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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $117 Million in Grants Available to Advance Recycling Infrastructure and Prevent Wasted Food

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $117 Million in Grants Available to Advance Recycling Infrastructure and Prevent Wasted Food

WASHINGTON – Today, Sept. 16, as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $117 million for three separate funding opportunities to advance recycling infrastructure and boost food waste prevention education across the country. Two of the notices are for Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants – one funding opportunity for Tribes and intertribal consortia and another for communities (such as cities, counties, and parishes) across the country. The third notice is for EPA’s Recycling Education and Outreach grant program and is focused on food waste prevention and composting. All three opportunities are made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided the largest EPA investment in recycling in more than 30 years.

“Today we make another historic investment to reduce waste across the Nation,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, EPA is deploying unprecedented resources to improve recycling services and increase educational outreach to communities. When we work together to prevent waste that contributes to climate change, we support local economies, create jobs that pay well, and better protect the health of everyone in the community.”

Some communities that lack waste management infrastructure do not have curbside waste collection services, recycling, or composting programs, which increases the strain on local waste management systems and increases greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, mismanaged waste contributes to health and economic issues in historically underserved and overburdened communities. Increasing recycling reduces climate, environmental, and social impacts of materials use and keeps valuable resources in use instead of in landfills. Preventing wasted food from ending up in landfills plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The grant opportunities announced today will improve waste management systems and consumer education and outreach on waste prevention and recycling, meeting Congress’ goal to create a stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective U.S. recycling system. These funding opportunities also put the concrete steps identified in the “National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics” into action.

The projects that EPA will fund under the Recycling Education and Outreach grant selection—including a national education and outreach campaign—will lead to more recycling through composting, less wasted food from households, better markets for selling compost, and less contamination in the compost stream. Projects funded through the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants will improve post-consumer materials management and infrastructure. In addition, the grants support EPA’s “National Recycling Strategy” goal of building an economy devoted to keeping materials, products, and services in circulation for as long as possible – what’s known as a circular economy. EPA anticipates releasing its final “National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution” in the coming months. All are part of EPA’s series on creating a circular economy for all.

Both the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling and Recycling Education and Outreach grant programs advance President Biden’s historic Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver at least 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, clean water, and other investments to communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.

Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grant Program

The recycling funding for Tribes and intertribal consortia will provide approximately $20 million total in awards ranging from $100,000 to $1.5 million each. The recycling funding for communities will provide approximately $58 million total in awards ranging from $500,000 to $5 million each. This includes projects that will improve collection, transport, systems, and processes related to post-use materials that can be recovered, reused, recycled, repaired, refurbished, or composted. Read more about eligible applicants and activities for these funding opportunities for Tribes and intertribal consortia and those available to communities. EPA anticipates announcing a SWIFR funding opportunity for states and territories next year.

Recycling Education and Outreach (REO) Grant Program

The funding for the REO grant program will provide approximately $39 million for one award. EPA seeks coalition applications that include the following elements: (1) a project to develop and implement a national consumer wasted food reduction campaign; (2) a project that will increase the market for and sales of compost; and (3) a project that will increase education and outreach to households on composting. Applicants must demonstrate they will subaward a portion of the total award to implement education and outreach activities locally, which will benefit local communities. Read more about eligible applicants and activities for this funding opportunity for recycling education and outreach.

 Aces fall in midweek contes-

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 Aces fall in midweek contests

Cardona posts 25 kills for UE

SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Giulia Cardona had a stellar 25-kill performance, but three USI players had double figure kills to lift the Screaming Eagles to a 3-1 win over the University of Evansville volleyball team on Tuesday inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse.

Cardona’s kill total was a match-high.  Melanie Feliciano had nine while Chloe Cline added seven.  Lexi Owen led UE with 38 assists and 12 digs.  Maddie Hawkins and Cardona finished with 11 digs apiece.  Ashby Willis and Bianca Anderson led USI with 15 kills each.Set 1 – UE 25, USI 22

Giulia Cardona’s third kill, coupled with an ace from Krystell Pappas, set the Purple Aces up with an 8-5 lead in the opening set.  USI rallied to cut the deficit to 13-12 before a pair of Cardona kills gave UE some breathing room.  Lexi Owen added an ace to push the lead to 15-19.  The Screaming Eagles made a late rally, making it a 24-22 game, but Melanie Feliciano took matters into her own hands, picking up the kill to give UE the set.

Set 2 – USI 25, UE 19

Evansville took a 3-1 lead out of the gate before the Screaming Eagles came back to tie the score on multiple occasions.  With things knotted at 6-6, UE made its move.  Assisted by consecutive service aces from Jenna Heidbreder, UE went on an 8-1 run to open a 14-7 lead.

Just as fast as Evansville made its run, USI rallied.  A 7-2 stretch cut the deficit to 16-14 and that would be just the beginning of a game-ending 18-5 run that saw USI win the set by a 25-19 final.

Set 3 – USI 25, UE 17

Jenna Heidbreder picked up her third ace of the evening to put UE up by a 6-4 score.  USI quickly tied the game at 6-6 before opening an 11-8 lead.  Cardona and Chloe Cline picked up kills to help the Aces close, but the Screaming Eagles slowly extended their lead to 17-11.  Evansville did its best to cut into the USI lead before falling short.

Set 4 – USI 25, UE 22

Things were looking up in the early moments of the set with Evansville taking an early 2-0 lead.  From there, USI took control.  They took a 4-2 lead and would double up the Aces at 16-8.  Cardona picked up another kill to get as close as four points at 20-16 before the Screaming Eagles clinched the match.

UE will have a rematch against USI on Friday across town.

September 18, 2024Cardona posts 25 kills for UE 

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Giulia Cardona had a stellar 25-kill performance, but three USI players had double figure kills to lift the Screaming Eagles to a 3-1 win over the University of Evansville volleyball team on Tuesday inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse.

Cardona’s kill total was a match high.  Melanie Feliciano had nine while Chloe Cline added seven.  Lexi Owen led UE with 38 assists and 12 digs.  Maddie Hawkins and Cardona finished with 11 digs apiece.  Ashby Willis and Bianca Anderson led USI with 15 kills each.

Set 1 – UE 25, USI 22

Giulia Cardona’s third kill, coupled with an ace from Krystell Pappas, set the Purple Aces up with an 8-5 lead in the opening set.  USI rallied to cut the deficit to 13-12 before a pair of Cardona kills gave UE some breathing room.  Lexi Owen added an ace to push the lead to 15-19.  The Screaming Eagles made a late rally, making it a 24-22 game, but Melanie Feliciano took matters into her own hands, picking up the kill to give UE the set.

Set 2 – USI 25, UE 19

Evansville took a 3-1 lead out of the gate before the Screaming Eagles returned to tie the score on multiple occasions.  With things knotted at 6-6, UE made its move.  Assisted by consecutive service aces from Jenna Heidbreder, UE went on an 8-1 run to open a 14-7 lead.

Just as fast as Evansville made its run, USI rallied.  A 7-2 stretch cut the deficit to 16-14 and that would be just the beginning of a game-ending 18-5 run that saw USI win the set by a 25-19 final.

Set 3 – USI 25, UE 17

Jenna Heidbreder picked up her third ace of the evening to put UE up by a 6-4 score.  USI quickly tied the game at 6-6 before opening an 11-8 lead.  Cardona and Chloe Cline picked up kills to help the Aces close, but the Screaming Eagles slowly extended their lead to 17-11.  Evansville did its best to cut into the USI lead before falling short.

Set 4 – USI 25, UE 22

Things were looking up in the early moments of the set with Evansville taking an early 2-0 lead.  From there, USI took control.  They took a 4-2 lead and would double up the Aces at 16-8.  Cardona picked up another kill to get as close as four points at 20-16 before the Screaming Eagles clinched the match.

UE will have a rematch against USI on Friday across town.

WSNC Announces Honorary Grand Marshall of Parade Two Time Indianapolis 500 Winner – Al Unser, Jr.

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Evansville, Ind. – The West Side Nut Club fall festival parade is a time-honored tradition of the fall festival. Each year, the committee has the distinct honor of choosing the Grand Marshall of the Saturday parade. Previous grand marshals have included Gold Medal Olympians, former Hall of Fame recipients, professional athletes, and other high-profile individuals with Evansville ties.

The West Side Nut Club is proud to present the 2024 Grand Marshal, Al Unser Jr. The 34-time winner, including two Indianapolis 500 championships, spends a lot of time in Evansville with his wife Norma. “Selecting Al Unser, Jr. to be our parade Grand Marshall was a perfect choice. The Indianapolis 500 is the largest single-day sporting event, so why not bring the two-time champion to the largest weeklong festival? Also, the ‘500’ race has been around for over 100 years and so has the Nut Club. Lastly, and completely irrelevant, but if you walk the WSNC parade five and a half times, that is equivalent to one mile at the motor speedway?!” – Phil Cree (probably), 2024 West Side Nut Club Parade Chair.

The parade date is Saturday, October 12th, and set for a 4:30 PM CST start at Al Unser, Jr. will set the pace as the first car down West Franklin Street. The parade, as always, will be filled

State Reps. McNamara, O’Brien react to Ohio River Crossing groundbreaking

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Note to the Press – State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) issued the following statements in response to the Indiana Department of Transportation breaking ground on the Ohio River Crossing project in Evansville.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 17, 2024) – “I am extremely proud to have supported the legislation that funds this portion of the Ohio River Crossing. This bridge will help alleviate traffic and connect more people to our great state. Moreover, citizens from Kentucky will be more able to easily travel to southwest Indiana and boost economic opportunities for Hoosier businesses. I am glad to see that soon Indiana will be even more accessible to visitors with this crossing,” said State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).

“The tourism and economic opportunities that can arise from this major development will benefit Evansville, southwest Indiana and the entire state. The expansion of I-69 will have a profound impact on our community by supporting the local economy and reducing transportation costs, which can lower the overall price of goods. The connection can increase economic activity in the southwest region and attract new businesses and industry. I am honored to be a part of this groundbreaking event, which marks a brighter future for our community,” said State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville).

Dog Day Downtown Presented by German American Bank is Saturday, September 21

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portrait of a dog and a cat looking at the camera in front of a white background
Laura Gobert
Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District
laura@downtownevansville.com
 
Dog Day Downtown Presented by German American Bank is Saturday, September 21
Pup-ular event returns for the fifth year to Downtown Evansville  
ANNOUNCEMENT – September 17, 2024: The Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District (EID) invites the community to bring their dogs and visit Downtown Evansville on Saturday, September 21 from 11 AM – 2 PM for the fifth annual Dog Day Downtown Presented by German American Bank. The event has expanded an extra block and will take place on Main Street (from 2nd to 6th Street). The 200, 300, 400, & 500 blocks of Main Street will be closed for the event.
Free activities will include a dog agility course, a bone bar with bone-shaped treats, pup cups, bandanas for your pup, ball pits, a cuddle station, a photo portrait station, photo points for guests and their dogs, and spa services including nail trimmings, brushing, ear cleaning, and massages.
New for 2024, the event will feature a foam party on the 400 Block of Main Street. Please note, that free items are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

 

Local animal nonprofits are participating, as are local vendors selling dog-related products. There are 15+ dog-friendly businesses Downtown. Dog-friendly businesses can be identified by window clings.

“We’re thrilled to welcome hundreds of dogs and dog lovers to our Downtown neighborhood. We encourage you to bring your furry friends for a day of fun, free activities, and pet-friendly shopping and dining,” said Adam Trinkel, executive director, EID.

Activities are free thanks to the generous support of sponsors, including presenting sponsor German American Bank, Ascension St. Vincent Evansville, Astound Broadband, Earthborn Holistic Pet Food, F.C. Tucker Emge, Romain Subaru, and the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office
Visit DowntownEvansville.com/DogDay or Downtown Evansville Indiana on social media for more information.
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About Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District 
Following a 2017 petition process of member property owners, the EID was formed in 2018 to provide benefits and services to member properties paid for by a special annual assessment on these properties. The EID builds a move active and inclusive Downtown Evansville. It enhances Downtown Evansville’s resident, consumer, investor, worker, and visitor experiences. In 2024, the EID will produce 14 large-scale events in Downtown Evansville, welcoming over 50,000 people to the District. To learn more about the EID and its progress in enhancing the Downtown experience, visit www.downtownevansville.com.
 
Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District Social Media

The Marine (and man) I Respect Most

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The Marine (and Man) I Respect Most

 By Bob Reutter    

SEPTEMBER 2, 2024   

 Rumor has it that long ago when John Mills joined the United States Marine Corps, he was required to bring his own musket.  Truth is that on May 20, 1947, a seventeen-year-old young man from Morganfield, Ky joined the United States Marine Corps and went to Parris Island, S.C. for boot camp. 

After graduation John served at several different duty stations and by 1950 he was on the USS Albany (CA-123) serving on the security detail for a Navy Admiral.  During a Med Cruise in June of 1950, John and every other able-bodied Marine received orders to report to Japan for service in Korea.

John was reclassified as 0336 (machine gun platoon leader) and after crash training his mostly reservist troops, made the landing at Inchon in September of 1950 with Hotel Company, 3rd Bn, 7th Marines.  John was in constant action until December, during the Chosin campaign where his machine gun section helped hold the Toktong Pass open for the withdrawing Americans to escape from the Chinese encirclement.  During this engagement in temperatures approaching minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit, John received 4 bullet wounds and severe frostbite in his feet.  When he was finally loaded on a truck for evacuation, the truck was struck by a Chinese mortar round and overturned, crushing John’s feet and legs.  He was eventually air-lifted to Japan (and finally Memphis, TN) where he underwent 15 months of surgery on his legs.  He was told they would have to amputate his feet (he refused) and that he would never walk again. Never tell a Marine what he will never do!  John was given a medical discharge from the Marines and went home to Southern Indiana to start a new life.

While his military career is impressive, that is not why John is so special to me.  John went to work at the Crane Naval Weapons Center in Indiana.  He met a young woman from Washington Indiana at a dance and on Jan. 31, 1953 they were married.  They had 4 daughters and one son (ten grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren – so far.)  John and Dottie decided at the start that John would be the breadwinner and Dottie would keep the house.  For the next 65 years, this arrangement worked for them.   John worked for 42 years as an automotive electrician, repairing alternators and generators for many different types of equipment and vehicles.  Dottie kept the house, raised the children and tended to John, helping him through bouts of PTSD from his Chosin experiences.  He credits Dottie with keeping his ‘balance’ through the years.

 In 2017 Dottie’s health started to fail.  Eventually, she was unable to care for herself and needed almost full-time care, transportation to three-times-weekly dialysis, and various doctor appointments.  Marine John Mills, who had never cooked, shopped, washed clothes, or any of the myriad other household duties, learned how to care for Dottie and the home.  He continued to do so until Christmas Eve of 2020 when Dottie’s frail body finally failed.  Their children and grandchildren gathered from all over the country to share their grief and share the strength they had learned from John.

 From 2010-2018 we ran a Toys for Tots program in Evansville, Indiana.  We had 5 female volunteers who registered families for the program three evenings each week during the season.  After driving around the area collecting toys all day, John would never leave in the evenings until all the ladies were safe in their cars.  In the 20 years I have known John, he never once said anything negative about his Queen (his name for Dottie,) never complained about having to become the homemaker, caregiver or any of the other things most 90-year-old men never have to learn.  John’s integrity, fortitude, and caring about others are qualities that young people today would be wise to emulate.

When the idea of starting a scholarship program for our Marine Corps League Detachment was initiated, it was only natural that it should be named the Sgt. John Mills USMC Scholarship.  A remarkable man and a remarkable Marine.

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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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.

USI MAC/Pace Galleries to present two photography exhibitions this Fall

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The Kenneth P. McCutchan Art Center /Palmina F. and Stephen S. Pace Galleries is excited to host two photography exhibitions now through Sunday, October 20.

The McCutchan Art Center and Pace Gallery 1 showcases work by Brooke Shaden. Shaden is a contemporary photographer who lives in Flagstaff, Arizona. Her series Samsara “creates a rich, uncomfortable and open space to dissect how we internalize grief and how other cultures practice rituals surrounding death.”

The works in this series are mixed media, combining photography with painted applications of acrylic and unconventional materials, such as dirt, feathers and human hair.

On view in Pace Gallery 2 and 3 is Classic & Contemporary: Selections from the Paul Paletti Collection, generously on loan to USI by Paul Paletti, an attorney and art collector based in Louisville, Kentucky. The show comprises thirty-four photographs from Paul’s extensive collection, which demonstrates the breadth of more than 170 years of photographic history.

Both shows are held in conjunction with Visions of Utopia, the Midwest chapter of the Society for Photographic Education’s annual conference, being held on campus and in New Harmony October 12-20. More information about the conference can be found on its website. 

The MAC/Pace Galleries are in the lower level of the Liberal Arts Center and are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.

**MEDIA ALERT** HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS ANNOUNCE 2025 WORLD TOUR

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WHAT: Dear Harlem Globetrotters fans, we’re heading back on the road! Get ready for high-flying fun as the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters make their victorious return to Ford Center! This is your chance to witness the world record-breaking, trick-shot stars of basketball LIVE as they bring their signature SPINS, DUNKS, and SLAMS to the court, taking on their determined rivals, the Washington Generals, on January 20, 2024. 

This year we’re bringing FUN and innovative CHALLENGES to showcase our superstars’ impressive skills and seemingly impossible feats of athleticism. Watch in awe as players go head-to-head in an exhilarating battle of skills featuring epic dunks, jaw-dropping four-point shots, and more—it’s friendly competition at its most exciting! 

Unrivaled fan engagement continues with pre-game offerings like our Magic Pass, unforgettable post-game access, and more in-game fan interactions than ever before. Shop from our merchandise collection to take a piece of the magic home online or in-store on game day. 

The Harlem Globetrotters will soon celebrate their upcoming centennial in 2026, bringing laughter, joy, and long-lasting memories to fans that transcend generations. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the Harlem Globetrotters 2025 World Tour presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs and let us know why you love the Globetrotters! Use #DearHarlemGlobetrotters on social media or write to us at info@harlemglobetrotters.com! 

WHO:  See the world famous, Harlem Globetrotters as they run circles around the Washington Generals on the court and bring hype to the fans in the crowd! 

YOU might even find yourself mid-court as a part of the FAN-FILLED Halftime Skills Showcase!

Vanderburgh County legislators: Local schools receive state funding boost for safety upgrades

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Vanderburgh County legislators: Local schools
receive state funding boost for safety upgrades

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 16, 2024) – Vanderburgh County schools recently received more than $491,000 for safety upgrades through the state’s Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.

State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) said the funding is part of the state’s biennial budget passed in 2023, which made significant investments in school safety. In all, 499 schools across Indiana’s 92 counties received $24 million total in state matching grants.

“As a school administrator myself, I am able to see these upgrades in effect and making a real difference,” said McNamara, author of the law establishing the grants. “These grants allow schools to ensure they can provide a safe learning environment.”

Area schools receiving grants include:

  • Annunciation Catholic School at Christ the King $28,333;
  • Annunciation Catholic School at Holy Spirit $40,492;
  • Corpus Christi School $15,066;
  • Evansville Day School $40,500;
  • Evansville Lutheran School $32,400;
  • Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. $81,000;
  • Holy Redeemer School $19,628;
  • Holy Rosary School $40,500;
  • Mater Dei High School $81,000;
  • Reitz Memorial High School $21,060;
  • Resurrection School $10,503;
  • Signature School Inc. $22,677;
  • St. Benedict Cathedral School $23,119;
  • St. Joseph School $15,343; and
  • Westside Catholic School $19,409.

State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) said funds can be used for a wide range of safety needs like support for resource officers, equipment and technology, active-event warning systems, threat assessments, and student and parent support services programs.

“Secured School Safety Grants help school systems enhance their safety features, with options for updated communication or video technology or having a resource officer on campus,” O’Brien said. “We want childrenand staff to feel safe at school so they can keep their focus on learning.”

State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program started in 2013.

“Indiana’s Secured School Safety Grants are a tremendous opportunity for our local schools to boost their security plans and resources,” Hostettler said. “Schools have a variety of security needs, and I look forward to seeing the benefits that these state dollars will have in our communities.”

 

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