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Governor ceremonially signs McNamara’s bill to train truckers to spot human trafficking into law

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Governor ceremonially signs McNamara’s bill to train truckers to spot human trafficking into law

JUNE 2, 2023

STATEHOUSE (June 1, 2023) – Recently, Gov. Eric Holcomb ceremonially signed into law State Rep. Wendy McNamara’s (R-Evansville) legislation to train Indiana’s new truckers and bus drivers on how to spot and report human trafficking.

According to McNamara, chair of the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee, truck drivers are in a unique position to easily spot signs and victims of human trafficking due to their proximity to remote areas like truck stops and their frequent use of major roadways, which are often used to transport victims. McNamara said she authored House Enrolled Act 1196 to ensure new truck drivers are trained on how to recognize, report and prevent human trafficking on Hoosier roads.

“As the Crossroads of America, Indiana has a special responsibility to ensure our roadways and traffic stops aren’t safe havens for traffickers and other criminals,” McNamara said. “Sex trafficking often occurs at rest areas and truck stops due to their remote nature, and truck drivers could quickly alert police if they know the warning signs. I’m proud to roll out this new initiative with our partners in the trucking industry to ensure more drivers are informed and trained on reporting suspicious activity, which could ultimately help save lives and put criminals behind bars.”

HEA 1196 requires any Hoosier pursuing their commercial driver’s license through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, including truck and bus drivers, to watch a video on how to recognize signs of human trafficking and how to report it to the proper authorities. Truckers Against Trafficking, an organization which spoke in favor of the bill, currently uses a training video to inform drivers about this topic.

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, there were 500 tips reported to the Human Trafficking Hotline, with over 41% of the cases reported by truckers involving minors over the last five years. McNamara said young runaways and homeless children are particularly at risk of being sexually exploited by traffickers using major roads to transport victims.

McNamara said there are often red flags that can help identify a potential victim, like if the person has no or very little personal possessions, no identifying documents like a driver’s license, and their communication is restricted or controlled. To report a suspected underage human trafficking victim, contact the Indiana Department of Child Services at 1-800-800-5556 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. While it is advised to never approach a trafficker, if able to approach a potential victim, ask if they need help. If they respond yes, immediately call the police.

Indiana now joins 12 other states with similar laws on the books, including Ohio, Wisconsin and Illinois. The National Truckers Association and the Indiana Motor Truck Associations worked with McNamara to craft the legislation.

To learn more about new state laws, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2023-bill-watch/.

 

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and Dept. of Agriculture welcome AgriVision award nominations

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INDIANAPOLIS (May 31, 2023) — Nominations are now being accepted for the 2023 AgriVision Award, the highest agricultural honor presented by the State of Indiana. This award, now in its 17th year, was established by the Lt. Governor and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to recognize Indiana’s agricultural leaders who are ensuring Indiana is, and remains, a global center for food and agricultural innovation and commercialization.

The AgriVision Award is open to any Indiana resident and all sectors of the agriculture industry—from bioenergy to livestock to biosciences. Any person or organization may submit a nomination through July 1, 2023.

“It is my honor to serve as Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and to work alongside some of the best and brightest leaders in the state,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “This award is a way to recognize those who are ensuring agriculture continues to be a driving force in our state.”

Previous AgriVision Award winners have included individuals who have made significant contributions to the agriculture industry, whether it’s developing a new technology, managing an agribusiness or organization, or working to address a global issue.

“Indiana is a supercenter for agricultural production thanks to leaders across the state,” said Don Lamb, director of the State Department of Agriculture. “I look forward to honoring this year’s award recipients for their leadership and commitment in August.”

Award nominations will be accepted beginning June 1 and close on July 1. To nominate an individual, you must complete a form found on the ISDA website and email it to the department. Once a winner has been selected, the award will be presented by Lt. Gov. Crouch and ISDA Director Lamb during the Celebration of Agriculture at the 2023 Indiana State Fair.

Previous AgriVision Award winners include:

  • Gary Truitt and Dr. Karen Plaut (2022)
  • Doug Leman and Dr. Robert Waltz (2021)
  • Garwood Orchards and MPS Egg Farms (2020)
  • Stan Poe family and Terry L. Tucker (2019)
  • Jerry Seger family and Tim and Jim Craig (2018)
  • Beth Bechdol and Dr. Jay Akridge (2017)
  • Dr. Bret Marsh and John Hardin (2016)
  • Don Orr and Don Villwock (2015)
  • Adam Moody (2014)
  • Norman McCowan (2013)
  • Kip Tom (2012)
  • Vic Lechtenberg (2011)
  • JoAnn Brouillette (2010)
  • Brian Reichert and John Swisher (2009)
  • Charles “Shorty” Whittington (2008)
  • Lawrence “Sonny” Beck (2007)

Otters barrage of hits wins series over Windy City

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Evansville, Ind. – The Evansville Otters had a hit from every member of the lineup on their way to a 9-4 win over Windy City to clinch the midweek series over the ThunderBolts.

The Otters totaled 11 hits, including six extra base-hits to overwhelm the ThunderBolts in the rubber match of the three game series from Bosse Field.

The fourth inning keyed the Otters victory. Jacob Olson led off with a double. Justin Felix followed with a bloop base hit and Kelvin Melean recorded his fourth RBI of the week on a base hit to score Olson.

Ethan Skender’s sacrifice fly scored the innings’ second run before Dakota Phillips capped the big inning with an RBI double off the right field wall. The three run inning extended the Otters lead to six.

Windy City cut into the lead with three runs in the third and one in the sixth.

Noah Myers removed any drama in the eighth with a two run blast over the right field wall. The home run capped a two home run, 7 RBI series for the Otters’ left fielder.

On the mound, Zach Smith earned his third win of the season. He held the ThunderBolts scoreless through the first four innings before the three run fifth. Smith totaled three strikeouts. He holds a 1.44 ERA, the 7th best among qualifying pitchers in the Frontier League.

Jon Beymer provided the bulk of relief for the Otters’ bullpen. He allowed just one base runner in two innings of work. The righty from Hopkinsville, Kentucky has not allowed a run in his last 9.2 innings pitched.

The Otters scored first for the 16th consecutive game on Thursday. In the second, Kona Quiggle hit a triple off the right field and Omar Reyes brought him home with a double to center.

Two more came across in the third with an Skender single, Dakota Phillips double and Jeffrey Baez triple.

Skender extended his hit streak to nine games, while Quiggle and Phillips have both reached base in 15 consecutive games.

The Otters have won four of their last five series and improve to 12-6 on the season.

Evansville hits the road for a quick three game trip to Joliet. The Otters face the Slammers in Chicagoland with a 6:35 PM CT first pitch Friday evening.

IDOH GRANT SUPPORTS PROGRAMS TO HELP PREVENT, AND CURE HEPATITIS C

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UE Guarantees $25,000 Scholarship for Tell City Early College High School Participants

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ue building
ue building

EVANSVILLE, IND. (06/01/2023) The University of Evansville (UE) has announced a partnership with Tell City Jr.-Sr. High School that will provide students enrolled in the early college high school program with a jumpstart on their post-secondary education.

Through the partnership with Tell City’s Early College High School Program, students who successfully complete this program and who are admitted to UE will be offered a minimum of $25,000 in annual scholarships.

“Education is the key to unlocking a world of opportunities. The partnership between the University of Evansville and Tell City High School serves as a bridge to success, empowering students to strive toward a bright future,” said Kenton Hargis, senior director of admission at UE. “Together, we are looking forward to nurturing these students’ potential and watching them soar.”

The partnership is slated to begin this fall, and the scholarships will be available to students graduating in spring 2024.

“The benefits of this partnership extend beyond financial support,” said Lisa Noble, director of school counseling at Tell City Jr.-Sr. High School. “This partnership can become a catalyst for positive change, inspiring generations to pursue higher education, enhancing local talent pools, and nurturing an environment of growth, innovation, and progress.”

he Evansville Otters fell to the Windy City Thunderbolts

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Evansville, Ind. – The Evansville Otters fell to the Windy City Thunderbolts in an eleventh-inning sudden-death tiebreaker 5-4 Wednesday night at Bosse Field.

In the second year of the new Frontier League extra innings rule, the Otters elected to pitch for three outs to try to win the game. The ThunderBolts started with a runner at first per the rules. A ThunderBolts base hit put runners on first and third with nobody out. The Otters would get a groundout and strikeout while intentionally walking a batter to lead to a winner-take-all at-bat.

With two outs and the bases loaded, Junior Martina lined a base hit up the middle to get the unique walk-off road win at Bosse Field.

Wednesday’s game was a back-and-forth affair before the sudden death tiebreaker. The Otters tied it in the eighth on a Justin Felix two out base hit.

The walk-off run reached scoring position in the bottom of the ninth but the Otters could not bring him home.

Bryan Rosario was a force on the basepaths again Wednesday with four stolen bases, tied for second most in a game in franchise history. He’s stolen 7 bases in the series and leads the Frontier League with 20 stolen bases.

The Otters scored first for the 15th consecutive game with two runs in the first inning. Jeffrey Baez had the key double in the opening frame. Kelvin Melean added another run in the fourth on a RBI knock.

Windy City would fight back with one run apiece in the fifth and sixth before taking the lead with two runs in the seventh.

Otters’ starter Justin Watland was an out shy of a quality outing. The righty threw five and two-thirds allowing just four hits and one earned run.

Jake Polancic worked around a runner in scoring position in the ninth and the tenth inning placed runner to give Evansville two chances to walk off.

Noah Myers led the Otters at the plate with two hits. The loss ends the Otters seven-game home winning streak.

Evansville faces Windy City on Thursday evening for a rubber match at Bosse Field. Thursday is YMCA night and Budweiser Thirsty Thursday is with discounted drafts and domestic cans. The first pitch is slated for 6:35 PM CT.

All Otters games this season are televised on FloSports with audio-only coverage available for free on the Evansville Otters YouTube page.

The Evansville Otters are the 2006 and 2016 Frontier League champions.

The Otters play all home games at historic Bosse Field, located at 23 Don Mattingly Way in Evansville, Ind. Stay up-to-date with the Evansville Otters by visiting evansvilleotters.com, or follow the Otters on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

IDEM issues Air Quality Action Day tomorrow for all Indiana regions

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INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) and is forecasting high ozone levels for tomorrow, June 2, 2023 in the following regions:

  • Central Indiana – Marion, Bartholomew, Boone, Delaware, Hamilton, Hendricks, Howard, Madison, Monroe, Shelby
  • East Central Indiana –  Wayne, Randolph, Fayette
  • North Central Indiana – St. Joseph, Elkhart
  • Northeast Indiana – Allen, Huntington, Wabash
  • Northwest Indiana – Lake, Porter, LaPorte
  • Southeast Indiana – Clark, Floyd
  • Southwest Indiana – Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, Warrick
  • West Central Indiana – Vigo, Carroll, Tippecanoe

IDEM is expecting higher temperatures, minimal cloud cover and conditions conducive for ozone development.

Note: IDEM’s AQAD forecast is based on data from ozone air quality monitors located throughout the state. IDEM encourages residents of counties within or bordering the AQAD region(s) to heed the forecast. Air quality information for all Indiana counties can be found at SmogWatch.IN.gov.

IDEM encourages everyone to help reduce ozone by making changes to daily habits. You can:

  • Drive less: carpool, use public transportation, walk, bike, or work from home when possible
  • Combine errands into one trip
  • Avoid refueling your vehicle or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until after 7 p.m.
  • Keep your engine tuned, and don’t let your engine idle (e.g., at a bank or restaurant drive-thru)
  • Conserve energy by turning off lights and setting the thermostat to 75 degrees or above

Air Quality Action Days are in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. on the specified date. Anyone sensitive to changes in air quality may be affected when ozone levels are high. Children, the elderly, and anyone with heart or lung conditions should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors.

Ground-level ozone is formed when sunlight and hot weather combine with vehicle exhaust, factory emissions, and gasoline vapors. Ozone in the upper atmosphere blocks ultraviolet radiation, but ozone near the ground is a lung irritant that can cause coughing and breathing difficulties for sensitive populations.

IDEM examines weather patterns and current ozone readings to make daily air quality forecasts. Air Quality Action Days generally occur when weather conditions such as light winds, hot and dry air, stagnant conditions, and lower atmospheric inversions trap pollutants close to the ground.

EVSC Foundation to Host EVSC Alumni Night at the Otters

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EVSC Foundation to Host EVSC Alumni Night at the Otters

MAY open to all EVSC Alumni and their families

EVANSVILLE, IN – On Friday, Jun 16, EVSC Foundation will host an evening at the Otters for all EVSC alumni and their families. This event will be a way to connect, or reconnect, with other EVSC alumni in our area and learn about current opportunities to make a difference in our community by helping current students and educators succeed. Join EVSC Foundation as we celebrate our exceptional alumni community.

The event will be held at Bosse Field during an Otters game versus the Gateway Grizzlies. Tickets are $10 per person and include game entry, meals, non-alcoholic beverages, and seating at a private area behind the center field with party deck viewing for the game. A cash bar will be available. Stay after the game to enjoy the well-loved fireworks display that makes seeing a game at Bosse Field so special. 

Buy your tickets and put on your favorite EVSC high school gear to help us cheer on our own Evansville Otters! Stay after the game to enjoy the well-loved fireworks display that makes seeing a game at Bosse Field so special. Tickets must be purchased in advance by June 9. To purchase tickets, visit evscfoundation.org or visit the EVSC Foundation Facebook page and find the event created for this event. For more information to help with purchasing your tickets, contact Emily Wilderman, Director of Development at emily@evscfoundation.org or 812-474-4119.

EVSC Foundation supports EVSC schools and programs by obtaining private funding and disbursing those funds to cover costs beyond the reach of district funding. The EVSC Foundation partners with EVSC to transform the community by leveraging community partnerships and resources to support world-class educational experiences that empower all students to thrive. The EVSC Foundation is home to over 100 programs supporting public education educators and students in Evansville, including Hangers. To learn more about ways to partner with the EVSC Foundation to make a difference in our students’ lives, visit www.evscfoundation.org or contact the Foundation at info@evscfoundation.org. 

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Otters announce continuation of Jacob’s Village partnership

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Evansville Otters and Jacob’s Village are excited to announce the continuation of their 18-year partnership, highlighted by the Evansville Otters game on Thursday, June 29 at 6:35 p.m. against the Gateway Grizzlies.

“We would like to invite all of the Evansville community to come out Thursday, June 29 to enjoy exciting Otters baseball, postgame fireworks, and to support a great cause,” Jacob’s Village Development

Director Laura Hurt said. “It’s always a really fun night!” “It’s been a wonderful partnership with the Evansville Otters, and over our 18-year history, we have raised over $230,000 to support people with disabilities.”

The mission of Jacob’s Village is to develop a safe, walk-able neighborhood community where people with disabilities and older adults can find meaningful relationships, housing that is affordable and accessible, and activities that encourage active minds and bodies.

“This will be a fun, family-friendly game. We invite the community to come out on Thursday, June 29 to enjoy exciting Otters baseball, fireworks, door prizes, Thirsty Thursday, a half-pot drawing, live DJ, and more!” Hurt added.

“The Otters are excited to continue this 18-year partnership,” Otters General Manager Travis Painter said. “It is always a wonderful event and it is great to have the Jacob’s Village residents at the ballpark.”

$5 general admission tickets for this year’s game may be purchased at all G.D. Ritzy’s locations, Bosse Field and Jacob’s Village beginning Thursday. The Bosse Field box office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit their website at www.jacobsvillage.org.

COVID-19 put some Hoosier students more behind than others, study says

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By Xain Ballenger, TheStatehouseFile.com

Hoosiers can now get a “comprehensive” look at how the pandemic unequally affected students’ learning.

Harvard University and Stanford University released 12 state reports earlier this month, detailing their examination of education and learning loss.

According to the Harvard Center for Education policy research, the Education Recovery Scorecard compares learning loss at schools across the country. Learning loss is the loss of knowledge due to extended breaks or gaps in a student’s education, like summer break.

The research from Harvard and Stanford showed that third through eighth grade public school students lost about half a year of learning in math and a quarter of a year in reading. This means that in spring 2022, Indiana students were about six months behind the same grade in Spring 2019. 

“It’s not readily visible to parents when their children have fallen behind earlier cohorts, but the data from 7,800 school districts show clearly that this is the case,” Sean Reardon, a professor of poverty and inequality at Stanford Graduate School, said in a press release.

“The educational impacts of the pandemic were not only historically large, but were disproportionately visited on communities with many low-income and minority students. Our research shows that schools were far from the only cause of decreased learning—the pandemic affected children through many ways—but they are the institution best suited to remedy the unequal impacts of the pandemic.”

An Interactive Map on the Education Recovery Scorecard website highlights data for certain school districts. 

According to the map, the District of Carmel Clay Schools in Hamilton County experienced roughly three months of math learning loss and four months of reading learning loss. Compared to the Carmel Clay schools, the Indianapolis Public School District experienced over double the loss in math, at eight months, and five months of reading learning loss. 

Students in the Monroe Counties Richland-Bean Blossom Community School lost almost a full year in math and over seven months of learning loss in reading. Although students attending the bordering  Monroe County Community Schools did experience learning loss, it was less than the Richland-Bean Blossom Community School, coming out to about four months for math and less than that in reading.

In St. Joseph County, two school districts posted starkly different impacts of the pandemic.

South Bend Community School students lost nearly 12 months in math and over a school year for reading learning loss. However, in Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation—which borders South Bend— students lost just over three months in math learning and less than four months in reading learning.

Other studies have also indicated a decline in learning among Hoosier students.

In 2020, The Statehouse File reported that only 37% of Hoosier students passed the ILEARN exam, whereas during the 2018-2019 school year, Federal School Accountability Ratings showed that 56% of high schools and 53% of elementary schools met or exceeded the state standards.

However, recent statistics show students may be recovering their reading skills. In 2022 81.6% of students were considered to be proficient in reading. In 2021, the percentage was 81.2%, and before COVID, in the 2018-2019 school year, the percentage was 87.3%. 

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