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COMMUNITY GATHERS FOR 2023 LEADERSHIP EVERYONE ANNUAL MEETING

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COMMUNITY GATHERS FOR 2023 LEADERSHIP EVERYONE ANNUAL MEETING

(Leadership Everyone celebrated its work throughout the region, recognized new LE alumni, and elected the 2023-2024 Board of Directors)

EVANSVILLE, Ind., May 2, 2023 – Leadership Everyone (LE) reflected on another successful year of engaging with regional servant leaders and fostering community growth during its Annual Meeting on May 2, 2023.

Throughout the evening, LE reflected on the work accomplished in fiscal year 2022-2023 by its staff, volunteers, and board. They began working with a data analytics and consulting firm to audit, analyze, and present Regional VOICE data in preparation for a Reveal in September; LE was written into the Evansville Promise Neighborhood Grant to use the VOICE process to support the project; LE began a project with Bosse High School to support teachers and students; they hosted three Engagement Fairs to connect alumni with area nonprofits in need of volunteers; 133 servant leaders were nominated for the28th Annual Celebration of Leadership; and 80 people from across the region attended Community Leadership Program retreats at the Barn Abbey in New Harmony.

The Alumnus of the Year Award was presented to LE Board Member Noah Stubbs of the City of Evansville Mayor’s Office. “Noah was volunteering with LE even before he came through a retreat,” said CEO, Lynn Miller Pease. “He lends his expertise to this organization in every way he can. He serves on nearly all of our committees and helps out at every event. But he also makes everything fun!”

The event also served to recognize the year’s Community Leadership Program graduates and elect Officers and Board Members for the 2023-24 fiscal year. See the following pages for the names of LE’s new alumni and the incoming and outgoing Board Members.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2023-2024 Executive Board Officers 

President: Lawrence Taylor, Edward Jones

President-Elect: Beth Kroft, CenterPoint Energy

Vice President: Kelly Cozart, Ivy Tech Community College

Secretary: Taylor Gorman, Evansville Rescue Mission

Treasurer: Amie Roach, Lochmueller Group

Director-at-Large: Demspon Haney, Hafer

Past President: Don Crankshaw, Crankshaw Consulting

First-Term Appointments 

Mallory Embry, SABIC

Sheila Huff, EVSC

Lauren Kuester, Local Source

Deonte Meriwether, Wesselman Woods/Columbia Sportswear

Melissa Morehead Moore, Children’s Museum of Evansville

Daniel Schweikhart, Riverside Capital Management Group

Chad Smith, Romain Cross Pointe Auto Park

Cyrus Williams, Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Education

Savannah Wood, ECHO Housing

Continuing Current Term 

Jeff Duncan, Field and Main

Hannah Jaramillo, Morton Solar

Jonathan Lee, Fifth Third

Chris Metz, University of Southern Indiana

Heather O’Grady, EVPL

Keith Rawley, AstraZeneca

Jason Rutledge, Equipment Depot

Noah Stubbs, City of Evansville

Deanna Tackett, Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Indiana

Tasha Vanover, CenterPoint Energy

Susan Vaughn, Community Volunteer

Carlie Whitledge, Landmark Realty

Holly Rankin Zaher, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Honorary Director – Ryan Hatfield, Indiana State Representative

Honorary Director – Court Kull, PNC Bank

Honorary Director – Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, City of Evansville

Departing Members 

Leslie Fella, Evansville Regional Airport

Jerry Graupner, United Companies

Karese Johnson, YMCA

Jenna Richardt, E-REP

Alex Schmitt, Schmitt Law Office

Jaimie Sheth, JD Sheth Foundation

Amy Susott, Heritage Federal Credit Union

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM GRADUATES 2022-2023

June 2022

Lora Arneberg, LDA Properties

Kristina Arwood, Wesselman Nature Society, Inc.

Kim Banks, SABIC

Ben Barnes, American Legion Post 370

Erin Davis, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana

Jason Deadmond, SABIC

Jessica Ellis, OneMain Financial

Beth Head, Deaconess Health System

Andrea Kappler, EVPL

Jennifer Kissel, Hafer

Daniel Lehman, Henderson Police Department

Austin McConville, Leadership Everyone

Deonte Meriwether, Wesselman Nature Society, Inc.

Laura Nordine, Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation

Lora Phillippe, Lochmueller Group

Kourtney Radcliff, Deaconess Health System

Amanda Redenbaugh, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana

Mario Reid, Evansville Police Department

Mark Riehle, Lochmueller Group, Inc.

Sara Schapker, IBEW Local 16

Gracie Schmidt, Leadership Everyone

Doug Shatto, Lochmueller Group

Brooke Smith, WNIN Tri-State Public Media

Sethlyn Stewart, Atlas World Group

Jeremi Taylor, Level Up Wesleyan Church

Mariama Wilson, Pigeon Township Trustee Office

Wendy Woehler, Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union

Trisha Wright, US Legal Support

October 2022

Larry Barnhill, Jr., Heritage Federal Credit Union

Zack Boling, Romain Buick, Inc.

Marisela De la Parra, EVPL

Lauren Devine, YMCA of Southwestern Indiana

Holly Dicus, The Women’s Hospital

Samantha Eberhart, Arc Industries

Mallory Embry, SABIC

Mike Freeman, CenterPoint Energy

Zach Garcia, Wesselman Woods

Erin Heim, Deaconess Cross Pointe

Ashley Lemon, First Federal Savings Bank

Bill Masterson, Field & Main Bank

Nathan McCullough-Haddix, Louis J. Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville

Art McDonald, Skyline V, and F Marketing

Jack Miller, Little Star ABA Clinic

Bryce Moseby, Evansville Rescue Mission

Melinda Poole, Evansville Housing Authority

Jerry Rairdon, Wesselman Woods

Eddie Rapp, Evansville Rescue Mission

Amy Jo Sheeley, Ascension St. Vincent

Chad Smith, Romain Cross Pointe Auto Park

Amanda Streeter, Ascension St. Vincent

Lacy Wargel, Bowen Engineering

Nicholas Will, Lochmueller Group

Kim Wren, Baird

February 2023

Ryan Bixler-Rigg, Evansville Day School

Rick Cunningham, Equipment Depot

Jennifer Darnell, Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library

Tyler Droste, Gutwein Law

Kathleen Elliott, The Isaiah 1:17 Project

Matt Elrod, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office

Lynn Falcone, Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare

Taylor Fauerbach, The Women’s Hospital

Jenny Ferrell, AstraZeneca

Victoria Flaherty, Evansville Rescue Mission

George Fleming, Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve

Danny Garness, Field & Main Bank

Cameron Gibson, Hafer

Lauren Kuester, Urban Seeds

Elaine Kung, Wesselman Woods

Katie Martin, Deaconess Cross Pointe

Niall McConville, SABIC

Jason Naef, AstraZeneca

Derek Paulin, Connectria

Daniel Schweikhart, Riverside Capital Management Group

Brian Southern, Evansville African American Museum

DeAvion Sullivan, EVSC

Thaddaus Summers, YMCA SWIN

Jared Voellinger, Heritage Federal Credit Union

Susan Wannemueller, Capital Electric Inc.

Sonia Waters, Albion Fellows Bacon Center

Cyrus Williams, Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Education

THE 35TH EVSC SUMMER MUSICAL ANNOUNCES THE ADDAMS FAMILY SCHOOL EDITION!

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TICKETS GO ON SALE MAY 22, 2023
Evansville, IN – May 3, 2023 – The 2023 EVSC Summer Musical, The Addams Family School Edition will run this summer from July 13-16, 2023, and tickets go on sale Monday, May 22, 2023. The Addams Family School Edition is “a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, features an original story and it’s every father’s nightmare! Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met.
Wednesday is concerned that her mother, Morticia, will not accept her new love and confides in her father, Gomez, begging him not to tell. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before – keep a secret from his beloved wife. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.” (TRW)
The EVSC Summer Musical gives students a chance to immerse themselves in an intensively rigorous Broadway-caliber production at a professional theater facility—a unique opportunity in our region. Students learn music, theater, and other fine-arts skills, which help them develop their brain and learn better in school and beyond. They also learn other skills we know employers across multiple fields are looking for today: emotional intelligence, problem-solving and creativity, communication, leadership, and the ability to work with a diverse team to accomplish audacious goals and many other valuable lifelong skills. We rely on community support to bring this program to life each year. Help us celebrate this 35th anniversary of the musical by joining us this summer!

Wild Turkey Hunting Biology and Management

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Indiana spring wild turkey season starts April 26 and goes through May 14, 2023. Youth turkey season is April 22 and 23, 2023. Youth age 17 or younger on the date of the hunt can participate in the youth season but must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years of age and licensed to hunt wild turkey (unless exempt from license requirements under state law). The youth hunter must comply with all other turkey hunting regulations. The youth’s adult partner may not take a turkey during the youth season and must not possess a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow while in the field, except for a handgun carried lawfully.

The bag limit during the spring season is one bearded or male turkey. The youth hunter may take only one bearded or male wild turkey in the spring, which includes both the youth and regular spring turkey seasons.

Spring turkey hunting is allowed statewide. Wild turkeys may be hunted only from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. All DNR properties managed by the Division of Fish & Wildlife have spring turkey season hunting hours one-half hour before sunrise until noon for properties on Central Time and until 1 p.m. for properties on Eastern Time.

To hunt wild turkey during the spring season, a valid spring turkey hunting license and Game Bird Habitat stamp privilege are required. Those who have a lifetime comprehensive hunting, lifetime comprehensive hunting and fishing, or resident youth hunt/trap license can hunt wild turkey and do not need to purchase the Game Bird Habitat stamp privilege.

Turkeys can be hunted only with:

  • A 410 caliber and 10-, 12-, 16-, 20-, or 28-gauge shotgun loaded with pellets of size No. 4, 5, 6, 7, 7½, and Tungsten Super Shot 9 and 10. Non-toxic shot is required while hunting turkey on some DNR properties. Call the property you are interested in hunting on for additional information.
  • A muzzleloading shotgun not smaller than 20-gauge and not larger than 10-gauge, loaded with pellets of size 4, 5, 6, 7, 7½, and Tungsten Super Shot 9 and 10. Combination loads using shot sizes other than these are illegal.
  • Bow and arrow
  • A crossbow

City To Transform Fulton Park Basketball Court Into A Work Of Art.

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City To Transform Fulton Park Basketball Court Into A Work Of Art.

MAY 4, 2023

The City of Evansville Department of Parks and Recreation announced a partnership to transform the Fulton Park basketball court into a work of art.

In the coming months, the department will be working with Josh Barnett, owner of 19nine, and world-renowned Project Backboard to resurface, renovate and paint a mural on top of the new court.

The Board of Park Commissioners approved the partnership at today’s meeting. Additional proposed project components include upgraded goals, bleachers, lighting, and fence replacement.

The Parks Department is also working on other improvements at Fulton Park, which will be announced at a later date.

“The new Five-Year Master Plan process identified numerous opportunities for improvement within the parks system and the basketball court at Fulton Park is on the list,” said Deputy Mayor/interim Parks Director Steve Schaefer. “We’re thrilled that Josh and his team are bringing Project Backboard to Evansville. Creating a new destination basketball court will be a huge improvement and will stimulate additional investments into the park.”

19nine also hopes to develop a merchandise line to promote the court transformation. Proceeds would contribute towards the project and potentially other locations in the city.

“Our commitment to Evansville and the game of basketball is what drove us to seek out this partnership.” said 19nine owner Josh Barnett. “The added support of businesses such as Azzip Pizza and Heritage Petroleum shows the willingness to give back to the community.”

About Project Backboard

Project Backboard is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that renovates public basketball courts and installs large-scale works of site-specific art on court surfaces.

 

Stephanie Terry Building Consensus Toward Fall Campaign

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Stephanie Terry Building Consensus Toward Fall Campaign

Terry will build on experience and positive relationships to move Evansville forward

MAY 4, 2023

Evansville, IN– Several days ago, Evansville Mayoral Candidate Stephanie Terry (D) kicked off her Fall campaign for Mayor with a strong message of unity and strength.

In her remarks, Terry highlighted her experience on the Vanderburgh County Council while also drawing on some of her strongest qualities; her abilities to listen and build relationships.

“Serving as Mayor is about having experience…and I’ve got that. But, more importantly, it’s about having positive relationships that can bring people together in a way that lifts up our community and provides opportunities for everyone,” Terry said.

“As of tonight, I now know who I’ll face this fall but truthfully, that doesn’t change much for me. Because in the end, the job of Mayor isn’t really a political position. It’s about bringing people together. It’s about listening and leading. It’s about serving.”

In the coming days, Terry will kick off her Together with Terry Listening Tour, a series of conversations on front porches and in backyards designed to engage citizens in planning the future of Evansville.   

“Talking with everyone…that’s the only way we can build on the successes of the past two Mayors, while at the same time, making sure that we are taking on the complex issues that will position us for success in the years ahead.”

“From the beginning, for me, this campaign has never been about political parties, about winning, or even about me. It’s about the ‘We.’ It’s about putting aside our differences to find where we agree so we can work together, in a collaborative way, to build the community that we all deserve,” said Terry.

For more information, please visit https://voteterry.com/

EPA Issues Emergency Fuel Waiver for E15 Sales

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EPA takes action to provide consumers relief at the pump by helping ensure an adequate fuel supply

WASHINGTON – On April 28, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued an emergency fuel waiver to allow E15 gasoline — gasoline blended with 15% ethanol — to be sold during the summer driving season. This action will provide Americans with relief at the pump from ongoing market supply issues created by Russia’s unprovoked war in toUkraine by increasing fuel supply and offering consumers more choices at the pump. The waiver will help protect Americans from fuel supply crises by reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels, building U.S. energy independence, and supporting American agriculture and manufacturing. Current estimates indicate that on average, E15 is about 25 cents a gallon cheaper than E10.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to protecting Americans from fuel supply challenges resulting from the ongoing war in Ukraine by ensuring consumers have more choices at the pump,” said Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Allowing E15 sales during the summer driving season will not only help increase fuel supply, but support American farmers, strengthen U.S. energy security, and provide relief to drivers across the country.”

The Clean Air Act allows the EPA Administrator, in consultation with DOE, to temporarily waive certain fuel requirements to address shortages. As a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine, Administrator Regan determined that extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstances exist and has granted a temporary waiver to help ensure that an adequate supply of gasoline is available. As required by law, EPA and DOE evaluated the situation and determined that granting the waiver was in the public interest.

Currently, in roughly two-thirds of the country, E15 cannot be sold from terminals starting on May 1 and at retail stations starting on June 1. EPA is providing relief by extending the 1-psi Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver that currently applies to E10 gasoline to E15, which will enable E15 sales throughout the summer driving season in these areas, if necessary. This action only extends the 1-psi waiver to E15 in parts of the country where it already exists for E10. E15 can already be sold year-round in parts of the country that have a Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) program.

Because the RVP of E10 and E15 gasoline used by consumers will be the same (both will be 1 psi higher than otherwise required by EPA or state regulations) EPA does not expect any impact on air quality from this limited action. EPA’s research has shown no significant impact on evaporative emissions when the 1-psi waiver is extended to E15. With no significant impacts on emissions from cars and trucks, we expect consumers can continue to use E15 without concern that its use in the summer will impact air quality.

EPA’s emergency fuel waiver went into effect on May 1 when terminal operators would otherwise no longer be able to sell E15 in the affected regions of the country and will last through May 20 which is the statutory maximum of 20 days. EPA will continue to monitor the supply with industry and federal partners, and the Agency expects to issue new waivers effectively extending the emergency fuel waiver until such time as the extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstances due to the war in Ukraine are no longer present.

USI to hold five Commencement Ceremonies to honor over 1,500 graduates of the Class of 2023

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The University of Southern Indiana will hold five Commencement Ceremonies over two days, Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6, in the Screaming Eagles Arena to recognize students from the Class of 2023.  

One thousand, five hundred and forty-two students are eligible to participate in 2023 Spring Commencement Ceremonies. Members of the Class of 2023 will join more than 50,000 USI alumni across Indiana, the United States and the world.  

Speakers at each Commencement Ceremony will be USI alumni who have excelled in their professional lives. A full schedule of speakers is below:  

Friday, May 5 

School of Graduate Studies – 5 p.m. 

Matt Keener, 2005 Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and 2012 Master of Business Administration graduate, will deliver the Commencement address at the School of Graduate Studies Ceremony. Keener presently serves as President of Indiana-based Keener Marketing Solutions LLC, a company that provides marketing strategy, digital marketing support and content marketing services to a diverse range of clients.  

Saturday, May 6 

College of Liberal Arts – 9 a.m.  

Virgilio Paulino, 2018 Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy graduate, will deliver the Commencement address at the College of Liberal Arts Ceremony. After earning two undergraduate degrees from USI in 2018, he obtained a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2021. Paulino currently serves as Manager of Data Management, Sharing and Privacy at Capital One in Wilmington, Delaware. 

Romain College of Business – Noon  

Jared McIntosh, 2011 Bachelor of Science in Business Administration graduate, will deliver the Commencement address at the Romain College of Business Ceremony. He presently serves as the Vice President, Business Banking Relationship Manager at Fifth Third Bank in Evansville.  

College of Nursing and Health Professions – 3 p.m.  

Connie Winik, 2017 Doctor of Nursing Practice graduate, will deliver the Commencement address at the College of Nursing and Health Professions Ceremony. Prior to her degrees from USI, Winik earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master’s degree in business organization management from the University of La Verne. Winik is the Chief Nurse for the 959th Medical Group, Brooks Army Medical Center, Joint Base San Antonio – Fort Sam Houston, Texas. 

Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education – 6 p.m.  

Breasha Pruitt, 2008 Bachelor of Science in Physical Education graduate, will deliver the Commencement address at the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education Ceremony. Pruitt is the founder, owner and Head Coach of Breasha Pruitt Elite Gymnastics in Evansville. 

All Ceremonies will be held in-person. Tickets will not be required for guests. A livestream of each Ceremony will be available at USI.edu/watch-commencement.  

Those planning to attend in person are strongly advised to review the Screaming Eagles Arena Prohibited Items and Security Policy at USI.edu/arena-security.   

Follow Commencement on social media with the hashtag #USIGrad on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.  

For more information about Commencement, visit USI.edu/commencement. 

Baird Leads Effort To Address TSP Shortages and Roadblocks

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Washington, D.C.— Today, Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology Subcommittee Chairman, Jim Baird (IN-04), Ranking Member Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), and Senators Mike Braun (R-IN), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Michael Bennet (D- CO) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Increased TSP Access Act of 2023 to address Technical Service Provider (TSP) shortages.

“In order for our farmers and ranchers to continue their vital conservation efforts, we need to make sure they have access to the best information and expertise available,” said Congressman Baird. “By introducing legislation that directs USDA to establish a streamlined certification process for Technical Service Provider (TSPs) who hold appropriate specialty certifications, we can ensure rapid response times for our producers and address TSP shortages just as the 2018 Farm Bill intended.”

“As the only Virginian on the House Agriculture Committee, I’ve had many conversations with our Commonwealth’s crop and livestock producers about challenges caused by staffing shortages and burdensome requirements at NRCS. This massive workforce issue is having real effects on the ground — and it’s slowing down the ability of Virginia producers to make smart management plans for their land,” said Congresswoman Spanberger. “That’s why I’m proud to help lead the bipartisan Increased TSP Access Act. By cutting red tape, streamlining some of USDA’s bureaucracy, and prioritizing timely certification for these jobs, we can help more producers take advantage of voluntary conservation programs.”

“Our nation’s farmers and ranchers play a critical role in conservation, so it is important that they have access to Technical Service Providers (TSPs) who help fill the gaps in technical assistance when it comes to implementing conservation programs,” said Senator Braun.  “I’m proud to lead this legislation that will streamline the TSP certification process to support our producers and improve conservation outcomes.”

“Increasing the amount of Technical Service Providers (TSP) for the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) was a key part of legislation that I introduced last fall to help the domestic fertilizer industry,” said Senator Marshall.  “I’m happy to partner with Senators Braun and Bennet on this commonsense approach that moves us towards our goal by cutting red tape that’s holding back farm participation in NRCS programs. Certified Crop Advisors and other similar professionals are already equipped with the skills necessary to help farmers and ranchers reach a variety of conservation goals. Establishing an expedited pathway to deliver conservation goals, especially as it relates to nutrient management plans, is the free-market answer to increasing agriculture-friendly conservation efforts.”

“As Colorado faces a future that’s going to be a lot hotter and a lot drier, we need to make it easier to access USDA conservation programs. But crippling red tape and understaffing at the NRCS make these programs too rigid and time-consuming for many Coloradans to apply to,” said Senator Bennet. “The future of rural America depends on whether the next generation decides to continue their family farms and ranches – and to protect that future, the Increased TSP Access Act makes assistance more accessible and helps conservation programs live up to their potential.”

TSPs are vitally important as they help farmers and producers access USDA conservation programs through granular, one-on-one assistance. For example, TSPs can help producers to develop grazing management plans, nutrient management plans, and sustainable forestry plans. They can also help producers increase their operation’s irrigation efficiency.

In January 2023, NRCS Chief Terry Cosby projected that the agency will need to hire between 3,000 and 4,000 employees over the next two years to implement USDA conservation programs and provide necessary technical assistance. Further, just last year, USDA was given the authority to hire 1,500 new employees and only retained 500.

The 2018 Farm Bill did include language that would allow USDA to approve non-Federal entities to certify TSPs. Unfortunately, the language did not include clear deadlines for USDA to set up its non-Federal certification process and also lacked guardrails to ensure that Congressional intent was implemented in a timely manner. As a result, this language was never fully implemented by USDA.

The Increased TSP Access Act would address the TSP shortage by expanding on the framework first envisioned in the 2018 Farm Bill.

  • Non-Federal Certifying Entities: The bill directs USDA to establish a process to approve non-Federal certifying entities within 180 days of enactment. The bill ensures that USDA’s process will allow agricultural retailers, conservation organizations, cooperatives, professional societies, and service providers to become certifying entities. It also puts clear deadlines on USDA to ensure responsiveness in administering the program.
  • Streamlined Certification: The bill directs USDA to establish a streamlined certification process for TSPs who hold appropriate specialty certifications (including certified crop advisors) within 180 days of enactment. This guarantees that applicants with other certifications aren’t burdened with duplicative training, but are still trained in the competencies needed to serve as a TSP.
  • Parity in Compensation: The bill ensures that TSPs—who are often paid using conservation program dollars—are paid the fair market rate for their services.

USI Women’s Basketball signs transfer Ariel Kirkwood

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball has signed Ariel Kirkwood, a 6-0 junior guard/forward from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who is transferring from Eastern Kentucky University.
 
Kirkwood spent the last two seasons with EKU, making 26 starts in 60 games played. She averaged 6.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, shooting over 40 percent from the floor. Kirkwood also recorded over one assist and one block per contest.
 
“We are very excited to welcome Ariel to our team and the USI family!” USI Women’s Basketball Head Coach Rick Stein said. “Ari’s experience at the D-I level and in the Ohio Valley Conference will be very beneficial to our team this year.”
 
In the 2022-23 season, Kirkwood posted 5.7 points and 4.8 boards in 20.1 minutes per game. Kirkwood appeared in 31 games, making 12 starts. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin native tallied a season-high 15 points on February 18 against the University of Central Arkansas. Kirkwood entered the Colonels’ top-10 list for career blocks last season.
 
“Ari’s versatility as a player will be seen on both offense and defense, which will help her make an immediate impact with our team,” Stein added. “Ariel is an elite shot blocker who can defend anywhere on the court. Ari can make plays on the perimeter and in the paint on the offensive end, and she fits perfectly into our style of play.”
 
Prior to Eastern Kentucky, Kirkwood played two seasons at Morehead State University. In her sophomore season, Kirkwood averaged double figures and ranked top-25 nationally in blocks and blocks per game. Kirkwood was named the Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year in her freshman season, second-team All-OVC, and OVC All-Newcomer. She scored over 10 points per game and tied a Morehead State freshman record with 82 blocks, the seventh-highest single-season total in the Morehead State record book.
 
Kirkwood played her prep basketball at Vincent High School in Milwaukee, scoring over 1,500 points during her high school career. She was named an Associated Press All-State Honorable Mention. Kirkwood also lettered in volleyball and track in high school and graduated in the top 10 of her high school class.

PITCHING POWERS BASEBALL ACES PAST BUTLER, 4-1 

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. –  Four University of Evansville pitchers combined on a two-hitter on Wednesday night, as the host Purple Aces cruised past the visiting Butler Bulldogs, 4-1, at German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium in Evansville.

“Tonight was another great effort on the mound in a mid-week game,” said UE head coach Wes Carroll.  “Tyler Denu had multiple pitches working tonight, which was great to see.  John MacCauley had to deal with some emotions, but handled it well, and didn’t give up a run or hit in three innings.

“We are ready to hop on the bus and head to Illinois State this weekend.”

Denu set the tone for the evening in the first inning, as he struck out two in a scoreless frame.  Evansville then gave him the lead in the bottom of the first inning thanks to an opposite-field RBI single by sophomore catcher Evan Waggoner.  Denu struck out the side in order in the second inning, and UE’s strong night on the mound was in full force.

The Bulldogs would take advantage of an Evansville error to score a two-out run in the fourth inning to tie the game at 1-1, but that would be the next-to-last Butler batter to reach base on the evening.  Evansville would also quickly respond with a solo home run by fifth-year outfielder Danny Borgstrom to right field in the bottom of the fourth inning to grab a lead UE would never lose.

The Aces would tack on two more runs in the sixth inning on an RBI double by junior designated hitter Brendan Hord off of the center-field wall, a ground out and a Butler throwing error to grab a 4-1 lead.  From there, Evansville’s bullpen trio of graduate reliever John MacCauley, freshman pitcher Max Hansmann, and junior closer Nate Hardman combined to allow just a one-out walk in the eighth inning to nail down the victory.

Denu (4-3) earned the win in a scheduled short-start by scattering an unearned run on two hits, while striking out seven men on just 55 pitches.  MacCauley, pitching against a team which he pitched five seasons for before transferring to UE this season, tossed three perfect innings of relief with a pair of strikeouts.  Hansmann and Hardman both worked a scoreless, hitless frame with a strikeout to finish out the contest.

Offensively, Hord led Evansville by going 2-for-3 with a double, a run scored and an RBI.  Borgstrom, meanwhile, went 1-for-3 with his third home run of the year and two runs scored.  Waggoner, junior second baseman Kip Fougerousse and junior shortstop Simon Scherry had UE’s remaining three hits.

Evansville improves to 26-18 overall with the win, while Butler falls to 9-35 overall.  The Purple Aces will return to Missouri Valley Conference play this weekend in Normal, Illinois, as UE will take on Illinois State in a three-game series beginning on Friday night at 5 p.m. in a game that can be seen live on ESPN+.  The series will continue on Saturday at 3 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 1, with all three games being heard live in the Tri-State area on 107.1 FM-WJPS and the Old National Bank/Purple Aces Sports Network from Learfield.

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