EVANSVILLE, Ind.—University of Southern Indiana Men’s and Women’s Cross Country return to action Saturday when the Screaming Eagles compete at the Live in the Lou Cross Country Classic at E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park in Louisville, Kentucky.
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The men’s eight-kilometer gold race begins at 8:30 a.m. (CDT), while the women’s 5k gold race follows at 9:15 a.m. The men’s 8k blue race is slated for 9:45 a.m., while the women’s 5k blue race is set for 10:30 a.m. Live results can be accessed at USIScreamingEagles.com.
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USI’s men are coming off a ninth-place showing at the Indiana State University John McNichols Invitational two weeks ago. Senior Mitchell Hopf (Santa Claus, Indiana) and red-shirt freshman Alex Nolan (Evansville, Indiana) led the Eagles with respective placements of 21st and 46th.
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Hopf was named the Ohio Valley Conference Runner of the Week for his efforts, which included an 8k time of 24 minutes, 40.8 seconds.
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Junior Cameron Hough (Olney, Illinois) and freshman Zoe Seward (Rochester, Indiana) raced to top-20 finishes to lead USI’s women to a sixth-place finish. Hough was eighth in the 185-competitor field with a 5k time of 17:38.2, while Seward was 16th with a time of 17:50.7.
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Following this weekend’s Live in the Lou Classic, the Eagles return to Evansville to co-host the Angel Mounds Invitational October 13, while the OVC Championships are October 28 in Morehead, Kentucky.
Eagles set to race at Live in the Lou XC Classic
EPA Finalizes Rule to Require Reporting of PFAS Data to Better Protect Communities from Forever Chemicals
WASHINGTON (Sept. 28, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule that will provide EPA, its partners, and the public with the largest-ever dataset of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) manufactured and used in the United States. This rule builds on over two years of progress on the Biden-Harris Administration’s action plan to combat PFAS pollution, safeguarding public health and advancing environmental justice, and is a key action in EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap.
PFAS are a category of manufactured chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. PFAS have characteristics that make them useful in a variety of products, including nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foam, as well as in certain manufacturing processes.
The reporting rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is a statutory requirement under the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that requires all manufacturers (including importers) of PFAS and PFAS-containing articles in any year since 2011 to report information related to chemical identity, uses, volumes made and processed, byproducts, environmental and health effects, worker exposure, and disposal to EPA.Â
“The data we’ll receive from this rule will be a game-changer in advancing our ability to understand and effectively protect people from PFAS,â€Â said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff. “Today we take another important step under EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap to deliver on President Biden’s clear direction to finally address this legacy pollution endangering people across America.â€
In order to effectively research, monitor, and regulate PFAS, EPA is taking action to better understand who is using PFAS, how they are being used, and in what quantities. This rule will produce actionable data that can be used by EPA, as well as state, local, and Tribal governments to craft policies and laws that protect people from dangerous “forever chemicals.â€Â
Since EPA proposed this rule in June 2021, the agency has provided multiple opportunities for public comment and stakeholder input, including a Small Business Advocacy Review Panel in April 2022 and an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis released for public comment in November 2022.
The final rule expands on the definition of PFAS in the proposed rule to include 41 additional PFAS that were identified as being of concern. EPA has determined that at least 1,462 PFAS that are known to have been made or used in the U.S. since 2011 will be subject to the final rule, better capturing the important data the agency needs to protect human health and the environment from these chemicals.Â
The final rule also streamlines reporting requirements and reduces the burden for those who made or used small quantities of PFAS for research and development purposes and for those who imported PFAS contained in articles into the U.S.Â
Data is due to EPA within 18 months of the effective date of the final rule, with an additional six months for reports from small businesses that are solely reporting data on importing PFAS contained in articles.
Ivy Tech Community College Hires
Evansville, Ind.- Ivy Tech Community College Evansville has announced its recent new hires.
Amanda Faucett is now a member of the nursing faculty at the College. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Southern Indiana (USI) and is currently working toward a master’s degree in nursing and leadership from USI. Faucett most recently served as adjunct faculty for the College. She currently holds the following certifications: BLS, ACLS, and CMSRN.
Robin Mallory is now a member of the paramedic faculty at the College. She holds a master’s degree in art illustration and a bachelor’s degree in fine art painting, both from the Savannah College of Arts and Design. She holds the following credentials: AHA/BLS CPR with AHA/BLS Instructor, AHA/ACLS, Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support, Indiana EMS Paramedic, and National Registered Paramedic. Mallory is currently working toward multiple educator and instructor credentials. She is a retired United States Air Force Master of Liberal Arts nationally registered paramedic/firefighter.
Angela Mamat is now a member of the nursing faculty at the College. She holds an associate degree in computer information Systems from Ivy Tech, a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from the University of Southern Indiana (USI), an associate degree in nursing from Ivy Tech, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Western Governors University (WGU), a master’s degree in nursing from WGU and is currently working toward a doctoral degree in nursing from the Indiana University School of Nursing. Mamat holds the following certifications: medical/surgical registered nurse, BLS, BLS Instructor, ACLS, ACLS Instructor and NIHSS, and is an international board-certified lactation consultant. She most recently served as staff nurse for Deaconess Health System.
Karen Oldham is now executive administrative assistant to the Chancellor at the College. She holds a master’s degree in business administration and engineering management, as well as a bachelor’s degree in radio/tv from the University of Southern Indiana (USI). Oldham most recently served as physician compensation coordinator for Deaconess Health System.
Cori Pendleton is now accounts receivable clerk at the College. Cori holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an associate degree in accounting from Ivy Tech.
Dr. John-Morgan Phillips is now a member of the psychology faculty at the College. He holds a doctoral degree in educational leadership and administration with psychology content specialization from the University of the Cumberlands, a master’s degree in human services counseling (marriage and family) from Liberty University, a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies – religion and social science also from Liberty University, and an associate degree in general studies from Madisonville Community College. He is a board-certified practitioner in human services. He most recently served as associate professor of human services, psychology, and addictions counseling at Jamestown Community College – State University of New York.
Carnell (CJ) Tillotson is now a member of the nursing faculty at the College. She holds a master’s degree in nursing education from Chamberlain University, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Murray State University, and an associate degree in both science and nursing from Henderson Community College. Tillotson holds certifications in BLS, ACLS, CMSRN, and NIH Stroke Scale. She most recently served as a staff nurse for Deaconess Gateway Hospital Neurosurgical Unit.
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.
LOCAL ATTORNEY JILLIAN KRATOCHVIL APPOINTED NEW VANDERBURGH COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE
BREAKING NEWS
Yesterday Afternoon Local Attorney Jillian N. Kratochvil was appointed by Governor Holcomb as the new Vanderburgh County Superior Court Judge replacing retired Judge Niemeyer.Â
MEET THE NEWLY APPOINTED VANDERBURGH COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE JULLIAN N. KRATOCHVIL
JILLIAN N. KRATOCHVIL joined Stoll Keenon Ogden’s Evansville office in 2018 and is a Member of the Family Law practice. She also serves clients through the firm’s Criminal Law practice group.
Prior to joining SKO, Jillian was a staff attorney for the Indiana Department of Child Services and also worked as an attorney at two regional law firms. She has experience handling the most complicated cases and leverages her problem-solving skills to consider matters from all sides.
Family Law:Â An attorney who has spent her career working with families, Jillian is well-versed in the myriad nuances of the law that have surfaced in response to changing household dynamics. Her primary areas of practice are divorce, custody, and CHINS issues but assists clients in all aspects of family law. For each individual case, she works closely with clients to decide together what steps are best suited for their unique circumstances.
Criminal Law: Jillian represents clients faced with misdemeanor criminal charges and Level 6 Felonies that can result in short-term imprisonment. She’s part of a team of attorneys at SKO who bring a range of skills and legal capabilities to defense cases.
Creditors Rights: Jillian regularly represents secured and unsecured creditors in bankruptcy and insolvency matters. Her bankruptcy practice includes enforcement of parties’ rights under commercial contracts, real property leases, mortgages, and intellectual property agreements.
BRAUN AND CARPER INTRODUCED BILL TO SAFEGUARD AMERICAN TAX DOLLARS FROM IMPROPER USE
BRAUN AND CARPER INTRODUCED BILL TO SAFEGUARD AMERICAN TAX DOLLARS FROM IMPROPER USE
The STEP Act builds on the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019
SEPTEMBER 28. 2023
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.)  introduced the bipartisan Safeguarding the Transparency and Efficiency of Payments (STEP) Act, a bill that will continue to safeguard American tax dollars by building on the Senators’ Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019, which was signed into law in 2020.
This new bill would designate all new federal programs making more than $100 million in payments in any one fiscal year as “susceptible to significant improper payments†for their initial years of operation. It would also expand reporting requirements in an effort to combat and deter improper payments.
“For decades, Washington has wasted billions of dollars in payments that never should have been made. More transparency and accountability should be required to prevent endless government waste that is bankrupting our country.â€Â – Senator Braun
“The Payment Integrity Information Act has already begun working to save our country billions of dollars in improper payments. For years, I have worked to make it a priority across the federal government to root out and eliminate billions of dollars in waste, fraud, and abuse. Today, I’m proud to continue this critical work to increase the efficiency and transparency of federal spending and safeguard American taxpayer dollars.â€Â – Senator Carper
The full bill text is available here.
FOOTNOTE: This bipartisan legislation is based on recommendations from the Government Accountability Office. During an April 2023 hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, U.S. Comptroller General Gene Dodaro highlighted the importance of these changes to current law and the impact they would have on agencies’ ability to mitigate and recover improper payments more efficiently.
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Attorney General Todd Rokita warns consumers to be aware of romance scamsÂ
Attorney General Todd Rokita warns consumers to be aware of romance scamsÂ
Attorney General Todd Rokita urges Indiana consumers to be on the lookout for romance scams approaching the holiday season.Â
“Online dating is a popular route for a lot of people these days in their search for true love,†Attorney General Rokita said. “In some cases, innocent people are connecting with scammers who lie and cheat them out of their hard-earned money instead. Protecting Hoosiers from fraudsters is one of my office’s top priorities.â€Â
In romance scams, perpetrators prey on unsuspecting matches by creating fake profiles to take advantage of victims online. They go to great lengths to pose as prospective romantic partners with similar interests to lure people into providing gifts, money, or personal information.Â
Just this year, a Westfield resident lost nearly $100 million to a romance scam. This type of dupery can happen even in Indiana. According to the FBI, victims of romance scams lost $1 billion in 2021 alone.Â
Here are a few warning signs that someone might be more interested in your money or personal information than a relationship:
Your new romantic interest sends a picture that doesn’t look realistic. Rather, the person looks more like a model from a fashion magazine.Â
The relationship is moving fast, and the other person quickly professes their love for you.Â
The person attempts to isolate you from friends and family.Â
The person requests inappropriate photos or financial information that could later be used against you.Â
The person can’t meet you in person or communicate on Facetime.Â
The person asks you for money to buy their ticket to visit you, help pay for medical expenses (for them or a family member), or invest in a business.Â
The person tells you how to pay. He or she requires specific payment methods that are hard to recoup, such as a wire transfer, preloaded gift card, cryptocurrency, or money transfer app.Â
If you ever suspect a scam of any type, file a complaint at indianaconsumer.com or call Attorney General Todd Rokita’s office at 1-800-382-5516.Â
Eduardo Chavez, Grandson of Legendary Civil Rights Activist Cesar Chavez, To Visit UE
Eduardo Chavez, Grandson of Legendary Civil Rights Activist Cesar Chavez, to visit UE in Celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month
EVANSVILLE, IND. (09/27/2023) The University of Evansville (UE) is excited to welcome Eduardo Chavez to campus in commemoration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. The distinguished director, speaker, podcast host, and the grandson of the iconic civil rights activist Cesar Chavez, will be making a special appearance on Monday, October 2.
UE will host a screening of “Hailing Cesar,” a documentary directed by and featuring Eduardo Chavez. The screening begins at 5:00 p.m. in Eykamp Hall in the Ridgway University Center. Following the documentary screening, there will be an engaging question and answer session with Eduardo Chavez himself.
Additional details can be found by clicking here.
