For starters the only coverage I could find leading into the storm was on WFIE 14.  This would be fine, except for the fact that their studio was struck by lightning, which caused their audio to cut out every few seconds.  FOX wasn’t covering the severe weather, other than a ticker at the bottom of the screen.  My preference, Wayne Hart, couldn’t be found until the storm actually hit and the sirens sounded.

Once I found Wayne Hart, it looked like his budget had been cut so much that he could barely be seen on the TV, the quality was just awful.  Was it just me or did it look like a cardboard cut out standing in front of an 80′s console TV?

We need more choices in Evansville for severe weather coverage.  The door is open, someone please stand up.

P.S. WFIE 14, please, oh please change your graphic and depiction of windshear, it looked like the map was covered in blood.  Not the nicest way to communicate when people are freaked out over severe weather in Evansville.

The Perks

First off and probably most important, the program is designed to save you money every month.  Not only will you receive a discount from Vectren for enrolling, you will also save money from the lower use of power running your A/C.

Remote Turn Off

When you sign up for the Vectren Summer Cycler, a local heating and air company will come out and install a device on your air conditioner.  This device will be remotely controlled by Vectren and shut power off to the A/C for 12-13 minutes every half hour during the peak hours of the day.

The Downside

In the really hot summer months, 12-13 minutes of no A/C can make a big difference in the temperature of your house.  Newer well insulated homes might not tell a difference, but older homes without proper insulation can heat up very quickly.  In only a matter of minutes the temperature in your house can raise from 75 to 90 degrees.

Although the program is aimed at saving on utility bills, many individuals feel that it’s just another way for Vectren to control their own expenses.  Vectren claims that there are 20-30 thousand homes that already participate in the Summer Cycler program and as many as 30 people sign up everyday to have the remote switch installed.

Personal Experience

I participate in the Vectren Summer Cycler with no ill effects.  People against the program claim that it’s like Vectren controlling your thermostat, but my house always remains the temperature I set it at, which is a cool 72-73 degrees.  I’ve never noticed my A/C not kicking on when I want it to, but my unit is newer and my house is well insulated.

The total savings I receive every month from Vectren, not including actual energy savings, is a credit for $5.00.  It may not seem like much, but the actual energy consumption being lowered and credit over the summer adds up.  Of course as soon as my family starts being uncomfortable, I will be discontinuing use.

What’s your experience in Evansville for the Vectren Summer Cycler Program?  Does anyone have any reviews to share?

Since then there have been 2 others mention the stench that seems to be moving all over the city.  Of course there hasn’t been an official response or comment in the media, Hoyt of Channel 14 WFIE made an observation.

Likely farming. We did a story out of Gibson Co. about using turkey litter which has strong smell when it gets wet and warmer.

So, if you are outside today and wondering what’s crawling up your nose, it’s probably fertilizer.  The warmer temperatures bring out more than greenery and wild life, it also brings out the squiggly stink lines.

*Update

According to Jeff Lyons we are experiencing a weather condition called Inversion.  This conditions normally causes conditions for smog, but in our case can intensify the stench of the city dump and fertilizers being used on nearby farms.

Also, added this to the weather category.

Without question, I know the cold animals appreciated the fresh bread.

I hope that I can film more events and locations in Evansville, as time allows. If you have any recommendations or things you would like to see, please let me know.

I did enjoy the fact that I only had to brush the snow off my windows this morning, instead of scraping and chipping at 1″ of ice like last January.  That’s right, remember the January 09 snow storm?  This wasn’t a storm, this was a light dusting of sprinkly goodness.

Hard to believe that the storm moving through last night was supposed to surpass the nastiness we had in December of 04, at least here in Evansville.  Perhaps we should be thanking our lucky stars we aren’t further north.  Now it’s time to just hunker down and prepare for the bitter cold. brrrr

For those looking to make snowmen, I wouldn’t get your hopes up, but snow angels should be possible.  According to our local meteorologists it will amount to white dust, which will most likely be blowing in my eyes tomorrow on my way to work.

At any rate, Happy New Year to Evansville, Indiana!  I look forward to developing some reviews, commentary, and meeting those of you in the community.  Let me know if you are working on something you’d like a little more exposure on, especially if it’s a good cause.

-Introduction of the USI Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams for 09-10 @ 5:30 PM

-Parade at 6:00 PM

-First round of the Amateur Talent Contest.

I plan on attending a few times throughout the week at lunch time, mainly for the pork chop sandwiches.  Brain Sandwiches and other exotic foods don’t really appeal to me, but the atmosphere, good food, and cool weather will bring me out.

For official news and information visit the official website at Evansville West Side Nut Club Fall Festival.  See you there!

I’ve had a season pass my entire life and have spent every summer there during the busiest and hottest times. This summer was no exception. I took my daughter almost every week, usually through the week but we did brave a few Saturdays. Holiday World will once again welcome more than a million visitors this year and are on track to set a new attendance record sometime in the next few weeks. However, as the cold weather slowly comes in and their seasons end approaches, for me, the best memories are made. We can ride any ride, over and over again. We can pose in all the “touristy” spots for dozens of pictures. We can be kids and take our time to enjoy the food, weather, entertainment and fun without the stress of crowds and lines.

We are planning on attending on the last day for Splashin’ Safari this weekend and then later on the last day for Holiday World to be open. Hopefully the weather will become even more fall-like. We will say good-bye to the last of our summer traditions until the next year by screaming our heads off on the Voyage, posing one more time by the Santa statue, clapping along to one last show all while hopefully wearing a hoodie.

I guess the good news is that there is a storm front moving in the size of Missouri and it’s all red on my radar.  Of course I’m being sarcastic and I’m pulling my hair out ready to be done with all this rain.  Come on, at least give me 2 days in a row where I don’t have to worry about my gutters or flooding.

If I wouldn’t have mowed in the rain last Saturday it would have probably been another week before I will get the chance.  Give us a break mother nature, give us some sun, make the storms go away!