Celebrating a Historic Decrease in Infant Mortality
by Tim O’Brien
Recently, the Indiana Department of Health announced provisional data showing a historic decrease in the state’s infant mortality rate. If the data stays the same, it will mark the lowest rate of infant deaths in Indiana since 1900.
This is progress worth celebrating, and the result of sustained efforts to better protect our most vulnerable.
In 2015, the General Assembly passed a law establishing the Safety PIN(Protecting Indiana’s Newborns) Grant Program to provide funding to organizations throughout the state working to reduce infant deaths. The IDOH also has other support services for newborns and new moms including home visits, breastfeeding programs and infant safe sleep education.
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Indiana’s Safe Haven Law is working to save young lives as well, allowing baby boxes to be installed at places like hospitals and police and fire stations. These temperature-controlled devices allow parents to anonymously surrender newborns by placing them in baby boxes, which automatically lock and alert authorities. No surrendered babies have died in Indiana since the first baby box was installed in our state in 2016.
These are tremendous accomplishments, but we must remain vigilant in helping our youngest Hoosiers and their families. Click here for Indiana’s maternal and child health programs or call the Moms Helpline at 1-844-624-MOMS (6667) for confidential support. Sincerely, |
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Vincennes University Celebrates First Associate to Technician Completion Ceremony in Collaboration with Walmart
VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University (VU) will honor 18 graduates who have successfully completed the Associate to Technician Training Program (A2T) during a completion ceremony on Friday, July 25, 2025, at the ICAT Building, 1500 Chestnut St., Vincennes, IN 47591. The ceremony will begin at 12 p.m.
Signage will direct attendees to the auditorium upon entering the ICAT building.
This is the first A2T program completion ceremony held in collaboration with Walmart, marking a new chapter in VU’s workforce training collaborations.
This event celebrates students’ commitment to advancing their technical skills and preparing for critical roles in today’s evolving industry. Each of the 18 students will receive a Certificate of Completion as part of the ceremony.
“This collaboration perfectly reflects Vincennes University’s commitment to workforce-driven education that meets the needs of today’s employers,” said David Tucker, Vice President for Workforce Development and Community Services. “We are proud to help Walmart associates build skills that lead to meaningful, well-paying careers.”
The A2T program offers Walmart associates a unique opportunity to develop in-demand technical skills through a training model that combines 70 percent hands-on experience with 30 percent classroom learning. The training covers electrical & mechanical fundamentals, hydraulics, pneumatics, and troubleshooting. Associates do not need a degree to participate, only dedication, managerial approval, and a desire to grow.
All graduates of the Dallas–Fort Worth pilot secured technician positions, with an average earning potential of $32 per hour. The program is now expanding to Vincennes, Indiana, and Jacksonville, Florida, with a goal of training 4,000 associates nationwide by 2030.
Program Highlights:
Training Model: 70% hands-on experience, 30% classroom learning
Eligibility: Walmart associates with managerial approval—no prior degree required
Career Impact: Dallas–Fort Worth pilot graduates secured technician roles with average earnings of $32 per hour
National Goal: Walmart and Vincennes University aim to train 4,000 associates nationwide by 2030
This milestone reflects VU’s ongoing commitment to advancing technical education and supporting the career growth of skilled professionals across the industry.
Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr. to speak at the Human Relations Commission Annual Dinner & Mayor’s Celebration of Human Rights Awards
(Evansville, IN) – The Evansville-Vanderburgh County Human Relations Commission will hold its Annual Dinner and Mayor’s Celebration of Human Rights Awards on Friday, October 17, at 6:30 p.m., at the Old National Events Plaza. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr. Mayor Stephanie Terry will present the 2025 Mayor’s Celebration of Human Rights Awards.
Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr., is a New York Times bestselling author and the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor at Princeton University. Recognized as one of the nation’s most prominent scholars, Dr. Glaude examines the complex dynamics of the American experience. His writings offer powerful insights into the challenges we face as a democracy. Glaude’s latest book, We Are the Leaders We Have Been Looking For was released in April 2024. Gaude also delivered the Du Bois Lectures at Harvard University. He holds a master’s degree in African American Studies from Temple University and Ph.D in Religion from Princeton University.
The 2025 Mayor’s Celebration of Human Rights Awards recognizes businesses, organizations, and individuals that embrace and celebrate belonging. Please visit www.evansville.in.govhumanrightsawards to submit a nomination for the Mayor’s Celebration of Human Rights Awards.
EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
Early offense not enough in middle game
AVON, Ohio. – The Evansville Otters (22-36) dropped game two against the Lake Erie Crushers (30-26) on Saturday night, 9-2.
Dennis Pierce doubled to lead off the game and eventually came around to score on a wild pitch. Pavin Parks and L.J. Jones both hit two-out singles and Keenan Taylor hit a hard liner at third that scored another run as Evansville jumped out to an early 2-0 lead.
Braden Scott made his first start after the All-Star game where he pitched a scoreless inning and struck out two. In his 100th professional appearance on the mound, he worked through the first two innings, allowing a run.
Evansville had opportunities to add to their lead as the stranded six runners in the first three innings, including two runners in scoring position in the third.
Lake Erie added two runs in the third to take a 3-2 lead. They were held scoreless in the fourth and fifth, but took advantage of some Evansville miscues to add three more in the sixth. Braden Scott went 5.2 innings allowing six runs, only four being earned and struck out seven.
Nolan Thebiay closed out the sixth and pitched a scoreless seventh. Rane Pfeifer made his first appearance of the season for Evansville, but struggled to dial in, allowing three runs. Colin Murphy finished the eighth, getting the final two outs of the inning.
The Otters couldn’t manifest a rally in the ninth and fell 9-2. Parks had two hits on the night for Evansville and Pierce reached three times as well.
Evansville is back in action tomorrow afternoon in Avon at 12:05 p.m. CT. They then travel into Canada to take on Quebec and Ottawa to finish the road trip.
The Word 120 by Jerome Stewart, Speak Words that Edify
Speak Words that Edify by Jerome Stewart 
Without a doubt we are living in a world filled with tremendous adversity, and America is a divided country, almost 50/50 politically. On June 16, 1858 Abraham Lincoln proclaimed to our nation the words; “A house divided against itself will not stand.” The issue at that time was slavery. Today political division is fully on display and it is sad and harmful to everyone. An unknown author said; “The church’s unique, God given purpose does not lie in political activism.” Many within the clergy would beg to differ. What will never be up for debate are the words of Jesus in Matthew chapter 12 vs. 25 which says; “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.” The wisdom of God’s word is superior to the wisdom of mankind. Psalms 34 vs. 19 David says; “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.” Psalms 146 vs. 5 says; “Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD.” So who is your God? Thanks be to Jehovah God, and in the Hebrew He is referred to as Elohim, for sending His Son, Jesus to help mankind overcome the penalty for sinful behavior. Proverbs 14 vs. 34 says; “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.” There’s more. Proverbs 29 vs. 18 says; “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.”
Today there must be obedience to the law of Christ. There is always hope in Jesus Christ. Jesus said to His disciples over 2,000 years ago, and as of today, nothing has changed as to the meaning of John 10 vss. 27 and 28 which says; “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” The Apostle Paul said to the brethren in Ephesians 4 vs. 29; “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Vs. 31 says; “let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice.” Today; We need to pause, all divisive talk and once again become, “The United States of America.”