Published by The Evansville Courier

Courier editors George and Gil Shanklin had powerful political influence during the last quarter of the 1800s. They led the fight in this region for the renomination of Grover Cleveland. (It is said that in those days, Indiana and Ohio could defeat a man for president.)

In the recent past, The Courier made a case on several issues that might affect the city's growth and well-being. Some campaigns were successful; others were not.

Editorials have increased awareness of the county's infant mortality rate and the need for outreach programs that would connect expectant mothers with needed prenatal care.

The paper called for city officials to investigate the feasibility of building a stadium on the Evansville riverfront rather than remodeling the existing Roberts Stadium. (The Courier has long promoted riverfront and Downtown development.)

Community corrections and a juvenile detention center also have taken the forefront on Courier editorial pages. Editor Tom Tuley chaired an Evansville committee for the preservation of Downtown's Victory Theatre. And The Courier devoted considerable support and editorial space to the approval of riverboat gambling on the Evansville riverfront.

"I feel the newspaper - and Tom Tuley - were greatly responsible for getting legislation passed that allowed the referendum for riverboat gambling in Indiana," said Chuck Leach, Courier editorial page editor. "And after the legislation was passed, we supported the vote for riverboat gambling because we feel it will help our economy. We'll continue to support that issue."