The Labrador named EVIE who teaches that Every Volunteer Is Essential in picking up litter and keeping our community clean is once again the star character in a second children’s book written by a Dexter Elementary School teacher.  

EVIE Goes Clean and Green is written by Susan Harp and illustrated by North High School art teacher Jon Siau. The 24-page hardbound book was written to help children (and their parents) understand the importance of recycling and being as green as possible. With the help of her daddy, EVIE learns easy ways to make small changes in her everyday life that will have a big impact on the environment.

Christopher Robinson, a teacher of mathematics at Harrison High School, has been named the recipient of the May 2013 Cause for Applause employee recognition award.

Robinson was nominated by a Harrison student who had this to say about his teaching methods: “Mr. Robinson is truly a phenomenal teacher, as he is committed to ensuring the success of all of his mathematics students at Harrison on a daily basis.” The student said that Robinson regularly offers after-school instruction for students needing help – and also sponsors Harrison’s Math Academic Team and offers lessons beyond those he teaches during the school day. “From my observations, when Mr. Robinson is asked by a student for help, he does not hesitate to suggest that they visit him after school for more in-depth, individualized explanations.” 

Contrary to what some believe, the power still resides with the people.

On Monday, Indiana state legislators approved a new bill that originated with a 13-year-old from Newburgh.

Matthew Burkhart testified before a House committee last week that he couldn’t get a job as a soccer referee last year because of child labor laws. He said changing the law would be important to get kids off the couch and the House agreed, voting 92-4 in favor of the bill that adds soccer ref to the list of jobs kids under 14 can do.  Currently that list includes only farm work, newspaper carrier or golf caddy.