For the fourth time in the past five years, the University of Evansville’s Concrete Canoe team has qualified for the American Society of Civil Engineers National Concrete Canoe Competition, held this year from June 20-22 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

UE’s team of civil engineering students earned a bid to nationals by winning the Concrete Canoe competition at the ASCE Great Lakes Student Conference, held April 18-20 at Trine University in Angola, Indiana. UE placed first out of 17 Concrete Canoe teams, besting the perennial powerhouse team from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (which has won regionals 17 of the last 19 years), as well as teams from Purdue University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Notre Dame, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and others.

“I’m incredibly proud of this year’s team for earning a first-place finish at the regional competition. The team has logged over 1,000 hours since the fall semester to design and build their canoe, and unlike other teams in the competition, they do not receive academic credit to participate in Concrete Canoe. They compete simply because they love a challenge, take pride in doing an excellent job, and want to carry on a winning tradition,” said Mark Valenzuela, associate professor of civil engineering and the team’s faculty advisor. “After enduring hours-long road trips, late nights, and freezing wind and rain, we sometimes wonder, ‘Is it worth it?’ And win or lose, each year the answer has always been ‘Yes!’”

The Concrete Canoe competition consists of four categories: races, oral presentation, final product, and design paper, with each counting equally toward the final score. Because of severe weather during the ASCE Great Lakes Student Conference, the races were canceled, shifting the fight to the academic portion of the competition.

“Civil engineering students on the Concrete Canoe team compete both as athletes and scholars. At the ASCE Great Lakes Student Conference, they must demonstrate outstanding presentation, writing, and academic skills to qualify for nationals,” said Brian Swenty, chair of the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering. “This year, our students once again proved that they can rise to the top in a highly competitive field of civil engineering students from the region’s best public and private universities. We’re very proud of our students’ work and look forward to another great showing at nationals this summer.”

This year’s canoe, “Palus” (an astronomical term to describe a surface feature on the moon), is 19.9 feet long and weighs 216 pounds. Inspired by an episode of “MythBusters” that investigated whether a car with a dimpled texture like a golf ball could obtain better gas mileage, the canoe features dimples to help reduce drag in the water.

UE Concrete Canoe team members are Jamie Johnson (project manager), Jaclyn Altstadt, Christina Bernauer, Abby Browder, George Carroll, Aubin Fowler, James Gabe, Ryan Hayes, Luc Heidenreich, Amanda Hopf, Chris Kuester, Hieronymus Mitchell, Alejandro Mojica Cadario, Zach Neukam, Hannah Okray, Shannon Osiecki, Heather Passey, Alex Schwinghamer, Katelyn Spainhour, Kilian Sweet, and Bekah Taylor.

Senior Michael Jordan broke his own University of Southern Indiana men’s track and field record in the 3,000-meter steeplechase Sunday evening at the Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational. He broke the record by eight seconds, which was set a week ago.

Jordan ran his race in 8 minutes, 42.63 seconds, which is another NCAA automatic qualifying time and a USA Track & Field Championships “B” standard time, along with being the fastest time in Division II. His time last week at the Mt Sac Relays was 8:50.49

Also this weekend, senior Lauren Minor earned a provisional mark in the steeplechase with her time of 10:53.49 at the Bellarmine Classic. Her mark currently ranks 12th in Division II.

Freshman Johnnie Guy also picked-up a provisional mark in the 5,000 meters as he finished in 14:17.48 at the Hillsdale College Gina Relays. Guy’s time is ranked 16th nationally.

Just missing provisional times and distances were freshman Tyler Schickel, who ran the 1,500 meters in 3:52.12, which is 12-tenths of a second off. Sophomore Zach Watson, meanwhile, fell just shy of a provisional mark after jumping two meters in the high jump with the provisional set at 2.05 meters.

The Screaming Eagles return to action Friday and Saturday at the Great Lakes Valley Conference Outdoor Championships in Romeoville, Illinois.

Evansville, IN – Below is a list of felony cases that were filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office on Friday, April 26, 2013.

William Beverly III Possession of Marijuana-Class A Misdemeanor
(Enhanced to a Class D Felony due to Prior Convictions)

Nicholas Rickard Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance-Class D Felony

Russell Summers Possession of Cocaine-Class D Felony
Possession of Paraphernalia-Class A Misdemeanor

For further information on the cases listed above, or any pending case, please contact Regene Newman at 812.435.5156 or via e-mail at rinewman@vanderburghgov.org

Under Indiana law, all criminal defendants are considered to be innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

AGENDA
Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Building Commission – Ron Beane Police Department – Chief Billy Bolin
Emergency Management-Sherman Greer Fire Department – Chief Mike Connelly

~ Pledge of Allegiance ~
Steve Bagbey absent

Business with representatives:

The following item has been tabled until May 8, 2013.

1. James Murry would like to address the board in reference to an ongoing problem with the handicap sign located at 1710 S. Garvin
Mr. Murry stated the residents at 1710 S. Garvin do not park in the designated handicap parking spot located in front of the home. The residents park in the driveway of 1710 S. Garvin.

Ms. Calloway makes a motion to have a letter mailed to the residents at 1710 S. Garvin inviting them to the next meeting to discuss the issue. Ms. Calloway would also like all the pertinent documents related to the handicap sign. Mr. Gulledge seconds the motion and so ordered:

Departmental Reports:

A. Fire Department ~ Chief Mike Connelly
Motion by Ms. Calloway, 2nd by Mr. Gulledge and so ordered to approve the following request:

Assistant Chief Anslinger would like to award the fire truck bid to Ferrara Fire Apparatus. The department is going to be purchasing a 100 foot platform quint.

1. Request approval to award fire truck bid.
B. Special Events:
Motion by Ms. Calloway, 2nd by Mr. Gulledge and so ordered to approve the following request:

1. March of Dimes requests approval for “March for Babies” April 27, 2013 from 10:00 am until noon. Walk begins at Sunrise Park, cross Veterans Memorial Parkway onto Adams, left on SE 1st St, right on Main St, left on MLK, Jr. Blvd, left on Locust St, left on 9th St, left on Sycamore, left on MLK, Jr. Blvd, right on Main St, to Greenway, follow Greenway back to Sunrise Park. No street closings.
Motion by Ms. Calloway, 2nd by Mr. Gulledge and so ordered to approve the following request:

2. Columbia Healthcare requests approval for “Pair-a-dice Cruizer” car show May 4, 2013 from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Will Close Edgar St between Columbia and Maryland.***Barricades requested***
Motion by Ms. Calloway, 2nd by Mr. Gulledge and so ordered to approve the following request:

3. Evansville Rescue Mission requests approval for “Drumstick Dash 8K” November 23, 2013 from 9:00 am until 10:30 am. Starts at Sycamore and Elliott, west on Sycamore, to 10th St, to Vine, to 9th, west on Court, north on Riverside Dr, u turn at 2nd St, south on Riverside Dr, u turn at Shawnee Dr, north on Riverside Dr, north on Court, to 9th, to Vine, to 10th, E on Sycamore, end at Elliott. ***Barricades requested***
Motion by Ms. Calloway, 2nd by Mr. Gulledge and so ordered to approve the following request:

4. Aids Resource Group requests approval for “Southwestern Indiana Aids Walk” September 21, 2013 from noon until 12:45 pm. Walk begins in front of the Old Courthouse building on 4th St, left on Vine, right on 6th, right on Main, right on 1st St, right on Vine finish at 4th St. No street closings.
Motion by Ms. Calloway, 2nd by Mr. Gulledge and so ordered to approve the following request:

5. Beyond the Veil Fellowship requests approval for “BTVF Spring Fest” April 28, 2013 from noon until 4:00 pm. Close Sonntag Ave between Virginia St and Mt. Vernon Ave.
Motion by Ms. Calloway, 2nd by Mr. Gulledge and so ordered to approve the following request:

6. West Side Nut Club requests approval for “WSNC Fall Festival” -“Lighthouse Parade”-“Pet Parade” – “Main Parade”. October 6th through October 13th close Franklin St between St. Joe and Wabash and all side streets.
Consent Section:
A. Handicap Signs
Motion by Ms. Calloway, 2nd by Mr. Gulledge and so ordered to approve the following request:

1. Request approval to install the following handicap signs:
a. Lois Blandford – 212 Negley – 909-0049 – paperwork in order – sign will be installed on Lafayette off Negley
b. Steven Hary – 1501 E. Illinois St – 461-7262 – paperwork in order
Motion by Ms. Calloway, 2nd by Mr. Gulledge and so ordered to approve the following request:

2. Request approval to remove the following handicap sign:
a. 525 N. Lemcke – deceased
A. Taxi Cab Driver’s Permits:
Motion by Ms. Calloway, 2nd by Mr. Gulledge and so ordered to approve the following request:

1. Request approval for the following to receive taxi cab drivers permits:
a. Franklin Goff
b. Steven Mitchell
c. Kari Brodeur
B. Dumpster Permit
Motion by Ms. Calloway, 2nd by Mr. Gulledge and so ordered to approve the following request:

1. 703 E. Blackford-Rachel Butler-May 3, 2013 for 1 week to clean up lot.
OTHER BUSINESS:

Motion by Ms. Calloway, 2nd by Mr. Gulledge and so ordered to approve the following items:

1. Approve claims.
2. Approve the minutes of Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Announcements:

Next meeting, Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 1:00 pm
##
Meeting adjourned at 1:24 pm

STATEHOUSE —Southwest Indiana House Republicans , State Representatives Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville), Wendy McNamara (R-Mount Vernon), Ron Bacon (R-Chandler) and Tom Washburne (R-Evansville), each worked in securing an additional $2 million in the biennial state budget for the University of Southern Indiana.

“It is important that the state recognizes the great things happening at USI and appropriates money for the school accordingly,” said Rep. Crouch. “I am glad that we were able to secure additional funding for such a wonderful institution and for the expansion of the IU School of Medicine in the Evansville area.”

Over the next two years, the state will provide over $84 million to USI for their total operating expenses.

“USI is an incredible asset to our local community,” said Rep. Washburne. “It is encouraging that Chairman Brown and Speaker Bosma are beginning to take notice.”

The budget appropriates over $500 thousand for USI’s Dual Credit program.

“As an educator, I recognize how valuable a college education can be for young people,” said Rep. McNamara. “Having the USI campus in my district, I wanted to do my part provide adequate funding for USI, particularly for their Dual Credit program, which will help even more students realize their goal of a college diploma on their way to successful careers.”

The state will also provide over $3 million through the biennium to Indiana University to expand the School of Medicine in the Evansville region.

“Expanding the IU School of Medicine in the Evansville region is fantastic,” said Rep. Bacon. “As a medical professional, I am strongly in favor of increasing opportunities for young people to also join this incredibly rewarding field.”

Barbara Dietsch’s mother died alone in 1986. “My mother, Alice, was 86 years old and had colon cancer,” Barbara recalled. “I was reading the Bible to her one evening and she asked me to go home. She said she had something to do and wanted to be alone. So, I left. She passed away that night by herself in her apartment. I hated that. I think it’s very important to have someone with you when you die, even if it’s just to hold your hand.”

Barbara now holds the hands of patients dying alone at St. Mary’s Medical Center. A longtime member of the St. Mary’s Auxiliary and an “Exceptional Volunteer,” Barbara has logged over 7,400 hours of service at St. Mary’s. She now gives her time to St. Mary’s newest volunteer program, No One Dies Alone, or NODA.

STATEHOUSE (April 27, 2013) — State Sen. Vaneta Becker (R-Evansville) lauded today’s passage of a new honestly balanced state budget. The two-year fiscal plan includes a 5 percent individual income tax cut phased in from 2015 to 2017 and provides increased funding for roads, child protection, K-12 and higher education. HB 1001 now awaits the Governor’s signature.

Becker said a major accomplishment for Southwest Indiana is a new $18 million classroom building for the University of Southern Indiana (USI). In addition, USI’s operating budget is increased as well.

Other highlights of the budget include:
• Tax Relief and Job Creation: •Cuts individual income tax rate 5 percent (3 percent cut beginning in 2015 and another 2 percent cut beginning in 2017)
• Eliminates state inheritance tax, retroactively effective to Jan. 1, 2013
• Includes funding for vocational education and workforce development initiatives

•Education: •Increases K-12 funding by $333 million over the biennium (2 percent increase in FY 2014 and 1 percent increase in FY 2015)
•Increases university funding by more than $100 million per year
•Increases student aid by $75 million over the biennium
•Increases University of Southern Indiana’s base funding by $2 million each year and allots $18 million for a new classroom building on campus

•Roads: •Increases road and infrastructure funding by $200 million per year and sets aside another $400 million over the biennium for future transportation needs, including the completion of I-69

•Child Protection: •Increases funding for the Department of Child Services by $35 million per year
•Provides $10 million per year for school resource officers (contained in SB 1)

•Health Care: •Transfers $250 million in FY 2014 to the Medicaid Contingency and Reserve Account

•Paying Taxpayer-Funded Debt •100 percent of excess surplus in FY 2013 goes to Pension Stabilization Fund
•Provides $215 million cash funding for university capital projects

In addition to the budget, Becker pointed out a few noteworthy bills that passed during the 2013 legislative session:

•SEA 153 – Youth Referee Employment
•SB 554 – Telehealth and Telemedicine
•HEA 1111 – Tactical Emergency Medicine
•SEA 553 – School Vision Testing

“The General Assembly passed many important initiatives to help Indiana families this year, and I’m particularly proud of those measures that will help improve health care in Southern Indiana and around the state,” Becker said. “With these successes, I think Hoosiers can look forward to stronger communities in the years to come.”

The Senate is now adjourned “sine die”— which signifies the end of the 2013 Indiana General Assembly.

INDIANAPOLIS – Thanks to the efforts of Rep. Gail Riecken (D-Evansville), the governor is set to receive legislation that continues to prevent foreclosure.

Under House Bill 1084, Hoosiers will continue to have access to mortgage counseling. The program will be funded through fees charged to the bank that files the foreclosure.

The legislation was thought to be at risk at one point during the day, but Riecken played a key role in reviving the proposal and helping it get final approval in the Indiana House of Representatives.

“This bill is vital for so many of our communities in Indiana,” Riecken said. “So many families are struggling to make mortgage payments and need help preventing foreclosure. I am relieved to see this important legislation make its way to the governor.”

House Bill 1084 passed through the Indiana General Assembly shortly after Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann announced the expansion of Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network’s (IFPN) “Hardest Hit Fund.” The program offers individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own assistance in paying mortgages, and has recently expanded coverage to more homeowners and increased financial assistance. Counselors, as a result of the fee in House Bill 1084, are the access for many homeowners to apply.

“I’m pleased to see our state government continue to make positive steps toward addressing the foreclosure crisis in Indiana,” Riecken concluded.

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As always, please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns related to our state government. Here is how you can stay in touch: call my office toll-free at 1-800-382-9842; write to me in care of the Indiana House of Representatives, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204; or email me at h77@iga.in.gov.

Century Center Board Selects SMG to Manage Century Center

4/25/2013 – On April 18, 2013, the Century Center Board of Managers approved the city’s Board of Public Works’ unanimous recommendation to contract with SMG-a professional convention and entertainment venue management firm-to operate the Century Center effective July 1, 2013. With the decision to change management firms, the Century Center will also take advantage of the firm’s internal catering division, SAVOR, as well as the company’s recognized brand amongst meeting and convention planners both regionally and nationally.

“Our immediate goal is to focus on a smooth transition for staff, and ensure clients a first class experience by engaging them in our hospitality approach to managing convention centers. At the same time, we will immediately seek to link this ‘Michiana’-based convention venue and Bendix Theater with our regional and national network. By providing access to our systems, resources and clients, we can help enhance performance and broaden exposure for the Center, city and county,” said Gregg Caren, SMG Senior Vice President for Strategic Business Development.

The Century Center, including over 60,000 square feet of exhibition, meeting and banquet space and a 694-seat theater has been home to numerous conferences, conventions, trade shows, concerts, performances and events for more than 36 years. SMG will take over operational responsibilities from Global Spectrum, who held the contract since 2006.

“We are very pleased to see the Century Center join the SMG network. SMG has an incredible legacy of more than 30 years of professional management and a commitment to its employees, high quality standards and exceptional service in dozens of venues and destinations like ours. I look forward to working with SMG and their team as they help take the Century Center to the next level,” said Century Center Board President, Greg Downes.

“In the selection process, we heard nothing but praise for SMG’s performance in many of those other cities, as well as a commitment and plan to engage key local stakeholders like Visit South Bend Mishawaka, the Doubletree Hotel and numerous local eateries, vendors and suppliers,” Downes added.

Local officials and hospitality leaders recognize the vital need to expand market share through a creative team approach to marketing. “We are most excited about SMG’s South Bend Alliance, which will help us all focus our efforts in a collaborative way to benefit the local economy,” noted convention bureau executive director Rob DeCleene. “In speaking with my counterparts at convention bureaus around the country, SMG was definitely noted as the industry leader with proven results. We are pleased to partner with SMG.”

SMG will also focus on reducing the deficit for the facility, which averages about one million dollars per year. This deficit is offset by hotel occupancy taxes, which are paid by out of town visitors to St. Joseph County hotels, and not by local residents as is commonly misperceived.

About the Century Center
Located in downtown South Bend overlooking the St. Joseph River and waterfall, the Century Center has hosted hundreds of conferences, conventions, trade shows, concerts, performances and events since 1977. The multi-purpose complex includes exhibit, ballroom and public space totaling over 60,000 square feet, plus the 694-seat Bendix Theater, serving everything from convention general sessions to concerts and family shows. The Center is attached to the 292-room DoubleTree by Hilton, and also houses the South Bend Regional Museum of Art. For more information visit www.centurycenter.org.

About SMGFounded in 1977, SMG provides management services to more than 230 public assembly facilities including convention and exhibition centers, arenas, stadiums, theatres, performing arts centers, equestrian facilities, science centers and a variety of other venues. With facilities across the globe, SMG manages more than 14.4 million square feet of exhibition space and over 1.75 million sports and entertainment seats. As the recognized global industry leader, SMG provides venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services for such landmark facilities as McCormick Place & Solider Field in Chicago, Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, Houston’s Reliant Park and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. SMG also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions, catering and special events division, SAVOR, currently servicing more than 100 accounts worldwide. For more information visit www.smgworld.com

About SAVOR
SAVOR, the food and beverage division of special event venue management leader SMG, (www.savorsmg.com) currently provides food and beverage services, as well as VIP and catering/special event services, to more than 100 facilities around the world. The company is also an industry leader in introducing green standards and programs to public facilities. SAVOR’s commitment to farm-to-table freshness and food quality typically features locally grown products for their venue clients whenever possible. SAVOR staff prides themselves on being on the cutting edge of the latest food and beverage trends in addition to searching out the most innovative food technologies available on the market.