The victim from yesterdays Lloyd Expressway collision has been identified as
Scott E. Wolfe, age 53, of Evansville. He died at the scene from blunt force injuries sustained in the collision.
Senator Braun’s amendment to protect Second Amendment from “national emergency declaration†gun control
WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Braun offered an amendment to the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act that would prevent President Biden and the Department of Health and Human Services from declaring gun violence a public health emergency for the purpose of instituting gun control measures and infringing on Americans’ Second Amendment rights.
“National and local politicians across the country are always trying to restrict the rights of law-abiding citizens. We need to set into law that no one can declare a national health emergency to seize the power to restrict our Second Amendment rights with the stroke of a pen. I will always stand up for Hoosiers’ rights to protect themselves and their families.†– Senator Mike Braun
President Biden and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, and Senator Alex Padilla have called for gun violence public health emergencies. Â
Senator Braun’s amendment would protect Americans’ right to bear arms from executive branch infringement by affirming that the HHS Secretary does not have the authority to institute gun control by declaring gun violence a public health emergency.Â
Senator Braun’s remarks during the markup meeting of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans saw Big Government flourish and many of our constitutional rights be diminished.Â
More and more, big government wants to turn everything into a national emergency.Â
Recently, the Secretary of Health and Human Services advocated for gun violence to be declared a public health emergency to grant HHS power to restrict Americans’ right to keep and bear arms.Â
The Department of Health and Human Services was never intended to implement gun control of any kind.Â
My amendment would simply prohibit HHS from declaring a public health emergency to implement gun control.Â
 I urge my colleagues to vote yes on my amendment.Â
Â
USI President Rochon included in IBJ Media Indiana 250 list second year in a row
University of Southern Indiana President Ronald S. Rochon, PhD, has been named to the IBJ Media Indiana 250 list for the second year in a row. The list includes 250 of the most influential executives across the state in an array of economic sectors.
In its nomination process, IBJ Media, comprised of Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ), Inside INdiana Business and Indiana Lawyer, looked for individuals statewide who make the biggest differences for Indiana’s economy and Hoosiers overall. Editors and publishers at IBJ, Inside INdiana Business and Indiana Lawyer reviewed nominations, researched Indiana organizations and talked with community members across the state to determine this year’s Indiana 250 class.
“I am deeply honored to be selected by IBJ Media to join this distinguished group for a second year,” says Rochon. “While I am profoundly humbled by this recognition, it belongs to my University community—their unwavering commitment and relentless pursuit of excellence is what propels USI toward greatness. It is a privilege to work alongside these individuals each and every single day.â€
Rochon will be recognized at an exclusive Indiana 250 reception featuring remarks from Brad Chambers, Indiana Commerce Secretary, on Thursday, July 20 at the Salesforce Tower in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“Our 2023 Indiana 250 list is chock full of private- and public-sector leaders who are making big impacts in their communities, in our state and even in our nation,†said IBJ Media CEO Nate Feltman. “We chose these leaders because they are doing inspiring work, and we want to share their stories so others can be inspired, too.â€
IBJ Media published profiles of the honorees in a magazine, available for purchase for $100 at Indiana250.com, which will be distributed with the July 21 issue of IBJ. All subscribers of IBJ, Inside INdiana Business and Indiana Lawyer can access the profiles and additional information online at Indiana250.com.
Van Klohmann named UE Women’s Basketball Director of Operations
Klohmann joins the Purple Aces after four years in Rolla, Mo.
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Head Coach Robyn Scherr-Wells has announced the final addition to her staff for the 2023-24 season with the hiring of Van Klohmann. Klohmann joins Evansville’s staff on 7/20/2023.
“I am thrilled to add Van to our coaching staff!†says Head Coach Robyn Sherr-Wells. “He brings excellent experience to our program having had both operations experience and coaching experience at Missouri S&T. He is a high character person with a fantastic work ethic, and I am excited for him to be a part of advancing Evansville Women’s Basketball forward.
Van will carry a lot of responsibility for daily operations with our program. However, with the new NCAA rule for the number of coaches allowed on the floor, Van will have coaching and scouting responsibilities as well in this newly expanded roleâ€.
Klohmann has spent the past four years at Missouri University of Science and Technology in a variety of roles. Most recently Klohmann spent the past three seasons as an Assistant Coach for the Miners women’s basketball team. As an assistant, Klohmann handled operations tasks for Missouri S&T including scheduling, fundraising, scouting, and budgeting. On the floor, Klohmann helped the Miners’ forwards and centers development and was the team’s defensive coordinator. Klohmann also helped the Miners to their first winning season in a decade in 2022-23, ending the year with a 15-14 record.
“It’s an honor to be a Purple Ace and work with Coach Robyn Scherr-Wells and the Women’s Basketball Program,†says Klohmann. “This is an excellent University, and I am excited to get involved around campus and in the community!â€
Klohmann also spent time as an athletic attendant and an assistant coach with the men’s program while at Missouri S&T. Prior to his time in Rolla, Klohmann was a graduate assistant with the men’s basketball program at NAIA William Woods University and was an assistant coach at NCAA DIII Westminster College.
Kholmann is a 2017 graduate of the University of Missouri with a degree in secondary education. He also earned a master’s degree in athletic administration in 2019 from William Woods University. Klohmann is a St. Louis native.
Watland, Quiggle lead Otters to shutout of Crushers
Evansville, Ind. – Justin Watland pitched seven shutout innings and the Evansville Otters topped the Lake Erie Crushers 11-0 Thursday night at Bosse Field.
A season best crowd of 5,108 watched the Otters hold the Crushers to just two hits. Evansville scored seven runs in the seventh inning, led by a Kona Quiggle grand slam.
Quiggle hit two homers with six RBIs.
Watland proved nearly unhittable Thursday to earn his sixth win of the season. The second year Otter allowed just two hits and one walk while striking out nine Crushers.
He retired 13 straight batters over a four inning stretch.
Evansville led 2-0 before exploding in the seventh inning to put the game away. Dakota Phillips started the inning with a double and scored on a sacrifice fly.
John Dyer added an RBI hit to extend the lead to 4-0.
Quiggle then launched his grand slam over the right field wall. Jomar Reyes capped the inning with a two RBI single.
Noah Myers opened the scoring with a leadoff double in the first and scored on a wild pitch.
Josh Broughton hit a solo home run in the fifth inning in his first game as an Otter.
Quiggle capped his big day with a two-run blast in the eighth. The Evansville center fielder has hit four home runs in the six games since the All-Star Break.
Kevin Davis finished the Evansville pitching performance with a perfect last two innings with four strikeouts.
Davis and Watland combined to retire 24 of the last 25 Crushers’ batters.
Noah Myers extended his hit streak to eleven games. Phillips and Bryan Rosario both totaled two hits.
The Otters continue the homestand opening a weekend series with the Empire State Greys on Friday evening at 6:35 PM CT. Bosse Field will celebrate Deaconess Healthy Evansville Night and Christmas in July presented by the Santa Clothes Club.
UE Men’s Basketball earns NABC academic recognition
Four student-athletes and UE team earn accolades
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – On Thursday, the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) announced the recipients of the 2022-23 NABC Team Academic Excellence Awards and NABC Honors Court, representing outstanding achievement in the classroom by men’s college basketball teams and student-athletes.
The NABC Team Academic Excellence Awards recognize men’s basketball programs that completed the 2022-23 academic year with a team GPA of 3.0 or higher. The NABC Honors Court, meanwhile, includes junior, senior and graduate student men’s basketball players who finished the 2022-23 year with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Completing the 2022-23 academic year with a 3.073 GPA, the Purple Aces earned the NABC Team Academic Excellence Award. Nine players from the squad wrapped up the year with a GPA above a 3.0.
“At the University of Evansville, we take great pride in providing a quality education to all our students. Within our program, we want student athletes who compete in the classroom just like we expect them to compete on the basketball floor,†UE head men’s basketball coach David Ragland said. “Our goal is to win championships on and off the court. In order to win championships, you have to have championship people. Championship people have great habits and push to be the best version of themselves daily in all aspects of life.â€
Four UE student-athletes earned a spot on the NABC Honors Court with Antoine Smith Jr., Kenny Strawbridge Jr., Blaise Beauchamp and Marvin Coleman III earning the recognition.
“We want to congratulate Antoine, Blaise, Kenny and Marvin for their academic accomplishments,†Ragland added. “We are extremely proud of the hard work our student athletes put into the classroom this past year.â€
Discover local products in the Indiana Grown Marketplace at the Indiana State Fair
INDIANAPOLIS (July 20, 2023) — The Indiana State Fair starts Friday, July 28 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center. The multi-week event has plenty of opportunities to discover and shop local products at the Indiana Grown Marketplace in The Mercantile, in the Agriculture/Horticulture building.
“Supporting local has never tasted so good,†said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, who also serves as Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Not only can you support the hardworking Hoosiers by visiting the Indiana Grown Marketplace, but you can also savor the diverse flavors of our state. That is worth the visit!â€
Shoppers can be immersed in a storefront solely featuring products grown, processed, packaged or produced in Indiana with product samples available Friday to Sunday starting at 11 a.m.
Interested in learning more about Indiana Grown businesses and growing practices? In addition to educational displays, Indiana Grown members are eager to speak with visitors and hold demonstrations to showcase their craft.
The 2023 Indiana Grown Marketplace will be the largest yet, with nearly 100Â vendors and over 600 unique products, including hand-crafted sauces, salsas, drink mixes, popcorn, spices and more. Shoppers can also find ready-to-eat products like cured meats, chocolates and candies.
Does the August heat have you down? Stop at the Indiana Grown store for cold kombucha, milk, collagen water, or bottled tea. There are also a variety of artisan-made products you can use daily such as wool dryer balls, yarn, skincare regimens, hand-poured candles and more.
Fairgoers have been asking for Indiana Grown apparel for a while, so we are excited to partner with the United States of Indiana, a local Indianapolis apparel company to make that a reality! You can find Indiana Grown t-shirts, sweatshirts, and market totes available for purchase in the Indiana Grown Marketplace.
“The Indiana Grown Marketplace at the Indiana State Fair is an excellent opportunity for our members to promote their products while allowing consumers the chance to actively support local Hoosier businesses,†said Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “I hope you will join me at the Indiana Grown Marketplace where we can indulge in the best local products found in our state.â€
Indiana Grown is excited to welcome you to shop and explore at the Indiana Grown Marketplace at the Indiana State Fair. The Indiana State Fair runs until Sunday, Aug. 20 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays), and The Mercantile, where the Indiana Grown Marketplace is located, is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Mercantile is located to the right of the Midway.
Vincennes University Aviation Technology Center to host Aviation Community Day
WHO: The community, Vincennes University, and Purdue Polytechnic Indianapolis
WHAT: Aviation Community Day
WHEN:Â Saturday, July 22, 2023. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (ET).
WHERE: Vincennes University Aviation Technology Center; 2175 S. Hoffman Road; Indianapolis, IN 46241
DETAILS: VU and Purdue Polytechnic Indianapolis are collaborating to host this free, family-friendly event. Aspiring aviators will see their future in aviation by climbing aboard airplanes, taking a photo in a cockpit, piloting a flight simulator, meeting with aviation professionals, and touring VU’s Aviation Technology Center. They can also learn about the VU and Purdue 2+2 bachelor’s degree program. Rides on the Boilermaker Special are also offered. Media should contact Jason Napier to set up interviews. More information about the event and the ATC.
Indiana Arts Commission Announces Five Indiana Communities as Part of Pilot Program “Creative Convergenceâ€Â
(INDIANAPOLIS)Â Today, the Indiana Arts Commission announced it has awarded five Indiana communities with early action grants to implement creative community development projects designed to enhance quality of life and grow local economies. Bedford, Dillsboro, Monticello, Valparaiso, and Warsaw are receiving grant funding through phase two of the pilot program Creative Convergence, which was offered this spring in partnership with the Indiana Communities Institute at Ball State University.
The Creative Convergence pilot is an outgrowth of a research study released by ICI in 2022. “Planning with Arts & Culture†examined how Indiana municipalities were utilizing local arts and culture in their community and economic strategies. Key amongst the findings was the expressed need for support in identifying and leveraging the creative sector to improve quality of life for all.
In phase one, participating community teams composed of government, economic development, and creative sector representatives attended a two-day training delivered by Indiana Communities Institute focused on topics such as understanding the positive impacts of arts and creativity on communities, quality of place as a talent attraction and retention tool, local economy diversification, community asset and needs identification, and community engagement.
The Indiana Communities Institute (ICI) brings together top research and outreach activities to assist communities as they strive to improve life experiences for residents, businesses, and visitors.
 “The involvement of the Indiana Communities Institute was critical to the Creative Convergence pilot.†said Miah Michaelsen, Executive Director of the IAC. “The ICI is recognized statewide for the quality of their community and economic development training programs, and their partnership was invaluable in ensuring that both the creative sector and Indiana communities had access to the latest in quality of life and local economies research.â€
“The Indiana Communities Institute has long advocated for place-based, people-focused investments to ensure stronger and more sustainable communities,†said Brian Blackford, Director of Program Development and Training for the ICI. “We are excited to continue working with the Indiana Arts Commission to further explore the impact that arts and culture can have in all areas of the state.â€
As a result of the pilot training and grant funding, the five communities will gain experience in how to embed arts and creativity in community and economic planning and development, how to work collaboratively across sectors, and how to effectively engage their community in addressing an identified need or opportunity through an intervention focused in creativity.
The five pilot Creative Convergence communities and their projects are as follows:
Bedford will address a lack of opportunity to experience visual arts in their community by repurposing Little Free Libraries as little free art galleries and installing a permanent public art exhibit case downtown. They will also offer creative programming in the community to cultivate and deepen interest in the arts.
Dillsboro strives to create a vibrant and active town center through Dillsboro Arts, which will renovate an underutilized area in a current facility to become the multipurpose Dillsboro Arts Creator Space. The space will then be filled with a robust schedule of learning experiences and public performances in all arts disciplines.
Monticello, through its Monticello Arts Beat, will create an artistic gateway designed to be welcoming and inclusive to residents and visitors and serve as first in a series of wayfinding arts installations around the community.
Valparaiso will be working with the Valparaiso Creative Council (VCC) to launch an artist needs assessment through a series of focus groups to ensure the direct needs of artists are being met by projects of the City and VCC. The VCC will utilize this information to conduct a follow-up project to support them.
Warsaw, through its Warsaw Public Arts Commission (WPAC), will engage in a project to communicate the economic and community value and impact of the arts and creativity in Warsaw through an education and awareness campaign. The WPAC will leverage this project to encourage additional investments and creative output in the community.
At the end of the pilot period, the IAC and Indiana Communities Institute will assess community outcomes for a planned formal rollout of the program in 2024.