Governor proclaims March 19 as National Ag Day

03/19/2024

INDIANAPOLIS (March 19, 2024) — Gov. Eric Holcomb has proclaimed March 19 as National Ag Day in Indiana.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our rural communities, and this sector is a large employer of Hoosiers and contributes so much to our state, both economically and socially,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Today, we not only celebrate all Hoosiers involved in any capacity, but we thank them also!”

National Ag Day, March 19, 2024, highlights agriculture’s contributions to our state and local economies and allows producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others across America to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by American agriculture.

Indiana is the ninth-largest agricultural-producing state in the country. The state has over 94,000 farmers, and agricultural production is valued at over $18 billion. Indiana farmers cultivate over 14.6 million acres and establish over 47,000 soil conservation practices each year which kept an estimated 1.8 million tons of soil in the farm fields.

Indiana’s top commodities are:

Number one producer of popcorn, gourds and duck
Number two producer of pumpkins
Number three producer of spearmint, turkeys and total eggs
Number four producer of peppermint and soybeans
Number five producing state for corn and hogs
Number six producer of watermelons
Number ten producing state for maple syrup and hemp for floral (CBD and other cannabinoid usage)

“Indiana’s agriculture breadth is deep and wide. We have traditional row crop farmers and animal producers, we have farmers who grow popcorn for movie theaters and corn for tortilla chips, we have food manufacturers who make snack cakes that are beloved worldwide, and we have organic farmers and farmers that sell directly to restaurants and consumers,” said Don Lamb, ISDA director. “My favorite part about agriculture in Indiana is that everyone has a seat at our table. Today, we honor them and extend our gratitude.”

Rescue Dog Providing Support to Families of Fallen Soldiers

03/19/2024

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Rescue Dog Providing Support to Families of Fallen Soldiers

MARCH 19, 2024

Overcoming Abuse and Neglect, Therapy Dog ‘Blaze’ Now Serves Alongside Chaplain, Captain William Kilgore, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations at Dover Air Force Base

NESCONSET, New York – March 18, 2024 –The families of U.S. service members killed while on duty overseas face incomprehensible grief and stress. The same goes for the servicemen and women who support them during this unimaginable time. The men and women of Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO) at Dover Air Base are in charge of rendering support and honors during the dignified transfer of remains at the Dover, Delaware Air Force Base. They are the only Air Force base in America that all the fallen come through. A dog named Blaze is part of that special team, as he provides support to the families.

A unique member of the AFMAO support team, Blaze is a two-year-old rescued standard poodle gifted to Captain Kilgore by Paws of War, after being rescued by them in 2022. He now serves as a United States Air Force Base therapy dog alongside active-duty military Air Force Chaplain, Captain William Kilgore. Like many of the 5,000-plus animals, Paws of War has rescued over the last 10 years, Blaze was rescued from unspeakable conditions in an environment run by illegal breeders that severely neglected him.

Through Paws of War, Blaze underwent months of therapy, rehabilitation, training, and special care. As a result, he successfully recovered from his ailments and injuries that were a result of months of abuse and neglect. To the surprise of all involved with his rehabilitation, Blaze flourished beyond expectations and his potential as a therapy dog was soon recognized. Blaze was so effective with military staff and team members at AFMOA, it was recommended that he become a full-time member of Captain Kilgore’s team.

Blaze was fully adopted by Air Force Captain William Kilgore the on-base Chaplain at Dover Air Base in 2023, and now serves as an integral member of his support team. Captain Kilgore’s experience with therapy dogs prior to joining the military helped guide his decision to seek out and enlist Blaze.

Blaze’s mission is to “lift the spirits” of those serving on-base and aid in therapeutic and emotional support to all that require or seek it. Blaze provides comfort during times of crisis and stress at Dover. Blaze starts the day like any normal dog. But when it is time, he “goes to work” every day with Chaplain Captain Kilgore.

Throughout any given day, Blaze will attend meetings, “make the rounds” of the facility and base, interacting with base personnel and visitors alike. In addition, his main responsibility is to be present during the welcoming of families of a fallen service member, stand by the service men and women of the AFMAO during the transfer of a flag covered casket., and meet with the families of the fallen if requested by the immediate family. It is always at this moment Captain Kilgore is reminded that he made the right decision in bringing Blaze on.

“Since Blaze has joined us, every single family here for a Dignified Transfer has requested time with Blaze,” says Captain Kilgore. “Blaze has had a tremendous impact on everyone that meets him.”

Paws of War also focuses on giving back to veterans in various ways. They have helped veterans with numerous issues, including suicide prevention, service and support dogs, companion cats and dogs, food insecurity, veterinary care, etc. Paws of War has a large loyal following of supporters and looks forward to working with new corporate sponsors to support these life-saving programs. To donate to help their mission, visit its site at http://pawsofwar.org.

About Paws of War
Paws of War is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to honor and support veterans, active military members, and first responders with services that enrich their lives through the rescue and training of service dogs for independence, adoption of companion animals, rescue of overseas animals in war zones, and other essential services to assist our heroes in need. Since 2014, Paws of War has rescued more than 5000 animals, many cared for and rescued by our troops serving overseas to safety in the United States. Paws of War has provided over 950 Veterans and First Responders with service and support animals rescued from kill shelters for over 10 years and has placed over 800 animals for adoption. To learn more about Paws of War and the programs provided or donate, visit its site at http://pawsofwar.org.

About Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations – United States Air Force
Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations is a Field Operating Agency under the Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters Air Force. AFMAO provides global contingency mortuary response teams in support of Air Force and combatant command requirements, supporting both an Air Force and joint role. It is AFMAO’s mission and privilege to fulfill our nation’s sacred commitment of ensuring dignity, honor and respect to the fallen, and care, service and support to their families.AFMAO has a total force support consisting of more than 85 civilian staff and active-duty Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, as well as Guard and Reserve personnel. AFMAO has many community partners, which routinely include support from the 436th Airlift Wing at Dover Air Force Base, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, Joint Personal Effects Depot, Fisher House, USO and Friends of the Fallen.

Mission: Maintain a highly trained and resilient Total Force team of professionals capable of fulfilling our nation’s sacred commitment of ensuring Dignity, Honor and Respect to our fallen while providing Care, Service and Support to their families across the DoD enterprise.

Vision: To be the benchmark by which all Mortuary Affairs and honor guard procedures, programs, readiness, resiliency and training are measured while providing the utmost honors to those who have fallen while in service to our Nation.
https://www.mortuary.af.mil

Bill Watch Update – March 18

03/19/2024

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INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb today signed HEA 1338 into law and issued the following statement:

“Today, I signed HEA 1338 to provide local government entities across our state with the ability to better control public meetings when faced with unruly, disruptive and disorderly behavior. Concerns raised regarding the provisions affecting the Office of Public Access Counselor were taken into account but ultimately, in my opinion, muted by the fact that judicial review of the office’s decisions is left untouched and that the governor retains the ability to appoint the position in the future.”

16th annual Fix a Leak Week reminds businesses to reduce water waste

03/19/2024

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WASHINGTON — Today, March 18, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program is celebrating the 16th annual Fix a Leak Week. Minor leaks account for nearly one trillion gallons of water wasted each year in U.S. homes. During the third week of March each year, WaterSense and its utility, government, retail, builder, and manufacturer partners remind consumers and businesses to look for leaks and make simple repairs to save water.

“Common water leaks around your home include worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and leaking showerheads—all of which can be fixed with a little do-it-yourself effort,” said EPA Office of Wastewater Management Director Dr. Andrew Sawyers. “The average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year—the amount of water needed to wash 300 loads of laundry—and could be adding as much as 10% to your water bill.”

Participating in Fix a Leak Week is simple. Take 10 minutes each day during Fix a Leak Week to look for leaks and save water using the following tips:

Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is probably a leak.
Place a drop of food coloring in the tank at the back of the toilet. If color shows up in the bowl in 5-10 minutes, there’s a leak; flush afterward to avoid staining the tank.
If the rubber flapper in your toilet tank is more than five years old, replace it with a new one, as worn flappers can cause toilets to run or have silent leaks.
Check faucet washers and gaskets for wear and replace them if necessary. Leaky showerhead connections can be tightened using pipe tape and a wrench.
Outside, check hose spigots for drips and look for broken or missing sprinkler heads in your irrigation system.

For plumbing and irrigation fixtures that cannot be repaired, EPA recommends replacing them with products that have earned the WaterSense label. WaterSense-labeled products are independently certified to use at least 20% less water and perform as well or better than standard models. For more information on finding and fixing leaks, visit EPA’s Fix a Leak Week website.

Aces back home to face SIUE on Tuesday

03/19/2024

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Game time set for 5 p.m.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Another home game is on the docket for the University of Evansville softball team as the Purple Aces are set to welcome SIU Edwardsville to Tri-State Orthopaedics Field at James & Dorothy Cooper Stadium on Tuesday. First pitch is 5 p.m.

After opening the season at 0-17, the Purple Aces have won 8 of their last 10 games to improve to 8-19. UE has enjoyed a strong start to its Missouri Valley Conference slate, winning four of its first five games. Following Tuesday’s non-conference contest, the Aces travel to Belmont for a 3-game series this weekend in Nashville.

The 4-1 start in MVC play would not be possible without the efforts of Lacy Smith. Wednesday’s win over Indiana State saw the outfielder record the game-tying and game-winning hits on her way to three RBI. Smith completed the week with another clutch hit to secure the series sweep over Valparaiso. With the score tied at 1-1 in the bottom of the 7^th, Smith’s infield single scored the game-winning run.

Sydney Weatherford went 2-0 with a 1.31 ERA in the last week of play for the Purple Aces. Her efforts on 3/13 versus Indiana State resulted in a 6-5 Purple Aces win. She went four innings allowing three runs on six hits. She followed that up with two complete game shutout victories over Valparaiso. On Friday, she threw a 5-inning 3-hitter while fanning three batters with no walks. Sunday’s finale saw her go the full 7 frames with one run scoring on five hits while adding three strikeouts.

The Cougars enter the game with a 9-17 mark while sitting at 1-5 in the Ohio Valley Conference. SIUE has dropped seven in a row including a 3-game home series against Southeast Missouri State over the weekend. Paige Rocha leads the team with a .412 batting average and 19 runs scored.

UE’s Andiron Lecture Series to Feature Insight into Electroacoustic Music Analysis

03/19/2024

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EVANSVILLE, IND. (03/18/2024) The Andiron Lecture series at the University of Evansville (UE) is proud to announce its upcoming event featuring Charles du Preez, DMA, Assistant Professor of Clarinet. Charles du Preez will be delivering a lecture titled “Listener-based analysis of electroacoustic music: a selected chronology of methods,” which promises to be an illuminating exploration into the analytical methods of electroacoustic music.

Scheduled for Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. in Wheeler Concert Hall at the Krannert Hall of Art and Music, this lecture will be an enlightening experience for music enthusiasts, students, and scholars alike. Charles du Preez, is a distinguished clarinetist and bass clarinetist with a rich background in performance and academia, holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Arizona and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the California Institute of the Arts.

The lecture will feature insights from du Preez’s extensive research, culminating in a comprehensive 222-page document titled “Listener-Based Analysis of Electroacoustic Music.” This document provides analytical methods used in electroacoustic music, with a focus on listener-based approaches. Attendees can expect an in-depth examination of various methods, including spectromorphology, sonograms, and other listener-based techniques.

du Preez brings a fresh perspective as his lecture will explore the evolution of analytical methods since the 1960’s and their practical implications for understanding electroacoustic compositions.

Admission is free and open to the public, offering an invaluable opportunity for anyone interested in the intersection of music and technology.

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.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE

03/19/2024

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AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE

AGENDA
Wednesday, March 20th, 2024 – 4:30 p.m.

Civic Center Complex – Room 307

Call to Order/Roll Call
Approval of Minutes; January 31, 2024
Old Business
1. Evie Waddell/Memorial CDC home repair project: Contract amended and Noticeto Proceed issued
2. Memorial CDC; Memorial Villas ongoing
3. Memorial CDC; 600-604 Taylor ongoing
4. TruVest; Bayard Park ongoing: One home listed for sale
5. HOPE/Habitat for Humanity; Homebuyer Downpayment Assistance ongoing: 11of 20 clients identified/served
6. CAPE; CAPE on Cody St. completed: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony not yetannounced and units are not leased
New Business

a. None to report – sufficient funding for projects unavailable. Funding allocation of

$500,000 is anticipated to become available prior to April 2024. 5. Adjournment

Petrova tied for second following opening round

03/19/2024

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PROSPECT, Ky. – Kate Petrova carded a 1-over 73 and is tied for second place following the first round of the Nevel Meade Collegiate at the Nevel Meade Golf Club.

Petrova is tied for second place, just one off the lead. Her efforts have the Purple Aces women’s golf team in a tie for 7^th place with a score of 328. The University of Evansville is seven behind a 5^th place tie between Indiana State and Western Michigan.

Allison Enchelmayer and Destynie Sheridan both posted rounds of 34 on Monday. The duo is tied for the 34^th spot. Fourth on the team was Jane Grankina with a round of 87. Trinity Dubbs rounded out the team with a tally of 89. Carly Frazier played as an individual and completed Monday’s round with a 93.

Oakland sits atop the team standings with a 306 with UIC and Bellarmine rounding out the top three with scores of 313 and 315. Dasa Urbankova of the Flames holds the individual lead. She posted an even 72 in the opening 18 holes.

Virtual Author Talk: Madeline Miller – March 21

03/19/2024

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We’re thrilled to invite you to a captivating Virtual Author Talk featuring the renowned author Madeline Miller! Join us on Thursday, March 21, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm for an enriching exploration of modern epics through the lens of Greek classics.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024

Times: 6:00 PM

Location: Streaming Online

During the event, Madeline Miller, bestselling author of “The Song of Achilles” and “Circe,” will engage in an insightful discussion about her body of work and her unique process of retelling Greek classics into modern epics in fiction.

In “The Song of Achilles,” Miller brings to life the timeless tale of Achilles, the heroic figure of Greek mythology, and his inseparable bond with the awkward prince Patroclus. Their journey intertwines love, friendship, and the wrath of the gods in the backdrop of the Trojan War.

“Circe” introduces us to the titular character, a powerful but misunderstood witch, banished to a deserted island by Zeus. As Circe navigates her solitary existence, encountering famous mythological figures, she grapples with her identity and must confront formidable challenges to protect what she holds dear.

About the Author: Madeline Miller is a #1 New York Times bestselling author renowned for her masterful retelling of Greek myths. With accolades such as the Orange Women’s Prize for Fiction and short-listing for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, her works have captivated readers worldwide. Miller’s academic background in Classics and her dedication to adapting classical texts into modern narratives enrich her storytelling.

Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to delve into the world of Greek mythology with Madeline Miller!

To find streaming information and view future Virtual Author Talks, please visit the link below in the red button.

Vincennes University to host Summer STEM Academy for high school students

03/19/2024

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VINCENNES, Ind., March 18, 2024 – Vincennes University is accepting registrations for its upcoming Summer STEM Academy, which offers a transformative experience for current Indiana 10th and 11th-grade students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The VU Summer STEM Academy is June 23-28 and provides an immersive overnight experience on the Vincennes Campus. Registration for the Summer STEM Academy is currently open, with a registration fee of $50. However, scholarship opportunities are available for students who may require financial assistance to participate.

The academy provides a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in college life while delving into various STEM fields. Led by esteemed faculty members specializing in STEM disciplines, participants will engage in hands-on activities, problem-based learning exercises, and research projects throughout the weeklong camp. Students will also interact with VU alumni working in STEM fields and visit local STEM employers. Moreover, upon successfully completing the academy, students will earn college credit in a Study Skills course, enhancing their academic resume and college readiness.

VU of Pre-College Programs and Professor Nicole Hagemeier-McVay said, “We are thrilled to offer students the chance to explore their passion for STEM while gaining invaluable college experience. The Summer STEM Academy aims to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders in STEM by providing a dynamic learning environment and fostering a spirit of innovation and discovery.”

With just two weeks left until the registration deadline of March 31, or until all slots are filled, interested participants are encouraged to secure their spots swiftly to ensure participation in this enriching program. There is a waitlist should capacity be reached.