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Otters take series on Davis’ walk-off hit

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The Evansville Otters walked it off in front of the largest home crowd of the season Thursday night, taking the rubber match of their weekday series with the Joliet Slammers by a 4-3 final through 10 innings.

 

The Slammers opened the scoring in the top of the third, when Brian Parreira drove in Braxton Davidson from third on a sacrifice fly to left, but Otters’ starter Tyler Vail would limit the damage to one. Joliet led 1-0.

 

The Otters took the lead in the bottom of the third thanks to some clutch two-out hitting from the meat of the order. J.R. Davis worked back from an 0-2 hole to fill the count and singled to centerfield. Then, with a two-out, two-strike count of his own, Riley Krane homered to right center field to put the Otters on top 3-1.

 

Tyler Vail, in his first start since June 9 after coming off the injured list earlier Thursday afternoon, went three innings — allowing only one run while striking out four.

 

There the score would hold as Ryan O’Reilly came out of the Otters bullpen to start the fourth. O’Reilly pitched expertly through his first four innings of relief, until Dave Matthews Jr. clubbed a game-tying, two-run, pinch hit home run in the top of the eighth for his first professional hit.

Taylor Wright came out to the mound after the home run, getting the next two outs to keep the game tied at 3-3.

 

The Otters and Slammers remained tied through nine innings, forcing an International Tie Breaker tenth. Evansville’s closer Logan Sawyer pitched a clutch tenth, striking out the first two batters and getting pinch-hitter Brylie Ware to pop out to Dakota Phillips to leave the go-ahead run stranded at second.

 

The bottom of the tenth began with Bryce Denton at second and no one out for the Otters. Andrew Penner successfully sacrificed Denton to third on a bunt, but a subsequent strikeout brought Evansville to their last out before a potential home run derby finale.

After Trevor Charpie fell behind 3-0 to Andy DeJesus, the Slammers elected to intentionally walk the Otters’ shortstop, bringing J.R. Davis to the plate with the winning run 90 feet away.

 

With an 0-2 count, J.R. Davis legged out a walk-off, high-chopping infield single to score Denton from third and win the game 4-3. The Otters thus took the rubber match of the series.

 

Logan Sawyer picked up the win, while Trevor Charpie took the tough luck loss.

Evansville will continue their six-game homestand with a series opener against the Schaumburg Boomers Friday night. First pitch in that game will be at 6:35 p.m.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY RECENT BOOKING RECORDS

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https://www.vanderburghsheriff.com/jail-recent-booking-records.aspx

HEALTH DEPARTMENT UPDATES STATEWIDE COVID-19 CASE COUNTS

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Board of School Trustees of the EVSC will hold a Town Hall Meeting

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 The Board of School Trustees of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) will hold a Town Hall at 5:00 P.M. on Monday, July 12, 2021. The purpose of the Town Hall is for residents to speak directly with Board members and district administrators about issues involving EVSC schools.

The Town Hall will be the process utilized to receive Public Comment. The Town Hall will be held in the Technology and Innovation Center located at 951 Walnut Street, Evansville, IN. Members of the public who would like to attend the Town Hall and speak with Board members should register by completing the Town Hall Registration Form located on our website at district.evscschools.com. 

Following the Town Hall, the Board of School Trustees of the EVSC will meet at 5:30 PM for its regularly scheduled Board meeting in the EVSC Board Room, same address. 

In accordance with orders from the Governor, seating will be limited to allow for appropriate social distancing. 

ISP Body Worn Cameras Being Deployed to Troopers

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(Indianapolis, IN)-The Indiana State Police is well underway with the process of issuing body worn and in-car cameras to its Troopers across the entire state; a process which started in early June and is expected to take until late August to complete.

In August of 2020, Governor Holcomb mandated the ISP would adopt and implement a body worn camera system by the Spring of 2021. Since the Governor’s announcement, extensive research and testing has been conducted to ensure the system implemented would best meet the needs of the ISP.

In all, nearly 800 body worn camera systems, which will also include and work in tandem with in-car cameras, will be put into the field for uniform Troopers and Sergeants assigned to patrol duties, Capitol Police Officers and specific Special Operations units.  By the end of today, more than 230 body worn, and in-car camera systems will have been deployed into the field.

“This process was focused on selecting the very best product and system for not only the Department but for Troopers in the field that work in both urban and rural areas”, said ISP Superintendent Doug Carter.

The system utilizes a router which is installed in the vehicle which allows for more accessibility and connectivity in areas of the state where cell phone coverage is not always optimal.

The cost associated with this project is approximately $15 million over a period of five years.

The ISP policy governing body worn cameras can be found at the link below:

https://www.in.gov/isp/files/ENF-010%20LERD.pdf.

Indiana DNR Recommends Putting Away Bird Feeders Due To Unexplained Rise In Bird Deaths

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Indiana DNR Recommends Putting Away Bird Feeders Due To Unexplained Rise In Bird Deaths

July 9, 2021  
Posted by:

By Carolina Puga Mendoza

TheStatehouseFile.com 

INDIANAPOLIS—A mysterious illness has infected birds throughout Indiana and surrounding states, and so Hoosiers are recommended to put away their bird feeders in an attempt to slow down the disease.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has been investigating a spike in dead birds throughout the state since May 2021.

According to Allisyn Gillet, a state ornithologist working with DNR, removing bird feeders will help minimize the illness.

“We’re just assuming that it is contagious because we don’t know whether it is or not,” Gillet said. “And so that means we want people to take down their bird feeders so that they do not attract birds to a certain location where they are congregating. This reduces the potential for spread.”

According to Brad Bumgardner, executive director of the Indiana Audubon Society, a birdwatching and conservation organization, said the spread has increased from 15 to 65 Indiana counties. Fox59reports that this has been happening in other states such as Ohio, Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

“Right now, this time of year, birds are nesting, but 95, even 99% of these birds that are coming to your feeders are feeding their babies caterpillars and insects … None of these guys are really dependent on seeds,” Bumgardner said.

“Bird feeding really truly benefits us more than the birds. It gives us the joy. So, temporarily stopping any feeding right now is not going to have any effect on the birds, and really, people don’t have to worry about that aspect.”

There had been presumptions that cicadas had something to do with the dead birds, but the cases have been reported since May, some as early as April. This year, billions of Brood X cicadas emerged after 17 years, compared to millions in previous years. This kind of cicada had lived underground and their last appearance happened in 2004.

At the moment, researchers are working through the elimination method to figure out what’s affecting the birds.

According to Fox59, birds have tested negative for more than 10 different viruses, and researchers with the DNR will continue to look for the cause of the illness. Gillet said Indiana’s DNR is also working with multiple agencies, including the Ohio DNR and Kentucky DNR, alongside federal groups and the National Wildlife Help Center.

“We have a huge human influence on these birds because of the way that we observe them, and they’re the ones that are typically in our backyards,” Gillet said. “And so it’s important that we know better as to how we’re contributing, perhaps, if we are contributing to the spread, what we can do to prevent that.”

FOOTNOTE: Carolina Puga Mendoza is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

HEALTH OFFICIALS TO PROVIDE UPDATE ON COVID-19

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HEALTH OFFICIALS TO PROVIDE UPDATE ON COVID-19

Devonshire Appointed USI Interim Title IX Coordinator

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The University of Southern Indiana has named Beth Devonshire as Interim Title IX Coordinator, effective Monday, July 5. She will hold the position while a search is conducted to fill the position permanently.

As Interim Title IX Coordinator, Devonshire will be responsible for upholding federal gender-equity law by serving as the primary point of contact and overseeing the reporting, investigation and adjudication of complaints of sexual assault, sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, stalking and relationship violence.

An experienced student affairs professional, Devonshire is employed by D. Stafford & Associates where she has worked since 2012 as an associate and as full-time consultant on matters including Title IX, Clery Act and other compliance related issues. She is a member of the Massachusetts Bar, a trained mediator and has spoken to institutions across the country on legislative and legal issues impacting higher education.

Devonshire served in student affairs positions at the University of Massachusetts–Boston, Bridgewater State University and Stonehill College from 2006-18 and has served on national and state committees for the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and the Association for Student Conduct Administrators. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education from Stonehill College and a Juris Doctorate from the Suffolk University School of Law.

For more information about USI’s Title IX office, visit USI.edu/sexual-assault-prevention-and-response. Students needing to report sexual assault, violence or harassment can click the “Report” button on the website or contact Devonshire at beth.devonshire@usi.edu or at 812-464-1703.

COVID-19 Inspired Grow-Your-Own-Food Movement

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COVID-19 Inspired Grow-Your-Own-Food Movement
VINCENNES, Ind., July 8, 2021 – From sea to shining sea individuals are taking an interest in becoming more self-sustainable and began growing what’s on their plates rather than buying from a grocery store.
The explosion of food growing caused a national seed shortage as seed companies struggled to keep up with supply and demand, according to Vegetable Growers News.
A national survey by Bonnie Plants, the largest national supplier and producer of vegetable and herb plants in the United States, finds that younger generations are gardening, with nearly two in five Americans under 35-years-old growing food.
Vincennes University Horticulture major Christine Powers is embracing the movement.
“I decided to grow my own food because it is cheaper, it is easier to gather, and is fresher,” Powers said. “It also reduces the carbon footprint on the planet because you do not have to drive to the store.”
The pandemic has shown us that stepping inside a supermarket doesn’t always guarantee that what you need is in stock and available for purchase.
“Disruptions to the food supply chain, more time spent at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a desire to be more self-reliant, and a focus on improving well-being and mental health during a challenging period are factoring into why more people are growing or are interested in growing their own food,” Vincennes University Horticulture/Agriculture Coordinator Jennifer Nettles said.
More than 20 million Americans planted a vegetable garden for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Bonnie Plants.
“Based on the availability of plants, there was definitely an increase in gardens,” Nettles said. “Looking back trying to find seeds for my greenhouse there were a lot of shortages, and we know that more people were buying seeds. As far as trees and shrubs, some were very hard to find.”
Valerie Clingerman, an Extension Educator-Ag and Natural Resources/County Extension Director for Purdue Extension-Knox County, thinks what triggered the increase in gardening started with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“People were home more so they had time to garden and with some of shortages at the stores of other products (like toilet paper, meat, etc.) many were probably anticipating a food shortage at the stores as well,” Clingerman said. “I think another reason why people are interested in growing their own food is because they know how it was grown.”
A new VU Horticulture course this fall is for students interested in urban food production.
“We’re going to look at the food system, how it is grown, the history of the plant, where did it originate from, and also the plant’s nutritional value,” Nettles said.
Individuals interested in food and agriculture degree programs at VU have multiple options.
The University also unveiled a state-of-the-art 45,000-square-foot Agricultural Center in 2019 that features 13 wooded acres, modern learning spaces, and bee colonies.
VU offers an associate degree in Horticulture, the art and science of growing many types of plants such as vegetables, fruits, flowers, trees, and shrubs. The program offers courses such as Soil Science, Greenhouse Management, and Therapeutic Horticulture. Therapeutic gardening focuses on plant-dominated environments purposefully designed to facilitate interaction with the healing elements of nature, which potentially enhances positive human growth and well-being.
A two-year Agriculture program is a cooperative effort between VU and Purdue University dating back to 1957. Upon completing an associate degree, VU graduates can transfer to Purdue or another four-year institution, enter an ag-related profession, or return to the farm.
VU offers a new Sustainable Foods and Farming Systems concentration that transfers to Purdue. Students study the principles of design and management of integrated small farm systems whether it be organic, low-input, locally produced and marketed, or urban agriculture systems.
The Urban Agriculture program teaches students about agriculture which takes the form of backyard, rooftop, and balcony gardening, community gardening in vacant lots and parks, roadside urban fringe agriculture, and livestock grazing in open space. Students develop hands-on skills in urban farming as well as a unique understanding of environmental health, urban development, and fresh food opportunities.
There has been an uptick in more people setting up coops in their backyards and raising chickens for a supply of fresh eggs, which has coined the term COVID cluckers.
Learning to grow your own food or feeding your community can lead to rewarding experiences.
Powers of Jeffersonville, Indiana has embraced gardening for many reasons. She grows tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce.
“The benefits of growing your own food are that it is healthier, you know what you put on them (for example fertilizer and or pesticides), tastes better, and the product is rewarding for the labor you put into it,” Powers said. “I just simply enjoy the fact I get to watch my plants grow and see the hard work I put into the plants to grow and actually produce the flowers or vegetables or fruits that pop up.”
Clingerman notes the many benefits that come with growing your own food, such as exercise, therapy, sense of achievement, stress relief, connecting with family while working together in a garden, or meeting new people to exchange stories and tips.
Clingerman added, “It is a constant learning experience because every year is different.”
Zoomers (a.k.a. Gen Z) are typically known to prefer fresh, natural, and wholesome foods, according to a 2019 Food Marketing Institute US Grocery Shopper Trends study. Growing it yourself checks all those boxes especially during a pandemic can be a hobby, a way of knowing what you are eating, a money saver, a mood booster, and a path to a fruitful career.

EPA Announces an Additional $50 Million Under the American Rescue Plan to Enhance Air Pollution Monitoring

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EPA announced that it will make $50 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding available to improve air quality monitoring in communities across the United States. The latest set of funding builds on the agency’s recent announcement of $50 million for environmental justice projects under the ARP, bringing the total to $100 million in EPA funding designated by Congress to address health outcome disparities from pollution and the COVID–19 pandemic.

“Through the American Rescue Plan, Congress and the President entrusted EPA with critical funding to help those who are hurting from pollution and the pandemic,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “We know that in too many communities, air pollution led to worse outcomes from COVID-19. Today, we are partnering with our state, Tribal, and local leaders to invest in projects that will improve air quality in communities overburdened by high levels of pollution.”

“This funding is a much-needed down payment on getting state and local clean air agencies the resources they need to advance the equitable protection of healthy air for all,” said Miles Keogh, Executive Director of the National Association of Clean Air Agencies.

The major components of the plan to enhance air community monitoring include:

  1. a grants competition that will seek proposals from community groups and state, Tribal and local government air agencies;
  2. direct awards to air agencies for continuous monitoring of small particles (known as PM2.5 or soot) and other Clean Air Act pollutants;
  3. enhanced capacity for short-term community monitoring; and
  4. support to administer the funding.

Grant Competition for Community Monitoring: Later this year, EPA will launch a $20 million grant competition that will call for proposals from community groups, state, Tribal and local air agencies — individually or in partnerships — to conduct monitoring of pollutants of greatest concern in communities with health outcome disparities. EPA’s primary objective in issuing these grants is to provide better air quality information in communities. EPA will give grants to support community and local efforts to monitor their own air quality and to promote monitoring partnerships between communities and state, Tribal, and local governments.

Direct Awards to Air Agencies for Continuous Monitoring of PM2.5 and Other Common Air Pollutants: EPA will award $22.5 million to state, Tribal or local air agencies for enhanced monitoring of PM2.5 and five other air pollutants regulated by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards under the Clean Air Act.  These grants are designed to support monitoring in and near communities with environmental justice concerns who face disproportionate exposure to these pollutants and health risks, which are also associated with increased vulnerability to COVID-19.  These funds will be used to replace existing filter-based monitors or otherwise enhance existing monitors in and near those communities to provide 24/7, real-time reporting of air quality concentrations.  Automation of PM2.5 monitors will provide fine particulate data of the same quality and allow communities to compare continuous data streams in nearby areas.

Enhanced Regional Capacity for Short-term Community Monitoring Needs:  EPA will be investing $5 million in agency mobile monitoring labs or air sensor loan programs.  These investments will improve EPA’s ability to support communities in need of short-term monitoring and air quality information.

Administrative Support:  To improve data management and ensure the grants and programs are properly administered and tracked, the agency will direct $2.5 million to oversight and administration activities.

EPA is beginning the coordination process on the grant competition with communities and state, Tribal, and local agencies and plans to issue the calls for proposals in fall 2021.

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