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Braun, Rubio, Tillis introduce bill to save successful veterans’ high-tech job training program

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Mike Braun, Marco Rubio, and Thom Tillis introduced the Continue VET-TEC Authorization Act of 2023 to extend and expand the VET-TEC, Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses, program which provides an alternative educational opportunity for veterans interested in pursuing a career in technology. The current program is set to expire at the end of this year.

“Supporting our veterans when they come home is one of my top priorities in Washington, and VET-TEC is a proven program that helps prepare them for high-paying, fulfilling careers in technology. It’s important that we save this successful program so veterans have options and opportunities to prosper as they transition back to civilian life.”—Sen. Braun

 “The tech industry is one of the most in-demand sectors of the American economy. The VET-TEC program provides veterans with the skills they need to succeed in this field, helps our veterans find good-paying jobs and, in return, contribute to the economy. I’m proud to join Senator Braun in introducing the Continue VET-TEC Authorization Act of 2023 to ensure that the VET-TEC program can continue providing our veterans with the technical skills to succeed in the 21st century job market.” – Sen. Rubio

“The VET-TEC pilot program has a proven track record of opening the door for thousands of veterans to start careers in the technology field. We must be doing everything we can to provide good job opportunities for our nation’s veterans, and I’m honored to co-sponsor this legislation to reauthorize VET-TEC.” – Sen. Tillis

BACKGROUND

Since 2017, more than 12,000 veterans have taken part in the VET-TEC program. As of February 2023, the program has an 84% graduation rate, a 64% employment rate, and an average salary of $65,061. VET-TEC graduates often end up being employed by software, defense, and tech companies with potential for high job growth.

The Continue VET-TEC Authorization Act of 2023 would:

  1. Reauthorize the VET-TEC program for five years (2023-2028)
  2. Expand annual enrollment for the program to from 2,000 to 6,000 to accommodate more students
  3. Enable institutions of higher education to participate in the program under the same guidelines as current VET-TEC providers
  4. Ensure costs of bill are fully offset

JUNE 12, 23 EVANSVILLE CITY COUCILL MEETING AGENDA

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civic center

City Council Meeting
JUNE 12, 2023

5:30 P.M.

AGENDA

 

I. INTRODUCTION

 

06-12-2023 Agenda Attachment:
II. APPROVAL OF MEETING MEMORANDUM

 

05-22-2023 Memo Attachment:
III. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

 

IV. SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY

 

V. CONSENT AGENDA:  FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

 

A. ORDINANCE G-2023-13 An Ordinance to Vacate Certain Public Ways or Public Places within the City of Evansville, Indiana, Being Part of the Platted Alley Running North and South Through Block 8 and Lying East of Lot 13 and West of Lots 7, 8, 9 and 10 in Block 8 of the Northwestern Enlargement of the City of Evansville and Located on Property Commonly Known as 120 S Heidelbach Avenue Sponsor(s): Beane Discussion Led By: Public Works Chair Brinkmeyer Discussion Date: 6/26/2023 Notify: Chris Wischer, Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC
G-2023-13 Attachment:
B. ORDINANCE G-2023-14 An Ordinance Amending Title 18 of the Evansville Municipal Code Concerning Land Use and Zoning to Create An Airport Overlay Zone Sponsor(s): Beane Discussion Led By: ASD Chair Mosby Discussion Date: 6/26/2023 Notify: Ron London, Area Plan Commission
G-2023-14 Attachment:
C. ORDINANCE G-2023-15 An Ordinance to Vacate all of the 40 foot Drainage Easement lying along the South Line of Lot 1 in L & S Minor Subdivision as Recorded in Plat Book P, Page 179 in the Office of the Recorder of Vanderburgh County, Indiana within the City of Evansville, Indiana Sponsor(s): Weaver Discussion Led By: Public Works Chair Brinkmeyer Discussion Date: 6/26/2023 Notify: Jared Memering, Morley
G-2023-15 Attachment:
D. ORDINANCE F-2023-08 An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations, Additional Appropriations and Repeal and Re-Appropriation of Funds for Various City Funds Sponsor(s): Beane Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Beane Discussion Date: 6/26/2023 Notify: Russ Lloyd, Jr., Controller
F-2023-08 Attachment:
E. ORDINANCE R-2023-17 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 5010 Carriage Dr Owner:Lechwe Scott Distribution, LLC Requested Change: C1 to C4 w/ UDC Ward: 1 Trockman Representative: Dan Hermann, Lechwe Holdings, LLC
R-2023-17 Attachment:
F. ORDINANCE R-2023-18 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 2104 E Division St Owner: Raul Rivero Requested Change: C1 to R1 Ward: 3 Heronemus Representative: Raul Rivero
R-2023-18 Attachment:
G. ORDINANCE R-2023-19 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 28 E Eichel Ave Owner:Daniel W Vincent & Rhonda C Wolf Requested Change: M2 to R2 Ward: 6 Brinkmeyer Representative: Krista Lockyear, Stoll, Keenon, Ogden, PLLC
R-2023-19 Attachment:
H. ORDINANCE R-2023-20 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 59-61 Adams Ave, 65-67 Adams Ave & 69 Adams Ave Owner:SS & K, LLC Requested Change: R2 & C4 w/ UDC to C4 w/ UDC Ward: 4 Burton Representative: Krista Lockyear, Stoll, Keenon, Ogden, PLLC
R-2023-20 Attachment:
VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

VII. REGULAR AGENDA:  SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS

 

A. ORDINANCE G-2023-06 AMENDED An Ordinance Amending Chapter 3.35 (Housing Funds) of the Evansville Municipal Code Sponsor(s): Heronemus, Trockman Discussion Led By: ASD Chair Mosby Discussion Date: 06/12/2023 Notify: Josh Claybourn, Jackson Kelly
G-2023-06 Amended (2) Attachment:
B. ORDINANCE G-2023-08 An Ordinance Amending Title 18 of the Evansville City Code Concerning Land Use and Zoning for Accessory Dwelling Units Sponsor(s): Beane, Burton, Heronemus, Trockman Discussion Led By: ASD Chair Mosby Discussion Date: 6/12/2023 Notify: Ron London, Area Plan Commission
G-2023-08 Attachment:
C. ORDINANCE G-2023-09 An Ordinance Amending Section 2.50.060 (Evansville Land Bank) of the Evansville Municipal Code Sponsor(s): Burton Discussion Led By: ASD Chair Mosby Discussion Date: 6/12/2023 Notify: Josh Claybourn, Jackson Kelly
G-2023-09 Attachment:
D. ORDINANCE G-2023-10 An Ordinance Amending the Zoning Code by Establishing an Overlay Zone in the Evansville Promise Neighborhood Area Sponsor(s): Burton Discussion Led By: ASD Chair Mosby Discussion Date: 6/12/2023 Notify: Josh Claybourn, Jackson Kelly
G-2023-10 Attachment:
E. ORDINANCE G-2023-11 An Ordinance to Vacate Certain Public Ways or Public Places within the City of Evansville, Indiana Commonly Known as Part of the 12 foot Alley Platted in Block Three (3) in Arnold and Eichel Addition, as per Plat Thereof, Recorded in Plat Book D, Page 464 in the Office of the Recorder of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, and all of the Area Conveyed to the City of Evansville for Alley Purposes Recorded in Deed Record 161, Page 325 Sponsor(s): Brinkmeyer Discussion Led By: Public Works Chair Brinkmeyer Discussion Date: 6/12/2023 Notify: Nick Cirignano, ZSWS
G-2023-11 Attachment:
F. ORDINANCE G-2023-12 An Ordinance of the Evansville Common Council Authorizing the City of Evansville, Indiana, to Issue Two Series of Economic Development Revenue Bonds, and Approving and Authorizing Other Actions in Respect Thereto Sponsor(s): Heronemus, Beane Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Beane Discussion Date: 6/12/2023 Notify: Marco DeLucio, ZSWS
G-2023-12 Attachment:
VIII. RESOLUTION DOCKET

 

A. RESOLUTION C-2023-09 AMENDED A Preliminary Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Declaring an Economic Revitalization Area for Property Tax Phase-In for the Rehabilitation of Real Property and Installation of New Equipment 5401 Highway 41, Evansville (Ultima Plastics, LLC) Sponsor(s): Beane, Heronemus, Trockman Discussion Led By: President Heronemus Discussion Date: 6/12/2023 Notify: Jenna Richardt, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership
C-2023-9 Amended Attachment:
B. RESOLUTION C-2023-11 A Confirming Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Declaring an Economic Revitalization Area for Property Tax Phase-In for the Rehabilitation of Real Property and Installation of New Equipment 5401 Highway 41, Evansville (Ultima Plastics, LLC) Sponsor(s): Beane, Heronemus, Trockman Discussion Led By: President Heronemus Discussion Date: 6/12/2023 Notify: Jenna Richardt, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership
C-2023-11 Attachment:
C. RESOLUTION C-2023-12 A Resolution Recognizing the June Celebration of Pride Month Sponsor(s): Mosby, Heronemus, Weaver Discussion Led By: President Heronemus Discussion Date: 6/12/2023 Notify: Josh Claybourn, Jackson Kelly
C-2023-12 Attachment:
IX. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

A. THE NEXT MEETING of the Common Council will be Monday, June 26, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.
B. BEN IPOCK, Electrical Examiner’s Board Member
C. ELLEN TOPPER, Oxbow Electric
D. ADDITIONAL MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
X. COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

XI. ADJOURNMENT

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USI names Interim Provost and Interim Dean of Pott College

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The University of Southern Indiana has named Dr. Shelly Blunt, Dean of the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education, as Interim Provost for the University, effective July 1. She will succeed Dr. Mohammed Khayum who is retiring after four years as Provost and 32 years in total with the University.

“I would like to thank the Provost Search Committee and campus community for the time, effort and thoughtful considerations of the finalists for the Provost position, however, the process did not yield a candidate of choice for USI,” said Ronald S. Rochon, USI President. “With this in mind, I have chosen to move forward in a direction that will ensure continued stability for the University with this appointment.”

Blunt has a long track record of leadership at the University. She has served as Dean of the Pott College since June and served as the Interim Dean for the College since January 2023. Blunt has also served as Associate Provost for Academic Affairs from 2014 to 2022 and as Associate Dean for the Pott College for six years. She currently serves on the Science Education Foundation of Indiana Board, the Medical Professions Academy Advisory Board and has served on numerous state-wide committees for the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.

Blunt is actively involved in STEM education and undergraduate advising, has served as a University Advising Fellow for five years and received the Outstanding Advisor of the Year and the Phenomenal Women of USI awards. Other accomplishments under her leadership include the creation of first year advising centers in each of USI’s academic colleges, the successful implementation of a new general education core, the development of a University-wide first-year seminar class (UNIV 101) and the implementation of state-wide articulation agreements.

She earned her undergraduate degree at Truman State University and her doctoral degree in chemistry from the University of Iowa.

The University has also named Dr. William Elliott, Jr., Professor of Geology and Associate Dean of the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education, as Interim Dean of the Pott College, effective July 1.

Elliott became Chair of the Geology, Physics and Environmental Science Department at USI in August 2009. In October 2022, he became Associate Dean of the College. As Chair at USI, he facilitated the development and launch of the environmental science and physics degree programs. Prior to coming to USI, he was faculty member and coordinator of the Geology Program in the Environmental Studies Department at Southern Oregon University.

He has been part of several collaborative teams at USI to investigate factors impacting graduation rates and student persistence. He is a Co-Principal Investigator on a nearly $150,000 grant led by Dr. Amy Chan-Hilton, Director of Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, to transform STEM Education through the National Science Foundation Improving Undergraduate STEM Education program. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and his master’s and doctoral degrees in geology from Indiana University.

The interim appointments are through fall 2024 at which time the University will begin a national search to permanently fill the Provost position. “Our University is on an upward trajectory,” said Rochon. “We have strong support from the state as is evident through our partnerships and recent appropriations, we have amazing faculty and staff who are doing great things for our students and this institution, and we are implementing a number of new processes and tools that will assist us as we continue to serve our students and campus community. We have much to be thankful for, and I am confident these interim appointments will position USI for an ongoing path of success.”

Gov. Beshear: Most Kentuckians Employed in State History

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Team Kentucky update highlights more than 2 million employed, positive economic news, local investments

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 8, 2023) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that there are more Kentuckians employed than ever before in state history with more than 2 million Kentuckians employed, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in their federal survey of business establishments.

The Governor also highlighted that 57,000 new jobs have been filled since the beginning of his administration.

“This is our best chance to turn our brain drain into a brain gain, making sure we never lose our talented young people to any other state ever again, but instead other states’ talented young people start moving to Kentucky,” said Gov. Beshear. “Our goal is to ensure the success we’re seeing reaches every area of the commonwealth, and that no one is left out. There are more secure jobs out there for Kentuckians than ever before, and this is an exciting time for our families.”

During the Team Kentucky update, the Governor also shared news on economic development; discretionary transportation funds; the Recreational Trails Program; rubber mulch projects; relief to care providers; the Kentucky Main Street Program; a Juneteenth ceremony at the Capitol and recovery efforts in Eastern Kentucky. He also named Kentucky women veterans as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Economic Development
In May, Gov. Beshear announced that his administration secured the first-ever state-level credit rating from the major credit rating agency Fitch Ratings. Today the Governor noted this rating was due in part to the state’s improved pensions, something he has made a priority during his time in office.

“Protecting the pensions for our law enforcement officers, firefighters, teachers, social workers and public servants is something I have fought for my entire career. Pensions are promises – earned from hard work and should never be put at risk,” said Gov. Beshear. “I am proud to announce that the pensions of our first responders and public servants are more secure than ever.”

Gov. Beshear highlighted the first Kentucky Product Development Initiative to be completed as also the latest step toward turning around a failed investment from the previous administration. In September of 2022, the Governor announced his administration had recouped $15 million invested by the administration of former Gov. Matt Bevin into an aluminum mill that never materialized. Today, Gov. Beshear announced that the Northeast Kentucky Regional Industrial Authority closed on the site acquisition in the EastPark Industrial Park, finalizing the process of acquiring additional acreage in addition to land donated back to the community. Gov. Beshear also noted that $750,000 in state support for the $1.5 million project was dispersed.

“We fought to get that land back. Coming in, I never would have thought that we could secure both the money and the land, but we are now at a special place where we can have a real project, real hope and real jobs,” the Governor said. “Now we have one of the bigger sites in the commonwealth to put the next big economic development project on.”

Gov. Beshear joined local officials from Taylor County and leaders from INFAC North America, an automotive manufacturer that specializes in cables, antennas, horns, actuators and electric vehicle (EV) battery system assemblies, to break ground on the company’s expansion in Campbellsville, which will create 220 Kentucky jobs with an investment of at least $53 million.

The Governor joined local officials from Graves County and leaders from Osmundson Mfg. Co. to break ground on the company’s new multimillion-dollar manufacturing facility. The investment further strengthens Kentucky’s agritech and manufacturing sectors and will create 80 quality jobs over the coming years.

On Monday, the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) welcomed its 14th passenger airline as British Airways completed its first-ever flight with nonstop service from London-Heathrow Airport (LHR), making CVG the only airport to offer a nonstop flight to the United Kingdom in Kentucky, Ohio or Indiana. The flight will now operate five times per week in the summer and four in the winter and travelers from CVG can connect to more than 70 countries and nearly 200 destinations with British Airways.

Discretionary Transportation Funds
Today, Gov. Beshear celebrated every county in Kentucky having received discretionary funding for transportation projects, with more than $4.4 million in funding announced today for 46 projects in 29 counties. These awards include:

  • $405,000 for Breathitt County to resurface nearly three miles on Miller Branch Barwick Road;
  • Over $144,000 for Bracken County to resurface two miles of Moore Road;
  • $122,000 for Fleming County to replace the Branch Brothers Bridge and make it safer for residents; and
  • $18,000 for Wolfe County to install guardrails on Russel Road and Turnip Road.

“Our roads are what connect us, and I have made it a priority as Governor to improve our roadways so that Kentuckians can get to work, church and school safely,” said Gov. Beshear. “Whether someone is driving on a rural back road or a major highway, they deserve a smooth and safe route and today’s awards will help us accomplish that.”

Bracken County Judge/Executive Tina Teegarden, Breathitt County Judge/Executive Jeff Noble, Fleming County Judge/Executive John Sims Jr., and Wolfe County Judge/Executive Raymond Banks attended the update and accepted the checks for these awards.

Recreational Trails Program
Gov. Beshear announced his recommendation of 11 projects across Kentucky to receive funding from the federal Recreational Trails Program. In total, $1,125,584 in funding will go toward improving outdoor spaces around the state. Each project must receive clearance from the Federal Highway Administration.

The Governor highlighted three projects he is recommending for funding. The Menifee County Fiscal Court will use $200,000 to make improvements to multi-use equestrian and hiking trails located near Cave Run Lake.

“I want to thank Governor Beshear and the Department of Local Government for partnering with Menifee County by awarding the $200,000 in Recreational Trails funds,” said Menifee County Judge/Executive Rick Stiltner. “This is another opportunity for our county to grow tourism.”

The City of Greenville will use $55,000 to extend the Muhlenberg County Rails to Trails by an additional mile. The Powell County Fiscal Court will use $245,000 to make improvements to the Hollerwood Off-Road Park.

Menifee County Judge/Executive Rick Stiltner, Muhlenberg County Judge/Executive Mac McGehee, Powell County Judge/Executive Eddie Barnes and Greenville Mayor Ed DeArmond attended the update and accepted checks for these awards.

Rubber Mulch Projects
The Governor announced grant funding for 16 projects across the commonwealth that will use rubber mulch to build walkways, playgrounds, benches, picnic tables and more. The funding comes through the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Waste Tire Trust Fund.

Gov. Beshear recognized three grant recipients, including $67,000 to Bracken County, $24,000 to Powell County and $9,300 to Taylor County.

Bracken County Judge/Executive Tina Teegarden, Powell County Judge/Executive Eddie Barnes and Taylor County Judge Executive Barry Smith attended the update and accepted the checks for these awards.

Relief to Home- and Community-Based and Long-Term Care Providers
Gov. Beshear announced additional support for providers delivering home- and community-based services, as well as long-term care services.

For home- and community-based (HCB) providers, a retroactive rate adjustment will provide an estimated $13 million in additional payments for services delivered from Jan. 1, 2022, to May 1, 2023. To assist nursing facilities that deliver nursing home services, Kentucky Medicaid is maximizing the annual rate adjustment for inflation and will retroactively adjust rates going back three years. This will result in an increase of $99.6 million (including $18.9 million in state share) over the next state fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

“We’re very grateful the Governor and his team were able to come up with an innovative solution to provide much-needed funds for our facilities, and for being a good steward of the Medicaid budget,” said John Muller, chief operating officer, Carespring, via video. “These funds will go a long way for the residents we serve, as well as the team members we need to retain, and those we need to recruit.”

Main Street Program
The Governor highlighted the Kentucky Main Street Program, part of the Kentucky Heritage Council, which has helped create significant growth for main streets in the commonwealth. In 2022, the program brought $45.9 million in new investment to downtown commercial districts and helped create 587 new jobs. That same year, 130 new businesses and 201 rehabilitation projects were completed in main street districts.

“Kentucky’s downtown areas are rich with art and culture. Our main streets make each community unique, and they’re the heart of our small towns,” said Gov. Beshear. “The Kentucky Main Street Program works to keep our downtown areas thriving through the preservation of historic buildings, support of local businesses, redevelopment of commercial buildings and economic development.”

Scottsville Mayor David Burch spoke about the Main Street Program and what it means to his community.

“The Heart of Scottsville, as our Main Street program is called, has been instrumental in the revival of our downtown district. In a small town like Scottsville, the success of the city itself is most clearly measured by the vitality of its downtown,” said Mayor Burch. “The program has built on pride in our past to form hope for our future. All these programs organized and implemented by the Heart of Scottsville provide a sense of ownership for our community.”

Juneteenth Event Preview
Gov. Beshear said on Monday, June 19, there will be a Juneteenth ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda to honor the strength and courage of African Americans and the contributions they have made to the country. The Governor will also sign a proclamation officially declaring June 19, 2023, as Juneteenth in Kentucky.

“This is an important day in our history as Americans – one where we stand united in acknowledging the end of our nation’s greatest injustice,” said Gov. Beshear. “And while we’ve made progress, we must acknowledge that we still have a long way to go for true equality. We must not hide from our history, even the parts that are painful. We must learn from it and make progress for a better tomorrow.”

Eastern Kentucky Flood Update
The Governor provided an update on recovery and rebuilding efforts in Eastern Kentucky. Currently, 98 families are housed in travel trailers, and Kentucky State Parks are now housing 14 people, down from the 360 people sheltered on Sept. 1, 2022. Over 280 households have transitioned out of the Commonwealth Sheltering Program in Eastern Kentucky.

FEMA has approved more than $107.1 million in Individual Assistance grants. As of this week, nearly $31.5 million has been approved for the FEMA buy-out program. The awards account for 183 properties in Perry, Breathitt, Letcher, Knott and Floyd counties as well as the Coty of Jackson. The Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund has raised over $13.2 million from more than 41,500 donors. To contribute, click here.

If you need help, please call FEMA directly or visit a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC). MARC locations can be found at governor.ky.gov/Flood-Resources.

Team Kentucky All-Stars
Gov. Beshear named Kentucky women veterans as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars to honor Women Veterans Day on June 12. He highlighted a new “Our Stories, Our Service: Kentucky’s Women Veterans” exhibit at the Kentucky Historical Society, which will be on display beginning June 13. The exhibit honors Kentucky’s women veterans and their significant military contributions.

“Women have served our country for generations, although it was not until after World War II that women were able to serve as permanent members of the armed forces and officially be recognized as Veterans. Women have played a crucial role in protecting our freedoms and our future, and we, as Americans, should give thanks for their bravery, sacrifice and commitment to our country,” said Gov. Beshear.”

IBLC TO HOST EVANSVILLE TOWN HALL

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IBLC TO HOST EVANSVILLE TOWN HALL

INDIANAPOLIS – Members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) will host a town hall event in Evansville on Saturday, July 8, 2023. The event, which is free and open to the public, is an opportunity to learn more about the 2023 session of the Indiana General Assembly and for the public to share their questions, concerns and suggestions for focus areas for the upcoming 2024 session.

The town hall will begin at 11 a.m. CT and run through 1 p.m. at the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Library, 200 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Evansville, IN 47713.

A virtual town hall will be held on Zoom on August 9th from 6-8 p.m. ET.

WHO: Reps. John Bartlett, Earl Harris Jr., Ragen Hatcher, Carolyn Jackson, Renee Pack, Gregory W. Porter, Cherrish Pryor, Robin Shackleford, Vernon G. Smith, Vanessa Summers and Sens. Jean Breaux, Andrea Hunley, Eddie Melton, Lonnie Randolph and Greg Taylor

WHAT: IBLC Town Hall

WHERE: Evansville-Vanderburgh County Library, 200 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Evansville, IN 47713

WHEN: Saturday, July 8, 2023

*Press interested in attending may RSVP to breanna.cooper@iga.in.gov.

Otters win series as Baez shines again

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Evansville, Ind. – Jeffrey Baez launched two home runs to catapult the Evansville Otters over the Tri-City ValleyCats 6-1 Thursday night at Bosse Field.

A season high crowd of 4,540 cheered the Otters to the series victory and Baez to the top of the Frontier League home run charts with his eighth and ninth homers of the season.

The third year Otter electrified the crowd early with a two run homer in the first inning. Noah Myers would extend the lead with a third inning solo home run that stayed just fair down the right field line. It was good for Myers’ fourth home run of the season.

The fifth inning was Evansville’s knockout punch. Ethan Skender led off with a base hit and Dakota Phillips doubled. Baez then hit his third home run of the series and second on the day in the fifth, launching a moonshot off the second row of billboards in left field.

Baez finished with 5 RBIs in the game and ten in the series. His nine home runs are more than any other player in the Frontier League. He now has three multi-home run games. The Otters single-season record is 23 home runs.

A native of Venezuela, now living in Arizona, Baez has nine home runs already in 21 games played this year after hitting eight in 81 games last season. The slugger has hit 109 homers in his 12 year professional baseball career with 24 coming in three years in the River City.

Austin Gossmann controlled the game from the mound. He threw five and a third innings allowing just one run on five hits. The Southern Indiana grad’s six strikeouts are a season high as he earned his third win of the year.

Evansville’s bullpen closed out the win without allowing a hit. Leoni de La Cruz worked an inning and a third. Jon Beymer struck out two in a flawless inning of work and Jake Polancic struck out the side in the ninth.

Evansville continues the homestand by opening a three game series with the Schaumburg Boomers Friday evening at Bosse Field. A 6:35 PM CT first pitch is part of Evansville Triplets Night and Nine Innings of Giving.

Friday night every ticket purchased for the game will get a corresponding raffle ticket. Fans can win a PS5, pickleball set, two 2024 season tickets, a black stone grill, D-Bat batting cage credits, an Otters Team Store $75 credit, a Doc’s Bar gift card or a chance to throw out the first pitch at an Otter’s Game.

All home and road 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.

IDEM issues Air Quality Action Day statewide for Friday

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INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) forecasting high levels of fine particles (PM2.5) in the air for Friday, June 9, 2023 for all Indiana counties. The stagnant weather pattern continues to move smoke from Canadian wildfires across the state.

Air quality may continue to be impacted over the weekend. Hoosiers are encouraged to visit smogwatch.IN.gov to view current and forecasted conditions and subscribe to email alerts.

IDEM encourages everyone to help reduce PM2.5 by making changes to daily habits. You can:

  • Carpool or use public transportation.
  • Avoid using the drive-through and combine errands into one trip.
  • Turn off engines instead of idling for long periods of time.
  • Avoid using gas-powered equipment.
  • Conserve energy by turning off lights and setting the air conditioner to a higher setting;
  • Use propane gas instead of charcoal when grilling outdoors;
  • Reminder: Indiana’s open burning laws make it illegal to burn trash and generally prohibit open burning, visit IN.gov/openburning for more information.

PM2.5 is composed of microscopic dust, soot, and liquid that settles deep into the lungs and cannot be easily exhaled. Those people at risk are particularly vulnerable after several days of high PM2.5 exposure.

IDEM examines weather patterns and PM2.5 readings to make daily air quality forecasts. Air Quality Action Days generally occur when weather conditions such as light winds, snow cover, higher humidity, and lower atmospheric inversions trap pollutants close to the ground. To learn more about PM2.5 or sign up for air quality alerts, visit SmogWatch.IN.gov.

About IDEM
IDEM (idem.IN.gov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.

Board of School Trustees of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation will meet for the regularly scheduled

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 The Board of School Trustees of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation will meet for the regularly scheduled Board meeting Monday, June 12, 2023 at 5:30 PM in the Board Room of the EVSC Administration Building located at 951 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN.

Board meetings can also be observed by tuning to EVSC’s radio station, 90.7 WPSR or live streamed online at https://www.wpsrhd.com/. 

Prior to the regularly scheduled Board meeting, three members of the Board, along with district administrators, will hold a Town Hall beginning at 5:00 PM. This Town Hall is for Vanderburgh County residents to speak directly with Board members in attendance about issues involving EVSC schools.

The Town Hall will be held in the Technology and Innovation Center located at 951 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN. Members of the public who would like to attend the Town Hall should register by completing the Town Hall Registration Form located on our website at district.evscschools.com. 

VU catcher Will Egger commits to Missouri Baptist University

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VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University sophomore catcher Will Egger (Terre Haute, Ind.) announced Thursday afternoon that he has officially committed to playing baseball next season at NAIA Missouri Baptist University, just outside of St. Louis.

“I chose Missouri Baptist because they have a very successful baseball program and have all the resources I need to get a great degree and further my education,” Egger said.

Egger was a two-year starter behind the plate for the Trailblazers, playing in 70 games in his two seasons at VU and ending his Vincennes career with a .286 batting average.

Egger closed out his Vincennes career this past season by batting .293 with six doubles, two home runs, 18 RBIs and 14 walks.

Egger also more than held his own defensively behind the plate, throwing out 18 baserunners in his two years at VU, including 11 runners caught stealing as a freshman.

Egger is just the latest Trailblazer baseball player to announce where they will be playing next season with Colton Evans (Henderson, Ky.) committed to Carson-Newman University, Colin Long (Evansville, Ind.) committed to Indiana University-Southeast and Gavin Craggs (Taylorville, Ill.) signed to pitch at the University of Fort Lauderdale next season.

This group helped guide the Trailblazers to a 25-33 record last season and earned a trip to the Mid-West Athletic Conference baseball tournament.

“My favorite experiences from my time at VU had to have been hanging around all the guys and beating up on everyone in uno on the bus rides,” Egger added. “Especially Colton and Colin.”

“Vincennes helped prepare me for a four-year school by giving me the keys to be the best baseball player I can be,” Egger said. “Getting help day in and day out by coaches and teammates and building and understanding of how baseball works and how to be successful in college baseball.”

“Education wise, VU helped me by getting hands-on help with the smaller classes and let me gain great relationships with all my professors and coaches,” Egger added.

Egger will be joining a Spartans ball club coming off of an outstanding 44-9 season last year under Head Coach Eddie Uschold and capturing the American Midwest Conference (AMC) Regular Season Championship.

The Vincennes University Athletic Department would like to congratulate Will Egger on his commitment to Missouri Baptist University and wishes him good luck next season.