USI Announces Ohio Valley Conference As Partner For NCAA Division I Reclassification
On Wednesday, February 9, the University of Southern Indiana accepted an invitation to join the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) as it’s Division I partner. The partnership allows the University to move forward with reclassification in the NCAA prior to a June 1 deadline. Upon acceptance, the transition process takes four years to complete.
USI would begin competing in the Ohio Valley Conference at the beginning of the 2022-23 academic year and would leave the GLVC at the end of this academic year. Although USI may be eligible for conference championships during the four-year transition, it would not be eligible for NCAA championships.
“This is an important day for USI and for our athletic programs,†said USI President Ronald S. Rochon. “We are honored to have been invited and to accept an invitation from the Ohio Valley Conference as we transition to Division I athletics—the highest level of athletic play. The OVC has an impressive record of stability and success, and they will be a strong partner for us as we make this logical step of growth and expansion and as we work to meet our strategic plan goal of elevating the visibility and reputation of this great institution. This is not only a great opportunity for USI but also for this community and state.â€USI joins OVC member institutions University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Eastern Illinois University,
Morehead State University, Southeast Missouri State University, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Tennessee State University, Tennessee Technological University and the University of Tennessee at Martin. USI is only the 23rd full-time member in the 74-year history of the Ohio Valley Conference.
“We are delighted the University of Southern Indiana will become the newest member of the Ohio Valley Conference,†said Beth DeBauche, OVC Commissioner. “Given USI’s history of athletic success, including its national championships, its commitment to student-athlete academic achievement and its visionary leadership, we are confident they will be a tremendous addition to our conference. We are excited to add another exemplary member and start the next chapter in our rich conference history.â€
USI is a founding member of the GLVC and began competing in 1979 with a substantial history of athletic success including 188 NCAA Tournament appearances and 231 athletes earning All-American honors. USI has 10 NCAA II individual National Championships in Cross Country and Track & Field, and 16 NCAA II Regional Championships in Baseball, Men’s Basketball, Women’ Basketball, Men’s Cross Country, Women’s Cross Country and Softball.
“We are excited to begin competing at the Division I level, and the Ohio Valley Conference will be an excellent fit for us as we embark on that journey,†said Jon Mark Hall, USI Athletic Director. “As a founding member, we are grateful for the partnership and success we have had in the GLVC and look forward to competing at that level for the remainder of this year. Our strong record of GLVC and Division II success has prepared us for this move. Today, we look to a new era of competitiveness for our athletic programs and dare to strive for success at the highest level of play.â€
In 2018, USI won the NCAA II Softball National Championship, becoming the first softball team in Indiana to win a NCAA championship. In 2010, USI was the first GLVC member and university in the state of Indiana to win a national championship in baseball, repeating in 2014 to become the first NCAA II program to win multiple team titles. Men’s Basketball won the NCAA II National Championship in 1995 with 3.9 million viewers watching them on CBS Sports.
USI boasts a strong academic record as well with 228 Academic All-GLVC athletes in 2021-22 and 35 Academic All-America honors. Student athletes maintain an average GPA of 3.29 and are retained at a high percentage . “Our academic core values and goals will remain the same throughout this transition and as we look to the future,†said Hall. “Academic integrity has always been, and will continue to be, one of our highest priorities.â€
AG Todd Rokita Leads 15-State Coalition Supporting Air Force Vet Against Federal Bureaucrats in appeal to U.S. Supreme Court
Attorney General Todd Rokita and Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich are leading a 15-state coalition taking up the cause of a U.S. Air Force veteran who was denied disability benefits.
Attorney General Rokita and the coalition are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review a lower court decision that accepted an interpretation of federal law concocted by federal bureaucrats at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
“This is yet another instance of placing too much power in the hands of executive agencies,†Attorney General Rokita said. “Whenever Congress enacts a vague statute, deep-state bureaucrats step into the void to make the rules themselves. That’s just one way that Hoosiers lose their liberties and their voices. We’re standing up to safeguard those precious rights.â€
In the case at hand, Air Force veteran Thomas Buffington stopped receiving his disability benefits after returning to active duty for several months. When he eventually sought to have them reinstated, he was told he had failed to follow a VA rule against waiting more than one year before submitting a claim to resume benefits. In his lawsuit, he argues that the VA rule is not authorized in the underlying statute passed by Congress.
“I am committed to pushing back against agency overreach,†Attorney General Rokita said, “even if that means amending or undoing judicial precedents that have allowed it to fester.â€
Returning Money To Hoosier Taxpayers
Returning Money To Hoosier Taxpayers
by  State Reperersentive Tim O’Brien
Thanks to Hoosier workers’ resilience and the state’s responsible policies, Indiana finds itself in a strong fiscal position. The state’s budget reserves are estimated to hit $5 billion over the next biennium, which is $3 billion more than anticipated, creating the unique opportunity to further cut Indiana’s already low taxes.
With ample reserves and strong revenue projections, I joined my House Republican colleagues in supporting a responsible tax-cut package this session, which is now being considered by the Senate. We are taking in more revenue than we need to effectively operate state government, and it’s only right to put more money in the pockets of hardworking Hoosiers.
If passed, everyday Hoosiers will see the benefit of House Bill 1002, which I co-authored. The legislation would lower the individual income tax from 3.23% to 3% and eliminate the utility receipts tax, which Hoosiers pay on their utility bills like gas, electric and cable.
Indiana recently announced its fifth consecutive record-breaking year for economic development, with increasing average wages and 56% higher investments from the year before. House Bill 1002 can help build on our state’s momentum by encouraging capital investment through lowering Indiana’s business personal property taxes. Specifically, the bill eliminates the 30% depreciation floor for newly purchased business personal property starting in January and creates a state income tax credit to offset a portion of the personal property taxes paid on existing equipment.
With Indiana being one of the of most entrepreneur-focused states in the Midwest, it is important we keep our economy rolling.
Indiana has paid down over $1 billion in debt over the last year and now we have the opportunity to return money to Hoosier teachers, farmers and workers. As a state, we’ve proven that we can live within our means, pay down debt and invest in the future. It’s time to do what’s right by taxpayers and provide much-needed relief. After all, I believe taxpayers would rather choose how to spend their money than grow the size of government. Follow House Bill 1002 as it moves through the Senate visit iga.in.gov.
Aces Look To Sweep Regular Season Series Against Sycamores
Teams Square Off Today At Ford Center
 EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Looking for its first regular-season sweep over Indiana State in 11 years, the University of Evansville men’s basketball team welcomes the Sycamores to the Ford Center on Thursday for a 6 p.m. contest. ESPN+ and the Purple Aces Radio Network will have the coverage.
 Last Time Out
– Leading for a total of 31 minutes, the Purple Aces picked up their first road win over Indiana State since 2011 on Tuesday, taking down the Sycamores by a final of 65-56 at the Hulman Center
– Taking matters into his own hands, Shamar Givance scored 19 points while adding 4 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals
– Antoine Smith Jr. knocked down all three of his attempts to finish with 10 points while Evan Kuhlman and Blake Sisley scored 9 apiece with Preston Phillips and Noah Frederking each scoring 8 points
– UE led by 10 at the half before ISU rallied to take a 50-48 lead midway through the second half…the Aces countered with a 9-0 stretch on their way to the win
High-Priority Bills Advance As Session Reaches Halfway Point
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The Indiana General Assembly is halfway through the 2022 legislative session, and the House of Representatives will now consider Senate bills while the Senate considers House bills. During this session, I joined my colleagues in supporting tax relief for Hoosiers, strengthening the nursing workforce pipeline and reducing jail overcrowding. |
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Thanks to hardworking Hoosiers and years of fiscal responsibility, Indiana is facing $5 billion in reserves – that’s $3 billion more than expected. This unique situation makes it possible for lawmakers to pass the largest tax cut in our state’s history. House Bill 1002 would deliver direct relief to hardworking Hoosiers by reducing the individual income tax from 3.23 to 3%, eliminating a tax on Hoosiers’ utility bills called the Utility Receipts Tax, and lowering Indiana’s business personal property taxes.
Public safety is always a top priority of mine and to boost local efforts, I co-authored legislation to allow judges to send Level 6 felony offenders to the Indiana Department of Correction instead of county jails. The state often offers greater access to mental health and addiction treatment services than rural county jails. This bill could help reduce jail overcrowding and allow locals to direct resources to where they matter most. |
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There’s a lot of work left to do in the second half of session and I look forward to taking our top priorities across the finish line. To follow these bills and others as they move through the process, visit iga.in.gov. |
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UE Receives $1.9 Million Nancy Shepard Estate Gift
Funds will generously support three areas of UE Music Conservatory
EVANSVILLE, IN (02/08/2022) The University of Evansville (UE) has received a $1.9 million gift from the Nancy Shepard Estate, with a designation to three separate areas within the UE Music Conservatory.
Nancy Shepard, who hailed from southern Illinois, attended Evansville College for elementary education. Halfway through college, she decided to change her major. In 1968, she graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education. After marrying her husband, Wesley, she earned a Master of Arts in 1971. She would spend the next three decades of her career as a band director for schools, instilling a love of music in thousands of students.
The gift will fund three areas: the Nancy L. Shepard Endowed Scholarship for Wind and Percussion Students, the O. Wesley Shepard Memorial Scholarship, and the Nancy L. and O. Wesley Shepard Endowed Guest Artist Series.
The Nancy L. Shepard Endowed Scholarship for Wind and Percussion Students will provide financial assistance for music education majors who wish to pursue a career as a band director. The O. Wesley Shepard Memorial Scholarship was established by his friends and former students upon his retirement in 1972. The scholarship supports students who are clarinet or music education majors and are part of the University band.
As husband and wife, Nancy and Wesley were deeply involved in music and saw its purpose in expanding the minds and talents of students. They believed guest artists could have a positive impact on college music programs. The Nancy L. and O. Wesley Shepard Endowed Guest Artist Series will be utilized annually to welcome guest artists of significant stature to UE. The artist will work with students in the classroom or through master classes, and they will hold a music performance available for the enjoyment of the local community.
“Our Music Conservatory is tremendously grateful for the generosity of Nancy Shepard and her passion for music that will benefit our students for years to come,” said Ken Steinsultz, co-director of the UE Music Conservatory and director of bands. “We are equipping music educators of the future who will carry on Nancy’s legacy and help generations of students, just as she did in her own career.”
The UE Music Conservatory is a community of students and artist-teachers working together to achieve artistic excellence and professional results. Curriculum combined with active learning gives students the extensive experience needed for any degree offered, including music education, music therapy, and more. The Community Conservatory provides creative outlets for locals, including private lessons, the Suzuki method, summer camps, community ensembles, and classes. Become a member today at evansville.edu/community-conservatory.
Indiana State Police Seeks Recruits For Motor Carrier Inspectors
The Indiana State Police is now accepting applications for Motor Carrier Inspectors (MCI). Â The MCI positions will staff permanent scale facilities in Lowell, West Harrison, Terre Haute, Richmond, and Seymour. Â Inspectors enforce both state and federal regulations pertaining to commercial motor vehicles operating within the State of Indiana.
Trainees must complete the Motor Carrier Inspector School scheduled to begin on July 11, 2022 and conclude on September 16, 2022. Â The training will be conducted Monday through Friday at the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division in Indianapolis, IN. Â Housing will be provided. Â During the training, trainees will develop skills including emergency vehicle operations, defensive tactics, communications, hazardous materials, first-aid, post-crash investigations, and truck inspections.
To participate in the selection process, applicants for the position of Motor Carrier Inspector must meet the following basic requirements:
- Be a United States citizen.
- Be at least 21 years old by September 16, 2022.
- Possess a high school diploma or G.E.D.
- Possess a valid driver’s license.
- Be required to pass a physical agility test, oral interview, polygraph exam, and a background investigation.
- Be required to complete a medical exam, a psychological exam, and a drug test.
- Geographical proximity to the scale facility may be a factor in the selection process.
Trainees are paid during the MCI school and are provided with all necessary equipment. Â The starting salary is $34,987 and will increase to $36,031 at the end of the first year of employment and to $39,114 at the end of the second year of employment. Â Over the next ten years with step increases in pay, a Motor Carrier Inspector may reach an annual salary of $52,812. Â A retirement program will be available through PERF.
To apply for a Motor Carrier Inspector position, visit the Indiana State Police website at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/indianasp. Applications for Motor Carrier Inspector must be submitted by 11:59 PM (Indianapolis time), Thursday, April 21, 2022.
The Indiana State Police is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer complying with all provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Interested applicants can obtain additional information about a career as a Motor Carrier Inspector by visiting https://www.in.gov/isp/career-opportunities/motor-carrier-inspectors/.
Apply Now: New Indiana Body Camera Grant Program
Applications are now being accepted for the new Indiana Local Body Camera Grant (ILBC) managed by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
The ILBC program provides matching grants to city, town and county law enforcement agencies to support the purchase of body-worn cameras. The matching grant funds may be used only for the purchase of body-worn cameras and may not be used to purchase video storage equipment or services. Only one ILBC grant application will be allowed from each law enforcement agency.
The ILBC program targets two priority funding areas:
- Law enforcement agencies that have not previously purchased body-worn cameras will be eligible for up to $800 per full-time officer, and;
- Law enforcement agencies purchasing body-worn cameras to supplement an existing body-worn camera program will be eligible for up to $400 per full-time officer.
The application period is now open. All applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. ET on Feb. 18, 2022.
All applicants must be registered with the IntelliGrants system before applying. Visit the IDHS Grants Management page for complete information and instructions on registering with IntelliGrants.
Law enforcement agencies are encouraged to review the Notice of Funding Opportunity before applying. For complete details on the program, including eligibility and matching requirements, please review:
Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Indiana Local Body Camera Grant Program