BOONVILLE, Ind. – Today Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann announced that the long-awaited State Road 61 Boonville Bypass Project has been accelerated and will begin construction in the spring of 2015.  The Lieutenant Governor made the announcement at the Warrick County Courthouse along with U.S. Congressman Larry Bucshon, INDOT Chief of Staff Troy Woodruff, State Representative Ron Bacon, Boonville Mayor Pam Hendrickson and several elected officials. 

“As a long-awaited project, we understand the importance of the bypass to Boonville and are pleased to announce an accelerated construction schedule, a project which will have a strong economic impact for Boonville and southwest Indiana” stated Ellspermann. 

The project will construct a two-lane facility routing to the west of Boonville mostly following existing county roads.  New Harmony Road is the northern termini and it will connect on the south end with State Road 62 at the existing State Road 261 intersection.  The 4.2 mile bypass will carry a 50 MPH speed limit and include three roundabouts at New Harmony Road, Eskew Road and Millersburg Road. 

“Investing in infrastructure projects like the Boonville Bypass is vital to our state and local economies. I thank the Pence Administration and INDOT for putting this Warrick County project on fast track,” said Rep. Bucshon. 

The project’s letting is scheduled for December 2014 with an estimated construction cost of $14 million.  The overall project completion date is anticipated for December of 2016. 

“This project is a win-win situation for everyone who travels through the City of Boonville,” said Pam Hendrickson, Mayor of Boonville.  “Truck drivers will no longer be forced to encounter the congestion of the downtown square and other drivers and pedestrians will no longer be forced to attempt to avoid the trucks.  The cleanliness of our historic downtown will be greatly improved and I would like to thank INDOT and everyone that has been involved in the acceleration of this much needed project.” 

Community partner Alcoa has also been a strong supporter of the S.R. 61 Bypass project.  Currently Alcoa and its subsidiaries are in the process of donating several parcels of land needed so the project can continue moving forward.


SOURCE: Indiana Department of Transportation

Evansville, Ind. -- Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana – South (Vectren) announced that its 
employee-members of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 702 
notified the company Thursday evening that they have ratified a new 3-year labor agreement. The approximately 300 employee-members of IBEW Local 702 serve natural gas and electric customers in southwestern Indiana. 

Vectren and the IBEW had been in contract negotiations several weeks in advance of the 
expiration of the current contract, which was scheduled to expire June 30, 2013. 

“We are pleased to have reached this agreement well in advance of the impending contract expiration,” said Vectren’s Executive Vice President of Utility Operations Bill Doty. “The willingness of both parties to come to the table and finalize a contract shows our commitment to maintain a productive work partnership and continue to reliably and safely serve our customers.” 

The tentative agreement was finalized with union leadership last week and moved for a vote Thursday evening. 

Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana – South serves 142,000 electric customers and 111,000 natural gas customers in southwestern Indiana.
 

SOURCE: Vectren News

B.U.L.L.I.E. Nation Rescue and Pet Food Center are teaming up to help the animals and families affected by the tornado in Oklahoma. The shelters and rescues are overrun with extra animals to feed and care for. We will be having a Stuff the Truck event Saturday May 25th from 10 to 4 at Pet Food Center’s North Evansville Location. 

Below you will find a list of the items that they have requested:

Medical Supplies:
• Needles- all sizes but preferably 22 gauge
• Syringes, all sizes, but prefer 3 cc
• Latex Gloves size small and medium
• Surgical Gowns
• Shoe Covers
• Shampoo
• #40 clipper blades

Cleaning Supplies:
• Medical gloves
• Bleach
• Paper towels
• Brooms 
• Mops
• Buckets

Dog/Cat supplies:
• Wire or plastic kennels/crates
• Outside kenneling
• Canned Food
• Dry Food
• Leashes
• Collars
• Bedding
• Towels
• Blankets
• Treats

The volunteers at the shelters could also use some Human Snacks.

We hope to fill the 26ft truck completely. Bringing Hannah Home volunteers will be picking all donations up, sorting, and distributing the items among those most in need. If you have questions, please feel free to email us at bullienationrescue@gmail.com

One of the great things about living in America is the American Spirit and the willingness of people to come to the aid of others during tragic events. The recent tornadoes in Oklahoma have already brought volunteers to the area and others will certainly follow. Still others unable to travel to Oklahoma will be very generous by donating money, clothing, and other needs to assist with the relief efforts. While such tragedies oftentimes will bring out the best in most people, still there are those few who will take advantage of the misfortune of others for personal gain. Hoosiers should be aware of people taking the opportunity in light of the recent catastrophic events in Oklahoma to play on the generosity of those willing to help out monetarily. Citizens are cautioned to be skeptical of those going from door-to-door or making individual phone calls to residents claiming to be collecting for tornado relief. If you are contacted by someone asking for donations, ask questions to determine whether or not your contribution will actually go to the tornado relief efforts. Ask the person collecting for credentials, what organization they represent, if there is an address donations can be sent, etc. Ask the person if they have a business card with a website or other information that can be verified through other reliable sources such as the Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General’s Office. If you are approached and feel someone is trying to scam you try to get as much information as possible such as a name, description of the person, description of the vehicle including color, make, and license number if possible then contact local police, sheriff, or your nearest Indiana State Police Post. 

The best way to contribute to the relief efforts is to donate money and other needed articles through known legitimate organizations such as the American Red Cross or through local churches collecting for tornado relief. Be aware, be vigilant, and don’t get scammed.


SOURCE: Indiana State Police - Nixle