BASEBALL ACES HOST SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville baseball team will put its nine-game winning streak on the line on Wednesday night, as the Purple Aces will return home to German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium to host preseason Ohio Valley Conference favorite Southeast Missouri State. First-pitch is set for 6 p.m. and the game can be heard live in the Tri-State area and on-line on 107.1 FM-WJPS and the Old National Bank/Purple Aces Sports Network.
Evansville will enter Wednesday night’s game at 16-7 overall after sweeping its Missouri Valley Conference-opening series at Missouri State over the weekend. The Purple Aces have won nine-straight contests, and 16 out of 18 games overall. UE’s nine-game winning streak entered the week as the fourth-longest active winning streak in Division I baseball, and it moved up one spot on Tuesday afternoon, as Central Connecticut State saw its 10-game streak snapped with a 5-2 loss to Northeastern.
Wednesday night will mark the second time in which UE and SEMO have met this year, as the Purple Aces picked up a 14-8 victory at SEMO on March 1. Six different Purple Aces had multi-hit games that day, and junior catcher Brendan Hord and fifth-year outfielder Danny Borgstrom both had home runs, with Borgstrom launching a grand slam in the win.
Fifth-year first baseman Chase Hug continues to lead the UE offense this year, as he will bring a .422 batting average and .579 on-base percentage into Wednesday night’s contest. Hug ranks in the nation’s top 35 in both categories. Fellow fifth-year outfielder Eric Roberts was named the MVC Player of the Week on Monday, and Roberts currently leads the Valley in home runs (nine), stolen bases (10), runs scored (27) and RBI (32).
Southeast Missouri State will bring a 12-14 overall record into Wednesday’s contest after winning two out of three games at SIU-Edwardsville to open Ohio Valley Conference play. The Redhawks are the preseason favorite to win the OVC, after SEMO won the 2022 OVC Tournament title and participated in the NCAA Regional Tournament. Senior infielder Jevon Mason currently leads the Redhawk attack with a .322 batting average, while senior outfielder Carlos Aranda leads SEMO with six home runs and 20 RBI. Aranda had a grand slam and drove in five runs in the first meeting between the two schools.
Freshman LHP Willard Peterson (0-0, 0.00 ERA) is expected to make his second start of the year for Evansville on Wednesday night. He is expected to be opposed by SEMO LHP Ethan Osborne (2-3, 8.03 ERA).
Senator Braun leads bipartisan bill to remove student loan tax
Senator Braun leads bipartisan bill to remove student loan tax
WASHINGTON – Senators Mike Braun, Kyrsten Sinema, Elizabeth Warren, Josh Hawley, Tim Kaine, Chris Coons, and Chris Van Hollen introduced their bipartisan Student Loan Tax Elimination Act to remove an antiquated tax that adds unnecessary debt to student borrowers and worsens our national debt posture. Representative Lloyd Smucker introduced the companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
“We should do what we can to ease the burden on American students, and removing this unnecessary tax on student borrowers won’t cost a thing. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan bill to eliminate a tax that is not good for borrowers or taxpayers.â€â€”Sen. Braun
“We’re making college more accessible and affordable for Arizona students and their families, who work hard every day to achieve the American Dream.â€â€”Sen. Sinema
“Continuing your education after high school is supposed to be a pathway to economic opportunities, but millions of working people are getting crushed by debt. Eliminating loan origination fees is a common-sense step Congress can take to help alleviate the burden of student debt for American families.â€â€”Sen. Warren
“Too many Americans are already struggling under the burden of student loans – they shouldn’t also face an unnecessary tax on them. Getting rid of this outdated tax is one simple, bipartisan step we can take to ease the burden students face as we work to make college more affordable for everyone.â€â€”Sen. Van Hollen
“Students and parents should fully understand the terms and costs associated with borrowing for their education. Unfortunately, federal loan programs have built in hidden fees and policies which impact students. Loan origination fees are a hidden tax on student loan borrowers which ultimately inflate costs for students. Eliminating this fee would be a step in the direction of lowering the cost of higher education for students across the nation. I appreciate Sen. Braun’s leadership for introducing this legislation in the Senate and I look forward to advancing companion legislation in the House.â€â€”Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11)
Bill text here.
Background
Federal student loans currently contain a hidden tax called an “origination fee.†Origination fees historically existed to offset the costs of private-sector partners that, in the current federal student loan program, no longer originate federal student loans. Before a federal student loan is disbursed, an origination fee is calculated as a tax to the borrower, increasing the overall borrower loan cost. The origination fee is subsequently deducted from the amount actually received by borrower. While a student borrower is given less than their guaranteed loan amount, they are still expected to pay that dollar amount back—with interest. Since private sector partners no longer originate loans, there are not costs to offset, as there were when the fee was established—and this fee is no longer necessary.
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“Toastmasters International” Has Been Helping People Around The World Since 1924
Over the years, the Evansville Number One Club has evolved and grown, but its core mission has remained the same: to provide a supportive and encouraging environment in which individuals can improve their public speaking and leadership skills. Today, the club has members from a wide range of backgrounds and countries of origin.
One of the unique features of the Evansville Number One Club is its commitment to helping members develop their skills through constructive feedback. Every time a member gives a speech or presentation, they are evaluated by a fellow member who provides feedback on their assets and areas for improvement. This process helps members to identify their strengths and weaknesses and to develop strategies for improving their performance.
Another important aspect of the club is its focus on leadership development. Members have the opportunity to take on leadership roles such as serving in a number of club officer positions or meeting roles. These positions provide valuable experience in leadership, organization, and communication that can be applied in many different areas of life.
The benefits of training in public speaking and leadership are numerous and far-reaching. For business professionals, the ability to communicate effectively is essential for success in almost any field. Whether it is delivering a presentation to colleagues, negotiating with clients, or leading a team, strong communication skills are key.
In addition to the practical benefits of public speaking and leadership training, there are also many personal benefits. For many people, public speaking can be a source of anxiety and fear. By learning to speak confidently and effectively in front of others, individuals can develop greater self-confidence and self-esteem. They can also improve their ability to connect with others, whether it is in a social or professional setting.
Finally, public speaking and leadership training can have a positive impact on the community as a whole. When individuals are able to communicate effectively and lead with confidence, they can inspire and motivate others to do the same. This can lead to greater collaboration, innovation, and progress in all areas of life.
The Evansville Number One Club is just one example of the many Toastmasters clubs around the world that are dedicated to helping individuals develop their public speaking and leadership skills. Whether you are a business professional looking to advance your career, a student preparing for a presentation, or simply someone who wants to become a more confident and effective communicator, Toastmasters International offers a supportive and encouraging environment in which to grow and learn.
In conclusion, the Evansville Number One Club is a shining example of the many benefits of training in public speaking and leadership. Through its commitment to constructive feedback, leadership development, and community engagement, the club has helped countless individuals to achieve greater success in their personal and professional lives. If you are interested in improving your communication and leadership skills, I encourage you to consider joining a Toastmasters club in your area. With dedication and practice, you too can become a confident and effective communicator.
If you are interested in learning more about the Evansville Number One Club or joining Toastmasters International, visit their website at 337.toastmastersclubs.org. The Evansville Number One Club welcomes visitors to attend their meetings, which are free and open to the public. By attending a meeting, you can see firsthand what Toastmasters is all about and get a sense of the supportive and encouraging community that the club provides. The club meets at The Carousel Restaurant near Washington Square Mall on the second and fourth Mondays of the month from 6 pm to 7 pm.
If you are ready to take the first step towards improving your public speaking and leadership skills, I encourage you to visit or join Toastmasters today. With dedication and practice, you too can become a confident and effective communicator.”
Let me know what you think.
Thanks!
Matt Um
Tri-State Food Bank Launches Innovative Online Map to Help Connect Neighbors with Food Pantries and Programs
Tri-State Food Bank Launches Innovative Online Map to Help Connect Neighbors with Food Pantries and Programs
New digital tools increase access to food with easy-to-use featuresÂ
Evansville, IN (March 28, 2023) – Tri-State Food Bank (TSFB) announced today the launch of Vivery, an innovative platform and digital map to help families and individuals experiencing food insecurity connect with vital food resources in their community and surrounding areas. The new mobile-friendly map, located on the Tri-State Food Bank website (www.tristatefoodbank.org), increases access to the fresh and nutritious food our neighbors need to thrive.
Tri-State Food Bank works with a network of over 300 food pantries and feeding programs throughout 33 counties in the Tri-State. With the help of volunteers, donors, and member agencies, Tri-State Food Bank distributes over 14 million pounds of perishable and non-perishable foods annually to local individuals, children, and families who face hunger.
The Vivery platform, developed by the Thierer Family Foundation, helps food banks and food pantries remove obstacles preventing neighbors from finding food. Digital features include an interactive online map with a searchable directory of food distribution sites with up-to-date schedules, times, directions, and programs. Tri-State Food Bank’s website allows for users to easily change the language so neighbors can access the food they need in the language they speak. Users can also search by zip code or address to ensure they find the right food at the right time and place.
Glenn Roberts, Executive Director of Tri-State Food Bank, comments, “This interactive, easy-to-use online map will be a powerful tool to help our neighbors in need find food assistance. We hope that by easing a family’s burden of locating food resources they will gain more peace of mind in knowing where their next meal is coming from.â€
Heather Owens, Programs Director of Tri-State Food Bank shares, “Our new online platform, or hub, offers a mobile-friendly map and digital network of food banks and food pantries. Our neighbors will have improved access to vital services in our communities and will be able to see locations near them, their operating days and hours, services offered, documentation required (if any), and much more!”
This project was made possible by the Thierer Family Foundation in partnership with Tri-State Food Bank to ensure people throughout the Tri-State could have equal access to food. The foundation strategically funds innovative technology projects, including Vivery, to modernize access to food and significantly change the way an organization can serve its target audience.
About Tri-State Food Bank
Tri-State Food Bank was established in 1982 and is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to feeding the hungry by soliciting marketable surplus foods and distributing the foods to non-profit agencies, which serve the needy in a 33-county area of the Tri-State. It is also the Tri-State Food Bank’s mission to aid in assisting member agencies in the various programs they sponsor and overseeing their success by serving as a channel for donors to be assured of good warehousing practices, accountability, and equitable distribution within the network of collaborating organizations that are served while educating the public about the problems of hunger. Visit www.tristatefoodbank.org, find us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
About Thierer Family Foundation
The Thierer Family Foundation was founded by Nasrin and Mark Thierer in December 2015, with a mission to increase the impact of nonprofits by helping them leverage technology to be more effective, efficient, and sustainable. The foundation strategically funds innovative technology projects, including Vivery to modernize access to food and significantly change the way an organization can serve its target audience. By investing in technology, the Thierer Family Foundation can greatly impact an organization’s reach, help organizations deliver on their mission, and ultimately serve more people. Their hope is that this approach will pave the way for other funders to see the value of investing in technology within the nonprofit sector. Learn more at https://thiererfamilyfoundation.org/
Second round of USI mountain bike trails set to move forward
The second round of USI mountain bike trails set to move forward
March 29, 202
Trail Heads – Southwest Indiana has successfully raised the 50% matching dollars for a $50,000 Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) grant that will move forward a second phase of trails to be built on the University of Southern Indiana campus.
The project includes construction of a 2.75-mile Campus Loop and 0.5-mile Broadway Connector Trail, as well as trailhead kiosks and trail signage. The new single-track loop, with beginner-level features, will be constructed on more than 30 acres of wooded property adjacent to campus apartments.
With the matching dollars in place, state grant funds are expected to be released later this spring. Brad Scales, Principal of Trelcru Inc., says he expects to begin work on the trails in late summer or early fall.
“We’re excited to see this project funded and able to move forward later this year,†said Jim Wolfe, USI Director of Facility Operations and Planning. “These trails will be a nice addition to our quality-of-life offerings for students and the rest of our campus community, as well as being an outdoor recreation asset we can offer to the local community.â€
USI, in collaboration with Trelcru, recently broke ground on the construction of a one-acre mountain bike park on the west side of the USI campus. The bike park includes three downhill flow trail runs complete with dirt jumps and bermed corners, offering beginner, intermediate and expert level experiences. Funded through a $25,000 grant from the CenterPoint Energy Foundation, these trails are the first dedicated mountain bike trails on campus and are expected to be completed early this spring.
About Trail Heads – Southwest Indiana
Trail Heads – Southwest Indiana is a non-profit organization with 501(c)3 charitable status. Its mission is to develop quality trails and support programs throughout southwest Indiana, including after-school group rides, bike maintenance, and trail work. For more information, please visit trailheadsbike.com.
About Trelcru Inc.
Trelcru Inc. is a trail builder that develops high-quality trails and parks to enhance recreational experiences. From concept to completion and ongoing maintenance, Trelcru helps clients maximize the potential of their land to make the greatest impact in their communities. Trelcru is online at trelcru.com.
About the University of Southern IndianaÂ
Founded in 1965, the University of Southern Indiana enrolls nearly 9,200 dual credit, undergraduate and graduate 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.
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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
Southern Indiana Dance Marathon returns
Southern Indiana Dance Marathon returns April
March 28, 202
Southern Indiana Dance Marathon (SIDM) will return to the University of Southern Indiana for its 11th year on Saturday, April 1. This year’s SIDM will begin at noon Saturday, April 1 and continue until 9 p.m. in the Screaming Eagles Complex (SEC).
SIDM needs support to meet its $62,000 fundraising goal. Its goal represents the 62 children who enter a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital for treatment every minute.
“Southern Indiana Dance Marathon is such a great event and organization to be a part of,” says Maxwell Holder ’25, SIDM Co-President. “By coming together, we can help change the lives of so many in need. Our organization will continue to dance for children who cannot. We will continue to stand with the children and families to make sure they never feel alone.”
USI students and employees can get involved by registering to attend the nine-hour event or by donating. Registration is $25 and includes event entry and snacks/meals for the day. The public is invited to donate. All funds raised go to the Riley Children’s Foundation to support groundbreaking pediatric research, patient programs in need of additional funding, Riley Maternity, and Newborn Health and family support programs, such as child life and social work.
If interested in participating or donating, visit SIDM’s online fundraising page. Contact the SIDM Co-Presidents via email if you know a Riley family with a story to share at this year’s Dance Marathon.