CenterPoint Energy crews faced with significant challenges from extensive damage in ongoing storm restoration effort
Evansville, Ind. – April 3, 2024 – In the aftermath of Tuesday’s severe storms that swept through southwestern Indiana, with winds in excess of 80 miles per hour, CenterPoint Energy and contract crews have been tirelessly working to restore power to thousands of customers affected by widespread damage.
Crews have restored power to 60% of the 24,000 customers left without power after Tuesday’s storms. As of 9:30 p.m., there are approximately 6,300 customers without power. Restoration may continue to take more time than usual as crews continue to uncover damage and encounter new challenges while making repairs.
CenterPoint Energy is using a wide range of resources to address severe vegetation damage, extensive debris, downed poles and lines and continued identification of a significant amount of previously unidentified damage. Additional outages have been caused by wind gusts today, further increasing the challenges of making necessary repairs and restoring service.
“While the progress may not yet be fully visible in the number of outages restored, our crews continue to work tirelessly to restore service as safely and quickly as possible,” stated Richard Leger, Senior Vice President, Indiana Electric at CenterPoint Energy. “The extensive damage from this storm has been unlike anything seen by many of our linemen – a great number of them with decades of experience.
Many of the challenges crews have faced are comparable to the type of damage experienced with multiple storm events:
• More than 150 downed poles in the Evansville metro area
• Multiple transformer replacements and spans of wire to be replaced
• Many orders require tree trimming and clearing of vegetation before repair work can begin
• Crews have encountered inaccessible poles, leading to increased repair times
The company is communicating with customers who will continue to experience extended outages into tomorrow, Friday and the weekend.
CenterPoint Energy would like to remind customers if they have experienced damage to the weatherhead
– the point of entry from the service drop to the home – the customer will need to have a licensed electrician make necessary repairs before power can be restored.
For the latest information on power outages:
• Report outages by texting the word “OUT” to 83212.
• Sign up for Power Alert Service® for information on individual outages.
• Follow @CenterPoint on X (formerly known as Twitter) and visit our outage map for general outage locations; and
• Visit CenterPoint Energy’s Electric Outage Center for electric safety tips and other resources.
EDITORIAL: CCO COMMENDS MAYOR TERRY’S APPROACH TO THE USE OF OPIOID FUNDS
EDITORIAL: CCO COMMENDS MAYOR TERRY’S APPROACH TO THE USE OF OPIOID FUNDS
by JOHNNY KINCAID
Mayor Stephanie Terry’s proactive stance on utilizing the $1.3 million Evansville received from the federal settlement with opioid manufacturers, distributors, and retailers is commendable. Terry’s commitment to addressing the opioid crisis is clear.
Under the Winneke administration last year, YouthFirst, Inc. received substantial support to maintain social workers in schools and implement evidence-based prevention programs, while Forefront Therapy received funding to address drug use among pregnant mothers and bolster their clinic’s resources.
Mayor Terry’s decision to allocate all settlement funds toward combating the opioid crisis is a commendable move. By inviting proposals across various areas such as education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement, Terry uses her knowledge from past involvement with the Substance Abuse Council and demonstrates a comprehensive approach to tackling drug abuse in Evansville.
Furthermore, the mayor’s establishment of an ad hoc committee, comprising Deputy Mayor Lindsay Locasto, Communications Director Joe Atkinson, State Representative Ryan Hatfield, Superior Court Judge Wayne Trockman, LaRissa Madison, and Lisa Seif, to evaluate program effectiveness aligns with principles from Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Gov. Holcomb announces generational multi-billion-dollar investment to make Indiana leader in semiconductor packaging
SK hynix’s new West Lafayette plant and investment in research and development bolsters Indiana’s booming semiconductor ecosystem, attracting talent and supporting US innovation, technology and security
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Governor Eric J. Holcomb, Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg and Purdue University President Mung Chiang joined federal partners and executives of South Korea-based SK hynix Inc., the world’s leading producer of High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM) chips, today as the company announced plans to establish a new advanced packaging fabrication and R&D facility for high-intensity and AI microelectronic products and applications in Indiana. SK hynix’s multi-billion-dollar investment is the first of its kind in the U.S. and is expected to drive innovation and fill a critical gap in the nation’s advanced packaging supply chain while creating up to 800 new, high-wage jobs by the end of 2030.
“Indiana is a global leader in innovating and producing the products that will power our future economy, and today’s news is proof positive to that fact,” said Gov. Holcomb. “I’m so proud to officially welcome SK hynix to Indiana, and we’re confident this new partnership will enhance the Lafayette-West Lafayette region, Purdue University and the state of Indiana for the long term. This new semiconductor innovation and packaging plant not only reaffirms the state’s role in the hard tech sector, but is also another tremendous step forward in advancing U.S. innovation and national security, putting Hoosiers at the forefront of national and global advancements.”
SK hynix will make an initial investment of more than $3.87 billion to establish a 430,000-square-foot facility on 90 acres at the Purdue Research Park in West Lafayette to support critical U.S. demand for semiconductors. The new facility will be home to an advanced semiconductor packaging production line that will mass produce next generation HBM, the highest-performing Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) chips, which are the critical components of graphic processing units (GPUs) that train AI systems. The facility will also develop future generations of chips and house an advanced packaging R&D line.
By the end of 2030, SK hynix expects to create hundreds of highly skilled jobs in areas of engineering, technical support, administrative and maintenance operations.
“We are excited to build a state-of-the-art advanced packaging facility in Indiana,” said SK hynix CEO Kwak Noh-Jung. “We believe this project will lay the foundation for a new Silicon Heartland; a semiconductor ecosystem centered in the Midwest Triangle. This facility will create local, high-paying jobs and produce AI memory chips with unmatched capabilities, so that America can onshore more of its critical chip supply chain. We are grateful for the support of Governor Holcomb and the state of Indiana, of President Chiang at Purdue University, and of the broader community involved, and we look forward to expanding our partnership in the long run.”
SK hynix selected the West Lafayette site due to Indiana’s resilient manufacturing infrastructure, its robust talent and R&D ecosystem, and the strong support provided by the state and local governments. The company’s new initiative is a significant win for the Midwest and for U.S. national security.
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United States Hyundong Cho, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Assistant to the President for Science and Technology Arati Prabhakar, U.S. Senator Todd Young and U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Arun Venkataraman were present for today’s announcement.
“SK hynix will soon be a household name in Indiana. This incredible investment demonstrates their confidence in Hoosier workers, and I’m excited to welcome them to our state. The CHIPS and Science Act opened a door that Indiana has been able to sprint through, and companies like SK hynix are helping to build our high-tech future,” said U.S. Senator Todd Young.
As a technology leader, integrator, and enabler in memory solutions, SK hynix is collaborating with Purdue University, one of the leading research institutions in the U.S., on plans for future R&D projects. These projects include work on advanced packaging and heterogeneous integration with Purdue’s Birck Nanotechnology Center and other research institutes and industry partners. They also hope to collaborate on a project related to memory-centric solutions and architecture for the generative AI era, specifically system-level memory design and in/near-memory computing.
The company also plans to collaborate with Purdue University and Ivy Tech Community College to develop training programs and interdisciplinary degree curricula that will cultivate a high-tech workforce and build a reliable pipeline of new talent. Meanwhile, SK hynix plans to support the work of Purdue Research Foundation and other local non-profits and charities by building partnerships that provide community development, growth opportunities, and leadership training.
“SK hynix is the global pioneer and dominant market leader in memory chips for AI,” Purdue University President Mung Chiang said. “This transformational investment reflects our state and university’s tremendous strength in semiconductors, hardware AI, and hard tech corridor. It is also a monumental moment for completing the supply chain of digital economy in our country through chips advanced packaging. Located at Purdue Research Park, the largest facility of its kind at a U.S. university will grow and succeed through innovation.”
Today’s news solidifies Indiana as a semiconductor industry leader. Since 2022, eight companies have announced plans to establish semiconductor manufacturing plants here, committing to invest more than $6 billion and create more than 2,100 new high-skilled, high-paying jobs for Hoosiers. Indiana is now home to a new, 10-acre microelectronics campus – WestGate One – a public-private development near the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC), and the state landed a new federal microelectronics hub designation through the CHIPS and Science Act, bringing $32.9 million in funding in the first year for the Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons Hub.
“West Lafayette is thrilled to join our national efforts to bring the semiconductor industry to the United States through President Biden’s CHIPS and Science Act,” said West Lafayette Mayor Erin Easter. “This partnership will leverage Purdue University’s science and research expertise with SK hynix’s innovation in semiconductor technology. The impact on West Lafayette will enable us to continue to provide the high level of service our community expects and to increase our quality-of-life amenities for the region so we can attract and retain the excellent graduates of Purdue University. In addition, SK hynix’s global dedication to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, water process reduction and recycling and zero waste to landfill programs align with our community’s commitment to environmental stewardship. We are grateful for SK hynix’s investment and commitment to West Lafayette and for our partners Purdue University, Purdue Research Foundation, the city of Lafayette, Tippecanoe County and the Greater Lafayette region.”
Based on the company’s phase one investment plans, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) committed an investment in SK Hynix of up to $3 million in incentive-based training grants, up to $3 million in Manufacturing Readiness Grants, and up to $80 million in conditional structured performance payments. The IEDC offered up to $554.7 million of Innovation Development District tax rebates with the flexibility for the project to grow to $4.644 billion in capital investment. The IEDC also committed up to $45 million through the Industrial Development Grant Fund to support infrastructure improvements surrounding the new plant. These incentives are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim state benefits once investments are made.
The local community, including the city of West Lafayette, city of Lafayette and Tippecanoe County, as well as Duke Energy offered additional Incentives. The Purdue Research Foundation and Purdue University offered additional incentives and in-kind services valued at approximately $60 million, including discounted land pricing for 90 acres with an option to expand on an additional 30 acres, to support production, R&D, and talent and supply chain development.
About SK hynix Inc. SK hynix Inc., headquartered in Korea, is the world’s top-tier semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips (“DRAM”), flash memory chips (“NAND flash”) and CMOS Image Sensors (“CIS”) for a wide range of distinguished customers globally. The Company’s shares are traded on the Korea Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxemburg Stock Exchange. Further information about SK hynix is available at www.skhynix.com, news.skhynix.com.
– 30 –
|
|
Erin Murphy
Press Secretary
Office of Governor Eric J. Holcomb
Email: emurphy2@gov.in.gov
Cell: 317-618-7635
Follow Governor Eric Holcomb on X, Facebook & Instagram
5 Day until Pages of Darkness Solar Eclipse Watch Party
Prepare for an extraordinary cosmic experience at the Pages of Darkness Solar Eclipse Watch Party next Monday, April 8th! Presented by Willard Public Library and the Jacobsville Neighborhood, this event promises an unforgettable gathering under the stars (or technically, under the moon).
Event Details:
Date: Monday, April 8, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Willard Park and Willard Library
Here’s what’s on the agenda:
- Astrology of Paranormal Energy During an Eclipse: Delve into the mysterious side of eclipses and uncover the celestial energies that surround this captivating phenomenon.
- All-Day Eclipse Related Entertainment: Enjoy eclipse-themed movies on the big screen at the Browning Gallery and explore the library’s offerings.
- Food Trucks & Fun: Treat your taste buds to delicious bites from local food trucks while engaging in outdoor games and activities suitable for all ages.
- Support Local Businesses: Discover the treasures offered by Jacobsville’s local businesses, ranging from handmade crafts to unique finds.
- Eclipse Swag: Commemorate this celestial event with limited-edition eclipse t-shirts, glasses, and other cool merchandise available for purchase.
- Eclipse Viewing Party: Gather with fellow sky enthusiasts as we marvel at the solar eclipse together. Be sure to bring your favorite chair or blanket for maximum comfort.
Reserved parking spots are available for $10 each, with all proceeds supporting Willard Public Library’s community initiatives. Reserve your spot in advance here, or find parking on a first-come, first-served basis in the park and across First Avenue.
This event is open to the public and free for all attendees. Bring your friends and family along for an afternoon of celestial wonder! Don’t forget your blankets and chairs.
Learn more about the Jacobsville Neighborhood here.
Don’t miss out on this celestial extravaganza! We look forward to seeing you there.
Hopefest 2024: A Day of Celebration and Support for Cancer Survivors
Hopefest 2024: A Day of Celebration and Support for Cancer Survivors
APRIL 4, 2024
Newburgh,– Hopefest, a beacon of joy and resilience for everyone affected by cancer, returns to Friedman Park in Newburgh on April 27, promising a day filled with festivities, hope, and solidarity. This year, the organizers have amped up the excitement by introducing an array of new events and activities designed to appeal to the whole family.
The event, now in its sixth year, aims to provide a platform for cancer survivors, patients, caregivers, and supporters to come together in a spirit of unity and optimism. Hopefest not only celebrates the courage and strength of survivors but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against cancer.
Among the highlights of this year’s Hopefest are:
- Survivor Parade: The centerpiece of the event, the Survivor Parade, invites individuals who have faced cancer – whether newly diagnosed or long-time survivors – to march in solidarity. Participation in the parade is free for all survivors, and registration by April 5 guarantees a complimentary survivor t-shirt.Cruise In: Classic car enthusiasts will delight in the Cruise-In, where vintage automobiles will line up for display, adding a touch of nostalgia to the festivities.Food Trucks and Vendor Village: Culinary delights await attendees at the diverse array of food trucks, while the Vendor Village offers a shopping experience featuring local artisans and businesses.5K Run and 1 Mile Walk: Fitness enthusiasts can lace up their sneakers for either the 5K Run or the more leisurely 1 Mile Walk, both of which promise scenic routes and a chance to support a worthy cause.
Family Fun Activities: Children and adults alike can partake in a variety of activities, including balloon animals, face painting, and inflatables, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Hopefest 2024 also carries a deeper purpose, as it serves to support the mission of Chemo Buddies, an organization dedicated to ensuring that no one faces chemotherapy alone. Chemo Buddies not only provides invaluable support to patients undergoing treatment but also spreads hope and positivity to all those affected by cancer.
In a statement, organizers expressed their commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals touched by cancer can find solace and strength in each other’s company.
“Hopefest is more than just a festival; it’s a symbol of resilience, community, and hope,” said event organizer Vanessa Borgman. “We invite everyone to join us as we celebrate the indomitable spirit of cancer survivors and rally together in the fight against this disease.”
With Hopefest 2024 just around the corner, anticipation is building for a day of laughter, camaraderie, and, above all, hope. Mark your calendars and join the Newburgh community in this uplifting celebration of life and courage.
For more information and registration details, visit the Hopefest website at hopefest.net
VANDERBURGH COUNTY TREASURER PROPERTY TAX BILLS TO BE MAILED TODAY
VANDERBURGH COUNTY TREASURER PROPERTY TAX BILLS TO BE MAILED TOday, April 4th, 2024
EVANSVILLE, IN – 4/4/2024
Approximately 86,000 property and personal property tax bills for Vanderburgh County will be mailed with Spring payment being due on or before May 10th, 2024. Fall payment due on or before November 12th, 2024. For information about your property or taxes, our new website engage.xsoftinc.com/Vanderburgh.
Ways To Pay Your Bill At This Time
• Mail to – Vanderburgh County Treasurer PO Box 77 Evansville, IN 47701
• Any tri-state Old National Bank location (with your original bill)
• Website – engage.xsoftinc.com/Vanderburgh
• Call 1-877-690-3729. Enter jurisdiction code 2436, option 1 for personal property or option 2
For Real Property.
• Pay in the Treasurer’s Office located @ 1 NW MLK Jr. Blvd, Evansville, IN. Room 210 of the Civic Center
CONTACT INFORMATION: DOTTIE THOMAS – VANDERBURGH COUNTY TREASURER 812-435-5257 or dthomas@vanderburghgov.org
Retail Food Establishment Inspection Report
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.
Vincennes University announces historic faculty endowment gift from Ro and Shorty Whittington to support agricultural education
VINCENNES, Ind., April 3, 2024 – Ro and Charles “Shorty” Whittington of Columbus, Indiana, have announced a first-of-its-kind and groundbreaking gift to Vincennes University. The landmark gift will create a faculty endowment fund made possible by the tremendous generosity of the couple.
The Whittington Endowed Faculty Fund represents VU’s first-ever faculty fund endowment, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to academic excellence and advancement. The fund will bolster faculty support and foster agricultural innovation.
“My wife and I have a real desire to build up kids to get them where they need to be,” Shorty Whittington said. “Our objective is to invest in Vincennes University faculty and help them make things better.”
Ro and Shorty Whittington are long-time philanthropists and have supported 4-H youth through scholarships for several decades. Their recent gift continues their legacy of giving.
Shorty Whittington said, “We want to make things available for young people to help them grow and help get them jump-started. I farmed for a long time, and if you plant a seed and you take care of that seed it grows.”
The transformative gift from the Whittingtons’ Landmark Farm Foundation, Inc. represents one of the largest individual donor gifts in recent years, underscoring the profound impact of philanthropy on VU’s continued success and growth.
VU Provost Dr. Laura Treanor said, “This historic endowment underscores our unwavering dedication to academic excellence and innovation. Faculty are the lifeblood of what we do, working directly with our students to produce skills and experiences that lead to life-changing outcomes. I and Vincennes University are immensely grateful to Ro and Shorty Whittington for their visionary philanthropy, which will have a profound and lasting impact on our faculty, University community, and beyond.”
The faculty fund will address critical challenges in talent recruitment and retention within highly competitive fields of study, particularly agriculture. With an initial focus on supporting faculty positions in the College of Technology and College of Business and Public Service, the fund will allocate stipends to five positions, enabling VU to attract and retain top-tier talent in these crucial areas.
Ro and Shorty Whittington hope to inspire others to join them in nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators by following them in their giving spirit. Shorty Whittington founded Grammer Industries, an Indiana-based trucking company, and was also the CEO.
Shorty Whittington said, “I have two things in my life that I go by, and the No. 1 thing is “If you give you get.”
In addition to providing immediate support for faculty positions, a significant portion of their gift will be allocated towards establishing a named endowed fund, ensuring sustained support for faculty in perpetuity.
This enduring commitment to agricultural education underscores the University’s role as a leader in addressing the evolving needs of the agriculture sector.
Executive Director of VU Foundation and Senior Director of Institutional Advancement Kristi Deetz said, “We extend our deepest gratitude to Ro and Shorty Whittington for their outstanding generosity. It is an honor for VU and the Foundation to be a part of their passion and vision for making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Their commitment to youth and education is truly inspiring.”
This week marks an exciting milestone for VU as it announces the extraordinary philanthropy of Ro and Shorty Whittington, which coincides with the VU Foundation’s fourth annual Blazers Give Day. The 24-hour giving day event is on Thursday, April 4, from midnight to 11:59 p.m. (EDT). For more information about Blazers Give Day and how to get involved, please visit vinu.edu/blazersgive.