WHEN PIGS DIE, HOPEFULLY

07/27/2024

WHEN PIGS DIE, HOPEFULLY

GAVEL GAMUT

By Jim Redwine

The nine-banded armadillos, the species we now have in Oklahoma, began to migrate across the Rio Grande from Mexico into Texas in the mid-1800’s. They then began to waddle on north with the first documented sighting in southern Oklahoma being in 1936. I had never seen an armadillo until the late 1960’s and then only rarely as road kill, sometimes with a Coors beer can propped up in its dead paws.

Armadillos are generally about 2 ½ feet long and weigh about 12 pounds. They look like an elongated pig that is covered with scaly armor. Each adult female can produce one egg that separates into 4 young. Their front feet have 4 claws, their back feet have 5 claws and they reportedly taste like pork. I cannot verify this. I do have a friend who claims they are delectable. He ignores their reputation for carrying leprosy.

As for me and Peg, we consider armadillos to be nasty rodents that dig numerous large holes in our property that we must avoid or bump over as we mow or walk. We currently have neither horses nor cattle but our neighboring ranches on all sides do and complain that armadillo holes are a danger to livestock.

Years ago, I started out trapping then eliminating them. I do not ascribe to the school that traps varmints then releases them onto other peoples’ environments to be their problems. However, I now just skip the trapping stage and sit on our veranda in the evening with a loaded shotgun. Sometimes I actually am successful in my mission but have frequently found to my embarrassment, the prehistoric prey eludes my unfriendly intent. I often end the evening with the disquieting feeling the armadillos are sitting around their dens exchanging amusing anecdotes about how they have drawn me in then artfully dodged my feeble aim.

Perhaps what I should do is follow the advice of B.F. Skinner and change my approach from one of negative disincentives to a psychology based on positive reinforcement. I may just invite my armadillo eating friend to come to the Happy Armadillo Hunting Ground of JPeg Osage Ranch. Bon Appetit!

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

Krennrich joins USI Baseball staff

07/27/2024

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Krennrich joins USI Baseball staff

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Baseball Head Coach Chris Ramirez announced the addition of Brandon Krennrich as an assistant coach. Krennrich will be responsible for coaching the catchers and recruiting.

“Brandon is probably the hardest working assistant coach I have ever had,” said Ramirez. “Kren was the workhorse on my coaching staff the previous two years at Lenoir-Rhyne and has a gift for developing players at the catching position. He will be instrumental in identifying and recruit players from around the country to help bring an OVC championship to USI.”

Krennrich comes to USI after spending the last two seasons at Lenoir-Rhyne as a catcher’s coach and first base coach. He helped Ramirez lead the Bears to top-25 rankings in 2023 and 2024, reaching seventh nationally in 2023 and 11^th in the poll in 2024, and a 68-38 record the last two springs.

Offensively the last two years, Lenoir-Rhyne was among the national leaders, including runs per game (9.5) and team batting average (.322).

Krennrich was on the Georgetown College staff during 2022 where he was the bench coach and assistant pitching coach. He also was the director of baseball operations for the Tigers, who were 32-19 in 2022, and the junior varsity head coach.

Prior to joining the collegiate coaching ranks, Krennrich played professionally for the Utica Unicorns of the Independent Baseball League (USPBL). He also was a three-year starter (2019-21) as a catcher and relief pitcher at Georgetown and a second-team All-Region catcher at Fort Scott Community College (2017).

Krennrich is a native of Gallatin, Tennessee, and graduated from Georgetown in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology.

EPA Releases Draft Strategy to Better Protect Endangered Species from Insecticides

07/27/2024

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EPA Releases Draft Strategy to Better Protect Endangered Species from Insecticides

WASHINGTON – Today, July 25, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its draft Insecticide Strategy for public comment, another milestone in the agency’s work to adopt early, practical protections for federally endangered and threatened (listed) species. The draft strategy identifies protections that EPA will consider when it registers a new insecticide or reevaluates an existing one. In developing this draft strategy, EPA identified protections to address potential impacts for more than 850 species listed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS).

“Ensuring the safe use of insecticides is a critical part of EPA’s mission to protect endangered species and the environment,” said Deputy Assistant Administrator for Pesticide Programs for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Jake Li. “This draft strategy is another major step in the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to protect endangered species, support farmers and other insecticide users, and provide critical environmental protections for communities across the country.”

Today’s draft is part of EPA’s ongoing efforts to develop a more efficient, effective, and protective multichemical, multispecies approach to meeting its obligations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). EPA focused the draft strategy on conventional insecticides used in agriculture in the lower 48 states, where approximately 34 million pounds of insecticides are applied each year. The draft identifies protections earlier in the pesticide review process, thus creating a far more efficient approach to evaluate and protect the FWS-listed species that live near these agricultural areas.

This draft strategy also incorporates lessons learned from EPA’s draft herbicide strategy that the agency released last year to minimize the impacts of agricultural herbicides on listed species. For example, based on feedback on the draft herbicide strategy, EPA designed the mitigations in the draft insecticide strategy to maximize the number of options for farmers and other pesticide users. These mitigation options also consider farmers who are already implementing measures to reduce pesticide runoff and those who are located in areas less prone to pesticide runoff, such as flat lands and regions with less rain to carry pesticides off fields. These measures also include the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Resources Conservation Service practices and state or private stewardship measures that are effective at reducing pesticide runoff.

Similar to the herbicide strategy, the draft insecticide strategy uses the most updated information and processes to determine whether an insecticide will impact a listed species and identify protections to address any impacts. To determine impacts, the draft strategy considers where a species lives, what it needs to reproduce (e.g., food or pollinators), where the pesticide will end up in the environment, and what kind of impacts the pesticide might have if it reaches the species. These refinements greatly reduce the need for pesticide restrictions in situations that do not benefit species.

Once final, the insecticide strategy will expedite future ESA consultations with FWS. In the draft strategy, EPA identified mitigations to address the potential impacts of insecticides on listed species even before EPA completes the ESA consultation process—which in many cases, can take five years or more. Further, once EPA finalizes the Insecticide Strategy, the agency and FWS expect to formalize their understanding of how this strategy can inform and streamline future ESA consultations for insecticides. Through a separate initiative, EPA is addressing potential impacts of insecticides to listed species and critical habitats protected by the National Marine Fisheries Service.

EPA’s decades-long approach of trying to meet these obligations chemical-by-chemical and species-by-species is slow and costly, resulting in litigation against the agency and uncertainty for farmers and other pesticide users about the continued availability of many pesticides. At the beginning of 2021, EPA faced nearly 20 lawsuits covering thousands of pesticide products due to its longstanding failure to meet ESA obligations for pesticides. Now, all of those lawsuits have been resolved as a result of the Biden-Harris Administration’s new approaches for protecting endangered species, which include this draft strategy.

HOT JOBS

07/27/2024

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Full Time Front Desk Reception & Scheduling

Lampion Center

Evansville, IN

Easily apply

Front Desk Reception and Scheduling Professional for outpatient counseling agency. Applicant must possess the ability to provide a warm, positive client…

1 day ago

Medical Office Assistant

Deaconess Health System

3.5

Newburgh, IN

We are looking for compassionate, caring, and dedicated staff to join our team and help us continue our tradition of excellence. Schedule: Full Time – 80, Day.

Just posted

Front Desk Receptionist

Bluegrass Dental

Evansville, IN

$15 – $18 an hour

Easily apply

High school diploma or equivalent; additional education or certifications in dental administration is a plus. Expected hours: 40 per week.

Just posted

Attendance Clerk

Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation

3.6

Evansville, IN

$12.54 – $17.82 an hour

The EVSC works diligently to ensure employees maintain the position that they are hired for but in some cases, transfers may occur in order to effectively serve…

Just posted

Office and Warehouse Assistant

Mark’s Mattress Outlet

3.4

Evansville, IN

$20 an hour

Easily apply

Expected hours: No less than 30 per week. This is a full-time on-site role as an Office and Warehouse Assistant located in Evansville, IN.

Just posted

DEATH REPORT LIST

07/27/2024

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Weekly Death Report JUNE 24 to JUNE 30, 2024

RETURN OF THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW!

07/27/2024

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OLD NATIONAL EVENTS PLAZA PRESENTS THE

HIGHLY ANTICI…PATED

RETURN OF THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW!

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT THE PLAZA BOX OFFICE OR TICKETMASTER.COM

Evansville, IN – July 26, 2024 – The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the longest-running theatrical release in film history, returns to the Aiken Theatre stage on Sunday, October 13, 2024, for the 49^th Anniversary Spectacular Tour. Presented in part by 103GBF, fans will enjoy an unforgettable screening of the unedited film, and so much more!

The live show will feature a costume contest, performance by a local shadow cast, and memorabilia displays with relics and costumes from the movie. The shadow cast hilariously acts out the movie on stage while the film plays on screen. Plus, fans can meet and greet with the original character “Columbia,” Nell Campbell, the acclaimed star of this original cult classic with an add on ticket!

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the iconic little movie that conquered Hollywood. The hit movie stars Tim Curry as the devious and fabulous Frank-N-Furter, Meatloaf, Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon as everybody’s favorite nerdy couple—Brad and Janet—and the film’s creator Richard O’Brien as Riff Raff.

Nothing beats a Rocky Horror screening where you can jump up and dance to the time warp—it’s a one-of-a-kind Strange Journey! “So, come up to the lab and see what’s on the slab!”

Ticket Information:

What: The Rocky Horror Picture Show 49th Anniversary Spectacular Tour

When: Sunday, October 13, 2024, at 8 PM

Where: Old National Events Plaza I 715 Locust Street, Evansville, IN 47708

Tickets: Tickets to The Rocky Horror Picture Show start at $16.00 plus applicable tax and fees.

Notice: Limited VIP tickets are available and include a meet and greet with Nell Campbell. There is no age restriction on this show.

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or the Old National Events Plaza Box Office. For more information, please visitwww.oldnationaleventsplaza.com

Exciting opportunity for Hoosiers: Earn a tuition-free Pre-Veterinary Technology certificate from Vincennes University

07/27/2024

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VINCENNES, Ind. July 25, 2024 – Vincennes University offers eligible Hoosiers the opportunity to earn a tuition-free certificate in Pre-Veterinary Technology through the state of Indiana’s Next Level Jobs program.

The certificate provides valuable career advancement opportunities in an in-demand field without financial barriers. The one-year Pre-Vet Technology certificate also meets Purdue University’s requirements for applying to its Veterinary Nursing bachelor’s degree program.

A Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant covers full tuition costs and regularly assessed fees for eligible Hoosiers pursuing a certificate in one of Indiana’s high-growth sectors, including Health & Life Sciences, which includes Pre-Veterinary Technology. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in this field to grow 21 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations, driven by rising numbers of households with pets and increased spending on pet care.

Brenna Edmiston, a 2014 VU graduate, firmly attests that VU’s Pre-Vet Technology program provided her with a robust foundation that propelled her into becoming a registered veterinary technician.

Edmiston said, “The VU Science Department helped me the most in my knowledge and skills when it came to transferring to my Veterinary Technology program at Harrison College. My VU chemistry and biology teachers made learning fun and that was not something that I experienced in high school. I also took an animal agriculture class while at VU, and that helped me a lot going into tech school by learning some medical terminology.”

Veterinary technologists and vet nurses play essential roles on a veterinary healthcare team. Veterinary technicians work under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. They receive education in animal care, normal and abnormal life processes, and lab and clinical procedures. They contribute significantly in various settings such as private practices, biomedical research, diagnostic laboratories, zoos, wildlife facilities, food safety inspection, veterinary supply sales, and drug and feed manufacturing.

VU College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Dean Curt Coffman said, “Vet techs play a crucial role in animal healthcare. With the state of Indiana paying for the full tuition towards VU’s Certificate of Graduation for Pre-Veterinary Technician, students will have a much lower cost toward their goal of a Vet Tech degree.”

Coffman added, “This one-year certificate meets Purdue University’s requirements to apply to their Veterinary Nursing bachelor’s degree program. It makes a lot of sense to complete the first year at VU and have that first year’s tuition completely covered.”

By providing a solid educational foundation, VU ensures that graduates are well-prepared to transfer to other higher education institutions and succeed in this high-demand field. Approximately 14,800 openings for veterinary technologists and technicians are projected by 2032. The annual mean wage in Indiana is $41,280, reflecting their growing demand and vital contributions.

The VU Pre-Veterinary Technology certificate provides the first-year courses necessary to apply to a Veterinary Technology clinical program. However, the application process is competitive, and completing these prerequisites does not guarantee acceptance.

To qualify for a Workforce Ready Grant, an individual must meet the following minimum criteria:

Must be an Indiana Resident and a U.S. Citizen (or eligible resident)
Must possess a high school diploma (or equivalent)
Must not possess a college degree
Maintain SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS
Must file a Free Application for FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA ) for your desired academic year [Only for Credit Bearing Programs]
Must enroll in one of the approved grant-qualifying programs

Are you interested in furthering your education? Apply to VU today at www.vinu.edu/apply

Boar’s Head Provisions Co. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Liverwurst And Other Deli Meat Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

07/27/2024

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WASHINGTON, July 26, 2024 – Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc., a Jarratt, Va., establishment, is recalling all liverwurst product produced by the establishment that is currently available in commerce because it may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The company is also recalling additional deli meat products that were produced on the same line and on the same day as the liverwurst and, therefore, may be adulterated with L. monocytogenes. The company is recalling approximately 207,528 pounds of products.

The ready-to-eat liverwurst products were produced between June 11, 2024, and July 17, 2024, and have a 44-day shelf life. The following liverwurst products are subject to recall [view labels]:

3.5-lb. loaves in plastic casing, or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst MADE IN VIRGINIA.” The products shipped to retailers bear sell by dates ranging July 25, 2024, to Aug. 30, 2024, printed on the side of the packaging.

The other ready-to-eat deli meat products were produced on June 27, 2024. The following deli meat products are subject to recall:

9.5-lb. and 4.5-lb. full product, or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head VIRGINIA HAM OLD FASHIONED HAM” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
4-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
6-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head EXTRA HOT ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
4-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head BOLOGNA” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
2.5-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head BEEF SALAMI” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
5.5-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head STEAKHOUSE ROASTED BACON HEAT & EAT” with sell by date “AUG 15” on the product packaging.
3-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head GARLIC BOLOGNA” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.
3-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head BEEF BOLOGNA” with sell by date “AUG 10” on the product packaging.

The products subject to recall were distributed to retail deli locations nationwide. The products shipped to deli retailers bear establishment number “EST. 12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels.

The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified that a sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for L. monocytogenes. The Maryland Department of Health, in collaboration with the Baltimore City Health Department, collected an unopened liverwurst product from a retail store for testing as part of an outbreak investigation of L. monocytogenes infections. Further testing is ongoing to determine if the product sample is related to the outbreak. Anyone concerned about illness should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state public health partners to investigate the multistate outbreak of L. monocytogenes infections linked to meats sliced at delis. As of July 25, 2024, 34 sick people have been identified in 13 states, including 33 hospitalizations and two deaths. Samples were collected from sick people from May 29, 2024, to July 12, 2024. Additional information may be found on the CDC investigation notice, Listeria Outbreak Linked to Meats Sliced at Delis. The investigation is ongoing, and FSIS continues to work with the CDC and state partners.

Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or with weakened immune systems. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In people who are pregnant, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections can occur in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators and in retail deli cases. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them and retailers are urged not to sell these products with the referenced sell by dates. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Consumers who have purchased these products are also urged to clean refrigerators thoroughly to prevent the risk of cross-contamination.

FSIS recommends retail delis clean and sanitize all food and non-food surfaces and discard any open meats and cheeses in the deli. Retailers may refer to FSIS’ guideline, Best Practices Guidance for Controlling Listeria monocytogenes in Retail Delicatessens, for information on steps to prevent certain ready-to-eat foods that are prepared or sliced in retail delis and consumed in the home, such as deli meats and deli salads, from becoming contaminated with L. monocytogenes.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc., Customer Service at 1-800-352-6277. Media with questions can contact Elizabeth Ward, Vice President of Communications, Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc., at media@boarshead.com.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

07/27/2024

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EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

MEDIA

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

Join Us for A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Willard Park! | August 9-11

07/27/2024

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We are thrilled to invite you to a magical evening under the stars as the Evansville Shakespeare Players present William Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Willard Park!

Event Details:

Date: August 9 – 11, 2024

Time: 6:30 PM every night

Location: Willard Park, in front of Willard Public Library

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Shakespeare, filled with fairies, lovers, and hilarious misadventures, all set in a beautiful moonlit forest. This annual tradition is a community favorite, offering an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Admission is FREE!

Donations are welcome and appreciated to support our local theater and future performances.

What to Bring:

Your friends and family
A cozy blanket or lawn chairs
Snacks and refreshments (or enjoy our on-site vendors)
Your sense of wonder and imagination

We look forward to sharing this magical performance with you. Don’t miss out on an evening of laughter, romance, and enchantment in Willard Park!