FOOTNOTE: Â EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
Baird Introduces Bill to Award Grants for Advancements in Quantum Science
Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) and Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) introduced the Quantum Instrumentation for Science and Engineering Act. This legislation will direct the National Science Foundation to award grants to universities and nonprofit organizations to upgrade their research facilities and improve access to research resources in quantum science. The bill will also improve coordination between universities, private research facilities, and national labs by facilitating information sharing, education, and training.
“Quantum science is one of the world’s fastest-growing areas of scientific research and has the potential to fundamentally change how we approach many aspects of academia, business, and national security,â€Â said Rep. Baird. “The United States has been innovating in this field for years, but we must invest more in quantum research to encourage innovation. By providing new grants for our research institutions, we can maintain our competitive advantage and ensure America doesn’t fall behind in this crucial area of scientific development.â€
“Quantum science has the potential to vastly improve computing speeds and performance, sensing capabilities, and secure communications. Yet much more research is needed before we can fully realize the benefits of these technologies,â€Â said Rep. Salinas. “This bipartisan bill invests in upgrades to research facilities and expands access to resources. It also builds the quantum workforce by encouraging universities to collaborate with community and technical colleges to provide meaningful hands-on learning experiences for their students. Ultimately, our legislation will help secure America’s position at the cutting-edge of quantum research and development for decades to come.â€
“Increasing access to key equipment and instrumentation for faculty and students is key to maintaining U.S. leadership in quantum science,â€Â said Karen Plaut, Executive Vice President for Research at Purdue University. “We support the aim of the Quantum Instrumentation for Science and Engineering Act to invest more resources to advance the field and prepare the next generation of quantum scientists.â€
“Indiana University appreciates the focus on helping institutions upgrade research resources, including equipment and instrumentation, to help advance our knowledge in this exciting field,â€Â said Dr. Dave Baxter, Executive Director of the Indiana University Quantum Science and Engineering Center. “IU commits to working with Rep. Baird to ensure this promise is realized.â€
“The University of Oregon applauds the introduction of the Quantum Instrumentation for Science and Engineering Act,â€Â said Anshuman “AR†Razdan, Vice President of Research and Innovation at the University of Oregon. “The partnership between the federal government and research universities is the foundation for much of our nation’s prosperity from innovation. UO’s Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science and Lokey Labs provide education, research, and commercialization opportunities to students, faculty, and stakeholders.â€
“Quantum research and technology innovation is an exciting arena for university scientists and engineers, but there are real barriers to access the necessary state-of-the-art labs and instrumentation required to do this work,â€Â said Dr. Irem Tumer, Vice President of Research at Oregon State University. “We know from experience that investment in NSF to support the needed instrumentation and facilities for university-led research, as well as shared access to these resources, is critical to accelerate science and to grow the community of scientists who are able to contribute their expertise. OSU applauds Representative Salinas for introducing the Quantum Instrumentation for Science and Engineering Act to directly address these barriers.â€
Trailblazers fall to No. 16 Indian Hills at Cardinal Classic
PARK HILLS, Mo. – The Vincennes University volleyball team climbed back into the NJCAA Division I National rankings this week receiving votes for the Top-20 poll after riding a five-game winning streak.
The Blazers got their first opportunity to defend this National recognition Friday afternoon against No. 16-ranked Indian Hills Community College on day one of the Mineral Area College Cardinal Classic.
VU got off to a fast start against IHCC, jumping out to an early 9-6 lead, before Indian Hills rallied back to take the lead back at 11-10.
Vincennes would again build a small lead before the Warriors answered back to outscore VU 6-1 and take a 17-14 lead.
The two teams traded points before IHCC closed out the first set strong with a 6-0 scoring run to take the opening set 25-17 and take a 1-0 match lead.
The Trailblazers again built a good lead early in set two, leading 14-6 before Indian Hills went on a 4-0 scoring run to cut the deficit in half.
Vincennes looked to hold on late and even the match, serving set point at 24-22 before IHCC would rally late to out score VU 6-2 and take set two in overtime 28-26 and earn a 2-0 match lead over the Blazers.
Set three began as another back-and-forth battle, with VU having a 4-0 scoring run, which was immediately answered by a 6-0 Indian Hills scoring run.
Vincennes faced match point at 24-21 before the Trailblazers rallied to even the score at 24-24 with three unanswered.
VU would use this to later take the lead and serve set point at 27-26 before the Warriors again closed out the set strong scoring three unanswered to take set three and the match over the Trailblazers 29-27.
“We went toe to toe with Indian Hills in every set and led in every set but ran into a wall at the end,†VUVB Head Coach Gary Sien said. “Whether it was missed serves, blocks or digs, we either misplayed a ball or did not execute in crucial moments and that might only be two or three plays per set.â€
“Despite that, we played hard and had some great moments,†Sien added. “In a way and taking nothing away from Indian Hills, they had to play at another level to beat us. I feel that the match could have gone the other way if we had made those handful of plays here and there.â€
The Trailblazer offense was led by sophomore Paige Parlanti (Las Vegas, Nev.) who recorded another double-double with a team-high 16 kills, 13 digs and two blocks.
Sophomore Audrey Buis (Franklin, Ind.) and freshman Laura Tavares (Merida, Venezuela) were the next VU scorers, each recording five kills on the game.
Buis also added seven digs and two blocks, while Tavares added three digs and five blocks.
Sophomore middle Kennedy Sowell (Effingham, Ill.) and freshman Elisa Dalla Pozza (Vincenza, Italy) each recorded three kills, while Sowell added four blocks and Dalla Pozza led the Blazers with seven blocks, two digs and one set assist.
Freshman Isadora Dias (Rio Grande de Norte, Brazil) rounded out the VU offense with one kill and three digs.
Sophomore setter Maecy Johnson (Chrisman, Ill.) continues to run the Trailblazer offense very efficiently, ending her day with 26 set assists, four digs and three blocks.
Sophomore libero Morgan Netcott (Montague, Mich.) controlled the Vincennes back row defense, ending with a team-high 14 digs and one ace.
“Paige was exceptional offensively as they had a hard time stopping her throughout the match,†Sien said. “Elisa, who is one of the top blockers in the country, had some big blocking numbers and she has consistently had them for almost a month now.â€
“Overall, we lacked offense and needed one or two more hitters to step up and score,†Sien added. “I think that was a part of the difference.â€
The Trailblazers will look to end the weekend on a high note tomorrow, Oct. 14 when VU returns to Mineral Area College for the final day of the 2023 Cardinal Classic.
VU will begin the day by taking on Hutchinson Community College at 10 a.m. eastern, followed by facing host Mineral Area College at 12 p.m. eastern.
“We need to hold on to the lead,†Sien said. “We need to be on task and score when we are serving tomorrow. That is when you make your runs. When you serve and either get a block for a point or a dig where you would transition to score on offense.â€
BOX SCORE
Indian Hills – 25   28  29  x  x
VUVB (25-5, 9-0) – 17   26  27  x  x
VINCENNES STATS
Audrey Buis – 6 points, 5 kills, 2 block assists, 7 digs
Morgan Netcott – 1 point, 1 ace, 14 digs
Paige Parlanti – 17 points, 16 kills, 2 block assists, 13 digs
Isadora Dias – 1 point, 1 kill, 3 digs
Maecy Johnson – 1.5 points, 3 block assists, 4 digs, 26 set assists
Kennedy Sowell – 5 points, 3 kills, 4 block assists
Elisa Dalla Pozza – 7 points, 3 kills, 1 solo blocks, 6 block assists, 2 digs, 1 set assist
Laura Tavares – 7.5 points, 5 kills, 5 block assists, 3 digs
Indiana State Police Seeks Recruits for the 85th Recruit Academy *Application Deadline Approaching*
The Indiana State Police is accepting applications for the 85th Recruit Academy for traditional and lateral applicants. Individuals interested in beginning a rewarding career as an Indiana State Trooper must apply online at IndianaTrooper.com. This website provides a detailed synopsis of the application process and information on additional career opportunities with the Indiana State Police. Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 pm (EST)Â on Thursday, October 19, 2023.
Probationary Troopers graduating from the 85th Recruit Academy, who successfully complete their Field Training Officer (FTO) program, receive a $5,000.00 dollar one-time cash bonus (taxable) in addition to their regular salary.  Â
Included Benefits:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits during the academy and probationary year.
- Military and Law Enforcement service purchase options. Service Purchase Calculator
- NEW take-home patrol vehicle issued after completing the FTO period (includes off-duty use).
- Uniforms and over $9,000 of NEW equipment are issued at no cost.
- 3 hours of on-duty physical training per week.
- 40 paid days of leave annually and 150 hours of New Parent Leave.
- Health/Vision/Dental and Life Insurance options for actives and retirees.
- Lifetime pension and deferred compensation w/State matching.
- Endless Opportunities and Career Advancement.
Basic Eligibility Requirements and consideration factors for an Indiana State Trooper:
- Must be a United States citizen.
- Must be at least 21 and less than 40 years of age when appointed as a police employee. (Appointment date for traditional applicants is July 18, 2024)
- Must meet a minimum vision standard (corrected or uncorrected) of 20/50 acuity in each eye and 20/50 distant binocular acuity in both eyes.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license to operate an automobile.
- Must be willing, if appointed, to reside and serve anywhere within the State of Indiana as designated by the Superintendent.
- Must be a high school graduate as evidenced by a diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED).
Current Law Enforcement Officers:
Current Law Enforcement Officers must be full time merit law enforcement officers having a minimum of three continuous years law enforcement service as of November 30, 2023, and if they choose, will be assigned to the District where they currently reside.
Current Out of State Law Enforcement Officers having a minimum of three continuous years of merit full time law enforcement service as of November 30, 2023, if they choose, may be afforded their District of choice, if their home state certification is determined equivalent to the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board standards.
Lateral applicants who proceed through the hiring process will be required to complete an evaluation including criminal law, traffic law, written assessment, and handgun (Sig Sauer P227) course. This evaluation is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 18, 2023, and will be presented at the Superintendent’s Review.
Recruits in the lateral academy, will have periodic structured performance reviews with the Training Academy staff. Performance expectations for graduation on May 23, 2024, will be continually monitored. If your performance does not meet the criteria for graduation as determined by the Superintendent, you will have the option to continue in the traditional recruit academy with a graduation date of July 18, 2024.
*Note: Lateral Police Officers must be at least 21 and less than 40 years of age when appointed as a police employee on May 23, 2024.
Recruits of the 85th Recruit Academy are offered an excellent health care plan, including medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy coverage for current and retired employees, along with their families, until reaching age 65. The Indiana State Police pension program provides a lifetime pension after 25 years of service. Additionally, the Indiana State Police Department provides comprehensive disability coverage and a life insurance program. Student loan forgiveness programs are being offered at this time through the following:  https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
Interested applicants can obtain additional information about an Indiana State Trooper career by visiting IndianaTrooper.com  Applicants can also contact a recruiter at isprecruiting@isp.in.gov. Scannable QR codes shown in the attachment below.
USI battles rival SIUE to scoreless tie
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Soccer went toe-to-toe against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Thursday night, battling to a 0-0 tie at Strassweg Field. The Screaming Eagles matched a season-best unbeaten streak of four matches with Thursday’s scoreless draw.
With USI coming into Thursday’s match against its longtime rival on a three-match winning streak, the contest quickly escalated to a high-intensity battle. SIUE is also the three-time reigning Ohio Valley Conference Tournament champions going back to the Spring 2020-21 season. The match’s quick pace and physical nature became evident as both sides fought for possession.
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Midway into the first half, Southern Indiana had solid chances at goal. In the 21st minute, sophomore defender Charli Grafton (Sunriver, Oregon) stepped into the box on a USI corner kick. On a good service inside the six-yard box by sophomore midfielder Emma Thurston (Leawood, Kansas), Grafton headed the ball inches above the crossbar. Just a few minutes later, sophomore midfielder Peyton Murphy (Bargersville, Indiana) took a right-footed shot that was blocked away by the Cougars’ redshirt junior goalkeeper Taylor Spiller.
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With the match still scoreless in the 59th minute, the Eagles nearly found a breakthrough. Off a throw-in, freshman midfielder Pilar Torres (Chula Vista, California) booted a ball up into the air inside the box. With Spiller coming off the goal line, freshman midfielder Lydia Bordfeld (Evansville, Indiana) headed the ball down toward the corner of the goal, but the ball nicked off the post and stayed out. Southern Indiana had another quality chance nearly six minutes later off a free kick. With a look just outside the top of the box, Murphy snuck the free kick past SIUE’s defensive wall but went just past the right post. Then as both teams sought a go-ahead goal coming down the stretch, USI redshirt freshman goalkeeper Anna Markland (Hoover, Alabama) made four big saves within a minute after quick shots by the Cougars.
Markland finished the match with five saves, recording the fifth shutout of the season for USI. Offensively, the Screaming Eagles spread out six shots with one on goal late by senior midfielder Avery Schone (Galena, Ohio). The Cougars placed five of eight shot attempts on target.
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With Thursday’s tie, Southern Indiana moved to 4-6-5 overall and 3-1-2 in OVC play. The Eagles have now earned a result in eight of the last nine matches, going 4-1-4 during that stretch. Plus, USI has now gone 3-0-2 in the last five home matches. SIUE moved to a 4-5-3 mark this season with a 2-1-3 conference record. In the conference standings, Southern Indiana moved into a tie for second with Morehead State University at 11 points. The Cougars are now fourth entering the weekend with nine points.
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Up next, the Screaming Eagles head back on the road Sunday at 1 p.m., taking on the University of Tennessee at Martin. Sunday’s match can be seen with a subscription to ESPN+.
