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SMART USE OF ANTIBIOTICS LEADS TO BEST CARE
Trailblazer Volleyball Gets First Signing Of The Year In Dylan DeCoursey
MONTGOMERY, Ind. – The two-time defending Region 24 Champion Vincennes University Trailblazer volleyball team picked up their first signing of the 2023 recruiting class Friday afternoon in Barr-Reeve High School setter Dylan DeCoursey.
“I chose Vincennes University because I had two classmates that were a couple of years older than me and when VU first started showing interest in me earlier this year, they both reached out to me and it helped give me an inside view of not only the team but the school,†Dylan DeCoursey said. “Usually, you only see the outside of the school and they told me how things really are on the inside and that they really liked it there.â€
DeCoursey is a five-foot nine setter, who helped guide her Vikings to a 33-2 record this past season, while finishing the year with 505 set assists, 307 kills on a .467 hitting percentage, 160 digs and 42 aces.
DeCoursey is a two-time Blue Chip All-Conference award recipient, as well as earning two-time Indiana High School Volleyball Coaches Association (IHSVCA) 3A All-District and Second Team All-State honors and was twice named the Washington Times-Herald Player of the Year.
DeCoursey played for her mother Amber at Barr-Reeve and helped guide the Vikings to four Blue Chip Conference Championship, four Sectional Championships, two at the Class 2A level and two at the Class 3A level, two Regional Championships and the 2020 IHSAA 2A State Championship along with former Trailblazer All-Region 24 players Addison Ainscough and Hannah Graber.
DeCoursey finished her high school career 15th all-time in kills with 665 and 11th all-time in set assists with 1,136.
“Both Hannah and Addison were both incredible leaders in high school,†DeCoursey said. “Every time I had a slight doubt in myself, they both picked me up like it was nothing. Hannah has really helped talk me through this process, so I really know what to expect. With us both playing the same position it just really helps knowing what I can expect to see at the next level.â€
“I also really liked the aspect of only being about half an hour away from home so my friends and family can come watch me play whenever they want.,†DeCoursey added. “I hope to bring some leadership to the team with me, even with being a freshman. It will definitely be different without my mom coaching me, but it has happened before and I’m used to it. I just hope that I can bring my positivity and my confidence and my leadership with me to VU.â€
“I am very proud of Dylan and all that she has accomplished as a High School athlete,†Barr-Reeve Volleyball Coach Amber DeCoursey said. “I am even more proud of the person that she is. I wish her the best of luck at the next level and I can’t wait to watch her play.â€
“Like many students that we are in contact with, Dylan contacted us first,†VUVB Head Coach Gary Sien said. “We always try to keep track of some of our local players and look at who might be able to play at this level, but sometimes we don’t always know who is interested. It’s definitely from word of mouth. Last year Addison and Hannah were here and were able to help us win a Region Championship, Hannah came back this year was able to help us win a second one back-to-back.â€
“Those three are pretty close even though they are a couple of years apart,†Sien added. “I’m sure that Dylan and her family have talked to those two about our program here. Dylan’s last two years of high school Barr-Reeve got moved up to Class 3A and just like how Barr-Reeve does, they continued to do extremely well and for Dylan to be named 3A All-State twice is no small feat. We are very excited to sign Dylan and she immediately fills a position that we need next year.â€
DeCoursey spent the last two seasons playing for Metro Volleyball Club and now plans to play this winter for the Limestone Capital Volleyball Club (LCVC).
THE WORLD IN RUINSÂ
THE WORLD IN RUINS
GAVEL GAMUTÂ By Jim Redwine
NOVEMBER 19, 22
Donald Trump has declared he will make a third run for the presidency in 2024. Joe Biden claims he will seek re-election. Several Republicans, Ron DeSantis, Mike Pence, Mike Pompeo, and others are not so secretly hoping lightning strikes them, or maybe strikes Trump. Democrats Gretchen Whitmer, Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, and others are feigning fealty to Biden but may be looking wistfully at the effects of Father Time.
In other words, American politics remains unchanged from the days of Jefferson and Adams. It also has regenerated its tiresome media circus of peeking under tent flaps and salivating at the probability of political gaffs. So, buckle up or just tune out for the next two years. As for me and Peg, we have been looking at the past, as the present is just too fractious. So, as the pundits and politicians squabble like infants with dirty diapers, Peg and I have been interested in viewing the ancient ruins that became ruins when the cultures of the past let their tantrums get the better of them.
A couple of years ago we visited Rome and walked around the Coliseum. One gets images of gladiators and emperors who had no thought their pretentious edifice would be a mere pile of rubble one day. Then just last week we visited another ancient fort less than ten miles from our home in the country of Georgia. Georgia claims, according to the book Georgian Folk Traditions and Legends, to be situated at the juncture of Europe and Asia and to “[b]eing the most invaded country on earth.†For example, Russia that is Georgia’s neighbor to the north has most recently invaded Georgia in 2008 and 2014.
However, the fort we visited was built by several conquerors over thousands of years but was constructed in its present form on the orders of Roman Emperors Nero, Pompey, Julius Caesar Tiberius and Hadrian during the era 65 BC to the reign of Constantine, 306-337 AD. The name of the fort is Gonio-Apsaros Fortress and it is an impressive structure with ancient stone guard towers, sewage and water systems and Roman hot baths. Of course, today it is all just remnants of past glory. It is on the outskirts of the resort city of Batumi, Georgia near the shore of the Black Sea and about 3 miles from the Turkish border.
Gonio reminded us of the hauntingly impressive Native American pueblo village at Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. This extensive cliff city was home to many Native Americans for over 700 years from 600-1300 AD. Was it simply abandoned, and if so, why? But once again we observed an impressive series of homes and a mountain stronghold that now is interesting and beautiful, but not lived in by its creators.
I suppose there are many reasons we enjoy visiting these sites of once-vibrant communities gone dormant. The inventive genius of our human ancestors gives one a sense of awe and appreciation for the hard work and perseverance of people who were probably quite similar to us. If we could transport them to modern times or transport us back to their times, everybody would most likely fit right in with just a little movie makeup and a change of clothes.
The conclusion or question that keeps us awake, for example, I am writing this at 3:50 a.m., is that just as the country of Georgia has been conquered numerous times (as has Jerusalem by Jews, Muslims, and Christians on a revolving basis, and Rome and Greece by Vandals and Visigoths and North and South America by Spanish, English, French and Portuguese invaders) are our ruins going to provide interest to tourists of the future?
For more Gavel Gamut articles go to www.jamesmredwine.com
Or “Like/Follow†us on Facebook & Twitter at JPegOsageRanch
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Availability of $100 Million in Grants to Support Recycling Infrastructure and Education and Outreach
Grants funded in part by largest recycling investment in 30 years under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $100 million in grants for recycling infrastructure and recycling education and outreach projects across the country. EPA has published two Requests for Applications (RFAs) for new recycling infrastructure grants and education and outreach grants totaling $70 million. EPA also announced a new grant program for states and territories totaling $30 million.
The new grant programs support improvements to local waste management systems and recycling education and outreach, meeting Congress’ goal to create a stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system.
“Too many communities are burdened by pollution and the negative environmental and health impacts that result from poorly managed waste,†said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’ve seen a historic level of resources flow to EPA to address these challenges. The funding announced today will work hand in hand with our broader efforts to transform recycling and solid waste management across the nation and deliver economic and environmental benefits to those who need the most.â€
These grants are funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which invested $375 million in funding for new recycling, reuse and waste prevention programs, the largest investment in recycling infrastructure to EPA in 30 years.
The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program
The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grant Program for which EPA is now seeking applications includes:
- $30 million in funding that is available for states, territories, and the District of Columbia to improve solid waste management planning, data collection, and program implementation; and
- $40 million in funding that is available for counties, cities, towns, parishes, and similar units of government to fund projects that improve post-consumer materials management and infrastructure, including collection, transport, systems, and processes related to post-use materials that can be recovered, reused, recycled, repaired, refurbished, or composted.
The Recycling Education and Outreach Grant Program
The Recycling Education and Outreach (REO) Grant Program for which EPA is now seeking applications includes:
- $30 million in funding for projects to improve consumer education and outreach on waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and composting. These education and outreach grants to states, Tribes, territories, local governments, and other organizations aim to reduce waste generation, decrease contamination in the recycling stream, and increase recycling rates across the country in a manner that is equitable for all.
Recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions by reducing energy consumption. Using recycled materials to make new products reduces the need for unused raw materials, avoiding emissions from mining, and allowing resources to be used more efficiently while reducing the impact on the climate. The Agency continues to accelerate progress through the development of these infrastructure and education grants, best practices and guidelines for batteries, a model recycling program toolkit, and strategies to reduce waste from food, plastics, and electronics.
Communities—oftentimes those with environmental justice concerns—carry the environmental and human health burdens of waste. The grants announced today align with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to elevate environmental justice to the highest levels of the federal government and advance EPA’s commitment to delivering justice and equity for all. As part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, at least 40 percent of the funding allocated in EPA’s SWIFR and REO grants will benefit underserved and overburdened communities.
EPA encourages interested eligible entities to obtain SAM.gov and Grants.gov identification numbers, which can take a month. Interested applicants can learn how to prepare for a grant application by visiting this webpage.
The Latest Edition of the Indiana State Police Road Show
Indiana – Catch the latest edition of the “Indiana State Police Road Show†radio program on the Indiana State Police YouTube Channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ0GxKaRrCM
This weeks show features Deputy Chief Mike Pruitt of the Bargersville Fire Department. Mike joins the show to talk about his deployment to Hurricane Ian with Indiana Task Force One.
The radio program was titled “Signal-10†in the early 1960’s when it was first started by two troopers in northern Indiana. The name was later changed to the “Indiana State Police Road Show†and is the longest continuously aired state police public service program in Indiana.
Radio stations across Indiana and the nation are invited to download and air for FREE this public service program sponsored by the Indiana State Police Alliance and Cops for Kids, a subsidiary of the Indiana State Police Alliance.
Men’s basketball travels to Dallas to face SMU
Aces and Mustangs meet on Saturday afternoon
 EVANSVILLE, Ind. – For the first time in 49 years, the University of Evansville men’s basketball team travels to the State of Texas as the Purple Aces face SMU on Saturday at 2 p.m. UE faces the Mustangs in Moody Coliseum with the broadcast set for ESPN+.
Last Time Out
– Trailing by as many as 17 points in the first half, Evansville got within one in the final 20 minutes before Southeast Missouri State finished with a 67-61 victory
– Kenny Strawbridge Jr. scored 22 points on 7-of-17 shooting while Yacine Toumi added 13 points and 7 boards
– Sekou Kalle and Marvin Coleman II hauled in 12 rebounds apiece
Back to Texas
– Evansville will play a game in Texas for the first time since December of 1973
– A 2-game road swing that year saw the Aces earn a 100-76 win over Lamar in Beaumont, Texas before traveling to El Paso the next day to face UTEP where the squad fell by a 60-57 final
Rebounding Stat
– It has been close to eight years since two Evansville players had 10+ rebounds in a game as Marvin Coleman II and Sekou Kalle accomplished the feat against SEMO
– The last time UE did so came on Dec. 28, 2014 when Egidijus Mockevicius and Mislav Brzoja each grabbed 10 boards versus Coppin State
Another 20-point Game
– With 22 points against SEMO, Kenny Strawbridge Jr. improved his season average to 17.7 points per game and is 7th in the MVC
– Knocking down 9 of his 17 attempts, Strawbridge scored 23 points to lead UE to a 78-74 win at Miami Ohio
– His debut was the best for Evansville since DeAndre Williams scored 26 against Ball State in his first game with the program in 2019
Double-Double Threat
– Every time he takes to the floor, Yacine Toumi has the chance to record a double-double
– Toumi is averaging 14.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game on the season and recorded the first double-double of his career at Saint Louis, posting 14 points and 10 rebounds
– He currently ranks inside the MVC’s top 18 in scoring, rebounding and minutes played
– His debut at Miami Ohio saw him score 15 points, including the first eight UE tallies of the game
Scouting the Opponent
– SMU comes into Saturday’s game with a 1-2 record with a win over Texas A&M-Commerce and losses to Dayton and New Mexico
– Zhuric Phelps has had an outstanding start to the season, checking in with an average of 18.7 points per game
– Zach Nutall is just behind with a mark of 15.0 PPG
– On the boards, it is Efe Odigie leading the Mustangs with 10.0 rebounds including 8.0/game on the defensive end
– Samuell Williamson is also a force on the boards, standing with 8.3 caroms per contest
Frontier League Moves to Increase Action and Shorten Game Times
implemented in affiliated baseball to improve the pace of games. Previous changes included the adoption of rules to require a batter to keep one foot in the batter’s box and limits on the number of mound visits each team was allowed during games.
The Frontier League will kick off the 2023 season on Thursday May 11th . The League is the largest and longest tenured MLB Partner League, featuring 16 teams stretching from St. Louis to Quebec City, Canada.
2023 Indiana Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest
The Indiana State Police is proud to partner again in 2023 with the U.S. Department of Justice in promoting the National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25th as National Missing Children’s Day. This day is dedicated to encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers and all concerned individuals with the well-being of children to make child safety a priority. It serves as a reminder to continue our efforts to reunite missing children with their families and loved ones. It also serves as an occasion to honor those who are dedicated to this very noble cause. The National Missing Children’s Poster Contest provides an opportunity for schools, law enforcement, and parents/guardians to discuss and promote child safety.
The state winner will receive a national award certificate from the U.S. Department of Justice and their poster will be selected to go to the national judging competition. The national winner, along with his/her parents and teacher, and the state manager will be invited to Washington, D.C. to participate in the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Missing Children’s Day ceremony.
Some important facts about the contest:
- There is NO LIMIT on the number of posters a school can submit.
- Only one (1) poster per student is allowed for submission.
- Students who submit posters MUST be in the 5th grade.Â
- Artwork should reflect the theme “Bringing Our Missing Children Home.†This phrase MUST appear somewhere on the poster.
- The theme may be depicted in the artwork through one or a combination of illustrations and can be created using media such as acrylics, watercolor, pencils, charcoal, magic markers, spray paint, crayons and pastels. Digitally produced images, collages, cut-outs and stamping WILL NOT be eligible for consideration.
- The finished poster MUST measure 8 ½ X 14 inches.
- The poster must be submitted with a COMPLETED application, which includes a description of the poster and a brief biography of the artist.
- All poster contest rules can be found here: 2023 Poster Contest Packet.pdf
- Deadline for submissions from participating organizations to be received by Sergeant Seth Tumey is February 7, 2023.
Submissions are to be sent to:
Indiana State Police Museum
Attn: Sergeant Seth Tumey
8660 E 21st Street
Indianapolis, IN 46219
If ever a child goes missing, contact your local police department or dial 9-1-1. It is also a good idea to keep an updated picture or cell phone image, and a DNA sample from your child. For more safety and prevention tips please visit http://www.in.gov/amberalert/2335.htm     Â
Former Otters pitcher Sawyer signs with Cardinals
After an astounding 2022 season, former Evansville Otters closer Logan Sawyer has been signed by the St. Louis Cardinals.
Sawyer, a Knoxville, Tennesee native, signed with Evansville ahead of the 2021 season. During the 2021 season, Sawyer matched an Otters single-season record for saves (25).
“Logan earned this opportunity,” Otters pitching coach Max Peterson said. “He is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever seen – always trying to get better and work on his craft. He will go down as one of the best relievers in Evansville Otters and Frontier League history. I am so happy for Logan and his family, we wish him the best.”
The righty dominated the Frontier League in 2022, allowing just 1 unearned run on 11 hits in 29+ innings of work. Sawyer struck out 39 batters while allowing just three walks. He finished the year with a 2-1 record and 0.00 ERA. With 22 saves in 2022, Sawyer moved to second all-time in Otters history with 47.
“I couldn’t be happier for Logan,” Evansville manager Andy McCauley said. “After a remarkable two years for the Otters, he certainly deserves this opportunity with the Cardinals. We wish him the best of luck.”
The 2022 Frontier League relief pitcher of the year returns to affiliated baseball for the first time since 2016 when he was in the Rockies affiliation after being drafted by Colorado in 2014.
“The Evansville Otters gave me a chance when nobody else did,” Sawyer said. “Max [Peterson] and Andy [McCauley] deserve so much credit for this. From the front office down, the whole organization does things the right way.”
In his two seasons with Evansville, Sawyer allowed 47 hits across 66+ innings with a 1.63 ERA, the sixth-best career ERA in Otters history. He struck out 87 total batters and gave up nine walks. Sawyer was a Frontier League All-Star in each of his two seasons in Evansville.
“The Cardinals are a phenomenal organization,” Sawyer added. “I know I am going to have a chance to go over there and compete right away and that is all I could ask for.”
The Otters have sent 87 players to affiliated organizations out of Evansville.