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 TODAYS CITY OF EVANSVILLE Board of Public Safety MEETING AGENDA

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civic center

 Civic Center Complex, Room 301 Evansville, IN 47708 812.436.7897 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

 Michael Retter, President Kayce Zeller, Vice President Richard Hubbard, Member Aaron Allen, Counsel Attorney Board of Public Safety Evansville, Indiana 

 AGENDA August 9th, 2023 

Building Commission – Kim Josey Police Department – Chief Billy Bolin 

Transportation & Services – Todd Robertson Fire Department – Chief Mike Connelly City Engineer’s Office – Mike Labitzke 

~ Pledge of Allegiance ~ 

Business with Representatives: 

Departmental Reports: 

  1. A. Police Department – Deputy Chief Alan Yeager 1. Request approval to surplus/dispose of old classroom chairs that were used in the Academy that have since been replaced. 
  2. 2. Chief Billy Bolin Requests that the Board of Public Safety denies any further street closures for the day of April 8th 2024. Purpose: On April 8th, 2024 an eclipse of the sun will take place and Evansville, IN is considered to be a prime viewing spot for the eclipse. They are expecting a very large influx of people to Evansville for this event. Chief Bolin does not want any streets closed more than necessary to help alleviate any possible issues with traffic. 
  4. B. Fire Department – Division Chief Michael Larson 1. Evansville Fire Department requests approval to seek quotes for breathing air compressors and fill stations. 

CITY OF EVANSVILLE Board of Public Safety Civic Center Complex, Room 301 Evansville, IN 47708 812.436.7897 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Michael Retter, President Kayce Zeller, Vice President Richard Hubbard, Member Aaron Allen, Counsel Attorney Board of Public Safety Evansville, Indiana 

      1. C. Building Commission – Kim Josey 1. Request approval for the awarding of the bids to the following: a. 3008 Broadway Ave. – Raze (demolish) Fire damaged house and shed Low Bidder Stemaly Excavating – $13,536.00 
      2. b. 514 S. Grand Ave. – Raze (demolish) collapsed garage only Low Bidder Heidorn Excavating – $3,447.00 
      3. c. 1009 Harriet St. – Raze (demolish) Fire damaged house and garage Low Bidder Stemaly Excavating – $7,843.00 
      4. d. 525 E. Riverside Dr. – Raze (demolish) house, garage and fence Low Bidder Stemaly Excavating – $7,689.00 
      5. e. 1914 S. Werner Ave. – Raze (demolish) house Low Bidder Heidorn Excavating – $6,050.00 
      8. D. Transportation & Services – Todd Robertson 
  1. E. Special Event Permit – Sgt. Adam Will 1. Sloppbucket/Evansville Elite Soccer Club Requests approval for August First Friday at Mo’s House beginning on August 4th, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. Closing Parrett St. From Adams To Jefferson. Purpose: Neighborhood Gathering. NOTE: Event was approved by Board of Public Works August 3rd, 2023. **BARRICADES REQUESTED** 
  2. 2. Young & Established at Old National Events Plaza requests approval for the Bounce House Festival on August 19, 2023 at 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Closing SE 9th street between Locust and Walnut. Purpose: Family fun Event. Street Closure used for food trucks. **BARRICADES REQUESTED** 

CITY OF EVANSVILLE Board of Public Safety Civic Center Complex, Room 301 Evansville, IN 47708 812.436.7897 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Michael Retter, President Kayce Zeller, Vice President Richard Hubbard, Member Aaron Allen, Counsel Attorney Board of Public Safety Evansville, Indiana 

  1. 3. YMCA Of Southwestern Indiana requests approval for the You Otter Swim Run on August 20th 2023 at 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Walk/Run Starts inside Deaconess Aquatic Center, Leaves DAC and turn Left onto Mattingly Way, staying to the right around Garvin Park, Right onto Greenway, turn around on Greenway near N. Garvin St., left into Garvin Park, Left into Bosse Parking Lot, Enter Stadium, Finish Bosse Field. Purpose: Walk/Run fundraiser. **BARRICADES REQUESTED** 
  2. 4. Tiki on Main requests approval for Jelly Roll Overflow on Main beginning August 22, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. thru August 23, 2023 at 12:00 a.m. Closing Main Street from 5th Street to 6th Street. Purpose: To help with the overflow of people for the Jelly Roll Concert. 
  3. 5. Slopbucket/Evansville Elite Soccer Club Requests approval for September First Friday at Mo’s House beginning on September 1st, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. Closing Parrett Street from Adams to Jefferson. Purpose: Neighborhood Gathering. **BARRICADES REQUESTED** 
  4. 6. Slopbucket/Evansville Elite Soccer Club requests approval for Front Porch Fest at Mo’s House beginning on September 2nd, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. to 11:45 p. m. Closing Parrett Street from Adams to Jefferson. Purpose: Music Gathering in Street. **BARRICADES REQUESTED** 
  5. 7. Children’s Museum of Evansville requests approval of “Picnic and Play” on September 9th starting at 8:00 a.m. thru 3:00 p.m. Closing 5th Street from Locust to the alley next to the museum. Purpose: Create space for family fun & Food. **BARRICADES REQUESTED** 
  6. 8. Slopbucket/Evansville Elite Soccer Club requests approval for Tiki Week at Mo’s House Beginning September 13 at 12:00 p.m. through September 23, 2023 5:00 p.m. Closing Parrett Street from Adams to Jefferson. Purpose: Neighborhood Special Event (Tiki) – There will be a sand pit in front of Mo’s with edging to keep the sand in. They have contracted a company for sand removal and cleanup at the end of the event. **BARRICADES REQUESTED** **PENDING EPD APPROVAL and CITY ENGINNEERS APPROVAL** 

CITY OF EVANSVILLE Board of Public Safety Civic Center Complex, Room 301 Evansville, IN 47708 812.436.7897 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Michael Retter, President Kayce Zeller, Vice President Richard Hubbard, Member Aaron Allen, Counsel Attorney Board of Public Safety Evansville, Indiana 

  1. 9. Great Lake Shrine Association request approval of the “GLSA Parade” on September 16th, 2023 at 11:00 am to 12:00pm. Closing Riverside (starting at Ohio), to Main Street, Left on Main Street, Turn Right on SE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., Turn Right on Walnut Street ending at Riverside at the Shrine. Purpose: Parade **BARRICADES REQUESTED** 
  2. 10. SWIRCA & More requests approval for the SWIRCA Brewfest beginning September 16, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. thru September 17, 2023 at 12:00 a.m. Closing N.10th Avenue between W. Franklin Street and W. Illinois Street and closing both West and East Bound lanes of Franklin St. From Wabash Avenue of Flags to N. 10th Ave. The final Street closing is the South Bound Lane of Wabash Ave from Franklin to Illinois Street. Purpose: Beer Festival – Fundraiser for SWIRCA & More. **BARRICADES REQUESTED** 
  3. 11. FJ Reitz Instrumental Music Booster Club requests approval for “Drill on the Hill” on September 30th from 12:00 p.m. thru 11:00pm. Closure of east side of Lemcke from Reitz to Forest Ave., Northside of Hillcrest; Westside of Rick Davis way from Reitz to Forest Ave. Purpose: Marching Band **BARRICADES REQUESTED** ** PENDING COI APPROVAL** 
  4. 12. Greater Lincolnshire Neighborhood Association requests approval for the Lincolnshire Front Porch Festival on October 1 starting at 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Closure of South side of Lincoln Avenue at College Hwy and Willow Rd; North and south side of Bellemeade Avenue at Harlan, College Hwy & Willow Rd; Lodge Ave. at Bayard Park & Willow Road; Powell Ave at Lodge. **BARRICADES REQUESTED** 
  5. 13. Evansville Rescue Mission requests approval for the Drumstick Dash Walk/Run on November 11, 2023 starting at 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Closure: Please see attached map and diagram of route. Purpose: Charity Event to Raise Money **BARRICADES REQUESTED** 
  6. 14. EVENT Amendment: Golike Wedding (previously approved by the Board of Public Safety for September 30, 2023) requests an amendment to their application, specifically a change in time of the road closure from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. to a new time of 3:30pm to 4:45 p.m. The road closure in the original application was for closure of Closing Adams Avenue between entrance of public parking & Parrett Street; Parrett Street between Adams Avenue & Washington Avenue and remains the same. 

CITY OF EVANSVILLE Board of Public Safety Civic Center Complex, Room 301 Evansville, IN 47708 812.436.7897 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Michael Retter, President Kayce Zeller, Vice President Richard Hubbard, Member Aaron Allen, Counsel Attorney Board of Public Safety Evansville, Indiana 

  1. 15. EVENT Amendment: Market on Main was (previously approved by Board of Public Safety) requests a time change from their current start time of 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. An earlier start time will allow vendors more time to set up. Market on Main is currently closing Main Street between Martin Luther King BLVD. and 6th Street. Market on Main takes place every Wednesday thru September 9th, 2023. 

Consent Section: 

  1. A. Dumpster Permit 
  2. 1. 205 E. Michigan Street Susan Lombard Duration: August 4th, 2023 thru August 9th, 2023 Purpose: Lawn Waste – General Clean Up 
  3. 2. 222 NW 6th Street Jennifer Brown/YMCA Southwestern IN, INC Duration: August 21st, 2023 thru August 25, 2023 Purpose: Cleaning out the Old YMCA Building 
  4. 3. 801 Ravenswood Drive Sharon K. McCain Duration: August 3rd thru August 31st, 2023 Purpose: Removal of junk and trash from residence. 
  5. B. Container in The Street 1 Request the approval of the following: 
  6. a. 2113 Taylor Avenue James E. McLimore Duration: August 1st thru October 31st, 2023 Purpose: Hold house hold items while doing some work in the basement of the house. 

CITY OF EVANSVILLE Board of Public Safety Civic Center Complex, Room 301 Evansville, IN 47708 812.436.7897 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Michael Retter, President Kayce Zeller, Vice President Richard Hubbard, Member Aaron Allen, Counsel Attorney Board of Public Safety Evansville, Indiana 

  1. C. Handicap Parking Permit 
    1. 1. Request the approval of the following: a. 406 S. St. James Blvd. Carla Hughes Dozier **PENDING DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES APPROVAL** 
    2. b. 518 Casselberry Ave. Melanie Stagg **PENDING DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES APPROVAL** 
    3. c. Handicap Parking REMOVAL 233 South Barker Ave. Robert Norrick Applicant has since moved away (2005) 
    5. D. Parking Permit 
    6. 1. Request the approval of the following: a. Johnson Controls 100 Locust Street Duration: August 3rd thru September 8th, 2023 Joe VanHaitsma Flat Bed Semi Trailer – License: 5010990 Purpose: Temporary A/C for building while part arrives to fix building A/C. 
    7. b. The Cheese Queen 201 NW 4th Street (Old Courthouse) Duration: August 4th, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Lunch on Lawn) and September 1st, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Lunch on Lawn) Donald and Michele Smith 1993 – Chevy P30 Panel Van – Orange – Plate # 5779BS Purpose: Lunch on Lawn Old Courthouse. 

CITY OF EVANSVILLE Board of Public Safety Civic Center Complex, Room 301 Evansville, IN 47708 812.436.7897 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Michael Retter, President Kayce Zeller, Vice President Richard Hubbard, Member Aaron Allen, Counsel Attorney Board of Public Safety Evansville, Indiana 

  1. E. Road Closures/Temporary Use of Sidewalk 
  2. 1. Request the approval of the Following: a. Darren O’Risky, O’Risky Excavating requests the approval of a Lane Restriction at 647 Monroe Avenue, On Friday July 28, 2023 from 7:30 a.m. thru 4:30 p.m. Purpose: Residential water service installation. 
  3. b. Michael Averett, University of Evansville, requests the approval of a Lane Restriction at 2004 Lincoln Avenue on August 14th to August 16th, 2023. East Bound lane of Lincoln Ave. will be closed and traffic will be re-routed as follows: South on Weinbach Ave, Turning Left on Bellemeade Ave, turning left on S. Boeke Ave back to Lincoln Ave. Greg Sandlin of Keystone Construction has been in close contact with the Evansville City Engineers and they are aware of this construction. 

OTHER BUSINESS: 

1. Approve claims. 

2. Approve the minutes from Wednesday, 

Announcements: 

Next Meeting, 

Adjourned: __________ _______ CITY OF EVANSVILLE Board of Public Safety Civic Center Complex, Room 301 Evansville, IN 47708 812.436.7897 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Michael Retter, President Kayce Zeller, Vice President Richard Hubbard, Member Aaron Allen, Counsel Attorney Board of Public Safety Evansville, Indiana 

Drumstick Dash Route Street  By  Street  action  Cones  Barrcades  PD  Vol 
Westside Mall  In Front of Store  Start/Finish Lead  1 
Westside Mall  to  Southside Mall  50  1 
Southside Mall  to  Eastside Mall  50  1 
Eastside Mall  to  Exit Erie Ave  Right Turn  1 
Erie Ave  to  Devonshire Ct 1  Lt side  4  1 
&  Devonshire Ct 2  Lt side  4  1 
Erie Ave  to  Monroe Ave  Left Turn  4  1 
Using South Side  2 
Monroe Ave  &  S Cullen Ave  Straight  4  2 
Monroe Ave  &  Queen Anne Dr  Straight  2  1 
Monroe Ave  &  Royal Ave  Straight  2  1 
Monroe Ave  to  Brentwood Dr  Left Turn  3  1 
Brentwood Dr  to  Madison Ave  Left Turn  2  1 
Madison Ave  &  Royal Ave  Straight  2  1 
Madison Ave  to  Jefferson Ave  Left Turn  1 
Jefferson Ave  to  S Cullen Ave  Right Turn  2  1 
S Cullen Ave  to  Washington Ave  Right Turn  1 
Washingto Ave  Using South Side 
West Bound Lane 
Washington Ave 
S Cullen Ave  to  Royal Ave  50 
Royal Ave  2  1 
Royal Ave  to  Brentwood Dr  50 
Washington Ave  to  Brentwood Dr  Right Turn  1  1 
Brentwood Dr  to  Jefferson Ave  Right Turn  2  1 
Jefferson Ave  to  Madison Ave  Left Turn  1 

Attorney General Todd Rokita Promotes The Parents’ Bill of Rights 4.0

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As students return to classrooms, Attorney General Todd Rokita promotes the Parents’ Bill of Rights 4.0

Launched in 2021, the Parent’s Bill of Rights empowers parents to direct their children’s education and upbringing by ensuring they know their legal rights and responsibilities

Attorney General Todd Rokita this week rolled out the fourth update to his office’s Parents’ Bill of Rights — a roadmap for moms and dads seeking to maximize their involvement in school governance, curriculum, medical decisions for their children, and choosing where their kids attend school.

The latest version includes a new section emphasizing Hoosiers’ precious freedom to practice their religious beliefs, including within the walls of public schools.

“The Parents’ Bill of Rights is the result of direct conversations with parents,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Across Indiana, Hoosier moms and dads tell us that their children’s schools spend more time indoctrinating kids with historically and scientifically incorrect anti-American propaganda and exposing them to sexual and perverted materials than teaching math, science, reading and writing. With our test scores falling behind the rest of the world, schools cannot afford one second of distraction from these subjects.”

The best educators fully respect the value of involved parents in the process of maintaining high-quality schools, Attorney General Rokita noted.

“The single most effective way to ensure school accountability is for parents to fulfill their rightful roles in directing their children’s education and upbringing,” Attorney General Rokita said. “The Parents’ Bill of Rights empowers them to do just that by ensuring they know their legal rights and responsibilities in Indiana.”

Attorney General Rokita and his team released the first volume of his Parents’ Bill of Rights in June 2021. That installment focused on school governance, curriculum adoption, standards adoption and civil rights complaints.

The second volume, released in November 2021, detailed parents’ rights regarding medical decisions for their children, such as access to student health records, vaccination requirements, and educational accommodations.

The third volume, released in July 2022, focused on school choice — the liberty of parents to choose where their children attend school.

Attorney General Rokita’s team has updated all three of those existing volumes with fresh information arising from such developments as new legislation or to answer additional questions submitted by Hoosiers from across Indiana — along with adding the new section on religious liberty.

“In this one nation under God, America’s founders knew the fundamental importance of faith,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Just as they sought to protect liberty in their generation, our team works to prevent the government from infringing on Hoosiers’ rights in our own time.”

The latest installment features a helpful Q-and-A section, including such questions as:

  • Can students read or distribute religious material at school? (Yes, provided that the material is distributed during non-instructional time.)
  • Can students leave campus during the school day to participate in religious instructional activities? (Yes. Under Indiana law, a parent may request that a student be released from his or her public school for up to two hours each week to attend outside religious instruction.)
  • Can religious clubs meet on school grounds? (Yes. A school must treat every recognized non-curriculum-related student organization equally.)

The entire Parents’ Bill of Rights is available online at in.gov/attorneygeneral. Changes to the law will be reflected in future digital publications.

Watch Attorney General Rokita’s live press event discussing updates on his office’s work to protect Hoosier children and defend parents’ rights here.

 

Victim from Collision at Division and Mary St. Identified

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The victim from the collision at Division and Mary St. has been identified as Anthony Gibbs, age 49,  of Evansville. The Evansville Police Department can provide updates as they become available. He died at the scene from injuries sustained in the collision.  The Evansville Police Department is investigating the collision and can provide updates when they become available.

Steven W. Lockyear

Vanderburgh County Coroner

Right to Life of Southwest Indiana To Host Nation’s Largest Pro-Life Banquet On August 10th

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 Right to Life of Southwest Indiana to host the nation’s largest pro-life banquet on August 10th

AUGUST 5, 2023

Evansville, IN – Right to Life of Southwest Indiana will host its 2023 annual banquet – the largest pro-life banquet in America – at Old National Events Plaza on Thursday, August 10th, 2023. Doors open at 5:00 pm and the event will start at 6:00 pm. The banquet will feature keynote speakers Kirk Cameron, star of the 90’s sitcom Growing Pains, and David Scotton, an adoption attorney and advocate. Cameron and Scotton worked together to create Lifemark, a movie that tells the powerful story of Scotton’s own adoption experience.

Also attending are US Senator Todd Young, Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch, and other elected officials.

Right to Life of Southwest Indiana hosts this banquet annually as their primary source of fundraising. Over 2,000 people attend each year to offer support. Right to Life uses this support for their projects and programs that include the local Safe Haven Baby Boxes, resources for mothers and families in need, educational events, and most recently, the development of the Go Mobile Clinic, a mobile pregnancy crisis resource center that provides care for pregnant women through Southwest Indiana.

“Right to Life has always been pro-life and pro-woman,” says Mary Ellen Van Dyke, executive director for RTLSWIN. “With the fall of Roe v. Wade, our organization is moving to expand its reach to help moms facing unplanned pregnancies through tangible means such as the Go Mobile Clinic, support of local pregnancy centers, and programs that support those who have had abortions.”

 

Mid-America Institute On Aging And Wellness Returns To The USI Campus

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Mid-America Institute On Aging And Wellness Returns To The USI Campus Thursday and Friday, August 10-11

WHO: USI and SWIRCA and More, a local agency on aging, will present the 16th annual Mid-America Institute on Aging and Wellness (MAIA). Dr. Katie Ehlman, Director of the USI Bronstein Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness, will be available for media interviews related to the conference. 

WHAT: Now in its 16th year, MAIA is a two-day gerontology conference for healthcare and social service professionals, healthcare administrators, clinicians, older adults or retirees, family members providing care for a loved one, students and anyone who wants to learn tips for leading a healthier life. National and local speakers provide practical tools and ground-breaking information related to successful aging and wellness.

WHEN: MAIA will take place Thursday and Friday, August 10-11.

The following Keynote Presenters will be available for post-presentation interviews at 10:15 a.m. on their respective days. 

Thursday, August 10 at 10:15 a.m. 

  • Dr. Susan Hickman, Geropsychologist and Professor at the Indiana University (IU) School of Nursing and IU School of Medicine. Her presentation on Advance Care Planning will take place 8:30-10 a.m. in Carter Hall.

Friday, August 11 at 10:15 a.m. 

  • DeAnna Crosby, Mental Health Clinician from San Juan Capistrano, California. Her presentation on aging and addiction is scheduled for 8:30-10 a.m. in Carter Hall.

Below are ideal sessions to attend:  

Thursday, August 10 

Friday, August 11 

Thursday and Friday, August 10-11 

  • All day: A giant, walkable, inflatable brain from the Indiana University Health Rural Dementia Network will be on display. The brain will be located in University Center East.

For a full list of sessions and keynote speakers, visit USI.edu/MAIA. 

WHERE: MAIA will take place at various locations on the USI campus. University Center East is the preferred location for footage.

Note: If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Mary Scheller, Content Marketing Specialist for the College of Nursing and Health Professions, at 812-453-6463 or mtscheller@usi.edu. Please include the day/estimated time you plan to be on campus. 

Founded in 1965, the University of Southern Indiana enrolls more than 9,200 dual credit, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in more than 130 areas of study. A public higher education institution, located on a beautiful 1,400-acre campus in Evansville, Indiana, USI offers programs through the College of Liberal Arts, Romain College of Business, College of Nursing and Health Professions and the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. USI is a Carnegie Foundation Community Engaged University and offers continuing education and special programs to more than 15,000 participants annually through Outreach and Engagement. USI is online at www.usi.edu.

Major Building Announcement Excites Audience At Vincennes University’s

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Major building announcement excites audience at Vincennes University’s

Opening Meeting
VINCENNES, Ind., August 8, 2023 – The dawn of a new academic year brings joy, enthusiasm, and the hope of endless possibilities. Vincennes University faculty and staff gathered at Opening Meeting on Monday, Aug. 7, to kick off the academic year.

As VU prepares to welcome back students for the 2023 Fall Semester, VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson expressed optimism and excitement. Monday, Aug. 14, is the first day of classes for Fall Semester 2023.

“As we embark upon the 2023-2024 academic year, we have much to be thankful for and proud of,” Johnson said. “The many contributions of our faculty and staff have put Vincennes University in a position where we are very excited for the future of our institution. Each new year brings incredible opportunities and experiences for VU students as we work closely with our many employer and education partners and the communities we serve. We have a lot of things that we should feel great about and a bright future that we are building together.”

Indeed, the future is bright and great things are on the horizon, including the largest single building project in the history of VU.

During Opening Meeting, the University announced the addition of 70,000 square feet of new learning space on the Vincennes Campus with the construction of a $33.9 million ultra-modern Center for Health Sciences and Active Learning. It will rise on the former site of Harrison Hall, located just south of Updike Hall – Center for Science, Engineering, and Mathematics.

When the announcement was made, rousing cheers and applause exploded from an excited audience filling the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center.

The new Center for Health Sciences and Active Learning will feature state-of-the-art clinical simulation labs equipped with high-fidelity manikins, virtual reality simulators, and video recording systems. It will include active learning spaces that will promote collaborative, team-based, flexible learning classrooms, which will be utilized by all colleges on campus, integrating dynamic and engaging learning. The cutting-edge facility nearly doubles the space that is currently available to VU students in the existing College of Health Sciences and Human Performance center.

Yearly, hundreds of VU graduates enter the workforce as healthcare heroes.

College of Health Sciences and Human Performance Dean Michelle Cummins said, “We are building upon the high-quality faculty, resources, and education Vincennes University offers students. The Center for Health Sciences and Active Learning will have a tremendous impact in advancing the academic and career aspirations of the next generation of healthcare professionals as well as students in other disciplines. Careers in healthcare, especially nursing, are among the highest-in-demand jobs in Indiana. This new modern center is key to providing a transformative space for VU students and faculty that will allow the University to meet growing enrollment demands in our health science programs and help support Indiana’s healthcare systems.”

There was lots to celebrate at Opening Meeting, including service award milestones.

Johnson also announced the 2023 recipients of Peer Recognition Awards which honor faculty and staff for their extraordinary achievements, leadership, service, and dedication to Vincennes University. Tony Cummins (Assistant Mathematics Professor), JoEllen Horne (College of Social Science, Performing Arts, and Communication Secretary), Elizabeth Curtis (College of Humanities English Department Secretary), Cindy McHenry (Custodial Maintenance Associate), Traci Stephens (Health Information Management Assistant Professor), and Randi Menke and Janice Strange (Chelsea Lawless Computer Lab Assistants) will be honored with a ceremony this semester.

VU also held a successful food drive at Opening Meeting. The donations will help restock the shelves at Sandy’s Pantry, which supports VU students experiencing food insecurity. Thanks to the generosity of VU faculty and staff, the University received $531 in monetary donations, which was matched by the VU Foundation, bringing the total to $1,031. There were nearly 970 non-perishable food items and hygiene products also donated.

Sandy’s Pantry is a partnership between VU and St. John’s United Church of Christ. Students with a valid VU identification card can access the pantry and receive free non-perishable food and hygiene items in a judgment-free setting. Sandy’s Pantry is located at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 606 N. 5th St. in Vincennes.

About Vincennes University – Indiana’s First College

VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper, the Aviation Technology Center and American Sign Language program in Indianapolis, Early College Career and Technical Education Centers, and additional sites such as the Gene Haas Training and Education Center in Lebanon, the Logistics Training and Education Center in Plainfield, and the Gibson County Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics in Fort Branch. VU offers online degrees and classes to students who need access to college courses and flexibility through its Distance Education.

A leader in dual credit and career and technical education statewide, VU also offers instruction at military sites throughout the nation.

In addition to offering a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs, VU also offers bachelor’s degree programs in technology, homeland security, nursing, health care services administration, secondary education programs in mathematics and science, and special education/elementary education.

VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 35 other states, and 21 other countries. Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with residence halls. VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana’s first college and is the only college in the nation founded by an individual who would later become President of the United States. William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, founded VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory. More information is available at www.vinu.edu.

New conservation record set by Hoosier farmers

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INDIANA (July 26, 2023) — According to a recent conservation survey, Indiana farmers have set a conservation record this year by planting an estimated 1.6 million acres of overwintering living covers.

“Protecting our most vital natural resources is top of mind for our Indiana farmers and this year’s record-breaking cover crop acreage is a testament to that,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Through the implementation of cover crops and other conservation efforts, farmers are ensuring our land and water resources remain healthy and productive.”

Overwintering living covers (i.e. – cover crops and small grains, like winter wheat) are known for their environmental benefits. Cover crops and small grains, planted in the fall after harvest, help increase organic matter in the soil and improve overall soil health by adding living roots to the soil for additional months of the year. Cover crops also improve water infiltration into the soil, while other covers, like legumes, serve as natural fertilizers.

Although the conservation transect does not differentiate between cover crops and small grains, Indiana farmers typically plant fewer than 200,000 acres of small grains annually, so cover crops vastly dominate the 1.6 million estimated acres. Apart from corn and soybeans, cover crops are planted on more acres than any other commodity crop in Indiana.

“Hoosier farmers have held strong at 1.5 million acres of cover crops planted since 2021, so we are excited our farmers were once again able to move the needle forward,” said Don Lamb, Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director. “Soil conservation successes would not be possible without the dedicated farmers and the Indiana Conservation Partnership to help them along the way.”

As a result of the cover crops planted, it is estimated that 1.7 million tons of sediment was prevented from entering Indiana’s waterways, which is enough sediment to fill more than 480 Olympic-size swimming pools. Overwintering covers also prevented 4.3 million pounds of nitrogen and over 2.2 million pounds of phosphorus from entering Indiana’s waterways.

The conservation survey also showed that about 68% of farmed acres were not tilled and 17% had employed reduced tillage after the 2022 harvest. This early spring survey is not intended to quantify pre-planting tillage.

“Conserving our natural resources is not a one-agency job. Indiana conservation succeeds through its partnerships, working closely with individual farmers and landowners, local, state and federal government agencies, private industries, nonprofits, and many other people and groups,” said Curtis Knueven, Acting State Conservationist for Indiana’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. “These partnerships share their unique areas of expertise and allow us to expand the reach and depth of conservation in Indiana.”

The Indiana Conservation Partnership conducts many programs that help encourage private landowners to adopt cover crops as part of their agricultural strategy. One such initiative that helped contribute to the successful year for cover crops in 2022 was the Cover Crop Premium Discount Program (CCPDP). It is a program that provides a discount on crop insurance for planting cover crops. CCPDP assisted landowners in planting about 30 thousand acres of cover crops in 2022.

The conservation transect is a visual survey of cropland in the state. It was conducted between March and May 2023 by members of the Indiana Conservation Partnership, including the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts and Purdue Extension, as well as Earth Team volunteers, to show a complete story of the state’s conservation efforts.ISDA ABOUT ISDA

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) reports to Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch,  Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. Major responsibilities include advocacy for Indiana agriculture at the local, state and federal level, managing soil conservation programs, promoting economic development and agricultural innovation, serving as a regulatory ombudsman for agricultural businesses, and licensing grain firms throughout the state.

ABOUT NRCS

NRCS is helping private landowners improve the health of their operations while protecting our natural resources for the future. We are working to ensure the long-term sustainability of American agriculture. Our mission and vision statements serve as the foundation for our work and help guide our efforts when faced with competing demands, exciting challenges, and new opportunities that stem from complex Farm Bills and fluctuating industry needs. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

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