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Softball signs eight for 2025 class

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USI Softball signs eight for 2025 class

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Softball announced that eight student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to compete for the Screaming Eagles in 2025-26.

“Our staff is really excited about the incoming 2025 recruiting class,” USI Softball Head Coach Sue Kunkle said. “It is a bigger class with tons of talent, athleticism, and personality.”

Anna Kemp (Henderson, Kentucky) is a 5’6″ right-handed pitcher from Henderson County High School. Kemp has been a part of multiple regional championship teams, a state finalist in 2023, and a Kentucky state champion in 2024. While at Henderson County, Kemp has been all-region twice, was on the Kentucky state tournament team in 2023, and was additionally named Class 3A All-State an

Softball signs eight for 2025 class

d MVP in 2024. In the pitching circle, Kemp set a school record with 25 wins in a single season, hurled a perfect game against Webster County High School, and tossed a no-hitter in a regional final against Union County. Throughout her high school career, Kemp has recorded a 1.62 ERA, a 53-4 record, and 531 strikeouts in 402.2 innings pitched. Last spring, Kemp went 25-1 with a 1.26 ERA and 195 strikeouts. Kemp has also done well at the plate with a .319 batting average, 80 RBIs, and 13 home runs in her high school career, including a .409 average, 55 RBIs, and 10 home runs in 2024. Kemp plays club ball for Top Gun National 18u Turner.

Elly Robbins (Farmington, Missouri) is a 5’7″ utility who can pitch and play at first or outfield. Robbins has been named all-district, all-conference, and all-region all four years at Farmington High School. Plus, Robbins earned all-state and ‘Dream Team’ accolades. The lefty is tied for the school record with 32 career home runs and is first with 504 career strikeouts in the circle. The Missouri native also holds school records for hits, doubles, triples, and extra bases in a season offensively and pitching strikeouts. Additionally, Robbins owns school career records in hits, singles, doubles, triples, RBIs, and runs scored. Robbins was a district champion in 2021 and a district finalist in the last three years. Robbins plays club ball for Top Gun 18u National.

Laney Schuster (Independence, Kentucky) is a 5’6″ catcher and utility out of Simon Kenton High School. Schuster is coming off back-to-back First-Team All-Conference selections. Schuster has totaled 114 hits toward a .333 batting average with 96 RBIs, 29 doubles, and 16 home runs. Schuster was also a member of two district championship teams in 2022 and 2023. Schuster’s club team is Indy Crush 25/26 Schuster.

Peyton Pryor (Tennyson, Indiana) is a 5’7″ catcher and infielder from Boonville High School. Pryor was an All-PAC and all-state selection last season as a junior. Pryor also recorded the highest batting average on her squad. Pryor’s club team is Fusion 16u National Unruh/Hunt, which won a championship in California in 2023.

Amelia Kiegel (Boonville, Indiana) is a 6’0″ left-handed pitcher for Heritage Hills High School. Kiegel is a three-time all-conference honorable mention. Kiegel’s high school squad won sectional championships during her freshman and junior seasons. The lefty recorded a 2.01 ERA as a junior in 2023-24 while also hitting for .304 at the plate. Last season, Kiegel had 43 strikeouts in 52.1 innings. Offensively, she hit five home runs and tallied 25 RBIs. Kiegel’s club team is Fusion National 18u Unruh/Greenwood.

Abigail Booher (Yorktown, Indiana) is a 5’5″ utility and left-side infielder out of Yorktown High School. Booher was all-conference and all-county for the last two years and was an all-county honorable mention in 2022. The right-hander has hit over .370 in the last three seasons, and in 2024, she batted .449 with 32 runs and 20 RBIs. Through three years in high school, Booher has hit .399 while driving in 52 RBIs and scoring 71 runs. Booher’s team has won the sectional championship in the last three years with regional titles in 2022 and 2023. Booher’s travel ball team is Indiana Magic Gold 07 Neace.

Jadyn Tinsley (Indianapolis, Indiana) is a 5’6″ shortstop from Franklin Central High School. Tinsley has been all-county and all-HCC for the last two years while being a county champion in 2024. The right-hander has batted over .400 with an on-base percentage near .500 in the last two seasons. Tinsley has also totaled nine home runs and 40 RBIs over the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Tinsley plays club ball for Indy Dreams 06 Back/Baird.

Katelyn Sue Marx (Elberfeld, Indiana) is a 5’9″ outfielder out of Tecumseh High School. Marx bats left-handed and throws right-handed. Marx has been all-conference each year in high school. Marx is a two-time All-State Second Team selection and All-State First Team selection as a sophomore. Her team won back-to-back 1A state championships and was the 1A state runner-up in 2024. Marx has hit over .400 all three years, including a .409 batting average last year. Marx also scored 43 runs and 14 RBIs in 2024. Marx plays club ball for Fusion Premier-Gibson.

“Offensively, we will have a mix of power, speed, and gap-to-gap hitters,” Kunkle stated. “Katie Sue Marx will bring even more impressive speed to our outfield. Peyton, Jadyn, Laney, and Abby will add depth and competition to our infield, along with Peyton and Laney working behind the plate.”

“With three of our four current pitchers being upperclassmen, the addition of Elly, Mia, and Anna will be crucial in the continued success of the USI pitching staff.”

USI Softball heads into its third season at the Division I level and in the Ohio Valley Conference in February. The Screaming Eagles won 25 games last spring and finished fourth in the OVC to earn a second consecutive OVC Tournament berth. USI came within a game of making an appearance in the championship round. The 2025 spring championship schedule will be released later.

VUVB’s Isadora Dias earns All-American honors

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VUVB’s Isadora Dias earns All-American honors

VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University sophomore and 2024 Region 24 Player of the Year Isadora Dias (Rio Grande de Norte, Brazil) added more accolades to her outstanding sophomore season this week with Dias being recognized as an NJCAA Division I Third Team All-American.

“Being recognized as a Third Team All-American is such an honor and it makes me incredibly emotional because there are so many great players in the country,” Dias said. “This recognition motivates me to continue pushing myself to be the best I can be.”

“I owe so much to Coach Gary and Coach Ariana for their guidance and belief in me and to my family who have been my foundation and biggest cheerleaders,” Dias added. “I also want to honor my roots and the incredible coaches back in Rio Grande de Norte, Brazil who laid the groundwork for the player I am today. Joka Fontes, my very first coach, introduced me to the beauty of this sport, while Pequena, Ricardo, Andre and Matheus always believed in my potential, constantly challenging and inspiring me to keep growing.”

“Isadora has grown so much as a player,” VUVB Head Coach Gary Sien said. “I am so excited and proud of her. She is very unselfish and is constantly helping and encouraging other team members. She has learned to be comfortable in her own skin as a player, to be not too high and not too low. The toughest thing to learn as a volleyball player is to let go of a mistake and to move on to the next play. She has grown immensely in that aspect which explains her success this year.”

“A year ago, we had Isadora play everywhere,” Sien added. “She started on the right side and then played outside when we had injuries. After that, she played only back row for a while. To top it off, she played middle at the Region and District tournaments due to another injury. Could someone else on the team have done the same? Possibly. But she is the only one who can do it well and can handle those big moments. To take on at times a secondary role without complaint defines her selfless mindset.”

“I think she literally came out of no where this year,” Sien said. “Having no defined position a year ago, few would have known about her capabilities. Isadora has developed into one of the best outside hitters in the Nation. She has all the various shots that we teach our pin hitters. She has the next level blocking skills, the first contact abilities and the serving proficiency.”

“She is a hard worker,” Sien added. “Isadora and others would get in extra repetitions in all the various skills. There’s no secret to success, it is reps and more reps. I am her coach of course but I haven’t even begun to talk about Isadora’s academic success. She works just as hard in the classroom. Imagine how difficult that is to do as an International student while doing all of this in your second language.”

Dias had a breakout year for the Trailblazers, serving as a constant fixture on the court for the Blue and Gold this season.

Dias led the Trailblazers with an outstanding 465 kills during the 2024 season, averaging 3.25 kills per set.

Dias also contributed on the floor with 341 digs, 53 blocks, 35 set assists and 25 aces this past season.

Dias currently sits number five this season in all of NJCAA Division I volleyball in kills.

Dias finished out the season with 13 double-doubles and her best hitting match coming against Kaskaskia College in the opening round of the 2024 Region 24 tournament.

Dias finished that game with 13 kills and 14 digs while having a hitting percentage of .520.

Dias closes out her Trailblazer volleyball career with 716 kills, 454 digs, 129 blocks, 41 set assists and 34 aces.

Dias is the second Trailblazer to earn All-American honors at the NJCAA Division I level, joining Paige Parlanti (2023) and sixth VUVB All-American overall along with Mariane Tobolski (1986), Jennifer Wirtz (2004), Kayla Holloway (2005) and Audrey Curry (2006) who earned NJCAA Division II All-American honors.

“This recognition means being part of the legacy of this program,” Dias said. “The dedication of my teammates and the constant support of my coaches and family, Knowing I’ve contributed to the rich history of VUVB fills me with pride. It’s truly an honor to be part of something so meaningful and I hope to inspire future Trailblazer volleyball players just as I was inspired by those recognized before me.”

“This achievement is the most difficult to get of course,” Sien said. “With only 30 selections, having high statistics is not enough. Your team success has to come into play. If you look at the other All-Americans this year, many of them played in the National Tournament and/or were Nationally ranked.”

“So for Isadora to receive this honor is quite an achievement as it not only gives her individual recognition but it puts a huge spotlight on this program,” Sien added. “We now have the most All Americans in Region since our first year in the Region in 2016.”

Dias earned Third Team Academic All-American honors last year and was also named to the 2024 Blazer Classic All-Tournament team.

Dias helped guide the Vincennes University volleyball team to a record of 30-13 this past season, including securing VU’s fourth straight NJCAA Division I Region 24 Championship and close out her Trailblazer career with a combined record of 62-20 with a 32-3 record against Region 24 opponents.

“I hope this honor highlights the growth and potential of the entire VU Volleyball program,” Dias added. “It reflects the hard work, dedication and passion that our team, coaches and staff put into building something truly special. As the program continues to grow and gain national recognition, I hope it inspires others to see the talent and strength within the team and encourages future Trailblazers to follow in our footsteps.”

“Individually, this will bring even more interest from four-year programs for Isadora,” Sien said. “She has already received several inquiries including some DI interest. It will not only get her more recruiting opportunities but others on the team as well. Isadora’s success equals team success as she obviously di not do all of this on her own. It will be exciting to see where she and all the other sophomores end up at for next year. This achievement will provide the program even more interest and recognition.”

The Vincennes University Athletic Department would like to congratulate Isadora Dias on a great season and another outstanding honor.

Pacers Returning to Evansville for Big Toy Giveaway

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Pacers Returning to Evansville for Big Toy Giveaway

We are excited Pacers Sports & Entertainment is returning to Evansville for the 15th annual Big Toy Giveaway, taking place tomorrow, December 5th. This event, part of a longstanding tradition of community outreach, will see that all 440 students at Tekoppel Elementary School receive a special toy, as part of a partnership between Pacers Sports & Entertainment and the Evansville Police Department.

Evansville is one of nine cities chosen to host the giveaway this year, and the excitement is
building as the school prepares to receive its gifts. The event will kick off at 1:30 p.m. with opening remarks from Pacers staff, followed by a festive celebration that includes photo opportunities with the NBA and WNBA mascots.

The Big Toy Giveaway, which has been bringing holiday joy to communities for 15 years,
reflects the ongoing commitment of Pacers Sports & Entertainment to give back to children and families in need. The event is made possible through a partnership with JAKKS Pacific, the toy manufacturer that helps make the toy distribution possible. This year’s Big Toy Giveaway is especially meaningful as it continues a legacy of bringing smiles to children’s faces and fostering connections between the Pacers and the Evansville community.

For more information on Pacers Sports & Entertainment and their partnership with JAKKS
Pacific, please refer to the official NBA news release: Pacers Sports & Entertainment and JAKKS Pacific Toys Celebrate Season of Giving with 15th Annual Big Toy Giveaway.

Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

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Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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Booked Last 24 Hours-Public

Mayor Terry to Host Traveling City Hall Tonight

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Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry will hold the final Traveling City Hall meeting of 2024 tonight at St. John’s East, 7000 Lincoln Avenue, from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

The event will begin with brief remarks from Mayor Terry, offering updates from the Mayor’s Office. Then, residents will have the opportunity to speak about their concerns directly with officials from all city departments. Representatives from the Indiana Department of Transportation also will be in attendance to answer questions about the Lloyd4U project, and representatives from CenterPoint Energy will be in attendance to speak with customers.

Attendees also will have the opportunity to speak with members of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, who will be present to discuss issues surrounding mental health and digital literacy.

“One of the best parts of my job is having the opportunity to interact with the people of Evansville,” Mayor Terry said. “As a city, it’s important to hear their issues, their concerns, and the things they want to see in their city, and to be responsive to that. The Traveling City Hall gives us an opportunity to do that.”

Mayor Terry’s administration has hosted quarterly Traveling City Hall meetings throughout 2024, with each being held in different areas of the city. Events will continue in 2025, with a full calendar of events set to be released in January.

Over $505,000 Awarded to 23 Nonprofits Serving Evansville

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Dollars background

Over $505,000 Awarded to 23 Nonprofits Serving Evansville

(Evansville, Indiana) The Evansville Endowment Fund recently announced total grant awards of more than $505,000 to assist 23 nonprofits in Evansville. Grants are designated for capital improvement projects, with a requirement that at least 60% of the annual funds be allocated to organizations serving Evansville’s Fourth and Sixth Wards.

The annual grant cycle began in May. The EEF grants committee awards grants through a competitive application and review process.

“Evansville Endowment Fund is excited to continue granting funds to nonprofit organizations directly serving our community,” said board president, Amber Rascoe. “This year we granted to a wide variety of exciting projects. Thank you to the grant committee and board for your time and service. Congratulations to this year’s recipients! I encourage all nonprofits to go to our website for information about how to apply next year.”

2024 Evansville Endowment Fund Grant Recipients

  • Ark, Inc. to reroute downspout drainage underground, repair a broken water wall pipe, and construct a retention wall
  • Carver Community Organization to remove the existing playground surface and install turf surfacing
  • Community Action Program of Evansville & Vanderburgh County, Inc. to replace eight HVAC units at Paradise Estates
  • Community One to secure licensed professional services for the restoration of a vacant, dilapidated residential property at 637 Jackson Avenue
  • Dream Center Evansville to install black-galvanized steel fencing around the playground and improve the parking area fencing
  • Evansville African-American Museum Inc. to develop and install seven new historical markers along the Baptisttown Heritage Trail
  • Evansville Christian Life Center for the purchase and installation of new exterior doors
  • Evansville Museum of Arts, History, & Science for the purchase and installation of twelve security cameras and software equipment
  • Habitat for Humanity of Evansville to assist with the construction materials to build ten homes in Tepe Park and ten homes in Jacobsville neighborhoods
  • Hydration Station to install a Hydration Station at Riverfront Park
  • Impact Evansville to assist with the construction of Bedford Collab
    Lampion Center for drywall repair and painting in six bathrooms and painting in two offices
  • Ozanam Family Shelter to purchase and install 50 windows
  • Southwestern Healthcare, Inc. to add a drop-off parking area adjacent to the building and remove and install new landscaping
  • St. Vincent Early Learning Center, Inc. for safety and security upgrades
  • SWIRCA & More for the renovation of SWIRCA's current building and the construction of the new Sol and Arlene Bronstein Foundation Center
  • The Arc Evansville to replace the mechanical component of the sliding entry door
  • The Isaiah 1:17 Project to remodel a bathroom and kitchen to be accessible and child-friendly
  • The Potter's Wheel, Inc. to repair, resurface, and reline the primary parking lot
  • Tri-State Food Bank for the purchase of steel angles, angle paint, and drywall repairs
  • Vanderburgh Humane Society, Inc. to assist with roof repair and replacement of the HVAC system condenser and coil
  • WNIN Tri-State Public Media, Inc. to remove deteriorated caulking and install new sealant
  • YWCA of Evansville for tuckpointing to the north elevation of the building

For more information, please visit www.evv-endowment.org.

About the Evansville Endowment Fund, Inc.
The Evansville Endowment Fund originated in 1994 when former Mayor Frank McDonald II proposed that five million of revenue from the riverboat be invested in a way that would serve the City of Evansville forever. After an extensive study of investment options, in 1998 the revenue was used to establish the endowment fund as a distinct legal entity affiliated with the Alliance. The Evansville Endowment Fund was created as a public charity and supporting organization of the Community Foundation Alliance, Inc. The Endowment Fund’s earnings allow for grantmaking annually.

About the Community Foundation Alliance
The Community Foundation Alliance is comprised of affiliate Community Foundations serving nine counties throughout southwestern Indiana in Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties. Through the establishment of endowed funds created by caring donors to benefit community causes, the Alliance works to improve the quality of life in affiliate counties by providing annual grants to nonprofit organizations and scholarships to local students.

The Community Foundation Alliance is a 501(c)(3) public charity accredited by the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® (National Standards) program representing operational effectiveness to foster excellence in community philanthropy. Since the inception of this program, the Community Foundation Alliance has consistently achieved National Standards accreditation. The Community Foundation Alliance provides management, administrative, and development expertise and services so that every local affiliate can focus on promoting philanthropy, building endowment, and grantmaking, making a difference in their community For Good. Forever.

Letter From Alex Burton, State Representative for District 77

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Dear neighbor,

My name is Alex Burton, and I am so glad to introduce myself to you as the newly elected Representative for Indiana House District 77. I was sworn into office on Tuesday, Nov. 19, during Organization Day held at the Indiana Statehouse.

I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to represent the Southern Indiana communities of Indiana House District 77 at the Statehouse.

Career Background and Community Involvement:

My career and community involvement began as a high school student, when I served on the Mayor’s Aquatics Task Force under Jonathan Weinzapfel in 2006. This experience sparked my passion for public service, leading me to Indiana State University where I earned a B.A. in Communications and a Nonprofit Leadership Certificate. Later, I continued my education at Western Kentucky University, earning a Master of Public Administration.

After returning to Evansville, I dedicated myself to addressing a variety of community issues. These ranged from creating systems to ensure success for every K-12 student to advocating for safe, affordable housing for all Hoosiers. My focus has always been on supporting everyday people as they navigate life’s challenges.

Some of my key efforts include:

Additionally, I’ve been actively engaged in efforts to improve youth outcomes, such as boosting literacy, addressing the school-to-prison pipeline, increasing high school graduation rates, and expanding real-world career opportunities for students. My passion for education led me to work within the public school system for several years, in between roles with two major Evansville employers—Berry Global and Old National Bank, both of which play an essential role in Indiana’s economy.

I look forward to continuing to advocate for initiatives that benefit the people of District 77 and all Hoosiers.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Legislative Session:

As the 2025 Legislative Session approaches, I am eager to collaborate with my colleagues in the Indiana House Democratic Caucus, as well as with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, to make Indiana a more prosperous and welcoming state for all.

There is much work to be done to improve the lives of Hoosiers, ensuring that no one is left behind. I am ready to serve and advocate for practical, common-sense solutions that include everyone and exclude no one. Our state deserves to be the best version of itself, and I refuse to accept the status quo. It’s time for Indiana to aim higher—to create a future that retains, attracts and invests in its people, resources and communities.

Let’s Get Moving!

In service,

State Rep. Alex Burton

State Report Says Three Abortions a Day Were Performed in Indiana in the Year After the Ban

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A report from the Indiana Department of Health says that during the first full year since Indiana’s abortion ban took effect, 159 abortions were performed. That’s a significant decrease from the 9,529 abortions performed in 2022 before the ban.

None of the roughly three abortions per day in the state were done in Southern Indiana. The vast majority (148 of 159 procedures) were done in hospitals in Indianapolis, eight were done in Ft. Wayne, and three in South Bend.

Planned Parenthood released a statement claiming that under the abortion ban patients have to travel hundreds of miles for health care. In the statement, Rebecca Gibron, the CEO of Planned Parenthood’s Indiana affiliate, said, “The confusion and fear created by the law’s narrow exceptions, combined with hospitals’ reluctance to provide care in cases of rape, incest, or severe health risks, leaves patients without options in their most vulnerable moments.”

Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and other groups are planning more court filings to overturn the Indiana law.

University of Evansville Awarded $41,000 Gift to Enhance School of Education

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University of Evansville Awarded $41,000 Gift to Enhance School of Education

The University of Evansville (UE) is pleased to announce a generous gift from the trust of UE alumna Joyce Short to the School of Education.

Ms. Short saw the importance of investing in our future educators. She dedicated her life to teaching, advocating for every student she encountered. Even in retirement, her passion for education continued as she mentored future teachers, often volunteering her time to support one of her favorite student teachers. Ms. Short spent most of her career teaching third grade for the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC).

While Ms. Short enjoyed traveling the world, she always cherished her visits to Evansville to cheer on her beloved Purple Aces.

The School of Education is so very grateful for the generous gift from Ms. Short. The funding will support pre-service teachers by providing continued licensure testing resources and support with licensure fees. The gift will also support efforts to update and replenish their Early Literacy library for our pre-service teachers to use during student teaching, internships, and tutoring opportunities at area schools.

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