Home Blog Page 2365

Senator Braun Releases Statement on VA OIG Report Regarding VA Spina Bifida Benefits

0

U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) released the following statement on the Veterans’ Affairs OIG Report Regarding VA Spina Bifida Benefits.

“Last year after hearing from constituents and working with the Vietnam Veterans of America about concerns with the VA’s Spina Bifida Program, I reached out to the Office of Inspector General at the VA to encourage a review of the program.”

“The OIG report released yesterday looking into the VA’s Spina Bifida Program confirmed what I had heard from constituents in Indiana:  the VA’s Office of Community Care did not effectively identify and reach out to beneficiaries in need of assistance and the national call center routinely provided misinformation about the spina bifida program to eligible recipients.  Further, basic processes were not in place to ensure communication between agencies which resulted in overpayments to deceased beneficiaries for up to 13 years.”

“The OIG has given four recommendations to the VA which I have been told are well received. The OIG will be following up with the agency in 90-day intervals to ensure progress is being made and services are improving for these families – and most importantly for the children of Agent Orange affected veterans. I am encouraged by the agencies willingness to receive recommendations by the OIG but continue to believe families should have the option to utilize a caseworker at their local VA while navigating this program and intend to re-introduce legislation to do as much.”

“I will be seeking updates from the OIG after each of their 90 day follow ups to confirm we continue to see progress.”

In the 116th Congress, Senator Braun authored S.3613 to reform the Spina Bifida Program based on feedback from Hoosiers and the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), which was endorsed by the VVA, American Legion, and co-sponsored by Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL).

The American Legion said: “The American Legion supported Sen. Braun’s legislation on spina bifida during the last session of Congress, and this report from the Office of the Inspector General is proof that action needs to be taken.”

BACKGROUND

  • An individual with spina bifida may suffer from nerve damage, paralysis, and bowel or bladder problems.  Children born with spina bifida may receive benefits from VA if one of their biological parents is a veteran presumed to have been exposed to herbicides during the Vietnam War.  Benefits can include monthly payments, vocational training and rehabilitation, and health care with services such as home care and case management.  The spina bifida program is jointly managed by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), which determines eligibility for benefits and issues monthly payments, and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), which covers all medically necessary health care, medical services and supplies, not just those related to spina bifida.
  • The VA provides services and care for Veterans exposed to Agent Orange/herbicides in Korea and Vietnam. One of the presumptive side effects of the exposure is spina bifida afflicting the children of exposed Veterans. Spina bifida is a debilitating spinal cord disease. In 2008, 38 USC was amended to create a VA Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program as part of the Office of Community Care (OCC) headquartered in Denver, CO. The program is administered in Denver, with no local VA personnel having any responsibility to the Veterans or children. This has led to issues getting children into the program, communication on what benefits are authorized, and how the services and care can be contracted for and paid, which mostly falls on the families and children to do for themselves. We believe this needs to be changed.
  • The OCC Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program Guide states “This program provides services and supplies for enrolled beneficiaries for all covered medical conditions, not simply those related to spina bifida.”
  • Assistance with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living (i.e.- cleaning a house or apartment, showering, cooking, etc) are part of the program.
  • The VA medical treatment facilities have the Agent Orange Registry which a Korea and Vietnam conflict Veteran can sign up for. Once done, records will be reviewed to verify service and a physical done to identify any issues. Disability ratings and care plans are then determined. But if the Veteran has a child that has spina bifida, which is considered presumptively caused by Agent Orange, the Veterans, families, and children have to deal with the program office in Denver, by phone, email, and fax.
  • A contract social worker (case manager) can be found to manage and navigate the VA system and set up local support and care. This is relying on non-VA employees to understand and effectively navigate a VA system.
  • It is estimated over 1,500 Veterans children suffer from the disease in the U.S. and yet less than half of those are enrolled in the program.
  • The VA already does care coordination for complex patients outside of their fixed facilities, such as Veterans with spinal cord injury (SCI).

University of Southern Indiana and Vincennes University Join Forces to Enhance Supplier and Contractor Diversity

0
The University of Southern Indiana and Vincennes University are teaming up in an effort to diversify their suppliers and contractors.
USI President Ronald S. Rochon and VU President Chuck Johnson announced the alliance today, citing mutual challenges due to geography and scale, along with goals to pool resources for savings and share best practices.
“Both USI and VU are state-supported institutions operating primarily in the largely rural southwest corner of the state. Because of our location and the relatively smaller scale of our projects, VU and USI often don’t attract attention from contractors east of I-65 or north of I-70,” Johnson said.
Both institutions have undertaken efforts to help the State meet Governor Eric Holcomb’s Commission for Supplier Diversity goals for the percentage of state budgets spent with certified “Minority-Owned Enterprises” (MBEs), “Women-Owned Enterprises” (WBEs), and “Veteran-Owned Enterprises” (VBEs). Those efforts have included working closely with the Indiana Department of Administration (IDOA) in utilizing new ways to reach out to suppliers and contractors, and working with suppliers and contractors who may qualify for MBE, WBE, or VBE status, but have not yet undergone the IDOA certification process.
“USI and VU have implemented numerous initiatives to meet Governor Holcomb’s expectations to diversify our business relationships while also making the most efficient use of the State of Indiana’s resources. I look forward to partnering with President Johnson to combine and maximize our efforts in order to realize these outcomes,” Rochon stated.
The collaborative initiative begins immediately and will include activities; such as sharing certified supplier and contractor lists, coordinating bid processes, where possible, and working collaboratively to identify potentially qualified suppliers and contractors in our geographic area to assist with the certification process.

Indiana Places 11 Spots In Championship Finals

0

The No. 21-ranked Indiana University women’s swimming program nabbed a total of 11 spots in the evening finals, with four swimmers earning spots in Championship Finals following top-eight finishes in the preliminary rounds of the 2021 Women’s Big Ten Championships on Wednesday afternoon.

CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

200 IM – Noelle Peplowski (second); Mackenzie Looze (fifth)

50 Freestyle – None.

500 Freestyle – Ella Ristic (third); Josie Grote (fourth)

CONSOLATION FINAL

200 IM – Abby Kirkpatrick (t-14th); Bailey Kovac (t-14th)

50 Freestyle – Elizabeth Broshears (11th); Ashley Turak (13th); Laurel Eiber (14th)

500 Freestyle – Maggie Wallace (15th)

C FINAL

200 IM – Emily Weiss (17th)

50 Freestyle – None.

500 Freestyle – None.

TEAM SCORES

t-1. Ohio State – 118 pts.

t-2. Michigan – 118 pts.

  1. Northwestern – 106 pts.
  2. Wisconsin – 102 pts.

t-5. Penn State – 96 pts.

t-5. Minnesota – 96 pts.

  1. Nebraska – 92 pts.
  2. Iowa – 84 pts.
  3. Michigan State – 70 pts.
  4. Purdue – 68 pts.
  5. Illinois – 64 pts.
  6. INDIANA – 56 pts.
  7. Rutgers – 30 pts.

 

USI Spring 2021 Commencement Exercises To Be Held In Person

0

Additional Ceremonies, Reduced Capacity, Tickets and Masks Required

The University of Southern Indiana will hold reduced capacity, in-person Commencement Exercises in the Screaming Eagles Arena over the weekend of May 7 – 9, 2021. Due to safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to limit capacity, the University plans to host eight ceremonies instead of the traditional five. The additional ceremonies will reduce the number of graduates per ceremony to allow for adequate physical distancing.

Tickets will be required for guests and each graduate will be allowed two guests. Graduates and guests will be required to follow safety protocols including wearing a face covering, practicing good hand hygiene and adequate physical distancing when entering and leaving the Arena.

“Safety has guided our thinking since the beginning of the pandemic. As the number of COVID positive cases have been precipitously dropping in our community and vaccinations are being made available to more citizens, we are cautiously optimistic about holding in-person Spring 2021 Commencement Exercises,” said Ronald S. Rochon, USI President.

“Celebrating our graduates’ achievements with our entire community is always the best part of the academic year. We know that restricting the number of guests will be difficult for graduates, friends and families, but we will offer a live stream of the ceremonies for additional virtual participation. Drastically reducing density is our best option. Due to COVID conditions, we were forced to host an entirely virtual celebration last December. We will continue to consult with health officials as we approach May.”

The in-person ceremonies are planned for the following dates and times:

Graduate Studies Ceremonies (masters and doctoral candidates)

  • Friday, May 7 – two ceremonies, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. (Graduates should save the date and will be notified which ceremony to attend after registration.)

Undergraduate Ceremonies

  • Saturday, May 8 – three ceremonies
    • Romain College of Business, 9 a.m.
    • College of Liberal Arts, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. (Graduates should save the date and will be notified which ceremony to attend after registration.)
  • Sunday, May 9 – three ceremonies
    • Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education, 9 a.m.
    • College of Nursing and Health Professions, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. (Graduates should save the date and will be notified which ceremony to attend after registration.)

In order to obtain an accurate count for each ceremony, graduates must register to participate in Commencement by 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 23.Graduates are asked to frequently monitor their USI email for important information, including access to the registration link. Following registration, graduates will be provided with an email containing a link to select two, reserved seating guest tickets. The guest tickets will be electronic tickets, or may be printed, and will be required for admission at the door. No additional tickets will be available. Face coverings must be worn for admission and at all times while in the Arena.

Ceremonies are anticipated to last up to one hour. Sufficient time is being allotted between ceremonies to allow for cleaning of the Arena.

Graduates are encouraged to regularly visit the Commencement website (www.usi.edu/commencement) for updated information.

COVID-19 Vaccinations Now Available To Those Age 60+

0

Hoosiers age 60 and over have been added to the list of individuals who are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination.

If you are eligible, please visit vaccine.coronavirus.in.gov/ to register and make an appointment.

Additional information is available at this Indiana Department of Health website.

To see the current status of various COVID-19 vaccine eligibilities, please click here.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you are in need of assistance.

Checking Your Social Security Earnings May Help You Down the Road

0

For many individuals, Social Security is an important source of retirement income. When it comes time for you to retire, the amount of benefit you will receive is based in part on your career earnings. That’s why it’s critical that you review your Social Security earnings record and report any inaccuracies.

Fortunately, the Social Security Administration makes it easy to check your earnings record. Simply visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount to set up or sign in to your own my Social Security account.

Once you’ve signed in, look for the “Eligibility and Earnings” section. Select “Review Your Full Earnings Record Now” to view your taxed Social Security earnings. Carefully review each year of listed earnings and check them against your own records, such as W-2s and tax returns. Should you spot errors, notify the Social Security Administration by calling (800) 772-1213.

If at any point during your career your employer did not properly report your work earnings, you could potentially miss out on tens of thousands of dollars in Social Security benefits over your lifetime. And as time passes, it may become harder to access past documents. You may even find that your past employer is no longer in business. So it pays to review your earnings record sooner rather than later.

In addition to viewing your earnings record, with a “My Social Security” account, you can also access other important information, such as your annual Social Security statement and the monthly benefit you’re eligible to receive.

FOOTNOTE: Article provided by Bryan A. Ruder, CFP®, MSPFP, CRPC®, AWMA®, AAMS®, AIF®, MPAS®

Mr. Ruder is Associate Vice President/Investments, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Member SIPC and New York Stock Exchange, who can be contacted in the Evansville office at (812) 475-9353 or ruderb@stifel.com.

 

 

 

House Resolution Highlights National FFA Week

0

House Resolution Highlights National FFA Week

INDIANA (Feb. 23, 2021) – In celebration of National FFA Week the Indiana FFA Association received a house concurrent resolution recognizing FFA and all of its work to advance the quality of agricultural education both locally and nationally. This coincides with National FFA Week, Feb. 20-27, as a week of celebration for FFA members and learning more about the impact it has on members every day.

“FFA empowers young leaders and equips them with the skills needed to excel and achieve real-world success,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. “Our Indiana FFA members work hard for their many accomplishments and this recognition from Indiana state legislators, during National FFA Week, is well deserved.”

This will be an atypical week of FFA celebrations and our members have become creative with ways to celebrate virtually and bring everyone together to still honor a great organization.

Indiana State FFA Officers will be virtually visiting chapters around the state and learning better ways to support members. The state officer team also plans to host a virtual Foundation in Reaching Excellence conference for FFA members. Members will learn to take the skills they develop in FFA and leverage those skills in post high school education or workforce activities.

“FFA members are critical to carrying on the state’s agricultural heritage while being part of the innovation and technology that will drive the industry’s future success,” said Lehe, chair of the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. “This leadership organization deserves recognition for their longstanding dedication to personal growth, education and career development among our youth.”

New this year, Indiana FFA members will participate in Virtual FFA Advocacy days, a partnership with Indiana Farm Bureau. Virtual FFA Advocacy days are designed to help FFA members learn and participate in advocacy, ag issues, storytelling and meetings with representatives and officials. Advocacy days will feature speakers who focus on why it is important to tell the story of agriculture and explain how best FFA members can be involved in local and state decisions.

“FFA is an organization near and dear to my heart and I am thankful each day it is housed within our department of agriculture,” said Bruce Kettler, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “National FFA Week is a great time to showcase the FFA members and chapters in our great state and to highlight everything they do for their local communities. I want to encourage everyone to learn more about our FFA programs in Indiana and push schools to keep agriculture education a priority.”

FOOTNOTE: To learn more about the Indiana FFA Association click here. To find a contact for your local FFA chapter click here.

Eight FFA Advisors Selected For Indiana Golden Owl Award Nomination

0
FFA

The Indiana FFA Association and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, in partnership with Nationwide Insurance and Farm Credit Mid-America, have selected eight Indiana FFA agriculture educators as nominees for a Golden Owl Award. Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award to honor teachers and support them with additional resources to assist their continued educational efforts in preparing the next generation for successful agricultural careers.

“Our agricultural educators have committed so much extra time and resources to their students this year, with re-planning almost every FFA event and reworking lessons plans to become virtual, I am thankful that Nationwide Insurance and Farm Credit Mid-America allowed us the opportunity to give back to them,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. “I appreciated the opportunity to participate in awarding these eight deserving Hoosier educators.”

The eight finalists were awarded $500 and a plaque in recognition of this honor. The selected winner of the Golden Owl award will be announced in June at this year’s Indiana FFA State Convention and will receive $3,000.

“We are fortunate to have so many exceptional agriculture educators across the state that work tirelessly to ensure their students are successful,” said Sam Miller, Indiana FFA director. “This award is a way for us to honor and recognize the important work these ag teachers are doing and the positive impacts they are making on their student’s lives.”

The Golden Owl Award began with Nationwide Insurance in 2018 and has participation from FFA organizations in seven states. This is Indiana’s first year participating in the award program. The award is set to raise awareness of the importance of agricultural education and the tremendous contributions of teachers.

“Anytime we can celebrate the purposeful, difference-making role that our educators play in the lives of students, we should. I am thrilled to join in the celebration of these Hoosier teachers who are earning the Golden Owl Award,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “Our agriculture teachers are innovating every day to help students build important leadership and life skills for their future. It’s critical that we continue to support these important career-centered programs, their educators and their students.”

Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Bruce Kettler recognized the importance of these educators and is looking forward to honoring more agriculture educators in the future.

“Indiana agriculture is so fortunate to have some of the most elite educators cultivating the next generation of agriculturists for our state,” said ISDA Director Bruce Kettler. “This is the first year Indiana has participated in this program and I look forward to honoring these deserving teachers for many years to come.”

Out of 81 nominees the eight below were chosen to move into the finals.

  • Amy Beer, NorthWood High School
  • Mike Jones, Adams Central High School
  • Erin Padgett, South Ripley High School
  • Gabe Nobbe, Connersville High School
  • Travis Scherer, Tri-County High School
  • Haley Verhaeghe, Tri-County High School
  • Tori McCreary, Mooresville High School
  • Dale Griffin, Rossville High School

VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES

0

Below are the felony cases to be filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office today.

Marvin Dwayne Sayles: Resisting law enforcement (Level 6 Felony), Failure to register as a sex or violent offender (Level 6 Felony), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor), Disregarding stop sign (C infraction)

Zytavious Moss: Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony)

Jason McGregory: Dealing in a narcotic drug (Level 2 Felony), Dealing in a narcotic drug (Level 2 Felony), Resisting law enforcement (Level 6 Felony), Battery by bodily waste (Level 6 Felony), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor), Possession of marijuana (Class B misdemeanor)

Dustin Glenn Nelson: Carrying a handgun without a license (Level 5 Felony), Possession of methamphetamine (Level 5 Felony), Possession of a narcotic drug (Level 5 Felony), Possession of marijuana (Class B misdemeanor)

Jermaine Dewayne Marshall: Robbery (Level 5 Felony), Attempt theft (Level 6 Felony)

David Michael Hodges: Domestic battery (Level 5 Felony), Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony), Domestic battery by bodily waste (Level 6 Felony)

David Michael Hodges: Domestic battery (Level 5 Felony), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor)

Viola S. Robinson: Causing serious bodily injury when operating a vehicle while intoxicated (Level 5 Felony), Reckless driving (Class A misdemeanor), Reckless driving (Class B misdemeanor)

Dumelson Garcon: Operating a vehicle as an habitual traffic violator (Level 6 Felony)

Adrian Romain Armstead: Criminal trespass (Level 6 Felony)

Shaun Brianna Bushrod: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)

Shane Michael Collins: Resisting law enforcement (Level 6 Felony), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor), Driving while suspended (Class A misdemeanor), Possession of paraphernalia (Class C misdemeanor)

Ryan Scott Thompson: Theft (Level 6 Felony)

Lonna Dawn Frederick: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)

Phillip M. Finch: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)

Heidi Sueann Angermeier: Dealing in methamphetamine (Level 3 Felony), Possession of methamphetamine (Level 5 Felony), Possession of marijuana (Class B misdemeanor)

Jon Michael Eickhoff: Obstruction of justice (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a narcotic drug (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a narcotic drug (Level 6 Felony)

Ben Minton Jr.: Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony)

James D. Claspell: Operating a vehicle as an habitual traffic violator (Level 6 Felony), Operating a vehicle while intoxicated (Level 6 Felony)

USI Men’s Soccer Slated To Finish Fourth In GLVC

0

The University of Southern Indiana Men’s soccer is projected to place fourth in the Great Lakes Valley Conference in a vote by the league’s 15 head coaches. USI, the all-time leader with 10 GLVC titles, advanced to the 2019 GLVC Semifinals after posting a 9-7-3 overall record and an 8-5-2 GLVC mark.

The 15-team GLVC will have a round robin schedule that features every team playing seven home and seven away games. The regular season champion, along with the next seven best teams based on conference winning percentage, will earn a berth to the eight-team GLVC Men’s Soccer Championship Tournament. The top four seeds will host on campus April 19 with the winners advancing to St Charles, Missouri, for the semifinals and finals on April 23 and 25.

Indianapolis collected 189 total points for the top spot in the GLVC Men’s Soccer preseason poll and lost in the semifinals of the 2019 NCAA II Tournament. USI upset the Greyhounds in the opening round of the 2019 GLVC Tournament prior to their NCAA Tournament run.

The 2020-21 USI squad is comprised of 30 players – 18 returning players and 12 newcomers.

The top returning scorer for USI is sophomore forward Zach Barton who posted 14 points on five goals and four assists in the 2019 season. Barton is followed by junior midfielder Ryan Nevins with 12 points on a career high six goals back in the fall of 2019.

USI opens the 2020-21 season at home, playing host to University of Indianapolis February 28. The first road contest of 2020-21 is March 5 when the Eagles travel to Romeoville to take on Lewis University.

 

2020-21 GLVC Men’s Soccer Preseason Coaches’ Poll
Place School Points (1st-place votes)
1 UIndy 189 (10)
2 Maryville 181 (4)
3 McKendree 175 (1)
4 Southern Indiana 141
5 Lindenwood 123
6 Drury 119
7 Lewis 118
Rockhurst 118
9 Illinois Springfield 111
10 Quincy 92
11 Missouri-St. Louis 64
12 Missouri S&T 54
13 Truman 43
14 William Jewell 33
15 Southwest Baptist 14

 

1...2,3642,3652,366...7,283Page 2,365 of 7,283