Final EVPL CEO-Director candidates to give public presentations
The community is invited to public presentations by the final three candidates for the CEO-Director position of Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library.
The presentations will take place in the Browning Rooms of EVPL Central on Wednesday, November 6 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm.
A national search for EVPL’s new CEO-Director began in July 2019. The search is being conducted by the Search Committee of the EVPL Board of Trustees and Bradbury Miller Associates, library consultants specializing in executive searches. The EVPL Search Committee has chosen the three finalists who will participate in this public forum. Additional information regarding the three finalists will be released Friday, November 1.
The EVPL Board anticipates a new CEO-Director will be named by the end of November.
Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library has served our community for more than a century. With eight locations throughout Vanderburgh County, immediate access to hundreds of thousands of resources, and a dedicated team of library professionals, EVPL strives to create opportunities for you to discover, explore, and connect with your library. For more information, visit evpl.org.
UNITED STATES SENATOR MIKE BRAUN IS CCO ANNUAL AWARDS LUNCHEON KEYNOTE SPEAKER
The United States Senator Mike Braun will be the City-County Observer keynote speaker for the “Annual Community Achievement Awards” Â luncheon on October 25, 2019. Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch will introduce United Senator Mike Braun.
Braun was born in Jasper, Indiana, on March 24, 1954. He graduated from Jasper High School. Braun was a three-sport star athlete; he married his high school sweetheart, Maureen, who was a cheerleader. He attended the all-male Wabash College, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in economics, and Harvard Business School, where he earned a master’s degree
After graduating from Harvard, Braun moved back to Indiana and joined his father’s business manufacturing truck bodies for farmers. When the economy of the mid-1980s hit farmers hard and his father’s business nearly went under, Braun steered the business in the more lucrative direction of selling truck accessories. The business subsequently grew from 15 employees to more than 300. In 1986 Braun and Daryl Rauscher acquired Meyer Body Inc., a manufacturer of truck bodies and distributor of truck parts and equipment. In 1995 Braun fully acquired the company. Meyer Body was renamed Meyer Distributing in 1999. Braun is its president and CEO.
These years City-County Observer “Annual Community Achievement Awards” honorees are Margaret Koch, the Honorable Vanderburgh County Superior Court Judge Margaret  “Maggie” Lloyd, Christine Keck, Steve Hammer,  EPD Sergeant-Jason Cullum and President of the Vanderburgh County Commission-Ben Shoulders.
Former Vanderburgh County Sheriff, past United States Congressmen and  Vectren Executive Brad Ellsworth, will be the Master Of Ceremonies for this event.
This year’s awards luncheon will be held at Tropicana-Evansville Walnut rooms A and B. The registration begins at 11:30 am, the event officially starts at 12 noon on October 25, 2019.
This year’s event is a sellout.
Oakland City University Holds Graduation Exercises At Rockville Correctional
Rockville Correctional Hosts OCU Graduation
Oakland City University (OCU) recently celebrated commencement ceremonies at the Rockville Correctional Facility (RCF) where 61 students were recognized for their educational achievements. Â
The graduates completed both educational and vocational programs including high school equivalency, Building Trades, Culinary Arts, Master Student to Master Employee and Cosmetology. The partnership with OCU and the Indiana Department of Correction provides offenders with skills, trades and nationally recognized certifications in high-demand career paths to increase the likelihood of successful re-entry upon release.
OCU President Dr. Ron Dempsey addressed the graduates during the ceremony, congratulating them on receiving their certificates, and applauded their hard work and dedication while offering words of encouragement and praise. The graduates, visitors and staff enjoyed the keynote speech presented by Matt Miller, an award-wining educator and author. The speech focused on new beginnings and how to use failure as a motivator. After the ceremony, those in attendance were invited to partake in a meal with the graduates.
Rockville Correctional Facility is part of the Indiana Department of Corrections. Prison Education Enterprise is one of Oakland City University’s four educational enterprises which also includes Main Campus Undergraduate, Graduate Studies, and Non-Traditional Students.
Winners Of The Fifth Annual High School Changemaker Challenge Get Full Tuition To UE
High school students from across the Tri-state were awarded significant scholarships today at UE’s fifth annual High School Changemaker Challenge, presented by Toyota Indiana.
The challenge, which is supported by the Center for Innovation and Change, is designed to motivate young people to take a leading role in identifying and solving challenges in the world around them through innovation and creativity.
The University has committed more than $1 million in scholarships to winners of this competition. Members from the top six winning teams who choose UE as their college destination will each receive 4-year scholarships to attend UE as listed below:
1st place team: Full tuition
Project Oasis
Team Idea: Social grocery story in food desert areas
Team Members: Graham Griffin, Ranny Badreddine, Futallah Hamed
Coach: Jose Mota
2nd place team: $26,000 per year
E.D.E
Team Idea: Device to prevent children from being left in hot cars
Team Members: Lydia Johnson, Isaac Martin, Elijah Jorgensen
Coach: Donna Lefler
3rd place team: $22,000 per year
Working out for a Change
Team Idea: Gyms with equipment that produce and store energy for sustainable use
Team Members: vivian Valadares, Paxton Mosby, Madeline Erdell
Coach: Jose Mota
Three runner-up teams: $18,000 per year
Food Recovery
Team Idea: Utilizing un-served food to address food insecurity among children
Team Members: Ben Burson, Mary Franklin, Isabella Meier
Coach: Kacey Strange
Power of Composting
Team Idea: Educating to reduce food waste from school lunches
Team Members: Helaena Pfeiffer, Mary Gardner, Chloe Julian
Coach: Brooke Haldeman
Watt-a-Bike
Team Idea: Exercise bikes that generate energy to address climate change
Team Members: Krish Gupta, Kaden Merrill
Coach: Jenna Bunner, Haleigh Bennett
18 teams participated in the 2019 High School Changemaker Challenge and project descriptions are as follows:
Community Orchard
Team Idea: A way to provide access to fresh food to the community for a healthier lifestyle
Team Members: Madison O’Daniel, Kenzie Paul, Emma Yarber
Coach: Kevin Krizan
E.D.E.Team
Idea: Device to prevent children from being left in cars.
Team Members: Lydia Johnston, Isaac Martin, Elijah Jorgensen
Coach: Donna Lefler
Finding Y.O.U.
Team Idea: Helping students find their career pathway.
Team Members: Skylar Young, Samuel Stone
Coach: Jerrilee LaMar
Food Recovery
Team Idea: Utilizing un-served food to address food insecurity among children
Team Members: Ben Burson, Mary Franklin, Isabella Meier
Coach: Kacey Strange
Grow a Garden
Team Idea: Program to teach young kids how to grow their own garden to access healthy food.
Team Members: Bailey Bush, Alyssa Goebel
Coach: Donna Lefler
Holy Fit
Team Idea: Free gym on the riverfront to address healthy living.
Team Members: Adam Barnes, Jered Blanton, Henry Duncan
Coach: Donna Lefler
International Food Court
Team Idea: A Food Court serving international cuisines in Evansville
Team Members: Haley Worland and Annemarie Smith
Coach: Linda Schaffer
Move! Evansville
Team Idea: App that incentives exercising throughout the city.
Team Members: David Schultz, Stephen Custer
Coach: Kendra Schultz
Porta Wet
Team Idea: Portable shower house for the homeless.
Team Members: Jacob Merkley, Noah Beard
Coach: Donna Lefler
Positivity
Team Idea: Digital wall with inspirational resources to promote positivity among individuals
Team Members: Aubrey Wheeler, Vidit Patel, Amanda Compton
Coach: Linda Schaffer
Power of Composting
Team Idea: Educating to reduce food waste from school lunches.
Team Members: Helaena Pfeiffer, Mary Gardner, Chloe Julian
Coach: Brooke Haldeman
Project Oasis
Team Idea: Social grocery store in food desert areas.
Team Members: Graham Griffin, Ranny Badreddine, Futhallah Hamed
Coach: José Mota
Study Shack Squad
Team Idea: Gazebos for outdoor study locations
Team Members: Carter Ahlstedt, Tyler Orr, Owen Minton
Coach: Jenna Bunner, Haleigh Bennett
Team Save Tomorrow
Team Idea: Composting with local restaurants.
Team Members: Elijah Randolph, Austin Whitledge, Morgan McDonald
Coach: Linda Schaffer
Trash to Treasure
Team Idea: Solar-powered water wheels to clean pollution from waterways.
Team Members: Madison Lucas, Ella Hubbard, Sinclair Sheffer
Coach: Kim Allen, Jeremy Vilines
Virtual Job Fairs
Team Idea: Lower-cost job fairs to provide more exposure to students looking to enter the workforce.
Team Members: Eric Nelson, Michael Niemeier, Grace Blondin
Coach: Lucas Swinford
Watt-a-Bike
Team Idea: Exercise bikes that generate energy to address climate change
Team Members: Krish Gupta, Kaden Merrill
Coach: Jenna Bunner, Haleigh Bennett
Working Out for a Change
Team Idea: Gyms with equipment that produce and store energy for sustainable use.
Team Members: Vivian Valadares, Paxton Mosby, Madeline Erdell
Coach: José Mota
Dan Arens Named 2019 Champion of Youth First
Youth First, Inc. honored community leader and former board member Dan Arens at its 13th Annual Breakfast of Champions event on Tuesday, October 22nd at St. Vincent Manor in Evansville.
Arens received the Dr. William Wooten Champion of Youth First Award at the event, sponsored by German American. In addition to recognizing Arens, the organization celebrated its hundreds of donors, supporters and volunteers with approximately 300 attendees.
Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke proclaimed October 22nd, 2019, as “Dan Arens, Champion of Youth First Day.â€
Dan’s passion for youth and the community is evident in everything he does, including raising a family with his wife Scherri, growing a business, and serving as a volunteer for numerous organizations. An Indiana native, Dan received undergraduate and graduate degrees in management from Purdue University and launched his business consulting career. In the late 1970s he moved to Southwest Indiana, where he co-founded Keller Schroeder, an information technology and consulting firm.
While serving on Youth First’s Board from 2004 – 2011 and continuing to volunteer to this day, Dan has been instrumental in helping the organization plan for healthy growth and sustainability. His current community involvement includes the Downtown Evansville Rotary Club, the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville, the Evansville Industrial Foundation, the Evansville Police Department Foundation, Crossroads Christian Church, and Youth First.
Breakfast of Champions attendees enjoyed remarks from Brad Hill, Evansville Police Department Deputy Chief; Carrie Ellspermann, Old National Bank Chief Talent Development Officer; Brian Williams, Co-Managing Partner of Kahn, Dees, Donovan & Kahn; Youth First President & CEO Parri O. Black and Founder Dr. William Wooten, as well as friends and family of Arens.
State Of Indiana Announces $3 million In Funding Of Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Network
Indiana Executive Director for Drug Prevention, Treatment and Enforcement Jim McClelland announced today that three regional partnerships have been awarded funds to complete recovery networks and seek designation as comprehensive addiction recovery networks.
“Governor Eric J. Holcomb has called for an all-hand-on deck approach to combat the drug crisis and communities all across Indiana have stepped forward,†McClelland said. “We appreciate the Indiana General Assembly’s work to help more people enter recovery through comprehensive addiction recovery networks that will meet people with substance use disorders where they are, assess their needs and connect them to the full continuum of evidence-based care.â€
McClelland made the announcement in Indianapolis alongside Sen. Jim Merritt and healthcare leaders from Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center and Community Behavioral Health.
Up to $3 million in funding appropriated to Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level Recovery initiative will support the launch of up to six comprehensive addiction recovery networks across the state over the next two years. Three regional partnerships – one each in northern, central and southern Indiana – were awarded grants from the first round of funding, totaling up to $1.5 million, to support completion of their recovery networks:
- Northern Indiana: Regional Health Systems, Merrillville
- Central Indiana: The Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County/Eskenazi Health, Indianapolis
- Southern Indiana: Community Mental Health Center, Lawrenceburg
In alignment with Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level Recovery initiative, the comprehensive addiction recovery network designation was created through legislation Merritt authored. Senate Enrolled Act 33 passed the Indiana General Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support and was signed into law by the governor earlier this year.
Each entity designated as a comprehensive addiction recovery network must partner with local providers to offer the full spectrum of substance use care including assessments, inpatient, outpatient and medication-assisted treatment, peer support services, recovery residences, job training and workforce readiness services, and family support services.
When the networks are complete, the regional partnerships will be eligible to apply to receive a designation from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) as a comprehensive addiction recovery network. DMHA will oversee the development process and work closely with the designated entities to ensure they have support in implementing evide
EPA Enforcement Actions Help Protect Vulnerable Communities From Lead-Based Paint Health Hazards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that it completed 117 federal enforcement actions from October 2018 through September 2019 to ensure that entities such as renovation contractors, landlords, realtors and others comply with rules that protect the public from exposure to lead from lead-based paint. Exposure to lead dust, chips or debris from lead-based paint can pose serious risks to human health, particularly for young children.
“EPA’s work to enforce federal lead paint laws helps protect children all over the country,†said EPA Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Susan Bodine. “These cases deter bad actors by holding violators accountable for their actions and help maintain a level playing field for companies that follow the rules.â€
EPA has designated the reduction of childhood lead exposures as a high priority. The actions announced today support the agency’s implementation of the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated Health Impacts issued December 2018.
Regulations promulgated under the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (LHRA) apply to most pre-1978 dwellings and child-occupied facilities. These regulations – TSCA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, TSCA’s Lead-based Paint Activities Rule, and LHRA’s Section 1018 Lead Disclosure Rule (LDR) – require lead-safe work practices and disclosure of information about lead-based paint, among other things. By ensuring compliance with federal lead-based paint requirements, EPA can address a major source of lead exposure that occurs in communities across the nation.
Since the 1970s, the United States has made tremendous progress in lowering children’s blood lead levels. Lead exposure, particularly at higher doses, continues to pose a significant health and safety threat to children, preventing them from reaching the fullest potential of their health, their intellect, and their future. No safe blood lead level in children has been identified.
Included in the FY 2019 lead enforcement actions are EPA civil administrative proceedings and judicial civil and criminal prosecutions by the U.S. Department of Justice. Enforcement actions require alleged violators to come into compliance with the law and, in most cases, to pay penalties. In determining the appropriate civil penalty amount, the agency considers a violator’s ability to pay, ability to continue to do business, and other factors. In many of the settlements announced today, EPA reduced the penalty because the cases involved small-scale lead-based paint businesses. Also, in some settlements the alleged violator has agreed to perform a Supplementary Environmental Project (SEP) or other project to help prevent lead exposures.