Rokita Defending The Practice Of Listing Individuals’ Biological Sex On Birth Certificates
Attorney General Todd Rokita is defending the practice of listing individuals’ biological sex on birth certificates rather than changing them years after the fact to reflect individuals’ self-perceived gender identities.
“The purpose of a birth certificate is obviously to establish a record of biological birth and certain relevant factual details of that occasion,†Attorney General Rokita said. “To change the designated sex on a birth certificate at a later date is in effect falsifying that document.â€
At issue before the Indiana Supreme Court is whether the judicial branch has the authority to order changes in the designated sex on birth certificates to make them match individuals’ preferences.
While the Indiana General Assembly possesses the authority to pass a law permitting such alterations, Attorney General Rokita noted in a brief, the courts do not.
The brief pertains to a case in which a mother filed a petition with a court seeking to change a 7-year-old child’s designated sex from male to female. The child has been treated as a girl by family, peers and doctors since around age 2, according to legal documents.
“We all should care about and sympathize with our fellow Hoosiers’ specific life experiences,†Attorney General Rokita said. “By insisting on public policies that serve the greater good, we ultimately reinforce that principle rather than diminish it.â€
Vanderburgh County Commissioners Announce New Director And Assistant Director At Burdette ParkÂ
Vanderburgh County Commissioners Announce New Director and Assistant Director at Burdette ParkÂ
EVANSVILLE, IN. (August 10, 2022) – The Vanderburgh County Commissioners are pleased to announce that Zach Wathen has been named Director and Colton Meyer has been named Assistant Director of Burdette Park located on the west side of Evansville.Â
Wathen, who is originally from Henderson, KY, has been an Evansville, IN resident since 2014. He brings to the Director position over ten years of experience in the Parks and Tourism area. Zach began his career as a Project Manager for the Ford Center and Victory Theater, a Maintenance Technician with the Audubon State Park in Henderson, KY, and lastly, as the Assistant Director for Burdette Park in 2017. Zach was raised in Henderson, KY and graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a degree in Marketing and Communications Management.Â
Meyer was born and raised on Evansville’s west side where he graduated from Reitz High School and attended the University of Southern Indiana. Colton brings a vast amount of knowledge through the many positions held at Burdette Park since beginning his career in 2012 which has prepared him for the new role of Assistant Director.Â
Burdette Park is the only municipal park operated by Vanderburgh County, providing a beautiful scenic recreational and educational environment consisting of approximately 170 acres of wooded hills in Southwestern Indiana. The Park offers a complete destination experience with primitive trails for walking, running, and biking, an aquatic park, an event facility, fishing, a BMX track, rustic chalets and cabins, picnic areas, and RV and tent camping.Â
FAILED INDIANA HOUSE AMENDMENT TO ABORTION BILL CONCERNING FREE CONTRACEPTIVES
Vincennes University Kicks Off 2022-23 Academic Year With In-Person Opening Meeting
VINCENNES, Ind., August 9, 2022 -  The pace of change in higher education is accelerating. Vincennes University President Dr. Chuck Johnson and several other University leaders offered updates on the VU strategic plan, “Going Further, Faster†and detailed the University’s progress during its annual Opening Meeting.
Faculty and staff from across VU sites and locations attended virtually plus filled the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center on Monday, Aug. 8, for the first in-person Opening Meeting since prior to the global pandemic in 2019.
“I’m so excited about the future of Vincennes University,” Johnson said.” I’m so happy of all the things we are doing to address challenges, and in fact, lead the way in so many places because of the work you do. I’m so excited for what this year holds and the great opportunities we can provide so many of our students and stakeholders.â€
His welcome address kicked off the event and officially opened the University for the 2022-23 academic year. Fall classes start, Monday, Aug. 15. Johnson shared messages of change, progress, achievement, and optimism.
VU is taking major steps toward executing the six priorities in the “Going Further, Faster†strategic plan. The progress made was shared with a series of presentations during the Opening Meeting.
Priority 1 – Enhance Enrollment and Recruitment Efforts: VU has introduced new campus youth programs, created international online cohorts, enhanced the University’s website and content, added a bachelor’s degree program recruiter, extended housing scholarships, collaborated with the Indiana Latino Institute Consortium, and rolled out an LPN to BSN program for licensed practical nurses to each a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, according to Johnson.
Priority 2 – Emphasize Partnerships with Industry, K-12, and Higher Education: Vice President of Workforce Development and Community Services David Tucker reported enrollment in work-based learning programs exceeded goals. There is also a greater adoption of industry programs using distance education. VU graduated its 29th Amazon cohort last week and welcomed its 32nd Amazon cohort to the Vincennes Campus on Aug. 8.
Priority 3 – Improve Student Retention and Success: VU Provost Dr. Laura Treanor reported VU is making good progress in the 150 percent completion and success rate and the 100 percent completion and success rate. Additionally, the fall-to-fall retention rate increased. To enhance its efforts, VU adopted the all-in-one study app, CircleIn, which provides virtual peer tutoring. Brainfuse also continues to provide online tutoring 24/7. VU has also expanded the role of academic coaches. The Student Success Center is leveraging data collected by Institutional Research and is reaching out quickly to at-risk students. VU has established a childcare partnership for VU students with Pace Community Action Agency, Inc.
Priority 4 – Cultivate Internal and External Resources: Vice President of Financial Services Tim Eaton shared fundraising, Business & Industry Amazon and other industrial maintenance training, and Business & Industry South and health training are doing well. The focus will continue on grant funding for strategic initiatives. In 2021, Business and Industry hired a Director of Corporate Partnership Development to broaden the customer training base.
Priority 5 – Identify and Investigate Opportunities to Establish New Programs and Enhance Existing Programs: VU is making great progress in this strategic priority, according to Provost Treanor. It saw a significant increase in new transfer partnerships in 2021 when 25 new partnerships were added due to focus efforts by the Provost’s Office, deans, program chairs, and directors. There has also been an increase in short-term programs. New collaborative robot labs and partnerships are leading to new training and academic programs.
Priority 6 – Develop and Implement a Communication Strategy that Promotes and Reinforces VU’s Role and Identity with Indiana and Elsewhere: VU has prioritized a website redesign with a new look and better user experience. Total users and new users of the VU website are incredibly higher, according to Vice President of Government and Legal Affairs Tony Hahn. VU has expanded outreach to international markets.
During his report about the Higher Learning Commission and federal updates, Senior Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Research Dr. Dale Pietzrak said, “We are in a really, really, really good place coming into our next four-year comprehensive review. We had a major site review and we came through that as wonderfully as we could.â€
Director of Admissions Ryan Barbauld reported the Vincennes Campus and VU Jasper Campus saw rises in applicants, while the Vincennes Campus also saw an increase in admitted students. Enrollment has increased at VU Jasper. Barbauld is “cautiously optimisticâ€, and projects system-wide enrollment will be slightly down. However, he expects the system-wide full-time equivalent to remaining flat.
Peer Recognition Award recipients were announced, service anniversaries were recognized, and new hires and employees in new roles were introduced during the Opening Meeting. A food drive was also held in support of Sandy’s Pantry, which provides free non-perishable food items to VU students.
The opening Meeting was full of enthusiasm for the upcoming school year, and excitement for the many positive changes headed to VU, and all seemed to enjoy seeing each other face-to-face.
GLVC Swimming & Diving Championships Move to Evansville
EVANSVILLE – The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) has announced a new site for the 2023 and 2024 Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving Championships, as the event moves from Elkhart, Indiana, to Evansville, Ind., in February.
After spending the first six years at the Crawfordsville High School Aquatic Center from 2015-20 and the last two at the Elkhart Health & Aquatics center, the next two meets will take place in Evansville at the newly built Deaconess Aquatic Center.
“It’s a privilege to be one of the first organizations to host an event at the Deaconess Aquatic Center,†said GLVC Commissioner Jim Naumovich. “We’ve had a long history of hosting GLVC Championships in Evansville over the past several years at Roberts Stadium, The Ford Center, and historic Bosse Field, and we have enjoyed great support from the local community and the Evansville Sports Corporation.
“I am confident the student-athletes participating in the GLVC Swimming & Diving Championships will enjoy a memorable experience at this beautiful new venue.â€
The facility can accommodate 960 fans in the spectator seating area, but, as has been the case since the inaugural event in 2015, all four days of action will be streamed live and free on the GLVC Sports Network (GLVCSN). The action can be viewed on GLVCSN.com or the many GLVCSN apps available on Android and iOS mobile devices, as well as OTT platforms on Roku, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.
“We can’t wait to welcome the GLVC Swimming & Diving Championships to the Deaconess Aquatic Center,†said Evansville Sports Corp President Eric Marvin. “The facility was built for championship competitions, and we’re grateful that the GLVC has entrusted Evansville to be their host city for the next two years.â€
ABOUT DEACONESS AQUATICS CENTER
The two-story, state-of-the-art Deaconess Aquatic Center opened its doors in August of 2021 just across the street from the historic Bosse Field. The center is divided into two separate areas, competitive and recreational, both with its own dedicated locker rooms. The Lilly King Competition Pool is a stretch 50-meter pool, named after Evansville’s very own, wherein swimming and diving can occur at the same time. The 50-meter pool can be converted to accommodate various levels of competition.
The pool temperature can be monitored through a sensor in the chemical control system as well as handheld thermometers. The pool AHU dehumidification units include temperature, hum, and water sensors. Remote panels located in the janitor’s room display settings in addition to the web-based Building Management System.
The Lilly King Competition Pool will not only be home for the 2023 Great Lakes and Valley Conference Swimming and Diving Championships, but also the NCAA Division II Men’s & Women’s Swimming & Diving National Championships in 2026.
ABOUT GREAT LAKES VALLEY CONFERENCE (GLVC)
The Great Lakes Valley Conference is one of the premier NCAA Division II conferences, made of 13 member institutions from three Midwest states (Illinois, Indiana, Missouri) and comprised of 8,000 student-athletes, 64,000 students and 600,000 alumni. Founded in 1978, the GLVC has grown to sponsor 24 Conference championships and is among the nation’s elite in academic and athletic success. GLVC schools have captured 20 NCAA Division II national championships, including 11 on the men’s side – seven of which are in basketball – and the most recent coming for University of Indianapolis women’s lacrosse in 2022. Among the 23 NCAA Division II conferences analyzed in the December 2021 report published by the national office, the GLVC ranked tied for second in the Federal Graduation Rate (FGR) at 69 percent and tied for third in Academic Success Rate (ASR) at 84 percent for all student-athletes. The GLVC is also home to the GLVC Sports Network – the first NCAA Division II conference-wide digital streaming network that launched in 2014. GLVCSN can be found on GLVCSN.com, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and Roku devices, as well as iOS and Android mobile apps. For more information about the GLVC, visit GLVCsports.com.
ABOUT THE EVANSVILLE SPORTS CORP
The Evansville Sports Corporation is a 501(c)3 Not-for-Profit with the mission of enhancing Southwestern Indiana’s economy, image and quality of life through the attraction, promotion and development of high profile, signature sporting events. The Evansville Sports Corporation represents the area as a premiere sports events destination at industry trade shows and is in constant communication with event organizers and governing bodies promoting Evansville. It’s essential to build a strong relationship and rapport with event organizers in the hopes of securing high profile events and The Evansville Sports Corporation is focused on this very important aspect of the business. The Evansville Sports Corporation is committed to enhancing the quality of life in the Evansville area through the events we bring to the community such as Youth Clinics. For more information about the Evansville Sports Corp, visit evansvillesports.org.
EPA Accepting Clean School Bus Rebate Applications Until August 19, 2022
WASHINGTON (August 9, 2022) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reminding school districts and eligible school bus operators and contractors of the August 19, 2022 deadline to apply for funding to begin replacing the nation’s fleet of school buses with clean and zero-emission buses. $500 million is available to eligible applicants in the first round of funding for the new Clean School Bus (CSB) program out of the unprecedented $5 billion investment for low- and zero-emission school buses over the next five years, secured through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allows EPA to prioritize certain applicants in the CSB Program. Applicants requesting funds to replace school buses that serve high-need school districts, low-income areas, rural districts, and Bureau of Indian Affairs funded school districts will be offered more funding per bus and receive preference in the selection process in the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates program. However, all eligible applicants, regardless of prioritization status, are strongly encouraged to apply.
EPA is committed to meeting and exceeding the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 goal that at least 40% of the benefits of certain government programs flow to disadvantaged communities. The Clean School Bus Program will strive to meet this commitment and advance environmental justice and equity considerations into all aspects of our work.
EPA is accepting rebate applications until 11:59pm Eastern time on August 19, 2022.
The Clean School Bus Rebates application is simple, does not require matching, and allows for funds to be awarded before the purchase of the buses. The first step potential applicants must complete is to verify they have an active registration within the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). When creating a SAM.gov registration, most applicants will use the Federal Assistance Awards Only. Please visit https://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/online-rebate-application-information-clean-school-bus-program for more information on prerequisites for accessing the application.
You can also check out our 2022 EPA Clean School Bus Rebate Forms Application User Guide for detailed application instructions. Questions about applying may also be directed to CleanSchoolBus@epa.gov.
This is the first competition that EPA is running through the Clean School Bus program. The Agency also anticipates launching a grant competition later this year. Additional Clean School Bus competitions funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be run every year over the next five years.
Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other health problems that hurt our communities and cause students to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. New, zero-emission and low-emission buses will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but produce cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near the bus loading areas, as well as the communities that the buses drive through each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector on fueling climate change. In addition, zero-emission buses cost less for school districts to operate than diesel buses, and the electricity stored in zero-emission school buses can transmit energy back to the grid to meet extra energy demand or provide energy to communities during power outages.
To learn more about the rebate programs, applicant eligibility, selection process, and informational webinar dates, visit www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus.
Join the Clean School Bus listserv to get information on educational/outreach events, upcoming funding opportunities, how to apply, eligible technologies and best practices.
Aces Assist Club Announces 2022 Golf Scramble
 EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Rolling Hills Country Club in Newburgh will be the site of the 2022 Aces Assist Club Golf Scramble on Monday, August 29.
Lunch is served at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start beginning play at noon. Space is limited and those who are interested in participating are encouraged to sign up early. Registration is $600 for a foursome and $150 for individuals. Assist Club members at the All-American Level receive a half-price entry into the golf scramble while members at the Champions level receive a free entry.
Registration for the scramble includes lunch and drink tickets. The Purple Aces men’s basketball coaching staff will be in attendance along with UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz and Director of Athletics Ziggy Siegfried.
For more information on the Aces Golf Scramble or potential sponsorship opportunities at the event, please contact Logan Belz at LB334@evansville.edu or 812-488-2623.
USI Men’s Golf Adds Seven to Already Impressive Roster
USI Men’s Golf Adds Seven to Already Impressive Roster
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Golf officially announced its 2022-23 roster additions for the fall and spring campaigns. The seven roster additions include three transfers and four freshmen for next season.
Signing with the Eagles, who start their transition to NCAA Division I and the Ohio Valley Conference this year are:
Bryce Kirchner| Junior | North Vernon, IN
Kirchner transfers to USI from Vincennes University where he was an NJCAA National Qualifier in 2021 and 2022. Kirchner tied for 10th at the NJCAA Region 24 and won the Rend Lake Invitational in 2020 and the Lincoln Trail Invitational in 2021. Kirchner was named a JUCO Division II Second Team Academic All-American in 2020 and 2021 and was a JUCO Division II First Team Academic All-American in 2022. He was also named to the All-Central District Team in 2021 and 2022 and named to the JUCO Division II Ping’s East All-Region Team in 2022. Kirchner lettered in tennis and golf at Jenning County High School (North Vernon, Indiana) and helped JCHS to a sectional title in 2019.
“Bryce joins USI via Vincennes University where he led their team in scoring and as a captain.” Head Coach Dave Turpin said. “Bryce will bring a strong work ethic along with his experience playing golf at a high level.”
Trevor Laub | Junior | Edwardsville, IL
Laub transfers to USI after two seasons at Heartland Community College. Laub placed second individually at the MWAC Championship and helped Heartland to the NJCAA Region 24 team championship after placing 20th individually in 2022. He also helped Heartland to a tie for seventh national at the NJCAA Division II Championships. Laub was named a first team all area, conference, and district in 2018 and 2019 and has been named the Telegraph Play of the Year for Golf. He lettered in golf and hockey at Edwardsville High School (Edwardsville, Illinois) and was named first-team All-Area, All-District, and All-Conference as a senior.
“Trevor comes to USI from Heartland CC, a very successful JUCO in IL, where he helped lead his team to many tournament teams” Head Coach Dave Turpin said. “Trevor has extensive experience in other sports, including hockey, which will allow him to bring some toughness to the USI program.”
Tanner Walton | Junior | Jackson, MO
Walton transfers to USI from John A. Logan College where he was a member of the Logan squad that advanced to the NJCAA National Championships in 2021 and placed 14th. Walton lettered in golf and soccer at Jackson High School (Jackson, Missouri) where he won the Missouri Class 4 District individual titles in 2017 and 2018 and helped JHS to their first state championship in program history at the Missouri Class 4 State Championship in 2019. Walton was also selected to represent the state of Missouri at the 2019 Scotland Jr Invitational. Walton earned his World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) after a first place finish at the Ron marshal Spring Fling.
“Tanner joins the USI program from a very highly rated JUCO in Southern IL (John A Logan). Tanner has proven the ability to compete at the Division I level while a JAL and will help USI in the transition to the Division I competition” Head Coach Dave Turpin said about Walton.
Carter Goebel | Freshman | Breese, IL
Goebel lettered in golf and basketball at Breese Mater Dei High School (Breese, Illinois) where he took individual medalist honors with a 72 during the Class 2A Regional during his senior season. Goebel helped Mater Dei to a fourth-straight regional championship where he placed sixth individually in sectional as the Knights captured the sectional title. He was also a member of the Knights’ Class A state championship team his sophomore season. Goebel was also named the 2021 Class 2A Metro East Player of the Year.
“Carter comes from a long line of successful golfers within his family in IL. Carter will come to the USI campus with a lot of confidence in his ability to help the program.”
Will Perkins | Freshman | Noblesville, IN
Perkins lettered in golf and soccer at Noblesville High School (Noblesville, Indiana) where he didn’t start golfing until his freshman year. Perkins helped the Millers to a third place sectional finish, a fourth place at regionals, and a fifth place finishes at the IHSAA state finals his senior season, earning All-State Honors with a second-round 68.
“Will had a fantastic Senior year at Noblesville High School capped off by a 5th place finish in the IHSAA 2022 State Championship. Will brings a great mix of athleticism and competitiveness to the USI program.” Head Coach Dave Turpin said about Perkins.
Gabe Suiter | Freshman | Clarksville, TN
Suiter lettered in golf, basketball, and tennis at Clarksville Academy (Clarksville, Tennessee). Suiter was named All-District in three of his four years at Clarksville Academy and helped them to the TSSAA Division 2-A district and regional championships, placing third in the state tournament as a senior. During the 2021 summer season Suiter had four top five finishes.
“Gabe comes to USI with both a strong academic and golf background and will transition nicely into competitive college golf” Head Coach Dave Turpin said about Suiter.
Jaden Wilson | Freshman | La Grange, KY
Wilson earned five letters in gold at Oldham County High School (Buckner, Kentucky) and was a four-time KHSAA first-team Academic All-State honoree. Wilson was the individual champion of the Battle of the Bluegrass at Persimmon Ridge Golf Club, shooting a two under 70. He would also help break the Oldham County team score record providing a 71 (-1). Wilson also qualified for the 2022 Kentucky Open after shooting a 71 (-1) at Heritage Hill Golf Club.
“Jaden is a great young man with plenty of accomplishments both in the classroom and on the golf course. USI is excited to see what is in store over the next four years” Head Coach Dave Turpin said about Wilson.
USI begins its fall season as they travel to Pawley’s Island, SC to compete in the Golfweek Fall Challenge at the Caledonia Golf & Fish Club on September 11-13.