AVON, Ohio. – The Evansville Otters (22-37) dropped the rubber match of the series against the Lake Erie Crushers (31-26) Sunday afternoon, 3-1.
Parker Brahms took the mound for Evansville and bounced back in a big way. A bad pickoff throw to first allowed an unearned runner to score, but worked a scoreless first otherwise.
Logan Brown struck in the second with a two-out solo shot to right that tied the game at one. He would finish the game with two hits, the fourth multi-hit game for him in his last seven games.
Brahms went back out after the first and shut down the Grapes. He worked around some traffic and got a timely double play in the fourth to keep the game knotted at one. He pitched into the sixth inning and eventually gave way to Jon Beymer. Brahms finished with 5.2 innings pitched, allowing just the one unearned run.
Beymer stranded two to end the sixth, but couldn’t find the putaway pitch in the seventh. He worked from in front of batters but left the seventh inning with one run in and the bases loaded with one out.
Jackson Malouf entered the seventh and got two quick outs, allowing one of the inherited runners to score. He also pitched a scoreless eighth inning with a strikeout.
Outside of the home run, Evansville struggled against the Lake Erie starter. They put together some opportunities late, stranding runners in scoring position in three of the last four innings. They loaded the bases in the eighth and put runners on the corners in the ninth, but couldn’t push across late runs and fell 3-1.
Evansville has an off day Monday before traveling into Canada to take on Quebec and Ottawa to finish the road trip. The first game against Quebec is scheduled for a 6:05 p.m. CT start time Tuesday night.
A view of Big Clifty Falls in Clifty Falls State Park. Earlier this month, Gov. Mike Braun’s office published an 18-page report by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) listing 10 regulations that will be revisited or repealed, some having to do with water quality in the state.
Photo by John Maxwell, provided by Indiana Department of Natural Resources: https://www.in.gov/dnr/communications/photos/#gallery-3
Earlier this month, Gov. Mike Braun’s office published an 18-page report by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) listing 10 regulations that will be revisited or repealed.
“Burdensome,” “unnecessary,” and “inconsistent with the law or best available science” were some of the criteria for revisiting regulations to support Braun’s initiative of keeping Indiana law no more stringent than federal law.
IDEM also solicited feedback from local government, industries and farmers on the regulations that should be revisited. It received around 1,000 comments and published the 25 that best reflected public opinion at the end of the report. In these comments, several themes emerged—industries and small businesses want changes in emissions and pollution regulations and testing; companies want cheaper fees for permits and monitoring systems; farming operations are hoping for confined feeding control laws to remain strict so they can retain legal protections; and other commenters want updated water quality regulations so they align with current water conditions.
Of the 10 regulations that IDEM identified, several were related to emissions and pollution as well as agriculture. IDEM will extend the timeline for facilities to comply with pollution discharge permits and extend solid and hazardous waste permit times. It will also revisit the requirement for facilities to submit plans on minimizing accidental emissions.
Additionally, IDEM will streamline the processes for facilities releasing hot water into water sources to justify the harmlessness of doing so. And it will explore new definitions for biomass (organic material from plants or animals that can be used as fuel) and feedstock (materials used directly in manufacturing).
In 2022, a report by the Environmental Integrity Project identified Indiana as the state with the most polluted rivers and streams. Coal combustion residuals (CCRs)—the waste products like coal ash produced when burning coal for power or electricity—are a contributor to water pollution, containing contaminants like arsenic or mercury.
Currently, the state’s CCR disposal rule is no stricter than the federal regulation, but federal law gives the EPA the authority to approve state CCR permitting programs. Indiana does not have a CCR permit program, although it is in the process of developing one.
A CCR permit program would essentially establish rules and guidelines for disposing of CCRs in an environmentally conscious and safe way. If IDEM establishes a CCR permit program, it will have to meet criteria like ensuring CCR landfills are able to properly hold and confine CCRs and that units will minimize them from contaminating the air.
A CCR permit program would be an addition to Indiana’s regulations. The Indiana-Kentucky Electric Corporation (IKEC) said in its comment to IDEM that it supported the addition of a state CCR permit program because it would provide clarity and efficiency for industries.
Peabody Energy, a worldwide coal producer, also wrote a comment expressing its support for Indiana law that requires industries to apply for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permit before discharging pollutants into U.S. water systems. NPDES permits allow the discharge of pollutants into public waters as long as they do not affect water quality or people’s health. Peabody said that overregulation has impacted the coal industry in the state.
The Hoosier state is also ranked ninth for carbon dioxide emissions, both overall and per capita, according to a 2025 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. To improve air quality in Northern Indiana, certain vehicles registered in Lake and Porter counties have to go through emissions testing. One commenter described this automobile emissions testing as “burdensome” to seniors who drive under 10,000 miles yearly.
SB 103 was signed into law in May to evaluate air quality in those areas, and it included evaluating if older Hoosiers could be exempt from emissions testing while still complying with federal regulations. The consumption habits and fuel uses of older populations may be less than that of younger populations, studies have shown. Rep. Mike Andrade, D-Munster, said the law will update Indiana’s approach to emissions regulations.
In regard to air quality, Indianapolis has been identified as having worse air quality than the EPA’s standards on average, according to the Air Quality Index. Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are a contributor to air pollution all across the country. One commenter recommended exemptions to VOC rules for facilities that produce less than 15 pounds a day of VOC or cleaning operations that use solutions with 5-10% VOC content (the current rule exempts cleaning solutions with less than 1% VOC).
The commenter also advocated for simplifying Indiana’s emissions rules to be less stringent and align with EPA regulations. Similarly, another said that the state’s inclusion of aerosol spray cans for VOC emissions is “unduly burdensome” and should not be included in state ruling. Aerosol spray cans are not part of the EPA standard.
Monitoring emissions in the state is costly, often thousands of dollars for continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS), which measure pollutant gasses in the air. State law requires fossil fuel companies like coal and natural gas facilities to have CEMS. A commenter proposed allowing a facility to waive its requirements to use CEMS if it can still accurately record pollution data in a cheaper but no less effective way.
An unnamed private aircraft fuel system company also mentioned a cheaper alternative for its business in regard to IDEM regulations. It said the pollution insurance it is required to purchase is expensive and difficult to obtain and could be replaced with a performance bond.
Pollution insurance provides financial assistance to companies that are at risk of pollution accidents. A performance bond protects a company from not fulfilling parts of its obligation in a contract; in this instance, pollution prevention could be part of this contract. The Indiana Manufacturers Association said that IDEM should review all environmental permit fees and any significant disparities should be reduced or reviewed to align with the state’s economic goals.
Another theme in the comments that IDEM received related to confined feeding operations (CFOs). These are agricultural productions that house animals in confined spaces rather than outside (the opposite of free-range chickens, for example).
Indiana Pork and Rose Acre Farms said they support the state’s confined feeding control laws despite their being stricter than federal law—Indiana CFO laws provide legal protection against environmental lawsuits, making them appealing for producers. Rose Acre Farms said it’s concerned that if confined feeding control laws are reduced to align better with federal regulations, counties may step up with their own regulations, creating a complicated “patchwork of livestock regulations.” Indiana Pork, however, said that manure storage laws could be limited to apply only to the construction of new or increased manure storage capacity.
A final theme in the comments circled around water quality regulations.
One commenter said that IDEM should examine burdensome chloride water limit requirements that increase the cost of living for residents—specifically in Angola, which has struggled with the approval of chloride variance relief. Additionally, a commenter advocated for updating the river temperature requirements so that they reflect current river conditions, noting that current limitations are often met or exceeded.
The current water temperature requirements vary by month, with the lowest being 57 degrees in December and the highest 89 degrees in July and August. Temperatures cannot exceed the maximum limit set during that month by more than three degrees.
Also involving the Ohio River, one commenter said the state should remove compliance with the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) pollution control standards from the Indiana Administrative Code as it is more stringent than EPA guidelines. For example, ORSANCO has a stricter limit for dioxins—toxic chemicals that can damage the immune system and affect hormones—than some EPA regulations.
The Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC) said it has minimal concern with IDEM’s list of regulations. Other organisations like the Conservation Law Center expressed frustration that IDEM appears to be supporting the interests of industry.
Olivia O’Neal is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news site powered by Franklin College journalism students.
Recently, the Indiana Department of Health announced provisional data showing a historic decrease in the state’s infant mortality rate. If the data stays the same, it will mark the lowest rate of infant deaths in Indiana since 1900.
This is progress worth celebrating, and the result of sustained efforts to better protect our most vulnerable.
In 2015, the General Assembly passed a law establishing the Safety PIN(Protecting Indiana’s Newborns) Grant Program to provide funding to organizations throughout the state working to reduce infant deaths. The IDOH also has other support services for newborns and new moms including home visits, breastfeeding programs and infant safe sleep education.
Indiana’s Safe Haven Law is working to save young lives as well, allowing baby boxes to be installed at places like hospitals and police and fire stations. These temperature-controlled devices allow parents to anonymously surrender newborns by placing them in baby boxes, which automatically lock and alert authorities. No surrendered babies have died in Indiana since the first baby box was installed in our state in 2016.
These are tremendous accomplishments, but we must remain vigilant in helping our youngest Hoosiers and their families. Click here for Indiana’s maternal and child health programs or call the Moms Helpline at 1-844-624-MOMS (6667) for confidential support.
VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University (VU) will honor 18 graduates who have successfully completed the Associate to Technician Training Program (A2T) during a completion ceremony on Friday, July 25, 2025, at the ICAT Building, 1500 Chestnut St., Vincennes, IN 47591. The ceremony will begin at 12 p.m.
Signage will direct attendees to the auditorium upon entering the ICAT building.
This is the first A2T program completion ceremony held in collaboration with Walmart, marking a new chapter in VU’s workforce training collaborations.
This event celebrates students’ commitment to advancing their technical skills and preparing for critical roles in today’s evolving industry. Each of the 18 students will receive a Certificate of Completion as part of the ceremony.
“This collaboration perfectly reflects Vincennes University’s commitment to workforce-driven education that meets the needs of today’s employers,” said David Tucker, Vice President for Workforce Development and Community Services. “We are proud to help Walmart associates build skills that lead to meaningful, well-paying careers.”
The A2T program offers Walmart associates a unique opportunity to develop in-demand technical skills through a training model that combines 70 percent hands-on experience with 30 percent classroom learning. The training covers electrical & mechanical fundamentals, hydraulics, pneumatics, and troubleshooting. Associates do not need a degree to participate, only dedication, managerial approval, and a desire to grow.
All graduates of the Dallas–Fort Worth pilot secured technician positions, with an average earning potential of $32 per hour. The program is now expanding to Vincennes, Indiana, and Jacksonville, Florida, with a goal of training 4,000 associates nationwide by 2030.
Program Highlights:
Training Model: 70% hands-on experience, 30% classroom learning
Eligibility: Walmart associates with managerial approval—no prior degree required
Career Impact: Dallas–Fort Worth pilot graduates secured technician roles with average earnings of $32 per hour
National Goal: Walmart and Vincennes University aim to train 4,000 associates nationwide by 2030
This milestone reflects VU’s ongoing commitment to advancing technical education and supporting the career growth of skilled professionals across the industry.
(Evansville, IN) – The Evansville-Vanderburgh County Human Relations Commission will hold its Annual Dinner and Mayor’s Celebration of Human Rights Awards on Friday, October 17, at 6:30 p.m., at the Old National Events Plaza. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr. Mayor Stephanie Terry will present the 2025 Mayor’s Celebration of Human Rights Awards.
Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr., is a New York Times bestselling author and the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor at Princeton University. Recognized as one of the nation’s most prominent scholars, Dr. Glaude examines the complex dynamics of the American experience. His writings offer powerful insights into the challenges we face as a democracy. Glaude’s latest book, We Are the Leaders We Have Been Looking For was released in April 2024. Gaude also delivered the Du Bois Lectures at Harvard University. He holds a master’s degree in African American Studies from Temple University and Ph.D in Religion from Princeton University.
The 2025 Mayor’s Celebration of Human Rights Awards recognizes businesses, organizations, and individuals that embrace and celebrate belonging. Please visit www.evansville.in.govhumanrightsawards to submit a nomination for the Mayor’s Celebration of Human Rights Awards.
FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
AVON, Ohio. – The Evansville Otters (22-36) dropped game two against the Lake Erie Crushers (30-26) on Saturday night, 9-2.
Dennis Pierce doubled to lead off the game and eventually came around to score on a wild pitch. Pavin Parks and L.J. Jones both hit two-out singles and Keenan Taylor hit a hard liner at third that scored another run as Evansville jumped out to an early 2-0 lead.
Braden Scott made his first start after the All-Star game where he pitched a scoreless inning and struck out two. In his 100th professional appearance on the mound, he worked through the first two innings, allowing a run.
Evansville had opportunities to add to their lead as the stranded six runners in the first three innings, including two runners in scoring position in the third.
Lake Erie added two runs in the third to take a 3-2 lead. They were held scoreless in the fourth and fifth, but took advantage of some Evansville miscues to add three more in the sixth. Braden Scott went 5.2 innings allowing six runs, only four being earned and struck out seven.
Nolan Thebiay closed out the sixth and pitched a scoreless seventh. Rane Pfeifer made his first appearance of the season for Evansville, but struggled to dial in, allowing three runs. Colin Murphy finished the eighth, getting the final two outs of the inning.
The Otters couldn’t manifest a rally in the ninth and fell 9-2. Parks had two hits on the night for Evansville and Pierce reached three times as well.
Evansville is back in action tomorrow afternoon in Avon at 12:05 p.m. CT. They then travel into Canada to take on Quebec and Ottawa to finish the road trip.
