USI Women’s Soccer sweeps OVC Player of the Week awards

09/10/2025

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – On Tuesday afternoon, it was announced that University of Southern Indiana Women’s Soccer swept this week’s Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Week awards.

For the second consecutive week, redshirt junior goalkeeper Anna Markland was named the OVC Goalkeeper of the Week. Sophomore defender Emma Schut earned OVC Defender of the Week honors, and senior forward Emerson Grafton received OVC Offensive Player of the Week accolades.

It is the first time USI Women’s Soccer has swept all three OVC weekly honors since joining the conference in 2022. USI is now up to five OVC Player of the Week awards this season after Markland’s award last week and redshirt sophomore forward Eva Boer’s honor in late August.

For Markland, it is her fifth OVC Goalkeeper of the Week award in her USI career. After picking up her first shutout of the season on August 31 against Southern Illinois University, Markland continued to be strong in goal for USI last week. Markland recorded two more clean sheets against Valparaiso University and at Bellarmine University, increasing her career total to 11 solo clean sheets. She ranks eighth in USI history in career shutouts. The netminder notched six saves on the week, including saves on all four shots on goal by Bellarmine this past Sunday. Markland faced 21 shots against the Knights and helped keep USI’s defensive scoreless streak intact. This season, Markland has made seven starts, totaling 17 saves, and has posted a 1.91 GAA.

Schut received her first career OVC Player of the Week honor. After some positional shifting that moved the sophomore to left back for USI, Schut had a tremendous week on the Screaming Eagles’ backline. Playing all 180 minutes between the two matches against Valparaiso and Bellarmine, Schut helped make several key tackles and stops down the wing side of the field last week. Schut was also part of the USI defense that blocked 11 shots in Sunday’s scoreless draw at Bellarmine, while adding two shot attempts on the attacking end of the field.

The performance of Markland, Schut, and the rest of the defensive unit for USI helped the Screaming Eagles not only record three straight results, including two wins, in the last week but also three consecutive shutouts. The Eagles have held the opposition scoreless for the last 286 minutes heading into the next match.

Grafton picked up OVC Offensive Player of the Week laurels for the second time in her USI career. Grafton found a scoring breakthrough this past week in a big way. The senior scored her first goals of the season with a pair of tallies in USI’s shutout win against Valparaiso last Thursday. Grafton scored for the first time in the eighth minute and again 57 seconds after halftime against the Beacons. The first goal went down as the game-winning goal. Grafton also registered four shots with three on goal. Grafton, who was All-OVC Second Team and All-Newcomer Team last season, is tied for the team lead in scoring with four points and paces the Screaming Eagles with 18 shots. Both rank inside the top 10 in the OVC.

The Screaming Eagles will be back in action Sunday, September 14, returning home to Strassweg Field against Purdue University Fort Wayne for Alumni Weekend. Kickoff, which was originally scheduled for 1 p.m., is now set for 3 p.m. Admission to next Sunday’s match is free courtesy of ProRehab and can be seen with a subscription to ESPN+.

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

09/10/2025

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EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.

Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

09/10/2025

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Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

UE’s Cruse Named Missouri Valley Conference Men’s Runner of the Week

09/09/2025

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LOUIS, Mo. –Following an emphatic team performance this past weekend, University of Evansville cross country freshman James Cruse (Melbourne, Australia) has been named Missouri Valley Conference Men’s Runner of the Week, it was announced in a release by the Conference office on Monday afternoon.
Cruse finished tops among collegiate competition at the Panther Prowl Cross Country Classic in Owensboro, Ky. on Friday evening. The freshman completed the 6k course in a time of 18:48.3, besting the second-place collegiate runner by eight seconds. As a team, Evansville captured five of the top 10 collegiate times while earning the team title, its first since the Fleet Foot Invitational in 2013.

The honor is the first for a UE men’s cross country runner since Stanley Chepchieng earned MVC Runner of the Week recognition on September 25th, 2018 and the first UE runner from either squad since Anna Lowry on September 24, 2019.

Evansville’s men’s and women’s cross country teams are back in action on Saturday, Sept. 20th when the Aces travel to Terre Haute, Ind. to compete in the John McNichols Invitational hosted by Indiana State.

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun hosts U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on tour of ORX site

09/09/2025

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. (Sept. 8, 2025) – Today, Gov. Mike Braun hosted U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Sean P. Duffy with a helicopter tour of current progress on the I-69 Ohio River Crossing in Evansville and also made a stop in Henderson, Kentucky, to view progress on bridge approaches across the river.

“The I-69 Ohio River Crossing is a priority for Indiana, and Secretary Duffy’s visit demonstrates the vital role the future I-69 bridge will play in a new national interstate corridor,” said Gov. Mike Braun. “When this interstate is complete, it will stretch from Texas to Michigan. As the crossroads of America, Indiana is at the heart of ensuring a safe and efficient route for people and goods to travel the country. Completing this connection is vital to our state and our nation.”

During the tour, Sec. Duffy and Gov. Braun were joined by U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), U.S. Congressman Mark Messmer (R-Ind.), U.S. Congressman Jefferson Shreve (R-Ind.), U.S. Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.), U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-Ky.), Indiana Secretary of Transportation and Infrastructure Matt Ubelhor, Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Commissioner Lyndsay Quist, and Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray. Other elected officials, dignitaries, and local leaders were also on site.

“I’m thrilled to have Sec. Duffy visit Evansville and see firsthand the progress being made in Indiana,”said Sec. Ubelhor. “Earlier this year, I joined members of our congressional delegation and other local leaders to visit Secretary Duffy in his Washington, D.C. office to share a progress update on this important project. It’s very encouraging to see those discussions followed by a site visit. Federal support will keep the momentum going for this crucial crossing.”

The I-69 Ohio River Crossing is divided into three sections for project delivery. Section 1 includes the approach work in Henderson. Construction started in fall 2022 and will be complete late this year. Section 3 includes the approach work in Evansville, where work began in fall 2024 and is scheduled to be complete in late 2026.

“Indiana knows the importance of completing the I-69 connection,” said INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist. “We crossed the I-69 Finish Line in 2024, completing the connection between Evansville and Indianapolis, but we know our work is not done until this final piece is in place with a new bi-state bridge. This bridge will provide interstate connectivity that will benefit Hoosiers and the entire region for decades to come.”

I-69 ORX Section 2 is a bi-state project between Indiana and Kentucky that will complete the I-69 connection from U.S. 60 in Henderson to I-69 in Evansville. It includes the new four-lane river crossing. With funding identified, construction will begin in 2027 and finish by 2031. Preconstruction activities are underway.

The Friday Knights Hunger Bowl Provides Essential Support to the Local Community Through St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry

09/09/2025

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Evansville, IN — The 9th Annual Friday KNIGHTS Hunger Bowl is less than three weeks away, and the staggering statistics of rising food insecurity are the reason to support this great cause.

Rising Food Insecurity

47 million Americans, around 13.5% of U.S. households, including 14 million children, were food insecure in 2023—the highest level since around 2014.

Local Perspective:

Vanderburgh County—home to Evansville—has a food insecurity rate of approximately 12.1%, affecting over 21,790 people in 2021.
The per-meal cost estimated was $3.52, with an annual shortfall of about $13.6 million between what vulnerable households need to purchase food and what they can afford.

Food Access & Deserts

More recent data (circa 2025) indicates an estimated food insecurity rate of 14.9% in Vanderburgh County—above both the national average (13.5%) and the county average—highlighting intensified local challenges.
15,300 people live in food deserts within Vanderburgh County—locations where access to full-service grocery stores is severely limited. Notable neighborhoods include Old Erie, Ballard, Bellemeade Bayard Park, and areas near Lynch Road and I‑69.

Poverty Correlates

In much of core Evansville, at least 45% of residents live below 185% of the federal poverty line.
Some neighborhoods—like southern Jacobsville—see 70% of residents below that threshold.
As a reference point, the county’s 2010 census data showed 15.6% of the population lived below the poverty line, including 22.4% of children—underscoring long-standing economic vulnerability.

The 9^th Annual Friday Knights Hunger Bowl will be held on Friday, September 12 at Enlow Field at Bosse High School. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m., and the evening will feature a spirited matchup between the Reitz Memorial Tigers and the Mater Dei Wildcats.

While the Hunger Bowl began as a friendly competition between Memorial and Mater Dei, it has evolved into a full-fledged community effort. In recent years, foundations, businesses, trusts, schools, and K of C councils have joined forces to lift up their neighbors through the gift of giving.

As the pantry stretches to meet unprecedented need, your support—whether by attending the game, donating online, or spreading the word—makes a real and lasting difference.

Donations can be made directly to St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry online at: https://www.fridayknightshungerbowl.org

Sickman selected to serve as USI Vice President for Finance and Administration

09/09/2025

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Jeff Sickman has been selected to serve as Vice President for Finance and Administration at the University of Southern Indiana, effective Wednesday, October 1. He will report to Steve Bridges, USI President, and will serve on the USI President’s Cabinet and Council.

Most recently, Sickman, a two-time USI alumnus, served as Director of Faith Formation and Finance at St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish in Newburgh. Prior to that role, his career at USI spans over 30 years. While at USI, Sickman held several leadership roles, including Assistant Vice President for Finance and Administration, Controller and Assistant Treasurer.

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Mr. Sickman for much of my 36-year career at USI, and he has served the University well in every position he has held,” said Bridges. “We are excited to welcome him back, and I look forward to the many ways his leadership will continue to advance the University and strengthen its long-term financial stability.”

As Vice President for Finance and Administration, Sickman will serve as the chief business and fiscal officer of the University. He will provide administrative direction and management in formulating policies and guidelines pertaining to financial planning and business operations to include development, implementation, and coordination of business and financial programs, policies and procedures.

“I appreciate the opportunity to return to USI as Vice President for Finance and Administration, and I am grateful for the trust that President Bridges has placed in me,” Sickman says. “I look forward to working with him and the entire University community to invest in strategic initiatives that promote enrollment growth and serve the educational, cultural and economic development needs of the region and the state. I am honored to continue the legacy of financial stewardship that precedes me, and I am confident that the best days of USI are in front of us.”

He will be responsible for overseeing the University’s overall budget, which includes state appropriations, tuition and fees and other funding sources. He will also advise the President on fiscal affairs and provide leadership to ensure the integrity of the University’s financial, personnel and management reporting systems.

In addition, Sickman will work closely with the President, Vice Presidents, Deans and the Board of Trustees to identify budget challenges and opportunities, while ensuring compliance with federal, state, local and University regulations. The role also serves as Treasurer to the Board of Trustees, represents the University on financial matters and prepares finance-related agenda items for Board of Trustees meetings including the Finance and Audit Committee.

Beyond fiscal oversight, Sickman will direct and coordinate multiple areas critical to supporting the University’s mission, including the Business Office, Facilities Operations and Planning, Information Technology, Campus Store, Auxiliary Operations and Internal Auditing. He will often collaborate with students and University leadership on facilities planning, financing, construction and maintenance, while ensuring the proper management and investment of University assets. Additionally, he will play a key role in strategic and master planning, developing policies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, and presenting the University’s strategic plan to internal and external stakeholders.

Sickman earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1993 and a master’s degree in business administration in 2000, both from USI.

9/11 Memorial Walk at Vincennes University

09/09/2025

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Students in Vincennes University’s five public safety programs — Conservation Law Enforcement, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Fire Response and Safety Technology, Homeland Security and Public Safety, and Legal Studies — will walk 441 laps in honor of the 441 First Responders who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks in 2001. A brief memorial reading will occur before the walk begins.

Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025 , 5 p.m. (ET)

Vincennes University Outdoor Track

1600 Short St.

Vincennes, Indiana 47591

Women’s golf rallies to finish in top ten

09/09/2025

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Petrova leads UE at Redbird Invitational

NORMAL, Ill. – Completing the final round of the Redbird Invitational at 17-over, the University of Evansville women’s golf team rallied to finish in 9^th place at Weibering Golf Course.

Leading the way for the Purple Aces was Kate Petrova. An even score of 72 in Monday’s final round saw her come home in 4^th place with a 3-round total of 217. Her low round of the weekend was a 1-under in Sunday’s opening 18 holes.

Second for the Aces was Jane Grankina. Her score of 79 on Monday saw her tie for 51^st with a score of 236. Grankina’s top score was a 1-over 73 in the second round.

Louise Standtke rallied with a strong round on Monday. Shooting a 5-over 77, Standtke tied for 55^th place with a 238. One behind her was Elizabeth Mercer. With a 239 for the weekend, she tied for 61^st. Haley Hughes was fifth for Evansville with her low round of the weekend. Hughes registered a 5-over 77 on Monday to tie for 78^th with a 247. Her score in the final round was five strokes under her previous low round.

As a team, the Aces took 9^th place as they completed the weekend at 63-over. They jumped four positions in the third round. Eastern Kentucky took the team championship as they finished one shot ahead of South Dakota. Karra Tucker of EKU was the medalist, finishing the tournament at 3-under.

UE returns to action on Sept. 28 at Notre Dame.

Preparedness starts at home: Red Cross urges everyone to get ready for emergencies now

09/09/2025

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Tornadoes and severe weather pose biggest threats to Indiana Region

[INDIANA, September 8, 2025] — September is National Preparedness Month, and the American Red Cross Indiana Region urges everyone to protect their loved ones by getting their households ready now.

National Preparedness Month is a great time to ask whether your family would be ready if something unexpected happened tomorrow. It’s not about being scared; it’s about being smart and looking out for the people you love. Taking a few simple steps now so that you have a plan can make all the difference when it matters most.

HOW TO GET READY Disasters don’t wait for the “right time” — they can happen in the middle of the night, during your commute or while your kids are at school. Protect your family by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies and knowing how you’ll stay connected by taking these steps:

Depending on the emergency, you may need to stay where you are or go somewhere else to stay safe. If you may need to leave, think about where you’ll go, how you’ll get there, where you’ll stay and what you’ll take with you. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation.
Next, gather and organize critical supplies — like food, water and medicine — into a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit. Make sure to include backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.), a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and critical personal records.
Your go-kit should include three days of supplies that you can take with you. Your stay-at-home kit should have two weeks of food and water, and a one-month supply of medications, if possible.
Customize your kit to meet your household’s specific needs. If you have young children, don’t forget formula and diapers. If you have pets, include leashes, carriers, food, bowls, litter and a litterbox.
Finally, make a plan to reconnect with loved ones if you are separated or if the phone or internet is down. Write down important phone numbers on a contact card and carry it with you.

Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for weather alerts, safety steps for different emergencies and expert advice in both English and Spanish. Don’t forget to sign up for local government emergency alerts to get critical local information — like evacuation notices — during an emergency.

People can also help their community be better prepared for disasters by giving blood, taking a class in lifesaving skills like CPR, or becoming a Red Cross volunteer. Visit redcross.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to learn more today.

Whether it’s a fire in someone’s home or a storm that destroys an entire town, disasters can happen anywhere, at any time. Taking a few minutes now to get ready will help you protect your loved ones if the worst happens.