media report Sept. 21-27, 2025 all
media report Sept. 21-27, 2025 viol.
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CenterPoint Energy launches cold weather communications campaign to help customers address Energy Information Administration Forecast of increases in winter gas costs
Natural gas utilities across Indiana encourage customers to save and take steps to prepare this winter.
CenterPoint to promote a series of payment assistance and energy savings programs available to eligible southwestern Indiana customers.
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Oct. 15, 2025 – Today, as part of its commitment to supporting its customers in its Indiana South natural gas service territory, CenterPoint Energy is launching a customer communication campaign encouraging eligible customers to take advantage of a series of support programs, including energy efficiency and bill assistance resources ahead of this winter heating season.
CenterPoint, as well as other Indiana natural gas utilities, is taking action in response to nationwide industry forecasts, including the U.S Energy Information Administration (EIA) annual Winter Heating Outlook, that indicate that gas customers across the Midwest will see higher residential bills compared to last year, as a result of rising fuel costs. The campaign, which will include social media and direct outreach to customers, is aimed at helping customers plan and prepare for the potential impact of rising fuel costs nationwide.
While the agency anticipates stable year-over-year pricing nationally, the EIA projects higher gas prices in the Midwest due to higher expenditures.
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“Given seasonal forecasts, including EIA’s, of an increase to the cost of natural gas we are concerned about the potential for rising fuel prices to impact our customers’ bills this winter. While CenterPoint doesn’t control the price of natural gas or determine how fuel costs impact customer bills, we are committed to supporting our customers, especially those who may need help paying their energy bill. We encourage all those who may have difficulty paying their bill to plan ahead and take advantage of our customer support programs and energy-saving resources during the winter heating season,” said Mike Roeder, CenterPoint’s Senior Vice President, External Affairs.
Financial Assistance and Customer Support Programs
CenterPoint encourages customers to take advantage of payment assistance options and energy-saving programs to help manage their winter bills, including:
- Customer Assistance Fund (CAF): Direct bill support is available to eligible southwestern Indiana customers who may be facing financial challenges. Administered in partnership with The Salvation Army Indiana Division and supported by CenterPoint, the CAF features an easy and accessible application process. More information is available at CenterPointEnergy.com/CAF.
- Energy Assistance Program (EAP): Income-eligible customers can apply through their local community action agency or online ateap.ihcda.in.gov or call 1-800-872-0371 to find their nearest agency.
- Universal Service Program (USP): Customers who apply and qualify for EAP are automatically enrolled for additional bill reductions.
- CenterPoint Payment Assistance Program: Customers who may need special payment plans to temporarily keep their service connected and better manage energy costs can explore available resources at CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance.
- Budget Bill: Learn about reducing seasonal bill impacts by spreading costs across the year at CenterPointEnergy.com/BudgetBilling.
- Energy Efficiency Resources: Rebates, tips and tools for lowering natural gas bills can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/SmartSavings.
Additional details about these customer support programs can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub or call us at 812-227-1376.
Summary of Key Facts
- Utilities are not permitted to mark up the cost of natural gas. Natural gas is a commodity traded in a national, deregulated market, where prices fluctuate daily with supply and demand.
- CenterPoint does not control or profit from the cost of natural gas. CenterPoint purchases natural gas on behalf of its customers and then passes those costs on to customers through the gas cost adjustment, which is listed on the bill as “Gas Cost Charge.” Only gas costs actually incurred and approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission are recovered from customers. Natural gas costs are calculated separately from electric bills.
- Industry forecasts, including the Energy Information Administration (EIA) annual Winter Heating Outlook point to higher residential bills this year compared to last.
- Due to the forecasted increase in natural gas commodity prices, CenterPoint estimates the average residential household could expect to pay an average of approximately $141 per month over the five-month heating season (November-March), compared to approximately $127 per month last year – an increase of approximately 10% due to the price of natural gas. Actual bills vary with home size and age, number of gas appliances, thermostat settings, insulation and weather.
- Natural gas continues to be one of the most affordable heating sources for most customers in Indiana. In fact, CenterPoint gas customers in the utility’s Indiana South territory who heated their homes with natural gas last year saved up to $704, compared to those who heated their homes with propane.
CenterPoint Energy’s Indiana South territory delivers natural gas to approximately 115,000 customers in Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Martin, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.
Luebbers Palmer, Norkus, Runner Land on MVC Players to Watch List
LOUIS – The Missouri Valley Conference announced its women’s basketball “Players to Watch” list for the upcoming season this morning, including three University of Evansville student-athletes – Logan Luebbers Palmer (Union, Ky./Randall K. Cooper), Kylee Norkus (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley), and Camryn Runner (Cicero, Ind./Hamilton Heights). All three Aces selected are sophomores, serving as key pieces of Evansville’s exciting young core.
Luebbers Palmer lands on the list after a stellar freshman campaign that saw her play in 24 games with 11 starts. Luebbers Palmer scored 6.5 points per game in her first season of collegiate basketball and was at her best in MVC play, scoring in double figures six times against conference opponents. She notched her first double digit scoring effort against Missouri State (1/17/25), scoring 15 points, before earning MVC Freshman of the Week honors by scoring 14 points against Bradley (2/13) and a season-high 17 points in 34 minutes against Illinois State (2/15).
Norkus receives preseason recognition after impressing in four games as a freshman last season before suffering a season-ending injury. Norkus started the first four games of the season, scoring an average of 10 points per game while grabbing 5.5 rebounds per game. Before going down against Lindenwood, Norkus played 33, 39 and 37 minutes in the Aces’ first three games and helped Evansville pick up wins over Wright State (11/10/24) and SEMO (11/14).
The reigning MVC Freshman of the Year, Runner lands on the list after one of the most impressive freshman campaigns in UE program history. One of two Aces to start all 32 games last season, Runner led the team with 1,072 minutes played and led MVC freshmen and ranked eighth in the MVC with 15.5 points per game. Runner was among the most prolific free throw shooters in the country, leading the MVC and finishing fifth in the country in free throws made (206) and free throw attempts (250). Runner also averaged 2.8 assists per game, while her 89 assists were the most by an Evansville freshman since Dakota Weatherford in 2013-14. A dynamic scorer, Runner scored in double figures in 30 games and had eight performances of 20-plus points, including putting up a season-high 30 against Lindenwood (11/18/24). In MVC play, Runner upped her scoring to 17.8 points per game.
The 2025-26 season begins on October 28th with an exhibition against Roosevelt at Meeks Family Fieldhouse before opening the regular season at SEMO on November 6. The first regular season contest at Meeks Family Fieldhouse comes on November 20, when the Aces play host to IU Indy.
Season tickets for the 2025-26 season are on sale now. We offer great seats that fit with every family budget. For questions or more information on how we can help you and your family create long lasting memories with us at Meeks Family Fieldhouse this season, please call Logan Belz at the UE Ticket office 812-488-2623.
Khalid leads UE men in final round
Aces finish in a tie for 5th
KILLEN, Ala. – Omar Khalid had the low score of the day to pace the University of Evansville men’s golf team in Tuesday’s final round of the Turtle Point Invite at Turtle Point Yacht & Country Club.
Finishing with an even 72, Khalid completed his three rounds with a score of 220. His 4-over effort on the weekend saw him finish in 28th. The Purple Aces’ highest finisher was Daniil Romashkin. A 75 on Tuesday gave him a 3-round tally of 218. He came home in a tie for 24thplace.
Tying for third on the team and 4th in the final standings were Andrew Rottschalk and Julian Kiessling. Both wrapped up the tournament at 8-over. Rottschalk shot a 76 in the last round while Kiessling finished the day with a 77. Jamison Ousley carded a 76 on Tuesday to finish in 54th with a score of 227. Individual Miguel Sobrado finished in the 37th position. A 2-over 74 in the final 18 holes gave him a 222 for the weekend.
As a team, the Aces tied New Orleans for 5th place at 17-over. North Alabama took top honors finishing the event at 22-under. They defeated SE Louisiana by 20 strokes. Brycen Jones was the medalist. Playing as an individual for Alabama, Jones defeated Logan Reilly of Auburn by one. Jones wrapped up his three rounds at 16-under.
Dog Day Downtown Presented by German American Bank is Saturday, October 18
Pup-ular event returns for the sixth year to Downtown Evansville
ANNOUNCEMENT – The Downtown Evansville Improvement District (DEID) invites the community to bring their dogs and visit Downtown Evansville on Saturday, October 18 from 11 AM – 2 PM for the sixth annual Dog Day Downtown Presented by German American Bank. The event will take place on Main Street (from 2nd to 6th Street). Free activities will include a dog agility course, bone bar, pup cups, foam party, bandanas, ball pits, cuddle station, photo portrait station, photo points, and pet pampering services including nail trimmings, brushing, ear cleaning, and massages.
New for 2025, the event will feature doggie donut balls, ice cream dishes, and a pet costume contest. Title sponsor, Earthborn Holistic Pet Food, will judge the costume contest at 12:30 PM at their booth on the 200 Block of Main Street. Winners for best costume will receive a prize. Activities are free thanks to the generous support of sponsors, led by presenting sponsor German American Bank. Please note, 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. Guests 21 and older can purchase alcoholic beverages in official Downtown Evansville DORA branded cups and enjoy them as they explore Downtown Evansville.
“We’re thrilled to welcome hundreds of dogs and dog lovers to Downtown Evansville for a day filled with free activities, thanks to generous support from our sponsors. We encourage you to bring your furry friends as you explore our pet-friendly neighborhood,” said Adam Trinkel, executive director, DEID.
USI Golf squares off against Evansville on Thursday
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s and Men’s Golf will match up against the University of Evansville in the Battle of the Expressway Thursday at Western Hills Country Club (Mt. Vernon, Indiana) for another edition of the crosstown clash. The matches begin teeing off at 9 a.m. The last grouping will tee off near 11 a.m.
The matchup will follow a Ryder Cup-style singles format with each Screaming Eagle facing off with a Purple Ace one-on-one, looking to win more holes than the other. The 17 matches (10 men, seven women) will take place with a point being awarded to the winner of each. A tie will result in a point being halved. The trophy will be awarded to the team that has won the most points overall after the men’s and women’s scores have been tallied together.
USI and Evansville competed last year with the Aces winning in the fall in a combined score of 13-5 (7.5-2.5 men, 5.5-2.5 women). The spring match-up, which followed a different format, ended in a combined 4.5-4.5 tie with USI winning a tie-breaker.
Tee times Thursday are as follows:
Match 1 – 9:00 am – Men’s Match – USI – Ingtawan Wangrunruchasri / UE – Denzel Rai
Match 2- 9:07 am – Men’s Match – USI – Chandler Ornelas / UE – Omar Khalid
Match 3 – 9:14 am – Women’s Match – USI – Fernanda Vera / UE – Jane Grankina
Match 4 – 9:21 am – Men’s Match – USI – Jairen Stroud / UE – Julian Kiessling
Match 5 – 9:28 am – Women’s Match – USI – Alexis Wymer / UE – Kate Petrova
Match 6 – 9:35 am – Men’s Match – USI – Alex Peck / UE – Mason Taylor
Match 7 – 9:42 am – Women’s Match – USI – Tora Timinsky / UE – Emily Mercer
Match 8 – 9:49 am – Men’s Match – USI – Wade Worthington / UE – Luke Price
Match 9 – 9:56 am – Women’s Match – USI – Brianna Kirsch / UE – Trinity Dubbs
Match 10 – 10:03 am – Men’s Match – USI – Hunter Reynolds / UE – Miguel Sobrado
Match 11 – 10:10 am – Women’s Match – USI – Camryn Luthy / UE – Adeline Wittmer
Match 12 – 10:17 am – Men’s Match – USI – Weston Hardy / UE – Chris O’Donnell
Match 13 – 10:24 am – Women’s Match – USI – Valeria Lopez de Haro Juste / UE – Haley Hughes
Match 14 – 10:31 am – Men’s Match – USI – Ben Christian / UE – Andrew Rottschalk
Match 15 – 10:38 am – Women’s Match – USI – McKenna Lowe / Mia Cruz
Match 16 – 10:45 am – Men’s Match – USI – Sam Gargis / UE Daniil Romashkin
Match 17- 10:52 am – Men’s Match – USI Carter Goebel / UE Jamison Ousley
HOT JOBS
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Hoosiers Sweep Big Ten Swimmer, Freshman Weekly Awards
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana swimming and diving captured four of the six available conference weekly awards, sweeping the Big Ten Swimmer of the Week and Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors. The conference office announced its weekly awards on Wednesday (Oct. 15).
Sophomore Miranda Grana won Big Ten Swimmer of the Week and Noah Cakir and Liberty Clark captured Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors for the second time in as many chances this season, all having won the same awards on Oct. 1. Senior Zalán Sárkány captured his first weekly award of the season as the Big Ten Swimmer of the Week on the men’s side.
The latest award haul comes after IU dominated all five of its dual meets against ranked opponents in Los Angeles at the weekend.
Sárkány set the No. 1 times in the country in all three of his victories, winning the 500-yard freestyle (4:11.39), 1,650-yard freestyle (14:29.87) and 400-yard IM (3:43.45). The senior also set IU dual meet records in his freestyle events as well as a USC pool record in the mile.
Grana won six events, sweeping her individual races and contributing to three individual relays. The junior also swept the backstroke events, setting IU dual meet records in the 100-yard backstroke (50.75) and 200-yard backstroke (1:49.85). Grana’s 200 back time set the No. 1 time in the nation.
Clark maxed out with seven event wins, contributing to all four of Indiana’s relay victories. In just her second meet, Clark became the No. 2 Hoosier all-time in the 100-yard freestyle (47.39) and 200-yard freestyle (1:42.43), while also winning the 50-yard freestyle (22.03). Clark posted 100 free splits of 47.42 and 46.68 as well as 50 free splits of 22.04 and 21.62.
Cakir had a trio of top-three finishes and contributed to the Indiana men’s best relay. The freshman won the 200-yard breaststroke (1:54.19), finished second in the 100-yard breaststroke (52.64) and placed third in the 200-yard IM (1:47.25). He swam the breaststroke leg of the 400-yard medley relay, which earned an NCAA qualifying time of 3:05.97.
Two Community Development Block Grant programs now open for applications
The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs’ Community Development Block Grant Owner Occupied Rehabilitation program and Planning Grant program are now open for applications.
Fourth quarter applications for both grant programs will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. ET, on Friday, Nov. 14, via the Indiana electronic Grants Management System, found here. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications prior to 4 p.m. ET on Friday, Nov. 14, as technical assistance will not be available after that time.
Owner Occupied Rehabilitation program
The OOR program aims to help low-income homeowners to age in place, have greater mobility and make necessary repairs for their comfort and safety. Additionally, the OOR program supports communities in improving their existing housing stock and empowers them to establish local home repair programs.
Eligible OOR Applicants are legally recognized non-entitlement local units of governmentwith the legal capacity to implement the OOR program. Applicants may partner with a non-profit to conduct eligible project activities.
Awarded communities will administer programs that directly fund repairs on owner-occupied residential properties, such as:
- Roof replacements or repairs
- Heating, cooling and water heater replacement
- Select lighting and electrical upgrades
- ADA accessibility modifications up to the threshold of the home
Applicants are required to use the Homeowner Application Packet provided by OCRA for the implementation of local home repair programs. Submissions that contain forms from any other agency will not be accepted. The forms are available on the CDBG Resources page.
Applicants interested in submitting an application for the fourth quarter OOR round must notify OCRA of their intent to apply. This notification should be sent to the respective OCRA community liaison and cdbg@ocra.in.gov no later than Friday, Oct. 31.
Planning Grants
The following plan types will be open as part of the fourth quarter round:
- Comprehensive Plan
- Water Utility Study
- Broadband Readiness Plan
- Economic Development Plan
- Downtown Revitalization Plan
- Environmental Assessment Plan
- Historic Preservation Plan
- COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan
- Public Facilities Feasibility Study
While a formal site visit is not required for the Planning Grant program, applicants must contact their OCRA Community Liaison to 1) notify the Office of their intention to submit an application and 2) to receive technical assistance on the planning process. A map of community liaison districts can be found here.
Important Notes:
- All income survey documentation should be submitted for final approval in eGMS by Oct. 31 to ensure OCRA has 10 days to complete a review. Final income survey results must be approved by OCRA in eGMS ahead of the application due date on Nov. 14.
- As a reminder, the Qualifications Based Selection Planning Grant Procurement Policy went into effect Aug. 15, 2022. In accordance with the policy, procurement of professional services for the planning study must be completed prior to submitting the planning grant application in eGMS for the fourth quarter of 2025.
The next round of planning grants is expected to continue quarterly until funds have been exhausted.
Funding for all CDBG programs, such as OOR and Planning Grants, comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is administered by OCRA. For further information on these programs, contact the assigned regional OCRA community liaison.