CHARLESTON, Ill. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball fought hard but it was not enough as it fell at Eastern Illinois University, 91-80, Saturday afternoon in Charleston, Illinois. The Eagles go to 8-7 overall and 1-1 in the OVC, while the Panthers are 6-9, 2-0 OVC.
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USI and EIU traded buckets and leads for the first 14 minutes of the opening half that featured 12 lead changes and five ties, before the Eagles’ offense went cold. The Panthers’ held the Eagles scoreless for 2:30, while exploding on a 21-10 run to finish the half with a 44-33 advantage.
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During the EIU run to the intermission, the Panthers were nine-of-11 from the field and held USI to three-of-eight.
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In the second half, USI saw the deficit quickly expand to 15 points, 48-33, before it began to chip away at the deficit first. The Eagles closed the gap to six points, 52-46, on a 13-4 run when they were five-of-eight from the field and were led by four points from senior guard Jelani Simmons (Columbus, Ohio).
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EIU would re-expand the lead to as many as 23 points, 83-60, with four minutes left in the game. Junior guard Tyler Henry (Brooklyn, New York) sparked an 11-0 run with six points to get USI back in the fight, 83-71, with 2:31 remaining.
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USI continued to try and close the deficit, but would only come as close as 10 points, 90-80, prior to the final 91-80 buzzer.
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USI had four players reach double-digits in the scoring column, led by graduate forward Trevor Lakes (Lebanon, Indiana) and junior guard Gary Solomon (Detroit, Michigan) post 16 points each. Solomon was the hottest Eagle in the contest, hitting six-of-seven from the field and four-of-five from the stripe.
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Sophomore guard Isaiah Swope (Newburgh, Indiana) followed Lakes and Solomon with 14 points on five-of-seven from the field, four-of-five from long range, while Henry rounded out the double-digit scorers with 12 points. Senior forward Jacob Polakovich (Grand Rapids, Michigan) reached double-digits for the third time in four games with 10 rebounds as USI outrebounded EIU, 33-28, as a team.
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USI’s late rally not enough at EIU
Haithcock surpasses 1,000 career points on Saturday
USI falls at EIU, moves to 1-1 in the OVC
CHARLESTON, Ill. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball senior forward Hannah Haithcock (Washington Courthouse, Ohio) posted a career-high 25 points on Saturday to surpass 1,000 points in her career. Despite the career performance, Southern Indiana (7-6, 1-1) could not pick up the road win at Eastern Illinois University (10-3, 2-0), as the Panthers claimed a 69-58 win.
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Haithcock earned her 1,000th career point with her first bucket of the game in the first quarter. She became the 20th player in USI Women’s Basketball history to reach the 1,000-point career mark.
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The game began with a slow offensive start for both teams, as the game was 3-2 Eastern Illinois nearly three and a half minutes into the game. Senior guard Tori Handley (Jeffersonville, Indiana) scored USI’s first points of the game on a three-pointer.
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Midway into the first quarter, Eastern Illinois started a small run to grab a 14-5 lead by the time the clock read less than two minutes remaining in the first. The quarter finished on a last-second bucket by junior forward Meredith Raley (Haubstadt, Indiana). EIU led 16-9 after one period of play.
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The offensive basket still went unkind to USI in the second quarter. Eastern Illinois increased its lead following a 9-0 run in the middle of the period and then holding USI scoreless for the last two minutes of the first half. EIU outscored USI 22-10 in the second, as the Panthers shot over 50 percent during the quarter.
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With only a pair of makes from the floor in the second quarter, USI did go a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line in the second quarter. Haithcock made four of USI’s six free throws in the quarter.
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Eastern Illinois took a 38-19 lead into the halftime locker room. Haithcock led Southern Indiana with eight points at the break. The Screaming Eagles had a plus-seven advantage in overall rebounding and on the offensive glass after the first half.
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Southern Indiana came out of halftime being assertive inside and out. Haithcock scored back-to-back buckets to get USI going to start the third quarter. Trailing by 17 with 8:35 left in the third, USI went on an 8-0 run to trim the deficit down to nine, 40-31. Halfway into the third quarter, USI received a pair of triples from sophomore guard Vanessa Shafford (Linton, Indiana) to make it an eight-point game, 44-36 EIU with 5:26 left in the third.
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Eastern Illinois proceeded to answer with a 9-0 run to move the Panthers’ lead back to double digits, 53-36. Inside the last three minutes of the third quarter, both teams exchanged offensive baskets and Eastern Illinois took a 17-point lead to the fourth quarter, 58-41.
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Southern Indiana’s seniors led a solid push for USI at the start of the fourth quarter. Within the first five minutes, Haithcock tallied five points, being aggressive inside. At the 5:53 mark, senior forward Tara Robbe (Wildwood, Missouri) connected on a mid-range jumper while Haithcock was fouled away from the play. Haithcock completed the play at the free-throw line to make the score 64-50 EIU.
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The game went scoreless over the next two and a half minutes. USI made a fightback late in the fourth quarter. Haithcock put one into the hoop with 2:27 on the clock to bring USI back within 13, 68-55. The basket gave the senior a career-best 25 points. The Screaming Eagles could not muster enough offense the rest of the way, as the Panthers registered the win Saturday afternoon.
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Haithcock led all scorers on the day with 25 points on 8-16 shooting and 9-14 at the line. Haithcock was a rebound shy of a double-double. Shafford tallied 12 points with eight rebounds. Robbe matched a season-high nine points for the fourth time this season.
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After a slow offensive start to the game, USI went on to shoot for 38 percent (19-50) in the game with three triples. USI was 17-for-25 at the line. The Screaming Eagles outrebounded the Panthers 37-29, including 14-9 on the offensive boards.
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Eastern Illinois was led by senior guard Lariah Washington with 23 points. Sophomore guard Miah Monahan also had a good day for EIU, recording 20 points. As a team, EIU shot 45.3 percent (24-53) from the field with six threes. At the stripe, EIU went 15-for-22.
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The Screaming Eagles will return to action Thursday at 4 p.m. CT from Morehead, Ky. when USI takes on Morehead State University in Ohio Valley Conference action. The game can be seen live with a subscription to ESPN+ and heard on 95.7 FM Th Spin (http://957thespin.com).
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING ROOM 301 CIVIC CENTER COMPLEX On WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024 At 12:00 NOON
 AGENDA
1.   CALL TO ORDER
2.   MEETING MEMORANDUM  DECEMBER 20, 2023
3.   CONSENT AGENDA
     a. Request Re: Approve Usage of John H. Fendrich Golf Course on July 20th and August 3rd and Helfrich Hills Golf Course on July 20th and August 4th, 2024, for the Romain Cadillac City Golf Tournament. – Crook Â
4. Â Â OLD BUSINESSÂ Â Â
5.   NEW BUSINESS     Â
     a. Request to approve the new Parks Department logo.- Crook
     b. Request Re: Any Other Business the Board Wishes to Consider and Public Comment.
6.   REPORTS Â
     a. Danielle Crook- Executive Director     Â
7.   ACCEPTANCE OF PAYROLL AND VENDOR CLAIMS
8.   ADJOURN
‘IS IT TRUE” SEPTEMBER 14, 2023
We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUE†will provoke honest and open dialogue concerning issues that we, as responsible citizens of this community, need to address in a rational and responsible way.
IS IT TRUE that today’s column was created to inform our readers about some major financial challenges facing our great city?
IS IT TRUE that our 80-year publisher was recently harassed and bullied? Â …as of this afternoon, this issue was resolved in a positive manner?
IS IT TRUE that we hope that members of the Evansville City Council realize they are faced with funding and building a $30 million dollar city garage and a building new Water and Sewer Filtration plant that may cost between $300 to $400 million dollars and spending many more millions of dollars to complete the massive Water And Sewer project currently being done throughout Evansville? Â … that we forgot to point out that the ROBERTS PARK project will cost an undetermined amount of our tax dollars? Â …that we hope that Evansville will be able to secure the finances to fund these capital projects?
IS IT TRUE that by building the $28 million dollar “Aquatic Center” at the Garvin Park location, the city could use the North Main Street “TIF” District money to help finance and build it? Â …that this is the same funding source that the city spent $16 million dollars to renovate North Main Street? Â …that several of our readers wonder how much of the North Main Street “TIF” District money is still in the account?
IS IT TRUE that we would like to thank the Evansville City Clerk Laura Windhorst and her staff for doing a credible job in keeping us informed concerning City County meeting agendas?
DCS releases 2022 fatality report
INDIANAPOLIS (JANUARY, 01, 2023 – The Indiana Department of Child Services investigated 308 child deaths in 2022 and determined 61 were a result of abuse or neglect.
The Annual Report of Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities in Indiana details the circumstances leading to each fatality and highlights the risk factors that put children in danger.
According to the report, 17 of the fatalities were due to abuse, and 44 were the result of neglect. More than two-thirds of the fatalities involved a child 3 years old or younger, which is consistent with national trends.
Causes of death were taken from state death certificates. Death by weapon, including body part, was the leading cause of death, listed in 36 percent of cases. Unsafe sleeping arrangements, caregiver substance abuse, failure to supervise a child (especially near a body of water), driving while intoxicated and poisoning or overdose also were factors.
DCS reviews all child fatalities that meet the following circumstances:
- For children under 3 years of age: The death is sudden, unexpected or unexplained, or involves allegations of abuse and neglect.
- For children age 3 or older: The death involves allegations of abuse or neglect.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Happy New Year Wishes
May the coming year be full of grand adventures and opportunities.
Life is short. Dream big and make the most of 2023!
Happy New Year! 2023 is the beginning of a new chapter. This is your year. Make it happen.
Life is an adventure that’s full of beautiful destinations. Wishing you many wonderful memories made in 2023.
Take a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day
Take a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day
Welcome the new year with an Indiana DNR tradition — a First Day Hike on Jan. 1.
First Day Hikes are a healthy way to start 2024 and a chance to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature, and connect with friends. Nearly all state parks and lakes, as well as some state forests, will offer hikes.
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2024 state park passes and permits now available
The 2024 Indiana state park passes, lake permits, off-road cycling permits, and horse tags are now available at property offices and front gates, and online. A resident annual entrance pass costs $50. A nonresident annual entrance pass costs $70. Golden Hoosier Passports cost $25 and are available to Indiana residents 65 and older. |
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Enjoy a Christmas Eve buffet at a state park inn
Make your reservations now for a Christmas Eve buffet at a state park inn on Sunday, Dec. 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The feast includes a variety of foods including fried chicken, roasted pork loin, carved roast beef and ham, mashed potatoes, cornbread dressing, mac n’ cheese, assorted salads and desserts, and more. Call now to make your reservations. |
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Watch for boxwood blight on you holiday greenery
Boxwood blight is a fatal plant pathogen on boxwoods in the landscape and commercial industry. DNR nursery inspectors have recently made multiple discoveries of infected holiday greenery at garden centers around the state.
Symptoms of infected boxwood leaves include dark-brown leaf spots with a tan center. Eventually, leaves turn brown from the tip down and drop from the stem, causing multiple bare branches. Long, thin black streaks can also be seen on infected stems.
Help stop the spread. If you notice symptoms on boxwoods used in holiday decorations or in your home plantings, contact the DNR Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology at 1-866-NO-EXOTIC or email a photo to DEPP@dnr.IN.gov.
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Time is running out – get your 2024 Holiday Gift Pack
The $99 State Park Holiday Gift Pack includes:
All for just $99. You save $31. Offer ends Dec. 31, 2023, or when sold out. Limited quantity available. Holiday Gift Packs are also available for seniors and nonresidents. |
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Shop the official store of Indiana State Parks
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It’s not too late to consider getting the outdoor lover on your shopping list a gift from Mother Nature’s Mercantile, Indiana State Parks’ online store. There you will find gifts, clothing, permits, gift cards, and, of course, the Holiday Gift Pack. |
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See Cikana State Fish Hatchery in action
Visit Cikana State Fish Hatchery, one of DNR’s seven state fish hatcheries across the state. Cikana is open to guests from dawn to dusk and offers property tours. You can visit the ponds, walk hiking areas, or view wildflower plots. Watch the video above to get a sneak peek.
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Celebrate MLK Day of Service by volunteering for DNR
Honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by becoming a volunteer at one of Indiana’s DNR properties in 2024.
DNR provides a variety of ways for citizens to make a difference in maintaining, improving, and restoring Indiana’s natural and cultural heritage. Several opportunities are available, including maintaining trails, helping in nature centers, and sharing photography or artwork.
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Deer hunters, there’s still time
Hunters, you still have time to harvest a deer. Archery season ends Jan. 7, and reduction zone season runs until Jan. 31. Want to check out our deer data? Find current harvest numbers on our website.
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Hunting and trapping seasons ending soon
Deer Archery Season: Ends Jan. 7
Deer Reduction Zone:Â Ends Jan. 31
Turkey Fall Archery: Ends Jan. 7
Raccoon & Opossum (hunting, trapping):Â Ends Jan. 31
Gray & Fox Squirrel:Â Ends Jan. 31
Red & Gray Fox (trapping):Â Ends Jan. 31
Quail (South of I-74):Â Ends Jan. 10
Mink, Muskrat, & Weasel (hunting, trapping):Â Ends Jan. 31
Dove: Ends Jan. 3
Duck North Zone: Ends Jan. 3
Duck Central Zone:Â Ends Jan. 13
Duck South Zone:Â Ends Jan. 28
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Winter 2 for 1 savings at State Park Inns
Now through Feb. 29, 2024
Stay two nights, Sunday – Thursday, and your second night is free. Must stay two consecutive nights. Blackout dates Dec. 24 – Jan. 4, 2024. Certain restrictions may apply.
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Explore McCormick’s Creek State Park
Most of McCormick’s Creek State Park is open even though the campground is closed. Trails 1, 3, 4, 8, and 9 offer opportunities to explore what makes the park special during winter. With the woods “sleeping,†you can spot features hard to see the rest of the year.
Trails 3 and 9 offer a clearer view of geological and historical features while the leaves are off the trees. Trails 1 and 8 offer opportunities to see how the woods change during winter, and if you visit for the upcoming naturalist-led hike on Trail 4 on Dec. 22, you’ll have a chance to see how the view from the fire tower changes in the winter months.
The nature center offers regular naturalist programming and an exhibit hall featuring the park’s history, geology, ecology, and more.
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2023 annual licenses are valid through March 31
Heads up, hunters—2023 annual licenses are valid through March 31, 2024. The 2024 licenses will go on sale in January.
To ask about your online license system account, license-purchasing errors, or deer control permits, email inhuntfish@dnr.IN.gov or call 317-232-4082.
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Indiana Natural Resources Foundation’s Year in Review
As the official nonprofit for the DNR, the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation’s mission is to celebrate and preserve Indiana’s natural legacy through support of Indiana DNR and its programs. 2023 was a year of fulfilling that mission and we’re grateful for our generous donors, partners, and Indiana DNR for joining us on the journey. This year we grew Indiana’s public lands by hundreds of acres, gave thousands of students the chance to explore the outdoors, continued to expand Indiana’s forests, and so much more. We invite you to join us in wrapping up the year by exploring some of the exciting projects made possible by supporters of conservation like you. |
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Apply for a LARE program grant now
If your organization has an aquatic habitat enhancement project in mind, DNR’s Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) grant program is waiting for you. The deadline for submitting LARE grant applications for 2024 is Jan. 15.
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The new issue of Outdoor Indiana features an upcoming solar eclipse
The January/February issue of Outdoor Indiana magazine features a cover story on the best and safest ways to enjoy the total solar eclipse that will darken much of the Hoosier State during daylight hours on April 8.
The issue also features articles on maple syrup and the hunting of deer antlers. Become part of Outdoor Indiana. Subscribe for yourself, a friend or relative.
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The Foundation celebrates and preserves Indiana’s natural legacy by raising funds to support the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and its programs. |
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HEALTH DEPARTMENT URGES PARENTS TO HAVE CHILDREN TESTED FOR LEAD
The Indiana Department of Health is encouraging all parents to have their children younger than age 6 tested for lead exposure as part of legislation that takes effect Jan. 1, 2023.
House Enrolled Act 1313 requires all healthcare providers serving children to offer lead testing to their patients, ideally at their 1- and 2-year checkups, or as close as possible to those appointments. Providers also are advised to offer testing to any child younger than age 6 who does not have a record of a prior blood lead test. Previously, only Indiana children covered by Medicaid were required to be tested for lead at ages 12 and 24 months.
“There is no safe level of lead, and the sooner we can identify that a child is at risk, the earlier we can take steps to improve the health outcomes for that child,†said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “By having parents and providers understand the importance of asking for this simple blood test, we have an opportunity to protect hundreds of Indiana children each year from the harmful effects of lead.â€
Lead exposure can damage the brain and nervous system, causing slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, issues with hearing and speech, impulsivity, nausea and other debilitating effects. It is more toxic to unborn and younger children but can negatively impact adults as well. Early intervention, including proper nutrition and removal of sources of lead exposure, can lower lead levels in individuals.
Most lead poisoning in Indiana stems from chipping or peeling lead paint that mixes with dust in the air. Other common sources of lead are contaminated soil, drinking water and, occasionally, children’s toys and jewelry.
IDOH is launching a public awareness campaign to bring attention to the importance of this testing with a new website, www.IndianaLeadFree.org, and messaging to the public and providers in communities across the state.
In addition, IDOH is partnering with the NAACP and Hoosier Environmental Council to conduct community outreach through the Health Issues and Challenges Grant program, which awarded $900,000 in 2022 for community-based lead prevention and awareness programming. The two organizations are developing plans for outreach in counties including La Porte, Madison, Clinton, Allen, Grant, Vanderburgh, Marion, Clark, St. Joseph and Lake.
The universal screening law follows last July’s move to lower Indiana’s blood lead reference level to 3.5 micrograms/deciliter to align with levels established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Under these new guidelines, children with blood lead levels between 3.5 and 4.9 micrograms per deciliter and their families receive education about risks and are advised to test siblings. Children with a confirmed level of 5 or above are enrolled in case management, and families of these children are encouraged to allow health department staff to do a home risk assessment, which includes discussing potentially leaded objects and surfaces and identifying educational, nutritional and developmental support services that may be available to the child. The home assessment will also test surfaces to determine where lead hazards may exist and help the family determine how to best address those.