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EDITORIAL: CCO SUPPORTS USI MOVING FROM NCAA DIVISION II TO NCAA DIVISION I

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CCO SUPPORTS USI MOVING FROM NCAA DIVISION II TO NCAA DIVISION I

by the City-County Observer Staff

The University of Southern Indiana (USI) campus on Evansville’s Westside has been transformed during the last few decades from a commuter campus to a fully equipped campus with state-of-the-art classrooms, advanced degrees, student housing, and a plethora of athletic facilities that are only exceeded by big nationally recognized programs. USI has an outstanding listing of successful graduates in our midst.

USI has always been competitive in every NCAA Division II intercollegiate that they participate in and starts most years with realistic visions of winning another national championship in multi-sports.

If the USI Trustees elevate the athletic teams to NCAA Division I, Evansville may become one of the smallest markets to have the distinction of being home to two Division I teams. That is a worthy distinction for the people down at “Visit Evansville” to tout as worth a visit.

We feel that the University of Southern Indiana is most certainly NCAA Division I ready as NKU, Bellarmine, or any of the other teams that have made the transition. From a facilities perspective, USI already has established an impressive collection of on-campus facilities that many NCAA Division I universities would love to have. Millions of dollars have been invested and much will be expected.

The City-County Observer would like to encourage USI to grab for the brass ring and become Evansville’s second NCCA Division I athletic program. This move will have positive impacts on campus life and even will serve to enhance academics and the future recruiting of student-athletes.

Go for it USI.  The alumni, student-athletes, coaching staff, faculty and staff, student body, and the people of our region will be proud that you did!

Finally, we would like to publicly recognize the efforts of the charismatic USI President Ronald S. Rochon, the visionary USI Board of Trustees Chair Ronald Romain and his board members, and USI Athletic Director Jon Mark Hall and his staff for the outstanding work they quietly did behind the scene to ensure that USI will be in a position to continue to provide our community with the educational, economic, cultural, and athletic offerings that will make us proud in years to come.

 

 

 

 

 Agenda Of The February 8, 2022 Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners Meeting

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civic center

 AGENDA FOR THE Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners  On February 8, 2022, AT 3:00 pm, Room 301, Civic Center Complex 

1. Call to Order 

2. Attendance 

3. Pledge of Allegiance 

      1. 4. Action Items a. Health Department i. COVID-19 Update 
      3. b. Old Courthouse Foundation, Inc. Amended By-Laws 
      4. c. 2022 Kronos Time Keeping Support Services Contract 
      5. d. Nyhart Service Agreement – 2 Year Renewal 
      6. e. Vanderburgh County Treatment Court Contract Renewals for Home Verification Officers i. Dion Wingerter 
      7. ii. John Helfrich 
      8. iii. Ryan Barrett 
      9. iv. Troy Hardin 
      11. f. Old National Events Plaza Waiver for County Department Activity 
      12. g. An Ordinance Repealing Chapter 17.26 Signs of the Vanderburgh County Code 
      13. h. Indiana Gaming Commission Letter – Coliseum Bingo 
      14. i. County Engineer i. Request to Award VC22-01-01 Milling and Resurfacing of County Roads to E&B Paving for $1,284,340.50. 
      15. ii. Change Order #1 for Kansas Road Phase 2 – Increase of $40,750.80 
    2. iii. Oak Hill Road Right of Way Offers 1. Parcel 14 – Wolff a. $3,850.00 
    4. 2. Parcel 19 – Thomas a. $155,000.00 
    6. 3. Parcel 28 – Miley a. $36,050.00 
    8. 4. Parcel 37 – Deweese a. $22,600.00 
    10. 5. Parcel 38 – Lochmueller a. $1,175.00 
      1. j. Board Appointments i. Advisory Board on Disability Services 1. Brian Liivak 
      3. ii. Commission on Homelessness in Vanderburgh County 1. Ben Shoulders 
      5. iii. Community Corrections Complex Advisory Board 1. Jodi Uebelhack 
            1. 2. Dee Lewis 
            2. 3. Stephanie Powell 
            3. 4. Stephanie Terry 
            4. 5. Cherie Wood 
            5. 6. Heather Woods 
            6. 7. Jay Dickerson 
            7. 8. Kevin Groves 
            8. 9. Chris Kiefer 
            9. 10. Claire Will 
            10. 11. Stephen Brown 
            11. 12. Alyssa Nilssen 
            14. a. Highway Department – Scot Wichser 
            15. b. Purdue Extension – Dr. Meagan Brothers 
            16. a. Approval of January 25th Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes 
            17. b. Employment Changes 
            18. c. County Auditor i. Claims Voucher Reports 1. 01/24/2022-01/28/2022 
            19. 2. 01/31/2022-02/04/2022 
            21. ii. Permission to Advertise the 2021 Statement of Receipts & Expenditures Legal Ad 
            23. d. County Engineer Report & Claims 
            24. e. County Treasurer i. Inkeepers Tax Report 
            25. ii. December 2021 Monthly Report 
            27. f. Old National Events Plaza i. Waiver Request – Evansville Convention & Visitors Bureau Monthly Board Meetings 
            28. ii. Surplus Request 
            30. g. 2022 Township Standards and Guidelines i. Armstrong Township 
            31. ii. Knight Township 
            32. iii. Scott Township 
            33. iv. Union Township 
            35. h. County Council Surplus Request 
            36. i. Sheriff’s Office Surplus Request 
            37. j. Building Authority Surplus Request 
            38. k. ARP Appropriation Request – 3 Sewer Projects 

        5. Department Head Reports 

        6. New Business 

        7. Old Business 

        8. Consent Items 

        9. Public Comment 

        10. Adjournment 

At Midpoint Of Indiana’s Legislative Session, Some 500 Bills Have Died

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At Midpoint Of Indiana’s Legislative Session, Some 500 Bills Have Died

  • By Taylor Wooten, TheStatehouseFile.com

  • INDIANAPOLIS—As the Indiana General Assembly reaches the midpoint of the session, any bills that have not had third readings in the chamber they began in are now dead.

    Halfway through the Indiana General Assembly’s 2022 legislative session, some 500 bills have already been put to rest.
    Photo by Juan Vargas from Pexels.

    Senate bills need to have reached the third reading in the Indiana Senate by Feb. 1, while House bills needed to have reached the third reading in the House by Jan. 31. You may take a moment of silence for about 500 bills, which have been voted down, pulled from the schedule, never made it out of committee or never even received a committee hearing.

    A total of about 200 Senate bills have died, and 300 House bills have died. The casket will close on the 2022 legislative session by March 14.

    Here we go again

    Some bills that are filed every year will have to be reborn again in the next session.

    For example, Senate Bill 75, a cold beer sales bill, has been attempted in various forms by Sen. Phillip Boots, R-Crawfordsville, for years. The bill has died again this year, so Boots may need to have another go at getting cold beer sold in grocery and convenience stores during the next session.

    The initiative to get marijuana legalized in Indiana will also have to wait, with all bills in the legislature that regulate, decriminalize, or legalize cannabis dying this session.

    The Senate Democrats released a statement on the failure of the legislature to pass marijuana legislation.

    “While nearly 40 other states are creating industries and jobs and using hundreds of millions in cannabis tax revenue on schools, mental health, crime prevention and drug recovery programs, Indiana is spending millions on policing, prosecuting and holding our communities back,” said Sen. Rodney Pol, D-Chesterton in the statement. “It’s past time for this legislature to listen to the vast majority of its constituents and make progress on cannabis reform.”

    Conflicting legislation

    Many bills in the legislature cover the same topic, but with different partisan perspectives. In the Indiana General Assembly’s Republican supermajority, the bills that align with Indiana Republican wishes have strangled their opposition.

    Bail was a point of contention, with a bill seeking to get rid of pre-trial bail for nonviolent misdemeanor arrests dying while a Republican-authored bill limiting charitable bail organizations is still trucking.

    Two bills authored by Democrats, Senate Bill 71 and Senate Bill 221, sought to remove absentee voting restrictions and requirements. Both of these bills have been killed by the legislature, but a bill restricting mail-in absentee ballots by Rep. Tim Wesco, R-Osceola, has passed in the House and is headed to the Senate.

    In response to the midpoint of the session, Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis, released a statement.

    “I have mixed feelings about where we are at this point,” Taylor said. “We’ve seen a mashup of legislation pass out of the Senate: some good, some bad and some very bad.”

    Some Indiana Black Legislative Caucus priorities fail

    Several anti-discrimination bills, many authored by lawmakers within the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, also died this session. Among the dead bills are one requiring implicit bias training for employers and one that would outlaw race-based hair discrimination.

    House Bill 1414, the bill that would remove the requirement for pre-trial bail, is by IBLC member Rep. Ragen Hatcher, D-Gary.

    Two bills that would create safer conditions for incarcerated women and change the use of restraints on pregnant, delivering or post-partum incarcerated women failed this year. House Bill 1272 was authored by Rep. Renee Pack, D-Indianapolis, and House Bill 1179 was authored by Vanessa Summers, D-Indianapolis. Both were legislative priorities for the IBLC.

    Lawmakers will have the opportunity to rework and resurrect some of these bills beginning this fall when bills can begin to be filed for the 2023 legislative session.

    FOOTNOTE: Taylor Wooten is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

 

USI Offers New Online MBA Concentration In Marketing

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USI Offers New Online MBA Concentration In Marketing

2/6/2022 | University Communications

The University of Southern Indiana is excited to announce it is expanding its existing Master of Business Administration online programs to include a new concentration in Marketing. 

Designed specifically to accommodate the lifestyle demands of working professionals, the Marketing MBA is delivered 100% online, via accelerated eight-week courses and is affordably priced at $12,900*, with no hidden fees. This MBA is 30 credit hours and can be completed in as few as 11 months. A GMAT/GRE waiver is available for students with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA or with a 2.5 undergraduate GPA and three years of professional work experience. 

In this AACSB-accredited program, students will develop strategic and tactical marketing expertise through focus on digital marketing, apply consumer behavior models and advanced analytical techniques, gain the knowledge and skills necessary to grow brands, build stronger customer relationships and grow revenue, and become effective marketing leaders in any organization. 

Applications are now being accepted for terms beginning March 14, 2022. 

USI also offers MBA concentrations in a number of other areas including: 

  • MBA with a concentration in Accounting Online 
  • MBA with a concentration in Data Analytics Online 
  • MBA with a concentration in Engineering Management Online 
  • MBA with a concentration in Human Resources Online 
  • MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Administration Online 
  • MBA with a concentration in Project Management Online 
  • Master of Business Administration General 
  • View all Online MBA programs  

Graduate degree programs at USI continue to see record enrollment, in part due to accelerated and flexible online programs like the MBA, which are meeting the needs of students balancing school, work and life responsibilities. 

* Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice by action of the USI Board of Trustees. 

Tools 4 Teaching Is A Local Woman-Owned Business

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Tools 4 Teaching Is A Local Woman-Owned Business

Tools 4 Teaching is a woman-owned business that was started to help support the community.  Owner, Julie Burczyk, was a former public-school teacher who wanted to open a store that could support teaching whether that be in the classroom or at home.  With two young kids at home, it was important for Julie to create a place to provide tools to help all learners.  Tools 4 Teaching has over 8,000 different items including teaching materials and décor for the classroom along with educational toys, games, puzzles, crafts, and more to be used at home.  There is an educational focus on all products, so the kids can be learning while playing without even realizing it.  Many skills such as cognitive or fine motor skills are necessary for kids to learn, and there are many fun things to help support all types of learning at Tools 4 Teaching.

Tools 4 Teaching also has a section dedicated to local talent.  Whether you are looking for storytelling and puppet tips from Mary Jo Huff, illustration inspiration from Kristi Valiant, or yoga and mindfulness from Carrie Rice, this amazing local talent can be found at Tools 4 Teaching.

After all local needs to support local, which is an important mindset for Julie. Tools 4 Teaching sponsors many local events for kids including the HOP-N-ING Program at Easterseals Rehabilitation Center and The Fairy Tale Ball for Ark Crisis Children’s Center.  Check Tools 4 Teaching LLC on Facebook and Instagram, and their website iswww.tools4teaching.biz.  They are located at 401 S Green River Road.

 

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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EPD

 

 

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

20220207025705254

COOK, PREVOST LEAD THUNDERBOLTS OVER BOBCATS 2-1 

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COOK, PREVOST LEAD THUNDERBOLTS OVER BOBCATS 2-1 

Danville, Ill.:  Despite a 47-13 shot advantage, the Thunderbolts were limited to only a 2-1 victory, but a victory nonetheless in Danville on Sunday night with goals from Cameron Cook and Coy Prevost. The Thunderbolt’s next home game will be on Wednesday, February 9th at 7:00 pm CST as they host the Vermilion County Bobcats.  For tickets, call (812)422-BOLT (2658), buy online at EvansvilleThunderbolts.com or buy tickets in person at the Ford Center Box Office.

After a scoreless first period, Cook got the scoring started on a shorthanded rush and pass from Josh Adkins at the 3:05 mark of the second period to give Evansville the lead.  The Thunderbolts kept buzzing and scored once again as Prevost scored on a deflected shot at 6:23, unassisted to give Evansville a 2-0 lead.  Despite a continued offensive barrage on Ben Churchfield and the Bobcats, the Thunderbolts were unable to score again in the game’s remainder.  The Bobcats broke through with a power-play goal from Aaron Ryback at 7:51 of the third period, but the Thunderbolts shut down Vermilion County from there, holding on to the 2-1 win.

Prevost and Cook each finished with one goal, while Brian Billett finished with 12 saves on 13 shots for his 15thwin of the season.  The Thunderbolts and Bobcats next meet on Wednesday, February 9th at Ford Center.

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).

Women’s golf receives MVC Championship rings

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – One of the most impressive accomplishments in recent University of Evansville athletics history was brought to the forefront on Saturday afternoon when the Purple Aces women’s golf team received their rings to commemorate their 2021 Missouri Valley Conference Championship.  The ceremony took place at halftime of the UE men’s basketball game at the Ford Center

Each member of the team took part in the design of the ring over the course of a process that took a few months to complete.  The final design of the ring is something the team is proud of and is one that will give them a keepsake to commemorate the accomplishment for the rest of their lives.

Over the course of the design process, the Aces players did not leave any stone unturned.  From examining all design options and possibilities to studying rings that were designed in previous years, the UE team put in the effort and the result is stunning.

Incorporating a snowflake into the design was a must for the girls.  On the final day of the MVC Championship, snow was falling throughout most of the day at Bogey Hills Country Club in Saint Charles, Missouri.  It was falling just as hard as it was at any other point when the teams finished the final round of play.  Evansville and UNI needed one final hole to decide the championship with the Aces coming home victorious – with the snow continuing to come down.

As a way to incorporate the snowflake into the sport, the side of the ring features a snowflake with golf clubs interlocked into the design.  That side of the ring features the name of each player/coach on the top and the Missouri Valley Conference logo on the bottom.

Utilizing both UE logos was another important aspect of the design.  With the Aces script logo being prevalent on most of the equipment and uniforms for the team, the mark was featured on the top of the ring with stones surrounding it.  The interlocking UE logo is featured on the other side of the ring along with the slogan “History Made”.  Evansville’s school colors were incorporated into the top of the ring with purple and orange stones circling it.

Members of the team were excited about the design as it encompassed the team aspect of the accomplishment.  It was not about any individual numbers or scores, it commemorated a team accomplishment and a moment that will be remembered not just at the University of Evansville, but around the entire MVC for many years to come.

At Saturday’s ceremony, the team was on hand including championship medalist Sophia Rohleder, Allison Enchelmayer, Carly Frazier, Taylor Keating, Alyssa McMinn, Caitlin O’Donnell and Mallory Russell.  Head coach John Andrews along with former head coach Jim Hamilton and Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Fernando Garcia-Villegas also received rings.  Andrews was named the MVC Coach of the Year and would pass the honor along to Coach Hamilton.

School-Record Throw, Two Victories Highlight Track & Field’s Day At SIU

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CARBONDALE, Ill. –University of Evansville junior Zach Dove (Princeton, Ind./Princeton Community HS) broke the school record in the weight throw on Saturday, and Evansville picked up victories in the women’s mile and the men’s 4×400-meter relay to highlight the day at the Don DeNoon Invitational hosted by Southern Illinois in Carbondale, Illinois.

“We had a good day today,” said UE track and field head coach Don Walters.  “We had a lot of PRs set, and I think that the student-athletes had a lot of fun today.

“We faced some really good competition, and we had people rise to the occasion, and when you consider our week of practice was interrupted with all of the weather issues this week, we’ll take it.”

Dove broke teammate Mike Boots’ (Evansville, Ind./Mater Dei) previous school record in the 35-pound weight throw by over two feet, as Dove recorded a throw of 16.41 meters (53.83 feet) to place seventh overall.  It marked the fourth school record broken this season by the UE track and field teams in just three indoor meets.

“Zach’s throw was impressive, but it is also something that he is capable of,” said Walters.  “He is a big guy, and he faced some really good competition today, and he answered the call.”

Graduate student Anna Lowry (Taylorville, Ill./Taylorville) also picked up her third individual victory of the season with a win in the mile with a time of 5:02.33, while the team of seniors Trey Riggs (Ft. Branch, Ind./Gibson Southern) and Brendon Smith (Newburgh, Ind./Castle), junior Steven Burkhart and freshman Adam Oulgout (St. Paul, Minn./Central) capped the meet with a win by almost three seconds in the men’s 4×400-meter relay event.

“Anna was tested today, but she answered the challenge,” said Walters.  “And, the 4×4 win was pretty impressive considering this was the first time that group has really been together this year.  That’s a good sign going forward into the spring.”

Dove’s school-record toss also led a group of 11 personal-best marks set on the afternoon by UE.  Senior Sam Weldon (Ft. Wayne, Ind./Bishop Dwenger) nearly broke the women’s indoor 800-meter record with a personal-best time of 2:24.96 while placing fifth in the event.  She also set a new personal-best mark in the mile at 5:28.18 to finish sixth behind Lowry.

Oulgout ran his best mile time of the year, while finishing second in the men’s mile by just 0.25 seconds with a time of 4:32.86.  Sophomore Peter Epur (Eldoret, Kenya) also posted his best mile time at 4:35.25 while placing fourth.

Junior Jackson Maurer (Evansville, Ind./Gibson Southern) made it three meets in a row with a personal-best indoor mark in the 400-meter event, placing fifth with a time of 55.42.  Freshman Denzel Lasam (St. Louis, Mo./De Smet Jesuit) posted the third-best triple jump mark in school history at 13.19 meters to place fifth, while also running his fastest 200-meter time of the year.  Sophomore Luke Watts (Austin, Ind./Austin) ran his fastest 800-meter time while at UE, while freshmen Preston Riggs (Ft. Branch, Ind./Gibson Southern) and Ellie Stewart (Lombard, Ill./Glenbard South) set new standards in the 200- and 3,000-meter events respectively.

Evansville will take the next week off from competition, before returning to action on Saturday, February 19 at the Indiana State Open in Terre Haute, Indiana.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY RECENT BOOKING RECORDS

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Booked Last 24 Hours-Public

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