EVANSVILLE, Ind. — University of Southern Indiana Baseball takes a break from Ohio Valley Conference action this weekend when it makes a visit to 16th-ranked Oral Roberts University for a three-game series in Tulsa, Oklahoma. First pitch of the series at J.L. Johnson Stadium is Friday at 6 p.m. before continuing Saturday at 2 p.m. and concluding Sunday at 1 p.m.  Links to follow all of the action during the homestand can be found on the Eagles’ baseball schedule at USIScreamingEagles.com.
USI Baseball Notes: USI has rough week to start May: The USI Screaming Eagles (15-32) started May with an 0-4 record, falling 14-3 to Southern Illinois University; 12-2 to Miami (OH) University; and a pair, 4-3 and 14-10 to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Senior centerfielder Evan Kahre led the USI hitters with a .412 average, four runs scored, and two RBIs, while senior catcher/second baseman Lucas McNew had a team-best five RBIs.  USI’s offense surges: USI has the offense going, averaging 8.1 runs per game in the last 10 games and reaching double-digits in seven of the last 11 games. Junior first baseman Tucker Ebest has a .429 average over the last 10 games with four home runs and 18 RBIs. Senior infielder/catcher Lucas McNew follows with 17 RBIs in the last 10.  Eagles in the OVC standings: The Eagles are ninth in the OVC standings by percentage points with a 6-14 record and a .300 winning percentage. USI, which is .033 away from an OVC Tournament spot, has three conference games left and must finish amongst the top eight to earn a trip to the OVC Tournament May 24-26.  Leading hitters: Junior first baseman Tucker Ebest leads the Eagles with a .329 average, 11 home runs, and 49 RBIs. Ebest is followed by junior catcher Parker Stroh, who has a .328 batting average, while senior catcher/second baseman Lucas McNew is second to Ebest with 43 RBIs and has a team-high 11 doubles.    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.  Among the OVC leaders: Junior first baseman Tucker Ebest is tied for first in the OVC in RBIs (49), while sophomore shortstop Ricardo Van Grieken is the OVC leader in on-base percentage (.500). Senior centerfielder Evan Kahre is fourth in triples (3), sixth in runs scored (36), and seventh in hits (47) and stolen bases (12).  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).   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).  Oral Roberts this spring: The #16 Golden Eagles of Oral Roberts enter the three-game series with a 37-11 overall record after a 4-1 road win at Wichita State University Tuesday. Oral Roberts also has won their last nine games and 17 of the last 18 contests. USI and Oral Roberts will be meeting for the first time in baseball.   OVC Ranked Wins: OVC teams have had a trio of wins over nationally ranked teams this season and have 26 victories over ranked teams since 2018. This season’s OVC wins over ranked opponents are: Â
Feb. 26 – Eastern Illinois 12, #3 Arkansas
Apr. 12 – Little Rock 11, #5 Arkansas 4
Apr. 18 – Tennessee Tech 12, #19 Tennessee 5
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Six combined runs in their final two innings lifted Drake to a 7-0 win over the University of Evansville softball team in Wednesday’s opening game of the Missouri Valley Conference Championship at Charlotte West Stadium.
Evansville’s defense kept things close in the early innings. After the Bulldogs scored a run in the first, things would remain at 1-0- until the bottom of the 5th when Drake scored twice before a grand slam pushed the lead to 7-0 in the 6th. UE was limited to three hits on the day with Jenna Nink earning a pair and Lacy Smith picking up the other.
With two outs in the bottom of the first, Drake saw four consecutive batters reach base, resulting in the first run of the game.  A single, error and walk loaded the bags for Skylar Rigby.  Rigby singled to plate the first run of the game.
Hanhah Hood made a diving defensive play at third base to save a hit in the second and the Purple Aces were able to get their first baserunner in the third.  After the first eight UE batters were retired in order, Lacy Smith singled to right to reach base.
It was the defense who starred in the fourth as Jess Willsey and Marah Wood each made important stops to send the game into the 5th. Jenna Nink opened the 5th with a single and Taylor Howe would reach on a walk before Bulldog pitcher Mackenzie Hupke got out of the jam.
Drake added two insurance runs in the bottom of the 5th as Carey Koenig picked up a 2-run single to extend their advantage to three runs. They put the finishing touches on the contest in the 6th when Emily Valtman launched a grand slam to give her squad a 7-0 lead.
Tossing five innings, Sydney Weatherford suffered the loss. Just one of the three runs she allowed was earned. Megan Brenton threw the final frame. Hupke threw the complete game for the Bulldogs and allowed three hits. She struck out nine batters.
UE wraps up the 2023 season with a 22-32 record. The Aces enjoyed a strong home season that saw them win 15 out of 23 games inside Tri-State Orthopaedics Field at James and Dorothy Cooper Stadium.
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.
A press release issued on May 1 by the Indiana Democratic Party highlighted the successes of the 2023 legislative session. Of the more than 200 bills that made their way to the governor’s desk, 20 came from Democratic legislators—not bad considering Republicans have Democrats outnumbered 40 to 10 in the Senate and 70 to 30 in the House.
However, some on the left are calling this year a session of missed opportunities.
Rep. Greg Porter, D-Indianapolis, spoke in opposition to the state budget, House Bill 1001, in the House Chamber around 1 a.m. April 28, calling it disappointing. Photo by Xain Ballenger, TheStatehouseFile.com
Rep. Gregory Porter, D-Indianapolis, said the session was “absolutely not†successful. The positives of passing bills like HB 1422, which creates a dementia care specialist program, and 1449, which automatically enrolls eligible students in the 21st Century Scholars program, are just pieces of sand in a 20-by-40 sandbox, he said. A successful session would be “when we really do things for people.â€
“It’s not a success because there wasn’t a lot of investment into the human infrastructure,†Porter said.
Rep. Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington, said it was a session of “missed opportunities,†particularly when it comes to the state’s budget. There was an opportunity this session to fund mental health at a level that would meet the needs of the state, he said, but Republicans decided to do a “half measure on that.â€
“I think that just reflects the fact that the Republicans are now in their second gerrymandered map. They didn’t get touched for a decade. They’re confident they won’t get touched for another decade,†Pierce said.
Michael Wolf, department chair and professor of political science at Purdue University, said Democratic priorities can only get through with Republican cooperation.
“Democrats have had little ability to pass legislation because Republicans hold a supermajority in the legislature and can pass bills without Democrats,†he said. “Moreover, Republicans can develop more partisan agendas even knowing their legislation does not have to reach across the aisle.â€
Sen. Shelli Yoder, D-Bloomington, agreed that it felt like more Democratic pieces of legislation were passed this session, but one failed item Yoder still wanted to focus on was a repeal of the menstrual product tax.
“We aren’t asking for free products. We’re asking, don’t make us be taxed to engage the world, to leave our house. That is what that tax is. And we should be repealing it,†Yoder said. “It’s been 65 years that we have taxed women on going to school and going to work. Enough is enough.â€
She also criticized lawmakers ending the session when they did. Indiana has two different kinds of sessions, long and short, alternating each year. The long session is when legislators write the state’s budget, which covers two years. In budget years, legislators have until April 29 to adjourn. This year the session ended a little past 2 a.m. on April 27, two days before the final adjourn deadlined.
Yoder said the session ended “unnecessarily†and that her colleagues had two more days to work on legislation relating to the state’s budget. Legislators could have left “at a decent hour,†then come back on Friday to do the “Hoosiers’ work.”
“At that point, robust debate, asking questions, making certain that all the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed—it’s all overcome by exhaustion. And at the end of the day, it’s Hoosiers who pay the price for that hasty, unnecessarily so, rush to sine die,†Yoder said.
Indiana isn’t the only statehouse to have a Democratic minority. Other states include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
“Despite facing super minority status in both chambers, Statehouse Democrats worked across the aisle this session and delivered pragmatic solutions for Hoosier families,†said Indiana Democratic Party Chairman Mike Schmuhl in a press release. “From fighting food insecurity to supporting first responders, and addressing violent crime, Democrats helped lead on issues that will make a big difference for Indiana’s future.â€
Here are the House Democratic bills that made it all the way through the General Assembly:Â
House Bill 1087 from Rep. Justin Moed, D-Indianapolis: Allows for released offenders to have transportation and housing set up for them prior to their release.
House Bill 1138 from Rep. Carolyn Jackson, D-Hammond: Ensures clean drinking water for preschools and daycares.
House Bill 1157 from Rep. Justin Moed, D-Indianapolis: Establishes a housing development program.
House Bill 1219 from Rep. Maureen Bauer, D-South Bend: Establishes a pilot program to monitor levels of certain toxic, manmade substances in the blood of Hoosier firefighters.
House Bill 1228 from Rep. Maureen Bauer, D-South Bend: Strengthens definitions and penalties around child solicitation.
House Bill 1252 from Rep. Ryan Hatfield, D-Evansville: Provides legal protections to certain government employees.
House Bill 1256 from Rep. Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington: Creates rules concerning public records.
House Bill 1321 from Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn, D-Fishers: Increases the mental health education that first responders receive during their required training.
House Bill 1365 from Rep. Mitch Gore, D-Indianapolis: Changes the definition of a machine gun to include devices that can be attached to pistols to make them fully automatic.
House Bill 1396 from Rep. Mike Andrade, D-Munster: Makes “stop the bleed†bleeding control kits more publicly available.
House Bill 1422 from Rep. Gregory Porter, D-Indianapolis: Creates a dementia care specialist program.
House Bill 1449 from Rep. Earl Harris Jr., D-East Chicago: Automatically enrolls eligible students in the 21st Century Scholars program.
House Bill 1483 from Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary: Strengthens school responses to bullying.
House Bill 1627 from Rep. Maureen Bauer, D-South Bend: Makes it easier for nonprofits to buy tax sale properties.
Here are the Senate Democratic bills that made it all the way through the General Assembly:Â
Senate Bill 15 from Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago: Increases the per diem paid to a commissioner of a housing authority.
Senate Bill 252 from Sen. Shelli Yoder, D-Bloomington: Allows a healthcare provider to implant a long-acting reversible contraceptive on a Medicaid recipient’s first visit.
Senate Bill 334 from Sen. Shelli Yoder, D-Bloomington: Simplifies the application for SNAP benefits.
Senate Bill 415 from Sen. Rodney Pol, D-Chesterton: Requires parental notification for children arrested on school property or at school events.
Senate Bill 434 from Sen. Eddie Melton, D-Gary: Relates to economic development in Lake County, establishing a blighted property demolition fund.
Senate Bill 438 from Sen. Fady Qaddoura, D-Indianapolis: Requires a comprehensive review of existing home health services for children with complex medical needs.
FOOTNOTE: Xain Ballenger is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
The University of Southern Indiana Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) is launching a new telehealth initiative to improve older adults’ access to medical care. Beginning Monday, May 15, Vanderburgh County residents will be able to participate in telehealth appointments with Deaconess Clinic medical providers at four Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library (EVPL) locations.
“The COVID pandemic helped us realize that lack of technology and reliable internet access, particularly in rural areas, are barriers for older adults participating in telehealth appointments,†says Dr. Kevin Valadares, Chair of Health Administration. “Our partnership with Deaconess Clinic and EVPL allows for an innovative model of care to be provided at trusted library locations.â€
Telehealth visits virtually connect patients to healthcare providers with appointments ranging from simple phone calls to real-time face-to-face conversations with video via phones, tablets or computers. EVPL staff will help set up any necessary technology for the appointment which may include laptops, headphones and speakers.
According to Valadares, the project is focusing on Medicare annual wellness visits and behavioral health appointments with Deaconess providers, although any type of appointments will be scheduled. “Eventually, we hope to use this model of care as a prototype to be replicated in rural communities in southwestern Indiana,†he says.
Dr. Amanda Bohleber, Chief Transformation Officer and Family Practice Physician with Deaconess Health System, said having access to teleheath is a win for all. “Telehealth allows patients to connect with their provider from a convenient location improving both access to care and the timeliness of care,†she says. “As a result, patients in all stages of life get the opportunity to receive the care they need when they need it and have improved outcomes.â€
Katie Reineke, Outreach Manager with EVPL, said the telehealth initiative is an example of how the library has evolved to be not just a place for learning, but a place for convening. “Librarians regularly help people of all ages out with technological needs, so it is a great fit for us to work with older adults who need assistance with their medical appointments,†she says. “Libraries are already known for providing safe, trusted and secure meeting areas—now, we will also be known as an option for telehealth.â€
Participating library locations are:Â
• EVPL Central: 9:15-11:15 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays
• EVPL Oaklyn: 9:15-11:15 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays
• EVPL North Park: 9:15-11:15 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m. Tuesdays
• EVPL Red Bank: 9:15-11:15 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m. Tuesdays
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $3,691,706 million with zero percentage financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
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Founded in 1965, the University of Southern Indiana enrolls nearly 9,200 dual credit, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in more than 130 areas of study. A public higher education institution, located on a beautiful 1,400-acre campus in Evansville, Indiana, USI offers programs through the College of Liberal Arts, Romain College of Business, College of Nursing and Health Professions and the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. The University offers study-abroad opportunities in more than 60 countries and hosts international students from around the globe. USI is a Carnegie Foundation Community Engaged University and offers continuing education and special programs to more than 15,000 participants annually through Outreach and Engagement. USI is online at USI.edu.Â
Ivy Tech Community College Evansville Recently Graduated
Nearly 1,250 Students
Evansville, IN – The Ivy Tech Community College commencement recently conferred degrees and credentials on approximately 1,250 students.
Guest speakers for the 2023 Commencement include State Representative District 75 Cindy Ledbetter and Outstanding Elementary Education graduating student Ty Bernhardt.
Ledbetter, a psychiatric nurse in Evansville and Indiana State Representative, is a 1999 Ivy Tech graduate who earned a nursing degree and has since also earned a B.S. in Nursing and an M.S. in Nursing from the University of Southern Indiana. She also earned a post-Master certificate in psychiatric and mental health nursing and a doctorate in nursing this year from USI.
Ty Bernhardt is a 2013 graduate of F.J. Reitz High School. Bernhardt will graduate with an Associate of Science degree and a technical certificate in elementary education. He currently is serving as a substitute teacher, in addition to finishing his degree. He plans to transfer to the University of Evansville as a junior to earn his bachelor’s degree in elementary education. He is a member of the Aspiring Educators Club at Ivy Tech.
Honored during the event will be:
2014 Ivy Tech graduate Gelina Mascoe, was recognized as the 2023 Distinguished Alumna. Mascoe, who was born in La Gonave, Haiti, founded Lumiere D’education Foundation, a charitable organization that provides free education to 170 children in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Closer to home, she is the founder of the recently opened the Haitian Center of Evansville, connecting local Haitian immigrants to the support they need to achieve independence, increase overall well-being and enhance future community impact.
Lu Porter received the Benefactor of the Year award. She has served Ivy Tech as a Foundation Board member for more than 27 years, connecting donors and students into the Ivy Tech family. Porter serves the community in many ways including her time on 25 local and state boards over the last several decades to support community needs and assist non-profits in their fundraising efforts. She retired from the Evansville African American Museum after seven years in 2017 and previously worked in community outreach for Integra Bank for 18 years.
Students graduating earned a total of 1,776 associate and associate of applied science degrees, certificates, and technical certificates. Of those graduating, approximately half are graduating with honors, and 149 will graduate summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA.
This year marks the first graduating class of the Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, with 18 students earning their technical certificate in entrepreneurship. Ivy Tech also has nearly 200 high school students who are earning a college degree or credential even before they graduate with their high school diploma, through dual credit and dual enrollment classes they have taken with the college; and through the many Early College High Schools in Vanderburgh, Perry, and Spencer counties that Ivy Tech sponsors. There are also 283 students who have earned their Indiana College Core Technical Certificate, allowing them to transfer their credits to any college in Indiana and start as a sophomore.
Ivy Tech continues to serve the workforce in a wide variety of ways, including through the Achieve Your Degree Program, through which 67 graduates are earning their degrees this year, as well as 213 apprentices in the trades in the region who earned their credentials and associate degrees.
Ivy Tech Evansville offers more than 50 programs of study that may be completed in two years or less.
The Indiana Democratic Party released the following statement on Secretary of State Diego Morales’s trip to attend CPAC Hungary.
MAY 10, 2023
Indiana Democratic Party Chairman Mike Schmuhl: “What in the world is Diego Morales doing? Indiana held municipal primary elections less than a week ago, military ballots are still arriving, and several races were incredibly close, yet Indiana’s top election official decided to jet off to a political conference in Eastern Europe for a photo op with Viktor Orbán.
“Working Hoosiers deserve elected officials that represent the best in Indiana, stick around, and do their job during critical times. From hiring his brother-in-law to promoting bills to make it harder for elderly and military Hoosiers to vote, Diego has proved time and again that he is unfit to be in office. This is just the latest sad example – and Hoosiers should be outraged.â€
