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EVANSVILLE TO HOST USA GYMNASTICS OLYMPIC QUALIFICATION EVENT

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Old National Events Plaza Will Be The Site Of The 2020 VIP Classic For Trampoline & Tumbling

 Evansville, IN – Approximately 1,500 people, including 670 athletes, are expected to participate in the 2020 VIP Classic, taking place Friday, February 28 – Sunday, March 1, 2020, at Old National Events Plaza.

The 2020 VIP Classic is a USA Gymnastics selection event, with competition specific to the disciplines of Trampoline and Tumbling.  The event is open to Levels 1 – Elite and will include HUGS (Hope Unites Gymnastics with Special Athletes).  The tournament in Evansville serves as one of the first Olympic Qualification events for Elite-level trampolinists this year.

Competition begins Friday, February 28, 2020, at 8 AM and concludes Sunday, March 1, 2020, at 3:30 PM.  A full schedule is below.  The event is open to the public, and single-day tickets or weekend passes are available at the VIP Classic website.

“Hosting 670 athletes from across 33 states spanning Hawaii to New York is very exciting!  We’re honored that USA Gymnastics planners chose Evansville and Old National Events Plaza to showcase the talents of these world-class athletes,” said Alexis Berggren, General Manager of Old National Events Plaza.

What:   2020 VIP Classic

When  Friday, February 28, 2020, 8 AM – 9:30 PM

Saturday, February 29, 2020, 7:30 AM – 9 PM

Sunday, March 1, 2020, 8 AM – 3:30 PM

Where:  Old National Events Plaza

Tickets: Single Day Ticket: $18.00

Two Day Pass: $30.00

Weekend Pass: $45.00

(Senior discounts are available.)

Checkpoint Motorists Urged To Drive Sober For St. Patrick’s Day And The NCAA Tournament

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SOBRIETY

Checkpoint Motorists Urged To Drive Sober For St. Patrick’s Day And The NCAA Tournament

Indiana State Police will be participating in Operation Pull Over during two of the heaviest drinking events of the year: St. Patrick’s Day and the NCAA tournament.

The increased enforcement efforts start February 28 and run through March 22. Troopers at the Evansville District will be coordinating at least one sobriety checkpoint during this enforcement period. Additional troopers will be conducting overtime patrols to apprehend impaired drivers and to deter others from driving while impaired.

The increased patrols are part of a statewide enforcement campaign, funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, there were 433 alcohol-related crashes across Indiana in March of 2019. From those crashes, 205 people were injured and five fatalities were reported. During the St. Patrick’s Day holiday weekend, 65 crashes (15 percent) and one fatality occurred.

The following list includes several safety tips to prevent impaired driving this March.

  • Before the celebration begins, plan a safe way home.
  • Never drive impaired.
  • Remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
  • If you do drink, use a taxi, public transportation, ridesharing service or designate a sober friend or family member, and give them your keys.
  • If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911.
  • If you know someone who is about to drive or ride impaired, take their keys and help make arrangements to get them home safely.

 

Rep. McNamara Bill Protecting Seniors, Minors From Exploitation Heads To Governor

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The House of Representatives on Tuesday voted in support of a bill sponsored by State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) that would help protect vulnerable Hoosiers from financial exploitation.

McNamara said exploitation is the fastest growing and most common type of elder abuse, and exploitation of minors is also a concern. Examples include foster children who have their Supplemental Security Income erroneously used by their parents, or senior citizens suffering from diseases like Alzheimer’s being preyed upon.

“Exploitation of dependent adults and children are some of the most underreported crimes, and we need more tools to help combat abuse of power,” McNamara said. “We want to protect the most vulnerable members of our community by making it easier for them to seek legal action against those who have taken advantage of them.”

According to McNamara, it is considered theft for a guardian or person with power of attorney to use their authority to exploit money from a dependent. She said unfortunately, many cases of exploitation are not pursued because the amount taken is less than $10,000, which is the current minimum needed for prosecution. This legislation would remove the minimum and include minors as a protected group.

“I know firsthand the impact that a disease like Alzheimer’s can have on families,” McNamara said. “I want to know that our elderly, who may not be able to make financial decisions for themselves, have an opportunity to receive justice when a person in a position of trust takes financial advantage of them.”

The Alzheimer’s Association and the Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council testified in support of the proposal.

Senate Enrolled Act 249 is now eligible to be signed into law by the governor. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more.

 

Annual Dinner Celebremos Sponsored By The Latino Chamber Alliance

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The Latino Chamber Alliance will host the Annual Dinner Celebremos at Tropicana Pavilion starting at 6 pm on March 6.

¡Únete a nosotros para celebrar los logros la Camara de Comercio Latina 2018!

Este evento atraerá a líderes empresariales locales, así como a empresarios latinos.

Join us to celebrate the Latino Chamber Alliance 2019 achievements! The Latino Chamber Alliance will also report on the 2019 Latino Pro-Business Legislative and Advocacy Shared Agenda.

This event will attract local business leaders, as well as Latino entrepreneurs.

Comida, música y baile con La Catrina!

Food, music, and dancing featuring La Catrina!

A sponsorship at this event offers businesses an opportunity for significant exposure to one of the fastest-growing business segments – the Latino entrepreneur – and provides businesses the opportunity to highlight their commitment to a diverse community.

This event will attract Chamber members, elected and appointed officials, key community leaders, and our strategic partners – especially those that have a strong tie with the Latino community.

To register for this event, contact: Karen Robinson, 812-425-8147, krobinson@swinchamber.com

Evansville Wartime Museum Presentation At Willard Library

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EPD REPORT

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EPD REPORT

Distracted Driving Bill On Its Way To The Governors Desk To Be Signed

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Staff Report
TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS—With fewer than two weeks before the end of the 2020 session of the General Assembly, lawmakers advanced bills on distracted driving, sex abuse, and 911 fees on Tuesday. They are:

House Bill 1070: Distracted driving

What it does: HB 1070 provides that motorists may not hold or use their cell phones while operating a vehicle, except for certain circumstances like dialing 911.

What happened: The bill passed the Senate in a 43-4 vote. Sen. Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis, questioned why HB 1070 said “hold or use” a device instead of “hold and use” because if a person is only holding the device they are not necessarily distracted. Taylor voted yes on the bill still but offered a warning to the wording of it. Sen. Michael Crider, R-Greenfield, the Senate sponsor, in response to a question, defended this by saying there are exceptions in the bill allowing a motorist to make a call in emergency circumstances.

What’s next: The bill now heads to Gov. Eric Holcomb for his signature. The bill was on his 2020 legislative agenda.

* * *

Senate Bill 109: Statute of limitations in sex abuse cases

What it does: SB 109 would allow more time for victims of sexual abuse to come forward and have law enforcement and conduct an investigation, extending to 31 years of age, with a five-year extension if the evidence is found in the form of DNA, a photo, video or recording, or a confession.

What happened: Rep. Gregory Steuerwald, R-Avon, introduced the bill to the House, explaining that this bill would allow sexual abuse victims more time to come forward. The bill passed unanimously by 91-0 vote.

What’s next: The bill now moves to Gov. Eric Holcomb for his signature.

* * *

House Bill 1235: Increase in 911 fees

What it does: HB 1235 allows the statewide 911 board to increase an enhanced prepaid wireless charge not more than one time every three years and that increase cannot be more than 10 cents. The fee is used to

What happened: The Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee amended the bill, which originally allows the fee to be increased every year, to limit the increase to every three years. The committee then approved the bill by a 12-0 margin.

What’s next: HB 1235 advances to the full Senate for action.

FOOTNOTE:  Haley Carney and Lacey Watt contributed to this report. They are reporters for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

Gov. Holcomb Makes Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions

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Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced several new appointments and reappointments to various state boards and commissions.

 Governor’s Residence Commission

The governor made one new appointment to the commission, who will serve at the pleasure of the governor:

  • Robert Orr (Indianapolis), project manager at Park 100 Foods

 Indiana Kids First Trust Fund Board

The governor made one new appointment to the board, who will serve until June 30, 2022:

  • Dr. S. Maria E. Finnell (Zionsville), associate medical director of the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning with FSSA

 Indiana Real Estate Commission

The governor made one new appointment to the commission, who will serve until Dec. 31, 2023:

  • Molly Kitchell (Zionsville), who most recently served as a member of the Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission

 Midwestern Higher Education Commission

The governor made one reappointment to the commission, who will serve until Feb. 29, 2024:

  • Dr. David Wantz (Indianapolis), president and CEO of the Independent Colleges of Indiana

 Ports of Indiana Commission

The governor made two new appointments to the commission:

  • David Fagan (Portage), financial secretary of IUOE Local 150, who will serve until March 31, 2024
  • Micah Vincent (Whitestown), vice president of Strategy + M&A at The Heritage Group, who will serve until Jan. 31, 2024

 State Ethics Commission

The governor made one reappointment to the commission, who will serve until Feb. 29, 2024:

  • Sue Anne Gilroy (Indianapolis), former Indiana Secretary of State and former executive director of the St. Vincent Foundation

 State Psychology Board

The governor made one new appointment to the board, who will serve until Feb. 29, 2024:

  • Dr. Gregory Hale (Carmel), private practice psychologist

 

ADOPT A PET

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Ruben is a large male mixed-breed. He’s 9 years old. His owner passed away. Since being at VHS, he has seemed sad, and is probably really feeling the loss of his person. He needs a family that can show him love & brighten his days! Ruben’s adoption fee is $110, or reduced for senior citizens over 70. He is neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations and can go home today. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 Tuesday-Saturday for adoption details!

 

Three USI Alumni ramp up for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials

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Three of University of Southern Indiana’s alumni are set to compete in the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta, Georgia this Saturday Feb. 29.

The competitors are Jamie Adkins ’16, Julia Kohnen ’15 and Tyler Pence ’15.

Adkins was an All-American for USI track & field in the 10,000 meters when she finished 12th at the 2016 NCAA II Outdoor Track & Field Championships with a time of 36 minutes, 36.54 seconds to close out her senior year as a Screaming Eagle. In December 2019, Adkins narrowly got her OTQ (Olympic Trial Qualifier) at the California International Marathon with a time of 2:44:48 which snuck underneath the OTQ ‘B’ Standard (sub-2:45:00) placing 70th out of 3259 female participants.

Kohnen obtained All-America honors in cross country and track & field and was named All-GLVC as USI soccer player as well. In cross country, Kohnen earned her accolade for finishing 11th at the 2015 NCAA II Championships with a six-kilometer time of 21:33.70. Kohnen then finished fifth (16:47.61) and runner-up (34:45.08) at the 2015 NCAA II Outdoor Track & Field Championships in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters, respectively. Kohnen first received her OTQ ‘B’ standard first in the 2017 Chicago Marathon with a time of 2:39:11. Then, she followed it up by grabbing an OTQ ‘A’ standard (Sub-2:37:00) en route to being named the 2019 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon champion with a time of 2:31:29. Kohnen’s Twin Cities Marathon time made her the 24th fastest woman in the 2020 Olympic Trials field.

Pence, the current head coach for both the cross country/track & field teams for University of Illinois-Springfield is the most decorated runner in USI history.  He was a two-time national champion in track, winning the indoor 5,000m and outdoor 10,000m as a junior. He accumulated nine All-American awards across both cross country and track & field during his time as a Screaming Eagle. Pence received his OTQ ‘B’ standard (sub-2:19:00), like Adkins, at the 2019 California International Marathon with a time of 2:15:36.

The trials field is composed of 778 total runners (513 women, 265 men) with the top three finishers from each race representing the United States in the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games.

The U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials air live on NBC, NBCSports.com/live and the NBC Sports app on Saturday from Atlanta. Coverage runs from 11:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M. (CST) with the men’s race slated to start at 11:08 A.M. (CST) followed by the women’s at 11:20 A.M. (CST).

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