EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
USI Women’s Hoops ranked No. 23 heading to Vegas
University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball heads to Las Vegas, Nevada, this weekend to compete in the South Point Holiday Hoops Classic. The No. 23 Screaming Eagles, who received their first national ranking of the season Tuesday, take on West Texas A&M University Saturday at 4 p.m. (CST) and No. 9/13 University of Tampa Sunday at 2 p.m.
Both games will be aired live on 95.7 The Spin, while Flohoops.com is scheduled to carry both contests. Live stats and audio links are available at GoUSIEagles.com, while live video links also will be available at GoUSIEagles.com after the links become available through FloSports.tv.
This weekend’s contests are the final non-conference games for the Screaming Eagles, who are 7-1 following their 108-42 win over Kentucky Christian University this past Friday. USI resumes Great Lakes Valley Conference play January 2 when it visits McKendree University.
Headlines
• USI earns national ranking. USI Women’s Basketball earned its first national ranking of the year Tuesday as the Eagles are ranked No. 23 in the latest D2SIDA Top 25 Media Poll. Additionally, the Eagles are receiving votes outside the latest WBCA Division II Top 25 Coaches’ Poll.
• DeHart closing in on 1,000 points. Fifth-year senior guard Emma DeHart is just 13 point shy of becoming the 19th player in school history to reach the 1,000-point plateau. DeHart currently ranks No. 20 all-time at USI with 987 career points.
• Stein closing in on 400. USI Head Coach Rick Stein, whose been on the sidelines for 554 of USI’s 702 wins as an assistant and head coach, is just five wins away from his 400th career victory.
• Eagles reach century mark for first time since 2016. USI Women’s Basketball defeated Kentucky Christian, 108-42, in its only game last week. The Screaming Eagles reached the century mark for the first time since they defeated Hannibal-LaGrange, 106-44, November 20, 2016, while their 66-point margin of victory was their largest since defeating Mid-Continent, 109-42, November 18, 2012. The 108 points also are tied for the 10th most in program history and were the most USI has scored in a single game since they put up 109 in a 48-point win over Salem International on November 22, 2013.
• More season highs. The Eagles had six season-highs in their win over Kentucky Christian, including points, field goal percentage (.500), field goals (39), field goals attempted (78), rebounds (54) and assists (20).
• Leaders. USI had 12 different players scored at least five points, including eight that had at least eight points in its win over Kentucky Christian. Freshman guard Vanessa Shafford went 7-of-7 from the field and 1-of-1 from behind the arc as she finished with a game-high 16 points, while sophomore forward Meredith Raley added 14 points. Senior forward Ashlynn Brown chipped in 10 points and a career-high 13 rebounds as she recorded her first-career double-double.
• Season Leaders. Junior forward Hannah Haithcock averages 12.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 0.6 blocks per game to lead the Eagles, while Raley and DeHart are averaging 11.3 and 10.3 points per game, respectively. Brown and fifth-year senior Ashley Hunter are respectively averaging 9.9 and 9.1 points per outing, while Brown is averaging a team-high 6.3 rebounds per contest. Junior guard Addy Blackwell is chipping in 7.8 points and a team-high 2.9 assists per appearance, while DeHart leads USI with 2.4 steals per game.
• Big leads. The Eagles have jumped out to leads of at least nine points in each of their first eight games and have had no less than a 17-point cushion represent its largest lead in seven of their first eight contests.
• Eagles open GLVC play with 700th win. USI picked up its 700th win with their 79-62 victory over Indianapolis on November 29. The Eagles are 702-546 all-time in 46-plus years of existence.
• Forcing the issue. USI is making opposing offenses uncomfortable in the first six games as the Eagles are forcing their opposition into an average of 22.6 turnovers per contest. They are converting their opponent’s offensive miscues into an average of 25.4 points per game.
• USI picked to win East Division again. The Eagles were picked to repeat as GLVC East Division champions in 2021-22. USI won the East Division title last season, marking the third consecutive season when the league has been split into divisions that the Eagles have captured the East Division title.
• Double-figures. USI has already had seven different players reach double-figures in the scoring column this year, all of whom have scored 10-or-more points in multiple games. The Eagles had nine different players reach double-figures in the scoring column last year, with eight players having had 10-or-more points in multiple games.
• About West Texas A&M. The Lady Buffs, who play Montana State Billings Friday, are 6-6 to start the season despite playing one of the toughest schedules in the country. Junior guard Zamorye Roberts averages 14.4 points per game to lead West Texas A&M, who have played four nationally-ranked opponents during their first 12 games, while senior forward Alivia Lewis averages 10.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per contest.
• About Tampa. The Spartans are 10-2 overall and 3-0 in the Sunshine State Conference. Senior forwards Dori Nagy and LaShayla Wright-Ponder respectively average 14.3 and 13.7 points and 8.2 and 8.7 rebounds per game to lead four Tampa players averaging in double figures. Junior guard Melijah Sullivan and senior guard Aliya Abney chip in 12.0 and 10.7 points per game, respectively, for a Tampa team that outscores its opponents by an average of 66.2 to 57.1 points per contest.
• Record book watch. The Eagles have two players making moves inside the USI Women’s Basketball Record Books:
–Emma DeHart ranks No. 7 on USI’s all-time list for three-point field goal attempts (366), No. 11 in made three-pointers (111) and No. 20 in points (987). DeHart is 11 points away from matching Deb Pope for 19th and is vying to become the 19th player in program history to reach 1,000 career points.
–Hannah Haithcock is No. 45 on USI’s all-time scoring list (576).
• Magic Mark: 75 points. The Eagles are 427-78 (.846) all-time when scoring at least 75 points. USI is 300-29 (.912) since 1996-97 when reaching the 75-point plateau.
Hayden Makes History, Highlights Huge Hoosier Diving Day at Winter Nationals
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana women’s diving graduate student Kristen Hayden became USA Diving’s first Black female national champion while competing in the 2021 USA Diving Winter National Championships Monday (Dec. 13) inside Counsilman-Billingsley Aquatics Center.
With her winning performance in the Mixed Synchronized 3-Meter dive, Hayden also became the first-ever Black U.S. diver to qualify for the FINA World Championships.
Hayden and her diving partner, Indiana men’s diving freshman Quinn Henninger, scored a 286.86 in their event to capture first place and earn a spot at the World Championships, set to take place in Japan in May. In the 3M, Hayden and Henninger were followed closely by Hoosier teammates, sophomore Anne Fowler and freshman Carson Tyler, who finished second with a score of 283.65.
Hoosiers swept Monday’s events, as the Indiana duo of sophomore Tarrin Gilliland and freshman Carson Tyler took gold in the Mixed Synchronized Platform dive with a 268.62.
USA Diving Winter Nationals will continue through Saturday (Dec. 18) at IU’s home facility, Counsilman-Billingsley Aquatics Center. More information about the event can be found on USA Diving’s website.
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING
AGENDA OF THE BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERSÂ REGULAR MEETINGÂ IN-ROOM 307, CIVIC CENTER COMPLEXÂ ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021Â AT 12:00 NOON
                                      AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. MEETING MEMORANDUM Â DECEMBER 1, 2021
3. CONSENT AGENDA Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
      a. Request Re: Approve and Execute Updated Birthday Party Pricing at MeskerÂ
        Park Zoo & Botanic Garden.- Beck*Â
      b. Request Re: Approve and Execute Updated Private Rental Pricing at MeskerÂ
        Park Zoo & Botanic Garden.- Beck*
      c. Request Re: Approved Permission to seek quotes for Tiger Holding Containment.-Beck*
*Previously approved by the Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden Advisory Board.                                                  Â
4. Â Â Â Â OLD BUSINESS Â
       N/A
5.     NEW BUSINESS Â
       a. Request Re: Pickleball Presentation- Michael WatkinsÂ
       b. Request Re: Any Other Business the Board Wishes to Consider and Public Comments
       6.     REPORTS
       a. Steve Schaefer, Deputy Mayor, Interim Parks Director    Â
7.     ACCEPTANCE OF PAYROLL AND VENDOR CLAIMS
8.     ADJOURN
Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners December 14, 2021
AGENDA Of Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners December 14, 2021
3:00 pm, Room 301, Civic Center Complex
- Call to Order
- Attendance
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Health Department COVID 19 Update
- Action Items
- Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, Inc. (E-REP) Service Agreement
- Vanderburgh Circuit Court – Veterans Treament Court Deputy Home Visit Contract Renewals1.Troy Hardin 2.Dion Wingerter 3.Ryan Barrett
- 2022 Grant Agreement for The ARC of Evansville
- Advanced Network & Computer Services (ANCS)1.Master Agreement 2.SOW #1 Core Services 3.SOW #2 Business Liaison
- Resolution to Phoenix Commerce Center Economic Development Area Plan
- Vanderburgh County Redistricting Maps Presentation
- American Legion Post 354 Old National Events Plaza Waiver Request
- 2022 Funding Agreement for Youth Resources of Southwestern Indiana, Inc.
- 2022 Funding Agreement for United Neighborhoods of Evansville, Inc.
- Tri-State Community Clinics, LLC Contract for Services
- University of Sourthern Indiana’s Request for Letter of Support for Grant Proposal to State ofIndiana’s Next Level Trails Program
- Inter-Local Government Agreement Between Posey County and Vanderburgh County Regardingthe Transfer and Housing of Vanderburgh County Inmates
- Vanderburgh County Assessor’s Office Collective Bargaining Agreement
- County Engineer1.Supplemental Agreement with American Structurepoint for Phase 6 of Green River Rd – Kansas Rd to Boonville New Harmony Rd2.Notice to Bidders for Contract Number VC22-01-01 “Milling and Resurfacing of County Roadsâ€3.Request for Approval for the Street Plans for Section 3 of Saddle Creek Subdivision
- Department Head Reports
- New Business
- MBE/WBE Year End Update
- Property Casualty Insurance
Drainage Board Immediatey Following
C. Vanderburgh County Jail Expansion Update
- Old Business
- Consent Items
- Approval of December 7th Commission Meeting Minutes
- Employment Changes
- County Clerk Monthly Report: November 2021
- Claims Voucher Reports: 12/06/2021-12/10/2021
- Approval of John Stoll’s Rollover of 40 Hours of Vacation Time to 2022
- Sheriff’s Office Surplus Request
- Rural Broadband Services Update Prepared by Morley and Associates, Inc.
- Kraftwerks, Inc. Old Courthouse Craft Show 2021 Financial Report
- County Engineer Department Report & Claims
- Rezoning
- Final Reading of Rezoning Ordinance VC-8-2021 Petitioner: Michele M. Knight
Address: 7220 Big Cynthiana Road
Request: Change from Ag to R-3 with UDC - Final Reading of Rezoning Ordinance VC-9-2021
Petitioner: J. J. Brodi, LLC
Address: Heckel Road Commercial: Lots 13-17: 4404 Heckel Road Request: Change from C-4 with UDC to R-3 with UDC - First Reading of Rezoning Ordinance VC-1-2022 Petitioner: Christopher M. & Tara A. Kolb Address: 5101 Broadway Avenue
Request: Change from R-1 & C-4 to R-1
- Final Reading of Rezoning Ordinance VC-8-2021 Petitioner: Michele M. Knight
- Public Comment
- Adjournment
Drainage Board Immediatey Following
COMMUNITY PARTNERS ANNOUNCE TOYOTA TRINITY STORMWATER PARK PROJECT NEXT PHASE LAUNCH & TITLE, SPONSORÂ
COMMUNITY PARTNERS ANNOUNCE TOYOTA TRINITY STORMWATER PARK PROJECT NEXT PHASE LAUNCH & TITLE, SPONSORÂ
Community partners announced the title sponsor and launch of the next phase of the Toyota Trinity Stormwater Park Project.Â
The next phase of the project involves the installation of the stormwater storage facility and water line replacement, along with the development of urban park space.Â
The park is being developed as a collaborative effort between the City of Evansville, Evansville Water and Sewer Utility, the University of Evansville (UE) Center for Innovation & Change, and Toyota.Â
“This is a testament to our community’s collaborative spirit,” said Mayor Lloyd Winnecke. “Our schools, water utility, businesses, architects, and designers came together to provide a unique, sustainable solution to improve our city’s infrastructure and quality of life.â€Â
Over the past four years, UE student Robert Lopez has taken lead on the project, working with several community partners both as a high school student and now through a college ChangeLab course.Â
Lopez and classmate, Caro Haynie, pitched the project during UE’s High School Changemaker Challenge when they were juniors at Bosse High School.Â
“Working on this park has been nothing short of a life-changing experience,” Lopez said. “Starting as a junior in high school, I’ve been able to take this idea from sketches on a whiteboard to presenting a virtual 3D walk-through to the Mayor, and UE’s Center has been there the whole way. Without this project and the amazing team at the Center, I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today. I only hope that someday I can inspire someone the way they inspired me and help them change their community too.â€Â
Mike Labitzke, former lead Project Director for Evansville Water & Sewer Utility, served as one of Lopez’s ChangeLab coaches for several semesters. His initial concept for a park on top of water filtration was shared with UE’s Center, who then pitched the idea to Lopez’s AP Biology class at Bosse High School. The team never stopped working on the project.Â
“We are excited about our partnership with the University of Evansville on what will become the city’s largest green infrastructure,†said EWSU Executive Director Lane Young. “This project allows us to be good stewards of our environment by diverting millions of gallons of sewage overflow away from theÂ
Ohio River while preserving historic relics from the former Trinity Catholic Church and incorporating them into an urban garden for our community to enjoy.â€Â
The park will be fully accessible, with fitness and other programming provided by the University, which is Indiana’s only Ashoka Changemaker Campus.Â
“The collaboration with so many different parts of the community elevates the impact,†said UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. “UE is so pleased to do our part in advancing our community, and reinforce that our students, like Robert, demonstrate how we bring academics to life to solve real-world issues.â€Â
Toyota has been named the title sponsor and will work with Lopez and the UE Center for Innovation & Change to identify additional green space funding opportunities from corporations and individuals. Toyota has sponsored each High School Changemaker Challenge at UE, including the 2022 challenge that is currently underway.Â
“We are extremely honored to be the lead supporter on such a transformative project,†said Ted Brown, vice president of administration at Toyota Indiana. “Robert’s vision for an innovative solution—to what many may have considered a standard infrastructure project—shows leadership, vision, and pride for his community. That’s why programs like UE’s Changemaker Challenge are so vital to the evolution and growth of our region, and why we at Toyota Indiana continue to support those efforts. We want to challenge those in our communities to seek out opportunities to pioneer ideas for our future as Robert did so that together we can build a better future.â€Â
About Trinity Stormwater Park ProjectÂ
The stormwater project will divert approximately 25 acres of downtown stormwater runoff from the combined sewer system to reduce combined sewer overflows (CSO) to the Ohio River as part of the City’s CSO Long Term Control Plan. The first phase of the project involved the demolition of the buildings on the former Holy Trinity Church property, located at 3rd Street and Court Street in Downtown Evansville, with materials salvaged including the plinth, some limestone, and stained glass. These materials will be incorporated into the design of the park. The next phase involves storm sewer and storage facility construction below ground to collect stormwater runoff and promote infiltration into the sand and gravel layers below grade at the church site. This next phase will also involve finalizing the design and construction of the top side amenities, and designing some of the wellness programs to be offered.Â
COMMENTARY: WHAT CAN I DO?
What Can I Do?
Those of us who have lived in the Tri-State area of Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky for most of our lives have, no doubt, listened to and even participated in countless conversations covering our “weird†but also interesting weather. I grew up on the stories of the 1925 tornado outbreak and the 1937 Ohio River flood. My maternal grandfather was a lineman, foreman, and eventually North District Manager (Ft. Branch Office) for S.I.G.&E.Co. He participated in the cleanup and restoration efforts in Griffin, IN as well as other places, so I was privy to firsthand memories and stories. Â
Perhaps you, like me, were also amazed and shocked by our most recent installment of “weird†Tri-State weather. My wife and I were visiting family in Connersville, IN from Friday through Sunday so, thankfully, we were not in Evansville. However, being true Tri-Staters, we followed the television news as delivered by the Weather Channel and other networks. Early Saturday morning the television all too vividly showed us the wrath Mother Nature leveled on several towns in Kentucky and we were, to say the least, sickened and heartbroken for the loss of life and property.
So what do we do now? This latest tragedy surely calls for more of a response than “There, but for the grace of God, go I.â€Â I’m no longer a young man so I cannot simply roll up my sleeves and wade into the aftermath of the storm’s damage. Nor do I possess the skills and abilities that are so desperately needed for a “hands-on†approach. What can I do? I believe I know what to do and it’s my hope that you will join me. Â
Unlike others of the animal family, we humans are unable to witness the death and tragedies affecting other people and just walk on by. No, our innate human nature tells us to help whether by prayer or presence or with money. It is within my power to do two of the above. I can pray and I can give and I certainly intend to do so. But how?
Our Tri-State television stations are doing a great job by listing the several agencies we can give to which enables us to be actively engaged in helping with the cleanup and restoration. “Hats off†to local meteorologists and their television stations! Their “public service announcements†are a tremendous help! They have done the necessary leg work in compiling the list and letting us know how we can get involved. Â
Now it’s up to us to respond. But before you give, please pray and ask God to give you discernment so you will make the right choice. It’s sad to acknowledge but we live in the day of scams. Give but give wisely!Â
Grace and Peace!
Rev. Steve Seitz- Retired   Â
Evansville, Ind, Â Â
Master Trooper Waters Promoted To Rank Of Sergeant
Master Trooper Waters Promoted to Rank of Sergeant
State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter has promoted Master Trooper Kevin Waters to the rank of Sergeant to serve as a Canine Training Officer.
Waters is a native of Evansville and a 1984 graduate of Bosse High School. After graduating high school, Waters joined the U.S. Army and served 8 years on active duty and 16 years on reserve duty. During 2006, he served a one-year deployment in Iraq. Waters also obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in criminology from Oakland City College and an Associate of Science degree in criminology from Vincennes University.
Waters joined the Mt. Vernon Police Department in 1990 and served approximately four years before joining the Indiana State Police in 1994. He primarily patrolled Posey County before becoming a K-9 handler in 2008. Waters and his new K-9 partner, Andy, patrolled the Evansville District until January 2017 when Andy suddenly became ill and later died during surgery.  Waters continued to be instrumental in training K-9’s throughout the state and later achieved certification as a Master K-9 Instructor.
Sergeant Waters and his wife, Sherry, reside in Vanderburgh County and they have three adult children.
SHINEDOWN IS RETURNING TO THE FORD CENTER APRIL 26!
The Revolution’s Live Tour with Special Guests The Pretty Reckless and DIAMANTE General On Sale Available December 17 On Shinedown.com
 (Album Officially Certified Gold in the U.S. Feature Film – Out Now)
New York, NY – [December 13, 2021] – Multi-platinum rock band Shinedown has announced their second headlining 2022 North American outing, The Revolution’s Live Tour, with special guests The Pretty Reckless and DIAMANTE. Kicking off April 1 in Spokane, the 24-date trek, produced by Frank Productions, will see the acclaimed quartet, hailed for their high-octane live shows, travel throughout the U.S. with stops in Boise, Green Bay, Des Moines, Baltimore, Columbus, Wichita, Birmingham, Greensboro, and Nashville, among others, before wrapping in Knoxville on May 7. Later in May, Shinedown will head to Daytona Beach for Welcome To Rockville 2022 where they’ll headline Saturday, May 21 alongside Guns N’ Roses and Rise Against.
Fan club pre-sale begins December 14 at 10 am local time. Venue and radio pre-begin December 15 at 10 am local time. General on-sale begins December 17 at 10 A.M. local time. Full routing below. For more details, please visit www.shinedown.com.
The Revolution’s Live Tour will follow the band’s winter tour, Shinedown Live In Concert, where Shinedown will bring their exciting live performance, backed by their eye-popping production, back to arenas for the first time since 2020. The upcoming 22-date outing will travel throughout the West Coast, Canada, and more, stopping in such cities as Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas, Seattle, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal. Pop Evil and Ayron Jones will support on select dates; tickets are on sale now. After taking over North America, Shinedown will move their live set across the pond next summer for a UK and European run featuring festival appearances at Rock im Park and Rock am Ring in Germany, Download Festival in the UK, and Hellfest in France along with select shows with Iron Maiden.
The new tour announcement comes on the heels of the recent RIAA gold certification of Shinedown’s 2018 record-breaking studio album ATTENTION ATTENTION. The band’s chart-topping and sixth full-length record, featuring hits such as crossover anthem “GET UP,†the explosive “MONSTERS,†RIAA certified gold hit “DEVIL,†the rousing “THE HUMAN RADIO,†and title track “ATTENTION ATTENTION,†has accumulated more
than 622 million global streams, debuted Top 5 on the Billboard 200, simultaneously hit #1 on Billboard’s Alternative, Top Rock, and Hard Rock Albums Charts, and led to five iHeart Radio Music Award nominations.