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HOT JOBS IN EVANSVILLE
Otters finish off an undefeated homestand Sunday
The Evansville Otters broke out the bats and the brooms in an 8-1 win over the Southern Illinois Miners Sunday, winning their seventh game in a row to complete a four-game sweep of the Miners.
The four-game sweep was the Otters’ first since 2013, and the win extended the Otters’ lead in the West Division to three games.
The Otters took an early lead in the bottom of the first when Riley Krane singled home Miles Gordon from second with two out in the inning, as the Otters pulled ahead 1-0.
Evansville would add to their advantage in the second inning, again with two outs. Gary Mattis hit his fourth double in his sixth professional game with two out, ahead of Andrew Penner who tripled Mattis home. At the end of two, Evansville led 2-0.
Evansville continued to pour it on in the third, when Elijah MacNamee, Dakota Phillips, and Andretty Cordero all drove in runs in consecutive at-bats with a single, double, and groundout, respectively.
Through the first third of the ballgame, the Otters led 5-0.
The Miners would score their first and only run of the game in the top of the fifth, when an unearned run scored on Luke Mangieri’s RBI groundout against Otters’ starter Ryan O’Reilly.
The Otters answered the unearned run with their biggest blows at bat in the bottom of the fifth. Krane opened the Otters’ half of the inning with a solo drive to right, his eleventh blast of the season, before Dakota Phillips would club the Otters’ second home run of the inning and the series with an opposite field solo shot. The Otters would go on to load the bases in the inning for Andy DeJesus, who drove in the Otters’ eighth and last run of the ballgame.
After five, the Otters led by the final score of 8-1.
O’Reilly would work into the seventh inning, getting the first two outs before loading the bases with a walk issued to Nolan Earley. At that point, Taylor Wright come on in relief to get the last batter of the inning to ground out on two pitches, ending the threat.
Wright also worked a 1-2-3 eighth, striking out the last two batters he faced.
University of Southern Indiana product Jacob Bowles come on in the ninth to pitch the second full scoreless inning for the Otters’ bullpen, sending the Otters to their seventh win in a row and a four-game sweep of the Miners.
After an off day Monday, the Otters will travel to Crestwood, Illinois to open a six-game road trip against the Windy City ThunderBolts on Tuesday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on Frontier League LiveTV, with a 6:50 p.m. pregame show.
Study Shows Hospitals—Including One In Indiana—Are Ignoring Transparency Rule
Study Shows Hospitals—Including One In Indiana—Are Ignoring Transparency Rule
By Carolina Puga Mendoza
TheStatehouseFile.comÂ
INDIANAPOLIS—Hospitals are supposed to post their prices online so people can compare and contrast, but a new study shows many are not complying with the new law—including one hospital in Indiana.
Since Jan. 1, hospitals were expected to show their prices to consumers, making costs easily available. The rule has been reinforced by Pres. Joe Biden’s administration, saying in a July executive order that the lack of transparency concerning prices results in a lack of competition among companies—in this case, health insurance and hospitals. Therefore, “families are paying higher prices for necessities—things like prescription drugs, hearing aids, and internet service.â€
Yet almost 95% of hospitals, including one in Indiana, are not living up to the requirements, according to Patient Rights Advocate, a nonprofit consumer organization that released its Semi-Annual Hospital Price Transparency Compliance Report in July.
According to the report, Indiana University Health Medical Center in Indianapolis shares its costs as an average charge instead of a gross one, meaning that it is not presenting the actual amount the hospital charges the patient.
Similarly, the hospital shows negotiated rates as percentages instead of actual prices. The regulations require hospitals to show charges and rates, rather than making customers do the calculations to figure out how much they are going to be charged.
“IU Health believes we are compliant with current requirements and strongly supports price transparency and is committed to providing innovative tools to help patients and healthcare consumers understand the cost of care,†Indiana University Health said in a statement to The Statehouse File.
“We continue to incorporate feedback from stakeholders to improve the list of standard charges. Additionally, our estimate services have proven popular among consumers, providing personalized, out-of-pocket estimates for 90,000 services annually and offering nearly 800 services in our self-service price estimator tool.â€
The study randomly selected 500 hospitals across the country; the results showed that 94.4% failed to comply with the price transparency rule.
Cynthia Fisher, founder and CEO of Patient Rights Advocate, said she’s more than surprised to find out that only 5% of hospitals abide by the rule. Her organization has helped consumers to be able to see prices and get the full scope of information to make the necessary decision based on their needs.
“[Patients] have to pay with a blank check because we’re financially responsible, we sign in by penalty law that we will be totally responsible for whatever medical debt they charge us, and that’s just wrong,†Fisher said. “Because every other facet of our economy, whether it’s buying groceries or buying clothing or buying an airline ticket, we know prices up front.â€
She said that hospitals and insurance companies displaying their prices gives power to consumers to make their own decisions and take charge of their expenses.
According to CNBC, one in four people avoid health care because they cannot afford it. Up to 22% of people skip anything related to healthcare, whether that is a yearly checkup or vaccinations.
According to a nationwide study by RAND Corporation, Indiana has one of the highest rates for health care, placing sixth in the country.
“This is a big deal because this is our moment in time to make healthcare affordable for all Americans, by patients getting into the driver’s seat, through being well informed about prices up front rather than not informed,†Fishers said.
“And unfortunately, those hospitals that are not complying with this rule are doing financial harm to their patients every day because they’re keeping us ill informed. So we’re asking for it to be game over with hospitals keeping patients in the dark to save their own money and instead start competing on quality and outcomes and put cost efficiencies into your hospitals.â€
According to the RAND Corporation, in the U.S., the prices for prescription drugs are more than two times greater than in other countries. As a result, a poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation,shows that one in four Americans who are on prescription drugs say it’s hard to afford them.
According to the Commonwealth Fund, up to 41% of Americans have some type of problem with medical bills or are falling into medical debt, compared to 34% in 2005.
“This is the law, right? I mean, can you imagine if 94.4% of us didn’t stop at a stop sign? … [Hospitals] are causing chaos and collisions of people’s finances. And in some cases, they’re causing death because people aren’t taking their medicines or their drugs or they’re losing their homes,†Fishers said. “And they’re losing, you know, they’re losing their ability to take care of their health because of financial ruin.â€
FOOTNOTE: Carolina Puga Mendoza is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
The City-County Observer posted this article without bias or editing.
 Evansville and Vanderburgh County Report Annual Point-in-Time Count of HomelessnessÂ
 Evansville and Vanderburgh County Report Annual Point-in-Time Count of HomelessnessÂ
- • Results not directly comparable to prior years due to impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.Â
- • During the pandemic, the Commission’s focus was on preventing the spread of COVID-19 within the area’s homeless population, and helping area citizens maintain their housing.Â
EVANSVILLE, Ind., July 30, 2021—The Commission on Homelessness for Evansville and Vanderburgh County and the regional Homeless Services Council today announced the results of the 2021 Point-in-Time (PIT) count of homelessness for the region that includes Evansville and Vanderburgh County. Since the count was taken in January, at the height of the pandemic, the significantly lower results aren’t directly comparable to those in prior years.Â
2021 PIT Count Results – The number of individuals experiencing homelessness in 2021 was 359, down 26% from 488 in 2020. There were 313 households experiencing homelessness this year, a 23% decline from 407 in 2020.Â
“The impact of COVID-19 and shelters’ reduced capacity to house clients prohibited a full, accurate count this year,†said Timothy Weir, Administrator of the Commission on Homelessness. “We’re now preparing for a potential increase in homelessness after the CDC eviction moratorium expires on July 31st.â€Â
“Now that COVID-19 restrictions have eased and shelters operating again at pre-pandemic capacity levels, the number of people experiencing homelessness in our region today is likely at 2019-2020 levels,†Danette Romines, Chair of the Homeless Services Council and Director of Programs for Aurora, said.Â
Focus on Health, Housing Stability – During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission on Homelessness and Homeless Services Council focused on protecting people experiencing 2Â
homelessness from COVID-19, and helping those at risk of homelessness remain housed. This included the following:Â
- • Independent Self-Isolation Center – The Commission established and operated the collaborative, volunteer-staffed Independent Self-Isolation Center from April 2020 to March 2021. It provided safe, secure isolation services to nearly 80 men, women and children who experienced homelessness and COVID-19.Â
- • COVID-19 Vaccinations – During 2021, the Commission conducted on-site and mobile clinics to administer vaccinations to 326 people experiencing homelessness (as of July 21, 2021). The Vanderburgh County Health Department, Ascension, shelters, and community volunteers have participated in this collaborative effort.Â
- • White Flag Emergency Shelter – The CK Newsome Center served as the region’s White Flag Emergency Shelter this winter to accommodate social distancing. Operated by United Caring Services and Evansville Rescue Mission, it provided the unsheltered homeless population with safe, warm overnight shelter during extreme cold weather.Â
- • Homelessness Prevention – Many agencies helped area households avoid homelessness. These included Aurora’s rental assistance program conducted with the State of Indiana with support from the Greater Evansville Relief Fund. CAPE, The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, St Vincent de Paul, and township trustees provided additional assistance.Â
About the Regional Point-in-Time CountÂ
The annual Point in Time (PIT) count is mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for metropolitan areas receiving HUD funding to address homelessness. Usually held on the fourth week in January, PIT counts the number of individuals experiencing homelessness who live in shelters or in places not meant for human habitation. Starting at the White Flag Emergency Shelter at CK Newsome Center, this year’s PIT count was conducted on the night of January 27, 2021 and concluded on January 28, 2021. The region’s PIT count is conducted by Aurora’s Homeless Outreach Team, volunteers, agencies and shelters, including the Evansville Police Department, United Caring Services, the House of Bread and Peace, Ozanam Family Shelter, Evansville Rescue Mission, the YWCA, and the Albion Fellows Bacon Center, among others.Â
Our area’s Regional Planning Council on Homelessness – Region 12 – includes the counties of Knox, Daviess, Gibson, Pike, Dubois, Posey Vanderburgh, Warrick, Spencer, and Perry.Â
About the Commission on HomelessnessÂ
The Commission on Homelessness for Evansville and Vanderburgh County was formed in 2005 to direct and facilitate the implementation of strategic actions to prevent and end homelessness in our community. The Commission includes representatives of local non-profit and civic organizations, City and County government, the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, the United Way of Southwestern Indiana, the Evansville Housing Authority, and homeless services and housing organizations, among others. Together, they provide leadership for local implementation of national programs and resources to address homelessness, including housing initiatives, coordinated entry and other community-wide homeless processes, homeless diversion and prevention programs and related matters. For more: www.evansvillehomeless.org/ and www.facebook.com/evvhomeless/Â
She Speaks: The Healing Project At Civic Theatre Of Greater LafayetteÂ
She Speaks: The Healing Project is an opportunity for women artists to share their stories of healing and trauma to reclaim their voices. The event will feature an art gallery located in the Grant Frederick’s Gallery of the Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette. All stories that bring healing are invited to be shared in this special space. Inside the theatre, a production will take place of an intricately woven story shared through the eyes of multiple performers: music, poetry, monologues, dance, etc.
Prior to the event, YWCA of Greater Lafayette will host multiple healing art workshops through their program, Expressions. Artists will be provided art supplies, an individual table during in-person dates, a licensed healing art facilitator, and a professional artist on site to offer guidance. Artists are not required to submit artwork created in the workshop to the project; Artists can simply participate in the workshops for their own personal healing and keep their work.
This project received support from Arts Midwest’s Grow, Invest, Gather (GIG) Fund, which provides financial support to arts organizations for rebuilding and re-imagining creative engagement in their communities amidst the challenging uncertainty affecting all corners of the creative sector. The GIG Fund is accepting applications through October 5th. More information can be found here.
More information about She Speaks: The Healing Project and how to get involved can be accessed here.
Arts Midwest and Indiana Humanities to Host Conversation with Annabel Soutar & J.R. Jamison
Join Arts Midwest and Indiana Humanities on August 4th at 7:30pm ET for a special conversation with two artists who are working to create more understanding and empathy through stories and performances that inspire action. Annabel Soutar and J.R. Jamison are working to create more understanding and empathy through stories and performances that inspire action. Learn from these artists how storytelling and documentary theater can help us connect across differences and confront today’s political polarization.
Grants Available from the Columbus Museum of Art & Design, Columbus Area Arts Council
The Columbus Museum of Art & Design (CMAD) and the Columbus Area Arts Council (CAAC) announced the opening of grant applications for projects in 2022. In this round of funding, CMAD seeks grant projects to engage the Columbus community in visual art and design experiences, with an emphasis on local and regional artists. Priority will be given to applicants with significant ties to the Columbus area. Grant funding of $500–$5,000 is available for projects to be completed in calendar year 2022.
Opportunities I’m excited to share:
(Deadlines/Event dates in parentheses)Â
- (July 30)Â Speedway Municipal Center Mural Artist Call Closes
- (July 31) Beech Grove Art Festival Artist Registration
- (August 1) Art This Way Mural to Honor Veterans Artist Call ClosingÂ
- (August 1) Lawrenceburg Schools Seeking Visiting Artist
- (August 4)Â Lifelong Arts Indiana Creative Aging Artist Development Program Application Deadline
- (August 5) Arts Midwest Emerging Artist Primer Registration Deadline
- (August 22)Â Artist Restart Grant Application Deadline (for Central Indiana Artists)
- (September 15) Curiosity Cabinet Exhibition Submission DeadlineÂ
- (December 31)Â Indiana Small Business Restart Grant
- (Open Until Filled)Â Indiana Repertory Theatre Hiring Multiple PositionsÂ
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Don’t forget, the Lifelong Arts Indiana Artist Development Program is accepting applications! Stay creative and resilient, Anna Tragesser |
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 Today’s National Night Out Breakfast In The CourtyardÂ
 National Night Out Breakfast in the CourtyardÂ
Please join us on Monday, August 2nd, at 9:00 a.m. for Breakfast in the Courtyard at CK Newsome Center to kick-off National Night Out! Light breakfast snacks and coffee will be served in the outside courtyard area at CK Newsome Center.Â
Also, don’t forget to stop by for free food, drinks, and fun on the evening of August 3rd for National Night Out at CK Newsome Center. Some things and people that you can expect to be at NNO this year include:Â
*EPD Crime Prevention Officers *Prosecutor’s OfficeÂ
*EPD Bomb Squad Officers *Search and RescueÂ
*EPD SWAT Officer *Vanderburgh County Sheriff DeptÂ
*Narcotics Detectives *Parenting TimeÂ
*Mounted Patrol *National GuardÂ
*Motorcycle Unit *Smoke-free CommunitiesÂ
*AMR *Southwestern HealthcareÂ
*Animal Control *Special OlympicsÂ
*ATT *Substance Abuse CouncilÂ
*Be Smart for Kids *Texas RoadhouseÂ
*Centerpoint Energy *Trails CoalitionÂ
*Christian Motorcycle *Tri-CapÂ
*Civil Air Patrol * UNOE-United Neighborhoods of EvansvilleÂ
*Deaconess Hospital *Urban ForestryÂ
*Department of Natural Resources *Prevent Child AbuseÂ
*ECHO Community Healthcare *Western And Southern LifeÂ
*Cert *YWCAÂ
*EMAÂ
*Energize Evansville/Parks & Rec Neighborhood Association Booths:Â
*EVPL – Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library *CHAINÂ
*EVV- Airport * Diamond/StringtownÂ
*Familia Dental * EastviewÂ
*Feller Limousine * HelfrichÂ
*Feller Towing * Mt AuburnÂ
*Fire Department * North Country ClubÂ
*Girl Scouts * OakhillÂ
*Homeland Security * South DexterÂ
*Holly’s House * STARÂ
*Indiana 811 * WesselmansÂ
*Keep Evansville BeautifulÂ
*Mission BBQÂ
Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners Meeting Agenda
AGENDA Of Vanderburgh County Board Of Commissioners August 3, 2021 At 3:00 pm, Civic Center In  Room 301
- Call to Order
- Attendance
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Action Items
- Health Department:
- Â COVID-19 Vaccine Update
- Immunization Grant with the Indiana Department of Health
- Resolution CO.R-08-21-012: A Resolution Concerning Amended County Commissioner Meeting Dates for 2022
- Consent to Assignment of Agreement with Evansville Regional Economic Partnership
- Superior Court: Professional Services Agreement with Jayddyn Olivas
- Law Department:
- Release and Settlement Agreement
- Release and Settlement Agreement
- Resolution No. CO.R-08-21-013: A Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of Vanderburgh County, Indiana Approving Joint Undertaking Agreement
- McFarland Contract for Services
- County Engineer:
- Administrative Settlement for Parcel 43 on Boonville New Harmony Road
- Right of Way Offer on Boonville New Harmony Road
- Time Extension Request for Contract VC21-02-02
- Cover Sheet for Franklin St. Bridge Plans
- Pipe Fee Acceptance for Deerfield Sec. 4
- Pipe Fee Acceptance for The Hills Sec. 2
- Administrative Settlement for Parcel 31 on Boonville New Harmony Road
- Health Department:
- Department Head Reports
- New Business
   A. Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum READI Grant Process Update
- Old Business
- Consent Items
- Approval of July 20, 2021 Meeting Minutes & July 27, 2021 Special Meeting Minutes
- Employment Changes
- County Auditor: Claims Voucher Reports 7/19-7/23/2021 & 7/26-7/30/2021
- County Engineer: Department Report and Claims
- County Treasurer June 2021 Monthly Report
- Barrett Law Lien Release: Aabel’s Park Barrett Law Project: Hagan & Hubert
- Old Courthouse Quotes for Plaster and Paint Repair
- Old Courthouse Controls Program Quotes
- Public Comment
- AdjournmentÂ
Dr. Jim Schroeder Newest Book Is Now Available
We wanted to pass along an exciting announcement that Jim Schroeder, PhD., HSPP newest book is now available for purchase as a paperwork and Kindle e-book.
The title of his new book is “Confessions of a Carless Commuter: What 40,000+ Motorless Miles Taught Me About Life.â€Â You can find it on Amazon or through his website:
Confession Kindle Version (e-book)
His website (www.james-schroeder.com)
You might ask, with all that is competing for your time and finances, why would I check this book out and consider passing it along to others? Here are 5 reasons why:
1)     It’s a quick, easy read. At just over 100 pages and written in a conversational style, it’s perfect for our busy lives
2)     Small changes in perspectives and habits can make a big difference in our happiness, health, and harmony with others. We’d all like to feel less anxious and more at peace. That’s what this book is all about.
3)     Life is expensive, but this book is not. At just under $10 for the paperback (and less than $6 for the Kindle version), it’s barely the cost of a morning trip to Starbucks.
4)     Whether or not you have ever biked or run a day in your life, this book is for you. Every single chapter applies to every person on any given day (and parents, it’s meant to be shared with your kids, too)
5)     We are all traveling in this journey of life together. This book provides some simple ideas of how we can unite more along the way.
Ultimately, this book is part of a larger mission to increase the happiness, health, and harmony of individuals and our community.
1)Â Â Â Â Â Pass the book and this information along to anyone that you think might be interested and benefit from it.
2)     Beyond friends/families, consider taking this book to various groups that you are a part of. Whether it is a book club, fellowship group in your faith community, work group at your place of employment, or athletic team/extra-curricular club, the easy to read and widely applicable format of this book makes it a great catalyst for discussion and growth. For those interested in buying in bulk, there is a reduced rate available. Please contact me at this email or jimandamyschroeder@gmail.com.
3)     If you are on social media, share the information through Facebook and Instagram (and any other outlet). In anticipation of the official book launch, there is already information about the book and the mission on Facebook/Instagram, including advanced praise from readers who have already checked it out. It can be found on Facebook at @jschroeder133 and Instagram at @jschroeder133
4)     Reviews on Amazon are a great way to promote the book. It has been shown that even a single positive review can be the difference between individuals purchasing it book or not. Our goal is 100 reviews by the end of September. Consider spending five minutes even to post a review on Amazon. This can be done even if you haven’t purchased the book off Amazon.
For any self-published book, individuals like yourself are truly the hands, feet, and voice that make it possible to be disseminated on a wide scale. Otherwise, few people will ever get a chance to part of this collective mission in this unique way.
Jim Schroeder, Ph.D., HSPP
jschroeder@evansvillerehab.com / 812-479141 or  https://www.easterseals.com/in-sw/
Synopsis Of His Book
In the Spring of 2007, I pulled into an intersection in St. Louis after the light turned green. Suddenly, a van crashed into the side of my car. Although I fortunately emerged unharmed, our once reliable vehicle was totaled. With finances limited, and a friend encouraging me to consider public transportation, I started busing to work despite many reservations. A short time after relocating back home, I replaced most of my bus rides with bike and run commutes. For well over a decade, even with up to 8 kids and a very busy practice, most days began and ended in a motorless fashion.
On the surface, my commuting life was great for fitness, finances, stress relief, productivity, and the environment among many other gains. Gradually, it became an adventure full of trials and triumphs, one replete with lessons of everyday life—-not just for those who chose to commute this way, but for all of us. Through the blazing sun, torrential downpours, and frigid, dark mornings, the lessons kept coming just as miles did, too.
Confessions of a Carless Commuter: What 40,000+ Motorless Miles Taught Me About Life is a brief, frank compilation of these insights. Stories on the road are intertwined with lessons of the mind, heart, and soul; each of the lessons are part of a larger fabric of life driven by purpose, awe, and love. It’s where the revelations and revolutions begin
FOOTNOTE: ABOUT DR. JAMES SCHROEDER