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USDA Invests $70 Million to Expand Conservation Assistance to Underserved Producers 

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USDA-NRCS Baltimore County Soil Conservationist Sam Engle visits Warren Blue at The Greener Garden Urban Farm LLC, in Baltimore, Md., July 26, 2021. With USDA money, Blue has installed several hoop houses and recently installed a water meter, irrigation pipeline, and micro irrigation system through the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program that helps agricultural producers manage financial risk. USDA/FPAC Photo by Preston Keres

WASHINGTON, DC, September 20, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $70 million in partnerships that will improve outreach to underserved producers and communities to expand access to conservation assistance, including programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, as well as career opportunities. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced the selection of 139 projects with entities for a one- to three-year engagement that encourage participation in NRCS programs, especially in underserved communities and among urban and small-scale producers. Projects will extend outreach to producers who are beginning, limited resource, socially disadvantaged, and veterans, and will highlight opportunities for students to pursue careers in agriculture, natural resources and related sciences.

“USDA is committed to removing barriers for underserved producers to all USDA services. The projects selected under the Equity in Conservation Outreach Cooperative Agreements will partner with NRCS to better ensure underserved producers receive the benefits our conservation programs deliver, including those oversubscribed programs that received a boost of funding from the Inflation Reduction Act,” said NRCS Chief Terry Cosby. “NRCS is investing in continued support of community-based organizations and partners that are instrumental in supporting conservation outreach to underserved producers and underserved communities.”

The Equity in Conservation Outreach Cooperative Agreements include projects that:

  • Promote the benefits of NRCS programs through education or demonstration of conservation practices.
  • Develop community conservation partnerships that engage underserved producers to plan and protect farmland ecosystems, watersheds and wildlife habitat in underserved communities.
  • Inform small-scale or urban agriculture producers about opportunities to participate in conservation programs.
  • Support education on, planning for and adoption of climate-smart conservation practices.

Projects will reach underserved groups through a combination of program outreach and technical assistance in one or more of the following five NRCS priority areas:

  • Addressing local natural resource issues.
  • Promoting conservation career opportunities.
  • Expanding adoption of climate-smart conservation.
  • Encouraging conservation in small-scale and urban agriculture.
  • Developing conservation leadership skills and opportunities.

Selected projects include:

Minority Farmers of the South will advance conservation and equity by applying drone technology. Limited resource rice farmers will be provided high-resolution LiDAR data to help update their conservation plans.  This data provides farmers an alternative to expensive precision-leveling, which is expected to achieve a net savings to farmers of over $1,000 per acre.

Urban Transformation Network will expand conservation assistance to underserved communities and producers through an innovative program of the Urban Transformation Network, (UTN). The project will be supported by partners who will provide conservation assistance to underserved producers and communities, including juveniles required to perform community service, across the Chicagoland area, and downstate Illinois. UTN partners include Metropolitan Farms, an urban aquaponics farm located in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood, the Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind, Daley City College and more.

Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians will provide more technical support for small-scale agriculture projects and land stewardship to the Red Cliff community through three focus areas: building staff capacity and expertise through staff funding and professional development; providing additional technical support to the greater Red Cliff community and Red Cliff producers related to agriculture, natural resource management, and food sovereignty; and conducting outreach to foster youth leadership, interest, and skills in natural resources, agriculture and food sovereignty.

View a full list of selected projects. 

Program Impacts

The selected projects build on NRCS’ fiscal year 2022 investment of $50 million in more than 100 partnerships to expand access to conservation assistance for climate-smart agriculture and forestry. The fiscal year 2022 investment is supporting efforts in 44 states and territories.

Underserved producers include beginning, limited resource, socially disadvantaged, and veteran farmers and ranchers, as well as other underrepresented or disadvantaged communities.

Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is engaged in a whole-of-government effort to combat the climate crisis and conserve and protect our nation’s lands, biodiversity and natural resources including our soil, air and water. Through conservation practices and partnerships, USDA aims to enhance economic growth and create new streams of income for farmers, ranchers, producers and private foresters. Successfully meeting these challenges will require USDA and our agencies to pursue a coordinated approach alongside USDA stakeholders, including State, local and Tribal governments.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.

Vanderburgh County Health Department Food Inspection Report

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Healthy food. Healthy eating background. Fruit, vegetable, berry. Vegetarian eating. Superfood

Vanderburgh County Health Department Food Inspection reports Aug 27-Sept 2,2023

Vanderburgh County Crash Report

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Crash Report

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of $4.6 Billion in Competitive Grants to Cut Climate Pollution as Part of Investing in America Agenda

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The announcement comes during Climate Week 202

WASHINGTON (Sept. 20, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched $4.6 billion in competitive grants to fund state, local, and Tribal programs and policies that cut climate pollution, advance environmental justice, and deploy clean energy solutions across the country. As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, a key pillar of Bidenomics, EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) competitions will enable community-driven solutions to the climate crisis, helping to accelerate America’s clean energy transition. The announcement comes during Climate Week 2023 in New York City – an annual gathering of civil society leaders, business leaders, students, and advocates who are committed to taking bold climate action.

The two new competitions are part of the second tranche of funding from EPA’s $5 billion Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program, which was created by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act – the largest climate investment in history. EPA has already made $250 million available to fund the development of climate action plans, and nearly all states, plus major cities opted in to receive these flexible planning resources. The $4.6 billion implementation grant competitions launched today will fund initiatives developed under the first phase of the program.

“Tackling the global climate crisis requires partnerships and action across the country,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “President Biden secured this historic funding because he knows that communities need resources to fund projects to cut climate pollution, lift up disadvantaged communities, and reap the economic and job-creation benefits of climate action. By investing in America, we’re investing in communities so they can chart their own paths toward the clean energy future.”

“EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program recognizes that to tackle the climate crisis and advance environmental justice, communities need to be in the driver’s seat steering toward their own clean energy future,” said John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for Clean Energy Innovation and Implementation. “It’s why these state, local, and Tribal grants are such an important part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.”

State and local action is vital to deliver on President Biden’s commitment to reduce climate pollution by 50-52% by 2030. The CPRG program will enable states and local and tribal governments to take aggressive action to combat climate change by funding measures that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially measures that would bring economic and health benefits to low-income and disadvantaged communities. This program will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other harmful air pollution for the health and wellbeing of everyone, including those most vulnerable to the flooding, heat waves, wildfires, and other destabilizing impacts of climate change on communities.

The CPRG program will also advance President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain climate, clean energy, and other Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that have been marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Justice40 is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic commitment to environmental justice.

The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Competitions

EPA is announcing the availability of $4.6 billion across two implementation grant competitions, one general competition and one specifically for Tribes and territories. Under these competitions, eligible applicants will compete for CPRG implementation grants to fund measures in their state-, municipality-, Tribe-, or territory-specific climate action plans. As part of its evaluation of applications, EPA will prioritize measures that achieve the greatest amount of GHG emissions reductions.

In the grant competitions announced today, EPA describes how the agency intends to score applications and award the competitive funds to implementation grant recipients. EPA anticipates awarding approximately 30 to 115 grants ranging between $2 million and $500 million under the general competition. EPA also anticipates awarding approximately 25 to 100 grants ranging between $1 million and $25 million under the Tribes and territories competition.

The deadline to apply to the general competition is April 1, 2024. The deadline to apply to the Tribes and territories competition is May 1, 2024.

EPA estimates that the implementation grants will be awarded in Fall 2024 for the general competition and in Winter 2024-2025 for the Tribes and territories competition.

UEclipse: Renowned Astrophysicist and UE Alumna, Maria Weber ’08, PhD, to Share Insights on Solar Magnetism ahead of 2024 Eclipse

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EVANSVILLE, IND. (09/20/2023) Ahead of the Spring 2024 Eclipse, the University of Evansville (UE) is proud to announce the upcoming presentation by astrophysicist and UE alumna, Maria Weber ’08, PhD, that will highlight what to expect leading up to the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024.

Dr. Weber’s talk, titled “From Eclipses to Magnetism: The Secret Life of the Sun,” promises to shed light on the intriguing mysteries of our nearest star. Weber will speak in Eykamp Hall on the UE campus at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 7.

A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Evansville, Weber earned her bachelor’s degree with majors in Physics and Philosophy at UE. She later pursued a PhD in Physics from Colorado State University, with research focusing on the Sun’s magnetism and internal processes using computer simulations. Weber’s expertise in magnetic flux emergence-the processes by which magnetic fields of the Sun and other stars reach their surfaces-has earned her recognition as a leading authority in the field.

In addition to her groundbreaking research, Weber is passionate about science communication and outreach. Her dedication to educating and engaging the public with the wonders of astrophysics has taken her around the world, making her a respected figure in both academic and public spheres.

Today, Weber serves as an Assistant Professor of Physics and Director of the Wiley Planetarium at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. Her achievements and commitment to advancing our understanding of the Sun’s secrets make her a distinguished member of the UE alumni community.

This special presentation by Weber is a unique opportunity for the Evansville community to gain insights into the captivating world of solar magnetism and the vital role it plays in our universe. The event is open to all interested parties, and we encourage members of the public to join us on Sunday, April 7.

On Monday, April 8, residents of neighborhoods near the UE campus are encouraged to join our community to view this spectacular event. To learn more, please visit https://www.evansville.edu/ueclipse. Members of the public are encouraged to register by clicking this link.

Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

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Courier Warrants

SENS. BRAUN, TESTER, MARSHALL AND RICKETTS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO PRIORITIZE AMERICAN-GROWN COMMODITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL FOOD AID

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WASHINGTON—Today, Senators Mike Braun, Jon Tester, Roger Marshall and Pete Ricketts introduced bipartisan legislation to enshrine a continued role for American farmers in the Food for Peace (FFP) program and increase accountability and transparency in FFP program functions.

U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01), John Garamendi (CA-08), Rick Crawford (AR-01), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) introduced the companion legislation in the House of Representatives in June.

“American farmers have played a critical role in reducing hunger overseas for decades. The bipartisan American Farmers Feed the World Act would ensure that American-grown food is prioritized over foreign competitors for American aid programs around the world. It will also allow for more efficient use of funding so we can feed even more hungry people without any additional taxpayer dollars.” — Sen. Mike Braun

“As a third-generation farmer, I know first-hand that Montana farmers produce the very best food that feeds the world. This bill ensures American-grown crops are prioritized when it comes to international aid – and the bottom line is it’s a win for our farmers on years where they grow more than they can sell, and it’s a win for hungry families around the world.” — Sen. Jon Tester

“Helping people in need is in Kansas’ DNA. Seventy years ago, Peter O’Brien stood up in Cheyenne County, Kansas and declared that Kansas farmers could donate their grain as aid to struggling nations, and shortly after, the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act was signed into law by President Eisenhower. Back then, American farmers and lawmakers shared one common goal: send safe, nutritious commodities from American farms to countries in need in order to help them survive through trying times. Today, we proudly continue that mission through the America’s Farmers Feed The World Act.” — Sen. Roger Marshall

The American Farmers Feed the World Act would:

  • Reserve half of FFP dollars for purchasing commodities and shipping them overseas,
  • Reduce the maximum share for 202(e) spending in FFP from 20 percent to 10 percent
  • Move key decisionmaking points from USAID to USDA
  • Prohibit the use of food vouchers or cash transfers instead of food, and
  • Increase reporting requirements around any waivers granted under FFP.

UE Men’s soccer comes up short against No. 10 Louisville

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The Purple Aces were shutout for the first time this season against a nationally ranked-team.
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — The University of Evansville men’s soccer team kept one of the top teams in the country scoreless for over 70 minutes in a 2-0 loss on Tuesday night.

Seven different players registered a shot for the Purple Aces in a tough 90-minute battle with No. 10 Louisville Tuesday evening. But two goals in the final 12 minutes from the Cardinals pushed them past UE for Evansville’s fourth loss of the season. Midfielder Ola Arntsen was one of three players to record multiple shots and was the only one to put two on goal. Forward Kai Phillip and defender Nacho Diaz-Caneja also recorded two shots with one on goal apiece while winger Nkosi Graham had the best on-goal opportunity for the Aces in the 73rd minute. Goalkeeper Jacob Madden made three saves over 90 minutes for the Aces.

“It was disappointing to lose, especially giving up a goal in the last 15 minutes,” said Interim Head Coach following the match. “That’s the fourth time we’ve done that this year, all four losses have happened that way. That was really disappointing but I thought that the amount of effort that our guys put in was incredible. I don’t think we could have asked any more from them.

“The things that we spoke about in our game prep, they executed for the most part. I thought we really grew into the game and started creating some pretty good chances. But once we extended ourselves, I think Louisville’s quality showed and that happened with the two goals. We’re running out of moral victories but I think that we can take some positives from this game. We talked about choosing to fight before the match and with our backs up against the wall, we did that. I’m proud of our guys for how we played tonight, and how we responded to certain things that happened. But we need to learn the lesson and start getting some wins on the board.”

It was a slow first half on both sides as the teams traded fouls through the first 25 minutes. Louisville picked up offensively in the 26th minute, taking four shots in 12 minutes. UE had its best opportunity of the half in the final five minutes as midfielder Nate Roberts found himself alone on the left side of the goal during a corner kick. Roberts got a foot on the ball but sent it high over the net. Diaz-Caneja added the last shot of the first half in the final second outside of the penalty box that went wide right.

The Cardinals quickly pressed to start the second half with two shots in under three minutes. But Evansville found its offense right after, responding with a close shot from winger Auden Engen Vik that hit the right side of the net. It became a back-and-forth battle over the next 22 minutes. Graham had an open opportunity for the Aces in the 73rd minute with a header right in front of the goal that forced Louisville’s goalkeeper to make a diving save left. But the Cardinals found their opportunity in the 79th minute with a goal from the left side of the penalty box that beat Madden in the upper right corner. Louisville tacked on the final goal of the night on a penalty shot in the final five seconds after Madden took down a player on a breakaway in the box.

Evansville returns to conference action this weekend against new MVC addition Northern Illinois. UE is set to take on the Huskies at Arad McCutchan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 23. Kick-off against NIU is scheduled for 7 p.m. 

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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Booked Last 24 Hours

No. 18 VUVB winning streak rolls on with Region 24 win at Kaskaskia

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CENTRALIA, Ill. – The No. 18-ranked Vincennes University volleyball team extended their winning streaks Tuesday night with a big four-set Region 24 road win at Kaskaskia College, 25-22, 25-11, 22-25, 25-17.

The Trailblazers extended their winning streak to 11 matches and continued their winning streak against Region 24 opponents to 31 after the win.

The match started out as a back-and-forth battle, with Vincennes being the first team to separate themselves with a 5-0 scoring run to take a 9-5 lead.

Kaskaskia would continue to fight throughout the set, using a 6-1 scoring run to cut the VU lead to one but were unable to take the lead back as VU took set one 25-22 and earned a 1-0 match lead.

The Blue Angels got off to a quick start in set two, scoring the first three points before the Blazers answered back with four unanswered themselves.

VU would then ride this momentum to and go on to outscore the Blue Angels 15-3 through the middle of the set to give the Trailblazers a 20-8 advantage.

Kaskaskia looked to battle back but were unable to overcome the Blazers as Vincennes took set two 25-11 and gave VU a 2-0 match lead.

Vincennes went into set three looking to complete the sweep and early on looked well on their way after taking an early 8-2 lead in the third set.

The Blue Angels were not going to go away quietly on their home floor however, battling back to even the game at 10-10 and taking the lead with a 7-0 scoring run at 17-15.

Kaskaskia would grow their lead to four before VU would cut the deficit down to one point at 22-21 but were unable to overcome the deficit as the Blue Angels finished the set 25-22 and forced a fourth set.

Kaskaskia continued to put pressure on the Blazers in the fourth set, jumping out to an early 6-2 lead.

Vincennes then answered back with a 6-0 scoring run to take an 8-6 lead. The Blue Angels would take the lead back at 12-11 before VU outscored KC 7-2 to open a four-point lead.

The Trailblazers would never look back at this point, closing out the Blue Angels on the road by taking set four 25-17 and winning the match 3-1.

“We were without Audrey, so we had to do a makeshift lineup with a couple of position changes tonight,” VUVB Head Coach Gary Sien said. “I thought several players stepped up, in particular Isadora. She had a nice all-around game in the front row on her blocks and hits and a good job in her back row play and serving later on. She and Elisa combined for a number of stops at the net.”

“The challenge was to stay highly competitive with this lineup and I thought we did very well overall,” Sien added. “Once again, blocking was the game changer as we literally took over the net and the match.”

The VU offense was led by freshman Isadora Dias (Rio Grande de Norte, Brazil) who set a new career-high with 15 kills on the night, while also adding four blocks, four digs and an ace.

Sophomore Paige Parlanti (Las Vegas, Nev.) finished off another double-double with 12 kills and 11 digs to go along with four blocks and two aces.

Freshman Laura Tavares (Meridia, Venezuela) was the third VU hitter in double-figures, ending with 11 kills, six digs, three blocks and one set assist.

Freshman Elisa Dalla Pozza (Vincenza, Italy) picked up right where she left off last week, ending the night with a team-high nine blocks, seven kills, three digs and an ace.

Sophomore Kennedy Sowell (Effingham, Ill.) rounded out the VU front row production with four blocks, two digs and one kill.

The Trailblazer offense was run by sophomore setter Maecy Johnson (Chrisman, Ill.) who really showed off some versatility Tuesday night, playing as a setter, hitter and blocker.

Johnson set a new career-high with 36 set assists, ending with 30 or more set assists for the third time in the last four games, while also adding five digs, two blocks, two kills and a pair of aces.

Freshman setter Libby Mehringer (Jasper, Ind.) ended her night with seven set assists, six digs, one kill and one ace.

Sophomore libero Morgan Netcott (Montague, Mich.) continues to control the back row defense for the Blazers, leading VU Tuesday night with 16 digs and four set assists.

Freshman Grace Flexter (Oblong, Ill.) closed out the VU box score with five digs for the Blazers.

“Maecy was called to play all six rotations today and she did well in her net play, which she hasn’t done since last Fall,” Sien said. “I think she has worked her way into a very good, versatile setter. I talk all the time about making good choices at the right moment as a setter and she has learned to do that well.”

“I think she deserves a lot of credit as someone who is still relatively new to the setting position,” Sien added.

VU will hit the road again this weekend when the Blazers take part in the Wallace State C.C. Fall Bash Friday, Sept. 22 and Saturday, Sept. 23 at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, Ala.

The Trailblazers will have a weekend full of tough tests with three of Vincennes’ four matches coming against teams that received votes in this week’s NJCAA Division II National rankings.

The Blue and Gold will get the weekend started against RV Roane State Friday, Sept. 22 at 5 p.m. before immediately turning around to face RV Enterprise State at 7 p.m. eastern.

Vincennes will close out the weekend on Saturday, Sept. 23 against Calhoun at 10 a.m. and against host RV Wallace State C.C. at 12 p.m. eastern.

“It was an excellent job by the team tonight, considering the lack of time for preparation,” Sien said. “That will happen, so we need to stay ready for anything to occur.”

“We will see a different brand of volleyball down in Alabama this weekend,” Sien added. “The officiating too. We will have to have a fast start in every match. We will need to play at a quick pace and to really use our length. That is a tough combination for most teams to match.”

BOX SCORE

VUVB (15-1, 7-0) – 25   25   22   25   x

Kaskaskia – 22   11   25   17    x

VINCENNES STATS

Grace Flexter – 5 digs

Morgan Netcott – 16 digs, 4 set assists

Paige Parlanti – 16 points, 2 aces, 12 kills, 4 block assists, 11 digs

Isadora Dias – 18 points, 1 ace, 15 kills, 4 block assists, 4 digs

Maecy Johnson – 5 points, 2 aces, 2 kills, 2 block assists, 5 digs, 36 set assists

Kennedy Sowell – 3 points, 1 kill, 4 block assists, 2 digs

Elisa Dalla Pozza – 12.5 points, 1 ace, 7 kills, 9 block assists, 3 digs

Laura Tavares – 12.5 points, 11 kills, 3 block assists, 6 digs, 1 set assist

Libby Mehringer – 2 points, 1 ace, 1 kill, 6 digs, 7 set assists

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