospitals across the nation.
The recognition is based on St. Mary's success using the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines (GWTG) quality improvement program.
In addition, in May the American Heart Association gave St. Mary's a Silver Performance Achievement Award for its efforts to ensure patients with coronary artery disease, heart failure and stroke receive the care they need according to the association's guidelines. The hospital had a one-year, … (0 comments)

Could Roberts Stadium Be Turned Into A Baseball Complex? - 08/26/09 03:11 PM
Evansville's new downtown arena is not built yet, but NEWS 25 learns plans are already in the works to figure out what to do with Roberts Stadium.
NEWS 25 questioned the Mayor and the Convention and Visitors Bureau Director about what they'd like to see done with the 53-year-old stadium.
All sorts of ideas have been thrown out about how to use the piece of prime property. Everything from tearing it down and turning it into a mall or water park has been mentioned, but NEWS 25 learned more firm plans are already being made.
Right now it's the place to go for concerts, shows, … (0 comments)

Holiday World All a "Twitter" Over Award - 08/26/09 03:04 PM
There is another national award for Holiday World, but this one doesn't have anything to do with fast roller coasters or huge water slides.
A website called "the k-buzz" says Holiday World has the sixth best twitter profile in the country. Viewers of the k-buzz website voted for various profiles to determine the winner.
A company called "Naked Pizza" in New Orleans was voted to have the best twitter profile in the country.
… (1 comments)

Fed Chair Says the Worst Is Over - 08/26/09 07:05 AM
Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke said on Friday that he was optimistic the economy is about to take off.
Bernanke acknowledged that credit is still tight, especially for businesses, but he told an audience of bankers, academics, and economists that the worst is over."Although we have avoided the worst, difficult challenges still lie ahead," Bernanke said. "We must work together to build on the gains already made to secure a sustained economic recovery."Bernanke called for stronger regulation of financial rules "to ensure that the enormous costs of the past two years will not be borne again."Source: The Associated Press, Jeannine Aversa … (4 comments)

Award for Evansville's Hilltop Inn - 08/25/09 09:14 AM
The Hilltop Inn on Evansville's west side has been named the "manliest restaurant in the midwest". It's now in the running for the national title.
The Hilltop Inn is the home of our "Dinner with the Coach" segment, as well as the famous brain sandwich. You can vote for the restaurant online at asylum.com .
Voting ends Wednesday.
… (0 comments)

What Has the Housing Crash Cost Americans? - 08/25/09 08:41 AM
How much real wealth have Americans lost so far in the real estate crash?The Federal Reserve estimates that the total market value of U.S. homes fell 18 percent from $21.9 trillion to $17.9 trillion or about $13,000 per person from the end of 2006 through March 31, 2009. The Fed also estimates that homeowner's equity has declined 40 percent from the peak and now accounts for just 41.4 percent of real estate values. By comparison, after the last slump in the 1990s, home equity levels remained in the high 50s.This collapse in equity makes it difficult for potential buyers to sell … (1 comments)

First-Time Buyer Tax Credit Extension Possible - 08/24/09 01:07 PM
Bills to extend the maximum $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers, which expires Nov. 30, are pending in both the U.S. House and the Senate.Sen. Christopher J. Dodd, a Connecticut Democrat and chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, is co-sponsor of a bill with Georgia Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson that would raise the credit amount to a maximum of $15,000.Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid of Nevada favors an extension of the current credit. He was quoted by the Las Vegas Sun saying, "It's something we can get done."Odds are that the credit will be extended … (2 comments)

Frog Follies Classic Car Show - 08/24/09 09:01 AM
Here we have information on the annual Frog Follies Classic Car Show. You will have a great time with the family to go and look at all the vintage cars.
August 28-30. Vanderburgh County 4-H Center, 201 E. Boonville-New Harmony Road. Thousands of vintage cars will roll in for this annual event, presented by the Evansville Iron Street Rod Club to benefit Easter Seals and other charities.
In addition to concessions, games, and celebrity frog races, there will be a car parts swap meet. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun. $5; free for children 12 and under. (812) 428-3764 … (0 comments)

Ivy Tech posts record enrollment - 08/24/09 07:23 AM
Ivy Tech Community College says it has a record fall enrollment and is still signing up as many as 2,000 students a day.
Some students are having trouble getting into classes they want or need to take. The school says those still planning to enroll for fall semester can get on waiting lists for courses, decide to take a class at another Ivy Tech campus or choose classes that start later in the semester.
Ivy Tech says a record 106,000 students are already enrolled in campuses across the state. That's a 24 percent increase over last year's fall semester and more … (1 comments)

Yikes! Stripes! Zebra born at Evansville's zoo - 08/23/09 10:29 AM
We don't know if it's a boy or a girl yet, but a zebra has been born at Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden and is on display with its parents in the zoo's lower zebra area.
Zoo spokeswoman Charlotte Roesner said the foal's birth occurred early Thursday.
She said zookeepers won't be able to examine the young zebra for several days, giving the animal time to bond with its mother.
And until they know the gender, they aren't tossing out names.
"Sometimes the zookeeper who discovers (the birth) gets to name the baby and sometimes the zoo staff comes up … (1 comments)

UE ranks in top 10 Midwest colleges - 08/23/09 09:30 AM
The newly released U.S. News & World Report's "Best Colleges" data lists the University of Evansville 10th among master's-granting institutions in the Midwest.
UE comes in second on a list of best values in the Midwest, trailing only Creighton University, and sixth in a "strong commitment to teaching" list for the region.
"Ranking where we did in each category, among 142 eligible institutions, is just one of the many indicators confirming our success in maintaining the highest academic quality at the University of Evansville," UE President Stephen Jennings said.
The magazine measures academic quality by using the assessments of administrators at … (1 comments)

Albion Fellows Bacon Center adds play space for kids - 08/23/09 07:27 AM
What used to be bare lawn is now a colorful playground at the Albion Fellows Bacon Center for victims of domestic and sexual violence.
The yard at the shelter for women and children in Evansville was never fancy - just green lawn inside a nondescript privacy fence - but it was graced with the cooling, peaceful shade of a large hardwood tree.
However, the loss of that tree in a storm last year left the yard with only a picnic table and no shelter from the sun.
That changed recently with the receipt of a $4,694 "two-for-two" grant from the Indiana … (0 comments)

Harley-Davidson Eyeing Indiana for New Plant - 08/22/09 03:01 PM
Inside INdiana Business has learned that Shelby County is under consideration for a Harley-Davidson, Inc. motorcycle assembly plant and hundreds of jobs. "I can tell you company officials were in Shelby County Wednesday," said Shelbyville Mayor Scott Furgeson, who added the company is interested in a site outside city limits. The Milwaukee-based company is considering closing or restructuring a plant in York, Pennsylvania and moving that work to a new location.
The Business Journal of Milwaukee is reporting sites in Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana are among finalists for the investment and management has made official visits to all three states.
This … (0 comments)

Bank of Evansville finds 'Bank On' program works - 08/22/09 02:05 PM
A Bank of Evansville program led to the opening of 324 bank accounts in the first half of 2009.
The program is a response to Census statistics indicating that 6,000 Evansville households lack bank accounts. It is believed those who live in such households spend more than $800 a year to cash paychecks and to write checks for their bills.
The 324 accounts added in the first half of 2009 were opened by the 15 financial institutions participating in the program. That number makes up 27 percent of 1,200 accounts the city wants to see opened through Bank on Evansville this … (0 comments)

Realtors Association Says There is Cause For Optimism - 08/21/09 02:32 PM
The Indiana Association of Realtors (IAR) reports statewide sales of single-family homes in July dropped 6.3 percent, compared to the previous year. IAR also says the median price declined by only 0.9 percent. Chief Executive Officer Karl Berron says there are signs the decline in home sales is slowing. He adds the state may be "near or at the bottom of this challenging period."
The Indiana Association of REALTORS® (IAR) today released its "Indiana Real Estate Markets Report" for the month of July as a continuation of its "Indiana is Home" project.
The Report, found online at www.IndianaIsHome.com, is the first-ever … (0 comments)

Sales of Existing U.S. Homes Leap Higher - 08/21/09 01:57 PM
Sales of previously owned homes surged in July as buyers stormed back to the market, taking advantage of falling prices, lower interest rates and a tax credit for first-time homeowners, an industry group reported on Friday.
Sales of condos and single-family homes each rose for the month, and the overall number of existing home sales rose 7.2 percent in July from June, the National Association of Realtors reported. It was the largest monthly gain since the group began tracking existing home sales in 1999.
Moreover, home sales last month were 5 percent higher than in July 2008. Homes were selling at … (0 comments)

Downtown Evansville Arena Plans Unveiled - 08/21/09 11:45 AM
EVANSVILLE - Seven to eight stories high, nearly 95 feet tall lined with glass walls and a facade that could include Indiana limestone - that is the vision for the proposed downtown arena that could enhance Evansville's skyline.
Architects unveiled the arena's interior and exterior plans Wednesday evening. The design includes the main entrance plaza near 6th and Main Street, not near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard where some committee members and city leaders hoped.
"There are pros and cons either way. Is it more important to open it up toward Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard or does it make more sense … (0 comments)

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" Returns To Tri-State - 08/21/09 11:37 AM
OWENSBORO, KY - ABC's popular television show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is coming back to the Tri-State next month to help build a new home for a family in need.
The show helped build a home in St. Meinrad in 2006, and now will help a family in the Owensboro, KY area. 
Thompson Homes of Owensboro will team up with Extreme Makeover for a one-week construction project.  All types of volunteers will be needed to donate their time and money to help finish this special project.  Details on how to volunteer will be available Thursday afternoon at http://extremethompsonhomes.com/.
Five families within … (0 comments)

Alcoa joins in on Glenwood neighborhood project - 08/20/09 08:58 AM
The Glenwood Community Garden and Wetlands Project got a financial boost Saturday when the Alcoa Foundation donated $15,000 to the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. Foundation.
Led by Mike Shoulders from VPS Architecture and the "Clean and Green" committee, the Glenwood Community Garden and Wetlands project is part of the larger Glenwood Community Development Initiative to "develop and implement a comprehensive neighborhood stabilization and improvement plan reaching beyond housing."
The community garden and construction of the wetlands will be used as a teaching tool and are part of a broader focus on housing and financial investment to address root social issues of … (0 comments)

Thunder on the Ohio Preview - 08/20/09 08:10 AM
EVANSVILLE - Unlimited hydroplane boats will be tearing up the Ohio River this weekend, but Thunder on the Ohio won't be like previous years. Since it split from the Freedom Festival, the event is expected to have a completely different vibe.
Barbeque, bands, beer and of course, boats will be wrapped around Evansville's downtown riverfront. That's where Thunder on the Ohio organizers hope racing fans from all over the Midwest will hang out for this weekend's event. It's a change of course for the annual race, in its 31st year.
"We're very optimistic," says Tom Sawyer, Chairman, Thunder on the Ohio.  "We've put together … (0 comments)

Evansville Appears Ready to Let Annexation Deadline Pass - 08/19/09 01:59 PM
The original Evansville west side annexation plan appears to be dead.
The plan is coming up against a state-mandated deadline, and the city appears to be ready to let it pass.City Council took no action on anything related to the annexation tonight.
The city held a public hearing on the west side annexation at a City Council meeting on June 22.When it did that, the clock started to tick.30 and 60 days after a public hearing to take action on the ordinance.It's going to be 60 days from Evansville's public hearing later this week.
Attorney Les Shively, who represents the people … (0 comments)

LEEDING the way - 08/19/09 11:40 AM
In former years, mostly only architects or engineers became LEED-accredited as professionals with the latest knowledge and understanding of green building practices.
But as green building projects are becoming more well-known across the nation and are expected to increase in popularity in the Tri-State, the accreditation also is being sought today by policymakers, stakeholders, interior designers, contractors and their associates, and product vendors, among others.
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
LEED is a rating system of the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which includes industry leaders working to make green buildings more widely available.
While the … (0 comments)

City restores '09 tax credit - 08/18/09 09:55 AM
As expected, the City Council voted Monday to reinstate a credit that will lower property taxes paid by homeowners this year.
The homestead credit was eliminated April 1, 2008, in an unadvertised meeting attended by city and county officials.
The decision sparked outrage, not only because it raised property taxes, but also because the public didn't learn of it until more than a year afterward.
In reinstating the credit for 2009 on Monday, Councilman John Friend said the bulk of the increase in local property taxes this year resulted from the decisions of state lawmakers, not local officials. His 2009 bill … (0 comments)

Indiana Sues Another Foreclosure Consultant - 08/18/09 07:54 AM
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller is suing another foreclosure consultant company, his eighth since taking office in January. The suit against National Foreclosure Consultant Services includes 11 consumers from Allen, Hamilton, Johnson and Marion counties and claims losses totaling more than $10,000. The legal action also claims the company did not register as a business in the state of Indiana.
INDIANAPOLIS - A lawsuit filed today against National Foreclosure Consultant Services (NFCS) by Attorney General Greg Zoeller's Homeowner Protection Unit (HPU) marks Zoeller's eighth suit against illegal foreclosure consultants since taking office in January. The lawsuit filed in Hamilton County includes … (0 comments)

Traffic Alert: "Thunder" Closes Riverside Drive in Evansville - 08/17/09 03:18 PM
If you take Riverside Drive as part of your daily commute, you'll need to find an alternate way to get around downtown Evansville. Starting Monday at 2:00 p.m. the road will be closed. Crews will be setting up the area for the Thunder on the Ohio event taking place this weekend. Riverside Drive and lower Dress Plaza will be closed through next Tuesday morning, August 25th. Thunder on the Ohio events begin on the riverfront Friday.
… (0 comments)

Hoosier pilot will fly next shuttle mission - 08/17/09 02:20 PM
An Indiana astronaut will be the pilot on the space shuttle Discovery's next mission to the International Space Station.
Kevin Ford was born in Portland, Ind., and considers Montpelier, Ind., his hometown. He will lead a seven-member crew on the mission scheduled to launch Aug. 25 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The astronauts will participate in a 13-day flight to deliver science and storage racks, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and a treadmill named after comedian Stephen Colbert. Colbert wanted NASA to name a room at the space station after him, but NASA decided … (1 comments)

Sales and Inventory History for the Evansville Area - 08/16/09 03:27 PM
Sales and Inventory History
Sunday, August 16, 2009Category - Single Family

 
We can see from this chart from the Evansville Area Association of Realtors that the months of inventory on the market has been reduced considerably from the beginning of January 2009, where we had 15.06 months of inventory compared to 7.99 months of inventory at the end of July of 2009. Ideally we would like to see 6 months of inventory but 7.99 are not bad at all. Days on the market have increased a little bit. This of course does not pertain to very single home. Some … (0 comments)

Sorting out the first time homebuyer credit - 08/16/09 12:37 PM
Q: We have several questions about the first time homebuyer credit and hope you can help us.
First we want to verify that this was extended and that we can still qualify. We think it was extended for purchases from July 2, 2009, to Dec. 1, 2009. Is that correct?
I've never owned a home but my wife was married before and owned a home with her ex-husband. Can we still qualify for this credit based on my history of ownership?
If we qualify, does it have to be a new home or just new to us? Could we just buy … (2 comments)

10 Cities Leading the Market Recovery - 08/16/09 07:33 AM
Here's more evidence that housing is turning around. Forbes magazine identified 161 of the country's largest metro areas where sales activity has increased compared to 2008, and where foreclosure sales as a percentage of total sales, are low.The magazine considers these markets as on the road to recovery.1. Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.2. Lincoln, Neb.3. Colorado Springs, Colo.4. Salem, Ore.5. San Luis Obispo, Calif.6. Bremerton, Wash.7. Denver, Colo.8. Redding, Calif.9. Santa Barbara, Calif.10. San Jose, Calif.Source: Forbes, Matt Woolsey (08/13/2009) http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2009081401?OpenDocument
www.TheTrentiniTeam
… (2 comments)

The Indiana Story - Indiana Economic Facts - 08/15/09 01:39 PM
his report makes interesting reading about the Indiana economy.
Indiana in the International EconomyExports from Indiana to foreign countries reached a record $25.9 billion in 2007, up more than 14% percent over the previous year
Commercializing InnovationsThrough the 21st Century Research and Technology fund, Indiana has committed to invest more than $82.3 million in 63 high-tech companies to help each bring their innovations to market, keeping the innovations and associated high wage jobs in Indiana.
More Jobs for Hoosiers660 businesses have committed to create 81,101 jobs and invest $19 Billion in their Indiana operations since Jan. 2005
2009 - 2,413 new … (1 comments)

Warrick industrial park sees growth - 08/14/09 02:02 PM
BOONVILLE, Ind. - The Warrick County Industrial Park outside the county seat was underutilized for years with several properties idle.
No more.
"We've filled all but one of the sites, and we've got three people coming to look at that remaining space," Larry Taylor, the director of the Economic Development Department, said Monday.
"We're starting to see the results of the county's investments in infrastructure."
Prime Foods, a company that processes egg products and salad bar supplies, "has been up and running on about eight acres for some time now," Taylor noted.
Troyer Foods, a food distribution company, purchased a lot … (0 comments)

Three Evansville Projects to be Updated at Business Fair - 08/14/09 10:47 AM
Three major projects will be highlighted at the Indiana Minority Supplier Development Council's annual Southern District Business Opportunity Fair. Participants will learn about the downtown Evansville arena, Casino Aztar's remodeling and construction and EVSC-New North High School construction. The two-day conference is scheduled for September 22 and 23 at The Centre in Evansville.
The Indiana Minority Supplier Development Council (IMSDC) is proud to host its annual "Southern District Business Opportunity Fair" in Evansville, IN. The event will be held at The Centre on September 22nd & 23rd, 2009. The primary focus of this two-day event is to network both majority corporations … (0 comments)

7th Annual Southern Indiana Brewery, Winery & Spirits Festival - 08/14/09 09:23 AM
Enjoy an evening sampling microbrews, wines, spirits, and unique cuisine. Proceeds benefit the Southwestern Indiana Regional Council on Aging, which serves elderly and disabled residents of Southwest Indiana. 6-10 p.m. $25 pre-event, $30 at the door, $20 group rates (15 or more tickets) available prior to event. (812) 464-7800 or www.swirca.org.
August 15. SWIRCA, 16 W. Virginia St.
… (0 comments)

Holiday World to Unleash 'Wildebeest' - 08/13/09 02:40 PM
Holiday World in Santa Claus has announced the second-largest ride in the park's 64-year history. The $5.5 million Wildebeest is expected to open in Spalshin' Safari next May. Park officials are describing it as The World's Longest Water Coaster, which will cover more than two acres. The project is the second-largest single ride investment ever at the park. President Will Koch anticipates the expansion will lead to an additional 50 seasonal employees next summer.
SANTA CLAUS, IN-----The second-largest ride addition in Holiday World's history is announced today: The World's Longest Water Coaster will open in Splashin' Safari next May.
"We're calling … (0 comments)

Development boom in Darmstadt - 08/13/09 02:26 PM
The Darmstadt community in northern Vanderburgh County will be getting a CVS/pharmacy and a Papa John's pizza store.
The news follows an announcement by Integra Bank that it also plans to build a full-service banking center in the same general area, off the intersection of Boonville-New Harmony Road and U.S. 41 North.
Spokesmen for the proposed projects say they were partly drawn to the growing retail district by plans by the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. to have a new high school built just down the highway, off the southeast corner of Baseline Road and U.S. 41.
n CVS is expected to … (0 comments)

Lutron Electronics Launches Dimmers with New Energy Awareness Feature - 08/13/09 09:02 AM
Lighting control manufacturer Lutron Electronics helps homeowners visualize energy savings with the new eco-minderTM family of dimmers. The eco-minder family is an addition to Lutron's energy saving line of dimmers.
Lutron's innovative, new, eco-minder dimmers feature an LED display that provides the user with instant feedback when they are saving at least 15% energy, allowing them to see as they save. The eco-minder reminds users to dim their lights to reduce energy consumption, as well as allows them to show others how to conserve energy. Replace a standard switch with an eco-minder dimmer and save up to $30 per year*. Dim … (0 comments)

University of Evansville backing Downtown arena plan - 08/12/09 12:58 PM
The University of Evansville today announced its support of the new Downtown arena project.
UE issued the following news release today:
After reviewing the data collected and recommendation advanced by the Roberts Stadium Advisory Board, officials at UE - whose Purple Aces men's and women's basketball teams have played home games at Roberts Stadium for decades - determined that the new stadium provides the best direction for both for UE, and for the city of Evansville.
"We believe a new arena will have a very positive impact on recruiting and on the fan experience for Purple Aces basketball, allowing people to … (0 comments)

New Study Identifies SW Indiana's Energy Strengths - 08/12/09 09:52 AM
Leaders in southwest Indiana are using a new study to determine the region's economic potential in the energy sector. The report commissioned by the Project GREEN initiative finds the nine county region has a competitive advantage in coal-related industries and also has the assets to become a manufacturer and supplier for the wind energy sector. Greyhill Advisors compiled the report.
Evansville, Ind. -- Consulting partners Greyhill Advisors presented the results of their Southwestern Indiana energy cluster assessment and gap analysis for Project GREEN at a press conference Tues., Aug. 11, at Innovation Pointe.
The Project GREEN initiative seeks to identify opportunities … (0 comments)

Light a Deck With an Energy-Efficient System - 08/12/09 08:35 AM
 
Even a basic low-voltage lighting adds value for homeowners and profits for builders
Attractive, well-placed lighting makes decks safer as well as more inviting. Many deck-lighting selections aren't complicated to wire, notably energy-efficient low-voltage systems, so there's little or no reason why builders should not add lighting to their repertoire.
USER-FRIENDLY LOW VOLTAGE Most deck and landscape lighting systems run on 12-volt current, not the 120-volt line current that household lighting fixtures typically use. (For a detailed overview of wiring, see "Wiring for Low-Voltage Lighting" in the March/April 2008 issue of Professional Deck Builder, free at deckmagazine.com).
Low-voltage systems are … (0 comments)

Local Housing Market on Upswing - 08/11/09 03:06 PM
EVANSVILLE - National reports are showing more Americans are trying to buy homes. The National Association of Realtors says the increase has been running for five months, bringing a boost to the national housing market.
With incentives to buy, local realtors say the demand is growing, bringing out not only more buyers but also sellers.
Completing 10 home sales in July alone, ERA First Advantage Realtor Annabelle Ismail says the local housing market is shaping up proving national trends are holding true. "That's really good for this year."
Ismail says The National Association of Realtors shows pending home sales were up … (0 comments)

Holiday World Sees Boost Despite Economy - 08/11/09 02:33 PM
The down economy hasn't affected tourism at a popular southern Indiana amusement park. Holiday World & Splashin' Safari President and Chief Executive Officer Will Koch believes the increase has been triggered by families staying closer to home for entertainment and vacation during the recession. He does say there has a drop in the number of company events at the park. Koch adds the park is also preparing for a major announcement later this week.
The new project will be a $5.5 million investment.
Pilgrim's Plunge opened in the spring. Koch believes the world's tallest water ride made a big difference in … (0 comments)

Consumers Willing to Pay More for a Green Home, Study Says - 08/11/09 07:06 AM
Lowered energy costs key to breaking perception of green homes as a luxury.
Most Americans are willing to pay extra for a home with eco-friendly features, according to a new national survey by the Shelton Group.
Released last week, the 2009 Eco Pulse report found nearly two-thirds of consumers would be willing to pay a 10% or higher premium for a home with a number of green features. Nine percent were willing to pay 30% more.
"While consumers might not always be clear on what features should be included in a green home, what is clear is that consumers are increasingly … (0 comments)

Amazonia Helping Break Zoo Records - 08/10/09 02:26 PM
Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden in Evansville has experienced record attendance thanks to the $13 million Amazonia rain forest exhibit. The zoo says 215,208 visitors have passed through its gates since the exhibit opened last August. That's an increase of 83,000 visitors compared to the previous 12 months.
Amazonia Helping Break Zoo Records
It's been a very big year for AMAZONIA at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden. Since AMAZONIA opened on August 4, 2008, 215,208 visitors have passed through the Zoo gates. That's nearly 83,000 visitors more than the Zoo had the during the previous 12-month period (August 2007- … (0 comments)

The Truth About Today's Market That No One's Taking About - 08/10/09 01:54 PM
You hear the bad news everywhere you turn. It's on the television, the Internet, the radio and in print headlines. What you don't hear is the good news about the real estate market.   Bad news sells newspapers and gets high television ratings; therefore, the media has no reason to report the upside of today's real estate market to the average American.
This is where I come in. For example, did you know that approximately 30 percent of homeowners own their home free and clear?   The current market also affords some great opportunities for those looking to purchase a home. … (0 comments)

Southern Indiana housing market poised to turn around - 08/09/09 12:49 PM
For the first time in more than two years, local Realtors are optimistic about Southern Indiana's housing market, and with good reason, according to Suzann Slayton, president and CEO of Southern Indiana Realtors Association. "The market is up. Agents are busy. During the week they're writing multiple offers whereas before - one and a half, two years ago - they weren't writing any offers during the week," Slayton said."The second quarter is really encouraging. Our sales are up about 35 percent [from the first quarter of this year]." From Jan. 1 to April 15, SIRA recorded 549 sales, compared to 845 … (0 comments)

ATHENA AWARD COMMITTEE ANNOUCES 11 ATHENA FINALISTS - 08/09/09 07:24 AM
The Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana and the 2009 ATHENA Award Committee announced the 11 ATHENA finalists on Tuesday, August 4 at The Chamber of Commerce on the fourth floor of Innovation Pointe. They are as follows: · Nancy Bizal, Instructor of Business Communication & Coordinator of External Relations for the University of Southern Indiana College of Business· Barb Butler, Chief Executive Officer for HealthSouth Deaconess Rehabilitation Hospital· Janie Chappell, Manager of Community Services & Business Development for Deaconness Cross Pointe · Nadine Coudret, Interim Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs at the University of Southern Indiana· Carrie Ellsperman, … (0 comments)

UE engineering program wins top award for 2009 - 08/08/09 08:16 AM
The University of Evansville's civil engineering program has been named recipient of the American Society of Civil Engineers' Walter LeFevre Award for 2009.
The award is given each year to the nation's top large civil engineering program and also to the nation's top small civil engineering program.
It was created in 2008 to recognize accredited civil engineering programs "that promote professional licensure, ethics and professionalism."
UE earned the 2009 award for the top small program, beating out last year's winner, the University of Idaho, and last year's runner-up, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
UE's civil engineering graduates in 2008 helped the university … (1 comments)

Evansville Home & Garden Show - 08/07/09 02:58 PM
Here we have the information on the Evansville Home & Garden Show.
August 7-9. The Centre, 715 Locust St. Learn about the latest trends by browsing nearly 300 displays of home furnishings, accessories, remodeling ideas, and more.
This year's show features a "Smart Home" section, which includes environmentally friendly options for homes. 3-9 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. Free.
(800) 876-8063 or http://www.evansvillehomeshow.com.
… (1 comments)

Thunder bringing the noise - 08/07/09 01:54 PM
As far as Jerry Hopp is concerned, Grand Prix unlimited hydroplanes will bring the thunder back to Thunder on the Ohio on Aug. 21-23.
"We are supercharged 468 ccs, and we'll bring all kinds of noise," said Hopp, Graham Trucking's Grand Prix driver and a former unlimited driver.
The American Boat Racing Association announced Wednesday that the Grand Prix boats will complement the larger unlimiteds.
"Our top speeds are 160 to 165 mph," Hopp said. "We'll bring seven boats to Evansville and run on a 12/3-mile course. Our boats are 24 to 26 feet long and generate 1,300 horsepower. Most Most … (0 comments)

German heritage on display - 08/07/09 01:20 PM
EVANSVILLE - It wasn't quite the same as sitting in the Hofbrauhaus, the famous beer hall in Munich.
But eating at the tent set up for Germania Maennerchor's Volksfest on Thursday was about as close as a Tri-State resident could come without getting on a plane. By noon of the first day of the annual festival, a solid number of people had ventured out to enjoy the food, beer, music and camaraderie.
Scott Lantaff was fortunate to have the day off from his job at SABIC-Innovative Plastics in Mount Vernon, Ind. Lunchtime found him at the Volksfest.
RIGHT: Jeff Westfall of … (0 comments)

Market Watch For August 2009 - 08/07/09 10:48 AM
I continue to see improvement in the housing market on both a national and local basis.  The national pending home index (a forward looking indicator based on signed contracts) increased for the fifth consecutive month in June.  This is the first time this has happened since July of 2003.  
Locally sales have been very consistent for the past three months averaging just under 400 closed transactions per month.  Keep in mind our multiple listing service only had 197 closed transactions in January, so one can see how much the market has improved.  I believe that sales will remain fairly steady … (0 comments)

Military History in Evansville - 08/07/09 10:12 AM
EVANSVILLE - After the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, American soldiers had plenty of time - and an island full of debris - on their hands. So, they fashioned a go-kart using parts from wrecked Japanese vehicles and American planes.
Mike Riefer has the pipes-akimbo contraption on display at the Vanderburgh County fairgrounds as part of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association's international convention.
"You could go around the world, and there's probably nothing else like it. The four-wheel drive, the frame and the transmission come courtesy of the Japanese. The wheels are from our side."
There's just one problem. Riefer … (0 comments)

Mortgage rates fall on economic data - 08/07/09 09:42 AM
By Amy Hoak, MarketWatch CHICAGO (MarketWatch) -- Economic reports that were better than expected kept mortgage rates low this week, Freddie Mac's chief economist said on Thursday. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.22% for the week ending Aug. 6, down from 5.25% last week and 6.52% a year ago, according to Freddie Mac's weekly survey of conforming mortgage rates. Fifteen-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 4.63%, down from 4.69% last week and 6.10% a year ago. Five-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages averaged 4.73%, down from 4.75% last week and 6.05% a year ago. And 1-year Treasury-indexed ARMs averaged 4.78%, down from 4.80% last … (0 comments)

Construction Spending Rises, Defies Forecasts - 08/07/09 08:19 AM
 Analysts predicted a 0.5 percent drop in construction spending in June, but they were wrong.The U.S. Commerce Department said Monday that construction spending rose by a seasonally adjusted 0.3 percent annually in June. That's positive news, despite the fact that overall spending was still down 10.2 percent compared to a year ago. The increase was driven by federal government spending, which rose 1.9 percent. This offset a 0.5 percent decline in commercial, nonresidential building, including shrinkage in retail and offices.Source: The Associated Press, Christopher S. Rugaber (08/03/2009)
Source: http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2009080406?OpenDocument
… (0 comments)

Rising Ohio cancels riverfront concerts, bierstube - 08/06/09 11:26 AM
The rising Ohio River has caused the cancellation of this weekend's bierstube and concerts on lower Dress Plaza by Red Eye Max and Stompbox 40.
The events were part of the Bud Light Riverfront Concert Series presented by the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville.
While those concerts had to be dropped, GAGE officials said the higher river does not affect entertainment planned by Casino Aztar on its outdoor Events Plaza.
Also, the farmer's market, car cruise-in and Downtown Loft & Condominium Tour from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday will continue as planned.
- Rich Davis
Source: http://www.courierpress.com/news/2009/aug/06/rising-ohio-cancels-riverfront-concerts-bierstube/
… (0 comments)

Uptrend Continues in Pending Home Sales - 08/06/09 09:11 AM
Pending home sales are up for the fifth consecutive month, the first time in six years for such a streak, according to NAR.The Pending Home Sales Index,a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in June, rose 3.6 percent to 94.6 from an upwardly revised reading of 91.3 in May, and is 6.7 percent above June 2008 when it was 88.7. The last time there were five consecutive monthly gains was in July 2003.Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said a combination of positive market factors is fueling the gains. "Historically low mortgage interest rates, affordable home prices, and large selection are encouraging … (0 comments)

Downtown Evansville Loft and Condominium Tour - 08/05/09 11:08 AM
The 7th Annual Downtown Loft & Condominium Tour is set to showcase stunning finished and unfinished lofts to the public. The one-day event held in August will attract over 3,000 people interested in the free self-guided tours. All registered participants will receive a packet of information on each loft and a map to help guide them along the Downtown area. During the tour, local music and art will be featured in the park on Fourth and Main Street.Registration is on Main Street at the office of Downtown Evansville, Inc.
… (2 comments)

Toyota Princeton to Hit Milestone This Week - 08/05/09 10:40 AM
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana (TMMI) is expected to reach a production landmark on Tuesday. TMMI's Princeton factory will produce its 1 millionth Sienna minivan. The company began making Siennas at the Princeton facility in January 2003.The 1 millionth Sienna is expected to roll of the production line after 1 p.m. EDT.Toyota also plans to begin producing the Highlander sport utility vehicle at the Princeton plant in October.Source: Inside INdiana Business:
http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=36966
… (0 comments)

Jillian's closes, replacement expected to be announced soon - 08/04/09 02:23 PM
A day after Jillian's Billiards Club shut its doors for good, officials with Casino Aztar said they are in negotiations on a contract with a new business to fill the property.Jillian's, a part of the Aztar entertainment district across Riverside Drive from the casino, had been open since September 2006. No advance notice to the public was released before it closed Sunday night.Stacey McNeill, director of marketing for the casino, said she could not divulge the name of the potential new business but that officials are "working on a fast turnaround" on the project.She declined to elaborate on why Jillian's shut … (0 comments)

New emergency response committee gets chairman - 08/04/09 12:30 PM
Spencer County Commission President Dan Rininger has been appointed chairman of the newly developed District 10 Oversight Committee, which will oversee planning, organizing and managing critical emergency response activities to natural and man-made disasters in 12 Southern Indiana counties - Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Knox, Martin, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick.
Vanderburgh County Commission President Troy Tornatta was named as second chairman and Warrick County Commissioner Art Noffsinger as third chairman.
Other committee members are the county commission presidents and the mayors of the largest city in each of the 12 counties.
- John Lucas
Source: http://www.courierpress.com/news/2009/aug/02/no-headline---03a03oversight-brf/
… (0 comments)

 
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Rolando Trentini

Evansville, IN

More about me…

F.C.TuckerEmge Realtors, LLC

Address: 7820 Eagle Crest Blvd., Evansville, IN, 47715

Office Phone: (812) 479-0801

Cell Phone: (812) 499-9234

Email Me

About Me The Trentini Team of F.C. Tucker EMGE REALTORS® provides exceptional service to each of their clients as they help them to achieve their real estate goals. With their knowledge, experience and background, both Kathy and Rolando bring one-of-a-kind perspectives to the table during all of their real estate transactions. Their excellent communication skills combined with their passion for real estate allows The Trentini Team to follow through every time with the highest level of service possible. Rolando and Kathy are your premier Evansville and Newburgh, Indiana real estate source. They can help you buy your dream home or sell your current home for the best price possible. To learn more about what The Trentini Team can do you for you, contact us today!


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