Home Blog Page 320

A NEW DAWN

0
redline

GAVEL GAMUT

By Jim Redwine

www.jamesmredwine.com

(Week of 23 September 2024)

A NEW DAWN

Instead of turning on the morning news at 6:00 a.m. today I took my coffee out on the veranda and watched Mother Nature paint her sunrise. There was an opening of a rose and grey curtain upon a magical mist across the meadow. At 6:30 there was a series of white puffs of clouds in a vee shape reminiscent of a flight of geese heading southeast.

Two hummingbirds appeared at one of Peg’s feeders about 6:45 then a covey of quail marched across the yard raising dust as they pecked for their breakfast. No other humans could be seen or heard as I anticipated Peg joining me. It was good to hear nothing but birds and see nothing but waving grass and the occasional tree standing sentinel surrounded by the glistening golden dew that coated the tall bluestem.

My thoughts turned to what a peaceful home we enjoy and how fortunate we are to be in a place where strangers wave to you on the road and speak to you on the street. I savored the knowledge that Americans are generally good and America is a special place where strangers volunteer to help other strangers and us. The reverie the sunrise brought was belied when I opened the news app on my cell phone and was assaulted by the cable news reports.  

Two assassination attempts in two months. Each of the four people seeking to lead us for the next four years spouting vile invective about the other side. The TV anchors choosing their favorite victim to attack and amplifying their aspersions with innuendo and an attitude of pious indignation. Reports of terrorism in the Middle East, much of it enabled and abetted by our country’s military might and political power. The terrorism involving Israel did not begin with October 7, 2023. The origins harken back to 1948 when much of the world’s sympathy for Jewish victims of the Nazis led to Arabic victims from Zionism. The Palestinian victims in Gaza whose woes began in 1967 are now joined with what the national media appears to admire as a clever Zionist incursion into Lebanon with boobytrapped pagers and walkie-talkies provided to Hezbollah members.

Indiscriminate bombing of militants and civilians has been the Zionist approach in Gaza and in its most recent detonation of explosive pagers and walkie-talkies without regard to the innocent Lebanese bystanders. Many Israelis disagree with their government’s prosecution of its destruction of Gaza and attacks in Syria and Lebanon. This is also true of many Americans who observe helplessly as our government aids and abets the Zionist regime’s military aggression.

Young Americans on several college campuses and in several cities are putting their futures at risk by raising their voices against our government’s myopic vision of what is justice in the Middle East. Perhaps this new generation will accomplish what college students in the 1960’s and ’70’s did; finally help bring peace to foreign lands.

A major strategic error Israel’s government may have made was the failure to consider the long-term effect its actions in Lebanon would have on the highly motivated and energetic youth of America. When I returned to the campus of Indiana University in 1966, my oldest brother and I already had our honorable discharges and did not need to fear the draft. However, my middle brother was still in the army and some of my classmates were always concerned.

But about all we had was folk songs and protests rallies. There were no cell phones to be constantly stuck to our ears and communicate calls for peace. However, with today’s under 30 crowd the constitutional right to a cell phone is like the 11th Amendment to the Bill of Rights. If our government does not take action to assure America’s youth can have the confidence to use their cell phones, I pity the politicians. Our incursions into the Middle East may soon fade away just as the beautiful sunrise did. Of course, just like the next war, tomorrow will bring another dawn.

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

OLD NATIONAL EVENTS PLAZA HONORS THE LEGACY OF SCOTT GUZZO WITH ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE AW

0

Evansville, IN – September 18, 2024 The Old National Events Plaza announces an annual service award in honor and memory of Scott Guzzo, a beloved team member who inspired our staff, and many others throughout the community. Beginning this year, the venue will recognize an employee who demonstrates a commitment to excellence and the highest levels of guest service.

Scott Guzzo began as a volunteer usher for the Events Plaza more than a decade ago and continued to serve guests as a part-time team member until his passing on June 19, 2023. Scott’s dedication to his role was characterized by consistent positivity and enjoyment in serving others. Guzzo was enthusiastic about assisting our guests with wayfinding, helping resolve challenges and ensuring all voices were heard and valued.

Old National Events Plaza General Manager, Nick Wallace said, “We were all saddened to hear of Scott’s passing last year. He played an integral part on our events team. We wanted to honor his memory and his impact on each of us. With the help of the Guzzo family, we created the annual Scott Guzzo Memorial Service Award. The award will honor staff members who embody admirable qualities in their service, ensuring that Scott’s legacy lives on for future generations.”

The inaugural Scott Guzzo Memorial Service Award celebrates the service of Joe Miles, our long-time welcome desk representative. The Old National Events Plaza is pleased to recognize Miles for his exceptional service and dedication, illustrating the values that Scott Guzzo personified.

Joe is often the first member of our team to connect with guests at our welcome desk. He is kind, respectful and always helpful in directing traffic, answering event questions, and helping visitors find their way around downtown Evansville. Miles consistently offers his best and continues to be an example of the values we aim to achieve as a team.

“Joe is an excellent example of how every role matters. His work at our welcome desk keeps our guests happy, the team operational, and our workflow efficient. His smile represents our organization in the community, and we are proud to recognize his service and commitment to helping others,” said Wallace.

The Scott Guzzo Memorial Service Award was presented to Miles on Sunday, September 15th, in the Aiken Theatre at Old National Events Plaza. The ceremony included members of the venue’s event staff and Scott’s parents.

Regarding the memorial service award, Guzzo’s parents stated, “Scott would be so pleased and in awe of this award being presented in his honor and memory. He always looked forward to volunteering and working at Old National Events Plaza’s events. His favorite part was greeting the guests. Since Scott’s passing, we’ve been told by many patrons that they miss seeing him. Scott’s contribution to the Evansville community was greater than we knew.”

For media inquiries or comment from any person mentioned, please contact Ginger Harper at 812.893.8732 orGharper@oldnationaleventsplaza.com.

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

0

 

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

 

FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.

MVC releases league schedule for 2024-25 men’s basketball season

0

20-game slate opens on December 3

 EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Missouri Valley Conference released the league slate for the 2024-25 men’s basketball season on Friday.  Start times will be released in the coming weeks.

Since the 2022-23 season, the MVC has utilized a 20-game schedule as the conference expanded to 12 teams.  As has been the norm since that time, schools will open the league portion of the schedule in December with regular-season action wrapping up on the first weekend of March.

On Tuesday, December 3, the University of Evansville travels to Murray State for its league opener.  Last season, the Racers were 9-11 in the Valley, finishing in a tie for 7th.  Non-conference games resume until the final weekend of December when MVC play resumes.  The Purple Aces welcome Missouri State to the Ford Center on Dec. 29 in what will be the final home meeting against the Bears as members of the league.  Following the upcoming school year, MSU will join Conference USA.

Evansville travels to Southern Illinois to open the New Year.  The January 1 game will see the Aces take on a Saluki team that is coming off a 19-13 campaign that saw them win 11 league games.  UE’s following two games will be at home as the Aces play host to Indiana State on the 4th and Illinois State on the 8th.  Last year, the Sycamores won 32 games on their way to the MVC regular-season championship.  Former UE assistant coach Matthew Graves is in his first season at the helm of the program.  The Redbirds picked up 15 wins last year while their 9-11 mark in the Valley tied them for 7th.  Evansville was victorious in two out of three games against ISU last season including a 59-53 win at Arch Madness.

Back-to-back games in Iowa are up next with UE facing Drake on the 11th and UNI on the 14th.  The Bulldogs were 28-7 and 16-4 in the league in 2023-24 and won the conference championship while receiving the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.  The Panthers tied for 4th in the league after going 19-14 overall and 12-8 against league foes.

UE returns to the Ford Center for its next two games starting on Jan. 18 when Belmont comes to town.  The Bruins tied for 4th in the MVC last year after going 20-13 while picking up 12 Valley wins.  Four days later, the Aces host UIC.  After a road game at Valparaiso on the 25th, Evansville wraps up the month with a home game against Murray State.

February begins with a road trip to Belmont on the 2nd with a pair of home games to follow.  UE welcomes SIU on the 5th and Bradley on the 8th.  On Feb. 12, the Aces trek to Missouri State before returning home for a Feb. 16 game against Valpo.  Three of the final four games will take place on the road starting on the 19th when the Aces travel to Terre Haute to face the Sycamores.  The Aces remain on the road to face UIC on the 22nd.

In its final home game, Evansville hosts Drake on Feb. 26 with the regular-season finale at Illinois State set for Sunday, March 2.  Arch Madness will take place at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis from March 6-9.

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan Announces Members of Inaugural HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council

0

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan Announces Members of Inaugural HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council

WASHINGTON (September 16, 2024) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the members of the inaugural Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions (HBCU-MSI) Federal Advisory Council. This council marks a significant milestone in EPA’s commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within environmental policymaking and workforce development.

The HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council will provide independent advice and recommendations to EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan on strategies to help diversify the agency’s workforce, support the professional development of environmental leaders, and ensure that HBCUs and MSIs receive the resources and support they need to thrive. The council’s insights will be crucial in guiding the EPA’s efforts to address environmental justice issues and enhance community engagement.

“We are honored to have such a distinguished group of leaders join the first-ever HBCU-MSI Advisory Council,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Each member brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and a deep commitment to advancing environmental justice and helping to diversify contributions to environmental policies. Their unique perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to ensure that all communities have a voice in our shared work to protect public health and the environment, to empower the next generation of environmental leaders, and to support these vital institutions for generations to come.”

“Including the voices of HBCUs in the EPA’s new Federal Advisory Council reflect EPA’s commitment to achieving real results that empower students and support the communities that HBCUs serve, and deliver on the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government investment efforts in HBCUs. These actions ensure those who have firsthand experience with environmental justice issues like asthma and lead service line replacement will have a say in how we clean up the nation’s air and water, and will help build a clean energy economy that benefits everyone.” Said Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12)

“Communities of color across the country have long felt the impact of environmental transgressions, and no one understands those communities and impacts better than historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Serving Institutions. It makes good sense to turn to them for counsel as the Environmental Protection Agency seeks to make a greater difference than ever in environmental justice,” said council Chair and former Board of Trustees chair for the nation’s largest HBCU, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Hilda Pinnix-Ragland. “Administrator Regan is taking a significant and historically important step in establishing the EPA’s first-ever HBCU and MSI Federal Advisory Council, and I am deeply honored to have been selected to be part of the council. I look forward to joining with my fellow council members in making a difference for our universities and the communities they serve.”

“It is with great humility and enthusiasm that I accept the appointment as Vice Chair of the newly created HBCU and Minority-Serving Institutions Federal Advisory Council at the U.S. EPA,” said council Vice Chair and Founder and Executive Director of the Deep South Center for Environmental justice, Dr. Beverly Wright. “As a proud graduate of Grambling University, I know the power of these institutions, the sense of duty and excellence that they instill in their students, and the way that they buttress their communities. I am thrilled to be part of bringing that unique voice and knowledge to the EPA. I believe it will lend itself to inspired solutions to some of our biggest challenges and help us chart the course to an environmentally just future.

“We are at a time when the environmental workforce, and especially the water workforce, is facing significant challenges on all fronts – including the ability to secure workers at all levels of the sector and to obtain and maintain a more diverse employee base,” said council Vice Chair and Director of the University of New Mexico’s Southwest Environmental Finance Center, Heather Himmelberger. “One amazing opportunity available to EPA is the rich, talented group of individuals attending HBCUs and MSIs across the country. Tapping into this creative force can open up new avenues for growth for everyone – the EPA, the universities, the students, and the general public, who ultimately reap the benefits of a cleaner, healthier environment. This board is chance to explore ways in which EPA can help HBCUs and MSIs and how these institutions can in turn help EPA. I am so honored to have this opportunity to participate in this new advisory committee in a leadership role and to share with others our successes as an MSI working with EPA and our challenges. I bring a unique perspective having worked at an MSI for 30 years, worked with all 10 EPA regions, travelled and worked across all 50 states and U.S. territories, that I hope will offer insights during the work of this board. I am excited to meet all the other board members and work collaboratively with them to offer advice to the agency on increased HBCU/MSI participation.”

“I am deeply honored to represent Fresno State and serve as Vice Chair of the EPA’s inaugural HBCU and Minority-Serving Institutions Federal Advisory Council,” said council Vice Chair and President of California State University – Fresno, Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval. “I’m excited that this diverse council will provide feedback and advice on monumentally important issues regarding the environment and education.  Our Minority Serving Institutions are key to the vibrant future of our country, in part through opportunities like this one.

The HBCU-MSI FAC is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader efforts to promote equity in economic and educational opportunities, protect public health, and preserve the environment. Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), which include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANHPISIs), play a critical role in educating and preparing diverse leaders.

The establishment of the HBCU-MSI FAC supports President Biden’s Executive Order 14035, which seeks to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) within the federal workforce. This Executive Order underscores the importance of a federal workforce that reflects the full diversity of the American people. The HBCU-MSI FAC aligns with this vision, ensuring that diverse voices contribute to shaping the EPA’s policies and practices.

The following individuals have been appointed to the HBCU-MSI Federal Advisory Council to serve two-year terms:

  1. Chair: Hilda Pinnix-Ragland, Managing Partner, AHK Global Resources
  2. Vice Chair: Dr. Beverly Wright, Founder and Executive Director, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
  3. Vice Chair: Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, President, California State University – Fresno
  4. Vice Chair: Heather Himmelberger, Director, University of New Mexico Southwest Environmental Finance Center
  5. Abre’ Conner, esq., Director, Center for Environmental and Climate Justice, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
  6. Dr. Andrew Kozich, Environmental Science Department Chair, Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College
  7. Angelina Adams, Counselor – Career Services, Haskell Indian Nations University
  8. Dr. Darryl Ann Lai Fang, Assistant Vice President of Transformation Support, Institute for Capacity Building, United Negro College Fund
  9. Dr. Eric O’Rear, Senior Research Analyst, Rhodium Group
  10. C. Gail Bassette, Director of Economic Development/Strategic Engagement, Bowie State University
  11. Phil Weilerstein, President and CEO, VentureWell
  12. Dr. Jerryl Briggs, President, Mississippi Valley State University
  13. Dr. Lena T. Rodriguez, Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
  14. Dr. Mark Brown, President and CEO, Tuskegee University
  15. Dr. Melva Wallace, President and CEO, Huston-Tillotson University
  16. Michael Johnson, Chief of Staff, PROPEL Center
  17. Dr. Mike Hoa Nguyen, Member, Board of Directors, Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education & Assistant Professor of Education, New York University
  18. Ray Shackelford, Vice President for Equitable Justice and Strategic Initiatives, National Urban League
  19. Dr. Sharon Jones, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, University of Washington – Bothell
  20. Dr. Vann Newkirk, President, Wilberforce University

USI Engineers in Action chapter to discuss largest pedestrian footbridge build in South Africa

0

USI Engineers in Action chapter to discuss largest pedestrian footbridge build in South Africa

WHO: Four students—Melanie Cedano ’24, Miguel Pinto ’25, Josiah Hollis ’25 and Jonas Hollis ’27—from the University’s Engineers in Action (EIA) chapter, and Dr. Susan Ely, Assistant Professor of Engineering

 

WHAT: Students and faculty will discuss their experience from their summer 2024 EIA bridge build in the Lubombo region of eSwatini in southern Africa—the longest bridge built to date at more than 106 feet. The pedestrian footbridge connects two isolated communities to shops, schools, clinics, co-ops, churches and more. The bridge, completed in a little less than two months, benefits over 4,000 residents, including over 1,800 children. The previous bridge was in a state of disrepair after seasonal flooding. The new bridge ensures a year-round safe passage for members of the communities.

In addition to USI as a lead University, the project included students from Eastern Mennonite University and the University of Iowa.

This is USI’s ffith bridge project with previous builds in Bolivia, Virginia and Africa.

 

WHEN: The media event will be held at 8 a.m. Tuesday, September 24. It will begin at 8 a.m. promptly, so please arrive early to set up.

 

WHERE: The event will be held in the Business and Engineering Center (BEC), room 0030. A map of the USI campus, featuring the BEC, can be found at USI.edu/map.

*A select number of media parking spots will be reserved in Lot J. You can view Lot J at USI.edu/map by toggling to “Parking” on the left “Map Layers” sidebar.

 

Video and audio recording is encouraged during the media event, and we will make video clips and photos of the construction and finished bridge available following the event. A full press release will also be available.

HOT JOBS

0

Front Office Personnel

Randall K. Brown, DDS, MSD, P.C.
Evansville, IN
$19 – $22 an hour
 Easily apply
This is a full-time, permanent position with benefits offered. Located in Evansville, Indiana, our practice offers a modern and refreshingly friendly approach…
1 day ago

Secretary/Bookkeeper/Receptionist

JR3 Properties, Inc.
Evansville, IN
$18 – $21 an hour
 Easily apply
Please send us your resume by applying for our Administrative Assistant position on Indeed.com. Your job is to make every interaction with JR3 Properties…
Just posted

Therapy Office Receptionist (Full-Time)

Tri-State Orthopaedic Surgeons 4 4/5 rating
Evansville, IN
 Easily apply
Flexibility to work 8-hour shifts between the hours of 8:30am and 5pm, as well as some Saturdays. Therapy Office Receptionist (Full-Time).
5 days ago

Medical Receptionist-Mulberry Clinic

ECHO Community Health Center, Inc.
Evansville, IN
ECHO Community Healthcare is committed to creating the best possible work environment for our employees and offers a competitive compensation and benefits…
5 days ago

Administrative Support Specialist

Flair Molded Plastics, Inc.
Evansville, IN
$15 – $18 an hour
 Easily apply
Minimum of 2 years office administration experience. Responsible for a variety of duties in the office, providing office support with emphasis on accounting…
Just posted

Administrative Assistant

CenterPoint Energy 3.7 3.7/5 rating
Evansville, IN
401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution. We want you to know.
5 days ago

Office Assistant

Congress Collision Center
Evansville, IN
D-Patrick is a family owned and operated dealership that strives to provide excellence in all we do. We have been a well-known partner in the community since…
2 days ago

Juvenile Arrested for Falsely Reporting Attempted Abduction

0

A 15-year-old female has been arrested for falsely reporting that a male tried

to abduct her while she was walking to school.

On September 17th a juvenile reported to the Evansville Police Department

School Resource Officer that a man she did not know approached her and told her

she was pretty. The juvenile stated the older male then began grabbing her by her

arms. The juvenile advised that she pulled away and eventually was able to run away from the man after she sprayed him with pepper spray.

Due to the severity of the allegation and potential safety threat to the public, an extensive investigation with multiple officers and detectives began immediately.

Detectives began interviews, canvassing the neighborhood for cameras, and going door to door in the area this allegedly occurred. Detectives were able to obtain surveillance video that contradicted the juvenile’s statements. When detectives interviewed the juvenile and her parent again on September 19th, the juvenile admitted that she lied about the attempted abduction. The 15-year-old claimed she made the story up because she was dared by a friend.

The juvenile was charged with false informing and has been placed in a secured juvenile detention facility.

EVANSVILLE POLICE MERIT COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA

0

EVANSVILLE POLICE MERIT COMMISSION

MEETING AGENDA

Monday, September 23rd, 2024

4:15 p.m.  Room 307, Civic Center Complex

  1. EXECUTIVE SESSION:
  1. An executive session will be held prior to the open session.
  1. The executive session is closed as provided by:
  1. I.C. 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(5): To receive information about and interview prospective employees.
  2. I.C. 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(6)(A): With respect to any individual over whom the governing body has jurisdiction to receive information concerning the individual’s alleged misconduct.
  3. I.C. 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(9): To discuss a job performance evaluation of individual employees.  This subdivision does not apply to a discussion of the salary, compensation, or benefits of employees during a budget process.
  1. OPEN SESSION:
  1. CALL TO ORDER:
  1. ACKNOWLEDGE GUESTS:
  1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
    1. September 9th, 2024 (Sutton, Johnson-Kincaid, Thompson)
  1. APPROVAL OF CLAIMS:
  1. COMMISSION ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS:
    1. Approval of meeting dates and times for 2025. 
  1. PROBATIONARY OFFICER UPDATE:
    1. Update for officers in Field Training and SWILEA.
  1. NEW DISCIPLINE:
    1. 24-PDO-08 – Sergeant Trudy Day, Badge Number 5173 – 3 Day Suspension (Not Appealed)
  1. PROMOTIONAL PROCESS:
    1. Certify the 2024 Lieutenant Promotional List to be effective from September 11th, 2024, to September 10th, 2026. 
  1. APPLICANT PROCESS:
    1. Certify the applicant eligibility list scores from the September 2024 Hiring Process. 
  1. APPLICANTS:
    1. 24-116
    2. 24-130
    3. 24-077
    4. 24-020
  1. REMINDERS:  
    1. The next schedule meeting is Monday, October 14th, 2024, at 4:15pm.
  1. ADJOURNMENT: