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HOT JOBS
Governor Braun Appoints New Members to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors
Governor Mike Braun announced nine appointments to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) Board of Directors.
“I spent my life building a business here in Indiana, and I know that having an entrepreneurial, high-energy team in your corner makes all the difference. These appointments to the IEDC Board embody the Freedom and Opportunity agenda for IEDC: they hail from communities all around our state, bring experience from across the range of Indiana’s key industries, and each of them knows the importance of growing wages and creating job opportunities for Hoosiers because they’ve done it in their own communities.” — Governor Mike Braun
The new Board appointees – who bring experience from across the spectrum of Indiana’s economy from agriculture to manufacturing to retail – will join Governor Mike Braun and Commerce Secretary David Adams’ mission to grow wages and build new job opportunities for Hoosiers, as well as spread economic development to all four corners of the state.
Governor Braun’s appointed members each are also distinguished by philanthropic efforts and a commitment to service to their state and local communities.
The new appointed members are:
Gus Olympidis, of Valparaiso – Owner, Family Express Convenience Stores, Director on several boards dedicated to regional and community development in northwest Indiana throughout career.
John Gregg, of Sandborn – Former Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives.
George Thomas, of Granger – Entrepreneur and executive, Adorn, Duo-Form, Lakota Trailers, Misty Harbor Pontoons, Viaggio Pontoon Boats.
Billie Dragoo, of Indianapolis – Founder and CEO, RepuCare.
David Fagan, of Portage – International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150.
Greg Gibson, of Terre Haute – Entrepreneur in commercial real estate development, hospitality and food service industry, trucking, excavation, coal, solid waste landfill development and waste industry advisory services.
Richard Waterfield, of Fort Wayne – Chairman of the Board and CEO, Waterfield Enterprises and Waterfield Asset Management, Founder and Managing Principal of Waterfield Private Equity Funds.
Chris King, of Shelbyville – Executive Vice President, Runnebohm Construction, professional engineer specializing in infrastructure design and construction, land entitlement, and project execution.
Don Lamb, of Lebanon – Farmer and Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.
Governor Braun thanked those who previously served as members of the IEDC Board of Directors for their service to the State of Indiana. Prior board members’ service ends with the appointment of the new members.
JUST IN: University of Southern Indiana becomes official NCAA Division I member
University of Southern Indiana becomes official NCAA Division I member
Screaming Eagles earn full Division I status in accelerated transition, now eligible for NCAA championships
JUNE 25, 2025
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Southern Indiana (USI) has officially joined the top tier of intercollegiate athletics, effective August 1, 2025. The NCAA Division I Board of Directors confirmed USI’s move to full active Division I membership during a meeting on Monday, June 23. This completes an accelerated transition process that positions the Screaming Eagles to compete in NCAA Division I postseason championships in all 19 intercollegiate sports beginning in the 2025-26 season.
USI becomes the 11th official NCAA Division I athletic program (seventh public) in the state of Indiana and is a full member of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), a historic step that elevates the University’s athletic profile and strategic vision.
“We are excited to be moving into full NCAA Division I membership a year early,” said Steven J. Bridges, USI President. “Our exceptional athletic programs are a fundamental way to achieve a core USI goal of elevating our University’s visibility and reputation. We have shown we are well positioned to compete at the highest level and appreciate the support of the NCAA.”
The Screaming Eagles announced in February their intent to pursue an expedited reclassification after the NCAA issued guidance allowing for the possibility of such transitions. Over the past three years, USI Athletics has demonstrated its readiness—competitively, administratively and academically—with championship wins in the Ohio Valley Conference and postseason and championship appearances in the Horizon and Summit Leagues. Beyond the field of play, USI continues to excel in the classroom. Student-athletes maintain an average GPA of 3.29 and have been awarded back-to-back OVC Institutional Achievement Awards for academic excellence.
“We are very excited that the transition process for Division I is now complete, and our student-athletes can earn the right to compete in NCAA Championships,” said Jon Mark Hall, USI Vice President and Director of Athletics. “It has been a heavy lift for everyone on campus, and I cannot thank our campus community enough for their efforts. Our alumni and the broader community have been extremely supportive during the process. Our student-athletes, coaches and staff are ready to embark on this new journey.”
USI Athletics has already made an impact at the Division I level. The 2024 Women’s Basketball team captured the OVC regular-season and tournament championships and earned WNIT postseason wins in the last two seasons. In the fall of 2024, USI claimed the OVC Men’s and Women’s Cross Country titles, and Cross Country/Track & Field runners garnered an additional 18 individual championships during the transition period.
“I am thrilled that our athletes who bought into our vision for the program will finally get their opportunity to compete for NCAA Division I championships,” said Mike Hillyard, USI Head Cross Country/Track & Field Coach. “It’s a privilege to get the first opportunity on our home course when the NCAA Division I Great Lakes Regional comes to Angel Mounds in November.”
USI accepted its invitation to join the OVC in 2022 and began competing in the 2022-23 academic year. The OVC, now in its 78th year, is the nation’s eighth-oldest NCAA Division I conference and boasts a strong tradition of competitive success and academic achievement.
“We commend the University of Southern Indiana for the vision, determination and hard work they have demonstrated over the past three years in completing the reclassification process to NCAA Division I,” said Beth DeBauche, OVC Commissioner. “USI has shown a commitment to excellence on and off the field, and we are excited to see them eligible to compete in NCAA postseason events. We look forward to what the future holds for their student athletes, coaches and community.”
USI’s first matchups of the 2025-26 season as official full members of NCAA Division I athletics include Women’s Soccer at the University of Nebraska on August 14, and the team’s first regular-season home match against Cleveland State University on August 17. Men’s Soccer opens on the road August 21 at the University of Louisville and hosts its first regular-season home match on August 26 against Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Volleyball will open at home with the USI Invitational August 29-30 against Valparaiso University, Saint Louis University and Northern Kentucky University before hosting Michigan State University on September 4.
Vanderbilt to lay off 650 amid federal spending cuts
Up to 650 employees are being laid off at Nashville, Tenn.-based Vanderbilt University Medical Center as it plans to reduce operating costs by more than $300 million in response to government-sponsored medical research and anticipated reductions to Medicaid reimbursement.
VUMC said in May that an unspecified number of positions were being eliminated and hiring would be paused for “most research and administrative positions.” A spokesperson said in a June 20 statement shared with Becker’s that the layoffs affect those working primarily in research, administrative and other support areas.
“While this is extremely difficult, the staffing loss represents less than 2% of VUMC’s total workforce,” the statement said. “To support affected employees, VUMC is providing severance packages and other assistance.”
VUMC said it is continuing to hire frontline clinical staff for the opening of the 180-bed Jim Ayers Tower, which is expected to open later this year.
CenterPoint Energy introduces a redesigned Indiana South electric bill
CenterPoint Energy introduces a redesigned Indiana South electric bill
Revised bill design, itemized charges allow for additional understanding of customer energy use
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – June 24, 2025 – CenterPoint Energy announced an updated electric bill format for Indiana South customers today. The revised layout is designed to provide a clearer breakdown of monthly charges and support greater customer understanding of their energy use and how bills are calculated.
The bill revisions do not add any new charges. Instead, existing electric charges will now be grouped and labeled under four clearly organized groups – Customer Facilities Charge, Variable Base Charges, Fuel Charges and Adjustments – to help customers understand how each item contributes to their total bill.
“Improving how we communicate with customers is a responsibility we take seriously,” said Mike Roeder, CenterPoint’s Senior Vice President, External Affairs. “This update builds on regulatory direction and customer feedback, and it reflects the transparency we are committed to bringing to every aspect of the customer experience. We’ve listened to the feedback from our customers and hope to bring a better understanding of the various components of the CenterPoint bill.”
This update builds on the framework outlined in the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission’s final order in CenterPoint’s most recent rate case, which directed the company to add broad categories to its bill presentation. CenterPoint expanded on that guidance by introducing the four itemized groups.
Recent customer experience improvements
The updated bill format is part of CenterPoint’s broader effort to enhance how it communicates with and supports Indiana customers. In recent months, the company has also introduced new tools to improve the overall customer experience:
· Outage Tracker: A mobile-friendly outage map that includes weather overlays, satellite views and a Spanish-language option. Visit CenterPointEnergy.com/OutageTracker to view current conditions and report outages.
· Action Center: A centralized online resource with safety tips, restoration updates and community information to help customers stay informed during outages and service interruptions. Explore at CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter.
2025 SIAC ALL CONFERENCE BASEBALL TEAM
2025 SIAC ALL CONFERENCE BASEBALL TEAM
FIRST TEAM
Will Coleman (12) Pitcher Castle
Matthew Fisher (12) Pitcher Memorial
Kai Kunz (12) Pitcher Jasper
Braden Perry (12) Pitcher North
Cooper Collins (10) Catcher Vincennes Lincoln
Brady Anderson (11) Infielders, Vincennes Lincoln
Braxton Brosmer (12) Infielders Jasper
Charlie Hoffman (12) Infielders Mater Dei
Simon Schulz (12) Infielders Memorial
Noah Drake (12) Outfielders Castle
Luke Ellspermann (12) Outfielders Memorial
Brayden Giesler (12) Outfielders Jasper
Jack Levin (11) Utility Jasper
Landin Lis (12) Utility Castle
SECOND TEAM
Oliver Gates (12) Reitz
Wes Kelly (11) Memorial
Isaac Mitsdarffer (12) Castle
Max Miller (11) Mater Dei
Spencer Schiff (9) Mater Dei
Tyler Singleton (12) Harrison
Conner Watson (12) North
Talan Willett (12) Reitz
Colton Wonning (10) Vincennes
Co-Player of the Year
Will Coleman (Castle) and Matthew Fisher (Memorial)
Loan Administration Board Agenda
City of Evansville
Loan Administration Board
Agenda
June 27, 2025
Room 301 – Civic Center
9:30 a.m. Public Meeting
9:15 – Call to Order Executive Session
9:30 – Call to Order Public Meeting
1. Approve Minutes of February 28, 2025, Meeting
2. Gayla Cake change in Loan Term
3. Update on loans and loan funds
4. Other Business
5. Adjournment
Ascension St. Vincent Renames, Dedicates ‘Arthur and Ruth Browne St. Vincent House’ in Honor of Generous Legacy Gift
JUNE 25, 2025
INDIANAPOLIS – In a heartfelt ceremony attended by family members, donors, and hospital leaders, Ascension St. Vincent officially renamed its patient and patient family hospitality house as the Arthur and Ruth Browne St. Vincent House in recognition of a generous legacy gift. The dedication event, held on Monday, June 23, featured a blessing, new signage and guided tours of the facility.
The renaming honors Arthur A. Browne—a former Ascension St. Vincent Foundation board member and grateful patient—and his wife, Ruth S. Browne, who named Ascension St. Vincent as a beneficiary of their estate. Their gift reflects a lasting commitment to supporting families facing medical crises and ensures that compassionate care will continue to reach those in need for generations to come.
“I am certain that Arthur and Ruth would have been deeply touched by today’s celebration,” Bill Browne, great-nephew of the Browne. “While our family is honored by the renaming of the hospitality house, what means even more is knowing that their name is now a lasting part of Ascension St. Vincent’s mission to provide compassionate care to all patients and families. Their legacy of generosity, kindness, and service lives on through this space and we are proud that Arthur and Ruth Browne St Vincent House will continue to serve and comfort families for generations to come.”
Since opening in 2017, the House has welcomed more than 27,000 guests from 44 states, providing free and low-cost accommodations to families with loved ones receiving care at Ascension St. Vincent hospitals. The 20-room guest house features private bedrooms, shared kitchen and laundry facilities, a prayer chapel, and family-friendly common spaces. Guests also receive free shuttle service to and from the main hospital campus.
“Arthur and Ruth Browne’s generosity embodies the spirit of Ascension St. Vincent,” said Ann Haupt, Vice President of the Ascension St. Vincent Foundation. “Through their legacy gift, they have extended a hand of comfort to thousands of families who find themselves far from home during some of life’s most difficult moments. It is a privilege to honor their name in this special way.”
The facility is located at 2031 Dugan Drive on the campus of Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis. It stands on the former site of the Daughters of Charity residence, a space gifted by the Daughters to extend their legacy of hospitality and healing.
For more information about the Ascension St. Vincent Foundation or to support the Mission of the Arthur and Ruth Browne St. Vincent House, please visit give.stvincent.org/stvhouse.
About Ascension St. Vincent Foundation
Founded in 1968, the Ascension St. Vincent Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Indianapolis, Indiana dedicated to raising and managing philanthropic contributions to support Ascension St. Vincent’s community programs, capital projects, and patient care, with a special focus on serving the poor and vulnerable. The Foundation supports various ministries across Indianapolis, Carmel, and Fishers, including the Cardiovascular Research Institute and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. Additional Ascension St. Vincent Foundations in Indiana serve the communities of Evansville, Kokomo, and Anderson. In fiscal year 2024, Ascension St. Vincent Foundations collectively provided funding of more than $10.3 million.
ABOUT ASCENSION ST. VINCENT
Ascension St. Vincent operates 19 hospitals in addition to a comprehensive network of affiliated joint ventures, medical practices and clinics serving Indiana, and employs more than 13,000 associates. In Fiscal Year 2024, Ascension St. Vincent provided more than $357 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty throughout the state. Ascension St. Vincent is part of Ascension, one of the nation’s leading non-profit and Catholic health systems, with a Mission of delivering compassionate, personalized care to all with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. In FY2023, Ascension provided $2.2 billion in care of persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs. Ascension includes approximately 134,000 associates, 35,000 affiliated providers and 140 hospitals, serving communities in 18 states and the District of Columbia. https://healthcare.ascension.org/
Vincennes University, Good Samaritan Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Students graduate
VINCENNES, Ind., June 24, 2025 – Seven students celebrated the completion of the Vincennes University Certified Clinical Medical Assistant training program during a graduation ceremony held at Good Samaritan on June 9.
Friends and family gathered to recognize the graduates’ hard work and commitment to advancing their healthcare careers. Good Samaritan Chief Administrative Officer Adam Thacker welcomed attendees and congratulated the students on their dedication to patient care and professional development.
“This program represents a powerful partnership between Vincennes University and Good Samaritan Hospital that directly supports workforce development in our region,” VU Vice President of Outreach and Engagement Matthew Schwartz said. “We’re incredibly proud of these graduates for their dedication and excited to see the positive impact they’ll have in healthcare settings throughout our community.”
The CCMA program, offered through VU’s Business & Industry training initiatives, equips students with hands-on clinical experience in vital skills such as administering medications, assisting with minor surgeries, collecting lab specimens, and performing electrocardiograms.
Graduates of the program are prepared to work in physicians’ offices, clinics, and outpatient facilities.
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.