- By Caleb Crockett, TheStatehouseFile.com
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A controversial energy bill and its three amendments hit the House floor at the Indiana Statehouse on Monday.
Senate Bill 425, authored by Sen. Eric Koch, R-Bedford, and Sen. Stacey Donato, R-Logansport, seeks to change zoning laws related to power plants in Indiana. Zoning laws decide how a specific spot of land can be used. They help the government plan out where people can build homes, factories, farms, etc.
Rep. Edmond Soliday, R-Valparaiso, author of SMR bill HB 1007, is also sponsoring SB 425, which seeks to change zoning laws related to power plants in Indiana. He spoke before the Indiana House Monday. Photo by Caleb Crockett, TheStatehouseFile.com.
As it stands now, there are local zoning barriers that could sit in the way of quickly building electrical facilities. In 2024, global energy demand doubled from the past decade’s average, and global electricity consumption rose by 4.3%.
Kerwin Olson, executive director of Citizens Action Coalition, which bills itself as “Indiana’s oldest and largest consumer and environmental advocacy organization,” said these facilities are actually a way to push the development of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).
“The big problem I think the bill is trying to address is the siting of small modular reactors,” Olson said. “I think all the discussion around siting this year has really been about ensuring that opponents of nuclear power don’t get in the way of siting reactors.”
Olson continued to give his reasoning for why this bill is about SMRs, even though SB 425 does not explicitly refer to them.
“No. 1, at the legislative conference in December, chair of house utilities Ed Soliday said that the siting bills were about nuclear reactors. No. 2, what you’ll notice is the only mention of any technology in (SB 425) are wind and solar,” Olson said.
“It prohibits—it does not include wind and solar as eligible technologies, meaning that local communities can still prohibit wind and solar if they want to. So you are not seeing the things that are allowed, only the things that are prohibited.”
A defining mark of this legislative session has been the frequency with which SMRs have been mentioned. Olson believes he knows why they are such a popular topic of conversation.
“The driving force behind (SMRs) is that there are those who are concerned, if you will, about the retirement of coal-fired power plants,” Olson said. “Most of those concerned with those plants are also extremely skeptical of renewable energy. They are stuck in the belief that we must have 24/7 baseload power, and they have hijacked the word ‘reliable.’”
Proponents of SB 425 say it would eliminate anything that stands in the way of building more electrical facilities and chip away at the energy problem, streamlining the building process by eliminating the need for a zoning or siting permit from the local government. These facilities cannot be built just anywhere; they can only be built where a previous facility was or on a former surface or underground mine.
The hope is that with fewer restrictions, electrical facilities can be built in a more efficient manner; however, this is where the conflict heats up.
Although SB 425 could theoretically encourage further construction of these facilities, critics say it comes at the expense of the local government’s autonomy. Delaney Barber Kwon, the government affairs manager for Indiana Conservation Voters, spoke with WFYI about the bill.
“We do have some concerns about the approach to restricting local control to streamline the process,” she said.
House Bill 1007, currently in the Senate, incentivizes the creation of SMRs in Indiana by adding a state tax credit for any developmental expenses. Indiana was also chosen by the U.S Department of Energy and National Governors Association to be a haven for nuclear energy.
“Indiana is uniquely positioned to be a national leader in nuclear energy, and this opportunity will help to inform and accelerate our strategy and focus,” Gov. Mike Braun said about the initiative. “Collaboration is essential to ensuring reliability, affordability, economic growth, and sustainability for Hoosiers.”
Olson made his opinion clear about whether SB 425 would encourage the development of SMRs.
“No,” he said.
There are currently no active SMRs in America, and Olson is skeptical of them ever being operational in the states.
“Twenty years ago, they were 10 years away. Ten years ago, they were 10 years away. Today they are 10 years away. They simply don’t exist. They are not commercially available, so how can something be replaced with something that is not available?” he said.
Rep. Edmond Soliday, R-Valparaiso, author of SMR bill HB 1007, is also sponsoring SB 425. Energy bill seems to be another indication of Indiana’s lean into nuclear powerIn the House session, Soliday spoke against amendment 3, which would include both wind and solar energy to the bill.
“We made (SB 425) up with wind and solar, but the Senate has made it absolutely clear they will strip this out and send it back to conference committee,” Soliday said. “So to save us all another meeting, I would urge you to vote against the amendment.”
SB 425’s amendment 3 failed 68-27; the bill passed its second reading and now moves forward to its third House reading.
Caleb Crockett is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news site powered by Franklin College journalism students.
Celebrate Earth Day at Wesselman Woods
Each April, people around the globe pause to reflect on the planet we call home. Earth Day is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action. From reducing waste and protecting habitats to supporting local sustainability efforts, Earth Day reminds us that even small changes can lead to big impacts. And in Evansville, one of the best ways to embrace the spirit of the day is by stepping outside and reconnecting with nature.
On Saturday, April 19, Wesselman Woods invites the community to celebrate Earth Day 2025 with a free, fun-filled event focused on exploration, education, and environmental stewardship.
Located at 551 North Boeke Road, Wesselman Woods is home to the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States, making it the perfect setting to honor and explore the natural world. The day kicks off at 9 AM with open access to more than four miles of scenic trails and the Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape. From 10 AM to 2 PM, the Nature Center will host interactive booths, hands-on activities, and live demonstrations led by over 25 local organizations passionate about sustainability and conservation.
Enjoy guided hikes, animal encounters, and storytime throughout the day, along with educational displays from partners like the Evansville Audubon Society, the Indiana Native Plant Society, and the Evansville Climate Collaborative. Whether you’re a nature lover, a curious kid, or just looking to learn more about how to care for the planet, there’s something for everyone.
And of course, local food trucks will be on site from 11 AM to 2 PM, serving up delicious bites just outside the gates—perfect fuel for an afternoon of discovery.
🌿 Earth Day Event Highlights at Wesselman Woods
- Explore & Engage (10 AM – 2 PM): Nature-based activities and interactive booths
- Wander & Play (9 AM – 5 PM): Free access to trails and nature playscape
- Savor & Support (11 AM – 2 PM): Local food trucks with tasty options
- Special Activities: Guided hikes, animal encounters, and storytime throughout the day
Explore Wesselman Woods to celebrate Earth Day with purpose, curiosity, and connection. Together, we can help create a more sustainable future—starting right here in Evansville.
Nationally renowned fair housing experts to speak at the Human Relations Commission Fair Housing Summit
Nationally renowned fair housing experts to speak at the Human Relations Commission Fair Housing Summit
(Evansville, IN) – To commemorate the 57th year since the passage of Title VIII of the 1968 Civil Rights Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Human Relations Commission will host a free Fair Housing Summit on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Old National Events Plaza. The summit will feature housing experts Jeffrey P. May, Stella Adams, and Michael D. Mitchell of the International Development and Planning, LLC. International Development and Planning LLC is a firm with more than fifty years of experience in training, planning, and project development. The presenters will speak on fair housing laws and policies from a historical perspective as well as current and emerging matters in the field of fair housing. Fair housing topics will include enforcement, homeownership, disaster recovery, disability, mortgage lending, and criminal background screening. Registration is required, and lunch will be provided. The Southwest Indiana Association of Realtors is a sponsor of the summit.
Jeffrey P. May serves as the principal of International Development and Planning LLC and
previously served as the Assistant Director of National Neighbors (NN), a program of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition where his responsibilities were to provide oversight of all NN’s education, planning, compliance, and enforcement activities occurring across the United States of America. May holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s in Urban and Regional Planning (MURP). He is a former member of the Fannie Mae Housing Impact Advisory Council, and the National Fair Housing Alliance’s Board of Directors.
Stella Adams is a nationally recognized fair housing and fair lending expert who previously held executive positions in the National Fair Housing Training Academy. She is the President and CEO of S J Adams Consulting. Adams most recently retired as the Chief of Equity and Inclusion for the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, which is designed to empower, organize, and support economically vulnerable individuals, communities, and small businesses. She supervised the Center for Civil Rights, Housing Counseling Network, Financial Equality Center, DC Women’s Business Center, and the Small Business Technical Center. Ms. Adams currently serves on the board of America’s Homeownership Alliance, the Campaign to Fix the Debt Steering Committee, a project of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, Housing Committee of the National NAACP, National Association of American Veterans, Inc., and Repairers of the Breach, Inc.
Michael D. Mitchell has worked for the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC),
where he has served as the Director of National Neighbors program and the Vice President of Fair Lending. Mr. Mitchell spearheaded the Coalition’s systemic fair lending and fair housing initiatives. Mr. Mitchell has served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Howard University School of Law and has also served as an Instructor at the National Fair Housing Training Academy and is a frequent speaker at national and regional conferences.
The summit will also feature additional national and local housing experts.
The Fair Housing Summit is free and open to the public. Please visit the following link to register. 2025 Fair Housing Summit Registration The deadline to register is Friday, April 25, 2025. Certification of attendance will be provided for attendees.
The Evansville-Vanderburgh County Human Relations Commission works to eradicate housing discrimination and provides residents with information on fair housing rights. To file a complaint of discrimination, contact the Human Relations Commission at (812) 436-4927 or email hrc@evansville.in.gov.
EWSU Relaunches MyWater EWSU Portal and App
Upgraded customer platform delivers simpler access, smarter tools
(Evansville, IN) – Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) today announced the relaunch of its MyWater EWSU customer platform, featuring a redesigned web portal available now and a mobile app relaunch in the coming days.
The new MyWater EWSU experience offers customers a more convenient and secure way to manage their water and sewer services. Whether online or on the go, customers will have access to tools that make utility management as seamless as possible.
Now Live: Web Portal
As of today, customers can access the upgraded MyWater EWSU web portal through mywater.ewsu.com. The redesigned platform introduces:
- Streamlined Access – Log in quickly, with certain features available even without signing in.
- Automatic Account Transfer – No need to re-register; existing account details have been moved automatically.
- Smarter Profile Management – Easily update contact information and preferences.
- User-Friendly Dashboard – View bills, track usage, and manage account activity all in one place.
- Interactive Project & Advisory Map – Stay informed with real-time boil advisories and local infrastructure updates.
- Enhanced Security – Two-factor authentication adds extra protection to user accounts.
Coming Soon: Mobile App
The mobile version of MyWater EWSU will be available in app stores in the coming days, giving customers flexible access to all the same tools from their smartphones and tablets. Stay tuned to EWSU’s website and social media channels for the official launch announcement.
For questions
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
ROOM 301, CIVIC CENTER COMPLEX
WEDNESDAY APRIL 16, 2025
NOON
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. MEETING MEMORANDUM APRIL 2, 2025
3. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Request Re: Approve and Execute Umpire Service Agreement with Donald Taylor. – Bedwell
b. Request Re: Approve and Execute Umpire Service Agreement with Ed Hood. – Bedwell
c. Request Re: Approve and Execute Umpire Service Agreement with Valencia Redding. -Bedwell
d. Request Re: Approve and Execute Umpire Service Agreement with Scott Kevghas. -Bedwell
e. Request Re: Approve and Execute Agreement for Services with Demetrick Baker. -Bedwell
f. Request Re: Approve and Execute Agreement for Facility Use and Services with the YMCA
for Adult Volleyball Leagues. – Bedwell
g. Request Re: Approve and Execute Agreement with Johnson Controls for annual Backflow and
Sprinkler Inspections at Swonder Ice Arena. – Lord
4. OLD BUSINESS N/A
5. NEW BUSINESS
a. Request Re: Permission to terminate concessions agreement with “The Penalty Box, LLC” at
Swonder Ice Arena. – Pariman
b. Request Re: Permission to seek bids for Concessionaire tenant at Swonder Ice Arena. – Pariman
c. Request Re: Permission to terminate a land use agreement with the Evansville Razorbacks for
the use of Wesselman park ballfields. -Crook
d. Request Re: Approve and Execute Service Agreement with Morley and Associates for the
Wesselman playground restroom. – Crook
e. Request Re: Approve and Execute Agreement with Rivertown Construction for site work at
Fulton Park for preparation of playground installation. – Cook
f. Request Re: Any Other Business the Board Wishes to Consider and Public Comment.
6. REPORTS
Danielle Crook- Executive Director
7. ACCEPTANCE OF PAYROLL AND VENDOR CLAIMS
8. ADJOURN
USI Men’s Golf concludes regular season at Wright State and Vincennes Invitationals
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Golf completed play Monday afternoon with its split-squad schedule for the week at the Wright State University Invitational and Vincennes University Spring Invitational, wrapping up the regular-season slate for the Screaming Eagles.
At the Wright State Invitational at Heatherwoode Golf Club, USI finished seventh out of 12 teams with a three-round score of 853 (286, 286, 281) and one stroke over par. After sitting in eighth place following 36 holes and down to ninth early in the final round on Monday, the Screaming Eagles made a solid charge late in the day to jump a couple of spots up to seventh and shoot their best team-round score by five strokes. The third-round 281 was one stroke away from tying the team’s best round total of 2024-25, which was a 280 in the fall at the Bubba Barnett Intercollegiate.
Senior Sam Vertanen paced the team with a sixth-place finish on the individual leaderboard, his first career top-10 finish while at USI. Vertanen posted a USI career-best 208 (70, 70, 68), three strokes better than his previous career mark at USI. The senior had a strong start in round one, totaling five birdies with four birdies coming in a five-hole stretch. Vertanen’s third-round 68 tied his season-best round from the Grover Page Classic in the fall.
Fellow senior Jason Bannister also had a solid finish with a third-round 68. Overall, Bannister shot even par at 213 (72, 73, 68) for a top 25. The third-round 68 was Bannister’s fifth time shooting a 68 and 10th time shooting in the 60s in 2024-25. The senior single-round best this year is a 66 at the season-opening Dolenc Invitational in the fall. Bannister’s final round on Monday featured an eagle on the card and matched Vertanen with only a single bogey in the final 18 holes.
Junior Carter Goebel shot three over par for a 216 (71, 73, 72). It was the second week in a row that Goebel shot a 216, matching his best 54-hole total of the spring slate which he shot at last week’s Big Blue Intercollegiate. Freshman Alex Peck had another impressive week, shooting his best 54-hole score of 2024-25 with a five-over-par 218 (75, 70, 73). Peck once again set a new career-low round score with his 70 in the second round. Sophomore Hunter Reynolds shot his best 54-hole score of the spring with a 223 (73, 77, 73), two strokes off his career-best 54-hole score of 221 from the Bubba Barnett Intercollegiate in the fall. Reynolds has shot a round of 73, one off his career-low round, five times in 2024-25. Reynolds also carded an eagle in Monday’s final round. Senior Wade Worthington tallied his best 54-hole score of the 2024-25 season with a 229 (77, 75, 77).
At the Vincennes Spring Invitational at Sultan’s Run Golf Club, USI had three individuals competing in the two-round tournament. Freshman Chandler Ornelas led the way for the Screaming Eagles by tying for a top-10 finish after logging 155 (78, 77). Freshman Tye Boone shot 158 (79, 79) to finish in the top 15, and fellow freshman Coen Bauschek scored 161 (85, 76). Bauschek’s nine-stroke improvement from round one to round two led to his best single-round score of 2024-25 with 76, which was highlighted by four birdies in Monday’s round.
Next, USI Men’s Golf will make its final preparations this week before traveling to the Ohio Valley Conference Championship on April 20-23 at Dalhousie Golf Club in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The tournament will begin with stroke play before the top four teams after the final round of stroke play will battle it out in a match-play bracket for the championship.
Ahead of Tax Day, Governor Braun Seeks to Remove Tax Penalties on Marriage
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THUNDERBOLTS PREPARE FOR SEMIFINALS REMATCH WITH RIVERMEN
- Peoria Rivermen:
- Record: 40-10-6, 86 Points, 1st Place
- Leading Regular Season Goal Scorer: Jordan Ernst (37 Goals)
- Leading Regular Season Point Scorer: Alec Baer (67 Points)
- Primary Regular Season Goaltender: Colby Muise (23-3-4, .933 Save %)
- Thunderbolts 24-25 Record vs PEO: 4-7-1
- No Transactions to Report
HOR JOBS
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Burdette Park Reopens Following Temporary Flood Closure
Evansville, IN – Burdette Park is pleased to announce that it has officially reopened to the public following a temporary closure due to historic flooding. While the park has resumed general operations, a few temporary adjustments remain in place to ensure guest safety.
At this time, the main entrance and exit to the park remain closed due to lingering floodwaters. All visitors are asked to enter the park via the Discovery Lodge entrance until further notice. Additionally, the Anchor Playground will remain closed until further notice.
Guests who have upcoming events scheduled and are concerned about potential impacts from the recent flooding are encouraged to contact the Burdette Park office at 812-435-5602 for the most up-to-date information and assistance.
“We’re grateful for the community’s patience and understanding as we worked through this historic flood event,” said Park Director, Zach Wathen. “The safety of our guests remains our top priority, and we’re excited to welcome everyone back to the park.”