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HOT JOBS
Easily applyShould police misconduct occur, critics say the bill could hinder the public’s ability to witness it
Should police misconduct occur, critics say the bill could hinder the public’s ability to witness it
- By Xain Ballenger
- Mar10, 2023Â
A bill giving police officers authority to order people to stay 25 feet away from the scene of an investigation or face a possible class C misdemeanor, was passed Tuesday, in the Indiana Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee
Howard County Police Capt. Jordan Buckley testifies in support of HB 1186 on Tuesday. Buckley was one of two law enforcement officers who testified in support of the bill.
House Bill 1186 was authored by Rep. Wendy McNamara, R-Evansville and passed the Senate committee, 5-2. It also passed the House 75-20 on Feb. 14. Only five people testified before the committee; three spoke in opposition, while two spoke in support.
Howard County Police Capt. Jordan Buckley was one of two police officers who gave testimony in support of the bill.
Buckley said that with “today’s society†the job of a police officer is “more difficult†than it has ever been in his career. Officers are finding themselves in difficult situations that can deteriorate quickly when the officer’s attention becomes “divided amongst those involved and those not involved in the matter at hand,†he said.
“Everybody wants to have an opinion on the police officer’s actions regardless of their interest in the matter,†he said. People expect officers to “hold court†in the street, Buckley said, and this is an “unsafe practice†that will often escalate situations and lead to further confrontation and possibly the use of force.
Buckley said the 25-foot perimeter wouldn’t be a “tape measure law†but instead would give police officers the “legal authority†to tell people to step back.
Student activist Jason Riley testifies in opposition to HB 1186 on Tuesday. He said the bill would hinder the ability of bystanders to film police officers.
“If someone has a problem, an officer would likely give the person a designated area they can be in—‘Step back to that pole, that tree, against the wall,’ whatever it is,†Buckley said. “If that person refuses and/or continues to close the gap after being told to move, then there are actions that can be taken …
“A police officer needs to be able to focus on the person or persons they are dealing with and not the distractions. … We must not forget that some people are just waiting for that one opportunity to flee or engage in a fist or fire fight.â€
Others testified in opposition to the bill, including Katie Blair, director of advocacy and public policy for the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana and student activist Jason Riley.
Riley said the bill would hinder the ability of bystanders to film police officers and that it could hurt the ability of potential witnesses to police misconduct, but he offered a possible solution.
“One way to fix this is potentially amending it so that it would be illegal for police officers to intentionally prevent bystanders from filming or witnessing,†Riley said.
Rep. Wendy McNamara, R-Evansville, and Sen. Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis, debate HB 1186 on Tuesday in the Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee.
Medical journal The Lancet reported in 2021 that between 1980 and 2018, there were an estimated 30,800 deaths resulting from police violence.
Police Scorecard, a group of data scientists, organizers and others working to create “the first nationwide public evaluation of policing in the United States,†put the number of Indiana deaths from police violence at 165 from 2013 to 2021. The report states that a Black person was more than four times more likely to be killed by police than a white person in the Hoosier state.
With the rapid proliferation of cell phones, bystanders have often filled the role of capturing police misconduct by switching on their cameras when they see police making an arrest. For example, in May 2020, teenager Darnella Frazier recorded the murder of George Floyd, touching off nationwide protests.
This relates to the point that Sen. Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis, made when questioning McNamara. Taylor said that if the George Floyd incident happened in Indiana while this bill was in place, the police could have asked people who were filming to step back 25 feet and perhaps not capture what happened. He pointed out that the video was used in the trials of the officers.
McNamara responded that the bill “would not prevent anybody from doing any filming in this situation whatsoever.â€
Amelia McClure, executive director of the Hoosier State Press Association, told The Statehouse File she has concerns about how the bill could impact Hoosier journalists.
“Any bill that could hinder the public’s access to public officials performing official duties is concerning. It’s always tough to strike a balance between officer safety and accountability, but it is critical that access remains a top priority in those considerations,†McClure said.
“Journalists play a specific role in our democracy—they do not interfere with law enforcement but they do act as the eyes and ears of the people. It is critical that they are allowed to do so.â€
FOOTNOTE: The StateHouse FIle reached out to McNamara for comment but did not hear back by press time.
 This story has been updated to correct the number of people who spoke in support of and in opposition to the bill.Â
Xain Ballenger is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
Five Hoosiers Qualify for NCAA Meet on Day One of Zones Â
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Five Indiana swimming and diving student-athletes punched their tickets to the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships on the first day of the NCAA Zone C Diving Championships on Thursday (March 9) inside the Counsilman-Billingsley Aquatic Center.
Indiana posted the top three qualifiers on the men’s 1-meter springboard and the top two on the women’s 3-meter board to confidently secure their spots in the national meet.
MEN’S 1-METER
For the second straight year, Indiana earned a third of the automatic qualifications in the men’s 1-meter dive. Redshirt senior Andrew Capobianco (790.00) and sophomores Quinn Henninger (744.50) and Carson Tyler (720.60) earned the top spots to clinch their first bids to this year’s national competition. Last season, the trio qualified for all three events before combining for 64 points at the NCAA Championships.
Capobianco led the way with four dives over 70 points, nine dives over 60 and all 12 over 50. The 10-time All-American, two-time NCAA Champion and four-time NCAA medalist will advance to his fifth NCAA meet.
Henninger was consistent over his 12 dives, with only two scoring fewer than 60 points. Tyler, the Big Ten Champion in the event, never made a major error and finished just 1.5 points off his fellow sophomore.
Freshman Maxwell Weinrich also made it to the final in the men’s 1-meter but finished just outside of automatic qualifying position. Needing to finish ninth, he placed 11th with a 648.15. However, with the top-12 finish, Weinrich could still qualify in the 1-meter should he earn an automatic bid in another event this weekend.
WOMEN’S 3-METER
Big Ten 3-meter Champion and junior Anne Fowler (737.90) and sophomore Skyler Liu (698.45) qualified for the national meet on Thursday.
Fowler posted just one dive scoring fewer than 50 points and earned the top qualifying spot by a margin of almost 40 points. The junior was locked in during the final, posting scores of 61.60, 67.20, 58.50, 56.70, 62.00 and 63.00 to secure her bid. Her best dive of the day scored 73.50 points after she executed a 5152B for her final dive in the prelim.
Liu, who, like Fowler, qualified for all three A finals in her debut at Big Tens last month, only tallied two dives scoring less than 50 points. She stuck close to Fowler in the prelim, with dives of 58.50, 60.00, 60.45, 49.30, 64.50 and 61.50.
NCAA ZONE C CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS
MEN’S 1-METER
1. Andrew Capobianco – 790.00 (Automatic Qualifier)
2. Quinn Henninger – 744.50 (Automatic Qualifier)
3. Carson Tyler – 720.60 (Automatic Qualifier)
11. Maxwell Weinrich – 648.15
WOMEN’S 3-METER
1. Anne Fowler – 737.90 (Automatic Qualifier)
2. Skyler Liu – 698.45 (Automatic Qualifier)
15. Megan Carter – 541.65 (Finalist)
19. Morgan Casey – 266.55
27. Margaret Rogers – 258.50
UP NEXT
The men’s and women’s divers will swap boards Friday as they continue their qualification journey. Day two of the NCAA Zone C Diving Championships will kick off at 1 p.m. ET.
JURY FINDS RICHARD THOMAS GUILTY OF CHARGESÂ RELATED TO A SHOOTING AT POLICE FROM A HOTEL ROOM
JURY FINDS RICHARD THOMAS GUILTY OF CHARGESÂ RELATED TO A SHOOTING AT POLICE FROM A HOTEL ROOM
Evansville, IN – Prosecutor Diana Moers announces that, on March 6–8, 2023, the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office successfully prosecuted Richard Howard Thomas, Jr., who shot at law enforcement including Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office
Deputies and an Indiana State Trooper from a hotel room at Quality Inn & Suites in April of 2022.  Upon arrival at the hotel room of the Defendant where a civilian was locked inside, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Jung and Ray and Indiana State Police Trooper Campbell began a stand-off that lasted for hours and where the Defendant discharged his weapon through the door at the officers and the surrounding area 10 times.
Upon arrival, the officers heard civilian Christina Zeller yell from inside a hotel room, “He’s going to kill me.†After hours of negotiations, Defendant surrendered to law enforcement.
Methamphetamine was discovered in the room and the Defendant later admitted to firing at the deputies from inside of the room, that he struck Ms. Zeller in the head, and that he owned the methamphetamine.
The jury found the Defendant guilty of three counts of attempted aggravated battery as a lesser included offense of attempted murder, a Level 3 felony; one count of criminal confinement, a Level 3 felony; one count of possession of methamphetamine, a Level 3 felony; one count of possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, a Level 4 felony; one count of battery by means of a deadly weapon, a Level 5 felony, and one count of criminal recklessness, a Level 6 felony. Thomas also admitted to a felony firearm enhancement.
Prosecutor Moers thanked her Deputies, Joshua Hutcheson and Ian Blair, Detectives Juncker, Toopes, and Budde, the two deputies and the trooper who initially responded to the incident, Deputy Lancaster, and other law enforcement for their diligent efforts in this case. “Our law enforcement bravely charge into situations, as here, where their lives may be in danger,†stated Prosecutor Moers, “We are very pleased to secure convictions that punish those who would harm them. The Prosecutor’s Office firmly believes that any violence toward law enforcement is unacceptable and we will prosecute those cases to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Joshua Hutcheson commended law enforcement for resolving a tense and potentially deadly situation without serious harm occurring to Ms. Zeller or law enforcement: “Justice was achieved today not only for Ms. Zeller but also for themselves.â€
Sentencing is scheduled for March 31, 2023, in front of Magistrate Judge Ryan C. Reed of the Vanderburgh Circuit Court.
The University of Evansville Announces Lineup of Summer Camps
The University of Evansville Announces Lineup of Summer Camps
MARCH 10,2023
EVANSVILLE, IND. Â The University of Evansville (UE) will be providing numerous youth camps during the summer months. Parents can now register their child for any of the camps by visiting evansville.edu/camps. Registration is now open for each camp, with opportunities for financial assistance. The deadline to register for most camps is Wednesday, June 14.
Springboard
Springboard is a four-week, full day summer camp that will serve as a way for high school students to learn about all things college from the different types of colleges to what’s a major and how to choose one. While students are gaining exposure to different aspects of college, they will simultaneously be growing into changemakers by focusing first on self (self-reflection, communication, goal setting, dreaming big) and then on community (team building, paying it forward, making dreams come true while working with the community). Becoming a changemaker in this way will enable students to grow self-confidence and develop skills for a successful future.
Springboard is open to high school students and will be held Monday through Friday, July 5 and ending on July 30, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The cost is $600 and the deadline to register is Wednesday, June 28.
Wesley Shepard Music Camp
The UE Music Conservatory will host a weeklong camp for students entering grades 6-12 from Monday, June 19, through Friday, June 23. Those who have completed at least one year of band, orchestra, piano, private lessons, or similar experience are eligible to attend.
The music camp will include experiences in band, orchestra, and piano. Students will rehearse and perform, receive specialized instruction, learn musicianship skills, and participate in other music-related activities. Lunch will be provided each day in Ridgway University Center. The cost to attend is $250.
STEM Camp
The UE Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics will jointly host a STEM camp for high school students. STEM education includes science, technology, engineering, and math.
Rising students for grades 9-12 are invited to participate in hands-on exploration from June 19-23. The weeklong camp will cover several STEM topics, including energy in molecules, data science, biophysics of drugs, testing for antibiotic-resistant data and more. Participants will also learn about STEM-based career discovery and undergraduate research. The cost of the camp is $250 and will last each day from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Exploring Art at UE
The UE Department of Art is inviting the local youth to make all types of art in the studios on campus. Participants will get to draw, paint, dye, marbleize, and create jewelry alongside art faculty and students. At the end of the camp, students will take home a 106-piece art kit with a built-in easel for future creations.
Exploring Art at UE will be offered the week of June 19-23, and the cost is $175. The camp will be split into two groups: students entering grades 2-5 will meet from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., and those entering grades 6-8 will meet from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m.
Dance Camp
The inaugural Dance Camp will be held from June 19-23, and students in grades 6-12 will have the opportunity to be overnight for the week at UE and learn ballroom, hip hop, modern dance, and more. Ballroom dances will include swing, rumba, foxtrot, and waltz. On the last day, a performance will be held. Campers will also receive in-depth dance lessons, a T-shirt, and breakfast and lunch. The cost of the camp is $300.
Pride Camp
Pride Camp begins on Sunday, June 18 and ends on Saturday, June 24. This camp is for ages 13-17 and participants will spend a week living on campus at the University of Evansville for this first-of-its-kind summer camp! Build lifelong friends with incredible activities throughout the week while learning about social justice and activism. Hear powerful stories of LGBTQ+ history and heroes – and learn how to write your own story your way. The cost for this camp is $700.
Clay Camp
The UE Department of Art will host youth in grades 6-8 in a real ceramic studio to work on clay projects on June 26, July 10, July 17, and July 24. Participants will use clay in a variety of hand building techniques, and experience wheel throwing. Pieces will be kiln fired and then participants will glaze them. Projects will include a slab box, wind chimes, a coil pot, and a slump bowl. This camp costs $150 and will meet from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Journey to Justice
UE is also leading an 8-day Journey to Justice bus tour through cities of the South to explore the history of the civil rights movement. The trip is scheduled for July 10-17 and is open to rising high school juniors and seniors. More information is available at evansville.edu/journeytojustice.
The University strives to make summer camps accessible to all students regardless of their ability to pay. Thanks to generous funding from Lilly Endowment Inc., we can offer financial assistance to students who demonstrate need. Since demand for assistance is great and funds are limited, we encourage parents/guardians to apply early. Please visit https://www.evansville.edu/camps/index.cfm to apply for financial assistance and to register for camps.
View Online: http://evansville.meritpages.com/news/University-of-Evansville-Announces-Lineup-of-Summer-Camps/33863
INDIANA Arts Commission Newsletter
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John Mellencamp, PainterExcerpt from an article by Bob Guccione,  SpinAlthough we may primarily know Mellencamp as a rock star, one of the highest-selling of all time and a Hall of Famer, he is also a great painter. Not a musician who also paints, God knows there are more than a few of those. No, John legitimately belongs in the Modern Art Pantheon, alongside the Rauschenbergs, Pollocks, Warhols, Hockneys and Frida Kahlos (he would be uncomfortable with that statement, but ignore that). His paintings sometimes echo the great German surrealist Max Beckmann, and sometimes Modigliani, and you might even think you saw the shadow of Basquiat fall over some of his pieces. Mostly John’s paintings are just his, just an American’s thoughtful, sometimes anguished, sometimes celebratory view of America.
Image courtesy of Pexels What I Learned From Applying to 100 Artist OpportunitiesExcerpt from a blog post by Suzy Kopf,  Artwork ArchiveI set out the year with a goal to send in 100 applications to art opportunities. As I have every year for the last ten years since I graduated from undergrad, I tracked my artist fellowship, art jobs, art grant, artist residency, and exhibition applications in a simple spreadsheet. Read the full article for the results of this project. Lifelong Arts Indiana Artist CohortAccording to the Creativity and Aging Study, creative arts experiences for people over 65 have been shown to have significant health and well-being benefits. In order to support the health and wellbeing of older Hoosiers, the Indiana Arts Commission and Family and Social Services Administration are partnering to present an opportunity for artists to develop their skills in providing impactful arts experiences for older adults. Teaching artists can apply to be a part of the Lifelong Arts Indiana Artist Cohort. Selected participants complete a virtual, three-day workshop which explores best practices in creative aging and strategies to develop an effective, sequential arts learning experience for older adults. The deadline to apply for the artist cohort is March 30, 2023.  Learn more about the program and different training and funding opportunities available. Artist Callout for Live Painting Basketball Backboards: 2023 Indiana State FairFive Indiana artists will live paint Indiana- or basketball-themed designs on primed acrylic backboards, measuring roughly 44″ x 28â€, during the opening weekend of the 2023 Indiana State Fair, starting on Sat, July 29, in celebration of this year’s theme: BASKETBALL, presented by Pacers Sports and Entertainment. Artists will live paint their designs outdoors. Upon completion, the backboards will be on display in a gallery room in the arts building for the duration of the fair to allow for maximum viewership and will likely be donated to local Indianapolis schools after the fair as a show of support for Indiana students. Deadline to apply online by May 15, 2023 by 5:00pm EST Tax FAQs from Elaine Grogan LuttrullThis year, the IAC teamed up with Elaine Grogan Luttrull of Minerva Financial Arts to prepare answers each week to common tax FAQs, just in time for tax season. Of course, these answers do not replace tax advice – They are simply educational to help you make sense of some complex rules. Can I deduct mileage on my car? So let’s pretend you are an artist and you use your personal car to get to and from gigs, festivals, readings, meetings, or any other business-related destination. You can deduct business miles driven in your personal car, and the best way to do this is to add up the business miles you had during the year. Ideally, you would have been tracking these with an app (QuickBooks and Mile IQ have good app options), or through some sort of log you keep that you update regularly. (Your calendar can help with this, and even your expense list can help if, for example, you know you had an expense at a local coffee shop where you met with a gallerist to talk about an upcoming show. Your miles to and from your studio and the coffee shop for this business meeting are business miles.) Add up your total business miles and multiply them by the standard mileage rate. The IRS updates this rate regularly, and for 2022 there are two rates: One for miles driven before June 30 and one for miles driven after June 30. Before June 30, the rate is 58.5 cents per business mile driven. After June 30, the rate is 62.5 cents per business mile driven. Remember, you have to keep a written log of the miles and the business purpose for the miles to claim this deduction, and as always you have to actually be running a business to claim business deductions. Can I deduct equipment or instruments? So let’s say you are a musician, and you need strings or reeds or power cords to run your business. That’s probably deductible. Or maybe you are an illustrator and you need new digital pen tips or a new digital tablet. That’s probably deductible too. But what if you are buying something bigger? Like an instrument? Or a new computer? Or a new tablet? Equipment you use in your business is ordinary and necessary, and it is generally deductible. But, if you use the equipment for personal use, you have to separate that part out. Personal use is not deductible. So maybe the illustrator only uses the tablet 60% of the time for business purposes, and the rest is personal use. 60% of the cost would be deductible. Remember: Business expenses that are ordinary and necessary are generally deductible (with some special rules). Personal expenses are generally not deductible. Stay tuned through tax season as Elaine answers more questions about taxes for artists! Enjoying this series and want to learn more? Participate in the upcoming Taxes for Artists Webinar! Taxes for Artists with Elaine Grogan LuttrullIf it is true that the only certain things in life are death and taxes, this workshop will make navigating one of those things considerably easier. We’ll review federal income tax basics for creative individuals, including common deductions claimed by creative entrepreneurs. We’ll also outline how the tax landscape changes based on the type of income an artist earns and highlight key aspects of tax law that impact financial wellness, including deducting interest for student loan payments and saving for retirement. We’ll touch briefly on some state and local income tax issues, and we’ll conclude by reviewing some tips and best practices to keep excellent records. As part of this workshop, we will:
The IAC webinar is free to attend and will take place via zoom on March 30, 2023 at 5:00PM. Register now. INverse Poetry Archive Now Accepting EntriesThe Indiana Arts Commission (IAC), in partnership with the Indiana State Library, announced today that INverse, the state poetry archive, is accepting entries. INverse, an initiative of former Indiana Poet Laureate Adrian Matejka, celebrates and preserves the diverse range of Indiana poetry for future generations of Indiana writers and readers. Entries are due April 30, 2023.
Margaret (right) and Dee (left). Delores “Dee” Nierman and Margaret Luckey Snyder: Rag-rug makers
Dates and opportunities to keep an eye on:
Calls for Artists:
Job Opportunities:
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Purchasing an Arts Trust License Plate helps support arts and creativity in Indiana. To learn more about the plate and the programs it supports, click the graphic above. (Pictured: 2023 Arts Trust Recipient Elkhart Art Depot.)
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. Click here to update your email preferences. The Indiana Arts Commission is dedicated to the vision of the arts everywhere, every day, for everyone in Indiana. The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) is an agency of State Government funded by the Indiana General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. @INArtsCommission facebook |
USDA FOOD RECALL
Larry Melvin Davis Funeral Service To Be Held Today at 1:00 p.m. at Alexander Funeral Home, Newburgh Chapel
Larry Melvin Davis Funeral Service To Be Held Today at 1:00 p.m. at Alexander Funeral Home, Newburgh Chapel
Larry, the eldest of seven children, was born October 11, 1946, in Chicago Heights IL to the late Robert and Alice (Criswell) Davis.
He attended Morley Stanwood High School in Morley MI. After high school, Larry enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served aboard the USS Irex submarine off the coast of Italy.
After the service, he returned to Michigan to work. Larry met Sheila VanAlstine, whom he married in Grant Center MI in 1971. They had two daughters, Michelle and Janie.
Larry earned his Bachelor of Science in Business at Ferris State College in Big Rapids MI. He worked for Western Electric in Nunica MI.
In the Spring of 1983, the family of four moved to Chandler IN, where Larry took a position in Quality Control for Bell Communications Research. Larry and Sheila built their home in Newburgh IN, where the two have lived for the last twenty years.
In his younger years, Larry enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golfing. He had a fondness for motorcycles and often spoke of the Ducati he owned and drove while in Italy.
Preceded in death by his parents; brother, Carris Davis; and sister, Aleta (Frank) Starr.
Survived by his wife, Sheila; daughters, Michelle (David) Abney and Janie (Noah) Robinson; grandchildren, Kayla (Colin Hogan) Robinson, Lauren (Fable) McDaniel, Katie (Scott) Klem, Hannah (Matthew Roberts) Abney, Ethan Abney, and Kyle Robinson; great-granddaughter Adeline Klem; and siblings, Robert Lee (Cindy) Davis, Gary Davis, Peggy (Victor) Rempalski, and Linda (Kenneth) Whipple.
Larry’s family would like to extend special thanks to his nurses; Sonja Collins, Gretchen Simpson, Kristy Patterson, and Amy Barnes.
Funeral service to be held Friday, March 10, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Alexander Funeral Home, Newburgh Chapel. Family and friends may visit from Noon until service time at the funeral home. Interment to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Larry to the Wounded Warriors Project at P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
BASEBALL ACES HOPE TO BOUNCE BACK THIS WEEKEND AT MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATEÂ
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – After dropping a heartbreaker in 17 innings on Wednesday night at #7 Vanderbilt, the University of Evansville baseball team will try to bounce back this weekend in a three-game series against the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders at Reese Smith Jr. Field in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  The series will begin Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. in a contest that can be seen live on ESPN+.
Wednesday’s 2-1 loss in 17 innings snapped a seven-game winning streak for Evansville.  It was the longest game at UE since another 17-inning game at Wichita State in May, 2017 (a game UE won, 8-7), and was just four innings shy of tying the school record for longest game, set in a 4-4, 21-inning tie against Memphis in 1999.  Ironically, head coach Wes Carroll participated in all three contests, with the two 17-inning games coming as head coach, and the 21-inning game against Memphis coming as a player.
Friday will be a special day for the 15-year dugout boss of the Purple Aces, as it will be Carroll’s 750th career game as head coach at his alma mater.  Carroll ranks second all-time at UE with 359 career victories as head coach, and his Purple Aces will bring a 7-6 overall record into the series.
Evansville features an offense led by two-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week Chase Hug, who will bring a .426 batting average and .578 on-base percentage into the series.  His .578 on-base percentage ranks 25th-best in Division I baseball.  Junior shortstop Simon Scherry (.365/0/7) and fifth-year outfielders Danny Borgstrom (.348/1/12) and Eric Roberts (.313/2/17) also boast batting averages above .300 entering the weekend.
On the mound, Evansville will turn to junior RHP Nick Smith (1-2, 7.02 ERA) to start Friday’s opener.  Smith is coming off of a complete-game win over Bowling Green last weekend in which he struck out a career-high 12 men.  He will try to shut down a MTSU lineup which ranks among the nation’s best with a team .310 batting average.  The Blue Raiders (6-6) boast two regular starters with batting averages above .400 in senior infielder JT Mabry (.455/1/9) and graduate transfer catcher Jeremiah Boyd (.409/4/12).
After Friday’s opener, the series will continue on both Saturday and Sunday with 1 p.m. contests.  Senior LHP Tyler Denu (1-0, 3.45 ERA) and junior LHP Donovan Schultz (1-1, 5.14 ERA) are expected to start those contests for UE.  All three games of the series can be seen live on ESPN+.
EDP DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORTED
DAILY ACTIVITY REPORTFOOTNOTE: Â EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT Â information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.