Retail Food Establishment Inspection Report
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.
Phillips’ ninth-inning home run leads Otters to win
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – On a gorgeous Tuesday night at Wintrust Field, the Evansville Otters took down the Schaumburg Boomers 5-2 to take a 2-1 lead in the five-game series.
Dakota Phillips stole the show once again. In the Otters’ (35-45) ninth, he blasted a three-run go-ahead homer to right-center propelling the club to victory.
The Boomers (39-40) scored their only two runs of the game in the opening inning.
After a rocky start from southpaw Braden Scott (4-9), he settled down and dominated the rest of the contest. His final line was eight innings pitched, allowing the pair of runs on six hits with seven strikeouts and two walks.
It took the bats some time to get going, but they answered in the fourth inning to even the score at two. Pavin Parks hit a sacrifice fly to score the first run, followed by a Phillips RBI single to center field.
Afterwards, pitching commanded the game until the ninth. The Schaumburg arm had already struck out three in the inning, but a wild pitch extended the frame. One walk later, Phillips took care of the rest with the three-run home run.
Parks (Sv. 4) went from shortstop to the mound and closed out the ninth, striking out one. The two-way player remains perfect in save opportunities.
David Mendham, Gary Mattis and Phillips had two hits each to lead the offense.
Back to the grind tomorrow, the Otters look to win the series against the Boomers with a 6:30 p.m. CT first pitch. Coverage is available on the Otters Digital Network and FloBaseball.
Gov. Holcomb announces Executive Director Joel Thacker to step down from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security
Gov. Holcomb announces Executive Director Joel Thacker to step down from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security
Governor appoints Jonathan Whitham as acting executive director
INDIANAPOLIS-Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced today that Joel Thacker will be stepping down as the executive director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS). The City of Carmel announced today his new role as fire chief.
Gov. Holcomb named IDHS Chief of Staff Jonathan Whitham as the acting executive director effective Aug. 31. 2024.
“Joel has been a consistently effective leader when the Hoosiers needed it most during some of the state’s largest natural disasters,” Gov. Holcomb said. “He’s never been afraid to roll up his sleeves and help wherever, whenever he’s needed, understanding an emergency ‘s need for urgent response. Joel was critical when my administration set out to provide better tools, training and resources to firefighters across the state as I know he’ll be there for those in need in his next chapter in life.”
Thacker was appointed as executive director of IDHS in June 2022 after serving as the state fire marshal and director of the Fire and Building Safety Division since 2020. Prior to his role as state fire marshal, Thacker served as fire chief with the Plainfield Fire Territory.
Under his leadership, IDHS accomplished the following:
- Expanded the Hub and Spoke Program by building out hands-on fire training centers around the state to ensure that firefighters travel no more than 45-minutes to a training facility.
- Provided $10 million for Volunteer Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment to ensure safety.
- Streamlined the State Disaster Relief Fund for easier access for public and individual assistance after a state declared disaster.
- Increased the maximum amount qualifying individuals can receive from $10,000 to $25,000.
- We have provided nearly $15 million over the biennium for emergency medical services readiness training programs, equipment and 911 interoperability study.
“It has been a great honor to serve the citizens of Indiana for the last 4 plus years,” Thacker said. “With the support of Governor Holcomb and the General Assembly, we have been able to help communities and individuals recover from the impacts of natural disasters as well as provide new training opportunities and equipment to first responders statewide.”
Thacker’s last day as the executive director of IDHS is Aug. 30, 2024.
Whitham will maintain his current role as chief of staff while assuming the duties of acting executive director of IDHS. Before his role as chief of staff, Whitham served as general counsel for IDHS since 2014. He also worked as a part time firefighter and EMT at the White River Township Fire Department.
“Jonathan has been walking alongside Joel every step of the way and will provide a seamless transition for staff, partners and stakeholders,” Gov. Holcomb said.
Whitham earned a bachelor of arts degree from Indiana University and a law degree from Indiana University McKinney School of Law.
“I’m honored to be asked to step in during such a crucial time in public safety,” Whitham said. “Indiana has experienced a record number of disasters and we’ve seen the benefits of being prepared under Joel Thacker’s successful leadership. I will continue to focus the agency on preparedness, so Hoosiers remain secure in the state I’m blessed to call home. It is my passion to protect and I’m ready to get to work!”
Victory: IU Health takes necessary steps to protect patients’ privacy
Victory: IU Health takes necessary
steps to protect patients’ privacy
Attorney General Todd Rokita’s office secured another win for medical privacy, ensuring through court-directed discovery that IU Health has proper privacy controls and training in place to protect Hoosier patients’ private health information.
IU Health management initially denied allegations that Dr. Caitlin Bernard violated a patient’s privacy at a political rally.
IU Health officials even continued those denials after that same doctor’s peers serving on the Indiana Medical Licensing Board found that she DID violate privacy laws. This repeated refusal by IU Health to even acknowledge a violation of patient privacy prompted the Office of Attorney General to probe whether and how IU Health was conducting patient privacy training in light of its mishandling of the Bernard matter.
When IU Health officials refused to answer questions, the Office of the Attorney General had no choice but to file a lawsuit to require their cooperation and answers.
“This is a win for patients, but also for the group’s 36,000 health care providers who can now trust they’ve received accurate training that is consistent with HIPAA privacy laws and Indiana patient confidentiality rules,” Attorney General Rokita said. “One of my office’s main priorities is to protect patient privacy because when it’s not, we no longer have reliable, honest healthcare.”
The Sept. 15, 2023, lawsuit was filed on behalf of the people of Indiana against IU Health and IU Healthcare Associates for their failure to properly report, review and enforce HIPAA and Indiana law violations. Attorney General Rokita and his team verified through discovery in this case that IU Health has now taken necessary actions to better train employees to help protect the medical privacy of Indiana residents.
Through this lawsuit, Attorney General Rokita’s office confirmed IU Health has undertaken the following actions:
- Trained employees to specifically avoid talking about patients in public areas;
- Informed its employees they are required to notify public relations staff prior to any communication so that management can verify patient authorization; and
- Conducted employee training on what constitutes Protected Health Information.
On June 30, 2022, Dr. Caitlin Bernard spoke with an Indy Star reporter at a political rally about her 10-year-old patient. IU Health later issued a media statement on July 13, 2022, that said Dr. Bernard had not violated privacy laws. After hearing over a dozen hours of testimony, the Indiana Medical Licensing Board, which is comprised of doctors, voted 5-1 that Dr. Bernard violated HIPPA. IU Health issued another statement on May 26, 2023, claiming it disagreed with the board’s decision and believed Dr. Bernard had not violated any privacy laws.
“IU Health rejected the best interest of patients and taxpayers alike when they set the tone by initially refusing to cooperate with our office,” Attorney General Rokita said. “We are pleased the information this office sought over two years ago has finally been provided and the necessary steps have been taken to accurately and consistently train their workforce to protect patients and their health care workers”.
Though voluntarily dismissing it without prejudice, Attorney General Rokita said they could always refile at a later date if necessary. As a government regulator responsible for HIPAA compliance, the State anticipates and expects hospitals and covered entities to continue significant and continual training to physicians and staff that addresses the importance of patient and data privacy.
The voluntary dismissal is attached below.
UE Mental Health and Wellness Clinic Awarded $200,000 Grant by Old National Bank Foundation
UE Mental Health and Wellness Clinic Awarded $200,000 Grant by the Old National Bank Foundation
EVANSVILLE, IND. (08/13/2024) The University of Evansville (UE) has been awarded a $200,000 grant from Old National Bank Foundation to provide substantial support to UE’s Mental Health and Wellness Clinic and Emily M. Young Assessment Center. The funding will ensure ongoing operational support for this vital community facility.
Since its opening in November 2023, the Mental Health and Wellness Clinic has taken a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to education and healthcare. The mission of the clinic is to enhance mental health care in the Evansville region and beyond, positively impacting the lives of thousands struggling with mental illness.
Serving ages 5 and up, this clinic is staffed by a licensed psychologist and a physician assistant with certification in psychiatry. In addition, 10 to 15 students from UE’s Doctor of Psychology clinical degree program gain invaluable hands-on experience.
“We are deeply thankful to the Old National Bank Foundation for their ongoing support,” stated Abigail Werling, Vice President for University Advancement. “Through this partnership, the University of Evansville is well-positioned to address the mental health care shortage in our community, reaching thousands of patients in the coming year. Their assistance will have a meaningful impact.”
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.
STIFEL’S Bryan Ruder NAMED TO FORBES’ TOP NEXT-GEN WEALTH ADVISORS LIST
STIFEL’S Bryan Ruder NAMED TO FORBES’ TOP NEXT-GEN WEALTH ADVISORS LIST
ST. LOUIS, August 14, 2024 – Stifel is pleased to announce that Bryan A Ruder CFP®, MSPFP, CRPC™, AWMA™, AAMS™, AIF®, MPAS™ First Vice President/Investments with the firm’s Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated broker-dealer subsidiary, was named to Forbes’ 2024 Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State list, which spotlights 500 top-performing U.S.-based advisors under the age of 40.
Mr. Ruder works with clients to plan for their long-term goals. He truly wants to help clients make informed decisions about their finances. Active in his community, Mr. Ruder is a member of the local Rotaract Club of Evansville and on the board of trustees at Hanover College and was also a previous recipient of the Rotary Club of Evansville 20 under 40. He is the past president of the board of Ark Crisis Child Care Center and the Green River Kiwanis.
Mr. Ruder earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification, as well as the Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning, Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorTM, Accredited Wealth Management AdvisorTM, Accredited Asset Management SpecialistTM, Accredited Investment Fiduciary®, and Master Planner Advanced StudiesTM designations. He draws on his experience and the knowledge gained from his extensive financial education to help his clients navigate the wealth planning process, listening to their goals and tailoring a plan suited to their financial future and lifestyle.
Stifel’s Ruder Investment Group is located at 3000 E. Morgan Avenue, Suite A in Evansville, Indiana, and can be reached by calling (812) 475-9353.
Methodology
Forbes’ Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State rankings are based on the 12-month period ending March 31 of the year of publication and selected by SHOOK Research, LLC from a pool of nominations as indicated in the methodology. The rankings may not be representative of any one client’s experience and are not indicative of the financial advisor’s future performance. For more information, see www.stifel.info/award-disclosures.
EVANSVILLE LAND BANK CORPORATION NOTICE OF EXECUTIVE SESSION
EVANSVILLE LAND BANK CORPORATION NOTICE OF EXECUTIVE SESSION
Evansville Land Bank will hold an Executive Session on Friday, August 16, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in Room 301 of the Civic Center Complex at 1 N. W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
This Executive Session will be held for discussion of strategy with respect to the purchase, sale or lease of real property by the Evansville Land Bank Corporation pursuant to the Indiana Code 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(2)(D).
USI leads OVC in academics in 2023-24
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles stood out in the Ohio Valley Conference during 2023-24, earning the league’s Institutional Achievement Award for the second-straight season. The honor is presented to the institution with the greatest percentage of eligible student athletes that earn a 3.25 grade point average (GPA) or higher for an academic year.
“To win this award in our first two years of Division I is amazing,” said USI Vice President and Athletics Director Jon Mark Hall. “I applaud the efforts of our student-athletes, coaches, administrative academic support staff, and faculty at USI.
“With all the noise going on around our young people today, it is awesome that they have stayed focused on what is truly important,” continued Hall. “This is an award that the entire campus should be proud of.”
Three Eagle programs also won OVC Team Academic Achievement Awards, which are presented annually in each conference-sponsored sport member institution’s team with the greatest percentage of its eligible student athletes who achieved a 3.25 GPA or higher. USI had the top programs in softball, while men’s basketball tied for the top spot for the second year in a row, tying with the University of Tennessee at Martin.
Eleven different member institutions garnered at least one team award with UT Martin claiming four, followed closely by Southeast Missouri State University and Western Illinois University with three apiece and Eastern Illinois University and USI also earning
multiple awards with two each.
The 2023-24 team honorees are:
Baseball: Lindenwood
Men’s Basketball: USI & UT Martin
Women’s Basketball: Western Illinois
Beach Volleyball: Tennessee Tech
Men’s Cross Country: Southeast Missouri
Women’s Cross Country: Southeast Missouri
Football: UT Martin
Men’s Golf: UT Martin
Women’s Golf: Little Rock & Western Illinois
Rifle: Morehead State
Men’s Soccer: Liberty
Women’s Soccer: Eastern Illinois
Softball: USI
Men’s Tennis: Tennessee State
Women’s Tennis: Western Illinois
Men’s Track and Field: Southeast Missouri
Women’s Track and Field: Eastern Illinois
Women’s Volleyball: UT Martin