New leadership team members announced for ISDA

07/19/2025

INDIANAPOLIS (July 16, 2025) – Two new leadership changes have been announced by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA). David Bausman has been selected as the General Counsel and Andrew Sherman has been promoted to Director of the Economic Development Division. “We are proud of the impact that these two individuals have made for Indiana agriculture here in the U.S. and abroad,” said Don Lamb, Director of the Indiana State Department of Ag. “I am excited to see them step into these new roles and look forward to continued growth and success for our future.”

David Bausman will serve as the chief legal advisor for the agency. He also manages ISDA’s Public Affairs team which is responsible for the agency’s policy development at the federal, state and local level. Additionally, he is currently overseeing the agency’s efforts in creating the Agricultural Portal, which was a Governor Braun legislative priority from this past session. In addition, he serves as the Lt. Governor’s proxy for the Environmental Rules Board.

Bausman was previously at ISDA from July 2013 to January 2017 when he led the policy and regulatory affairs team at the ISDA working on leading the agency’s legislative and policy efforts.

Prior to rejoining ISDA, Bausman held the role of General Counsel with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) where he worked on various conservation issues such as forest management, carbon sequestration, and drainage issues.

Bausman has over 12 years of experience working in state government in various legal and legislative capacities. His time at ISDA and DNR has given him a wide range of experience dealing with agricultural and conservation issues facing Indiana’s farmers.

Bausman has a bachelor’s degree in political science from DePauw University and a law degree from Robert H. McKinney School of Law at Indiana University. He lives in Johnson County with his wife and two daughters and enjoys fishing, golfing, and the great outdoors.

Andrew (Drew) Sherman has been promoted from International Trade Director to Economic Development Director. In this role, Sherman will lead and implement ISDA’s business retention, expansion, and attraction strategy, including partnerships with State, regional, and local economic development organizations.

In his previous role as ISDA’s International Trade Director, Sherman advocated for Indiana agriculture in global markets and supported Hoosier exporters across the agricultural value chain. Sherman continues to represent ISDA on several export advisory councils, including the Indiana District Export Council, Indiana Small Business Development Center, Indiana Economic Development Corporation Trade Council and US Global Leadership Council’s Indiana Advisory Committee. 

Sherman joined ISDA in 2022 and has 10+ years of experience across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. An Iowa native, he has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics & International Studies from Iowa State University and a Master’s of Public Affairs from Indiana University in Economic Development, Policy Analysis, & Public Finance.

Sherman is a member of AgriInstitute’s Indiana Agricultural Leadership Program Class 21 and participated in the Emerging Professional Leadership Program Class of 2023. Sherman resides in Indianapolis with his wife and daughter. 

###

Pictured about is David Bausman. ISDA’s general counsel. For a high resolution photo, please email Regan Herr at rherr@isda.in.gov.

Pictured above is Andrew (Drew) Sherman, ISDA’s Economic Development Director. For a high resolution photo, please email Regan Herr at rherr@isda.in.gov.

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

07/19/2025

0

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.

Governor Braun Forms Task Force to Strengthen Emergency Alert System to Protect Hoosiers

07/18/2025

0

INDIANAPOLIS – In the wake of flooding devastation in Texas, Governor Mike Braun is launching an Emergency Alert Task Force to evaluate the current alert and warning systems in Indiana and identify opportunities to enhance those systems or provide additional warning systems to keep Hoosiers safe.

“Following the tragic loss of life from flooding in Texas, we’re taking proactive action to make sure our emergency alert systems are up-to-date, fully functional, and that we’re making any enhancements possible to better protect Hoosiers from extreme weather.” – Governor Mike Braun

The task force will be led by Indiana Department of Homeland Security and Integrated Public Safety Commission, with input from municipal and county officials from fire and law enforcement, as well as advisors from the Indiana Geographic Information Office, National Weather Service, and cell-phone network carriers.

This task force will work on an aggressive timeline this autumn with its evaluation and recommendations to improve emergency alerting protocols, systems, and technology prepared for the Governor by November 1.

Southwest Chapter of the American Red Cross Indiana Region Welcomes New Board Members

07/18/2025

0

Evansville, Ind., (July 17, 2025) – The Southwest Chapter of the American Red Cross Indiana Region is proud to announce the addition of two new board members: Kymberly Thomas and Tonda Welch.

Kymberly Thomas is the Chief Financial Officer at Koch Air, LLC. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Southern Indiana and has held various accounting roles in both industry and public sectors.

Kymberly is a charter member of Partnership of Women and previously served as chair. She has also served as a member of the University of Southern Indiana Accounting Circle and actively volunteers with St. Vincent de Paul.

Originally from Henderson, Kentucky, Kymberly relocated to Evansville in 2021. Outside of work, Kymberly and her husband enjoy traveling, experiencing the arts and engaging in service work.

Tonda Welch is Indiana Region Lab Director of Deaconess Health System. She lives in Pike County and works in labs located at Deaconess Gibson and Deaconess Memorial Medical Center.

Tonda earned a Bachelor of Science from Purdue University in 1996 and has 29 years of laboratory experience, with 25 years at Deaconess Gibson Laboratory. She joined the leadership team in 2006 as a Laboratory Manager and was promoted to Director in 2008.

Tonda is a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, which raises money for local charities, scholarships and families in need. She is also a board member of the Prides Creek Golf Course.

The Southwest Chapter volunteer board includes more than 20 civic and corporate leaders from a range of professional backgrounds and serves 26 counties in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. The board is led by Chairperson Steve Walker. A full list of members can be found here.

Board of Park Commissioners Approves Request for Proposals to Activate Mesker Amphitheatre

07/18/2025

1

At its meeting earlier today, the Evansville Board of Park Commissioners granted permission for city officials to issue a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) to lease Mesker Amphitheatre for use as an entertainment venue.

Once issued, the RFP will remain open for a 60-day period, giving individuals and organizations the opportunity to submit detailed proposals for future use of the historic facility. After the submission window closes, the Parks Board will evaluate the proposals to determine whether a viable path exists to re-activate Mesker Amphitheatre as an entertainment destination.

“Mesker Amphitheatre holds a special place in the hearts of many Evansville residents; it’s where generations of families have come together to enjoy live music, performances, and community events,” said Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry. “We believe it’s time to explore new opportunities to breathe life back into this beloved venue. Today’s action is a meaningful step toward that goal.”

Originally opened in 1951, Mesker Amphitheatre was once one of the largest open-air venues in the region. Its potential reactivation aligns with Mayor Terry’s broader commitment to Neighborhood Revitalization and Economic Development, aiming to transform underutilized public spaces into assets that contribute to a more dynamic, inclusive Evansville.

The RFP will seek proposals that are financially viable, operationally sound, and sensitive to the amphitheatre’s historic character and location near the Mesker Park Zoo.

“Reactivating Mesker will require the right partner – someone who shares our vision for a community-centered venue that also brings economic and cultural vitality,” Mayor Terry said. “We’re hopeful that this process will bring forth exciting opportunities for the future of Mesker Amphitheatre.”

The official RFP will be posted in the coming days.

Adult Basic Education/English Language Learner Students Graduate July 25 at Ivy Tech Community College

07/18/2025

0

Evansville, IN – Approximately 230 students have completed their work within the Adult Basic Education Program and/or English Language Learner (ELL) classes at Ivy Tech Community College this year and will celebrate their accomplishment on Friday, July 25, at 4 p.m. in Vectren Auditorium on the Evansville main campus.

Ivy Tech saw a 78.6% increase in program growth from the 2023-24 school year, to current, with a total of 359 students being served. In the program, students received classroom-based, self-paced learning with direct teacher support in literacy, math, science and social studies. ELL students received help developing proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing through traditional instruction and group and partner-based activities.

Of the total finishing, 41 have received their High School Equivalency.

Nick Bragin, executive director of Ivy+ Career Link, said students who enroll in Adult Basic Education and English Language Learner programs represent many different backgrounds and lived experiences. Often, individuals have experienced barriers to access to education and/or academic success. “Students in our program averaged approximately 44.5 hours in the classroom — a major time commitment for individuals balancing work, family, caregiving, and other responsibilities. Each student is taking a step toward personal growth, expanding employment opportunities, higher earning potential, and pathways toward further education,” he said.

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

07/18/2025

0

Booked Last 24 Hours-Public

USI honored by NABC for academics in 2024-25

07/18/2025

0

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball was honored by the National Association of Basketball Coaches with a Team Academic Excellence and eight Honors Court awards for 2024-25.

USI earned the NABC Team Academic Excellence Award after the Screaming Eagles completed the 2024-25 season with a combined 3.18 cumulative grade point average. The award recognizes programs that completed the academic year with a team GPA of 3.0 or higher.

USI also has received the Ohio Valley Conference’s Team Academic Award (presented to the conference team with the greatest percentage of eligible student athletes that earn a 3.25 GPA or higher) for the last two seasons.

In addition to the team award, USI had eight of its 17 players named to the NABC Honors Court. To be named to the Honors Court, a student athlete must be a junior, senior, or graduate student who finished the academic year with a 3.2 GPA or better.

The Screaming Eagles named to the NABC Honors Court are junior center Alex Horiuk (Business Administration); junior guard Damoni Harrison (Sports Management); junior guard Jack Campion (Sports Management); graduate forward Jack Mielke (Master of Business Administration); junior guard Johnny Semany (Business Administration); graduate center Nick Hittle (Data Analytics), junior guard Ryan Hall (Master of Business Administration).

Vincennes University collaborates with Walmart to provide hands-on technician training for associates

07/18/2025

0

VINCENNES, Ind., July 17, 2025 – Vincennes University with support from Walmart, is providing hands-on technician training for Walmart associates. This collaboration expands Walmart’s Associate to Technician (A2T) program to Vincennes, following a successful pilot in Dallas-Fort Worth.

The A2T program offers Walmart associates a unique opportunity to develop in-demand technical skills through a training model that combines 70 percent hands-on experience with 30 percent classroom learning. The training covers electrical & mechanical fundamentals, pneumatics, refrigeration, and troubleshooting. Associates do not need a degree to participate, only dedication, managerial approval, and a desire to grow.

VU Vice President for Workforce Development and Community Services David Tucker said,

“This collaboration perfectly reflects Vincennes University’s commitment to workforce-driven education that meets the needs of today’s employers. We are proud to help Walmart associates build skills that lead to meaningful, well-paying careers.”

All 108 graduates of the Dallas-Fort Worth pilot secured technician positions, with an average earning potential of $32 per hour. The program is now expanding to Vincennes, Indiana, and Jacksonville, Florida, with a goal of training 4,000 associates nationwide by 2030.

“This is more than training, it’s a life-changing pathway to success,” Tucker said. “We are honored to support associates on their journey to grow and thrive.”

VU is excited to offer this opportunity and to continue building programs that prepare individuals for successful careers and support workforce needs.

Dillender announces Purple Aces coaching staff

07/18/2025

0

Duo joins Dillender from University of the Cumberlands

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville head softball coach Bailey Dillender has announced the hiring of assistant coaches Alyssa Richards and Mia Aldridge.

Both join the Purple Aces from the University of the Cumberlands where they worked with Coach Dillender to lead the Patriots to a 138-23 mark over the last three seasons while going 62-1 in Mid-South Conference games during that time. UC advanced to the NAIA World Series in each of those campaigns.

“I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to bring Coach Richards and Coach Mia with me to Evansville,” Dillender exclaimed. “We have created over the last several years such an incredible bond and work environment together that I truly couldn’t imagine doing this with anyone but them.”

Dillender, Richards, and Aldridge have been selected as the Region VI Coaching Staff of the Year in each of the previous three seasons including the 2025 campaign that saw them go 40-9 and a perfect 18-0 in conference play.

“Coach Rich is unique in her ability to manage our pitching staff and build relationships across the board. Her ability and patience to really break the game down and share her vision for how she wants things done coupled with her extensive knowledge of the game makes her dynamic in all areas,” Dillender continued. “Coach Mia, who has been with us for the last 4 years at Cumberlands is a winner, with an amazing amount of knowledge and playing experience in literally all areas of the field. She pitched, was an All-Conference infielder and outfielder that gives us another resource and skill set to reach all corners of our locker room.”

Richards joined Dillender as an assistant coach at UC in 2017. She worked with pitchers and catchers while also assisting with the hitters. Under her tutelage, Patriots pitchers recorded an earned run average of 2.78 or lower every season since 2021. In 2023, the team wrapped up the year with a 1.80 ERA while the 2022 squad finished with a 2.01.

Prior to joining the Patriots, Richards wrapped up a four-year playing career at Tennessee Tech University where she split time between first base and catcher. Richards played in 209 games, while notching 159 hits, 30 home runs, and 22 doubles over her four-year career at Tennessee Tech. She also recorded 105 RBIs, while posting a .280 career batting average. In 2015, Richards helped lead the Golden Eagles to the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Championship and was named to the All-Tournament Team. Richards was also named OVC First Team All-Conference during her senior season.

Richards graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Multi-Disciplinary Studies with a focus in Special Education and Physical Education from Tennessee Tech in May 2016. She also graduated with her Master’s Degree in Health and Human Performance and Coaching from Cumberlands in May 2021.

Aldridge joined Dillender’s staff at Cumberlands in July of 2021. She coordinated the outfield defense while assisting with hitters, pitchers, recruiting, and opponent scouting. One part of the game that Aldridge specializes in is stolen bases. In three of the last four seasons, UC has broken the single-season school record for stolen bases. In her first season with the Patriots in 2022, UC accumulated 108 steals. Two years later, the squad finished with 122 before resetting the record with 124 steals in 2025.

She joined UC after spending five seasons at Campbellsville University where she was a softball student-athlete while working in their sports information department. During her playing career, CU won three conference titles including both the Regular Season and Tournament Championship in 2021. Every complete season Aldridge competed for the Tigers they made the NAIA postseason where they also boasted 35+ win seasons.

in her career she took home First Team MSC honors three times both in the infield and outfield. Aldridge appears in the CU record book 17 times for her top-ten single season and career numbers. Her top-ten rankings include first in career walks (89), first in career fielding percentage (.993), sixth in career runs scored (157), eighth in career doubles (37), eighth in career total bases (309) and eighth in career stolen bases (27).

Aldridge obtained her undergraduate degree at Campbellsville, studying Sport Management. She received her master’s degree in Coaching from Cumberlands and also has an MBA.

“Rich and Mia are exceptional young coaches but even better humans,” Dillender said. “I look forward to watching them continue to grow as professionals at UE, but mostly love the fact that our Purple Aces get to interact and learn from them daily.”