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“IS IT TRUE” February 3, 2020

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We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUE” will provoke honest and open dialogue concerning issues that we, as responsible citizens of this community, need to address in a rational and responsible way?
IS IT TRUE so far we are hearing that there are a talented and qualified practicing attorney and two Magistrate Judges who will be applying for the Vanderburgh County Superior Court Judge position? …so far the names of three (3) highly qualified people are showing interest in this most prestigious judgeship?  …they are the well known practicing attorney Tom Massey, and highly respected Magistrate Judge J August Straus, and Magistrate Judge Gary Schutte?
IS IT TRUE that the Vanderburgh County Commissioners held their annual road hearing last week?…last year the Vanderburgh County Commissioners approved and oversaw the largest road pavings and road repairs in modern-day history? ….we are pleased that all three County Commissioners continue to focus on roads on prioritizing, listening and acting on what the Vanderburgh County taxpayers want, need and request in order to allow their traveling to be safer?…we give five (5) cheers to Vanderburgh County Engineer, John Stoll for doing an amazing job in overseeing all these road and pavings projects?
IS IT TRUE that County Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave will make history this year by becoming the first female in Vanderburgh County history to be re-elected to a third (3) term as County Commissioner?…she was first elected as Commissioner in 2004 by defeating an incumbent County Commissioner and won again in 2016 by again beating another incumbent Vanderburgh County Commissioner?…it looks like her Republican primary opponent for this District Three County Commissioner seat, Ronald Chapman, has an uphill battle?
IS IT TRUE that the race for Vanderburgh County Council At-Large is shaping up to be very competitive?…it looks like the local Vanderburgh County Democrat party has fielded a strong three-person Council At-Large ballot?  …County Councilman Mike Goebel, former County Councilman Ed Bassemeier and the popular County Council At-Large candidate, Amy Back?
IS IT TRUE that the Republicans have two incumbent County Councilmen At-Large running again for re-election; the well respected Joe Kiefer and Angela Koehler Lindsay?…we are told that the local Republican Party is working overtime to field a third candidate for the County Council At-Large seat?…they have approached Greg Peete, Mike Duckworth?…that Peete and Duckworth delined to be a candidate for County Council seat?  …that several members of the Republican Party are hoping that Zac Rascher will be the third candidate to run for County Council At-Large?
IS IT TRUE that the race for Vanderburgh County Recorder will be very competitive?…that the incumbent County Recorder, Debbie Stucki, is running again for re-election?….that the Democrat Party has fielded a new candidate for this race?… the Democrat candidate is the well-liked, Ken McWilliams? …last week Mr. McWilliams announced and will be officially filing to run for this seat very soon?
IS IT TRUE that business Tycoon Warren Buffett is selling his newspaper business to Lee Enterprises for $140 million? … Warren Buffett is selling his newspaper business for $140 million – a fraction of the $344 million he spent acquiring 28 daily papers?  …Lee Enterprises has managed Berkshire Hathaway’s newspapers since 2018?  …that Warren Buffett bought 28 papers for $344 million in the early 2010s?  ….he’s also selling The Buffalo News, which he acquired for about $36 million in 1977?
IS IT TRUE the question is “Are printed newspapers becoming obsolete”?  …the answer is that printed newspapers are in terminal decline and each year, a few million newspaper readers die and are not replaced by new readers?  …at the same time, an increasingly competitive ad market is making it harder and harder for in-print newspapers to charge premium rates?
IS IT TRUE the question is “How many newspapers closed since 2000?  …the answer is “The pace of the decline has not slowed? …new research shows that over 2,000 newspapers have closed since 2004, this a staggering figure for the industry was once among the largest employers in America?
IS IT TRUE the question is “What is an online newspaper called”?  …the answer is “An online newspaper is the online version of a newspaper, either as a stand-alone publication or as the online version of a printed periodical?   …Going online has created more opportunities for the newspapers industry, such as competing with broadcast journalism in presenting breaking news in a more timely manner”?
IS IT TRUE the question is “What day of the week is the newspaper most read?” …the answer is “Assuming we’re talking about a paper that publishes seven days a week: Most people work Monday through Friday? …that some people get the paper on their way to or from work?  …that some people only get the Sunday paper usually, it has a lot more news to read and a lot more coupons to clip?
IS IT TRUE the question is “What is the benefit that internet newspapers have over in-print newspapers”?  …the answers are that “Online newspapers are a popular way to publish content on general or specific newsworthy happenings? …they are cheaper to produce than traditional print newspapers and have the potential to reach a wider and more global audience”?
IS IT TRUE the question is: “What is the most read part of the newspaper”?
…the answer is “The most popular newspaper section is ‘Local/domestic/national news’ (read by 65% of the readers), followed by ‘Sports’ (read by 59%). The least popular sections are ‘Home & Decoration’ (read by 13%) and ‘Letters from the Readers’ (read by 12%)”?
IS IT TRUE the question is “Why is the Sunday in print paper more expensive”?  …the answer is  “Because Sunday in print papers carry more advertising and coupons than any other day, the typical edition has the potential to pay for itself many times over”  …If publishers want to sustain the biggest and most profitable revenue source that they have, they need to get real about the pricing of their Sunday products”?
IS IT TRUE the question is: What are the top 3 selling newspapers in America?  …the answer is: The top three U.S. newspapers by total average circulation (from print products, digital subscriptions and other papers that use their branded content) are USA Today (4,139,380), The Wall Street Journal (2,276,207) and The New York Times (2,134,150), according to Alliance for Audited Media?

IS IT TRUE the question is: what are the largest daily US newspapers in order of circulation?  …the answer is The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, latimes.com., The New York Times, Houston Chronicle, Chicago Tribune, Tampa Bay Times, and The Washington Post?

IS IT TRUE that Cable and local TV news were the bright spots in another economically down year for the U.S. news media industry’s economic fortunes?

IS IT TRUE the question is “What one of the reasons why print media have lost credibility with the general public”  …one reason is that print media have allowed themselves to become the “Ministers Of Progranda” for elected Local and State and National officials and the printing of dated information?
IS IT TRUE about 13 years ago that the owners of the City-County Observers made an astute visionary decision to stop publishing their in -print newspaper and publish online? … during the last 17 years, the City-County Observer has made an honorable profit each and every month?

IS IT TRUE we would like to thank Ray Simmons, Director of Athletic Communications at USI for sending current sports happenings from that fine University?

IS IT TRUE we would like to thank Kalah E. Hirsch, EPD Records Specialist for the Evansville EPD for sending daily activities reports in a timely manner?

IS IT TRUE when the people fear the Government we have Tyranny!  When the Government fears the people we have Liberty

Today’s “Readers Poll” question is: How do you rate the Super Bowl half time show?

If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us at City-County Observer@live.com

Footnote: City-County Observer Comment Policy. Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will be tolerated and will be removed from our site.”

We understand that sometimes people don’t always agree and discussions may become a little heated.  The use of offensive language, insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.

Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers.

 

 

Coal Industry Bill Advances Over Objections Of House Democrats

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TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS –– A bill that would pause the phasing out of Indiana’s coal industry advanced in the House Thursday, but without amendments that addressed campaign contributions and whale oil.

House Bill 1414 was authored by Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, and would allow the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to be able to block an electric utility from shutting down a power plant if the company can’t show it was either required by a federal mandate or is otherwise necessary. Under the legislation, these regulations would end in 2021.

Coal plants in Indiana are in the process of shutting down in favor of switching to natural and renewable resources, which are less expensive. The bill united environmentalists, the utility industry and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce in opposing it in committee.

Soliday passed an amendment to the bill Thursday that would also require the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to hold a hearing in order to determine if a utility plant’s decision to close is reasonable.

In his remarks, Soliday said the purpose of the bill is to be temporary in order to provide more time for a state task force created by the legislature to complete studies of the state’s energy industry and recommend proposals for the 2021 legislative session.

The legislation faced opposition from Democrats in the House, who said the bill tries to turn back the clock on the technological advancements that have been made in renewable resources.

Rep. Ryan Dvorak, D-South Bend, offered an amendment that aimed at showing the absurdity of protecting an industry that was falling to new technology. His amendment required that whale oil be brought back to “serve the purpose of lighting Hoosier homes and businesses.”

Rep. Ryan Dvorak, D- South Bend, argued the bill would preserve a dying industry as he proposed an amendment that would require the use whale oil. It failed. Photo by Lacey Watt, TheStatehouseFile.com

Dvorak gave a history lesson to the members of the House about the use of whale oil in the United States as an energy source many years ago. He said the downfall of whale oil came from the same issues the energy industry faces today with new technology.

“Help make America great again by bringing whale oil back,” Dvorak said as he ended his presentation of the amendment. This was followed by some laughter from members in the chamber.

In response, Rep. Alan Morrison, R-Brazil, criticized Dvorak, saying the issue of coal miners losing their jobs is not a joking matter, and the amendment was “disgusting.”

Dvorak responded: “I think this is a very serious issue. I think it’s being handled incredibly irresponsibly. We can continue to live in the past and ignore the way the rest of the world is moving.”

He tried to remove the amendment after his point was made, but House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, had already called for a vote. The amendment failed 11-83, with all “yes” votes coming from Democrats.

Rep. Ed DeLaney, D-Indianapolis, presented another amendment that would bar state legislators and the governor from receiving any donations from members of the coal industry. The coal industry has donated to Gov. Eric Holcomb and also to state legislators, including Soliday.

DeLaney said the legislature shouldn’t favor helping one for-profit industry, especially one that could result in ratepayers paying more for coal-powered energy.

“How did we come here? To raise rates on people and then receive political contributions from those in the industry who benefit?” DeLaney said.

Rep. Ed DeLaney, D-Indianapolis, discusses on how HB1414 affects Hoosiers who have lost their jobs. Photo by Lacey Watt, TheStatehouseFile.com

Rep. Todd Huston, R-Fishers, said Delaney’s amendment troubled him because lawmakers were there to “represent the constituency, not personal motivations.” He said the amendment suggested that people should question lawmakers’ intentions.

Delaney’s amendment was withdrawn after Bosma ruled the motion was not related to the original content of the bill.

Rep. Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington, called the downfall of the coal industry “creative destruction,” which he said meant that a once-advanced industry is falling to new technology. He pointed to the example of railroads becoming more obsolete with the creation of highways.

“We’re fighting the natural progression of technology,” Pierce said. “The theory is in the long run, the people who lost their job in the industry that’s running out will have an opportunity to work in the new industry.”

HB 1414 is eligible for a vote in the House on Monday.

Emily Ketterer is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

 

Distracted Driving Bill Passes House, Moves To Senate For Action

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By Emily Ketterer

TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS––The House passed legislation that would bar all drivers from having their phones in their hands while driving.

House Bill 1070 passed 86-10 on Wednesday. The two-page bill, authored by Rep. Holli Sullivan, R-Evansville, updates a current law passed in 2011 that requires all phones must be used hands free while behind the wheel of a vehicle.

“Simple enough, but very powerful,” Sullivan said of her bill.

Under the current law, texting while driving is banned but the law is unenforceable because there is no way to prove a text was being sent. The legislation is also part of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s agenda to prevent distracted driving.

In a statement, Holcomb said handheld devices are known to take a person’s mind, hands and attention away from where they need to keep their focus.

“When your hands and your eyes and your brain are all doing something other than steering a car, bad things tend to happen,” Holcomb said.

During the House debate on the bill, Sullivan and others talked about the culture shift around people constantly being on their phones. She said the “epidemic” is that people think it is okay to use their phones while driving.

“You can see more heads looking down at their phones than you can see looking at the road now,” Sullivan said. “Distracted driving has increased, and it’s killing, hurting and endangering Hoosiers.”

Rep. Jim Pressel, R-Rolling Prairie, compared the culture shift of distracted driving to when people were against seatbelt laws years ago.

“I hated wearing a seatbelt … now it’s just natural,” Pressel said. “This is just going to become natural.”

A handful of lawmakers voted against the bill, including Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, who said the legislation “scared him to death” because it gives the government too much power.

“We’re going farther and farther down this path of taking over individual decision-making,” Lucas said.

The bill will now move to the Senate for consideration.

Emily Ketterer is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

 

Governor Signs Bill To Pay Cash For Higher Education Capital Projects

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Governor Signs Bill To Pay Cash For Higher Education Capital Projects
Staff Report

TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS—The General Assembly is reaching the midpoint in the 2020 session as legislation allowing the state to pay cash for some capital improvement projects is signed by the governor and bills dealing with abortion and prescription drug prices advance:

House Bill 1007: Allocates money from Indiana’s surplus to pay cash for $291 million in projects at the state’s colleges and universities.

What it does: By paying cash instead of financing higher education capital improvement projects through bonds, Indiana will save money in interest payments, the state budget office has said. The projects had been approved by the General Assembly in the 2019 session.

Governor signs bill to pay cash for higher education capital projects

What happened: Gov. Eric Holcomb signed HB 1007 into law Wednesday, the first legislation of the 2020 session to reach his desk.

“By paying off these one-time expenditures, we’re ensuring our state remains the fiscal envy of the nation by saving Hoosier taxpayers more than $135 million in borrowing costs, which in turn frees up money to be spent on other priorities,” Holcomb said in a news release.

Democrats tried and failed to amend HB 1007 to use some of the surplus to raise teacher pay and spending on other programs.

“Republicans are prioritizing paying cash for these projects over the needs of Hoosier teachers, parents and seniors who have been battling low pay, expensive early childhood education programs and skyrocketing prescription drug prices,” said Rep. Gregory Porter, D-Indianapolis, in a news release.

What’s next: The money can now be spent on the capital improvement projects.

* * *

Senate Bill 299: Deals with the disposal of fetal remains after a chemical abortion.

What it does: The bill, authored by Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, clarifies that a woman who has a chemical abortion at home can take the remains to the health care provider or abortion clinic for cremation or interment.

What happened: After a hearing in the House Health and Provider Services Committee, the bill passed by a 10-1 vote. Brown, saying the bill also clarifies existing state law, expressed concern that abortion clinics are still treating aborted remains as waste even though state law requires that they be cremated or buried. Sen. Jean Breaux, D-Indianapolis, cast the only no vote, saying that when a woman has an abortion at home she is expelling a large blot clot.

What’s next: SB 299 advances to the full Senate for consideration.

Sen. Liz Brown, R-Indianapolis, explains SB 299 to the Health and Provider Services Committee Wednesday. Photo by Haley Carney, TheStatehouseFile.com

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House Bill 1005: Would require hospitals and off-campus hospital facilities to be more transparent with medical service pricing.

What it does: Authored by Rep. Donna Schaibley, R-Carmel, HB 1005 first provides the definition of off-campus facility of a hospital. The legislation lists requirements for hospitals to provide select medical service pricing in their websites. Also, medical facilities or practitioners that treat patients with non-emergency care would be required to inform the patient of a best-estimated price of the care no more than three business days after the patient first seeks care.

What happened: An amendment to allow Indiana to import lower-priced prescription drugs passed 49-44 in the House on Wednesday. The amendment was authored by Rep. Ryan Hatfield, D-Evansville, and stems from President Donald Trump’s recent efforts to look into allowing states to import cheaper prescription drugs from Canada that would be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The amendment allows Indiana to import certain prescription drugs, already used in the United States, from Canada to help lower prescription drug prices. Similar legislation was passed in Florida last year.

“Hoosiers have been crippled by the high cost of prescription drug prices for far too long,” Hatfield said.

Schaibley asked members of the House to vote against the amendment, saying the bill itself was already “hefty,” and she would like to discuss prescription drug pricing with different legislation.

What’s next: HB 1005 is eligible for a final vote in the House.

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

 

HOT JOBS IN EVANSVILLE IN VANDERBURGH COUNTY

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HOT JOBS IN EVANSVILLE IN VANDERBURGH COUNTY
Eligibility Assistant – Vanderburgh County
Knowledge Services 3.1/5 rating   133 reviews  – Evansville, IN
Knowledge Services has a great opportunity for a strong Customer Service focused individual who wants to make a difference in their daily work life with the…
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Secretary – Payroll Officer
Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation 3.8/5 rating   55 reviews  – Evansville, IN
$17.35 an hour
This position works 52 weeks per year and 8 hours per day. Our people are the single most important asset we have in the EVSC.
Jan 31
Front Desk Receptionist
Southwestern Indiana Land Title – Evansville, IN
$25,000 – $30,000 a year
Ideal candidate would have excellent attention to detail, be able to answer multiple phone lines and multi-task. High school or equivalent (Required).
Easily apply
Jan 31
Medical Receptionist (PART TIME)
ECHO Community Healthcare 4/5 rating   3 reviews  – Evansville, IN
Please only apply if you are looking for part time (20 hours).*. This position is part time, 20 hours per week. MON & WED 8am – 5pm THURSDAY 1pm – 5pm*.
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Jan 31
Front Desk Receptionist/Payment Processer
Schultheis Insurance Agency, Inc. – Evansville, IN
$9 – $12 an hour
Local well-established independent insurance agency located in Evansville, IN is looking to hire a full time Receptionist. Act as the office receptionist.
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Jan 30
Administrative Assistant – Warrick County Economic Development
Warrick County Economic Development – Newburgh, IN
$12 an hour
 Assist economic development analyst in administration of department grants. Incumbent occasionally works extended hours.  Proficient in MS Office:
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Jan 30
Administrative Assistant
TCA Consulting Group Inc. 3.8/5 rating   16 reviews  – Evansville, IN
This is an 11+month position, could go longer.. Compose correspondence and produce a variety of documents using Microsoft Office Suite and various software…
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Jan 30
Office Assistant – Family Practice
St. Vincent, IN 3.7/5 rating   5,056 reviews  – Evansville, IN
Office Assistant – Family Practice – Full-Time, Days – St. Vincent Medical Group Integrity Physicians – Evansville, IN. Diploma High school or GED required.
Jan 28
Administrative Assistant
AFLAC- Southern Indiana 3.6/5 rating   3,218 reviews  – Evansville, IN
BLJustus, Inc is seeking an experienced Administrative Assistant. The Administrative Assistant implements administrative systems, procedures and policies, and…
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Jan 28
Administrative Assistant
AT – Evansville, IN
Responsive employer
$20 – $25 an hour
Evansville Indiana United States 47715*. Work shift **7:00am – 4:00pm (M-F).*. Compose correspondence and produce a variety of documents using Microsoft Office…
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Jan 30
Senior Administrative Assistant – SAP
Info vision Software Solutions (India) Pvt. Ltd – Evansville, IN
$20 – $25 an hour
Compose correspondence and produce a variety of documents using Microsoft Office Suite and various software packages. Associates Degree or greater is preferred.
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Jan 31
Office Assistant – Float Pool
St. Vincent, IN 3.7/5 rating   5,056 reviews  – Evansville, IN
Office Assistant – Float Pool – PRN, Day – St. Vincent Medical Group – Float Pool – Evansville, IN. Must have dependable transportation, be able to commute…
Jan 29
Office Coordinator
Innovative Staff Solutions, Inc. 3.7/5 rating   145 reviews  – Evansville, IN
The Office Coordinator is the first person our clients and applicants see and speak to when reaching out to the Evansville office. Work in a team environment.
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Jan 26
Front Desk Clerk (EVVKD)
Holiday Inn Express East 3.7/5 rating   17,563 reviews  – Evansville, IN
$11 an hour
The Front Desk/Guest Service Representative is responsible for contributing to customer satisfaction by providing courteous and efficient service throughout…
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Jan 27
Physician Office Supervisor – Cardiology
St. Vincent, IN 3.7/5 rating   5,056 reviews  – Evansville, IN
Physician Office Supervisor – Cardiology – Full-Time, Days – St. Vincent Medical Group – Cardiology – Evansville, IN. High school diploma or GED required.
Jan 31
Medical Office Assistant
Deaconess Health System 3.7/5 rating   460 reviews  – Newburgh, IN
Maintains positive patient oriented services in the provision of medical office services to the patient, family members, visitors and physicians in the office…
Jan 28
Full Time Receptionist/Clerical Assistant
Data Mail, Inc. – Evansville, IN
$10.00 – $11.50 an hour
Hours are Monday thru Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm. We are looking to fill a long term full time receptionist/clerical assistant position.
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Front Desk Receptionist
Confidential – Evansville, IN
FT Front Deck Receptionist. Medical office. Fast paced office. Communication and teamwork a must. Able to multi-task. Prefer medical office experience x 1 year…
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Front Desk Clerk (EVVKD)
Holiday Inn Express East 3.7/5 rating   17,563 reviews  – Evansville, IN
$11 an hour
The Front Desk/Guest Service Representative is responsible for contributing to customer satisfaction by providing courteous and efficient service throughout…
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Bill Would Change Age For Children To Be Tried As Adults In Murder Cases

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TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS—Children as young as 13-years-old could be waived to adult court for murder under legislation that advanced out of a Senate committee late Tuesday.

The age was raised from 12 in a last-minute amendment to Senate Bill 449 in the Senate Corrections and Criminal Law committee.

The bill passed with a 4-2 vote and advances to the full Senate for further action.

Tuesday was the last day for bills to be heard in this committee during the 2020 legislative session. The amendment, which was written during the committee meeting late in the day, erased wording in the bill that would allow 12-year-olds to be waived to adult court for attempted murder.

Sen. Erin Houchin, R-Salem, author of SB 449, wrote a similar bill last session in reaction to a shooting where a student shot another student and a teacher at Noblesville West Middle School in 2018.

Houchin, in explaining the purpose of SB 449, said testimony focus on the victims of these crimes. She said the young woman who was shot in the 2018 incident shouldn’t have to be in fear of her shooter walking free after being released from a juvenile correctional facility at the age of 18.

But more than a dozen people—including juvenile court judges, social workers and people who had run-ins with the criminal justice system as children—packed into the hearing room in the basement of the Statehouse to voice their opposition to the bill. Thirty-four people originally signed up to testify, though some had left before the bill was finally heard in the early evening hours.

Marilyn Moores, a Marion County juvenile court judge, said people’s brains aren’t fully developed until they are 25 years old.

“The farther away you get from 25, the less it is developed,” she said.

Marion Superior Judge Marilyn Moores president in juvenile court and opposed the proposed law allow younger children to be tried as an adult. Photo by Lacey Watt, TheStatehouseFile.com.

Moores said juvenile correctional facilities offer treatment options geared toward children, with mandatory education. She said these facilities work to help change errors in “pliable minds.”

Shane Shepherd testified about his personal experience with the criminal justice system as a youth. He had grown up with a drug-addicted father and at age 13 he was sent to Delaware Youth Center in New York.

“I didn’t need a gun at Delaware Youth Center,” he said. “In Delaware Youth Center, I was able to get education and keep up with myself, learn hygiene, I went through puberty in those places.”

Aside from Houchin, the author, the only testimony in favor of the bill came from David Powell, senior council of the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council. He said a provision in the bill allowing juveniles to be sentenced to a maximum of six years in a detention center, up from two years, could result in prosecutors waiving fewer children to adult court.

“Hopefully those juvenile facilities do do a better job of reforming individuals than the adult facilities if they’re filed directly,” he said.

Sen. Sue Glick, R-LaGrange, and Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago, were the lone no votes.

Glick said SB 449 is making too many important changes for last-minute amendments to be thrown in, and that the bill and amendments need more time to be thoughtfully considered.

Justin Busch, R-Fort Wayne, and Jack Sandlin, R-Indianapolis, explained their ‘yes’ vote to the bill, saying while there are many flaws, they hope to be able to fix the problems with the bill in the Senate.

Victoria Ratliff is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

 

Administrator Wheeler Kicks Off Visit to Brazil with Bilateral Meetings

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler kicked off his visit to Brazil in Brasilia with bilateral meetings with his Brazilian counterparts at the Ministry of Environment (Ministério do Meio Ambiente [MMA]) and National Water Agency of Brazil (Agência Nacional de Águas [ANA]). With this trip, Administrator Wheeler becomes the first EPA Administrator to visit the Amazon.

“It is an honor to be in Brazil to discuss these very important, cooperative issues, especially the reduction of marine litter,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Brazil is an important partner for the United States, and our environmental cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and other ministries is an essential component of the U.S.-Brazil bilateral relationship. I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate with MMA to reduce marine litter through sharing information and best practices that EPA developed under its marine litter programs.”

“We have very positive results to share, such as the Urban Environmental Quality Agenda. The United States’ environmental protection measures, focused on concrete results, that respect market laws and attract private capital, have been an important objective of the Ministry of the Environment,” said Minister of the Environment Ricardo Salles.

In a bilateral meeting with Minister of the Environment Ricardo Salles and Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) President Eduardo Bim, they discussed past and current EPA collaboration in Brazil including a previous project with the State of Maryland and Rio de Janeiro State on marine litter in Guanabara Bay. Top priorities for future collaboration include environmental challenges of sanitation and wastewater. Administrator Wheeler invited Minister Salles to visit the United States and they discussed possible next steps under the EPA-MMA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the areas of water quality, marine litter/ocean pollution, solid waste management, and food waste.

“The dialogue between environmental agencies is important to promote an exchange of experiences, which will result in the improvement of the Institute’s environmental processes,” said IBAMA President Eduardo Bim.

Following the bilateral meeting Administrator Wheeler and Minister Salles signed aa MOU on cooperation on urban sustainability between the Ministry of the Environment of the Federal Republic of Brazil and the EPA. The MOU aims to improve institutional capacity through technical cooperation on environmental management emphasizing urban sustainability. Specific areas of cooperation outlined in the MOU include: protection and restoration of oceans from pollution, solutions and best practices for combatting marine litter, alternative technologies for sewage treatment, water quality restoration and protection, and sound waste management for reducing waste generation, including recycling and food waste.

Administrator Wheeler also met with ANA where they discussed priority areas of focus for the ongoing successful collaboration between the U.S. Geological Survey, EPA, and ANA, as well as interest in further collaboration.

“It was an honor to host EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler to discuss important water challenges facing both Brazil and the U.S. I look forward to future collaboration on issues including water quality,” said ANA Director Ricardo Andrade.

Administrator Wheeler’s visit to Brazil continues in Manaus with meetings to further efforts to combat marine litter and address marine debris.

Crones Record-Setting Performance, Milers Highlight Greyhound Invitational

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University of Southern Indiana’s men’s track & field team was dominant in the mile while freshman Kyle Crone put together a career day in the field events at the Greyhound Invitational Saturday.

The Screaming Eagles were able to notch two top-ten finishes in the 800 meters. Senior Javan Winders was USI’s top finisher in the event coming in fourth with a time well under the two-minute mark at 1 minute, 57.48 seconds. Sophomore teammate, Madison King grabbed ninth with a time of 2:02.54.

The Eagles excelled in the 3000m as a team claiming four of out of the top ten spots; three out of the top eight. Junior Gavin Prior led the way with a time of 8:54.88, earning him a fourth-place finish. Juniors Grady Wilkinson, Sean Hughes followed in line with marks of 8:57.46 and 9:08.12, good for sixth and eighth place, respectively. Freshman Will Sims snuck into the top ten with a time of 9:18.26 which rewarded him with ninth place.

The mile proved to be USI’s best event collectively; as their top-five finishers not only placed in the top ten, they also ran times all under 4 minutes and 35 seconds. Junior Nathan Hall paced the Eagles by winning the event with a time of 4:20.94. Junior Wyat Harmon followed close behind Hall as he came in second with a time of 4:22.52. Freshman Oneel Occenat just stayed under the 4:30:00 barrier, with a time of 4:29.98 which earned Occenat a fourth-place finish. Sophomores Cameron Cox and Taylor Mills added to impressive showing with times of 4:32.72 and 4:34.99 giving them the sixth and ninth spot, respectively.

In the field events, USI had six top-five finishes between three different events.

Crone, the star of the meet, finished second in the triple jump with a mark of 41 feet, 11.5 inches. Crone’s triple jump mark made him school record holder, besting Tyrell Nickelson’s mark from 2018. Zack Gresens followed Crone with a leap of 38’ 6”, nabbing third place.

Nickelson added a third-place finish in the high jump with a leap of 6’ 4.75” and Crone came in fifth place with a mark of 6’ 2.75”.

Crone was also the top USI finisher in the long jump with a leap of 20’ 9.75” good for fifth place for the meet, and third all-time in USI history. Gresens came next with his own mark of 19’ 6.25” to give him eighth place.

Other Notables: The Eagles were recently ranked 30th in the new USTFCCCA Poll that was released last week, Tuesday.

University of Southern Indiana’s Jennifer Comastri and Aubrey Swart Both Won Their Respective Events At The Greyhound Invitational.

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University of Southern Indiana’s Jennifer Comastri and Aubrey Swart both won their respective events at the Greyhound Invitational.

Junior Comastri ran a blazing time in the mile, 4 minutes, 56.88 seconds to claim the event. Comastri’s mile time was also good for an NCAA II provisional qualifying mark as she got under the 4:58.73 threshold. Comastri’s time makes her the 16th fastest woman in NCAA II as well as third all-time in the USI record books. Freshman Mckenna Cavanaugh followed behind Comastri with a time of 5:17.08, good for third place. Senior Hope-Jones and Freshman Hadley Fisher rounded out the top five with times of 5:19.91 and 5:22.05, respectively.

Aubrey Swart had an impressive outing in the 3000m as she claimed the top spot in the event with a time of 10:42.84.

In the field events, the Screaming Eagles posted two top-ten finishers.

First, freshman Miranda Anslinger vaulted 4 feet, 11 inches in the high jump, which gave her seventh in the event.

Also, freshman Cassie Janas finished 10th in the weight throw with a toss of 43’ 1.5”. Janas’s weight throw mark moved her to fifth all-time in USI history.

Other Notables: The USI women’s track & field team is currently ranked 22nd in the latest USTFCCCA poll which was released last week, Tuesday. The Eagles are one of three teams from the GLVC ranked in the top-25 ranked behind Southwest Baptist in seventh and Indianapolis in fifth overall.

Letters of Intent Now Being Accepted For 2020 Stellar Communities Program

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Letters of Intent Now Being Accepted For 2020 Stellar Communities Program

INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 29, 2020) – Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs today announced that the Stellar Communities Program is now open for Letters of Intent.

Launched in 2011, the Stellar Communities Program is a multi-year, multi-million dollar investment initiative led by OCRA, which is overseen by Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch. The program works with communities in creating regional development plans, promoting local and regional partnerships and implementing comprehensive solutions to regional challenges. The program will continue this year with a regional partnership design and select one regional designee.

“The authenticity of the regional relationships built through the Stellar process in Marshall County last year was inspiring to watch, and I’m excited to see the new relationships formed,” said Crouch. “I encourage all regional groups to apply! Each finalist benefits from this strategic process and walks away with a great plan.”

All participating communities must commit at least four years to the project. This collaborative effort brings together mentors and partners to advance comprehensive solutions for regional and local challenges throughout rural Indiana.

“Too often, we get caught up in the challenges and issues facing our community,” said Jodi Golden, Executive Director of OCRA. “By working together to move a region forward, even more, can be accomplished and innovative ideas can become reality. This program helps a region begin that collaborative process.”

Eligible participants include local units of government, a county, city or an incorporated town not currently considered a HUD recognized entitlement community. Only communities that participate in the state Community Development Block Grant program are eligible.

Golden said that although any eligible community can apply, regional mentorships with past Stellar Designees and Finalists are highly encouraged. The Stellar Communities Program manager, Michael Sinnet, is available for consultation and technical assistance.

The Letters of Intent submission process is completed through an online grant management system. All regions must submit the required documentation in order to be considered. Letters of Intent are due by April 3, 2020, at 4 p.m. ET. No paper submissions will be accepted and submissions entered after 4 p.m. will not be eligible.

An informational program video is available online.  Visit in.gov/ocra/stellar for more information.

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