CenterPoint Energy shares New Year’s resolution checklist to help customers save energy and money while staying safeCenterPoint Energy encourages customers to keep safety and energy efficiency top of mind with this simple New Year’s resolution checklist that can help save energy, improve safety and simplify life at home. From small changes to big impacts, these tips can assist in starting the year off right.Here’s a checklist of resolutions to help inspire a brighter, more energy-efficient and safer 2025:Power Up Your Energy Efficiency
- Start your energy efficiency journey. CenterPoint offers energy efficiency programs to help customers save energy and money.
- Glow smarter. Switch to ENERGY STAR® certified LED light bulbs to reduce energy use.
- Out with the old. Replace older appliances with energy-efficient models that work smarter, not harder. Take advantage of available appliance rebates to save even more!
- Get tech-savvy. A smart thermostat can keep the home cozy and save energy.
- Seal the deal. Weatherize at home by sealing air leaks and adding insulation.
- Freshen up. Replace HVAC filters regularly for better air quality and system performance.
Visit CenterPointEnergy.com/SmartSavings for energy-saving tips, tools and rebates. Make Managing Your Utility Bills Easier
- Contact CenterPoint for assistance. If a customer is facing financial hardship, contact the company to set up a payment plan and be referred to resources for assistance.
- Paperless is priceless. Sign up for paperless billing to simplify life.
- Balance the bumps. Enroll in Budget Billing to smooth out seasonal cost fluctuations.
- Set it and forget it. Set up automatic payments for worry-free billing.
- Get the full picture. Use our online tools to track energy usage and find new ways to save energy.
For more tips and tools to manage bills, visit the Billing Resource Hub at CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub. Make Safety a Priority
- Use space heaters safely. Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable items, and never use stoves or ovens to heat the home.
- Check your detectors. Test smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and replace their batteries regularly. Replace alarms according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Know the signs of CO poisoning. Early symptoms include headaches, fatigue, nausea, and dizziness. If CO poisoning is suspected, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.
- Report suspected natural gas leaks immediately. If the “rotten egg” odor of natural gas is present, leave the area on foot, call 911, and notify CenterPoint. Avoid doing anything that could cause a spark.
- Call before you dig. Contact 811 before starting any digging projects to avoid underground utility lines.
To explore additional safety resources, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety.
CenterPoint Energy shares New Year’s resolution checklist to help customers save energy and money while staying safe
Season of Joy brings not so Joyful Recalls
Season of Joy brings not so Joyful Recalls
JANUARY 3, 2025
Attorney General Todd Rokita warns consumers about products recalled in December
Attorney General Todd Rokita is alerting Hoosiers to important consumer protection concerns for products recalled in December. The office is encouraging consumers to take advantage of opportunities available to them to return, fix, dispose, or replace a purchased recalled item that could be harmful to their families.
“The holidays are over, now there is no better time to check your gifts for recalls,” Attorney General Rokita said. “If you purchased an item in December that has been recalled, then you should immediately stop using the product and see what forms of reimbursement the company that sold or manufactured the product is offering.”
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the following consumer products were recalled in December:
- BCI Burke Recalls Playground Merry-Go-Rounds Due to Crush Hazard
- GIKPAL Dressers Recalled Due to Tip-Over and Entrapment Hazards; Violations of Federal Regulation for Clothing Storage Units; Sold Exclusively on Walmart.com by ONME Direct
- Precor Recalls Resolute™ Cable Multi-Station Exercise Equipment Due to Impact Injury Hazard
- Black Diamond Equipment Recalls PIEPS Pro IPS Avalanche Transceivers Due to Risk of Loss of Emergency Communications
- Charmast Power Banks Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Sold by Charmast Exclusively on Amazon.com
- Chervon North America Recalls SKIL 40V 5.0Ah Lithium-Ion Batteries for SKIL Lawnmowers and Outdoor Tools Due to Fire and Burn Hazard
- Melii Baby Silicone Spoons for Babies Recalled Due to Choking Hazard; Imported by Melii Baby
- Magnetic Building Sticks Sets Recalled Due to Ingestion Hazard; Violation of Federal Regulations for Toy Magnets; Sold Exclusively on Amazon.com by Elongdi
- Mr. Christmas Recalls Wireless Decorative Tree Light Controllers Due to Fire Hazard
- HTRC C240 Battery Chargers Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Risk of Serious Injury and Death; Manufactured by Shenzhen Haitan Technology Co.
- Yoto Reannounces Recall of Yoto Mini Speakers for Children Due to Burn and Fire Hazards; New Full Battery Replacement Kit Now Available
- Touch of Class® Recalls Wall Teester Bed Crowns Due to Injury Hazard
- Stanley Recalls 2.6 Million Switchback and Trigger Action Travel Mugs Due to Burn Hazard
- Polaris Recalls RZR XP 1000 and XP 4 1000 Recreational Off-Road Vehicles (ROVs) Due to Fire Hazard (Recall Alert)
- Polaris Recalls Ranger Recreational Off-Road Vehicles and ProXD and Bobcat Utility Task Vehicles Due to Injury Hazard (Recall Alert)
- Belkin Recalls Portable Wireless Battery Chargers for Smart Watches Due to Fire Hazard
- Academy Sports + Outdoors Recalls Redfield 12- and 18-Gun Fireproof Safes Due to Serious Injury Hazard and Risk of Death
- QVC Recalls More than One Million Temp-tations Oven Gloves Due to Burn Hazard
- NetZero USA Recalls High Bay LED Light Fixtures Due to Fire Hazard
- Vacation Recalls The Legendary VACATION by Vacation® Black Label Scented Candles Due to Fire and Laceration Hazards
- Anker Soundcore Lithium-Ion Battery Powered Bluetooth Speakers Recalled Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively on Amazon.com by Anker Innovations
If you believe you recently purchased a recalled product, stop using it, and check its recall notice (linked above for all products). Then follow the notice’s instructions, including where to return the product, how to get the product fixed, how to dispose of the product, how to receive a refund for the product, or what steps must be taken to receive a replacement product.
Jasper Community Arts Announces Rebranding to Jasper Arts in Celebration of its 50th Anniversary
Jasper Community Arts Announces Rebranding to Jasper Arts in Celebration of its 50th Anniversary
Kyle Rupert, Executive Director, Jasper Arts
January 3, 2025
Jasper Community Arts, a beloved cultural cornerstone of the City of Jasper, is thrilled to announce a new chapter in its storied history. As the organization prepares to celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2025, it will officially rebrand as Jasper Arts. This fresh identity reflects the evolution and growth of the department while honoring its enduring legacy of enriching lives through the arts.
The rebranding initiative, developed in collaboration with the creative firm Branded by Woods, encompasses a modernized visual identity and updated messaging that resonates with the vibrant spirit of the arts community in Jasper. The new name, Jasper Arts, underscores the department’s commitment to accessibility, creativity, and innovation while maintaining its proud roots as a department of the City of Jasper.
“This rebrand marks an exciting milestone for us,” said Kyle Rupert, Executive Director of Jasper Arts. “As we honor our 50-year history, we’re also looking forward to a bright future filled with new opportunities to inspire, engage, and connect through the arts.”
Since its founding in 1975, Jasper Arts has served as a hub for cultural expression and artistic exploration, offering a diverse array of performances, exhibits, workshops, and educational programming. The rebrand aims to build on this legacy by creating a refreshed and unified identity that aligns with the department’s vision for the future.
The new branding will officially launch in early 2025, coinciding with the organization’s year-long 50th Anniversary celebration. This milestone year will feature special events, performances, and initiatives designed to showcase the transformative power of the arts and highlight the contributions of Jasper Arts to the community.
Highlights of the rebranding include:
- A modernized logo that reflects Jasper Arts’ dynamic and inclusive approach to the arts.
- Updated marketing materials and digital platforms to enhance engagement with audiences locally and beyond.
- A renewed focus on accessibility and community connection, ensuring the arts remain a vital and accessible part of life in Jasper.
The announcement of this rebrand also reflects a broader vision for the future of arts and culture in Jasper, with ongoing discussions about enhancing facilities and programming to better serve the needs of the community.
Jasper Arts invites the public to join in the celebration and experience the unveiling of its new identity in 2025. Stay tuned for more details on anniversary events and the official launch of Jasper Arts’ refreshed brand.
For more information about Jasper Arts and its upcoming programs, visit www.jasperarts.org or follow them on Facebook and other social media platforms.
About Jasper Arts:
As a department of the City of Jasper, Jasper Arts has been a leading force in fostering creativity, cultural expression, and community connection for 50 years. Through diverse programming and initiatives, Jasper Arts continues to inspire and engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
About Branded by Woods:
Branded by Woods is a dynamic creative company with deep roots in the commercial print landscape. Over the years, we have expanded our offerings to include promotional products, innovative branding solutions, graphic design, event execution, and more. Our commitment to quality and creativity drives us to deliver tailored solutions that elevate our clients’ brands and connect with their audiences. With a focus on collaboration and excellence, Branded by Woods is dedicated to helping businesses thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace. Discover the power of effective branding with us. Learn more at: https://www.brandedbywoods.com/
Discount of Cover Crop Premium available for farmers in 50 Indiana counties
Discount of Cover Crop Premium available for farmers in 50 Indiana countiesJANUARY 3, 2025 |
INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 2, 2025) – The Indiana State Department of Agriculture, The Nature Conservancy, Indiana Agriculture Nutrient Alliance and the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency have joined forces to implement the Cover Crop Premium Discount Program for the fifth year in a row.
This program will reward farmers who plant cover crops by providing a reduced premium on their crop insurance. The discount program was designed to promote planting additional acres of cover crops that are not covered by other state or federal incentives. This program is eligible for 50 out of the 92 counties in Indiana. “Our agency is thrilled that we were able to roll out this program again thanks to the support from USDA and The Nature Conservancy,” said Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “Last year this program was available to 26 counties and we have nearly doubled that for 2025. Cover Crops provide numerous benefits for soil health, but they come at a cost, so this program is key to ensuring farmers have the support necessary to build up their soil health.” Over the last year, this program has had great success with 101 farmers participating, resulting in more than 30,000 acres of cover crops on Indiana farmland in the watershed. This program will provide farmers with a unique opportunity to receive financial incentives for implementing cover crops on their operation. Farmers who plant cover crops on owned or rented acres will receive a $5 per acre crop insurance premium discount. Farmers who planted cover crops in the fall of 2024 are eligible to apply. Qualifying counties in the project area include Bartholomew, Boone, Brown, Clark, Crawford, Daviess, Dearborn, Decatur, Delaware, Dubois, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Gibson, Greene, Hamilton, Hancock, Harrison, Hendricks, Henry, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Johnson, Knox, Lawrence, Madison, Marion, Martin, Monroe, Morgan, Ohio, Orange, Owen, Perry, Pike, Posey, Randolph, Ripley, Rush, Scott, Shelby, Spencer, Switzerland, Tipton, Union, Vanderburgh, Warrick, Washington, Wayne. Cover cropping has many benefits including increased organic matter, improved soil biology as well as better water infiltration and water-holding capacity. This practice also prevents nutrients and sediment from running off the farm, keeping them out of nearby waterbodies and streams. Hoosier farmers planted a record 1.7 million acres of living covers in 2023 and, apart from corn and soybeans, are planted on more acres than any other commodity crop in Indiana. Seeding of cover crops must follow best agronomic practices in terms of appropriate seeding rates, seed mixes, and seeding dates to ensure the objectives of the cover crop are being met. To ensure the practice provides the best results, termination must be completed in the spring. Enrollment is first come-first served and there is a 750 acre cap. This program is also only available to fields not enrolled in other conservation programs. Larry Clemens, the Indiana State Director of The Nature Conservancy shared, “we are excited to again support the Cover Crop Premium program and offer an additional option to Indiana farmers that are nationally leading the way in the adoption of soil health practices.” Clemens continued, “The Cover Crop Premium program jumped from 26 Indiana counties last year to 50 this year, giving more farmers flexible solutions to continue and expand the use of cover crops outside of other programs. Cover crops improve soil health, water quality, water holding capacity of soils, and they can sequester carbon, decrease weed pressure and reduce the cost of inputs.” The program is funded by a Clean Water Indiana grant and support is provided to The Nature Conservancy by the Cummins Foundation and CenterPoint Foundation. Applications are due March 15, 2025, or when available funds are exhausted. Learn more and apply here or visit isda.in.gov. |
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.
THUNDERBOLTS HOST QUAD CITY ON FRIDAY, PEORIA ON SATURDAY
- Quad City Storm:
- Record: 10-13-2, 22 Points, 8th Place
- Leading Goal Scorer: Leif Mattson (16 Goals)
- Leading Point Scorer: Leif Mattson (37 Points)
- Primary Goaltender: Brent Moran (8-8-1, .911 Save %)
- Thunderbolts Record vs QCS: 4-2
- Peoria Rivermen:
- Record: 16-4-4, 36 Points, 2nd Place
- Leading Goal Scorer: Jordan Ernst (16 Goals)
- Leading Point Scorer: Alec Baer (33 Points)
- Primary Goaltender: Colby Muise (14-2-3, .928 Save %)
- Thunderbolts Record vs PEO: 1-3-1
Aces women’s basketball battles to the end in loss at Bradley
Comer’s career game leads Aces to road win at SIU
Comer’s career game leads Aces to road win at SIU
UE improves to 2-1 in the Valley
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Connecting on eight of his 13 field goal attempts, Tayshawn Comer registered a career-high 26 points to pace the University of Evansville men’s basketball team to a 68-53 road victory over Southern Illinois on Wednesday at the Banterra Center.
It marked Evansville’s first win in Carbondale since December of 202 and saw the Purple Aces improve to 2-1 in Missouri Valley Conference games.
“We talked about being gritty and doing whatever it takes to get better. Since we got back from break, we have had better practices and been playing better as a team,” UE head coach David Ragland said following the victory. “The last two games have shown what we can do as a team and we are excited to be back in front of our fans on Saturday against Indiana State.”
Comer’s effort surpassed his previous high of 23 points, which was set last season playing for Eastern Kentucky. He was 8-of-9 from the line and finished with three steals and a pair of assists. Cam Haffner wrapped up the day with 20 points while tying his career mark with nine boards.
Both teams struggled to find their rhythm in the opening minutes with each squad turning the ball over four times in the opening four minutes of the game. Cam Haffner scored UE’s first five points including three free throws to establish an early 5-2 advantage.
After the Salukis got back within two, Evansville countered with seven in a row to go up 12-4 at the 13:25 mark. Tayshawn Comer’s first triple of the afternoon got things started before Tanner Cuff and Connor Turnbull added field goals. SIU fought back with a 12-4 run to tie the game at 16-16 just past the midway point of the half.
Despite the rally, the Salukis were unable to take the lead as the Purple Aces held strong up 27-24 with 6:37 left in the half. Over the final minutes, UE stretched its lead to double figures as a 15-7 run gave the Aces a 42-31 halftime lead. Comer played a pivotal role in the period, scoring 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting while Haffner had 13 points in the opening period.
SIU opened up the second half with a triple to get back within single digits, but Comer recorded two more free throws on the other end to push the lead back to 10. It would never get closer as UE pulled away to lead by as many as 21 points (61-43) before cruising to the 68-53 triumph.
Evansville’s defense was key to the victory, holding the Salukis to 1-of-17 shooting throughout the middle portion of the second half. Overall, UE’s defense limited SIU to 31.1% shooting overall and 19.4% (6-of-31) from long range. Conversely, the Aces shot 48% from the field.
Kennard Davis Jr. was the leading scorer for SIU, finishing with 19 points and a game-high 10 caroms.
On Saturday, the Aces look to make it three in a row when they welcome Indiana State to the Ford Center for a 1 p.m. game.
-www.GoPurpleAces.com-