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Seven Eagles earn All-GLVC honors

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USI continues GLVC title defense this weekend

University of Southern Indiana Women’s Soccer had a program-record seven Screaming Eagles named All-Great Lakes Valley Conference in a release today as it prepares for its conference title defense this weekend.

The record-breaking All-GLVC class was highlighted by sophomore forward Morgan Beyer, senior forward Maggie Winter, senior midfielder Taylor McCormick, and senior defender Madelyne Juenger being named to the first-team. Sophomore midfielder Jill DiTusa was named to the second-team, while the All-GLVC honors were rounded out by junior midfielder Katlyn Andres and sophomore forward Maya Etienne being awarded third-team honors.

Beyer, who earned her first All-GLVC honor, led the Eagles in scoring this spring with 16 points on a team-high seven goals and two assists. The seven goals included two game-winners and she tied a USI single-match record with three goals in the victory over Missouri University of Science & Technology.

Winter picked up her second All-GLVC honor after earning a second-team honor in 2018. The senior forward follows Beyer in the scoring column with 15 points on four goals, including a team-high three game-winners, and tied for a team-high with seven assists.

McCormick is selected for her first All-GLVC award after posting nine points on one goal and tied for the team-lead with seven assists. She also received the James R. Spalding Sportsmanship nomination from USI.

Juenger becomes the second Eagle in the history of the program to be named All-GLVC four times, including three first-team honors. The four-time All-GLVC performer led the USI defense to a team 0.53 goals against average (GAA), allowing eight goals in 15 matches, and had five points on one goal, the game-winner versus Quincy University, and three assists.

The All-GLVC second team featured DiTusa, who earned her first conference honor. She was fourth on the team in scoring with 11 points on five goals, including the game-winning tally versus Maryville University, and one assist.

Andres and Etienne are named the third team after the COVID-19, conference-only spring schedule. Andres earned All-GLVC honors for the second-straight season after posting 13 points on three goals and tied for the team lead with seven assists.

Etienne receives her first All-GLVC award after leading the Eagles to an 11-3-1 and a 0.53 GAA. She also has nine shutouts this year, two shy of tying the single-season record she set in 2019.

USI All-GLVC honorees and the third-seeded Eagles (11-3-1) continue their conference title defense Friday when they take on second-seeded University of Indianapolis (11-3-1) at 5 p.m. in the GLVC Tournament semifinals. The GLVC Tournament semifinals and championship game are being played at Lindenwood University’s Hunter Stadium in St. Charles, Missouri.

The Eagles advanced to the GLVC semifinals after posting a 3-1 victory at home over Rockhurst University, while Greyhounds scored a goal with 12 seconds remaining to defeat Truman State University in double-overtime, 1-0. The winner of the USI-UIndy contest Friday advances to play the winner of top-seeded McKendree University (11-2-1) and fifth-seeded Quincy University (7-4-3) Sunday at 3 p.m. in St. Charles.

Chandler Man Arrested after Multi-County Chase

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Posey County – Last night at approximately 11:30, Trooper Zack Fulton was patrolling SR 62 when he stopped the driver of a 2003 Pontiac near Carson School Road for a headlight violation. The driver was identified as Cody McCool, 29, of Chandler. During the traffic stop, McCool displayed signs of impairment. While field sobriety tests were being conducted, McCool refused to follow directions and then quickly got back into his vehicle and fled westbound on SR 62 into Mt. Vernon where he traveled down several city streets before driving east on SR 62. A Posey County Sheriff’s Deputy deployed stop sticks on SR 62 near Caborn Road, but McCool traveled off the south side of the roadway to avoid the stop sticks. McCool also drove toward the sheriff’s deputy narrowly missing him before re-entering the highway and continuing east on SR 62 into Vanderburgh County. McCool was traveling at approximately 60 mph. Two sets of stop sticks were successfully deployed on SR 62 near Shuttle Road and on SR 66 near Fielding Road. McCool’s vehicle continued to travel east on SR 66 into Warrick County with damaged tires. McCool is now driving at approximately 30-40 mph before continuing north on SR 261 into Boonville and then west on SR 62 toward Chandler. McCool is now driving on four rims and traveling approximately 40-60 mph. When McCool drove north on State Street in Chandler, he lost control and crashed into a ditch at Monroe Avenue. McCool immediately exited his vehicle and fled on foot. He was located approximately six minutes later in the 500 block of Idaho Street by a Warrick County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit, but he continued to resist arrest and was tased by Indiana State Police. McCool was arrested without further incident. He was taken to Deaconess Gateway Hospital for minor injuries and then transported to the Posey County Jail where he is currently being held on bond.

Arrested and Charges:

  • Cody McCool, 29, Chandler, IN
  1. Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon (Vehicle), Level 6 Felony
  2. Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle, Level 6 Felony
  3. Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor
  4. Reckless Driving, Class C Misdemeanor
  5. Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated-Refusal, Class C Misdemeanor

Arresting Officer: Trooper Zack Fulton, Indiana State Police

Assisting Agencies: Mt. Vernon Police, Posey County Sheriff’s Office, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, Evansville Police, Newburgh Police, Chandler Police and Warrick County Sheriff’s Office

USI Softball salvages DH split with KWC

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University of Southern Indiana Softball salvaged a Midwest Region doubleheader split with former Great Lakes Valley Conference foe Kentucky Wesleyan College Wednesday afternoon at the USI Softball Field.

The Screaming Eagles (12-17) earned a 7-1 win in the nightcap after falling, 9-8, in nine innings in the opener.

Senior outfielder Alicia Webb (Elberfeld, Indiana) went a combined 4-for-8 at the dish with a triple and five RBI to pace the Eagles’ offensively. Sophomore shortstop Jordan Rager (Fishers, Indiana) also was 4-for-8 with a pair of triples and three RBI, while freshman outfielder Mackenzi Bedrick (Brownsburg, Indiana) went 5-for-9 with an RBI, stolen base and four runs scored.

Game 1: KWC 9, USI 8 (9 inn.)
USI committed five errors and gave up nine unearned runs in a 9-8, extra inning loss in the opener.

The Eagles struck first in the bottom of the first inning when Rager hit an RBI-triple to right-centerfield to score Bedrick. Webb followed with an RBI-single and USI led 2-0 after an inning of play.

KWC (11-18), however, sent 12 batters to the plate in the top of the third inning as the Panthers had six hits and took advantage of three USI errors to score seven times to take a commanding five-run lead.

USI quickly responded in the last half of the inning as Webb, freshman first baseman Lexi Fair (Greenwood, Indiana) and sophomore second baseman Rachel Martinez (Chicago, Illinois) all had RBI-singles to cut USI’s deficit to 7-5 after three frames.

After three scoreless innings, USI got a sacrifice fly from sophomore catcher/designated player Sammie Kihega (Greenfield, Indiana) to push a run across the plate. On the play, however, KWC sophomore centerfielder Meryck Hardley had a throwing error, allowing the tying run to cross the plate and send the game into extra innings.

With the international tiebreaker rule being used, neither team was able to push across a run in the eighth inning. It looked as if the Eagles were going to get out of the ninth inning unscathed as well, but a throw from junior pitcher Elissa Brown (Brownsburg, Indiana) to first base that would have registered the third out sailed wide and off the end of the Fair’s glove, allowing two runs to score and giving the Panthers a 9-7 lead.

USI capitalized on the international tiebreaker rule in the ninth as Bedrick had a one-out, RBI-single to push across a run before making it to second on another error. USI, however, could not push the tying run across the plate as Rager popped up to second base for the second out and Webb struck swinging after hitting a monstrous foul ball down the leftfield line that would have given USI the win had it been fair.

Brown (1-2) took the loss in a relief effort after giving up two unearned runs off three hits in 6.1 innings of work. Senior pitcher Bailey Woodall (3-6) earned the win after giving up eight runs, six earned, off 13 hits in 9.0 innings of action.

Game 2: USI 7, KWC 1
USI got a strong pitching performance from sophomore pitcher Allie Goodin (Evansville, Indiana) and another strong team performance at the plate en route to the 7-1 win in the nightcap.

Goodin (7-5) gave up just one run off three hits and three walks, while striking out eight batters to earn the complete-game victory. She gave the Eagles a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning after Fair was hit by a pitch to begin the frame. Martinez followed with a double and Goodin’s RBI-single put USI up 1-0.

KWC responded with a tally in the third inning and the score was tied a 1-1 after three complete.

Rager’s two-out triple in the bottom of the fourth inning put the Eagles up 3-1. USI tacked on four more tallies in the sixth as a three-run triple by Webb was followed by an RBI by Kihega.

In all, the Eagles racked up 11 hits in the game, including two hits apiece from Rager, Webb, Martinez and Goodin.

Senior pitcher Evyn Hendrickson (7-8) took the loss for the Panthers after giving up seven runs off 11 hits in 6.0 innings of work.

Up Next
USI travels to Rolla, Missouri, to take on Missouri University of Science & Technology in a GLVC doubleheader Saturday at noon. The Eagles conclude their regular-season road schedule Sunday at noon when the visit Maryville University for a conference doubleheader in St. Louis, Missouri.

Aces launch four homers in doubleheader split

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UE walks off game two

 EVANSVILLE, Ind. – After Indiana State opened Wednesday’s doubleheader with a 6-3 win, the University of Evansville softball team erupted for 12 runs in the finale to split the doubleheader with a 12-4 triumph at Cooper Stadium.

Eryn Gould finished the doubleheader with two home runs while hitting .714.  Included in that was a 4-for-4 effort in game two.  Marah Wood and Katie McLean each had three hits over the course of the doubleheader while McLean and Mea Adams added home runs for UE (19-17, 7-10 MVC).

 Game 1

Izzy Vetter sat the Sycamores (16-20, 9-8 MVC) down in order to open the game before Eryn Gould hit the second pitch she saw out of the park for her 8th home run of the season.  In the third, Indiana State countered when Mycaela Miller hit a solo homer to tie it up.  They threatened as the inning moved along, but stranded the bases loaded.  ISU had another chance with two on base in the fourth, but Izzy Vetter pitched out of the jam.

 

Vetter’s work paid off in the bottom half of the frame when Katie McLean hit a home run to deep center field.  Sycamore centerfielder Olivia Patton came within inches of making the catch, but in the end, it was a 2-run homer to put Evansville back on top.  Just as they did earlier in the game, the Sycamores had an answer when Annie Tokarek homered in the 6th to knot the score at 3-3.  In the top of the seventh, Amanda Guercio gave ISU the lead with an RBI single to center.  The Sycamores added two more in the frame and held on for the 6-3 win. Tokarek had two hits and three RBI to lead ISU while McLean and Gould had the homers for UE.  Vetter gave up six runs on nine hits while striking out seven.

 

Game 2

Similar to game one, the Aces found the scoreboard first.  After Eryn Gould led the game off with a hit, she came home on a stand-up double from Marah Wood.  Katie McLean also had an RBI hit in the inning to give UE a 2-0 advantage.  Bella Coffey added an RBI double in the second to tack on another run.  With one out, Gould picked up her second hit of the game and second home run of the doubleheader to push the edge to 5-0.

 

Indiana State got on the board with a run in the fourth before a double down the right field line by Amanda Guercio cut the UE lead to 5-3 an inning later.  Just when it looked like Indiana State had the momentum, Mea Adams took it away with one swing.  Her 2-run shot extended the lead back to four runs.  After ISU scored one in the sixth, Evansville’s offense continued to put the pressure on as Jessica Fehr had an RBI triple while Marah Wood added a run scoring single.  That started the Aces on a 5-run rally that put an end to the contest in walk-off fashion as a bases-loaded single by Haley Woolf capped off a 12-4 win.  The 12 runs was the second-most for the Aces this season – just behind 13 against Alabama State on February 20.

 

Pitching five frames, Jaime Nurrenbern earned her sixth win of the season.  She allowed three earned runs on five hits.  Erin Kleffman tossed the final inning, with an unearned run crossing the plate.  Gould was 4-4 in the game while Wood added three hits.  Fehr, McLean and Adams registered two hits apiece.

 

Home play continues this weekend when Evansville welcomes Illinois State for three games starting with a doubleheader on Saturday.

 

VANDERBURGH COUNTY RECENT BOOKING RECORDS

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https://www.vanderburghsheriff.com/jail-recent-booking-records.aspx

State Budget Seizes The Day With Massive Investment In Education

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State Budget Seizes The Day With Massive Investment In Education

April 22, 2021  
Posted by:

By Alexa Shrake 

TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS—Gov. Eric Holcomb and state legislative leaders on Tuesday announced a final version of the state budget for the next two years, which includes increased funding for teacher pay, broadband and mental health.

“I think we’re living in a rare time,” Holcomb said. “We’re going to seize the day.”

Last week after the General Assembly learned of the revenue forecast that brought in $2 billion more than expected, the budget proposal was adjusted to make use of that extra money.

House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, discusses more funding for schools in the state budget at a press conference Tuesday. Photo by Alexa Shrake, The Statehouse File.

Rep. Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne, said he expected recovery after this past year in which the state had to use some of its financial reserves due to pandemic-related shortfalls in revenue.

“We are looking at a very different picture now than we were last year,” GiaQuinta said in a statement. “Indiana House Democrats expect this to be addressed in the budget with more support allotted to our local public schools, early childhood education, food banks, and public and mental health initiatives.”

The $37.4 billion state budget has a main focus on education. Indiana plans to spend half of the state budget on K-12 schools over the next two years, investing in teacher pay and recommending to local school districts a starting teacher salary of $40,000 a year. About $1 billion will go to tuition support scholarships and learning loss grants.

“Our state budget is a historic win for Hoosier students, teachers and families,” House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, said in a statement.

Huston said the recommendation for teacher pay came directly out of the state’s recent Teacher Pay Commission report.

One of the ongoing debates this session has been how much to give the state’s voucher program and charter schools compared to public schools. The first version of the budget primarily gave vouchers and charter schools funding and didn’t explicitly address teacher pay for public schools.

This past year, Hoosiers have experienced challenges due to a lack of internet access. The state plans to address that by spending $250 million on broadband improvements.

“Being connected is no longer a luxury, it is essential,” Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch said.

Other budget items 

As of 2020, Indiana’s unemployment rate was at 7.1%. In hope of bringing that down, the state plans to spend $500 million on the state unemployment fund.

Holcomb said $900 million will go to future infrastructure, but no specific project.

There will be $110 million for building project debt and $192 million for road debt.

“We’re paying down debt and avoiding future debt,” Holcomb said. “So when the rain does come, we’re in an even stronger position.”

The budget will restore mental health funds to previous levels as well as putting an additional $100 million toward mental health grants.

“Rather than create future obligations, we are creating flexibility for the state moving forward so that our state can continue to thrive and provide opportunities for all Hoosiers in Indiana,” Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville, said in a statement.

The budget still needs to go through the conference committee and be voted on by both the House and Senate Wednesday, which is expected to be the last day before the temporary adjournment of the legislative session.

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

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Braun Growing Climate Solutions Act Reintroduced

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Braun Growing Climate Solutions Act Reintroduced

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN), Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) reintroduced the bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act, which will break down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate-smart practices. The bill has broad, bipartisan support from over 60 leading agricultural and environmental organizations.

Cosponsoring the Growing Climate Solutions Act are Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR), and Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Angus King (I-ME), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Todd Young (R-IN), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Ron Wyden (R-OR), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY).

“As a Main Street entrepreneur and conservationist, I know firsthand that if we want to address our changing climate then we need to facilitate real solutions that our farmers, environmentalists, and industry can all support, which this bill accomplishes by breaking down barriers for farmers and foresters interested in participating in carbon markets so they can be rewarded for climate-smart practices,” said Senator Braun.

“Addressing the climate crisis is one of the most urgent challenges we face and our farmers and foresters are an important part of the solution,” said Senator Stabenow, Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. “The bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act is a win-win for farmers, our economy and for our environment. Our bill is a perfect example of how we can work across the aisle and find common ground to address a critical issue affecting all of us and our future.”

“As Americans, we have the ability to come up with climate solutions that can benefit our economy and our way of life,” said Senator Graham. “The United States has long been a leader in innovation. This legislation is an opportunity to put our knowledge and can-do spirit to work to promote business opportunities for the agriculture industry while promoting the protection of our environment.”

“Farmers and foresters are seeing firsthand the effects of climate change on their livelihoods, and I’m glad to have them at the table working on solutions,” said Senator Whitehouse.  “We will need nature-based solutions like the ones this bill seeks to incentivize in order to rapidly get to net zero emissions, as science tells us we must.”

“I appreciate the collaborative approach Chairwoman Stabenow and Senator Braun took in developing this bill. As a result of their hard work and their openness to input, the Growing Climate Solutions Act is poised to help our farmers, ranchers and private forest landowners benefit from becoming a greater part of our climate solution. American agriculture has already made great strides in reducing its environmental footprint while growing even more efficient. The Growing Climate Solutions Act will help empower farmers, ranchers and private forest landowners to build on that progress in a manner that rewards them for their efforts,” Senator Boozman said.

“AFBF welcomes the introduction of the Growing Climate Solutions Act, which builds on the strong foundation of environmental stewardship in American agriculture by providing more clarity and guidance for farmers and ranchers as they explore or expand participation in carbon markets. This bill is evidence lawmakers can come together in a bipartisan manner to find solutions to environmental challenges while respecting the role of farmers and ranchers as they feed families around the globe. I commend Sens. Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Braun (R-Ind.) for working with Ranking Member Boozman (R-Ark.) to introduce an improved Growing Climate Solutions Act,” said Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

“The Growing Climate Solutions Act is the first major piece of bipartisan legislation to help ensure farmers, ranchers and foresters benefit from reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and building climate resilience. Agriculture has a great opportunity to measurably contribute to climate solutions, from cutting emissions of nitrous oxide, methane and carbon dioxide, to storing carbon. EDF commends the bill’s co-sponsors for seeing this potential and paving the way for farmers to be part of the solution,” said Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President of Political Affairs at Environmental Defense Fund.

“Passage of the Growing Climate Solutions Act would be a big win for agriculture, conservation and the climate. Farmers, ranchers and forest landowners are critical to helping combat climate change, but they need a straightforward way to tap revenue streams for implementing climate-friendly practices. This bill would help ensure producers are recognized and rewarded for the role they play. We are grateful to the sponsors for working across the aisle to support natural climate solutions and address the climate challenge,” said Lynn Scarlett, Chief External Affairs Officer, The Nature Conservancy.

“Farmers, at their core, are businessmen, but they are also conservationists and they are also environmentalists. Farmers want to do the right thing for their farms, their ranches, so that they can sustain those operations, not just over their lifetime, but over generations. This Act gives us the opportunity to do those things and have some guidance and direction in what practices are good for the environment and there is an economic benefit for doing those particular things,” said Brent Bible, Indiana corn and soybean farmer

“McDonald’s is committed to working collaboratively with our suppliers and agricultural producers to achieve our science-based climate commitments. The Growing Climate Solutions Act takes important steps toward supporting voluntary carbon credit markets that enhance assistance for farmers and ranchers that use climate-smart agricultural practices.  We advocate for incentives, recognition and rewards for agriculture operations that quantifiably deliver positive environmental impacts and foster agriculture’s unique ability to act as a climate solution.  McDonald’s appreciates Senators Braun and Stabenow’s leadership to introduce common-sense climate policy that benefits both agriculture producers and the environment,” said Marion Gross, McDonald’s Chief Supply Chain Officer, North America.

“Families and individuals, who make up 36% of US forests, are already making an essential contribution toward mitigating climate change, but with appropriate incentives—could double the amount of carbon sequestered. We are extremely grateful to Senators Stabenow and Braun for advancing bipartisan legislation that helps remove the technical barriers for market entry to perform sustainable management practices that provide additional climate benefits,” said Tom Martin, President and CEO of the American Forest Foundation.

“The reintroduction of the Growing Climate Solutions Act continues bipartisan leadership and momentum to support voluntary approaches to help producers participate in new marketplace opportunities. This legislation is an important step toward developing the building blocks for supporting ecosystem markets and establishing stewardship as a viable revenue stream for producers, and we look forward to continuing to support the Committee as the bill moves forward,” said Jason Weller, President of Truterra, LLC, the sustainability business and subsidiary of Land O’Lakes, Inc.

“The bipartisan Growing Climate Solutions Act recognizes farmers, agribusinesses and rural communities as key allies in the fight against climate change. Our agriculture sector brings the cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurial spirit needed to help tackle this historic challenge. We appreciate Senator Debbie Stabenow and Senator Mike Braun for leading a bipartisan proposal to reward agricultural innovation, amplify climate solutions that start on America’s farms, and spark new market opportunities for agriculture,” said Chuck Lippstreu, President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association.

The Growing Climate Solutions Act creates a certification program at USDA to help solve technical entry barriers that prevent farmer and forest landowner participation in carbon credit markets. These issues – including access to reliable information about markets and access to qualified technical assistance providers and credit protocol verifiers – have limited both landowner participation and the adoption of practices that help reduce the costs of developing carbon credits.

To address this, bill establishes a Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Certification Program through which USDA will be able to provide transparency, legitimacy, and informal endorsement of third-party verifiers and technical service providers that help private landowners generate carbon credits through a variety of agriculture and forestry-related practices. The USDA certification program will ensure that these assistance providers have agriculture and forestry expertise, which is lacking in the current marketplace. As part of the program, USDA will administer a new website, which will serve as a “one stop shop” of information and resources for producers and foresters who are interested in participating in carbon markets.

Through the program, USDA will help connect landowners to private sector actors who can assist the landowners in implementing the protocols and monetizing the climate value of their sustainable practices. Third-party entities, certified under the program, will be able to claim the status of a “USDA Certified” technical assistance provider or verifier. The USDA certification lowers barriers to entry in the credit markets by reducing confusion and improving information for farmers looking to implement practices that capture carbon, reduce emissions, improve soil health, and make operations more sustainable.

Today, many third-party groups are developing protocols and testing methods to calculate emissions reduction and sequestration in agriculture and forestry. The landscape is evolving rapidly. The Growing Climate Solutions Act recognizes this fact and provides the Secretary with a robust advisory council composed of agriculture experts, scientists, producers, and others. The advisory council shall advise the Secretary and ensure that the certification program remains relevant, credible, and responsive to the needs of farmers, forest landowners, and carbon market participants alike.

Finally, the bill instructs USDA to produce a report to Congress to advise about the further development of this policy area including barriers to market entry, challenges raised by farmers and forest landowners, market performance, and suggestions on where USDA can make a positive contribution to the further adoption of voluntary carbon sequestration practices in agriculture and forestry.

 

Holcomb Signs Five Next Level Agenda Bills

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Holcomb

The Governor Also Signed An Executive Order To Promote Pregnancy Accommodations

INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Eric J. Holcomb offered the following statements after signing five of his Next Level Agenda bills and one executive order.

Broadband Development – HEA 1449

Authored by Rep. Edmond Soliday, Sponsored by Sen. Eric Koch

“In the 21st century, high quality, affordable broadband is essential to the success of all Hoosiers and our state. I have been dedicated to improving internet access for years, and now COVID has only made the need more apparent. Our current $100 million Next Level Broadband Grant Program is the largest single state investment in broadband, and by expanding this innovative program more Hoosiers will have access to affordable, quality connectivity regardless of where they live, work or go to school.”

Driving Privileges – HEA 1199

Authored by Rep. Wendy McNamara, Sponsored by Sen. Mark Messmer

“A key piece of my Next Level Agenda is removing barriers for Hoosiers to reinstate their driver’s license if the suspension was for non-traffic related reasons, such as failure to pay a fines or fees. Possessing a valid driver’s license is nearly essential for Hoosiers to remain employed in today’s workforce, and the suspensions have a bigger impact on low-income populations, rural residents, and ex-offenders. Allowing Hoosiers the opportunity to get back on the road safely and lawfully by introducing productive reforms helps individuals and employers.”

Electronic Meetings and Signatures – HEA 1437

Authored by Rep. Anthony Cook, Sponsored by Sen. Linda Rogers

“The pandemic has caused everyone to rethink how business is done. By modernizing our laws to allow virtual options for the meetings of boards, commissions, and local government bodies, we grow and improve public access. This law carries forward rules under current pandemic executive orders by permanently allowing fully electronic participation in the case of an officially declared emergency with appropriate guardrails to prevent abuse and ensure transparency.”

Pregnancy Accommodations – HEA 1309

Authored by Rep. Karen Engleman, Sponsored by Sen. Ron Alting

“While I have pushed for different language to become law in each of the last two sessions, I agree with members from both sides of the aisle that voted in favor of the bill as a step forward in assisting pregnant women in the workforce. I’ll always be looking for ways to continue making progress on this and every other front when it comes to removing barriers in the workplace.”

Accommodations for Pregnant State Employees – Executive Order 21-10

In addition to HEA 1309, Gov. Holcomb signed an executive order today that applies to all executive branch state agencies.

“While state agencies already make reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees, outlining expectations regarding this topic in this executive order provides greater clarity for both agency leadership and agency employees. It is not only important, but fair, to delineate clearly, and an in accessible manner, reasonable accommodations that can be implemented without undue hardship. I also want to encourage pregnant state employees to seek reasonable accommodations, and we want to guide agency management into implementing the appropriate accommodations. Strongly promoting the implementation of pregnancy accommodations will assist the state in recruiting and retaining a skilled and talented workforce.”

Telehealth Matters – SEA 3

Authored by Sen. Ed Charbonneau, Sponsored by Rep. Shane Lindauer

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hoosiers used telehealth services more than ever before, letting them receive quality care safely in the comfort of their homes. Telehealth is a win for everyone – care providers have fewer missed visits, patients reduce their travel time for care, and public health improves. Telehealth increases healthcare access and improves health outcomes, and I am proud to say that with the signing of SEA 3 these services are here in Indiana to stay.”

Click here to read more about Gov. Holcomb’s 2021 Next Level Agenda.

The governor signed a total of 5 bills today. You can view more details at the 2021 Bill Watch webpage: https://www.in.gov/gov/newsroom/2021-bill-watch/

EPA Awards $10.5 Million to Clean Up 473 School Buses in 40 States

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First DERA Funds for Alt-Fuel and Electric Buses Offered

WASHINGTON (April 20, 2021) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded approximately $10.5 million to replace 473 older diesel school buses. The funds are going to 137 school bus fleets in 40 states, each of which will receive rebates through EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding. The new buses will reduce pollutants that are linked to asthma and lung damage, better-protecting health and air quality in communities across the country.

“The rebates provide children with a safe and healthy way to get to school by upgrading older diesel engines in our nation’s school buses,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, EPA is equipping local school districts with cleaner-running buses, helping them along the route to healthier kids and communities.”

Yesterday, Vice President Kamala Harris and Administrator Regan toured the Thomas Built Buses manufacturing plant in High Point, NC, which produces electric school buses.

“I always take immense pride in seeing the positive impact that DERA continues to have across this country,” said Senate Environment and Public Works Chair Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE). “By replacing dirty diesel engines with cleaner American-made alternatives, DERA allows communities to breathe easier while also supporting manufacturing jobs here at home. DERA is also proof that Congress can come together to pass lasting solutions that are good for our planet. I’m thrilled that EPA is awarding nearly 500 school bus replacements today—several of them electric for the first time—because of our recent bipartisan reauthorization of this program. With President Biden in the White House and Michael Regan at the helm of EPA, I’m excited for the opportunity to grow programs like DERA that strengthen our economy and address the climate crisis.”

The 2020 Rebates are the first year in which EPA is offering additional funds for alt-fuel and electric bus replacements. This year, five fleets plan to replace 16 old diesel buses with electric buses. Applicants scrapping and replacing diesel buses with engine model years 2006 and older will receive rebates between $20,000 and $65,000 per bus, depending on the fuel type of the replacement bus. EPA has implemented standards to make newer diesel engines more than 90 percent cleaner, but many older diesel school buses are still operating. These older diesel engines emit large amounts of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are linked to instances of aggravated asthma, and other health effects or illnesses that can lead to missed days of work or school.

Since 2008, the DERA program has funded more than 1,300 projects across the country, reducing diesel emissions in more than 70,000 engines. A comprehensive list of the 2020 DERA School Bus Rebate recipients can be found at https://www.epa.gov/dera/awarded-dera-rebates.

New Harmony Announces Festivals In Utopia Season Of Events.

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New Harmony Announces Festivals In Utopia Season Of Events.

The New Harmony Business Associates Education and Activities Fund has announced its slate of Festivals for 2021.  We are so thrilled to be able to resume our wonderful festivals in New Harmony that so many missed last year,” said Jane Griffiths, the association president in 2021.  “We are known throughout the Tri-State area as the home to great festivals and fun and this year’s events will be some of the most exciting, we have held!  We can’t wait to get started!”  Festival events are dependent on Health Department approval at the time of the events.

New Harmony’s Festival Season kicks off with the19th annual Golden Raintree Antiques Festival June 12-13.  The Golden Raintree is a New Harmony tradition!  Antique vendors and craft artisans will feature their wares inside and out!  Saturday hours 9-5 and Sunday 9-4.

Kuntsfest is the Tri-States’ biggest festival and celebrates New Harmony’s deep German heritage!  This year’s festival on September 18 & 19 will feature a German Bier Garten, great German food and music, as well as over 200 vendors!  It is a sight to behold and tons of fun for Germans (or just those who want to be at Kuntsfest) of all ages.  Children events and heritage artisans will demonstrate their crafts.

New Harmony has been an artistic cultural center for many years.  Arts in Harmony is a festival dedicated to celebrating and featuring art of many forms.  Vendors will line the streets showcasing their art (and selling it to!), workshops and demonstrations will be conducted both days, and special emphasis will feature artists of various cultural backgrounds.  Don’t miss both days October 16 and 17th.

If a small town Christmas right out of a Hallmark Movie is your style, do not miss Christmas in New Harmony December 4 & 5th.  A Christmas parade Saturday morning kicks off a host of events including a tour of some of New Harmony’s beautiful homes decorated for Christmas, a host of topflight vendors featuring Christmas items, and of course – lots of food and shopping at New Harmony’s charming shops and eateries.  Candyland with Santa Christmas tree lighting Friday night at Red G.

“We hope folks will come and enjoy the weekend in one of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations (America’s Trust for Historic Preservation”) during any or all of our festivals!” Kent Schuttee, President of the Business Associates added.  Take a historic tour, enjoy the festivals, and the charm of New Harmony this year.

All festivals are free and ample parking is available.  For more information, see all of the festivals and event information at visitnewharmony.com.  Vendor applications and information can be accessed at visitneharmony.com/calendar or by emailing festivalsinutopia@gmail.com.

 

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