THUNDERBOLTS PREPARE FOR THREE GAME WEEKEND VERSUS PEORIAÂ
 Evansville, Ind: After a week off, the Thunderbolts return to action with a three-game set against the Peoria Rivermen, starting Friday night at Ford Center, followed by a pair of games in Peoria.
 The Week Ahead:Â
The Thunderbolts host the Peoria Rivermen on Friday night at Ford Center, opening face-off at 7:00pm CT. Following the game will be a postgame fireworks show inside Ford Center. For tickets, call (812)422-BOLT (2658), go to EvansvilleThunderbolts.com, or visit the Ford Center Ticket Office. On Saturday and Sunday, the Thunderbolts will play against the Rivermen at Peoria Civic Center. Saturday’s game begins at 7:15pm CT, while Sunday’s game will be a 3:15pm CT afternoon start. Both games can be viewed online with a paid membership to SPHL TV through HockeyTV or can be listened to for free on the Thunderbolts Radio Network; at EvansvilleThunderbolts.com/fan-center/listen, or via the Thunderbolts Mixlr Channel.
Scouting the Opponent:Â
Peoria Rivermen:Â
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- Record: 10-3-4, 24 Points, T-6th Place
- Leading Goal Scorer: Alec Hagaman/JM Piotrowski (9 Goals Each)
- Leading Point Scorer: Alec Hagaman (21 Points)
- Primary Goaltender: Eric Levine (7-3-2, .933 Save %)
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- Thunderbolts 21-22 Record vs PEO: 1-1-0
The Rivermen handily defeated Vermilion County on Sunday night in Peoria. Mike Laidley and JM Piotrowski opened the scoring in the first period, while Mitchell McPherson added a pair of second period goals to put the Rivermen in front 4-0 after two periods. Mathieu Cloutier and Piotrowski scored in the third period, sandwiching the Bobcats’ lone goal from Houston Wilson, to conclude the scoring in the 6-1 victory. Goaltender Eric Levine had a busy night and played a heavy role in shutting down Vermilion County, only allowing a single goal on 39 shots faced.
Call-up ReportÂ
– Kyle Thacker (Cincinnati Cyclones – ECHL)Â
– Games Played: 18 (5 with Iowa Heartlanders, 13 with Cincinnati)Â
– 2 Goals, 1 Assist, 3 Point, 6 PIM
– Cooper Jones (Idaho Steelheads – ECHL)Â
       – Games Played: 7 (1 with Jacksonville IceMen, 6 with Idaho)Â
– 0 Goals, 1 Assist, 1 Point, 0 PIM
– Cole Stallard (Iowa Heartlanders – ECHL)Â
– Games Played: 17
– 3 Goals, 4 Assists, 7 Points, 27 PIM
– Scott Kirton (Cincinnati Cyclones – ECHL)Â
       – Games Played: 1
– 0 Goals, 1 Assist, 1 Point, 0 PIM
Transactions: Â
Tue. 12/28: Scott Kirton loaned to Cincinnati (ECHL)
Tue. 12/28: Ned Simpson claimed off waivers from Vermilion County
Mon. 12/27: Ryan Edquist returned from loan to Iowa (ECHL)
Fri. 12/17: Dylan Mills signed to contract
Fri. 12/17: Tyriq Outen signed to contract
The Thunderbolts are currently competing in their fifth season in the SPHL (Southern Professional Hockey League). Season tickets are less than $9 per game. To order your tickets for this season, call 812-422-BOLT(2658).
Will Indiana Take Another Pass At Marijuana Legalization In 2022?
Will Indiana Take Another Pass At Marijuana Legalization In 2022?
Lawmakers are taking another whack at marijuana legalization in Indiana. Here’s what you need to know:
CURRENT OVERVIEW
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As the 2022 legislative session approaches, marijuana legalization is a top priority for Indiana Democrats. In November, House Democrats announced support for medical and recreational legalization of marijuana.
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Rep. Sue Errington, D-Muncie, held a community talking circle in Muncie on legalizing medical marijuana. Errington has been pushing for medical marijuana legislation for a few years.
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But without support from the Republican supermajority, legalization most likely won’t happen during the 2022 session.
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Some Republicans have voiced support for legalization. At least three lawmakers have introduced marijuana legislation for this session, including Errington, D-Muncie; Jim Lucas, R-Seymour; and Rep. Cindy Ziemke, R-Batesville.
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In early December, Gov. Eric Holcomb told Indy Politics that he would support Indiana lawmaker efforts to create an infrastructure system for the cannabis industry in the state so Indiana can “flip the switch†if the federal law changes. This is part of Errington’s proposed bill, which would establish a cannabis regulatory commission.
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The Indiana Chamber of Commerce testified in a study committee against the legalization of marijuana for recreational use and for medicinal use until more studies were done on the substance by the Food and Drug Administration.
IN THE MINORITY
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Indiana is one of 12 states where marijuana is illegal (with the exception of CBD oil).
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Surrounding states Michigan, Illinois and Ohio have legalized marijuana in some form. Michigan and Illinois have legalized recreational marijuana while Ohio has legalized it for medicinal uses only.
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According to the Indiana Democrats, 80% of Hoosiers support some sort of legalization effort.
A HAZY HISTORY
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Holcomb said in 2019 that he would only support marijuana legalization with more studying and if the federal government legalized it nationally.
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That year, two bills were authored by former Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Ogden Dunes. Tallian announced her retirement in September and wrote an op-ed about her decade-long fight in the senate for marijuana legalization in October.
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In a debate for the 2020 gubernatorial election, candidates Dr. Woody Myers, democrat, and Donald Rainwater, libertarian, voiced support for the legalization or decriminalization of marijuana. Holcomb said he could not support marijuana legalization without further studies being done.
The legislative session begins Tuesday.
FOOTNOTE: Taylor Wooten is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
DCS Releases 2020 Child Fatality ReportÂ
DCS Releases 2020 Child Fatality ReportÂ
INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 30, 2021) – The number of children who died from abuse or neglect decreased by 18 percent from 2019 to 2020, according to data released in the 2020 Annual Report of Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities in Indiana.
The Indiana Department of Child Services was called to investigate 281 child fatalities. Fifty were determined to be a result of abuse or neglect, down from 61 in 2019.
“The decrease is a step in the right direction, yet I caution that this is not a reason to celebrate,†DCS Director Terry Stigdon said. “The loss of any child is traumatic for the family and the community. We hope the information in this report will help us collaborate better with parents, our providers, stakeholders, and community leaders to increase awareness of the risk factors that lead to these tragic incidents.â€
Failure to provide medical care was a leading factor in neglect-related deaths documented last year. The annual report details 14 medical care-related deaths in which a caregiver was neglectful.
DCS is legally required to review all child fatalities that fit the following circumstances:
- For children under 3 years of age: the death is sudden, unexpected or unexplained, or involves allegations of abuse or neglect.
- For children age 3 or older: the death involves allegations of abuse or neglect.
The full report can be found here.
INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 30, 2021) – The number of children who died from abuse or neglect decreased by 18 percent from 2019 to 2020, according to data released in the 2020 Annual Report of Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities in Indiana.
The Indiana Department of Child Services was called to investigate 281 child fatalities. Fifty were determined to be a result of abuse or neglect, down from 61 in 2019.
“The decrease is a step in the right direction, yet I caution that this is not a reason to celebrate,†DCS Director Terry Stigdon said. “The loss of any child is traumatic for the family and the community. We hope the information in this report will help us collaborate better with parents, our providers, stakeholders, and community leaders to increase awareness of the risk factors that lead to these tragic incidents.â€
Failure to provide medical care was a leading factor in neglect-related deaths documented last year. The annual report details 14 medical care-related deaths in which a caregiver was neglectful.
DCS is legally required to review all child fatalities that fit the following circumstances:
- For children under 3 years of age: the death is sudden, unexpected or unexplained, or involves allegations of abuse or neglect.
- For children age 3 or older: the death involves allegations of abuse or neglect.
The full report can be found here.
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERÂ REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERÂ REGULAR MEETING INÂ ROOM 301, CIVIC CENTER COMPLEXÂ ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2022Â AT 12:00 NOON
                                      AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. MEETING MEMORANDUM Â DECEMBER 15, 2021
3. CONSENT AGENDA Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
      a. Request Re: Approve and Execute Agreement for the Use of Swonder Ice Arena by An Outside Group, University of Evansville- Pole Vaulting.- Crook
      b. Request Re: Approve and Execute Agreement with Morley & Associates for repairs and upgrades to water back up and pump system at the Pagoda.- Schaefer                                                           Â
4. Â Â Â Â OLD BUSINESS Â
       N/A
5.     NEW BUSINESS Â
       a. Request Re: Any Other Business the Board Wishes to Consider and Public Comments
6.     REPORTS
       a. Steve Schaefer, Deputy Mayor, Interim Parks Director
7.     ACCEPTANCE OF PAYROLL AND VENDOR CLAIMS
8.     ADJOURN
Business Resilience Planning – For the People that Depend on Your Business
Business Resilience Planning – For the People that Depend on Your Business
By Jesse Kauffman, Lead Consultant, Everyday Business Resilience Group
The tornado that hit our area on December 10th was a tragic demonstration of nature’s power and a grim reminder that life can change for any of us in an instant. It speaks to the strength and resilience of our communities to see how quickly they responded to the devastation to begin helping those in need. Watching the events unfold that evening, and watching the response in the aftermath, is a great reminder of why improving business resilience is such a vital part of any organization’s process. Business resilience is all about making sure the people that depend on your organization are taken care of no matter the circumstance.
But who are those people that depend on your business or organization? Too often, it’s easy to say it’s just your customers, so as we wrap up 2022, this is a great opportunity to walk through all the ways businesses and organizations impact their communities, and the people that depend on them. As we grapple with the aftermath of the tornado and come to the end of another challenging year, I hope this helps show how much we all matter and help each other. While I often refer to three areas of focus in my writing, People, Process, and Place, there’s a reason that I always start with People first, because at the end of the day, everything we all do impacts, other people.
Customers and Clients: We’ll start here since all businesses and organizations depend on customers and clients to survive. Your business or organization exists to provide a good or service to other people. If you’re succeeding, that means that people find what you provide value. They want what you contribute to their world! What a gift to be able to provide something that other people want! You are making a difference in the lives of your customers and clients.
Employees: If your business or organization is successful to have employees, you are providing tremendous value to them. Work is more than just a paycheck, it’s a way to contribute, to give value to other people who need what they’re providing. Every employee is an opportunity for your organization to provide someone with both purpose and a way to live the life they want to live. You are making a difference in the lives of your employees.Â
Stockholders or Donors: Stockholders for businesses and donors for non-profits have invested in your organization because they believe in the good or service you’re providing. They see the value in what you do and want to help you do more of it! What an honor to find support from others for what you bring to your community. You are making a difference in the lives of your stockholders and donors.
Suppliers and Vendors: I’ve yet to meet a business that doesn’t depend on the goods or services provided by at least one other organization. They’re in business for a reason, and you as a client are that reason. Thanks to your trust in them to provide the goods and services you need for your own business, they are able to positively impact their own community. You are making a difference in the success of your suppliers and vendors.
Community and Non-Profit Organizations: Chances are your organization contributes to the efforts of other community and non-profit organizations through donations of time, money, labor, goods, and expertise. You see a value in what they do, and want to be part of making it possible for them to do it. Your contributions enable more people to be reached by the organizations whose missions you believe in. People that without your help would not otherwise have the opportunities they need. You are making a difference in the success of your community and non-profit organizations.
The community (or communities) you’re in: Your organization is part of the community you’re in. If you have multiple locations, you could be part of multiple communities, perhaps around the state, country, or even the world. You are part of the network of humanity in that area, part of the lives of the people that live there. Part of their routines, their rhythms of life. You are there through the ups and downs, the successes and tragedies that all communities face. You are making a difference in the resilience of those communities, making them better for all of the people that share them with you.
You, the Owner/Leader of the Organization: You went into business for a reason. There was something missing in your community that you thought you could provide, and you stayed in business because other people wanted what you provided to the community. Your talents, skills, and energy are being directed towards something you believe in and that your community believes. You are making a difference not only for others, but for yourself, and I for one am grateful to be part of such a community full of people trying to make a difference in the best ways they know-how.
As we wrap up 2022, I want to thank you for letting me share my own knowledge, ideas, and skills with you, and I hope it has helped you on your journey through the ups and downs of your business life. I look forward to continuing to share with you in 2023, and to help our community in any way that I can. Have a Happy New Year!
FOOTNOTE: Jesse has 17+ years of experience in industries including, appliances, plastics, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals, across all aspects of business operations. He is currently helping companies ranging from large global corporations to and small local businesses improve their business resilience. He and his wife, Josi, are proud parents of 3 wonderful kids and are trying their best to put their talents to work for their community, family, and friends
If you have questions about any content in this article please contact Jesse at 812-568-0515 or jesse.kauffman@everydaybusinessresilience.com
Take a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day
Take a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day
Welcome, 2022 with an Indiana DNR tradition — a First Day Hike on Jan. 1.
First Day Hikes are a healthy way to start the new year and provide a chance to get outside, exercise, and enjoy nature. These hikes have become a tradition for thousands of Hoosiers.
Brookville Lake. Meet at 4 p.m. at the Campground Shelter at Mounds  State Recreation Area, which is across from the Wildlife Wander Trail. The hike is 0.7 miles, rated easy, and should last about 45 minutes. There will be a campfire after the hike.
Brown County State Park. This hike will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be self-guided with interpretive stops along the way, including a hot chocolate stop. Participants should start at the Nature Center. The hike is 2 miles and should take about 90 minutes.
Cataract Falls. A brochure for this self-guided hike is available at the gatehouse.
Chain O’Lakes State Park. Meet at 2 p.m. at the Sand Lake Beach parking lot for this 1.5-mile hike over easy terrain, which should last about 90 minutes. The hike will be followed by cocoa and cookies as supplies last.
Charlestown State Park. Meet at the Trail 3 and 4 parking lot at 10 a.m. for a 2.5-mile, two-hour hike to Rose Island. The hike is considered moderately rugged.
Clark State Forest. Meet at the west side shelter at noon for a guided hike on a 1-mile loop in the White Oak Nature Preserve. Enjoy this easy hike and the talk given about the importance of white oak trees and responsible management.
Clifty Falls State Park. Meet at the Clifty Shelter at 2 p.m. for a two-hour moderately rugged hike along Trail 8. This trail meanders along the west side of Clifty Creek and offers scenic views of the canyon below. Water and cookies will be provided before the hike. The restroom at Clifty Shelter will be closed for the winter, so plan ahead.
Falls of the Ohio State Park. Meet at the Interpretive Center at 2 p.m. to hike the fossil beds and learn about Devonian sea life. Bring binoculars to look for winter birds. The Interpretive Center will be closed on Jan. 1 except for restrooms.
Ferdinand State Forest. Meet at the Sycamore Shelter at 9 a.m. to hike about 1.7 miles along a section of the Twin Lake trail with a brief stop to warm by a fire and have hot chocolate.
Fort Harrison State Park. Meet at the Delaware Lake Shelter at 1 p.m. for a 2-mile, one-hour hike. Friends of Fort Harrison will be providing hot cocoa while supplies last.
Greene-Sullivan State Forest. Take a self-guided 1-mile hike around Reservoir 26, where you’ll find a series of questions and answers to related to natural resources.
Hardy Lake. Meet at the Main Trailhead across from the beach access road at 9 a.m. for a 2.75- mile, one-hour hike.
Harmonie State Park. Meet at the pool parking lot at 10 a.m. CT for a moderate 2-mile, 90-minute hike. Cookies and cocoa will be provided by the Friends of Harmonie after the hike.
Indiana Dunes State Park. Meet at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center at 10 a.m. for a 1 ½-mile, 90-minute hike on the 3-Dunes Challenge. Drinks, snacks, a campfire, and a 3-Dunes Challenge sticker will be provided by the Friends of the Indiana Dunes.
Interlake State Recreation Area. Stop by the main office to pick up a map for a scavenger hunt from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CT and complete the hike for a prize while supplies last.
Jackson-Washington State Forest. Meet at the parking lot below the CCC playground at noon at start of Trail 1, just before the Pinnacle Shelter, for a 2-mile, one-hour hike to Pinnacle Peak.
Lieber State Recreation Area. Join the naturalist for Lieber’s Sunset First Day Hike at 4:30 p.m. at Hilltop Shelter. Hike is a moderate 1.5-miles. Snacks and hot chocolate, and a campfire will be provided.
Lincoln State Park. Meet at the Nature Center at noon CT for a 1 ½-mile, one-hour hike to the Sarah Lincoln Nature Preserve. Snacks and hot chocolate provided at the Nature Center. A second 2-mile hike will be offered around Lake Lincoln.
Martin State Forest. Meet at the Hardwood Lake parking area at 10 a.m. for a half-mile guided hike.
McCormick’s Creek State Park. Meet at Canyon Inn at 1 p.m. for registration for Winter Magic Photo Contest Hikes, which will begin at 2 p.m. Pick one of three different guided hikes. After the hikes, enter your photos and enjoy refreshments courtesy of Canyon Inn.
Mississinewa Lake. Meet at the Blue Heron Trail within Miami State Recreation Area at 4:30 p.m. for this hour-long hike. S’mores will be served. Advance registration is requested by calling 260-468-2127.
Monroe Lake. The ninth annual First Day Trail Run/Walk will take place at Fairfax State Recreation Area. Registration is from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. at Bay View Shelter and the untimed event starts at 3:30 p.m. Participants can choose from a 1.3-, 2.9-, or 3.7-mile course. Cost is $15 and includes a grab-n-go box meal, event patch, gift certificate, and an entry for prize drawing. Advance registration is required by Dec. 30.
Morgan-Monroe State Forest. Meet at the forest office parking lot at 9 a.m. for this walk on an accessible trail.
Mounds State Park. Meet at the Nature Center Front Porch​ before 5:30 p.m. for warm beverages. At 5:30 p.m. will be a .25-mile easy hike lasting about 45 minutes along an illuminated trail.
O’Bannon Woods State Park. Meet at the nature center at 10 a.m. for a Walk with an Ox and the park’s donkeys, Garth and Gracie. The walk will be on a roadway for about 1 mile, with photo opportunities with the animals. Refreshments will be served at the Nature Center.
Ouabache State Park. The hike will start at 1 p.m. at the bison enclosure parking lot on Trail 1, an easy trail with a gravel surface, and will go around the American bison enclosure. The hike will include a stop at the feeding station where guests will be able to observe the bison up close.
Owen-Putnam State Forest. Meet at the Owen Putnam State Forest office at 9 a.m. for a guided hike on Poplar Top Trail.
Patoka Lake. Meet at the Nature Center at noon and grab a challenge sheet about Patoka history that participants can fill in during the hike. The winner will receive a 2022 Annual Entrance Pass. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served.
Pokagon State Park. Meet at the CCC Shelter for a 3-mile hike from 2 to 3:30 p.m. There will be a bonfire, cocoa, and treats after the hike. Park in the South Beach parking lot or near the basketball courts.
Potato Creek State Park. Meet at the Quaking Aspen parking lot at 2 p.m. for a 1-mile hike around Worster Lake. Bring binoculars. At 3:30 p.m., warm up at the Nature Center with a bowl of chili provided by the Friends of Potato Creek.
Prophetstown State Park. Meet at the Prairie View Picnic Area at 1 p.m. Jan. 1 or 2 for a 2-mile easy hike. Enjoy hot chocolate and apple cider by the campfire.
Raccoon State Recreation Area. Meet at the Bluebird Shelter at noon for this one-hour moderately rugged hike.
Salamonie Lake. Meet at the Interpretive Center at 10:30 a.m. for this one-hour hike through the woods along the Wildlife Management Trail. Advance registration is requested by calling 260-468-2127.
Shades State Park. Meet at the Hickory Shelter at 10:30 a.m. for this 1-mile moderate to rugged hike on Trail 1. Expert birder and park volunteer Alan Bruner will lead this hike, which includes Prospect Point, Silver Cascade Falls, and Devil’s Punchbowl.
Spring Mill State Park. Two hikes will be offered. Meet at the Spring Mill Inn at 9 a.m. for a 90-minute moderate to difficult Nature Preserves Hike along Trail 3. For an easier hike, meet at the Gus Grissom Memorial parking lot at 10 a.m. for a 30-minute hike along Trail 6, which is paved and .25 miles long. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served in the Lakeview Room at the Inn after the hikes.
Summit Lake State Park. Meet Smokey Bear at the Park Office from noon to 2 p.m. for photos and a scavenger hunt on Trail 4.
Tippecanoe River State Park. Meet at the Fire Tower parking lot at noon for this .5-mile hike to the tower.
Turkey Run State Park. Meet at 2 p.m. at the Turkey Run Inn for a guided hike through Turkey Hollow on Trail 6 and the Trail 7 loop.
Versailles State Park. Meet at the Oak Grove parking lot at 1 p.m. for a 2.5-mile moderately difficult hike on Trail 1. Refreshments will be provided.
Whitewater Memorial State Park. Meet at the Poplar Grove Shelter at 2 p.m. for a 2.5-mile hike of the Memorial Loop Trail, which should last about 90 minutes.
Yellowwood State Forest. Meet at the forest office parking lot at 9 a.m. for a first day hike along the 1-mile Resource Management Trail.
