LINK OF the 2025 CITY OF EVANSVILLE Budget
AUGUST 24, 2024
University of Evansville awarded over $2 million from Toyota
UNIVERSITY OF EVANSVILLE, named Coordinating Partner for Toyota’s Driving Possibilities Initiative in Indiana
BY Noah Alatza-UE
AUGUST 24, 2024
EVANSVILLE, IND. (08/23/2024) The University of Evansville (UE), Indiana’s only Ashoka Changemaker Campus, has announced a new partnership with Toyota USA Foundation, Toyota Indiana, North Gibson School Corporation, and the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation to become the Coordinating Partner of the Indiana Driving Possibilities initiative. The initiative includes a grant totaling approximately $2 million.
A global leader in automotive innovation, Toyota announced Driving Possibilities in Indiana in August 2023 to catalyze systemic change within communities and inspire tomorrow’s STEM leaders. In searching for a Coordinating Partner, UE’s commitment to innovation and community engagement, led by its Center for Innovation & Change (CIC), aligned seamlessly with Toyota’s vision for Driving Possibilities.
Toyota USA Foundation then led a year-long co-design process with the CIC to imagine what its role could be in supporting the existing work at NGSC and EVSC. Initial investments aimed at removing barriers to learning were directed at early childhood education, teacher professional development, student mental health and well-being, and initiatives to address chronic student absenteeism. Among many impactful improvements within the last year, Driving Possibilities has funded a new Pre-K learning center and interactive STEM-based playground at Princeton Community Primary School, as well as experiential learning opportunities for students in grades K-12. At Lodge Community School, Driving Possibilities has supported the hiring of a bilingual case manager, provided enhanced teacher professional development, and funded a STEM learning lab.
As a Changemaker Campus, UE has distinguished itself through its innovative approach to education and its dedication to creating positive change within the community. Serving as home to the Evansville Promise Neighborhood, UE has demonstrated its commitment to supporting and uplifting the local community through various initiatives. It is now the only college in the world to be both a Changemaker Campus and host to a Promise Neighborhood.
“Today marks a monumental step forward in our ongoing partnership with Toyota, one that has consistently demonstrated the transformative power of collaboration,” said Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, President of the University of Evansville. “The University of Evansville is proud to continue our shared commitment to creating lasting, positive change in our community. This award is more than just an investment in our university; it’s an investment in the future of our region’s students and educators, underscoring the profound impact that can be achieved when universities, corporate allies, and communities unite towards a common goal.”
In 2022, the Toyota USA Foundation announced Driving Possibilities, a unique initiative that brings together educators, local and national nonprofits, industry, and communities to prepare youth for the careers of tomorrow. Driving Possibilities is designed to invest in systemic change within communities, focusing on areas such as education, mobility, and sustainability. By partnering with the University’s Center for Innovation & Change, Toyota can leverage its proven ability to drive systemic change, and through its leadership of the Evansville Promise Neighborhood, blend and braid resources for wrap-around care in this region.
“Our partnership with UE is a natural one – we both believe in impacting our community for the better, and doing so in innovative ways that are designed by those we serve,” said Tim Hollander, President of Toyota Indiana. “We couldn’t be more excited to see how UE can lend its unique vision for higher education to supporting our K-12 and industry partners in Driving Possibilities.”
UE’s role will be a collaboration between the CIC and the School of Education (SoE). The CIC will lead the initiative through a recently hired Program Manager, Susan Nyberg. Nyberg is a 1991 UE graduate and will manage the overall initiative, get teachers and school staff trained in design thinking, and help build a culture of innovation throughout the Driving Possibilities Indiana partners.
The School of Education will house a brand-new Indiana Next Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC) Design and Innovation Training Studio in partnership with Purdue University and STEM Education Works. The studio will become a hub for training educators on robotics, coding, engineering and science learning modules. The studio will also provide a variety of opportunities for schools, educators, and students to discover new ways to explore design thinking, problem solving, technology, and creative skill sets in order to get kids excited about STEM learning and careers.
The IN-MaC Design and Innovation Training Studio will be managed by a recently hired STEM Coordinator, Adison Young. Adison is a 2020 UE graduate and has taught students in grades K-12 and has a passion for creating equitable access to STEM education and resources for all students and teachers.
For more information about the University of Evansville and Toyota’s Driving Possibilities Initiative, please visit evansville.edu/driving-possibilities and ToyotaEffect.com respectively.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 34 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 30 electrified options.
Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed to creating innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved communities near the company’s U.S. operating sites.
For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
About University of Evansville
The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university located in the southwestern region of Indiana. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and vibrant campus community of changemakers.
Home of the Purple Aces, UE 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.
100 Guys Who Care gifted “Chemo Buddies” with $10,310 donation
At their quarterly meeting, 100 Guys Who Care gifted Chemo Buddies with $10,310, bringing the total philanthropy for the group to over $250,000.
The group comes together quarterly to support local charities. Each man in attendance donates $100 either in cash or a check with the ‘pay to the order of’ line blank. 100 Guys Who Care don’t have a bank account or by-laws; they are just a group of men who collectively make large donations to provide a major boost to local non-profits.
Three non-profit groups are invited to their quarterly meeting to present about their financial needs. The 100 Guys vote on the charity they want to support, and the charity with the most votes gets the entire $10,000 donation.
Field and Main Bank donates $500 to the other two charities and pays for food every quarter.Warrick Humane Society and Gifted received $500 each which will go to their capital building projects.
The $10,000 donation to Chemo Buddies will go a long way toward covering the cost of providing blankets and wigs and supporting the organization’s mission of providing hope to area cancer patients. Chemo Buddies founder Jill Kincaid promised the 100 Guys Who Care that every dollar will be utilized in the local community.
Farm families receive awards
| Farm families receive awards | |||||
| By Wendy McNamara | |||||
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Congratulations to the 104 farms recently honored with Hoosier Homestead awards for being owned and operated by the same family for at least 100 years. Farms owned and operated by the same family for 100, 150 and 200 years can qualify for centennial, sesquicentennial or bicentennial awards. Families were recognized during a ceremony at the Indiana State Fair for their dedication to the state’s agriculture industry. |
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Locally, the Papenmeier Farm (pictured right), in operation since 1923, received a centennial award, and the Friedrich Schaefer Farm, in operation since 1869, received a sesquicentennial award.
Hoosier homestead ceremonies are conducted every spring and summer. The state has honored more than 6,000 farms since the award was established in 1976.[Visit in.gov/isda for more information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program and to nominate a farm.] Agriculture is an integral part of our state’s economic success and so many local families help keep farming traditions alive and well. Congratulations to all the award recipients and I wish you continued success for many more years to come. |
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EVANSVILLE POLICE MERIT COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA
EVANSVILLE POLICE MERIT COMMISSION
MEETING AGENDA
Monday, August 26th, 2024
4:15 p.m. Room 307, Civic Center Complex
- EXECUTIVE SESSION:
- An executive session will be held prior to the open session.
- The executive session is closed as provided by:
- I.C. 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(5): To receive information about and interview prospective employees.
- I.C. 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(6)(A): With respect to any individual over whom the governing body has jurisdiction to receive information concerning the individual’s alleged misconduct.
- I.C. 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(9): To discuss a job performance evaluation of individual employees. This subdivision does not apply to a discussion of the salary, compensation, or benefits of employees during a budget process.
- OPEN SESSION:
- CALL TO ORDER:
- ACKNOWLEDGE GUESTS:
- APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
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- August 8th, 2024 (Johnson-Kincaid, Thompson)
- APPROVAL OF CLAIMS:
- REQUESTS FOR FUNDS:
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- Modification to request to purchase a candidate feedback report for the participants of the 2024 Promotional Process for the Rank of Captain.
- PROBATIONARY OFFICER UPDATE:
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- Update for Probationary Officers in SWILEA and Field Training.
- APPLICANTS:
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- 24-020
- 24-052
- 23-077
- 24-060
- 24-071
- REMINDERS:
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- The next schedule meeting is Monday, September 9th, 2024, at 4:15pm.
- ADJOURNMENT:
USI celebrates award recipients at annual Volunteer USI Recognition Dinner
Volunteer USI celebrated its 2024 award recipients and dedicated volunteer community during the annual Volunteer USI Recognition Dinner on Wednesday, August 21. This year, more than 610 volunteers were invited to celebrate their involvement.
Volunteer USI recognizes three award recipients each year who have contributed outstanding service to USI and/or the community. The award categories recognized are Volunteer of the Year, Mentor of the Year and Student Volunteer of the Year.
Volunteer of the Year – Lauren Perigo ’13 M’24
Perigo graduated magna cum laude in 2013 with degrees in German studies, mathematics and a certificate in accountancy and earned an MBA in 2024, all from USI. She is a Director at Bridge Alternatives in Evansville.
A devoted alumna, Perigo served as a USI Accounting Circle Young Professional from 2019-21. While a member, she supported USI students, faculty, and staff in identifying objectives, strategies, goals, curriculum components and opportunities related to the Accounting and Professional Services Program.
She has used the skills she developed at USI to become a leader in the community. After serving as a board member for the Warrick Humane Society, she saw a need for more engagement between the dogs and the community. In 2019, she created the “Warrick Tails on Trails” program. Each Saturday morning, Perigo coordinates up to 50 volunteers to help dogs get the exercise they need, walking trails in Warrick County.
Her leadership has fostered an inclusive group of volunteers united by their love of animals. Often, dog walkers fall in love with their next family member and adopt a dog because of this program. Tails on Trails continued through the COVID pandemic, offering an opportunity for community members to socialize and exercise at a distance.
One of her five nominators writes, “Lauren’s contributions to USI and the community are a testament to her dedication and passion for making a positive impact on the world. Her volunteer work has not only improved the lives of animals and community members but has also promoted a sense of social responsibility as people learn more about rescuing animals and become advocates themselves.”
Mentor of the Year – Lindsey Mehringer ’10
Mehringer received degrees in radiologic and imaging sciences and health services from USI in 2010. She is a sonographer at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville and is credentialed in abdominal, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatric and vascular sonography. She is one of only 16 people credentialed in all four of these specialties in Indiana.
Mehringer has significantly impacted USI and the greater community through her mentoring activities. As a clinical preceptor at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville, she is responsible for coordinating clinical educational experience and communicating with the sonography faculty at USI. She graciously works with sonography students each semester, which allows the sonography program to provide quality clinical educational experience for its students.
She mentored 13 diagnostic medical sonography students in the past year, devoting more time than anyone else in the program.
Overseeing these students requires a substantial time commitment. Sonography students participate in clinical education for eight-hour shifts, three to four days per week. She does this in addition to her responsibilities as the department’s lead sonographer, which includes scanning patients, assisting the radiologists in performing invasive procedures, and creating work and call schedules. Lindsey has been instrumental in the sonography program’s national certification exam pass rate of 100%. She also has served as adjunct faculty for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.
Her nominator writes, “Lindsey is an alumna of the program of which she now serves as a mentor. This makes her an ideal teacher and role model as she has experienced the exact same educational journey as her mentees and is able to empathize with them in their struggles and triumphs.”
Student Volunteer of the Year – Tamia Smith
Smith is a senior psychology major with three minors: Africana studies, sociology and Spanish.
She is highly respected among her peers and is known throughout the campus community for the relationships she has built during her time at USI.
Smith joined the Student Ambassador Organization during the Spring Semester of her freshman year. Her work with this organization has been vital to the University’s recruitment efforts. In her first semester as an Ambassador, she was recognized as the Top New Member for her outstanding volunteer efforts, having donated more time to the program than any other Ambassador. For the past two years, she has been recognized as the Top Overall Ambassador. Smith is quick to provide extra tours to groups visiting campus.
As current President of the Student Government Association, she dedicates time to ensuring students have a voice on campus. One of her main goals for the 2024-25 academic year is to continue creating diverse spaces for students of all races, ethnicities, genders and sexualities to be seen and heard.
As a mentor for the Emerging Leaders program, Smith helped future campus leaders harness their strengths and identify ways to create a positive impact on our campus. She also assisted with coordinating social events, a retreat and a ceremony for graduating members. She planned weekly leadership sessions for 40 first-year students, all in addition to mentoring participants and attending weekly meetings.
In addition to these volunteer efforts, Smith is involved in USI’s Riley Dance Marathon, serves as an Orientation Leader for incoming new students and participates in the Black Student Union.
Her nominator writes, “Tamia exemplifies our culture of care on campus in her interactions with families as a Student Ambassador. During large scale events, Tamia is often one of the last Ambassadors to leave because as she is so engaged with the families; she ensures all their questions are answered and they have seen everything they want to see. She truly understands what it means to support her community and finds ways that set a positive example for all students on campus.”
Board of School Trustees of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation Meeting
The Board of School Trustees of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation will meet for the regularly scheduled Board meeting Monday, August 26, 2024 at 5:30 PM in the Board Room of the EVSC Administration Building located at 951 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN. Board meetings can also be observed by tuning to EVSC’s radio station, 90.7 WPSR or live streamed online at https://www.wpsrhd.com/.
As previously advertised, the Board of School Trustees will also hold two (2) Public Hearings to take public testimony from Vanderburgh County residents regarding the following: Building Projects for the General Obligation Bond 2024B and Site Projects for the General Obligation Bond 2024B.
Prior to the regularly scheduled Board meeting, three members of the Board, along with district administrators, will hold a Town Hall beginning at 5:00 PM. This Town Hall is for Vanderburgh County residents to speak directly with Board members in attendance about issues involving EVSC schools. The Town Hall will be held in the Technology and Innovation Center located at 951 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN. Members of the public who would like to attend the Town Hall should register by completing the Town Hall Registration Form located on our website at district.evscschools.com.
HELL HATH NO FURY!
GAVEL GAMUT
By Jim Redwine
www.jamesmredwine.com
(Week of 26 August 2024)
HELL HATH NO FURY!
Abigail Adams (1744-1818) was the wife of our second president, John Adams, and the mother of our sixth, John Quincy Adams. She wielded great influence over both but could not secure for women the right to vote. Her effort in the cause of female rights is exemplified by the following excerpt from one of her numerous letters to John while he was deeply involved in the Continental Congress:
“- I long to hear that you have declared an independency [from Great Britain] – and by the way in the new Code of Laws [The Declaration of Independence and new Articles of the Confederation] which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies we are determined to foment a Rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice or Representation.” (April 1776)
A mere 144 years later most American women who were twenty-one years or older got the right to vote when the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920. However, in the meantime there was hell to pay for a lot of people who forgot the aphorism, “Hell Hath No Fury Like Women Scorned!” (from a 1697 English play by William Congreve, 1670-1729). Perhaps John Adams and his fellow Founding Fathers, they were all men at the Continental Convention, should have listened. Perhaps they might have saved the United States 144 years of angst and saved themselves many nights on the couch.
It is not as if women, and a lot of men too, were not struggling mightily for many years to give females equality. Such courageous heroines as Dolly Madison (1768-1849), Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-1902) and Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) were marching lecturing, writing and enduring social, political and even physical danger in the cause of female suffrage. And in my own family my grandmother, who had no right to vote until she was well beyond 21, instilled in my mother, who well remembered when women could not vote, the debt she and other women owed to those pioneers. The best way to repay it was to exercise their dearly bought franchise. My 87-year-old sister Janie was imbued with this burning ardor as is my wife, Peg, who is not 87 but whose dearly departed mother lit that same flame in her.
My sister is a testament to how sacred many women, and many men also, hold the right to vote. Janie has been diagnosed with a slowly progressing but debilitating illness that many would have called uncle to before now. However, I am confident nothing will prevent her from participating in an election that might result in our first female president. Hillary Clinton won the popular vote that I bet included Janie’s. But she and her distaff cohorts now have another chance. I have no doubt my beloved, and committed sister will make it to November 05 and, hopefully well beyond, the medical folks are of the opinion that they have no opinion. “It will be what it will be”, they say.
I think it may turn out that Peg’s mother, my mother and even our grandmothers and great grandmothers, all of whom have gone onto their rewards, may find some way to join Janie and Peg at the polls November 05, 2024, only 248 years after Abigail’s entreaty to John. Of course, many will exercise their rights in support of their contemporary female hopefuls but many women will vote for men on the ticket. And many men will freely vote for the fairer sex but will also support the men on the ballots.
In other words, gender will no longer be, and should never have been, a determining factor in either choosing a candidate or having the right to make such a choice. Congratulations to all of us for no longer basing our vital political selections on sex, no matter what that designation may be. Abigail should be beaming wherever she is.
For more Gavel Gamut articles go to www.jamesmredwine.com
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.
USI Volleyball projected to finish 6th in OVC
EVANSVILLE, Ind.- University of Southern Indiana Volleyball is projected to finish sixth in the Ohio Valley Conference Preseason Poll voted by the conference’s head coaches’ and sport communicators.
The conference returns all 11 OVC schools from the 2023 season. The schedule features an 18-game conference slate nine home, nine away playing nine OVC squads twice. The regular season champion hosts the OVC tournament to culminate the seasons efforts in an eight-team single elimination tournament.
Following a second-place finish in 2023, Southeast Missouri State University was picked to finish first in the preseason poll. The Redhawks received 167 total votes and six first-place votes. The 2023 regular season and tournament champions, Eastern Illinois University were selected right behind SEMO with 166 total votes and five first-place votes. Morehead State University also received five first-place votes coming in at third with 163 total votes. Morehead State was eliminated by the Eagles last year in the OVC tournament quarterfinals.
Tennessee Tech University returns multiple key returners including two on the All-OVC Preseason team. The Golden Eagles earned 153 total votes along with four first-place votes to place fourth. Lindenwood University also earned two All-OVC Preseason team members. The Lions are projected just above USI at fifth with 145 total votes and one first-place vote.
After a vastly improved 2023 conference season making it to the conference semifinals, the Screaming Eagles earned 97 total votes at sixth-place. USI returns four of the six starters from 2023, looking to rely on key returners to step up, along with the addition of two freshman and two key transfers. Rounding out the final five is University of Tennessee at Martin (84), Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (83, one first-place vote), Western Illinois University (74), University of Arkansas at Little Rock (51), and Tennessee State University (29).
As part of the OVC’s preseason announcement, junior middle hitter Bianca Anderson (Chicago Heights, Illinois) represented USI on the 2024 OVC Volleyball Preseason Players to Watch List. Anderson looks to continue to improve, stepping into a bigger role in 2024. The middle hitter nearly doubled her production in 2023 collecting 244 kills, 63 blocks, along with leading the team in hitting percentage at .259.
USI kicks off the season with three straight road invitationals, matching up with three different schools at each invite. The Eagles open the season traveling to Bradley University (Aug. 30-31), University of Florida (Sep. 6-8), and Indiana University (Sep. 13-14). The squad returns to town to play at University of Evansville (Sep. 17), before their home opening weekend in a re-match with UE (Sep. 20), along with a battle against Indiana University Indianapolis (Sep. 21). USI starts conference play hosting SEMO on back-to-back days (Sep. 27-28).
2024 OVC Soccer Predicted Order of Finish
(as voted on by the league’s head coaches and communication directors)
1. Southeast Missouri (6) – 167
2. Eastern Illinois (5) – 164
3. Morehead State (5) – 163
4. Tennessee Tech (4) – 153
5. Lindenwood (1) – 145
6. Southern Indiana – 97
7. UT Martin – 84
8. SIUE – (1) 83
9. Western Illinois – 74
10. Little Rock – 51
11. Tennessee State – 27
2024 OVC Players to Watch
Kaitlyn Flynn, Eastern Illinois
Allie Otten, Lindenwood
Bella Cherry, Little Rock
Peighton Isley, Morehead State
Sydney Hummert, SIUE
Abby Johnson, Southeast Missouri
Bianca Anderson, Southern Indiana
Sagaia Reilly, Tennessee State
Mallory Jenkins, Tennessee Tech
Dylan Mott, UT Martin
Maggie Craker, Western Illinois