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HOT JOBS
$416,350 federal grant funds available for Indiana specialty crop industry
NDIANAPOLIS (May 15, 2025) – The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), is seeking project proposals from Indiana’s specialty crop sector for funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
“Hoosier farms feature more than just corn and soybeans,” Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture said. “Indiana offers more. We’re also a top producing state of watermelons, mint, cantaloupe, and tomatoes. Our specialty crop farmers, researchers, manufacturers, and others are encouraged to apply for this funding provided by USDA through our Indiana Department of Agriculture, and we look forward to the great impact these projects will make on our state.”
The USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program offers federal funding annually to state departments of agriculture to support their specialty crop industries. This year, Indiana will be allocating $416,350 to selected projects.
Eligible projects must enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Indiana, defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery crops. For a full list of eligible specialty crops please click here.
Funding will not be awarded to projects that benefit a particular commercial product, or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual. Each project must identify at least one of the USDA performance measures that specifically demonstrate the project’s impact on enhancing the competitiveness of eligible specialty crops.
ISDA is seeking projects that address the following issues: enhancing food safety; improve the capacity of all entities in the specialty crop distribution chain to comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act; invest in specialty crop research; develop new/improved seed varieties and specialty crops; improve pest and disease control methods; increase child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops; improve efficiency and reduce costs of distribution systems; and/or, create sustainable long-term environmental outcomes.
Applications are currently open and are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 4, 2025. Proposals must be submitted online through the Indiana State Department of Agriculture’s Grants Management System. Indiana Specialty Crop Block Grant application resources are located on ISDA’s Grants and Funding
Vanderburgh County Announces 2026 Budget Constraints
Vanderburgh County Announces 2026 Budget Constraints
Evansville, IN – Due to anticipated reductions in tax revenue resulting from Senate Bill 1 (SB1), the Vanderburgh County Commissioners and County Council have announced that the 2026 county budget will face significant limitations.
Department heads have been informed that budget increase requests for 2026 will not be considered, with the only likely exceptions being for previously signed contractual obligations.
This proactive measure is necessary to maintain financial stability in light of the revenue shortfalls expected under SB1.
Vanderburgh County remains focused on responsible stewardship of public funds and appreciates the cooperation of all departments and community partners during this time of adjustment.
Memorial Service
The Indiana State Police at Evansville will be conducting their annual Memorial Service on Wednesday, May 21, at 10:00 a.m. CST. During the ceremony, Indiana State Police honor the 49 men and women who have died in the line of duty.
The ceremony will take place in the rear parking lot at the Indiana State Police Post, located at 19411 Hwy 41 North, Evansville, IN.
For a complete listing of Indiana Troopers killed in the line of duty and a summary of their deaths, visit the Indiana State Police website at www.in.gov/isp and click on the “In Memoriam” link on the left side of the page.
City Council Meeting
MAY 19, 2025
AGENDA
| I. | INTRODUCTION |
05-19-2025 Agenda Attachment:
| II. | APPROVAL OF MEETING MEMORANDUM |
05-12-2025 Memo Attachment:
| III. | REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS |
| IV. | SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY |
| V. | CONSENT AGENDA: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS |
A. ORDINANCE G-2025-11 An Ordinance Amending Chapters 18.05 (General Provisions), 18.125 (Zoning District Use Groups, 18.135 (Off-Street Parking and Loading), and 18.145 (Special Uses) of the Evansville Municipal Code Sponsor(s): Allen, Carothers, Trockman Discussion Led By: ASD Chair Carothers Discussion Date: 6/9/2025 Notify: Joshua Trockman, KDDK G-2025-11 Attachment:
B. ORDINANCE F-2025-08 An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations, Additional Appropriations and Repeal and Re-Appropriation of Funds for Various City Funds Sponsor(s): Allen Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Allen Discussion Date: 6/9/2025 Notify: Robert Gunter, Controller F-2025-08 Attachment:
C. ORDINANCE R-2025-13 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 1307 Cumberland Ave Owner: Odra Vanesa Lopez Requested Change: C4 to R2 Ward: 6 Brinkmeyer Representative: Elder Recinos R-2025-13 Attachment:
| VI. | COMMITTEE REPORTS |
| VII. | REGULAR AGENDA: SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS |
| VIII. | RESOLUTION DOCKET |
A. RESOLUTION C-2025-17 A Resolution Approving a Joint Local Emergency Proclamation for the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County, Indiana Sponsor(s): Trockman, Mosby, Allen Discussion Led By: President Trockman Discussion Date: 5/19/2025 Notify: Sarah Dauer, Corporation Counsel C-2025-17 Attachment:
B. RESOLUTION C-2025-18 A Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Evansville, Indiana, Recognizing the June Celebration of Pride Month Sponsor(s): Council as a Whole Discussion Led By: President Trockman Discussion Date: 5/19/2025 Notify: Joshua Trockman, KDDK C-2025-18 Attachment:
| IX. | MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS |
A. THE NEXT MEETING of the Common Council will be Monday, June 9, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
B. ADDITIONAL MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
| X. | COMMITTEE REPORTS |
| XI. | ADJOURNMENT |
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.
UE women’s basketball adds Mireia Mustaros
Mustaros becomes the Aces’ first signee out of the transfer portal for UE for the 2025-26 season
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Mireia Mustaros has been announced as the newest signee to the University of Evansville women’s basketball team by head coach Robyn Scherr.
When Mireia visited campus, it was an instant fit! I felt like she was already part of our team,” exclaimed Scherr. “One of the things that drew me to Mireia was her desire to be pushed and challenged.
“She played for a coach with high standards at Odessa, and her game grew in her two years there. I love that she brings us size and versatility in the post with her ability to play inside and on the perimeter. She is a player who will continue to improve, and I am thrilled to be her coach!”
Mustaros has spent the past two seasons at Odessa College at the JUCO level. Last season, the Wranglers finished the year at 19-9 overall with a 10-6 conference record. Mustaros helped the Wranglers to the NJCAA Region V Women’s Basketball Tournament. She was also part of the 2023-24 Wrangler team that was the NJCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Runner-Ups as they lost by only a basket to nearby Wabash Valley CC.
In her two years with Odessa, Mustaros appeared in 60 games with 44 starts. As a freshman, Mustaros averaged 15.8 minutes, 4.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 0.3 blocks a game. In her sophomore season, Mustaros raised her game averages to 21.4 minutes, 5.1 points, and 4.4 rebounds. The sophomore had a career-high game against Trinidad State College on Nov. 2, 2024, scoring 12 points by shooting 87.5% from the floor and adding six rebounds. Her best rebounding game came Feb. 24, 2025, as she pulled down 10 boards against Clarendon College.
Originally from Mataró, Barcelona, Mustaros played for Unió Esportiva Mataró prior to moving to the United States for school. U.E. Mataró competes in Second FEB under the Spanish Basketball Federation and has teams for kids as young as 14 all the way up to their U20 teams. Mustaros is also part of PickUs Education, a consultancy group that helps international basketball players find programs in the United States to grow both their game and academics. Former Ace Júlia Palomo (La Seu d’Urgell, Spain) was also a member of PickUs Education.
“I chose UE because from the first moment I felt it was the perfect place to grow as a person and as a player,” says Mustaros. “I loved the welcoming environment and the commitment of the coaches to the development of each player. I felt an immediate connection with the girls and the staff, and I am very excited to start this new stage in a place like UE.”
Mustaros will join Evansville over the summer as the team conducts workouts in June and July. The Purple Aces officially begin the basketball season with their first official practice in late September of 2025.
Aces baseball ties series with Bradley in a home run extravaganza
The two teams scored 12 combined runs off of home runs on Friday
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Fighting for its postseason hopes, the University of Evansville baseball team earned a massive win over the Bradley Braves 12-7 on Friday afternoon.
The Purple Aces kept their postseason dreams alive this afternoon with their victory against Bradley. UE’s bats connected in every inning but the first to record 12 hits for its third straight game with 10 hits or more. Almost half of Evansville’s hits were put into play by graduate catcher Matt Flaherty (Lake Zurich, Ill. / Bellarmine), who had a perfect day at the plate, going 5 of 5 with two home runs and five RBIs.
The Aces had to work out of trouble early in the first as the defense got out of a bases-loaded jam on a pop-up to Cal McGinnis. It was a quick game from there as UE went down in order in the bottom of the first, and Bradley did the same in the top of the second. Evansville got its first hit of the afternoon in the second from Flaherty with a single to left center.
Flaherty’s single sparked the offense in the bottom of the third as the Aces scored the first runs of the game. Shortstop Drew McConnell (Blue Springs, Mo. / Blue Springs HS) began the frame with a walk. Two at-bats later, left fielder Charlie Longmeier (Seymour, Ind. / Seymour HS) put a double into left as the Braves outfield lost the ball in the sun.
Both runners came home moments later as McGinnis crushed the first pitch he saw past the right field wall for his fourth home run of the year. UE’s 3-0 lead only lasted for the rest of the third inning as Bradley was able to answer with a two-run shot of their own to begin the fourth. The home runs continued in the fourth, but this time it was Evansville who had the long balls.
Flaherty led off the frame with his fourth homer of the year on a rocket to left field. The ball left German American Bank Field at 106 miles per hour to make it a 4-2 game. The Aces’ next two batters flew out to left field, as it was McConnell who found the hot bat. The freshman put a home run out to the opposite side to give UE another three-run lead.
But the home run train wasn’t done yet as the Braves put together back-to-back home runs, getting the game back within one. Bradley tied the game up in the fifth with two outs on the board as a long single through the right side brought home the runner at second base. The Braves took their first lead of the game in the fifth as they brought in two more runs with a bases-clearing double.
Evansville erased the Bradley lead in the bottom of the fifth with one swing of the bat. The Aces got two walks in the first four batters, giving Flaherty another big hitting opportunity. And the graduate catcher came through with another home run, this time past the center field wall to put UE back up by one.
Neither side scored in the sixth as Evansville added another hit to its line. The Braves went down in order to begin the seventh while the Aces’ offense had their best offensive inning yet. UE’s first three batters all reached base as right fielder Harrison Taubert (Casper, Wyo. / Northeast CC) became the leading batter to be hit by pitches in the MVC to begin the frame.
Back-to-back singles from Rumsey and Flaherty added another run as Taubert hit the gas to get across home. First base Jake McGhee (Fenton, Mo. / Christian Brothers Academy) had a close sacrifice bunt that put both Rumsey and Flaherty into scoring position. Designated hitter Aaron Nehls (Evansville, Ind. / North HS) followed up the bunt with his first hit of the afternoon, doubling to left center and scoring Rumsey.
Evansville wasn’t done there as ninth-hole hitter Drew Howard (Ferdinand, Ind. / Forest Park HS) had his first knock of the game. Howard also found the left side hole, scoring both Flaherty and Nehls to give the Aces a five-run advantage with two outs on the board. UE loaded the bases with two walks but a strikeout from Taubert kept it at a 12-7 score.
It was a quick inning on defense for Evansville as Bradley went down in order. The Aces had another chance to extend their lead in the bottom of the eighth with the bases loaded. But UE’s next three batters went down in order, sending the game to its final frame. The Braves were able to add a run in the top of the ninth on a throwing error from McConnell as he tried to get an out at first for a double play. But Evansville held strong to earn the 12-8 win.
Reliever Kellen Roberts (Monroe, Mich. / Monroe HS) earned his first win of the season on Friday, pitching for 1.2 innings while allowing only a run with a strikeout. Closer Owen Byberg (Barrie, Ontario), in his first appearance on the mound in over a month, earned his first save with the Aces as he pitched for 2.2 innings without letting an earned run across and striking out three batters.
UE will need to win tomorrow’s regular-season finale against Bradley to make the 2025 MVC Tournament next week. Evansville will be honoring its seven seniors as well on Saturday in the program’s annual Senior Day game. First pitch from Charles H. Braun Stadium is set for 1 p.m., while Senior Day honors will begin at 12:40 p.m.
UE track and field begins the postseason at the MVC Outdoor Championships
The Purple Aces will compete in over 20 events across the two-day event
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The University of Evansville track and field team begins its postseason journey this weekend at Southern Illinois.
The Purple Aces will compete in 24 events through Saturday and Sunday at the Missouri Valley Conference Outdoor Championships. UE was picked to finish ninth on the men’s side and 12th on the women’s side in the Pre-Championship Poll voted on by league head coaches. Indiana State was tabbed as the favorites in both the men’s and women’s polls, with all 12 first-place votes on the women’s side and six on the men’s side. Other teams earning first-place votes for the men included Illinois State and Northern Iowa.
Evansville closed out the regular outdoor season a week ago at the Billy Hayes Invitational hosted by the Indiana Hoosiers. The Aces picked up another new program record while earning podium finishes in five events at the Billy Hayes Invite. Junior thrower Gwen Darrah (Cleveland / Orange HS) set a new program record in the women’s hammer throw with a PR of 44.82 meters in UE’s first event of the day. Evansville also had 15 athletes set new PRs at the Robert C. Haugh Track and Field Complex. The Aces picked up podium finishes in the men’s 200-meter dash from sophomore Raymond Felton III (Houston / Clear Brook HS), the 4×100-meter relay race, sophomore Cedrik Flipo (Beloeil, Quebec) in the men’s 800-meter invitational race, senior Adam Oulgout (St. Paul, Minn. / Central HS) in the men’s open 800-meter race, and the women’s 3000-meter race from Avery Stephens (Newburg, Ind. / Castle HS).
UE begins the MVC Outdoor Championships in the field on Saturday morning, starting at 10 a.m. with the women’s discus event. Evansville’s first track event of the weekend will be the men’s 1,500-meter race at 2:30 p.m. While on Sunday, the Aces will begin competition at 11 a.m. with the men’s hammer throw and move to the track at 1:15 p.m. with the men’s 4×100 relay.
Trailblazers fall at Central District Championships
UNION, Mo. – The 2025 Spring VU baseball season came to an end Friday afternoon at the Central District Championships hosted by East Central College in Union, Mo.
The Trailblazers opened the day in the Semifinals against Heartland Community College where the Blazers fell to the Hawks 8-4.
Vincennes then dropped into the elimination bracket where they faced North Central College and fell to the Pirates 13-1.
VU opened their day with a Mid-West Athletic Conference rematch against Heartland Community College and were again able to strike early against the Hawks after a leadoff single by freshman Carter Gricius in the second, followed by an RBI single by sophomore Yancey Edlin to give the Blazers the early 1-0 lead.
Heartland would respond in their half of the second inning, plating five runs in the inning to grab their first lead of the afternoon at 5-1.
Vincennes continued to battle in the later innings however, using another leadoff single by sophomore Bradyn Douglas and another single by sophomore Nate Montgomery (Lexington, Ind.) to put runners on for Carter Gricius.
Gricius came through at the plate again, coming away with a big three-run home run, his seventh of the season to cut the Heartland lead back down to one at 5-4.
Heartland would get a pair of runs back in the seventh before the game was paused in the top of the eighth inning for an hour and 15 minutes for a lightning delay.
The Blazers resumed play after the delay with Gricius on second, getting his third hit of the game just before play was paused but were unable to get the run in.
Heartland extended their lead with a run in the bottom of the eighth, which Vincennes could not answer in the ninth as Vincennes dropped the Semifinal showdown to Heartland C.C. 8-4.
Freshman Eastin Whaley (Kokomo, Ind.) got the start in game one of the day for the Trailblazers, throwing into the seventh inning, allowing six runs, three earned on six hits and striking out two.
Freshman Ty Stultz (Terre Haute, Ind.) was the first out of the bullpen for VU Head Baseball Coach Chris Barney, throwing one inning, allowing one run on two hits and striking out two.
Freshman Grayson Reichert (Shepherdsville, Ky.) came on after the weather delay to pitch the eighth inning, allowing one run on three hits in one inning on the mound.
Vincennes dropped into an elimination game to close out the day, facing off against the Pirates from North Central College in Trenton, Mo.
The Blazers found themselves playing from behind in this game with the Pirates striking early with a run in the first and three runs in the second to take an early 4-0 lead.
North Central continued to apply pressure at the plate, breaking the game open with four more runs in the third and adding five runs in the fourth.
Vincennes kept battling to the end, getting on the board in the fifth with a solo home run by sophomore Brody Fessel (DePauw, Ind.), his first home run of the season and first home run as a Trailblazer.
VU was unable to keep this momentum going however and unable to extend the game as the Blazers dropped game two of the day to North Central College 13-1.
Sophomore JD Bowser (Mt. Carmel, Ill.) got the start on the mound for Vincennes in game two, throwing two and two-thirds innings, allowing eight runs, three earned on seven hits and striking out two.
Freshman Jakob Hoyer (Georgetown, Ind.) came in out of the bullpen to throw two-thirds of an inning, allowing three runs on four hits before turning the game over to sophomore Colton Okes (Evansville, Ind.) who threw the final two-thirds of an inning, allowing two runs, one earned on one hit.
The 2025 Region 24 B Champion Vincennes University Trailblazers closed out their 2025 season with a final record of 28 wins and 34 losses.
The Blazers had a very successful season however, securing the most wins by a VU Baseball squad since 2016, capturing VU’s first Region Championship since moving to Region 24 in 2016 and winning the first Mid-West Athletic Conference Championship in VU Baseball