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Find Ghosts Throughout Posey, Vanderburgh Counties

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Find Ghosts Throughout Posey, Vanderburgh Counties

by Wendy McNamara

It’s almost Halloween, and those looking for a good ghost story don’t need to look any further than the historic homes and businesses in Posey and Vanderburgh counties. Several places are rumored to be haunted, and visitors seeking a spooky sighting can take guided ghost tours.

Evansville boasts a number of historic buildings, which some say are home to ghosts. Visitors to the Manor House (pictured right), built-in 1868, will not only enjoy the impressive architecture but also might spot an apparition — a woman in black floating up a staircase.

The Willard Library shares sightings on its website of The Grey Lady, an apparition first reported in the late 1930s by a custodian. Unexplained occurrences include the smell of perfume and hearing strange noises. The library at times schedules public tours, sells merchandise, and shares live cam videos for ghost hunters.

USI Stumbles At Drury To Open Road Trip

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Soccer started its road trip to Missouri with a 3-1 loss at Drury University Friday afternoon Springfield, Missouri. The Eagles move to 5-6-0 overall and 4-5-0 in the GLVC, while the Panthers are to 6-4-2, 6-1-2 GLVC, after today action.

USI fell behind in the first five minutes when Drury got on the board at 4:15 into the match. The Panthers would hold that 1-0 lead through the intermission and in the final 45 minutes when they upped the margin to 2-0 at 64:16.

The Eagles cut the deficit in half at 75:25 when freshman forward Zach Schoenstein (Evansville, Indiana) found the back of the net to make the score, 2-1. Schoenstein has assisted on his team-high tying sixth goal of the season by sophomore midfielder Brian Winkler (Philpot, Kentucky).

Drury regained the two-goal advantage in the final minute and sealed the 3-1 victory.

UPCOMING FOR THE EAGLES:
USI concludes its visit to Missouri Sunday at 2:30 p.m. with a visit to Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri.

SBU, which plays the University of Indianapolis later this evening, starts this week’s action in search of its first victory with a 0-10-0 overall mark, 0-8-0 GLVC. The Bearcats trail in the all-time series to USI, 2-0-0, since joining the GLVC in 2019.

USI Upsets GLVC-Leading Drury, 2-1

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Soccer upset Great Lakes Valley Conference leading Drury University, 2-1, to win its fourth-straight match Friday morning Springfield, Missouri. The Screaming Eagles go to 6-4-2 overall and 4-4-1 GLVC, while the Panthers are 10-2-0, 8-1-0 GLVC.

The Eagles struck first in the opening 45 minutes when senior forward Katlyn Andres (Louisville, Kentucky) blasted the ball in at 27:57 to give USI the 1-0 leads. Andres was assisted on her second tally of the season by sophomore midfielder Madison Crawford. 

The 1-0 advantage would stand up until the Panthers got the equalizer at 32:08. The score would remain 1-1 through the intermission.

In the second half, the Eagles and Panthers battled back and forth across the field until USI and Crawford took advantage of a corner to take a 2-1 lead at 75:12. Crawford looped a corner in from the right side for the unassisted and eventual game-winner.

Overall in the match, each team has seven total shots with USI boasting one more shot on-goal. Drury had the advantage in corners, 5-4.

Between the posts, sophomore goalkeeper Maya Etienne (Midland, Michigan) raised her season record above .500 to 4-3-1 with the victory. Etienne faced a total of seven shots making two saves to earn her fourth save of the season.

UPCOMING FOR THE EAGLES:
USI concludes its road swing at Southwest Baptist University noon Sunday in Bolivar, Missouri.

SBU, which plays the University of Indianapolis later this evening, enters this weekend’s action with a 2-7-1 overall record, 2-6-0 GLVC. USI leads the all-time series with SBU, 2-0-0, since the Bearcats joined the GLVC in 2019.

HOT JOBS IN EVANSVILLE AREA

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HOT JOBS IN EVANSVILLE AREA
Administrative Coordinator / Appointment Setter
Bath Fitter 3.1/5 rating – Evansville, IN
College Degree in administration or accounting preferred. As an *Administrative Coordinator / Inside Sale* at *Bath Fitter*, you would be the central point of…
Easily apply
2 days ago
Information Technology Administrative Assistant
City of Evansville 3.5/5 rating – Evansville, IN
$35,215 a year
DUTIES: * Greets office visitors, determines nature of visit, and assists in responding to their inquiries. Receives, sorts, and distributes daily mail.
Easily apply
3 days ago
Administrative Assistant (Stepping Stone)
Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. 3.2/5 rating – Evansville, IN
$15 an hour
Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare is currently seeking a full-time *Administrative Assistant *to add to our team of professionals. Generous Paid Time Off plan.
2 days ago
Medical Front Desk Receptionist
Tri-State Orthopaedic Surgeons – Evansville, IN
Flexibility to work between the hours of 6:30am and 6:30pm, as well as some Saturdays. The Front Desk employee, under the direction of the Front Desk…
Easily apply
4 days ago
Medical Receptionist
Midwest Ear Nose & Throat Surgery PSC – Evansville, IN
Part Time Medical Receptionist working Tues. 8 am to 5 pm. Answering phones and scheduling appointments. Greeting patients, and checking them in and out for…
Easily apply
3 days ago
Office Manager
Indiana Institute for Behavior Analysis, Inc 2.3/5 rating – Evansville, IN
This role will report directly to the Site Director and is responsible for all of the administrative functions within their assigned site to ensure that the…
Easily apply
3 days ago
Office Administrator
Potters Wheel Ministries 4/5 rating – Evansville, IN
$15 – $17 an hour
This position is full time, 40 hours per week. General Summary and Objective: *Supervise day-to-day operations, maintain ongoing fiscal management, maintain…
Easily apply
6 days ago
Clerical Associate
Deaconess Health System 3.5/5 rating – Evansville, IN
Flexible work schedules – Full time/part time/supplemental – Day/Eve/Night. Level 4 children’s enrichment centers. Schedule: Part Time – 36, Day/Evening.
3 days ago
Business Office Manager
Silver Birch Living 3.2/5 rating – Evansville, IN
Ability to work weekends, evenings, and flexible hours, as needed. Health, Dental, and Vision insurance available.
Easily apply
6 days ago
PSE MAIL PROCESSING CLERK
United States Postal Service 3.4/5 rating – Evansville, IN
$18.69 an hour
Applicants must also be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident alien status. PSEs can be scheduled any hours and the position is intended to be very flexible…
4 days ago
Administrative Assistant for Facilities Management and Planning
University of Evansville 4.3/5 rating – Evansville, IN
Some of the responsibilities of this full-time position include: Serves as principal receptionist and dispatch for department.
5 days ago
Office Manager – The Franz Center
Unleashed Academy – United States
$65,000 a year
The Office Manager will embrace the Franz Center vision and help the CEO and the team impact thousands of children around the globe through providing…
Easily apply
9 days ago
Administrative Assistant for Programs
Wabash Valley Community Foundation – Indiana
$31,000 – $37,000 a year
This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position. 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but alternative work hours apply as required by the position to accommodate evening and/or…
Easily apply
6 days ago
Administrative Lead
Plumbers Supply Co. 2.9/5 rating – Evansville, IN
We offer an attractive salary & benefits package: Health insurance, paid holidays, paid vacation, and a 401K with company match!
Easily apply
5 days ago
Administrative Chief of Staff
FLANDERS ELECTRIC MOTOR SERVICE INC 3/5 rating – Evansville, IN
The Administrative Chief of Staff focuses on facilitating the efficient, effective performance of duties by a company CEO or other C-suite leaders.
1 day ago
Office Administrator
Servpro of East Evansville – Evansville, IN
$13 – $15 an hour
Looking for a self starter to manage our job file process. General responsibilities include verifying documentation is in order to process a job file from the…
Easily apply
6 days ago
Administrative Assistant
AFCO Performance Group – Boonville, IN
$16 an hour
If you are looking for a family-like atmosphere, in a climate-controlled environment, plus competitive compensation, health, dental and vision insurance, long…
Easily apply
2 days ago
Optometric Technician/Receptionist
Keen Eyecare Consultants – Evansville, IN
$12 – $18 an hour
Current office hours are 10am-6pm Monday-Friday, and 10am-5pm on Saturday. Our staffing schedule allows at least one full weekend off each month, but applicant…
Easily apply
7 days ago
Weekend Receptionist
Solarbron Pointe 3.6/5 rating – Evansville, IN
Provides clerical assistance to administrative staff and department heads when needed. Screen visitors, operate the telephone systems to answer calls and direct…
2 days ago
Medical Office Assistant
Deaconess Health System 3.5/5 rating – Evansville, IN
Level 4 children’s enrichment centers at various locations. Free access to fitness centers, where health coaches are available to help with workout plans at…
3 days ago
Receptionist
Expressway Auto Group – Evansville, IN
<<<< The Receptionist is the first contact to greet visitors by phone and in person. The Receptionist will primarily answer a multi-line telephone system and…
7 days ago
Receptionist/Weekends – Solarbron Pointe
Cardon & Associates 3.6/5 rating – Evansville, IN
CarDon & Associates is now seeking an Receptionist. The Receptionist provides clerical assistance to administrative staff and department heads when needed,…
Easily apply
2 days ago
Administrative Lead
Plumbers supply 3.4/5 rating – Evansville, IN
Provide excellent customer service whether in person, over the phone, and internally with co-workers. Plumbers Supply Co offers an attractive salary & benefits…
4 days ago
Administrative Assistant
Gorman Recruiting – Newburgh, IN
$20 an hour
Weekly work hours are 30-40 hours/week. In this position, the Administrative Assistant will input detailed data for a busy real estate valuation firm.
Easily apply
2 days ago
Office Administration Assistant
Custom Staffing Services 3.6/5 rating – Princeton, IN
No Weekends (maybe a few Saturdays throughout the year). Princeton, IN: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred).
Easily apply
3 days ago
Data Entry Clerk
HR Solutions, Inc. 4.1/5 rating – Evansville, IN
$15 an hour
We have been selective in building our own staff from the most highly qualified, certified, and experienced individuals in the Tri-State area.
Easily apply

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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EPD

 

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

MEDIA

2021 CCO “COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD LUNCHEON ”READY TO HONOR OUTSTANDING CITIZENS

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2021 CCO “COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD LUNCHEON” IS SOLD OUT

 THIS YEAR “CCO OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICES AWARD” WINNERS ARE:

Indiana State Senator Vaneta Becker

Senator Vaneta Becker is an amazing lady who was born to serve those in need. Many people have watched this State Senator create legislation that takes on poverty and discrimination.  She is not your typical self-assured and flamboyant know-it-all politician.  Senator Becker is a laid-back and likable political leader known to take on legislative challenges by researching the subject and turning the information into a common-sense approach to debating information that forces needed change.on the Chamber floor

Senator Becker earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Indiana and has served as Senator to Indiana since 2005.  She works on issues with the legislation, budget constraints and parameters, economic development, and education demands. One of Senator Becker’s passions is ensuring Interstate 69 within the budget restraints and on schedule.  This will make an easier commute to our state’s capital for all citizens.

Big on philanthropy, Senator Becker is one of the founding members of the Albion Fellows Bacon Center. She was also on the board with ARK Crisis Children’s Center, which works in Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) for thirty years. Furthermore, she has helped pass Hoosier Healthwise legislation. Hoosier Healthwise helps provide health care for children from low-income families, creating a healthy living and learning environment for all youth.

As a key member of the legislature for the University of Southern Indiana, Senator Becker was able to contribute toward higher education and school growth. She has also served on the Indiana Commission for Women and was co-chair of the Office of Advisory Board to Women’s Health. In the Evansville community, she is active with Leadership Evansville Alumni and the United Methodist Church.

Senator Becker has worked to improve the quality of life in her community.  As a woman with an amazing passion for social services, bettering the quality of life, and contributing to the State Legislature, she is indeed an outstanding public servant.

Attorney Charles L. Berger

Charles L. Berger has a repetition of taking on issues that help protect the disenfranchised and downtrodden. Charlie is an extremely private and soft-spoken person. However, when he’s in the courtroom defending his client’s rights, he becomes an extremely aggressive and effective Doctor of Jurisprudence. We consider Charles L. Berger not only a “Crusader For The Public Good,” but also a “Public Watch Dog” that demands our appointed and elected officials become “Good Steward of The Public Trust.”

Mr. Berger graduated from the University of Evansville in 1969 with a major in history and a minor in political science. He also lettered in football and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi, an honorary fraternity. He graduated from Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1972 and received a Jurisprudence Doctor with honors. Mr. Berger as admitted to the bar in 1972, Indiana, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana and U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit; 1975, U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit; 1977, U.S. Supreme Court; 1981, U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky; 1984, U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit.  Director, Indiana Lawyers’ Commission, 1973-1977.

Mr. Berger’s professional accomplishments include the following: Evansville, Indiana State (Chairman, Trial Lawyers Section, 1982-1983) and American Bar Association; Indiana Trial Lawyers Association (Director, 1977 – ); Treasurer, 1982-1983); American Board of Trial Advocates; The Association of Trial Lawyers of American (State Committeeman 1975-1979); Bar Association of the Seventh Federal Circuit; Fellow, Indiana Bar Foundation; Board of Directors, Indiana Equal Justice Fund; Member of the Indiana Supreme Court Rules Committee (2005 – 2015); Member of the Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission: Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications (2016 – Present). Mr. Berger was awarded the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA) Trial Lawyer of the Year in November 2014 for his work on behalf of individuals who were denied rights under the Indiana Constitution.

Charlie Berger is listed in “The Best Lawyers in America” and “Who’s Who in American Law.” Has chaired several panels at Continuing Legal Education Forums and participated in making presentations at Continuing Legal Education Forums.  In 2005 was the recipient of the James Bethel Gresham Award for Freedom from the Evansville Bar Association.  Member of Adjunct Faculty at the University of Southern Indiana in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law.

Co-Chairpersons of “Feed Evansville” Are Alex Burton and Lisa Vaughan

When Covid-19 impacted Evansville, Indiana, in mid-March, Community Activist Lisa Vaughan and Evansville City Councilman Alex Burton started a grassroots effort to ensure the Tri-State had food access Covid-19 government shutdown. The effort was so successful it led to the Mayor of Evansville deeming the Feed Evansville Group the official government Food Security task force of the area and named Lisa and Alex the co-chairs. These efforts also shined a light on Food Security as an issue within the area. The mayor officially announced that work would need to be ongoing after the pandemic is over.

Feed Evansville organized a communication hub and tracked what every organization was doing (both businesses and non-profit). The task force created and shared a weekly food access flyer so community members would know where to receive services and published grocery & restaurant hours through social media, TV, radio, and emailed organizations to spread the word. All services have been provided through fundraising and in-kind donations.

City Councilman Alex Burton was born and raised in Evansville, IN. He graduated from Indiana State University with a degree in Communications. As an undergraduate, he had the opportunity to intern with Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel, which led him to attain his Master’s in Public Administration from Western Kentucky. During this time, he interned for two members of U. S. Congress.

Alex returned to Evansville to serve his community. He currently serves as an effective member of the Evansville City Council and has sought to make positive traction in workforce development, housing, food insecurity, and public education.

Community Volunteer Lisa Vaughn moved to Evansville in 2016.  She has studied Music Education and Pastoral Counseling.  Lis is a 14-year active member and Past President of the Junior League of Evansville, and is the current Placement Chair, and has chaired several JLE committees.  Lisa has been involved in various activities and has offered countless hours of volunteer service in the community.

Lisa says, “I have experienced situations throughout my life where I witnessed a lack of support to others in need.  Joining the Junior League of Evansville in 2007 provided me with skills and training to be a civic leader so I could advocate, execute, and market an event.  It taught me to network and collaborate, as well as taught me about being committed to community impact.”

Retired Vanderburgh County Superior Court Judge Rich D’Amour 

Former Superior Court Judge Rich D’Amour has earned the repetition of being fair, impartial, and objective while adhering to the law’s letter. He is very personable and well respected. Judge D’Amour moved to Evansville in July of 1981 after getting his undergraduate degree from Notre Dame and his law degree from Indiana University.

During the time he has practiced law, he had the pleasure of working with many fine partners. His practice areas were primarily as a deputy prosecutor for 19 years, and he estimates he has tried over 150 criminal jury trials and done several thousand divorces.

Judge D’Amour has served on numerous state judicial committees, including the domestic relations committee, where he helped draft the Indiana Child Support Guidelines, the Parenting Time Guidelines, and the Parenting Time Calendar.  He established the Alternative Dispute Resolution Fund in Vanderburgh County, which helps provide mediation services to low-income litigants. In 2016 he was one of six judges in Indiana chosen to start the new Indiana Commercial Court, a system of courts specifically developed to address business and commercial litigation. These courts are now permanently established in Indiana and are being adopted by other counties throughout the state.

In 2005, seeking a change from the law’s hectic practice, Rich was appointed as Magistrate in the Vanderburgh Superior Court. He served in that position until 2011, when he was fortunate enough to be elected Judge in the Vanderburgh Superior Court, which he held when he retired on April 1, 2021.  After nearly 40 years in the legal profession, Judge D’ Amour moved to Asheville, North Carolina, with his wife, Holly, to begin his next adventure.

Former Vanderburgh County Treasurer And County Clerk Susan Kirk

Former Vanderburgh County Treasurer, Susan Kirk, has been one of Vanderburgh County’s greatest assets and best-kept secrets. She has done her job with fairness and integrity, following the laws and regulations set by the state. People like Susan Kirk run for public office because they really want to serve people and make a difference.

Susan’s political career began in 1968. At that time, she was working as a dental assistant. Remembering that May and November are typically busy times in the County Treasurer’s Office, her father asked her to come work for him part-time.  She was then offered a full-time position as a secretary at The Centre. Later, when Shirley Cox was elected Clerk, she asked Susan to come to work for her in the Election Office.

While she has worked in a political atmosphere for most of her life, Susan doesn’t consider herself a seasoned politician. While most people have viewed her as the Vanderburgh County Clerk, she’s much more than that. Take one step into her office and look around. She is adventurous and family-oriented. Her office is decorated with photos of her son, granddaughter, and 97-year-old mother, who incidentally still lives with her. She also has a certificate from a tandem jump from her lone skydiving adventure. And let’s not forget her Indiana Women’s Golf Association Hole-In-One certificate from a perfectly played hole at Quail Crossing Golf Club.

Susan Kirk retired at the end of 2020, after serving the public in appointed and elected offices for over 50 years.  “I really can’t complain. I’m very thankful for the life I have. I enjoy my job, and I have a wonderful, healthy family with my two brothers, my son, my granddaughter, and my mother,” said Susan softly.

Honorable Mayor Lloyd Winnecke

Lloyd Winnecke was inaugurated on January 1, 2012, as the 34th mayor of Evansville, Indiana. Mayor Winnecke is a graduate of Central High School with a Bachelor of Science in Communication from the University of Evansville.  A native of Evansville with a successful business background in banking communications and news information, Mayor Winnecke held numerous public and private sector management positions before assuming the role of the city’s top executive official.

Before becoming Mayor, Lloyd’s position as Senior Vice President and Marketing Director for Fifth Third Bank taught him the business skills he brought to the city government. Before joining the bank, Lloyd Winnecke spent nearly two decades in the television news industry, working in several markets, including Louisville and Indianapolis. He was News Director at WEHT-TV News 25 in Henderson, Ky., before switching from news to banking.

In the public sector, the mayor was elected to the Vanderburgh County Commission in 2008 and served as President of the County Commissioners. Before that, he served nine years on the Vanderburgh County Council, including three years as County Council President and one year as Council Finance Chairman. As a county official, Lloyd proposed balanced budgets for 11 straight years and held per capita spending to 43% below the state average. He has never lost an election.

In 2012, Lloyd and his wife, Carol, were honored with the Keep Evansville Beautiful Volunteer of the Year Award for launching the monthly litter pick-up initiative, Clean Evansville, and inspiring others to help keep Evansville beautiful. Last year, the Indiana Association of City and Towns recognized the City of Evansville with the 2013 IACT Community Achievement Award and the 2013 IACT Green Community of the Year Award for promoting civic pride, work ethic, and the spirit of volunteerism through various city activities, in particular Clean Evansville. . In 2013, Mayor Winnecke was named an honorary member of the West Side Nut Club for his enthusiastic support of the community and the city’s West Side.

The Mayor has served on the Boards of Evansville Civic Theatre, Gilda’s Club of Evansville, the American Red Cross, the Evansville African American Museum, and the University of Evansville Purple Aces Club. He also serves on the Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana and the ITAC (city-county information technology committee). He is a past board member and current volunteer for the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center and a past cabinet member for the local United Way campaign. Other organizational involvements include the Evansville Parks Foundation, Wesselman Nature Center, the University of Evansville Theatre Society, Reitz Home Museum, University of Southern Indiana Arts and Humanities, and Junior Achievement.

The invocation will be given by Mega Preacher of Memorial Baptist Church, Evansville.

The Pledge Of Allegiance will be led by retired Business Manage of IBEW Local 16 Paul Green.

Keynote speaker in the highly respected co-owner of D-Patrick Automotive Group.

The event Master-Of Ceremonies is none other than Brad Ellsworth, Director Of Local Government Affairs for CenterPoint Energy.

 

Natural Gas Bills Expected To Increase

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 Evansville – Oct. 14, 2021 – CenterPoint Energy’s Indiana South natural gas territory recently announced that customers may see a significant increase in their natural gas bills when compared to those of last winter, assuming normal winter weather, due primarily to natural gas market conditions.

This year based upon expected natural gas commodity costs and normal winter weather, customers can expect to pay on average $146 a month, over the 5-month heating season of November through March. By comparison, last year’s average bill amount for the 5-month period was around $75 a month.

“In the event, we experience normal winter weather this heating season, coupled with a significant increase in natural gas prices, customers should expect an increase in their bills. However, even with higher natural gas prices this winter heating season, bills should still remain lower than customers experienced in the late 2000s when prices for natural gas were at record levels nationwide,” said Richard Leger, Vice President of Natural Gas Distribution, Indiana and Ohio. “Customers will also begin to see bill adjustments resulting from the recently approved natural gas rate review, which recovers needed natural gas infrastructure investments to ensure continued safe and reliable natural gas delivery.”

CenterPoint Energy utilities are not allowed to markup, nor profit, from the purchase and sale of natural gas. Only gas costs actually incurred and approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission are recovered from customers. Natural gas is a commodity bought and sold in a national deregulated market and prices fluctuate daily due to supply and demand pressures. CenterPoint Energy purchases natural gas on behalf of its customers and then passes those costs on to customers through the gas cost adjustment, which is listed on the bill as “Gas Cost Charge.”

The Energy Information Administration continues to recognize natural gas as the most affordable heating source, according to a report issued yesterday. In fact, CenterPoint Energy gas customers who heated their homes with natural gas last year saved up to $660 compared to those who heat with propane.

It is important to remember bills will vary by customer depending on the size and age of the home, the number of gas appliances, number in the household, thermostat settings and levels of insulation. Customers are encouraged to still implement energy efficiency measures and find ways to use less natural gas to lower bills even further.

CenterPoint Energy has in place a number of tools to help customers manage their energy bills.

When Compared To Last Winter

  • Increase primarily driven by rising in natural gas prices
  • Higher costs resulting from global demand, lower production
  • The company purchases natural gas on behalf of its customers does not mark up or profit from the purchase and sale of natural gas
  • Customers are encouraged to prepare now for managing their energy bills

Budget Bill: Under this billing plan, a customer’s estimated costs for a year of gas service are spread in equal monthly bill amounts for the year. This leveling of monthly bill amounts reduces the need to pay the full amount in the winter and spreads some of those higher bill charges into the non-heating months. Amounts are adjusted each summer for actual costs, and the customer’s credit or amount due rolls into the next Budget Bill payment for the next 12-month period. Customers can enroll for free on www.centerpointenergy.com or by calling 1-800-227-1376.

 Energy Assistance Program (EAP):  State and federal utility assistance dollars are available for income-eligible customers. Those that fall within 60 percent of state median income should visit their local community action agency to sign up for the EAP. To apply for the EAP, customers should call 1-800-872-0371 to locate their nearest community action agency. Customers may also apply any time at the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority website athttps://ihcda.rhsconnect.com/.

Universal Service Program (USP): All eligible natural gas heating customers who apply and qualify for EAP will automatically be enrolled in the USP, which provides additional gas bill reductions that range from 15 to 32 percent of the total bill received (not including EAP benefits) in the months of December through May. The USP, which has been in place since 2005 is the result of a collaborative effort by CenterPoint Energy, Citizens Energy Group, the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, Citizens Action Coalition and a group representing industrial customers. The program provides about $1.5 million in assistance each year to roughly 18,000 CenterPoint Energy Indiana customers, including crisis assistance dollars, which target qualified low-income and working-poor households that need additional help to get reconnected and/or maintain heat throughout the upcoming winter.

Share the Warmth:  Those wanting to help the less fortunate with their energy bills can contribute to Share the Warmth, a nonprofit organization that assists income-eligible customers with home weatherization services. Donations may be tax-deductible and can be made with a checking or savings account number and routing number at www.sharethewarmthinc.com. Customers who pay their bills at www.centerpointenergy.com may donate through a bill round-up feature. In 2020, customers across CenterPoint Energy’s Indiana and Ohio territories used this feature to direct more than $200,000 in donations to Share the Warmth, which was matched by CenterPoint Energy.

Energy efficiency resources: CenterPoint Energy offers energy efficiency tips, appliance rebates and energy-saving tools to help customers lower their natural gas bills. All Indiana residential and small commercial natural gas customers are eligible. Visitwww.centerpointenergy.com or call 1-866-240-8476 for a list of rebates, qualifying appliances and energy efficiency tips.

“We are here to assist our customers who are experiencing financial hardship and encourage them to make contact for options to help manage costs,” said Leger. “Local community action agencies can further provide assistance and customers should call today and apply for financial and/or home weatherization assistance if needed.”

Programs and services are operated under the brand CenterPoint Energy by Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Company d/b/a CenterPoint Energy Indiana South.

CenterPoint Energy’s Indiana South territory delivers natural gas to approximately 114,000 customers in Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Martin, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.

 Forward-Looking Statement

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “projection,” “should,” “target,” “will” or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events, such as the expected prices of natural gas and the subsequent impact on customer bills, assumptions regarding winter weather, and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements.  Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the impact of COVID-19; (2) financial market conditions; (3) general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions; (5) effects of competition; (6) weather variations; (7) changes in business plans; and (8) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, CenterPoint Energy’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2021 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Protecting Victims Of Domestic Violence

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Many Hoosiers face violence in their own homes and live in fear – often in silence – because of an abusive relationship. In fact, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence at some point in their lives.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and a new law in Indiana is working to better protect domestic violence victims who obtain protective and no-contact orders. In the past, these orders were not always followed and that’s in part because of the relatively low penalty for violating them. This year, state lawmakers increased the penalty from a misdemeanor to a Level 6 felony carrying a fine of up to $10,000 and prison time. Not only is this a stronger deterrent for criminals disobeying court orders, but it also gives law enforcement additional tools to keep Hoosiers safe and get abusers off the streets.

This enhancement is backed by public safety officers, including Evansville Sgt. Matt Karges (pictured center), who testified at the Statehouse in support of the legislation. He recently joined State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) (pictured right), chair of the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee and sponsor of the law, for a ceremonial bill signing. Other House sponsors of Senate Enrolled Act 79, which passed unanimously, include State Reps. Sharon Negele (R-Attica) and Mike Speedy (R- Indianapolis).

Domestic violence affects Hoosiers across the state, regardless of race, income, age or occupation. No person deserves to be physically or emotionally harmed, and help is available. To report an abusive relationship or find help, call the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence hotline at 800-332-7385. Resources and support are also available at icadvinc.org.

 

Attorney General Todd Rokita Files Lawsuit Against Alleged Robocalling Scammers

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Attorney General Todd Rokita has filed a lawsuit against an Indiana company that allegedly acted as a gateway into the United States for robocallers in India, the Philippines and Singapore. The company, Startel Communication LLC, was owned and operated in Evansville by Wanda Hall and Abhijit Chowdhury, an Indian national.

These robocallers allegedly made over 4.8 million phone calls to Hoosiers and hundreds of millions of calls to other states across the United States. The robocallers allegedly operated a variety of scams, including IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, legal action or arrest scams, computer support scams, Apple support scams, and Amazon subscription scams.

“Hoosiers are sick and tired of being harassed by illegal and unwanted robocalls, and Kathy and I are two of them,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Just as I promised, we will stay on the offense in our efforts to protect Indiana consumers and bring these people to justice.”

This lawsuit is part of Attorney General Rokita’s crackdown on providers that knowingly profit from robocalls. The investigation started with a few consumer complaints and took over a year to complete.

The suit also includes two California companies — Piratel LLC, which routed 3.1 million of the robocalls, and VoIP Essential LLC, which routed 1.5 million of the robocalls. Both companies knew Startel was sending robocalls, and they were each paid more than $100,000 to look the other way.

Of the Hoosiers who were called, more than 780,000 of them were on the federal Do Not Call Registry and over 605,000 were on the Indiana Do Not Call list.

The lawsuit alleges the companies and individuals committed millions of violations of federal and Indiana law, with potential fines in the billions.

Attorney General Rokita offers the following tips to avoid scams and unwanted calls: