Eagles break the Pomeroys, 84-42
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball rolled through Saint Mary’s of the Woods, 84-42, Thursday evening at Screaming Eagles Arena. The Screaming Eagles rise above .500 for the first time as a Division I team and are 6-5 after tonight’s action, while the Pomeroys are 4-7. Â
The Eagles and Pomeroys started slow with each team posting a bucket through the first four minutes. USI ignited after the first media timeout with senior forward Jacob Polakovich (Grand Rapids, Michigan) sparking a 14-1 run to put the Eagles up 16-3. Â
Polakovich had six of the 14 points during the run as the Eagles were five-of-eight from the field offensively and held the Pomeroys to just two shots in three minutes. The USI defense would go on to hold SMWC to under 10 points through the first 12 minutes of the contest. Â
After graduate forward Trevor Lakes (Lebanon, Indiana) broke a three-minute scoring drought with a three-point bomb from the top of the key, USI went on an 11-2 run to post a 22-point, 34-12 lead. The Eagles were a perfect four-of-four from the the field during the run, led by sophomore guard Isaiah Swope (Newburgh, Indiana), who had five of the 11 points. Â
USI finished the opening 20 minutes by increasing the lead to as many as 24 points twice, including the 38-14 score at the intermission. Â
The Eagles pulled away for gook early in the second, expanding the lead to more than 30 points through the first 10 minutes. Senior guard Jelani Simmons (Columbus, Ohio) scored 13 of his 18 points during the first 10 minutes of the final half as USI outscored SMWC, 27-15. Â
The USI lead would grow to as many as 44 points before the final buzzer on the 84-42 victory. Â
In addition to Simmons’ team-high 18 points, sophomore guard Jeremiah Hernandez (Chicago, Illinois) and Polakovich followed with double-digits in the scoring column with 11 points and 10 points, respectively. Â
USI, as a team, won the battle on the boards, 40-36, led by sophomore forward Nick Hittle (Indianapolis, Indiana), who grabbed a season-high 13 rebounds. Â
Next Up 2022-23:Â
USI return to the road next week to play in the Indiana Classic hosted by Purdue University Ft. Wayne at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Ft. Wayne. The Eagles will play a neutral site game versus Indiana University/Purdue University Indianapolis Monday at 3 p.m. (CST) before concluding the classic against Ft. Wayne Tuesday at 6 p.m. (CST). Â
IUPUI, which hosts Eastern Illinois University Saturday before playing in the Indiana Classic, is 2-8 overall and is led by junior guard Bryce Monroe and sophomore guard Jlynn Counter, who are posting 12.0 points and 11.2 points per game, respectively. Â
USI holds a 12-5 series lead between the two programs, dating back to the 1972-73 season. The Eagles took back-to-back games with the Jaguars (then known as the Metros) to start the 1994-95 season, 117-99 at the Physical Activities Center and 89-83 in Indianapolis. Â
Ft. Wayne, who was Indiana University/Purdue University Ft. Wayne when it and USI were a part of the Great Lakes Valley Conference, is 7-5 overall and have won three-straight games. The Mastodons are led by graduate guard Jarred Godfrey and graduate forward Bobby Planutis, who are posting 15.3 points and 13.0 points per game, respectively. Â
USI leads the all-time series with Ft. Wayne, 25-13, and had a GLVC advantage, 22-13. The Eagles had won 16-straight versus the Mastodons, prior to Ft. Wayne making the jump to Division I. The last meeting in 2001 ended with USI posting a 110-108 victory at Ft. Wayne.  Â
USI To Hold Commencement Ceremonies Today
WHO: USI students from the Fall Class of 2022 will be recognized at USI Commencement Ceremonies.
WHAT:Â USI will hold two Commencement Ceremonies to honor the Fall Class of 2022.
WHEN:Â Ceremonies will take place tomorrow, Saturday, December 17. A schedule of Commencement Ceremony times follows:
- 10 a.m.: College of Nursing and Health Professions, Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education and School of Graduate Studies
- 1 p.m.: Romain College of Business, College of Liberal Arts and School of Graduate Studies
WHERE: Both Ceremonies will be held in the Screaming Eagles Arena. A map of the USI campus, featuring the Screaming Eagles Arena, can be found at USI.edu/map. Media should enter through the front doors of the Arena and will be escorted to the media platform, section 104, accessed from the second level. Elevators accessing the second level of the Arena are available if needed.
*Doors open one hour prior to each ceremony. Access to students lining up for Commencement will be cut off 10-15 minutes prior to each ceremony. Please arrive early to setup and/or interview students, faculty or staff.
Graduation Of The 83rd Indiana State Police Recruit Academy
This evening, December 15, 2022, the 83rd Indiana State Police Recruit Academy completed its graduation ceremony in the Indiana State Capitol Rotunda. Opening remarks and commencement address were made by Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter
After the commencement address, the oath of office for the 11 new State Police officers was delivered by The Honorable Justice Christopher M. Goff, of the Indiana Supreme Court. Each new trooper was then presented their badge and official identification by Superintendent Carter and his staff.
Today’s graduation marked the culmination of 23 weeks of intense training which totaled more than 1,100 hours. Some subject areas of training included criminal and traffic law, de-escalation, emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics, firearms, impaired driving detection, scenario-based training, and a host of other academic subjects related to modern policing.
Each graduating trooper will be assigned to one of 14 State Police Posts across Indiana. Once at their assigned district, the new troopers will spend the next three months working side by side with a series of experienced Field Training Officers. The purpose of the field training is to put to practical application the training received throughout the formal academy training. Upon successful completion of field training, the new troopers will be assigned a state police patrol vehicle and will begin solo patrol in their assigned district.
* Included below is a link to the graduation ceremony program which lists each new trooper’s name and district of assignment.
83rd Recruit Academy Graduation Program
Sens. Braun Lead Republican Colleagues In Urging Department of Labor To Protect Independent Contractor Classification
WASHINGTON— Senators Braun, Burr and Thune are leading a bicameral letter with Rep. Foxx (R-N.C.) urging the Department of Labor (DOL) not to move forward with its proposed rule for determining independent contractor classification due to the negative impact on workers and business, the test’s lack of clarity and the devastating consequences for the U.S. economy. They are joined by Sens. Hagerty, Romney, T. Scott, Cramer, Johnson, Barrasso, Cassidy, Lankford, Marshall, Hoeven, Blackburn, Boozman, Tuberville, Young, Lummis, Lee, R. Scott, Inhofe, Graham, Fischer, Ernst, Shelby and Rounds as well as Reps. Wilson, Thompson, Walberg, Grothman, Stefanik, Allen, Banks, Comer, Fulcher, Keller, Miller-Meeks, Owens, Good, McClain, Harshbarger, Miller, Spartz, Fitzgerald, Steel, and Pete Sessions.
“The independent contractor proposed rule would have immediate and long-term disruptive effects on millions of workers and thousands of businesses at a time when the economy is facing high inflation rates. A study by Upwork estimates that 59 million Americans performed freelance work in 2021 and contributed $1.3 trillion to the U.S. economy.  Small and large businesses in hospitality, healthcare, education, agriculture, transportation, construction, finance, law, housing, entertainment, and more utilize independent contractors to meet their needs. This allows businesses to have a dynamic workforce while giving workers the autonomy and flexibility they prefer. It is clear the proposed rule’s attempt to restrict this flexibility for businesses and workers will be disruptive,â€Â the lawmakers wrote.
“We urge DOL not to move forward with its proposed rule for determining independent contractor classification due to this negative impact on workers and businesses, the test’s lack of clarity, and the devastating consequences for the U.S. economy. The proposed rule will jeopardize millions of individuals’ independent contractor status under the FLSA. Instead, DOL should maintain the 2021 rule, which was designed for the modern economy and brought clarity to workers and businesses,â€Â the lawmakers continued.
 Read the full letter HERE
Gov. Holcomb Announces $22B In 2022 in Capital Commitments
INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced the end of a sixth consecutive record-breaking year for economic development in Indiana. In 2022, 218 companies committed to locate or expand in Indiana, investing more than $22.2 billion in their operations and creating 24,059 new jobs.
“Indiana’s economy is firing on all cylinders,†said Gov. Holcomb. “These investments and job commitments will transform our high-tech industries and ensure that Hoosiers are at the forefront of the 21st century economy. Our strategic focus on advancing entrepreneurship, innovation and quality of place is igniting our neighborhoods and communities statewide, providing more opportunities for Hoosiers and their families to thrive.â€
Capital investment commitments in 2022 grew by more than 260%, unprecedented in the state’s history. Job commitments in 2022 come with an average wage of $34.71, which is 27% more than the state’s average wage. This marks the highest capital investment and annual record for average wages since the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) was established in 2005.
“Indiana continues to lead in building the economy of the future,†said Sec. of Commerce Brad Chambers. “Our strategic initiatives and focus are attracting first-of-their-kind investments from innovative businesses around the world while enabling growth and innovation in future-looking industries like semiconductor fabrication and design, electric vehicles and batteries, life sciences, agbiosciences and future industry. These efforts will pay dividends for generations to come, creating high-value, high-quality jobs in our communities.â€
A key component of Gov. Holcomb’s economic roadmap is ensuring that Indiana is at the center of the future, global economy. The strategic vision is a focus on building an economy of the future with next-gen industry, investing in the jobs of tomorrow, retaining and attracting top talent and in creating a quality of place that provides more opportunities for all Hoosiers.
Board of Park Commissioners Meeting Schedules
 Board of Park Commissioners
Re: Schedule of Public Meetings for the Board of Park Commissioners for the City of Evansville for 2023.
The Board of Park Commissioners will conduct Monthly meetings in Kevin Winternheimer Chambers, Room 301, Civic Center Complex, 100 NW Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Evansville, IN 47708, on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 12:00 Noon, unless otherwise notified. Â
A table listing the dates for each Board Meeting is furnished below:
| January 4, 2023 | January 18, 2023 | February 1, 2023 |
| February 15, 2023 | March 1, 2023Â | March 15, 2023 |
| April 5, 2023 | April 19, 2023 | May 3, 2023 |
| May 17, 2023 | June 7, 2023 | June 21, 2023 |
| July 5, 2023 | July 19, 2023 | August 2, 2023Â |
| August 16, 2023Â (307) | September 6, 2023Â (307) | September 20, 2023 |
| October 4, 2023 Â (307) | October 18, 2023 | November 1, 2023 |
| November 15, 2023 | December 6, 2023 | December 20, 2023 |
The public is welcome to attend all Board Meetings. If any group or individual wishes to address the Board on a special issue, please contact me and I will schedule you for a future meeting.
If you have any questions, please call 812-435-6141.
Eagles Beat Saint Mary Of The Woods By 84-42 Margin
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball rolled through Saint Mary’s of the Woods, 84-42, Thursday evening at Screaming Eagles Arena. The Screaming Eagles rise above .500 for the first time as a Division I team and are 6-5 after tonight’s action, while the Pomeroys are 4-7.
The Eagles and Pomeroys started slow with each team posting a bucket through the first four minutes. USI ignited after the first media timeout with senior forward Jacob Polakovich (Grand Rapids, Michigan) sparking a 14-1 run to put the Eagles up 16-3.
Polakovich had six of the 14 points during the run as the Eagles were five-of-eight from the field offensively and held the Pomeroys to just two shots in three minutes. The USI defense would go on to hold SMWC to under 10 points through the first 12 minutes of the contest.
After graduate forward Trevor Lakes (Lebanon, Indiana) broke a three-minute scoring drought with a three-point bomb from the top of the key, USI went on an 11-2 run to post a 22-point, 34-12 lead. The Eagles were a perfect four-of-four from the the field during the run, led by sophomore guard Isaiah Swope (Newburgh, Indiana), who had five of the 11 points.
USI finished the opening 20 minutes by increasing the lead to as many as 24 points twice, including the 38-14 score at the intermission.
The Eagles pulled away for gook early in the second, expanding the lead to more than 30 points through the first 10 minutes. Senior guard Jelani Simmons (Columbus, Ohio) scored 13 of his 18 points during the first 10 minutes of the final half as USI outscored SMWC, 27-15.
The USI lead would grow to as many as 44 points before the final buzzer on the 84-42 victory.
In addition to Simmons’ team-high 18 points, sophomore guard Jeremiah Hernandez (Chicago, Illinois) and Polakovich followed with double-digits in the scoring column with 11 points and 10 points, respectively.
USI, as a team, won the battle on the boards, 40-36, led by sophomore forward Nick Hittle (Indianapolis, Indiana), who grabbed a season-high 13 rebounds.
Next Up 2022-23:Â
USI return to the road next week to play in the Indiana Classic hosted by Purdue University Ft. Wayne at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Ft. Wayne. The Eagles will play a neutral site game versus Indiana University/Purdue University Indianapolis Monday at 3 p.m. (CST) before concluding the classic against Ft. Wayne Tuesday at 6 p.m. (CST).
IUPUI, which hosts Eastern Illinois University Saturday before playing in the Indiana Classic, is 2-8 overall and is led by junior guard Bryce Monroe and sophomore guard Jlynn Counter, who are posting 12.0 points and 11.2 points per game, respectively.
USI holds a 12-5 series lead between the two programs, dating back to the 1972-73 season. The Eagles took back-to-back games with the Jaguars (then known as the Metros) to start the 1994-95 season, 117-99 at the Physical Activities Center and 89-83 in Indianapolis.
Ft. Wayne, who was Indiana University/Purdue University Ft. Wayne when it and USI were a part of the Great Lakes Valley Conference, is 7-5 overall and have won three-straight games. The Mastodons are led by graduate guard Jarred Godfrey and graduate forward Bobby Planutis, who are posting 15.3 points and 13.0 points per game, respectively.
USI leads the all-time series with Ft. Wayne, 25-13, and had a GLVC advantage, 22-13. The Eagles had won 16-straight versus the Mastodons, prior to Ft. Wayne making the jump to Division I. The last meeting in 2001 ended with USI posting a 110-108 victory at Ft. Wayne.
EPA Issues Guidance To States To Reduce Harmful PFAS Pollution
New EPA memo provides direction under NPDES permitting program to restrict PFAS at their source the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a memorandum to states that provides direction on how to use the nation’s bedrock clean water permitting program to protect against per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The guidance released today, which outlines how states can monitor for PFAS discharges and take steps to reduce them where they are detected, is part of the Agency’s holistic approach to addressing these harmful forever chemicals under EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap.
This action is a critical step in EPA’s efforts to restrict PFAS at their source, which will reduce the levels of PFAS entering wastewater and stormwater systems and ultimately lower people’s exposure to PFAS through swimming, fishing, drinking and other pathways.
“EPA is following through on its commitment to empowering states and communities across the nation to address known or suspected discharges of PFAS,†said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Today’s action builds upon successful and innovative efforts already used by several states to safeguard communities by using our Clean Water Act permitting program to identify and reduce sources of PFAS pollution before they enter our waters.â€
The memorandum, Addressing PFAS Discharges in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits and Through the Pretreatment Program and Monitoring Programs, will align wastewater and stormwater NPDES permits and pretreatment program implementation activities with the goals in EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap. The memo recommends that states use the most current sampling and analysis methods in their NPDES programs to identify known or suspected sources of PFAS and to take actions using their pretreatment and permitting authorities, such as imposing technology-based limits on sources of PFAS discharges. The memo will also help the Agency obtain comprehensive information by monitoring on the sources and quantities of PFAS discharges, informing other EPA efforts to address PFAS.
Several states have already demonstrated the benefits of leveraging their state administered NPDES permit programs to identify and reduce sources of PFAS before these forever chemicals enter treatment facilities and surface waters. Michigan, for example, is partnering with municipal wastewater treatment facilities to develop monitoring approaches to help identify upstream sources of PFAS. The state has been able to leverage that monitoring information to work with industries, such as electroplating companies, to substantially reduce PFAS discharges. North Carolina has also successfully leveraged its NPDES program to develop facility-specific, technology-based effluent limits for known industrial dischargers of PFAS. This memo urges states to replicate these approaches and use others noted in the memo to identify and reduce PFAS discharges.
This memo builds upon the agency’s April 2022 memo to EPA Regions by expanding the audience to states and including new recommendations related to biosolids, permit limits, and coordination across relevant state agencies. The memo provides recommendations to NPDES permit writers and pretreatment coordinators, rooted in the successful use of these tools in several states, on monitoring provisions and analytical methods and the use of pollution prevention and best management practices. These provisions will help reduce PFAS pollution in surface waters as the Agency also works to promulgate effluent guidelines, finalize multi-laboratory validated analytical methods and publish water quality criteria that address PFAS compounds.
Background
PFAS are a large group of chemicals that are used in consumer products and industrial processes. In use since the 1940s, PFAS are resistant to heat, oils, stains, g