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Lady Blazers drop regular season finale to No. 5 Wabash Valley College

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Lady Blazers drop regular season finale to No. 5 Wabash Valley College

VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University Lady Trailblazers closed out their 2024-25 regular season Saturday night with another Region 24 showdown with No. 5 ranked Wabash Valley College from Mt. Carmel, Ill.

The Lady Blazers battled all night against the highly rated Lady Warriors but were unable to overcome an early deficit as VU fell by the final score 87-67.

Vincennes had to play from behind early as Wabash Valley came out of the gates firing by scoring the first seven points and quickly building a 15-5 lead.

The Lady Blazers were able to battle back and close out the first quarter strong, cutting the Lady Warrior lead to 21-13 after the first 10 minutes of play.

Wabash Valley continued to add pressure to the Lady Blazers in the second quarter, opening the second period on a 20-8 run and taking a 44-26 lead into the halftime break.

The Lady Blazers fought back early in the second half, using a 10-2 run to cut the WVC lead down to 48-36, before Wabash Valley responded with a 19-2 run of their own.

VU responded back before the end of the third quarter, finishing a high-scoring period on a 7-1 run and building momentum going into the fourth quarter.

Wabash Valley looked to be in cruise control early in the fourth quarter with a 9-0 run giving them an 82-50 lead but the Lady Blazers were not going to go away quietly.

VU continued to battle all the way to the final horn, using a 15-3 scoring run to cut the deficit back to 20 but unfortunately ran out of time to complete the big fourth quarter comeback as Wabash Valley closed out the game 87-67.

The Lady Trailblazers were led offensively by a monster game by freshman Delora Pricop (Satu Mare, Romania) who secured her 15th double-double of the season with 21 points and a season-high 21 rebounds.

Sophomore Marta Gutierrez (Alicante, Spain) put on a show for the home crowd on Sophomore Night inside the P.E. Complex, finishing her night with 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.

Freshman Emani Washington (Indianapolis, Ind.) was the third VU double-figures scorer Saturday night, finishing with 19 points, six rebounds and three assists.

The Lady Trailblazers will begin postseason play Sunday, March 9 inside the Physical Education Complex as VU hosts the Quarterfinals of the 2025 NJCAA Division I Region 24 Tournament.

Tip-off time for this game will be 3 p.m. eastern, with VU’s opponent still to be determined.

VINCENNES BOX SCORE

VINCENNES (67): Delora Pricop 8-20 4-4 21, Ahmya Thomas 1-13 1-2 3, Jazmyn Robey 2-7 0-0 4, Marta Gutierrez 6-13 4-6 19, Emani Washington 8-11 0-0 19, Iris Comesana 0-0 0-0 0, Netala Dixon 0-6 1-2 1, Team 25-70 10-14 67.

Wabash Valley – 21   23   29   14 – 87

VU (16-14, 10-4) – 13   13   20   21 – 67

Three-point goals: VU 7 (Gutierrez 3, Washington 3, Pricop). Rebounds: VU 44 (Pricop 21). Assists: VU 20 (Thomas 7, Gutierrez 7). Steals: VU 7 (Thomas 4). Blocked Shots: VU 2 (Pricop 2). Turnovers: VU 24. Personal Fouls: VU 18. Fouled out: None.

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The Vincennes University Lady Trailblazers fall to 16-14 on the season, with a 10-4 record in Region 24 play.

UE baseball drops doubleheader at Missouri

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UE baseball drops doubleheader at Missouri
The Purple Aces combined for 17 hits through 16 innings
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Evansville baseball team didn’t keep its series lead against the Missouri Tigers as they lost 6-2 and 17-7 on Saturday.
The Purple Aces played from behind in both games of its doubleheader with Mizzou on Saturday. UE’s offense wasn’t able to keep up with the Tigers red hot hitters as they pulled away for two wins. Of the 17 hits Evansville connected with on Saturday shortstop Cal McGinnis (Kimberly, Wis. / Bradley) led the Aces with four. On the mound UE used six pitchers with starters Owen Byberg (Barrie, Ontario / Frontier CC) and RJ James (Toronto, Ontario / Sir John A MacDonald HS) recording the losses.
“Game one was a competitive game that we just couldn’t get the lead in,” said Head Coach Wes Carroll after the doubleheader. “Byberg battled through the first couple of innings to give us a chance, but our offense couldn’t get the big inning. We didn’t pitch or defend well enough in game two to earn a win. Tomorrow is an important game as we need to compete in all three facets of the game.”
Game 1
Evansville struggled with leaving runners on base while at the plate early on Saturday. The Aces stranded two runners to start the first game while the Tigers only stranded one and scored three runs in the first inning.  UE was able to recover in the top of the second as its first three batters loaded the bases on a walk and two singles.
Evansville scored its first run on a sacrifice fly from center fielder Ty Rumsey (Evansville, Ind. / North HS) to send home first baseman Ben Stuart (Mason, Ohio / William Mason HS). A walk to right fielder Harrison Taubert (Casper, Wyo. / Northeast CC) reloaded the bases and the Aces capitalized as McGinnis singled up the middle. Second baseman Drew McConnell (Blue Springs, Mo. / Blue Springs HS) scored UE’s second run to make it a one-run game.
Designated hitter Jake McGhee (Fenton, Mo. Christian Brothers College HS) popped up on the next at-bat to end Evansville’s offensive response. The Aces didn’t score another run over the next seven innings despite a strong performance on the mound from Byberg. Missouri added a run in the bottom of the second after three hits. A strikeout along with a ground out ended the inning at 4-2.
Over the next four innings, Byberg took down 12 of the 16 batters he faced to keep it a 4-2 game while setting a new career high in strikeouts with six. UE looked like they would add a run in the top of the seventh as a single for McGinnis followed by a double for McGhee had both in scoring position with two outs. But Missouri closed the door with a strikeout from their starter.
The Tigers added to their lead in the bottom of the seventh, scoring two more runs on a hit by pitch and a fielding error. Evansville had two runners reach base in the eighth but a double play and a flyout ended the half inning. The Aces went into the top of the ninth down to their last three outs.
After a lead-off strikeout, Taubert connected on his second hit of the game. Taubert was thrown out on the next play as McGinnis reached first on a fielder’s choice. McGinnis then advanced to second during a 10-pitch at-bat for McGhee that resulted in a walk. UE again had two on with two outs and couldn’t capitalize as a groundout ended the first game.
Game 2
It was another rough start in Evansville’s second game of the day as Missouri loaded the bases with its first three batters. It wasn’t long before the Tigers scored adding four runs in the bottom of the first three straight singles and a fielder’s choice. James was able to end the inning with his first strikeout of the day.
Missouri got right back to scoring in the bottom of the second with a lead-off solo shot to right center. Two doubles in the next three at-bats had the Tigers up by six runs and they added a seventh on a scoring error before the Aces could get out of the inning. UE kept Missouri from scoring in the third with its second double play of the year and a fly out.
The Tigers added an eighth run in the bottom of the fourth as RHP Parker MacCauley (Paducah, Ky. / Tennessee Tech) took over on the mound for James after two batters. The first batter MacCauley faced singled through the right side to score a run. But Evansville sat down three of the next four batters to end the inning.
It was a scoreless fifth for both teams as MacCauley struck out the side, getting three of four batters down swinging. The Aces broke the shutout in the top of the sixth, scoring two runs with only one out on the board. UE’s next two batters flew out and struck out to keep it at an 8-2 score going into the bottom of the sixth.
Missouri’s offense exploded in the bottom of the sixth, putting the game out of reach for Evansville. The Tigers scored nine runs on eight hits and an error while going through their lineup a full-time. The Aces used three pitchers in the inning starting with MacCauley followed by freshman pitchers Jack Wills (Shelbyville, Ky. / Shelby County HS) and Jack Clevidence (Ankeny, Iowa / Ankeny HS).
But UE wasn’t going to go down without a fight as they headed into the top of the seventh facing a run-rule loss down by 15 runs. Catcher Matt Flaherty (Lake Zurich, Ill. / Bellarmine) led off the inning with a single to right center while third baseman Drew Howard (Ferdinand, Ind. / Forest Park HS) walked to have a runner in scoring position. First baseman Kevin McCormick (Orland Park, Ill. / St. Laurence HS) followed Howard’s walk with a double down the left field line, scoring Flaherty.
Evansville kept the hit parade going as its next two batters connected and scored a run each to make it 17-6. The Aces’ second out of the inning came in the next at-bat as they needed two more runs to go to an eighth inning. McGhee hit his second double of the day to score one of the two runs UE needed to avoid the run rule.
Left fielder Charlie Longmeier (Seymour, Ind. / Seymour HS) connected on his only hit of the day to put McGhee into scoring position. Flaherty followed Longmeier at the plate and loaded up the bases after being hit by a pitch. But with two outs on the board, a seven-pitch strikeout for McConnell ended Evansville’s chance at a comeback in the final game of the day.
UP NEXT
The Aces will look to leave Columbia with a series split on Sunday. In the final game of the weekend UE is slated to pitch LHP Kevin Reed (Martinsville, Ind. / Martinsville, Ind.) who had a career outing against USI a week ago. First pitch from Taylor Stadium on Sunday is set for 1 p.m. and can be followed along through live stats.
-www.gopurpleaces.com-

USI splits Saturday slate at Winthrop Tournament

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USI splits Saturday slate at Winthrop Tournament

ROCK HILL, S.C. – University of Southern Indiana Softball split its two games at the Winthrop University Coach Cooke Memorial Tournament on Saturday, falling 4-1 to the University of South Carolina Upstate before capturing an 8-3 win over St. Bonaventure University.

Southern Indiana (3-10) began the morning against USC Upstate (17-2). The Spartans got the scoring started in the bottom of the second inning with a small-ball approach, scoring two runs on three singles and two stolen bases.

While USI got a few baserunners on in the early innings, the Eagles could not quite get momentum building toward a scoring threat. Meanwhile, freshman pitcher Kylie Witthaus settled in following the two-run second by the Spartans.

After Southern Indiana could not capitalize with runners at second and third in the top of the fifth inning, USC Upstate took advantage with two more runs toward a 4-0 lead off of three more singles in the frame and ending the start for Witthaus.

USI looked to rally in the seventh inning, getting the first batters to reach base and over to second and third with one out. An RBI groundout by sophomore outfielder Kate Satkoski got one runner home, but that was all USI could get.

Freshman first baseman Lilly Brown had two of USI’s three hits against the Spartans. Witthaus (0-5) was dealt the loss after giving up four runs in 4.2 innings with a pair of strikeouts.

USC Upstate tallied its four runs on seven hits. Sophomore pitcher Sierra Maness (7-1) recorded the win in a complete-game effort.

In the second game against St. Bonaventure (3-4), Southern Indiana found itself with some first-inning production after some tough breaks already this season in the first inning. Sophomore infielder Sydney Long doubled in USI’s first run after a leadoff single. Senior pitcher Josie Newman later scored Long with an RBI single to put USI ahead 2-0.

The Screaming Eagles tacked on two more runs in the second inning and had its biggest inning with three runs in the third inning. USI got an RBI single by junior outfielder Caroline Stapleton before Long ripped a two-RBI triple down the line to increase USI’s lead to 7-0. All three runs in the third came with two outs.

The Bonnies tried to chip away at the Eagles’ advantage. St. Bonaventure scored twice in the bottom of the fourth on a two-run triple of their own. The two sides traded a run in the sixth, as Southern Indiana closed out the win.

USI posted eight runs on 12 hits. Stapleton accounted for three hits and three runs with an RBI from the leadoff the spot. Long went 4-4 with three RBIs. Brown had another two-hit game with a pair of runs.

Newman (3-4) also recorded the pitching win, going the full seven innings with 10 strikeouts and three runs allowed.

St. Bonaventure registered its three runs on nine hits. The Bonnies used three pitchers in the game with starting freshman pitcher Nolah Moyer (1-2) getting the loss after surrendering four runs – three earned – in an inning and a third.

Southern Indiana wraps up its weekend at the Winthrop Coach Cooke Memorial Tournament on Sunday at 9 a.m. against Youngstown State University. After splitting Friday’s games and Saturday’s games, USI seeks a victory on Sunday to go over .500 for the tournament. The Spin 95.7 FM will have radio coverage of Sunday’s game. Additional coverage links can be found at usiscreamingeagles.com.

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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Booked Last 24 Hours-Public

“IS IT TRUE ” AUGUST 28, 2023

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City-County Observer Comment Policy. Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will not be tolerated and shall be removed from our site.
We understand that sometimes people don’t always agree and discussions may become a little heated.  The use of offensive language, or insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.
Reader’s comments in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertising.
IS IT TRUE that a late great professor from the University of Evansville once said, “Come to the revolution all of this $%#! will cease?”…the obsession with fun and game spending is what has led the sheep to this unsustainable abyss?
IS IT TRUE that many people are still upset with EREP leadership for not allowing Libertarian Michael Daugherty to participate in their past Mayoral debate?.  and feel that their decision is a direct assault against his constitutional right of Free Speech? …that many voters also feel that EREP’s decision not to allow Mr.Daugherty to participate in their past Mayoral debates is not only discriminatory but an act of elitism?
IS IT TRUE that the State of Indiana always has all three (3) political parties in their debate plans for governor, senate, etc.? … that when there were District 8 Representative debates, all three party candidates were also invited to participate?
IS IT TRUE that the IRS “Restriction of Political Campaign Intervention” posted in Section 501(c)(3) –Tax-Exempt Organizations states that under the Internal Revenue Code, all Section 501(c) that non-profit organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office?…that contributions to political campaign funds or public statements of position (verbal or written) made on behalf of the non-profit organization in favor of or in opposition to any candidate for public office clearly violate the prohibition against political campaign activity? …that violating this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of certain excise taxes?
IS IT TRUE that the City of Evansville doesn’t have the money to make 9 million dollars worth of repairs on the FORD CENTER? …that we are told that City leadership has come up with an abstract way of raising funds to renovate the FORD CENTER?  …that in today’s CCO, we have posted an article concerning this extremely far-out way of raising 9 million dollars to renovate the Ford Center?
IS IT TRUE that fiscal conservative and former Evansville City Councilmen Justin Elpers said: “that the Evansville health insurance plan is supposed to be self-funded by employee copays and deductibles, but what we have seen over the last five years is that the self-funded plan is not self-funded,”  …that now Vanderburgh County Commissioner Elpers also commented, “Thats why we see the imbalance in the City’s employee Insurance Plan”? …that the CCO feels that now Vanderburgh County Commissioner Elpers’s comments concerning the above Evansville Employee Healthcare plan are spot on?
IS IT TRUE that we are told that the EVSC officials have authority under the “Temporary Loan Resolution” to draw down millions of dollars in low-interest loans to help defray current operating expenses?  …that we are now told that the practice of EVSC Administration applying for and receiving a “Temporary Loan Warrant” may have been going on for many years? …that we also wonder if any of the “Temporary Loan” money was ever used to fund capital projects?
IS IT TRUE when well-credentialed scientists cannot make prediction better than a dart-flinging monkey, what is an intellectually challenged elected official to do?…the answer is to panic and makes edicts that are then overturned time and again because most politicians are literally in way over their heads?… the official position of seemly of some government officials has gone from “Corona will never come to so please come visit us for a virus-safe holiday” to “wear a mask but we are not going to do anything about it if you don’t”? …the litany of inconsistencies has shaken people’s faith in the ability of government to know right from left or up from down?
IS IT TRUE that one of the most serious impending health crises facing America today is the possibility of the reemergence of the COVID-19 virus?  …that we hope that the majority of our elected officials and medical experts are prepared for this possible impending health crisis?
IS IT TRUE that we are proud of the success of the Ivy Tech LPN Nursing students because every year they achieve an extremely high pass rate for their LPN State tests? …We want to congratulate Ivy Tech-Evansville Administration, faculty, and staff for preparing the LPN student to pass these extremely challenging test?
IS IT TRUE when small-town politicians who preside over an increasing crime rate and a mediocre economy they get attention, every politician who rides in parades hearing “Hail to the Chief” in their mind catches “Buttigieg Derangement Syndrome”?…we hope that this political disorder won’t be contagious enough to infect the thinking of a few current local elected officials?
IS IT TRUE that the CCO gives five (5) cheers to the Local Teamsters 215 for establishing the Taft-Hartley Scholarship Fund? Â That since 1998, the fund has awarded many millions of dollars in Scholarships to deserving students?
IS IT TRUE that we wonder what the Board Of Directors of the Evansville Museum has done with the multi-million dollar “PICASSO On Glass” painting?
If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us at City-County Observer@live.com

Vanderburgh County Political Parties Elect Leadership

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A who’s who of local politics gathered Saturday morning to determine who will lead the local parties for the next four years. It was “Reorganization Day,” and each party held its own meeting to vote on a county chairman, vice chair, secretary, and treasurer to serve a four-year term.

The Democrats presented a united front and reelected their central committee members without contested races. In a room filled with political luminaries, including Mayor Stephanie Terry, Sheriff Noah Robinson, and some city council members, the Democrats cast their votes to keep Cheryl Schultz as Chair, James Powell as Vice Chair, Ann Wallis as Treasurer, and Shannon Dierlam as Secretary.

The GOP lacked a sense of harmony, so two sheriff’s deputies watched over the gathering “just in case.” The day was peaceful, with not a single argument breaking out.

The Republican gathering was attended by 212 precinct committeemen (PCs) and their vice PCs, about 80 percent of the PCs in the party. It was more than double the turnout from the 2021 Reorganization Day. Interest ran high for this caucus after the past four years marked by GOP infighting.

Last year, conservatives in the party actively recruited candidates to run for PC and convention delegate positions. The result was a record number of PC candidates on the May ballot. Conservative activists Ken Colbert and Cheryl Batteiger-Smith recruited many of those candidates. GOP Chairman Mike Duckworth contested some of the candidates under what is referred to as the “two primary rule”. Colbert and Batteiger-Smith became very vocal critics of Duckworth’s actions.

After the May primary, when the PCs were elected, Duckworth removed Colbert, Batteiger-Smith and former mayoral candidate Michael Daugherty from their elected positions as PCs. Colbert vowed to have Duckworth removed as county chairman.

Colbert and other Duckworth detractors decided to wait until Reorganization Day to get a candidate to their liking into the office. That candidate was a Frank Peterlin, a conservative Christian with plenty of political experience. Running with Perterlin were Lauren Bell, Walter Valiant, and Brian Pease.

Evansville pastor Steve Ary was next to throw his hat in the arena. Steve ran against Duckworth four years ago and lost by a handful of votes. Ary did not recruit a slate of candidates for the other seats in the committee, opting instead to work with anyone that gets elected to the central committee.

Kyhle Moers, husband of Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Diana Moers, assembled a slate of candidates that includes the incumbent vice chair of the party and Vanderburgh County Clerk Dottie Thomas, Joe Kratochville, and former mayor and current county recorder Russ Lloyd, Jr.

Colbert was confident that the “America First Team” led by Peterlin would win, but Dottie Thomas and Mike Duckworth found at least 25 PC or vice PC positions open and they could fill those positions with anyone they wish. Adding those additional PCs with voting rights in the caucus would end up having a huge impact on the outcome of the vote.

With three candidates running for chair, many people expected the outcome of the first ballot would not give any candidate a clear majority, forcing a runoff vote. But, on the first ballot, Steve Airy had 36 votes, Frank Peterlin had 64, and a clear majority of 112 votes went to Kyhle Moers.

Moers’ slate of candidates all won, Dottie Thomas, Vice-Chair; Joe Kratochvil, Secretary; and Russ Lloyd Jr, Treasurer.

Moers says that he will be focused on unifying the party.

The Word in 120: Tame Your Tongue

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By Jerome Stewart

There is a real need today to lower the temperature of the words coming out of our mouths. Words that promote division can be harmful instead uplifting to the hearers of them. The constant anger on display today is doing irreparable harm to our children. The 800 pound gorilla in the room today is that notorious tongue.

In this country today, we must re-think how we talk to one another or else all kinds of un-godly behavior will escalate. There are great words of wisdom throughout the bible on how we are to treat one another. James chapter 3 vs. 5 says; “the tongue is a little member and boast great things.” Vs. 8 says’ “But no one can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” It cannot be overstated that divisive talk today needs to take a prolong vacation. Somebody needs to be willing to speak words that are tender, soft and easy on our hearing, words that edify. There are great people doing great things, so there is good happening today. But we hear too much noise! We need to stop and think before we speak.

James addressed the general congregation of believers. He asked a very important question to be pondered in vs. 11 saying; “Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?” The answer is no. Vs. 12 he says “Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.” Matthew chapter 7 vss. 15 thru 17 Jesus says; “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” Paul said to the brethren (that’s church folk) in Ephesians chapter 4 vss. 29 thru 31; “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

Gogel selected as USI Director of Development 

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Gogel selected as USI Director of Development

Taylor Gogel has been named Director of Development at the University of Southern Indiana, effective March 3. He has served as Assistant Director of Development since 2020. Gogel will report to Andrea Gentry, Vice President for Development and President of the USI Foundation.

In this role, Gogel will plan, manage and direct development efforts in collaboration with USI funding priorities and will collaborate with the appropriate personnel for various projects and events. He will also serve as a primary gift officer for major, leadership and deferred gifts.

Gogel is a proud two-time alumnus of USI. Immediately after obtaining his undergraduate degree, he began working for the Green River Area Development District in Owensboro, Kentucky. In 2016, he began his first role at the USI Development Office as Annual Giving Officer. He serves on the board of directors for the Rotary Club of Evansville and previously held board memberships and volunteer service roles at the Potter’s Wheel Ministries, Vanderburgh County Community Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee and the Donor Relations Committee at the Arc of Evansville.

Gogel earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2013 and a master’s degree in public administration in 2019, both from USI.

Indiana Grown Symposium welcomes agriculture focused businesses for one-day training event

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Indiana Grown Symposium welcomes agriculture focused businesses for one-day training event

INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 27, 2025) —Indiana Grown , the Indiana State Department of Agriculture’s local marketing initiative, will be hosting a day-long conference focused on educational seminars for Indiana’s food and farming businesses.

The event is March 18, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds (1900 E. Main St., Danville, IN 46122). Registration is $45 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Interested businesses and Indiana Grown members have until March 12 to register for the event at indianagrown.org.

Businesses do not have to be an Indiana Grown member to attend. A networking and social hour will occur from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to ensure businesses have the opportunity to connect and learn from each other.

This event is an opportunity for agribusiness operators, food system advocates, agricultural agencies and others who want to develop and expand their business and brand. The symposium provides numerous educational sessions on marketing and advertising, growth through food safety, perfecting your sales pitch, defining your brands story and much more.

Attendees could include small agribusinesses looking to expand their products into new markets, businesses interested in social media and marketing expertise, creating a memorable guest experience, operator liability, consumer trends and much more.

“Indiana Grown is thrilled to be hosting our third Indiana Grown Symposium and to be opening this event to all business owners looking for support as they continue to expand,” said Caroline Patrick, Indiana Grown Director. “This is a great opportunity to connect with different business owners, top experts in their fields and engaging  presenters. This is a one-of-a-kind event for Hoosier agribusinesses, and we are so excited to gather for continued learning and networking.”

Featured speakers include:

  • Jay Chaudhary, Sagamore Institute
  • Brianna Schroeder, Janzen Schroeder Ag Law
  • Sam Sandala, Dittoe Public Relations
  • Dana Dull, Dull’s Tree Farm
  • Dr. Loi Hoagland, Purdue University
  • Renee Evans, GM Production Solutions
  • Sustainability Panel moderated by Brent Kumfer
  • Sharon Pattee, Indiana Department of Health
  • Todd Rimer, Element 212
  • Madison Mehringer, Food and Entrepreneur Manufacturing Institute
  • Donniella Winchell, Ohio Wine Producers
  • Rocky Walls, 12 Stars Media
  • Stephanie Bossung, New Point Marketing

Including representatives from:

  • Indiana State Department of Agriculture
  • Indiana Farm Bureau
  • Indiana Small Business Development Corporation
  • Indiana Destination Development Corporation
  • Veterans IN Farming
  • USDA
  • Indiana Grown for Schools
  • Fairs and Festivals
  • Farm Service Agency
  • Optiviz Media
  • Indiana Produce Safety
  • ###

ABOUT INDIANA GROWN
Indiana Grown is administered by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture in partnership with the lieutenant governor’s office. The initiative educates consumers on the importance of buying Indiana Grown products, helps Indiana farmers and producers sell more products and supports Indiana businesses in their efforts to process more Indiana Grown products. Indiana Grown members and partners include farmers, producers, processors and artisans, as well as retailers, grocers, hospitals and restaurants. For more information, visit indianagrown.org.

CenterPoint Energy adds advanced mobile leak detection technology

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CenterPoint Energy adds advanced mobile leak detection technology

Story by CenterPoint Energy 

Evansville, Ind.– CenterPoint Energy continues to deploy advanced gas leak technology to detect methane in the air more quickly and accurately than ever before. The Picarro Advanced Mobile Leak Detection System, a state-of-the-art vehicle-mounted technology, allows CenterPoint crews to find and fix potential natural gas leaks faster, reducing methane emissions and enhancing system safety.  

The company was one of the first utilities in the country to adopt the Picarro technology, piloting its use in Minnesota and Texas in 2013. Now, the company operates one of the world’s largest fleets, with units across the company’s six-state natural gas footprint. Alongside other modernization initiatives, the Picarro system reflects CenterPoint’s investment in innovative technology that strengthens safety, reliability and sustainability. 

The Picarro Surveyor is 1,000 more times sensitive than traditional leak detection methods, identifying methane emissions at parts per billion (PPB) levels rather than parts per million (PPM). The increased sensitivity of this technology enables crews to pinpoint issues earlier, allowing for faster mitigation and repair of potential natural gas leaks. 

“This technology allows us to detect potential leaks with greater precision and speed, strengthening the safety of our system and is one of the many ways that we’re investing in keeping natural gas in the pipe and out of the air,” said Richard Leger, CenterPoint’s Senior Vice President, Natural Gas Business. “We’re continuing to advance innovative solutions to provide safe, reliable service that benefits our customers and the communities we’re privileged to serve.” 

What this means for customers and communities 

By allowing potential leaks to be detected and addressed faster, the Picarro system not only enhances safety and reduces the risk of service interruptions, but it also plays a critical role in reducing methane emissions, also improving environmental sustainability. As part of its broader efforts to modernize the natural gas system, CenterPoint is working toward lowering methane emissions by approximately 33% by 2035 from a 2021 baseline. These advancements strengthen system reliability today while also supporting a more sustainable energy future for customers and communities. 

How the technology works 

The Picarro system uses advanced analytics and real-time monitoring to enhance leak detection and response through: 

·         Faster, more accurate detection: The Picarro system continuously scans air samples while a vehicle follows a designated route, typically at night when atmospheric conditions allow for a higher degree of accuracy. 

·         Pinpointing potential issues, reducing disruptions: The system logs indications of emissions release, allowing field crews to conduct targeted inspections, determine if a leak exists and make necessary repairs, as needed, with minimal impact to customers. 

·         Smarter, more reliable infrastructure: By reducing methane emissions and improving maintenance efficiency, Picarro plays a role in system reliability and helping CenterPoint to continue delivering safe and dependable service for customers. 

For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Picarro. 

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