New Albany Housing Authority Honored with National Award for Youth Engagement Program

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Executive Director David Duggins and YEP Coordinator Tim Langford accept the award at the annual conference

New Albany, IN October 9, 2024 — The New Albany Housing Authority is proud to announce that its Youth Engagement Program has received the Award of Merit from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Professionals (NAHRO) and has also been nominated for the prestigious Award of Excellence. This recognition highlights the program’s significant impact on combating generational poverty among local elementary and middle school students.

The Youth Engagement Program, which has been serving the NAHA neighborhoods for over five years, focuses on equipping children in grades K-8 with essential life skills, healthy habits, and a supportive mentor-based environment. Through partnerships with local non-profit organizations, the program provides homework help, skills building, physical activity, and engaging activities after school and during school breaks.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from NAHRO,” said David Duggins, Executive

Director of the New Albany Housing Authority. “This award reflects the dedication of our staff, community partners, and volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure our youth have the tools they need to succeed. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of our children and our community.”

The Award of Merit is presented to programs demonstrating outstanding accomplishments in housing and redevelopment, while the Award of Excellence recognizes exceptional practices that inspire others in the field. The New Albany Housing Authority is proud to stand among the

nation’s leaders in promoting effective and impactful community programs.

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**About New Albany Housing Authority**

The New Albany Housing Authority is dedicated to providing safe, affordable housing and supportive services to residents in the community. Through innovative programs and partnerships, we aim to create pathways to success and improve the quality of life for all our residents.

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Benchmark Litigation 2025 Honors 14 Stites & Harbison Attorneys 

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 9, 2024)—The 2025 edition of Benchmark Litigation names 11 Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorneys as “Litigation Stars” and three as “Future Stars” in Kentucky. The guide honors the firms and attorneys who have demonstrated the ability to consistently handle complex, high-stakes cases in multiple jurisdictions. Stites & Harbison’s honorees include the following from Kentucky: 

Litigation Stars 

Future Stars 

Since 2008, Benchmark Litigation has been the definitive guide to America’s leading litigation firms and attorneys. The guide is exclusively focused on the U.S. litigation market. Recognition is based on extensive interviews with litigators and their clients over a six-month period to identify the leading litigators and firms. Honorees at both the national and state levels are based on these interviews.   

About Stites & Harbison 

Stites & Harbison, PLLC is a nationally recognized, full-service law firm. With 11 offices across six states — Kentucky, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia — the firm represents clients across the United States and internationally. Tracing its origins to 1832, Stites & Harbison is known as a preeminent firm managing sophisticated transactions, challenging litigation and complex regulatory matters on a daily basis. For more information, visit www.stites.com. 

IU Southeast student chapter receives merit award from SHRM

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NEW ALBANY, Ind. (Oct. 11, 2024) – The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) awarded a 2023-2024 Superior Merit Award designation to the Indiana University Southeast SHRM student chapter for providing outstanding growth and development opportunities to its student members. This marks the seventh consecutive year that the IU Southeast SHRM student chapter has received this designation. 

The SHRM Student Chapter Merit Award program encourages the development of more effective student chapters and distinguishes outstanding activities and projects. Chapters are recognized based on operations, chapter programming and professional development of members, support of the human resource profession, and SHRM engagement. 

“SHRM student chapter members embody the upcoming cohort of HR trailblazers, and it’s vital to highlight their achievements.” Said Michael P. Aitken, SHRM Chief Membership Officer. “The dedication displayed by IU Southeast SHRM underscores that the future of the profession is in good hands. I commend their achievements and their adeptness in cultivating inventive initiatives, growth, and enthusiasm for HR, especially as we steer through evolving work landscapes.” 

SHRM student chapters can earn an award based on the number of activities they complete during the merit award cycle, the most recent one of which lasted from May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024.  

“It is a privilege for my colleague, Dr. Yang Zhang, and I to work with such talented, dedicated students who want to positively impact the HR profession and their community,” said Dr. Alysa Lambert, professor of human resource management at IU Southeast.  “The award is the recognition of their hard work!” 

In 2023-2024, the student HR chapter organized the IUS HR Breakfast Series, bringing professionals and students together for a series of eight events over the year. They also toured Trilogy Health Services in Louisville, meeting with HR professionals and learning about the company. The student chapter members volunteered at the Junior Achievement Inspire event supporting area middle school students as their annual service project. Anyone interested in learning more about IU Southeast SHRM or attending the breakfast series events can contact the chapter by emailing shrmiusoutheast@gmail.com. 

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About IU Southeast:  IU Southeast is one of seven campuses of Indiana University. Offering more than 150 degree programs and concentrations, the scenic 180-acre campus is located less than 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, Kentucky. It currently has over 3,750 students and employs over 360 faculty members. About 400 students live on campus in five fully furnished, lodge-style residence halls. Through an agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Indiana University Southeast offers in-state tuition to students enrolled from eight counties in the Louisville region. IU Southeast has three nationally recognized, accredited schools including the School of Business, School of Education, and School of Nursing. For more information, visit https://southeast.iu.edu.  IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus. 

About SHRM  

SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management, creates better workplaces where employers and employees thrive together. As the voice of all things work, workers and the workplace, SHRM is the foremost expert, convener and thought leader on issues impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With 300,000+ HR and business executive members in 165 countries, SHRM impacts the lives of more than 115 million workers and families globally. Learn more at SHRM.org and on Twitter @SHRM. 

 

Louisville Zoo Announces Name of New Tiger Cub

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Voting presented by Norton Children’s 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (October 11, 2024) – Meet KAJI (kah-gee)!

The Louisville Zoo asked fans to participate in naming its male Sumatran tiger cub, and the people have spoken. Nearly 5,000 votes were cast during the four-week voting period, with Kaji emerging as the favorite. This name was selected from three options that reflected the importance of this cub to the species’ survival and honored his parents.

Full explanation of the chosen name is as follows:

  • Satu (sah-too): Means “one” in Indonesian. With less than 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, every cub is vital for the survival of this critically endangered species.  
  • Saya Sambal (Sigh-ya-sah-m-ball): Honors his dad, Kami Sambal, who passed away on August 20, 2024.  Kami’s name means “we are spicy sauce” in Indonesian, referring to the wild nature of tigers, which are not domesticated and are often trafficked for their body parts and for the illegal pet trade, leading to serious conservation issues. “Saya Sambal” means “I am spicy sauce.”
  • Kaji (kah-gee): A combination of both parents’ names, Kami and Jingga. Their legacy will live on through their cub, contributing to the conservation of Sumatran tigers for future generations.

Norton Children’s 8-year-old patient, Skylar Bischof-Thomas, revealed the winning name with Mayor Greenberg and Zoo officials at today’s event.

The Zoo welcomed Kaji into the family on the evening of July 23, 2024. He is the offspring of 16-year-old male Kami Sambal (cam-me-sahm-ball) and 14-year-old female Jingga (Jean-gah, like the game). Kaji is the first Sumatran tiger to be born at the Zoo in over 20 years.

Guests can see Kaji and Jingga in the Banjar House habitat at the Islands exhibit on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. The Zoo encourages guests to check the most up to date viewing schedule at louisvillezoo.org/today.

About Sumatran Tigers

Sumatran Tigers, the last of the island tiger subspecies, are smaller than mainland tigers and are critically endangered. Fewer than 400 individuals are estimated to still survive in the wild. Found only on Sumatra, their habitat is primarily threatened by the development of palm oil plantations. Palm oil is found in hundreds of foods, cosmetics and cleaning products. As worldwide demand for palm oil accelerates, so does the loss of vital tropical forests, which are home to thousands of unique plant and animal species. Choosing palm-oil free products or those containing sustainably grown palm oil helps preserve and protect wildlife and wild places.  

Zoo Hours

The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through March 14, 2025, hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with guests exiting by 5 p.m. During days of Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer, daytime hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (exit by 4 p.m.). The Zoo is open year-round except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more information.

About Norton Children’s                  

The Norton Children’s name stands for high-quality pediatric care across a spectrum of specialties and locations throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana. It comprises two hospitals, a medical center, regional outpatient centers, and primary and specialty care physician practices. Norton Children’s is a comprehensive network of highly trained pediatricians, pediatric specialists and support services providing care for children of all ages. As the need for pediatric care has grown in our region, so has the footprint of Norton Children’s. Our medical facilities currently serve more than 200,000 patients and see over 1 million patient visits each year.

About the Louisville Zoo

The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Explore Southern Indiana’s Weird Side This Fall with the “Stranger Things of SoIN” Digital Passport 

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Earn entries to a grand prize drawing and custom artwork with SoIN Tourism’s newest passport 

Southern Indiana (Oct. 3, 2024) – The Halloween season is upon us in Southern Indiana, and there’s a new digital passport revealing mysterious and hair-raising spots in SoIN! Area residents and visitors can now sign up for the Stranger Things of SoIN passport, a free digital guide that leads you to peculiar attractions and hidden gems throughout Clark and Floyd counties. 

Those who sign up for the Stranger Things of SoIN passport can: 

  • Peruse local oddities at the Clark County Museum in Jeffersonville 
  • Hike around Rose Island, an abandoned 1920s amusement park, at Charlestown State Park 
  • Learn about the haunting history of the New Albany Sugar Shoppe 
  • And more! 

The Stranger Things of SoIN is a year-round passport. Passholders can view all locations and prizes in their passport conveniently located on their smartphone. 

Ghoulish Giveaway 

SoIN Tourism is kicking off the new passport with a Ghoulish Giveaway thanks to the Friends of Culbertson Mansion. Those who sign up for the Stranger Things of SoIN passport before October 10, 2024, will be entered for a chance to win a pair of tickets to “House of Anguish” at the Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site. Formerly called “Literally, A Haunted House,” Culbertson’s “House of Anguish,” is the longest-running haunt in the region and is operated by volunteers with the Friends of Culbertson Mansion. They update their theme each year, providing a fresh experience for new and returning visitors. All funds raised from “House of Anguish,” go toward mansion restoration. The winner of the two “House of Anguish,” tickets will be drawn on Thursday, October 10, 2024, and announced on SoIN Tourism’s social media channels. 

Win Artwork by SoIN Native 
Passholders can commemorate their adventures with an 11” x 14” print created by Graphic Designer, Illustrator and SoIN native Matthew Clinard. After checking in at 10 locations, passholders can claim their print, which features icons representing several of the attractions found on the passport. Prints can be directly mailed to passholders or picked up at the Southern Indiana Visitor Center located at 228 Spring Street, Suite 106, Jeffersonville, Ind. 

Grand Prize Drawing 

While visiting some of the strangest places in Southern Indiana, passholders will also earn entries into a grand prize drawing – a Clue Party for 20 people at the Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site! The first grand prize winner for the Stranger Things of SoIN passport will be drawn in April 2025.  

Getting Started 

Those interested in signing up for the free Stranger Things of SoIN passport can visit GoSoIN.com/passports to join. Once they create a login, participants can add the digital passport to their smartphone home screen for quick access. The website also includes more details on the passport, including an image of the new print and a video with step-by-step instructions on how to sign up. 

For more details or to interview someone about the new passport, please contact Communications Manager Anna Rosales-Crone at Anna@GoSoIN.com or 812-282-6692. 

SoIN Tourism is the official destination marketing organization for Clark and Floyd counties in Southern Indiana, just north of Louisville, Ky. Offering authentic experiences in the Kentuckiana region, SoIN includes historic downtowns in Jeffersonville and New Albany, Clarksville’s retail corridor, as well as the communities of Charlestown, Floyds Knobs, Henryville, Memphis, New Washington, Sellersburg and Starlight. Visitors who would like more information can visit the destination’s website, GoSoIN.com. 

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IU Southeast Garners 2025 Best Colleges Rankings from U.S. News & World Report

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NEW ALBANY, Ind. (September 27, 2024) –Indiana University Southeast garnered several prestigious rankings from the U.S. News & World Report annual college rankings.

Among citations, IU Southeast ranked #50 in Top Public Schools, #82 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, #138 in Regional Universities Midwest, and #218 in Top Undergraduate Nursing (BSN). IU Southeast’s rankings placed them first or second within each category compared to other colleges and universities within the Louisville metropolitan area. U.S. News analyzed more than 1,800 colleges and universities to determine their rankings.

“These rankings use a variety of indicators to assess aspects of educational quality,” said Michelle Williams, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. “Indiana University Southeast consistently places at the top of the list of local colleges and universities, making it a great choice with clear measures of excellence. Whether you want to look at academic program quality, return on investment, career outcomes, alumni engagement, student experience, social mobility, or other measures, IU Southeast provides students with transformative educational experiences.”

“Now in its 40th year, the Best Colleges rankings continue to be a trusted source of information for students and their families,” says LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for Education at U.S. News. “By considering factors such as social mobility and post-graduate success, we aim to help students choose schools that not only provide a quality education but also prepare them for a successful and fulfilling future.” 

“The US News rankings show how IU Southeast offers quality and affordable higher education while improving the social mobility of our graduates,” said Debbie Ford, Chancellor of IU Southeast.  “Just over half of our graduates complete their degrees with zero debt and over 80 percent of our graduates remain in the region we serve to live and work.”

The 2025 Best Colleges methodology is calculated using up to 17 key measures of academic quality for National Universities and 13 indicators for the National Liberal Arts Colleges, Regional Universities, and Regional Colleges. The formula uses data universally reported by schools or obtainable from third-party sources.

IU Southeast has three nationally recognized, accredited schools including the School of Business, School of Education, and School of Nursing. Through an agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Indiana University Southeast offers in-state tuition to students enrolled from eight counties in the Louisville region, making it the best financial value among four-year colleges and universities in the region.

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About IU Southeast:  IU Southeast is one of seven campuses of Indiana University. Offering more than 150 degree programs and concentrations, the scenic 180-acre campus is located less than 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, Kentucky. It currently has over 3,750 students and employs over 360 faculty members. About 400 students live on campus in five fully furnished, lodge-style residence halls. Through an agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Indiana University Southeast offers in-state tuition to students enrolled from eight counties in the Louisville region. IU Southeast has three nationally recognized, accredited schools including the School of Business, School of Education, and School of Nursing. For more information, visit www.ius.edu. IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus.

 

River Ridge Development Authority Doubles Down on Prioritizing Higher Wages with Future Projects

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effersonville, IN (September 16, 2024) – At its September monthly meeting, the River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) Board of Directors took a significant step in enhancing local economic growth. By unanimous vote, the Board approved a resolution prohibiting the future sale of a large portion of remaining land within the Commerce Center to companies whose projected average wage is not greater than the current Clark County average wage.

The resolution requires that new positions created within the specified area offer an aggregated average hourly wage above the county’s current rate, which for 2024 is $24.44 per hour, according to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. Future wage rates will be adjusted on a yearly basis, and the map below highlights the portion of land that will fall under this new prohibition.

“With today’s action, the Board of Directors is reinforcing River Ridge’s commitment to our region by ensuring that companies locating within the Commerce Center are creating quality jobs. It has always been our mission to provide residents throughout our community with the types of employment opportunities with which they can support themselves and their families, and be proud of RRDA,” said Jerry Acy, Executive Director of RRDA. “The mission of the River Ridge Development Authority is to replace the lost economic impact from the closure of the former Indiana Army Ammunition Plant, and today’s resolution further emphasizes that mission.”

River Ridge’s action is applauded by other local leaders. Tony Waterson, President & CEO of Southern Indiana Works, the local workforce development board, said in response to the decision, “The River Ridge Development Authority Board of Directors today took a huge step in advancing quality job and career opportunities for labor throughout our region. The River Ridge Commerce Center is one of the key drivers of our local and regional economy and their commitment to putting the needs of our region’s workforce first is commendable.”

The RRDA anticipates that these measures will contribute to a more balanced and equitable development process, aligning growth with the broader goals of community enhancement and economic health.

Additional resolutions approved by the RRDA Board at today’s meeting include:

  • Negotiation of Sale for Tract 31C
  • Sewer Improvements Geotechnical Exploration Contract for Tract 19C
  • 2024 Pavement Repairs Construction Contract
  • RRCC Water System Resiliency Project – Division A Construction Contract
  • Water Main Relocation Construction Contract – Tract 16D


Board Meeting Materials Now Available Online
Additionally, as part of its commitment to transparency and accessibility, the RRDA announced that materials from its board meetings are now accessible on its website at
www.RiverRidgeCC.com.

About River Ridge Development Authority
The River Ridge Development Authority, spanning over 6,000 prime acres, has become a source of major economic development for the Louisville-Southern Indiana region. Established to mitigate the economic impact of the shuttered Indiana Army Ammunition Plant, the River Ridge Development Authority has evolved its mission to meet the tailored needs of the community. Our goal extends beyond mere replacement of lost revenue to creating a premier destination for advanced manufacturing, distribution, and industrial companies from across the nation and around the globe.

Serving as home to more than 80 companies, RRDA contributed an estimated $2.93 billion to the region’s economic output in 2023, supporting over 18,000 jobs. In addition, RRDA funded approximately $20 million in capital projects in 2023. These initiatives include vital infrastructure improvements, including $5.9 million in roadway projects, $6.2 million in utility enhancements, and $3.5 million allocated to demolition and site preparation.

Carol Dan Browning Named to 2025 Lawdragon 500  Leading Litigators in America

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Browning is One of Two Kentucky Attorneys Honored 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sept. 12, 2024)—Lawdragon has named Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorney Carol Dan Browning to the 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America. This is the second consecutive time that Browning has been recognized by Lawdragon for her work in professional liability and drug and medical device litigation. She is one of only two Kentucky attorneys honored in 2025. 

Honorees of the Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America are selected from nominations and candidates identified through extensive independent research. The guide recognizes the top litigators in the U.S. in the following areas: antitrust, intellectual property, white collar and investigations, securities and corporate governance litigation, and a wide variety of class actions, product liability and other complex civil litigation.  

Browning is a Member (Partner) based in Stites & Harbison’s Louisville, Ky., office. She is Chair of the Pharmaceuticals & Medical Device Litigation Group and Co-Chair of the Torts & Insurance Practice Group. She is an accomplished trial attorney who has tried more than 35 cases to jury verdict in multiple jurisdictions. She is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, North America’s preeminent organization of trial lawyers. Browning’s practice includes drug and medical device litigation, products liability and medical malpractice defense. She serves as national or state counsel for multiple drug, medical device and product manufacturers and is involved in multi-district litigation pending in various federal district courts and in coordinated litigation pending in state courts throughout Kentucky. 

Browning stays active in a variety of professional and community organizations. She is a member of the Defense Research Institute, the International Association of Defense Counsel and the Product Liability Advisory Council. She also previously served on the Louisville Ballet’s Board of Directors. Within the firm, she is a former member of the Management Committee. 

About Stites & Harbison 

Stites & Harbison, PLLC is a nationally recognized, full-service law firm. With 11 offices across six states — Kentucky, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia — the firm represents clients across the United States and internationally. Tracing its origins to 1832, Stites & Harbison is known as a preeminent firm managing sophisticated transactions, challenging litigation and complex regulatory matters on a daily basis. For more information, visit www.stites.com. 

Clarksville Celebrating Completion of New Mural with Ribbon-Cutting

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The expansive mural was commissioned by the Cornerstone Group in Downtown Clarksville.

CLARKSVILLE, IN (September 9, 2024) – The Clarksville Arts Commission will be celebrating the completion of Clarksville’s newest art installation with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, September 16th.  Area residents and members of the community are invited to learn more about the project and the artist behind it.  The mural covers nearly the entire side of a building at the intersection of Main Street and Court Avenue.

Artist Damon Thompson is a full-time mural artist based in Louisville, Kentucky, and a 1997 graduate of Dupont Manual High School’s Visual Arts magnet program. For more than 15 years, Damon was represented by the Tim Faulkner Gallery, a major presence in Louisville’s art scene. After the gallery’s recent closure, he transitioned to representing himself and launched his own website, damonpaints.com, where he showcases prints of his murals and original artwork. 

Damon gained widespread recognition during the early days of the COVID pandemic, completing 43 murals in Louisville in just six weeks, from March 20 to May 8, 2020.   His latest work is the expansive Clarksville mural in Clarksville, Indiana, featuring a series of murals embedded in each letter of the town’s name, celebrating the history and culture of Southern Indiana.

Damon will be available for interviews following a short presentation and ribbon-cutting with the Clarksville Arts Commission.

WHAT:              Ribbon Cutting for New Clarksville Mural

WHEN:             Monday, September 16th @ 5:30pm

WHERE:           Intersection of Court Ave and Main St. – Clarksville, IN

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BBB’s Annual Shred & Electronics Recycling Event to be Held on Saturday, September 28th

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September 9, 2024 – BBB serving Greater Kentucky and South Central Indiana will hold its annual Shred & Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday, September 28th from 10 am to 2 pm at RML Shredding.

BBB will partner with RML Shredding and River Metals Recycling for this free community event. Individuals can bring old documents (up to four boxes) for shredding and/or old electronics for secure recycling. Visit bbb.org for a full list of items eligible for recycling.

New this year, the event will be held at RML Shredding and food trucks will be on-site as well. Drop off your old documents and electronics, and grab lunch while you’re there!

BBB’s Shred & Electronics Recycling Event is free to the public, but donations are appreciated. Proceeds go to BBB Consumer Education Fund’s support of scam prevention programs, BBB Charity Review program, student scholarships, and more!

BBB Annual Shred & Electronics Recycling Event

When: Saturday, September 28th
10 am to 2pm

Where: RML Shredding
1925 Production Dr, Louisville, KY 40299

Cost: Free (donations appreciated) 

For more information and media inquiries, contact Whitney Adkins, Director of Communications, at wadkins@ky-in.bbb.org.

ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States, Canada and Mexico. BBB’s Louisville and Lexington offices merged in 2022 to form BBB Serving Greater Kentucky and South Central Indiana, which serves 108 counties in Kentucky and 10 counties in Southern Indiana.