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HOT JOBS
USI visits SEMO, Little Rock this week
USI visits SEMO, Little Rock this week
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball finishes its three-game road swing this week with visits to Southeast Missouri State University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Tipoff Thursday at SEMO in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, is 7:30 p.m., while the start time versus Saturday at Little Rock is 3 p.m.
The USI Screaming Eagles (6-8, 1-3 OVC) are coming off a tough week, losing a pair of league games last week by a combined six points. USI lost at home to Morehead State, 70-68, and on the road to Tennessee Tech University, 68-64.
USI junior guard Damoni Harrison led USI last week in the OVC with 22.0 points per game. Sophomore forward Stephen Olowoniyi posted 16.0 points per outing while grabbing a team-high 9.0 rebounds per contest.
The Eagles has three players in double-digits for the season, led by junior guard Jayland Randall‘s 15.5 points per contest. Olowoniyi follows with 15.1 points per game, while Harrison rounds out the double-digit scorers with 13.5 points per outing.
In the four OVC games, Harrison is posting a team-best 16.5 points per game. Olowoniyi also is second in conference games with 14.0 points per appearance, while Randall is posting 12.0 points in the league game.
The Redhawks of SEMO (8-7, 3-1 OVC) enter this week’s action tied for the lead in the OVC with a 3-1 mark in league play. SEMO split last week on the road, defeating Tennessee State University, 67-65, and falling at the University of Tennessee at Martin, 66-63. The loss to UTM snapped SEMO’s five-game winning streak.
SEMO leads the all-time series with USI, 6-3, after taking both meetings last season. The Redhawks won the first match-up in a thrilling 93-91 overtime game that saw the Screaming Eagles’ Jeremiah Hernandez score 35 points in Cape Girardeau. SEMO also took the second game at Liberty Arena.
The Trojans of Little Rock (8-6, 2-1 OVC), who host Morehead State before USI comes to town this week, posted a split on the road last week. Little Rock opened 2025 with a 57-56 win at the University of Tennessee at Martin and a 95-86 loss at Tennessee State University last week. The Trojans have won five of their last seven games.
Series Note: The series is tied 2-2 after Little Rock took both games in the series last season. The Trojans took the opening game of the home-and-home series, 77-75, at Liberty Arena and 80-62 in Little Rock.
All of the USI Basketball action can be seen live on ESPN+. The game can also be heard on ESPN 97.7FM (http://listentotheref.com) and 95.7FM The Spin (http://957thespin.com). Tickets for the homestand and all USI home dates are on sale now at USIScreamingEagles.com.
UE men’s basketball welcomes Illinois State on Wednesday
Men’s basketball welcomes Illinois State on Wednesday
Game time set for 7 p.m.
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Another home contest is on tap Wednesday evening when the University of Evansville men’s basketball team welcomes Illinois State to the Ford Center at 7 p.m. ESPN+ and the Purple Aces Radio Network will have the broadcast.
Last Time Out
– In a competitive game from start to finish, it was Indiana State hanging on for a 66-62 victory on Saturday
– UE led by five points at the break before the Sycamores rallied in the second half
– Tayshawn Comer finished with 24 points while Tanner Cuff completed the day with 11
Player of the Week
– Averaging 25 points against SIU and ISU, Tayshawn Comer was named the MVC Player of the Week on Monday
– Highlighting the week was a career-high 26 points in the win over the Salukis, which bested his previous high of 23 when he was a player at Eastern Kentucky
– In the last three games, Comer has hit 24 of his 30 free throw tries
– Comer has four 20-point games this year
Pacing the Valley
– Connor Turnbull has posted a block in 8 of the last 9 games and has taken the MVC lead with his season average of 1.40 per game
– Turnbull tied his single game mark with six blocks against WKU
– On the offensive side, Turnbull recorded his first double digit scoring game of the season, finishing with 10 against Indiana State
– He made his first UE start on Dec. 18 at UT Arlington and has made five starts in a row
Scouting the Opponent
– Illinois State comes into Wednesday’s contest with a 10-5 overall record while sitting at 2-2 through their first four MVC games
– After dropping their first two league games, the Redbirds opened the New Year with a road win at Murray State before topping Southern Illinois in dominating fashion on Saturday, winning by a 85-54 final
– Johnny Kinziger paces a trio of double digit scorers for ISU with his tally of 14.3 PPG
– Just behind him is Chase Walker with 13.9 PPG and a team-high 6.2 caroms
– Dalton Banks checks in with 10.3 PPG
-www.GoPurpleAces.com-
THUNDERBOLTS TRAVEL TO BIRMINGHAM THIS WEEKEND FOR PAIR OF GAMES
THUNDERBOLTS TRAVEL TO BIRMINGHAM THIS WEEKEND FOR PAIR OF GAMES
Evansville, In.: Following a split weekend on Ford Center ice, the Thunderbolts hit the road for two weeks, beginning with this upcoming Friday and Saturday’s games in Birmingham against the Bulls.
Week In Review:
The Thunderbolts defeated Quad City 5-1 on Friday night, behind a first period goal from Brady Lynn, a second period goal from Matthew Hobbs, and late third period goals from Myles Abbate, Brendan Harrogate, and Tyson Gilmour. Despite holding a 3-0 early lead against Peoria on Saturday with a pair of goals from Derek Contessa and one from Hobbs, the Thunderbolts fell 8-4, with Harrogate adding a second period goal for Evansville, extending his point streak to eight consecutive games.
The Week Ahead:
The Thunderbolts will take on the Birmingham Bulls in Pelham this coming Friday and Saturday night, both games beginning at 7:05pm CT. Fans can watch the action on FloHockey with a paid subscription or can listen online for free on the Thunderbolts Mixlr Channel. There will also be away game watch parties at Parkway Pizza on Evansville’s West Side.
Coming Soon:
Following two more road games in Peoria on Friday, January 17th and Saturday, January 18th. The Thunderbolts return to Ford Center on Friday, January 24th for Faith Night and Saturday, January 25th for Star Wars Night, against the Pensacola Ice Flyers on both nights. The Thunderbolts will also be hosting Skate With The Bolts at Swonder Ice Arena on Wednesday, January 15th, from 6:30 to 8:00pm, open to the public. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children (12 and under), skate rentals are $3.
Scouting the Opponent:
- Birmingham Bulls:
- Record: 12-10-3, 27 Points, 6th Place
- Leading Goal Scorer: Carson Rose (17 Goals)
- Leading Point Scorer: Nikita Kozyrev (21 Points)
- Primary Goaltender: Austin Lotz (7-8, .908 Save %)
- Thunderbolts Record vs BHM: 1-2
The Bulls split their two games against the Pensacola Ice Flyers this past weekend, winning 4-3 in Pensacola on Friday night with all goals scored in the first period, scored by Kolten Olynek, Troy MacTavish, Filimon Ledziankou, and Nikita Kozyrev. The Bulls fell on home ice to the Ice Flyers, 5-2 on Saturday night with goals scored by Ledziankou and Drake Glover.
Call-up Report
– Lincoln Hatten (Worcester Railers – ECHL)
– 29 GP, 4 G, 6 A, 10 P, 13 PIM
– Scott Kirton (Cincinnati Cyclones – ECHL)
– 5 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 P, 2 PIM
– Benjamin Lindberg (Adirondack Thunder – ECHL)
– 7 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 P, 9 PIM
– Ty Taylor (Orlando Solar Bears – ECHL)
– 0 GP, 0-0-0, .000 SV%
Transactions:
Fri. 1/3: G Reid Cooper signed to contract
Individual game tickets and group packages are on sale for the 2024-25 season. Season tickets for the 2025-26 season are on sale now. Call 812-422-BOLT(2658) or visit our website (www.evansvillethunderbolts.
About Evansville Thunderbolts: The Evansville Thunderbolts is the area’s only professional hockey team. The Thunderbolts are a proud member of the SPHL. The team is owned and operated by VW Sports, L.L.C, a subsidiary of VenuWorks, Inc. www.evansvillethunderbolts.com
EPD Assists in Dog Removal, Leading to Shooting and Neglect Charges
On January 6, 2025, at approximately 12:45 p.m., officers with the Evansville Police Department assisted Evansville Animal Care and Control at a residence in the 600-block of College Highway as part of an investigation into the inadequate housing of an outdoor dog. Animal Control had previously responded to the property 16 times in connection with similar neglect concerns, leading to a request for EPD’s help in removing the large dog from the premises.
After spending approximately 30 minutes on the scene, officers and Animal Control attempted to safely remove the dog. The dog’s owner was instructed to leash the dog to walk it, himself, to the Animal Control vehicle. During the process, while the owner was ‘attempting’ to leash the dog, it began to run toward one of the officers. The officer observed the dog for signs of playfulness or normal behavior but became concerned when the dog’s approach escalated into aggressive behavior, including jumping up with its mouth open in an attacking manor within very close proximity to the officer. In response to the threat, the officer discharged his duty-issued handgun, firing three rounds at the dog. The dog succumbed to its injuries.
The owner of the dog has been issued a citation for animal neglect; the dog was being housed in an open-air style kennel with a tarp wrapped around two sides. There was a frozen bowl of water present in the kennel and the temperature at the time of removal was 24 degrees. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be considered as the case progresses.
Ralph and Nova: A Bond Beyond Words
Ralph and Nova: A Bond Beyond Words
JOE WALLACE
JANUARY 7, 2025
Ralph and Nova were kindred spirits from the moment they met. Both had a calm, steady nature that drew people in, offering a quiet warmth and dependability that didn’t demand attention but left a lasting impact. Ralph, born and raised in Evansville, was known for his curiosity. When he saw Nova at the local pound, she had been there for 30 days, battling heartworms, fleas, and severe anemia. Their shared resilience and calm demeanor made them an instant match.
Nova entered Ralph’s life as he finished college, a period of significant change that soon tested his resilience. Named for her calm demeanor—a contrast to the explosive power her name implied—Nova became his steady companion. After Ralph began his engineering career, their bond deepened through shared routines and quiet moments. However, life shifted when Ralph was laid off during the COVID pandemic. Together, they relocated to Huntsville with his family, finding solace in each other as they adapted to new beginnings.
Finding a Path Forward
Restlessness eventually led Ralph to explore other possibilities. He packed his belongings and set off for Indianapolis, living out of an Airbnb while he assessed the city’s opportunities and lifestyle. The experience of moving from place to place, while challenging, gave Ralph a clearer sense of what he wanted in life.
After months of reflection and travel, Ralph realized his ideal home was in Vancouver, WA. With its mix of natural beauty and vibrant community, Vancouver offered the perfect balance he had been searching for. Nova, of course, remained by his side, adapting to each new environment with the same calm resilience that matched Ralph’s own.
A Heartbreaking Goodbye
At the age of 13, Nova began experiencing symptoms of Vestibular Disease. The condition caused disorientation, dizziness, and loss of balance. While Ralph hoped it was something temporary, Nova’s condition continued to worsen. The vet eventually suspected a brain tumor, and Ralph was faced with an agonizing decision.
On her final day, Ralph stayed by Nova’s side, cradling her head in his lap as he had so many times before. He whispered words of love and gratitude as she took her last breath. Though her calm, steadfast presence was gone, her love remained etched in Ralph’s heart forever.
A Legacy of Love
To honor Nova, Ralph and his family created a fund to support dog adoptions, covering fees for young people looking for their own companions. The initiative became a way to spread the love and loyalty that Nova had embodied.
“In memory of Nova, may your new family member bring you as much joy as Nova brought to us.”
Help Find Homes for Shelter Dogs
While we have several no-kill animal rescue organizations in town, they tend to remain crowded. Found pets are taken to Animal Control and Care in Evansville and cared for until their owners come to claim them. However, the owners often don’t show up, and when the center gets full, the dogs that have been there for a long time are euthanized.
City-County Observer is teaming up with other animal lovers to help find loving homes for these pets. We’re establishing a fund to assist with adoption and reclaiming fees for those who can’t afford them. We’ll also devote space on our website to sharing weekly photos of some dogs currently waiting to be adopted at Animal Control and Care.
The only way to save these animals’ lives is for people to come forward and provide a new home. That home could be temporary through fostering or permanent through adoption.
Join the Mayor for a special Animal Control Town Hall Meeting – Wednesday, January 15, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the C.K. Newsome Center.
Check these dogs out in person at Animal Care & Control Shelter, 815 Uhlhorn St, Evansville, or online www.24petconnect.com.
A Tale of Two Wealthy Senators
A Tale of Two Wealthy Senators
JOE WALLACE
The wealth amassed by politicians often raises eyebrows, especially when their official salaries are considered. Senators Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Chuck Schumer of New York are prominent examples, each reportedly worth tens of millions of dollars despite earning approximately $200,000 annually in their federal roles. While their paths to affluence differ, both reflect the complexities of political influence and the opportunities it affords. Senegal (sneaky but legal) was intrigued and here is the result.
Mitch McConnell: Wealth Through Marriage and Political Longevity
Senator Mitch McConnell has long been a fixture in American politics, representing Kentucky since 1985 and serving as Senate Majority Leader for several years. His reported net worth exceeds $30 million, a figure that belies his relatively modest government salary. Much of this wealth is attributed to his marriage to Elaine Chao, a former Secretary of Transportation and Labor, who comes from a highly affluent family.
Chao’s family, originally from Taiwan, built a successful shipping empire. The couple benefited significantly from the wealth of Chao’s parents, receiving a substantial inheritance estimated in the millions after her mother’s passing in 2007. This inheritance was a key factor in a significant jump in McConnell’s reported net worth.
In addition to his marriage, McConnell has been a savvy political operator. Over decades in office, he has cultivated relationships with influential donors and benefactors. While there is no direct evidence of impropriety, the overlap of his political fundraising activities and personal finances has occasionally drawn scrutiny. For instance, McConnell’s alignment with corporate interests has ensured steady campaign contributions, bolstering his influence and indirectly enhancing his financial security.
Chuck Schumer: Real Estate Deals and Financial Savvy
Senator Chuck Schumer, representing New York since 1998, has also achieved remarkable financial success, with recent estimates suggesting his net worth surpasses $60 million. Unlike McConnell, Schumer’s wealth stems less from family ties and more from strategic investments, particularly in real estate.
Schumer reportedly acquired several properties early in his career, often benefiting from favorable terms. Critics have pointed to these as “sweetheart deals,” where connections within the real estate industry may have played a role in securing advantageous arrangements. While such practices are not necessarily illegal, they highlight how political influence can open doors to lucrative opportunities.
Additionally, Schumer’s position as Senate Majority Leader has amplified his access to influential networks. New York’s status as a financial hub has further enabled him to cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals and corporations. These connections have not only bolstered his political career but also provided insights and opportunities to grow his wealth.
A Broader Pattern Among Federal Officials
The financial trajectories of Senators McConnell and Schumer underscore a broader trend: elected officials at the federal level often accumulate significant wealth despite upper-middle-class salaries. While the ethical implications vary, several factors contribute to this phenomenon:
- Access to Exclusive Opportunities: Politicians frequently interact with influential individuals and entities, leading to investment opportunities and favorable financial arrangements unavailable to the average citizen.
- Spousal Wealth and Inheritance: Marriages to affluent individuals or inheritances significantly boost the net worth of some politicians, as seen with McConnell.
- Post-Career Earnings: Many politicians leverage their experience and connections after leaving office, commanding high fees for speaking engagements, consulting, and board memberships.
- Campaign Fundraising and Financial Management: While campaign funds are strictly regulated, the infrastructure and networks built for fundraising often have ancillary financial benefits for politicians.
The wealth of Senators McConnell and Schumer illustrates how political careers, coupled with advantageous circumstances, can lead to substantial financial gains. While their paths differ, both reflect the unique intersections of power, influence, and opportunity that define modern American politics.