Gov. Braun activates Indiana National Guard to aid in storm recovery
INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Mike Braun activated the Indiana National Guard to aid with storm recovery after severe weather impacted at least 41 counties across Indiana. Damage assessments and recovery operations are ongoing.
“Hoosier Guardsmen always answer the call to serve our state and our nation,” said Gov. Braun. “In times like these, I’m immensely grateful for the soldiers who are on the ground ensuring Hoosier safety.”
The Hoosier Guardsmen from units based in Jasper, Vincennes, and Seymour will assist with Operation Sandcastle. Units in Bedford, Terre Haute, Indianapolis, and Chandler remain ready to activate if called upon.
The Governor’s Office is working with the Indiana National Guard, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and Indiana Department of Corrections to begin sand bagging operations in support of flood prevention of critical infrastructure and damage to civilian property.
There are approximately 50 soldiers supporting this mission. The Indiana National Guard remains Always Ready, Always There as the situation develops across Indiana.
PIGEON CREEK WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
PIGEON CREEK WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
APRIL 3, 2025
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LINDA FREEMAN, CHAIR |
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| KARAN BARNHILL, VICE-CHAIR | KRISTI JOHNSON, MEMBER |
Some information about the Pigeon Creek Watershed Development Commission aka PCWDC in Vanderburgh County, Indiana:
The Pigeon Creek Watershed Development Commission is the very first and as far as I know the ONLY watershed development commission in the state of Indiana created under IC 14-30.5. It was established A county ordinance was signed into effect by the Vanderburgh County Commissioners on December 19, 2023. Public notices were given, formal hearings were held and on September 17, 2024 the PCWDC was established by the Indiana Natural Resources Commission under Administrative Cause No. 24-001W. This was the culmination of many meetings, emails, phone calls, and lots of hours from several local elected officials and stakeholders. It was a lengthy process, but it was accomplished. One that hopefully Warrick and Gibson counties partake and join as multiple county cooperation is one of the tenets of the Indiana Code.
Vanderburgh County is the only member of PCWDC at this time. The statute was set up for multiple counties to join and work together on watershed commissions. However, at this point Warrick and Gibson Counties have not joined. Both counties have had an advantage over Vanderburgh as they were able to make Pigeon Creek within their counties a regulated drain. This gives them the ability to bill, receive funds and a right of entry to the creek. Which in turn allows them to access the property along Pigeon creek and perform maintenance or remove obstructions like logjams. Vanderburgh County has NOT had these rights to use. Up until now, if a logjam or some type of obstruction formed, the county had to wait until it moved against a county bridge. Then county bridge funds could be used to remove the danger to the bridge. If you were a property owner on Pigeon Creek that had a problem, it was your responsibility. The creek is not owned by a government entity, there are some state and federal agencies that have jurisdiction as to what can be done within the creek. Ultimately, the property owner was the one totally responsible financially and held to requirements by state or federal agencies.
The board consists of Kristi Johnson, DNR appointee, Karan Barnhill, city appointee, Cheryl Musgrave, county appointee, and myself, because of my office as county surveyor. The startup workload is incredible, as currently we have no funds except the money that we can borrow against from the county commissioners under an interlocal agreement. We are working on our regular jobs and tasked with starting a business – a domestic nonprofit one that is separate from the county. We have had to apply for a federal EIN, a Unique Entity ID from SAM.gov, a certificate of incorporation from Indiana to obtain a business id, along with numerous other tasks. We have had to open a bank account, hire legal representation, hire an accountant to manage and oversee our funds, hire and work with a consultant to create short term and long term work plans, ad nauseum. By law we are required to hire an executive director, but without funds we are in limbo with a lot of the requirements stated in the Indiana Code.
The surveyor’s office personnel have been working diligently on this project while continuing our regular duties of reviewing site and drainage plans for developments and subdivisions, perpetuating section corners, preparing specifications for the 80 miles of regulated drain maintenance, along with reviewing the bids, awarding the contracts, and receiving complaints of drainage issues – just to name a few.
I know that this has tasked other county offices as well. We have worked with the assessor to get parcel ids and property class codes added or corrected in the GIS mapping. The auditor has had to work with us to massage the data and get it into a workable data set for the Xsoft software. I want to thank all that have been involved, all that will be involved and those that will be handling the phone calls that come once the bills hit the mailboxes. Please be patient with us as we work through this. It is a team effort to improve conditions for the Pigeon Creek watershed, such as being able to remove obstructions to help with flooding issues.
The area the watershed covers within Vanderburgh County will stay the same, unless the USGS (United States Geological Survey) makes modifications. Parcels that get split, change property class codes, buildings built on commercial vacant land, etc. will change the special assessment on them. As per the code:
IC 14-30.5-5-1 Annual special assessments imposed within designated watershed; maximum amounts or lower amounts; alternative methods of financial support
“… an annual special assessment against each taxable parcel of real property that is located in the county and within any part of the commission’s designated watershed, as follows:
(1) For a residential parcel of real property, seven dollars ($7).
(2) For an agricultural parcel of real property, the product of:
(A) one dollar ($1); multiplied by
(B) the number of acres in the parcel.
(3) For a commercial parcel of real property on which no structures are situated, the product of:
(A) two dollars ($2); multiplied by
(B) the number of acres in the parcel.
(4) For a commercial parcel of real property on which at least one (1) structure is situated, fifty dollars ($50).
(5) For an industrial or public utility parcel of real property, three hundred sixty dollars ($360).”
The PCWDC is a very new endeavor and we are trying to get to the purposes for which it was created, to address flood damage reduction, drainage, storm water management, recreation, and water infrastructure needs. If you have any questions about the PCWDC, feel free to reach out to myself or Justin Dickson in the Surveyor’s office.
Thank you,
Linda Freeman, Vanderburgh County Surveyor & Chair of PCWDC
Riding the storm: Be wary of scammers cashing in on chaos
After Indiana’s recent severe weather, Attorney General Todd Rokita warns Hoosiers of storm scams
With severe storms hitting across Indiana recently, Attorney General Todd Rokita is alerting Hoosiers to stay vigilant against storm-related scams. As communities deal with storm damage, scammers are poised to exploit the situation, targeting residents with fraudulent repair offers and deceptive schemes.
“Storms can be unpredictable and devastating, but the aftermath can be even worse, potentially leaving you vulnerable to financial ruin,” Attorney General Rokita added. “Our office stands ready to assist Hoosiers and hold scammers accountable. Together, we can work to prevent fraudsters from derailing recovery efforts.”
Unfortunately, storms often bring out unscrupulous individuals who prey on homeowners by promising quick fixes, only to disappear with down payments or deliver inferior work. Attorney General Rokita is committed to protecting Hoosiers and offers the following tips to avoid falling victim to storm-chasing scammers:
- Be skeptical of anyone offering immediate cleanup or repair services without proper vetting.
- Know the facts: FEMA does not charge application fees. If someone demands payment to help you access FEMA funds, it’s likely a scam.
- Research contractors: Check reputations through references, online reviews, or the Better Business Bureau before hiring.
- Verify credentials: Ask for IDs, licenses, and proof that the contractor is bonded and insured.
- Get multiple estimates: Compare offers to ensure fair pricing and scope of work.
- Insist on written agreements: Don’t trust verbal promises. Get everything in writing.
- Avoid risky payments: Never pay with wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or cash, and never pay the full amount upfront.
If you suspect a scam, Attorney General Rokita encourages you to file a complaint at indianaconsumer.com or call his office at 1-800-382-5516. The Consumer Protection Division is dedicated to safeguarding Hoosiers from fraudulent schemes year-round.
UE ChangeLab Course Supports the Preservation of Historic Evansville Cemetery
EVANSVILLE, IND. (04/03/2025) A ChangeLab course at the University of Evansville (UE) is supporting a meaningful initiative that honors and preserves a vital part of the city’s history. Student, Olvia Horn, BA Archaeology ’27, has collaborated with the Evansville African American Museum, Cultural Resource Analysis, INC, and the Vanderburgh County Historical Society to organize a memorial ceremony for individuals discovered at McGary’s Burial Ground. The early 19th-century cemetery was uncovered during an Evansville Water and Sewer Utility construction project in early 2023.
Horn has been actively involved in planning a community listening session, and memorial ceremony at Oak Hill Cemetery, scheduled for 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on June 28, 2025. UE ChangeLab has collaborated with organizations and the local Baptisttown community to draft text for a historical marker that will honor the memory of those reinterred. This project is made possible through funding from the City of Evansville and the Indiana Landmarks Black Heritage Preservation Program, with a commitment to preserving African American history and ensuring its rightful place in the city’s historical narrative.
This initiative goes beyond the classroom, providing a hands-on opportunity to engage with history while demonstrating active academics. Additionally, the ChangeLab course will present on this project at the Midwest Conference on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning [SoTL].
Throughout the course, the ChangeLab has collaborated with several experts, including archaeologists, historians, and cultural heritage professionals to enrich the student learning experience and offer practical insight for an emerging archaeologist.
“This project exemplifies the power of experiential learning and the profound impact our students can have on the community,” said Tory Schendel-Vyvoda, UE Adjunct Instructor and Curator of the Evansville African American Museum. “Through ChangeLab, Olvia and our partners are not only preserving history but also honoring the lives and legacies of those who came before us. UE’s commitment to meaningful, hands-on education continues to foster both academic and civic engagement – and we are honored to play a small part in this endeavor.”
Indiana soon to finish its first school year without cellphones in the classroom
- Photo by Athena Sandrini: https://www.pexels.com/photo/red-smartphone-on-white-surface-2825352/It was the end of summer—a feeling students know all too well. Backpacks were full of new notebooks and folders, lunch boxes were packed, and first-day-of-school outfits were carefully laid out, just like every year before.But something was different. Change loomed in the air when Indiana students entered schools last August. They discovered their beloved mobile electronic devices were no longer fully legal in the classroom.This ban was the result of Senate Enrolled Act 185, a bill turned into law last March that now requires school corporations and charter schools to have “wireless device policies.” This means that devices like phones and tablets are banned during instructional time with the exception of an emergency situation or permission to use them by a teacher.
When the bill was voted on last year in the Senate, it received bipartison support passing 49-0. In the House, it passed 83-8.
“Cellular devices can be distracting for anyone, especially students learning fundamental skills in the classroom,” bill author Sen. Jeff Raatz, R-Richmond, said in a February 2024 press release. “Senate Enrolled Act 185 would ensure our students are paying attention to lessons being taught in the classroom instead of their phones.”
In November 2023, Pew Research Center found that over 70% of high school teachers think distractions caused by cellphones are a major issue. That number was over 30% for educators in middle schools.
In September 2024, NPR asked Indiana students how the device ban was impacting them. They said they were less distracted during class, and one parent told the outlet she thought her son had matured because of the new law.
Teachers said students have become more social without access to their phones.
“The kids turn to each other and talk, or they start drawing on my board, or they ask me questions with their homework, and it just becomes a lot more lively, interactive environment,” Josie Defreese, an English teacher from Beech Grove, told NPR.
In January the AP reported that Indiana, California, Minnesota, Ohio, Arkansas, Louisiana, Virginia, South Carolina and Florida have statewide device restrictions in their classrooms. All other states, other than Nevada and Wyoming, have proposed bans, recommended enacting policy to create bans, or have a pilot program.
“It doesn’t matter if you live in a big city or a rural town, urban or suburban,” Kim Whitman, co-founder of the Phone Free Schools Movement, told the AP. “All children are struggling and need that seven-hour break from the pressures of phones and social media during the school day.”
Anna Cecil is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news site powered by Franklin College journalism students. The Statehouse File is publishing this article as part of the Statehouse Reporting Project, a collaborative effort by collegiate journalism programs operating in statehouses across the country.
Retail Food Establishment Inspection Report
USI Language Bowl sees record turnout for the second year in a row
The University of Southern Indiana World Languages and Cultures Department hosted the 26th annual Language Bowl on Tuesday, April 1. Two hundred and twelve students and 21 teachers represented 13 southern Indiana high schools including Reitz Memorial, Signature School, Harrison, Castle, Barr-Reeve – Montgomery, Francis Joseph Reitz, Boonville, North Daviess, North Posey, Lincoln – Vincennes, Forest Park, Perry Central, Heritage Hills and Mater Dei.
“We were delighted to host more than 230 visitors from regional high school language classes who enthusiastically embraced the challenge of preparing for the competition. As Chair of our department here, I left the day very hopeful after spending several hours with young people so determined to gain a greater degree of global and cultural competence.” says Dr. David Hitchcock, Chair of USI’s World Languages and Cultures Department.
“At the annual Language Bowl, students can test their language proficiency, grammar and cultural knowledge in French, German, Japanese or Spanish.” says Dr. Silvia Rode, Professor of German and Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts.
Thirty-four teams representing French, German, Japanese and Spanish languages competed in a grammar and culture competition followed by a live performance competition. The winners from the grammar and culture competition are listed below:
German:
- Castle
- Signature School
- Heritage Hills Team 1
French:
- Castle
- Boonville
- Lincoln – Vincennes
Spanish:
- Heritage Hills Team 1
- Perry Central
- Heritage Hills Team 2
Japanese:
- Castle Team One
- Castle Team Two
There were four Spanish groups and one German group that participated in the live performance competition. The winners are listed below:
Spanish Live Performance Contest:
- Heritage Hills
- Perry Central
- North Daviess
German Live Performance Contest:
- Heritage Hills
This event was made possible through generous donations to the USI Foundation. View a photo gallery of the event.
HOT JOBS
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VUVB adds Scarlet Konkel to 2025 recruiting class
VINCENNES, Ind. – The four-time defending Region 24 Champion Vincennes University volleyball team announced another big addition earlier this week in six-foot setter Scarlet Konkel.
“We have not really recruited the area where Scarlet is from before now, so we wanted to move towards looking more at that part of the state of Illinois,” VUVB Head Coach Gary Sien said. “At first we were looking at Scarlet as a middle, which she can do extremely well. However I was pleasantly surprised when she told me that the past couple of years she has been doing some setting too.”
“It’s tough to get setters with that level of length,” Sien added. “We typically like our setters to have some height so they can potentially play some front row or, if they are able to hit, be a part of a six-two offense by setting in the back row and hitting in the front row or be a blocking option in a five-one offense.”
“So now, we are recruiting Scarlet as a setter as well as an opposite/right side hitter, which is a position that she has played in the last couple of years,” Sien said. “And if we do end up needing her in the middle she is more than capable because she actually has more years of experience in that position.”
Konkel joins the Trailblazers after a very accomplished career at Nashville Community High School in Nashville, Ill. where she played for her father Josh Konkel, who was also her coach on the Southern Illinois Wave Club team.
Konkel is coming off of a standout senior season where she guided Nashville to a 33-4 record, playing all 82 sets in all 37 matches and ending the season with 459 set assists, 213 digs, 98 kills, a .260 hitting percentage, 23 aces and 18 blocks.
Konkel was named to the Southern Illinois River to River All-Conference team the times and also earned All-South honors three times.
Konkel also earned Illinois Volleyball Coaches Association (IVCA) All-State honorable mention honors once and 2nd team honors once.
Konkel also earned Honorable Mention All-State honors by the News-Gazette in 2023.
Konkel was twice named Team MVP at Nashville Community HS and earned the Serving award once.
Konkel was a member of the 2021 and 2022 Regional Championship teams at NCHS as well.
“Scarlet’s leadership and knowledge will be missed both on and off of the court,” Konkel’s High School and Club Coach Josh Konkel said. “I am proud of the way she has led her team over the past couple of years and I know that Vincennes is getting a great player and teammate in her.”
Scarlet is the daughter of Josh and Autumn Konkel and plans to major in Business at Vincennes University.
Konkel is a recipient of the Vincennes University Val/Sal Scholarship as the Valedictorian of her high school class and is an Illinois State Scholar.
Konkel is joining a Trailblazer squad that finished last season with a 30-13 record, earning VU’s fourth straight Region 24 Championship.
“Scarlet comes from a big time volleyball family,” Sien added. “Her father is her high school and club coach. Her sister plays at Cumberland University in Tennessee and was an All-American this past season. She has a tremendous volleyball background. Her mother coaches at the grade school level. Her sisters coaches, too When you get someone who is the youngest in their family, typically the youngest will absorb everything. So we are going to be getting someone who not only has some really good playing experience but also life experience because her family has that background.”
“Scarlet comes in with a very strong volleyball background and has some leadership experience,” Sien said. “Having someone who has that experience at the middle position also goes back to how we recruit for blocking. Scarlet is also an excellent student. She’s the valedictorian of her graduating class, she’s an Illinois State Scholar. So she is definitely someone who is going to be very serious about academics and about life outside of volleyball as well.”
“We are going to have quite a number of new players next season,” Sien added. “Right now we have a lot of length and height. We have a lot of athletic ability and should be able to fill just about every position of need that we have open due to graduation. We’re still not done. We’ve got space for a couple more players out there. But where we are now, if we were to start the season today, I wouldn’t feel uncomfortable with the roster we have right now.”
“It might take us a little bit of time because we have so much newness coming in,” Sien said. “Last season we had a number of veteran players in key positions coming back so we were able to ease our incoming freshmen into our system and philosophy. But this year it could take us a little bit more time to get that going because of all the new incoming players and really only having three weeks of practices before our first game in August. But I feel really good about who we have already signed so far.”
The Vincennes University Athletic Department is excited to welcome Scarlet Konkel to the 2025 Trailblazer recruiting class.