EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball picked up an 85-52 home win Wednesday against Bethel University (Ind.), as USI’s junior forward Meredith Raley (Haubstadt, Indiana) recorded a career-high 23 points on the afternoon.
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Both teams tried to find their flow in the first few minutes of the first quarter Wednesday. For USI, sophomore guard Vanessa Shafford (Linton, Indiana) picked up right where she left off from her 21-point, 11-rebound performance on Saturday. Shafford scored five quick points off a mid-range jumper and a three-pointer that put USI ahead 7-2 in the early going. After a little bit of a dry spell, Bethel closed the gap to make the score 11-9 USI, but the Screaming Eagles went on to finish the first quarter on a 9-0 run to take a 20-9 advantage into the second period. Senior forward Hannah Haithcock (Washington Courthouse, Ohio) scored six straight points for USI in the late, first-quarter run.
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After scoring five points in the first period, Raley attacked the basket in the early minutes of the second quarter, getting to the free-throw line. Her made free throws with 7:56 left in the first half put USI up by 20, 29-9. A minute later, the Screaming Eagles kept feeding Haithcock in the paint, as her bucket inside gave USI a 31-13 lead and put her in double figures. Southern Indiana went on another big run before halftime, putting together a 13-2 run inside the last four and a half minutes. Raley reached double digits for the game with 1:21 left in the second when she cashed in with a basket and a foul, hitting the free throw and giving USI a 41-18 lead.
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The Screaming Eagles went into the intermission ahead 44-18. Raley and Haithcock led USI with 14 and 13 points, respectively, at the break. Southern Indiana shot 44.4 percent (16-36) in the first half while Bethel shot 26.1 percent (6-23) through the first two quarters. By halftime, USI had 16 fast break points, 19 points off turnovers, and 20 points in the paint.
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Out of halftime, Shafford canned two straight triples in the first 90 seconds of the third to cross into double figures for the game and put USI up 50-18. Shafford and Raley were strong in the third quarter. Raley scored seven points quickly midway through the period to reach 21 points, setting a new career high after a made three with 4:34 remaining in the third. The three-pointer gave USI a 31-point lead, 59-28. Bethel had a 10-5 stretch in the back half of the third to make the score 64-39 USI heading into the fourth period.
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About halfway into the fourth quarter, Southern Indiana’s junior guard Lexie Green (Indianapolis, Indiana) found her rhythm from deep. Green put two consecutive three-point shots through the bottom of the net, and then she followed those threes up with a successful old-fashioned three-point play, giving her nine quick points and a 77-43 lead for USI with five minutes remaining in the fourth. Green hit double digits before the game went final.
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USI was led in scoring by Raley with 23 points, a new career best for the junior, shooting 7-8 from the floor and 8-9 at the free-throw line. Raley also finished with eight rebounds. Shafford ended up with her second consecutive double-double effort, tallying 13 points and 10 boards. Haithcock had 15 points, and Green posted 11 points, a new career high and her first career double-digit game. Senior guard Tori Handley (Jeffersonville, Indiana) added seven points, six assists, and four steals. USI went 31-58 (53.4 percent) from the field, 8-17 (47.1 percent) from three, and 15-18 (83.3 percent) from the charity stripe. Southern Indiana outrebounded Bethel 35-24 and totaled 23 assists. The Screaming Eagles also registered 20 fast break points, 29 points off turnovers, and 36 points in the paint.
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For Bethel, the Pilots were led by senior forward Katie Kinker with 13 points and sophomore guard Maiah Shelton with 10 points. The Pilots shot 40.4 percent (21-52) from the floor, 23.5 percent (4-17) from three, and 75 percent (6-8) from the line.
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The Screaming Eagles will go 10 days before their next game. USI will play on December 3 at Murray State at 2 p.m. to begin a five-game road swing.
Eagles head into Thanksgiving with 85-52 win on Wednesday
200,000 Pounds Of Poultry Products Donated To Hoosiers This Year
INDIANAPOLIS  Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Bruce Kettler, and the Indiana State Poultry Association recognized the generosity of Indiana’s poultry producers at the 75th annual Indiana state poultry recognition event at the Indiana Statehouse. Over the past year, Indiana poultry farmers have donated nearly 100 tons or 200,000 pounds of poultry products to Hoosiers in need.
“I am so proud of the Hoosier poultry producers and the large impact they have on food-insecure Hoosiers,” said Lt. Gov. Crouch, who also serves as Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Donating 200,000 pounds of poultry products throughout the year is an incredible feat, and I am grateful I was able to thank them in person today for their generous donations.”
For decades, Indiana’s poultry producers have been working to address food insecurity in their local communities by providing protein to food banks across the state. Some of the main products that were donated over the course of this year include eggs, chicken, duck and turkey.
The strength of Indiana’s poultry sector was also recognized during the ceremony as Indiana is one of the top poultry-producing states in the country. According to the USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service, Indiana ranks No. 1 in duck production, No. 2 in egg production, No. 4 in turkey production, and is home to high-quality broiler chicken production as well.
The poultry industry is a substantial economic driver for the state contributing more than $15 billion in total economic activity. Additionally, this sector employs more than 12,500 Hoosiers.
“Our Hoosier farmers are incredibly generous and quick to give back to their community,” said Bruce Kettler, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “This event highlights their year-round contributions to various food banks and pantries located throughout Indiana and we are grateful to recognize them.”
Indiana State Poultry Association (ISPA) members continually give back to their local communities throughout the year. According to ISPA president Becky Joniskan, the large poultry donations come from the small communities across Indiana our poultry farming families call home.
“Indiana’s bountiful, high-quality feed, ample water supply, dedicated farmers, and business climate that understands the needs of agriculture make it an ideal place to raise poultry,” said Joniskan. “We pride ourselves on feeding our neighbors, our nation, and, indeed, the world, with wholesome, nutritious poultry products.”
Today’s items on display were donated to Food Finders Food Bank in Lafayette, IN. This ceremony marks an annual tradition that dates back to the late 1940s. Organized by ISPA, one of the oldest poultry organizations in the nation, it was designed to recognize the strength of Indiana’s poultry industry, as well as the annual donations made by its members, who are responsible for more than 95% of the chicken, duck, turkey, and eggs produced in Indiana.
Todd Rokita Statement Regarding Dr. Caitlin Bernard Case
The Office Of Attorney General Todd Rokita Today Released The Following Statement Regarding Dr. Caitlin Bernard’s Case
“This is what was said in court and in our filed paperwork:
If the doctor did not choose to use her patient, a 10-year-old rape victim, to further her own political agenda, we would not be here today.
There is no defensible reason for this doctor to shatter her 10-year-old patient’s trust by divulging her abortion procedure to a reporter so her traumatizing experience could be used in the polarizing abortion debate on the heels of Dobbs.
The evidence strongly suggests that the doctor violated the mandatory reporting law, which required her to immediately report the child’s abuse to Indiana authorities.
Only by reporting to Indiana authorities immediately, as called for by statute, might the little girl have been spared from potentially being sent back to her perpetrator.
This doctor demands immunity from all scrutiny, but her remedy is before the Medical Licensing Board, not an injunction from this Court.
We believe she has failed to carry her burden of proof and that the Office of the Attorney General should be free to continue its statutory duty to hold physicians and other practitioners to the standards of the law. “
Senator Becker: Involved In General Assembly Kicks Off 2023 Session
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 22, 2022) — State Sen. Vaneta Becker (R-Evansville) today gathered with fellow legislators at the Statehouse for Organization Day — the ceremonial start of the 123rd Indiana General Assembly.
Organization Day includes the swearing in of new and returning members of the General Assembly. This day also marks the annual first roll call of all state lawmakers and gives each Senate and House of Representatives caucus the opportunity to organize in preparation for the 2023 legislative session.
During the first session of each General Assembly, lawmakers craft a comprehensive budget to fund government services for the next two fiscal years.
“It is always an honor to return to the Statehouse each session and represent my district,†Becker said. “The General Assembly will be working on our state budget this year, and it is important to me that we create legislation that assists Hoosiers where they need it most.â€
As the 2023 session begins, Becker encourages residents of Senate District 50 to contact her with any questions or comments they may have by email at Senator.Becker@iga.in.gov or by phone at 800-382-9467.
High School Students Compete For Cash And Bragging Rights At Vincennes University Jasper CTIM Challenge
JASPER, Ind., November 17, 2022
High school students put their skills to the test and demonstrated their knowledge of technology, innovation, and manufacturing to earn prizes in the Vincennes University Jasper CTIM Challenge.
The event provides a fun, engaging, and interactive competition focused on cooperation.
Approximately 144 high school students from 10 schools and one university participated in the challenge at the Center for Technology, Innovation and Manufacturing on the VU Jasper Campus on Wednesday, Nov. 9. Students from Forest Park, Heritage Hills, Jasper, Northeast Dubois, Perry Central, Pike Central, Shoals, South Spencer, Southridge, Tell City, and the VU Jasper Automation Robotics CTE program formed 24 teams.
The teams competed for $3,690 in cash prizes.
The eight challenges were sponsored by local companies: Farbest Foods, Inc; Jasper Engines; Jasper Group; Kimball Electronics; Kimball International; MasterBrand Cabinets; Wabash Valley; and Waupaca Foundry.
It is the first time Wabash Valley, which is located in Dubois, Indiana, has sponsored a challenge.
According to Wabash Valley Human Resource Director Bill Harris, “We wanted a chance to interact with local high school students and spread the word about our business and all the great things we have going on. We also wanted to see students in action and how they relate to challenges and how they handle the pressure and the stress. It’s almost like a pre-interview. Anytime you can interact with kids this age who are at a crossroads where they are getting ready to exit high school and take that next step, it’s just fun being around them and having 25 minutes of an influence on them.â€
The competition was a practice in utilizing real-world skills like communication and problem-solving.
Students were challenged to use the resources they had and work well together.
The Wabash Valley challenge required groups to build the tallest tower capable of supporting a flat of plastic eggs with materials ranging from pipe cleaners to popsicle sticks while staying under budget. The Jasper Engines’ challenge involved building a filter to create pure water. Kimball International had students determine the best way to package a 3-D printed chair for delivery, then tested their methods using a collaborative robot or cobot.
Jasper High School Career and Technical Education Instructor Josh Dahmer brought 12 students making up two teams to the CTIM Challenge.
“The students like the challenge aspect,†he said. “They like to be able to show what they are made of and flex their brains. It’s impactful from a standpoint of pride and being able to solve problems. These are challenges they are going to be faced with in the job field. Being able to see potential employers at this Challenge is vital for them to make connections early for their careers. The employers are going to remember these students and what they are capable of.â€
Cash prizes were awarded to the top three teams in each challenge and the top three teams overall. The Heritage Hills No. 2 team won first place overall. The second-place overall prize went to the Southridge High School No. 3 team. Third place overall was awarded to Forest Park No. 1 team. The winner of the Teamwork and Communication Award was the Northeast Dubois No. 2 team.
The CTIM Challenge is a perfect example of VU Jasper bringing industry and education together plus connecting local employers with potential future employees.
CTIM Director Jacob Berg said, “VU Jasper and CTIM staff are working hard to fill the gap that continues to exist between education and industry. We’re bringing both groups to the table via internships, plant tours, presentations, and events like the CTIM challenge. Stakeholders share a common vision. We want our students to know who we are and what employment opportunities exist before they graduate high school. Our students should never leave this regional area without exposure to the backbone of our community. We are fortunate to have industry partners who appreciate this critical piece to sustainability and progress.”
VU Jasper is at the forefront of connecting students from Dubois County and surrounding areas with transformative educational opportunities in high-wage, in-demand careers and collaborating with industry partners to develop a modern and uniquely skilled workforce. Students in the Career Advancement Partnership (CAP) program and the Automation and Robotics Academy are immersed in a hands-on learning environment and gain real-time work experience. VU Jasper also partners with the Patoka Valley Career and Technical Education Cooperative in pathway programs such as Construction, Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice, Certified Nursing Assistant, Human/Social Services, and more.
Direct Service Workforce State Plan Now Available
we are excited to publish the Family and Social Services Administration’s Direct Service Workforce Plan, detailing an actionable path forward to support and build Indiana’s Direct Service Workforce. Rooted in FSSA’s Home- and Community-Based Services Spend Plan, the Direct Service Workforce Plan reflects our commitment to investing critical resources to create — and now to begin implementing — a person-centered, statewide plan to improve the recruitment, training, support and retention of direct service workers in home- and community-based settings.
The Direct Service Workforce Plan is the culmination of nine months of intensive and intentional work to bring together a broad and diverse group of stakeholders to help us to develop a holistic understanding of Indiana’s Direct Service Workforce, regardless of program, population served or funding source. This work started with hearing from individuals using home- and community-based services and understanding what they need from those providing direct service and support. Next, we created a first of its kind statewide Direct Service Workforce Advisory Board to serve as an essential partner in the plan development process. We also enlisted the Bowen Center for Health Workforce Research and Policy at the Indiana University School for Medicine – nationally recognized in health workforce policy – to develop and execute a robust research and stakeholder engagement strategy to serve as the plan’s foundation. Lastly, but importantly, we sought out feedback from stakeholders across the state, as well as from our colleagues in state government.
Using the research, feedback and perspectives gathered over the past year, the Direct Service Workforce Plan includes short-, mid-, and long-term strategies in three key areas – wages and benefits; training and pathways; and promotion and planning. The value of the plan is not necessarily in the specifics – many of which are not surprising – but rather in the power of having these strategies consolidated in a single plan that provides clarity on a path toward incremental improvements that are essential to effectively building and maintaining a robust, quality workforce.
We are particularly excited to include strategies such as our on-going HCBS waiver rate review to align rates with the value of providing these essential services and supports and our recently announced Direct Service Workforce Investment grants to provide immediate support and resources to help retain and maintain a quality Direct Service Workforce. More information about these grants, due Dec. 22, can be found on our HCBS Spend Plan webpage. Over the next few months, we look forward to building on these activities, along with other strategies detailed in the plan, in collaboration with individuals who utilize HCBS, our DSW Advisory Board, the Bowen Center, and many other partners and stakeholders.
