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JUST IN: FORMER SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER RECEIVES RULING OF ADVISORY OPINION 23-FC- 77 CONCERNING A VIOLATION OF INDIANA “OPEN ACCESS LAW”

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Posted below is the attachment of the ruling from Indiana Public Access Counsel concerning a complaint filed against the Vanderburgh County School Board by Ann Ennis
Dear all:
my response:
“If no journalists can do anything to notify the public that EVSC ignores repeated Indiana Public Access Counsel advisory opinions and its requests for information, then that is the end of it.
“I have worked inside and outside to open up various EVSC hidden processes for 8 years. This is the end of all I can try to do.
“Also please note that I learned about the great work of the Indiana Public Access Counsel from Patrick Shoulders, EVSC legal counsel when he referred me to contact the agency about EVSC’s use of Executive sessions during 2018-2020 (pre-COVID). Shoulders referred me to seek advice from the IN PAC when I was trying to reduce EVSC trustee’s habit of avoiding public dialogue, and regular and lengthy Executive Sessions (aka secret meetings with no notes).
“Absent one or several journalistic explorations of 1) my complaints, 2) the IN PAC response, and 3) the EVSC ignoring the IN PAC — then transparency has been lost upon Vanderburgh County’s largest budget (EVSC) and for the governing body of that budget: the EVSC board of trustees,” said Ann Ennis former EVSC trustee, and local and state public education advocate since 2008.
ANN ENNIS
———- Forwarded message ———
From: Kennedy, Kassidy <KaKennedy@opac.in.gov>
Date: Wed, Oct 11, 2023 at 9:06 AM
Subject: NOTICE OF ADVISORY OPINION 23-FC-77
To: christopher.kiefer@evsck12.com <christopher.kiefer@evsck12.com>
CC: Ann Ennis <annennis1985@gmail.com

OFFICIAL RESPONSE BY THE INDIANA PUBLIC ACCESS OFFICER TO FORMER VANDERBURGH COUNTY SCHOOL :L BOARD MEMBER ANNE ENNIS
Dear Sir or Madam,
Attached you will find the Advisory Opinion from the Public Access Counselor regarding the formal complaint against the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation.
If you have any questions, please contact our office.
Thank you.
Kassidy Kennedy
Public Access Counselor Case Coordinator
317-234-0906
pac@opac.in.gov
www.IN.gov/pac
ATTACHED BELOW IS THE LINK TO THE OFFICIAL OPINION OF THE INDIANA PUBLIC ACCESS OFFICER  CONCERNING THE VIOLATION OF THE “OPEN DOOR LAWS” BY THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD 

 

23-FC-77

 

LIBERTARIAN MICHAEL DAUGHERTY ANNOUNCES HIS POLITICAL PLATFORM

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LIBERTARIAN MICHAEL DAUGHERTY ANNOUNCES HIS POLITICAL PLATFORM

Returning to Evansville after returning from being away for several years attending Purdue University, many things changed, specifically public safety, roads, parks, and other infrastructure issues. It was obvious that Evansville was on a major decline. I was amazed to learn that several of my friends and family members moved out of the city limits because of Evansville’s decline.

Casual observation showed frivolous spending of the citizen’s hard-earned tax dollars. It was time to get involved so I could make a positive difference in my hometown. It is time for Evansville to elect a Mayor who will be compassionate, concerned, and dedicated to serving ALL citizens regardless of economic, political, or social status.

Concerning the current issue of rat problems in certain areas of the city, if elected Mayor, I will immediately appoint a Blue Ribbon Task Force of professionals that will create a plan for cleaning up trash around the areas that attract rats by holding Republic Services accountable to their contract with the city that will ensure that all trash city behind homes are picked up. I will also appoint a Blue Ribbon Commission of professionals to create a plan to eradicate the rats and provide a budget that will be sufficient to proactively address current and future infestations.

During a recent meet the candidate’s forum, a current city council member answered the question regarding what would be the ideal Mayor. She began to describe my experience to a tee. The description talked about business leadership with experience as a CEO, as well as financial background tied with business experience. As the CEO and President of Abstract Technology Group for 14 years, coupled with an MBA, I agreed with the assessment of the ideal mayoral candidate.

As your newly elected mayor on day one, I will request a full forensic audit from the State Board of Accounts. It is extremely evident to me as a business person, that there are serious financial disparities with the Ford Center.  After analyzing my “Public Records Requests” sent to me by the City the FORD CENTER is projected to make less than a $50,000 profit this year.

If you are making less than $50,000 per year, would anyone loan you $9 million to do upgrades at the FORD CENTER?  Are you aware that the city Evansville City Council just approved a 9 million dollar bond issue using our city streets as collateral to upgrade the Ford Center’s scoreboard and concession stands on behalf of the Winnecke administration?  We have many more important capital improvement projects that could use the 9 million dollars on, such as ensuring that each police car is equipped with life-saving equipment, improving our city parks, and making our roads more drivable to reduce the major deficit of our City Employees Healthcare program.

If elected mayor, I will put appointed positions and department heads on notice so that all people in my administration will realize that they work for the taxpayers, not the other way around. E is supposed to be for Everyone, but if you walk through the halls of the Civic Center you will see very little diversity that shall change under my watch.

I would also like to announce that all appointed boards and/or commission members will not receive any salary or paid health insurance under my administration. Also, these positions will be filled with hard-working citizens of Evansville, not country club buddies who live outside of the city limits.

I will appoint a Blue Ribbon Committee comprised of unbiased non-partisan citizens of Evansville, that will assist in recommending the best qualified candidates for Department Head positions, regardless of their political affiliation.

I have made a point that the hard-working employees in the Civic Center have received a mere 1% raise increase while our CITY COUNCIL member’s increase Mayor’s 2024 salary was increased to $35k increase and the City Clerk’s salary was increased by whooping 28.33% this coming year.

As your Mayor, i will lead by example. I will treat every employee with respect and always remember that, like them, I am an employee of the citizens of Evansville.

It is with pride and great pleasure that I announce that I will not take any campaign donations from corporations, PACs, or Lobbyists, so when I enter the office of Mayor I will have NO POLITICAL FAVORS OWED or BEHOLDEN to no one.

It is important to point out that I was the only elected official or candidate to show up to the IURC meeting for public input and oppose Centerpoint being approved to increase customer bills to cover a $477M infrastructure improvement project.

To put into perspective, as of October 1, 2023, I have only spent $13,780.00 a year to date compared to the hundreds of thousands of my competitors that have been paid in by special interest groups and out-of-town influence peddlers. If I can be run for Mayor with this kind of budget, imagine how frugal I can be with taxpayer dollars.

That is the basis of my campaign, “PEOPLE OVER POLITICS”!   It is common knowledge that local politics have been for sale in Evansville for a long time, and I pledge that will stop with my administration.

Bottom line. When the people fear the government, we have TYRANNY. When the government fears the people, we have LIBERTY!

RESUME:

Born and raised in Evansville, Michael attended North High School. I graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. I worked as Vice President of a company for 7 years. I then taught as an Adjunct Instructor at Ivy Tech teaching Computer classes for 2 years. I returned to Purdue University, graduating with a Master In Business Administration(MBA). I then founded a Technology company, Abstract Technology Group, working as CEO and President for 14 years. I sold this business and retired in 2022.

I have served on multiple non-profit boards, from President to secretary every year since 2008. With a passion to serving those in need, I have served on the finance committee and developed the budget for the past 5 years for Almost Home Humane Society. I have always enjoyed serving my community and being a great public servant and looking forward to serving the public as your next mayor.

FOOTNOTE:  The City-County Observer posted Mr. DAUGHERTY’s article without bias, opinion, or editing.

 

USI and former local high school student honor lynching victims one year later

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A year ago, on October 21, 2022, Sophie Kloppenburg, a former student at Mount Vernon High School in Mount Vernon, Indiana, and current student at Columbia University, unveiled her passion project—a memorial bench and historical marker commemorating the scene of seven African American lynchings/murders in Posey County in 1878. The project was a collaboration with the University of Southern Indiana College of Liberal Arts Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. 

A series of speakers will take the podium at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 21 at the Alexandrian Public Library in Mount Vernon, Indiana, at 115 West 5th Street to honor the one-year anniversary of the project. Speakers include:  

  • Sophie Kloppenburg, Leader of the 1878 Memorial Initiative  
  • Dr. Kristalyn Shefveland, USI Assistant Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Associate Professor of History 
  • Dr. Laurel Standiford Reyes, USI Assistant Professor of Psychology 
  • Dr. Cacee Hoyer-Mabis, USI Associate Professor of History and Affiliated Faculty of Africana Studies 
  • Jim Redwine, Former Posey County Circuit Judge and author of Judge Lynch 
  • Andre Le Mont Wilson, Author of Hauntings, Essayist and descendant of Daniel Harrison Sr., John Harrison and Daniel Harrison Jr. (the three men who were lynched at the site) 
  • Dr. Mark Auslander, Visiting Lecturer of Anthropology from Mount Holyoke College 
  • Kevin Krizan, Economics, Marketing, and Innovation and Open-Source Learning Teacher at Mount Vernon High School 
  • Kori Miller, Director of the Evansville African American Museum 

Auslander will additionally give a lecture titled, Regenerating Lineage in the Shadow of Racial Violence: The Burdens of “Postmemory,” on campus at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, October 19 in Kleymeyer Hall, in the lower level of the Liberal Arts Building.  

“This has been an example of a true community partnership, and we have utilized our research skills to support and bolster a dynamic individual (Sophie Kloppenburg) who has brought forth a transformative event for the Mount Vernon community,” says Shefveland. “History nurtures personal and collective identity, but its discussion in textbooks, alone, alienates many. Public-facing projects such as this one, however, help to engage more people in their own history.”  

The Posey County site is where Posey County residents Jim Good, William Chambers, Edward Warner and Jeff Hopkins were lynched. Daniel Harrison, Sr., Daniel Harrison, Jr. and John Harrison were also murdered at other sites in the Posey County community. A grand jury was called to investigate the tragic events—however, no one was ever indicted.   

The memorial, created in 2022, consists of a dual-sided historical marker with a QR code leading to the David L. Rice Library Guides webpage. The webpage offers additional insight into the lynchings and secondary sources of information. An ongoing partnership with the USI History Department and USI’s David L. Rice Library will help to maintain the website with extensive information to assist in the continual education of these historical events.   

ICYMI: Attorney General Todd Rokita takes strong stance in support of Israel

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Within hours of the horrific attack on Israel, Attorney General Rokita on social media addressed the unprecedented terrorism that claimed the lives of innocent civilians:

“The attack on Israel is a direct result of America’s current weakness on the world stage. It started with Biden’s election, continued with his bungling of the Afghanistan exit, bowing to China, and most recently, giving $6 billion to Iran, who is sponsoring this war against Israel.

Biden is weak to the world, but he overreaches into our own state sovereignty and the personal lives of Hoosiers daily. I will keep successfully fighting him off when it comes to our state. And I will keep fighting China, as promised. I call on the Governor to light up the Statehouse in white and blue in support of our brothers and sisters in Israel.”

This was quickly followed by a letter to Governor Holcomb advocating for lighting the Indiana Statehouse in blue and white in solidarity with Israel and noting the death of Mayor Ofir Libstein of the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council — who recently visited Indianapolis.

“Dear Governor Holcomb, 

This weekend, the world watched in shock and horror as Hamas invaded Israel in the deadliest attack against the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Iranian backed terrorists are targeting women, children, and other innocent civilians. A good friend to many in Indiana, Mayor Ofir Libstein of the Sha’ar Hanegev Regional Council, who recently visited Indianapolis to instill pride in Jewish youth, was among those murdered Saturday morning protecting his home and family. And recent reports show at least 9 American lives have been lost. This is an attack on democracy and our shared values. 

Israel has been a longstanding ally of the United States, and Indiana specifically. Multiple Israeli companies have established themselves in Indiana, many of which are a result of your recent economic development efforts. Indiana leads the National Guard’s partnership in homeland defense cooperation with the Israeli Defense Force’s Home Front Command. And many of the Jewish faith call our state home because Hoosiers share their democratic values and a vision of a secure, free, and prosperous world. 

Allies all over the world are using iconic landmarks to show their support for Israel. The Israeli Embassy has suggested illuminating Capitol Buildings in Blue and White, the colors of the Israeli flag. Lighting the Indiana State Capitol would not only be a meaningful gesture to our Jewish community in Indiana, but it would send a powerful message of unwavering support to our friends in the Middle East. Therefore, I add my voice to the many, no doubt who are requesting that you direct our relevant agencies to highlight our Statehouse – the most visible symbol and manifestation of our state government – in blue and white light, so it is clear during the evening hours that Indiana stands with Israel.  

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to hearing about any developments related to this matter.”

Gov. Holcomb announces second Stellantis, Samsung SDI EV battery manufacturing facility, $3.2B investment

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Joint venture StarPlus Energy doubles investment, job creation plans for Kokomo, solidifying Indiana’s global leadership in shaping the future of mobility

KOKOMO, Ind. – Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced today that Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) and Samsung SDI will significantly expand electric vehicle battery manufacturing operations in Indiana, investing more than $3.2 billion. The facility will be the joint venture’s second StarPlus Energy gigafactory in Kokomo. To support this growth, the companies plan to create 1,400 new, high-wage jobs in north central Indiana, growing its total planned workforce to 2,800 jobs.

“Indiana’s economy is on a roll,” said Gov. Holcomb. “Today’s commitment from Stellantis and Samsung SDI will double the capital investment, the new jobs created, and the impact this joint venture will have on Kokomo and the state of Indiana for decades to come. This decision puts Hoosiers squarely at the center of innovating and developing the future of mobility, catalyzing Indiana’s leadership position in tomorrow’s global economy.”

This will be the second StarPlus Energy gigafactory in Kokomo, growing the joint venture company’s total investment to more than $6.3 billion. The second next-generation electric vehicle manufacturing facility will be built adjacent to the first gigafactory in Kokomo first announced in May 2022, which is currently under construction and targeted to launch in the first quarter of 2025 with an annual production of 33 gigawatt hours (GWh). This second battery manufacturing facility is expected to start production in early 2027 and aims to have an initial annual production of 34 GWh, significantly increasing the joint venture’s U.S. capacity and accelerating Stellantis’ transition to electric vehicles.

“Our battery ecosystem is the foundation of our electrification strategy and our great partners Samsung SDI, the state of Indiana, and the city of Kokomo have created a compelling case for locating our sixth gigafactory in Kokomo,” said Mark Stewart, Stellantis COO North America. “The BEVs coming to our North America brands play an important role in our drive to offer clean, safe and affordable mobility for all and achieve the bold goal of carbon net zero by 2038.”

This investment is intended to be the sixth battery facility to support Stellantis’ bold electrification plan outlined in Dare Forward 2030 and is part of the company’s long-term electrification strategy to invest $35 billion USD through 2025 in electrification and software globally. Stellantis plans to reach a 100% passenger car battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales mix in Europe and 50% passenger car and light-duty truck BEV sales mix in the U.S. by 2030. To achieve these sales targets, the company is securing approximately 400 GWh of battery capacity. This investment marks that Stellantis is on track to become a carbon net zero corporation by 2038, all scopes included, with single-digit percentage compensation of remaining emissions.

“Through construction of the second battery plant of StarPlus Energy, Samsung SDI will be establishing its largest production base for electric vehicle batteries in North America,” said Yoon-ho Choi, president and CEO of Samsung SDI. “We expect Stellantis brand vehicles powered by Samsung SDI batteries featuring unrivalled technologies to contribute to fastening the U.S. transition to an era of electric vehicles.”

Stellantis employs more than 85,000 people across North America, including more than 7,000 throughout its Indiana operations. Since 2020, the company and its JV partners have committed to investing nearly $6.5 billion in Indiana to support its transition to electrification. In February, the company announced plans to invest $155 million in three Indiana facilities to add and localize production of its new electric drive module (EDM) to provide an all-in-one solution for electric vehicle powertrains.

“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Stellantis, Samsung SDI, and their joint-venture StarPlus Energy for their continued commitment and investment in our community. The addition of this second battery plant will solidify Kokomo as one of the largest electric vehicle battery producers in North America and shows that Kokomo continues to remain on the cutting edge of advanced automotive manufacturing.”

Pending approval from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) Board of Directors, the IEDC committed an investment in StarPlus Energy of up to $37.5 million in the form of conditional tax credits and up to $2 million in conditional training grants based on the joint venture’s investment and job creation plans. The IEDC also committed an investment of up to $22 million in conditional redevelopment tax credits based on the company’s investment plans and up to $115 million in conditional structured performance payments. These incentives are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim state benefits once investments are made and employees are hired and trained. The city of Kokomo, Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance Inc., Howard County, Duke Energy Indiana and Northern Indiana Public Service Company offered additional incentives.

Today’s news comes on the heels of Gov. Holcomb’s economic development trip to South Korea in August 2022 focused on advancing the state’s electric vehicle ecosystem. There, the governor and the delegation visited Samsung SDI to tour its main electric vehicle battery production line and meet with top executives of the company and with Stellantis to celebrate their growth plans in Indiana.

About Stellantis Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the world’s leading automakers and a mobility provider. Its storied and iconic brands embody the passion of their visionary founders and today’s customers in their innovative products and services, including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Powered by our diversity, we lead the way the world moves – aspiring to become the greatest sustainable mobility tech company, not the biggest, while creating added value for all stakeholders as well as the communities in which it operates. For more information, visit www.stellantis.com.

About Samsung SDI Samsung SDI is a manufacturer of rechargeable batteries for the IT industry, automobiles, and energy storage systems (ESS), as well as cutting-edge materials used to produce semiconductors and displays. Our executive managers and staff members focus efforts to develop the next generation’s growth drivers in order to secure Samsung SDI’s place as a creative leader in the energy and cutting-edge materials industry. 

Attorney General Todd Rokita secures restitution from landlord for survivor of domestic violence

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Attorney General Todd Rokita secured a measure of justice for a survivor of domestic abuse when he obtained a landlord’s commitment to pay the survivor $12,000 and to improve policies addressing domestic violence among tenants.

“Our team works to combat domestic violence at every opportunity,” Attorney General Rokita said. “We aim to involve all Hoosiers in efforts to assist survivors and bring perpetrators to justice. Landlords, for their part, certainly need to be part of the solution.”

An investigation conducted by the Attorney General’s Homeowner Protection Unit found that a survivor first contacted her leasing office for assistance in the summer of 2022 after being physically abused by her co-tenant. Allegedly, employees of TRI-TWG Lakewood Holdings LLC provided erroneous information about her ability to terminate her lease or exclude the abuser from the leased unit.

The survivor alleged that she was told she would need to pay an early termination fee or qualify for an apartment using her own income for them to be able to assist her. As a result of this misinformation, the survivor experienced additional alleged abuse over the course of several more months. Timing in these circumstances can be critical to allow for physical separation from alleged perpetrators.

“A lack of training and understanding of the law protecting victims of domestic violence put this woman and her children in serious danger,” Attorney General Rokita said. “She eventually got her lease terminated with the assistance of an attorney from Indiana Legal Services, but it should never have taken as long as it did.”

This episode also exposes an inadequacy in current state law — which fails to require landlords to provide any information to tenants who report being victims of domestic violence or abuse. Instead, the law requires the tenants to know about the proper paperwork they must file in order to get a lease terminated on the basis of domestic abuse.

“Our office appreciates the steps this landlord has taken to ensure this never happens again,” Attorney General Rokita said. “A good next step might be for the Indiana General Assembly to strengthen Indiana laws protecting domestic abuse victims living in rental properties.”

The current statute contains no specific Attorney General authority for enforcement and no requirement that a landlord provide any information to a tenant about their rights when a tenant facing abuse reports a need to terminate their lease or exclude an abuser from the unit.

TRI-TWG Lakewood Holdings LLC has entered into an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (AVC) requiring them to:

  • Pay restitution to the consumer totaling $12,000;
  • Make affirmative changes to policies and procedures relating to the proper handling of domestic violence incidents involving their tenants;
  • Conduct at least two hours of continuing education training for consumer-facing leasing staff on the topic of domestic violence, including the protections afforded to victims of certain crimes as laid out in Ind. Code § 32-1-9; and
  • Remit $2,500.00 to reimburse the Homeowner Protection Unit for costs of the investigation.

The mission of the Homeowner Protection Unit is to protect the rights of all individuals involved in the housing market — including tenants, homeowners, and aspiring homeowners — by investigating and redressing deceptive acts in connection with mortgage lending and violations of relevant state and federal laws.

The AVC is attached.

Exhibit A – Final Executed AVC (Tri-TWG Lakewoods Holdings) – filed copy.pdf

Eagles, Cougars battle to 3-3 draw

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Soccer and Chicago State University battle to a 3-3 draw Thursday afternoon at Strassweg Field. The Screaming Eagles go to 1-9-2 overall and 0-3-2 in the OVC, while Chicago State is 3-8-2, 1-3-1 OVC.
 
USI exploded offensively following the the kickoff, scoring a pair of goals in the first five minutes. Junior forward Robert Schoenstein (Evansville, Indiana) put the Eagles in front, 1-0, with his first goal of the season at 1:16.
 
Schoenstein was assisted on the goal by senior midfielder Nick Faddis (St. Louis, Missouri) and junior midfielder Elmer Garcia (Indianapolis, Indiana).
 
Garcia increased the USI advantage to 2-0 three minutes later when he recorded his first tally of the season at 3:55. He had a clear shot from five yards out, after receiving assisting passes from Schoenstein and Faddis.
 
The Eagles saw their lead grow to 3-0 after Faddis convert his second penalty kick of the season at 22:35 for his second goal of the year. USI was awarded the penalty kick after Schoenstein was fouled inside the box.
 
The Cougars chipped away at the Eagles’ lead late in the first half, scoring their first of the match at 29:05. The 3-1 USI lead would hold through the end of halftime.
 
Cougars would own the second half with a pair of goals in the final 21 minutes and outshoot the Eagles, 11-2. Chicago State narrowed USI’s lead to 3-2 with a tally at 69:24 before putting a flurry of shots on the Eagles’ goal in the final minutes to get the equalizer at 88:26 for a 3-3 final.
 
 
NEXT UP FOR USI:
The Eagles reach the middle of the three-game homestand Sunday when it hosts Liberty University for Senior Day at 1 p.m. USI will honor its 10 seniors in a pregame ceremony at 12:15 p.m.
 
Liberty began this week’s action with a 4-0 win at Eastern Illinois University and watched it record go to 8-4-0 overall mark, 3-2-0 OVC. The Flames broke a two-match losing skid with the win and are 3-3-0 in the last six matches.
 
The homestand wraps up October 19 when Eastern Illinois University comes to Strassweg Field for a 3 p.m. contest.
 

 Cops Connecting with Kids Presents: Be the Hero in Your Own Story Leadership Workshop

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 Cops Connecting with Kids Presents: Be the Hero in Your Own Story Leadership Workshop

Summary: 

Cops Connecting with Kids will be hosting a leadership workshop later this month to help raise funds for CCWK. This workshop will be held at Ivy Tech Campus on October 24th and is open to the public. 

Jeff Barnes is a best-selling author and captivating keynote speaker who engages audiences with lessons learned from Walt Disney. He uses the magical story of Walt Disneyland and Walt Disney World to challenge you to think bigger, expand your expectations, and never stop dreaming. 

To register for this workshop, please call (812) 436-7896 or email bbolin@evansvillepolice.com. Please see the attachment for further information 

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration highlights UE volleyball weekend

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Aces face UIC and Valparaiso

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – A 5-match homestand comes to a close for the University of Evansville volleyball team this weekend when the Purple Aces play host to UIC and Valparaiso.  UE welcome the Flames on Friday at 6 p.m. before facing the Beacons on Saturday at 5 p.m. inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse.  Both matches will be carried by ESPN+.

To celebrate the final days of Hispanic Heritage Month, the University of Evansville athletic department and UE Volleyball are hosting a Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Celebration for Saturday’s volleyball match.

The celebration begins at 3 PM in front of the Carson Center with a block party, featuring Hispanic/Latinx music, food truck, and a photo booth. At 5 PM, the party will move inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse for the Aces match with Valparaiso. The first 100 fans inside the fieldhouse will receive a Vamos Aces t-shirt.

Help support our Hispanic/Latinx community by coming out and cheering on the Aces!

Last Time Out

– Hitting .372 as a team, the Aces overcame a 1-0 deficit on Monday to defeat Indiana State by a 3-1 final at Meeks Family Fieldhouse

– Giulia Cardona led all players with 27 kills while Melanie Feliciano added 20 and Brooke Springer set her career high with 7

– Kora Ruff picked up 57 assists, just one short of her top collegiate tally

Putting it all Together

– Brooke Springer had what may have been the top match of her Purple Aces career against Indiana State

– Springer set her career mark with 7 kills while adding two solo blocks and four block assists

– She continues to pace the team with 1.02 blocks/set and is third in the MVC

– Springer opened the DePaul Invite with a solo block and three block assists versus St. Thomas before adding five block assists in the triumph over NIU

– Aside from her 28 block assists, Springer has contributed 9 solo blocks in 2023

Efficient Operation

– Kora Ruff’s efficiency on the offensive side was pivotal in Evansville’s home win over Indiana State where she registered a season-high 57 helpers

– The total was just one shy of her top collegiate mark of 58, which came in 2022

– Ruff stands third in the MVC with her average of 10.39 assists and is 27th nationally

– While her season average of 2.66 digs is 18th in the league, that average has risen to 2.92/set through seven MVC matches

She’s #1

– Giulia Cardona’s impressive season continues as she paces the NCAA in three of the top offensive categories

– Cardona leads the nation in kills (5.44/set), points (6.13/set) and attacks (14.59/set)

– After completing the opening MVC weekend with a mark of 8.86 kills, she earned her second MVC Player of the Week award of 2023

– She finished with 26 at Murray State before resetting her career high with 36 at Belmont on Sept. 23

– Her 36 kills was the most in the NCAA in a 4-set match this season and tied for the highest tally in any match of the 2023 season while her 26-kill performance against the Racers was the most this season by any NCAA player in a 3-set contest

Scouting the Opposition

– UIC comes into Friday’s weekend opener sporting a 13-7 record and a 4-3 mark through their opening seven conference contests

– Martina Delucchi is 4th in the conference with 3.74 kills per set while Becca Oldendorf is the league’s most accurate hitter at .433

– Valparaiso is currently 11-9 overall and 3-4 in Valley play

– Emma Hickey is stellar on the defensive side, ranking 4th in the conference with 5.13 digs per frame

Vincennes University announces major expansion of Aviation Maintenance program to fill growing demand

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INDIANAPOLIS, October 12, 2023 – Vincennes University proudly announced a $4.5 million state-funded initiative focused on injecting further vitality into Indiana’s aviation industry and bolstering the Indianapolis International Airport’s growth.

VU plans to expand the reach of its educational impact by doubling the enrollment of the University’s esteemed Aviation Maintenance program. In addition, VU aims to boost its high school dual credit offerings, enabling ambitious high school students to get a head start in their aviation education.

Sen. Jeff Raatz, who is chair of the Senate Education and Career Development Committee, was in attendance for the announcement and spoke at the event on Thursday, Oct. 12.

Raatz said, “This is one of the shining examples of how our educational systems can work. I applaud Vincennes University and AAR. We will see a great return on the investment throughout the lives of the students who are trained here. With programs like this, we win as a state.”

The announcement was made at VU’s state-of-the-art Aviation Technology Center in Indianapolis during an event attended by state and local leaders, including Rep. Jeffrey Thompson, Indiana House Ways and Means Committee chair, and Josh Garrison, senior associate commissioner and chief of staff for the Indiana Higher Education Commission, as well as industry partners, VU administrators, and the University community.

According to VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson, “This initiative allows Vincennes University the opportunity to help develop the next generation of aviation technicians and showcases our dedication to offering rewarding career paths for Hoosiers, offering them a chance to excel in an industry that is vital to our region’s growth and prosperity. We are also grateful for the investment made by our state leaders and for the ongoing support of our industry partners, paving the way for a brighter future for aviation in Indiana.”

VU’s efforts will address the demand for professionals within the aviation industry and help meet the workforce needs of industry partners and the Indianapolis airport, strengthening its position as a vital hub for aviation in the United States.

Through tailored educational programs and cutting-edge facilities, VU is committed to equipping aspiring professionals with the specialized skills needed for successful careers in aviation. The University strives to empower the workforce, enhance regional economic development, and ultimately contribute to aviation’s sustainable growth within Indiana.

VU is expanding enticing pathways for aspiring aviation professionals through collaboration with industry partners, including AAR, Jet Access, FedEx, Textron, Comlux, Rolls Royce, General Electric, and Republic Airways.

Through a strategic partnership with AAR, a global leader in aviation maintenance, VU plans to fill the gap by increasing a training pipeline of highly skilled technicians through work-based learning that will lead to hundreds of new jobs.

“Vincennes University’s focus aligns closely with the objectives of our industry partners, and we’re honored to provide access to high-quality education and affordable pathways to fulfilling careers in aviation maintenance,” VU Director of Aviation Michael Gehrich said. “The demand for aviation maintenance technicians is great. Together, we can cultivate a skilled workforce that will help elevate aviation in Indiana and the country.”

The demand for aviation professionals is sky-high. Almost 2.3 million new aviation personnel are needed over the next 20 years to support the global commercial fleet, according to Boeing’s recent 2023 Pilot and Technician Outlook long-term forecast. Due to a retiring workforce and increasing demand for travel, the report says 690,000 maintenance technicians, 649,900 pilots, and 938,000 cabin crew members are needed.

Aviation maintenance is a high-skill, high-demand job in Indiana, and eligible VU students qualify for the state’s Next Level Jobs grant, making the program even more affordable.

In addition, VU is committed to providing accessible pathways for young learners. With the University’s new initiative, high school students can accelerate their academic journey by earning 16 college credits and completing the general section of the Federal Aviation Administration Airframe and Powerplant certificate while still enrolled in high school.

“This growth will not only enrich our VU community but also strengthen the state of Indiana and the aviation industry by nurturing a new generation of skilled and passionate professionals,” Gehrich said.

Aviation maintenance is a good-paying career. The median pay in 2022 for an aviation maintenance technician was $70,010 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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