USI baseball gets three named CSC Academic All-District

06/05/2025

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Baseball junior infielder Clayton Slack, junior pitcher Blake Kimball, and junior pitcher Jake Porter were named College Sports Communicators Academic All-District for NCAA Division I. The award was the first for all three sport management majors.

To be eligible for the CSC Academic All-District Award, the student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with legitimate athletic credentials and at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average (4.0 scale). They must have reached a sophomore athletic and academic standing at the institution and must have completed at least one full academic year at the institution.

Slack, who also was named second-team All-OVC this spring, hit .294 with 32 runs scored, 10 doubles, four triples, and 35 RBIs. He had a season-high three hits five times and three RBIs twice, while scoring a season-best three times against Morehead State University. The junior shortstop also posted walk-off RBIs against the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Southeast Missouri State University during the regular season.

Kimball led the Screaming Eagles with six victories on the mound in 2025 and finished the year with a 6-5 record in 18 appearances and 12 starts. He posted a 6.66 ERA in 73.0 innings of work, striking out 45 batters, which ranked third on the team. The junior right-hander also struck out a season-high six batters in the win over Eastern Illinois University.

Porter made 17 appearances and 11 starts during his first season at USI and posted a 4-6 mark, tying for second on the team in wins. He had a 6.12 ERA and struck out 47 batters in 50 innings of work. The junior left-hander struck out a season-high six batters against Little Rock.

USI ended the season with a 27-29 overall record, 15-12 mark in Ohio Valley Conference play, and finished fifth in the league’s regular season. USI also made a third consecutive appearance in the OVC Championship in its third year at the NCAA Division I level.

Felix homers, Jones hits 300 to lead Otters to midday win

06/05/2025

0

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Evansville Otters (9-13) rode a five-run fifth inning to defeat the Mississippi Mud Monsters (9-12) in a back and forth battle on Wednesday afternoon, 6-4.

Evansville sent out Jon Beymer to start for the fifth time in 2025. He painted a masterpiece in the first two innings, striking out four Mud Monsters and stranding a pair of baserunners.

In Evansville’s half of the second, a Keenan Taylor leadoff single set up the offense. He eventually got on third thanks to a sacrifice bunt by Logan Brown. Justin Felix hit a hard grounder to score Taylor and give the Otters a 1-0 lead.

In the third, Mississippi retaliated with a run of their own. Beymer was able to work through it and strike out yet another batter to bring his total up to six and end the inning at an even 1-1.

In the home half of the third, LJ Jones hit a single up the middle for his 300th hit in his professional career.

An Evansville error let the Monsters score two in the fifth to give them their first lead of the game at 3-1. Beymer’s day concluded after five innings of work, giving up two earned runs (three total), seven strikeouts and did not walk a batter.

The Otters then stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the fifth and did some damage. Two walks to leadoff the inning from Graham Brown and Pavin Parks would chase the Mississippi starter. Taylor dug in and singled home another run to bring his season RBI total to 15.

Cruz would then ground into an RBI fielder’s choice to tie the game at 3-3. Felix immediately followed with a three-run home run, sending it 413 feet over the left field wall to give the Otters a 6-3 lead.

Mississippi scored one more for themselves in the eighth but overall the bullpen held strong for Evansville.

Nick McAuliffe earned his first career professional save in the win. With Beymer’s start today, he is the only Otter pitcher to strike out seven or more and not walk a batter in a game so far this year.

HOT JOBS

06/05/2025

0

IL Patient Sitter – PRN

Deaconess IL Medical Center

3.5

Marion, IL

$18 – $27 an hour

Easily apply

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the state of IL. The Patient Sitter provides close observation and companionship to patients who require continuous…

2 days ago

Patient Intake Specialist I

Healthcare Resource Solutions, LLC.

3.5

Marion, IL

$15.82 – $20.56 an hour

Easily apply

Collects, secures and posts payments from patients. Disperses change and accepts deposits from other locations or retail points.

2 days ago

Credentialing Specialist

Healthcare Resource Solutions, LLC.

3.5

Indiana • Remote

$18.06 – $25.28 an hour

Easily apply

This position is responsible for the completion and tracking of provider applications, this position is responsible for maintaining credentialing files (…

2 days ago

Supplemental Medical Office Assistant

Deaconess Illinois Specialty Clinic, Inc

3.5

Mount Vernon, IL

$15.07 – $19.58 an hour

Easily apply

Assists in coordinating patient payments, posting charges, issuing receipts and posting payments and other duties as assigned.

1 day ago

Customer Services Specialist II

Deaconess Hospital, Inc.

3.5

Evansville, IN

$16.07 – $22.50 an hour

Easily apply

This position requires a combination of technical expertise, customer service skills and the ability to work independently. Maintain and stock phlebotomy trays.

1 day ago

Specimen Processor I

Deaconess Hospital, Inc.

3.5

Newburgh, IN

$16.07 – $22.50 an hour

Easily apply

Receive, inspect, and log patient specimens (blood, urine, tissue, etc.) into the laboratory system. This role is critical in ensuring accurate processing,…

1 day ago

Medical Records Specialist II

Healthcare Resource Solutions, LLC.

3.5

Mount Vernon, IL

$15.82 – $20.56 an hour

Easily apply

Flexible work schedules – Full time/part time/supplemental – Day/Eve/Night. Payactiv-earned wage benefit-work today, get paid tomorrow.

2 days ago

Financial Analysis – FT Days

Deaconess IL Medical Center

3.5

Marion, IL

$22.32 – $50.25 an hour

Easily apply

The position will also pursue additional education through advance degrees or industry certification in order to provide support to higher level decision making…

2 days ago

Vincennes University announces leadership departures, new appointments

06/05/2025

0

VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University President Dr. Chuck Johnson has announced key leadership changes that will guide VU through a period of strategic transition while reinforcing its deep commitment to institutional continuity and excellence. The upcoming changes include new Financial Services and Instructional Services appointments that will be effective July 1.

Johnson states, “We will soon celebrate and bid farewell to two exceptional leaders whose dedicated service and countless contributions have significantly strengthened Vincennes University; fortunately, we are also blessed to have talented colleagues ready to step into new roles, ensuring continued stability and success through these transitions and into the future.”

Tim Eaton to Retire

After 36 years of exceptional service to VU, Vice President of Financial Services and Chief Financial Officer Tim Eaton will retire at the end of June. A cornerstone of the University’s financial leadership since 1989, Eaton has advanced through many key roles since beginning as a Staff Accountant. His leadership has been instrumental in securing critical state funding, including biennial capital and operating budget requests, and ensuring long-term financial health. A graduate of Indiana University with an MBA from Ball State, Eaton’s legacy will continue to influence the institution long after his retirement.

“For nearly four decades, Tim Eaton has provided steady, insightful leadership at the helm of VU’s budgets and financial management, skillfully guiding the University through periods of economic uncertainty, demographic shifts, and changing public funding landscapes. Throughout every challenge, Tim’s unwavering dedication, deep institutional wisdom, and commitment to VU’s mission have profoundly shaped our success, and we are tremendously grateful for his extraordinary service and the privilege of having worked alongside him,” Johnson said.

Following Eaton’s retirement, Conya Wampler will be appointed Vice President of Financial Services and Chief Financial Officer. Currently the Assistant Vice President of Financial Services and Controller, Wampler will lead strategic financial planning and operations, helping ensure VU’s continued fiscal strength and sustainability.

Travis Linneweber, currently VU’s Budget Director, will transition into the role of Assistant Vice President of Financial Services. His experience and dedication will further enhance the University’s financial management and operational effectiveness.

Laura Treanor Leaving for Presidency

In another key transition, Provost, Senior Vice President of Instructional Services, and Dean of Faculty Dr. Laura Treanor has been named the next President of Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke, Virginia.

Treanor, who joined VU in 2018, has worked diligently to advance student success, academic excellence, and innovative programming. Her commitment to faculty development has been especially transformative, as seen in redesigning professional development weeks, launching Leadership Lunch and Learn sessions, creating the Trailblazer Teaching Academy, and leading the American Council on Education Women’s Network Indiana.

Johnson added, “Few have matched the tireless dedication and transformative leadership of Dr. Laura Treanor. Her extraordinary impact over the past seven years has significantly advanced Vincennes University and will be felt for decades to come. We extend our heartfelt gratitude and wish her continued success as she assumes the presidency at Virginia Western.”

Jaci Lederman will serve as Interim Provost/Vice President for Instructional Services/Dean of Faculty to ensure seamless leadership during this transition.

Currently serving as VU’s Executive Director of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, Lederman is a former professor and department chair with over 25 years of IT industry leadership. She will pause her day-to-day responsibilities as Executive Director and CIO within the VUIT Department while continuing to serve as a strategic resource. Current directors in the IT Department will report directly to Johnson in her absence.

The Common Council Meeting

06/05/2025

0

Impaired Driver Crashes Vehicle onto Railroad Tracks with Two Juveniles Onboard

06/04/2025

0

JUN. 4, 2025

On Tuesday, June 03, 2025, at approximately 10:29 PM, deputies with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of suspicious circumstances in the 2700 block of Dixie Flyer Road south of Broadway Avenue. The report indicated that a vehicle had become stuck on the railroad tracks and that multiple individuals were outside the vehicle yelling.

Upon arrival, deputies located a gray Chevrolet Malibu with heavy front-end damage, deflated tires, and deployed airbags resting on the railroad tracks. The vehicle’s operator, later identified as Randall W. Drury, was found walking near the scene while speaking on his phone. Deputies observed clear signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, the odor of alcohol, and unsteady balance.

Drury admitted to consuming multiple alcoholic beverages several hours prior. Two teenage juveniles, who were passengers in the vehicle, were also located at the scene. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

A preliminary investigation determined that Drury had been traveling at a high rate of speed, failed to negotiate a turn, and drove the vehicle onto the tracks, causing substantial damage to the railroad infrastructure. Deputies also learned from a witness that Drury and the juveniles attempted to hide alcohol containers following the crash.

Drury agreed to perform standardized field sobriety tests but failed the administered tests. He became increasingly uncooperative and argumentative with deputies during the investigation. When informed that he was under arrest, Drury resisted being handcuffed but was ultimately taken into custody without injury. While in a patrol vehicle, he continued to act aggressively, yelling and headbutting the window. Drury was taken to the emergency room as a precaution, but caused a disturbance there as well.

The juveniles, who were found to be under the influence of alcohol, were released to the custody of a parent and guardian. Juvenile referrals were completed for minor consumption.

Drury was transported to the Vanderburgh County Jail, where he submitted to a certified chemical breath test indicating a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .160%, which is twice the legal limit.

Further investigation revealed that Drury has a prior conviction for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and has never held a valid Indiana driver’s license.

Sheriff Noah Robinson stated, “Our Office is working with CSX as they assess the damage to their equipment and tracks. One of their rail yard control switches was struck during the crash.”

Drury remains in custody at the Vanderburgh County Jail without bond, pending his initial court appearance scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

ARRESTED:

Randall Wayne Drury (pictured above), 27, of Evansville. Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated as a Class C Misdemeanor, Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated – Endangering as a Class A Misdemeanor, Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated with a BAC of .15 or Higher as a Class A Misdemeanor, Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated with a Prior Conviction as a Level 6 Felony, Neglect of a Dependent as a Level 6 Felony, Operating a Vehicle Without Ever Receiving a License as a Class C Misdemeanor, Criminal Recklessness as a Class B Misdemeanor, Resisting Law Enforcement as a Class A Misdemeanor, Disorderly Conduct as a Class B Misdemeanor, Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor as a Class B Misdemeanor

Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Howell Train Yards on Dixie Flyer Road

Screaming Eagles add pair of transfers ahead of 2025 season

06/04/2025

0

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Soccer has signed two transfer student-athletes ahead of the 2025 season, adding sophomore defender Brianna Kappeler and sophomore goalkeeper Aleia Lansing.

“We are excited to add two quality transfers who bring experience and talent to an already skilled and deep roster,” USI Women’s Soccer Head Coach Eric Schoenstein stated.

Kappeler is a 5’8″ defensive back from Chesterfield, Missouri, who spent her freshman season at Missouri State University. Missouri State swept the Missouri Valley Conference regular-season and tournament championship titles last season to advance to the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Kappeler appeared in the Bears’ non-conference game against the University of Central Arkansas last year.

Kappeler attended Marquette High School, where she helped lead the team to its first-ever conference championship and tied the program record for best team record during her junior season. She was also an all-conference first-team selection as a junior. Kappeler started all four seasons and logged over 1,500 minutes each season at Marquette.

“Brianna is a smart and talented defender who brings size, speed, and relentless one-on-one defending, and she loves to get forward and join the attack,” Schoenstein said.

Kappeler played club soccer for St. Louis Scott Gallagher, competing in both the 2021 and 2022 ECNL National Championships.

Lansing, a 5’5″ goalkeeper from Atlanta, Georgia, comes to USI after spending her freshman season at the University of Alabama Birmingham. The Blazers advanced to the quarterfinals of the American Athletic Conference Championship Tournament.

Lansing attended Paul Duke STEM High School but competed for North Gwinnett High School her senior year. Lansing helped take North Gwinnett through an undefeated season and to the Georgia state tournament final four for the first time in 16 years after winning the 7A regional championship in 2024.

“Aleia is a talented and fearless keeper who plays with a lot of energy, confidence, and grit,” Schoenstein commented.

Lansing competed at the club level for Atlanta Fire United and NPL Hooper ’06.

Wohlgemuth’s contract purchased by Astros

06/04/2025

0

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Evansville Otters are proud to announce that right-handed pitcher Nate Wohlgemuth has had his contract purchased by the Houston Astros.

“We are incredibly proud of the work Nate has put in this season,” Otters Field Manager Andy McCauley said. “He has certainly earned this opportunity.”

In his first year as an Otter, Wohlgemuth was put in the closer role during the early stages of the season. In his eight appearances this year, he struck out nine batters and was a perfect 4-for-4 in save attempts. In his final appearance in Florence, he came in during the tenth inning and earned a save in a 9-8 win. Two of the final three pitches he threw were recorded at 97 MPH.

“Nate has put in the hard work to get to this point in his career,” Otters Pitching Coach Max Peterson said. “We look forward to following his career as he makes the jump to affiliated ball.”

Wohlgemuth is the 95th Evansville Otter to have his contract purchased by an MLB franchise. He is the first Otter to have his contract purchased by the Astros since RHP Ben Paxton in 2009.

He spent his college days at Arkansas and Rogers State while competing in multiple summer leagues.Prior to his senior year, he competed in the MLB Draft League with the Williamsport Crosscutters. There he had a 3.78 ERA in 13 appearances.

Taylor drives in two as Otters drop homestand opener

06/04/2025

0

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Evansville Otters (8-13) offense fell short as the Mississippi Mud Monsters (9-11) took game one of the series. The Otters got six hits on the night, four of which came between Keenan Taylor and LJ Jones.

Evansville sent newly signed Landon Willeman to the mound for his first professional start. The long ball would bite him, as three home runs accounted for all five runs scored by the Mud Monsters. Willeman finished with four and a third innings pitched, allowing seven hits, five earned runs while walking two and striking out three.

Joan Gonzalez was called on to finish the fifth, stranding two runners.

Taylor put the Otters on the board with a solo shot in the bottom half of the fifth, cutting Mississippi’s lead to 5-1.

Gonzalez would pitch through two more innings, not allowing a single hit and striking out one batter.

LJ Jones led the home half of the seventh off with a base knock and Taylor plated him with a two-out single to right field.

Jack Washburn also made his first appearance for the Otters and worked a clean eighth before Alex Valdez worked a fast and scoreless ninth.

Jones doubled in the ninth to give Evansville hope but the rally attempt fell short as Mississippi shut the door on a 5-2 final.

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

06/04/2025

0

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, held on 15 June.

It’s estimated that one in five Americans aged 65-plus have been victimized by financial fraud, abuse, and scams.¹ When it comes to preventing these crimes, education and awareness are critical.

Be aware of some scams that may target you or someone you love:

Financial Exploitation by a Fiduciary, Power of Attorney, Family Member, or Caregiver – In this situation, a person a senior has entrusted and/or named to help manage his or her finances instead abuses that power to take funds, property, or other assets.

The Romance Scam – This scam applies to online dating sites. Typically, the scammer will use a fake online dating profile to pose as a romantic interest who lives in another city. As the online relationship blossoms, the scammer asks for money to help with a financial emergency.

Phishing – Phishing is an attempt to trick someone into giving out personal information. This scam can involve authentic-looking e-mails or text messages that appear to come from a legitimate company or institution. These communications typically include links to phony sites that ask recipients to update or verify their Social Security number, credit card number, etc.

The Grandparent Scam – In this common scam, an imposter calls a grandparent pretending to be a grandchild in financial trouble. He or she may even know the grandchild’s name. The scammer typically asks the grandparent to wire money or send prepaid debit cards to pay for an emergency expense and asks that the grandparent not tell any family members.

The IRS Scam – This scenario involves a fraudster impersonating an IRS agent. The scammer informs the potential victim that he or she owes taxes that must be paid immediately. It’s important to note that the IRS never asks for payment over the telephone. It uses only the U.S. mail, not phone, text, e-mail, or other means of communication to notify taxpayers of any taxes due. A similar scam involves scammers posing as debt collectors.

If you are a victim of financial abuse or identity theft, contact your investment firm and other financial institutions immediately to report a problem. This may include banks, credit card companies, insurance companies, and other financial institutions where you have accounts that may be impacted by the loss of your personal financial information.

Immediately cut off all contact with any scammer/fraudster, as they will have an explanation for everything and will keep harassing you. Once they obtain funds from a victim, they often come back with a new excuse, emergency, or threat. Revictimization is very common.

¹Source: Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Financial Trend Analysis, “Elder Financial Exploitation: Threat Pattern & Trend Information, June 2022 to June 23.” April 2024.

Article provided by Bryan A. Ruder, CFP^®, MSPFP, CRPC™, AWMA™, AAMS™, AIF^®, MPAS^TM, Senior Vice President/Investments, with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Member SIPC and New York Stock Exchange, who can be reached by calling the Evansville office at (812) 475-9353.