THUNDERBOLTS DEFEAT ICE FLYERS IN SHOOTOUT, PUSH WIN STREAK TO FOUR GAMES
Tim O’Brien Bill Gives Evansville More Funds for Professional Sports Now Goes To State Senate
Bill Gives Evansville More Funds for Professional Sports is Now Goes To State Senate
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 21, 2025) – House Bill 1451, the bill that would increase the amount of money captured from the Evansville Professional Sports and Convention Development Area, supporting local sports tourism has now been folded into the state budget bill.
Based on Evansville’s population, the annual capture limit under current law is $1.17 million. The bill creates a 15-year plan for the PSCDA. It would increase the limit to $5 million for the first five years, then $6 million for the following five years, and up to $7 million for the last five years. It has the potential of keeping $90 million in revenue in the Evansville area.
The author of the bill, Tim O’Brien, explained that this does not create a new tax but rather draws on existing funds that would otherwise go to the state in revenue form. He also said that these funds allow Evansville to pave the way for future opportunities in Southwest Indiana.
He added this legislation would support future growth in Evansville and Southwest Indiana, including plans for Great Bend Park, a place for everyday enjoyment and extraordinary events.
House Bill 1001 passed the Ways and Means Committee before passing the full House of Representatives. It now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
For more information on HB 1001 and to track legislation, and watch committee hearings and session proceedings, visit iga.in.gov.
Jerome Stewart “The Word in 120”
We live in a world where people become angry because God’s word is true. A great example can be found in the book of Acts chapter 7 where Stephen the first deacon named within the church addressed the Sanhedrin Council comprised of 70 elders and the High Priest.
They believed God was confined to a tabernacle or physical building made by the hands of man. Stephen would explain as best he could about the Tabernacle of God as being spiritual. The Sanhedrin Council did not like what they heard. When Stephen got to the apex of his address he said to them vss. 48 thru 51; “the Highest does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says: ‘Heaven is My throne, And the earth is My footstool.
What the house will you build for Me? says the LORD, Or what is the place of My rest? Has My hand not made all these things?’ “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.” The Sanhedrin Council was about to reach a boiling point! Verse. 52 and 53 Stephen says; “Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, (meaning Jesus) of whom you now have become betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.”
The Sanhedrin Council was irate! Vss. 54 thru 57 says; “When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus stood at the right hand of God, and said “Look I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord. Vss. 59 and 60 says; “And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt andcried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Jesus was standing up; watching over Stephen!
Maureen Braun Supports Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana’s First Lady Maureen Braun is spearheading an initiative to keep Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Indiana. First Lady Braun will work with philanthropic partners and in consultation with state leadership to identify funding opportunities for the book distribution program.
“I am honored to lead this work to help ensure our youngest Hoosiers have as much exposure as possible to books and learning,” said First Lady Maureen Braun. “Indiana has many strong community partners and I am confident we will collaborate on a solution that grows children’s love of reading.”
“I deeply appreciate Governor Braun’s commitment to early childhood literacy and the leadership of First Lady Maureen Braun in championing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The Imagination Library brings the joy of reading to over 125,000 Hoosier children each month in all 92 counties across the state, and we are encouraged by Governor and First Lady Braun’s support to ensure its future in Indiana. We look forward to working with the Governor and First Lady, state leaders, and Local Program Partners to keep books in the hands of Indiana’s youngest learners and strengthen this foundation for a lifetime of success,” stated Jeff Conyers, President of The Dollywood Foundation.
Bobby Knight’s Famous Chair Toss – Hoosier History Highlights
February 23 – March 1
This Week in Indiana History
Indiana Statehouse Tour Office
Guided tours of the Indiana Statehouse are offered Monday through Friday.
For more information contact us. (317) 233-5293 Estanley@idoa.in.gov
February 23, 1985 Bobby Knight, coaching the IU basketball team vs. Purdue, picks up a chair from the IU bench and tosses it across the playing floor. The incident ignites widespread national comment.
February 25, 1779 George Rogers Clark captured Fort Sackville at Vincennes, marking the beginning of the end of British influence in America’s western frontier.
February 27, 1987 The West Baden Springs Hotel in French Lick was named a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1901, the structure has a free-spanning dome that at one time was the largest in the world.
March 1, 1888 The Ball Brothers began glass production in Muncie. The company became famous for their glass canning jars and grew to become the largest producer of recyclable beverage cans in the world.
Where in Indiana
Do you know where this photo was taken?
Indiana Quick Quiz
1. What are some of the previous names for U. S. Highway 40?
2. How old was Abraham Lincoln when he moved to Indiana?
3. Where did Stephanie White play high school basketball?
4. Where is the only freestanding high school basketball museum in the country?
Answers Below
“Beware of the man who works hard to learn something, learns it, and finds himself no wiser than before.”
– Kurt Vonnegut, American writer and humorist
Send your favorite Hoosier quote to: RegEdwards@idoa.in.gov
Answers
1.The Great Western Road, The old Pike, The Government Road, The Cumberland Road, and The National Road
2. Seven
3. Seeger High School in West Lebanon
4. New Castle
UE women’s soccer alum Sophie Lindner joins TSG Hoffenheim
UE women’s soccer alum Sophie Lindner joins TSG Hoffenheim
IN-MaC Design and Innovation Training Studio Opens on UE campus; Facility to Advance STEM Education
IN-MaC Design and Innovation Training Studio Opens on UE campus; Facility to Advance STEM Education
FEBRUARY 23, 2025
UNIVERSITY OF UNVERSITY
NOAH ALLATZA
EVANSVILLE, IND. (02/23/2025) The University of Evansville (UE) celebrated the grand opening of an IN-MaC Design and Innovation Training Studio on Friday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Located within the Tapley Education Resource Center, this cutting-edge facility is one of only three in Indiana and was made possible through funding from Toyota USA Foundation’s Driving Possibilities initiative. The studio marks a significant step in expanding access to high-quality Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across the state and signifies UE’s ongoing commitment to educational innovation.
This new facility will serve as a central hub for STEM education professional development by supporting a growing network of Design and Innovation Studios in elementary and middle schools throughout Southwest Indiana through hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies, including robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.
There are currently 47 in-school studios, impacting more than 15,000 students and upskilling 150 teachers and future educators each year in the region, which encompasses Knox, Gibson, Vanderburgh, Dubois, and Perry counties.
Additionally, the training studio will be integrated into UE’s Department of Education programs, ensuring that future educators are well-versed in emerging technologies and can effectively prepare students for the evolving workforce. By equipping teachers with STEM-focused strategies, UE is playing a vital role in developing a new generation of highly skilled professionals.
“The University of Evansville is thrilled to open this center as another way to collaborate with industry leaders, higher education institutions, and K-12 educators to address the growing need for STEM education in Indiana,” said UE President Christopher Pietruszkiewicz. “This training studio will introduce students to in-demand careers and equip them with the skills they need to thrive in an Industry 4.0 economy. We are deeply grateful to Toyota USA Foundation for its support of this transformative initiative.”
In August, UE announced a new partnership with the Toyota USA Foundation, Toyota Indiana, North Gibson School Corporation, and the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation to serve as the Coordinating Partner of the Indiana Driving Possibilities initiative. The initiative includes a grant totaling approximately $2 million, with a portion allocated for the development of this new space.
“Toyota recognizes the importance of investing in STEM education across all levels,” said Tim Hollander, president of Toyota Indiana. “As an industry leader and employer, we appreciate UE’s efforts in addressing the demand for skilled professionals. As their partner in this work, we share the same vision of preparing students for the workforce of tomorrow.”
The technologies and curriculum for the studio are supported by key partners including Purdue University’s Indiana Next Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC), STEM Education Works, and Toyota Indiana. (TMMI) and represent a $1 million investment in K-8, industry and post-secondary education.
Research shows that STEM-related careers are expected to grow at twice the rate of other occupations in the coming years. However, studies indicate that 92% of boys and 97% of girls lose interest in STEM subjects if they are not engaged before fifth grade. The UE Design and Innovation Training Studio aims to change this trajectory by equipping educators with the tools and resources needed to inspire young learners.
To learn more, please click here.
The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university with a solid foundation in the arts and sciences and professional schools in business, engineering, education, and health sciences. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and dynamic campus community of #Changemakers.
Home of the Purple Aces, UE is located in the southwestern region of Indiana and offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University’s very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.
MEDIA CONTACT
Noah Alatza, Chief Communications Officer
812-893-5319
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.