EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Indiana State struck early on a penalty kick in the 14th minute to take a lead they would never relinquish, downing Evansville by a score of 2-0 on Sunday evening at Arad McCutchan Stadium.
The match was action-packed early, with the Aces and Sycamores combining for six shots in the first 10 and half minutes of play. Isa Valdez (Phoenix, Ariz./Desert Vista) put the first shot on goal for Evansville in the eighth minute, while Emma Nathans (Toronto, Ontario/Havergal College) made the night’s first save in the fourth minute.
However, the Sycamores got on the board first, converting on a penalty kick in the 14th minute to take the lead.
Ella McAndrew (Greendale, Ind./Lawrenceburg) tested the Indiana State keeper in the 39th minute, but her shot was saved and the match remained 1-0 heading into halftime.
In the second half, Allie Lammers (Cincinnati, Ohio/Mount Notre Dame) came on in goal for the Aces and made a terrific save in the 47th minute, getting a foot on a Indiana State shot to parry an attack. Following shots on goal by Brielle LaBerge (Cumming, Ga./Forsyth Central) and Taylor Wehrer (Las Vegas, Nev./Desert Oasis), Lammers made another save in the 67th minute. However, Indiana State struck again in the 69th minute to double the lead.
Evansville pushed on the attack for the night’s final 20 minutes, putting up five shots. Perhaps the best scoring chance came in the 82nd minute, but Ella Hamner (Evansville, Ind./Memorial) had her shot saved, and the Aces were shut out for only the third time this season.
“The effort is there, we are just making mistakes we were not making earlier in the season,” said Head Coach Chris Pfau. “I think if we get back together, refresh, and take some time off, I think we are in a good place.”
“We have proved we can win, and we knew we were not going to go undefeated, it’s just a little bit of a hurdle that we have to go through.”
Evansville’s 13 shots are tied for the team’s second-most in a game this season. Hamner led the team with four, putting two on target, while LaBerge added three shots. Lammers notched a new career-high by making six saves.
With the loss, Evansville moves to 5-4-1 overall and 1-2 in MVC play. The Aces will be back in action next Saturday, traveling to Normal, Ill. to take on Illinois State. Kick-off is set for 1 PM.
Evansville Residents Raise Awareness and Funds for Alzheimer’s Care, Support and Research
WHAT: On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. During the ceremony, walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.
Event opens at 9 a.m.
Ceremony at 9:45 a.m.
Walk at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Friedman Park, 2700 Park Blvd., Newburgh, Ind., 47630
NEWS: The 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Southwest Indiana offers a great opportunity for media to report various Alzheimer’s-related storylines and the disease’s impact on residents, including:
The personal impact of Alzheimer’s on local families
The challenges facing Alzheimer’s caregivers
Inspiring personal stories on why individuals participate in Walk
Indiana lawmakers heard stark warnings Thursday that the state’s prison population is again nearing capacity while funding for local alternatives is shrinking.
Margaux Auxier, with the Indiana Department of Correction, on Thursday told the state’s Interim Study Committee on Corrections that the agency’s incarcerated population dipped during the pandemic but is now back on the rise.
“We saw during COVID-19 that our numbers drastically dropped … our population did dip quite a bit during that time period,” she told the panel, which is made up of lawmakers, prosecutors, public defenders and other corrections-related officials.
She said DOC recorded 22,000 inmates at its low but that the state now has more than 25,000 individuals in custody, with facilities operating at more than 95% capacity.
Auxier told lawmakers that Indiana’s facilities are once again filling up.
“Now, we’re seeing an increase in our population overall,” she said. “To try to mitigate some of these issues, we have implemented a policy to allow more minimum security placements. We actually will eventually go onto a waitlist. So we’re trying to get those folks that are low-risk individuals into a facility that would help them transition better back into the community.”
Prison numbers rising
She noted that “an influx” of Level 6 offenders “are coming back to us to serve their time in DOC instead of at the county level.”
Auxier also pointed to sentencing changes as a factor behind the rise.
“If you think about it, just from a numbers perspective, 75% is more than 50% so they’re serving a longer period of incarceration,” she said, referring to changes in Indiana’s sentencing laws that increased the portion of a sentence that offenders must serve — from 50%, or day-for-day credit, to 75%, or three-for-one credit.
The Indiana Department of Correction’s statewide prison population has been rising in the wake of the COVID-10 pandemic. (Photo from DOC presentation)
That change means offenders now serve a longer period of their sentence in prison, which Auxier said contributes to a higher prison population over time.
“Those individuals kind of stack up over time,” she continued. “That’s what we’re seeing as a stacking effect.”
Chris Daniels of the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council additionally highlighted a decade-long shift in criminal filings.
“We’ve seen a pretty dramatic increase in the most violent crimes, in our most serious levels, in terms of our murders and our level one and two felonies,” Daniels said.
“Our threes, fours and fives, they’ve stayed about the same,” he added, referring to felony offenders. “And then we see a decrease in some of our level sixes and a fairly significant drop in our misdemeanor charges.”
There are six felony levels with level one being the highest.
According to prosecutor data, Indiana courts handled 316 murder filings in 2015 compared to a projected 572 this year. Filings for the lowest-level offenses have moved in the opposite direction, with misdemeanors falling from more than 220,000 in 2015 to under 190,000 projected for 2025.
Daniels said the complexity of those top-tier cases — murders, rapes and major drug-dealing prosecutions — has forced prosecutors to shift resources away from low-level filings.
“These are complex drug dealing cases, rape cases, terrible child molest cases, the types of stuff that we really want prosecutors’ offices focusing on,” Daniels said.
But Zach Stock with the Indiana Public Defender Council further noted that despite spikes in violent incidents, overall crime trends have been relatively flat or down.
“On average, crime is declining or holding steady, but there are spikes in certain places,” he said. He warned that “suicide, alcohol, drug-related deaths far outnumber homicides,” and that jails and prisons too often serve as “the providers of last resort” for behavioral health.
Funding shortfalls
Shifting gears, Scott Hohl, executive director of Marion County Community Corrections, told the interim committee that probation and community corrections now supervise more than 106,000 Hoosiers daily. But state grant funding — the primary support for such programs — has been flat for seven years and was cut by $7 million statewide this year, with more reductions expected in 2026.
“We are community supervision,” Hohl said. “We are more cost effective than having someone in a jail or prison, and the services that we provide then provide individuals an opportunity to get out of the system and hopefully avoid returning to the system.”
Local impacts of the cuts are already showing up in next year’s grant awards. Monroe County, for example, will lose funding for both its drug court and mental health court, according to DOC records presented to the committee.
In Lake County, community corrections saw its award shrink by nearly $600,000, with reductions hitting its re-entry and veterans courts.
Smaller counties face similar challenges. Boone County lost support for jail treatment programming, while Dubois County’s request for expanded community supervision was pared back.
Hohl cautioned that the timing could not be worse.
“The need has never been greater,” he said. “Cutting these programs now will only push more people into already overcrowded jails and prisons.”
Still, Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, raised questions about the program’s financial accountability. He pressed Hohl for specifics on how much of the program’s budget comes from state grants, county contributions and user fees. Freeman was especially concerned about the lack of data on how many participants are declared indigent and therefore do not pay for services.
“Only government can be so special as to tell me, ‘We have a funding problem. We have no idea how many people don’t pay for a service that they’re actually using, but I need more money from the state,’” Freeman said.
The senator acknowledged the challenges that come with collecting fees from participants, however, especially once debts are sent to collections.
“I mean, look, there is a finite amount of money. In my time in the General Assembly, the amount of money that the taxpayers give to government has almost doubled,” Freeman said. “I don’t know if that’s right or wrong. I’m just telling you it’s almost doubled.”
Rep. Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington, pressed lawmakers to confront the root causes of crime rather than only funding prisons.
“Most of the people we’re encountering in these programs, they either have substance use disorders or mental health issues or most of the time, both,” Pierce said. “Unless we start funding these programs to get at the underlying cause of crime, we’re going to continue to have our constituents frustrated. Why does this person keep coming back all the time? Why didn’t you just lock them up forever?”
Each year, INDOT awards a select number of scholarships to students pursuing engineering degrees. Recipients will receive $3,125 per semester for financial assistance, along with hands-on experience through paid summer internships. Upon graduation, scholars are given priority consideration for full-time positions with the agency. Scholarships may be applied to undergraduate, graduate or combined civil engineering programs.
To apply, students must:
Be currently enrolled or accepted into a school of engineering at an Indiana ABET-accredited college or university;
Have completed at least one year of college or will complete one year of college by May 2026;
Attend school full time; and
Possess a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.
(Evansville, IN) – Vanderburgh County Commissioners Justin Elpers, Amy Canterbury, and Mike Goebel will deliver the annual “State of the County” presentation at the upcoming Evansville Rotary Club luncheon on October 7, 2025, at the Riverfront Room at Bally’s.
The Commissioners will provide updates on county initiatives, projects, and priorities during the conversational program. The public and members of the media are welcome to attend. The Rotary Club of Evansville requests that non-members register as a guest with the link below.
Event Information:
What: Evansville Rotary Club weekly luncheon, State of the County
When: October 7th, 2025
Presentation: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Doors open: 10:30 a.m.; Buffet open: 11:00 a.m.
Where: Bally’s Riverfront Room
421 NW Riverside Drive, Evansville, IN 47708
Tickets: The cost to attend the luncheon is $27.00.
Non-members may register here: Event registration – Rotary Club of Evansvil
Taiwan signed two Letters of Intent with the Indiana Corn Marketing Council and the Indiana Soybean Alliance to purchase nearly $6.4 billion of U.S. corn and soybeans over the next four years.
As part of the Taiwan Agricultural Trade Goodwill Mission, the Letter of Intent between the Indiana Corn Marketing Council and the Taiwan Feed Industry Association states that Taiwan will purchase nearly $2.12 billion of U.S. corn and corn products from 2026 – 2029. The Letter of Intent between the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the Taiwan Vegetable Oil Manufacturers Association states that Taiwan will purchase between $3.44 billion and $4.2 billion of U.S. soybeans from 2026 – 2029.
“Selling our corn and soybeans around the world keeps Indiana’s farm economy strong,” Lieutenant Governor Beckwith, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture said. “These agreements mean more markets for the crops our farmers work hard to grow, and they show that other countries count on Indiana to deliver quality corn and soybeans year after year.”
Tim Gauck, president of the Indiana Corn Marketing Council, and Denise Scarborough, chair of the Indiana Soybean Alliance, signed the letters of intent on behalf of their respective organizations.
“It’s a tough farm economy right now. That’s why the farmer-leaders on our corn checkoff board guide investments that move corn in all forms to customers worldwide,” said ICMC President Tim Gauck, a farmer from Greensburg, Ind. “This Letter of Intent from Taiwan signals continued interest in purchasing U.S. corn and beef, which is good news for farmers. Corn, of course, is a major feed source for U.S. beef, so international demand for both is a win-win for our corn growers. This reinforces why our checkoff invests in growing and maintaining strong relationships in global markets.”
“As a farmer, I see this as an encouraging step because we are always looking to strengthen existing export markets and open the door to new ones,” said ISA Chair Denise Scarborough, a farmer from LaCrosse, Ind. “This Letter of Intent reflects years of checkoff-funded work and partnerships focused on building long-term demand for U.S. soybeans. ISA works closely with the United Soybean Board and the U.S. Soybean Export Council to connect farmers like me to buyers around the world. Efforts like this matter because they help keep soybeans grown here in Indiana moving into the global marketplace.”
The ceremony was witnessed by Gov. Mike Braun, Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb, who served as official signatories for Indiana.
“Grain exports added more than $3 billion in value to Indiana’s economy in 2023,” said Director Don Lamb. “Continuing to develop relationships and expand current markets like Taiwan is key for economic growth for Indiana farmers, especially in today’s farm economy.”
The Taiwan delegation included the Taiwan Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Wen-Jane TU, along with leaders and members from animal, sugar, livestock, poultry, and feed industries, local cooperatives, U.S. Soybean Export Council, U.S. Grains Council, Taiwan Foreign Ministry, the embassy and the consulate in Chicago.
Taiwan’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Wen-Jane Tu, and Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, Lei Yen-Feng, value the partnership with the U.S.
“For Taiwan, the U.S. is a reliable agricultural product market, which ensures food security as well as food supply chain resiliency,” said Wen-Jane Tu, Taiwan’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture. “Taiwan firmly believes that the events today will further strengthen the rock-solid ties between Taiwan, Indiana and the U.S., based on our shared values of fundamental freedom and opportunity, fair trade, and a deep love of peace and prosperity for our people.”
“Relations between Taiwan, the U.S. and specifically Indiana, have grown significantly in various aspects in recent years,” said Dennis Yen-Feng Lei, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago. “Taiwan and the U.S. are strong partners in security, economy and trade cooperation, and we share common values and complementary ties. I express my pleasure that this signing ceremony will help Taiwan, through this agricultural delegation, to further strengthen the sound cooperative relationship with the U.S. and Indiana, as well as to build robust and resilient industrial supply chains and ecosystems.”
The Taiwan Agricultural Trade Goodwill Mission is held biennially and 2025 marks its 15th mission. These missions are focused on building relationships with states and strengthening bilateral agricultural cooperation. Since its inception in 1998, these missions have facilitated the purchase of 5.4 billion bushels of U.S. grains, which has totaled nearly $34.7 billion.
New Harmony, IN – The Second Annual New Harmony Blues Festival kicks off on Thursday, November 6 with an exclusive VIP Supper Club event in the Caper’s Loft at Caper’s Emporium.
Friday, November 7 is Blues on Fire!, featuring Bex Marshall–an award-winning European Blues Diva virtuoso guitarist– , along with her band of international Blues heavyweight musicians to bring an
amazing performance to historic New Harmony. Ruth Wyand, a legendary blues singer, songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire will open for Bex and her band, who will be joined by Gospel Blues and Jazz crooner Karl Dion Dixon.
Roots on Fire! closes the festival on Saturday, November 8, headlined by Tim Graves and the Farm
Hands, the hottest group in American Bluegrass. Special guests include Greg Douglass, formerly of the Steve Miller Band and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.
Thursday, November 6, 2024
6:00 – 9:30 pm
Blues, Brews and Stews
An Exclusive Dining Experience in an exquisite private location.
($75 — Purchase advance tickets online at EventBrite; no ticket sales at the door)
Caper’s Emporium Loft
602 Main Street New Harmony, IN 47631
Master Chef Jonathan Lolley, who excels in creating unique fusions of British, Italian, and French cuisine, will team up with local culinary legend Mary Beth Guard in the exclusive Capers Emporium Loft. As the audience is treated to a sublime meal, they will enjoy the magical sounds of The Bex Marshall Band (UK) and guitarists Ruth Wyand and Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame guitarist, Greg Douglass.
Friday, November 7, 2025
Blues on Fire!
Thrall’s Opera House
612 Church St.
New Harmony, IN 47631
Experience an evening with the Bex Marshall Band, Ruth Wyand and special guest Karl Dion Dixon!
Doors open at 6:30, performance begins at 7:00
Tickets at EventBrite $25 in advance, $30 at the door
Bar service available
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Roots on Fire!
Thrall’s Opera House
612 Church St.
New Harmony, IN 47631
Oh, what a night! The finale of the New Harmony Blues Festival features high-energy performances by Tim Graves and the Farm Hands–the hottest bluegrass band in America–joined by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Greg Douglass.
Doors open at 6:30, performance begins at 7:00 pm
Tickets at EventBrite $25 in advance, $30 at the door
FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana dropped its Ohio Valley Conference opener 6-1 to Liberty University Saturday afternoon in Lynchburg, Virginia. The Screaming Eagles struggled early but came alive late, as freshman midfielder Tony Murphyput the team on the board in the 74th minute. Murphy’s goal broke the team’s scoreless streak that started at the 83:37 mark against Indiana University Indianapolis on September 6. The Flames came out of the gate firing, scoring four goals in the first half. Including a first-half hat trick from Liberty senior Zach Lifferth, scoring the first three goals of the match at 6:03, 20:21, and 28:07. Liberty added its fourth goal in the 34th minute, continuing the offensive barrage of the first half. The Eagles finished the first 45 trailing 13-0 in shots and 9-0 in shots on goal. The Liberty forced five first-half corner kicks compared to USI’s one. In the second half, the Eagles improved on both sides of the ball despite Liberty scoring in the 70th minute. USI’s offense fought back late in the game, as Murphy snuck one past the goalkeeper at 73:30 for the teams lone goal. Liberty’s final push came in the 81st minute scoring their sixth goal, giving them a five goal lead that would hold through the end of the match. For the game, the Eagles tallied five shots, three on goal, compared to Liberty’s 27 shots with 16 on goal. Freshman defender Joaquin d’Escoto and freshman forward Edin Cvorovic each recorded a shot on goal, while freshman goalkeeper Jacob English grabbed a season high 10 saves.
