EVANSVILLE, Ind. — University of Southern Indiana Baseball take its 2023 post-season hopes on the road this week when it visits Tennessee Tech University for a three-game, Ohio Valley Conference series in Cookeville, Tennessee. The first pitches Thursday and Friday are set for 6 p.m. before the series concludes Saturday at 2 p.m.
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USI Baseball Notes:
OVC post-season hopes alive:Â Hopes for the USI Screaming Eagles to advance to the OVC Championships (May 24-27) remain alive as they enter the final weekend of the conference schedule. USI needs to maintain pace with Lindenwood University (win-for-win) to clinch a spot in the tournament. USI, currently in eighth with a 15-36 overall and 6-14 OVC records, visits Tennessee Tech University for a three-game set, while Lindenwood, currently ninth, hosts Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, currently seventh, for a three-game set to determine the final two spots.
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Eagles looking to reverse course this week:Â USI is looking to reverse course to end the 2023 campaign and snap a nine-game losing streak. The Eagles have not gotten into the win column since defeating Southern Illinois University Edwardsville April 29.
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USI has rough start to the week:Â The Eagles got off to a rough start to the week, losing the 2023 home finale to Ball State University, 12-1.
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Leading hitters: Junior first baseman Tucker Ebest leads the Eagles with a .321 average, 12 home runs, and 51 RBIs this spring. Ebest is followed by junior outfielder Drew Taylor and senior outfielder Evan Kahre, who are hitting .306 and .304, respectively.  Â
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USI on the road: The Eagles are 4-19 on the road this season and led by junior first baseman Tucker Ebest, who is batting .344 with five home runs and 16 RBIs. Senior second baseman/catcher Lucas McNew follows with a .322 mark and 15 RBIs. Â
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Last five games: Junior outfielder Ren Tachioka is the leading USI hitters over the last five games, batting .353 with four RBIs.
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Versus the OVC: Junior first baseman Tucker Ebest has a team-best .397 batting average and five RBIs in OVC play. Senior catcher/second baseman Lucas McNew leads the squad in OVC action with 21 RBIs.
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Among the OVC leaders: Junior first baseman Tucker Ebest leads the OVC in RBIs per game (1.13) and tied for third in total RBIs (51). Sophomore shortstop Ricardo Van Grieken is second in the league in on-base percentage (.489).
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Van Grieken gets hit for record. Sophomore shortstop Ricardo Van Grieken has been hit by a pitch in a season more than any other Eagle, getting hit 23 times this season. The mark of 20 was previously held by Wes Fink (2008) and Nick Gobert (2018).  Â
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McNew climbing the USI All-Time charts: Senior catcher/infielder Lucas McNew is fifth all-time at USI in home runs (24); fifth in RBIs (169) and sixth in doubles (51).
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Tennessee Tech this spring:Â The Golden Eagles enter the series with an 18-30 overall record, 9-12 in the OVC. Tennessee Tech, currently, is sixth in the OVC and will be looking to solidify that position or move up to fifth in the standings. The Golden Eagles are a .500 team (5-5) over the last 10 games overall, but 6-4 in the last 10 conference games.
USI finish 2023 regular season at Tennessee Tech Story Links
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Trailblazers fall at MWAC Tournament, season ends at 25-33
NORMAL, Ill. – The Vincennes University baseball season came to a quick end Wednesday night with the Trailblazers falling in the opening round game to No. 11 Parkland 10-4 before falling to Lincoln Land in the elimination game 13-9.
The day got off to a great start for the Trailblazers, with sophomore leadoff hitter Ethan Burdette (Linton, Ind.) leading off the game against Parkland with a single, stealing second and coming in to score on a sacrifice fly by sophomore Colin Long to put the Blazers on the board in the first.
Parkland would even the score with a run in the second before VU answered back to grab the lead back in the third on an RBI single by Long.
The Cobras would take their first lead of the day in the fourth with three runs in the inning to hold a 4-2 advantage of the scoreboard.
VU would again answer back in the top of the fifth with a leadoff double by freshman Jace Parnin (Fort Wayne, Ind.) and a single by sophomore Kobe Bartlett (Rockport, Ind.).
Parnin would come in to score on an RBI ground-rule double by Colin Long, giving him three RBIs on the game, followed by a sacrifice fly by sophomore Colton Evans (Henderson, Ky.) to even the score at 4-4.
This score would hold until the Cobras took firm control of the game with four runs in the seventh and two more in the eighth to take a 10-4 lead.
This lead would hold as the Trailblazers were unable to mount a late rally as Parkland picked up the 10-4 victory and sent the Trailblazers into the elimination bracket where they would immediately face-off against Lincoln Land.
VU got another excellent start on the mound from sophomore pitcher Xavier Hart (Jeffersonville, Ind.) who threw six innings, allowing four runs on six hits and striking out six.
Freshman Christian Pinson (Elizabethtown, Ky.) entered in the seventh, allowing one hit and striking out two.
Freshman Jack Robinson (Mooresville, Ind.) pitched the eighth inning, allowing two runs on one hit and striking out one.
“Xavier Hart gave us a chance,†VU Head Baseball Coach Chris Barney said. “He threw really, really well for six innings. He kept us in the game and we battled. Unfortunately, the moves didn’t work out and Parkland took advantage of our bullpen a little bit. Christian Pinson threw well at the end. We came up with some big hits, but at the same time Parkland came up with a few more.â€
The Trailblazers looked to immediately bounce back in an elimination game against Lincoln Land.
The Loggers were the first to score, plating a run in the second.
VU would answer with back-to-back walks by Ethan Burdette and Kobe Bartlett to start the third. Both coming around to score on a two-RBI single by freshman Kade Hinton (Fort Wayne, Ind.), giving VU a 2-1 lead.
Lincoln Land answered back in a big way with three runs in the bottom of the third and four runs in the fourth to take a 8-2 lead.
Vincennes would not go out quietly however, scoring two in the fifth after Colton Evans led off with a single and Kade Hinton walked. Evans would score on a groundout put in play by sophomore Will Egger (Terre Haute, Ind.) and Hinton scored on an RBI single by Jace Parnin.
The Blazers again led off an inning with back-to-back walks by Burdette and Bartlett in the sixth, sparking a three-run rally with the pair coming around to score on a fielding error after an infield single by Colin Long.
Long would later score in the inning on an RBI single by sophomore Dale Coy (Evansville, Ind.) to cut the Lincoln Land lead down to a single run at 8-7.
The Loggers would get two runs back in the sixth before VU scored two in the eighth to cut the deficit back down to one.
VU scored on an RBI single by Kade Hinton, giving him three RBIs on the game and a fielder’s choice put in play by Will Egger to cut the Lincoln Land lead to 10-9 going into the bottom of the eighth.
The Loggers were able to tack on three insurance runs in the eighth as the Trailblazer comeback attempt ultimately came up short as Lincoln Land advanced with a 13-9 victory over VU.
Freshman Josh McCormick (Indianapolis, Ind.) got the start in game two, throwing three and one-third innings, allowing seven runs on six hits and striking out four.
Freshman Logan Medsker (Marshall, Ill.) settled in on the mound after a shaky start to his relief appearance, throwing three and two-thirds innings, allowing three runs on four hits and matching his career-high with eight strikeouts.
Christian Pinson again came out of the pen, this time closing out the eighth inning, allowing one hit and striking out one in two-thirds of an inning.
“Credit to our guys for battling all year and unfortunately we weren’t able to put up some zeros after we scored,†Barney said. “Lincoln Land battled too and momentum shifted on both sides. We talk about it all the time, you have to put up zeros after you score runs and unfortunately, we weren’t able to do that in the second game.â€
“Logan Medsker gave us a great outing,†Barney added. “We had some timely hitting. When you put up nine runs, you expect to win. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen tonight.â€
The Vincennes University baseball season comes to a close with VU sporting a 25-33 record overall and a 13-21 record against Mid-West Athletic Conference opponents.
The Blazers will look to reload heading into next season, with many key pieces from this team departing as sophomores.
“Our sophomores have done it for us all year long,†Barney said. “All of our outfielders; Colton Evans, Colin Long and Kobe Bartlett. Dale Coy and Ethan Burdette. Will Egger and Mahkai Pelzer behind the dish most of the year. It’s been a really good run. Unfortunately, Kaden Elliott got hurt late in the season. He’s another piece of the puzzle who was out and has really swung the bat well this season.â€
“Hopefully we have a bunch of arms returning next year,†Barney added. “We’ve got some experience in the infield with Kade Hinton and Jace Parnin. Trevor Newman has got some time behind the dish this season. Carter Whitehead played for a majority of the season in the outfield, so I feel good about the returners we look to have back next year. We have some guys that have played well that we expect to step up and hopefully fill some holes.â€
Next State Budget Delivers Wins For Hoosier Taxpayers
Next State Budget Delivers Wins For Hoosier Taxpayers
MAY 18, 2023
STATE REPRESENTATIVE TIM O’BRIEN (R)
During this year’s legislative session, lawmakers passed a responsibly balanced state budget to fund state government over the next two years. Thanks to hardworking Hoosiers and a booming business climate, Indiana’s economic engine continues to run strong giving budget writers a tremendous opportunity to deliver big wins for Hoosier taxpayers.
As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, which is responsible for crafting the budget, I know firsthand that fiscal responsibility took priority as we protected our savings, paid down our state’s already low debt, invested in the future and returned money to Hoosiers. Recently signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb, the budget is expected to save taxpayers more than $430 million over the next two years through various tax relief measures.
Given the state’s strong financial outlook, we’re going to speed up the planned income tax cuts, which will drop Indiana’s tax rate to 2.9 percent – one of the lowest rates in the nation – by 2027.
We also provided tax relief to our active-duty military. Currently, active-duty service members are eligible for a $5,000 state income tax deduction. Beginning next year, they will receive a complete income tax exemption regardless of their deployment status. It’s great to know that Indiana will join other neighboring states in offering a full exemption, which could make it easier to attract service members and their families to live and work in Indiana.
To help Hoosier parents, I worked hard to support the elimination of student textbook and curricular fees this session, and moving forward families won’t be on the hook for these expenses. Indiana was one of only seven states that still allows schools to charge for these materials.
I routinely hear from constituents and employers alike about the lack of accessible and affordable child care, which has a negative effect on families, especially those who are low-income, and the economy. To help expand child care options, I supported a new tax credit for employers who provide these services to their employees by opening their own facility. The credit would pay for half of expenses. I’m also committed to continuing to work on this critical issue as we move forward.
TONY GARDNER RECEIVES FOUR YEARS FOR BATTERING HIS WIFE AND INTIMIDATING HER TO STAY SILENT
TONY GARDNER RECEIVES FOUR YEARS FOR BATTERING HIS WIFE AND INTIMIDATING HER TO STAY SILENT
MAY 18, 2023
Evansville, IN – Prosecutor Diana Moers announces that, on May 16, 2023, Tony Tewayne Gardner was sentenced to serve 4 years executed in the Indiana Department of Correction for hitting his wife on the back of her head with a metal fan, beating her when she attempted to call 911, making her unable to leave the house for fear that he would harm her further.
On November 10, 2022, officers performed a wellness check on Ms. Gardner aftershe had missed many calls from her daughter. When officers arrived, Gardner responded in a disruptive manner and refused to allow them to see his wife. When she eventually came to the door, Gardner refused to let her speak and continued to yell and act belligerently, leading to his arrest for disorderly conduct.
After Ms. Gardner finally had a chance to speak with the officers, she revealed that Gardner had assaulted her and threatened to kill her several days ago because she did not have anything sweet in the house for him to eat. Gardner then picked up a metal fan and hit her in the back of her head with it. When she went to call 911, he took the phone from her and beat her with his fists. Ms. Gardner could not leave the house because she feared for her life.
At the conclusion of a jury trial on April 24–25, 2023, the jury found the defendant guilty of Domestic Battery, a Level 5 felony; Intimidation, a Level 5 felony; Intimidation, a Level 6 felony; and Disorderly Conduct, a Class B Misdemeanor.
Deputy Prosecutor Keaton Maurer obtained the jury win and stated: “I am heartened that the jury chose to believe Ms. Gardner, who bravely came forward to testify about the abuse inflicted on her,†he stated, “I hope this outcome inspires other victims of domestic violence to believe that their voices can be heard.â€
Prosecutor Moers thanked her deputies, Keaton Maurer and Josh Hutcheson, who showed the victim the empathy and respect she deserved while skillfully obtaining a conviction. Moers also thanks Evansville Police Department Officers Justin Miller and Jason Martin, and Prosecutor’s Office staff Morgan Richardville, Frances Elpers, and Tiffany Lubbehusen for their hard work on the case.
Prosecutor Moers stated: “I want every victim of domestic abuse in Vanderburgh County to know that they deserve to live without fear of violence and we have a team trained and ready to assist them from resources to the courtroom; you are not alone—with my office, you have fighters in your corner.†Magistrate Judge Celia M. Pauli of the Vanderburgh Circuit Court sentenced Gardner to four years on each of the first three counts and 180 days on the disorderly conduct count, all to be served concurrently for a total of four years executed in the Indiana Department of Correction.
Indiana State Police Fort Wayne Post Holds Annual Memorial Service to Honor Fallen
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EPA And Justice Department Announce Settlement To Reduce Hazardous Air Emissions At BP Products’ Whiting Refinery In Indiana
BP Products Will Implement Injunctive Relief Valued at more than $197 Million to Correct Deficiencies and Pay a Record-Setting Penalty of $40 Million
WASHINGTON (May 17, 2023) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice announced a Clean Air Act Settlement with BP Products North America Inc., (BPP), a subsidiary of BP p.l.c., requiring control technology expected to reduce benzene by an estimated seven tons per year, other hazardous air pollutants (HAP) by 28 tons per year, and other volatile organic compound emissions (VOC) by 372 tons per year at its Whiting Refinery in Indiana. The United States’ complaint, filed simultaneously with the settlement, alleges that BPP violated federal regulations limiting benzene in refinery wastewater streams, and HAP and VOC emissions at its Whiting Refinery, as well as the general requirement to use good air pollution control practices. As part of the settlement, BPP will install one or more permanent benzene strippers to reduce benzene in wastewater streams leading to its lakefront wastewater treatment plant.
“This settlement will result in the reduction of hundreds of tons of harmful air pollution a year, which means cleaner, healthier air for local communities, including communities with environmental justice concerns,â€Â said Acting Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield of the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This is one of several recent settlements that show that EPA and the Department of Justice are committed to improving air quality in local communities by holding industrial sources accountable for violations of emission standards under the Clean Air Act.â€
“This settlement sends an important message to the refining industry that the United States will take decisive action against illegal benzene and VOC emissions,â€Â said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Under the settlement, the refinery will implement controls that will greatly improve air quality and reduce health impacts on the overburdened communities that surround the facility.â€
“This settlement advances my office’s environmental justice initiative by providing cleaner air and reducing the negative health impacts on the low income and minority residents who live near BPP’s refinery,â€Â said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana Clifford D. Johnson. “My office is committed to continuing to enforce the Nation’s environmental laws so that all residents of Northern Indiana can live, work, and play in a cleaner, healthier environment.â€
In addition to securing injunctive relief, including capital investments, estimated to exceed $197 million, the settlement obligates BPP to pay a total financial penalty of $40 million, comprised of civil penalties and stipulated penalties for violations of an earlier settlement. This is the largest civil penalty ever secured for a Clean Air Act stationary source settlement. BPP separately agreed to undertake a $5 million supplemental environmental project to reduce diesel emissions in the communities surrounding the Whiting Refinery. BPP will also install 10 air pollutant monitoring stations to monitor air quality outside of the refinery fenceline. The settlement terms are included in a proposed consent decree filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana.
Benzene is known to cause cancer in humans. Short-term inhalation exposure to benzene also may cause drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, as well as eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation, and, at high levels, unconsciousness. Long-term inhalation exposure can cause various disorders in the blood, including reduced numbers of red blood cells and anemia in occupational settings. Reproductive effects have been reported for women exposed by inhalation to high levels, and adverse effects on the developing fetus have been observed in animal tests.
VOCs along with NOX, play a major role in the atmospheric reactions that produce ozone, which is the primary constituent of smog. People with lung disease, children, older adults, and people who are active can be affected when ozone levels are unhealthy. Ground-level ozone exposure is linked to a variety of short-term health problems, including lung irritation and difficulty breathing, as well as long-term problems, such as permanent lung damage from repeated exposure, aggravated asthma, reduced lung capacity, and increased susceptibility to respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
The Whiting Refinery is surrounded by communities with environmental justice concerns. This settlement is part of EPA’s and the Justice Department’s ongoing focus on assisting communities that have been historically marginalized and disproportionately exposed to pollution.
EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
FOOTNOTE: Â EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
Officer Involved Shooting Incident Heidelbach Ave./Louisiana St.
On May 17th, just after 1:30 p.m., detectives with the Evansville Police Department and Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office witnessed 36-year-old Samuel E. Curry Jr. driving around the area of Heidelbach Ave. and Louisiana St. The detectives were familiar with Curry. They knew he had an active Felony Warrant for Parole Violation, knew Curry is a Serious Violent Felon, a Firearms Offender, and recently made threats to kill several individuals.
Detectives observed Curry park on the gas station parking lot at Heidelbach Ave./Louisiana St. and called for marked patrol vehicles. Several marked patrol vehicles with both Evansville Police Department and Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office arrived on the parking lot. They parked their vehicles in a way to prevent Curry from driving away. Officers immediately began to give loud, verbal commands to Curry to raise his hands and do not move. Curry yelled back at the officers that he was going to kill himself. Officers then yelled for Curry to show his hands and get out of the vehicle. Curry did not comply.
Curry leaned out the driver’s side window and produced a handgun. Two EPD Officers fired their duty weapons at Curry but he was not struck by the gunfire. Curry threw the handgun back at officers and raised his arms in the air to surrender. Officers gave verbal commands to Curry to get on the ground. Curry did comply with officers at that time and was taken into custody without further incident. No one was injured during this incident.
Once in custody, Curry complained that he was feeling ill so he was taken to a local hospital for medical clearance. Curry did not have any physical injuries, was medically cleared from the hospital, and was transported to EPD Headquarters for an interview. Curry will be transported to the Vanderburgh County Confinement Center. Along with his Felony Parole Violation Warrant, Curry’s charges will include Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon and Felony Intimidation.