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Evans Elementary Launches Nation’s First Promise Neighborhood ChangeLab in Partnership with UE

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EVANSVILLE, IND. (08/15/2025) Evans Elementary began the new school year by making history in the EVSC (Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation). In the first week of classes, the school launched the nation’s first-ever K-12 ChangeLab program, empowering every student, not just those who already see themselves as leaders, to share ideas for meaningful change in their school and community.

ChangeLab, an award-winning initiative from the University of Evansville (UE), is known for connecting university students with real-world community projects. The Evansville Promise Neighborhood (EPN) initiative allows UE and the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) to give ChangeLab to K-12 students for the first time.

From July 20-21, representatives from all six EPN schools collaborated with UE’s Center for Innovation & Change (CIC) to design their first projects. The mission was simple yet powerful: ask every student what they would improve in their school or neighborhood, and then design a plan that will help them bring those ideas to life.

During the training, Evans Elementary’s leadership team created the first-ever Changemaker Journal: a hands-on tool printed and provided to every student to document their actions and progress throughout the year.

Each class selected one idea to pitch to the entire school. After a week-long design process, students proudly presented their proposals on Friday, August 8 at an all-school assembly. These ideas showcased creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, with suggestions ranging from sensory rooms to swimming pools, movie theaters to stuffed animal reward programs.

Following the presentations, students voted on which project to pursue. On Monday, August 11, Evans announced the winning idea: a Playground Revamp designed to make the space more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone. The student-led plan includes a soccer field, track, baseball diamond, and additional practice areas for school and community sports teams. This vision aims to foster a lifelong love of sports, encourage healthy lifestyles, and create a welcoming hub for the community after school hours.

Each EPN school receives $5,000 to fund their project, and the students will learn project management skills in the process. While the playground revamp will require additional funding, CIC will guide students in developing the most achievable version of their plan-just as they do with college-level ChangeLab students.

“Our students proved this week that they’re not just dreamers – they’re problem-solvers and leaders,” said Lauren Hartmayer, Assistant Principal and ChangeLab Coordinator for Evans. “This project isn’t just about new equipment; it’s about building a space that will unite our school and community for years to come, and showing students the real impact they can have.”

ChangeLabs are UE’s direct programming for EPN students, families, and residents-a powerful step toward engaging young people as leaders of community transformation.

“There’s nothing more exciting than helping teachers unlock the changemaking potential of their students,” said Erin Lewis, Executive Director of the Center for Innovation & Change. “Seeing kindergarteners find their voice and get excited about making change is incredible. The ripple effects of this work will last for generations.”

Other EPN school projects are still in development, and the community is invited to help bring these ideas to life.

To get involved or offer support, please contact: Will McDonner, EPN ChangeLab Coordinator at WM99@evansville.edu.

 

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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EPD

 

 

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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

The Word in 120, Love Never Fails

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Love Never Fails by Jeroeme Stewart

In 1st John chapter 4 the brethren were reminded of the importance of love. Vss. 7 thru 9 the Apostle John says; “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; 

and everyone who loves is born of God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God 

has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.”  Look at the world today. Where’s the love? The opportunity each and every day 

to exercise the meaning of agape love is available to any and everybody. That’s how we will overcome the evil we are reminded of every day. To counter evil in 

any form an attitude of love and patience can prevent anyone from traveling down the road paved with evil. Love brings light to any situation and it can be 

immediate. With evil darkness abounds. Love and evil cannot co-exist at the same time. It’s not rocket science. Turn off a light and see what happens; it gets dark; 

but when we turn the light back on it illuminates the room.  There are so many people that suffer because of a lack of love for others.  Proverbs 4 vs. 23 says; 

“Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” The Apostle Paul said to the brethren in Colossians 3 vss. 12 thru 15; “As the 

elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, if anyone has a complaint 

against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” Love will always 

counter punch the evil, hate, and anger on display today. Vs. 17 says; “And whatever you do in word or deed, do in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks 

to God the Father through Him.” When there is a willingness to trust in the words of the living God we will see the world change for the better. The words in 

Philippians 4 vs. 13 still hold true today. The Apostle Paul said to the brethren; “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  It matters greatly the 

people we listen to and allow to influence how we think and act. John 10 vs. 27 Jesus says; “My sheep hear My voice. And I know them, and they follow Me.”

  

A DECREE of ECONOMIC HARDSHIP REGARDING CENTERPOINT ENERGY

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A DECREE OF ECONOMIC HARDSHIP REGARDING CENTERPOINT ENERGY 

 

We, the members of the President’s Neighborhood Leadership Team, come now to announce a DECREE of ECONOMIC HARDSHIP regarding the rising cost of utilities.  That we are petitioning our governments, their committees, and their members from the bottom to the top that sets/controls electric rates and the laws surrounding utility rate increases in Indiana.  We declare the following grievances to be accurate and true regarding our current situation:

#1  Whereas, the President’s Neighborhood is one of the most southern (organized) neighborhoods in the entire State of Indiana.  That hot weather events most likely affect us and our thermostats more than any other (organized) neighborhood in the State of Indiana.

#2  Whereas, Indiana as a whole has seen one of the biggest jumps in utility bills in the nation, with residential electricity costs rising by over 30% from 2015 to 2025.

#3  Whereas, electric rates in Evansville, Indiana, are currently the highest in the State and nearly double when compared to Henderson, Kentucky (just 2 miles away and across our southern bridge.)

#4  Whereas, energy monopolies in Indiana have been given statutory authority and guarantees to perpetually grow and raise their rates, under the veil of making needed supporting improvements to their infrastructure.  The infrastructure that we citizens ultimately pay for, while never seeing the Returns on Investments when these privately owned monopolies sell out to another energy company or group.

#5  Whereas, CenterPoint continues to give copiously to non-profit organizations while passing these costs on to the consumers of CenterPoint electric under their general operations budget.

#6  Whereas, none of the sitting committee members of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission are from the southern region of Indiana, nor are they CenterPoint customers themselves.

#7  Whereas, none of the CenterPoint Board of Directors reside, live, or are from Indiana.  Demonstrating a clear lack of representation across all boards and committees in the CenterPoint/IURC relationship(s).

#8  Whereas, neither the Mayor, the City/County Council of Evansville, its commissioners, State Legislators, nor Governor Mike Braun have proposed any change that has seen the light of day, to address the current status quo or infrastructure that supports energy monopolies in Indiana.

#9  Whereas, elected officials up and down the State continue to receive political donations from CenterPoint Energy and PACs that represent CenterPoint.  Leading to a clear conflict of interest.

That this is only a shortlist of our grievances that have led to our current and ongoing economic hardships, in some cases life life-threatening hardships, in the President’s Neighborhood in Evansville, Indiana.

Signed,

The Leadership Team – Jennifer Michael, Joseph Howland, Brent Jackson, Susie Stetter, and Deb Merritt

 THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER POSTED THIS ARTICLE WITHOUT BIAS OR EDITING 

Rep. O’Brien Honored with Boys & Girls Club Award

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STATEHOUSE (Aug. 13, 2025) – State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) was recently honored with the Boys & Girls Club of Indiana Legislative Champion Award for advancing the priorities of Indiana’s youth through legislative leadership.

Boys & Girls Club of Evansville Executive Director Andrew Backes said O’Brien was given the award because of his advocacy efforts for children, education and afterschool programming. Indiana’s new two-year budget increases K-12 funding by $640 million, which is a 5% increase and the highest funding level to date for Hoosier schools. Nearly half of the state budget supports K-12 education. O’Brien is the Chair of the House Ways & Means K-12 Subcommittee.

“I am always proud to support the next generation of Hoosiers and help ensure they can achieve success,” O’Brien said. “The Boys & Girls Club of Evansville does incredibly meaningful work for our community, and I’m honored to receive this award.”

Backes thanked O’Brien for supporting efforts important to his organization, and said he is grateful for O’Brien’s dedication to building brighter futures for Indiana’s youth.

“As a legislative champion for student success, Rep. O’Brien has demonstrated a deep commitment to creating opportunities that empower young people to reach their full potential,” Backes said. “His leadership and partnership have helped advance policies that prioritize education, afterschool programming and the overall well-being of our state’s children.”

O’Brien said that advocating for the well-being and advancement of children will always be a top legislative priority for him.

VHS Accepted Into National Orphan Kitten Club Grant Program

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 (Evansville, IN –The Vanderburgh Humane Society has been selected as a Mightycat Partner with Orphan Kitten Club!

Orphan Kitten Club operates the world’s first and only grant program dedicated exclusively to funding the care and protection of neonatal kittens (ages 0-8 weeks old) and provides grants to partners across the country.

Through this special partnership, the VHS is now eligible to receive funding, resources, and mentorship support that will help them save more of the most vulnerable lives who enter their care. They are only the 4th organization in the State of Indiana, and 111th nationwide, to join this incredible network.

“This is a bit of a dream come true for our team members who have followed Kitten Lady (Hannah Shaw) and Orphan Kitten Club’s work for a long time,” says Amanda Coburn, Director of Advancement. “We can’t wait to work with the Orphan Kitten Club team to create brighter futures for our tiniest kittens!”

The Vanderburgh Humane Society takes in between 200 and 300 orphaned kittens aged 0-4 weeks every year. This is their most vulnerable population with the highest mortality rate, mostly because of their orphan status; kittens without their moms are significantly less likely to survive. But through grant programs like this, Coburn says, “we will have the chance to receive funding for lifesaving medications, specialty food, and equipment like heat disks & incubators to help tiny babies thrive.”

Orphan Kitten Club was founded in 2016 with a mission to save the lives of the tiniest and most

vulnerable felines—neonatal kittens. According to their partner guide, “as a 100% donor-funded organization, we started small. But through the growing support of a community that believes in our mission, we have expanded our impact through our lifesaving national programs. We are a tiny but mighty team of truly invested kitten advocates aiming to move the needle for kittens from coast to coast!” Since establishing the program in 2019, they have awarded over $2.5M to partners in over 80 communities.

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EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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EPD

 

 

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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