Early Voting Absentee In-Person Begins On Tuesday
|
 The first day that a voter may vote an absentee ballot for the 2019 Municipal Election is Tuesday, October 8, 2019. All registered voters living within Evansville city limits are eligible to vote in-person at the county election office.
Early voting at the Election Office will be 8:00 am – 4:00 pm weekdays starting Tuesday, October 8, 2019, and conclude at Noon on Monday, November 4, 2019.
To vote absentee by mail, complete the APPLICATION FOR ABSENTEE BALLOT found at the Vanderburgh County Clerk Elections web page and mail it to:
Vanderburgh County Election
P.O. Box 3343
Evansville, IN 47732-3343 Absentee ballot applications and forms can also be found on the Indiana Voters Portal. The deadline for absentee-by-mail applications to be received by the Election Office for the 2019 Municipal Election is 11:59 p.m., October 28, 2019.
If you have any questions, please call the Election Office at 812-435-5122. The Vanderburgh County Election Office is located at :
Civic Center Complex, Room 216
1 NW ML King Jr. BLVD, Evansville, IN
|
USI Honors Achievements, Present Awards At Annual Faculty Convocation
The University of Southern Indiana recently held its annual Faculty Convocation at in Carter Hall located in University Center West on the USI campus.
The Convocation, which was first held at USI in 2017, is a formal ceremony to highlight and celebrate the accomplishments of the USI faculty. Proceedings will include a keynote address from Dr. Katie Ehlman, professor of gerontology, and the recognition of newly tenured and promoted faculty, emeriti faculty, faculty members who have completed their terminal degrees and those who have reached 25 years of service at the University.
During the ceremony, the following annual awards will be presented:
University of Southern Indiana Distinguished Professor AwardÂ
Dr. Ernest H. Hall, Jr., professor of management, will be named the 2019 USI Distinguished Professor. Hall began his career at USI in 1992 as the director of the Small Business Institute. In 1998, he became chair of the Management and Marketing Department; director of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in 2000, as well as the associate dean for what is now the Romain College of Business, both until 2004. In 2012, he served five years again as director of the MBA program. As the director of the USI MBA program, he played a key role in laying the foundation for the launch of the highly successful online MBA program.
The Distinguished Professor Award was established in 1983 and is USI’s highest award given in recognition of significant achievement in teaching, scholarship and service. As a recipient, Hall will receive a $7,000 stipend plus a $3,000 faculty development grant underwritten by generous donors to the USI Foundation. He also will deliver the address at the Romain College of Business and College of Liberal Arts Fall Commencement Ceremony.
H. Lee Cooper Core Curriculum Teaching Award
Dr. Sakina M. Hughes, associate professor of history, will be named the 2019 recipient of the H. Lee Cooper Core Curriculum Teaching Award. Hughes began her career at USI in 2013 after serving as the Dubois-Mandela-Rodney Postdoctoral Fellow: Department of Afroamerican and African Studies at the University of Michigan. Currently at USI, along with being associate professor, she is the assistant dean of the College of Liberal Arts and the director of Africana Studies. She is also a board member for the Vanderburgh County Historical Society, co-chair of the Nelson Mandela Social Justice Commemoration Committee, and was the founding president of the USI Faculty Women of Color in the Academy.
The H. Lee Cooper Core Curriculum Teaching Award was established in 2000 and honors a USI faculty member whose work in University Core Courses (UCC) has been especially creative and successful in furthering UCC goals. As a recipient, Hughes will receive a $4,000 stipend and a $2,000 faculty development grant underwritten by longtime and generous University friends, Ann and H. Lee Cooper III. She will also deliver the address at the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education and the College of Nursing and Health Professions Commencement Ceremony in December.
Sydney and Sadelle Berger Faculty Community Service Award
Dr. Srishti Srivastava, assistant professor of computer science, will be named the 2019 recipient of the Sydney L. and Sadelle Berger Faculty Community Service Award. Srivastava established the Girls Who Code club, which is aimed at creating greater interest and skills development in computer programming for middle school girls. The club is working to close the gender gap in technology and to change the image of what a programmer looks like. She also established the Bro Code club, designed to work with middle school boys to create interest and skills in computer programming. Both clubs involve students representing three Indiana counties and seven area schools.
The Sydney L. and Sadelle Berger Faculty Community Service Award were established in 1997 and recognize a USI faculty member for distinguished community service to groups, agencies, and institutions external to the University of Southern Indiana.
USI Foundation Outstanding Teaching Award by New Faculty
Dr. Crystal Steltenpohl ’11, assistant professor of psychology, will receive the USI Foundation Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award by New Faculty, which recognizes truly exceptional teaching performance by a new faculty member in his or her discipline, and whose primary responsibility is teaching at the University of Southern Indiana. She graduated from USI in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in English and psychology and began her career there in 2017. Steltenpohl is the faculty advisor for the Psychology Club and is a member of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Council, both since 2018. Among other involvement, she received an Early Career Faculty Research Grant from USI to work with Dr. Katie Daniels and Dr. Kyle Mara on creating a video game to teach high school and undergraduate students about research methods.
USI Foundation Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award
Dr. Daria P. Sevastianova, associate professor of economics, will receive the USI Foundation Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award, which recognizes truly exceptional teaching performance by a faculty member in his or her discipline, and whose primary responsibility is teaching at the University of Southern Indiana. Sevenstianova began her career at USI in 2007 and is currently the faculty advisor for the Economics Club. She has served on various committees within the Romain College of Business and for the University. Since 2012, Sevastianova has worked on a sister city partnership between Evansville and Osnabrück, Germany which has benefited USI students in multiple capacities. She serves as the director for the Center for Economic Education and has used this opportunity to connect students with the Federal Reserve Bank in St. Louis on multiple projects.
USI Foundation Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award by Adjunct Faculty
Mahlon E. Powell ’11, adjunct instructor in Liberal Arts, is the recipient of the USI Foundation Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award by Adjunct Faculty, which recognizes truly exceptional teaching performance by an adjunct faculty member in his or her discipline.
The USI faculty will formally process across the Quad to Carter Hall from the USI Performance Center at 2:30 p.m., and a reception will follow the event in University Center West. For more information about the event, contact Sheree Seib at sheree.seib@usi.edu or 812-461-5419.
African Bridge Project First Step Toward Joining Elite National Program
A team of University of Southern Indiana students and faculty representing the University’s Engineering Program spent eight weeks in Mdlasomi, eSwatini in Southern Africa assisting in the construction of a 95-meter footbridge over the Ngwempisi River—a project with life-saving implications.
Josef Winkler, mechanical engineering senior from Owensboro, Kentucky, and Koby Lindner, a mechanical engineering sophomore from Boonville, Indiana, alongside Dr. Jason Hill, associate professor of engineering, and Justin Amos, lab manager, spent their summer living in Mdlasomi with the local townspeople.
The USI contingent traveled as part of a team from Cornell University, who had designed and coordinated the project through the Engineers in Action (EIA) Bridge Program, a collegiate program of the larger EIA program that works with indigenous professionals to improve the lives of people in need through sustainable programs that build their capacity while also helping to develop global awareness among program participants. USI’s Engineering Program is in the early stages of building its own collegiate chapter of EIA, and the trip was part of an effort to put the University in a place where it can eventually lead its own bridge project from start to finish.
The new bridge provides surrounding communities year-round passage to the town of Mankayne. In 2018, 16 people died while trying to cross the Ngwempisi River during high water. The professionally-designed and -constructed bridge allows for safe and unimpeded foot traffic to markets, jobs, and a government hospital.
View a gallery of high-definition photos from the eSwatini Bridge Project
USI students and faculty coordinated with the Cornell chapter of EIA on the bridge design process during the spring 2019 semester. The summer trip to Mdlasomi brought the project full circle, allowing the students and faculty to see in person what it took to build a bridge that would serve more than 540 homesteads in the immediate area. “Our role was simply observing and learning,†said Lindler. “But we worked the same as everyone else—moving rocks, mixing concrete, pulling cables. We were working manually every day.â€
In 2018, there were only eight collegiate chapters of EIA in the United States. The USI chapter would work with peer chapters at institutions such as the University of Notre Dame, the University of Colorado–Boulder, and Cornell.
 
“This project was a tag-along to learn the ropes and prepare for a future project where USI takes more of a leadership role,†said Hill. “We hope to do a second shared project next year, where we take on 50% of the project work. By the third year, we hope to be able to do a solo project.â€
“We were seeing how the logistic manager does their job, the construction manager does their job,†said Lindner. “USI would like to do their own project, so we wanted to see what you actually do in these roles.â€
Beyond the experience of physically building the bridge, Winkler and Lindler connected with the local people and lived within their culture, seeing directly how the new bridge would impact the community and the lives of individuals. Both students celebrated their birthdays while in eSwatini, and Winkler, a member of the USI Men’s Soccer team, even managed to keep his training up by helping organize soccer matches between different communities near the building site. “I still have connections that I made in Africa that text me about soccer,†said Winkler. “Usually it’s harder for students on our team to travel. I’m thankful for the support I got to do this.â€
“Building a bridge was only about 40% of the trip,†said Lindler. “The rest was cultural relations–learning about a different culture, talking to the people. We went there to interact with people and experience a different culture in addition to engineering.â€
Following eight weeks of construction, the bridge was completed on August 2 with the help of community members, the Bridge Corps and countless hours of work from the students. As USI prepares to undertake its own projects with EIA, the experiences of traveling, absorbing a new culture and working on a project with a life-saving impact resonate strongly with Lindner and Winkler, who both say they will be involved with future EIA projects.
“This project, and where it is taking us when we look toward a future chapter of EIA, is what we mean when we talk about offering quality education and academic excellence,†said Dr. Zane Mitchell, dean of USI’s Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. “This kind of hands-on experience is changing lives, whether it is for the people of the town or our students who are being shaped both academically and socially in a way that will stick with them for a long time to come. This is the kind of project that embodies the University’s mission to ‘prepare individuals to live wisely in a diverse and global community.’ We’re excited about the future.â€
For more information about USI’s Engineering Programs, contact Dr. Paul Kuban, chair of the Engineering Department, at pkuban@usi.edu.
Owensville Man Arrested After Overnight Standoff
Yesterday afternoon at approximately 2:30, the U.S. Marshals Tank Force, Indiana State Police and Gibson County Sheriff’s Department responded to a residence located at 4984 West 525 South near Owensville to execute a felony arrest warrant for Aaron Riggs, 30.
Riggs was wanted out of Daviess County for Child Molesting, a Level 4 Felony. When officers arrived they determined Riggs had barricaded himself somewhere on the second story of the residence. Officers attempted several times to get Riggs to surrender, but he refused. At approximately 7:15, Indiana State Police SWAT entered the residence and eventually found Riggs hiding in a crawl space in the attic.
Riggs was arrested without further incident and taken to the Gibson County Jail where he is currently being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond.
Arrested and Charge:
- Aaron Riggs, 30, 4984 West 525 S, Owensville, IN
- Child Molesting, Level 4 Felony (Daviess County, IN)
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Assisting Agencies: U.S. Marshals Task Force, Gibson County Sheriff’s Department, Owensville Police, Fort Branch Police, and Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Department.
Bosse Field To Host #CureFA Baseball Game Between USI And Notre Dame
Historic Bosse Field will serve as the host venue for the second annual #CureFA exhibition baseball game between the University of Southern Indiana and the University of Notre Dame on Saturday, Oct. 19. 2019
The first pitch between the two programs is at 2 p.m. as the exhibition game will benefit the fight against Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA).
Friedreich’s Ataxia is a degenerative neuro-muscular disorder that affects one in 50,000 people in the United States.
Most individuals have the onset of symptoms of FA between the ages of 5 and 18 years but can occur anytime during adulthood. The Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance is supporting research that will improve the quality and length of life for those diagnosed with FA and will lead to treatments that eliminate its symptoms. More information about FA can be found at CureFA.org.
Tickets for the exhibition game from Bosse Field are available now and are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the following locations: the USI Athletics Office, Notre Dame Baseball Office, Southern Indiana Athletic Conference (SIAC) Baseball Programs, and all Banterra Bank Evansville/Newburgh locations. Fans also can purchase tickets online at curefa.org/USIBaseball.
Bosse Field concessions will be open for the exhibition game on October 19. 2019.
Historic Bosse Field is located at 23 Don Mattingly Way in Evansville, Ind. For more information, visit gousieagles.com or call (812) 465-7165.
AG Curtis Hill To Provide Update On Investigation Into Fetal Remains
Attorney General Curtis Hill and other officials will provide an update on an investigation into 2,246 aborted fetuses from Indiana discovered in September at the Illinois home of the late Dr. Ulrich Klopfer.
WHO: Attorney General Curtis Hill; St. Joseph County Coroner Michael McGann; St. Joseph County Chief Deputy Coroner Mike Samp; and several members of the Indiana General Assembly.
WHAT: Press conference.
WHEN: 11 a.m., Thursday, October 3, 2019.
WHERE: County-City Building, 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN
If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Assistant Deputy Director of Communications Lauren Houck at lauren.houck@atg.in.gov.
MEET THE 2019 WEST SIDE NUT CLUB FALL FESTIVAL ADOPTABLE PET: SADIE!
For the first time, the Vanderburgh Humane Society is joining forces with the West Side Nut Club for the 2019 Fall Festival. The VHS will be the Nut Club’s official shelter partner in a variety of capacities.
The most important and exciting aspect of this partnership will be the inaugural Fall Festival Adoptable Pet! The Nut Club and the VHS are teaming up to feature one adoptable pet who needs a home. This pet will be broadcast on local news and radio leading up to and during the entire Fall Festival week.
And just who might that pet be? Her name is Sadie!
She’s a 7-year-old mixed-breed. She is a beautiful light brown brindle color with brown eyes. And she is absolutely wonderful! She was originally surrendered in December of 2017. After being adopted in just a couple of weeks, she ended up at Evansville Animal Care & Control almost exactly a year later. Then she was adopted in March of 2019, only to be returned in June because she sometimes submissive-pee’s, and she is also wary of men when she first meets them. She has lived with and done well with children of all ages, with other dogs, and with cats & rabbits. She’d make a perfect addition to any home! Her adoption fee is $110 and she’s already spayed, vaccinated, & ready to leave the building.
Sadie has been a fantastic ambassador for the VHS. She has gone to a multitude of outreach events including E is for Everyone Night at the Otters, corporate dog-walking events, Cardio for Canines, Mutt’s Morning Out, and pet-assisted therapy at local nursing homes. The entire team is befuddled as to why she hasn’t been permanently adopted into a forever home that will cherish her.
Now, it’s up to the community to help find Sadie that awesome home she deserves! Her photo will be shared on VHS and Nut Club social media starting today. The goal is for her to find a home before the end of the Fall Festival. Potential adopters can apply at www.vhslifesaver.org!
Regardless, whether she’s adopted or not, the community can see Sadie in the Pet Parade and the Main Parade on Saturday, October 12th on Franklin Street! If she is adopted by then, her new family will be invited to ride with her on the VHS’ float in the Main Parade.
The VHS is also the Official Shelter Partner for the Pet Parade, sponsored by Pet Food Center! A contingency of VHS staff & volunteers will be at the front of the parade walking with adoptable shelter dogs. A subset of the VHS’ mission is to “interweave animals into our local activities to strengthen the human-animal bond.†VHS invites local pet owners of all ages from all walks of life to participate. It is 100% free and there are 8 categories for costume judging. Any type of pet can participate, not just dogs!
The Pet Parade is on Saturday, October 12th. Lineup begins at 8:00, judging at 9:00, and the parade itself at 10:00. Participants meet in the parking lot of St. Boniface Church at 418 N Wabash Avenue, 47712. For more information on the Pet Parade: http://www.nutclubfallfestival.com/events/pet-parade
Today Is Energy Efficiency Day; Vectren Reminds Customers Of Ways To Save Energy
In recognition of the fourth annual national Energy Efficiency Day, Vectren, a CenterPoint Energy Company, is joining regional and national organizations, businesses, utilities, universities and individuals in promoting energy efficiency – the easy, quickest way to meet energy needs, cut utility bills and reduce pollution. The company is celebrating Energy Efficiency Day in partnership with organizations supporting the Jacobsville Workforce Housing Partnership, which include The Dream Center of Evansville, the Jacobsville Area Community Corporation, HOPE of Evansville, Catholic Charities and Habitat for Humanity of Evansville. The Jacobsville Jamboree energy savings block party is taking place this afternoon on N. Lafayette Ave in Evansville from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mayor Lloyd Winnecke will be in attendance to deliver a proclamation.
“Habitat for Humanity is excited to partner with Vectren for the Jacobsville Jamboree energy savings block party, and it makes sense we do so given our programs to educate future homeowners,†said Gail Knight Williams, director of development for Habitat for Humanity of Evansville. “These courses teach homeowners about the cost of owning a home and the importance of investing in ongoing maintenance to reduce costs and carbon footprints, as well as the operations, proper use, and maintenance of all systems in their Habitat home.â€
Join the thousands of people and businesses across the U.S. taking action to save energy and money by following these energy efficiency tips:
- Make the switch to LED bulbs, which last at least 25 times longer and consume up to 90 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs. Vectren provides instant discounts at participating retailers.
- Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when purchasing new appliances – you will be confident you’ve purchased an appliance that meets the highest of efficiency standards.
- Regularly clean and/or replace your HVAC filter to help your unit run at full efficiency and supply better air flow.
- Have your furnace maintained annually by a qualified technician and check your air filter monthly. Having a professional inspection of your heating system on a regular basis will help lower your heating bills 3 to 10% as well as maximize the life of your furnace.
- Keep your central air conditioning unit running more efficiently by adding an air purifier to your home. Air purifiers remove dust and small particles from the air before it is returned to the air conditioning system and Vectren offers a $25 rebate to help cover the cost.
- Reduce energy costs and increase comfort with a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat can maximize your energy savings without the hassle of manually adjusting your thermostat. Rebates up to $75 can help offset the cost.
- Caulk and weather strip around windows and doors to keep the warm air from escaping. These two simple air sealing techniques pay for themselves in energy savings within one year.
“At Vectren, we consider educating our customers on how they can decrease energy usage to be a top priority,†said Rina Harris, director of energy efficiency. “Today and throughout the year, we are committed to working with our customers to conserve energy and save money.â€
Customers should also take advantage of Vectren’s online energy tools to pinpoint ways to save energy in the home by using actual data from energy bills. The resources, provided at no additional cost, include an online energy assessment, customized tips based on the size of the home and usage, and a comparison tool to show how an individual’s usage might compare to similar homes. To use the online energy tools, customers must log in to their Vectren.com account. For more information on Vectren’s energy efficiency programs, visit www.vectren.com/saveenergy.
To learn more about Energy Efficiency Day, visit www.energyefficiencyday.org.
Â