Mayor Terry to Host Traveling City Hall Tonight
Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry will hold the final Traveling City Hall meeting of 2024 tonight at St. John’s East, 7000 Lincoln Avenue, from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
The event will begin with brief remarks from Mayor Terry, offering updates from the Mayor’s Office. Then, residents will have the opportunity to speak about their concerns directly with officials from all city departments. Representatives from the Indiana Department of Transportation also will be in attendance to answer questions about the Lloyd4U project, and representatives from CenterPoint Energy will be in attendance to speak with customers.
Attendees also will have the opportunity to speak with members of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, who will be present to discuss issues surrounding mental health and digital literacy.
“One of the best parts of my job is having the opportunity to interact with the people of Evansville,” Mayor Terry said. “As a city, it’s important to hear their issues, their concerns, and the things they want to see in their city, and to be responsive to that. The Traveling City Hall gives us an opportunity to do that.”
Mayor Terry’s administration has hosted quarterly Traveling City Hall meetings throughout 2024, with each being held in different areas of the city. Events will continue in 2025, with a full calendar of events set to be released in January.
Over $505,000 Awarded to 23 Nonprofits Serving Evansville
Over $505,000 Awarded to 23 Nonprofits Serving Evansville
(Evansville, Indiana) The Evansville Endowment Fund recently announced total grant awards of more than $505,000 to assist 23 nonprofits in Evansville. Grants are designated for capital improvement projects, with a requirement that at least 60% of the annual funds be allocated to organizations serving Evansville’s Fourth and Sixth Wards.
The annual grant cycle began in May. The EEF grants committee awards grants through a competitive application and review process.
“Evansville Endowment Fund is excited to continue granting funds to nonprofit organizations directly serving our community,” said board president, Amber Rascoe. “This year we granted to a wide variety of exciting projects. Thank you to the grant committee and board for your time and service. Congratulations to this year’s recipients! I encourage all nonprofits to go to our website for information about how to apply next year.”
2024 Evansville Endowment Fund Grant Recipients
- Ark, Inc. to reroute downspout drainage underground, repair a broken water wall pipe, and construct a retention wall
- Carver Community Organization to remove the existing playground surface and install turf surfacing
- Community Action Program of Evansville & Vanderburgh County, Inc. to replace eight HVAC units at Paradise Estates
- Community One to secure licensed professional services for the restoration of a vacant, dilapidated residential property at 637 Jackson Avenue
- Dream Center Evansville to install black-galvanized steel fencing around the playground and improve the parking area fencing
- Evansville African-American Museum Inc. to develop and install seven new historical markers along the Baptisttown Heritage Trail
- Evansville Christian Life Center for the purchase and installation of new exterior doors
- Evansville Museum of Arts, History, & Science for the purchase and installation of twelve security cameras and software equipment
- Habitat for Humanity of Evansville to assist with the construction materials to build ten homes in Tepe Park and ten homes in Jacobsville neighborhoods
- Hydration Station to install a Hydration Station at Riverfront Park
- Impact Evansville to assist with the construction of Bedford Collab
Lampion Center for drywall repair and painting in six bathrooms and painting in two offices - Ozanam Family Shelter to purchase and install 50 windows
- Southwestern Healthcare, Inc. to add a drop-off parking area adjacent to the building and remove and install new landscaping
- St. Vincent Early Learning Center, Inc. for safety and security upgrades
- SWIRCA & More for the renovation of SWIRCA's current building and the construction of the new Sol and Arlene Bronstein Foundation Center
- The Arc Evansville to replace the mechanical component of the sliding entry door
- The Isaiah 1:17 Project to remodel a bathroom and kitchen to be accessible and child-friendly
- The Potter's Wheel, Inc. to repair, resurface, and reline the primary parking lot
- Tri-State Food Bank for the purchase of steel angles, angle paint, and drywall repairs
- Vanderburgh Humane Society, Inc. to assist with roof repair and replacement of the HVAC system condenser and coil
- WNIN Tri-State Public Media, Inc. to remove deteriorated caulking and install new sealant
- YWCA of Evansville for tuckpointing to the north elevation of the building
For more information, please visit www.evv-endowment.org.
About the Evansville Endowment Fund, Inc.
The Evansville Endowment Fund originated in 1994 when former Mayor Frank McDonald II proposed that five million of revenue from the riverboat be invested in a way that would serve the City of Evansville forever. After an extensive study of investment options, in 1998 the revenue was used to establish the endowment fund as a distinct legal entity affiliated with the Alliance. The Evansville Endowment Fund was created as a public charity and supporting organization of the Community Foundation Alliance, Inc. The Endowment Fund’s earnings allow for grantmaking annually.
About the Community Foundation Alliance
The Community Foundation Alliance is comprised of affiliate Community Foundations serving nine counties throughout southwestern Indiana in Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties. Through the establishment of endowed funds created by caring donors to benefit community causes, the Alliance works to improve the quality of life in affiliate counties by providing annual grants to nonprofit organizations and scholarships to local students.
The Community Foundation Alliance is a 501(c)(3) public charity accredited by the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® (National Standards) program representing operational effectiveness to foster excellence in community philanthropy. Since the inception of this program, the Community Foundation Alliance has consistently achieved National Standards accreditation. The Community Foundation Alliance provides management, administrative, and development expertise and services so that every local affiliate can focus on promoting philanthropy, building endowment, and grantmaking, making a difference in their community For Good. Forever.
Letter From Alex Burton, State Representative for District 77
Dear neighbor,
My name is Alex Burton, and I am so glad to introduce myself to you as the newly elected Representative for Indiana House District 77. I was sworn into office on Tuesday, Nov. 19, during Organization Day held at the Indiana Statehouse.
I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to represent the Southern Indiana communities of Indiana House District 77 at the Statehouse.
Career Background and Community Involvement:
My career and community involvement began as a high school student, when I served on the Mayor’s Aquatics Task Force under Jonathan Weinzapfel in 2006. This experience sparked my passion for public service, leading me to Indiana State University where I earned a B.A. in Communications and a Nonprofit Leadership Certificate. Later, I continued my education at Western Kentucky University, earning a Master of Public Administration.
After returning to Evansville, I dedicated myself to addressing a variety of community issues. These ranged from creating systems to ensure success for every K-12 student to advocating for safe, affordable housing for all Hoosiers. My focus has always been on supporting everyday people as they navigate life’s challenges.
Some of my key efforts include:
- Founding Feed Evansville
- Allocating additional public funds into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund
- Intervening to stop an energy utility rate increase
- Leading the creation of the CDFI Friendly Evansville Region
- Establishing a water bill relief program
- Securing wage increases for city employees
- Investing in public safety and our parks
- Opposing the oversaturation of neighborhoods with gas stations and liquor stores
Additionally, I’ve been actively engaged in efforts to improve youth outcomes, such as boosting literacy, addressing the school-to-prison pipeline, increasing high school graduation rates, and expanding real-world career opportunities for students. My passion for education led me to work within the public school system for several years, in between roles with two major Evansville employers—Berry Global and Old National Bank, both of which play an essential role in Indiana’s economy.
I look forward to continuing to advocate for initiatives that benefit the people of District 77 and all Hoosiers.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Legislative Session:
As the 2025 Legislative Session approaches, I am eager to collaborate with my colleagues in the Indiana House Democratic Caucus, as well as with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, to make Indiana a more prosperous and welcoming state for all.
There is much work to be done to improve the lives of Hoosiers, ensuring that no one is left behind. I am ready to serve and advocate for practical, common-sense solutions that include everyone and exclude no one. Our state deserves to be the best version of itself, and I refuse to accept the status quo. It’s time for Indiana to aim higher—to create a future that retains, attracts and invests in its people, resources and communities.
Let’s Get Moving!
In service,
State Rep. Alex Burton
State Report Says Three Abortions a Day Were Performed in Indiana in the Year After the Ban
A report from the Indiana Department of Health says that during the first full year since Indiana’s abortion ban took effect, 159 abortions were performed. That’s a significant decrease from the 9,529 abortions performed in 2022 before the ban.
None of the roughly three abortions per day in the state were done in Southern Indiana. The vast majority (148 of 159 procedures) were done in hospitals in Indianapolis, eight were done in Ft. Wayne, and three in South Bend.
Planned Parenthood released a statement claiming that under the abortion ban patients have to travel hundreds of miles for health care. In the statement, Rebecca Gibron, the CEO of Planned Parenthood’s Indiana affiliate, said, “The confusion and fear created by the law’s narrow exceptions, combined with hospitals’ reluctance to provide care in cases of rape, incest, or severe health risks, leaves patients without options in their most vulnerable moments.”
Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and other groups are planning more court filings to overturn the Indiana law.
University of Evansville Awarded $41,000 Gift to Enhance School of Education
University of Evansville Awarded $41,000 Gift to Enhance School of Education
The University of Evansville (UE) is pleased to announce a generous gift from the trust of UE alumna Joyce Short to the School of Education.
Ms. Short saw the importance of investing in our future educators. She dedicated her life to teaching, advocating for every student she encountered. Even in retirement, her passion for education continued as she mentored future teachers, often volunteering her time to support one of her favorite student teachers. Ms. Short spent most of her career teaching third grade for the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC).
While Ms. Short enjoyed traveling the world, she always cherished her visits to Evansville to cheer on her beloved Purple Aces.
The School of Education is so very grateful for the generous gift from Ms. Short. The funding will support pre-service teachers by providing continued licensure testing resources and support with licensure fees. The gift will also support efforts to update and replenish their Early Literacy library for our pre-service teachers to use during student teaching, internships, and tutoring opportunities at area schools.
Homeless Memorial Service
Homeless Memorial Service
Aurora’s Annual Homeless Memorial Service will take place at Trinity United
Methodist Church on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 5:30 pm.
EVANSVILLE – Each year, Aurora sponsors the Homeless Memorial Service in partnership with the National Homeless Person’s Memorial Day. This year, the event will take place on
Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 5:30 PM, and will be held in the sanctuary at Trinity United
Methodist Church located at 216 SE 3rd Street.
Since the Memorial Service began in 1990, Aurora continues to ask that we pay our respects to individuals who have lost their lives while experiencing homelessness in our area. While gathering, the Evansville community will recognize and reflect on the five individuals who have passed away in 2024 as they become part of the 175 lives lost in the past 34 years. The service includes a candle-lighting ceremony, moments of personal reflection, and a time to remember those who are often left behind or forgotten.
Aurora will share a live stream for the service on their Facebook page as well.
Aurora thanks Trinity UMC, all those participating, and our community partners for working
together to protect, shelter, and house the men, women, children, and seniors experiencing
homelessness in Evansville.
Planes, Trains, and Santa Claus Coming to the Evansville Wartime Museum
The Evansville Wartime Museum is getting into the Christmas spirit this Saturday, December 8, with Planes, Trains, and Santa Claus from Noon until 4 PM. It starts with Santa and Mrs. Claus flying in from the North Pole and landing at Evansville Airport. Kids will be able to watch as the plane taxis to the Wartime Museum hanger and the guests of honor exit the plane to chat with the children.
Christmas activity books and crayons will be available to all children, and the museum will serve cookies, popcorn, and hot chocolate. Also, kids of all ages will enjoy the model train sets on display.
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.