EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Softball grabbed a 4-1 win against Butler University on Wednesday, as early offense and solid pitching led the Screaming Eagles to the midweek victory.
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With Wednesday’s win, USI improved to 15-17 on the season. Out of the Big East Conference, Butler dropped to 15-24 overall.
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The Screaming Eagles had a fast start to Wednesday’s contest, receiving solid defense and early scoring. To end the top of the first inning, sophomore outfielder Kennedy Nalley (Huntingburg, Indiana) made a highlight catch, and the momentum carried into USI’s first at-bats in the bottom of the first. Junior outfielder Mackenzie Bedrick (Brownsburg, Indiana) and Nalley led off USI’s half of the first with back-to-back singles. Two batters later, junior first baseman Lexi Fair (Greenwood, Indiana) doubled to right-center field to score both runners and give Southern Indiana an early 2-0 advantage.
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Through four innings, USI doubled its lead to 4-0. Bedrick and senior Allie Goodin (Evansville, Indiana) tacked on RBIs in the second and fourth frames, respectively. Freshman pitcher Raegan Gibson (Louisville, Kentucky) made her first career start for USI, hurling four shutout innings with three strikeouts and only two hits allowed. Gibson picked up her first career win.
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Butler scored its only run in the sixth inning, as USI locked down the game the rest of the way. Freshman pitcher Kylie Eads (Indianapolis, Indiana) finished the game after coming in for Gibson. Eads received her second save of the season after going three innings, giving up one unearned run and only one hit, and striking out a batter.
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Offensively, Bedrick went 2-for-2 with a run and an RBI for USI. Fair had two RBIs on the double. Seven other Screaming Eagles tallied a hit in the game.
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For Butler, senior pitcher Mackenzie Griman dropped to 7-11 on the season with the loss, surrendering two runs off three hits in her only inning of work in the first inning.
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The Screaming Eagles continue their four-game homestand Saturday and Sunday, taking on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in Ohio Valley Conference action from USI Softball Field. Saturday’s doubleheader starts at 1 p.m., and Sunday’s series finale is scheduled for a 12 p.m. first pitch. Admission to all 2023 USI Softball home spring games is free, courtesy of The Women’s Hospital Deaconess.
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All three games can be seen with a subscription to ESPN+ and heard on The Spin 95.7 FM. Additional coverage links are on the USI Softball schedule page on usiscreamingeagles.com.
Strong pitching, early scoring leads USI to win over Butler
Gov. Beshear’s Request for Federal Disaster Declaration in 76 Kentucky Counties Approved by President Biden
Gov. Beshear’s Request for Federal Disaster Declaration in 76 Kentucky Counties Approved by President Biden
FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 12, 2023) – Gov. Andy Beshear announced that on Monday, President Joe Biden approved his initial request for federal aid to assist with recovery efforts in 76 counties adversely affected by severe storms in early March.
“We thank the President and the federal government for once again coming to the aid of our commonwealth in the wake of severe weather,†Gov. Beshear said.
All reported storm damage from the 76 counties has been verified by Kentucky Emergency Management and validated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to confirm eligibility based on county-specific thresholds. Several counties are still undergoing the verification and validation process. Once damage assessments are complete and eligibility is determined, additional counties may be added to the federal declaration.
Federal funding is available to the commonwealth, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides.
The counties covered by the initial approval are Adair, Allen, Anderson, Barren, Bourbon, Breckenridge, Bullitt, Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Casey, Christian, Clark, Clay, Crittenden, Cumberland, Daviess, Edmonson, Estill, Floyd, Franklin, Gallatin, Garrard, Grant, Graves, Grayson, Green, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Hart, Henry, Hopkins, Hickman, Jackson, Jessamine, Johnson, LaRue, Laurel, Lee, Lincoln, Livingston, Logan, Lyon, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Martin, McCracken, McLean, Meade, Menifee, Metcalfe, Monroe, Muhlenberg, Nelson, Nicholas, Ohio, Owen, Owsley, Powell, Robertson, Rockcastle, Simpson, Spencer, Taylor, Todd, Trigg, Trimble, Union, Warren, Washington, Webster, Whitley and Wolfe.
On March 3, the Governor declared a state of emergency in advance of severe storms that were forecast to cross the commonwealth. The storms, which produced violent thunderstorms, dangerous winds, flooding and several small tornadoes, killed five Kentuckians.
More information regarding the federal response can be found on the FEMA website.
MAY 2023 HAPPENINGS AT BALLY”S
MAY 2022 HAPPENINGS
- 24-HOUR CASINO. MUST BE 21 TO PLAY. PROMOTIONAL RULES AND CONDITIONS APPLY. BALLY’S EVANSVILLE ENCOMPASSES 45,000 SQUARE FEET OF GAMING SPACE FEATURING OVER 950 SLOT GAMES AND OVER 30 LIVE AND ELECTRONIC TABLE GAMES
- TWO FIRST-CLASS HOTELS
- THREE DINING OPTIONS
- THREE BARS
PROMOTIONS MAY GIFT GIVEAWAYS
Qualified, invited Bally Rewards Members receive a choice of Free Gift(s) or Free Slot Play.
Wednesday, May 3 – Better Homes & Garden 61″ Floor Lamp
Thursday, May 4 - Choice of Marathon, Walmart, Amazon, Texas Roadhouse, Macy’s, VISA Gift Card
Saturday, May 6 – 3-Piece Luggage Set
Wednesday, May 10 – 12-Piece Airtight Food Storage Container Set
Thursday, May 11 - Choice of Marathon, Walmart, Amazon, Texas Roadhouse, Macy’s, VISA Gift Card
Wednesday, May 17 – Wristlet Wallet or Bake N Take
Thursday, May 18 - Choice of Marathon, Walmart, Amazon, Texas Roadhouse, Macy’s, VISA Gift Card
Sunday, May 21 – Gift Giveaway Blowout – Choose from a variety of Gifts
Wednesday, May 24 – Sleep Mask or Stanley Tools
Thursday, May 25 - Choice of Marathon, Walmart, Amazon, Texas Roadhouse, Macy’s, VISA Gift Card
Wednesday, May 31 – Dish Rack
 BALLY BUCKS MULTIPLIER
Each Monday in May • All day! 12 Midnight – 11:59 PM CT
Open to qualified Bally Rewards Members. Swipe your Bally Rewards card at any promotional kiosk before playing to multiply your points! Play your favorite casino games with your Bally Rewards card inserted in the machine to earn 3X Multiplier toward your Bally Bucks.
BALLY’S HARD ROCK CASINO, BILOXI TRIP GIVEAWAY
Friday, May 5 from 5 PM – 9 PM CT
Open to qualified Bally Rewards Members.
Invited players register with a Casino Promotions Representative to pick up their Trip Voucher.
DERBY BONUS CASH
Friday, May 5 – Sunday, May 7
Qualified and invited Bally Rewards Members will bring their Bonus Free Play Offers ($25 – $100) to the Players Club for redemption.
$10,000 JACKPOT PARTY
Sunday, May 7
Open to Bally Rewards Members who received a Jackpot of $1,200 or more between January 1, 2020 – May 6, 2023. Invited guests check-in and activate their entries at any promotional kiosk on May 7, between 11 AM – 1:30 PM. Drawings will be held from the Players Club. Five names will be drawn every half hour from 2PM to 3:30PM. Each winner receives $500 in Free Slot Play.
PICK A CHIP
Tuesdays, May 9 and 23, from 6 AM – 12 AM CT
Qualified and invited Bally Rewards Members swipe their card at any Promotional Kiosk to see how much Free Slot Play they have won, from $5, $10, $25, or $500.
$20,000 JACKPOT PARTY
Wednesday, May 10
Open to Bally Rewards Members who received a Jackpot of $1,200 or more between January 1, 2020 – May 9, 2023. Invited guests check in and activate their entries at any promotional kiosk on May 10, between 4:30PM – 6:30PM. Drawings will be held from the Players Club. Five names will be drawn every half hour from 7PM to 8:30PM. Each winner receives $1,000 in Free Slot Play.
$7,500 BLOOMING BUCKS FREE SLOT PLAY DRAWING
Friday, May 12
Open to all Bally Rewards Members.
On Friday, May 12, receive 1 printed entry by checking in at any promotional kiosk any time between 2 PM CT – 9:25 PM. Deposit your printed entry into the drawing bin located at the Players Club. The drawing bin will be closed 5 minutes prior to each drawing time and will close at 9:25 PM. From 6 PM – 9:30 PM, 1 winner every 15 minutes will receive $500 Free Slot Play.
JACKPOT BONUS OFFER
Friday and Saturday, May 12 and 13, from 5 PM – 12 AM, and Sunday, May 14, from 8 AM – 5 PM.
Open to qualified, invited Bally Rewards Members. Legend, Superstar, and Star Bally Rewards members who win a Jackpot of $1,200 or more will be extended a Bonus Free Slot Play reward. $300 for Legend Tier, $150 for Superstar Tier, and $100 for Star Tier.
CARNIVAL CRUISE GIVEAWAY
Saturday, May 13 from 5 PM – 9 PM CT and Sunday, May 14 from 12 PM – 3 PM CT.
Qualified and invited Bally Rewards Members visit the Bally’s Evansville Executive Conference Center Mezzanine on Level 2 and register with a Casino Promotions Representative to pick up their Carnival Cruise Gift Voucher.
$5,000 MONEY MAYHEM FREE SLOT PLAY DRAWING
Friday, May 19
Open to all Bally Rewards Members.
On Friday, May 19, receive 1 printed entry by checking in at any promotional kiosk any time between 2 PM CT – 9:40 PM. Deposit your printed entry into the drawing bin located at the Players Club. The drawing bin will be closed 5 minutes prior to each drawing time and will close at 9:40 PM. From 5 PM – 9:45 PM, 1 winner every 15 minutes will receive $250 Free Slot Play.
BIG, BIGGER, BIGGEST TV GIVEAWAY
Friday and Saturday, May 19 & 20
Open to all Bally Rewards Members.
Players may earn entries from 6 AM CT on May 19 – 7:30 PM on Saturday, May 20
30 Reward Points = 1 Entry • Legend = 5X Daily • Superstar = 3X Daily • Star = 2X Daily
Prize Drawings will be held on Saturday, May 20. To be eligible for the Drawings, players must check in and activate their entries any time between 5 PM – 7:30 PM on May 20. Drawing is at 7:30 PM and winners will be announced at 8:30 PM. 50 players win a TV plus $100 Free Slot Play. Thirty-Five 43″ TV Winners. Ten 55″ TV Winners. Five 70″ TV Winners.
$20,000 JACKPOT PARTY
Friday, May 26
Open to Bally Rewards Members who received a Jackpot of $1,200 or more between January 1, 2020 – May 25, 2023. Invited guests check in and activate their entries at any promotional kiosk on May 26, between 6 PM – 8 PM. Drawings will be held from the Players Club. Five names will be drawn every half hour from 8:30 PM to 10 PM. Each winner receives $1,000 in Free Slot Play.
$3 MILLION MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND DRAWING
Friday, May 26 – Sunday, May 28
Open to all Bally Rewards Members.
Players earn entries by playing casino games from 6 AM on May 26 – 5 PM on Sunday, May 28. Check-in at any promotional kiosk between 3 PM – 5 PM. Drawings for Free Slot Play prizes up to $1,000. Three guests will each play for a chance to win $10,000, $20,000 or a $1 Million cash prize. Drawings start at 5:30 PM from the Players Club. Must be present to win.
MONTHLY EMAIL DRAWING
Bally Rewards Members submit their email addresses to enter a monthly drawing for $1,000 Bonus Free Slot Play.
BALLY’S BIG SPLASH
Open to all Bally Rewards Members. Bally’s Evansville & Bally Play have teamed up to give you the chance to win a Norwegian Cruise for 2 or $500 Free Slot Play. Visit BallysEvansville.com for complete details and a link to enter for a chance to win.
NEW SLOT GAMING PRODUCT
- New Wheel of Fortune themes
- Prosperity Link
NEW ELECTRONIC TABLE GAMES
- Double Wheel Roulette
- Bubble Craps
DINING, SPECIALS, AND HAPPY HOURS
TAP HOUSE BURGER OF THE MONTH – Brisket Patty Melt – $14
Smash burger patty topped with smoked brisket, cheddar cheese, caramelized onion, and BBQ aioli on Texas Toast.
TAP HOUSE BEER OF THE MONTH – SHINER BOCK – $5.50 Pint
This Bock has a creamy malt flavor that balances the tenderness of brisket. The warm and toasty flavors of this beer accent the brisket to make for an unforgettable meal.
Wednesday, May 10 is National Shrimp Day!
Receive $2.00 Off the Crispy Fried Shrimp entree at Tap House. Dine-In only.
LEGENDARY CELEBRATION
Legend Club Members receive complimentary appetizers and alcohol each Friday from 5 PM-9PM at Cavanaugh’s On the River.
PREMIUM WEEKEND PARTY
Legend Club Members receive complimentary drinks from 7 PM-12 AM at the High Limit Bar on Fridays and Saturdays.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
THE PIANO BAR AT CAVANAUGH’S ON THE RIVER – The casual, upscale atmosphere of the Piano Bar is the ideal place to enjoy live regional entertainment on Thursdays from 6 PM-9 PM and on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 PM-10 PM CT.
May 4 – Andrea Wirth
May 5 – Bob Green
May 6 – Bob Green
May 11 – Andrea Wirth
May 12 – Bob Green
May 13 – Bob Green
May 14 – Bob Green
May 18 – Andrea Wirth
May 19 – Jed Demlow
May 20 – Jed Demlow
May 25 – Andrea Wirth
May 26 – The Honey Vines
May 27 – Bob Green
NIGHTLIFE
Place sporting wagers at our Sportsbook and sit back and watch all the hottest football games and sporting events on our many flat-screen TVs in the Sportsbook Lounge, 24-hour Casino, and at Tap House.
MEETINGS AND GROUPS
Whether you’re planning a small business meeting or a large wedding, the Bally’s Evansville Convention Services Team is ready to work with you to create a customized event. Event spaces include Hotel Meeting Rooms, Conference Center, Riverfront Event Center, outdoor Events Plaza, and Riverfront Overlook. Visit www.ballysevansville.com
About Bally’s Evansville
Bally’s Evansville is a multi-million-dollar entertainment complex located on the scenic banks of the Ohio River in southwestern Indiana. The single-level casino encompasses 45,000 square feet of gaming space featuring over 950 slot games, over 30 live and electronic table games and a High Limit Room. Accommodations include a 243-room hotel tower and a 95-room boutique hotel. The property also includes a sports book, three dining options, three bars, a conference center, a riverfront event center, and a 1,660-vehicle attached parking garage.
About Bally’s Corporation
Bally’s Corporation is a global casino-entertainment company with a growing omnichannel presence of Online Sports Betting and iGaming offerings. It currently owns and manages 15 casinos across 10 states, a horse racetrack in Colorado, and has access to OSB licenses in 18 states. It also owns Bally’s Interactive International, formerly Gamesys Group, a leading, global, online gaming operator, Bally Bet, a first-in-class sports betting platform and Bally Casino, a growing casino platform.
With 10,500 employees, Bally’s casino operations include approximately 15,000 slot machines, 600 table games and 5,300 hotel rooms. Upon completing the construction of a temporary casino facility in Chicago, IL and a land-based casino near the Nittany Mall in State College, PA, Bally’s will own and manage 17 casinos across 11 states. Its shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “BALY”.
Motorists Should Share The Road With Farm EquipmentÂ
 INDIANAPOLIS (April 13, 2023) — Planting season is quickly approaching for Indiana’s 94,000 farmers. With the warm weather and sunshine, Hoosier motorists will also see more large slow-moving farm equipment traveling Indiana’s rural roads and highways.
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Police and Hoosier Ag Today want to encourage motorists to slow down, be alert and be patient on roadways this spring.
“Indiana is the eighth largest farming state in the country and a national leader in the production of traditional row crops like corn and soybeans,†said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Whether you live in rural, urban or suburban Indiana, remain alert on the road this spring as you may encounter large farm equipment moving between fields.â€
In 2020 three vehicles were involved in crashes with farm equipment in Indiana which resulted in two deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration*.
“During the spring, Indiana sees a drastic increase of large farm equipment on our rural roads and highways, and it is important for Hoosiers to know how to safely navigate around them,†said Doug Carter, Indiana State Police Superintendent. “Patience, courtesy and understanding, along with the undivided attention of motorists and farmers will help ensure a safe 2023 planting season.
While the term “farm equipment†encompasses a wide range of vehicles, the most common types motorists will encounter during planting season include sprayers, tractors pulling planters or tillage equipment, and large trucks hauling agricultural products. These vehicles are wide, sometimes taking up most of the road, and often travel at speeds no greater than 25 mph.
The following list includes several safety tips for motorists approaching large farm equipment:
- Farmers will pull over when they are able to let motorists pass, but it may take time for them to get to a safe place to do so.
- Be patient. Farm equipment is wide, sometimes taking up most of the road.
- Be careful when passing. Do not pass in a designated “No Passing Zone†or within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevation structure or tunnel.
- Do not try to pass slow-moving farm equipment on the left without ensuring that the farmer driving is not planning a left turn. It may appear that the driver is pulling over to allow a pass when the farmer is actually preparing to turn. You will drive right into its path, endangering yourself and the farmer.
- Avoid tailgating, as some farm equipment might have to make sudden stops along the road.
- Allow plenty of time to get to a destination, be aware of alternate routes and avoid distractions.
Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb wants to remind motorists that farmers work hard to ensure they are being as safe as possible.
“Indiana’s corn and soybeans are utilized for a magnitude of products we depend on every day, such as food products like corn chips and sweeteners, livestock feeds so we can enjoy our favorite meats, fuel for our cars and more,†said Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “It is critical that farmers get their crops planted in a timely manner to ensure a successful crop. If you encounter farm equipment on the roads, be patient and courteous so everyone can make it home safely to their families.â€
Vincennes University’s Annual “Blazers Give Day” is April 13
WHAT: The Vincennes University community will come together for the 3rd annual Blazers Give Day on Thursday, April 13, 2023.
The 24-hour day of giving celebrates the Trailblazer spirit and gives VU supporters an opportunity to make a difference that carries forward each and every day.
Media members are invited to cover the event, including the President’s Social at 11:30 a.m. (ET) at the Intramural Fields on the Vincennes Campus between Jefferson Student Union and Tecumseh Dining Center.
Executive Director of VU Foundation and Senior Director of Advancement Kristi Deetz is available for interviews. Other members of the Foundation will be available for interviews as well.
Giving information can be found at vinu.edu/blazersgive
WHEN: The campaign last 24 hours. It begins Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 12 a.m. ET and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET.
WHERE:Â Media should park in the lot east of the Technology Center (1300 N. Chestnut St.) or the lots near Tecumseh Dining Center (15 E. Rosedale).
NOTE:Â To find community businesses supporting Blazers Give Day visit:Â https://www.facebook.
MIDWEST FOOTBALL ACADEMY DEVELOPMENT BUILD CHARACTERS AND TALENT
MIDWEST FOOTBALL ACADEMY DEVELOPMENT BUILDS CHARACTER AND TALENT
(FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE MIDWEST FOOTBALL ACADEMY CLICK THE LINK BELOW)
NRCS Announces $75 Million to Assist Producers Transitioning to Organic Production
WASHINGTON, April 10, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced details around its $75 million investment in conservation assistance for producers transitioning to organic production. As part of the multi-agency Organic Transition Initiative (OTI), USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will dedicate financial and technical assistance to a new organic management standard and partner with new organic technical experts to increase staff capacity and expertise. Â
The investment, which includes funds from the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), will help build new and better markets and income streams, strengthen local and regional food systems and increase affordable food supply for more Americans, while promoting climate-smart agriculture and ensuring equity for all producers. Â
“Producers transitioning to organic can count on NRCS for assistance through the process,†said NRCS Chief Terry Cosby. “By strengthening our technical proficiency and providing technical and financial assistance through new tools and practices, we can better support producers through the challenges of organic transition.â€â€¯â€¯Â
Direct Farmer Assistance
NRCS will dedicate $70 million to assist producers with a new organic management standard under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).   Â
NRCS will help producers adopt the new organic management standard, which allows flexibility for producers to get the assistance and education they need such as attending workshops or requesting help from experts or mentors. It supports conservation practices required for organic certification and may provide foregone income reimbursement for dips in production during the transition period.
Higher payment rates and other options are available for underserved producers including socially disadvantaged, beginning, veteran, and limited resource farmers and ranchers.   Â
How to Apply Â
Eligible producers include farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, and other producers beginning or in the process of transitioning to organic certification. Â
NRCS will announce state-specific deadlines later this year, after which producers can apply through NRCS at their local USDA Service Center. Â
Notice of Funding for Seven New Positions Â
NRCS will dedicate $5 million to partner with six organic technical experts through five-year agreements. The organic experts will develop regional networks and support NRCS staff who provide services to USDA customers. These services include hosting hands-on organic training and fielding organic-related staff questions. One organic research position will support this network.  Â
NRCS will post a Notice of Funding Opportunity on grants.gov this week, which outlines requirements for proposals from regional organizations and partners. Â Â
About the Organic Transition Initiative  Â
These NRCS investments are part of the OTI, a multi-agency $300 million effort to support organic and transitioning producers. OTI also includes farmer-to-farmer mentoring, direct support for crop insurance, and market development projects. Â
In addition to NRCS, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and Risk Management Agency (RMA) are the primary agencies supporting OTI and are closely collaborating on implementation. As part of OTI’s cross-agency coordination, NRCS organic specialists will be closely connected with the AMS Transition to Organic Partnership Program regional partners, to align and share resources and best practices. NRCS and AMS’s National Organic Program also plan to coordinate data collection activities, to prevent transitioning farmers from having to submit duplicative information as much as possible. AMS will also soon announce a funding program to support the creation of new and improved markets for domestically produced organic products and provide critical companion resources to existing and transitioning organic producers.    Â
RMA reminds producers interested in the Transitional and Organic Grower Assistance Program, also part of OTI, to visit with their crop insurance agent for more information. Premium benefits for eligible policies will be automatically applied to the producer’s billing statement later this year.
USI engineering students build prototypes for new patented medical device
In 2019, Steven Stump, Director of the Center for Applied Research at the University of Southern Indiana, was contacted by Morgan Miller, an Indiana University alumna working to develop a medical device to make patients more comfortable while staying in the hospital. The device helps patient care technicians turn patients on the bed more safely and comfortably.
Stump assisted Miller in applying for a grant through the Indiana Technical Assistance Program (INTAP), which helps fund startups and entrepreneurs in the state of Indiana. After Miller received the INTAP two years in a row, Stump connected her with a group of USI engineering students and a USI alum to help build the devices’ first prototypes.
USI’s Center for Applied Research (CAR), an outreach program, served as Miller’s point of contact at USI and coordinated the project with both internal and external partners. CAR helps to connect businesses with University resources, including access to 600 faculty members, four Colleges and 70 academic programs. The Center also helps individuals, organizations, and communities become more successful through product development, market research, organizational strategies, environmental studies and more.
CAR Student Project Technicians, Aven Kimmel ‘22, Josh Thurman ‘24 and Hagan Hollinger ‘24 designed the electronic system and user interface, as well as the housing for all the components. For custom parts not commercially available, the student technicians designed and 3D-printed components in USI’s Applied Engineering Center. Custom software and firmware were written to allow user control of each device, and the straps for the cushion were sewn on by members of USI’s Theater Support department.
Hollinger, the primary electrical engineer on the project, knew the opportunity could contribute to his professional growth. “This project was challenging, but very rewarding,†she says. “I was able to apply a lot of concepts I learned in my classes, but I also had to do a lot of independent research. Because of this, I was able to grow a lot as a student and as an engineer. I hope I find opportunities to do more microcomputer projects like this one in the future.â€
Marky Lara ‘24, USI engineering major and USI Men’s Soccer player, also assisted in the development of the initial prototypes. Through his internship with Anchor Industries last summer, he was able to assist in the manufacturing of the inflatable cushions that allow the device to turn the patient.
Miller credits working with CAR and student project technicians for turning her vision into a reality. She says after searching for months to find a responsive, reliable company to build the prototype, she was introduced to Stump.
“His [Stump’s] passion for his work and willingness to truly listen to my product idea was a breath of fresh air. Within a matter of weeks, he introduced me to his team of students who would be engineering my medical device,†she says. “They were professional and detail oriented. If they had a question, concern or improvement suggestion, it was addressed immediately.â€
The process was not without bumps in the road, though. Miller says as with any prototype process, delays and mistakes occur. But all were handled with grace and efficiency. “I plan to showcase my completed prototypes at Medtrade, a medical conference in Dallas, Texas. Not only will I be able to show functionality of my product, my potential investors and clients will be able to personally test out my device,†she says. “This is all made possible by the team at USI who brought my dream into reality and exceeded my expectations.â€
Miller has a larger vision in mind as she continues this journey. Her ultimate goal is to have a factory in Bloomington, Indiana, where she can manufacture and distribute these products. She wants to employ local Hoosiers who are passionate about changing healthcare and improving the care for vulnerable patients who are at an increased risk of bed sores and pressure ulcers.
Four prototypes were fabricated for Miller, so several units were available for demonstration and solicitation of pre-orders or investments. She received a patent for the new product in January 2023 and is still searching for a licensing deal to help manufacture her product on a larger scale while awaiting FDA-approval.
Tickets Now On Sale For the Evansville Otters
A new season of Evansville Otters baseball is just a month away! Secure your seats for Opening Day when the Otters welcome the reigning West Division champion Washington Wild Things to town on May 12 at 6:35 p.m.
For more information or to purchase tickets, click here, stop by the Evansville Otters front office or call (812) 435-8686.
The City of Evansville packed Bosse Field every night last year, so help us Bring It Back to Bosse in 2023!
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.