Richardt to lead business development for Ports of Indiana
Southwest Indiana native to head up a statewide initiative to expand port authority’s engagement and economic impacts along Ohio River, Lake Michigan, and beyond
INDIANAPOLIS (August 21, 2023) – Ports of Indiana has hired Jenna Richardt as Senior Vice President of Business Development and Engagement for the statewide port system.
Richardt is the first senior vice president to be based in Mount Vernon, Ind., but will lead statewide initiatives focused on growing business for all of the ports and expanding engagement with key partners to increase Ports of Indiana’s value within its local communities and the entire state.
“We’re very excited to have someone of Jenna’s caliber join our team to help expand our business development efforts,†said Jody Peacock, CEO of the Ports of Indiana. “She brings extensive experience in economic development and a vast knowledge of Southwest Indiana, where we see the largest growth opportunities in the next decade. Jenna will also be focused on expanding our partnerships with key stakeholders to further leverage Ports of Indiana’s economic development capabilities around the state.â€
Richardt is from Southwest Indiana and has been serving as the Chief Regional Economic Development Officer and Senior Vice President for the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP). Prior to that she was Executive Director for the Posey County Economic Development Partnership in Mount Vernon.
As part of her new role, Richardt is helping to launch a new partnership between Ports of Indiana and Evansville Regional Economic Partnership which will allow the organizations to expand their working relationship to pursue key initiatives. Richardt will have a shared leadership role in both organizations for the next few months and spend time in both offices to provide a smooth transition and foster collaboration.
“It’s an honor to join a great team and such a wonderful success story at Ports of Indiana,†Richardt said. “Our state ports are powerful economic engines for Indiana, and I am eager to build on the past achievements in Southwest Indiana and at the ports to grow business throughout Indiana.â€
In addition to business development, Richardt will also oversee marketing and communications, cargo and real estate development as well as government affairs for Ports of Indiana.
Ports of Indiana is a statewide port authority operating three ports consisting of 2,800 acres of land along the Ohio River and Lake Michigan. Currently, the ports have 1,000 acres available for future development of which about 70% is located in Mount Vernon.
Indiana has the country’s No.1-ranked inland river port district and No.2-ranked Great Lakes port district. The state’s three ports generate $8 billion in annual economic impact and support 50,000 jobs. In addition to managing maritime facilities, Ports of Indiana is the statewide grantee of foreign-trade zones, offers specialized bond financing, and is pursuing the development of large-scale multimodal facilities around the state.
VANDERBURGH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT THE 2023 “STATE OF THE COUNTY†ON SEPTEMBER 5TH
 (Evansville, IN) – Vanderburgh County Commissioners Cheryl Musgrave, Justin Elpers, and Ben Shoulders will present the annual “State of the County†presentation at the upcoming Evansville Rotary Club luncheon on September 5, 2023, at Old National Events Plaza.Â
The Commissioners will discuss hot topics throughout the conversational program including the American Rescue Plan Act, recreational projects, economic development opportunities, and public safety improvements. Roads, infrastructure, and tourism are also slated for discussion, with a focus on highlighting completed projects and achievements during the last year.Â
The public and members of the media are welcome to attend. The Rotary Club of Evansville requests that non-members register as a guest with the link below.Â
Event Information:Â
What: Evansville Rotary Club weekly luncheon, State of the CountyÂ
When: September 5, 2023Â
Presentation: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.Â
Doors open: 10:30 a.m.; Buffet open: 11:00 a.m.Â
Where: Old National Events Plaza, BallroomÂ
715 Locust Street, Evansville, IN 47708Â
Tickets: The cost to attend the luncheon is $22.00.Â
Non-members may register here: Rotary Club of Evansville (evansvillerotary.com)Â
IDEM issues Air Quality Action Day for Wednesday in two Indiana regions
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) and is forecasting high ozone levels for Wednesday, August 23, in the following areas:
- Southeast Indiana, including the cities of: Brownstown, Corydon, Jeffersonville, Madison, New Albany, Salem, Versailles and all other cities within the area.
- Southwest Indiana, including the cities of: Bedford, Bloomfield, Evansville, Huntingburg, Mount Vernon, Paoli, Princeton, Rockport, Tell City, Vincennes and all other cities within the area.
A state map including regions and affected counties is available at SmogWatch.IN.gov.Â
IDEM forecasters anticipate higher ozone as hot and hazy conditions make their way into the region. High temperatures near or over 90 degrees combined with light winds will lead to conditions that are suitable for ozone to build to the level Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG).
Note:Â IDEM’s AQAD forecast is based on data from ozone air quality monitors located throughout the state. IDEM encourages residents of counties within or bordering the AQAD region(s) to heed the forecast. Air quality information for all Indiana counties can be found at SmogWatch.IN.gov.Â
Some municipalities have additional open burning restrictions on AQADs. For more information, see idem.IN.gov/openburning/laws-and-rules.
IDEM encourages everyone to help reduce ozone by making changes to daily habits. You can:
- Drive less: carpool, use public transportation, walk, bike, or work from home when possible
- Combine errands into one trip
- Avoid refueling your vehicle or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until after 7 p.m.
- Keep your engine tuned, and don’t let your engine idle (e.g., at a bank or restaurant drive-thru)
- Conserve energy by turning off lights and setting the thermostat to 75 degrees or above
Air Quality Action Days are in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. on the specified date. Anyone sensitive to changes in air quality may be affected when ozone levels are high. Children, the elderly, and anyone with heart or lung conditions should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors.
Ground-level ozone is formed when sunlight and hot weather combine with vehicle exhaust, factory emissions, and gasoline vapors. Ozone in the upper atmosphere blocks ultraviolet radiation, but ozone near the ground is a lung irritant that can cause coughing and breathing difficulties for sensitive populations.
IDEM examines weather patterns and current ozone readings to make daily air quality forecasts. Air Quality Action Days generally occur when weather conditions such as light winds, hot and dry air, stagnant conditions, and lower atmospheric inversions trap pollutants close to the ground.
EWSU Announces Temporary Disinfectant Switch Starting August 28
 (EVANSVILLE, IN) – Twice a year, Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) temporarily changes the disinfectant used in the water treatment process. The next switch will begin on Monday, August 28, and continue until Monday, October 16.Â
Some EWSU customers may notice a slight change in the taste and odor of their tap water during this period. The switch to free chlorine from the regularly used disinfectant chloramine is a common preventive maintenance practice to keep water mains clean and free of potentially harmful bacteria. The temporary change will ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe drinking water to EWSU customers throughout the year.Â
Here’s what you should knowÂ
• What is Chloramine?Â
Chloramine is a disinfectant used in drinking water to remove bacteria and viruses that can make you sick. It is made up of chlorine and ammonia. EWSU has used chloramine as the disinfectant in its water treatment process since 1999.Â
• What is Free Chlorine?Â
Free chlorine is a slightly more potent disinfectant than chloramine, and it is used to remove more resistant bacteria and viruses that may be found in the water distribution system.Â
• Why would EWSU Convert from Chloramines to Free Chlorine?Â
State drinking water guidelines recommend that utilities using chloramine periodically switch to free chlorine for a while. The temporary use of chlorine will ensure that a proper disinfectant level is maintained throughout the network of water mains and pipes that deliver your drinking water.Â
Free chlorine is a more aggressive disinfectant than chloramine. This temporary change in the water treatment process denies bacteria the ability to form resistance to the usual disinfection treatment process. Switching to free chlorine is a proactive step to maintain optimal disinfectant levels in the water distribution system.Â
As always, the drinking water will be regularly monitored to ensure that the water delivered meets or exceeds federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards. 2Â
• Why Does EWSU Use Chloramines Most of the Year?Â
While chlorine is an effective disinfectant, chlorine alone creates byproducts that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates. These byproduct levels can be significantly and cost-effectively reduced through the use of chloramine. Also, chloramine has less smell than chlorine and remains in the distribution system longer to prevent bacterial growth. As such, chloramine is a better long-term choice as a regular disinfectant.Â
• Will I Notice a Difference in My Water?Â
During this period, some customers may notice a slight change in the taste or odor of their tap water. Free chlorine may have more of a chemical odor, slightly like that of swimming pool water. Each customer has their sensitivity level to the taste or odor of free chlorine. Many detect no change at all. The mild chlorine taste and odor are typical and pose no health risk.Â
• Are Free Chlorine and Chloraminated Water Safe?Â
Yes, chlorine and chloramine are effective and safe for people and animals for drinking, cooking, bathing, watering the garden, and all other standard uses. However, precautions should be taken to remove or neutralize chloramine and free chlorine during the kidney dialysis process, when preparing water for fish tanks and ponds, and businesses requiring highly processed water. A dichlorination procedure optimized for chloramine removal will work equally well with free chlorine.Â
People and businesses that typically take special precautions to remove chloramine from tap water (such as dialysis centers, medical facilities, and aquatic pet owners) should continue to take the same precautions during the temporary switch from chloramine to free chlorine.Â
Most customers will not need to take precautions as the water remains safe to drink and is treated according to state and federal standards.Â
• Information for Kidney Dialysis PatientsÂ
Just like chloramines, free chlorine must be removed from water used in kidney dialysis machines. EWSU has contacted representatives from the medical community to inform them of this temporary conversion. We advise dialysis patients to call their physicians or dialysis centers if there are any questions.Â
• Information for Fish OwnersÂ
Like chloramine, free chlorine is toxic to fish. Therefore, fish owners need to remove chlorine, ammonia, and chloramine from the water before using it with tropical fish. Local pet stores carry water conditioners that remove chloramine and free chlorine. If customers have questions, we recommend contacting their pet store for information and detailed instructions.Â
USI sets up 2023 season at Indiana Invitational
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Volleyball kicks off the 2023 campaign this weekend at the Indiana Invitational at Wilkinson Hall in Bloomington, Indiana. The Screaming Eagles will face a trio of opponents starting with the University of New Hampshire and Radford University on Friday, August 25 at noon and 3 p.m. respectively then Indiana University on Saturday, August 26 at 9 a.m.
Game Coverage
Information about USI Volleyball, including live stats, video, and audio broadcasts, is available on USIScreamingEagles.com.
Tickets
For more information about Indiana Invitational ticket prices, follow this link.
Screaming Eagles Headlines:
New Year, New Fortunes. The Screaming Eagles look to improve off last year’s NCAA DI inaugural season, going 1-28 overall and 1-17 in the Ohio Valley Conference.
You Have To #OVCit. The Eagles are in their second season in NCAA Division I and the OVC. USI is looking for their first conference tournament berth in the DI era.
New Faces. USI has added five newcomers to the roster: Leah Coleman, Ellie Marbet, Mariah Minor, Jillian Moonan, and Maeve Moonan. The Eagles also hired first-year head coach Jeffrey Aucoin as the 13th head coach in program history.
Preseason Poll and All-OVC. Senior Leah Anderson scored enough votes to land herself on the Preseason All-OVC Team. The Eagles were picked to finish last out of 11 teams within the conference.
Conference Top 10. The Eagles ended last season with four players ranked in the top 10 within the OVC in five categories. Senior Leah Anderson stood fourth in points/set (3.77), fifth in kills/set (3.24), and 10th in digs/set (2.95). Junior Carly Sobieralski ranked sixth in assists/set (6.32) with junior Paris Downing sitting ninth in blocks/set (0.99). Sophomore Keira Moore kicked off her collegiate career with a 3.87 digs/set average, ranking seventh.
Team Leaders. Senior Leah Anderson led the group with 347 kills, 316 digs, and 28 service aces. Junior Carly Sobieralski took the reins as the setter, earning 512 assists. Junior Paris Downing handled the front lines for USI, tallying 92 total blocks.
All-Conference Selection. Senior Leah Anderson nabbed the program’s first-ever All-OVC honor, securing second-team accolades.
Schedule Forecast. The Eagles’ 2023 campaign will consist of 12 home, 13 away, and four neutral matches. USI will also host a four-team tournament in September. The conference slate will feature nine home and nine away matches including the OVC Championship in late November.
Eagles in the Classroom. 10 Eagles scored OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll accolades after earning a 3.25 or higher GPA during the 2022-23 academic year.
History in Progress. Senior Leah Anderson will look to leave her mark as one of the greatest in USI Volleyball history. She enters the 2023 season ranked No. 3 all-time at USI with 167 career service aces, No. 7 with 1,231 kills, and No. 10 with 1,106 digs. The outside hitter became the 15th player to reach 1,000 kills, the 13th player to reach 1,000 digs, and the fifth player in program history to reach both feats. She has joined an elite group that includes Shannon Wells, Jamie Roth, Danielle Peter, and Leeanne Gross in the 1,000 kills/1,000 digs club.
About New Hampshire. The Wildcats finished last season 19-10 overall with a 6-5 record in the America East Conference. UNH was picked to finish third in the America East Conference. The Wildcats ended the year with 1,208 kills, 1,087 assists, 1,501 digs, 220 blocks, and 183 aces. UNH’s 1.76 aces per set margin ranked 37th in the nation last year. With an opponent attacking percentage of 0.167 in 2022, the Wildcats ranked 21st in NCAA DI. The USI, UNH match will be the first match of the season for both teams.
Leading the Wildcats. Senior Hannah Serbousek returns to the squad after throwing down a team-high 225 kills last season. Senior Jamison White held the second-most assists with 274 while sophomore Avery LePore served up a team-leading 28 aces. Defensively, senior Mia Pagliarini nabbed 294 digs while senior Kelly Kaufmann earned 82 total blocks.
About Radford. The Highlanders look to improve off last season’s 12-16 overall record and 8-8 Big South Conference mark. The team is predicted to finish fourth in the Big South Conference. Radford captured a five-set victory over OVC foe, UT Martin, to kick off 2022. In 2022, the Highlanders earned 1,187 kills, 1,113 assists, 1,632 digs, 171 total blocks, and 128 aces. Radford’s 16 digs per set marked 43rd best in the NCAA while an opponent hitting percentage of 0.185 stood 69th in DI. The USI, Radford match will be the first for the Highlanders in 2023.
Leading the Highlanders. Radford’s top-three attackers from last season are no longer on the roster so junior Sophie Paspal will lead the charge at the net on both ends after tallying 177 kills and 65 blocks in 2022. Senior Shelby Hernandez was a team leader in two categories after securing 420 digs and 25 aces. Sophomore Jackeline Nerro will step up after an impressive 402 assists season, second-most on the squad.
About Indiana. The Hoosiers were split last season, going 16-16 overall and 9-11 in the Big Ten Conference. The team is predicted to finish eighth in the conference. Indiana was able to get the best of OVC rival, Tennessee Tech, in three sets. The Hoosier know how to split the gaps from the line, serving up the 12th most team aces (218) and the 33rd highest ace per set margin (1.77) in the country.
Leading the Hoosiers. Junior Mady Saris returns to the squad after posting the most points on the team and the 67th most points in the NCAA DI (489). Saris secured the most kills on the team with 427, 69th most in the country. Junior Camryn Haworth set the Hoosiers up in the passing game, earning 1,111 assists, good enough for 59th most in the nation. Haworth also nabbed a team-leading 0.40 aces per set while posting the lone triple-double.
Welcome to Division I. USI Board of Trustees voted unanimously in January 2022 to transition to NCAA Division I athletics beginning in the fall of 2022. The Eagles are a full-time member of the OVC and will face Division I opponents during the regular season for just the second time in program history. The Eagles previously spent 42 seasons in NCAA Division II.
Jagoe Homes Plans New Community in Evansville, IN
Evansville, INDIANA – Jagoe Homes has announced Goldfinch Cove, a new community on Evansville’s northeast side.
Goldfinch Cove will be an excellent place to call home, offering the luxury of tranquil living with a sense of suburban life in Northeast Evansville. Area schools include the North High School District, along with shopping, restaurants, and Evansville Regional Airport nearby.
Traveling North on I-69, take the Boonville-New Harmony Road exit. Turn left (west) onto Boonville-New Harmony Road and continue to Green River Road. Turn left (south) onto Green River Road, and Goldfinch Cove will be located on the east side of Green River Road, north of Huebner Lane.
Your dream home will be just minutes away, with quick access to I-69 and Hwy. 57. Nearby activities include Deaconess Sports Park, McCutchanville Park, Vanderburgh 4-H Center, and Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area.
Jagoe Homes prides itself on providing an atmosphere of worry-free living, creating more time for relaxation, family, and all the other important areas of your life. All new Jagoe Homes are built ENERGY SMART and TECH SMART and include a 2/10 Home Buyers Warranty.
Prospective Homebuyers and Realtors interested in this new community are encouraged to sign-up for the Jagoe Homes priority email list to inform you first of:
- Updates on Community Progress
- Floorplans and Options
- Pricing
- Available Home Sites
USI Athletics welcomes Bruner as Director of Ticketing
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Southern Indiana Athletics announced the addition of Blake Bruner as the Director of Ticketing for the Screaming Eagles.
Bruner will serve as the direct contact for season tickets, group outings, and all ticket operations within the ticket office.
Bruner graduated from USI in 2015 with a sports management degree along with business marketing and intercollegiate athletics minors.
Bruner’s previous experience includes consecutive summer internships with the Evansville Otters and the Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach. He then became a ticket sales account executive with the Evansville IceMen. That led to assuming the role of Assistant General Manager with the Evansville Thunderbolts hockey team. Bruner joined USI after five years as a personal banker and mortgage specialist with Old National Bank.
Bruner is excited to be back on campus in a position where he can service USI’s fans and students, stating, “I look forward to making the ticket-buying experience as seamless as possible and increasing sales for all of our ticketed events.”
Bruner resides in Evansville with his wife, Alexis, who also graduated from USI in 2015. They enjoy spending time with their family and two dogs, Bolt and Zoey.
Ivy Tech Community College Hires Gary Conley
