Home Blog Page 1171

Vanderburgh County Crash Report

0

Crash Report

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

0

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.

 

Vincennes University reaffirms commitment to ensuring a VU education is affordable to all

0

VINCENNES, Ind., June 15, 2023 – The Vincennes University Board of Trustees convened on June 14 to finalize the approval of a biennial budget totaling $375 million. VU officials discussed a myriad of opportunities in store for the erudite student body of VU.

Beginning in the Fall Semester of 2023 and continuing through the Spring Semester of 2024, eligible new and returning students residing on-campus in residence halls will be awarded the Residential Opportunity Scholarships valued at $2,000 for the academic year. 

Furthermore, VU has expanded its scholarship aid, with nearly 90 percent of first-time, full-time VU students receiving financial assistance through grants, scholarships, or both.

VU extends in-state tuition scholarships to Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan residents. This development offers residents of these states an approximate 50 percent reduction in tuition costs, exemplifying VU’s mission of making high-quality education accessible and affordable to all.

President Dr. Chuck Johnson encourages individuals to invest practically in their own future, underscoring the impact of a college education in today’s fast-evolving economic landscape. 

As the President aptly states, “The most prudent investment one can make is an investment in oneself. The acquisition of knowledge expands one’s financial horizons. In other words, the more you learn, the more you earn. Remember, you get what you work for, not what you wish for.”

VU encourages students to invest in themselves, and in return, the University invests in its students in a multitude of ways. For example, the VU Foundation awarded nearly $2.2 million in scholarship funds from both the University and Foundation sources to incoming and returning VU students for the 2021-22 academic year. VU has long been renowned for its unwavering investment in students through substantial financial, academic, and career support.

One benchmark VU strives to sustain is keeping its in-state tuition below the value of a full Pell Grant, and this budget does that.

Despite a slight tuition increase (3.5 percent) as voted by the Board of Trustees, VU remains Indiana’s most affordable residential college. The VU Board of Trustees approved a 3-percent increase for room and board. It’s important to note with the additional scholarship offerings, students will pay less this school year (tuition + housing) than compared to 2019-2020.

Students looking for the best value and lowest cost in higher education in Indiana should look no further than VU.

The wage gap between college graduates and high school graduates is at a record high, according to this report. The return on investment for a college degree is substantial – worth upwards of $800,000 or more in increased earnings over a lifetime. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York concludes that a college degree pays off with a 75 percent premium, or more than $30,000 per year in earnings, compared to those with a high school diploma.

In other Board business, the Trustees honored outgoing Trustee Tim Grove. Dr. Johnson presented Grove with a framed resolution of appreciation, thanking him for his service, dedication, and leadership. Grove has served on the Board since July 2012. Johnson expressed his gratitude and commended Grove on his integrity.

“Tim embodies the spirit of a true educator,” Johnson said.

The Trustees also approved a policy granting emeritus status to retired faculty who consistently exemplified VU’s mission, vision, and values through exemplary teaching or distinguished service to students, the University, and the local and or larger academic community.

The Trustees heard a report on enrollment projections from Senior Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Research Dr. Dale Pietrzak, and Johnson shared with the Board that VU’s enrollment numbers are trending upward at the Vincennes and VU Jasper campuses.

Director of University Events and Special Projects Laura Carie updated the Board about VU summer camps and enrichment programs. According to Carie, pre-college programs and camps are enjoying a 43 percent increase.

Center for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence (CAFE) Director Dr. Sarah Alderfer reported about the center’s recent activities, which include a ChatGPT workshop, a Thank-a-Prof initiative, and the addition of Faculty Fellows. She also discussed CAFE’s upcoming plans to build outreach and support across campus for faculty through CAFE To-Go, an active teaching center, enhanced online instructional support, and a department chair boot camp.

Weekly Death Report

0

Weekly Death Report May 15 to May 21, 2023

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

0
EPD

 

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

MEDIA

FOOTNOTE:  EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.

“IS IT TRUE” JUNE 15, 2023

2
question
question
We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUE” will provoke honest and open dialogue concerning issues that we, as responsible citizens of this community, need to address in a rational and responsible way?
City-County Observer Comment Policy. Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will be tolerated and will be removed from our site.”
We understand that sometimes people don’t always agree and discussions may become a little heated.  The use of offensive language, or insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.

Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers.

IS IT TRUE that The Right To Assemble And To Seek Redress Of Grievances Is Enshrined In Our Constitution?   …over the last several years we have witnessed peaceful and violent protests alike throughout America?   …that groups of anarchists and agitators attempted to foment lawlessness and unrest to advance their own objectives to cause chaos in America? …we are a nation born of the revolutionary spirit of protest, coupling expressions of grievances against injustice with the desire to be free? …we deplore the theft, looting, and burning of businesses and places of worship caused by the random acts of lawless anarchist thugs?  …in fact, we believe that these lawless thugs should be arrested and thrown in jail?
IS IT TRUE that Knight Township Trustee Kathryn Martin is doing an outstanding job for the people she serves?
IS IT TRUE the stark reality is that newspapers across the country are victims of large investment groups that have cut talented writers and reporters from their employment, alienated advertisers, and produced irrelevant biased narratives?…at this rate, there will only be a handful of newspapers still in print in the United States in 5 years?
IS IT TRUE that many people feel that one of the key focuses of a local newspaper should be to keep local government accountable to the taxpayers?
IS IT TRUE that it is no secret that this region is struggling with a heroin and fentanyl epidemic along with much of the country?…that this epidemic came about because some irresponsible doctors were handing out opioids like jellybeans?  …this irresponsible practice has created an estimated 18 million opioid addicts?  …the parts of the country where opioids were handed out like Halloween candy are now seeing more heroin and fentanyl deaths than other places but no place is immune to this scourge?  …during the last several years more people have died from fentanyl and heroin overdoses than from gun-related homicides?
IS IT TRUE that our staff recently had a discussion concerning who is the hardest-working member of the Vanderburgh County Council and who is the most conservative?  …it was decided that every member of the Vanderburgh County Council is hardworking but James Raben is the most conservative member?
IS IT TRUE that we are pleased with the way that Vanderburgh County Commissioner, Ben Shoulders, and Evansville City Council member Jonathan Weaver are addressing excessive government spending and overreaching bureaucratic ordinances?
IS IT TRUE that we wish that our elected officials, business owners, and Veterans groups would organize a capital fundraising committee to raise money in order to bring back the “Veterans Memorial Colosseum”  to its original grandeur?
IS IT TRUE it’s with a prayerful resolve that the compassionate advocates of the downtrodden will convince the career politicians and bureaucrats to create government-funded programs that will start offering the disadvantaged a helping hand, not governmental handouts.
IS IT TRUE we have been told that there might be an internal philosophical power struggle between the moderate-to-right and the far-right elements of the Vanderburgh County GOP?
IS IT TRUE that when politicians reappraise our home value earlier this year they in essence increase our annual property tax payments?
IS IT TRUE that we support those who have taken to the streets to exercise their First Amendment rights by peacefully expressing their anger and sorrow about the mistreatment and discrimination of people of color and members of the LBGT Community?  …we also strongly oppose discrimination against people of all races, colors, creeds, and sexual orientations?
IS IT TRUE if you’re looking for a down-home place to find an incredible tasting thick T-BONE STEAK or a scrumptious 2-inch PORK CROP please take a short drive to Oakland City, Ind and visit TAYLOR-2 Restaurant?  …the service is top notch and the prices are extremely affordable?
FOOTNOTE:  Please take time and read our articles entitled “Statehouse Files”, Law Enforcement, Weekly Birthday, Hot Jobs, and “Local Sports”.  
You now are able to subscribe to get the free City-County Observer daily.  Please go to the top upper right corner of the front page of the CCO and click the “Subscribe” link to sign up.
If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us at City-CountyObserver@live.com.

 

 

Senator Braun joins letter calling for Special Counsel to investigate Biden business dealings

0

WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Braun joined Senator Marsha Blackburn and Senator J.D. Vance in calling for a Special Counsel to investigate allegations of wrongdoing by Hunter Biden, President Biden, and his family in their business dealings.

As reported in the New York Post, “[The letter comes] a day after Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) revealed that the Ukrainian businessman who allegedly paid $5 million apiece to Joe and Hunter Biden in 2015 and 2016 claimed to keep 17 audio recordings of the president and first son as ‘insurance.’”

The Senators wrote,

“Recent reports indicate that Burisma—a Ukrainian natural gas firm where Hunter Biden sat on the board—allegedly paid then-Vice President Biden $5 million to influence United States policy decisions—conduct that would clearly constitute bribery. To make matters worse, the FBI has stonewalled congressional oversight of this matter, refusing to comply with a subpoena from the House Oversight Committee. Additionally, both Joe and Hunter Biden pursued numerous business deals that were allegedly arranged by individuals with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).”

“Given these concerning allegations that continue to come to light with each passing day, we urge you to appoint a special counsel to investigate any wrongdoing by President Biden and his family in their business dealings.  Only then—with the appointment of a neutral and independent special counsel with broad authority to investigate these credible claims of the Biden family’s corruption—can the American people be assured that there is truly one set of laws in this country and that they apply to everyone equally, regardless of their viewpoint or political affiliation,” continued the senators.

LINKS OF ORDINANCE G-2023-12 AUTHORIZING REVENUE BONDS FOR FIFTH AND MAIN PROPERTY

0

ATTACHED BELOW ARE LINKS TO ORDINANCE G-2023-12 AUTHORIZING REVENUE BONDS FOR FIFTH AND MAIN STREET PROPERTY

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:
Series 2023B Evansville Fifth and Main — Trust Indenture(26586294.1) Attachment: FOOTNOTE: On Monaday evening of this week members of the Evansville City Council approved the above Financial Agreements docuements without having all the detaiis (interest rates, terms of the loan, etc.) concerning the loans.  The above Financial Agreements was passed by City Council without very little discussion.  
We hope when the details of the financial terms of the above Financial Agreements are finalized that the City Controller will ask City Council to ratify the final terms of the above agreements.

Attorney General Todd Rokita Doubles Down On TikTok 

0

Attorney General Todd Rokita doubles down on TikTok 

Cooper & Kirk attorneys tell court: It’s hardly political posturing
to show how the Chinese government steals Americans’ identities,
even their facial features

Attorneys at Cooper & Kirk joined Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita today in his ongoing fight to hold TikTok accountable for collecting personal data from app users — information that is then accessible to the Chinese Communist Party. Today, the Office of the Indiana Attorney General filed an amended lawsuit against TikTok.

“The district court’s criticisms of the initial complaint were misguided and unfounded,” said David Thompson of Cooper & Kirk, the state’s lead outside counsel. “Is it considered ‘irrelevant posturing’ to express concern that Americans may be unknowingly posing for CCP facial recognition files?”

Even journalists at left-leaning CNN have now accepted the credibility of testimony “that the Chinese Communist Party accessed the data of TikTok users on a broad scale, and for political purposes.” Recent sworn testimony from a former employee of ByteDance, TikTok’s Beijing-based parent company, reveals the depths of their deception.

Such testimony provides just one example of TikTok’s insidious practices — despite the company sparing no expense to deny it to Congress, the media and American consumers.

“TikTok has engaged in a massive PR campaign in which their statements and omissions paint a false, deceptive and misleading picture for Indiana consumers that there is minimal risk of the Chinese government accessing and exploiting their data,” Thompson added.

In December 2022, Attorney General Rokita led the way by filing two separate lawsuits against TikTok — both related to false claims made by the company about its video-sharing app. This week, Attorney General Rokita amended the state’s data-privacy complaint against TikTok to reflect the recent revelations that TikTok users’ data is subject to Chinese law and may be intercepted by the Chinese government.

Previously, TikTok removed the state’s case to federal court, but on May 23 the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana agreed with Attorney General Rokita’s office that the case should proceed in state court. The district court criticized the complaint as “posturing” —  an opinion not shared by the patriots fighting against TikTok.

“Not only do TikTok’s false, deceptive and misleading practices blatantly violate Indiana law — but they also endanger individual Hoosiers,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Too many U.S. policymakers put their heads in the sand while the Chinese Communist Party steals data and uses it to advance its own strategic agenda.”

The amended complaint is attached.

Gov. Holcomb announces largest EV investment in state history attracting a more than $3B battery plant

0

New General Motors, Samsung SDI EV Battery Plant to Create 1,700 Jobs in St. Joseph County

NEW CARLISLE, Ind. – Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced plans to bring a more than $3 billion EV battery cell plant to St. Joseph County, creating 1,700 manufacturing jobs. The new battery cell plant, a joint venture between Michigan-based General Motors and Korea-based Samsung SDI, is scheduled to begin operations in 2026.

“GM has long been one of America’s most iconic brands and deeply rooted in Indiana. For decades, Hoosier communities like Marion, Bedford and Fort Wayne have been part of the production of countless firsts for family vehicles. And, now today, I couldn’t be more excited to again see GM alongside one of Indiana’s newest world class companies, Samsung SDI, take this giant leap and make this $3 billion commitment that will transform the automotive industry aided by our proud Hoosier workforce,” Gov. Holcomb. “This historic investment is further proof that Indiana has turned it up and shifted into a higher gear when it comes to helping create the future of mobility and more customer options out on the open road.”

GM and Samsung SDI, which announced their joint venture in April, will build the plant just east of New Carlisle at Larrison Boulevard and Indiana 2 to supply GM’s growing EV production needs. GM plans to install more than 1 million units of annual EV capacity in North America in 2025 and accelerate from there.

The new facility will house production lines to build nickel-rich prismatic and cylindrical cells and is expected to help significantly increase the accessibility and affordability of EVs. Once complete, the plant will have more than 30 GWh of capacity.

“This joint venture and the 1,700 people there will help supply cells for millions of all-electric vehicles for customers across North America,” said Mary Barra, GM Chair and CEO. “The strong support of local and state leaders in Indiana and the combined resources and expertise of GM and Samsung SDI will help us move faster than we could on our own.”

“Through establishment of a battery joint venture with GM, we are grateful that Samsung SDI can contribute to boosting the economy of Indiana and creating new jobs here,” said Yoonho Choi, President and CEO of Samsung SDI. “Securing Indiana as a strong foothold together with GM, Samsung SDI will supply products featuring the highest level of safety and quality in a bid to help the U.S. move forward to an era of electric vehicles.”

GM has a considerable presence in Indiana with five facilities across the state that employ more than 5,700 Hoosiers. The company recently announced plans to invest $632 million in its Fort Wayne Assembly to expand operations and upgrade equipment to support its growing full-size truck business. GM also announced plans to invest $491 million to expand and upgrade its Marion, Indiana, facility to support its growing EV production.  

“GM and Samsung SDI doubling down on their commitment to growing in Indiana further solidifies our state’s pole position in the growing EV space,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers. “Indiana has long been a global business destination, and our momentum continues as we further build Indiana’s future-focused economy and usher in incredible opportunities for Hoosiers. Transformational projects like these not only help bolster Indiana’s economy but enrich the surrounding communities and will directly benefit Indiana residents for decades to come.”     

Construction is planned to begin within the next year and support more than 1,000 jobs during the build. The companies plan to start production in New Carlisle in 2026.

“St. Joseph County is deeply appreciative that General Motors and Samsung SDI have selected our community for its EV battery plant,” said Carl Baxmeyer, President of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. “This project represents the largest single investment and job commitment in St. Joseph County in the last 75 years and will impact our region for decades. Our region has a long history of innovation in the automotive industry, and for generations have built vehicles or parts that have been included in vehicles around the world. As the industry evolves, we’re thrilled to once again be at the center of this transformational time for the industry, and we look forward to a long partnership with GM and Samsung SDI as they move forward on their first battery plant as partners.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation is working with GM and Samsung SDI to finalize a performance-based incentive offer to support the joint venture’s investment and job creation plans. St. Joseph County, Indiana Michigan Power, and Northern Indiana Public Service Company offered additional incentives.

About General Motors  General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which will power everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found at gm.com.   

About Samsung SDI  Samsung SDI is a manufacturer of rechargeable batteries for the IT industry, automobiles, and energy storage systems (ESS), as well as cutting-edge materials used to produce semiconductors and displays. Our executive managers and staff members focus efforts to develop the next generation’s growth drivers in order to secure Samsung SDI’s place as a creative leader in the energy and cutting-edge materials industry.  

1...1,1701,1711,172...7,310Page 1,171 of 7,310