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Vincennes University opens Early College
VINCENNES, Ind., November 12, 2025 – Vincennes University, Indiana’s First College and a long-standing leader in dual credit and early college education, has announced a new opportunity for homeschool families statewide. Beginning Summer 2025, homeschool students in grades 9 through 12 can now earn real, transferable college credit directly through VU’s Early College Online program — from the comfort of home.
This groundbreaking option allows homeschool students to take college courses taught by VU faculty — not high school teachers — at a dramatically reduced rate of just $100 per credit hour. That’s less than half of VU’s already affordable in-state tuition of $218 per credit hour.
Through the Early College Online program, homeschoolers can:
- Earn both high school and college credit at the same time
- Take flexible, fully online classes that fit into their homeschool schedule
- Work toward completing the Indiana College Core or even an associate degree before graduating high school
- Save tens of thousands of dollars in future tuition and years of time toward a college degree
- Enjoy the confidence of transferable credits, accepted at most colleges and universities nationwide
“Vincennes University has been a trusted partner to families and schools for decades,” said Dr. Lori Pence, VU Associate Provost of K-12 Partnerships. “Now, we’re thrilled to extend that same access to Indiana’s homeschool community — empowering parents to offer their children a college-level education that’s flexible, affordable, and fully accredited.”
To qualify, students must first complete VU’s placement test (the Accuplacer) for a $25 fee, which can be completed online or in person. Once approved, they can begin earning college credit immediately under the guidance of experienced VU instructors.
With a legacy of innovation dating back to 1801, Vincennes University continues to break new ground in expanding college access and affordability for all Hoosier students.
Volleyball inks three on National Signing Day
Weinberg building solid 2026 squad
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville head volleyball coach Zach Weinberg has signed three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to join the Purple Aces program.
Weinberg’s class includes Carsyn Kelley (Setter/Bettendorf, Iowa), Wren Jones (Outside Hitter/Conway, Ark.), and Aubry Dowling (Libero/Greenfield, Ind.).
“Our coaching staff is so excited to welcome this dynamic class to our Evansville Volleyball family! Carsyn, Wren, and Aubry are going to fit in so well with where we are trying to go as we reframe Aces Volleyball,” Weinberg exclaimed. “Their personalities all balance each other incredibly well, and they are going to fit seamlessly into our current team. If there is one thing they all have in common, it is that they are proven winners, and they are all excited about aiding our resurgence in the Missouri Valley Conference in years to come. Welcome Carsyn, Wren, and Aubry!”
Carsyn Kelley – Setter – Bettendorf, Iowa
Kelley joins the Purple Aces program after spending her senior season (2025-26) at Assumption High School. From 2022 through 2024, Kelley attended Pleasant Valley HS. On Nov. 6, Kelley’s team capped a 24-7 season with a 3A State Championship. She completed her senior campaign with 767 assists, 76 kills, 43 blocks, and 27 service aces. Kelley was named a 1st Team All-State player.
As a junior, Kelley was named a 2nd Team All-Conference and 3rd Team All-State player. Her Pleasant Valley HS squad went 35-2 on its way to the Class 5A State Championship. She is a 2-time Player of the Semifinal game in the state tournament.
Coach Weinberg on Kelley
“Carsyn is a cerebral setter with an incredibly high volleyball IQ. She comes from a volleyball family and grew up in the gym with a mom who coaches, so she understands the game at a level far beyond her years. She will add some size to our setting room and is already technically sound as a setter. Having set her team to back-to-back Iowa state championships, Carsyn knows what it takes to win. She will graduate from high school in December and join us this spring, giving her a chance to acclimate to student-athlete life at UE and be fully prepared for her freshman season in 2026.””
Wren Jones – Outside Hitter – Conway, Arkansas
Jones comes to Evansville from Conway HS where she helped her team win the Arkansas 6A State Championship as her team won the state final by a final score of 3-1. In the semifinals, Jones recorded 36 kills, 16 digs, and four aces to help her squad advance. Jones was named the Most Valuable Player of the state tournament while earning All-Tournament recognition. The AVCA All-Region honoree was also a First Team All-State and First Team All-Conference player in her final season.
She completed her high school career as the program record holder in single season kills (543) and career kills (1,228). The 2024 Arkansas Max Preps Player of the Year helped her team to a state title as a junior while picking up First Team All-State and First Team All-Conference recognition.
Coach Weinberg on Jones
“Wren is a physical and athletic outside hitter who plays her game well above the height of the net. A gifted attacker, Wren just led her high school team to back-to-back state titles in Arkansas’ largest class and was named the MVP of the state tournament while doing so. Don’t let her sweet southern demeanor fool you…she is relentless on the court and can score points in bunches!”
Aubry Dowling – Libero – Greenfield, Ind.
Dowling remains in her home state following her career at Mt. Vernon HS. The Academic All-State honoree was named her team’s Defensive Player of the Year. In her senior season, Dowling recorded 440 digs, 32 aces, and 56 assists.
She was an Honorable Mention to the Super Team of Central Indiana while being named a Second Team All-Hancock County player. As a junior, she finished with 362 digs, 41 aces, and 40 assists.
Coach Weinberg on Dowling
“Aubry is a scrappy libero whose commanding presence immediately makes any back row that she is playing in better! She is a solid serve receiver, relentless defender, and excellent court leader. Aubry has personality for days, and when her volleyball career ends, she will be a natural fit for the sports broadcasting career she hopes to pursue. Aces fans are going to love watching Aubry fly around the back row! “
Some legislators want to slash from Indiana’s 250-plus boards and commissions
By Tom Davies, Idiana Capital Chronicle
Indiana’s roster of more than 250 state boards and commissions could get whacked if some legislators get their wish.
Leaders of the General Assembly’s Government Reform Task Force are planning to sponsor a bill in the upcoming session with the goal of eliminating or consolidating an undetermined number of those entities.
“We don’t have transparency or visibility on how some of these boards and commissions are spending taxpayer dollars,” Senate Majority Floor Leader Chris Garten, R-Charlestown, said during last week’s task force meeting. “This is unacceptable.”
Task force members last week endorsed broad guidelines for deciding whether to take action regarding a specific board — including its direct cost, whether it has a clear purpose and the frequency and substance of board meetings.
Garten, the task force’s chair, said the General Assembly has added an average of three boards and commissions a year over the past 50 years.
Such boards have a wide range of authority and activity.
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, for instance, meets dozens of times a year as it oversees electric, natural gas and water utilities around the state.
But the Advisory Council to the Office of the Utility Consumer Counselor has not met in the past three years and hasn’t had members appointed by any governor “for some time,” according to a Legislative Services Agency report on board and commission activity.
A top adviser to Gov. Mike Braun told the task force in August that “we have too many” boards,” at least 224 of which include a gubernatorial appointment.
Rep. Steve Bartels, R-Eckerty, introduced a bill during the 2025 session to eliminate or downsize a couple dozen boards, but no action was taken on his proposal.
What’s next
Bartels, vice chair of the task force, is planning to sponsor a bill in the upcoming session for another attempt at shrinking the number of state boards.
Garten and Bartels haven’t publicly named any specific ones they will target for elimination. The task force recommendations also did not propose such a list — and just what entities are in the crosshairs could stir up defenders of some boards.
That was foreshadowed by Jason Shelley, executive director for Indiana Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, raising concerns last week over the suggestion of eliminating the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission.
Shelley said he was concerned about building code decisions and changes being made by state agency staffers or lawmakers without the involvement of the commission, whose members include architects, professional engineers and others with construction experience.
“We worry about adding more expensive, bureaucratic hoops to jump through, with the potential of a decision being made regarding building life safety by someone who may, or may not, have the adequate experience to really make that call,” Shelley said.
Bartels, meanwhile, indicated frustration with several boards that haven’t responded to task force requests for information about their activities. That might put those boards on his list for possible elimination.
“From here, I think the right thing to do is just repeal it if they can’t justify their actions or their existence,” Bartels said.
State Reps. McNamara, Hostettler react to governor’s announcement of SNAP availability
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 10, 2025) – “These benefits are vital for Hoosiers in our state, and I am pleased to see the federal government begin the process to end this drawn-out shutdown. Programs like this go a long way toward helping vulnerable families, especially as we move into the holiday months. My hope is that before too long we will be able to fully reopen the program to keep those in need fed,” said State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville)
“I am happy to see that SNAP benefits will resume for at-need families and individuals in our state. Hoosiers felt the burden of this costly shutdown and those who have been impacted can finally feel some relief.” said State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka)
Click here for the full announcement..
CenterPoint Energy to host third Community Connect event at Mount Vernon Junior High School
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Nov. 11, 2025 — CenterPoint Energy will host its third Community Connect event on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Mount Vernon Junior High School. The event is part of CenterPoint’s ongoing commitment to listen to local feedback, highlight local energy improvements, and address customer priorities.
During the event, customers and media representatives can learn about the company’s actions to prioritize affordability, financial assistance programs and resources available to customers, and local infrastructure investments to improve reliability.
| Where: | Mount Vernon Junior High School
701 Tile Factory Road Mount Vernon, IN 47620
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| When: | Wednesday, November 12 | 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
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| Who: | A CenterPoint spokesperson will be available for media interviews |
Gov. Braun readies Indiana for a safe winter season
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – With winter weather already at our doorstep, Indiana Governor Mike Braun joined the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), Indiana State Police (ISP) and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) today for a joint press conference to outline the state’s coordinated efforts to keep Hoosiers safe this winter.
The Governor discussed winter weather operations, toured INDOT’s Indianapolis Subdistrict facility, and inspected the agency’s snow and ice removal fleet as part of Winter Weather Preparedness Week (Nov. 9-15).
“Keeping Hoosiers safe this winter season will take a collaborative effort between our state agencies and our citizens,” said Gov. Mike Braun. “Our INDOT crews, State Police, and first responders are fully equipped and ready to tackle the season’s challenges. I am urging every Hoosier to do their part: prepare your homes, plan your travel, and always give our dedicated crews the space they need to keep our state moving safely.”
INDOT Stands Ready
INDOT has spent recent months preparing for winter operations by hiring seasonal snowplow drivers, completing training with current staff, inspecting trucks and other equipment, and securing materials, like salt. Operations crews monitor forecasts several weeks in advance and prepare for winter storms based on the type of expected precipitation, conditions leading up to an event, and extended forecasts. If conditions allow, roads are pre-treated with salt brine and are regularly treated with rock salt.
“Our plows are ready, salt barns are stocked, and we have plenty of drivers for the season, but safety on the roads depends on all of us,” said INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist. “Please, when you’re out on the roads this winter, slow down, don’t crowd the plow and give our crews room to work.”
Preparing for Winter
Indiana winters bring snow, ice and freezing temperatures that can lead to power outages, dangerous travel conditions and other risks. ISP and IDHS are reminding Hoosiers to take steps now to prepare their homes, vehicles and travel plans.
“When winter weather strikes, our troopers are among the first on the scene, and visibility and road conditions can change in seconds,” said ISP Captain Ron Galaviz. “More than 4,500 crashes during the winter months last year were caused by people driving too fast for the weather conditions. We’re urging all Hoosiers to drive cautiously, buckle up and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. If you see flashing lights, please slow down and move over.”
“Winter storms can be unpredictable, but preparation makes all the difference,” said IDHS Executive Director Jonathan Whitham. “By assembling emergency kits, winterizing vehicles and monitoring local advisories, Hoosiers can reduce their risk and help emergency responders focus on those who need help most.”
Winter Safety Tips
INDOT, ISP and IDHS recommend the following precautions for all Hoosiers:
- Slow down and adjust your speed to road conditions, especially on snow covered roads.
- Know before you go – check conditions and forecasts before you hit the road; allow plenty of time to reach your destination safely.
- Don’t crowd the plow – never tailgate or drive beside a snowplow.
- Leave extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you; it takes extra time and distance to stop or slow down on snowy roads.
- Prepare an emergency kit with snacks, water, a phone charger, sand or cat litter, flares or bright LED alternatives, a flashlight, and blankets or extra clothing.
- Keep vehicles maintained – Keep your vehicle full of gas and check your battery, fluids and spare tire.
- Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle’s windows, lights, and signals.
Stay Informed
For real-time travel information about road conditions and plow locations, visit 511in.org or download the INDOT TrafficWise app.
For a map of travel advisories by county, visit the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s Travel Advisory Map.
For weather advisories, watches and warnings, visit the National Weather Service’s Indiana Briefing page.
For real time updates on warming shelters, call 2-1-1
Area Shelters to Offer Waived or Reduced Fees for Hoosier Adopt a Pet Month
(Evansville, IN – November 11, 2025): The Indiana Coalition of Animal Welfare Professionals alongside dozens of shelters and rescue organizations across the State of Indiana are coming together to once again recognize November 2025 as “Hoosier Adopt a Shelter Pet Month,” for the third year running! This initiative brings awareness to the public problem of pet homelessness and the crisis shelters and rescues are facing.
Indiana shelters and rescuers collaboratively call on the community to act now to adopt, foster, donate, and/or volunteer during Hoosier Adopt a Shelter Pet Month to help alleviate this crisis and reverse the monumental steps taken back in saving the lives of homeless pets.
The following organizations will be participating during their normal business hours with reduced adoption fees or incentives:
- Vanderburgh Humane Society (VHS) (www.vhslifesaver.org) and River Kitty Cat Café (www.riverkittycatcafe.org)
The VHS knows, “There’s no place like home,” offering FREE adoptions for all dogs, cats, kittens, and rabbits from November 10th-16th with a Wicked/Wizard of Oz theme. More than 300 animals are available at the VHS facility November 11th-15th, plus 29 cats & kittens are available at River Kitty Cat Café in Downtown Evansville November 10th-16th. Adopters will receive all the normal “perks”: pets are still spayed/neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, microchipped, and receive a starter bag of food and pet health insurance discount!
- Evansville Animal Care & Control (https://www.evansvillegov.org/city/department/index.php?structureid=221)
Our community’s municipal shelter, Evansville Animal Care & Control, will be hosting their event November 17th-22nd. They announced more details will be coming soon on their Facebook page!
Shelters and rescue groups are still experiencing an overwhelming number of animals entering the system. A steady intake of animals coupled with the reduction in adoptions is being driven by inflation, rising costs of food and supplies, the lack of affordable pet inclusive housing, and scarcity of veterinary resources. (Plus, in the immediate short-term, uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits.) As a result, shelters are overburdened, over their capacity for care, and healthy pets are being euthanized for space. This is dangerously reversing decades of work to save the lives of healthy, adoptable pets.
According to Shelter Animals Count (SAC), the most trusted and current source for animal sheltering data, alarming trends are emerging in which more dogs are entering the shelters than leaving, less are leaving with a live outcome, and shelter length of stay has tripled.
“The crisis shelters are facing does not originate within the shelters,” said Stephanie Filer, Executive Director of Shelter Animals Count. “Shelters need help now more than ever. This is a community problem that requires a community solution.”
Community problems require all stakeholders to collaborate and collectively solve for improved quality of life. Building humane communities where healthy, adoptable pets are not euthanized, but adopted into loving homes is the preference of our society. In this time of crisis, we need the community now more than ever to open their hearts and homes to a shelter pet in need so we can ensure we are on the pathway to preserving those humane communities across the State of Indiana.
Organizations’ adoption hours:
Vanderburgh Humane Society
400 Millner Industrial Drive, Evansville, IN 47710
Tuesday-Saturday 12-6 pm
Closed Sundays & Mondays
River Kitty Cat Café (VHS satellite location)
226 Main Street, Evansville, IN 47708
Monday-Friday 10 am -7 pm
Saturday 9 am – 7 pm
Sunday 11 am – 5 pm
Evansville Animal Care & Control
815 Uhlhorn Street, Evansville, IN 47715
Monday-Saturday 10 am – 5 pm
(Closed Tuesday, November 11th for Veteran’s Day)
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