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BREAKING NEWS: Bally’s Remains Open After Car Drives Off Bally’s Parking Garage

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Updated November 25, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Operations are returning to normal at Bally’s after a strange incident this morning.
In the midst of the normal morning routine at Bally’s Casino, the sense of normal disappeared in one frightening moment when a car came crashing through the roof of the conference center. That car came from the top floor of the attached parking garage.
At the time of the crash, Koorsen Fire and Safety was hosting a conference for building inspectors and firefighters at the site. Koorsen is the fire protection company for Bally’s, and they aided in getting the building’s systems turned off. Firefighters and others attending the conference rendered aid at the scene.
The vehicle hit a concrete barrier, causing it to drop through the roof of the conference center, followed by the Ford SUV. The driver of the vehicle was the only injury.
A crane was brought in during the afternoon to lift the SUV and the concrete barrier out of the conference center.
The unanswered question is, “Why?” Police are putting together all of the information, looking at video footage, and planning to talk to the driver to determine what happened.

Bally’s was able to continue with normal casino operations through the day today and the parking garage will remain close until further notice.

Bally’s released the following statement: “We are currently investigating an incident involving a vehicle that drove off the seventh floor of our parking garage and will provide updates as necessary. Upon initial review, the incident appears to be the result of driver error. There are no signage or structural issues with the parking garage. The safety of our guests and staff remains our top priority.”

UE women’s basketball adds Mireia Mustaros

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Mustaros becomes the Aces’ first signee out of the transfer portal for UE for the 2025-26 season
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Mireia Mustaros has been announced as the newest signee to the University of Evansville women’s basketball team by head coach Robyn Scherr.
When Mireia visited campus, it was an instant fit! I felt like she was already part of our team,” exclaimed Scherr. “One of the things that drew me to Mireia was her desire to be pushed and challenged.
“She played for a coach with high standards at Odessa, and her game grew in her two years there. I love that she brings us size and versatility in the post with her ability to play inside and on the perimeter. She is a player who will continue to improve, and I am thrilled to be her coach!”
Mustaros has spent the past two seasons at Odessa College at the JUCO level. Last season, the Wranglers finished the year at 19-9 overall with a 10-6 conference record. Mustaros helped the Wranglers to the NJCAA Region V Women’s Basketball Tournament. She was also part of the 2023-24 Wrangler team that was the NJCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Runner-Ups as they lost by only a basket to nearby Wabash Valley CC.
In her two years with Odessa, Mustaros appeared in 60 games with 44 starts. As a freshman, Mustaros averaged 15.8 minutes, 4.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 0.3 blocks a game. In her sophomore season, Mustaros raised her game averages to 21.4 minutes, 5.1 points, and 4.4 rebounds. The sophomore had a career-high game against Trinidad State College on Nov. 2, 2024, scoring 12 points by shooting 87.5% from the floor and adding six rebounds. Her best rebounding game came Feb. 24, 2025, as she pulled down 10 boards against Clarendon College.
Originally from Mataró, Barcelona, Mustaros played for Unió Esportiva Mataró prior to moving to the United States for school. U.E. Mataró competes in Second FEB under the Spanish Basketball Federation and has teams for kids as young as 14 all the way up to their U20 teams. Mustaros is also part of PickUs Education, a consultancy group that helps international basketball players find programs in the United States to grow both their game and academics. Former Ace Júlia Palomo (La Seu d’Urgell, Spain) was also a member of PickUs Education.
“I chose UE because from the first moment I felt it was the perfect place to grow as a person and as a player,” says Mustaros. “I loved the welcoming environment and the commitment of the coaches to the development of each player. I felt an immediate connection with the girls and the staff, and I am very excited to start this new stage in a place like UE.”
Mustaros will join Evansville over the summer as the team conducts workouts in June and July. The Purple Aces officially begin the basketball season with their first official practice in late September of 2025.

Aces baseball ties series with Bradley in a home run extravaganza

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The two teams scored 12 combined runs off of home runs on Friday
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Fighting for its postseason hopes, the University of Evansville baseball team earned a massive win over the Bradley Braves 12-7 on Friday afternoon.
The Purple Aces kept their postseason dreams alive this afternoon with their victory against Bradley. UE’s bats connected in every inning but the first to record 12 hits for its third straight game with 10 hits or more. Almost half of Evansville’s hits were put into play by graduate catcher Matt Flaherty (Lake Zurich, Ill. / Bellarmine), who had a perfect day at the plate, going 5 of 5 with two home runs and five RBIs.
The Aces had to work out of trouble early in the first as the defense got out of a bases-loaded jam on a pop-up to Cal McGinnis. It was a quick game from there as UE went down in order in the bottom of the first, and Bradley did the same in the top of the second. Evansville got its first hit of the afternoon in the second from Flaherty with a single to left center.
Flaherty’s single sparked the offense in the bottom of the third as the Aces scored the first runs of the game. Shortstop Drew McConnell (Blue Springs, Mo. / Blue Springs HS) began the frame with a walk. Two at-bats later, left fielder Charlie Longmeier (Seymour, Ind. / Seymour HS) put a double into left as the Braves outfield lost the ball in the sun.
Both runners came home moments later as McGinnis crushed the first pitch he saw past the right field wall for his fourth home run of the year. UE’s 3-0 lead only lasted for the rest of the third inning as Bradley was able to answer with a two-run shot of their own to begin the fourth. The home runs continued in the fourth, but this time it was Evansville who had the long balls.
Flaherty led off the frame with his fourth homer of the year on a rocket to left field. The ball left German American Bank Field at 106 miles per hour to make it a 4-2 game. The Aces’ next two batters flew out to left field, as it was McConnell who found the hot bat. The freshman put a home run out to the opposite side to give UE another three-run lead.
But the home run train wasn’t done yet as the Braves put together back-to-back home runs, getting the game back within one. Bradley tied the game up in the fifth with two outs on the board as a long single through the right side brought home the runner at second base.  The Braves took their first lead of the game in the fifth as they brought in two more runs with a bases-clearing double.
Evansville erased the Bradley lead in the bottom of the fifth with one swing of the bat. The Aces got two walks in the first four batters, giving Flaherty another big hitting opportunity. And the graduate catcher came through with another home run, this time past the center field wall to put UE back up by one.
Neither side scored in the sixth as Evansville added another hit to its line. The Braves went down in order to begin the seventh while the Aces’ offense had their best offensive inning yet. UE’s first three batters all reached base as right fielder Harrison Taubert (Casper, Wyo. / Northeast CC) became the leading batter to be hit by pitches in the MVC to begin the frame.
Back-to-back singles from Rumsey and Flaherty added another run as Taubert hit the gas to get across home. First base Jake McGhee (Fenton, Mo. / Christian Brothers Academy) had a close sacrifice bunt that put both Rumsey and Flaherty into scoring position. Designated hitter Aaron Nehls (Evansville, Ind. / North HS) followed up the bunt with his first hit of the afternoon, doubling to left center and scoring Rumsey.
Evansville wasn’t done there as ninth-hole hitter Drew Howard (Ferdinand, Ind. / Forest Park HS) had his first knock of the game. Howard also found the left side hole, scoring both Flaherty and Nehls to give the Aces a five-run advantage with two outs on the board. UE loaded the bases with two walks but a strikeout from Taubert kept it at a 12-7 score.
It was a quick inning on defense for Evansville as Bradley went down in order. The Aces had another chance to extend their lead in the bottom of the eighth with the bases loaded. But UE’s next three batters went down in order, sending the game to its final frame. The Braves were able to add a run in the top of the ninth on a throwing error from McConnell as he tried to get an out at first for a double play. But Evansville held strong to earn the 12-8 win.
Reliever Kellen Roberts (Monroe, Mich. / Monroe HS) earned his first win of the season on Friday, pitching for 1.2 innings while allowing only a run with a strikeout. Closer Owen Byberg (Barrie, Ontario), in his first appearance on the mound in over a month, earned his first save with the Aces as he pitched for 2.2 innings without letting an earned run across and striking out three batters.
UE will need to win tomorrow’s regular-season finale against Bradley to make the 2025 MVC Tournament next week. Evansville will be honoring its seven seniors as well on Saturday in the program’s annual Senior Day game. First pitch from Charles H. Braun Stadium is set for 1 p.m., while Senior Day honors will begin at 12:40 p.m.

UE track and field begins the postseason at the MVC Outdoor Championships

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The Purple Aces will compete in over 20 events across the two-day event
 
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The University of Evansville track and field team begins its postseason journey this weekend at Southern Illinois.

The Purple Aces will compete in 24 events through Saturday and Sunday at the Missouri Valley Conference Outdoor Championships. UE was picked to finish ninth on the men’s side and 12th on the women’s side in the Pre-Championship Poll voted on by league head coaches. Indiana State was tabbed as the favorites in both the men’s and women’s polls, with all 12 first-place votes on the women’s side and six on the men’s side. Other teams earning first-place votes for the men included Illinois State and Northern Iowa.

Evansville closed out the regular outdoor season a week ago at the Billy Hayes Invitational hosted by the Indiana Hoosiers. The Aces picked up another new program record while earning podium finishes in five events at the Billy Hayes Invite. Junior thrower Gwen Darrah (Cleveland / Orange HS) set a new program record in the women’s hammer throw with a PR of 44.82 meters in UE’s first event of the day. Evansville also had 15 athletes set new PRs at the Robert C. Haugh Track and Field Complex. The Aces picked up podium finishes in the men’s 200-meter dash from sophomore Raymond Felton III (Houston / Clear Brook HS), the 4×100-meter relay race, sophomore Cedrik Flipo (Beloeil, Quebec) in the men’s 800-meter invitational race, senior Adam Oulgout (St. Paul, Minn. / Central HS) in the men’s open 800-meter race, and the women’s 3000-meter race from Avery Stephens (Newburg, Ind. / Castle HS).

UE begins the MVC Outdoor Championships in the field on Saturday morning, starting at 10 a.m. with the women’s discus event. Evansville’s first track event of the weekend will be the men’s 1,500-meter race at 2:30 p.m. While on Sunday, the Aces will begin competition at 11 a.m. with the men’s hammer throw and move to the track at 1:15 p.m. with the men’s 4×100 relay.

Trailblazers fall at Central District Championships

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UNION, Mo. – The 2025 Spring VU baseball season came to an end Friday afternoon at the Central District Championships hosted by East Central College in Union, Mo.

The Trailblazers opened the day in the Semifinals against Heartland Community College where the Blazers fell to the Hawks 8-4.

Vincennes then dropped into the elimination bracket where they faced North Central College and fell to the Pirates 13-1.

VU opened their day with a Mid-West Athletic Conference rematch against Heartland Community College and were again able to strike early against the Hawks after a leadoff single by freshman Carter Gricius in the second, followed by an RBI single by sophomore Yancey Edlin to give the Blazers the early 1-0 lead.

Heartland would respond in their half of the second inning, plating five runs in the inning to grab their first lead of the afternoon at 5-1.

Vincennes continued to battle in the later innings however, using another leadoff single by sophomore Bradyn Douglas and another single by sophomore Nate Montgomery (Lexington, Ind.) to put runners on for Carter Gricius.

Gricius came through at the plate again, coming away with a big three-run home run, his seventh of the season to cut the Heartland lead back down to one at 5-4.

Heartland would get a pair of runs back in the seventh before the game was paused in the top of the eighth inning for an hour and 15 minutes for a lightning delay.

The Blazers resumed play after the delay with Gricius on second, getting his third hit of the game just before play was paused but were unable to get the run in.

Heartland extended their lead with a run in the bottom of the eighth, which Vincennes could not answer in the ninth as Vincennes dropped the Semifinal showdown to Heartland C.C. 8-4.

Freshman Eastin Whaley (Kokomo, Ind.) got the start in game one of the day for the Trailblazers, throwing into the seventh inning, allowing six runs, three earned on six hits and striking out two.

Freshman Ty Stultz (Terre Haute, Ind.) was the first out of the bullpen for VU Head Baseball Coach Chris Barney, throwing one inning, allowing one run on two hits and striking out two.

Freshman Grayson Reichert (Shepherdsville, Ky.) came on after the weather delay to pitch the eighth inning, allowing one run on three hits in one inning on the mound.

Vincennes dropped into an elimination game to close out the day, facing off against the Pirates from North Central College in Trenton, Mo.

The Blazers found themselves playing from behind in this game with the Pirates striking early with a run in the first and three runs in the second to take an early 4-0 lead.

North Central continued to apply pressure at the plate, breaking the game open with four more runs in the third and adding five runs in the fourth.

Vincennes kept battling to the end, getting on the board in the fifth with a solo home run by sophomore Brody Fessel (DePauw, Ind.), his first home run of the season and first home run as a Trailblazer.

VU was unable to keep this momentum going however and unable to extend the game as the Blazers dropped game two of the day to North Central College 13-1.

Sophomore JD Bowser (Mt. Carmel, Ill.) got the start on the mound for Vincennes in game two, throwing two and two-thirds innings, allowing eight runs, three earned on seven hits and striking out two.

Freshman Jakob Hoyer (Georgetown, Ind.) came in out of the bullpen to throw two-thirds of an inning, allowing three runs on four hits before turning the game over to sophomore Colton Okes (Evansville, Ind.) who threw the final two-thirds of an inning, allowing two runs, one earned on one hit.

The 2025 Region 24 B Champion Vincennes University Trailblazers closed out their 2025 season with a final record of 28 wins and 34 losses.

The Blazers had a very successful season however, securing the most wins by a VU Baseball squad since 2016, capturing VU’s first Region Championship since moving to Region 24 in 2016 and winning the first Mid-West Athletic Conference Championship in VU Baseball

Eagles bounce back with 7-5 victory USI – Lindenwood finish the regular season Saturday

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ST. CHARLES, Mo. – University of Southern Indiana Baseball bounced back behind a strong pitching performance by junior right-hander Andres Gonzalez to defeat Lindenwood University, 7-5, Friday evening in St. Charles, Missouri. USI is 26-28 overall and 14-12 in the OVC, while Lindenwood goes to 27-27, 14-11 OVC.
 
With the win, USI is tied for fifth with Lindenwood in the OVC standings and a game behind fourth-place Southeast Missouri State University. SEMO kept control of fourth by defeating the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 10-4, this afternoon.
 
To earn a first-day bye in the OVC Championship next week, USI needs a win and a SEMO loss on Saturday to earn the fourth seed in the upcoming tournament. A SEMO win on Saturday means USI will be the fifth or sixth seed depending on the outcome of the USI-Lindenwood game tomorrow.
 
Gonzalez (2-4) picked up his second win of the year in his longest start of the season. He went a season-high six-plus innings, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk, while striking out three.  
 
The Eagles turned the tables on the Lions and took the early lead with a tally in the opening inning and a run in the third for a 2-0 lead. USI sophomore second baseman Anthony Umbach got the scoring started with an RBI single in the opening inning, while sophomore rightfielder Cameron Boyd extended the margin to 2-0 with a sacrifice fly in the third.
 
The Lions roared back in the third with a pair of tallies to tie the game, 2-2. USI would respond by exploding for four runs in the top of the fourth to regain the lead, 6-2.
 
Boyd put USI back in front, 3-2, with the first of three RBI singles through the right side of the infield in the fourth inning. The single extended Boyd’s hitting streak to a USI season-best 19 games. The overall hitting streak record is 26 games, which is held by Kyle Kempf (last 12 games of 2015 and the first 14 of 2016), while the single-season record is 21 games, which is held by Logan Brown (2018).
 
Junior designated hitter Kannon Coakley extended the margin to 4-2 with a looping RBI single to the right side, scoring junior first baseman Cole Kitchens. The margin continued to grow when sophomore third baseman Parker Martin produced the third RBI single to the right side for a 5-2 score.
 
USI junior catcher Micajah Wall finished the scoring in the fourth on an RBI liner to left for the 6-2 advantage.
 
After USI increased the lead to 7-2 with a tally in the top of the seventh, Lindenwood made a run at the Eagles with three runs in the bottom half of the frame to close the gap to 7-5. USI senior right-hander Ian Anderson  and sophomore right-hander Abdriel Figueroa closed the door on the Lions in the final three innings to preserve the win.
 
Figueroa earned his second save of the season, permitting a hit and a walk in two innings. He also struck out two.
 
Coakley had a team-best three hits in the game, while Boyd recorded a team-best two RBIs.
 

Big inning dooms Otters in first road game of 2025

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Pearl, Miss. – The Evansville Otters fell short in their road opener against the Mississippi Mud Monsters, 8-4.

The Otters jumped out ahead in the top of the first with a Graham Brown solo home run, but after back-to-back base hits, they couldn’t add another run.

Jon Beymer got the start for Evansville and even though he struggled to find command early, he gained control and helped the Otters stay alive while he was in the game, including three shutout innings to finish his start. He finished his day with five innings pitched, allowing six hits, striking out seven, giving up only one free pass.

Evansville would add one more run on an Alain Camou liner in the fifth to cut the lead to one.  But despite the fantastic effort from Beymer to keep the deficit at one, the Mud Monsters added four runs in the sixth to pull away from the Otters.

Amidst the tough evening, Graham Brown was a bright spot, reaching in four of his five plate appearances. Keenan Taylor scored two runs Friday night.

The Otters’ comeback fell short, even after the Mississippi defense afforded the Otters two late inning runs – the Mud Monsters taking the series opener 8-4.

Vanderburgh County lawmakers: Legislative session ends with passage of balanced state budget, tax relief and other key priorities for Hoosiers

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STATEHOUSE  The 2025 legislative session ended with passage of the state’s next two-year budget as well as tax relief and other key priorities for Hoosiers, according to Vanderburgh County lawmakers.

“This session showed how Indiana can stay fiscally responsible while meeting the needs of Hoosier families,” said State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville), who is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and chair of the K-12 Subcommittee. “We cut taxes, crafted a balanced budget, invested in education and improved transparency around health care costs.”

The budget accounts for lowering Indiana’s state income tax each of the next two years, which will save taxpayers over $200 million per year. The legislature also advanced major property tax relief and reform legislation this session. Together, these two tax cuts will save Hoosiers $1.3 billion in taxes over the next two years. Key investments were also made in K-12 education and public safety, including expanding Indiana’s school choice scholarship program to all Hoosier families beginning next year.

“This legislative session tackled a lot of different issues, including several important fiscal matters,” said State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville). “By passing a balanced, responsible budget, our state government will work more efficiently while still cutting taxes for Hoosiers. We also made important progress to continue improving our criminal justice system and supporting our youth.”

All eight of the House Republican priority items advanced to the Governor’s desk by the adjournment of session, including:

  • House Enrolled Act 1001: Enacting an honestly balanced, two-year state budget that makes government more efficient, strengthens our commitment to education and public safety, and protects taxpayers.
  • House Enrolled Act 1002: Reducing regulations on K-12 schools to increase flexibility and give local communities more control over education decisions.
  • House Enrolled Act 1003: Lowering health care costs for Hoosiers by improving transparency and predictability in pricing and billing and giving patients more control over their treatment options.
  • House Enrolled Act 1004: Ensuring nonprofit hospitals act as nonprofit entities focused on delivering health care.
  • House Enrolled Act 1005: Improving access to housing by expanding the Residential Housing Infrastructure Assistance Program (RIF) and streamlining the regulatory process for housing development.
  • House Enrolled Act 1006: Strengthening public safety by creating a review board to investigate prosecutors who refuse to enforce our laws.
  • House Enrolled Act 1007: Meeting the needs of today’s energy economy while reducing costs for Hoosiers.
  • House Enrolled Act 1008: Welcoming Illinois counties that have voted to secede from their state to join us in Indiana.

“Our approach every session is to listen to the concerns of Hoosiers and respond with thoughtful, effective legislation,” said State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka). “We advanced new ideas that reduce burdens on families, support local control and respect the taxpayer. I look forward to continuing to hear from members of our community on how we can make further progress for our region.”

 

Applications now open for CenterPoint Energy’s Community Safety Grants  

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CenterPoint has awarded more than $3.25 million to support over 1,600 safety projects since launching this grant program 

 Grants available to support local governmental agencies   

 EVANSVILLE, Ind. –  –CenterPoint Energy is currently accepting applications for this year’s Community Safety Grant Program through May 31, 2025. The company will award grants of up to $2,500 for local governmental agencies to fund community safety equipment and safety-related projects within CenterPoint’s electric and natural gas service areas in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas. 

 

Since launching the program in 2003, CenterPoint has awarded more than $3.25 million in grants for over 1,600 safety-related projects in communities throughout the company’s footprint.  

 

“At CenterPoint, safety is our top core value, and this drives every effort we take as a company for the customers and communities we are privileged to serve,” said June Deadrick, CenterPoint’s Vice President, Community Relations. “Through our Community Safety Grant Program, we are thrilled to recognize the work our emergency responders, local officials and many others do to help support the health and safety of our customers across the communities we, too, call home.” 

 

Through this program, the grants have enabled communities to install public AEDs (automated external defibrillators), update emergency communication equipment, purchase personal protective equipment for first responders, install traffic control signs, buy gas monitoring devices and complete many other types of safety projects.   

 

Each community CenterPoint serves can submit one grant application with information on a safety-related problem, issue or need in the community and how a Community Safety Grant would help address those needs.   

Registration open for Summer 2025 USI healthcare conferences and workshops

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During the third quarter of 2025, USI’s Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning will offer the following conferences and workshops designed to provide essential continuing education and professional development opportunities for health professionals across disciplines.

Respiratory Excellence: A Conference for the Whole Team – June 26

This conference will equip respiratory therapists, nurses and other healthcare professionals with the latest knowledge and skills to navigate the evolving respiratory care landscape and enhance interdisciplinary collaboration.

Presenters are:

  • Chandler Jones, Pulmonary Disease Navigator at Novant Health, specializing in the management and education of patients with chronic pulmonary conditions while facilitating interdisciplinary care and discharge planning
  • Dr. Raghav Gupta, Pulmonologist at Deaconess Health System and Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine-Evansville.
  • Erin Parchman, USI Assistant Professor of Respiratory Therapy with extensive experience in ICU and trauma care, whole body health and sleep medicine
  • Mary Phillips, USI Assistant Professor and Chair of Respiratory Therapy.
  • Dr. Bailey Rankin, Assistant Professor and Chair of USI Graduate Nursing and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in Pulmonary and Critical Care at Deaconess Health
  • Steve Greubel, Clinical Coordinator of Respiratory Therapy in the St. Vincent NICU and member of the Neonatal Transport Team

The deadline for reduced registration is June 12. For more information, visit USI.edu/rt/conference.

Mid-America Institute on Aging and Wellness (MAIA) – August 7-8

This annual conference provides practical tools and ground-breaking information to enable attendees to incorporate current guidelines and best practices in successful aging and wellness through interprofessional collaborative practice. Topics will include inspirational keynotes as well as multiple sessions ranging from healthy aging to coping with illness.

Each year, USI’s Bronstein Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness is proud to sponsor the Bronstein Keynote Speaker at the MAIA conference. To advance the educational mission of the Bronstein Center, the Bronstein Keynote must be a content expert in the area of dementia or advance care planning (ACP).

This year’s Bronstein Keynote is Dr. Aaron Blair, a graduate of Indiana University School of Medicine and Franciscan Family Medicine Residency, where he focused on geriatric medicine. His current practice is outpatient family medicine with nursing home care in Dale, Indiana. In his presentation, he will go through the diagnosis of dementia along with current treatments used to help patients with dementia and delirium.

The 2025 MAIA keynote lineup also includes the following:

  • Faith Bresnan Roberts, an international speaker on topics close to everyone’s heart. As a nurse, she has practiced in varied settings, served as faculty, published, and spoken at state, regional, national and international conferences. The title of her presentation is From Wedding Rings to Nose Rings … Generational Differences.
  • Dr. Jeremy Holloway, Health Equity Professor at New Mexico Highlands University. The focus of his research is concentrated on the social determinants of health, specifically self-efficacy, connectedness and resiliency of older adults. The title of his presentation is Solutions to Isolation and Loneliness for Caregivers & Older Adults.
  • A screening of the Netflix documentary, Join or Die, followed by a discussion with the film’s director. This film recently received two nominations (for outstanding writing and graphic design) for the upcoming Documentary Emmy® Awards, to be held June 26. Join or Die focuses on the decline of community connections in America and its impact on social isolation.

“The Join or Die documentary emphasizes how community involvement can help reduce social isolation for older adults in southern Indiana and students at USI,” says Dr. Kevin Valadares, USI Professor and Chair of Graduate Health Administration. “Screening this documentary, along with Jeremy Holloway’s keynote presentation, underscores the significance of these efforts in enhancing overall well-being. Plus, this year’s pre-conference is also connected to the theme of reducing loneliness.”

The MAIA pre-conference on August 6 is a Circle of Friends® Facilitator Training. Attendees will learn how to implement an evidence-based group intervention for older adults experiencing loneliness. Nursing home staff, community members and older adults interested in implementing a Circle of Friends® program are invited to register at USI.edu/maia/pre-con. This training is free for participants with support from the USI Bronstein Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness and the Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP).

The deadline for reduced registration for the two-day conference is July 23. For more information, visit USI.edu/maia.

Strengthening the Healthcare Team – September 12

Join us for an energizing and inspiring conference designed for every member of the healthcare team. Strengthening the Health Care Team explores the behaviors that drive high-performing teams, through fresh perspectives from beyond the healthcare world. Learn actionable strategies from a nationally respected coach, a global brand strategist and other dynamic voices who know what it takes to build trust, foster collaboration and lead with impact. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to recharge, connect and grow together.

The deadline for reduced registration is August 28. For more information, visit USI.edu/conferences/strengthening.

Certificate Program: Expanded Functions in Dental Care – Begins Online September 8

Expanded Functions in Dental Care allows dental professionals to place, finish and polish various restorative materials. Restoration placement is not regulated by the Indiana Board of Dentistry. This program provides didactic (online) and laboratory instruction to acquire competency of these skills.

This activity is offered once a year. Online instruction (access for six weeks) must be completed prior to the scheduled laboratory date (October 18). The laboratory session will include nine hours of practice on a mannequin. Completion of three additional live patient experiences in a dental office is required before certification is complete.

The deadline to register is September 3. For more information, visit USI.edu/expanded-functions.

Dental Trends – September 5 and 6

Join us for a two-hour cutting-edge program, “Prophy Princess to Profitable Healthcare Hygienist: Growth and Success Through Lifelong Learning,” that delves into the evolving science of biofilm and the oral microbiome and their powerful connections to both oral and systemic health. To accommodate busy work schedules, the same program will be offered on both Friday and Saturday—attend on the day that works best for you.

When the balance of the oral microbiome is disrupted, it can lead to dental diseases like caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis, and even contribute to systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and respiratory infections.

Discover how current trends are reshaping periodontal care as we compare traditional hygiene methods with the Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) protocol in preventive and non-surgical periodontal treatment. Additionally, learn how incorporating innovative adjunctive therapies can enhance patient outcomes and elevate your practice. Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your clinical approach with evidence-based strategies that meet the demands of patient care.

The deadline for registration is August 31. For more information, visit USI.edu/dental-trends.

For information, call toll-free 1-877-USI-HLTH (874-4584) or 812-461-5217 or email usi1nhpcert@usi.edu. The entire list of 2025 conferences and workshops is on the Center’s website.

About the USI Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning

The USI Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning is committed to providing quality and excellence in interprofessional continuing education. In addition to in-person events, the USI Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning also offers a variety of online programs for those looking to expand their knowledge in a specific disease state or care niche.

Continuing Education Continuing Education (CE) hours are available for nurses, physicians, pharmacists, social workers and health facility administrators. CE hours will also be available for Indiana licensed marriage and family therapists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, mental health counselors and dental professionals.

Accreditation Statement
In support of improving patient care, the University of Southern Indiana Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

State of Indiana
The University of Southern Indiana has been approved by the Indiana State Board of Health Facility Administrators as a sponsor of continuing education programs for health facility administrators. License number: 98000033A

The University of Southern Indiana is an approved provider of continuing education for several professionals licensed in the state of Indiana, including social workers, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, mental health counselors and dental professionals.