The Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) announced that it will extend operations of its septic waste and fats, oils, and grease (FOG) receiving station at the East Wastewater Treatment Plant until July 1, 2026.

Operations had been set to end January 1.

EWSU has been in active discussion with local septic and FOG haulers since August regarding the planned closure of the receiving station. In recent weeks, many haulers have indicated they need more time to secure and finalize alternative disposal arrangements. The six-month extension provides additional flexibility for haulers while EWSU continues supporting the transition.

“We value the haulers as important partners in protecting public health and the environment,” said Vic Kelson, Executive Director of EWSU. “Our team has been working with them since August, and we’ll continue to do so. This extension gives everyone more time to prepare, while we stay committed to long-term solutions that keep our wastewater system reliable, efficient, and sustainable.”

Support for Septic-Waste Haulers

EWSU’s Board has approved specifications allowing privately owned septic disposal sites to be developed within the EWSU collection system. These privately developed sites will provide long-term capacity once the receiving station closes. EWSU’s Private Development team is available to answer design and permitting questions. Haulers can contact Deputy Director of Compliance Ashley Pike at apike@ewsu.com for assistance.

Support for FOG Haulers

Several private waste-management companies are exploring or advancing plans for new FOG processing facilities. Because these facilities can often be built and operated more cost-effectively by private entities, they may offer the most sustainable long-term solution for the region. EWSU will continue coordinating with haulers and private companies as needed to ensure environmental and operational compatibility.

Commitment to a Steady Transition

EWSU will continue meeting directly with haulers to provide guidance and help ensure readiness ahead of the new July 1, 2026 closure date. The extension will not affect day-to-day sewer service for residents or businesses.

Members of the public seeking more information can visit ewsu.com/about-us/news-community to learn more.

Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry today announced the recipients of the City of Evansville’s 2025 Opioid Settlement Fund allocation, an investment aimed squarely at prevention, treatment, recovery, and support services for residents affected by the opioid epidemic.

A total of 26 organizations submitted applications, requesting more than $4.7 million, for the $1 million available in funding. To review those applications, Mayor Terry convened a committee comprised of:

• Cedalia Ellis, LCSW, MSW
• Lisa Seif, LCSW
• City Councilman Paul Green
• Suzanne Draper, retired CASA Director
• Bonnie Rinks, LCSW

The committee’s work was facilitated by Communications Director Joe Atkinson, who did not vote on recommendations. Committee members recused themselves from reviewing or discussing any proposal from an organization with which they had a direct affiliation.

Using the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health best-practice framework as evaluation criteria, the committee provided funding recommendations to Mayor Terry, who reviewed and finalized the list below.

Earlier tonight, the Evansville City Council approved the appropriation of these funds.

• Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare: $150,000
• YWCA: $150,000
• Problem Solving Courts: $130,000
• Counseling for Change: $123,750
• Youth First/Forefront Therapy: $60,000
• Boys & Girls Club: $58,000
• Parenting Time Center: $55,000
• Evansville Recovery Alliance: $50,000
• Foster Care in the US: $50,000
• Ark Crisis Center: $40,305
• Vanderburgh County Veterans Court: $38,174
• Caleb’s Bridge of Hope: $34,000
• Matthew 25: $27,671
• Southwest Indiana Recovery & Empowerment: $23,100
• Disciples of Christ: $10,000

Taken together, these investments contribute to a full, end-to-end opioid response system for Evansville – one that prevents addiction before it starts, stabilizes people in crisis, supports recovery over the long term, and reduces the downstream costs of incarceration, emergency response, foster care, and homelessness. They do so by hitting seven different criteria from the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health recommendations for Opioid Settlement Fund use:

1. Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder
2. Support for People in Treatment and Recovery
3. Connecting People to Care
4. Harm Reduction
5. Primary Prevention (especially youth)
6. Leadership, Planning, and Coordination
7. Training and Workforce Development

They also reflect Mayor Terry’s continued emphasis on addressing addiction as a public health challenge, and of supporting community-based programs that offer pathways to recovery, all while supporting .

“Addiction has touched every corner of our community, and these dollars must be used in ways that make the greatest impact,” Mayor Terry said. “The organizations recommended for funding are doing vital, front-line work, from treatment, to prevention, to supporting families and children, and this investment will help them expand that work at a time when our community needs it most.”

Following City Council action tonight, the City will finalize award agreements, defining eligible uses and reporting requirements consistent with national opioid settlement guidelines.

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Governor Mike Braun today signed an executive order temporarily waiving hours-of-service regulations for motor carriers and drivers transporting propane gas in Indiana, ensuring Hoosiers have access to critical heating fuel during a period of severe winter weather.

Extraordinarily cold temperatures and heavy snowfall across Indiana and the Midwest have significantly increased demand for propane gas, while supply challenges such as terminal shutdowns, limited product availability, and long wait times have strained delivery systems. The executive order allows propane haulers to exceed standard driving hour limits, enabling faster and more efficient distribution of propane to homes, businesses, schools, and public buildings across the state.

“Thousands of Hoosiers rely on propane to heat their homes and keep essential services running,” said Governor Braun. “This waiver helps remove unnecessary barriers so propane can reach the people who need it most.”

The executive order waives only the hours-of-service requirements under federal and state motor carrier regulations. All other motor carrier safety rules remain fully enforceable. The waiver is effective immediately and will remain in effect through December 20, 2025, unless it is extended or terminated earlier by the Governor.