Aces fall to Panthers in weekend opener
UE welcomes Drake on Saturday evening
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Following an opening set that saw the University of Evansville volleyball team give Northern Iowa everything it could handle, the Panthers fended off the challenge to take a 3-0 win on Friday evening inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse.
Melanie Feliciano and Giulia Cardona were each held to a season-low six kills apiece. Angelica Gonzalez Maltes picked up the first two kills of her career while Chloe Cline tied her season mark with three. Lexi Owen also added her first collegiate kill while Holland Morris was on the floor for the first time as an Ace.
The Panthers were led by Emily Holterhaus’ 18 kills.
Game 1 – UNI 25, UE 21
After Northern Iowa started the evening with a 6-2 lead, Evansville called a time out and immediately responded. Helped by two Emilee Scheumann kills and an ace from Cardona, the Aces tied the score at 6-6. The Panthers wrestled the lead away and would push their advantage to 14-11.
Once again, the Aces countered as a 5-1 run saw UE take its first lead of the match. Scheumann added another kill while Chloe Cline recorded one of her own. A pair of kills from Feliciano helped UE take its largest lead at 20-16 as the Aces looked to open the night with a win. Unfortunately, UNI had the answer in the form of a 9-1 rally to end the set and take a 25-21 decision.
Game 2 – UNI 25, UE 17
Evansville performed extremely well in the opening moments of the seconds frame as they turned a 6-3 deficit into an 11-8 lead. Another ace from Cardona highlighted the stretch while the Aces forced three Panther errors.
UNI quickly responded with six in a row to retake a 14-11 lead. From there, they would pull away to take a 25-17 victory and a 2-0 match lead. In total, they completed the set on a 17-6 run.
Game 3 – UNI 25, UE 8
Already up 2-0 in the match, the Panthers scored 11 of the first 13 points and would not look back as they clinched the match win with a 25-8 decision in the set.
On Saturday, the Aces welcome Drake for a 5 p.m. contest inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse.
EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
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.
Gov. Beshear: $27.5 Billion in Investments Announced To Support Job Growth, Economic Development Across Kentucky
Team Kentucky Update highlights good economic development news, transportation awards, an update on sports betting
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 5, 2023) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear said that since the beginning of his administration, the state has now announced nearly 900 private-sector new-location and expansion projects that total $27.5 billion in investments, creating 48,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure for any governor in state history.
“If we keep pushing – not right, not left, but forward – we will keep building that better Kentucky we all want: one where all our kids and grandkids can pursue every dream, no matter how big, right here in the commonwealth,†said Gov. Beshear.
During the Team Kentucky Update, Gov. Beshear provided an update on economic development; sports betting; funding for repairs to local roads; an electric vehicle charging station network; medical cannabis; Veterans’ Program Trust Fund grants; the graduation of law enforcement officers and telecommunicators; and high-ground communities in Eastern Kentucky. He also named the seven Kentucky schools recognized as 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
Economic DevelopmentÂ
Gov. Beshear highlighted the newest in a series of significant investments in Kentucky’s rapidly growing EV sector, as Ascend Elements and SK ecoplant have announced plans to construct a $65.8 million lithium-ion battery recycling facility in Christian County that will create 60 full-time jobs for Kentuckians.
The Governor highlighted new economic growth coming to Adair County as Phillips Tank & Structure, a nationwide tank construction contractor, announced plans to build a $2.76 million fabrication shop that will create 20 new full-time jobs in the Columbia area.
Gov. Beshear announced that Play Mart Inc., an industry leader in recycled plastic play systems, will add to Kentucky’s growing manufacturing industry with a $1.7 million investment in the company’s current operation in Pulaski County, creating 10 new full-time jobs.
The Governor recapped joining local and state officials as well as executives from GE Appliances, a Haier company, last week to celebrate the opening of two new dishwasher manufacturing lines at Appliance Park in Louisville. The move marks the completion of the company’s transformative $450 million investment announced in October 2021, creating over 1,000 full-time Kentucky jobs.
Yesterday, Gov. Beshear joined local officials and company leadership from Ahlstrom, a manufacturer of fiber-based specialty materials, to cut the ribbon on the company’s new $68 million facility in Madisonville that is creating over 50 new full-time jobs.
Yesterday, the Governor also joined local officials and leadership at Toyota Boshoku America Inc. to celebrate the announcement of the company’s new $225 million investment in Hopkinsville that will create 157 quality jobs for Kentuckians.
The Governor also designated October as Manufacturing Month in the commonwealth as the sector continues to be at the center of Kentucky’s record economic growth and job creation with approximately 5,000 facilities statewide employing more than 250,000 Kentuckians.
Sports Betting
The Governor updated Kentuckians on sports betting in the commonwealth. With the launch of mobile wagering, over the weekend, Thursday – Sunday, Kentuckians wagered over $68 million through retail and mobile channels combined.
“Kentuckians are taking advantage of legal wagering both in-person and through mobile applications to bet on a growing number of sports, including NFL, college sports, Formula 1 racing and more,†said Gov. Beshear. “Now we can look forward to watching these numbers grow and seeing the revenue it generates help build a better Kentucky.â€
Discretionary Transportation Funding
Gov. Beshear, whose administration has made it a high priority to help local governments repair their streets and roads, announced a new round of discretionary road funds totaling more than $2.1 million to 15 local governments.
“One thing the Governor mentioned was working together for our communities regardless of whether our party is red or blue,†said Laurel County Judge/Executive David Westerfield. “We should all work together for one common goal – and I think that’s been the goal the Governor has had the last three years – is to work to help everybody, not one organization or the other, or one political party or the other. He has been awesome in the job he has done, and we appreciate all he has done for us.â€
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Network
In keeping with his priority to keep Kentucky at the center of the electric vehicle revolution, Gov. Beshear today announced the first round of awards for developers to design, build, operate and maintain a statewide network of EV charging stations. The six approved developers qualified for nearly $10.9 million in formula funding under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. A full list of approved developers is available here.
Medical Cannabis Program
The Governor gave an update on the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program, a part of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, after signing historic legislation into law earlier this year to legalize medical cannabis. Sam Flynn, who most recently served as the Labor and Education Cabinet’s chief of staff and general counsel, has been named as the executive director. The office has launched a new website where Kentuckians can get updates on the program, kymedcan.ky.gov. Gov. Beshear announced the Board of Physicians and Advisors held their first meeting yesterday and took steps toward ensuring Kentucky has a safe and robust medical cannabis program. The Governor also discussed the Team Kentucky Medical Cannabis Workgroup, which will study evolving medical cannabis industry policy. The group will recommend best practices to the program and other state agencies and ensure that Kentuckians have safe access to medical cannabis.
The Governor reminded Kentuckians that while the new law is being implemented those with qualifying medical conditions can continue seeking relief with medical cannabis by following the Governor’s executive order.
Veterans’ Program Trust Fund Grants
Gov. Beshear announced nearly $200,000 in funding from the Veterans’ Program Trust Fund, which will go to five organizations supporting Kentucky veterans. These organizations include:
- $90,000 to the Kentucky Habitat for Humanity to support the Hammers for Heroes program, which provides home repairs for veterans in the commonwealth;
- More than $20,000 to the Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund Inc. to preserve and repair the National Guard Memorial Inc.;
- $10,000 to Visual Presentation Inc. to honor and celebrate the veteran community with a city parade event in Louisville;
- More than $28,000 to the Veteran’s Club to support the expansion of their equine mentoring program, which provides healing to veterans in need; and
- $50,000 to USA Cares to provide emergency financial assistance for the Kentucky Army and Air National Guard units who experience natural disasters.
Throughout the administration, more than $2.3 million has been awarded to organizations with funds generated from veteran license plate purchase and renewals.
Increasing Public Safety
The Governor welcomed 88 Kentuckians to the law enforcement community, which are working to make Kentucky safer. Today, 34 law enforcement officers from agencies across the commonwealth graduated from the Department of Criminal Justice Training. Tomorrow, the state is expected to graduate 54 telecommunicators, which includes 30 who will work for the Kentucky State Police and 24 serving with local law enforcement agencies. The 30 KSP Telecommunications Academy graduates mark the largest graduating class in the agency’s history.
“To all our officers and telecommunications: I want you to know that my administration is committed to ensuring that you have the tools necessary to succeed and that all of you have our support as you do this vital work,†said Gov. Beshear. “Today’s news shows that the intentional steps we’ve taken, like providing pay raises, have helped attract more telecommunicators to this essential role.â€
High Ground Communities
Gov. Beshear updated Kentuckians on high-ground communities being built in Eastern Kentucky to give those who survived the floods a new home. The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development approved the necessary environmental review at the Sky View community in Perry County, allowing the state to move forward with construction on an access road to get equipment to the site. Work will also begin to install water, wastewater and electric infrastructure at the site.
In partnership with FEMA, Kentucky Power has begun stringing line to bring electricity to a life station and 10 homes in the Cottages at Thompson Branch in Letcher County.Â
“These are more good steps forward, and we continue to be committed to keeping our promise to be there every step of the way for the rebuilding process,†said Gov. Beshear.
Team Kentucky All-Stars
Each year, The U.S. Department of Education honors schools from across the country for high performance and closing achievement goals by recognizing them as National Blue Ribbon Schools. Gov. Beshear named the seven Kentucky schools included in the 2023 list as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. The schools include:
- Cassidy Elementary School – Lexington
- Drakes Creek Middle School – Bowling Green
- Farmington Elementary School – Mayfield
- Potter Gray Elementary School – Bowling Green
- Russell High School – Russell
- Saint Xavier High School – LouisvilleÂ
- Villa Madonna Academy Elementary School – Villa Hills
“Congratulations to these schools, teachers and administrators who worked so hard. I am proud to name you this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars,†said Gov. Beshear.
Office of Environmental Adjudication director set to retire
INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced today that Mary Davidsen, the state’s longtime chief environmental law judge, plans to retire at the end of the year. Judge Davidsen has served in her role as director of the Office of Environmental Adjudication (OEA) since being appointed in 2003.
Under Davidsen’s leadership, OEA has concluded more than 2,300 cases, facilitated resolution of more than 90% of its cases without resorting to extensive litigation efforts, and has not been reversed for avoidable error on judicial review. OEA also provides mediation services to cases involving other Indiana state agencies and the citizens they regulate.
“Judge Davidsen has had an incredible tenure dealing with often complex cases involving environmental concerns. She dedicated her career to this important work and it’s an honor to recognize her as a colleague,†said Gov. Holcomb.
OEA provides independent resolution of disputed decisions rendered by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). Issues decided by OEA involve permitting and enforcement of air, land and water laws, and the Excess Liability Trust Fund (ELTF), and examples include cases concerning electric utility fly ash ponds, community sanitary sewer and water supplies, confined feeding operations, and ELFT reimbursements claimed for site cleanups.
“It has been the greatest honor of my legal professional life to serve Hoosier citizens across the state for 20 years,†Judge Davidsen said. “The challenges of providing a fair, efficient forum to hear the first level of legal challenges to decisions made by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) could not have evolved as smoothly without the commitment of the parties to advocating their positions. I am incredibly proud of the work being done by our state and will be forever grateful to those who continue to fulfill the needs of our communities by improving the environmental conditions for Hoosiers.â€
Judge Davidsen also has served in leadership positions with the Sagamore American Inn of Court, the environmental section of the Indiana State Bar Association and assisted the Indianapolis Bar Association’s pro-bono initiative to connect qualified estate attorney volunteers with indigent hospice patients with urgent needs for representation for end-of-life concerns.
The process to replace Judge Davidsen will commence before the end of the year.
Mayor Lloyd Winnecke will be in attendance for the world premiere of a compelling new documentary, “Racing to Respondâ€
(October 5, 2023) — Mayor Lloyd Winnecke will be in attendance for the world premiere of a compelling new documentary, “Racing to Respond,†addressing the youth mental health crisis in Indiana. Notably, Mayor Winnecke was also interviewed for the documentary, sharing his insights and perspectives on the critical issues it explores. The screening is set for October 10th, 2023, at Bally’s Riverfront Center in Evansville.
Addressing the critical issue of youth mental health and emphasizing its urgency by highlighting that death by suicide is the second-leading cause of death among Indiana’s young people, “Racing to Respond†brings to light the tragic stories of two families deeply impacted by this crisis. Their experiences serve as a call to action, urging Indiana communities to come together and address the urgent needs of youth mental health care.
Event Details:
- Date: October 10, 2023
- Location: Bally’s Riverfront Center, 421 NW Riverside Drive, Evansville, IN 47708
- Reception: 5:00 p.m.
- Screening: 6:00 p.m.
- Panel Discussion: 7:00 p.m.
The documentary not only amplifies the voices of the affected families but also illustrates how Indiana communities are rallying to combat the youth mental health crisis. Riley Children’s Health, in partnership with six communities across the state, is hosting exclusive screenings of the film. These events will bring together mental health providers, business and community leaders, school administrators, families, and all individuals interested in combating this crisis to forge a path forward in addressing youth mental health care in Indiana.
If you wish to be part of this conversation and movement to reshape Indiana’s youth mental health care trajectory, please RSVP at rileykids.org/racing-to-respond.
Vanderburgh County Health Department Drive -Thru Flu Clinic
The Vanderburgh County Health Department (VCHD) will be hosting a drive through flu vaccination clinic this Saturday, October 7th. The VCHD will have its mobile clinic set up in the parking lot at Ivy Tech Community College. The clinic will run from 8am to 12pm this Saturday.
The VCHD encourages everyone from 6 months of age and up to receive their flu shot each year. This vaccination helps protect individuals from getting the influenza virus, and helps to reduce the effects if a person is infected. Appointments can be made using this link, https://www.cognitoforms.com/vchd3/ivytechfluclinic.
The VCHD accepts those who don’t have insurance, people who have Medicaid, and most private insurances. Â
A flyer with a QR code to sign up is attached.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â CONTACT:
 October 3, 2023   Vanderburgh County Health Department
Joe Gries
812-435-2468
Vanderburgh County Health Department
Drive thru Flu Clinic
The Vanderburgh County Health Department (VCHD) will be hosting a drive through flu vaccination clinic this Saturday, October 7th. The VCHD will have its mobile clinic set up in the parking lot at Ivy Tech Community College. The clinic will run from 8am to 12pm this Saturday.
The VCHD encourages everyone from 6 months of age and up to receive their flu shot each year. This vaccination helps protect individuals from getting the influenza virus, and helps to reduce the effects if a person is infected. Appointments can be made using this link, https://www.cognitoforms.com/vchd3/ivytechfluclinic.
The VCHD accepts those who don’t have insurance, people who have Medicaid, and most private insurances. Â
A flyer with a QR code to sign up is attached.
Albert Chen to receive 2023 Sachem Award
INDIANAPOLIS – Gov. Eric J. Holcomb will honor Albert Chen, the founder and board chair for Indiana-based Telamon Corporation with the 2023 Sachem Award. A ceremony to celebrate him as the recipient of the state’s highest honor will be held at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel on Thursday, Nov. 2.
“Albert came from a humble beginning as a first-generation immigrant from Taiwan, but through grit, perseverance and relentless work ethic, Albert built a $839 million company with more than 2,000 employees,†Gov. Holcomb said. “He is an innovator and entrepreneur extraordinaire who’s long been guided by the same principles he founded the company on, namely honesty, harmony, simplicity and stewardship.â€
The Governor gives the Sachem annually to recognize an individual whose lifetime of excellence and moral virtue has brought credit and honor to Indiana.
The 80-year-old Chen founded Telamon Corporation in 1985. The company designs, builds and installs networks to support telecommunication networks from traditional mobile phone usage to connectivity in stadiums, hospitals and schools. The company operates 14 domestic locations, three international offices and employs more than 2,000 staff. Chen continues his leadership role with the company as board chair of Telamon Corporation and as managing director of Telamon Enterprise Ventures, LLC, which he established in 2017 to focus on renewable energy development and smart manufacturing solutions.
Years before launching one of the largest Asian American businesses in Indiana, Chen immigrated to the United States from Taiwan in 1968 where his family struggled with homelessness at times. Chen arrived in Oregon and attended Portland State University and received his master of science in mathematical sciences. Shortly after graduation, he accepted a position with GTE in Indiana. After 10 years with GTE, Chen took a leap and founded Telamon Corporation.
Chen is proud of his Taiwanese heritage and has dedicated himself to being an advocate for Asian Americans in Indiana. He founded two non-profit organizations: Asian American Alliance (AAAI) and America China Society of Indiana (ACSI). AAAI facilitates and encourages more leadership positions and representation for Asian Americans in the workplace and ACSI focuses on building a better trade relationship between Indiana and China.
Chen resides in Carmel with his wife, Margaret. He enjoys spending time with his two children and 5 grandchildren.