CenterPoint Energy’s Budget Bill Customers To Receive Decrease In Bills
UE Athletics Unveils Strategic Plan
“Pathway to Excellence†will be roadmap to success for Purple Aces
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – On Monday, the University of Evansville Athletics Director Dr. Kenneth “Ziggy†Siegfried unveiled the “Pathway to Excellenceâ€, which will serve as the strategic plan for the Purple Aces Athletics Department.
“Anyone who has stepped foot on the University of Evansville campus knows that it is a special place. It was obvious from the moment I first stepped on campus in April of 2022 that the university and athletics department have the potential to do great things,†Siegfried said.  “In my first year as Athletics Director, it was important to analyze every facet of our department in order to orchestrate a comprehensive strategic plan that puts us on the path to success.â€
Teaming up with MRJ Advisors, the department moved forward in an inclusive 6-month process that acquired the feedback from multiple groups including coaches, faculty, staff, students, student-athletes, community members, the AD’s Council, the Board of Trustees Athletics Committee and others. MRJ Advisors is led by UE alumnus and former University of Missouri Athletic Director Mike Alden.
Entitling the plan as the “Pathway to Excellence†was an important and meaningful part of the process. In 2014, the “Jim Byers Pathway to Excellence†was dedicated outside the Carson Center to honor Coach Byers’ decades-long contributions to the Purple Aces. The ability to incorporate a way to honor the past while aiming for the future was just one way that Siegfried is establishing his culture at UE.
“The â€Pathway to Excellence†provides a clear vision of who we are, where we strive to go and how we are going to achieve that success,†Siegfried added. “Goal areas that we highlighted as being most important are Education, Competition, Campus and Community Engagement, Facilities, Enrollment Management and Resources. Clear-cut strategies have been instituted to serve as the blueprint for achieving each goals.â€
Creating a department Vision and Mission Statement set the tone for the project as well as the primary focuses of the department. Five core values were identified and include Integrity, Education, Service, Inclusion, and Excellence. UE Athletics defines its vision as “We will face the future unafraid while positively impacting our student-athletes, our university, our local community, and our Purple Aces around the world.â€
Expanding upon its vision, the Aces have a defined Mission Statement.  “We are dedicated to providing an exceptional student-athlete experience, expecting academic excellence, and creating a championship culture that goes beyond the field of play. As Purple Aces, we assume the responsibility of positively representing the University of Evansville and our community. Steeped in a rich tradition, we honor those who came before us while laying the path for the future. We empower our student-athletes to be courageous leaders by acting bravely in a diverse, ever-changing world.â€
Six primary goal areas were established with specific objectives for each one.
           Goal Area #1 – Education
- Create the preeminent student-athlete model in the Missouri Valley Conference through continued academic excellence, while promoting additional personal and professional development opportunities.
Goal Area #2 – Competition
- Compete and win at the highest levels of collegiate athletics by optimizing the abilities of our student-athletes and coaching staff.
Goal Area #3 – Campus and Community Engagement
- University of Evansville will be an active, recognized and engaged campus and community partner.
Goal Area #4 – Facilities
- Invest in Athletics Facilities and Infrastructure in order to position the University of Evansville Athletics Facilities portfolio to be among the best in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Goal Area #5 – Enrollment Management
- Contribute to campus enrollment management goals.
Goal Area #6 – Resources
- Manage financial resources in a collaborative manner with UE in accordance with identified priorities and grow athletics revenue streams.
“In an ever-changing world, the “Pathway to Excellence†will be a living document that will track our progress and allow for amended strategies and goals,†Siegfried exclaimed. “Everything we do comes down to this – it is the pride of having Evansville across our chest and representing Purple Aces across the world. Our future is extremely bright and this plan sets us up to achieve new heights.â€
Big Wins In Education, Economic Development This Session
Big Wins In Education, Economic Development This Session
 BY State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) represents House District 78
Opportunities to land a great job, start a business, or go to school are what help make Indiana a magnet for growth. During this legislative session, I supported several new policies and investments aimed at attracting more employers, good-paying jobs, and educational opportunities to Southwest Indiana and our state.
Indiana continues to attract new, diverse talent. While neighboring states lost population, Indiana gained over 20,000 new residents from 2020 to 2021, according to the U.S. Census. To continue that growth, our next state budget directs $500 million to the successful Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), which focuses on expanding our workforce and increasing Hoosiers’ quality of life. The Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, which represents Vanderburgh, Warrick, Gibson, and Posey counties, received a $50 million READI award to help support many projects in our region like the Warrick County Sports Center and the Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville. I look forward to seeing continued growth thanks to the state’s renewed investment in this statewide program.
I also joined my fellow lawmakers in strengthening our investment in K-12 education. The Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corp. is projected to receive a 5 percent increase over the biennium, and the Warrick County School Corporation is projected to receive a 7 percent increase.
In higher education, the University of Southern Indiana is projected to receive a 6 percent increase in state funding over the biennium. The Early College Bridge Program, designed to help students earn college credits while still in high school, received $1.2 million to help continue student success. Also, USI received $83 million for renovations and improvements on campus.
Additionally, $16.3 million in new in-state funding for adult education programs will help jump-start the new Evansville Excel Center, giving residents an opportunity to earn their high school diploma. The Center will feature state-of-the-art classrooms, childcare accommodations and transportation to classes scheduled for morning, noon, and night.
Overall, Indiana and our corner of the state had big wins this legislative session that was focused on fueling economic development and educational opportunities. I look forward to using this interim to meet with residents and stakeholders for new ideas to continue to build on this momentum. If you have questions or concerns, I encourage you to reach out to me by calling 317-232-9815 or by emailing h78@iga.in.gov.
Turkey Run State Park Ranked Among Top 10 Parks In The U.S.
New DNR smartphone app available
The upgraded, free smartphone app of the DNR is available now to help you maximize your enjoyment of the outdoor recreation the DNR offers in the Hoosier state.
The app has been completely rebuilt on a new platform for better device compatibility, featuring a new interface, better maps, more content, and the ability to receive notifications.
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Watch fireworks at several Indiana State Parks
Enjoy fireworks at Indiana State Park properties on Saturday, July 1. Fireworks begin around dusk.
- Thunder over Patoka Lake
- Fireworks on Lake James (Pokagon State Park)
- Fireworks at Cecil M. Harden Lake (Raccoon SRA)
- Fireworks at Versailles State Park
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Turkey Run State Park ranked among top 10 parks in the U.S.
Turkey Run State Park was named the seventh best state park in the United States in a list of 15 according to TravelAwaits, a website dedicated to travelers 50 and older.
The site mentions the park’s sandstone gorges, suspension bridge, and Sugar Creek as reasons why Turkey Run stands out.
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Top tips for tackling summer fishing
The best rule of thumb for summer fishing is to fish at dusk and dawn when the temperatures are cool and the UV is less intense. Fish the shallows, as the bigger predatory fish will swim there to eat before the UV index increases.
If you’re fishing during the middle of the day, focus your attention on deeper waters near structures. Fish will swim in the temperature of water most comfortable for them. Try fishing at different depths. Start shallow and increase the depth you’re fishing until you start getting bites.
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Million Tree Initiative exceeds 900,000 mark
Gov. Holcomb, in his 2020 State of the State Address, charged the DNR with planting 1 million trees during the next five years.
Thanks to the efforts of the DNR Division of Forestry and its partners, that once-lofty goal is well within sight. This spring, 253,400 seedlings were planted on DNR properties, bringing the four-year planting total to 964,900.
As the seedlings grow, they create shrub/tree habitat for wildlife species that require early successional habit, the majority of which are in decline, and form a natural carbon storage solution.
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IPLA switches to the reserved hunts program
The Indiana Private Lands Access (IPLA) program has switched to reserved hunts and will no longer be available through the self-service sign-in system. IPLA hunt applications and information can now be found on the reserved hunt webpage.
Properties from various agencies participate in reserved hunts and may have unique restrictions that each hunter must follow.
The upcoming reserved hunt application window spans from July 2—Aug 6. for various species:
- Dove
- Squirrel
- Teal and Early Goose
- Deer: archery
- Deer: primitive muzzleloader (NWR hunts)
- Deer: firearms (NWR & FWA hunts)
- Deer: youth (NWR hunts)
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Photo courtesy of USGS
Help DNR study blotchy bass syndrome
Blotchy bass syndrome (BBS) is the occurrence of black ink-like spots (hyperpigmentation) on the skin, fins, and/or mouths of freshwater bass species.
Researchers once thought that melanosis was caused by sun exposure or stress related to fishing, temperature, or pollution; however, researchers recently discovered that a family of viruses was associated with the black spots in fish that were in poor body condition.
The Division of Fish & Wildlife is partnering with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to collect samples from black bass species to test for BBS and needs your help. DNR encourages anglers to report observations of affected bass when you are fishing, so they and USGS can learn more about the effect of this family of viruses. Â
How to participate:
- Download the MyCatch app from Angler’s Atlas.
- Register for the “Blotchy Bass Bonanza.â€
- Take photos of all the bass you’ve caught (preferably on a measuring board) while fishing and upload them to the MyCatch app.
The Blotchy Bass Bonanza runs from March 1, 2023 —Feb. 29, 2024. The Indiana DNR is not associated with the MyCatch app or the Blotchy Bass Bonanza.
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Indiana State Park Inn summer lodging savings
Stay two nights, and receive 25% off your stay now through Aug. 31, 2023. Valid Sunday through Thursday only. Must stay two consecutive nights. Certain property-specific restrictions may apply.
Reserve today by calling 1.877.LODGES1 or reserve online at IndianaInns.com.
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Natural Resources Foundation funds field trip to Spring Mill State ParkÂ
In May, students from Washington High School spent a day immersed in the natural world at Spring Mill State Park, thanks to funding from the Discover the Outdoors field trip grant program.
Offered in partnership with Indiana State Parks, Discover the Outdoors encourages educators to take students on field trips to an Indiana state park or reservoir. Dedicated staff at each property take time to guide the students through the natural and cultural history of the area they are exploring.
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Next Level Trails celebrates Marquette Greenway opening in Portage
The 0.94-mile asphalt multi-use trail was constructed by the city of Portage with help from a $2.5 million Next Level Trails (NLT) grant. The award was announced in March 2021 as part of the second grant round of NLT. The project included a partnership with the National Parks Service.
Portage’s project closes a major gap in the Marquette Greenway system, a planned 50-mile multi-state trail intended to connect Chicago to New Buffalo, Michigan. Starting at the Ameriplex Business Park, the new trail travels east through Indiana Dunes National Park, over Salt Creek, and connects to the Burns Harbor section of the greenway, a 1.5-mile NLT project completed in June 2021.
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B&O Trail opens, will connect town of Speedway to Indianapolis
The new 1.9-mile asphalt multi-use rail trail was constructed by the Speedway Trails Association (STA) with help from a $4.9 million Next Level Trails (NLT) grant.
The recently completed project extends the existing B&O Trail in Speedway to the east and west. The eastern extension adds 1.7 miles of new trail from Allison Way to Michigan Street in Haughville. The western extension includes a new bridge over Eagle Creek that extends the trail 0.2 miles west to High School Road.
The final connection to downtown Indianapolis will be a 1.0-mile protected bike lane along the improved Michigan Street corridor. The bike lane, which is under construction, is scheduled for completion in early 2024.
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Report turkey broods for DNR this summer
In May, turkey chicks (poults), started to hatch in Indiana. This summer, the DNR needs your help counting turkey broods (hens with poults) and hens without poults. Brood reports have been collected since 1993 to calculate the annual wild turkey production index, which is used to inform biologists about population status and guide wildlife management for the species.
Please share your observations with us online from July 1 – Aug. 31. Recording observations takes less than five minutes, and no password is required.
DNR can’t calculate the production index without you. We appreciate your help.
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Seven teams graduate Indiana Conservation Officer K-9 School
K-9 teams provide conservation officers an essential tool to help stop poaching. In the past 25 years, Indiana K-9 teams have been involved in thousands of such cases.
K-9 teams have also been used to find concealed game and firearms, as well as to find shell casings in road hunting and hunting-with-a-spotlight cases. They are used to find lost hunters as well as poachers who have tried to hide from officers.
Because of their unique abilities, K-9 units are often requested by other state and local law enforcement agencies for help in locating evidence, missing persons, or fleeing felons.
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Christmas in July at Mississinewa and Salamonie lakes
Enjoy campsite decorating, prizes, cornhole tournament, Smokey Bear’s Birthday Bash, bicycle parade, treats, water games, and much more.
July 15, Mississinewa Lake
July 22, Salamonie Lake
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Aquatic Center at Prophetstown State Park
Get your copy of Outdoor Indiana magazine
The July/August issue of Outdoor Indiana magazine features a cover story on DNR’s wide variety swimming spots. Become part of Outdoor Indiana. Subscribe for yourself, a friend or relative.
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The Foundation celebrates and preserves Indiana’s natural legacy by raising funds to support the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and its programs. |
Leadership change for Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning
Indiana Medicaid Director Allison Taylor will be resigning later this summer after serving eight years with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, including six years leading the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning through historic changes and events.
“Allison has led Medicaid through its most transformative time,†FSSA Secretary Dr. Dan Rusyniak said. “The positive impact she has made will benefit Hoosiers for decades to come. We will miss her.â€
Taylor first served as general counsel of FSSA and then became Indiana Medicaid director in 2017. During her tenure, she was also selected among her peers nationwide to serve as president of the National Association of Medicaid Directors.
“Allison served with great distinction as president of the NAMD Board of Directors, elevating states’ best practices and liaising with federal partners,†said Kate McEvoy NAMD executive director.
“The Indiana Medicaid team is unlike any in this nation, moving mountains to serve Hoosiers, and I will enthusiastically work to ensure a smooth and successful transition,†Taylor said. “This work has been the honor of a lifetime.â€
Among the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning’s achievements under Taylor’s leadership:
- Indiana received a first-of-its-kind 10-year renewal for the Healthy Indiana Plan
- A multi-pronged effort was launched to reform long-term services and supports founded on industry-leading Medicare integration
- Telehealth services were expanded for Hoosiers
- A Medicaid provider reimbursement rate matrix was established to ensure a sustainable, predictable reimbursement structure going forward
- Substance use disorder and serious mental illness treatments were expanded and a continuum built for better behavioral care delivery
- Indiana became a national leader in managed care alignment, compliance and oversight
“We focus every day on serving Hoosiers and helping them live their best lives, in fully integrated communities,†Taylor said. “During the pandemic, Medicaid flexed and did what it does best – served individuals and communities in need.â€
The executive director of the National Association of Medicaid Directors commended Taylor’s service.
“Allison served with great distinction as president of the NAMD Board of Directors, elevating states’ best practices and liaising with federal partners,†Kate McEvoy said.
Dr. Rusyniak also announced that Cora Steinmetz will be the next director of Indiana Medicaid. Steinmetz and Taylor will work closely during the weeks ahead to ensure a smooth transition later this summer for employees and all initiatives underway.
“No leader is better positioned to continue this important work than Cora Steinmetz,†Dr. Rusyniak said. “Her knowledge of Medicaid finance, policy and regulation combined with her communication and team management skills will assure that the critical work we are doing seamlessly continues.â€
Steinmetz has been Gov. Holcomb’s senior operations director for health-related state agencies, including FSSA, Department of Child Services and Indiana Department of Health, since 2021. She has been deeply involved in developing policy and strategy and guiding the state’s work related to the Governor’s Public Health Commission, the long-term services and supports reform, the delivery of mental health services and the evolution of early childhood learning services.
“I am deeply grateful for my time in Governor Holcomb’s office and the faith he and Dr. Rusyniak are placing in me as I move into the Medicaid director role,†Steinmetz said. “Over the last two years, I have been fortunate to work side-by-side with the Medicaid team and other agency leaders on a number of key health strategies and initiatives. This has given me a firsthand view of the incredible impact this team has on our state and I look forward to continuing the important work underway.â€
Steinmetz, a licensed attorney, previously worked as a program director for government programs and revenue cycle compliance for Indiana University Health and was an attorney for the Indiana Department of Revenue and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. She is also a board member for Music for All, a national organization focused on music education.
Eagles Announce 2023 Men’s Soccer Schedule
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Soccer announced their 2023 schedule today, including its first Ohio Valley Conference slate of games. The Screaming Eagles open their season at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis on August 24 in Indianapolis, Indiana, while beginning the home calendar August 27 by hosting Mercer University at Strassweg Field.
This fall marks the inaugural season of men’s soccer in the OVC. The OVC announced in March that men’s soccer would become the conference’s 19th-sponsored sport with four full-time members and four affiliated members.
The 2023 USI home schedule is a nine-game schedule that includes a four-match homestand in September. The homestand includes cross-town rival University of Evansville (September 9), Belmont University (September 12), former GLVC-rival Northern Kentucky University (September 19), and the OVC-opener versus Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (September 28).
Prior to the four-match homestand, USI is on the road to play at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (September 1) and Akron University (September 4). The Eagles, following the four-match homestand, travel to play OVC contests at Lindenwood University (October 1), Houston Christian University (October 5), and University of Incarnate Word (October 8).
USI returns to the friendly surroundings of Strassweg Field for three-straight during the middle of October. The Eagles host OVC matches against Chicago State University (October 12), Liberty University (October 15), and Eastern Illinois University (October 19) during the final homestand of the year.
The road schedule concludes with SIUE (October 22) and EIU (October 26) before the Eagles conclude the 2023 regular season with Lindenwood University (October 29).
The OVC Men’s Soccer Championship will take place November 5, 8 and 11 in Edwardsville, Illinois, at SIUE’s Ralph Korte Stadium.
The Eagles finished 2022 with a 2-12-3 record and a 2-5-1 record in the Summit League. USI, which was 1-3-1 against OVC teams last year, would have earned a trip to the Summit post-season tournament had it be eligible in its return to NCAA Division I play last falls.
The Eagles are under the direction of Head Coach Mat Santoro, who enters his 15th season with the program and boasts a career record of 111-108-27.
EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
FOOTNOTE: Â EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
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