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USI Volleyball ranked No. 10 in latest regional poll

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EVANSVILLE, Ind.—University of Southern Indiana Volleyball is ranked No. 10 in the latest NCAA Division II Midwest Region ranking, which was released by the national office Wednesday afternoon on NCAA.com.

The Screaming Eagles, who are 16-11 overall and 11-6 in Great Lakes Valley Conference play, are tied for second in the region in strength of schedule (.574) and are ninth in the region in RPI (.556). The Eagles also are 5-6 against regionally-ranked teams, with three of those six losses coming in five sets.

USI is one of five GLVC teams in the latest regional ranking, with Lewis University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis earning spots at No. 4 and No. 5, respectively. Missouri University of Science & Technology and Rockhurst University are No. 8 and No. 9 respectively, while Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference member Michigan Tech University is currently ranked No. 1 in the Midwest Region.

The GLIAC also is represented by No. 2 Ferris State University, No. 6 Grand Valley State University and No. 7 Wayne State University; while No. 3 Hillsdale College is the lone representative from the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.

USI, which has clinched a spot in next week’s GLVC Tournament, finishes the regular-season Saturday at 3 p.m. when it hosts nationally-ranked No. 20 Lewis for Senior Day at Screaming Eagles Arena. The Eagles will honor their three seniors—setter Casey Cepicky (St. Louis, Missouri), libero Callie Gubera (Thorntown, Indiana) and middle blocker Sidney Hegg (Menasha, Wisconsin)—prior to Saturday’s match.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY RECENT BOOKING RECORDS

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https://vanderburghsheriff.org/jail-recent-booking-records/

Todd Rokita Provides Guidance To Parents And School Leaders On Dealings With Black Lives Matters

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In response to state lawmakers’ inquiries, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita today released an official advisory opinion categorizing Black Lives Matter (BLM) as a political organization that public schools should treat the same as other such groups.

“Black Lives Matter is unequivocally a political organization,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Promoting or displaying some politically based materials while prohibiting the promotion or display of others could create a liability for schools and could violate the First Amendment.”

By adopting neutral policies regarding the display of signs and other materials, Attorney General Rokita states in the advisory opinion, educational leaders can help “ensure the focus remains on the mission of our schools — educating our children.”

Attorney General Rokita produced the advisory opinion in response to a request from two state legislators — Sen. John Crane, R-Brownsburg, and Rep. Michelle Davis, R-Whiteland.

“I appreciate the Attorney General issuing this opinion regarding the Black Lives Matter movement,” Sen. Crane said. “At a time when too much of a student’s educational experience has been politicized, this opinion provides needed clarity about the underpinnings of the BLM movement, as well as reinforcing the importance of fair-minded presentations of all subject matter in our school classrooms. Our children in Indiana deserve a high-quality education that inspires their critical thinking in the pursuit of a society that truly dignifies all people.”

Rep. Davis also expressed agreement with Attorney General Rokita’s guidance.

“Everyone should be treated equally and with respect,” she said. “However, the political activism and controversial ideology of this group is dividing communities rather than uniting them. While schools should provide a well-rounded education that includes differing views and perspectives, it’s not their role to persuade students to believe in one ideology over another.”

The advisory opinion is attached below:

The Democrats’ Game Plan For Losing

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The Democrats’ Game Plan For Losing

By John Krull, TheStatehouseFile.com

Nov11, 2021

INDIANAPOLIS—Shock of shocks—Democrats finally demonstrated they could learn something.

After months of wrangling, they passed a $1 trillion infrastructure bill that will improve roads and bridges, expand broadband internet access and expand economic and other opportunities for every part of the country.

It is a measure Democrats should have pushed through back in the early days of summer. Instead, they dithered, dallied, and debated while the country watched and seethed. Clearly, the party needed a spanking to regain its focus.

That’s what Democrats received.

After experiencing a pasting at the polls on Nov. 3—where they found they’d managed to drop more than 10 percent in public support in Virginia and 15 in New Jersey—the party of Jefferson and Jackson decided to re-engage with reality.

At least part of the reason voters punished the party was that Democrats had broken what amounted to a promise to the public.

That promise wasn’t to provide a sweeping social agenda. It’s possible that Americans will support such a broad program, but that wasn’t what Democrats campaigned on. Because they didn’t, they can’t claim to have the mandate to enact such an overarching plan.

What they did campaign on, though, was more basic.

They pledged to put an end to the dysfunction, squabbling, and paralysis in the federal government. They said they were going to be the ones to make the government work.

But that’s not what they did.

Instead of ending governmental dysfunction, squabbling and paralysis, they provided more of it. What’s even more perplexing is that they spent more of their time fighting with each other than they did with Republicans.

Or, for that matter, trying to help the citizens who put them in power.

This has long been a problem and a weakness for Democrats. They somehow seem to think that explaining why their ideas are good—that doing the hard work of persuading people—is somehow beneath them.

Republicans operate under no such illusions.

If U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, had a set of ideas to sell that was as politically attractive as building better roads and bridges in many American communities and improving internet access, he wouldn’t have labeled it as a generic “infrastructure” plan.

One with a $1 trillion price tag, at that.

No, McConnell likely would have taken the most popular parts of the plan and forced individual ballots on each. That way, he would have forced his opponents either to cast a vote in opposition to something that opponent’s constituents really want, or he would have received that opponent’s capitulation and support.

Either way, McConnell—and the Republicans—win.

Democrats don’t think or operate that way.

That’s why they so often get their heads handed to them even when they should hold the winning hand.

That’s what happened with these most recent elections.

Because they couldn’t get out of their own way and talk about how their plans meant safe roads for America’s families to travel over and internet access that evens the playing field for rural communities, they left Americans with only the cost to consider.

And no one likes to spend something for nothing.

Democrats—finally, belatedly—realized that not doing their jobs was a less-than-effective electioneering approach and enacted the infrastructure plan. The country will be better for it because all its parts represent wise investments.

But it doesn’t solve the Democrats’ more persistent problem.

Their attention now has moved to a larger, $1.8 trillion social spending bill.

Many of its individual provisions—support for childcare, incentives to fight climate change, expanded medical coverage, etc.—likely would be attractive to voters.

If they know about them, that is.

But, right now, the only thing most Americans know about the plan is what it will cost.

That’s not a winning argument.

But this is what Democrats do.

They find a good, heavy piece of wood and then hand it to their opponents.

And Mitch McConnell is only too happy to give them a beating with it.

FOOTNOTE:  City-County Observer posted this article without bias or editing.

USI Etienne Named CoSIDA Academic All-District IV​​​​​​​

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Soccer goalkeeper Maya Etienne (Midland, Michigan) was named College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-District IV in a vote of the region’s sports information directors. The Academic All-District Award is the first for Etienne and the eighth in the history of USI Women’s Soccer.

To be eligible for the CoSIDA Academic All-District, the student athlete must be a starter or important reserve with legitimate athletic credentials and at least a 3.3 cumulative grade point average (4.0 scale). They must have reached a sophomore athletic and academic standing at the institution and must have completed at least one full academic year at the institution.

Etienne, a computer information systems major, led the Screaming Eagles’ defense this fall with a 0.79 goals against average (GAA), 48 saves, and seven shutouts in 14 matches. The USI defense, overall, recorded a 0.81 team GAA and nine shutouts.

The two-time Academic All-GLVC and 2020-21 All-GLVC performer also set the USI all-time record for shutouts with her 28th in the GLVC Tournament win over the University of Indianapolis (1-0) last Sunday. Etienne broke the shutout record that had been held by Angie Gries (27.5) since 1999.

Etienne has an astounding 33-15-4 career record in three seasons with 230 saves and a 0.78 GAA.

As a team this fall, Etienne and Eagles have a 11-5-2 overall record and finished the GLVC regular season slate with an 8-5-1 mark. Fifth-seeded USI is set to play eighth-seeded University of Missouri-St. Louis in the GLVC Tournament semifinals Friday at 10 a.m. in Springfield, Missouri. The league semifinals and championship match are being hosted by Drury University.

UE Volleyball Inks Top 100 Signee Kora Ruff

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Setter joins Aces program from Bettendorf, Iowa

 EVANSVILLE, Ind. – For the first time in program history, the University of Evansville volleyball team has inked a Top 100 signee as Purple Aces head coach Fernando Morales announced the signing of Kora Ruff to a National Letter of Intent to join his squad in 2022.

Ruff was named a PrepVolleyball.com Fall All-American in 2021, an honor that distinguishes the nation’s top 100 high school players.

“Kora comes in with an impressive resume and volleyball background. She has been picked in the top 100 high school players in the nation over the last two seasons and added a Conference Player of the Year and state championship this year,” Morales exclaimed.  “She is definitely the kind of player we are looking to as we keep this program growing. I am excited about having her in our gym the next four years.”

A native of Bettendorf, Iowa, Ruff joins the UE program from Pleasant Valley High School.  Earlier in November, the setter led her team to the Iowa Class 5A State Title.  She set a school record with a total of 3,262 assists in a career that saw her squad win four conference titles and advance to three state tournaments.  Capping off the accolades for Ruff was being named the Captain of the All-Tournament Team in the recent state title run.

In her senior year alone, Ruff accumulated multiple prestigious honors.  She was named the Mississippi Athletic Conference Player of the Year while earning a spot on the 1st Team.  Following the run through the state tournament, Ruff earned a spot on the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) High School All-America Second Team.

 

University of Evansville Hosting the High School Changemaker Challenge

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Students Will Compete For A Chance At 4-year Tuition Scholarships

EVANSVILLE, IN (11/11/2021) The University of Evansville (UE) is pleased to announce the upcoming High School Changemaker Challenge, sponsored by Toyota. Any high school junior or senior is invited to participate for a chance to win a four-year scholarship, with the top prize offering full tuition.

UE believes everyone can be a changemaker, and positive change doesn’t have to wait until college. The Changemaker Challenge, created by the University’s Center for Innovation and Change, encourages the younger generation to identify and solve challenges in the world through innovation and creativity. Students will share their unique ideas (products, services, or programs) in the form of a 2-minute video, and scholarships will be awarded to first through third place. Once they enroll at UE to continue their education, students can continue designing and implementing their ideas to make a lasting difference.

Interested participants can attend an online information session on Thursday, November 18. Video recordings describing students’ ideas must be submitted by December 8, and the top 20 finalists will be announced on the UE website on December 15. The final round will be held on UE’s campus on January 25, 2022, where winners will be selected. To register for the information session and competition, please visit evansville.edu/cc-hs.

The competition is open to any high school junior or senior, and they may compete individually or in teams of up to three. Home school and club entries (e.g. Scouts, Boys and Girls Club, 4-H) will also be eligible. To qualify for a scholarship, competitors must also attend the in-person final round on campus in Evansville, Indiana. A separate Changemaker Challenge, beginning at a later date, will be virtual and geared towards a national and global audience that cannot compete in person.

Competitors may be eligible to receive special prizes for forming ideas that:

  • Increase girls’ access and exposure to science fields (e.g. a summer camp for girls interested in physics)
  • Address or mitigate climate change (e.g. decreasing air pollution, rooftop gardens)
  • Increase access to physical activity or health options (e.g. more dance classes or recess in schools, fitness trails, creative outdoor play options)
  • Provide creative ideas to improve quality of life in Evansville’s Promise Zone

Winning students who choose UE as their college destination will receive four-year scholarships to attend UE as listed below:

  • 1st place: Full tuition
  • 2nd place: $23,000 tuition
  • 3rd place: $18,000 tuition

Students that participate will receive ongoing support from the UE Center for Innovation and Change, including online training and connections to faculty experts. To submit your video or learn more about the High School Changemaker Challenge, visit evansville.edu/cc-hs or email Brooksie Smith, the Center’s associate director, at bs267@evansville.edu.

 

UE Volleyball closes regular season home schedule

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UE Welcomes Drake And UNI

 EVANSVILLE, Ind. – In its final home weekend of the regular season, the University of Evansville volleyball team will host Drake and UNI at Meeks Family Fieldhouse.  Action gets underway on Friday with a 6 p.m. contest against Drake before UE faces UNI at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Senior Day

– Saturday’s match against UNI will see a pair of players recognized on Senior Day

– Cecilia Thon and Elena Redmond will be honored for their contributions to the program while their classmate Alondra Vazquez will be walking with them as part of their class

– Vazquez will be returning for her fifth season in 2022

Last Time Out

– Battling until the final point, the Purple Aces fell by a 3-1 final at Bradley on Saturday evening in Peoria

– Giulia Cardona led the way with 19 kills while Melanie Feliciano and Alondra Vazquez recorded 18 and 15, respectively

– The Braves opened the night with a 26-24 win before taking the second game by a 25-13 final

– Evansville got on the board with a 27-25 win in the third, but Bradley clinched the match in the fourth set with a 25-21 win

1K for Feliciano

– Junior Melanie Feliciano reached 1,000 kills for her career in the Oct. 30 match against the Ramblers

– She now has a total of 1,052 and is quickly approaching the top ten with Brooke Maher holding the #10 position with 1,254

Moving Up the Ranks

– Alondra Vazquez continues to add to her kill total and currently stands with 1,280 in her Aces career

– Her last kill of the evening at Bradley gave her a tally of 1,280 in her career, which put her 7th on the UE all-time list

– She is quickly closing in on the top five with Samantha Butler ranking sixth (1,318) and Ashley Ring currently fifth with 1,338 in her career

Still Going Strong

– Over the last 23 sets of work, freshman Giulia Cardona has recorded a total of 16 service aces, an average of 0.70 per set

– Her season average has risen to 0.49 per set, which leads the MVC and is 19th in the nation

– She is currently on an offensive streak that has seen her record at least 12 kills in each of the last 12 matches while raising her season average to 3.94 per set

– Aside from leading the Valley in aces, she is second in points per set (4.58) and third with her kill average (3.94/set)

 

EVANSVILLE Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Set for November 17

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(November 8, 2021) — Mayor Lloyd Winnecke will welcome the start of the holiday season with the lighting of the City of Evansville’s official Christmas tree in front of the Civic Center on Wednesday, November 17, at 5 p.m.

The Evansville Children’s Choir will perform and Mayor Winnecke will offer a few remarks before starting the countdown to turn on the Christmas tree lights. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Special thanks to Allison Hamilton and family for donating a 30-foot-tall Norway Spruce for the City’s holiday display. And thanks to SKANSKA and CenterPoint Energy for donating crews and equipment to cut down the tree and transport it to the Civic Center.

The tree is expected to arrive Downtown Tuesday morning, November 9. It will be decorated with approximately 25,000 lights donated by Advanced Network and Computer Services and topped with a lighted “e” signifying everyone is welcome.

The Christmas tree will remain on display in front of the Civic Center building through the holiday season and will be removed sometime after January 1, 2022.

 

FFA Prepares A Career Ready Workforce

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Recently, Indianapolis hosted nearly 60,000 FFA members from around the country for the National FFA Convention. This convention has been held in Indy for a number of years and will continue to be the host for years to come. The four-day event was alive with students, parents and advisors. Restaurants stayed busy, hotels became full, the career expo was crowded with exhibitors, and it was a breath of fresh air to get back to normal. Each year, this event helps prepare a career ready workforce.

Dating back to 1952 the FFA Mission was developed to highlight leadership, personal growth and career success. The National FFA Convention and organization as a whole opens many doors for its members. From the hands-on learning in classrooms emphasizing the differing education paths within agriculture, it’s a great organization for workforce development, even though it is rarely thought of that way.

National Convention boasts so many career and leadership development events that propel students to explore a magnitude of career paths. Students compete in areas like food science, animal production and public speaking, among others. I had the pleasure to speak with members from across the country and almost all of them intend to go into a career path related to the competition they entered.

The career expo, at the convention, features higher education schools from across the country for students to explore, nearly every branch of the military is in attendance for students who want to inquire about that path and of course FFA ensures that trade schools have a place at the same table as higher education. Students can learn to weld right in the expo hall, they can explore what programs universities and community colleges have to offer in agriculture, and they can speak with military recruiters about being a part of something larger than themselves.

A career ready workforce is difficult to achieve this day in age, but it isn’t impossible thanks to FFA chapters and members around the United States. The National FFA Organization is developing our youth for different career paths and the National FFA Convention is just one of the learning opportunities students have to explore the workforce.

Thanks to the FFA Organization and agriculture educators around the country, I know these students will be well prepared for any line of work they choose to enter. As a nation we will be better off with these students ready and well equipped for their chosen career path.

– Bruce Kettler, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture

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