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Vincennes University student finishes first in state career development competition

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INDIANAPOLIS, March 30, 2023 – A student in the award-winning Vincennes University Jobs for America’s Graduates College Success Program dominated a state competition at the annual JAG Indiana State Career Development Conference.

VU Homeland Security and Public Safety major Mason Caudill of North Judson, Indiana, won first place in the College Success Program category and had the privilege of meeting Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb. Competitors delivered presentations explaining their career pathways and shared the benefits of participating in the JAG College Success Program on March 17.

Caudill also placed first in the College Success Program division in 2021.

According to Caudill,” It was an honor to be able to compete in the state JAG CDC. It feels awesome to know that I am a two-time champion of this event. It was great to meet Governor Holcomb. I enjoyed sharing my story about how the VU JAG College Success Program has helped me during my college career.”

JAG is a state-based, national organization committed to supporting young people of great promise and focuses on helping them reach economic and academic success.

VU JAG College Program Manager Shaun Brames was elated with Caudill’s first-place finish and achievements.

“We are so proud of Mason for the effort that he has put into being a two-time winner at the JAG State Career Development Conference,” Brames said. “We are even more proud of all the work he has put into his studies at Vincennes University these past four years.”

Caudill will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and Public Safety from VU in April.

“I really want to thank Shaun Brames for all the help he has given me with homework help and career planning over the past four years and for always being there for me,” Caudill said.

The VU JAG College Success Program was awarded a National Educational Leadership Award in 2020 in recognition of the extraordinary leadership and support VU contributes to America’s most successful program in helping young, promising students learn in-demand employability skills, pursue postsecondary education, and enjoy career advancement opportunities.

VU hosts a JAG Summer Academy annually for nearly 200 high school students on the Vincennes Campus. The weeklong immersive experience focuses on college survival strategies, college readiness, and leadership development activities. It also highlights the outstanding opportunities offered at VU.

An old man and the sea

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An old man and the sea

JOBSON’S COVE, Bermuda—The waves break, one after another, over my head and shoulders as I stroke and kick my way toward a distant outcropping of rocks on the shore.

I’m swimming parallel to the shore, maybe a couple of hundred yards out from land. The water is cold, but not unbearably so—bracing but not chilling. The sea is restless, the chops coming fast and powerful, while the sun moves in and out of the clouds.

I have needed this.

Before I got into the water, several residents of this lovely island community told me the people who live here rarely step into the ocean until Bermuda Day, the last Friday in May, when shorts become the proper attire for business and natives plunge back into the sea.

I could not wait that long.

Swimming in an ocean—any ocean—always has been a restorative act. It clarifies my thinking. The rush and surge of the water remind me of certain unvarying fundamental truths—of the things I can do and, surrounded by something ageless and immense in scope, of the things that are beyond my power to affect.

A particularly big surge lifts my entire body, then lowers it. I stroke through the wave, pulling harder with my arms and adding some extra snap to my whip kick.

Lord, it feels good.

These past months often have been difficult ones.

People I love have died. Their deaths came one after another, like the pounding of a jackhammer. Their departures carved their marks in me. I mourned the loss of souls who made this often-hard world a more pleasant place and missed the way they could lighten the day just by being part of it.

Their deaths also reminded me that my own tenure on this earth was not limitless—and made me wonder at moments if time had not begun to pass me by, if the immutable tides of eternity were not dragging me inexorably into the past.

Such thinking is not comforting at a time when responsibilities and opportunities, both personal and professional, seemed to multiply.

It has been hard not to question upon occasion whether I still was up to meeting them.

Even now, as the ocean around me rises and falls, the water rushing over me as I swim, one shoulder and one knee don’t work as they once did. They talk to me as I stroke and kick, reminding me as I move through the waves that I no longer am a young man.

That I must be smarter, more disciplined and more calculating than when I had known fewer springtime.

I now am beyond the outcropping of rocks.

Time to turn back.

I tread water for a moment, feeling the surge of the Atlantic roll all around, the waves buffeting me as I contemplate a horizon without beginning or end. As I bob there in the water, the closing lines from Tennyson’s “Ulysses” pop into my head:

“Tho much is taken, much abides; and tho’

“We are not now that strength which in old days

“Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;

“One equal temper of heroic hearts,

“Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will

“To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”

Words for an aging soul to live by.

I start swimming back.

The wind has picked up, increasing the chop and spray of the water. I swim into it, stretching out the strokes for extra power, sometimes plunging through the waves, sometimes riding over them.

My shoulder and my knee still talk to me, reminding me that they are not what they once were.

That I am not what I once was.

But they still function.

I still can meet and move through the waves as they roll over me.

When I reach the beach, I step out of the water, an old man washed clean by the sea.

A world of both possibilities and dangers awaits.

My knee buckles for a moment as I plant my foot in the sand. It, like me, has been made weaker by time and fate.

But we’ll both limp forward, if limp we must, to meet what lies ahead.

For we were made to strive, to seek, to find….

And not to yield.

FOOTNOTE: John Krull is director of Franklin College’s Pulliam School of Journalism and publisher of TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students. The views expressed are those of the author only and should not be attributed to Franklin College.

Senate sends another bill restricting trans people to the governor—then has a sing-along

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Senate sends another bill restricting trans people to the governor—then has a sing-along

  • By Kyra Howard, TheStatehouseFile.com

Another trans-related bill is heading to the governor’s desk.

Pictured Above: In the Indiana Senate Thursday, Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis, and Sen. Stacey Donato, R-Logansport, spar over a bill banning gender reassignment surgery for Indiana inmates.  Screenshot by Kyra Howard, TheStatehouseFile.com.  House Bill 1569 was passed in its final Senate reading Thursday afternoon. 

The bill is authored by Rep. Peggy Mayfield, R-Martinsville, and passed through theIndiana House Courts and Criminal Code Committee, the full House and now the Senate. It is among multiple bills targeting trans rights making their way through the General Assembly this session.

The bill would restrict gender reassignment surgery for inmates in Indiana prisons, prohibiting the Department of Corrections from using any state resources to pay for hormone therapy or surgery for inmates.

Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis, pointed out what he considered a crucial flaw when he spoke on the bill: It would impact only one person behind bars.

“Currently DOC houses over 100 individuals on their gender-diverse log,” said Taylor.

He explained the log includes those who are gender nonconforming and nonbinary, not those who have already transitioned. He said 36 of those individuals are currently on hormones and two are receiving gender-affirming care, but this new bill would impact only one of them.

“Maybe the reason why we all do not want to hear this issue is because we are effectively changing public policy for one person,” said Taylor.

He believes the legislation may ultimately subject the state to a lawsuit.

“When a prisoner goes to jail or prison, they do not lose all rights to procedures and/or support. It actually gets enhanced because the state is responsible for paying for it,” said Taylor. “So what we are doing, right here in this piece of legislation, is a direct violation of the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution.”

The sponsor of the bill, Sen. Stacey Donato, R-Logansport, responded by saying that withholding gender-reassignment surgery is neither cruel or unusual and that to violate the Eighth Amendment, it must be both.

Taylor ended his remarks by stating he does not see this bill as an effort to save taxpayer money but to stop individuals from transitioning.

“We are going to pass a piece of legislation that will subject us to a lawsuit, to impact one person. One person,” he emphasized.

“I don’t think there is any disagreement as to whether or not the state should pay for the surgery. I think there is a disagreement as to whether or not the surgery should happen at all.”

The bill passed 9-38. It now heads to the governor’s desk.

Sen. Greg Walker, R-Columbus, provided a jarring transition when he rose right after the vote on a point of personal privilege to say, “It’s a great day to be at the ballpark.” He then led the chamber in a rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Thursday was Major League Baseball’s Opening Day.

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

THUNDERBOLTS HOST ICE BEARS FOR SUPERHERO NIGHT THIS SATURDAY

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 Evansville, In.: With the final stretch of three games in three nights in the rear-view mirror and a playoff spot confirmed, the Thunderbolts begin winding down their regular season schedule as they take on the Bulls in Birmingham this Thursday before hosting the Knoxville Ice Bears this Saturday night at Ford Center for Superhero Night.

Week In Review: 

The Thunderbolts began their weekend with a 4-2 win in Pensacola, with a pair of goals from Conner Jean, a late game-winning goal from Derek Osik, and an Ice Flyers own-goal into the empty net that would be credited to Scott Kirton.  The defense and goaltending continued to get the job done, however the offense dried up, as the Thunderbolts fell 3-1 on Saturday night and 4-1 on Sunday afternoon, with Matt Dorsey and Jeremy Masella scoring the lone goals on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.  The Thunderbolts are currently in 5th place in the league standings, .022% behind 4th-Place Roanoke and .013% ahead of 6th-Place Knoxville.  Teams who finish in 4th Place or higher will secure home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs, guaranteeing two home games for those teams if their first-round series goes to a full three games.

The Week Ahead: 

The Thunderbolts are in Birmingham this Thursday to take on the Bulls, beginning at 7:00pm CT.  Following the Thursday game in Birmingham, the Thunderbolts return home to host the Knoxville Ice Bears this Saturday, April 1st at 7:00pm for Superhero Night.  Superhero Night will feature the final specialty game-worn jerseys of the season, which will be auctioned off after the game, and another Party in the Plaza, beginning at 4pm along with a beer garden.  For tickets to Saturday’s game at Ford Center, call (812) 422-BOLT (2658), go to EvansvilleThunderbolts.com, or visit the Ford Center ticket office.  Thursday’s game can be viewed on SPHL TV with a paid subscription through HockeyTV or can be listened to for free on the Thunderbolts Radio Network via the Thunderbolts MixLr Channel or at EvansvilleThunderbolts.com/fan-center/live .

Coming Soon: 

The Thunderbolts’ final regular season home game following this weekend will be on Friday, April 7th against the Birmingham Bulls for Fan Appreciation Night.  Fan Appreciation Night is all about the celebration of our great fans, with plenty of chances to win prizes.  Live pre-game music will be provided by Drew Cagle and The Reputation.  Playoff information, including dates and opponents, will be coming towards the end of the regular season, as the Thunderbolts continue to work hard on the ice to finish as high in the standings as possible and to secure home-ice advantage in the first round.

  Scouting the Opponent: 

  • Birmingham Bulls: 
    • Record: 34-15-3, 71 Points, .683 Win Percentage, 2nd Place
    • Leading Goal Scorer: Michael Gillespie (25 Goals)
    • Leading Point Scorer: Michael Gillespie (57 Points)
    • Primary Goaltender: Austin Lotz (20-7-2, .907 Save %)
    • Thunderbolts 22-23 Record vs BHM: 2-4-1

      The Bulls defeated their Alabama rivals the Huntsville Havoc in both meetings this past weekend, 3-1 on Friday in Pelham and 4-3 in Huntsville on Saturday.  Scott Donahue, Bair Gendunov and Jared Bethune picked up the goals on Friday at home.  Goals from Jake Pappalardo and Matt Wiesner opened up a 2-0 lead on Saturday before the Havoc came back to tie the game.  Tied 2-2, Michael Gillespie and Troy MacTavish scored to give Birmingham another multi-goal lead, and the Havoc were only partially able to bridge the gap as Birmingham won 4-3.

  • Knoxville Ice Bears: 
    • Record: 30-21-3, 63 Points, .583 Win Percentage, 6th Place
    • Leading Goal Scorer: Justin MacDonald (32 Goals)
    • Leading Point Scorer: Justin MacDonald (74 Points)
    • Primary Goaltender: Kristian Stead (18-8-1, .912 Save %)
    • Thunderbolts 22-23 Record vs KNX: 1-2-0

The Ice Bears were defeated for a second game in a row by the Macon Mayhem, 7-5 on Friday night.  Rex Moe and Razmuz Waxin-Engback each scored twice, while Russell Rourke scored one goal.  The Ice Bears managed to outscore Macon on Saturday, winning by an 8-6 score as Waxin-Engback, Bailey Conger, and Russell each scored twice, while Dean Balsamo and Nick Pryce scored one goal each.  On Sunday, the Ice Bears were defeated by Roanoke 7-3, with two goals from Ryan Devine and one from Pryce.

 Call-up Report 

                 – Chase Perry – Allen Americans (Prev. Greenville) – ECHL

                                – Greenville: 2 GP, 1-0-1, 1.93 GAA, .944 Save %
– Allen: 17 GP, 10-6-1, 3.36 GAA, .910 Save %

                – Matthew Barron – Trois-Rivieres Lions (Prev. Indy) – ECHL
– Indy: 4 GP, 2 G, 1 A, 3 P, 0 PIM
– Trois-Rivieres: 34 GP, 5 G, 3 A, 8 P, 8 PIM

                – Mike Ferraro – Savannah Ghost Pirates – ECHL

                                – 7 GP, 2 G, 2 A, 4 P, 6 PIM

                – Dillon Hill – Trois-Rivieres Lions – ECHL

                                – 15 GP, 1 G, 2 A, 3 P, 18 PIM

Transactions:     

Wed. 3/29: LW Cameron Cook returned from call-up to Trois-Rivieres (ECHL)
Wed. 3/29: LW Mathieu Cloutier placed on waivers
Sat. 3/26: D Jeremy Masella signed from professional tryout to standard contract
Sat. 3/26: D Austin Rook signed to professional tryout

Sat. 3/26: D Kyle Thacker placed on waivers

 Police cracking down on school bus stop-arm violations 

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 Police cracking down on school bus stop-arm Violations 

March 31, 2023

Evansville, IN — As students head back to the classroom after Spring Break, the Evansville Police Department reminds motorists to stop for school buses or face the consequences. Over the next couple of weeks, officers will be increasing patrols to prevent stop-arm violations, speeding and other forms of reckless driving around school buses and in school zones. 

The department joins more than 200 police agencies across the state for the back-to-school Stop Arm Violation Enforcement campaign – better known as SAVE. The overtime patrols are funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI). 

Despite thousands of motorists being cited under the SAVE program, unsafe driving around school buses continue to be a concern, according to state officials. 

Thousands of bus drivers who participated in a one-day observational survey counted 2,041 stop-arm violations in Indiana. That one-day total, when multiplied by the number of school days, adds up to a potential 367,380 violations throughout the school year. 

The newly released data comes from the National School Bus Illegal Passing Driver Survey, which is managed by the Indiana Department of Education in the state. The survey has been conducted annually since 2011 but was put on hold for two years due to the pandemic. 

Last year, the collection took place on April 26, with 6,665 bus drivers participating from 195 school districts. 

“The fact that we still have people willing to put students and bus drivers at risk is the reason this campaign is necessary,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director. “Still, law enforcement can’t be everywhere, so drivers need to do the right thing and exercise caution around buses. Students’ lives depend on it.” 

To prevent unsafe driving, officers will be conducting high-visibility patrols in the morning and afternoon hours, as well as working to raise awareness about the importance of school bus safety and following the law. 

Drivers should slow down and prepare to stop when the overhead lights on a school bus are flashing yellow. Once the lights turn red and the stop arm extends, drivers are required to stop on all roads with one exception. On highways divided by a physical barrier, such as a concrete wall or grassy median, only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the school bus are required to stop. 

Motorists should also be mindful of posted speed limits, avoid distractions and watch for children in or near the school and residential areas. Planning ahead and allowing for extra time during each commute will help keep all road users safe. 

Disregarding a school bus stop arm is a Class A Infraction. Violators could pay a fine of up to $10,000, and have their license suspended for up to 90 days for the first offense or up to 1 year for the second. 

USI Student Artist, Inka Kobylanski on display at New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art

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The University of Southern Indiana’s New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art (NHGCA) is proud to present Ichor, a solo show highlighting the work of Inka Kobylanski. The show is open now and runs through April 29, with a public reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 1. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. 

The word ichor originates from Greek mythology as the ethereal fluid that is the blood of the Greek gods said to retain the qualities of the gods’ food and drink, otherwise known as ambrosia and nectar. Ichor was described as a yellow sticky liquid toxic to humans. 

In Ichor, Kobylanski explores themes of womanhood, religion, mental illness and the connection between the human body and nature. The works in Ichor reveal how often these themes intersect. Kobylanski depicts internal human structures such as organs, musculature and bones alongside natural imagery to comment on the complexity of their origins. Scattered within the imagery includes things toxic to humans, such as teratomas and hawthorn, all of which refer to mental illness. 

In Divine Dissection, Kobylanski uses the medium of quilting to reference labor traditionally seen as women’s work. The quilt contains several components that make up a whole, making it an inherent reference to the harmony of human biological makeup. A female musculature is displayed in the standard anatomical position, exposed on a level much deeper than the traditional female nude. Alongside the musculature are organs and cellular structures that harmonize with floral elements, questioning if womanhood is something biological or if it is something most are molded into. 

Inka Kobylanski is an interdisciplinary artist and USI student from Newburgh, Indiana. She believes anatomy is the carefully constructed flora of the body, with nerves branching out like roots to every leaf, every stem and every petal. She uses the female form and orchids as personal symbols of the connections between one’s physical body, mental self and the natural world. 

According to Kobylanski, “The discovery of self, pleasure and acceptance is anything but linear; pain may rear its filthy head in the face of progress. However, these are the structures of our very beings. They let us move. They let us partake in pleasure. Their repetitiveness connects us with the building blocks of nature.” 

New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art promotes discourse about and access to contemporary art in the southern Indiana region and is a proud outreach partner of the University of Southern Indiana.   

This exhibition is made possible in part by the Efroymson Family Fund, Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts. 

Mt. Vernon, IL Woman Arrested after Early Morning Chase

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Mt. Vernon, IL Woman Arrested after Early Morning Chase

March 31, 2023

Gibson County – Thursday morning, March 30, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Trooper Roberts was patrolling US 41 when he attempted to stop the driver of a 2020 Chevrolet SUV for driving 90 mph near CR 725 North. The driver failed to stop and continued north reaching speeds over 100 mph before entering Knox County and turning east onto Hazelton Road.

The driver approached a dead-end near Dicksburgh Hills Road, turned around to drive back west, and nearly struck Trooper Roberts’ vehicle. The driver of the Chevrolet SUV continued west, crossed US 41then west on McCrary Road before traveling on a few county roads eventually traveling north on Decker Chapel Road and then south on US 41reaching speeds over 100 mph. The driver of the SUV then turned west onto CR 550 North in Gibson County where Trooper Roberts lost sight of the vehicle near CR 150 West.  Trooper Roberts and other officers continued to patrol the area looking for the vehicle. Minutes later, Trooper Roberts located the vehicle parked down a long driveway that led to a heavily wooded area and field.

The passenger of the SUV, Jadie Jordan, 36, of Mt. Vernon, IL, was detained. The driver fled on foot before officers arrived. Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy Lunenburg and his K-9 partner, Blast, arrived and searched the area. The Vincennes Township Fire Department also responded and utilized their drone with thermal imaging capabilities, but the driver was never located, and officers disregarded the search.  When officers searched the vehicle, they found a small amount of marijuana. Jordan was arrested for possession of marijuana and transported to the Gibson County Jail. A wanted check on the vehicle revealed it had been reported stolen out of Centralia, IL.

At approximately 7:00 a.m. this morning, Gibson County Sheriff’s Office received a call in reference to a female walking in the area where the suspect vehicle from the chase was located. The female was identified as Alexis Fairchild, 20, of Salem, IL.  After a brief on-scene investigation, Fairchild was arrested and taken to the Gibson County Jail where she is currently being held on bond.

Arrested and Charges:

  • Alexis D. Fairchild, 20, Salem, IL
  1. Resisting Law Enforcement, Level 6 Felony
  2. Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Level 6 Felony
  3. Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor
  4. Reckless Driving, Class B Misdemeanor
  • Jadie N. Jordan, 36, Mt. Vernon, IL
  1. Possession of Marijuana, Class C Misdemeanor

FOOTNOTE:  Arresting Officer: Trooper Doug Roberts, Indiana State Police

Assisting Officers: Trooper CJ Boeckman, Sgt. Bill Gadberry, Master Trooper Matt Lockridge, and Trooper Lee, Indiana State Police

Assisting Agencies: Princeton Police, Gibson County Sheriff’s Office, Knox County Sheriff’s Office, and Vincennes Twp. Fire Department.

Campari Group Expands in Lawrenceburg With Second Distillery at Wild Turkey Campus

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Campari Group Expands in Lawrenceburg With Second Distillery at Wild Turkey Campus, $161 Million Investment Creating 31 Full-Time Jobs

The investment builds on Kentucky’s signature bourbon and spirits industry

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 30, 2023) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced new growth within Kentucky’s bourbon and spirits industry as Campari Group plans to add a second distillery at its Wild Turkey campus in Lawrenceburg. The company will invest $161 million and create 31 additional jobs in Anderson County.

“This investment by Campari Group adds to the historic momentum the commonwealth is currently experiencing in our signature bourbon and spirits industry,” said Gov. Beshear. “Kentucky is coming off our best year for growth in the spirits industry, with over $2.1 billion in new investments and approximately 700 new jobs for Kentuckians. I want to thank Campari for expanding its Wild Turkey campus in the commonwealth and continuing to invest in Anderson County and the Lawrenceburg community.”

Campari Group will construct a brand-new distillery at the Wild Turkey campus that will be designed to produce 5 million additional proof gallons of Wild Turkey bourbon annually. This will significantly increase the current capacity from 9 million to 14 million proof gallons. The new facility will locate adjacent to the company’s existing distillery. The project also entails an expansion to the waste treatment dry house process to increase processing capacity, doubling the current dry house and waste treatment output. With this investment, Campari Group will also upgrade the current barrel-filling operation to handle the increased volumes.

This investment adds to the over $300 million in operation and expansion commitments already financed by Campari Group since the acquisition of the Wild Turkey distillery 14 years ago and comes on the heels of another significant investment announced a few months ago with the acquisition of Wilderness Trail Distillery in Danville. The project is expected to break ground by October 2023 and be completed by the end of July 2025.

“We are delighted to announce this important investment and we appreciate the support received by the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and the local authorities,” said Ugo Fiorenzo, managing director of Campari America and Canada. “Since 2009, when Campari Group acquired the Wild Turkey Distillery, we have significantly invested in the bourbon category, which now represents Campari Group’s second major leg after the aperitif portfolio. This expansion project confirms, once again, our commitment to this category and it will allow for the continued growth of Wild Turkey and Russell’s Reserve franchise, both in the United States and internationally.”

Campari Group is a major player in the global spirits industry, with a portfolio of over 50 premium and super premium brands, spreading across global, regional and local priorities. The group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. Campari Group has a global distribution reach, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. Campari Group is headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, and owns 23 plants worldwide with its own distribution network in 23 countries.

Campari America LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano N.V. Campari America has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Campari America manages Campari Group’s portfolio in the U.S. with leading brands like SKYY Vodka, SKYY Infusions, Grand Marnier, Campari, Aperol, Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight Bourbon, American Honey, Russell’s Reserve, as well as a variety of another whiskey, rum, gin, and vodka products.

Campari’s planned project builds on recent bourbon and spirits growth across Kentucky. Since the start of the Beshear administration, the commonwealth’s spirits industry has seen roughly 80 new-location or expansion projects totaling over $3 billion in planned investments and creating more than 1,450 announced full-time jobs. Last year represented the best year on record for the growth of Kentucky’s bourbon and spirits industry, with $2.1 billion in new investments expected to create 700 full-time jobs.

Anderson County Judge/Executive Orbrey Gritton mentioned the partnership that has formed between the county and Campari.

“Wild Turkey’s announcement to expand their facilities in Anderson County is evidence that our community is open for business,” said Judge Gritton. “It has been our pleasure to work with their team on expansions in the past and we are thrilled to see our partnership continue with this announcement. This investment from Wild Turkey/Campari is a decision we do not take lightly, and we would like to thank them for trusting our community with their business.”

Lawrenceburg Mayor Troy L. Young thanked local and executive Campari leadership for continuing to grow in the community.

“The City of Lawrenceburg is delighted Campari has continued to invest in our community with their most recent expansion,” said Mayor Young. “We take pride in knowing our community played a small role in assisting with this major project announcement. We have worked hard over recent years to put our community in a position to compete and ultimately win projects of this size. Wild Turkey’s announcement shows our hard work is paying off. We want to thank their local leadership and executive leadership at Campari for choosing to grow in Lawrenceburg and Anderson County.”

Chair of Anderson County Forward Amanda Schoonover showed excitement for the new employment opportunities the expansion is bringing.

“We are excited to support the growth and expansion efforts of Wild Turkey right here in Anderson County,” Schoonover said. “As one of the longest distillery staples in our community, we look forward to the new employment opportunities, the positive economic impact to this community and supporting them in any way we can.”

Campari’s an investment and job creation further recent economic momentum in the commonwealth, as the state builds back stronger from the effects of the pandemic.

Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced the creation of 44,500 full-time jobs and more than 840 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling $25.6 billion in announced investments.

The Governor has now secured the best two-year period in state history for economic growth.

In 2021, the commonwealth shattered every economic development record in the books. Private-sector new-location and expansion announcements included a record $11.2 billion in total planned investment and commitments to create a record 18,000-plus full-time jobs across the coming years.

That momentum continued strongly into 2022 with 248 new-location and expansion announcements totaling 16,000 full-time jobs behind nearly $10.5 billion in new investment.

The robust job creation has been accompanied by rising wages across the commonwealth. The average incentivized hourly wage in 2022 was $26.78 before benefits, the second-highest mark since 2010 and an 11.5% increase over the previous year.

Gov. Beshear also announced the two largest economic development projects in state history. In September 2021, Gov. Beshear and leaders from Ford Motor Co. and SK Innovation celebrated a transformative $5.8 billion investment that will create 5,000 jobs in Hardin County. And in April 2022, the Governor was joined by leadership at Envision AESC to announce a $2 billion investment that will create 2,000 jobs in Warren County. These announcements solidify Kentucky as the EV battery production capital of the United States.

Kentucky’s success has been noted by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings, which have upgraded the state’s financial outlook to positive in recognition of the commonwealth’s surging economy.

Site Selection magazine placed Kentucky second nationwide and first in the South Central region for its annual Governor’s Cup ranking for 2022, which recognizes state-level economic success based on capital investments.

Gov. Beshear’s administration is projected to post the four highest years of budget surpluses in Kentucky history, and the state’s rainy-day fund has a record balance of $2.7 billion.

Recently, Gov. Beshear announced a new “Supply Kentucky” initiative with the goal of boosting job growth, reducing costs and providing more security in the supply chains of our Kentucky companies.

The Governor also announced that Kentucky set the lowest annual unemployment rate in state history for 2022 at 3.9%. This is the lowest rate seen since the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics began reporting state unemployment rates in 1976.

To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) today preliminarily approved a 10-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $950,000 in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of $161 million and annual targets of:

  • Creation and maintenance of 31 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 10 years; and
  • Paying an average hourly wage of $32.57 including benefits across those jobs.

Additionally, KEDFA approved Campari for up to $250,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.

By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.

In addition, Campari can receive resources from Kentucky’s workforce service providers. Those include no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job-training incentives.

For more information on Campari, visit CampariGroup.com.

A detailed community profile for Anderson County can be viewed here.

Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at CED.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.

Read about other key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov, kycovid19.ky.gov and the Governor’s official social media accounts Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

CenterPoint Energy continues multi-year plan to upgrade natural gas pipelines throughout Indiana

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Safety, reliability and a cleaner energy future remain top priorities

Evansville – March 30, 2023 – CenterPoint Energy announced today that contract crews working for the company continue replacing natural gas mains and service lines throughout its Indiana service territory as part of a multi-year program to replace approximately 1,200 miles of bare steel and cast-iron pipeline infrastructure in nearly 75 cities and towns. In 2023, 32 communities in Indiana will benefit with CenterPoint Energy investing more than $76 million and crews retiring approximately 115 miles of pipeline.

The bare steel and cast-iron infrastructure will be replaced with new industry-grade plastic. The new distribution mains, which directly supply homes and businesses, comply with all industry and federal requirements and are expected to further enhance the safety of CenterPoint Energy’s natural gas systems. Additionally, transmission pipelines will be inspected and dependent on inspection results, may be upgraded.

“Our ongoing investments in our natural gas infrastructure remain a top priority for our company as we strive to provide our customers and communities with safe and reliable service,” said Ashley Babcock, Vice President, Indiana and Ohio Gas. “These improvements will also help reduce operational emissions as we continue our journey toward a cleaner energy future.”

As crews perform the work, natural gas mains under streets and sidewalks are replaced first, followed by service lines running directly to homes and businesses. Upon completion of the work, affected sidewalks, yards and streets will be restored as weather conditions permit. For an interactive map of projects, visit www.centerpointenergy.com/pipelinereplacement.

“We understand the construction associated with this work may temporarily inconvenience those in affected areas. While an exact timeline for each project will vary, depending on size, weather, ground and soil conditions, crews will work as safely and quickly as possible to minimize impact to customers and the community,” added Babcock.

A representative of CenterPoint Energy will contact affected customers to provide an overview of the required work. CenterPoint Energy reminds residents to exercise caution when driving through the construction zones.  Residents and their children are urged to keep a safe distance away from any work sites. Additionally, if you smell the “rotten egg” odor of natural gas, immediately leave on foot, go to a safe location and call both 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 800-227-1376. Don’t use electric switches/outlets, phones (including cell phones), drive or start a car inside or near the location or do anything that could cause a spark.

In January, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) approved the recovery of the cost of these improvement projects through the Compliance and System Improvement Adjustment (CSIA). The CSIA is updated twice per year. Customers began seeing the charge reflected on bills in January for the recovery of 80% of the investment made from January through June of last year.

Eagles continue OVC action at Lindenwood

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. — University of Southern Indiana Baseball resumes Ohio Valley Conference action this week when it hits the road to play at Lindenwood University for a three-game series in St. Charles, Missouri. The series starts Friday at 1 p.m. before continuing Saturday at 1 p.m. and concluding Sunday at 1p.m.
 
The Screaming Eagles (7-18) are coming off a tough three game series with Morehead State University and a heartbreaking loss to Ball State University Tuesday in Muncie, Indiana. Links to follow USI at Lindenwood this weekend can be found on the Eagles’ baseball schedule at USIScreamingEagles.com.
 
Weekend Schedule Note: With the forecast of heavy rains around the St. Louis area this weekend, fans can track any schedule changes on Twitter (@USIAthletics), Facebook (USI Athletics), and USIScreamingEagles.com.
 

USI Baseball Notes:

Eagles loses heartbreaker to Ball State: The USI Screaming Eagles lost a heartbreaker to start the week, falling in 11 innings to Ball State University. USI had the lead four times, only to see Ball State rally to tie or take the lead before winning on a walk-off home run in the 11th.
 
Good relief against Ball State: On a staff day on the mound, the Eagles received strong relief pitching performances from junior right-hander Trent Robinson (Louisville, Kentucky), who allowed a single run in three innings of work; junior right-hander Corey Anderson (Linton, Indiana), who posted two-plus scoreless innings; and junior right-hander Matthew Moore (Newburgh, Indiana), who struck out four and allowed an unearned run in three innings of action.
 
Eagles go 0-4 last week: The Eagles were 0-4 last week, 0-3 to start OVC play. USI had a chance to win three of the four games late, allowing three in the bottom of the eighth in the 6-3 loss to Belmont University; left the tying and winning runs on second and third in the 3-2 loss to Morehead State University to open the three-game series; and the winning run on third in the extra-inning 5-1 loss to Morehead in the series finale.
 
Leading at the plate last week. Junior outfielder Ren Tachioka (Japan) led USI last week at the plate, hitting .400 (6-15) with a run scored, a triple, and two RBIs. Junior pinch hitter Gavin McLarty (Buckner, Kentucky) came off the bench to drive in a team-high three RBIs in the four games.
 
Morris was strong last week on the mound: USI sophomore right-hander Gavin Morris (Brazil, Indiana) made a pair of strong starts last week, getting a no-decision in both games. Morris blanked Belmont over three-inning in a staff-day start, allowing a hit and a walk and striking out two. He followed with a strong start versus Morehead, giving up one run on two hits and three walks, while reaching a career-best six innings and six strikeouts.
 
Hutson reaches career-bests vs. Morehead State: USI sophomore right-hander Tyler Hutson (Villa Hills, Kentucky) threw a career-best seven innings and struck out a career-high seven batters in the series opener with Morehead State to start OVC play.
 
Leading hitters: Sophomore outfielder Drew Taylor (Jeffersonville, Indiana) leads USI this season with a .357 batting average (15-42). Sophomore shortstop Ricardo Van Grieken (Venezuela) (16-46) follows with a .348 batting average, while junior first baseman Tucker Ebest (Austin, Texas) has a team-best 22 RBIs and four home runs.  
 
Taylor has the hottest bat: Sophomore outfielder Drew Taylor has the hottest bat for the Eagles over the last 10 games. Taylor is hitting .417 over the last 10 games (10-24) with two doubles and four RBIs.
 
McNew climbing the USI All-Time charts: Senior catcher Lucas McNew (Floyds Knobs, Indiana) is sixth all-time at USI in home runs (21); tied for ninth in RBIs (141) and tied for 10th in doubles (44).
 
USI in longest losing streak since 2006. USI has lost nine-straight games, the longest streak since the Eagles lost 10-in-a-row during the 2006 season.
 
Lindenwood in 2023: Lindenwood is 3-22 overall and also began its OVC schedule with three-straight losses at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The Lion started their week with a 7-5 loss to the University of Missouri Wednesday and have lost eight-straight games.
 
USI vs. Lindenwood: USI trails the all-time series with Lindenwood, 4-1, with all of the meeting in Great Lakes Valley Conference regular season and tournament action. In the only series meeting between the two schools, the Lions captured three of the four games at the Lou Brock Complex in 2021.
 

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