THE LINK OF THE JULY 2024 EDITION OF THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER PRINTED PAPER
PASSED: Federal Prison Oversight Act
U.S. Senate passes bipartisan Braun/Ossoff bill to improve federal prisons through independent oversight
WASHINGTON — The Federal Prison Oversight Act, a bipartisan bill to strengthen Federal prison oversight by Senator Mike Braun, Senator Jon Ossoff, and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin, has passed the U.S. Senate and now heads to the President’s desk to become law.
The bipartisan Federal Prison Oversight Act will require the Department of Justice’s Inspector General (IG) to conduct comprehensive, risk-based inspections of the BOP’s 122 correctional facilities, provide recommendations to fix problems, and assign each facility a risk score, with higher-risk facilities required to be inspected more often. The IG must also report its findings and recommendations to Congress and the public, and the BOP must respond to all inspection reports within 60 days with a corrective action plan.
The bipartisan bill will establish an independent Ombudsman to investigate the health, safety, welfare, and rights of prisoners and staff. The Ombudsman would also create a secure hotline and online form for complaints and inquiries.
The bipartisan bill is co-sponsored by Senators Joe Manchin (I-WV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV); and Tim Kaine (D-VA). Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-GA-07) and Congressman Kelly Armstrong (R-ND-AL) introduced and led the companion bipartisan bill in the House, which has nearly 40 co-sponsors.
The Federal Prison Oversight Act passed the U.S. House last month.
The bill is supported by the Council of Prison Locals.
“More transparency and accountability will create a safer environment for correctional officers and staff who work in our federal prisons as well as the inmates incarcerated in them. This bill does not allow the Department of Justice to intervene into the affairs of state and local jails, and will help to improve working conditions and keep our federal corrections officers safe,” said Senator Braun.
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“Our bipartisan Federal Prison Oversight Act has passed the Senate. This is a major milestone. My bipartisan Senate investigations of corruption, abuse, and misconduct in the Federal prison system have revealed an urgent need to overhaul Federal prison oversight,” Senator Ossoff said. “I now look forward to President Biden signing our bipartisan bill into law.”
“Restoring integrity to the Bureau of Prisons and addressing mismanagement in correctional facilities is a top priority of the Senate Judiciary Committee. This bipartisan bill would improve prison oversight and ensure the Bureau is fulfilling its duty to provide safe and humane conditions of confinement to prepare incarcerated individuals for a successful return to society. I’m glad the Senate passed our bill and look forward to President Biden signing it into law,” said U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
“I’m pleased the Senate passed our bipartisan Federal Prison Oversight Act, which will overhaul federal prison oversight and improve safety for staff and inmates,” said Senator Manchin. “This commonsense legislation is especially important after the serious reports of abuses, staff shortages, and dangerous conditions at federal prisons in West Virginia and across the country. I fought hard to secure a much-needed pay raise for staff at Federal Correctional Complex Hazelton, and this legislation furthers my goal of improving safety and accountability for all federal prison facilities. I look forward to President Biden swiftly signing our legislation into law.”
“Investigations into our Federal prisons produced shocking and alarming findings,” Senator Capito said. “I was incredibly upset to read reports of misconduct by some prison officials, see the conditions of some facilities, and hear stories about the abuse of inmates. I am glad to see the Federal Prison Oversight Act pass the Senate. After discussions with numerous constituents, families, and corrections officers, I strongly support this legislation which aims to correct these issues within the Federal prison system, and I encourage the president to sign it promptly into law.”
“Following horrific stories of abuse and misconduct at prisons across the country, we need to take steps to ensure the health and safety of incarcerated individuals and prison staff. This bipartisan legislation does that by improving oversight of federal prisons,” said Sen. Kaine. “I’m glad the Senate unanimously passed it, and I urge President Biden to sign it into law quickly.”
Todd Rokita is raising awareness for consumers of harmful household products recalled in June
Attorney General Todd Rokita is heating up by raising awareness for consumers of harmful household products recalled in June
Attorney General Todd Rokita is alerting Hoosiers of important consumer protection concerns for products recalled in June. The office encourages consumers to take advantage of opportunities available for those who purchase recalled items that could be harmful to their families.
“Summer is a time to relax and for your kids to have fun playing outdoors. This month’s list has several items you might find in your own backyard,” Attorney General Rokita said. “You shouldn’t have to worry if your children’s toys are defective or could cause them any harm. If you purchased one of the recalled products, stop using it immediately and pursue resolution from the manufacturer immediately.”
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the following consumer products were recalled in June:
- Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing Recalls Daikin FIT, Amana Brand S-series, and Goodman SD Heat Pumps Due to Risk of Excessive Heat Exposure
- Baseus Magnetic Wireless Charging Power Banks Recalled Due to Fire Hazard; Imported by Shenzhen Baseus Technology
- Southern Telecom Recalls Brookstone TurboVac Handheld Rechargeable Vacuums Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Belk
- At Home Procurement Recalls Toy Trunk Storage Chests Due to Entrapment and Suffocation Hazards
- REI Recalls Co-op Cycles REV Children’s Bicycles with Training Wheels Due to Fall and Injury Hazards
- Dania Furniture Recalls Hayden Bookcase Due to Tip-Over and Entrapment Hazards; 4-Year-Old Child Died from Tip-Over (Recall Alert)
- MGA Entertainment Recalls Miniverse Make It Mini Sets with Unused Liquid Resins Due to Risk of Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritation and Sensitization; Violation of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act
- Thousandshores Recalled Theefun Kids Gardening Tools Sets Due to Violation of the Federal Phthalates Ban; Sold Exclusively on Amazon
- Cinmar Recalls Frontgate Chaise Lounge Chairs Due to Finger Crushing and Amputation Hazards
- Cargo Bicycles Recalled Due to Fall Hazard; Manufactured by Babboe B.V.
- MM Products Recalls JoyJolt™ Declan Glass Coffee Mugs Due to Burn and Laceration Hazards
- myCharge Recalls POWER HUB All-In-One Portable Chargers Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Sold Exclusively at Costco
- Vitamix Reannounces and Expands Recall of Ascent Series and Venturist Series 8-ounce and 20-ounce Blending Containers and Blade Bases Due to Laceration Hazard; Offers New Repair Kit Due to Additional Injuries
- Goal Zero Recalls Yeti Link Modules with EC8 Cables Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
- StyleCraft Recalls Instinct Cordless Hair Clippers Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
- Head Rush Technologies Recalls TRUBLUE iQ Auto Belay Devices Due to Fall Hazard
- Orly Recalls Lavender Scented Candles in a Round Wooden Bread Bowl Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Sold Exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
- Six-Drawer Dressers Sold Exclusively at Rooms To Go Recalled Due to Tip-Over and Entrapment Hazards; Violation of Federal Regulation for Clothing Storage Units; Imported by Global Home USA
- Bambu Lab Recalls A1 3D Printers Due to Electric Shock and Fire Hazards
- Adven Group Recalls Nap Queen Sleep Victoria Hybrid Mattresses Due to Fire Hazard; Violation of Federal Mattress Flammability Regulations
- Magnetic Chess Games Recalled Due to Ingestion Hazard; Violation of Federal Regulations for Toy Magnets; Sold Exclusively on Temu.com through Outad Good Life
- Southern Telecom Recalls Lomi Roll-On Waxing Kits Due to Fire, Burn and Shock Hazards
- Black Diamond Equipment Recalls Neve Strap Crampons and Accessory Kits Due to Fall Hazard
- Retrospec Recalls Beaumont Plus ST Bikes with Disc Brakes Due to Crash and Injury Hazards
- Daikin Comfort Technologies Manufacturing Recalls Amana, Daikin, Goodman-Branded Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Packaged Units Due to Fire Hazard
- Kawasaki Motors USA Recalls Engines Used in Bad Boy Mowers, BigDog, Bobcat, Cub Cadet, Hustler, John Deere and Kubota Brand Lawn and Garden Equipment Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
- Salewa USA Recalls Wild Country Ropeman 1 Ascenders Due to a Failure to Ascend
- SA Consumer Products Recalls Sanctuary Quick Access and Sports Afield Biometric Gun Safes Due to Serious Injury Hazard and Risk of Death
- Good Earth Lighting Recalls More than 1.2 Million Rechargeable Integrated Lights to Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; One Death Reported
- Sling Carriers Recalled Due to Infant Suffocation and Fall Hazards; Violation of the Federal Safety Regulation for Sling Carriers; Sold on Walmart.com through Joybuy Marketplace Express
- Spectrum Brands Pet Care Recalls Pet Fur deShedding Conditioner Due to Risk of Exposure to Bacteria
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.
USI launching new Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program OT students studying.png
The University of Southern Indiana will begin accepting applications for a new Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program on October 1, 2024, for Fall 2025. The new doctoral program, offered through USI’s College of Nursing and Health Professions, will become the third doctoral program offered by the University.
“USI is the only state-supported institution in southern Indiana offering a doctorate in occupational therapy. This represents a significant milestone in USI’s commitment to advancing healthcare education and meeting the growing demand for qualified occupational therapists,” says Dr. Julie McCullough, Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions. “The OTD program will equip students with the critical skills and expertise necessary to make meaningful contributions to the field of occupational therapy, elevating their ability to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our communities.”
Students entering the program with a bachelor’s degree will take classes in-person at the Stone Family Center for Health Sciences in downtown Evansville. This entry-level pathway, beginning in Fall 2025, requires a minimum of 100 credit hours and can be completed in eight semesters. Students will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated faculty with extensive professional experience and opportunities for hands-on learning through partnerships with a variety of healthcare organizations in the region.
Current occupational therapists who hold a master’s degree can advance to the doctoral-level in the 31-credit hour, four-semester online track available in Fall 2027. Both OTD program pathways at USI offer a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for leadership roles in clinical practice, education and research within occupational therapy.
As the program transitions to the doctoral level, new admissions to the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Program are no longer being accepted. The last USI MSOT cohort has been selected and will begin classes in August 2024 with a target graduation of 2026.
Prospective students interested in pursuing a career in occupational therapy are encouraged to visit USI.edu/occupational-therapy for more information on admissions requirements and how to apply.
Inaugural Red Skelton Comedy Convention July 18-20 in Vincennes
The three-day event will feature fun showcases, guided city bus tours, talks, the Red Skelton Shrine and Clown Parade, and more in the beloved hometown of comedy legend Red Skelton. The convention will also feature an art exhibition and reception with artist and Red Skelton Show cast member Maureen Gaffney Wolfson.
See the schedule of events below.
WHEN:
Thursday, July 18 – Saturday, July 20
WHERE:
Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy
Vincennes University
20 Red Skelton Blvd.
Vincennes, Indiana
47591
UE Student Media Introduces Radio Streaming Platform
UE Student Media Introduces Radio Streaming Platform
JULY 12, 2024
EVANSVILLE, IND. (07/11/2024) Student Media at the University of Evansville (UE) is proud to announce the launch of Fireside Aces Radio, a new digital streaming radio station that brings innovative broadcasting and engaging storytelling to the forefront of the student experience.
Fireside Aces Radio was founded in February 2024 as a platform designed to provide experiential learning opportunities in broadcasting. The streaming platform will bring an exciting array of new content, including podcasts, music, sports, and live broadcasts, tailored to meet the evolving interests of the University community. Fireside Aces Radio is licensed through the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP.)
“Student Media is all about fostering creativity and communication across the University,” said Tommy Housman, Instructor of Communication and Student Media Advisor. “Our goal is to collaborate with student groups, departments, and campus events to create content that reflects the diverse voices of our community and provide our students with hands-on learning experiences.”
Listeners can easily tune in to Fireside Aces Radio by visiting fireside.evansville.edu or by activating the Fireside Aces Radioskill on Alexa.
About Student Media
Student Media is a student organization at the University of Evansville. Student Media produces Crescent Magazine published online and in print three times a semester. They produce several podcasts and utilize design, photography, video, and sound towards experiential and academic learning in journalistic endeavors and engaging storytelling. Student Media elevates the voice of the student body and connects the UE campus and community to important information and points of view.
The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university located in the southwestern region of Indiana. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and vibrant campus community of changemakers.
Home of the Purple Aces, UE offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University’s very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.
Bannister, Newman, and Shafford named ONB/USI Student-Athletes of the Year
Bannister, Newman, and Shafford named ONB/USI Student-Athletes of the Year
July 12, 24
EVANSVILLE, Ind.—University of Southern Indiana Athletics announced that Men’s Golf junior Jason Bannister (Laguna Niguel, California) has been named the Old National Bank/USI Male Student Athlete of the Year, while Women’s Basketball junior guard Vanessa Shafford (Linton, Indiana) and Softball junior pitcher Josie Newman (Indianapolis, Indiana) have been named co-ONB/USI Female Student Athlete of the Year honorees.
Bannister had a record-breaking 2023-24 season for the Men’s Golf team. He earned All-Ohio Valley Conference honors and set the single-season school record with his 71.96 strokes-per-round average.
Individually, Bannister tied for fourth at the OVC Championship, one of three top-five finishes and five top-10 finishes on the year. Bannister was named the OVC Golfer of the Month for the second time in his career and helped lead USI to the best team-average in program history (291.62) as well as a fifth-place finish at the OVC Championship.
Shafford helped lead USI Women’s Basketball to a 25-7 overall record and a 17-1 mark in OVC play in 2023-24. She earned first-team All-OVC honors and helped lead the Screaming Eagles to both the OVC regular-season and OVC Tournament titles. USI also hosted a pair of WNIT games, defeating the University of Illinois Chicago in the opening round before nearly upending the University of Wisconsin in the second round.
Statistically, Shafford led USI in several categories, including points (13.6), rebounds (7.7) and minutes per game (30.0). She also had a team-best 46 steals and was named the co-OVC Player of the Week in January.
Newman earned third-team NFCA All-Midwest Region honors after being named the OVC Pitcher of the Year and first-team All-OVC during the 2024 softball season. She went 22-10 in the circle with a 1.77 ERA and set new career marks for wins, innings pitched (230), strikeouts (230) and complete games (30).
In 2024, Newman led the OVC in wins, innings and strikeouts and ranked in the top three of the OVC in ERA. She was twice named the OVC Pitcher of the Week and was named to the OVC All-Tournament team after picking up three wins and leading the Eagles to a third-place finish in the OVC Tournament.
Previous winners of the ONB/USI Male Student Athlete of the Year award were Duncan Bray (2003, 2004; soccer), Matt Keener (2005; baseball), Chris Thompson (2006; basketball), Melvin Hall (2007; basketball), Paul Jellema (2008; cross country/track), Shaun Larsen (2009; baseball), Jamar Smith (2010; basketball), Trevor Leach (2011; baseball), Dustin Emerick (2012; cross country & track), Michael Jordan (2013; cross country & track), Johnnie Guy (2014, 2016; cross country & track), Tyler Pence (2015, cross country & track), Jeril Taylor (2017, basketball), Alex Stein (2018, 2019; basketball), Josh Price (2021; basketball), Titus Winders (2022; cross country/track & field) and Noah Hufnagel (2023; cross country/track & field). The award was not presented in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Past winners of the ONB/USI Female Student Athlete of the Year award were Shannon Wells (2003, volleyball), Jenny Farmer (2004; cross country/track), Heather Cooksey (2005; cross country/track), Laura Ellerbusch (2006; volleyball), Allison Shafer (2007; cross country/track), Kristin Eickholt (2008; softball), Mary Ballinger (2009, 2010; cross country/track), Danielle LaGrange (2011, 2012; volleyball), Susan Ellsperman (2013; soccer), Anna Hackert (2014; basketball), MacKenzie Dorsam (2015; softball), Haley Hodges (2016 & 2017; softball) and Emily Roberts (2016; cross country/track), Kaydie Grooms (2018; basketball), Jennifer Leonhardt (2019; softball), Jennifer Comastri (2021; cross country/track & field), Cameron Hough (2022; cross country/track & field) and Allie Goodin (2024; softball). The award was not presented in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Evansville Department of Parks and Recreation Announces 2024 City Swim Meet
Evansville Department of Parks and Recreation Announces 2024 City Swim Meet
EVANSVILLE, IN (7/10/2024) – The annual City Swim Meet will be held at the Deaconess Aquatic Center this Saturday, July 13th, and Sunday, July 14th.
Warmups start at 8:00 am and preliminary races start at 9:00 am on Saturday. Warmups start again at 8:00 am on Sunday, followed by Finalist races at 9:00 am. Swimmers from the Lloyd, Helfrich, Rochelle, Lorraine, and Howell Swim teams will be competing.
Lorraine, Howell-Mosby, and Rochelle pools will be closed both Saturday and Sunday to allow staff to assist and participate in this annual event. Please join us at the Aquatic Center to cheer on your favorite teams and swimmers!
Parking is available in the Deaconess Aquatic Center parking lot, and overflow can be found in the Bosse Field lot and throughout Garvin Park. We can’t wait to see you there!
WSNC Amateur Hour Tryouts
WSNC2024
AMATEUR HOUR
WEST SDI E NUT CLUB
TRYOUTS
MATER DEI HIGH SCOOL AUDITORIUM
1300 HARMONY WAY, EVANSVILLE, NI
WED. AUG. 21 AT 5:30 PM
T H U R . A U G . 2 2 A T 5 : 3 0 MP (WEAR FULL COSTUME)
PreparefortheWSNCFallFestivalAmateur Hour. Any talent is welcome: dance, vocal,
instrumental, magician, gymnast, etc.
PerformliveonFranklinSt. Cash Prizes &Trophies
Free&Opent oPublic
4 Divisions (Pre-K t o College)
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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTESTANTS
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higher division. 6. AGroup’sDivisionisdeterminedbythegradeleveloftheoldestcontestant.(Forexample, a Junior Division contestant enters with a group and one or more contestants are Middle School Division, the group will be entered in Middle School Division. If a Junior or Middle School Division contestant enters with a Senior Division contestant, they will be entered in the Senior Division.) 7. Acontestantmayonlyentertwice:onceasasingleandonceasagroupmember. 8. Contestants cannot enter as a duplication. (No more than one tryout per act) act, recorded accompaniment must not have background vocals. Recorded accompaniment should be at the beginning of a standard CD or thumb drive labeled with their name. West Side Nut Club is not responsible for recordings left behind. 11.Contestants must disclose receipt of payment for performing their talents prior to the tryouts and Festival. Chairman will have final say on determining Amateur Status. (A contribution to the child, parent, or school for costuming, training, or to a designated charity will not disqualify the contestant.) 12.Contestants may be from outside of the County or State. 13.Bands are required to set up and be ready to perform in fifteen (15) minutes. (Maximum time for performing will be five (5) minutes.) 14.Any type of talent (OF MORAL NATURE) is acceptable. 15.If selected in two acts, the acts will perform on different nights at the Festival. 16.Acts must perform in the same costume and with the same group members at the Festival as they performed at the tryouts. 17.A previous Festival winner in any division is eligible to participate in that same Division again. 18.ANY CONTESTANT VIOLATING THE ABOVE RULES WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. |
UE women’s basketball hires Zhaque Gray as Assistant Coach
UE women’s basketball hires Zhaque Gray as Assistant Coach
Gray joins the Purple Aces after a year with Bowling Green
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville women’s basketball team and Head Coach Robyn Scherr-Wells have announced Zhaque Gray will be joining the program as an Assistant Coach.
The Purple Aces add another Assistant Coach with championship experience with the hiring of Zhaque (zhah-QWAY) Gray. Gray comes to Evansville after spending a year as the Director of Player Personnel with Bowling Green following a transition to coaching from a corporate sales career. Gray initially began her collegiate basketball journey at Penn State as a guard from 2008-2012.
I am so excited to add Zhaque to our staff!” says Head Coach Robyn Scherr-Wells. “Her character and her outlook on life and basketball immediately stood out to me through our interview process. Additionally, I love that she was part of building a championship team as a player at Penn State as well as working under a championship-winning coach last season at Bowling Green State. Her experiences will be invaluable for our program as we seek to build our program and win championships,”.
During her year with the Falcons, Gray was part of a staff that guided BGSU to a winning record and a postseason tournament berth despite dealing with a short bench throughout the year. The Falcons were picked to finish fourth in the Mid-American Conference in 2023-24 and finished the year tied for fourth despite losing an estimated 126 player-games to injury. BGSU also advanced to the postseason with Gray on staff, appearing in the first round of the WNIT.
Prior to her time at Bowling Green, Gray was a graduate assistant at Saint Francis University for the 2022-23 season.
Gray began her collegiate basketball career on the floor as a guard for Penn State from 2008-2012. With the Lady Lions, Gray was a 2012 All-Big Ten Honorable Mention selection and finished her career seventh in program history in three-point field goals made with 149. During her four years in University Park, Gray ranked in the Top 20 in career three-point field goals made and free throw percentage at 78.2%.
Gray played all four years at Penn State, including the Lady Lions 2011-12 Big Ten title season. Gray started in all 33 games that season and was third on the team in points per game with an average of 10.6 points. Gray also hit 48 three-pointers in her final season at Penn State, helping the Lady Lions make a run to the NCAA Tournament Round of 16.
After her time with Penn State, Gray played a season of professional basketball in Wasserburg, Germany, where she helped her team to a league championship. The following year in 2014, Gray made the training camp roster of the WNBA’s Chicago Sky. She was among more than 40 players who attended a Sky open tryout session and became the first open-tryout participant in franchise history to earn an invite to training camp.
Gray is a native of Chicago and is a graduate of John Hope College Preparatory H.S. With the Lady Eagles Gray participated in three Chicago Public League championships and was the only unanimous selection to the 3A All-State First Team in her senior season of 2007-08.