HEALTH DEPARTMENT UPDATES STATEWIDE COVID-19 CASE COUNTS
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HEALTH DEPARTMENT UPDATES STATEWIDE COVID-19 CASE COUNTS
Gov. Holcomb Signs COVID-19 Executive OrdersÂ
INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Governor Eric J. Holcomb signed Executive Orders 21-22 and 21-23. In Executive Order 21-22, Gov. Holcomb renewed the public health emergency for 30 days. It is set to expire on Sept. 30, 2021.
The governor also signed 21-23, which extends the Executive Order specific to COVID-19 through Sept. 1. The short-term extension will allow for ongoing conversations with healthcare stakeholders to evaluate pertinent information that supports hospitals during the current COVID surge.
Click here to see the executive orders.
Schedule Your Heavy Trash Pickup Online Anytime
Evansville Water and Sewer Utility is offering a faster and easier way for customers to schedule a heavy trash pickup. Now you can request heavy trash service online anytime at ewsu.com. That means you can submit your request at your convenience and eliminate long wait times on the phone.
How it Works
Go to ewsu.com on your computer or smartphone.
Click the button Schedule Heavy Pickup.
Complete the Heavy Trash Pickup Request form and click submit.
A Republic Services Customer Service Representative will contact you in one to two business days to confirm a pickup date.
The day before your scheduled pickup, place your item where you normally place your trash and recycling.
A collection truck will pick it up.
Customers still have the option to call the Republic Services Customer Resource Center at 800-886-3345 to schedule a heavy trash pickup for a specific date. Customers can schedule pickups as often as every two weeks – for up to 26 pickups per year.
 What’s Allowed and What’s Not
One item is accepted per pickup, except for items that are usually a pair, such as a mattress and a box spring or a table and chairs.
Allowable items include:
- Appliances – Such as a stove, washer, dryer, water heater, and refrigerator or freezer with refrigerants removed and tagged by a certified professional – and meeting the City’s safety guidelines regarding disposal
- Carpet – One rolled section that is less than 4 feet long and 2 feet around
- Electronics – Stereo, radio, etc.
- Furniture – Such as a sofa, table, chair, mattress, box spring, dresser or bookcase
- Household items and tools – Like a rake or shovel
- Limited construction and building material – In one container; no boxes, bags, loose piles or stacks
 Items not allowed include:
- Auto parts – Like batteries and tires
- Electronics – TV, computer, computer parts or accessories
- Construction materials – Such as concrete blocks, bricks, steel poles or privacy fencing
- Hazardous materials – Any materials that are hazardous to humans or animals
Handling an Extra-bulky Item
Bulky items that cannot be reasonably lifted by two people or will not fit inside the collection truck, such as a swing set, are considered a special collection and will not be accepted. Customers may ask Republic Services or another disposal service provider for a quote on the cost of removal.
Who’s Eligible for Heavy Trash Service
Heavy trash service is available to City residents who pay for trash service with their water bill. Apartment complexes, mobile home communities, business and commercial customers, and County residents are not eligible.
Former Employee’s Lawsuit Claims Indiana Treasurer Illegally Awarded Contracts To Donors And Allies
Former Employee’s Lawsuit Claims Indiana Treasurer Illegally Awarded Contracts To Donors And Allies
The complaint alleges Indiana Treasurer Kelly Mitchell and her staff have illegally steered more than $6 million in payments to campaign donors.
The complaint alleges Mitchell and her staff have illegally steered more than $6 million in payments to campaign donors. The suit filed in Marion County Superior Court claims the contracts were issued between 2015 and 2020.
The complaint point to Indiana state law that requires all state contracts to be approved by the Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Administration, the Director of the State Budget Agency, and the Attorney General.
Jim Holden was the chief deputy under former Treasurer Richard Mourdock and was manager of Mourdock’s unsuccessful 2012 Republican campaign for U.S. Senate. Holder previously had a lawsuit against Mitchell for wrongly firing him from the three-year, $300,000 contract he received from Mourdock.
Holden says his firing was political retaliation by Mitchell on behalf of the Republican establishment. Holden settled that suit in 2017 for $92,500.
His new whistleblower suit claims the information about the state contracts is the result of what he learned through his wrongful termination suit and public records requests.
In an excerpt from a 2016 deposition, provided by the law firm representing Holden, Mitchell discusses a contract with Ice Miller, LLC and admits it did not receive approval from all the agencies. Holden’s complaint alleges he expected Mitchell to correct the issue after it was brought to her attention.
The contracts listed in the complaint as being made without proper approval include Ice Miller, LLC., Old National Bancorp, BMO Harris Bank N.A., Fifth Third Bank Indiana, JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., PNC Bank N.A., Bank of New York Mellon Corp., Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Huntington National Bank and Public Trust Advisors LLC.
The contracts listed by Holdren’s attorney includes the following between 2015 and 2020:
- Ice Miller (Lobbying Contract) – $168,377 paid between 2015-2019
- Old National Bank – $131,941 paid between 2018-2019
- BMO Harris Bank – Banking Services – $334,150 paid between 2017-2019
- Fifth Third Bank – Banking Services – $228,704 paid between 2017-2019
- JP Morgan Chase Bank – Banking Services – $535,061 paid between 2014-2020
- PNC Bank – $1,096,104 paid between 2018-2019
- Bank of New York Mellon – $271,555 paid between 2017-2019
- Wells Fargo – $885,816 paid between 2015-2019
- Huntington Bank – $771,777 paid between 2015-2019
- Public Trust Advisors – $2,141,476 paid between 2018-2019
The suit claims Mitchell’s campaign chairman and key fundraiser is a partner and lobbyist at Ice Miller, LLC.
“The fact that Treasurer Mitchell has spent the last six years in office handing out illegal contracts to her political supporters should be troubling to every taxpayer in the State,†said Indianapolis attorney Chris Wolcott, who represents Holden in the case. “State law is very clear that these contracts are void and this money must be repaid immediately. We plan to move quickly to recover these funds for the State.â€
13News reached out to Treasurer Mitchell and her office. A spokesperson responded to say that they are not commenting on the lawsuit at this point and that they generally do not comment on pending litigation.
Ice Miller responded to 13News with a statement that the firm does not comment on pending litigation.
FOOTNOTE: The City-County Observer posted this article without bias or editing.
VANDERBURGH COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT MOBILE VACCINATION SCHEDULE OF EVENTS WEEK OF AUGUST 30, 2021
Evansville, IN – The Vanderburgh County Health Department (VCHD) will be providing free COVID-19 vaccinations at the following sites and events during the week of August 30, 2021:
Monday, August 30, Ivy Tech will host a vaccination clinic in the first floor Commons area of the Koch Student Center from 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM. Gift cards will be provided for Ivy Tech students, faculty and staff that receive the vaccine that day.
Beginning September 2, the Mobile Unit will continue its Tuesday and Thursday vaccination clinics at area retailers, Grocery Outlet on North Fulton Street and the Walmart Neighborhood Market off Covert Avenue. Weekly clinic hours will run 9 AM – 1 PM.
Individuals who are recommended to receive a third dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine can obtain that booster at any of the VCHD vaccination sites. The third dose must be given at least 28 days after the second.
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People that are moderately to severely immunocompromised include:
- Recipients of organ or stem cell transplant
- People with advance or untreated HIV
- People currently undergoing cancer treatment
- People taking certain medications that suppress their immune system
- Moderate to severe primary immune-deficiency (such as DiGeorge Syndrome or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
A doctor’s order is not needed for these individuals to receive their third dose.
Free concert tickets to Lupillo Rivera on Friday, September 10, 2021, are still available and can be obtained at any mobile clinic event by receiving a vaccine in person or showing proof of prior vaccination. The Lupillo Rivera concert is a “vaccinated-only,†free event to be held at the Old National Events Plaza.
For more information, and a complete schedule of events, please visit BackTheVaxWithFacts.com.
Ivy Tech Community College Named in Top 100 Ranking of America’s Best Employers for Women
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College was named in the annual Top 100 ranking of America’s Best Employers for Women by Forbes, which teamed up with market research company Statista. The rankings identify the companies liked most by female workers and included representation at the executive and board levels, as well as initiatives to improve gender equity and recent or unresolved allegations regarding discrimination or misconduct.
“I am honored to be a part of Ivy Tech serving as its first female president and working alongside the talented and dedicated faculty and staff as we are recognized as a top employer for women,†said Sue Ellspermann, Ivy Tech President. “Women comprise not only our faculty and staff, but also our leadership at Cabinet levels, campus leadership, and our State Board of Trustees.â€
Ivy Tech was one of 21 educational institutions listed in the category and one of two that identified as a community college.Â
“I am thrilled to see Ivy Tech named as a top employer for women,†said Stephanie Bibbs, Ivy Tech State Board of Trustees Chair. “Ivy Tech continues to be a trailblazer in recognizing exceptional talent at every level in higher education. I’m delighted to serve as Chair of the State Board and to work with such amazing individuals who have made this recognition possible.â€
Ivy Tech females make up 59 percent of nearly 4,000 employees, with 64 percent as full-time, 54 percent as part-time, and 50 percent identified as leadership. Sixty percent of females are full-time faculty and 40 percent represented on the State Board of Trustees.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degree and short-term certificate programs, and trainings that align to the needs of the community. The College also offers courses and associate degree programs that seamlessly transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a Bachelor’s degree.
THE FIVE (5) NEW CCO SUBSCRIBERS WHO ONE WON A $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE AT CAVANAUGH’S
 NAMES OF THE NEW CCO AUGUST SUBSCRIBERS WHO WON A $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR TWO AT CAVANAUGH’S
USI Volleyball Opens 2021 Season Friday In Florida
University of Southern Indiana Volleyball opens its 2021 season Friday at 11:30 a.m. when it takes on No. 23 Wheeling Jesuit University at the University of West Florida Springhill Suites Invitational in Pensacola, Florida. USI also plays West Florida Friday at 7 p.m. to finish its opening day of competition.
The Screaming Eagles finish their weekend slate Saturday with matches against Palm Beach Atlantic University (11 a.m.) and Spring Hill College (3 p.m.).
This weekend’s matches mark the first regular-season non-conference contests for the Eagles since the 2019 season.
Live stats and video will be available on GoUSIEagles.com, while ticket information for this weekend’s match can be found on the tournament web page.
2021 USI Volleyball Notes
• Eagles coming off exhibition win. USI Volleyball is coming off a five-set exhibition win over Division I University of Evansville on August 24. The Eagles rallied from a 10-2 fifth-set deficit to salvage the win after seeing a two-set lead slip away.
• Welcome back. The Eagles welcomed fans into Screaming Eagles Arena for the first time since the 2019-20 basketball season when they hosted UE last week. The two teams played in front of an estimated crowd of more than 700 fans for their exhibition tilt.
• USI picked to finish 2nd in GLVC East Division. The Eagles were picked to finish second in the GLVC East Division. USI received 14 points and two first-place votes and trailed Lewis, which had 15 points and three first-place votes.
• Eagles receiving votes outside AVCA Top 25. USI tallied 145 votes outside the AVCA Top 25 Preseason Coaches’ Poll. The Eagles finished the 2020-21 season ranked No. 15 and were ranked as high as No. 12 during the regular-season after earning their first-ever national ranking earlier in the year.
• Looking for repeat. The Eagles capped a historic 2020-21 campaign with their first GLVC Tournament title since 2004 and third in program history. USI ended the regular-season with a five-set, come-from-behind road win over then No. 1 previously unbeaten Lewis before winning three matches in the GLVC Tournament, including a semi-final sweep of nationally-ranked Missouri-St. Louis.
• Raff completes circle. Head Coach Randi Raff came full circle when USI won the GLVC Tournament last spring. She was a senior on USI’s 2004 GLVC Tournament championship team and returned to lead USI in 2019.
• Big return. USI brings back nine players, including all its starters, off a team that finished the 2020-21 season 17-4 overall and ranked No. 15 in the final AVCA Top 25 Coaches’ Poll. That list includes senior setter Casey Cepicky (St. Louis, Missouri) and senior libero Callie Gubera (Thorntown, Indiana), both of whom are returning for their fifth year of eligibility due to NCAA COVID-19 rules. Middle blocker Sidney Hegg (Menasha, Wisconsin) rounds out this year’s senior class.
• USI brings back four All-GLVC honorees. Included in that list of returning players is four All-GLVC honorees. Sophomore outside hitter Leah Anderson (Bloomington, Illinois) earned first-team honors last spring, while Cepicky, junior middle hitter Taylor Litteken (Foristell, Missouri) and sophomore right side hitter Katherine Koch (Belleville, Illinois) were all named to the second team.
• Anderson, Gubera were recognized nationally. Anderson and Gubera were both named AVCA Division II Player of the Week last spring. It marked the third and fourth times in program history that USI has had a volleyball player recognized with the AVCA’s National Player of the Week award and the first time USI has had two players in the award in the same season.
• Cepicky climbing the record books. Cepicky enters her final year at USI ranked No. 4 all-time with 2,974 career assists after finishing 2020-21 with 9.36 assists and 2.86 digs per set. She also is just 95 digs away from becoming the 12th player in program history to eclipse the 1,000-dig plateau and is 95 digs and 26 assists away from becoming the first player in program history with 3,000 assists and 1,000 digs.
• Roster maintenance. While Cepicky and Gubera are coming back for their fifth years in a USI uniform, all of USI’s players from its 2020-21 roster maintained their same eligibility as last season on this year’s roster with the exception of Hegg. The Eagles welcomed five new players to their roster this year, including freshman transfer Lauren O’Neill (Covington, Indiana) and true freshmen Paris Downing (Avon, Indiana), Anna Ballengee(Montgomery, Indiana), Evie Duncan (Evansville, Indiana) and Carly Sobieralski (Indianapolis, Indiana). Freshmen outside hitters Abby Weber(Fishers, Indiana), Abby Bednar (Chagrin Falls, Ohio) and Taya Dazey (Fort Wayne, Indiana) all contributed to the Eagles in 2020-21.
Jordan Seneca Named Assistant Softball Coach For UE
Seneca worked with the program as a graduate assistant last season
 EVANSVILLE, Ind. – After spending the 2021 season as a Graduate Assistant for the University of Evansville softball team, Jordan Seneca has been elevated to Assistant Coach for the Purple Aces.
“I could not be happier for our team to be able to promote Jordan on our coaching staff! Last year as the season progressed you could really start to see her impact on the team,†UE head softball coach Mat Mundell said. “She continued to impress throughout the summer on the recruiting trail.â€
“Jordan’s main focus will be working with our offense as our hitting coach,†Mundell continued. “As a player she got to play and utilize the same style and philosophies we have.
Jordan brings such a passion for teaching and developing hitters.â€
In her first season with the program, Seneca made an immediate impact. Her work helped Eryn Gould set the all-time program mark by finishing the year with a .418 batting average. She also broke the Evansville mark for career walks in the final game of the season. Seneca also worked with Marah Wood, who was a 3-time Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week and became just the seventh player in program history to record 10+ home runs in a season.
“I am so thankful for this opportunity to continue coaching beside Coach Mundell,†Seneca exclaimed. “I am also very excited to see what will come out of this group of student-athletes this season.â€
Seneca joined the Aces staff in 2020 following two seasons as an assistant coach at LaSalle. A four-year letter winner at Saint Francis, Seneca helped the Red Flash win back-to-back NEC Championships in 2017 and 2018. During that span, the team was a perfect 38-0 in conference play.
Over the course of her career, the former shortstop accumulated 48 home runs, which sits as the SFU and NEC record. Seneca also holds school records in runs (181), walks (154) and steals (56), while finishing second for RBIs (156).
No stranger to accolades, Seneca was a two-time NFCA All-Region Third Team selection, while also accumulating three All-NEC Team selections throughout her career. She completed her bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, with a concentration in fitness professionals and will be completing her master’s degree in leadership this December from UE.