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Teacher collective bargaining bill heads to Gov. Holcomb

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Teacher collective bargaining bill heads to Gov. Holcomb

  • By Xain Ballenger, TheStatehouseFile.com
  • APRIL 26, 2023

The Indiana Senate voted Tuesday to concur with House amendments on a bill to make collective bargaining between school districts and teachers optional rather than mandatory in a relatively close 27-23 vote, sending it to Gov. Eric Holcomb to veto or sign into law..

Sen. Linda Rogers, R-Granger, was a co-author of SB 486 and presented it to the Senate Chamber. A number of Senators opposed the legislation; however, it passed 27-23.

Photo by Xain Ballenger, TheStatehouseFile.com

Senate Bill 486 is authored by Sen. Linda Rogers, R-Granger, Sen. Jeff Raatz, R-Centerville, and Sen. Stacey Donato, R-Logansport.

Collective bargaining is the process in which people negotiate employment contracts with their employers, involving issues such as “pay, benefits, hours, leave, job health and safety policies, ways to balance work and family, and more,” according to the AFL-CIO, calling collective bargaining “a way to solve workplace problems.”

The bill was opposed by senators from both parties, including Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores, Sen. Andrea Hunley, D-Indianapolis, Sen. Jean Leising, R-Oldenburg, and Sen. Fady Qaddoura, D-Indianapolis.

Bohacek said that whenever he looks at an education bill, he asks if it’s going to provide a better, safer educational experience for children and if it will do it more efficiently. He said the bill “does neither.”

“I will be voting against the bill because I see nothing in this bill that’s going to improve the educational outcomes for our children,” Bohacek said.

Hunley said the bill was not a “deregulation” bill as it had been sold to lawmakers.

Sen. Andrea Hunley, D-Indianapolis, rises in opposition to SB 486, saying it is not a “deregulation” bill as it has been sold to lawmakers.

“What this bill is doing is it is taking away a formal process of discussion, a formal process that ensures that there are voices that are heard from all parties in the school building,” she said.

“What this bill is doing is it is taking away a formal process of discussion, a formal process that ensures that there are voices that are heard from all parties in the school building—from teachers who are part of the exclusive collective bargaining unit, from teachers who may not be from building, administrators—and keeping in mind the needs of the student,” she said.

Qaddoura added: “You’re removing the ability for teachers to demand improving student learning conditions because teachers’ working conditions are student learning conditions.

“We’re not in short of good public policies to lift up our students and close that achievement gap. But rather we come here and introduce policies under the description or the framing of “we’re helping education” when 40,000 teachers disagree. There’s something wrong.”

The bill also would also eliminate some training for teachers and change performance reviews amid other provisions.

Rogers closed by saying, “This bill … is all about flexibility for our educators in the classroom at the building level and a corporate level. The goal is to eliminate mandates that are either outdated or unnecessary [so] your state teachers can focus on educating Hoosier kids.”

FOOTNOTE: Xain Ballenger is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

USDA PRODUCT RECALL

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PRODUCT RECALL
PRODUCT RECALL

USDA Proposes Declaring Salmonella an Adulterant in Breaded Stuffed Raw Chicken Products

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) released today a proposed determination to declare Salmonella an adulterant in breaded stuffed raw chicken products when they exceed a very low level of Salmonella contamination. This announcement is a significant first step that builds on FSIS’ proposed regulatory framework to reduce Salmonella infections linked to poultry products, released in October 2022.

 

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ready-to-Eat Meat Soup Products Due to Possible Contamination

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns that ready-to-eat meat soup products may have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions, which may result in the product spoiling prematurely. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that these products should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.

 

 

 

USI Chamber And Women’s Choirs Recently Perform Their 2023 Spring Concert

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USI Chamber and Women’s Choirs Recently Perform the 2023 Spring Concert, Preview Pieces To Be Performed On The Ireland Tour

APRIL 25, 202

The University of Southern Indiana Chamber Choir and Women’s Choir, under the direction of Daniel Craig, Associate Professor of Music, recently performed their 2023 Spring Concert at Old North United Methodist Church.

This concert featured two pieces for the double choir. The first piece, O Filii et Filiae by Volckmar Leisring, is a piece for the Easter season, arranged for a choir of tenors and basses and a second choir of soprano and altos. The second work, A Hymn to the Mother of God by John Taverner, is written for two mixed choirs.

This concert also featured pieces that will appear on the Chamber Choir’s 2023 Emerald Isle tour, happening May 15-22. The Chamber Choir will be performing concerts in Ireland, including Lisdoonvarna, County Clare; Clifden, County Connemara; Kylemore Abbey, County Connemara; and at the Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin. The Choir will also partner with the Mayo All Male Voice Choir for a concert in Westport, County Mayo, Ireland.

“This choir has produced a concert of music with great blend, clarity and emotion,” Craig says. “I am proud to have them sing in some of the finest concert venues in Ireland.”

For more information on upcoming performances, contact Craig at dcraig@usi.edu.

 

UE men post low round of the day to complete MVC Championship

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Aces jump to 7th place

 COAL VALLEY, Ill. – Posting a team score of 281 in the third and final round of the Missouri Valley Conference Championship, the University of Evansville men’s golf team rallied to finish in 7th place at Oakwood Country Club.

Led by a 2-under 69 from Daniil Romashkin, the Purple Aces recorded the lowest team score of the day. Their 281 was three better than eventual champion Illinois State.  UE improved to finish in the 7th position with a tally of 863.  Their score was just one behind a 5th-place tie between Southern Illinois and Murray State.

Illinois State took the team championship with a 3-round mark of 836.  They defeated Valparaiso by 13 strokes.

Leading the way for Evansville in the final rundown was Nicholas Gushrowski.  He carded an even 71 in Tuesday’s final round to complete the tournament with a 214.  Highlighted by a 2-under 69 in round one, Gushrowski tied for 11th place.

Carson Parker was second on the team with a 217.  One day after shooting the low round of the event for UE (4-under 67), Parker recorded a 74 to come home in a tie for 20th.  Finishing one shot behind him was Michael Ikejiani.  After registering scores of 74 on the first two days, he lowered his score to a 1-under 70 in round three.  His 218 tied him for 23rd.

Isaac Rohleder and Daniil Romashkin each posted their lowest rounds of the tournament on Tuesday.  Rohleder improved by two strokes each day, culminating in an even 71 in the final 17 holes.  He wrapped up the weekend with a 219 to tie for 26th.  Romashkin led UE with a 2-under 69 on Tuesday to jump into a tie for 40th with a 223.

Anthony Delisanti of Valpo was the medalist.  His final score of 200 bested Felix van Dijk of the Redbirds by four strokes.  Delisanti had the lowest round of the tournament on Monday, finishing at seven under with a 64.

24-hour Green Mile tests Vincennes University Conservation Law Enforcement students’ endurance, skills and knowledge

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VINCENNES, Ind., April 25, 2023 – A group of 24 Vincennes University Conservation Law Enforcement students participated in a grueling 24-hour exercise known as the “Green Mile” putting their physical and mental endurance and course knowledge to the test. 

The “Green Mile” began on Wednesday, April 19, with a fitness assessment that included a 1.5-mile run, push-ups, sit-ups, and a 300-meter dash. The students then engaged in a full day of real-world scenarios, land navigation, and wilderness survival training. They underwent swim tests and water survival drills at the VU Aquatic Center before participating in night operations and vehicle stops.

The exact details of the exercise were kept a mystery, but it was confirmed that there was a surprise activity leading up to the sunrise. The mystery activity was a 4:30 a.m. mock search and rescue mission for a missing person. They hunted for clues, treated the victim for injuries, and carried him out of the woods.

The event included a 3.5-mile ruck along the Wabash River waterfront that finished at Kimmell Park. Despite the demanding nature of the exercise, all 24 students successfully completed the challenge that culminated around 7 a.m. on Thursday, April 20.

Conservation Law Enforcement Major Brecken Helsley ‘23 reflected on the experience and shared his excitement about the challenge. 

“The ‘Green Mile’ was a very fun and tiring event that I believe sharpened some of the learned skills from class by allowing us to use them in real-world scenarios,” he said. “This ranged from stopping hunters who are hunting illegally to orienteering using a map and a compass to navigate to search and rescue and survival skills.”

The knowledge and skills are the foundation for the Bedford, Indiana, native’s aspirations of pursuing a career with the National Park Service as a law enforcement park ranger and attending its academy in Colorado in the fall.

“Being involved in some of these skills allowed me to realize what is actually possible and what isn’t in these types of situations which made me a more reasonable planner and a more reliable person in stressful situations,” Helsley said.

VU Conservation Law Enforcement Department Program Chair and VU alumnus Eric Doane draws upon the 29 years he served as an Indiana Conservation Officer when designing the exercises and scenarios. The retired officer introduced this unique hands-on learning event in 2022, and portions of the Green Mile take place across the Wabash River from the Vincennes Campus at Robeson Hills, a 545-acre outdoor laboratory and environmental education site managed by VU that includes a nature preserve.

Doane said, “The ‘Green Mile’ was created to give the students a real-world experience of what a conservation officer does and the extensive training that goes into the career. Although the 24-hour event is exhausting and uncomfortable at times, the students truly get a sense of accomplishment as they face many challenges and push through to the end. I am very proud of this group of students!’’

Kylee Shelton ’22, who participated in the ‘Green Mile’ last year, discovered she was capable of more than she ever thought possible. The VU Conservation Law Enforcement alum from Bloomfield, Indiana, offered advice to current students.

“I was super excited for the ‘Green Mile’,” Shelton said. “The experiences I gained from the ‘Green Mile’ are a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it looks good on a resume. Instead of sitting in a room all day and watching videos, we got the opportunity to put everything we learned into real scenarios. It puts in perspective how difficult and determined you have to be to want to do this kind of work/career. What I took away from the ‘Green Mile’ was never stop and keep pushing yourself even when you are exhausted mentally and physically.”

College of Business and Public Service Dean Susan Brocksmith also commented on the importance of real-world learning.

“The ‘Green Mile’ is just one of the ways we prepare our students for any situation they may face in life. It’s a challenging exercise, but it’s also an opportunity for our students to develop resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills,” Brocksmith said. 

In today’s world, conservation law officers play a vital role in ensuring the protection and preservation of our natural resources. These professionals are responsible for enforcing laws and regulations related to wildlife, fisheries, and environmental protection.

The VU Conservation Law Enforcement program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this challenging and rewarding profession.

DeWig named 2023-24 Editor-In-Chief for USI’s student newspaper, The Shield

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Alyssa DeWig, a University of Southern Indiana junior majoring in journalism, will serve as the Editor-in-Chief for The Shield, USI’s independent student newspaper, for the 2023-24 academic year.

As Editor-in-Chief, DeWig will be responsible for the overall operations of the media outlet. She will plan and conduct weekly editorial board and budget meetings, determine the content of the website, social media channels, and email newsletter and meet with the Sales and Marketing Director to set editorial content and advertising goals.

“Working for The Shield has been the highlight of my college experience, and I would like to make the most of it,” said DeWig. “A good Editor-in-Chief needs a balance of hard work, determination and compassion. I always strive to continue learning and working hard, but I am also kind, and I carry my charisma into my journalism by focusing on ethics. Utilizing ethics and morals in journalism is key because anyone can be a good writer, but not just anyone can truly care about the audience they write for. My compassion allows me to write in a meaningful and truly impactful way, and these skills will carry over to The Shield staff.”

Prior to her appointment as Editor-in-Chief, DeWig has served as News Editor for The Shield since March 2022. She is also Lead Editor for Unmasked, a COVID-19 retrospective magazine published by The Shield. She was named Shieldster of the Month in September 2022. In addition to her work with The Shield, DeWig has been involved with the Psychology Club, serving as both Vice President (2020-21) and Co-President (2021-22). She was awarded the Engaged Student in Journalism award from the USI College of Liberal Arts Media and Communications Department in 2023.

DeWig’s primary goals for The Shield include ensuring weekly meetings contain relevant resources and examples for staff to follow. “I want the staff to feel trained and get the most out of their time at The Shield,” she said. “I will also heavily emphasize ethics when producing content. I want the staff to not only write to produce a portfolio for job experience, but also to appreciate journalism and handle this job with care. Writing for the USI community is not only about educating them, but also making sure we are taking care of those we interview and report on.”

BASEBALL ACES CRUISE PAST LIPSCOMB, 9-3 

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. –  The University of Evansville baseball team opened up a five-game homestand in grand fashion on Tuesday night, as the Purple Aces pounded out a 9-3 victory over the visiting Lipscomb Bisons at German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium in Evansville.

“Tonight was a great overall team win,” said UE head coach Wes Carroll.  “John MacCauley was outstanding on the mound to set the tone for the night, and our offense put up multiple runs in three-straight innings.

“Now, we are on to the weekend with Indiana State coming into town.  Should be a big weekend at the ballpark.”

MacCauley, a graduate transfer from Butler who was making his first start in an Evansville uniform, struck out the side in the first inning to set the tone for the evening.  After Evansville scored a run in the bottom of the first inning on a walk, an infield single, and an RBI ground out, MacCauley retired seven of the next eight batters to keep Evansville in the lead, 1-0.  After a one-out double, MacCauley (1-1) struck out Lipscomb designated hitter David Coppedge to end his night on pitch count, but he earned the victory scattering two hits in 3.2 scoreless innings with five strikeouts.

Evansville would score two runs in both the fifth and sixth innings, before exploding for four runs in the seventh inning.  Graduate outfielder Eric Roberts led off UE’s four-run seventh inning with a solo home run to right field for his 15th home run of the year.  Junior second baseman Kip Fougerousse then continued his hot hitting two batters later with a two-run double to deep center field to push UE’s lead to 8-3.  Sophomore catcher Evan Waggoner then drove in Fougerousse with an RBI single to center field to cap UE’s scoring.

Fougerousse, Waggoner, and junior shortstop Simon Scherry all had two hits to lead UE’s offensive attack, with Fougerousse adding two runs and three RBI.

With the victory, Evansville improves to 24-16 overall.  Lipscomb, meanwhile, falls to 21-20 with the loss.  Evansville will continue its homestand this weekend by hosting #14 Indiana State in a three-game series beginning on Friday night at 6 p.m.  All three games of the series can be heard live in the Tri-State area on 107.1 FM-WJPS and the Old National Bank/Purple Aces Sports Network from Learfield.

A Couple Rough Innings Hurt Otters in Loss to Crushers

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AVON, Ohio – The Evansville Otters saw the Lake Erie Crushers put up two crooked-number innings Saturday, leading to a 12-3 final in favor of Lake Erie.
The Crushers got after Evansville starter Steve Pastora early, picking up back-to-back hits in the first, but Pastora held Lake Erie to a single run in the first.
Evansville answered well in the second, taking the lead on a two-run home run from Justin Felix, his sixth home run of the season and second of the road trip.

However, the momentum settled into Lake Erie’s favor in the third, making it a rough inning for Evansville.

The first five Crushers reached in the third, scoring on RBIs from Kenen Irizarry, Jake Gitter, Connor Owings and Casey Combs.

Lake Erie chased Pastora from the game, striking for five runs total in the inning. From there, Ryan O’Reilly was brought in for the Otters.

Lake Erie extended their lead to 7-2 in the fifth on a solo home run from Connor Owings, his second RBI of the day.

In the seventh, the Crushers added another run, this time on a bases-loaded walk by Combs.

Evansville grabbed another home run in the eighth, a solo shot from Jeffrey Baez, bringing Evansville within five. Baez is up to five home runs on the season.

In the bottom half of the eighth, Lake Erie put the game away for good. The first four men reached, two scoring on a two-run single from Jackson Valera. Two more runs scored in the inning on a double from Owings, giving the Crushers a 12-3 advantage.

Evansville managed a couple base runners in the ninth but left them stranded.

Steve Pastora received the loss, allowing six runs on five hits, failing to complete the third inning. Jason Alvarez grabbed the win, striking out seven in five innings while allowing just two runs.

With the loss, the Otters take another series loss on the road trip and are now 22-15 in 2022.

The two sides conclude the three-game set Sunday afternoon at 1:05 p.m.CT. Coverage starts at 12:50 p.m.CT on the Evansville Otters YouTube page.

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

Spring Wine Walk Presented by Romain Cross Pointe Auto Park

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Spring Wine Walk Presented by Romain Cross Pointe Auto Park is Friday, April 28
Wines exclusively from Oliver Winery, including a preview wine not yet available in stores
The Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District (EID) is hosting their Spring Wine Walk Presented by Romain Cross Pointe Auto Park on Friday April 28 from 5:30 – 8:30 PM. Registration will take place at 318 Main Street.
In continuing a partnership from 2021 and 2022, wines poured during the event will be exclusively from Oliver Winery in Bloomington, Indiana. Oliver will serve their popular wines, as well as a preview wine that is not on store shelves yet. All wines will be poured outside on Main Street, and attendees can carry their wine into their favorite shops. In addition to Oliver’s award-winning wines, there is shopping, live music from DJ Beamz, Kelsey Georgesen, Loops and Rhythms, chair massages by Be Pampered ($1/minute), poetry readings from nine local poets, and a photo station. The event is for guests 21 years of age and older. Admission is $15 per person and includes two four-ounce tastes of Oliver wine, a commemorative tumbler, and a passport. Ticket prices increase to $25 per person at the event. Many Downtown restaurants will feature special items during the Wine Walk.

Guests will redeem their tickets at two tents on the 200 and 300 Blocks of Main Street. Each ticket is eligible for a four-ounce wine taste. Guests will visit shops on the passport and the Romain sponsor space and receive a stamp at each location. Two individuals will be drawn from the stamped passports to receive prize baskets of Downtown Evansville merchandise and giveaway items from businesses.

“The Wine Walk continues to be a popular attraction. Our attendee numbers have increased eightfold since we started in 2017. Pre-event ticket sales are ahead of all our past seven wine walks, so we encourage guests to buy their tickets now before we sell out. Join us for an evening of shopping, dining, and enjoying all Downtown has to offer,” said Josh Armstrong, president, EID.

Event proceeds will be used to support the EID’s clean and beautification efforts. Visit DowntownEvansville.com/WineWalk or Downtown Evansville Indiana on social media for event details and to purchase tickets.

5th Annual Evansville Taco Festival On April 29th

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BE PREPARED TO ENJOY:
– 12+ Taco Booths and Food Trucks
– Live Mariachi Alegre, DJ DIZZYINBLACK, Zion Reggae, Live Salsa Dancing and more!
– Margaritas, Tequila Bar and other specialty drinks
– Chili Pepper Eating Contest + Taco Eating Competition Sponsored by Joey Za’s & Shutzeyville Farms
– Cornhole Torunament with 270 Cornhole (Register on Scoreholio)
– People’s Choice Judging for best Taco!
– Best Taco Eccentric Dress Contest (GET CREATIVE!)
– Street Parking & much more!
WHAT TO EXPECT
At the event, you’ll find over 12 of the area’s best restaurants & food purveyors dishing out a variety of $3 tacos (sold separately). There will be bars and beverage stations serving margaritas, tequila flights, ice cold beer, water, soda & more. All items will work on a voucher system – there will be various voucher stations throughout the festival & all vouchers will be used as cash. Additional vendors will be on hand to sell other food (cotton candy, cakes, desserts etc) as well. Multiple ATMs will be on site & strongly encourage cash sales at voucher stations.
KIDS DETAILS
– Children 12 & under are FREE & do not need a ticket
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