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Motorists: stay alert and share the road with farm equipment this spring

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INDIANAPOLIS — Planting season is quickly approaching for Indiana’s 94,000 farmers. With the warm weather and sunshine, Hoosier motorists will also see more large slow-moving farm equipment traveling Indiana’s rural roads and highways.

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Police and Hoosier Ag Today want to encourage motorists to slow down, be alert and be patient on roadways this spring.

“Indiana farmers will be working hard this spring to ensure their crops are planted safely, timely and efficiently,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Whether you live in rural, urban or suburban Indiana, remain alert on the road this spring as you may encounter large farm equipment moving between fields.”

In 2021, four occupants were involved in crashes with farm equipment in Indiana which resulted in two deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration*.

“With the onset of warmer weather, we will begin to see more and more farm machinery on our rural roads and highways,” said Doug Carter, Indiana State Police Superintendent. “Patience, courtesy, undivided attention, and understanding will help everyone get to where they need to be safely.  Let’s all do our part to ensure our farmers enjoy a safe planting season.”

While the term “farm equipment” encompasses a wide range of vehicles, the most common types motorists will encounter during planting season include sprayers, tractors pulling planters or tillage equipment, and large trucks hauling agricultural products. These vehicles are wide, sometimes taking up most of the road, and often travel at speeds no greater than 25 mph.

The following list includes several safety tips for motorists approaching large farm equipment:

  • Farmers will pull over when they are able to let motorists pass, but it may take time for them to get to a safe place to do so.
  • Be patient. Farm equipment is wide, sometimes taking up most of the road.
  • Be careful when passing. Do not pass in a designated “No Passing Zone” or within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevation structure or tunnel.
  • Do not try to pass slow-moving farm equipment on the left without ensuring that the farmer driving is not planning a left turn. It may appear that the driver is pulling over to allow a pass when the farmer is actually preparing to turn. You will drive right into its path, endangering yourself and the farmer.
  • Avoid tailgating, as some farm equipment might have to make sudden stops along the road.
  • Allow plenty of time to get to a destination, be aware of alternate routes and avoid distractions.

Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb wants to remind motorists that farmers work hard to ensure they are being as safe as possible.

“As a farmer myself I have heard of way too many accidents involving farm equipment and motorists on rural Indiana roads,” said Lamb. “Unfortunately, crashes and deaths occur each year during this busy time. We want to encourage motorists to slow down, be alert and be patient when sharing the roads with farmers this busy spring season.”

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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EPD

 

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.

BASEBALL ACES CAGE REDBIRDS, 9-1, IN SERIES OPENER

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. –  University of Evansville freshman starter Kenton Deverman tossed seven shutout innings on Friday night and the top three hitters in the UE lineup combined for eight hits and seven runs driven in as the Purple Aces caged the visiting Illinois State Redbirds, 9-1, in the series-opener at German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium in Evansville, Indiana.

“What a tremendous way to begin a series!” said UE head coach Wes Carroll.  “It all started on the mound for us with Kenton Deverman, as he was outstanding tonight.  From the start, he was in control, and once we got him the lead, he just took it to another level and shut down a very good Illinois State offense.

“Offensively, Harrison Taubert, Mark Shallenberger, and Kip Fougerousse were special tonight.  Mark and Kip had big home runs for us, and Harrison has really been great at the top of the batting order for us.  Hopefully, we can keep it going tomorrow!”

Deverman set the tone early, cruising through the first two innings, allowing just a pair of singles through the first two frames.  Illinois State threatened to take the lead in the third inning, getting a lead-off walk, a single, and a stolen base to put two men in scoring position with no one out.  But, that is when Deverman buckled down and changed the entire complexion of the contest.

After getting a routine pop up to center field, Deverman stabbed a come-backer to the mound, and was able to catch the lead runner at third base too far off the bag for the second out of the inning.  He then induced a pop up to right field, and after that, UE’s offense took over.

After a walk and a pop up, Taubert and Shallenberger followed with back-to-back base hits to load the bases with one out.  Fougerousse then launched his eighth home run of the year to right field for a grand slam to give UE a 4-0 lead.  UE would add another run later in the frame on an RBI single by junior first baseman Cal McGinnis to grab a 5-0 cushion through three innings.

From there, Deverman shut down the Redbirds, allowing just a walk and a single through the next four innings.  Shallenberger helped Deverman out with a line-drive two-run home run to right-center field in the fourth inning, before Fougerousse added an RBI ground out in the sixth inning to push the lead to 8-0.  A run-scoring wild pitch in the seventh inning would cap UE’s scoring, while Illinois State would get down to its final out before tacking on a run in the ninth inning to provide the final score.

Deverman improved to 4-1 on the season by tossing 7.0 scoreless innings, while allowing four hits and two walks with five strikeouts.  Shallenberger went 4-for-5 with a home run, two runs scored and two RBI, while Taubert and Fougerousse both went 2-for-4, with Taubert scoring three runs and Fougerousse adding five RBI.

With the victory, Evansville improves to 16-17 overall and 5-5 in the Missouri Valley Conference.  Illinois State, meanwhile, falls to 18-13 overall and 7-3 in the MVC with the loss.  The series will continue on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m., with graduate left-hander Donovan Schultz (1-1, 7.59 ERA) scheduled to start for the Purple Aces.  Saturday’s game can be heard live in the Tri-State area on 107.1 FM-WJPS and can be seen live on ESPN+.

USI Baseball drops pitching duel to SEMO

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CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – University of Southern Indiana Baseball suffered a tough 1-0 loss to start a three-game series at Southeast Missouri State University Friday evening in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. USI is 14-20 overall and 4-6 in the OVC, while SEMO goes to 17-17, 7-3 OVC.
 
The Screaming Eagles and the Redhawks battled nearly inning for inning in a pitching duel through the nine-inning contest. SEMO pushed the only run across in the third on a home run for the eventual 1-0 final.
 
USI freshman right-hander Grant Parson (Owensboro, Kentucky) picked up the loss despite throwing seven strong innings. Parson (3-1), who allowed the solo shot in the third, gave up the one run on five hits and one walk, while striking out a season-high tying eight batters.
 
The Eagles had chances to score early in the contest. USI started the game with runners at first and third and one out in the opening frame and had back-to-back singles to lead off the third but failed to score in each instance.
 
USI sophomore second baseman Caleb Niehaus (Newburgh, Indiana) led the Eagle hitters with two of the team’s four hits.  

Salukis take series opener

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Game two set for 2 p.m. Saturday

 

CARBONDALE, Ill. – Scoring three runs in the first and finishing with five in the fourth, Southern Illinois defeated the University of Evansville softball team by a 9-0 final on Friday at Charlotte West Stadium.

The Salukis opened with a 3-run first inning, highlighted by a 2-run shot from Addi Baker.  Jenna Nink picked up the first hit of the game for the Purple Aces in the second while Taylor Howe recorded a single in the third.

In the bottom of the third, the Salukis tacked on one run before erupting for five in the bottom of the fourth.  Emma Austin had a bases-clearing triple as SIU put the game out of reach.  Marah Wood reached on a bunt single in the fifth, but SIU was able to close out the 9-0 win.

Mikayla Jolly took the loss, allowing six runs in 3 2/3 innings of work.  Maddie Groff earned the win, throwing four shutout frames.  UE looks to get back on track on Saturday with a 2 p.m. game.

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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Booked Last 24 Hours-Public

Attorney General Todd Rokita marches in support of consumers, raising awareness of harmful household products recalled in March

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Attorney General Todd Rokita is alerting Hoosiers of important consumer protection concerns for products recalled in March. The office encourages consumers to take advantage of opportunities available for those who purchase recalled items that could be harmful to their families.  

“The biggest concern of any parent is the safety and wellbeing of their children,” Attorney General Rokita said. “You might think you’re getting a good deal but if you invest in a flawed product, it could lead to a devastating disaster. If you have difficulty finding a solution for your recalled product, call my office immediately.” 

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the following consumer products were recalled in March: 

If you believe you recently purchased a recalled product, stop using it, and check its recall notice (linked above for all products). Then follow the notice’s instructions, including where to return the product, how to get the product fixed, how to dispose of the product, how to receive a refund for the product, or what steps must be taken to receive a replacement product. 

BRAUN, BROWN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO LOWER FOOD COSTS BY STRENGTHENING SUPPLY CHAINS

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Mike Braun and Sherrod Brown introduced bipartisan legislation that would help lower food costs by strengthening the infrastructure and supply chains that farmers and food businesses depend on to get their products to market. The Food Supply Chain Capacity and Resiliency Act would expand the Department of Agriculture’s Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program to support new investments in America’s food supply chain by providing low-interest loans to businesses investing in food supply chain operations and prioritizes investments in rural or economically distressed areas.

“Supporting our Hoosier farmers that put food on the table for Americans is vital to our nation’s food security. I’m proud to lead this bill with Sen. Brown to prioritize investments in rural communities in Indiana and across the country so we can maintain a strong domestic food supply chain and lower food costs.”—Sen. Braun

“Ohioans know how supply chain disruptions cause shortages and raise prices. By strengthening our food supply chains, we can prevent delays that drive up prices while making it easier for Ohio farmers and food businesses to get their products onto the shelves in stores at competitive prices that work for Ohio families.”—Sen. Brown 

  

Disruptions to the food supply chain have affected millions of Americans, from transporters and distributors to consumers at the grocery store. The Food Supply Chain Capacity and Resiliency Act would address the disruptions and lack of capital access by investing in domestic infrastructure for food production, aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transportation, wholesaling, and distribution to increase capacity and create a more resilient, diverse, and secure U.S. food supply chain.

The legislation is endorsed by the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, the Controlled Environment Agriculture Alliance, the Breakthrough Institute, Regenerate America, National Cooperative Business Association, the American Sustainable Business Network, LandCore, the International Fresh Produce Association, National Fisheries Institute and National Rural Lenders Association.

“We all know that Indiana is an agricultural powerhouse and indoor farming represents an important and growing part of our state’s fresh food supply chain. Pure Green Farms applauds Senators Mike Braun and Sherrod Brown for introducing the Food Supply Chain Capacity and Resiliency Act of 2024, which will provide important financing tools for indoor farming companies in Indiana and around the country,” said Joe McGuire, CEO of Pure Green Farms based in South Bend, IN.

“As Senators Brown and Braun recognize, bringing year-round food production back to American communities requires investment in new technologies, which the Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program supports,” says Jed Portman, Senior Manager, Public Affairs at 80 Acres Farms, a vertical farming company based in Hamilton, Ohio. Before an earlier version of the program was rescinded, 80 Acres Farms used it to finance its newest and largest farm, which has increased the company’s output dramatically. “The U.S. just became a net importer of food, but USDA guaranteed loans can help innovative domestic producers reverse that trend, for a healthier, more sustainable, and more secure future. The 80 Acres Farms produce in stores across the Midwest and Southeast is proof.”

“We strongly commend the bipartisan leadership shown my Senators Brown and Braun in introducing this legislation. The last few years have served as a stern reminder of the importance of our food supply chains. Ensuring permanent funding for USDA’s Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program will benefit cooperatives looking to access the program to improve their businesses,” said Chuck Conner, president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives.

“The CEA Alliance applauds Senators Sherrod Brown and Mike Braun for working together to ensure that America’s indoor farming industry has the financial tools it needs to continue to grow and scale,” said Tom Stenzel, Executive Director for the CEA Alliance. “Indoor farming is helping to build a more resilient fresh food supply chain. It is critical that the next farm bill enhances and makes permanent the Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program so that producers can access valuable financing to help the industry grow.”

 

e Region Awarded $45 Million in READI 2.0 Funding

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One of Six Regions Awarded Maximum Funding  

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (April 11, 2024) – Today at a special meeting in Indianapolis, the board of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) awarded $500 million in the second round of the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI 2.0). The four counties that make up the Evansville Region were awarded $45 million to advance a collection of projects to grow our population, increase the quantity and quality of available jobs, improve health outcomes, and reduce the number of households living in poverty in Gibson, Posey, Vanderburgh, and Warrick Counties.

“The Evansville Region’s compelling READI 2.0 plan enables our Talent EVV efforts through transformational capital projects including new housing, new jobs and new quality of life amenities,” said Josh Armstrong, Chief Economic Development Officer of the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP). “We thank Governor Holcomb, the State Legislature,  and the IEDC for their confidence in our efforts to grow our region, and for investments throughout the state which will positively impact the lives of all Hoosiers.”

Following the success of the 2021 READI initiative, READI 2.0 was announced in September 2023. The program dedicates $500 million in state appropriations to support strategic investments for quality of life, quality of place, and quality of opportunity capital projects. The Evansville Region responded to the READI 2.0 announcement by organizing a steering committee to guide the READI 2.0 plan to advance regional priorities. Additionally, public input, a call for projects, and participation from business and educational leaders played a crucial role in developing the region’s shared vision to accelerate both economic and population growth.

On February 15th, the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) and Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (SWIRDA) submitted the Evansville Region’s READI 2.0 plan. The plan focuses on strategies to grow our regional population, provide more employment and business opportunities, improve the health of our residents, and help families escape multigenerational poverty.

“READI 2.0 grants will provide monetary and expertise resources to selected projects that align with our strategies, allowing projects to move forward more quickly and more completely, than without grant support. These funds will generally match other funds already assembled for projects,” Armstrong added. Projects needing support may be submitted by developers, nonprofits, businesses, units of government, and residents at EvansvilleRegion.com/readi.

“With today’s announcement, the Southwest Indiana Redevelopment Authority is thrilled to continue working in partnership with our regional communities to develop housing, support businesses, and develop amenities that will maintain and grow Southwest Indiana,” added SWIRDA Chair, Beth McFadin Higgens.

 

Commissioners Announce Vanderburgh County Awarded Community Crossings Matching Grant Fund

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EVANSVILLE, IN – April 10, 2024 – The Vanderburgh County Boad of Commissioners is pleased to announce Vanderburgh County has been awarded a Community Crossings Grant totaling $1,064,117.75.

These funds will be directed towards essential improvements on St. Joseph Road, Orchard Road, Upper Mt. Vernon Road, Old State Road, and Petersburg Road.

Commission President Chery Musgrave expressed gratitude, stating, “We extend our appreciation to the State for awarding these much-needed funds for road development in Vanderburgh County.”

Administered by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), the Community Crossings

Matching Grant Program provides funding to cities, towns, and counties across Indiana to invest in local roads and bridges, driving economic development and strengthening transportation networks.

This funding milestone highlights Vanderburgh County’s commitment to sustainable development and safe transportation infrastructure.

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