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Gov. Beshear Highlights Decline of Drug Overdoses, Progress on Addiction Recovery

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Gov. Beshear Highlights Decline of Drug Overdoses, Progress on Addiction Recovery

Team Kentucky Update includes good economic news, updates
on EV charging,
Mountain Parkway, and more

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 15, 2023) – Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted his administration’s continued dedication to fighting addiction in the commonwealth as the 2022 Drug Overdose Fatality Report was released, marking Kentucky’s first decline in overdose deaths since 2018.

“While we saw a decrease in overdose deaths last year, we must keep fighting, and that includes creating more services and support for Kentuckians in need,” said Gov. Beshear. “I believe the first step to overcoming addiction takes a great deal of bravery. And across Kentucky, we’re making sure we have the resources and support in place to help those folks succeed.”

During the Team Kentucky update, the Governor also shared news on economic development; electric vehicle charging stations; plans to complete the Mountain Parkway expansion; the Department of Juvenile Justice; and recovery efforts in Eastern Kentucky. He also named the recipients of the 2023 Governor’s Ambassador Awards as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Helping Kentuckians Recover from Addiction
Gov. Beshear highlighted additional ways Kentucky is battling addiction and helping Kentuckians recover. One of those steps is through the federally funded Recovery Housing Program, which has helped nonprofits across the commonwealth provide transitional housing for those in recovery. So far, 164 Kentuckians in recovery programs have been sheltered thanks to the program’s funding in the state.

“The funding we received is allowing our program to stand out in the recovery housing world by creating a subsidy program to cover up to eight weeks of program fees and rent for low- to moderate-income residents who enroll,” said Janet Gates, executive director of the Franklin County Women and Family Shelter. “This allows these residents to have weeks to settle in and get adjusted without the worries of how to cover costs of the recovery housing.”

Last year, the Governor launched findrecoveryhousingnowKY.org to help people find safe, stable and affordable housing so they can focus on rehabilitation. Since the launch, 181 homes have been secured. The Kentucky Recovery Housing Networkhas certified 54 homes across the state to shelter Kentuckians as they recover. The Kentucky Opioid Response Effort has helped distribute more than 82,000 free Naloxone units. Naloxone treats victims of overdose and is a lifesaving medicine. The administration also launched a statewide campaign called UNSHAME Kentucky, which provides a platform for people impacted by addiction to tell their stories of hope and strength.

There are several ways Kentuckians can find help for treatment and recovery, including:

Economic Development
Gov. Beshear announced continued economic growth in the commonwealth as WILA USA, an industry-leading producer of tooling systems for sheet metals, announced it will be relocating its North American headquarters and establishing manufacturing operations in Jefferson County with an $11.5 million investment creating 24 quality Kentucky jobs.

EV Charging Stations
Gov. Beshear announced the state is seeking proposals from private-sector organizations interested in helping the state expand its electric vehicle charging network. The Governor said the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet issued a final Request for Proposals today to build up to 37 stations along Kentucky interstates and parkways after receiving approval from the Federal Highway Administration.

“Kentucky has taken a national leadership role in the fast-growing electric vehicle sector. Team Kentucky is not just leading, we are emerging as the Electric Vehicle Capital of America,” said Gov. Beshear. “We are making sure no part of Kentucky is left out of this brighter future we’re building.”

Proposals from interested parties are due by Aug. 24 at 5 p.m. EDT. To learn more about this RFP, visit kyevcharging.com.

Search for Team To Complete Mountain Parkway Expansion
The Governor has put out a call for firms seeking to complete the final section of the Mountain Parkway expansion in Eastern Kentucky, marking an important step toward finishing one of the commonwealth’s most impactful transportation projects in a generation. The final project segment, referred to as Magoffin-Floyd, is planned to be a 13-mile stretch of newly constructed four-lane highway, from U.S. Highway 460 in Salyersville to Kentucky Highway 404 in Prestonsburg. To read more, see the full release.

Department of Juvenile Justice Update
Over the past several months, Gov. Beshear’s administration has implemented sweeping improvements to address juvenile detention facilities’ challenges. In March, the Governor signed Senate Bill 162, appropriating more than $25 million to the Department of Juvenile Justice for staff salaries, facility upgrades and transportation costs. While this announcement has improved staffing at the detention centers, the Campbell Regional Juvenile Detention Center, the state’s first female-only center, is continuing to experience critical staffing levels. The department has proactively relocated female juveniles to Boyd Regional Juvenile Detention Center.

“The most important thing is the safety of our juveniles and staff,” said Gov. Beshear. “I am committed to continuing on our historic path forward of making sweeping safety changes in the Department of Juvenile Justice.”

The department will continue to recruit and train correctional officers for the Campbell detention center, and female juveniles will return once staffing is secure. The Campbell detention center staff will remain at the facility to accept new juvenile intakes and operate the female youth development center.

Males currently housed at the Boyd detention center will be temporarily transferred to Breathitt Regional Juvenile Detention Center. A transportation plan is in place to support these transfers.

Eastern Kentucky Floods Update
The Governor provided an update on recovery and rebuilding efforts in Eastern Kentucky. Currently, 93 families are housed in travel trailers, and nearly 290 households have transitioned out of the Commonwealth Sheltering Program in Eastern Kentucky. As of this week, over $34.4 million has been awarded for the buy-out program. The awards include 202 properties from Breathitt, Floyd, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties, as well as the City of Jackson.

Contracted crews continue to collect flood debris on private property that could not be moved to the side of the road for pickup. As of June 14, crews have removed over 2,500 tons of debris in Letcher, Knott, Perry and Pike counties. To date, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has replaced 43 bridges and repaired 33 bridges. For more information on rebuilding efforts visit, governor.ky.gov/Flood-Resources.

EKY and WKY SAFE Fund Awards
Today, Gov. Beshear announced more awards from the Eastern Kentucky SAFE Fund to communities and public entities impacted by the devastating late July 2022 floods. This week, nearly $7 million in funding was approved for communities, including:

  • $375,000 to the City of Beattyville to alleviate fiscal strain and assist in long-term recovery efforts;
  • Over $3 million to Breathitt County to alleviate fiscal strain;
  • Nearly $270,000 for strained fiscal liquidity and help fund a FEMA match;
  • $250,000 to the City of Hindman to alleviate fiscal strain; and
  • Over $3 million to the Knott County Board of Education to assist with the strain of fiscal demands.

The Governor also announced a $373,000 award from the Western Kentucky SAFE Fund to Mayfield Independent School to recover lost revenue.

Team Kentucky All-Stars
Yesterday in the State Capitol Rotunda, Gov. Beshear presented state employees with Governor’s Ambassador Awards, recognizing their significant impact in their community and service to fellow Kentuckians. The Governor named the award recipients as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. To see a list of award recipients, click here.

“Yesterday, we recognized seven Kentucky state employees and their commitment and dedication to public service during the Governor’s Ambassador Awards. These awards celebrate community service, volunteerism, courage, customer service, leadership, professional achievement and teamwork,” said Gov. Beshear. “These awards recognize acts of service from last year, and it was so special to have the opportunity to celebrate these dedicated members of Team Kentucky.”

Wallace James (Wally) Paynter Memorial Service To Be Held This Saturday At 2 pm At The CK Newsome Center

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PLANS FOR WALLY’S MEMORIAL SERVICE HELD THIS SATURDAY AT 2:00 AT NEWSOME CENTER

All friends and supporters are welcome to join us for a memorial service that will be held on June 17th, 2023 at 2 pm at the CK Newsome Center, 100 E Walnut St, in Evansville Indiana. Friends will be invited to speak and those that cannot attend are able to send video stories and tributes to 3statealliance@gmail.com for showing at the service.

A brief intimate graveside service will be held on June 18th, 2 pm, at St. John’s cemetery in Carmi Illinois. He was cremated. He was an organ donor, in the hopes of helping others in need. Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi is assisting the family with arrangements.

Obituary Of Wallace James (Wally) Paynter

JUNE 16, 2023

Wallace James (Wally) Paynter of Evansville, Ind. died on May 30th, 2023. He was born in Carmi, Illinois on May 26, 1967, the son of Patricia Lucille O’Daniell Paynter and James Paynter. He is predeceased by his mother, his grandparents John Lamp; Lucille (Wallace) O’Daniell and Ray Lamp; Ina Dunbar, his uncle Wallace O’Daniell, and his great aunts Lena (Wallace) Norton and Ida (Wallace) Choate.

He graduated from Carmi High School, the University of Evansville with a bachelor’s in psychology, and Southeastern Illinois College with a nursing degree. He was always active in school. In high school, he was the editor of the school newspaper and president of the Thespian Society. In college, he was president of the UE Student Congress and served 3 years on the UE Board of Trustees, the UE Alumni Board, and was a member of the UE Theatre Society and the UE Diversity Council.

Wally spent his professional career in public service, working for the Franklin-Williamson Counties Health Department, the Illinois Department of Aging, the Vanderburgh County Health Department, the Indiana State Department of Health, and the Illinois Secretary of State. Like his mother, he volunteered for organizations that helped those who were disabled. For 20 years, he served as the board President and/or Vice President of the regional Muscular Dystrophy Association. He chaired the first AIDS Walks in Carbondale, Owensboro, and Vincennes, and volunteered for the 1st AIDS Walks in Evansville and Jasper. He served as the chair of the Tri-State AIDS Holiday Project since 1989. He served as the President of the Tri-State Alliance from 1989 – 2022, as the president of Justice, Inc. for a decade (Indiana’s statewide LGBT civil rights organization), and as the chair of AGLO (the association of Great Lakes Gay and Lesbian Organizations). In 2022 he was named President Emeritus and a lifetime board member of the Tri-State Alliance. As a civil rights activist, he chaired successful efforts to pass civil rights ordinances in Evansville and Vanderburgh County, he helped pass ordinances in Henderson and several cities throughout Indiana and coordinated lobbying efforts that stopped the Indiana anti-gay adoption bill and the anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment in Indiana. He worked tirelessly to advocate for LGBT civil rights and for the needs of LGBT youth.

In addition to his work with the Tri-State AIDS Holiday Project that served over 400 low-income families, he was most proud of founding the TSA Youth Group in 1998, which serves LGBT teens in a 3-state area. He and his sister Elizabeth spent many years taking care of their mother at home, who had a form of muscular dystrophy known as Charcot Marie Tooth.

He is survived by one sister Elizabeth Taylor and her husband Billy. He is also survived by friends who were his chosen family, including the Kathy DiDomizio family, Mark Fox, Kyle Laslie, Joyce Masser, Patrick McCarthy, Dan McNeely, Travis Peacock, Julie Robinson, Bob Schmidt, Nathan Simon, and Nathan’s son Grayson James Simon. Beyond being an activist, he was known for his love of movies, democrat politics, dining with friends, traveling, and helping college students.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the TSA Youth Group or to the TSA AIDS Holiday Project, PO Box 2901, Evansville, IN 47728, via PayPal or Venmo @tristatealliance, OR made online at TSAGL.org/donate.html.

PLANS FOR WALLY’S MEMORIAL SERVICE THIS SATURDAY AT 2:00 AT NEWSOME CENTER

All friends and supporters are welcome to join us for a memorial service that will be held on June 17th, 2023 at 2 pm at the CK Newsome Center, 100 E Walnut St, in Evansville Indiana. Friends will be invited to speak and those that cannot attend are able to send video stories and tributes to 3statealliance@gmail.com for showing at the service.

A brief intimate graveside service will be held on June 18th, 2 pm, at St. John’s cemetery in Carmi Illinois. He was cremated. He was an organ donor, in the hopes of helping others in need. Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi is assisting the family with arrangements.

Trail Heads To Open New Bicycle Trails In Lynnville

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WHO: Brad Scales, Executive Director Of Trail Heads – Southwest Indiana

WHAT: Trail Heads will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the new Flow Zone at Astromine Bike Park.The Flow Zone features five downhill flow trails featuring berms, rollers, and jumps that would normally be found in mountain settings. Riders with proper equipment can enjoy the trails immediately following the ceremony at 10 A.M.. Information will also be provided about plans to develop more trails at the park and throughout Warrick County.

WHEN: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 17th

WHERE: Outdoor area on left just past the observatory inside Lynnville Park (405 Hwy 68 in Lynnville). Parking will be available in grass alongside the park road.

Trail Heads is a nonprofit organization with a mission to develop quality trails and
support youth programs throughout southwest Indiana. Our activities for Dubois, Gibson, Spencer, and Warrick Counties include weekly rides, bike maintenance, and trail work. Visit www.trailheadsbike.com for more details.

For more information, please contact Brad Scales at 812-217-6340 or email
contact@trail-heads.org

Eagles ink five newcomers ahead 2023 season

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Despite winning the first set, University of Southern Indiana Volleyball (0-2, 0-0 OVC) slowly watched Murray State University (2-0, 0-0 MVC) take away three-straight sets to defeat the Screaming Eagles, 3-1 (25-22, 18-25, 17-25, 12-25). The Eagles are still searching for its first win in the NCAA Division I era

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Volleyball has announced the signing of five freshmen for the upcoming season. Joining the Screaming Eagles in 2023 will be Leah Coleman (Hoover, Alabama), Ellie Marbet (Columbia, Tennessee), Mariah Minor (Indianapolis, Indiana), Jillian Moonan (Chicago, Illinois), and Maeve Moonan (Chicago, Illinois).
 
“We are excited to officially welcome the class of 2023 to our family,” said newly-hired USI Head Coach Jeffrey Aucoin. “In my early interactions, they are high character student-athletes that have excelled in the classroom and at the highest level on the court. I am looking forward to having each of them bring these same values to our program to help us continue to make USI a premiere program.
 
Leah Coleman | 5’11” | Outside Hitter | Hoover, Alabama
Coleman joins the roster after earning two varsity letters at Spain Park High School, playing volleyball and softball. She was a part of the Alabama Performance Volleyball Club.
 
Ellie Marbet | 6’0″ | Outside Hitter | Columbia, Tennessee
Marbet comes in as a true freshman out of Spring Hill High School in Columbia, Tennessee. She lettered four times as a Raider and was named an All-District Honorable Mention in 2021 before capping off her high school career with District All-Tournament, All-District, and All-District MVP accolades. Marbet also played for Tennessee Performance Volleyball.
 
Mariah Minor | 5’11” | Middle Blocker | Indianapolis, Indiana
The Pike High School graduate comes to USI after lettering seven times between volleyball and track & field. Minor’s sophomore season was capped off with an All-Conference Indiana Honorable Mention accolade before being named to the All-Conference Indiana squad after her junior and senior seasons. She also was a member of the Rev Volleyball Academy.
 
Jillian Moonan | 6’0″ | Middle Blocker/Right Side Hitter | Chicago, Illinois
Committed to USI alongside her twin sister, Maeve, after spending four seasons with Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School. Moonan played a key role in the IHSA State Runner-up group and the 2021 Autumn Fest Championship squad. In 2022, she led the Macs to a Metea Valley Tournament Championship, LIVT Championship, ASIC Challenge Championship, and Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Championship. Moonan also played for the Michio Chicago Volleyball Academy for four years.
 
Maeve Moonan | 5’11” | Middle Blocker | Chicago, Illinois
The All-State Honorable Mention (2021) attended Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School where she accumulated a pair of varsity letters playing volleyball. Moonan comes to USI with her twin sister, Jillian. The 2022 All-Girls Catholic Athletic Conference award winner was a part of the IHSA State Runner-up team and Autumn Fest Championship squad in 2021. Moonan and the Macs were Metea Valley Tournament Champions, LIVT Champions, ASICS Champions, and Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Champions in her senior season.
 
The Eagles will hit the court for USI’s second season in NCAA Division I play after finishing 2022 with a 1-28 overall record, going 1-17 in the Ohio Valley Conference and missing out on the postseason tournament.
 
USI will welcome Aucoin as the 13th head coach in USI Volleyball program history. Aucoin takes over the reins of the Eagles after spending 10 years at the University of New Hampshire’s women’s volleyball program as an assistant coach.
 

VANDERBURGH COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY NEWSLETTER

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  • June 16th — Missy Mosby Golf Scramble

  • June 20th — Laura Brown Windhorst Evening on the River
  • Stephanie Terry Events
  • June 24th — Breakfast Meeting CANCELLED
  • June 29th — Marry Allen Party on the Farm
  • June 30th — Paul Green Golf Scramble
  • 8th District Events
  • July 20th — Victory 2023 Poker Run

The Together With Terry Listening Tour is a great opportunity to meet Evansville Mayoral candidate Stephanie Terry and for her to meet you! Join her in Akin Park as she speaks to the citizens of the Second Ward.

June 27 – Second Ward – 5:30 PM

Get involved in spreading the word about Stephanie Terry! We’d love your help at one of the upcoming canvassing events happening on the next few Saturdays. The team will meet at 11 AM at EVPL Red Bank on the dates below. Check out the links for more info!

View Event on Facebook
View Event on Mobilize.us
View Event on Facebook
View Event on Facebook

Due to unforseen circumstances our June Breakfast has been CANCELLED.

Follow 8th District Dems on Facebook

Mark your calendars and don’t miss this fun event that will benefit ALL our candidates!

The KEEP Foundation Announces Inaugural Seattle Slew Grant Recipients

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Lexington, Ky. June 14, 2023 – The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) Foundation has awarded over $12,000 to Kentucky equine non-profit organizations though its new Seattle Slew Grant Program. The KEEP Foundation is committed to helping support educational programs, projects and other endeavors that help advance the future of the equine industry in Kentucky.

The KEEP Foundation’s Seattle Slew grants are available to Kentucky non-profits providing equine educational programs, events and initiatives. The Seattle Slew Grant Program is part of the Foundation’s efforts to support education and promote the importance of the equine industry to Kentucky’s economy and culture.

“The KEEP Foundation is honored to support these exceptional organizations that are tirelessly working towards showcasing our industry to future equine enthusiasts,” said Katie LaMonica, KEEP Foundation Board Chair. “The KEEP Foundation congratulates the grant recipients and commends their exceptional dedication and passion for Kentucky’s equine community.”

The Seattle Slew Grant Program is open to non-profit organizations, schools, and other groups that are involved in equine-related educational programs and projects. Recipients of the inaugural Seattle Slew Grant program are, The Ed Brown Society, Frankie’s Corner Little Thoroughbred Crusade and the Paris Bourbon County YMCA.

“Growing up, my grandfather Francis C. Wilson Sr. was who I looked up to, to gain my horsemanship skills and knowledge. Today, I lead Frankie’s Corner Little Thoroughbred Crusade (FCLTC) students in honor of my grandfather to prepare them for a bright future in the equine industry. We can not be what we do not see. So it is important to give the youth an opportunity to be the best version of themselves,” said Jermo Reese, President, Frankie’s Corner Little Thoroughbred Crusade.

Grants of up to $5,000 are available, and new submissions are reviewed quarterly. For more information or to apply for a grant, please visit HERE.

The KEEP Foundation has expanded its programming in recent years. In addition to its annual scholarship program, monthly Equine Educational Luncheon Series and it’s Workforce Initiatives, the Foundation also partners with Amplify Horse Racing, to host it’s monthly Career with Horses Tour Series.

All of these programs and initiatives would not be possible without the support of Kentucky’s equine industry and proceeds from the KEEP Foundation’s Seattle Slew license plate. Proceeds from sales and renewals of the 2022 license plate topped nearly $60,000.

The KEEP Foundation’s Seattle Slew specialty license plate would not have been possible without the gracious support of Karen and Mickey Taylor, the owners of Seattle Slew, and Bobby Shiflet, owner of the Tony Leonard Collection, who donated the photo of Seattle Slew that was used for the license plate. 

If you would like to support the KEEP Foundation’s education initiatives, donations can be made HERE.

ABOUT THE KEEP FOUNDATION

The mission of the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), established in 2014, is to support the economic success of Kentucky’s signature industry by ensuring its continued economic viability, making the industry accessible for all who want to participate, introducing more young people to the industry and its opportunities, and educating the people of the Commonwealth about the importance of horses to the state, its economy, its heritage, and its people. www.thekeepfoundation.org

USI women’s XC/T&F sign five for 2023-24

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EVANSVILLE, Ind.—University of Southern Indiana Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field announced that five incoming freshmen have signed national letters of intent to compete for the Screaming Eagles and Head Coach Mike Hillyard during the 2023-24 season.
 
The list includes Karli Kitten (Ferdinand, Indiana), Sydney Klinglesmith (Westfield, Indiana), Sara Livingston (Dubois, Indiana), Zoe Seward (Rochester, Indiana) and Ellen White (Columbus, Indiana).
 
“On paper, this recruiting class comes in with stronger credentials than last spring’s USI senior class came in with four years ago,” Hillyard said. “That class ended up being one of the best in program history and I feel very strongly that this recruiting class will develop into frontrunners in the OVC in 2-3 years.
 
“Karli, Sydney, Sara, Zoe and Ellen possess all of the intangibles that are essential to being successful in this sport,” Hillyard concluded.
 
Karli Kitten
Kitten is a graduate of Forest Park High School where she was an IHSAA Class 2A first-team All-State honoree in addition to a first-team All-Southwest Indiana and All-Pocket Athletic Conference award winner. She has personal bests of 5:28 in the 1,600 meters, 11:35 in the 3,200 meters and 19:11 in the 5k.
 
Sydney Klinglesmith
Klinglesmith is a graduate of Westfield High School, where she earned first-team Academic All-State in both cross country and track & field during her senior year. An honorable mention Academic All-State honoree in both cross country and track & field as a junior in 2021-22, Klinglesmith has personal bests of 5:33 in the 1,600 meters, 12:03 in the 3,200 meters and 18:49 in the 5k.
 
Sara Livingston
Livingston is a graduate of Northeast Dubois High School where she was a four-time All-State and All-Conference honoree. The 2022 Blue Chip Conference champion in cross country, Livingston is a multiple-time regional qualifier and has personal bests of 5:24 in the 1,600 meters and 19:32 in the 5k.
 
Zoe Seward
Seward is a graduate of Rochester Community High School where she was an IHSAA Class 3A honorable mention All-State honoree on the cross country course. Seward has posted personal best times of 5:31 in the 1,600 meters, 11:26 in the 3,200 meters and 19:04 in the 5k.
 
Ellen White
White is a graduate of Columbus North High School where she was a state qualifier on the grass after finishing fourth at the regional championships last fall. White finished 103rd at the 2022 IHSAA Cross Country Championships and has personal-best times of 12:00 in the 3,200 meters and 19:01 in the 5k.
 
The Eagles are scheduled to open the 2023 cross country campaign September 1 when they host the Stegemoller Classic at Angel Mounds.