CenterPoint Energy highlights new energy efficiency programs to help Indiana customers save energy and money this summer

07/10/2025

Additional tips, tools, and resources are available to help customers prepare for warmer temperatures

Summer bill payment assistance available through Customer Assistance Fund Evansville, Ind. — As temperatures rise and long-range forecasts point to above-normal heat across southwestern Indiana, CenterPoint Energy is reminding customers of the tools, tips and programs available to help manage energy use and summer bills. New energy efficiency offerings now available include in-store discounts on energy-efficient products and no-cost home energy assessments with on-the-spot upgrades.

According to the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center, above-normal temperatures are expected across southwestern Indiana throughout the July–September period. With higher temperatures likely, customers may see increased energy use to keep their homes cool.

“At CenterPoint, we have several resources available to help customers save energy and manage their bills through the summer months and beyond. These new and existing offerings are designed to make saving energy easier, and the Customer Assistance Fund offers additional support for customers who may be facing financial challenges,” said Tony Gardner, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer.

Expanded energy efficiency programs

CenterPoint offers a range of new and existing programs to help residential customers reduce energy use and lower their bills this summer:

New offerings

· In-Store Discounts: Customers can receive instant rebates at checkout on eligible energy-efficient products at participating Lowe’s, Home Depot and Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations in the Evansville area. No paperwork or application is required. Discounted items may include dehumidifiers, advanced power strips, air filters, ENERGY STAR® room A/Cs, pipe wrap and more.

· Home Energy Assessment: Available to all households, this no-cost assessment includes on-the-spot upgrades such as weatherstripping, aerators, pipe insulation and a smart thermostat. Customers also receive a personalized home energy report with tailored recommendations.

Other programs

· Energy Efficiency Store and Thermostat Promotion: Customers can shop CenterPoint’s online Energy Efficiency Store to purchase discounted energy-saving products, delivered directly to your home. Through July 18, while supplies last, customers can also take advantage of a special promotion: save an additional $30 on the Google Nest Thermostat® or $40 on the Google Nest Learning Thermostat®.

· Smart Cycle: Enrolled customers can receive bill credits during peak summer usage months by allowing CenterPoint to briefly adjust their smart thermostats by up to four degrees to help manage energy use. Before each event, homes are pre-cooled to maintain comfort and customers can override adjustments anytime. Customers can enroll online at CenterPointEnergy.com/SmartCycle.

· Neighborhood Weatherization Program: Income-qualified customers can access no-cost home assessments and on-the-spot upgrades, similar to those offered through the Home Energy Assessment. Participants in this program may be eligible for additional improvements, such as insulation and furnace tune-ups, at no extra cost.

Summer bill payment assistance now available through the Customer Assistance Fund

The Customer Assistance Fund (CAF) provides direct bill support to eligible southwestern Indiana customers who may be facing financial challenges. Summer assistance is now available to support customers who use electricity to cool their homes.

Customers may apply once during the calendar year. Those customers who already received assistance in 2025 are ineligible until the new funding year begins in 2026 as funding is only allotted once per calendar year.

Administered in partnership with The Salvation Army Indiana Division, the CAF features an easy and accessible application process. More information is available at CenterPointEnergy.com/CAF. 

Additional tips, tools and resources for customers for energy and cost savings

Customers can do the following to stay comfortable while saving energy and money:

· Turn up the thermostat when leaving home: Raise the temperature a few degrees when away from home for energy savings. With a smart or programmable thermostat, a cooling system can work around a customer’s schedule.

· Change or clean filters in HVAC systems: Air conditioning represents approximately 50 percent of a home’s energy use when it’s warm out. Regular maintenance can extend the life of a home’s system, so change or clean filters to keep the system running efficiently.

· Slay energy vampires: Energy drainers – also known as “energy vampires”– are electronic devices and appliances that suck up electricity by hovering in standby or ready mode without fully powering off. Save energy by turning off non-essential electric appliances, equipment and lights when not in use. 

· Use ceiling fans to circulate cool air: Setting ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise helps circulate cool air and keep rooms at a comfortable temperature.

· Keep warm air out: Use weatherstripping or caulk areas in and around a home where cooled air may escape, such as around windows and doors or anywhere else warm air might enter.

· Block the sun’s rays: When temperatures increase outside, keep window coverings closed when the sun is shining brightest to maintain a more comfortable indoor temperature.

· Upgrade appliances and equipment: When replacing appliances and equipment, choose models with increased energy efficiency ratings for long-term cost savings. Rebates may be available for qualifying appliances.

Customers can learn more about tips and programs that can help them prepare for the longer and warmer days at CenterPointEnergy.com/SavingsTips.

University of Evansville Rejoins New American Colleges and Universities Network (NACU)

07/10/2025

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EVANSVILLE, IND. (07/09/2025)

The University of Evansville (UE) is proud to announce it has rejoined the New American Colleges and Universities (NACU) – a national consortium of small, mission-oriented institutions that foster collaboration, innovation, and student success.

NACU connects campuses that share UE’s values and goals, providing a platform for collaboration on initiatives, learning from best practices, and pursuing strategic partnerships. Through NACU, UE will have access to resources such as leadership development programs, data-sharing initiatives, and specialized opportunities like the Washington Internship Institute.

“It’s an exciting step forward for the University of Evansville,” said President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. “NACU brings a powerful network of collaborators who are deeply committed to education, innovation, and service, values that align with our mission and our belief in the ability of education to change lives and, in turn, change the world. We’re proud to rejoin this community and look forward to all we can achieve together.”

The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university with a solid foundation in the arts and sciences and professional schools in business, engineering, education, and health sciences. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and dynamic campus community of #Changemakers.

USI Solar Splash team wins big at annual competition

07/10/2025

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The University of Southern Indiana’s Solar Splash Team brought home an array of honors at the annual solar boating competition in Springfield, Ohio. The team, consisting of seven students, advised by Dr. Paul Kuban, Professor of Engineering, earned first place in the sprint and slalom events and took home second place overall.

The competition, often called the “World Championship of Collegiate Solar Boating,” challenges students to apply engineering skills in a real-world, hands-on environment.

This year’s team of USI engineering students built and designed a craft from the ground-up, marking a significant comeback for the team with a completely reimagined solar-powered boat utilizing resources from across campus.

Following a challenging competition year in 2024, the student team spent a year designing an entirely new craft featuring a highly efficient and maneuverable hull, built using a “stitch and glue” technique for durability and ease of construction. The boat also featured a high-capacity design and substantial improvements in accessibility and component standardization for easier maintenance and troubleshooting.

In addition, students researched and implemented a reliable solar and electrical system with built-in redundancy to withstand the rigors of competition week.

“There’s no substitute for preparation,” said Jacob Mills ’25. “This year, we brought a finished boat that had been built with all the improvements learned from previous years. We are very happy to have our hard work pay off.”

Though the team faced challenges in the endurance race, running out of power and encountering a steering issue in the first round, they adapted quickly. By rebalancing weight distribution and adding real-time voltage and current monitoring, they doubled their performance in the second round. Those learnings will continue to influence future designs and future teams.

“With what we know now from the second endurance race, we will be far more competitive next year,” said team member Zoe Tucker, who will return to USI this fall for her senior year.

With continued support from faculty advisor Dr. Paul Kuban and access to USI’s state-of-the-art facilities, the team plans to refine their award-winning design for next year’s competition.

“The Engineering Department at USI promotes hands-on learning and real-world experiences,” says Kuban, “and our excellent performance at Solar Splash is indicative of the efficacy of that educational priority. I am extremely proud of these outstanding students.”

Attorney General Todd Rokita seeks to suspend Indiana physician’s-controlled substance

07/10/2025

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Attorney General Todd Rokita has filed a petition to summarily suspend the Controlled Substance Registration (C.S.R.) of Dr. Patrick Sheets, a physician practicing in Rensselaer, Indiana, due to allegations of unsafe prescribing practices and serious violations of medical standards that present a clear and immediate danger to public health and safety.

Over a period of several months, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) received multiple consumer complaints alleging that Dr. Sheets engaged in dangerous prescribing habits, including prescribing controlled substances such as alprazolam to a patient with known substance abuse issues without proper evaluations, improperly securing a controlled substance key fob, and falsifying medical records.

One complainant, a family member of a patient, reported that Dr. Sheets continued prescribing addictive medications to their mother despite being informed of her addiction and alcoholism, contributing to her arrests and repeated rehabilitation stays.

Another complainant, a former patient, alleged that Dr. Sheets coerced them into illegal activities to maintain access to prescribed medications and engaged in inappropriate relationships with patients and staff while prescribing controlled substances to them.

“Protecting Hoosiers from unsafe medical practices is a top priority,” said Attorney General Todd Rokita. “The allegations against Dr. Sheets, if substantiated, indicate a pattern of reckless behavior that endangers patients and undermines public trust in healthcare. We are taking swift action to hold this doctor accountable.”

According to the OAG’s petition, in mid-June 2025, the FBI and DEA raided Dr. Sheets’ offices and other locations, and the Jasper County Health Department closed his practice due to the lack of running water, working sewage, or electricity.

“While my office works alongside our federal partners and will continue to do so, licensing at its core is a state issue, which impacts Hoosiers where they live and obtain healthcare,” said Attorney General Rokita.

The OAG will present its Petition for Summary Suspension at the Indiana Board of Pharmacy meeting on July 14, 2025, seeking to suspend Dr. Sheets’ C.S.R. for up to 90 days while further investigations and proceedings continue.

The public is encouraged to report any additional concerns about Dr. Sheets’ practices to the Consumer Protection Division at www.IndianaConsumer.com or by calling 317-232-6330.

Indiana Pacers and Lucas Oil announce multi-year jersey patch partnership

07/10/2025

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INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Pacers and Lucas Oil, an iconic Indianapolis-based brand recognized globally for high-performance automotive products, today announced a new multi-year jersey patch partnership.

As the official jersey patch partner of the Indiana Pacers, Lucas Oil’s logo will be prominently featured on Pacers uniforms on the front left shoulder beginning Thursday as the team tips off NBA 2K26 Summer League 2025 games in Las Vegas. The agreement solidifies Lucas Oil as a central partner of the Pacers with a shared commitment to the theme, “Driven to Excellence.”

“Lucas Oil is a true Indiana success story and a brand that has long stood for performance, innovation and community,” said CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment Mel Raines. “We are thrilled to take our partnership to the next level and bring their name to the front of our jerseys. As we continue to grow our team’s global presence, we’re excited to help elevate Lucas Oil’s visibility on the world’s stage and to our passionate international fanbase.”

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Lucas Oil has spent more than 35 years setting the global standard in premium oils, additives, appearance and lubricant products powering lifestyles across the automotive, trucking, marine, outdoor, motorsports, industrial and home product worlds. Their fast-growing product line includes more than 300 items distributed in 48 countries and sold by major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, AutoZone and more.

“Our expanded partnership with the Indiana Pacers marks an exciting new chapter in a relationship built on shared vision, trust and outstanding results,” said Lucas Oil CEO Morgan Lucas. “This isn’t just the renewal of a contract — it’s a commitment to building on the momentum of an unforgettable Pacers season and creating new opportunities together. Through this collaboration, Lucas Oil will connect with one of the most passionate and loyal fan bases in professional sports, fueling growth, and delivering bold, innovative experiences for fans in Indiana and around the world.”

As part of the agreement, a portion of proceeds from every Pacers jersey sold will be donated to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis, supporting critical care and services for children and families across Indiana. The expanded partnership also includes Lucas Oil’s designation as the “Official Oil Partner” of the Pacers as well as branding on practice jerseys, international marketing rights, group player rights, and in-arena signage and branding. Additionally, the agreement features continued support of the Pacers Foundation’s community initiatives, premium hospitality experiences, and the ongoing title sponsorship of Lucas Oil Family Nights, which provide fans with unbeatable value on game-day favorites like a hot dog, chips and a drink. Lucas Oil will also continue their partnership with the Indiana Fever, further strengthening the company’s commitment to supporting Indiana basketball.

HOT JOBS

07/10/2025

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Counter Sale Representative

Motion Industries (MOT)

3.6

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Easily apply

Works closely with the Solutions Center Manager and outside sales group to develop and. Capable of using hand tools and shop equipment.

3 days ago

DC Operations Support Spec

Motion Industries (MOT)

3.6

Birmingham, AL

Easily apply

Typically requires a bachelor’s degree and zero (0) to two (2) years of related experience or an equivalent combination.

3 days ago

Counter Sales Representative

Motion Industries (MOT)

3.6

Pompano Beach, FL

Easily apply

Works closely with the Solutions Center Manager and outside sales group to develop and grow the business. Capable of using hand tools and shop equipment.

3 days ago

EVV19 Honor Flight Wheels UP to D.C.

07/10/2025

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025 ~ WHEELS UPS!

The veteran selection process for this flight will start in August. Do not submit a new application if one has already been submitted. If your contact information has changed, email us at datadirhfsi@gmail.com We select our oldest Veterans first with the only exception a medical priority request.

The public cannot attend the morning send off. However, the public is welcomed to attend the Welcome Home Parade. EVV 19 Welcome Home Parade ~ Public Invited

The morning of flight day volunteers will be needed, but they must sign up through the HFSI sign up genius email when it comes out. If you are not receiving the HFSI sign up genius emails, please contact volunteer coordinator Tasha Byram at hfsivolunteers@gmail.com to get your name & email onto the list.

BIG THANK YOU TO EVV Regional Airport, TSA staff and American Airlines for their TREMENDOUS SUPPORT!!

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

07/10/2025

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Booked Last 24 Hours-Public

National Fishing Lure Collectors Club Brings 2025 National Convention to Evansville

07/10/2025

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EVANSVILLE, IN – July 9, 2025 –

Explore Evansville is pleased to welcome the National Fishing Lure Collectors Club (NFLCC) to the city for its 2025 National Convention, taking place July 10–12 at Old National Events Plaza.

Founded in 1976, the NFLCC is a non-profit, educational, international organization focused on preserving and promoting the hobby of fishing tackle collecting. The organization supports its members through identification, education, and the trading of vintage lures, reels, rods, and related memorabilia.

This year’s national convention is expected to draw collectors and enthusiasts from across the country, with more than 350 tables of rare and historic items on display and available for trade. The event is a highlight on the annual calendar for hobbyists, historians, and outdoor enthusiasts.

“We’re excited to welcome the NFLCC and its members to Evansville,” said Tom White, CEO of Explore Evansville. “Events like this not only celebrate history and hobby but also bring meaningful economic impact to our community.”

The public is invited to attend the NFLCC National Antique Tackle Show on Thursday, July 10 and Friday, July 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $10 per person. On Saturday, July 12, the show is open from 8:00 a.m. to noon, and admission is free.

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

07/10/2025

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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.