UE cross country to host Angel Mounds Invitational Friday
E-REP Seeks Public Input on 5-Year Regional Economic Development Strategy
E-REP Seeks Public Input on 5-Year Regional Economic Development Strategy
OCTOBER 18, 2024
The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) is calling for public feedback on the draft 2025-2029 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Gibson, Posey, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties.
A CEDS provides a framework for various stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions about building economic capacity and serves as a guide for the region to become more resilient, equitable, and competitive.
“This is the first step towards a deeper connection with the US Department of Commerce, a connection that will provide capacity building tools, grant priority, and financial support towards growing our local economy,” said Josh Armstrong, Chief Economic Development Officer at E-REP. “But equally important, the tool lets us know what our residents, units of government, businesses, and nonprofits find important and impactful, allowing us to work towards a collaboratively envisioned local economy.”
The public comment period will run through 5 p.m. CST on November 18. Interested parties can access the draft CEDS and survey form at evansvilleregion.com/ceds. The public is encouraged to review the draft and provide comments using the form available at the provided link.
The CEDS focuses on four key areas: 1) Develop Key Regional Infrastructure; 2) Strengthen Key Industries; 3) Attract and Develop a Talented Workforce, and 4) Leverage Signature Developments (e.g., River Vision, I-69 Bridge). Each focus area identifies challenges facing businesses, workforce, and the environment. The strategy approach was developed using data and stakeholder input to form goals that build economic resiliency, equity, and alignment with local, regional, and state efforts.
“This work would not have been possible without the contributions of many community members from across the Evansville Region who participated in one-on-one interviews, small-group interviews, community engagement sessions, and public feedback opportunities,” said Chris Worley, Director at Fourth Economy and Project Lead in the development for the Evansville Region’s CEDS draft. “These community members offered valuable input that helped inform the analysis, strategies, and overall direction of this plan, ensuring that it is representative of the diverse needs, histories, and voices of the region.”
All comments will be reviewed by the CEDS Committee to determine and integrate any necessary changes to the draft before it is finalized and submitted to the United States Economic Development Administration (EDA) for approval. The final plan will be available at evansvilleregion.com, and comments will be included and addressed in the appendices.
For more information on the development of the strategy, visit evansvilleregion.com/ceds. Questions, accommodation requests, and other CEDS inquiries can be directed to Patrick Hickey, Economic Development Director, at phickey@evvregion.com or (812) 470-2640.
USI Health Professions Center undergoing $49 million renovation
USI Health Professions Center undergoing $49 million renovation
A $49 million renovation of the University of Southern Indiana Health Professions Center, which houses the University’s Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions, is underway, adding over 48,000 square feet of additional space for classrooms, updated labs and state-of-the-art equipment for growing healthcare programs while also transforming the building’s exterior and entrance to campus.
“This exterior expansion, facing the roundabout and campus entrance, will add a striking new front door to our University,” says Steve Bridges, USI Interim President. “Inside, new labs, meeting spaces and new and updated areas for students and faculty will allow us to continue to grow our programs. The investment represents our commitment to advancing health professions education and serving the healthcare needs of our broader community.”
Funding for the design fees, construction, furniture and equipment comes from the Indiana General Assembly’s capital funding appropriation for USI approved during the 2023 legislative session, according to Jim Wolfe, Director of Facility Operations and Planning. This is the fourth and final stage of a multi-phase project in the Health Professions Center that began with a third-floor renovation in 2018.
“The Kinney College is proud to play a vital role in building the healthcare workforce for our community and state, with licensure and certification pass rates that consistently exceed the national average,” says Dr. Julie McCullough, Dean of the Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions. “As we expand and renovate, our students will have access to cutting-edge labs and classrooms, ensuring they receive the best possible training to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare industry.”
Below is a breakdown of the current phase of construction focused on the first and second floors of the building:
Facelift for Front Entrance: The Health Professions Center is getting a bold new makeover that will redefine the entrance to campus. The expanded first floor will be the new home for the Kinney College’s administrative offices, Advising Center and Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning Department, which are currently located on the second floor. There will be multi-functional student dining and study spaces on the first floor, in addition to new classroom space.
New Auditorium: A 250-capacity auditorium will be built on the first floor. The auditorium will be used as an interactive classroom and gathering spot for meetings and large campus events.
Nursing Skills Labs: The University is constructing eight new nursing skills labs equipped with the latest technology and equipment to provide future nurses with hands-on training in patient care. These state-of-the-art facilities will simulate a hospital setting, ensuring that students gain practical experience in a controlled and supportive environment.
Respiratory Therapy Labs: On the second floor, two new labs will be created for students in the USI Respiratory Therapy Program to support hands-on learning and clinical skill development. Equipped with the latest technology and ventilators, these labs will offer a realistic healthcare environment where students can practice critical procedures such as ventilator management, airway clearance techniques and cardiopulmonary assessment. A comfortable, quiet, and safe pulmonary function testing lab will allow students to conduct various tests that assess lung function.
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Labs: Also on the second floor, there will be two new OTA classrooms with advanced therapeutic equipment and adaptive tools to help students to develop critical skills in assisting patients with various physical, cognitive and sensory challenges. The space will foster collaboration, learning and innovation, preparing OTA students for success in diverse healthcare settings.
Updated Look for the Second Floor: Faculty and staff offices, study areas, bathrooms, elevators, hallways and stairwells will be updated to match the newly remodeled areas in the building.
View a photo gallery of interior and exterior renderings
Attorney General Todd Rokita remains vigilant against ‘sanctuary cities’ by warning local officials not to ignore state laws
Attorney General Todd Rokita cautioned local officials in Lake and St. Joseph counties that he will pursue legal action against them after November 8 if they refuse to follow state laws that prohibit local entities from restricting immigration enforcement activities and communications with federal immigration authorities.
“Illegal aliens coming across our unprotected Southern border for the last four years have caused a jump in crime, fentanyl overdoses, human trafficking, and an increased financial burden on state and local programs,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Hardworking Hoosiers are sick and tired ofpaying the price for this left-wing nonsense, and our office will not back down from enforcing state law.”
A “sanctuary city” is a local unit of government that has implemented a policy that deliberately and intentionally restricts and obstructs the enforcement of federal immigration laws.
The Indiana General Assembly passed a law this year authorizing the attorney general to file lawsuits against any Indiana colleges, universities, or units of local government that do not comply with the Indiana ban on sanctuary cities.
Attorney General Rokita has heard from constituents about the problems caused by mass migration into areas like Lake and St. Joseph counties. His efforts to combat sanctuary cities are an important way to address these problems.
“Everyone should have the freedom and opportunity to succeed and attain a better life,” Attorney General Rokita said. “We welcome migrants to the United States who show they are thankful to be here by entering our country legally and following our laws. Simply put, if you do not follow our laws, you should not be allowed to stay.”
Attorney General Rokita has sent letters to officials in Lake and St. Joseph counties warning them of impending legal action if they do not come into compliance with Indiana law.
Attorney General Rokita also sent letters to officials in the cities of East Chicago, West Lafayetteand Monroe County. East Chicago and West Lafayette changed their policy to comply with state law. Our office is pursuing legal action in court against Monroe County.
We continue to evaluate other local governments and will take action as warranted to ensure compliance with state law.
CCO “Comments of the Week”
Dear reader, are a part of the City-County Observer when you comment on the stories. Here are a few of the best comments from the past week:
In our story about the mayor reacting to a letter about conditions at the animal control facility, Lynn Wilcox wrote, “Animal. Control has always been horrendous since I was a child. I now reside in Colorado, and their shelters are nothing like in Evansville. Evansville, you should be ashamed of the conditions the animals are kept in. YOU can do better.”
This week’s story about the parks board hearing from the public on the $24 million bond, Donald Lee Nichols said, “I spoke at this meeting- here’s the video link to the entire meeting: https://evansville.granicus.com/player/clip/6894?view_id=12&redirect=true
Post-meeting it was explained to me the bond is an up or down, all-or-nothing proposal and Board vote. The $10 million for the giraffe barn cannot be “carved out” and put in a “lock box” or earmarked for the barn at a later date as I suggested in the video above. At two previous Board meetings, we heard there will be proposals for an extensive giraffe barn at Mesker Zoo, which will be introduced in 2025. So, the $10 million earmarked for the barn becomes a windfall for the remaining projects. I must ask, why would a bond amount be set in stone while the projects using the bond dollars haven’t yet been approved? Makes no sense to me, unless it was the plan all along, a bait and switch. In other words, the giraffe barn and its allotted dollars were a throwaway to gain funds for the remaining projects. Here’s a simple example. Under the current system, a $24 million bond is et, and the “amount” cannot be changed later for two city parks, One honoring Mayor Smith and one for Mayor Jones. However, while surveyors plot the acreage, they find Mayor Jones Park is planned on an ancient or protected site and cannot be built upon. If it’s like the current $24 million bond rules, the entire $24 million bond could be awarded to Mayor Smith Park. I was told that it would not be improper. I think it is. Let me say I support the listed projects as they address critical needs. Please, if someone can explain to me/us whats missing from my view, I’ll stand corrected.”
And Louis Murphy commented on the story about Alexis Berggren resigning from Explore Evansville, “Steve Schaefer or his wife’s next stop. Mark it down.”
Evansville Day School Hosts Gnome Run 5K & Kids Dash
Get ready to lace up those sneakers because the Evansville Day School Gnome Run 5K
and Kids Dash is back! Join us on November 23rd at 9:00 AM at Deaconess Sports
Park for an exciting day of fun, fitness, and community spirit.
This event is open to runners of all ages and abilities, from seasoned athletes to
first-timers. Start the day with our Kids Dash at 8:30 AM, perfect for children 10 and
under! (All participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.)
New this year, participants will score a free limited-edition Gnome Run campfire mug!
Plus, enjoy the onsite food and beverage trucks Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck and Cotton
Shed Donuts.
Secure your spot now for a day packed with fitness, fun, and treats you won’t want to
miss!
For more information and to register please visit: https://bit.ly/gnomerun
Facebook Event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/6iPGV4He6EYBDqhi/
Evansville Vanderburgh County Convention & Visitors Commission Executive Session Meeting Notice
Convention & Visitors Commission