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.
Divesting Hoosier Assets from China
In an increasingly dangerous world, the Chinese Communist Party is working against America’s interests on a variety of fronts. Despite China’s track record of human rights abuses, unfair trade practices and foreign aggression, Indiana had over $1 billion of Hoosiers’ hard-earned money invested in Chinese Communist Party interests at the beginning of 2023.
That is why I supported a new law that required the Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS) to divest from Chinese investments. This law requires INPRS to divest from 75% of any holdings within four years and 100% within five years, but the state was already divested from nearly 82% of Chinese investments in July.Â
I am pleased INPRS is working ahead of schedule on this important initiative. Divesting from China is yet another way Indiana is working to be responsible with taxpayer dollars. As your state senator, I will continue to take a stand on issues that impact not only Hoosiers but all Americans.
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Huston announces new committee appointments for Indiana House
Huston announces new committee appointments for Indiana House
House Speaker Todd Huston gives a short speech to the members of the Indiana House, congratulating them and discussing goals for the 123rd legislative session.
Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers has released updated House standing committee appointments for the 123rd General Assembly.
“Committees are key to the legislative process, and as we prepare to tackle important issues in the upcoming session, these team members will play a critical role in examining and vetting proposals,” Huston said.
Rep. Chris Jeter, R-Fishers, will serve as chair of the House Judiciary Committee, and Rep. Jerry Torr, R-Carmel, who recently announced his plans to retire at the end of his two-year term, will serve as vice chair.
“The House Judiciary Committee works on complex issues related to our criminal justice system, and Chris’ background as an attorney will serve him well in this position,” Huston said. “Given Jerry’s plans to retire at the end of his term next year, we felt the upcoming short session would be an excellent opportunity for him to serve as a mentor, especially given his longstanding leadership on this committee and years of legislative experience.”
Rep. Stephen Bartels, R-Eckerty, will serve as chair of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee, and Rep. Joanna King, R-Middlebury, will serve as vice chair.
“As a military veteran and former law enforcement officer, Steve brings a breadth of experience and knowledge to this committee,” Huston said. “He’s a great fit for this critical role as we continue our work to support all the men and women who serve and have served our state.”
Rep. Chris Judy, R-Fort Wayne, will serve as vice chair of the House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee.
Rep. Jennifer Meltzer, R-Shelbyville, will serve as vice chair of the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee.
New caucus member Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves, R-Marion, will serve on the House Committee on Public Health, the House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee, and the House Committee on Insurance. Rep. Alex Zimmerman, R-North Vernon, also a new caucus member, will serve on the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee, the House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee, and the House Roads and Transportation Committee.
Click here to download the complete list of House standing committee appointments.
The Board of Commissioners of Posey County announce RFQ for Wastewater Extension
The Board of Commissioners of Posey County, Indiana has announced a Request for Qualifications seeking a qualified engineering firm to undertake the extension of wastewater infrastructure east of the City of Mount Vernon. This project will extend a wastewater line from the current wastewater treatment plant located near the SR 62 and Indian Mound Road intersection to the north side of SR 62.
This wastewater line extension will improve the potential for future development along the north side of the highway and on each side of Indian Mound Road. It will also provide for future expansion of wastewater infrastructure all along SR 62.
Submissions are due by 4:00 PM on November 17, 2023 to the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership office in Evansville or delivered to the Commission by 9:00 AM on November 21, 2023 at the Hovey House Meeting Room in Mount Vernon.
The anticipated date of award is December 5, 2023.
All questions regarding the scope of services and timeline for completion of the Project shall be directed to:
UE returns home to face Missouri State and SIU
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Two home matches are on the docket this weekend as the University of Evansville volleyball team welcomes Missouri state and Southern Illinois to Meeks Family Fieldhouse. UE faces the Bears on Friday with the Salukis coming to town on Saturday; both matches are set for 5 p.m. start times with ESPN+ having both broadcasts.
On a Roll
– Giulia Cardona earned her third MVC Player of the Week honor on Oct. 16 as she averaged 6.62 kills in matches versus Indiana State, UIC and Valparaiso
– Highlighting the week was her 40-kill performance versus UIC that tied the league’s single-match record that was set by UNI’s Bobbi (Becker) Petersen in 1989
– Along with her 40 kills, Cardona had 94 attempts, tying for the second-highest total in league history; teammate Melanie Feliciano holds the MVC record with 95 in 2019
– Cardona remains the national leader in kills (5.27/set), points (6.00/set) and attacks (14.90/set)
– With seven aces over the weekend, Cardona has retaken the MVC lead with 0.48 per set (33rd in the nation)
30 for 30
– Ainoah Cruz has put together an excellent streak over the last five matches, picking up her first two 30-dig performances
– With 32 digs against UIC, Cruz put forth the top performance of her young career; her previous high of 27 digs came in the road win at Samford
– On Oct. 21 at Bradley, Cruz added 30 digs and has averaged 5.60 per set over the last five matches
– Cruz checks in with an average of 4.40 digs per set, which is 8th in the MVC
– Her numbers in MVC matches is even better at 4.78/frame
Scouting the Opposition
– Missouri State enters Friday’s match with a 10-13 overall mark while going 4-7 in MVC matches
– Teagan Polcovich paces the defense with 4.90 digs per set, which ranks 6th in the conference
– Southern Illinois is 12-10 on the season but opens the weekend tied with the Bears at a 4-7 MVC mark
– Imani Hartfield is one of the most efficient hitters in the league, ranking third with a season tally of .381
USI Ceramics to host “Filling Empty Bowls for Veterans” event at Barker Brewhouse
The University of Southern Indiana Ceramics Department will host the “Filling Empty Bowls for Veterans†event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, November 11 at Barker Brewhouse, located at 96 N Barker Ave. With a $20 donation, attendees will receive a USI ceramic made bowl (while supplies last) plus soup and bread from Shortstacks Kitchen food truck. The event is open to the public.
Alisa Holen (AL), Associate Professor of Ceramics, has been creating bowls for the event alongside community members and students. “My favorite part of this event is having the veterans in and having my students teach them how to throw bowls,†Holen says. “I like to see the tables turn on my students and see them teach and the thrill in the veterans’ eyes. Then, they see their bowl go from a lump of mud to a functional bowl—it is a beautiful thing.â€
The bowls will be used by Empty Bowls Evansville to raise funds to assist with food relief for Evansville’s undernourished population. Empty Bowls is a national non-profit which lends its name to organizations who raise money to feed the hungry by making and selling ceramic bowls. Recently, the group raised $13,000, splitting the proceeds between United Caring Shelters, Echo Housing, Aurora Inc. and House of Bread and Peace.
EPA Releases New Food Waste Reports
Reports reveal the impacts of food waste on landfill methane emissions and provide updated recommendations for managing food waste.
WASHINGTON -The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released two new reports quantifying methane emissions from landfilled food waste and updating recommendations for managing wasted food. Over one-third of the food produced in the United States is never eaten, wasting the resources used to produce, transport, process, and distribute it – and much of it is sent to landfills, where it breaks down and generates methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.
“Wasted food is a major environmental, social, and economic challenge,†said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “These reports provide decision-makers with important data on the climate impacts of food waste through landfill methane emissions and highlight the urgent need to keep food out of landfills.â€
The reports’ findings emphasize the importance of both reducing the amount of food that is wasted and managing its disposal in more environmentally friendly ways. Based on these findings, EPA is releasing an update to its Food Recovery Hierarchy, a tool to help decision makers, such as state and local governments, understand the best options for managing food waste in terms of environmental impacts. The release of the new ranking – called the Wasted Food Scale – marks the first update since the 1990s, reflecting more recent technological advances and changes in operational practices. EPA’s research confirms that preventing food from being wasted in the first place, or source reduction, is still the most environmentally beneficial approach. Evidence in these reports suggests that efforts should focus on ensuring less food is wasted so that food waste is diverted from landfills, which will reduce environmental impacts.
The research announced today represents the first time EPA has quantified methane emissions from landfilling. This novel work published modeled estimates of annual methane emissions released into the atmosphere from landfilled food waste, giving a cost of landfilling food waste in terms of the impact on climate change. EPA conducted an analysis to estimate annual methane emissions from landfilled food waste from 1990 to 2020 and found that while total emissions from municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills are decreasing, methane emissions from landfilled food waste are increasing. These estimates indicate that diverting food waste from landfills is an effective way to reduce methane emissions, a powerful greenhouse gas, from MSW landfills.
Hoosier Generosity in Ivy Tech Campaign Will Have Significant Impact on Students, State
Foundation’s Invest IN Ivy Tech campaign to boost statewide support for students, workforce development, infrastructure, and future programs
EVANSVILLE, IN – Ivy Tech Community College has announced that $340 million has been raised through the generosity of 14,000 donors who have invested in Ivy Tech over the past five years. The Ivy Tech Foundation recently wrapped up its first–ever comprehensive fundraising campaign – a five-year statewide effort called Invest IN Ivy Tech. The campaign focused on creating an impact on Ivy Tech students, communities, and the state.
The campaign concluded during the 60th anniversary of the founding of Ivy Tech. The Evansville Campus raised $16,177,021, exceeding its goal by more than $4 million. Funding is earmarked for student scholarships and related support, workforce development, infrastructure, and next-generation programs.
“A significant portion of the funds raised in Evansville will be dedicated to create new scholarships, enhance wrap around services, and support program growth,†said Ivy Tech Evansville Chancellor Daniela Vidal. “Through these scholarships and student supports, numerous deserving students from diverse backgrounds are provided with access to higher education. Investing in the right programs and staying relevant to our workforce needs helps us achieve our goal of Ivy Tech as a first choice.”
“We would like to thank donors to this campaign for their confidence in the work of Ivy Tech,†Vidal added. “I believe our community and its leaders are very aware of the contributions of Ivy Tech to the communities in our 10-county region, and we appreciate everyone’s support.â€
Donors to the campaign included alumni who have benefitted from their Ivy Tech education, community partners who embrace the value Ivy Tech delivers to their area, and faculty and staff who believe in the mission and vision of the College. The funds raised do not go toward operational expenses and help the College maintain its low tuition – the lowest in the state.
“Along with the generous support of the Indiana General Assembly, thousands of individuals and organizations, our alumni, and our communities have collectively ensured we have the resources to make Ivy Tech the best community college possible,†Ivy Tech President Sue Ellspermann said.
Funds are already being used to enhance opportunities for students and build stronger communities in Indiana. The College has expanded its nursing program and now produces more graduates with associate degrees in nursing than any college in the U.S., helping to ensure health care facilities and patients have the support they need. In Evansville, this expansion is underway with a new hands-on laboratory space under development, and an increase in faculty for the program.
Other highlights from the Evansville campus campaign include:
Launching of the Old National Bank K-14 Partnership and the IMPACCT Ivy Scholars Program, as well as the 2022 debut of the Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program.
Detailed results from the Invest IN Ivy Tech campaign can be found in our new report.
Ivy Tech contributes to the lives of students and our communities in numerous ways:
- Eight of ten students who graduate from Ivy Tech do so without student debt.
- Ivy Tech graduates more nurses with associate degrees than any college in the nation, and most stay in Indiana to pursue their careers.
- The College contributes to 1 of every 70 jobs across Indiana.
- Ivy Tech awards more than 40,000 credentials and certifications each year, and nearly all who graduate – 93 percent – stay in the Hoosier State.
Halloween Stroll and Trunk-or-Treat Car Show Presented by Donaldson Arms is Saturday, October 28
The event will feature free family-friendly entertainment for all ages
 ANNOUNCEMENT – October 26, 2023: The Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District (EID) will host its third annual Halloween Stroll and Trunk-or-Treat Car Show Presented by Donaldson Arms in Downtown Evansville on Saturday, October 28 from 11 AM – 2 PM.
The event will feature a car show with awards given in 11 categories and free candy will be available at more than 20 Downtown businesses, as well as from the car show participants. The event will include costume contests, Halloween crafts for kids, face painting, music, holiday inflatables for photo opportunities, and new for 2023, pumpkin bowling.
Car show participation is free; vehicle exhibitors are encouraged to register in advance by emailingevents@downtownevansville.com. All participating vehicles will enter at Main & 3rd Street. Trophies will be awarded for the winner of each category at 2 PM. A costume contest with three categories (Family, Kids, Dogs) will take place on the 300 Block of Main at 1 PM. Guests must be present to win. The event Entertainment Sponsors are Astound Broadband and Townsquare Media. Many Downtown businesses will be open for guests. Main Street will be closed beginning at 3rd Street for the event and at 2nd Street for the reconstruction of the 200 Block of Main Street.
“We look forward to “treating†our community on Saturday with experiences planned for all ages. See our newly reconstructed 300 Block of Main Street as you enjoy the event activities and shop and dine Downtown,†said Adam Trinkel, executive director, EID.
54th USI annual Juried Student Art Show to be displayed in McCutchan Art Center/Pace Galleries
The University of Southern Indiana Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition, a presentation of selected student artworks from the past academic year, is being held Monday, October 30 through Friday, December 8 at the McCutchan Art Center/Pace (MAC/Pace) Galleries in the lower level of the Liberal Arts Center. This year’s exhibition features 116 artworks chosen by the juror from 287 entries.
The works are chosen by an expert in the field of art, invited by the Art and Design faculty for their expertise and understanding of undergraduate art works. This independent juror is brought in to assure an objective selection of artworks and awards and to provide an educational experience for students in preparation for professional careers in art.
The Fall 2023 juror is Xinran Hu, Associate Professor and Graphic Design at Georgia State University. Hu has taught design courses for 20 years at various universities, including USI, Georgia State University, and Minnesota State University. She holds an MFA in Graphic Design from Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Her design work has earned awards from the American Institute of Graphic Arts, PRINT magazine and Australian Graphic Design Association and has been published internationally. Hu is also a published author with a bilingual book titled “Gestalt Theory in the Art of Chinese Cut-Paper.â€Â Her recent research on using eye-tracking to test Gestalt theory has been published in the journal Leonardo from MIT Press.
This year’s participating artists are Kaya Allen, Alex Arwood, Ashley Banks, Delaney Bigler, Kiernan Bittner, Lia Botello, Aliese Brandes, Hannah Brendel, Elizabeth Bridges, Ethan Brinkley, Jameson Britt-Nellis, Tia Brosmer, Ripley Davis, Kristen Detty, Ella Dornburg, Caitlyn Ebert, Luke French, Courtney Gardner, Jacqueline Godinez, Danielle Goebel, Hunter Greenwell, Isabel Greiner, Sara Griffin, Deanna Hardy, Alyssa Harlow, Ava Harmon, Elizabeth Harris, Claire Hays, Ben Heeke, Aidan Hoover, Jennah Hottel, Lily Hubbard, Shyanne Iles, Kaleb Josey, Madison Jung, Holly Karges, Erin Kelly, Claire Kifer, Inka Kobylanski, Colby Kreilein, David Lloveras, Kennedy Lockyear, Isaiah Lowe, Taylor McKannan, Katherine Medina-Martinez, Amanda Meuth, Mollie Myers, Jenna Norrick, Megan Raleigh, Hannah Rasche, Alaisha Reeves, Noah Ricketts, Bailey Roby, Lisa Ryan-Hutton, Geneva Sagers, Mikayla Satterfield, Christian Schmitz, Evan Scott, Al Sheets, Brandon Skidmore, Violet Thomas-Cummings, Jaeda Thomason, Shelby Trotter, Maliah White, Bailee Wilson, Zachary Winger, Whitely Woolsey, Morgan York, Sydney Young and Jade Young.
At 2 p.m. on Friday, November 3 in Kleymeyer Hall (LA 0101), Hu will give a lecture about her design work and creative process, as well as speak about the process of selecting artworks for this exhibition.
A reception for the exhibition will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, November 12 and will conclude with a 2 p.m. awards ceremony. Visit the Galleries website for more details. The MAC/Pace Galleries are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-4 p.m. Sundays.