FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
Traffic Alert, Water Outage, Boil Advisory
Stringtown Road, Petersburg Road, Campground Road Area
(Evansville, Ind.) – The Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) is preparing to connect a new waterline to the existing water system later this week. To complete the work safely with minimal impact will require restricting a major intersection and a temporary water outage followed by a precautionary boil advisory for a large area on the city’s North Side.
Here’s what you should know
- Starting at 7:00 pm on Friday, August 23, the intersection at Stringtown Road, E. Campground Road and Petersburg Road will be heavily restricted or totally closed to all traffic at times while crews tie-in a new waterline. The intersection restrictions are anticipated to be cleared around 7:00am Saturday, August 24.
- Starting around 10:00pm on Friday, August 23, there will be a temporary water outage affecting approximately 850 properties. (see attached map) The water outage is necessary for crews to complete work on this portion of the waterline improvement project. Water service should be restored in approximately five (5) hours.
- The area impacted by the temporary water outage will be placed under a precautionary boil advisory. The precautionary boil advisory will remain in effect through the weekend and most of the day on Monday, August 26, pending samples passing water quality testing. Information regarding the precautionary boil advisory will be available on the Project & Advisory Map at ewsu.com. Here’s a direct link to the project: https://arcg.is/1m4rPD
FOOTNOTE: Organizations and businesses that will be impacted by the temporary water outage and precautionary boil advisory include Stringtown Elementary School, Bethany Christian Church, Evansville Country Club and D&M Superior Yard Solutions.
Otters hold on for wild series opening win
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Evansville Otters walked off on the Windy City ThunderBolts Tuesday night at Bosse Field, holding on for a 6-5 victory.
The game was made interesting late, as the Otters (38-48) gave up two separate leads to the ThunderBolts (34-52) throughout the game, but showed resilience with the bats and fought back to seal the win.
Windy City jumped ahead in the second with a solo home run before David Mendham launched a three-run blast in the third past the right field wall to make it 3-1.
Punching back in the sixth, the ThunderBolts tied the game at three, but Evansville had another response in the home frame.
Delvin Zinn led off with a hit-by-pitch. He stole second and was moved to third, before scoring on a wild pitch to give his club back the lead at 4-3. In the eighth, newly activated Clayton Keyes walked with one out. After a double from JJ Cruz, Giovanni DiGiacomo singled to second base which brought home an insurance run.
In the ninth, Pavin Parks came on to pitch. With two outs, he allowed the bases loaded and gave up the tying hit to force another half inning. On the two-RBI single, the Otters got a Windy City runner in a rundown and ended the inning with a play at the plate.
Gary Mattis led off the bottom of the ninth with a walk, then stole second and third. Parks stepped to the dish and hit a deep fly ball to right for a game-winning sacrifice fly.
During the rollercoaster night, Zach Smith started the game and went six innings giving up three runs (two earned) with eight strikeouts. Grif Hughes and Alex Valdez both tossed scoreless innings out of the bullpen.
Parks (2-1) took the win, while Jack Mahoney (5-4) took the loss. Both players threw in the final inning.
Understanding Price Gouging: Definition, Real-Life Examples,
Understanding Price Gouging: Definition, Real-Life Examples, and Its Perceived Impact on Grocery Stores
by JOE WALLACE
AUGUST 21, 2024
Price gouging is a term that evokes strong emotions, often conjuring images of predatory businesses exploiting consumers during their most vulnerable moments. Typically, price gouging refers to the practice of sharply increasing prices on essential goods and services during emergencies, such as natural disasters or crises. This practice is generally considered unethical and is illegal in many jurisdictions, especially when it involves basic necessities like food, water, medical supplies, and housing. However, the concept of price gouging can be more nuanced than it first appears, particularly when we consider its application to sectors like grocery stores, where margins are thin, and competition is fierce.
Defining Price Gouging
At its core, price gouging occurs when a seller significantly raises the prices of goods or services to a level much higher than what is considered reasonable or fair, typically during a time of crisis. Most definitions of price gouging revolve around the idea of “unconscionable” price increases—those that exploit consumers’ urgent needs. Laws regulating price gouging vary by jurisdiction, but they generally come into effect during declared states of emergency and focus on essential goods.
The ethical debate surrounding price gouging hinges on the balance between supply and demand. While some argue that higher prices during emergencies can help allocate scarce resources to those who value them most, others view it as an immoral practice that takes advantage of people in distress.
Real-Life Examples of Price Gouging
1. Natural Disasters and Essential Goods: One of the most cited examples of price gouging involves the sale of essential goods during natural disasters. For instance, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, there were numerous reports of businesses significantly raising the prices of gasoline, food, and water. In some areas, the price of bottled water quadrupled overnight, leading to widespread outrage and legal action. Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, hand sanitizers, masks, and other protective equipment saw prices soar as demand skyrocketed, prompting investigations and fines for companies found guilty of price gouging.
2. Housing During Crises: Another example comes from housing markets, particularly in areas hit by natural disasters. After wildfires, hurricanes, or floods, affected regions often experience a sudden and acute housing shortage. In such scenarios, some landlords have been accused of drastically increasing rent prices, capitalizing on the immediate demand for shelter. For instance, after the Camp Fire in California in 2018, rental prices in surrounding areas spiked, drawing criticism and legal scrutiny.
3. Utilities in Monopolized Markets: Price gouging isn’t limited to goods; it can also occur in services, particularly in monopolized markets. Public utilities, such as electricity and water, are often cited in discussions of price gouging. These companies, which often operate with little to no competition, have at times imposed steep rate hikes, especially during times of high demand or supply shortages. For example, during the Texas winter storm in 2021, some residents received electricity bills in the thousands of dollars as wholesale energy prices spiked due to the grid’s failure.
The Grocery Store Debate
Recently, there has been growing discourse around the concept of systemic price gouging in grocery stores. Critics argue that grocery chains have been exploiting inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions to unjustly hike prices, leading to higher profits at the expense of consumers. However, this perspective requires careful consideration.
Grocery stores typically operate on razor-thin profit margins, often around 2-3%. They are also part of a highly competitive industry, where consumer loyalty is fickle, and price sensitivity is high. Unlike monopolistic utilities or isolated sellers in a disaster zone, grocery stores are usually forced to compete on price to maintain market share. In this context, accusations of systemic price gouging may be oversimplified.
During periods of economic stress, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, grocery stores did raise prices, but much of this was due to increased costs throughout the supply chain. Labor shortages, transportation costs, and disruptions in global trade all contributed to higher prices for goods that grocery stores were forced to pass on to consumers. Furthermore, the complexity of pricing in grocery stores—where prices fluctuate based on factors like seasonality, demand, and supplier costs—makes it difficult to attribute price increases solely to opportunistic behavior.
Conclusion
Price gouging is a significant concern in specific contexts, particularly during emergencies when essential goods and services are scarce. Real-life examples, such as the sharp price increases for necessities during natural disasters or the surge in utility bills during crises, demonstrate the potential for exploitation. However, when it comes to grocery stores, the situation is more complicated. While prices have risen, these increases are often the result of broader economic pressures rather than deliberate attempts to exploit consumers. The notion of systemic price gouging in grocery stores may not fully capture the challenges these businesses face, especially in a highly competitive and low-margin industry. Understanding the nuances of pricing in different contexts is crucial to fostering informed discussions about fairness and ethics in the marketplace.
FOOTNOTE: The City-County Observer posted this article without bias or editing.
Chattin named 2024 Vincennes University Alumni Association Davis Citation for Service Award recipient
VINCENNES, Ind. August 21, 2024 –
The Vincennes University Alumni Association will host an event on Saturday, Sept. 14, to honor Duane H. Chattin with the 2024 Walter A. Davis Memorial Citation for Service.
Members of the VU Foundation and Alumni Office, VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson, and the family and friends of Chattin will present the citation in the Green Activities Center, 120 W. Harrison St., on the Vincennes Campus.
The Davis Citation has been presented yearly since 1952. It is awarded annually to a VU alumnus or a resident of the greater VU Community and recognizes civic leadership and contributions in addition to professional achievements. The event will begin at 6 p.m. (ET), with dinner and refreshments to follow.
To reserve Walter A. Davis Service Award Dinner tickets, please complete the registration form at vinu.edu/davis-dinner. Tickets are available through Friday, Sept. 6.
For those wishing to congratulate Chattin with cards, letters, and personal stories, please drop them off at the VU Foundation, located at 1109 N. 3rd St., or mail them to the VU Alumni Association, 1002 North First Street, Vincennes, IN, 47591.
LETTER FROM MAYOR TERRY TO THOSE SERVING CITY BOARDS
LETTER FROM MAYOR TERRY TO THOSE SERVING CITY BOARDS
by JOHNNY Kincaid
AUGUST 21. 2021
Between the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County, there are 66 boards and commissions that give citizens the chance to serve and provide valuable input to help improve the quality of life. The boards and commissions work on specific areas such as parks, climate, homelessness, tourism, and more. The authority to place members on these boards is divided between several different authorities, including the Mayor, city council, and çounty commissioners., and County Council.
Currently, there are dozens of vacant seats on various boards, including six seats that Mayor Stephanie Terry has the authority to fill. A list of the boards and a link to the application can be found below: https://www.evansvillegov.org/egov/apps/services/index.egov?view=detail;id=17
Those who are appointed by the mayor serve at the mayor’s pleasure and can be removed from the board at any time.
Attached Below Is The Full Text Of the letter That Was Sent To Mayor Terry’s Appointees:
“On behalf of the entire Evansville community, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your dedicated service as one of our City board and commission members. Your commitment and expertise contribute to the betterment of our city, and for that, we are truly thankful.
Since taking office in January, this administration has achieved several significant milestones that are vital for our community’s growth and prosperity. We have established the Mayor’s Education Roundtable and the Interfaith Council, fostering collaboration and inclusivity across educational and faith-based initiatives. The formation of a Blue-Ribbon Committee to evaluate the development approval process (es) at the city to create a more streamlined approach to development enhancing our city’s infrastructure, making it more efficient and accessible for growth.
We broke ground on The Vault on Main, which will feature 161 residential units with first-floor commercial space in the heart of Downtown, furthering efforts towards revitalizing our urban core. The unveiling of the River Vision initiative alongside E-REP and Sasaki reflected our commitment to enhancing our waterfront, creating a more vibrant and attractive cityscape. We established a Park Police Unit to ensure the safety and enjoyment of our public spaces.
The creation of the Forward Together Grant Fund with $500,000 and the allocation of $250,000 to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, bringing the total fund to $750,000 in 2024, demonstrate our dedication to supporting community initiatives and addressing housing affordability. Our collaboration with Evansville Regional Airport to reinstate the Chicago flight expands our connectivity and economic opportunities. Finally, accepting proposals for the use of $1.3 million in Opioid Settlement Funds signifies our proactive approach to addressing public health challenges and supporting recovery efforts in our community.
As a Mayor appointee to one of our city’s boards or commissions, you play a critical role in shaping the future of Evansville. Your work aligns with the administration’s priorities, which include Public Safety, Neighborhood Revitalization, Economic Development, Improving City Services, and Youth & Education. These areas are vital to our city’s growth and prosperity, and your contributions help us achieve our collective goals.
While there are varying term limits across administrations, it is essential to remember that you serve at the pleasure of the Mayor. We trust that you will make decisions with the administration’s priorities in mind, always aiming to enhance the quality of life for all Evansville residents.
Please keep the Mayor’s Office updated when issues or concerns arise, ensuring we can address them promptly and effectively. Should you find yourself unable to continue serving at any point, please do not hesitate to contact the Mayor’s Office at 812.436.4962 or via email at mayor@evansville.in.gov.
Thank you once again for your dedication to our city. Your service is invaluable, and we look forward to the positive impact your work will continue to have on Evansville.
Forward Together,
Mayor Terry”
Posey County Commissioners Break Ground on Western Bypass
POSEY COUNTY, Ind. (August 19, 2024) – Posey County officials broke ground today on the long-awaited Western Bypass, a major infrastructure project designed to significantly improve traffic flow and safety in Mt. Vernon by rerouting semi-truck traffic away from the downtown district. The Western Bypass aims to alleviate congestion, enhance roadway safety, and create new opportunities for economic growth and housing development in the region.
Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, along with local officials, attended the ceremony to commemorate this pivotal moment for Posey County. The project is a tribute to the late Carl Schmitz, a former Posey County commissioner who served from 2012 to 2021 and was instrumental in the project’s development.
“This is not just a great day for Posey County; it’s a game-changer,” said Bill Collins, president of the Posey County Board of Commissioners. “The Western Bypass will slash truck traffic through Mt. Vernon, paving the way for vibrant economic growth and much-needed housing.”
American Structurepoint provided the engineering for the project. Blankenberger Brothers were recently awarded the contract as the general contractor for the first of the two-phase project with a low bid of $6.98 million.
Ash Titzer, Vice President of Production and Midstream at CountryMark, highlighted the alignment of the Western Bypass with the company’s core values of reliability and improvement. “The new thoroughfare will allow us to reliably transport the essential needs of our business in and out of our facilities while improving the quality of place of the surrounding community,” he said.
Mt. Vernon Mayor Steve Loehr highlighted the project’s critical impact. “The Western Bypass, although being a continuation of the current Keck Bypass, is more critical in that it directly impacts our Western manufacturing facilities because of the easier access to the interstate system and the greater region. From the city’s perspective, taking hundreds of commercial vehicles off our streets will directly impact the life of our infrastructure and neighborhoods, which is a win-win for everyone,” Loehr said.
CenterPoint Energy Issues All-Source RFP Seeking Renewable, Thermal and Demand-Side Resources
CenterPoint Energy Issues All-Source RFP Seeking Renewable, Thermal, and Demand-Side Resources
Evansville, Ind. – Aug. 19, 2024 – CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) announced its Indiana-based electric utility business, CenterPoint Energy Indiana South, has issued an All-Source Request for Proposals (RFP) to meet the evolving energy needs of its 150,000 electric customers in southwestern Indiana.
“As we continue to transition our electric generation resources, we are focused on diversifying our energy portfolio to continue delivering safe, reliable and cost-effective service to our customers,” said Shane Bradford, CenterPoint’s Vice President, Indiana Electric. “This RFP allows us to explore a wide range of technologies that will contribute to our long-term generation strategy. We are also building on the insights gained from previous RFPs to better meet the needs of our customers and adapt to ever-evolving market conditions.”
The RFP seeks generation technologies capable of providing fully accredited capacity no later than March 1, 2028. Respondents are encouraged to submit proposals that include utility-scale solar, wind and storage projects (standalone or paired), thermal generation, load-modifying resources, demand-side resources and other innovative solutions.
Key Dates and Submission Details:
RFP Issued: August 15, 2024
- Notice of Intent and Required Documents Due: August 28, 2024
- Proposals Due: October 8, 2024
CenterPoint Energy has retained 1898 & Co., a division of Burns & McDonnell, to manage the RFP process and assist with the evaluation of all proposals. Proposals must be submitted via the RFP website http://CenterPoint2024ASRFP.rfpmanager.biz. All communications regarding the RFP should be directed to 1898 & Co. through the website or via email at CenterPointRFP@1898andco.com.
The 2024 RFP aligns with CenterPoint’s commitment to maintain a reliable and sustainable energy supply for its customers and supports its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).