EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
Softball opens home slate with weekend tournament
 EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Home action begins this weekend for the University of Evansville softball team with the UE Softball Invitational set to run from Friday through Sunday.
 UE Weekend Schedule
– Evansville’s 5-game schedule this weekend will be:
3/4 – vs. Oakland – 11:30 a.m.
3/4 – vs. Green Bay – 4:30 p.m.
3/5 – vs. Morehead State – 11:30 a.m.
3/6 – vs. Creighton – 11:30 a.m.
3/6 – vs. Bowling Green – 4:30 p.m.
 Last Time Out
– Clutch hitting and efficient pitching saw the Purple Aces finish last weekend’s Hub City Challenge with a 3-1 record
– Friday’s opener saw Jenna Nink hit a game-winning single in a 5-4 win over Alcorn State before the Aces erupted for 11 runs on Saturday to defeat the Braves by an 11-0 final in five innings…Marah Wood and Nink recorded three RBI apiece
– After dropping a 7-2 game to Southern Miss on Saturday, the Aces completed the weekend with a 3-1 win on Sunday with Izzy Vetter throwing a gem and Bella Coffey hitting a 2-run double in the seventh, which proved to be the game-winner
Three more wins
– Last weekend’s Hub City Challenge saw Izzy Vetter add three more wins to her tally while allowing just two earned runs in 13.2 innings and was recognized with her second MVC Pitcher of the Week award this season
– Vetter is the MVC leader in opposing batting average (.175), innings pitched (45.2), strikeouts (62), strikeouts looking (13) and wins (7)…her 1.84 ERA is 4th in the league
– Her 62 K’s in 2022 is 22nd in the nation
Heating Up
– After starting the season with two hits in 17 at-bats, Jessica Fehr has been on a roll, recording 13 hits in her last 26 AB’s
– Fehr paces the MVC with 10 walks in 2022 while ranking in a tie for third with 10 runs scored, tied for fourth with 15 hits and fifth with an on-base percentage of 0.481
– She led the team with a .545 average at the Hub City Challenge and reached base 64.3% of the time…highlighting the weekend was a 3-3 game in the opener against Alcorn State where she was 3-3 with two runs, two RBI and a walk
Clutch Performances
– After picking up two game-winning hits in the opening weekend, Alexa Davis scored the game-winning run on Feb. 19 versus MTSU
– Hitting a 2-out triple in the 9th, Davis scored on a hit by Jenna Nink
– Davis batted .750 in the opening weekend of play and currently has a team-high .382 average, which is 9th in the MVC
– With a total of 10 runs scored in 2022, Davis is 5th in the conference
Aces Edged By Kentucky In Tough Midweek Battle
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Battling pitch-for-pitch with its third power five opponent of the season, the University of Evansville baseball team created chances for itself, but could not capitalize in a narrow 5-4 loss to Kentucky on Wednesday afternoon in Lexington, Ky.
“Still searching for a way to win the close game. Competitive game but our offense couldn’t get it done,” said Aces head baseball coach Wes Carroll. “Our bullpen is really coming together and performing well. Big weekend for us as a team to overcome a close game with a win.”
Evansville’s offense started the game off hot getting a leadoff base hit from Simon Scherry to open the game. The Wildcats ended the Aces threat with a double play just two batters late and got the scoring started in the bottom of the first. As Caleb Reinhardt got settled, the Wildcats were able to muster a run across to open a 1-0 lead.
The Aces strong starts to innings continued in the second with back-to-back base hits from Brent Widder and Mark Shallenberger. As has been his signature all of his career, Tanner Craig stepped up when the Aces needed a boost, rocking a three-run home run, his third of the season, to left field and pushing Evansville in front.
Developing as the theme of the night, Kentucky answered the Aces in the bottom half of the second, getting a home run of its own, this one of the two-run variety, tying the game at three runs apiece.
After the first two batters again reached base safely for Evansville in the third, Evan Berkey grounded into a double play, but the Wildcats took the two easy outs, allowing Scherry to score and giving the Aces a 4-3 lead. Kentucky responded with single runs in the third and fourth inning, moving in front 5-4.
The latter portions of the contest were dominated by both team’s bullpens as the Aces saw Drew Dominik, Eric Roberts, and Nate Hardman collectively pitch 5.1 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and striking-out four to give UE a chance.
In the ninth inning, Evansville was able to get runners on the corners with two outs, but Kentucky got a strikeout to end the threat and secure a 5-4 win for the Wildcats.
Evansville is back at home at German American Bank Field this weekend with five games on tap, including four Aces contests with two each against UIC and Ohio, beginning Friday in Evansville. For the full weekend schedule, visit GoPurpleAces.com.
Attorney General Todd Rokita Seeks Dismissal OF ACLU Lawsuit
Attorney General Todd Rokita seeks dismissal: ACLU joining with fake news to waste taxpayer money over a bruised ego
AG Rokita is among the most accessible and transparent elected leaders in Indiana history – journalists have unprecedented access to information
Attorney General Todd Rokita has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the logistical setup of a press conference held last fall at his Statehouse office.
“My accessibility to the media, as well as my record of transparency, are well-known to anyone who has followed my career,†Attorney General Rokita said. “Journalists have never complained – because they have no reason to complain – about not having access to or information from my office. If anything, their complaint has been that my office provides too much information.
“Interruptions such as this complaint will not sidetrack me or my office from our work of fighting for commonsense Hoosier values while safeguarding constitutional liberties.â€
Attorney General Rokita and his office have answered thousands of press questions and participated in more than 150 media interviews since taking office nearly 14 months ago. During that same period, he sent out more than 130 press releases and was mentioned or quoted in more than 14,000 published news stories. He communicated via Twitter more than 600 times and via Facebook more than 570 times. This resulted in tens of thousands of responses from Hoosiers.
At an Oct. 14 press conference, the office provided universal real-time access to everyone via digital livestream in addition to an in-person opportunity. Like the in-person audience, viewers of the Facebook livestream could post questions during the event, whether they claimed to be journalists or not.
The ACLU sued the Attorney General, claiming that the livestream option “did not allow for questions or the informal interactions that frequently occur with officials prior to or after formal press conferences.†The lawsuit claims First Amendment rights were violated.
The Attorney General’s brief, filed Wednesday in federal district court, notes that a long line of judicial precedent makes abundantly clear that the First Amendment does not protect a right to hear a government official in-person rather than through a live video feed or to engage in “informal interaction†with a public official, as the plaintiff incorrectly claims.
“In fact,†the Attorney General’s brief reads, “no federal court has ever ordered a public official to take and answer questions from a particular journalist or news commentator, or held that the First Amendment is implicated by a public official not taking questions from a particular journalist.â€
Attorney General Rokita continues to make himself and his office easily accessible to media and all Hoosiers interested in asking serious questions or sharing thoughts.
“The ACLU is trying to make a federal case over a bruised ego,†Attorney General Rokita said. “It should not waste the court’s time or taxpayers’ resources. We remain focused on doing the important work the good people of Indiana have elected us to do.â€
“OVC Championship Week†in Evansville
“OVC Championship Week†in Evansville
March 1, 2022 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Evansville, Ind. – Yesterday, Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke joined Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Commissioner Beth DeBauche and the OVC host committee, led by Deputy Mayor Steve Schaefer and Old National Bank’s Jim Sandgren, to officially kick-off “OVC Championship Week†in Southwestern Indiana, as the Men’s and Women’s OVC Basketball Championships that yesterday Wednesday, March 2 and will conclude Saturday, March 5 at Evansville’s Ford Center.
March Madness begins in Evansville as 16 teams will battle to be the first to claim their spot in the NCAA Division I tournament. After concluding conference play on Saturday, Murray State and Belmont claimed the top two seeds on the men’s side, and Belmont and Tennessee Tech finished one and two in the women’s race. Only the top 8 teams from each gender make the tournament; see page 2 for seeding details.
Mayor Winnecke announced that downtown Evansville businesses and restaurants will welcome local and out-of-town basketball fans before and in between the women’s and men’s championship games, which are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. The Boom Squad will perform at the Ford Center plaza before the men’s championship game as well.
“Once again, our local community members, including hotels and businesses, have elevated their level of hospitality in welcoming the OVC staff, teams, and fans to our city,†said Mayor Winnecke. “The Ford Center has been the perfect venue to showcase this Division I athletes. I’m hopeful basketball fans throughout the Tri-State take advantage of the ticket discounts and downtown activities to watch these teams compete.â€
“The City of Evansville has embraced this tournament, and the OVC membership is grateful for the warm welcome and wonderful hospitality,†said DeBauche. “Championship Saturday was a great success in years prior to the Covid outbreak and engaged local and traveling fans alike. I hope even more spectators join us this year for what’s sure to be an exciting, highly competitive tournament.â€
Ticket Information
Several single-game promotions listed below are available directly through the Ford Center Box Office. Single-session and all-session passes can be purchased at the box office or at www.ticketmaster.com.Â
Wednesday, March 2Â
- Women’s Session (1 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.) – Evansville Courier & Press Day ($5 tickets for everyone)
- Men’s Session (6:30 p.m. & 9:00 p.m.) – Evansville Courier & Press Night ($10 tickets for everyone)
Thursday, March 3
- Women’s Session (1 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.) – Senior Day (Senior citizens 65 and older receive a $5 ticket)
– more –
Friday, March 4Â
- Women’s Session (1 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.) – Fast Break Lunch (ticket, hot dog and drink for $10).
- Men’s Session (7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.) – Shoe Carnival Youth Basketball Night (Children 12 and under who wear a basketball jersey receive free admission with a purchase of a discounted $15 adult ticket)
Saturday, March 5Â
- Women’s Championship (2 p.m.) – German American Bank Family Day (4 tickets, 4 sodas, 4 hot dogs for $40)
- Men’s Championship (7:30 p.m.) – German American Bank Family Night (4 tickets, 4 sodas, 4 hot dogs for $60)
All other games: Individual game tickets (includes a 2-game session except for Saturday) are only $30 for the men’s games and $15 for women’s games.
OVC Tournament Seedings
Men’s Tournament Women’s Tournament
1. Murray State 1. BelmontÂ
2. Belmont 2. Tennessee Tech
3. Morehead State 3. Murray State
4. Southeast Missouri 4. Austin Peay
5. Tennessee State 5. Eastern Illinois
6. Austin Peay 6. UT MartinÂ
7. Tennessee Tech 7. SIUE
8. SIUE 8. Tennessee State
Tournament brackets and game times can be found at www.ovcsports.com/Evansville.
OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE
- Men’s Session (7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.) – Shoe Carnival Youth Basketball Night (Children 12 and under who wear a basketball jersey receive free admission with a purchase of a discounted $15 adult ticket)
Saturday, March 5Â
- Women’s Championship (2 p.m.) – German American Bank Family Day (4 tickets, 4 sodas, 4 hot dogs for $40)
- Men’s Championship (7:30 p.m.) – German American Bank Family Night (4 tickets, 4 sodas, 4 hot dogs for $60)
All other games: Individual game tickets (includes a 2-game session except for Saturday) are only $30 for the men’s games and $15 for women’s games.
OVC Tournament Seedings
Men’s Tournament Women’s Tournament
1. Murray State 1. BelmontÂ
2. Belmont 2. Tennessee Tech
3. Morehead State 3. Murray State
4. Southeast Missouri 4. Austin Peay
5. Tennessee State 5. Eastern Illinois
6. Austin Peay 6. UT MartinÂ
7. Tennessee Tech 7. SIUE
8. SIUE 8. Tennessee State
2022 OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE MEN AND WOMEN CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKETS
2022 OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE MEN AND WOMEN CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKETS AT THE FORD CENTER
LINK OF MEN’S BRACKETS
2021_22_OVC_Men_s_Basketball_Report_February_28
LINK OF WOMEN’S BRACKETS
Easy Way To Save For College
Easy Way To Save For College
by State Rep. Cindy Ledbetter (R)-Newburgh
From 2008 to today, in-state tuition for public universities increased by almost 79% nationwide, according to the U.S. News and World Report. As Hoosier families plan for college, many are turning to Indiana’s CollegeChoice 529 Savings Plans to save for tuition and other costs.
As I pursue my doctorate in nursing, I understand the financial stress facing many families. With Indiana’s CollegeChoice 529 plan, I helped pay for college for myself and my daughter and saw an immediate return at tax time. The 529 Savings Plan helps families save for future education expenses like textbooks, computers, tuition and housing. Withdrawals are tax-free and there are a number of investment options to grow your savings.
With these plans, Indiana taxpayers can receive a state income tax credit equal to 20% of their contributions up to $1,000 per year. Legislation I supported this session would increase the credit from $1,000 to $1,500 per year, allowing Hoosiers to save even more. This legislation received unanimous support and soon could be law.
The 529 plans are not just for those pursuing a traditional four-year degree. A change in federal law now allows apprenticeship programs as acceptable expenses with this long-term savings plan.
Hoosiers can set up an account with as little as $10 and it’s never too late to start saving. Even for those already in college, the tax credit helps save money each year. Statewide, Hoosiers saved and invested more than $6.6 billion through this program.
I appreciate the financial help I’ve received on my educational path and hope others can benefit from this program. To join the more than 400,000 Hoosiers with a 529 account, visit collegechoicedirect.com. Â It only takes minutes to sign up and start savingEasy Way To Save For College.
 FOOTNOTE: State Rep. Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) represents House District 75, which includes portions of Pike, Spencer, and Warrick counties.
Gov. Holcomb Signs Executive Order In Response To Russia’s Invasion Of Ukraine
INDIANAPOLIS-Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced he signed Executive Order 22-08 as a response to Russia’s unjust invasion of Ukraine.
“I stand with the people of Ukraine as they face the tyranny of Putin and his unprovoked invasion. We must hold Putin accountable for his actions and support Ukraine in any way we can. Indiana joins the world as we pray for the people of Ukraine.
As a state, we will do our part to try to prevent the further indiscriminate killing of Ukrainian civilian men, women, and children. I encourage Indiana residents to support the humanitarian efforts for Ukraine through their local communities, religious organizations, and non-profits and show our true Hoosier spirit.,†said Gov. Holcomb.
Gov. Holcomb has issued an executive order taking specific actions to show a commitment for the citizens of Ukraine and condemnation of the Russian government.
- The Indiana Department of Administration will review all state contracts that involve Russian-owned or Russian-affiliated companies.
- The Indiana Public Retirement System will evaluate investments into the state retirement accounts that may involve the Russian ruble, Russian-owned and Russian-affiliated companies and immediately report its findings to the governor’s office.
- The Indiana Office of Technology will continue to strengthen our critical state infrastructure to protect the system from Russian cyber-attacks and the Governor encourages private businesses to do the same.
- The Commission for Higher Education will request that public colleges and universities report all Russian funding received for programs, research and grants and report its findings to the governor’s office.
- The Governor encourages Hoosier businesses and companies in Indiana to evaluate their future business relationship with Russia.
- The state of Indiana will standby to assist Ukrainian refugees should a federal policy, program or initiative be implemented requiring access to appropriate locations across the country.