Republic Services has suspended all Monday waste and recycling collections for Evansville Water and Sewer Utility City residential customers due to current road conditions. EWSU will provide additional updates at www.ewsu.com and on social media as more information becomes available.
View your trash and recycling schedule: www.republicservices.com/schedule
Trash Service Suspended Due to Weather
CenterPoint Energy updates winter storm impact
CenterPoint Energy provides update on winter storm impacts in Indiana and electric power restoration effortsNatural gas system across Indiana and Ohio operating safely and without disruptionEvansville, Ind. – Jan. 5, 2025 – Significant winter weather in CenterPoint Energy’s southwestern Indiana service area has caused widespread electric outages due to heavy ice and snow. Outages have increased steadily through the evening, with approximately 5,000 customers without power at 5:30 p.m. to approximately 37,700 as of 9:30 p.m. The increase in outages is largely due to ice accumulation and falling tree limbs impacting power lines. Crews have been working to assess damage and restore power as quickly and as safely as possible and have restored approximately 4,300 customers.CenterPoint has deployed internal, contractor and mutual aid resources to assist with power restoration efforts. Additional crews arrived Sunday morning and early afternoon and received onboarding and training to be deployed as soon as needed. In restoring power, the company prioritizes facilities vital to safety, health and welfare, such as hospitals, water treatment plants and public service facilities. After addressing these critical needs, crews will focus on repairs that restore power to the largest number of customers first, continuing until all customers have power restored.“Conditions across southwestern Indiana have been challenging due to ice accumulation and freezing rain. Our crews are working safely and making steady restoration progress, but the weather is creating recurring outages in some areas shortly after power is restored, as additional tree limbs and ice impact power lines,” said Shane Bradford, CenterPoint’s Vice President, Indiana Electric. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers as we work to restore power as safely and quickly as possible.As hazardous conditions continue, crews are prioritizing safety as weather continues to impact our service area.”Gas system operationsCenterPoint’s natural gas system is operating as normal, and crews remain prepared to respond to any potential issues that may arise during the ongoing winter weather.Safety remindersCenterPoint reminds customers to stay safe during and after winter storms:
- · Downed power lines: Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines and report them to CenterPoint at 800-227-1376. Be especially mindful of downed lines that could be hidden and treat all downed lines as if they are energized.
- · Work crew safety: Be cautious around work crews and give them plenty of room to safely assess damage and make repairs.
- · Portable generators: Only use a portable generator in a well-ventilated area and never run it inside or in a garage to avoid carbon monoxide fumes, which can be deadly.
- · Use space heaters safely: Make sure space heaters have an automatic shut-off, and keep children, pets and all items at least three feet away from it. A space heater that uses natural gas, propane or wood should be vented to the outside. Stoves and ovens should never be used for space heating.
- · Electric system safety: Never connect a portable electric generator directly to a building’s electrical system during a power outage; electricity could back-feed into the power lines, potentially endangering CenterPoint workers.
- · Preserving food during outages: Avoid opening freezers and refrigerators during outages to preserve food.
- · Natural gas safety: Natural gas is oderized with a distinctive, strong odor, often compared to rotten eggs or sulfur. If a natural gas odor is detected inside a home or building, leave immediately on foot. Do not use electric switches, telephones (including cell phones), or anything that could cause a spark. Once in a safe location, call both CenterPoint Energy and 911. Do not use email or the Internet to report the leak and never attempt to repair a natural gas leak yourself—leave all repairs to trained technicians. For leaks outside, leave the area on foot and move in an upwind direction away from the leak or vapor cloud to a location where the smell of gas is no longer present. Warn others to stay away from the leak and abandon any equipment being used in or near the area. Once in a safe location, call both CenterPoint Energy and 911 to report the leak.
- · Know the signs of CO poisoning: Early symptoms such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a household is experiencing these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If symptoms suggest CO poisoning, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.
- · Gas meter maintenance: Remove large icicles hanging over meter assemblies and appliance vents. Use a broom – not a shovel – to clear snow from the meter. If the gas meter is encased in ice, do not attempt to melt and/or chip the ice, as this could cause damage to the meter. Allow the ice to melt on its own.
- · Call before digging: Call 811 to locate utility lines prior to digging on a property.
UPDATE New Warming Centers Added – Resources for the Homeless and Those Without Power – Warming Stations Opened
1/6/2025 10:15 UPDATE: The City of Evansville has added additional warming stations at Central High School, Lincoln School, St. Ben’s and Y&E Community Center 1308 Vann Ave (daytime hours only).
PREVIOUSLY
For anyone who has lost power or has nowhere to go for shelter from the weather, warming centers have been opened around Evansville.
With a significant winter storm impacting our community, local leaders are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness.
The Evansville-Vanderburgh Commission on Homelessness, in partnership with community organizations and local authorities, is working to inform residents of available emergency resources including shelter, food, clothing, and other critical services.
Savannah Wood, Administrator of the Evansville-Vanderburgh Commission on Homelessness, “The Evansville-Vanderburgh Commission on Homelessness is dedicated to ensuring that every individual in our community has access to the resources they need during this challenging time. Our mission is to provide immediate and long-term solutions, including strategies that support access to emergency shelter, meals, clothing and other immediate needs. As we brace for the upcoming storm, we urge community members to spread the word about available warming stations and support services.”
Sergeant Josh Brewer, Evansville Police Department Crime Prevention Unit says,
“The safety of every resident is our top priority, especially during extreme weather events. Our officers will be actively patrolling and assisting individuals in need of emergency shelter. If you see someone who may need immediate help, please contact us. Together, we can ensure no one is left out in the cold.”
The Evansville-Vanderburgh Commission on Homelessness relies on homeless services organizations to monitor emergency shelter capacity, identify and message the locations of warming stations and other critical resources for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Mayor Terry says, “In moments like this, our community’s strength and compassion truly shine. We are deeply committed to supporting our most vulnerable residents. I commend the efforts of the Evansville-Vanderburgh Commission on Homelessness partners and organizations, including our first responders, for their dedication and quick action. Let’s all come together to protect and care for one another during this winter season.”
For additional information or to learn how you can help, please visit evansvillehomeless.org or the commission Facebook page at: Commission on Homelessness for Evansville and Vanderburgh County.
Feel free to download the graphic and post it on your social media.
State of Emergency Declared for Evansville and Vanderburgh County
Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry and the Vanderburgh County Commissioners have
declared Evansville and Vanderburgh County in a State of Emergency through noon Monday, pursuant to Indiana Code 10-14-3-29.
The Civic Center complex also will be closed on Monday, January 6.
The State of Emergency is a response to the winter storm currently affecting Evansville and Vanderburgh County. A mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is expected to continue throughout the area through Monday morning.
The effect of this declaration is to:
1. Activate the response and recovery aspects of all applicable city and county disaster emergency plans.
2. Authorize the furnishing of aid and assistance under the plans.
3. Pursuant to IC 10-14-3-29.5, declare a Warning, the highest level of local travel advisory, during which travel may be restricted to emergency management workers only, as that term is defined in IC 10-14-3-3. The term includes a volunteer health practitioner registered under IC 10-14-3.5.
Joe J. Wallace, Author, and Columnist, Joins City County Observer Staff
Joe J. Wallace, Author, and Columnist, Joins City County Observer Staff
JANUARY 6, 2025
Joe J. Wallace, a distinguished retired CEO, and Chief Innovation Officer, is proud to accept the position of Columnist for the City County Observer. With an illustrious career spanning several decades in product development, executive leadership, and published authorship, Wallace brings an unparalleled wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role.
A Legacy of Innovation and Leadership
Joe Wallace’s career is a testament to his dedication and innovation in various industries. As the founding Managing Director of the Coachella Valley Innovation Hub and CEO of the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP), Wallace has been a pivotal figure in economic development and technological advancement. His tenure in the electro-optics industry saw him involved in over ten start-up businesses, including a NASDAQ-listed public company that lead the exchange for percentage ROI in 1995.
A Stanford University alumnus with an MS in Mechanical Engineering, Wallace also completed all required coursework for a PhD at UC Santa Barbara, a BS from the University of Evansville and an AS from Hazard Community College in Appalachia. His academic background laid a strong foundation for his successful ventures in technology and business.
Pioneering Economic Development
Wallace’s journey into mentoring entrepreneurs began as the founding President and CEO of the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville. He established Innovation Pointe, a technology business incubator, and the EnGAGE program to support small and medium businesses. Wallace also facilitated the Partnership Intermediary Agreement with the Crane Naval Weapons Center, providing access to federal intellectual property for Evansville businesses, thereby fostering innovation and growth. Over the course of his career Wallace has mentored over one hundred technology-based startup companies.
Broad Industry Experience
Throughout his 35-year career, Wallace has held senior executive roles across diverse industries, from developing cutting-edge technology like the erasable optical disc (CD ROM Burner) to professional home improvement services. His advisory roles span multiple businesses across the United States, reflecting his broad and deep understanding of technology, business, and commercialization.
Renowned Speaker and Author
An invited speaker at symposia in the United States, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia, Wallace has delivered keynote speeches at numerous events, including the International Chief Innovation Officer Summit in San Francisco. He has authored over 1,000 columns in an online political blog and published papers in both trade and refereed journals. His book, “Living Outside the Box,” was published in 2019 and became a category #1 seller on Amazon. His kick-off book tour started at Union County High School, where Wallace graduated and included the Wall Street Journal’s Future of Everything Conference in New York City.
Accolades and Honors
Wallace’s contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the SBEMP Leader of the Year (2016), the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award by CSU San Bernardino (2014), and the Clean Air Award by the South Coast Air Quality Management District. He was also a nominee for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2015) and named one of the Top 50 Economic Development Professionals in North America.
His businesses have garnered accolades such as the Photonics Spectra Circle of Excellence Award, the R&D 100 Award, and multiple Indiana Growth 100 Awards from the IU Kelley School of Business. As an undergraduate, Wallace was one of eleven National Finalists in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ Old Guard competition. His presentation was about optimally designing a nuclear reactor core.
Community Engagement
As CEO of Priority One, Wallace secured $79 million for the expansion of the CSU San Bernardino Campus in Palm Desert, California. He has served as a trustee of the University of Evansville and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, for which he has run fifteen marathons, raising over $100,000 for cancer research. In 2015, the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce awarded CVEP and Wallace the Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy of Service Award.
A New Chapter in AI Consulting
Joe Wallace’s extensive background as a product development engineer, CEO, and prolific author positions him uniquely to add substantial value to organizations as an AI consultant. His recent credential from Vanderbilt University as a Prompt Engineer for large language models underscores his commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. Wallace is poised to leverage his expertise to guide businesses through the complexities of artificial intelligence and machine learning, driving innovation and growth in this dynamic field.
USI recognizes over 2,080 undergraduate students named to 2024 Fall Semester Dean’s List
In recognition of outstanding academic achievement, the University of Southern Indiana Dean’s List has been released for the 2024 Fall Semester. Dr. Shelly Blunt, USI Provost, announced a total of 2,088 undergraduate students were named to the Dean’s List.
Undergraduate students must achieve a 3.5 or better semester GPA (on a 4.0 system) to be named to the list. Students earning no incomplete (IN) or missing (Z) grades for the term and earning letter grades of computable point value (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory and Pass/No Pass graded courses do not apply) in 12 or more semester hours, with a semester GPA between 3.5 and 4.0, are named to the list.
The list is arranged by state and city, according to the mailing address each student has provided to the University. A student’s name may be listed under Evansville if the student supplied an Evansville mailing address. The Dean’s List may be accessed by clicking the link below.
2024 Fall Semester Dean’s List
Note to students:
If you expected your name to be on the list and you cannot find it, use the search function in the PDF document. Type your name to search the entire list. If you still do not find your name, email Tracy Sinn in the Registrar’s Office using your myUSI email address (include your full name and student ID number). If it can be verified you did qualify for the Dean’s List, the Registrar’s Office will give University Strategic Communication your name and hometown.