Home Blog Page 1050

IDEM issues Air Quality Action Day for Saturday for four Indiana regions

0

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) and is forecasting high ozone levels for Saturday, June 17, 2023, in the following regions:

  • Western Indiana, including the cities of: Covington, Delphi, Fowler, Greencastle, Indianapolis, Lafayette, Monticello, Newport, Spencer, Sullivan, and Terre Haute.
  • Central/East Central Indiana, including the cities of: Bloomington, Brookville, Columbus, Frankfort, Greensburg, Kokomo, Lebanon, Martinsville, Muncie, and Richmond.
  • Southeast Indiana, including the cities of: Brownstown, Corydon, Jeffersonville, Madison, New Albany, Salem, and Versailles.
  • Southwest Indiana, including the cities of: Bedford, Bloomfield, Evansville, Huntingburg, Mount Vernon, Paoli, Princeton, Rockport, Tell City, and Vincennes.

A state map including regions and affected counties is available at SmogWatch.IN.gov. 

A dry and sunny weather pattern with light and variable winds in the forecast will allow ozone to build to the level Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG).

Note: IDEM’s AQAD forecast is based on data from ozone air quality monitors located throughout the state. IDEM encourages residents of counties within or bordering the AQAD region(s) to heed the forecast.

IDEM encourages everyone to help reduce ozone by making changes to daily habits. You can:

  • Drive less: carpool, use public transportation, walk, bike, or work from home when possible
  • Combine errands into one trip
  • Avoid refueling your vehicle or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until after 7 p.m.
  • Keep your engine tuned, and don’t let your engine idle (e.g., at a bank or restaurant drive-thru)
  • Conserve energy by turning off lights and setting the thermostat to 75 degrees or above
  • Some municipalities have additional open burning restrictions on AQADs.  For more information, see idem.IN.gov/openburning/laws-and-rules.

Air Quality Action Days are in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. on the specified date. Anyone sensitive to changes in air quality may be affected when ozone levels are high. Children, the elderly, and anyone with heart or lung conditions should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors.

Ground-level ozone is formed when sunlight and hot weather combine with vehicle exhaust, factory emissions, and gasoline vapors. Ozone in the upper atmosphere blocks ultraviolet radiation, but ozone near the ground is a lung irritant that can cause coughing and breathing difficulties for sensitive populations.

IDEM examines weather patterns and current ozone readings to make daily air quality forecasts. Air Quality Action Days generally occur when weather conditions such as light winds, hot and dry air, stagnant conditions, and lower atmospheric inversions trap pollutants close to the ground.

USI men’s XC/T&F signs five for 2023-24

0

EVANSVILLE, Ind.—University of Southern Indiana Men’s Cross Country/Track & Field announced that five incoming freshmen have signed national letters of intent to compete for the Screaming Eagles and Head Coach Mike Hillyard during the 2023-24 season. 

The list includes Muhiyadin Ali (Chicago, Illinois), Jackson Collman (Bethalto, Illinois), Joe Schwartz (Waterloo, Illinois), Layden Wagoner (Dixon, Kentucky) and Griffen Wheeler (Greenfield, Indiana).
 
“Coach (Austin) Nolan has done a great job in year one hitting the ground running on the recruiting front,” Hillyard said. “The end result is one of the strongest recruiting classes that we have ever assembled here at USI.
 
“Muhiyadin, Jackson and Joe join us from the state of Illinois, where all three earned multiple All-State honors,” Hillyard continued. “Layden is a late-bloomer who climbed through the Kentucky state ranks quite rapidly during his senior campaign and Griffen is a young man who could contribute in any even from the 800 meters and up. I like the toughness and grit that this group competes with. They will be very good in 2-3 years.”
 
Muhiyadin Ali
Ali is a graduate of Chicago Mather High School where he earned IHSA Class 2A All-State honors following an eighth-place finish at the 2022 IHSA 2A Championships. He finished 14th at the IHSA 2A Championships as a junior in 2021.
 
On the track, Ali qualified for the IHSA 3A Championships in the 800 meters, where he finished 22nd.
 
Jackson Collman
Collman comes to USI from Bethalto Civic Memorial High School where he was a multiple-time All-State honoree in both cross country and track & field. A three-time team MVP, Collman helped lead CMHS to three Madison County cross country titles and a pair of Madison Country track & field championships.
 
A second-team All-Metro honoree, Collman helped lead CMHS to the Mississippi Valley Conference title as a senior in 2022.
 
Joe Schwartz
Schwartz comes to USI from Waterloo High School where he was a two-time state qualifier on the grass and an All-State performer. Schwartz, who has a sub-15 minute three-mile effort under his belt (14:56), finished 16th at the IHSA Class 2A Cross Country Championships as a junior in 2021 before posting a 49th-place finish as a senior last fall.
 
Layden Wagoner
A graduate of Webster County High School, Wagoner is a four-time state qualifier on the grass and a two-time state qualifier on the track. Wagoner earned All-State honors as a junior and senior after posting respective finishes of ninth and fifth in 2021 and 2022.
 
On the track, Wagoner competed in three events at the 2023 KHSAA Championships after helping WCHS to a seventh-place showing in the 4×800-meter relay at the state meet during his junior year in 2022.
 
Griffen Wheeler
Wheeler is a graduate of Greenfield Central High School where he was a three-time state qualifier on the track in addition to a state-qualifier on the cross country course. He was 44th at the 2022 IHSAA Cross Country Championships and posted respective finishes of 11th, 19th and 11th in the 800 meters at the IHSAA Track & Field Championships from 2021-23.
 
The Eagles are scheduled to open the 2023 cross country campaign September 1 when they host the Stegemoller Classic at Angel Mounds.

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

0

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

 

 

FOOTNOTE:  EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.

Todd Rokita leads Fight Against Federal Trade Commission Actions To Stop Life-Saving Cancer Screens

0

Attorney General Todd Rokita is leading 12 states seeking to free companies from unconstitutional federal constraints that hinder such crucial work as the development of life-saving cancer screens.

Attorney General Rokita’s action comes in response to a decision by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to block a vertical merger of two companies working to develop a product that can screen for more than 50 types of cancer in asymptomatic patients.

“We’re standing up for Hoosiers’ health, the public interest and the legitimate rule of law,” Attorney General Rokita said. “An agency committed to a simplistic ‘big is bad’ approach that wields executive enforcement power is dangerous to free enterprise — and in this case dangerous to Hoosiers who could benefit from these life-saving cancer screenings.”

The FTC, citing antitrust concerns, lost its case in front of an FTC administrative law judge in 2022. The agency persisted in its agenda to block the merger and took its case to the friendliest tribunal possible — the FTC Board of Commissioners — which overturned the administrative law judge’s decision and ordered divestiture of the two companies.

On behalf of Indiana and the 11 other states, Attorney General Rokita submitted an amicus brief in support of petitioners Illumina Inc. and Grail Inc. — who are asking the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals to review the FTC Board of Commissioners decision blocking the merger of cancer screening test developer Grail and its former parent company, Illumina.

Consumers And Businesses Look To WaterSense To Save 7.5 Trillion Gallons Of Water

0
Earth globe in last drop of environment resources - 3d render
WASHINGTON (June 16, 2023)— The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its 2022 WaterSense Accomplishments Report today, noting that consumers using WaterSense-labeled products saved more than 1.1 trillion gallons of water in 2022. Since, EPA’s WaterSense program was launched in 2006, consumers and businesses have saved more than 7.5 trillion gallons of water by purchasing water-saving plumbing fixtures and irrigation products.
WaterSense partners and works with more than 2,000 utilities, communities, manufacturers, home builders, retailers, and other organizations to produce and promote toilets, faucets, showerheads, spray sprinkler bodies, irrigation controllers and homes that are independently certified to use less water and perform well. Americans can look to the WaterSense label to save water, energy, and money.
“It’s encouraging to see consumers using WaterSense labeled products in their homes and businesses to conserve water and build upon our water efficiency efforts,” said Andrew Sawyers, Director of EPA’s Office of Wastewater Management. “What’s more, Americans saved significant utility costs and energy associated with these products.”
Since 2006, WaterSense labeled faucets, faucet accessories, and shower heads have helped American homes save 880 billion kilowatt hours of electricity – enough energy to supply a year’s worth of power to nearly 83 million homes – and eliminated 377 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions – the equivalent of planting 5.6 billion trees. The energy and water savings associated with WaterSense labeled products has also saved consumers $171 billion in water and energy bills over the past 16 years.
Consumers who are thinking about upgrading their bathrooms or irrigation systems can search for certified WaterSense-labeled products and save. Learn more at EPA’s WaterSense webpage.
Background
WaterSense, a voluntary partnership program sponsored by EPA, is both a label for water-efficient products and a resource for helping consumers save water. WaterSense seeks to protect the future of the nation’s water supply by offering Americans a simple guide to use less water with water-efficient products, homes, and services.
WaterSense-labeled products are independently certified to use 20% less water and perform as well or better than standard models. The program was launched in 2006, and today there are more than 42,000 labeled toilets, faucets, faucet accessories, showerheads, irrigation controllers, and spray sprinkler bodies, as well as more than 7,000 labeled homes.

 

Right to Life of Southwest Indiana To Host Annual Life Lunch & Learn 

0
right to life

Right to Life of Southwest Indiana to Host Annual Life Lunch & Learn 

JUNE 15, 2023

 Evansville, IN – Right to Life of Southwest Indiana will host its annual Life Lunch & Learn on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Central Library in downtown Evansville. Guest speaker Dr. Ebone Barnes will deliver a talk titled “A Silent Crisis: Lived Experiences of Post-Abortive Women in the African-American Church.”

Passionate, transformational, motivational speaker and consultant, Dr. Eboné M. Barnes works with individuals and organizations to escalate effective, confident communication and give voice to the voiceless. She leads with love, transparency, and truth.

Dr. Barnes received a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Development from Cornerstone University, a Master of Science in Communications from Grand Valley State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Aquinas College. With nearly thirty years of work in the education industry, she is committed to being a lifetime learner and facilitating learning for others. Dr. Barnes is fearlessly vulnerable in communicating and sharing her personal abortion story in hopes that it helps others choose life, choose to heal, and obliterate the strangling grasp of an abortion secret.

Dr. Barnes is a mother to five adult children and a proud grandparent to 4 beautiful grandchildren. Her love for life and being a voice to the voiceless fuels her passion for helping women navigate life choices when faced with an unplanned pregnancy. Dr. Barnes’ dissertation “A Silent Crisis: Lived Experiences of Post-Abortive Women in the African-American Church” sought to understand the lived experiences of Christian, African American women who are post-abortive to illustrate the need for unplanned pregnancy and post-abortion ministries within the African American church.

Each year, the Life Lunch and Learn raise awareness about a specific topic within the pro-life movement. The event is free and open to the public, and lunch will be served. Dr. Barnes will speak in the Browning Room of the library.

To register, please call the office at 812-474-3195 or visit the website at rtlswin.org.

 

 

Gov. Beshear Highlights Decline of Drug Overdoses, Progress on Addiction Recovery

0

Gov. Beshear Highlights Decline of Drug Overdoses, Progress on Addiction Recovery

Team Kentucky Update includes good economic news, updates
on EV charging, Mountain Parkway, and more

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 15, 2023) – Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted his administration’s continued dedication to fighting addiction in the commonwealth as the 2022 Drug Overdose Fatality Report was released, marking Kentucky’s first decline in overdose deaths since 2018.

“While we saw a decrease in overdose deaths last year, we must keep fighting, and that includes creating more services and support for Kentuckians in need,” said Gov. Beshear. “I believe the first step to overcoming addiction takes a great deal of bravery. And across Kentucky, we’re making sure we have the resources and support in place to help those folks succeed.”

During the Team Kentucky update, the Governor also shared news on economic development; electric vehicle charging stations; plans to complete the Mountain Parkway expansion; the Department of Juvenile Justice; and recovery efforts in Eastern Kentucky. He also named the recipients of the 2023 Governor’s Ambassador Awards as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Helping Kentuckians Recover from Addiction
Gov. Beshear highlighted additional ways Kentucky is battling addiction and helping Kentuckians recover. One of those steps is through the federally funded Recovery Housing Program, which has helped nonprofits across the commonwealth provide transitional housing for those in recovery. So far, 164 Kentuckians in recovery programs have been sheltered thanks to the program’s funding in the state.

“The funding we received is allowing our program to stand out in the recovery housing world by creating a subsidy program to cover up to eight weeks of program fees and rent for low- to moderate-income residents who enroll,” said Janet Gates, executive director of the Franklin County Women and Family Shelter. “This allows these residents to have weeks to settle in and get adjusted without the worries of how to cover costs of the recovery housing.”

Last year, the Governor launched findrecoveryhousingnowKY.org to help people find safe, stable and affordable housing so they can focus on rehabilitation. Since the launch, 181 homes have been secured. The Kentucky Recovery Housing Networkhas certified 54 homes across the state to shelter Kentuckians as they recover. The Kentucky Opioid Response Effort has helped distribute more than 82,000 free Naloxone units. Naloxone treats victims of overdose and is a lifesaving medicine. The administration also launched a statewide campaign called UNSHAME Kentucky, which provides a platform for people impacted by addiction to tell their stories of hope and strength.

There are several ways Kentuckians can find help for treatment and recovery, including:

Economic Development
Gov. Beshear announced continued economic growth in the commonwealth as WILA USA, an industry-leading producer of tooling systems for sheet metals, announced it will be relocating its North American headquarters and establishing manufacturing operations in Jefferson County with an $11.5 million investment creating 24 quality Kentucky jobs.

EV Charging Stations
Gov. Beshear announced the state is seeking proposals from private-sector organizations interested in helping the state expand its electric vehicle charging network. The Governor said the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet issued a final Request for Proposals today to build up to 37 stations along Kentucky interstates and parkways after receiving approval from the Federal Highway Administration.

“Kentucky has taken a national leadership role in the fast-growing electric vehicle sector. Team Kentucky is not just leading, we are emerging as the Electric Vehicle Capital of America,” said Gov. Beshear. “We are making sure no part of Kentucky is left out of this brighter future we’re building.”

Proposals from interested parties are due by Aug. 24 at 5 p.m. EDT. To learn more about this RFP, visit kyevcharging.com.

Search for Team To Complete Mountain Parkway Expansion
The Governor has put out a call for firms seeking to complete the final section of the Mountain Parkway expansion in Eastern Kentucky, marking an important step toward finishing one of the commonwealth’s most impactful transportation projects in a generation. The final project segment, referred to as Magoffin-Floyd, is planned to be a 13-mile stretch of newly constructed four-lane highway, from U.S. Highway 460 in Salyersville to Kentucky Highway 404 in Prestonsburg. To read more, see the full release.

Department of Juvenile Justice Update
Over the past several months, Gov. Beshear’s administration has implemented sweeping improvements to address juvenile detention facilities’ challenges. In March, the Governor signed Senate Bill 162, appropriating more than $25 million to the Department of Juvenile Justice for staff salaries, facility upgrades and transportation costs. While this announcement has improved staffing at the detention centers, the Campbell Regional Juvenile Detention Center, the state’s first female-only center, is continuing to experience critical staffing levels. The department has proactively relocated female juveniles to Boyd Regional Juvenile Detention Center.

“The most important thing is the safety of our juveniles and staff,” said Gov. Beshear. “I am committed to continuing on our historic path forward of making sweeping safety changes in the Department of Juvenile Justice.”

The department will continue to recruit and train correctional officers for the Campbell detention center, and female juveniles will return once staffing is secure. The Campbell detention center staff will remain at the facility to accept new juvenile intakes and operate the female youth development center.

Males currently housed at the Boyd detention center will be temporarily transferred to Breathitt Regional Juvenile Detention Center. A transportation plan is in place to support these transfers.

Eastern Kentucky Floods Update
The Governor provided an update on recovery and rebuilding efforts in Eastern Kentucky. Currently, 93 families are housed in travel trailers, and nearly 290 households have transitioned out of the Commonwealth Sheltering Program in Eastern Kentucky. As of this week, over $34.4 million has been awarded for the buy-out program. The awards include 202 properties from Breathitt, Floyd, Knott, Letcher and Perry counties, as well as the City of Jackson.

Contracted crews continue to collect flood debris on private property that could not be moved to the side of the road for pickup. As of June 14, crews have removed over 2,500 tons of debris in Letcher, Knott, Perry and Pike counties. To date, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has replaced 43 bridges and repaired 33 bridges. For more information on rebuilding efforts visit, governor.ky.gov/Flood-Resources.

EKY and WKY SAFE Fund Awards
Today, Gov. Beshear announced more awards from the Eastern Kentucky SAFE Fund to communities and public entities impacted by the devastating late July 2022 floods. This week, nearly $7 million in funding was approved for communities, including:

  • $375,000 to the City of Beattyville to alleviate fiscal strain and assist in long-term recovery efforts;
  • Over $3 million to Breathitt County to alleviate fiscal strain;
  • Nearly $270,000 for strained fiscal liquidity and help fund a FEMA match;
  • $250,000 to the City of Hindman to alleviate fiscal strain; and
  • Over $3 million to the Knott County Board of Education to assist with the strain of fiscal demands.

The Governor also announced a $373,000 award from the Western Kentucky SAFE Fund to Mayfield Independent School to recover lost revenue.

Team Kentucky All-Stars
Yesterday in the State Capitol Rotunda, Gov. Beshear presented state employees with Governor’s Ambassador Awards, recognizing their significant impact in their community and service to fellow Kentuckians. The Governor named the award recipients as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. To see a list of award recipients, click here.

“Yesterday, we recognized seven Kentucky state employees and their commitment and dedication to public service during the Governor’s Ambassador Awards. These awards celebrate community service, volunteerism, courage, customer service, leadership, professional achievement and teamwork,” said Gov. Beshear. “These awards recognize acts of service from last year, and it was so special to have the opportunity to celebrate these dedicated members of Team Kentucky.”

Wallace James (Wally) Paynter Memorial Service To Be Held This Saturday At 2 pm At The CK Newsome Center

0

PLANS FOR WALLY’S MEMORIAL SERVICE HELD THIS SATURDAY AT 2:00 AT NEWSOME CENTER

All friends and supporters are welcome to join us for a memorial service that will be held on June 17th, 2023 at 2 pm at the CK Newsome Center, 100 E Walnut St, in Evansville Indiana. Friends will be invited to speak and those that cannot attend are able to send video stories and tributes to 3statealliance@gmail.com for showing at the service.

A brief intimate graveside service will be held on June 18th, 2 pm, at St. John’s cemetery in Carmi Illinois. He was cremated. He was an organ donor, in the hopes of helping others in need. Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi is assisting the family with arrangements.

Obituary Of Wallace James (Wally) Paynter

JUNE 16, 2023

Wallace James (Wally) Paynter of Evansville, Ind. died on May 30th, 2023. He was born in Carmi, Illinois on May 26, 1967, the son of Patricia Lucille O’Daniell Paynter and James Paynter. He is predeceased by his mother, his grandparents John Lamp; Lucille (Wallace) O’Daniell and Ray Lamp; Ina Dunbar, his uncle Wallace O’Daniell, and his great aunts Lena (Wallace) Norton and Ida (Wallace) Choate.

He graduated from Carmi High School, the University of Evansville with a bachelor’s in psychology, and Southeastern Illinois College with a nursing degree. He was always active in school. In high school, he was the editor of the school newspaper and president of the Thespian Society. In college, he was president of the UE Student Congress and served 3 years on the UE Board of Trustees, the UE Alumni Board, and was a member of the UE Theatre Society and the UE Diversity Council.

Wally spent his professional career in public service, working for the Franklin-Williamson Counties Health Department, the Illinois Department of Aging, the Vanderburgh County Health Department, the Indiana State Department of Health, and the Illinois Secretary of State. Like his mother, he volunteered for organizations that helped those who were disabled. For 20 years, he served as the board President and/or Vice President of the regional Muscular Dystrophy Association. He chaired the first AIDS Walks in Carbondale, Owensboro, and Vincennes, and volunteered for the 1st AIDS Walks in Evansville and Jasper. He served as the chair of the Tri-State AIDS Holiday Project since 1989. He served as the President of the Tri-State Alliance from 1989 – 2022, as the president of Justice, Inc. for a decade (Indiana’s statewide LGBT civil rights organization), and as the chair of AGLO (the association of Great Lakes Gay and Lesbian Organizations). In 2022 he was named President Emeritus and a lifetime board member of the Tri-State Alliance. As a civil rights activist, he chaired successful efforts to pass civil rights ordinances in Evansville and Vanderburgh County, he helped pass ordinances in Henderson and several cities throughout Indiana and coordinated lobbying efforts that stopped the Indiana anti-gay adoption bill and the anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment in Indiana. He worked tirelessly to advocate for LGBT civil rights and for the needs of LGBT youth.

In addition to his work with the Tri-State AIDS Holiday Project that served over 400 low-income families, he was most proud of founding the TSA Youth Group in 1998, which serves LGBT teens in a 3-state area. He and his sister Elizabeth spent many years taking care of their mother at home, who had a form of muscular dystrophy known as Charcot Marie Tooth.

He is survived by one sister Elizabeth Taylor and her husband Billy. He is also survived by friends who were his chosen family, including the Kathy DiDomizio family, Mark Fox, Kyle Laslie, Joyce Masser, Patrick McCarthy, Dan McNeely, Travis Peacock, Julie Robinson, Bob Schmidt, Nathan Simon, and Nathan’s son Grayson James Simon. Beyond being an activist, he was known for his love of movies, democrat politics, dining with friends, traveling, and helping college students.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the TSA Youth Group or to the TSA AIDS Holiday Project, PO Box 2901, Evansville, IN 47728, via PayPal or Venmo @tristatealliance, OR made online at TSAGL.org/donate.html.

PLANS FOR WALLY’S MEMORIAL SERVICE THIS SATURDAY AT 2:00 AT NEWSOME CENTER

All friends and supporters are welcome to join us for a memorial service that will be held on June 17th, 2023 at 2 pm at the CK Newsome Center, 100 E Walnut St, in Evansville Indiana. Friends will be invited to speak and those that cannot attend are able to send video stories and tributes to 3statealliance@gmail.com for showing at the service.

A brief intimate graveside service will be held on June 18th, 2 pm, at St. John’s cemetery in Carmi Illinois. He was cremated. He was an organ donor, in the hopes of helping others in need. Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi is assisting the family with arrangements.

Trail Heads To Open New Bicycle Trails In Lynnville

0

WHO: Brad Scales, Executive Director Of Trail Heads – Southwest Indiana

WHAT: Trail Heads will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the new Flow Zone at Astromine Bike Park.The Flow Zone features five downhill flow trails featuring berms, rollers, and jumps that would normally be found in mountain settings. Riders with proper equipment can enjoy the trails immediately following the ceremony at 10 A.M.. Information will also be provided about plans to develop more trails at the park and throughout Warrick County.

WHEN: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 17th

WHERE: Outdoor area on left just past the observatory inside Lynnville Park (405 Hwy 68 in Lynnville). Parking will be available in grass alongside the park road.

Trail Heads is a nonprofit organization with a mission to develop quality trails and
support youth programs throughout southwest Indiana. Our activities for Dubois, Gibson, Spencer, and Warrick Counties include weekly rides, bike maintenance, and trail work. Visit www.trailheadsbike.com for more details.

For more information, please contact Brad Scales at 812-217-6340 or email
contact@trail-heads.org

Eagles ink five newcomers ahead 2023 season

0
Despite winning the first set, University of Southern Indiana Volleyball (0-2, 0-0 OVC) slowly watched Murray State University (2-0, 0-0 MVC) take away three-straight sets to defeat the Screaming Eagles, 3-1 (25-22, 18-25, 17-25, 12-25). The Eagles are still searching for its first win in the NCAA Division I era

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Volleyball has announced the signing of five freshmen for the upcoming season. Joining the Screaming Eagles in 2023 will be Leah Coleman (Hoover, Alabama), Ellie Marbet (Columbia, Tennessee), Mariah Minor (Indianapolis, Indiana), Jillian Moonan (Chicago, Illinois), and Maeve Moonan (Chicago, Illinois).
 
“We are excited to officially welcome the class of 2023 to our family,” said newly-hired USI Head Coach Jeffrey Aucoin. “In my early interactions, they are high character student-athletes that have excelled in the classroom and at the highest level on the court. I am looking forward to having each of them bring these same values to our program to help us continue to make USI a premiere program.
 
Leah Coleman | 5’11” | Outside Hitter | Hoover, Alabama
Coleman joins the roster after earning two varsity letters at Spain Park High School, playing volleyball and softball. She was a part of the Alabama Performance Volleyball Club.
 
Ellie Marbet | 6’0″ | Outside Hitter | Columbia, Tennessee
Marbet comes in as a true freshman out of Spring Hill High School in Columbia, Tennessee. She lettered four times as a Raider and was named an All-District Honorable Mention in 2021 before capping off her high school career with District All-Tournament, All-District, and All-District MVP accolades. Marbet also played for Tennessee Performance Volleyball.
 
Mariah Minor | 5’11” | Middle Blocker | Indianapolis, Indiana
The Pike High School graduate comes to USI after lettering seven times between volleyball and track & field. Minor’s sophomore season was capped off with an All-Conference Indiana Honorable Mention accolade before being named to the All-Conference Indiana squad after her junior and senior seasons. She also was a member of the Rev Volleyball Academy.
 
Jillian Moonan | 6’0″ | Middle Blocker/Right Side Hitter | Chicago, Illinois
Committed to USI alongside her twin sister, Maeve, after spending four seasons with Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School. Moonan played a key role in the IHSA State Runner-up group and the 2021 Autumn Fest Championship squad. In 2022, she led the Macs to a Metea Valley Tournament Championship, LIVT Championship, ASIC Challenge Championship, and Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Championship. Moonan also played for the Michio Chicago Volleyball Academy for four years.
 
Maeve Moonan | 5’11” | Middle Blocker | Chicago, Illinois
The All-State Honorable Mention (2021) attended Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School where she accumulated a pair of varsity letters playing volleyball. Moonan comes to USI with her twin sister, Jillian. The 2022 All-Girls Catholic Athletic Conference award winner was a part of the IHSA State Runner-up team and Autumn Fest Championship squad in 2021. Moonan and the Macs were Metea Valley Tournament Champions, LIVT Champions, ASICS Champions, and Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Champions in her senior season.
 
The Eagles will hit the court for USI’s second season in NCAA Division I play after finishing 2022 with a 1-28 overall record, going 1-17 in the Ohio Valley Conference and missing out on the postseason tournament.
 
USI will welcome Aucoin as the 13th head coach in USI Volleyball program history. Aucoin takes over the reins of the Eagles after spending 10 years at the University of New Hampshire’s women’s volleyball program as an assistant coach.
 

1...1,0491,0501,051...7,190Page 1,050 of 7,190