Horn named Director for the USI Honors Program, Themed Learning Communities

06/26/2025

Jenn Horn has been named Director for the Honors Program and Themed Learning Communities (TLCs), effective immediately.

Horn has served as Interim Director for the Honors Program and Themed Learning Communities since May 2024. She began working at USI in Fall 2012 as an Instructor in English and Liberal Arts where she has taught classes in folklore, composition, mythology, humanities and gender studies. In these courses, she has regularly worked with Honors students on their projects and supported their journey to an Honors degree. She has also served as a faculty mentor with the TLC Program since 2017 and worked with several TLCs including the College of Liberal Arts TLC, the Screagles TLC, and the Service and Leadership TLC.

The Honors Program is for USI students who want to challenge themselves academically and are prepared to invest extra time and effort to meet that challenge through more rigorous coursework. The Program also creates a community of like-minded students invested in challenging themselves and supporting each other during their educational journey.

TLCs at USI allow students aligned by various interests to create strong communities and life-long friends through their shared living experiences and interests. Students in TLCs typically earn a higher GPA, are more likely to persist at USI and graduate at higher rates than other first-year students.

Horn has a master’s degree in folklore from Indiana University Bloomington, a master’s degree in English from the University of Indianapolis and is currently in the proposal and writing stages of her EdD dissertation here at USI where her concentration is higher education administrative leadership.

INDIANA YOUTH TOBACCO USE LOWEST IN DECADES

06/26/2025

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INDIANAPOLIS – The 2024 Indiana Youth Tobacco Survey (IYTS) released today shows that youth tobacco use continues to decline, with high school tobacco use at its lowest level in two decades.

E-cigarette use among high school youth has dropped to 5% − its lowest level since data collection began in 2012, down from a peak of 18.5% in 2018 − while cigarette smoking has reached a record low since data collection began in 2000, falling from 31.6%. Despite this progress, concerns remain as flavored tobacco products, frequent e-cigarette use, and the rising popularity of oral nicotine pouches indicate ongoing risks for nicotine addiction. Additionally, many Indiana youth who have never used tobacco products are still susceptible to future use, reinforcing the importance of continued prevention efforts.

“We are encouraged by the continued decline in youth tobacco and e-cigarette use, yet we remain vigilant in addressing nicotine addiction and the appeal of flavored products,” said State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP. “I am thankful for the tobacco prevention team and many coalitions who have been addressing tobacco prevention for decades. This last year they have had the added assistance of addressing vaping prevention in schools with the local health departments’ school health liaisons, made possible by Health First Indiana.”

The biennial survey collects data from Indiana public school students in grades 6 through 12 on tobacco use, secondhand smoke exposure, access to tobacco products, advertising, and cessation efforts. The IYTS provides the most comprehensive statewide, representative source of tobacco-related behavior data among public middle and high school students in Indiana.

E-cigarettes remain the most commonly used tobacco product among youth, with approximately 15,000 high school students and 5,000 middle school students currently using e-cigarettes. Nearly half (46%) of high school students who use e-cigarettes reported frequent use (20 or more days in the past 30 days), signaling a dependence on nicotine.

Even among youth who have never used tobacco products, susceptibility to begin use remains a concern. The survey found that approximately 1 in 4 youth who have never smoked cigarettes, 1 in 5 who have never used e-cigarettes, and 1 in 7 who have never tried nicotine pouches are susceptible to future use.

Flavored tobacco products continue to be a significant concern, as they increase appeal and initiation among youth. Among youth who use tobacco, the majority reported using flavored tobacco products, including menthol.

The IYTS found that many youth who use tobacco want to quit, with 70.3% of middle school students and 50.5% of high school students making at least one quit attempt in the past year. However, the majority of students who attempted to quit tried to do so “cold turkey,” without support resources, highlighting the need for more cessation assistance.

“Comprehensive tobacco control programs remain essential to reducing youth tobacco use,” said Miranda Spitznagle, director of Tobacco Prevention and Cessation at the Indiana Department of Health. “By working together — parents, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations — we can continue protecting young Hoosiers from the harms of commercial tobacco products.”

Indiana offers free tobacco cessation resources for youth. Young Hoosiers interested in quitting can enroll in Live Vape Free’s program by visiting livevapefree.com. Quit Now Indiana is another free resource available to any Hoosier, aged 13 and older, by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW or by texting READY to 34191. Quitlines provide essential support for quitting tobacco and vaping, making long-term success five to eight times more likely than attempting to quit alone.

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

06/26/2025

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EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.

Cruz leads Otters in offensive showing

06/25/2025

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SAUGET, Ill. – The Evansville Otters (18-21) used a seven-run sixth inning to defeat the Gateway Grizzlies (22-17) in game one of the series, 12-8.

The bats for Evansville got started early with a David Mendham single followed later by a Pavin Parks double that put the Otters up 1-0.

Parker Brahms made his seventh start of the year and threw a gem. He pitched through some traffic early, stranding four runners and striking out three through the first two innings.

Evansville used a sacrifice fly from Keenan Taylor and a two-out ground rule double to plate two in the second. After Gateway responded with one in the bottom of the second, Evansville led 3-1.

Back-to-back doubles from Taylor and JJ Cruz added one in the fourth, and another sacrifice fly from Taylor added another in the fifth, leading to a 5-1 Otters lead. Brahms settled in, only facing 10 batters from the third through fifth inning.

Evansville exploded in the sixth, using two hit batters, singles from JT Benson, Parks and a double from Logan Brown to score four runs. Cruz capped off the inning with a three-run home run to right to plate seven in the sixth, pushing the Evansville lead to 12-1.

Brahms worked the sixth, allowing only one more run, to finish with his second straight quality start with five strikeouts and no walks issued. Nolan Thebiay then worked a scoreless seventh out of the Otters’ bullpen.

Gateway managed to score three runs in the eighth and three in the ninth, but the Otters ultimately closed the game out, 12-8.

Evansville finished with 16 hits, including three hit games from LJ Jones, Parks, and Cruz. Six of the Otters’ starting nine finished with RBI in the contest.

The Otters are back in action tomorrow night at 6:05 p.m. CT before the series finale against Gateway at 10:45 a.m. CT on Thursday morning. Evansville then returns home Friday to host division rivals Florence.

HOT JOBS

06/25/2025

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Behavioral Health Case Manager

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Medical Front Office – Women Services Clinic

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Austin, TX

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Surgical Scheduler

Ascension

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Kyle, TX

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Unit Assistant – Labor and Delivery

Ascension

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Middleburg, FL

Greet patients and visitors, answers/screens/routes telephone calls, files, distributes mail and performs other general clerical duties.

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VP-Orthopedic Service Line

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Nashville, TN

Partner with physician leaders to implement evidence-based standards of care, integrated clinical practices, and new care models in a cost-effective and patient…

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Just posted

Governor Braun Appoints New Members to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors

06/25/2025

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Governor Mike Braun announced nine appointments to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) Board of Directors.

“I spent my life building a business here in Indiana, and I know that having an entrepreneurial, high-energy team in your corner makes all the difference. These appointments to the IEDC Board embody the Freedom and Opportunity agenda for IEDC: they hail from communities all around our state, bring experience from across the range of Indiana’s key industries, and each of them knows the importance of growing wages and creating job opportunities for Hoosiers because they’ve done it in their own communities.” — Governor Mike Braun

The new Board appointees – who bring experience from across the spectrum of Indiana’s economy from agriculture to manufacturing to retail – will join Governor Mike Braun and Commerce Secretary David Adams’ mission to grow wages and build new job opportunities for Hoosiers, as well as spread economic development to all four corners of the state.

Governor Braun’s appointed members each are also distinguished by philanthropic efforts and a commitment to service to their state and local communities.

The new appointed members are:

Gus Olympidis, of Valparaiso – Owner, Family Express Convenience Stores, Director on several boards dedicated to regional and community development in northwest Indiana throughout career.

John Gregg, of Sandborn – Former Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives.

George Thomas, of Granger – Entrepreneur and executive, Adorn, Duo-Form, Lakota Trailers, Misty Harbor Pontoons, Viaggio Pontoon Boats.

Billie Dragoo, of Indianapolis – Founder and CEO, RepuCare.

David Fagan, of Portage – International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150.

Greg Gibson, of Terre Haute – Entrepreneur in commercial real estate development, hospitality and food service industry, trucking, excavation, coal, solid waste landfill development and waste industry advisory services.

Richard Waterfield, of Fort Wayne – Chairman of the Board and CEO, Waterfield Enterprises and Waterfield Asset Management, Founder and Managing Principal of Waterfield Private Equity Funds.

Chris King, of Shelbyville – Executive Vice President, Runnebohm Construction, professional engineer specializing in infrastructure design and construction, land entitlement, and project execution.

Don Lamb, of Lebanon – Farmer and Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

Governor Braun thanked those who previously served as members of the IEDC Board of Directors for their service to the State of Indiana. Prior board members’ service ends with the appointment of the new members.

JUST IN: University of Southern Indiana becomes official NCAA Division I member

06/25/2025

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University of Southern Indiana becomes official NCAA Division I member

Screaming Eagles earn full Division I status in accelerated transition, now eligible for NCAA championships

JUNE 25, 2025

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Southern Indiana (USI) has officially joined the top tier of intercollegiate athletics, effective August 1, 2025. The NCAA Division I Board of Directors confirmed USI’s move to full active Division I membership during a meeting on Monday, June 23. This completes an accelerated transition process that positions the Screaming Eagles to compete in NCAA Division I postseason championships in all 19 intercollegiate sports beginning in the 2025-26 season.

USI becomes the 11^th official NCAA Division I athletic program (seventh public) in the state of Indiana and is a full member of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), a historic step that elevates the University’s athletic profile and strategic vision.

“We are excited to be moving into full NCAA Division I membership a year early,” said Steven J. Bridges, USI President. “Our exceptional athletic programs are a fundamental way to achieve a core USI goal of elevating our University’s visibility and reputation. We have shown we are well positioned to compete at the highest level and appreciate the support of the NCAA.”

The Screaming Eagles announced in February their intent to pursue an expedited reclassification after the NCAA issued guidance allowing for the possibility of such transitions. Over the past three years, USI Athletics has demonstrated its readiness—competitively, administratively and academically—with championship wins in the Ohio Valley Conference and postseason and championship appearances in the Horizon and Summit Leagues. Beyond the field of play, USI continues to excel in the classroom. Student-athletes maintain an average GPA of 3.29 and have been awarded back-to-back OVC Institutional Achievement Awards for academic excellence.

“We are very excited that the transition process for Division I is now complete, and our student-athletes can earn the right to compete in NCAA Championships,” said Jon Mark Hall, USI Vice President and Director of Athletics. “It has been a heavy lift for everyone on campus, and I cannot thank our campus community enough for their efforts. Our alumni and the broader community have been extremely supportive during the process. Our student-athletes, coaches and staff are ready to embark on this new journey.”

USI Athletics has already made an impact at the Division I level. The 2024 Women’s Basketball team captured the OVC regular-season and tournament championships and earned WNIT postseason wins in the last two seasons. In the fall of 2024, USI claimed the OVC Men’s and Women’s Cross Country titles, and Cross Country/Track & Field runners garnered an additional 18 individual championships during the transition period.

“I am thrilled that our athletes who bought into our vision for the program will finally get their opportunity to compete for NCAA Division I championships,” said Mike Hillyard, USI Head Cross Country/Track & Field Coach. “It’s a privilege to get the first opportunity on our home course when the NCAA Division I Great Lakes Regional comes to Angel Mounds in November.”

USI accepted its invitation to join the OVC in 2022 and began competing in the 2022-23 academic year. The OVC, now in its 78th year, is the nation’s eighth-oldest NCAA Division I conference and boasts a strong tradition of competitive success and academic achievement.

“We commend the University of Southern Indiana for the vision, determination and hard work they have demonstrated over the past three years in completing the reclassification process to NCAA Division I,” said Beth DeBauche, OVC Commissioner. “USI has shown a commitment to excellence on and off the field, and we are excited to see them eligible to compete in NCAA postseason events. We look forward to what the future holds for their student athletes, coaches and community.”

USI’s first matchups of the 2025-26 season as official full members of NCAA Division I athletics include Women’s Soccer at the University of Nebraska on August 14, and the team’s first regular-season home match against Cleveland State University on August 17. Men’s Soccer opens on the road August 21 at the University of Louisville and hosts its first regular-season home match on August 26 against Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Volleyball will open at home with the USI Invitational August 29-30 against Valparaiso University, Saint Louis University and Northern Kentucky University before hosting Michigan State University on September 4.

Vanderbilt to lay off 650 amid federal spending cuts

06/25/2025

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By: Andrew Cass

Friday, June 20th, 2025

Up to 650 employees are being laid off at Nashville, Tenn.-based Vanderbilt University Medical Center as it plans to reduce operating costs by more than $300 million in response to government-sponsored medical research and anticipated reductions to Medicaid reimbursement.

VUMC said in May that an unspecified number of positions were being eliminated and hiring would be paused for “most research and administrative positions.” A spokesperson said in a June 20 statement shared with Becker’s that the layoffs affect those working primarily in research, administrative and other support areas.

“While this is extremely difficult, the staffing loss represents less than 2% of VUMC’s total workforce,” the statement said. “To support affected employees, VUMC is providing severance packages and other assistance.”

VUMC said it is continuing to hire frontline clinical staff for the opening of the 180-bed Jim Ayers Tower, which is expected to open later this year.

CenterPoint Energy introduces a redesigned Indiana South electric bill

06/25/2025

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CenterPoint Energy introduces a redesigned Indiana South electric bill

Revised bill design, itemized charges allow for additional understanding of customer energy use

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – June 24, 2025 – CenterPoint Energy announced an updated electric bill format for Indiana South customers today. The revised layout is designed to provide a clearer breakdown of monthly charges and support greater customer understanding of their energy use and how bills are calculated.

The bill revisions do not add any new charges. Instead, existing electric charges will now be grouped and labeled under four clearly organized groups – Customer Facilities Charge, Variable Base Charges, Fuel Charges and Adjustments – to help customers understand how each item contributes to their total bill.

“Improving how we communicate with customers is a responsibility we take seriously,” said Mike Roeder, CenterPoint’s Senior Vice President, External Affairs. “This update builds on regulatory direction and customer feedback, and it reflects the transparency we are committed to bringing to every aspect of the customer experience. We’ve listened to the feedback from our customers and hope to bring a better understanding of the various components of the CenterPoint bill.”

This update builds on the framework outlined in the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission’s final order in CenterPoint’s most recent rate case, which directed the company to add broad categories to its bill presentation. CenterPoint expanded on that guidance by introducing the four itemized groups.

Recent customer experience improvements

The updated bill format is part of CenterPoint’s broader effort to enhance how it communicates with and supports Indiana customers. In recent months, the company has also introduced new tools to improve the overall customer experience:

· Outage Tracker: A mobile-friendly outage map that includes weather overlays, satellite views and a Spanish-language option. Visit CenterPointEnergy.com/OutageTracker to view current conditions and report outages.

· Action Center: A centralized online resource with safety tips, restoration updates and community information to help customers stay informed during outages and service interruptions. Explore at CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter.

2025 SIAC ALL CONFERENCE BASEBALL TEAM

06/25/2025

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2025 SIAC ALL CONFERENCE BASEBALL TEAM

FIRST TEAM

Will Coleman (12) Pitcher Castle

Matthew Fisher (12) Pitcher Memorial

Kai Kunz (12) Pitcher Jasper

Braden Perry (12) Pitcher North

Cooper Collins (10) Catcher Vincennes Lincoln

Brady Anderson (11) Infielders, Vincennes Lincoln

Braxton Brosmer (12) Infielders Jasper

Charlie Hoffman (12) Infielders Mater Dei

Simon Schulz (12) Infielders Memorial

Noah Drake (12) Outfielders Castle

Luke Ellspermann (12) Outfielders Memorial

Brayden Giesler (12) Outfielders Jasper

Jack Levin (11) Utility Jasper

Landin Lis (12) Utility Castle

SECOND TEAM

Oliver Gates (12) Reitz

Wes Kelly (11) Memorial

Isaac Mitsdarffer (12) Castle

Max Miller (11) Mater Dei

Spencer Schiff (9) Mater Dei

Tyler Singleton (12) Harrison

Conner Watson (12) North

Talan Willett (12) Reitz

Colton Wonning (10) Vincennes

Co-Player of the Year

Will Coleman (Castle) and Matthew Fisher (Memorial)