Stifel is pleased to announce that Bryan Ruder, Associate Vice President/Investments in the firm’s Evansville, Indiana, Private Client Group office, has earned the Accredited Wealth Management AdvisorSM (AWMA®), Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC®), and Master Planner Advanced StudiesSM (MPAS®) designations.
To earn these designations, Mr. Ruder completed coursework encompassing wealth planning strategies, investment-related content, equity-based compensation plans, tax mitigation alternatives, and asset management alternatives. His training included research-based coursework and real-world case studies.
Mr. Ruder began his investment industry career in 2013 and joined Stifel in 2015. In addition to his three new designations, he holds the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification, as well as the Accredited Asset Management SpecialistSM (AAMS®) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designations. He holds Series 7, 9 & 10, and 66 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities). He earned a Master of Science in the Personal Financial Planning Program from the College for Financial Planning and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with an Economics Minor from Hanover College.
Active in the community, Mr. Ruder is a past president of the Green River Kiwanis and serves on the board of directors of the Ark Crisis Child Care Center and the Student Financial Aid Association. A former collegiate assistant soccer coach, he volunteers with the Bosse High School soccer program.
FOOTNOTE: Stifel’s Evansville office is located at 3000 E. Morgan Avenue, Suite A, and can be reached by calling (812) 475-9353.
Dr. Michael Dixon has accepted the position of Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Southern Indiana. Dixon has served as interim Director since April, 2019 and assumed the position permanently Monday, July 13.
As Director of Graduate Studies, Dixon will lead the strategic direction of graduate programs at the University, as well as administer and interpret graduate education policy. He will oversee the process of graduate admissions and the conferral of degrees, serve as Chair of the University Graduate Council and advocate for graduate education both on campus and in the community.
Prior to his appointment as interim Director of Graduate Studies, Dixon served as Director of the Classical Studies Program within the USI College of Liberal Arts. His additional administrative appointments at USI include service as acting Associate Provost for Academic Affairs; interim Dean, Associate Dean and Assistant Dean of the College of Liberal Arts; and acting Chair of the History Department.
Dixon joined the USI faculty as an Assistant Professor of History in 2000. He was awarded the rank of Associate Professor in 2006 and full Professor in 2015. He earned a bachelor’s degree in classics (ancient Greek and Latin languages) from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and master’s and doctoral degrees in ancient history from The Ohio State University.
The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today announced that 700 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. That brings to 53,370 the total number of Indiana residents known to have the novel coronavirus.
Intensive care unit and ventilator capacity remains steady. As of today, more than 35 percent of ICU beds and nearly 84 percent of ventilators are available.
A total of 2,592 Hoosiers are confirmed to have died from COVID-19, an increase of 10 over the previous day. Another 193 probable deaths have been reported based on clinical diagnoses in patients for whom no positive test is on record. Deaths are reported based on when data are received by ISDH and occurred over multiple days.
To date, 586,589 tests have been reported to ISDH, up from 578,409 on Tuesday.
To find testing locations around the state, visit www.coronavirus.in.gov and click on the COVID-19 testing information link.
Gov. Eric J. Holcomb, the Indiana State Department of Health and other state leaders will host a virtual media briefing to provide updates on COVID-19 and its impact on Indiana.
WHO:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Gov. Holcomb
State Health Commissioner Kristina Box, M.D., FACOG
WHEN:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, July 15
On Tuesday, June 13, 2020, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force received information from the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force (CRFTF) that a person wanted for the shooting death of two female victims in Berkeley County, South Carolina may be in the Evansville area.
The CRFTF advised that Damayjohn Gadson had family ties in the area, prompting the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task to force set up surveillance on several areas on the Southeast side of Evansville. After conducting surveillance in the area of Washington Avenue and Weinbach Avenue, a task force officer observed a male matching Gadson’s description exit a pizza establishment and walk south in the 1100 block of S. Lincoln Park Drive. The subject was stopped by task force officers and was identified as Damayjohn Gadson.
Gadson was arrested without incident and lodged in the Vanderburgh County Jail where he will await extradition back to South Carolina.
The following agencies were involved in the apprehension: Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police, Evansville Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
written by Taylor Dixon TheStatehouseFile.com  
INDIANAPOLIS — Marion County became one of four counties in Indiana to begin mandating that residents wear masks Thursday, moving to enforce practice experts argue limits the spread of the COVID-19 virus and one that some citizens oppose.
Last week, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and the Marion County Health Department issued an order requiring masks to be worn in indoor public places and outdoors when social distancing can’t be followed by any person over the age of two. Those who do not follow the guidelines could be fined.
“We want to be the city that doesn’t have to reverse and go back to shelter-in-place,†Marion County Health Department Commissioner Dr. Virginia Caine said Thursday.
Marion County joins three other counties in enforcing the practice, departing from a decision by state leaders to recommend Hoosiers wear masks in weekly press conferences while not requiring them.
St. Joseph County was the first to require masks starting on May 4. LaGrange and Elkhart County soon followed. Elkhart County was the latest behind Marion County to mandate masks on June 30 after an increase in COVID-19 cases.
“The mask doesn’t protect the wearer, it protects those around the wearer,†said Mark Fox, a deputy health officer for the St. Joseph County Health Department.
While Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb has yet to require masks for the state, more than 20 states around the country have required people to wear them according to an article published by WebMD. But Holcomb has urged Hoosiers to wear masks and, with help from other state leaders, recently launched a social media campaign to support wearing a mask called #MaskupIndiana.
In a press briefing held Wednesday, Holcomb cited the Brickyard 400 and GMR Grand Prix that happened the weekend of July 4. He said that if the pit crew and drivers could wear a mask on the 129-degree track, that most Hoosiers, including himself, could too.
Gov. Eric Holcomb urged Hoosiers to mask up at a weekly virtual press briefing in July where he also delayed the reopening of businesses and activities because of a rise in COVID-19 cases. TheStatehouseFile.
All the counties that have put a mask mandate in place have seen numbers go down, Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box said during Wednesday’s press conference.
Fox also said that compared to surrounding counties, St. Joseph County saw a significant drop off in the rate of cases in May and June after health officials began enforcing masks. And in Marion County, where leaders are offering masks for free to residents, more than 400,000 masks have been shared with residents as of Thursday when the mandate went into effect.
But not all Hoosiers support masks. Grassroots Conservatives, a conservative group based out of Bloomington, Indiana, has been pushing for the governor to reopen the state fully and believe that masks cause more harm than good in the fight against COVID-19.
“It’s a terrible idea because they are ineffective,†said Robert Hall, leader of Grassroots Conservatives and the Indiana Conservative Alliance. “They can actually make you sick.â€
In an email newsletter, Grassroots Conservatives said wearing a mask will “give false health safety†and called face coverings “a comforting prop.â€Â The group backed this claim by writing that wearing a mask can lead to oxygen deficiency, carbon dioxide in your blood and potential brain damage.  Hall also said that masks are ineffective at keeping the virus out because the virus is smaller than the mesh of a cloth face mask, citing an article by former physics professor Denis G. Rancourt posted to the River Cities’ Reader in early June.
Hall said he questions CDC recommendations and believes they have “flip-flopped†on their stance since February and haven’t shown any scientific evidence to support their claims.
The CDC continues to urge everyone who is able — those over two and without previous breathing issues — to wear a mask, citing studies that have shown that wearing a mask reduces the spread of respiratory droplets that can infect others with COVID-19.
Although it is too soon to see the results of the mask order handed down by Hogsett, some Indianapolis residents, like Ashley Miller, 33, agree with the order.
Miller said that she wears a mask to keep herself, her friends and her family safe from COVID-19.
“I am glad to see a mandate come through. Wearing a mask benefits everyone and decreases the transmission of the disease,†Miller said, “We have to get comfortable with being a little uncomfortable first.â€
FOOTNOTE: Taylor Dixon is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students. Â
Cardiac Patient Gives Heartfelt Thanks for Quality Care
Kelsey Quiambao-Starks, RN, TAVR Coordinator (center) with grateful TAVR patients, including Randall Turner (2nd from rtigh, back row) and Dr. AJ Voelkel (far right, back row)
Grateful patient and family member, Randall and Kitty Turner, shared their positive experience with our Ascension St. Vincent Medical Group cardiac physicians following Randall’s TAVR procedure several months ago. TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure where a new valve is inserted without removing the old, damaged valve.
“…Randy has had Dr. Umang Patel for several years as his Electrophysiologist for treatment of his AFIB. He has had several ablations and pacemaker/defibrilations. Every office visit, every procedure Dr. Patel always takes the time to explain everything. We have never felt rushed. He really makes you feel special like you are the only patient and that you are a friend. We have such confidence in him and trust him in all decisions concerning Randy’s heart. He is so kind and yes, we are so impressed! But most of all, grateful.
During his last pacemaker/defibrillator procedure in December, Dr. Patel informed us that Randy had severe aortic stenosis and would need surgery as soon as possible. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Gudjonsson explained our options – open heart vs. TAVR right then. They explained the surgeries very well and addressed our questions….
Then we met Dr. Voelkel. We immediately felt such a comfortableness. He explained the TAVR procedure to us in detail and answered our multiple questions. The thought of heart surgery just makes you feel anxious but Dr. Voelkel makes you feel calm. You feel his passion. He absolutely loves being a doctor and gives you such confidence. His personality is outstanding – you feel like family. We may be bragging a bit, but we feel that strongly about your wonderful doctors. Dr. Gudjonsson also was wonderful and checked on Randy often. Excellent surgeon and everyone we talked to in Same Day Surgery said we had a wonderful team in Dr. Voelkel and Dr. Gudjonsson. We definitely thought so!
Then we met Kelsey Quiambao, RN, TAVR Coordinator, and we loved her passion and concern for us! Wow! Immediately she went to work scheduling the heart cath, CT scans, and the appointments to follow. She informed us that no questions were silly and she was there for us all the way – and my, she certainly was our angel from the beginning to the end! She kept us informed of test results and was a lifeline for communication from the doctors and nurses….
Just want to thank everyone! St. Vincent’s is #1 to us and we share our story of our success. May God bless.â€
Early registration is now available for both our signature events in 2021!
Click the button above to register for the Heritage Open or Cornette Ball in 2021.
Ascension St. Vincent Evansville’s Auxiliary Gift Shoppes
Available to Meet Your Gift Giving Needs
Ascension St. Vincent Evansville’s Auxiliary Gift Shoppes are open in two convenient locations to meet your gift giving needs at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville’s main campus and Orthopedic Hospital. All proceeds benefit the Foundation.
The Gift Shoppe offers seasonal gifts, purses, Velvet hand dipped ice cream, clothing from infant to 5T- including Little Me and Mud Pie, soaps and scrubs by local The Confectionery Sweet Soap, Foundations figurines and much more!
In-person and curbside service is available, as well as free in-house delivery to patients. Precautions are in place for the safety of our patients and families. To schedule curbside pickup, call 812-485-4269. The Auxiliary Gift Shoppes are open 9-4 pm, Monday thru Friday, closed weekends and holidays.
Dr. Sandy Bowersox Discusses Anxiety and Depression
During COVID-19 Pandemic
Ascension St. Vincent Evansville Pediatric Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Sandy Bowersox, recently joined Shelley Kirk to talk about the rise of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. View the full interview HERE.
Mental health services continue to be vital to our patients and community during the pandemic and beyond. According to Dr. Bowersox, as a result of the pandemic, “one-third of adults in Indiana are reporting significant levels of depression, anxiety or both.” Additionally, women and individuals living in poverty are facing a “double pandemic” being more susceptible to things such as domestic abuse, lack of access to food, job loss and more.
Educational institutions except where students and faculty can be appropriately socially distanced
Example: Students sitting in a classroom where the desks are not 6 ft apart. Example: Students or teachers walking down the hallway in the presence of others.
Outdoor situations when social distancing is not an option
Example: Fans of different households at a baseball game that are not seated 6 ft apart.
Mask Off – Exemptions
Individuals under the age of six (6) years.
Individuals outdoors when able to maintain at least a six (6) foot distance from others.
Individuals at home who are in a private residence except that Face Masks will be required in all common areas of any multi-family structure.
Individuals in a building or office who are alone in a room. Example: Employees seated at their desk or cubicle at work.
Individuals who are traveling in their own vehicle.
Example: Individual driving their car alone or with members of the same household.
Individuals who are speaking in public or making presentations or lectures for broadcast or to an audience, including, but not limited to, clergy giving sermons.
Individuals experiencing homelessness. (Please note that our homeless shelters & agencies will have masks available at their locations for distribution)
Individuals with deafness or other impairments (including those who are hard of hearing) or those in communication with such individuals) who would face obstacles to communication if required to wear a Face Mask.
Individuals receiving medical or dental services that require removal of a Face Mask to receive such services.
Individuals who have a medical condition that prevents the wearing of a Face Mask.
Individuals who are seated and are consuming food or beverage at a restaurant, bar, or other establishments only while consuming food or beverages; however, individuals must wear a Face Mask in all other situations. Example: Patrons of a restaurant when seated at a table and 6 ft apart.
Individuals who are incarcerated.
Individuals, when requested by a law enforcement officer.
Individuals who would be at risk wearing a Face Mask at work, as determined by local, state or federal regulations or workplace safety guidelines.Example: Workers operating equipment on a construction site or in a factory.
Individuals who are engaged in outdoor or indoor physical exercise or sporting activities, including running, jogging, walking, bicycling or swimming which is incompatible with wearing a Face Mask.Example: Kids playing baseball in a competitive or recreational league.Example: Individuals participating in an exercise class.
Facilities that are owned or operated by Federal and State Government. (Please notethat the city cannot put restrictions in place for state or federally owned buildings)
Individuals inside religious facilities: provided, however, it is strongly recommended that religious facilities adopt Face Mask policies which are in conformity with federal, state and local guidance.
Individuals while acting in their official capacity as a public safety employee or an emergency responder when wearing a Face Mask would interfere or limit their ability to carry out their official duties or functions. These include police officers, fire fighters and other public safety or emergency medical personnel that support public safety functions.
Individuals who are smoking or vaping so long as social distancing is maintained.
Executive Order 2020-1