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UE Announces 2025 Outstanding Educator Winners

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EVANSVILLE, IND. (04/09/2025) The University of Evansville (UE) proudly honored four outstanding educators in Vanderburgh County with prestigious awards during its 34th annual ceremony on April 9. Each recipient received a surprise announcement within their school, celebrating their remarkable contributions to education.

Specific to Vanderburgh County, this competition recognizes exemplary classroom teachers and building principals in grades K-12, each possessing a minimum of three years of experience. These esteemed awards are made possible through the generous sponsorship of UE, Evansville Liberty Federal Credit Union, and the Evansville Courier & Press.

Outstanding Elementary Teacher of the Year: Norah Ferguson

Norah Ferguson, a third-grade general education teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School, has been recognized as the Outstanding Elementary Teacher of the Year. With three years of teaching experience, Ferguson creates an engaging, student-centered learning environment where she instructs students in Math, Science, Social Studies, English Language Arts, and Religion.

Beyond the classroom, Ferguson demonstrates leadership by founding and leading the Sunshine Committee, creating a positive school culture. She also volunteers as a judge for speech meets, assists with the STEM Club, and provides tutoring for students requiring additional academic support.

Ferguson’s teaching philosophy is rooted in hands-on, project-based learning, encouraging inquiry and collaboration among students. She incorporates innovative teaching strategies, such as classroom transformations that turn math lessons into surgical simulations and book tastings that introduce students to diverse literary genres. Her dedication to student success extends to professional development, including participation in ‘Get Your Teach On’ conferences and completing the Science of Reading program. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Administration and Educational Leadership at the University of Southern Indiana, set to graduate in May.

Outstanding Middle School Teacher of the Year: Stephanie Richie

Stephanie Richie, an eighth-grade English/Language Arts teacher at Thompkins Middle School, has been named the Outstanding Middle School Teacher of the Year. With 23 years of teaching experience-all at Thompkins-Richie has demonstrated unwavering dedication to academic excellence, student engagement, and fostering an inclusive classroom environment.

Richie serves on the school’s Leadership Team and Social/Remembrance Committee and has contributed significantly to extracurricular activities as a longtime coach. She currently serves as Assistant Varsity Girls’ Basketball coach at Central High School and was previously recognized as the IBCA Assistant Coach of the Year for Evansville Central.

Her teaching philosophy emphasizes high expectations, relationship-building, and creating a structured yet supportive classroom where students can thrive. She has engaged in extensive professional development, focusing on inclusive education and differentiation strategies, and has mentored future educators as a student-teacher host.

Outstanding High School Teacher of the Year: Krista Fleming

Krista Fleming, an Honors Biology teacher at North High School, has been named the Outstanding High School Teacher of the Year. With 30 years of teaching experience and 23 of them at North. Fleming is recognized for her dedication to student success, innovative teaching methods, and commitment to fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment.

Fleming’s teaching philosophy incorporates diverse instructional strategies to cater to different learning styles. Her inquiry-based approach encourages students to explore concepts through hands-on activities and real-world applications.

Beyond the classroom, Fleming founded the North High School Step/Dance Team in 2001, the longest-running step team in EVSC. She has also played a key role in professional development by leading workshops that align middle school and high school biology programs. Her community involvement extends to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she works on initiatives supporting child hunger relief, youth development, and community service.

Her commitment to student engagement is reflected in her requirement that all Honors Biology students complete independent research projects. To support students facing financial barriers, she has secured funding to provide necessary materials, ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities.

Outstanding Principal of the Year: Brittney Brown

Evans School Principal Brittney Brown has been named the Outstanding Principal of the Year. A dedicated leader with a passion for fostering academic excellence and a positive school culture, Brown has made a profound impact on the students, families, and staff she is dedicated to whom she is dedicated.

Prior to her role at Evans, Brown led Oak Hill Elementary to earn the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School designation within two years. Now in her first year as principal at Evans, she continues to implement effective systems that support student achievement and staff development.

With 20 years of experience in education, including 10 years as a teacher, three years as an assistant principal, and seven years as a principal, Brown’s career has been defined by instructional leadership, equity, and community engagement. She has participated in professional development programs such as Mass Insight Special Education, Eureka Math, and National Blue Ribbon leadership training, equipping her with the tools to drive meaningful change in schools.

In recognition of her leadership, Brown previously received the Indiana Department of Education’s Literacy Achievement School honor for her work at Oak Hill, where at least 95% of third-grade students demonstrated reading proficiency. She remains committed to creating an inclusive environment where all students-regardless of background-can thrive.

Brown’s recognition as the 2025 Outstanding Principal highlights her dedication to excellence, innovative leadership, and commitment to student success.

 

Burdette Park Announces Temporary Closure Beginning Friday, April 11, 2025 Due to Historic Flooding

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Evansville, IN – April 9, 2025 – Burdette Park and the surrounding areas are currently

experiencing severe flooding. According to recent forecasts, the river is expected to crest at 48 to

48.5, the highest since 1945. Over the past several days, Burdette Park has been closely monitoring the situation using GIS data and National Weather Service forecasts.

Currently the main entrance and exit is now closed as floodwater has overtaken much of the east side of the park. Nurrenbern Road is expected to become impassable by the end of Wednesday. For the time being, employees and guests should use the west entrance at the back of the park. It is expected that this route may also become inaccessible as river levels rise.

Due to the flooding and consultation with the Board of Commissioners of Vanderburgh County,

Burdette Park will be closed to the public starting Friday, April 11th until further notice, including all scheduled events.

Overnight campers have been personally advised to seek alternative accommodations though many have opted to remain.

“Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our guests and staff,” said Park Director, Zach Wathen. “We will continue to work closely with the Vanderburgh County Commissioners and keep the public informed as the situation develops.”

For updates, please follow Burdette Park on social media.

Indiana SANE Training Project to bring national experts to Indianapolis for state-wide conference on sexual assault support

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Because ongoing professional development is critical for all members of the medical forensic team–including nurses–the Indiana SANE Training Project is bringing national experts to Indianapolis for Empowering Medical Forensic Practice: Trauma, Teamwork and Transformation, a two-day conference May 14-15 at the Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel, Keystone Crossing.

The Indiana SANE Training Project is a program of the Southwest Indiana Area Health Education Center (AHEC) that provides sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) training. Southwest Indiana AHEC is hosted by the University of Southern Indiana in the Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions and is part of a national network with a mission to improve health by leading the nation in the recruitment, training and retention of a health workforce focused on rural and underserved communities.

The registration fee is $75 with continuing education hours available, provided by the University of Southern Indiana Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning.

Speaker lineup for the conference:

Jim Hopper, PhD, is an independent consultant and teaching associate in psychology at Harvard Medical School. His presentation on the psychological and biological effects of sexual assault and other trauma is backed by his 30 years of research, consulting and clinical work on this topic.

Renee Thompson, DNP, RN, FAAN, CSP, is the CEO and Founder of the Healthy Workforce Institute. She works with healthcare organizations to cultivate a professional, supportive and respectful work culture. During this conference, she will lead an interactive workshop on the six essential skills for healthcare leaders to retain and grow a high-performing and cohesive team.

Russell and Myra Strand, co-owners of Strand Squared Solutions LLC (Strand²), will give a presentation titled, “Behind the Cloak of Darkness: The Impact of Pornography and Other Considerations.” Russell is a retired U.S. Army CID Senior Federal Special Agent and Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Program Manager. Myra Strand, MA, CA, is the Advocacy Diplomat at Strand² and a Certified Comprehensive Victim Intervention Specialist: Advanced.

Nancy Norton, RN, CHP (Certified Humor Professional), is an award-winning comedian and keynote speaker. Her presentations are based on evidence-based studies about the benefits of therapeutic humor. She backs up the anecdotal evidence with funny, fast-paced storytelling.

Since late 2018, the Indiana SANE Training Project has been working to strengthen the state’s response to sexual assault and abuse by training nurses to become medical forensic nurses, which includes SANEs. “Through this initiative, nurses across Indiana are equipped with the specialized skills needed to provide trauma-informed, patient-centered care to survivors of sexual assault,” says Jane Friona, Executive Director of Southwest Indiana AHEC. “In addition, the Project offers tailored technical assistance to new and existing SANE programs to help ensure evidence-based practice, effective policies and procedures and sustainability.”

According to Friona, the Project has offered more than 100 educational opportunities, from didactic courses to clinical skills labs to courtroom testimony trainings to intimate partner violence courses, with more than 1,500 participants from primarily rural and urban underserved communities.

“These opportunities combine clinical education with a focus on compassionate survivor support, ensuring that SANEs are well-prepared to conduct forensic exams and serve as vital resources in their communities,” she says. “As a result of the ongoing effort since the project’s inception, access to medical forensic services has expanded by 11 counties for pediatric services and 12 counties for adult/adolescent services, bringing much-needed care closer to home for many survivors who previously had limited options. The Indiana SANE Training Project will continue to build a statewide network of skilled professionals committed to improving outcomes and restoring dignity for those affected by sexual violence.”

Vincennes University Education Department to host “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs” Story Walk for kids

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The VU Education Department and its students are hosting “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs” Story Walk for kindergarten through second-grade children and their parents/caregivers.

The public and media are invited to the free event.

Children will walk along a path, reading the story as they go, and then they’ll visit literacy stations created by VU Education students. Kids will also receive a free book of their choice and a goody bag, plus there will be a petting zoo.

VU Associate Education Professor Lisa Miller and VU students are available for interviews during the event.

WHEN:

Thursday, April 17, 2025

3:30-6:30 p.m. (ET)

WHERE:

Field at the corners of Red Skelton Blvd. and 2nd St.

Across from the VU Phillip M. Summers Center, 118 E. St. Clair St.

Rain location: Summers Center

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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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.

USI runs out of innings, falls to #25 WKU, 13-9

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BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – University of Southern Indiana Baseball rallied in the final innings before falling to #25 Western Kentucky University, 13-9, Tuesday afternoon at Nick Denes Field in Bowling Green, Kentucky. USI, which saw its season-best six-game winning streak come to an end, is 16-16 overall, while WKU goes to 28-5.
 
USI fell behind early with WKU taking a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. The Hilltoppers sealed the victory three innings later when they scored 11 times in the fourth to lead, 12-0.
 
The Eagles began to chip away at the deficit, scoring four times in the top of the sixth to trail 12-4. USI junior designated hitter Cole Kitchens highlighted the four-run frame with a three-run blast to left. The home run was Kitchens’ team-best fifth of the season.
 
USI closed the gap further in the seventh, scoring three times to trail, 12-7. USI senior leftfielder BJ Banyon started the scoring by crossing the plate on a balk, while junior third baseman Patrick McLellan doubled in junior shortstop Clayton Slack and junior catcher Charlie Marisca with the sixth and seventh runs, respectively.
 
After WKU responded with a tally to push the lead back to six, 13-7, USI rallied for the third straight inning with two more runs on an RBI walk by senior centerfielder Khi Holiday and an RBI single by Kitchens to close the margin to 13-9.
 
The eventual 13-9 final score would be as close as the Eagles could get after going down in order in the ninth inning.
 
Offensively, Kitchens finished the day two for five with four RBIs and a home run, while McLellan went two-for-five with a pair of RBIs. Marisca also had a pair of hits in the loss. 
 
USI sophomore right-hander Brady Watts started and got the loss for the Eagles. Watts (0-1) allowed a run on one hit while striking out one in two innings of work.
 
Up Next for the Eagles:

The Screaming Eagles continue the nine-game road swing this weekend in OVC play when they visit Tennessee Tech University for a three-game set April 11-13 in Cookeville, Tennessee.
 
TTU is 21-12 overall and 6-3 OVC after taking two of three from Western Illinois University last weekend. The Golden Eagles host Lipscomb University Wednesday before hosting USI. The Screaming Eagles lead the all-time series with the Golden Eagles, 4-2, after winning two of three at home last year.
 

Rumsey adds 21st stolen base of the season in loss to Butler

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The Purple Aces connected on six hits Tuesday night
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville baseball team wasn’t able to keep up with a red-hot offensive night from the Butler Bulldogs.
The Purple Aces took an early lead at German American Bank Field but didn’t hold on in a 17-5 loss to Butler. Senior infielder Cal McGinnis (Kimberly, Wis. / Bradley) was the only UE batter with multiple hits off the Bulldogs on a single in the third and fifth innings. While senior outfielder Ty Rumsey (Evansville, Ind. / North HS) stole his 20th and 21st bases of the season for the most by an Evansville runner since Eric Staments had 30 in 2012.
The Bulldogs got a walk to begin Tuesday’s contest, but the next three batters went down in order as starting pitcher Drew Fieger (Fort Mitchell, Ky. / Lincoln Trail CC) added two strikeouts.  The Aces offense led off with a single from Rumsey in the first. During the next at-bat, Rumsey stole two bases and scored the first run of the game on a throwing error from Butler’s catcher.
 UE then had its next two batters reach base with a walk and a single. A sacrifice fly after Evansville’s second single scored outfielder Charlie Longmeier (Seymour, Ind. / Seymour HS) to put the Aces up 2-0 early. The Bulldogs offense responded in the second, scoring a run on Fieger with a double and a sacrifice fly. But the senior right-hander added his third strikeout of the night to end the inning.
The second inning ended shortly after as UE went down in order. Butler soon took the lead, scoring two runs on a hit and an error in the top of the third. Evansville tied the game back up in the bottom frame as Longmeier led off with a walk. The outfielder took second on the Aces’ next at-bat on a wild pitch and advanced to third on a passed ball during UE’s third AB of the inning. McGinnis hit his first single of the night in the third, putting the base knock into left field to score Longmeier as the tying run.
After Evansville tied the game at three runs in the bottom of the third, the Bulldogs’ offense exploded for five runs in the fourth. Butler batted through its lineup in the inning with two hits and four walks to take an 8-3 lead. The Aces got a run back in the bottom of the fourth as Rumsey hit a sacrifice fly on their fourth at-bat of the inning. The sac fly scored shortstop Drew McConnell for UE’s fourth run of the game.
The Bulldogs extended their lead in the fifth with another five-run inning that went through their order. Butler centerfielder David Ayers started and ended the top of the fifth with a ground out and a fly out. In between Ayers ABs, the Bulldogs connected on four hits, a walk, and two hit-by-pitches to make it a 13-4 contest.
Evansville had its longest inning on offense in the bottom of the fifth. The Aces had seven batters come up to the plate with two hits from McGinnis and catcher Evan Waggoner (Bedford, Ind. / North Lawrence Bedford HS). UE also added two walks to score a fifth run before heading to the top of the sixth.
Butler’s defense shut down Evansville’s offense for the final two innings of the game while adding four runs in the top of the seventh. The Aces went down swinging in the bottom half of the frame to end the game at a 17-5 final. UE returns to conference action this weekend at Illinois State. Evansville’s first game in Normal is set for 6 p.m. on Friday, April 11.

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

Governor Braun Mandates Transparency for State-Affiliated Non-Profits, Sets Wage Growth and Job Creation as Economic Development ‘North Star’

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INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Mike Braun today signed an executive order to require full transparency for non-profit foundations and corporations created to assist state government agencies.

He also signed two more executive orders making changes to Indiana’s economic development approach: one to reassess the economic development ‘regions’ in the state to better capitalize on distinct regional strengths, and another to set wage growth and job creation for Hoosier workers as the ‘North Star’ of measuring success in Indiana’s economic development strategy.

Executive Order 25-43: Providing Transparency for State Government-Affiliated Foundations

“If organizations like the Indiana Economic Development Foundation were created to assist state agencies with public business, then Hoosiers need full transparency into how these non-profits operate, who funds them, and what they do with the money. Today’s executive order mandates that these organizations file financial disclosures – including those missed over the past 10 years – so Hoosiers can have full transparency and accountability.” – Governor Mike Braun

Hoosiers deserve transparency and accountability for how their state government represents them.

There are many non-profit foundations that have been created over the years to supplement state agencies, like Healthy Hoosiers Foundation, Indiana Destination Development Foundation, Indiana State Museum Foundation, and several more.

All government-affiliated non-profits need to file an annual form with the IRS (Form 990) that describes where they get their funding, how much they brought in, and how it breaks down between programs and administrative expenses. This form provides Hoosiers with important transparency into these organizations.

However, the Indiana Economic Development Foundation received an exemption from the IRS from future filings of their annual Form 990 in 2012.

State-affiliated foundations are also required to file annual reports with the state budget committee, which the Indiana Economic Development Foundation has not done since 2019.

Today’s executive order from Governor Braun directs all state-affiliated foundations to comply with mandated reporting requirements, including filing any previously missed reports from the past 10 years no later than December 31, 2025.

All state-affiliated non-profits must also file an annual IRS Form 990, even if they have previously been granted an exemption. That includes missed reports from the past 10 years.

These forms must be clearly posted on the relevant agency’s website for Hoosiers to read for themselves.

Executive Order 25-44: Prioritizing Wage Growth and Job Creation in Economic Development Initiatives

“Indiana is focusing our economic development efforts on the things that affect your family the most: raising wages and new job opportunities. More jobs, and higher pay: that’s our North Star.”  — Governor Mike Braun

This executive order will set wage growth and job creation as the ‘North Star’ for Indiana’s economic development efforts, rather than capital expenditure.

Under this executive order, Indiana will now use number of jobs and average wage of the jobs created in all project proposals and performance reports related to state-supported economic development initiatives.

Executive Order 25-45: Standardizing Workforce and Economic Development Regions in Indiana

“My administration is committed to spreading economic development efforts across the four corners of our state, and one important way we’re doing that is starting from scratch on the map of our state’s economic development regions to better reflect each area’s strengths.” — Governor Mike Braun

This executive order empowers Commerce Secretary Adams to make recommendations on the redrawing of regional economic development and workforce maps of Indiana based on the unique strengths, assets, and industries of the different areas of Indiana.

The new regional designations will represent the industry clusters, workforce capabilities, infrastructure, and natural resources that vary across Indiana.

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