Terry Becker’s Visitation Will Begin Today Between 10:00 AM To 11:30 AM At First Presbyterian Church
Terry Becker’s Visitation Will Begin Today Between 10:00 AM To 11:30 AM At First Presbyterian Church
A visitation will occur on Saturday, September 2, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at First Presbyterian Church, 609 Southeast Second Street, Evansville, Indiana. A funeral service will occur on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 12:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 609 Southeast Second Street, Evansville, Indiana. A final resting place will occur on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Sunset Memorial Park, 1800 St. George Road, Evansville, Indiana 47711
OBITUARY OF TERRY RECKER
Terry Becker passed away, surrounded by his loving family and friends, on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, after a tragic bicycle accident. Everyone who knew Terry had a special bond with him. That tall, affable, talented, smiling, huggable structure of a man cared deeply for his spouse, friends, and family as well as his students, ensemble members, cast members, audiences, and colleagues; all of whom admired his sweet tenor voice and musicianship. Terry excelled in many civic and artistic endeavors bringing joy and class to our community; these include Civic Theatre, Dick Hyatt’s Musicians Club Chorus, Weak End Players, EVSC/PEF Summer Musicals, Encore Dinner Theatre, The Really Big Show, Under the Beams, and any number of local high school musicals. Terry was a brother, leader, cherished friend, and empathetic mentor to all who shared time with him. As one former student put it, “I don’t know what to say other than he was amazing. He was someone who found ways to help us find our voices, both literally and figuratively.â€
About the special, unimpeachable, and ever-lasting love Terry shared with Andy, we can only say how happy we were to have basked in the love and affection they shared, and how bereft we are at Andy’s loss at this tragic moment.
Terry was born in 1948, son of Arnold E. and Bettye Marie (Pruitt) Becker. He was a 1966 graduate of Reitz High School and held a BA from Hanover College and an MA from the University of Evansville. From 1973 to 2012, he taught vocal music and directed fine and performing arts at Thompkins Middle School, North High School, and Signature School, and was director and assistant director of the EVSC All City Choir multiple times.
Terry’s extraordinary keyboard skills made him a highly sought-after pianist and organist in the Tri-State. He directed nearly 50 productions at Thompkins, North High School, and Signature School as well as music director or performer in 18 Civic Theatre productions. Additional community and professional productions include working with the University of Evansville, Reitz High School, Studio 3 Performing Arts, Brundibar, New Harmony Theater, and the 2023 musical Annie in Mt. Vernon.
Terry is survived by Andy Herbertz, his beloved spouse; Bettye Marie Becker, his mother; and by siblings, Stephen Becker (Elaine), Rex Becker (Karen), Sheila Sermersheim; and seven nieces and nephews, and many loving cousins.
Biden Labor Department moves to expand overtime pay for millions
Biden Labor Department moves to expand overtime pay for millions
Workers making less than about $55,000 annually would be automatically entitled to time-and-a-half pay under DOL’s proposal
The move by the Department of Labor comes more than eight years after the Obama administration embarked upon a similar effort to boost wages by rewriting overtime eligibility rules under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Workers making less than about $55,000 annually would be automatically entitled to time-and-a-half pay under DOL’s proposal, up from $35,568 set in 2019 under former President Donald Trump. The Obama-era plan initially proposed setting a $50,440 floor before settling on $47,476 annually — though a federal judge in Texas blocked the rulefrom taking effect.
“For over 80 years, a cornerstone of workers’ rights in this country is the right to a 40-hour workweek, the promise that you get to go home after 40 hours or you get higher pay for each extra hour that you spend laboring away from your loved ones,†acting Labor Secretary Julie Su said in a release. “Workers deserve to continue to share in the economic prosperity of Bidenomics.â€
Under the FLSA, employers must show that a worker is salaried, makes at least a certain amount of money and works in a “bona fide executive, administrative or professional capacity,†in order to be exempt from hourly overtime requirements.
The Biden proposal, if finalized, will likely face similar legal arguments to the ones presented against the Obama overtime rule. In that case, Judge Amos Mazzant ruled that DOL exceeded its authority by raising the salary threshold so drastically that it “effectively eliminates†the third part of that test.
Employer groups, whose members would likely see increased labor costs as a result of DOL’s proposed policy, quickly lined up in opposition.
“Massive increases in labor costs like this simply cannot be absorbed by businesses,†the Partnership to Protect Workplace Opportunity said in a statement. “It will reduce opportunities, especially for recent graduates and younger professionals hoping to begin their careers.â€
DOL’s proposal also includes a mechanism to update the salary threshold every three years by linking it to the 35th percentile of income. The 2016 proposal was tied to the 40th percentile, which the department said at the time echoed the level when the overtime standard was first enacted under President Franklin Roosevelt.
It would also undo a change made in the 2019 rule that set a separate salary level for the U.S. territories of the Virgin Islands, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Biden’s proposal was met with support from labor unions and worker advocacy groups, though it falls considerably shy of the expansion sought by some liberals.
The Congressional Progressive Caucus last year urged the Labor Department to set the salary threshold at $82,732 by 2026 — equivalent to the 55th percentile of earnings for full-time salaried workers.
The proposed rule will be subject to a 60-day public comment period once it is published in the Federal Register.
Josh Armstrong To Lead Regional Economic Development For E-REP
Josh Armstrong to lead regional economic development for E-REP as a longtime downtown executive, Armstrong brings a proven track record of successful economic development and placemaking strategies
ANNOUNCEMENT, September 1, 2023 – The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) and the Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District (EID) today announce the appointment of Josh Armstrong as the Senior Vice President of Economic Development for E-REP. Armstrong currently serves as the EID President and begins the new role on October 2, 2023. He will provide leadership for all aspects of economic, community, quality of place and small business development for the Evansville Region.
After leading the 2018 formation of the EID, Armstrong has guided its ongoing growth in providing self-funded benefits to over 450 properties in Downtown Evansville. “Working with community partners, including the City of Evansville and E-REP, Downtown Evansville has seen tremendous growth during my nine-year tenure. Hundreds of new homes and hotel rooms, and dozens of new businesses have opened and thrived in Downtown. Thirty-eight new businesses opened in the past year alone,†said Armstrong. During his time with the EID, Armstrong has also served the region in projects related to the Regional Cities and READI programs, most recently co-leading the Ohio River Vision & Strategic Plan. “Josh has led a transformation in Downtown Evansville. In his new role, his skills and knowledge will continue to serve the Downtown Evansville area, while also impacting people and businesses in the entire region,†said John Lamb, Chair of EID Board of Directors.
The EID and E-REP share office space in Innovation Pointe located in Downtown Evansville and have a long history of collaboration and partnership. “Josh is an exemplary leader and has led the transformation of Evansville’s Downtown Core,†said Tara Barney, CEO of E-REP. “It is a natural fit for him to continue his leadership at E-REP leading strategic impact and economic development work on behalf of the region.†Armstrong will continue the work of Jenna Richardt who was recently named Senior Vice President of Business Development for the Ports of Indiana. Armstrong and Richardt will work together closely through an MOU between the Ports and E-REP.
“I’m looking forward to serving the broader region, with a focus on creating a place where businesses thrive, and all people are able to work towards their goals while serving their community and each other,†Armstrong added. “The Executive Committee of the EID Board of Directors has begun the search for a new Executive Director of the organization,†Lamb added.
About the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership:
The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) leads economic development efforts for the Evansville, Indiana region and elevates the overall quality of life through transformational projects, planning, advocacy, and business engagement. Additionally, E-REP supports the attraction, startup, and growth of regional businesses. More information can be found at www.evansvilleregion.com
About the Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District: Following a 2017 petition process of member property owners, the EID was formed in 2018 to provide benefits and services to member properties paid for by a special annual assessment on these properties. The EID builds a move active and inclusive Downtown Evansville. It enhances resident, consumer, investor, worker, and visitor experiences in Downtown Evansville. In 2023, the EID will lead over $1,250,000 in projects which improve the appearance of Downtown, in addition to marketing, advocacy and safety programs. To learn more about the EID and its progress in enhancing the Downtown experience, visitwww.downtownevansville.com.
Grants up to $100K available from IDEM’s Community Recycling Grant Program
Is your organization looking for grant opportunities to fund a recycling or household hazardous waste (HHW) collection and disposal project? Apply for a grant from IDEM’s Community Recycling Grant Program today!
Counties, municipalities, solid waste management districts, schools, and nonprofit organizations in Indiana are eligible to submit a Community Recycling Grant application requesting $1,000 to $100,000 in funding.
Eligible projects should focus on education and promotion of recycling, processing of recyclable materials, waste reduction or HHW and organics management (including yard waste management and composting).
Applications will be accepted through Sept. 29, 2023.
The Community Recycling Grant Program is funded through IDEM’s Solid Waste Management Fund. Grant funding is intended to create successful, cost-effective, and sustainable programs. Applicants must demonstrate a direct or indirect increase in waste diverted from landfills as a result of the project.
Indiana State Police Seeks Police Officers for the Capitol Police Section Lateral Selection Process
The Indiana State Police Capitol Police Section is accepting applications.  Individuals interested in beginning a rewarding career as a Capitol Police Officer may apply online at https://www.in.gov/isp/career-
Basic Eligibility Requirements and consideration factors for a Capitol Police Officer:
- Must be a United States citizen.
- Must be at least 21 years of age when appointed as a police employee.
- Must meet a minimum vision standard (corrected or uncorrected) of 20/50 acuity in each eye and 20/50 distant binocular acuity in both eyes.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license to operate an automobile.
- Must be a high school graduate as evidenced by a diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED).
- Must be a merit law enforcement officer with an Indiana Law Enforcement Tier I or Tier II Certification.  Out-of-state law enforcement officers are eligible if their certification is determined to be equivalent to the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board standards. The starting salary for current or former police officers with Tier I or Tier II certifications and twenty (20) or more years of experience is $75,431.
The four-week finishing school begins on Wednesday, December 27, 2023.  The NEW starting salary for a Capitol Police Probationary Officer is $62,327 a year.  After the first year of employment, the salary will increase to $64,472. The starting salary for current or former police officers with Tier I or Tier II certifications and twenty (20) or more years of experience is $75,431.  The Indiana State Police Capitol Police Section also offers an excellent health care plan, including medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy coverage for current and retired employees and their families.  The State maintains short-term and long-term disability plans for full time employees after six (6) months of continuous employment.  As an Indiana State Police Capitol Police Officer, you are automatically enrolled in the Public Employees Retirement Fund (PERF), and the State will contribute to your retirement account.
VANDERBURGH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCE BURDETTE PARK’S AQUATIC CENTER 2023 YEAR-END REPORT RECORD-BREAKING SUCCESS
BURDETTE PARK’S AQUATIC CENTER 2023 YEAR-END REPORT RECORD-BREAKING SUCCESS
Evansville, IN -September 2, 2023Â
Burdette Park, a cherished destination for summer fun, is pleased to share the outstanding achievements of its Aquatic Center for the 2023 operating season. With a total attendance of 68,999 visitors throughout the year, the park has solidified its position as a go-to spot for families and individuals seeking aquatic adventures. A remarkable milestone was reached on June 3rd
when a record-breaking 2,905 guests enjoyed the park’s offerings in a single day. But the success of the season goes beyond numbers; it’s marked by the safety and well-being of every visitor. Burdette Park is especially proud to report that everyone remained safe, reflecting the dedication of its team and the cooperation of its guests.
In this success, the Commissioners extend their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated employees who played a pivotal role in ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and well-maintained environment.
“We are thrilled by the overwhelming support and enthusiasm shown by our community and visitors throughout this season,” remarked Zach Wathen, Director of Burdette Park. “The success of this year is a testament to the dedication of our team and the loyalty of our guests.”
As the park continues to evolve and grow, Burdette Park remains committed to providing exceptional opportunities and memorable moments for individuals and families
alike.
Upcoming Fairs in Vanderburgh County
The fall festival season is right around the corner, with many upcoming events for the Southwest Indiana community to enjoy.Â
A few of the activities in Vanderburgh County include:
Front Porch Fest:Â Sept. 2, with the After Party Sept. 3
Held annually on Labor Day weekend in beautiful and historic Haynie’s Corner Arts District in Evansville, it boasts nearly 50 diverse musicians and groups from the region. Front Porch Fest EVV is free, thanks to generous community sponsors, and is family friendly. Additional information can be found here.
The Fine Arts and Craft Show: Sept. 23, 24
Merchandise at the show hosted at the 4-H Center in Evansville will include woodcrafts, furniture, holiday decorations, hand sewn children’s clothing, quilts, jewelry, floral arrangements, candles, toys, doll clothes, pottery, candy, snacks and more. Click here for more information.
West Side Nut Club Fall Festival: Kicks off Oct. 1
Every October in Evansville, the West Side Nut Club organizes and sponsors a mammoth Fall Festival. This is a week-long gala on the west side along Franklin Street with free entertainment, carnival attractions, over 137 food booths, amateur talent competitions and on the last day, a huge parade. More details can be found by clicking here.
In Posey County, some upcoming events include:
The New Harmony Farmers & Artisans Market:Â Every Saturday
In addition to homegrown foods, be on the lookout for fabric crafts, handmade accessories, woodworking, barn art, hand-painted cards and eggs, hand-bound journals, jewelry, and knit and crochet crafts in addition to goat milk soaps and beauty aids, and car air fresheners. Details can be found here.
Mt. Vernon River Days Festival: Sept. 8,9
River Days is held right on the Ohio riverfront, downtown Mt. Vernon. Remember the rich, historic heritage enjoyed by the Ohio River town. Click here for more information.
Kunstfest:Sept. 16–17
The third weekend in September is the time for New Harmony’s largest and most anticipated event of the year —Kunstfest! This celebration of German heritage and art is one of the biggest of its kind in Indiana. Details can be found here.
For a calendar of upcoming events in Posey County, click here, and for Vanderburgh County events, click here.
Head out and take part in the many local fairs and festivals Vanderburgh and Posey counties have to offer in the coming months. To learn more, click here.
UE men’s soccer suffers first loss in road match at High Point
The Purple Aces played an aggressive game on Friday night against the High Point Panthers, but couldn’t find the equalizer in the last four and a half minutes in their 2-1 loss. Midfielder Jose Vivas scored his second goal of the season in the final two minutes of the first half off a misplayed Panther header. UE tried to find its late-game magic again in the second half after High Point’s second goal but came just short of the draw.
Evansville found themselves down early as the Panthers scored in the ninth minute of the game. After the goal, High Point kept the pressure on the Aces with three corner kicks in three minutes. UE turned to a more aggressive play style to match the Panthers intensity, as the two teams traded fouls midway through the opening period. As the first half came to a close, the Aces spent more time in the offensive zone, eventually being rewarded with their only goal of the game in the 43rd minute. Vivas second goal came off a High Point error as the junior used his right foot to launch the ball into the top left corner of the net.
It was a match of wills for much of the second half as the intensity picked up at Vert Stadium. Having to spend much of the frame either in the midfield or on the defensive, Evansville only recorded a single shot in the half. The shot came in the 61st minute as Nacho Diaz-Caneja found some open space in front of the net after a group of substitutions for the Aces. Diaz-Caneja’s shot was saved by Panther goalkeeper Justin Stewart. UE looked to be just mere minutes from their second draw of the season, but a shot from the middle of the net off a throw-in in the 85th-minute beat Aces keeper Aidan Montoure and into the right side of the net.
Evansville will look to split their trip in North Carolina on Monday morning in Asheville. The Purple Aces will take on the UNC Asheville Bulldogs at Greenwood Soccer Field on Sept. 4. Monday’s kickoff from Asheville is set for 11 a.m. CT and will be streamed on ESPN+.