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.
Vincennes Man Arrested for Operating Power Wheels Jeep while Impaired
Knox County – Wednesday night, August 23, at approximately 9:00 p.m., Trooper Buchanan was patrolling in the 2500 block of North 2nd Street in Vincennes when he observed a male operating a Power Wheels Jeep in the roadway. Trooper Buchanan stated the vehicle had no lights or reflectors and was difficult to see. The Power Wheels Jeep was stopped on 2nd Street and the driver was identified as John McKee, 51, of Vincennes. McKee displayed signs of impairment and failed field sobriety tests. Further investigation at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes determined McKee was under the influence of methamphetamine and marijuana. He was arrested and taken to the Knox County Jail.
Arrested and Charge:
- John McKee, 51, Vincennes, IN
- Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated with a Prior Conviction, Level 6 Felony
Arresting Officer: Trooper Buchanan, Indiana State Police
Assisting Officer: Trooper Hurley, Indiana State Police
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