Hess wins 1,000m as Eagles churn out strong effort at Bellarmine

01/18/2025

Hess wins 1,000m as Eagles churn out strong effort at Bellarmine

Complete Results | USI Results

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Sophomore Cole Hess finished first in the 1,000 meters to lead University of Southern Indiana Men’s Track & Field at the Bellarmine Open Friday at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center.

Hess finished the race in two minutes, 28.58 seconds, edging out his teammate in junior Isaac Stanford, who was second with at time of 2:28.63. Hess and Stanford’s times respectively rank second and third, all-time at USI in the 1,000 meters.

Freshman Griffen Wheeler also earned a fifth-place finish in the same event as he crossed the finish line in 2:32.57.

As a team, the Screaming Eagles had six top-five finishes and 11 top-eight placements.

Sophomore Alex Nolan and freshman Layden Wagoner finished second and fifth, respectively, in the mile, while junior Brady Terry was fourth in the 3,000 meters.

Nolan crossed the finish line in 4:14.16, while Wagoner ran the mile in 4:15.77. Terry crossed the finish line in the 3,000 meters with a time of 8:36.60 to round out USI’s top-five performers.

USI got top-eight finishes from sophomore Eli Mojonnier (1,000m/6th) as well as freshmen Jadon Muncy (3,000m/6th), Blake Smith (3,000m/7th) and Zach Wells (3,000m/8th).

Hess, Stanford, Wheeler and Mojonnier also teamed up for a seventh-place finish in the 4×400-meter relay.

USI returns to Louisville next Friday to compete in the PNC Bank Bellarmine Classic.

Comastri’s record-breaking day leads Eagles at Bellarmine

01/18/2025

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Comastri’s record-breaking day leads Eagles at Bellarmine

Complete Results | USI Results

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Senior Audrey Comastri raced to a pair of top-five finishes to lead University of Southern Indiana Women’s Track & Field at the Bellarmine Open Friday at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center.

Comastri finished first in the 1,000 meters with school-record time of two minutes, 56.19 seconds, while her fifth-place finish in the 3,000 meters later in the day marked a new personal-best time of 10:21.05 for the Indianapolis native.

As a team, the Screaming Eagles racked up eight top-five performances and 11 top-eight finishes, including a monster effort in the 1,000 meters.

Comastri’s previous school-record in the 1,000 meters—2:58.36 at the 2024 Bellarmine Open—also was surpassed by freshman Abrielle Richard and junior Emily Rempe, who were second and third, respectively, in the event. Richard crossed the finish line in 2:57.39, while Rempe finished in 2:58.17.

Freshman Addison Applegate followed the record-breaking trio with a fifth-place finish in the 1,000 meters.

The Eagles also got a strong effort from sophomore Zoe Seward, who opened her indoor season with a second-place finish in the 3,000 meters. Seward crossed the finish line in 10:15.44.

Senior Olivia Clark also came close to a personal record as she finished fifth in the 400 meters with a time of 1:01.75. She also was 21st in the 200 meters.

Junior Ellie Hall was fifth in the mile with a time of 5:05.17, while freshman Hadessah Austin was sixth with a time of 5:05.21.

Freshmen Maggie Smith and Emma Deweese were sixth and eighth, respectively, in the 800 meters to round out USI’s top-eight performers.

USI returns to Louisville next Friday to compete in the PNC Bank Bellarmine Classic.

DOMINANT SPECIAL TEAMS EFFORT LEADS ‘BOLTS OVER PEORIA, 4-3

01/18/2025

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DOMINANT SPECIAL TEAMS EFFORT LEADS ‘BOLTS OVER PEORIA, 4-3

Peoria, Ill.: Behind a season-best three power play goals along with a perfect night of penalty killing, the Thunderbolts emerged in the third period to defeat the Peoria Rivermen 4-3 in Peoria on Friday night . The Thunderbolts’ next home game will be on Friday, January 24th against the Pensacola Ice Flyers at 7:05pm CT.

The Rivermen scored in the opening minute, as Jordan Ernst gave Peoria a 1-0 lead 45 seconds into the contest. A few minutes later, the Thunderbolts gained a spark as Brady Lynn squared off against Peoria’s Frankie Trazzera, more than holding his own as he fought to a draw against the larger Trazzera. The momentum shift helped lead to the tying goal, scored by Scott Kirton at 7:10, unassisted. The Rivermen gained a major power play midway through the period, and although they did not score on the power play, they scored immediately afterward as Nick Gullo made it 2-1 Peoria at 16:10. Evansville scored the second period’s lone goal, as Logan vande Meerakker scored on a major power play from Anthony Hora and Matt Dorsey to tie the game once again at 2-2. In the third period, Evansville scored a pair of power play goals to gain a 4-2 lead, as Jordan Simoneau scored on a rebound from Lynn at 9:19, followed by a net-front deflection by Dorsey at 14:14 from Vande Meerakker and Kirton. Peoria responded at 18:01 as Daniel Chartrand scored to make it 4-3, however the Thunderbolts held down the fort the rest of the way for the victory, their second win in Peoria this season.

Kirton, Dorsey, and Vande Meerakker each finished with one goal and assist, while Simoneau finished with one goal. In goal, Cole Ceci finished with 15 saves on 18 shots for his 7th win of the season. The Thunderbolts and Rivermen meet again on Saturday, January 18th at Peoria Civic Center, face-off set for 7:15pm CT.

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.com) for details.

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

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

01/18/2025

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Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

Booked Last 24 Hours-Public

Jim Redwine Gavel Gamut: Those Who Serve

01/18/2025

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GAVEL GAMUT
By Jim Redwine
www.jamesmredwine.com
THOSE WHO SERVE

On January 20, 2025 America swears in its new president for a four-year term. A president
who just completed a four-year term will leave office on that same date. Countless public
servants will also be leaving as countless replacements will move in. Throughout the United
States, local, city/town, county and state officials will be switching roles as the rest of us juggle our past and future servants’ identities and duties. These offices will not all change on the 20 th or even during the same month or year. Of course, most of us barely take note of the shifting federal servants much less who is figuring our taxes or keeping track of our real and personal property, enforcing our laws or chasing down rabid animals. We take almost everything any of our multiple governments do without a second thought, unless we or our family needs a service.

But as one who has sought elective public office on several occasions, I appreciate the
angst our elected and appointed public workers suffer. My first political campaign was for the nomination for Prosecuting Attorney; I was unopposed. I was convinced the world recognized my superior talents. That fall I lost the general election; I was comforted by telling myself the public had not appreciated its mistake. However, I have never completely recovered, although the person who beat me and I later became respectful friends.

Then, two years later I ran for judge and won. I just knew the public had recovered from
its political dystopia. Thereafter, I ran for judge every six years for thirty years, but was
unopposed in each primary and general election. However, until the filing date closed each cycle, I held my breath as all office seekers probably do. Even an uncontested election calls forth anxiety, although each time I convinced myself no one had cause to run against me. And it was not just my welfare I was responsible for; my staff, not to mention my family, relied on my status too.

Well, Gentle Reader, you probably right away figured out what I meant to say today, but
I will continue to say it anyway. Most people quickly criticize their public servants, but few of us acknowledge their precarious predicament and their essential roles. Many of them expend great energy and significant amounts of money for the privilege of operating our democracy. For me, they deserve thanks; so, Thanks!

For more Gavel Gamut articles go to www.jamesmredwine.com

These Five Dogs Need a Foster Home

01/18/2025

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There are dogs that need a warm home and some love. Contact Evansville Animal Care and Control about these or other pets to foster or adopt.

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Indiana Black Legislative Caucas unveils 2025 Legislative Agenda

01/18/2025

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HARRIS, IBLC UNVEIL 2025 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA: ‘HEALTHY BODIES, HEALTHY MINDS’

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), announced that mental and physical health will be the focus of the caucus’ 2025 legislative agenda.

The “Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds” agenda aims to increase access to health care, improve health outcomes for Hoosiers, bring more physicians to the state of Indiana and enhance funding for mental health care.

The collection of bills, which includes a “Momnibus” package in honor of the late Sen. Jean Breaux, also includes access to safe housing, maternal health resources for incarcerated women and legislation requiring mental health professionals to assist law enforcement with calls pertaining to a mental health or substance use disorder crises.

“When speaking about public health, we need to be thinking about the many facets of life that have an impact on our overall health and wellbeing,” Harris said during a press conference today. “From making schools safer to increasing access to affordable housing, we in the IBLC are hard at work to make Indiana a safer, healthier and more equitable place to live, study, work and raise a family.

“We’re not naïve; we know we won’t fix all of Indiana’s health problems in one legislative session,” Harris said. “But this year, we’re committed to doing everything we can to help Hoosiers get access to preventative care, lower health care costs, bring more doctors to the state and to improve mental and physical health outcomes for citizens across the board.”

USI to host Crappie University 2025, Crappie Fishing’s newest insights

01/18/2025

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USI to host Crappie University 2025, Crappie Fishing’s newest insights

University of Southern Indiana Outreach and Engagement is hosting Crappie University 2025; Crappie Fishing’s Newest Insights, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, February 4, 11 and 18 in the Wright Administration Building, Room WA2. This three-night event, taught by crappie fishing experts and guides, will provide important details about local waters and effective techniques for catching crappie in the Indiana region.

All sessions will include multimedia presentations with hands-on demonstrations. Topics covered will include best crappie rigs, techniques for the region, making the most of forward-facing technology and in-depth training on dock shooting and other fish-targeting tactics.

“We’re excited for Crappie U’s return to USI, and our instructor lineup for the course is top notch,” said Gary Dollahon, Crappie University President. “Tom Hankins and Doug Sikora are two of Indiana’s most avid and knowledgeable crappie anglers. Jim Dant, from the St. Louis area, adds more expertise from throughout the region. Experienced crappie anglers and beginners alike stand to benefit from the combo’s decades of fishing for the species and about today’s best techniques and gear used for crappie-catching success”.

Sessions will include a question-and-answer period at the conclusion of each class, and registration fees include a lure sample pack for attendees.

MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Better Man” is a heartfelt, familiar take on fame

01/18/2025

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‘Better Man” is a heartfelt, familiar take on fame

By Scott McDaniel, TheStatehouseFile.com, Jan 17, 2025

We’ve seen the pitfalls of fame. Freddie Mercury, Johnny Cash, Amy Winehouse—drugs, alcohol, sex—the literal highs and lows of being rich and famous.

“Better Man” is that same familiar tale—one regularly highlighted in cinema in recent years. However, this is the first biopic to display the featured artist as a CGI chimp.

Yep, British pop star Robbie Williams is portrayed as a chimp.

Williams himself said he sometimes felt like a monkey being dragged up on stage to entertain. Filmmakers say it’s so audiences don’t get caught up on the actor’s (Jonno Davies) likeness to the real Robbie Williams, asking that we instead focus on the essence, energy and feeling of who he is.

While I understand all of that, instead we get caught up on the fact that HE. IS. A. CHIMP!

It feels a bit gimmicky, merely an attempt to stand apart from countless other movies showing artists struggling with their fame.

Regardless, director Michael Gracey manages to throw a whole lot of heart into the project, his first since his 2017 musical hit “The Greatest Showman.” Though it’s a tale you’ve heard before, you will feel something.

Since he was young, Williams just wanted to be loved, by any means necessary. In one scene he goes so far as to tell his friend, “It doesn’t matter if you love what you do, it matters that people love you for doing it.”

He didn’t get the love he needed from the dad who abandoned him, so he sought it in the spotlight praise from others. He performed in the ’90s with boy band Take That, first in gay clubs, then expanding to larger audiences. But his self-destructive behavior and substance abuse led to the group moving forward without him.

One might think Williams takes the appearance of a chimp in the movie as a reminder that he’s different from us—except he’s not.

“I dent easy,” he says, nervously sharing his personal lyrics for the first time when going solo. And despite all of his celebrity to that point, we can relate to him. Along with his addictions, he battles self-doubt, depression and, like all of us, he needs community and love to get through. To be a better man.

Williams became huge in the U.K. by the turn of the century, his 2003 concert crowds at Knebworth the biggest event in U.K. music history. U.S. audiences should recognize some of the hits from the film.

“I was taught that fame would solve everything,” Williams says.

Spoiler: It doesn’t.

“Better Man” may not reinvent the biopic, but its heart makes it an enjoyable concert about what it is to be human—CGI chimp and all.

3.5/5

Scott McDaniel is a department chair and assistant professor of journalism at Franklin College. He lives in Bargersville with his wife and three kids.