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Uncover the Shadow War of 1862 Western Kentucky | May 6

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Tuesday, May 6, 2025

6 PM

Browning Gallery (lower level)

“We Shall Conquer or Die” — The Untold War Near Evansville

Join us for the Randall and Amy Shephard 2025 Lecture featuring Derrick Lindow, author of We Shall Conquer or Die: Partisan Warfare in 1862 Western Kentucky.

 

Lindow will explore a deadly but often overshadowed Civil War struggle waged behind the front lines—one that destroyed lives, drained Union resources, and reached dangerously close to Evansville.

 

Lindow is a nationally recognized history teacher, a James Madison Fellow, and a co-creator of the Western Theater in the Civil War website. Don’t miss this powerful evening of local and national history.

 

Willard Public Library encourages patrons and visitors to donate graciously to ensure the continuation of events like this for years to come. The WPL’s Foundation is a non-profit organization registered as a 501(c)(3). >> https://www.willardlib.org/donate

 

Indiana Grown members showcased Indiana products at exhibition

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ANTI-WWIII

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redline

GAVEL GAMUT

By Jim Redwine

www.jamesmredwine.com

(Week of 05 May 2025)

ANTI-WWIII

To be anti-Nazi is to be neither anti-Teutonic nor anti-Germany any more than to be anti-Zionist is to be anti-Semitic or anti-Israel. The United States and our WWI allies, such as Great Britain, should have required Nazi Germany to abide by its 1919 Versailles Treaty obligations and perhaps there would not have been a WWII. While it is correct that the treaty ending WWI was needlessly vengeful towards Germany and woefully shortsighted by the victors, at least Hitler’s illegal re-occupation of the German Rhineland in 1936 should have alarmed us.

Instead, the world did nothing but dither while the Nazis invaded Poland (1939), Denmark, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and France (1940), then Yugoslavia and Greece in 1941. The United States did finally react in 1941, but that was because Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and, as we declared war on Japan, Germany declared war on us.

But as the Nazis invaded its defenseless neighbors and even slaughtered its own citizens, the world’s democracies, mainly the U.S. and Britain, fiddled. Surely, we learned that the slippery slope from a self-described victim such as Germany to a genocidal invader such as the Nazis must not be appeased, or worse, enabled. Yet, the United States not only helped create Israel in 1948, we have since enabled the Zionists to bomb Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and Iran.

Just as students did in the 1960’s and 1970’s when the United States bombed Viet Nam and Cambodia, today’s students at many colleges and universities are exercising their First Amendment rights to address their grievances to our government. Our government has responded by bombing Yemen, deporting scholars and further enabling the Zionists. The American people have a right, even a duty, to call anti-Zionism what it is and not be intimidated from calling out what it is not, anti-Judaism or anti-Semitism.

The Zionists want to prevent Iran or any other Middle Eastern country from being able to defend themselves as Israel already can, with nuclear weapons. As Hitler began his hegemony gradually, the Zionists are steadily invading and occupying Gaza, Yemen, Syria, the West Bank and Lebanon.

WWII may be what the world thought WWI was, the War to End All Wars. Unfortunately, about 50 million people died during WWII. If Israel, with our full knowledge and support, starts WWIII by bombing Iran, we will have once again failed to learn from history.

I suggest we own up to our myopic view of the Zionists, not the Jewish citizens of Israel, and that we not allow the shouted tropes of anti-Semitism to still our voices for fairness, understanding and peace. Hitler, unlike the Zionists, did not have nuclear weapons. If we want to prevent a true eve of destruction, as we discourage Iran from procuring nuclear weapons, we should dismantle Israel’s.  

For more Gavel Gamut articles go to www.jamesmredwine.com

Stoll selected as USI Class of 2025 President’s Medalist

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Maxwell Stoll, who will graduate magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in psychology, has been named the recipient of the prestigious President’s Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an undergraduate in the University of Southern Indiana Class of 2025. He will be honored at the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 10 in Liberty Arena, Home of the Screaming Eagles.

Stoll has exemplified integrity, professionalism, and maturity throughout his academic, research and extracurricular pursuits. A committed leader in the Student Ambassadors Organization (SAO), he has fostered a positive and inclusive environment, earning the trust and respect of peers, faculty and staff. Known for his humility and curiosity, Stoll regularly seeks feedback and demonstrates a desire for continuous self-improvement.

Over four years with SAO, Stoll accumulated more than 150 volunteer hours, playing a key role in sustaining USI’s vibrant campus community. As Activities Chair during his sophomore and junior years, he planned retreats and banquets for more than 60 members, strengthening the sense of community. In his final year, Stoll served as SAO President, inspiring his team through servant leadership and a commitment to student engagement. His leadership expanded SAO programming, increasing student participation and promoting inclusivity and service.

Stoll’s impact at USI extends beyond his involvement in student organizations. Early in his academic career, he impressed several professors with his enthusiasm for research and his ability to critically evaluate information and integrate concepts. His passion for biology grew quickly, leading him to work in the genetics lab as a student worker for Dr. Kim Delaney during his freshman year. There, he learned the delicate nature of science, where every small detail and measurement matters.

Eager to deepen his involvement, Stoll approached Dr. Alex Champagne, who took him on as a research assistant. He contributed to projects on lipid membranes in various organisms, learning that some problems require fresh perspectives to solve. The result of his research was a successful grant proposal he wrote on cellular lipids in tropical and temperate birds, earning an Endeavor! Student Research Award. His ability to communicate his research clearly and confidently impressed peers and mentors. Stoll continues his research while actively encouraging others to explore similar opportunities, presenting to organizations like the Biology Club and Pre-Professional Health Club. Inspiring others to pursue research is as rewarding to him as conducting his own.

At the 2024 Indiana Physiological Society meeting, Stoll earned second place in the Undergraduate Poster category. His calm, confident demeanor left a lasting impression on both students and senior scientists. His ability to explain complex concepts in an engaging manner points to a promising future in medicine, where these skills will serve him well. As Stoll continues his research journey, he remains committed to inspiring others and making meaningful contributions to the scientific community.

In addition to his academic and research achievements, Stoll was named the 2025 Distinguished Biology Graduate, received the Distinguished Sophomore Award in Fall 2022, the Koewler Scholarship and named a Top 10 Student Leader in 2021-22. He has been a member of the USI Honors Program, USI Foundation Student Advisory Board, President of the Pre-Professional Health Club and Co-president of the Pott College Student Advisory Board. His commitment to service includes volunteering at the Evansville Rescue Mission and St. James Catholic Church. On campus, he served as a Welcome Week Leader and Student Ambassador, earning Student Ambassador of the Month in 2022.

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BREAKNG NEWS: IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE NAMES MARTIN POLLIO, EDD, ITS 10TH PRESIDENT

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Pollio will lead Indiana’s largest postsecondary institution and workforce engine starting July 1

The Ivy Tech Community College State Board of Trustees today announced its election of Martin Pollio, EdD, as the College’s tenth president. Pollio will assume the presidency on July 1.

Dr. Marty Pollio has served as superintendent of the Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) District in Louisville, Kentucky, since 2017. He has dedicated over 28 years of his career to serving the students of JCPS as an administrator and educator, with a primary focus on improving the culture and climate across the district, increasing student achievement, and building systems that ensure all students graduate both college and career ready.

Pollio earned his undergraduate degree from Indiana University, his master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University, and his doctorate from the University of Louisville.

The Board’s decision marks the culmination of a national search process that engaged faculty, staff, students, alumni and community stakeholders from across the state. The presidential search committeeand executive search firm Issacson, Miller identified several highly qualified candidates. Pollio rose to the top for his passion for students and experience creating results around workforce readiness and academic excellence.

MARTY POLLIO IS A RESULTS-DRIVEN, DYNAMIC LEADER WITH IMMENSE HEART AND PASSION FOR STUDENTS. WE ARE CONFIDENT HE WILL BUILD ON THE INNOVATION AND GROWTH WE’VE EXPERIENCED IN THE LAST DECADE AND BOLSTER OUR ABILITY TO HELP MORE HOOSIERS ACHIEVE THEIR ACADEMIC AND CAREER GOALS.

– Andrew Wilson, Chairman of the Ivy Tech State Board of Trustees and Co-Chair of the Presidential Search Committee

As Ivy Tech’s tenth president, Pollio will serve as the chief executive officer of Indiana’s largest postsecondary institution, which serves more than 200,000 students at its 19 campuses across the state and online. He will be responsible for continuing the College’s focus on delivering high-quality, innovative, and affordable education and training aligned to the needs of Indiana’s workforce and economy.

“Ivy Tech is doing great things in Indiana,” Pollio said. “I’m honored to be joining such a strong institution, and I’m ready to continue building more value for students and communities across the state.”

Pollio will succeed Dr. Sue Ellspermann, who announced her retirement in June 2024 after nearly a decade of transformative leadership at Ivy Tech. During Ellspermann’s presidency, the College focused its credentials to the workforce needs of Indiana employers and increased completions by nearly 120 percent. Today, Ivy Tech awards nearly half (49%) of all postsecondary credentials earned by Hoosiers, including graduate degrees.

More information about president-elect Pollio, the presidential transition and the presidential search process can be found at IvyTech.edu/President-Search.

Old National Completes Closing of Bremer Bank Partnership

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EVANSVILLE, IND.  (NASDAQ: ONB) Old National Bancorp (“Old National”) today announced the closing of its previously-announced merger with St. Paul, Minnesota-based Bremer Financial Corporation (“Bremer”), the bank holding company for Bremer Bank, as of May 1, 2025.

“This partnership represents an outstanding fit between two highly compatible, relationship- and community-focused banks,” said Old National Chairman and CEO Jim Ryan. “We are extremely pleased to have reached this important milestone, and we are excited about continuing our collaborative work to ensure that we are ‘Better Together’ and poised to exceed the expectations of our clients, team members, communities and shareholders.”

After closing of the merger, Old National has approximately $70 billion of assets and $37 billion of assets under management (on a pro forma basis using data as of March 31, 2025), making it among the top 25 banking companies headquartered in the U.S.

Bremer Bank will operate as a division of Old National Bank prior to the facilities and systems conversion, which is anticipated to occur in mid-October 2025.

The combined organization will operate under the Old National Bancorp and Old National Bank names. Clients will continue to be served through their respective Old National or Bremer branches, websites, mobile apps, financial advisors and relationship managers until the systems conversion is complete. For convenience, clients can continue to use the full ATM network of both banks for cash withdrawals at no charge.

Increased Community Growth Plan commitment

In recognition of Old National’s deep commitment to the communities served by Bremer Bank, Old National will increase its previous five-year Community Growth Plan commitments of $9.5 billion to $11.1 billion. This adds approximately $1.6 billion in lending, investments and philanthropy commitments in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Daniel Reardon to join Old National Bancorp Board

The partnership between Old National and Bremer will also see the addition of Daniel Reardon to the Old National Board of Directors. As co-CEO and trustee of Otto Bremer Trust in St. Paul, Minnesota, Reardon has decades of experience in executive management, philanthropy, and banking.

Since joining the Otto Bremer Trust in January 1995, Reardon has guided the Trust’s investments and charitable distributions, including $8.4 million in the latest grant cycle, to benefit the communities in Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Montana. He also served on the boards of directors of Bremer and Bremer Bank.

ABOUT OLD NATIONAL

Old National Bancorp (NASDAQ: ONB) is the holding company of Old National Bank. As the fifth largest commercial bank headquartered in the Midwest, Old National proudly serves clients primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. With approximately $70 billion of assets and $37 billion of assets under management (including Bremer Financial Corporation on a pro forma basis as of March 31, 2025), Old National ranks among the top 25 banking companies headquartered in the United States. Tracing our roots to 1834, Old National focuses on building long-term, highly valued partnerships with clients while also strengthening and supporting the communities we serve. In addition to providing extensive services in consumer and commercial banking, Old National offers comprehensive wealth management and capital markets services. For more information and financial data, please visit Investor Relations at oldnational.com. In 2024, Points of Light named Old National one of “The Civic 50” — an honor reserved for the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook and expectations of Old National. In general, forward-looking statements usually may be identified through use of words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” “continue” and “potential,” as well as words of similar meaning, and include statements related to expected benefits of the Bremer merger. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts and represent management’s beliefs, based upon information available at the time the statements are made, with regard to the matters addressed; they are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results or outcomes may prove to be materially different from the results or outcomes expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that change over time and could cause actual results or financial condition to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements.

Factors which could cause or contribute to such differences or could affect the forward-looking statements can be found in the cautionary language included under the headings “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in Old National’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and other documents subsequently filed by Old National with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Many of these factors are beyond Old National’s ability to control or predict. If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results or outcomes may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, shareholders and investors should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this communication, and Old National undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Old National to predict their occurrence or how they will affect Old National.

 

Liberal Arts to hold lecture discussing the process of selecting the next Pope

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The University of Southern Indiana’s Political Science, Public Administration and Philosophy Department will host a lecture at noon on Thursday, May 1, in Kleymeyer Hall, addressing common questions such as: What happens when the Pope dies? What is a Conclave? How is the Pope elected? And who will be the next Pope? Dr. Matt Hanka, Professor of Political Science, will discuss the process of selecting the next Pope and how this has been done historically. This event is free and open to the public.

Kleymeyer  Hall is located in the lower level of the Liberal Arts Center. A Zoom option will be available for anyone that cannot attend in-person. Registration is required.

For more information, contact Hanka at mjhanka@usi.edu, or visit the Political Science, Public Administration and Philosophy Department website.

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Founded in 1965, the University of Southern Indiana enrolls nearly 9,500 dual credit, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in more than 130 areas of study. A public higher education institution, located on a beautiful 1,400-acre campus in Evansville, Indiana, USI offers programs through the College of Liberal Arts, Romain College of Business, Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions, Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education and School of Graduate Studies. USI is a Carnegie Foundation Community Engaged University and offers continuing education and special programs to more than 15,000 participants annually through Outreach and Engagement. A competitive member of NCAA Division I and the Ohio Valley Conference, USI offers 19 varsity intercollegiate men’s and women’s sports. USI is online at www.usi.edu.