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Aces women’s soccer earns a point at Indiana State

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The Purple Aces controlled the first half of the match
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville women’s soccer team ended the last road match of the season in a 2-2 draw with the Indiana State Sycamores.
The Purple Aces added another point as the 2024 season winds down at Memorial Stadium on Sunday afternoon. UE scored two goals in the first 30 minutes of the match as sophomore forward Taylor Johnson (Evansville, Ind. / Reitz HS) became Evansville’s goal-scoring leader with three. Graduate defender Rachel Rosborough (Mt. Brydges, Ontario) also added her first goal since 2021 in the tie.
The first half of the match was all Aces as they controlled the pace of play across the pitch. While the Sycamores had the first shots of the afternoon, UE scored on only the team’s second shot. In the 15th minute after an Evansville blocked shot, sophomore midfielder Ashlyn Koutsos (Cumming, Ga. / West Forsyth HS) corralled the rebound at the three and knocked it over to Johnson. Johnson quickly tapped the ball with her right foot to give the Aces an early lead.
UE’s second goal of the match came only 15 minutes later. Sophomore midfielder Ella Hamner (Evansville, Ind. / Memorial HS) had a shot blocked from the top of the penalty arc. The ball went out to the right side of the field by Rosborough who maneuvered her way around an Indiana State defender and split two other Sycamores to score her second career goal. For the final 15 minutes of the first half, Evansville kept the ball away from Indiana State allowing just one shot in the final seven minutes.
 The momentum of the match switched in the second half as the Sycamores came out of halftime on the offensive. Indiana State had the first three shots in five minutes, but the Aces had the best chance in the 54th minute. Senior forward Hailey Autenrieb (Cincinnati / Seton HS) crossed to Hamner at the top of the offensive third and forced a diving save left from the Sycamores goalkeeper. UE’s next shot didn’t come until 17 minutes later as junior forward Crysta Vasquez (Las Vegas / Coronado HS) put a chance on goal at the middle of the net.
Only two minutes later Indiana State cut into Evansville’s lead with a goal in the 73rd minute. Spurred by the goal, the Sycamores’ offense pressured the Aces with five shots in under two minutes. UE countered with its final shot on goal in the 79th minute as Autenrieb had the ball at the eight, shooting toward the middle of the net.
Evansville kept the ball in the offensive zone for the next five minutes as Rosborough got a second opportunity in the 82nd minute. Her shot from out in the offensive third went high and to the right as the Aces shifted back to defense to try and win their first game since August. But Indiana State found the equalizer in the 87th minute as UE picked up its seventh tie of 2024.
Autenrieb, Hamner, and Rosborough all had two shots each to lead Evansville on offensive opportunities while five separate players registered a shot on goal. Fifth-year goalkeeper Myia Danke (Laingsburg, Mich. / Laingsburg HS) made six saves in the draw while the Aces also had a team save. UE will play its final game of the regular season on Sunday, October 27th against Southern Illinois at home. Kick-off from Arad McCutchan Stadium is set for 12 p.m. next week.

Bea’s late equalizer earns USI road point at SIUE

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EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Soccer fought through adversity late in Sunday’s match at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville before scoring an equalizer with a couple of minutes remaining to earn a 1-1 draw and an Ohio Valley Conference point on the road.

Southern Indiana (4-8-5, 3-2-3 OVC) once again found itself in a competitive, defensive battle against SIUE (2-7-6, 1-3-4) on Sunday. The two sides had played to scoreless draws in the previous two meetings in the last two seasons.

USI had an early look at goal with a free kick in the sixth minute, but SIUE’s goalkeeper saved the ensuing kick by junior defender Brynn Quick. USI redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Anna Markland also collected a pair of saves in the first 20 minutes. However, SIUE scored in the 24th minute off a corner kick to take a 1-0 advantage. It was the first goal scored in the head-to-head series since 2007.

USI and SIUE exchanged possession down the stretch of the opening 45 minutes, but the score remained 1-0 SIUE into halftime.

In the second half, the Screaming Eagles continued to make trips into the attacking third, but optimal shot attempts toward goal came at a premium against a tough defensive unit from SIUE. USI’s defense was also strong, clearing multiple corner kicks and keeping the Cougars out of the net.

Southern Indiana ran into some adversity near the 73rd minute when a double-yellow red card dropped USI down to 10 players on the field. Despite trailing 1-0 and down a player in the contest, the Eagles continued to fight into the final minutes.

After thwarting a couple of SIUE attacks late, USI mustered a late push of its own. Seconds after a saved shot on goal by junior midfielder Peyton Murphy, Southern Indiana scored a short-handed equalizer to tie the match, 1-1, in the 88th minute. A long cross from near the sideline by junior midfielder Emerson Grafton was missed by SIUE’s defense and goalkeeper, allowing sophomore defender Kamryn Bea to step up and put away the loose ball for the game-tying goal and her first career goal. The assist by Grafton tied a team-best five helpers on the season.

The Eagles’ defense halted two more attacks from the Cougars in the final two minutes to close out the draw.

For the game, Southern Indiana totaled six shots with three on goal. Markland finished with six saves in net.  SIUE took 16 shots and seven on target Sunday.

Following a pair of wins earlier this past week and Sunday’s tie, USI had already locked up its third consecutive berth in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament. With one regular-season match to go and through Sunday’s results, USI sits fifth in the conference standings with 12 points. Southern Indiana could potentially finish as high as third.

The Screaming Eagles conclude the regular season at Strassweg Field next Sunday at 1 p.m. for Senior Day against Western Illinois University. Match coverage links can be found at usiscreamingeagles.com.

 

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

Facebook Bans Vineyard Christian Bookstore Without Explanation

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Editorial:  Facebook Bans Vineyard Christian Bookstore Without Explanation

by Johnny Kincaid-City County Observer

 OCTOBER 21, 2024

The recent suspension of The Vineyard Christian Bookstore’s Facebook account for allegedly violating the platform’s community standards is a stark reminder of the increasing tension between social media giants concerning possible religious expression.

Another local Christian organization, the Trotter House, received a notification from Facebook recently telling them they would be suspended if they didn’t file a grievance with Facebook. The notification did not specify how the group violated Facebook’s standards.

The notices are not sent by Facebook employees but by bots that constantly scan every post on the platform. The bots are programmed to look for specific keywords or combinations of words, and when they find what they are programmed to see, they will take action on behalf of the platform. These electronic nannies are meant to reduce the amount of misinformation or hate speech we are exposed to. Unfortunately, religious expressions are tagged by some as hate speech.

Digital platforms dominate the public square, and the censorship of religious voices raises critical concerns about free expression, religious freedom, and the role of faith communities in the public square. As a nation founded on principles of liberty and tolerance, we need to defend the bookstore’s right, and by extension, the rights of Christians, to freely express their beliefs on platforms like Facebook.

The Digital Public Square

Social media is more than just a place to share photos, updates, and personal stories. With billions of users globally, platforms like Facebook function as the primary public forum where ideas are exchanged, opinions are voiced, and communities are built. For small businesses, including local bookstores, social media provides a lifeline—a way to connect with customers, share events, and promote content. For faith-based organizations, it’s a way to spread messages of hope, engage in meaningful dialogue, and connect with believers and seekers alike.

This is not just a matter of business being hindered—it is a limitation on free expression and a blow to religious communities whose voices deserve to be heard in the same space as any other group or individual.

Religious Expression as Free Speech

Religious expression is not an afterthought in free speech but central to it. The United States was built on a foundation emphasizing freedom of religion, enshrined in the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech and religion. This foundational right ensures that individuals and groups, including Christians, can express their beliefs without fear of retribution or censorship.

While Facebook, as a private company, has the legal right to set its own rules for content, it must recognize the responsibility that comes with its immense influence. When Facebook suspends accounts for “violating community standards,” it must provide clear, transparent reasoning and apply policies fairly and consistently.

The Need for Fair Standards

If Facebook is to serve as a fair and neutral platform, it must apply its community standards evenly across all users, regardless of their beliefs. Vague rules about “harmful content” or “hate speech” must be clearly defined to prevent subjective interpretations targeting specific groups unfairly. Christian organizations and individuals should be able to share their faith-based perspectives without the constant fear of suspension.

A Call for Dialogue and Respect

Like members of any faith or community, Christians can express their beliefs, share their messages, and participate in public discourse. In defending the Vineyard’s right to post on Facebook, we are not just defending one small business—we are defending the right of all individuals and groups to participate in the marketplace of ideas without fear of censorship.

Stupid Reasons to Decide Who to Vote For

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joe wallace
joe wallace

Stupid Reasons to Decide Who to Vote For

by Joe Wallace-For City-County Observer

OCTOBER 21, 2024

The reasons people give for voting the way they do can often range from the carefully considered to the downright absurd. While voting is a fundamental right, it’s concerning how frequently people base their decisions on factors unrelated to policy, competence, or character. Let’s explore some of the more questionable reasons people use when selecting candidates and consider how much of the electorate might be swayed by such thinking.

1. Candidate’s Race or Gender

Some voters choose a candidate simply based on their race or gender, often believing that a shared identity will lead to more representation of their interests. While representation is essential, voting solely on these criteria can overlook important factors like policy positions, experience, and leadership abilities.

2. Celebrity Endorsements

Celebrity culture has a significant influence on voting behavior. Whether it’s a beloved actor, musician, or social media personality, voters sometimes support a candidate purely because their favorite celebrity endorses them. This is problematic since a celebrity’s qualifications in judging political candidates might not be any more informed than the average person’s.

3. Party Affiliation

Straight-ticket voting — voting for every candidate from one political party regardless of their individual merits — is common. Many people base their votes entirely on party lines, even if they know little about the actual positions or records of the candidates. This creates a dynamic where voters don’t necessarily engage with what each candidate stands for, assuming the party label tells them everything they need to know.

4. Candidate’s Appearance or Personal Traits

It’s not unheard of for voters to choose candidates based on physical appearance, charm, or likability. Traits like a candidate’s smile, fashion sense, or perceived attractiveness can cloud people’s judgment. Voters may feel more comfortable supporting someone who “looks the part” of a leader, even if that has no bearing on their ability to govern.

5. Having Pets (or Other Irrelevant Personal Details)

Yes, some voters actually care about whether a candidate owns a dog or other pets! In 2008, the Obama family’s decision to get a dog received significant media attention. While pets can humanize a candidate, it’s an entirely superficial basis for making a voting decision. Candidates’ personal preferences—like whether they have pets, their favorite sports teams, or what they eat for breakfast—have no real impact on how they will lead.

6. Geography

Regional loyalty is another irrational driver for many voters. People sometimes vote for a candidate simply because they come from the same town, state, or region. This localism can overshadow broader national or global concerns, and it doesn’t always translate into better representation for the community.

7. Family Tradition

Some voters choose candidates based on longstanding family traditions. They might vote for a particular party or candidate simply because that’s how their parents or grandparents voted. While respecting family history is understandable, basing votes on tradition alone doesn’t account for changing political dynamics or individual candidate qualifications.

8. Personality and Popularity Over Policy

Candidates with engaging personalities often win voters over more easily than those who are more reserved, regardless of policy positions. Charismatic candidates can rally supporters with inspirational speeches, but charisma doesn’t necessarily equate to effective governance. Similarly, candidates who have high visibility in the media, even for reasons unrelated to politics, can receive votes just because they are more recognizable.

9. “Winning Team” Mentality

Some voters support candidates they think are most likely to win, driven by a desire to feel like they’re backing the right side. Instead of voting based on policies or principles, they’re influenced by polling data, media buzz, or the momentum of a candidate’s campaign. This kind of “bandwagon” voting ignores the real issues at stake.

How Many Votes Are Determined by These “Stupid” Reasons?

It’s difficult to quantify precisely how many people vote based on irrational or superficial reasons. However, various studies and polls suggest that a significant portion of voters—likely between 10% to 25%—are influenced by factors that have little to do with a candidate’s qualifications or policies. A 2016 study by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Stanford found that personality traits, attractiveness, and even height influenced voting decisions, especially in close races.

Moreover, political scientists often refer to “low-information voters,” a group of individuals who don’t invest much time or effort into researching the issues or the candidates. Estimates vary, but low-information voters could make up as much as 40% of the electorate, with many relying on superficial cues like party affiliation, media coverage, or endorsements.

While not every decision made by low-information voters is necessarily “stupid,” the line between uninformed voting and voting based on irrational criteria can be thin. Given the importance of elections, it’s critical for voters to dig deeper, question their own biases, and make informed decisions rather than rely on irrelevant factors.

Conclusion

Voting is one of the most powerful tools citizens have to shape their government, yet far too many people base their decisions on reasons that have little to do with the real challenges and responsibilities of leadership. From race and gender to pets and party affiliation, these factors often distract from the more serious evaluation of a candidate’s policies, experience, and potential to lead. Encouraging voters to think critically and engage more deeply with the political process is essential for a functioning democracy. Though it’s hard to estimate exactly how many votes are determined by irrational reasons, it’s clear that a substantial portion of the electorate is influenced by them.

Statehouse File Explainer: In Time for November, a Schooling in the Electoral College

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Explainer: In time for November, a schooling in the Electoral College

By Jack Sells, Special to TheStatehouseFile.com 

There are three sure-fire ways to know when we’re getting close to Election Day:

  1. You’re stressfully watching the Colts play on a Sunday afternoon and seemingly every break in the gameplay is filled with political ads.
  2. Neighbors on opposite sides of the political spectrum are engaged in Cold War conflicts, filling their front yards up with signs that increase in their passive aggressiveness with every new addition.
  3. There’s a sudden interest in the Electoral College.

Of those three things, though—television ads, yard signs and the Electoral College—it’s the last that truly only comes into play every four years during the presidential election.

Mandated by the Constitution, the Electoral College is the process for deciding the president and vice president. Whichever ticket can win 270 of the 538 total electoral votes wins the election.

Not only is it pretty unique compared to how other countries elect their leaders, the Electoral College is unique compared to how we elect other government officials within the United States.

If you haven’t thought much about the institution since you were forced to learn about it in high school, use this as a refresher. And if you never learned about it, well, here’s your chance.

Text of the Constitution

First of all, we aren’t using the same system that was created in 1787 during the Constitutional Convention.

Originally, back when political parties weren’t as prevalent in the United States, the second-place finisher would become vice president. But after an instance of the president and vice president being from different parties (take a moment and imagine if Donald Trump was currently the vice president to Joe Biden), the 12th Amendment was drafted and ratified to make it so there were different votes for the two positions.

Article II of the U.S. Constitution discusses the executive branch, and specifically Clauses II – IV of Article II, Section I break down the role of the Electoral College and electors.

Here it is in simplified terms:

States pick their electors and each should have as many electors as they have senators and representatives in Congress.

Federal officeholders cannot be electors. (The 14th Amendment, which came after the Civil War, also says electors can’t have previously engaged in insurrection.)

Each state’s electors meet and vote for president and vice president.

The electors also make lists of every candidate and how many votes they received.

The lists are sent to Washington, D.C.

The Electoral College in practice

One of the upshots of the Electoral College is that when you vote for a president-vice president in tandem, you’re actually voting for that state party’s electors.

For example, in Indiana, each state party selects 11 electors and 11 alternative electors—generally at their respective conventions.

This means that the Indiana Republican Party has electors if Trump and Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance receive the most votes in the state, and the Indiana Democratic Party has electors if Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz receive the most votes.

For whichever ticket takes the state, that party’s slate of electors will meet in the Indiana Statehouse in December to cast their votes.

But it’s really just a formality due to Indiana state law. They are required to vote for their party’s nominees. If an elector tries to vote for anyone else, the elector is replaced with an alternate.

Thirty-five other states and Washington, D.C., have similar requirements that make faithless electors either impossible or highly unlikely.

And even for the states that don’t, the political parties in those states are selecting electors based at least in part on the person’s dedication to the party.

This is why, on Election Night, news outlets report as if the electoral votes go straight to candidates, as opposed to electors who later vote for candidates. In reality, the middle step isn’t all that relevant to figuring out who’s winning the electoral votes.

What to take to your Election Night Watch party

For those wanting to impress friends and family with their knowledge about the Electoral College, may I humbly suggest that’s not going to work.

But if you insist on it, remember:

  • The Electoral College process is written in the U.S. Constitution.
  • It was changed so that the runner-up wouldn’t become vice president.
  • The number of electoral votes a state has is based on how many representatives and senators it has. For Indiana, that means 11 electoral votes.
  • The political party whose ticket gets the most votes in Indiana will have all 11 of its electors chosen.
  • Those electors will meet in December, and by Indiana law, they are required to vote for their party’s nominees.
  • And, of course, first one to 270 wins!

Award-winning TSF reporter Jack Sells graduated from Franklin College in spring 2024. He currently teaches social studies at an Indianapolis high school.

ALEXIS BERGGREN TO STEP DOWN AS PRESIDENT & CEO OF EXPLORE EVANSVILLE

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 Evansville, IN – October 120 2024 – Explore Evansville announces that President & CEO Alexis Berggren will be stepping down to pursue a new opportunity with the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, where she will serve as General Manager of the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Berggren has been a driving force behind many of the organization’s significant accomplishments, attracting over 354,000 visitors and generating more than $69 million in economic impact in almost three years.  Under her leadership, Explore Evansville welcomed riverboats back to the city’s shore, expanded the Evansville Sports Complex by more than 100 acres and successfully hosted milestone events, including the first-ever IHSAA State Championship in Evansville and the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, which drew tens of thousands of visitors to the region.

Prior to her appointment as CEO, Berggren served on the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Board of Commissioners and acted as General Manager of the Old National Events Plaza.

“We are grateful for Alexis’ visionary leadership and the impact she has made on our community,” said Ali Hashemy, Chair of the Board at Explore Evansville.  “She has laid a strong foundation for continued growth, and we are confident that the organization will continue to build on the momentum she has helped create.”

Berggren will remain with Explore Evansville through December, ensuring continued progress on key initiatives as the organization begins the search for new leadership.  The board is committed to a smooth transition, maintaining the high standards of service and collaboration that have been hallmarks of Berggren’s tenure.

“After seven and a half fulfilling years of service to Evansville, I am excited for the next chapter and confident in the future of Explore Evansville,” said Berggren.  “I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I know the organization will continue to thrive and make a meaningful impact on the community.  I am so grateful to the board, staff, and many partners for their unwavering support.”

In lawsuit, Attorney General Todd Rokita alleges that home-improvement contractor is scamming Hoosiers

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Attorney General Todd Rokita has filed a lawsuit alleging that an Indianapolis home improvement contractor is scamming Hoosiers by taking money from consumers as deposits, starting work, then abandoning projects without issuing refunds — leaving consumers with partially finished conditions they must pay someone else to fix.

The lawsuit alleges that Hank Eversole – doing business as All Services Construction and Nationwide Construction – has violated Indiana law through such misconduct.

“Hoosiers looking to make repairs or improvements to their homes shouldn’t have to worry about being shafted by unscrupulous contractors,” Attorney General Rokita said.  “We will continue working to hold accountable any contractor trying to take advantage of hardworking homeowners in this manner.”

This lawsuit alleges that Hank Eversole violated the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act and the Indiana Home Improvement Act.  Attorney General Rokita is seeking injunctive relief, consumer restitution, penalties, costs and other relief.

This is not the first time this year Attorney General Rokita has filed a lawsuit to protect consumers against contractors who take money and then fail to complete projects.

Earlier this year, Attorney General Rokita filed suit against Exact Loss Consulting, Storm Solutions Pros, and Adam Greer alleging that they entered into home improvement contracts with consumers for storm-related damage to their homes and then failed to complete the work as contracted and failed to comply with consumers’ requests for refunds.

Attorney General Rokita also obtained a judgment against another set of companies doing business as Quest Exteriors that repeatedly entered into contracts to perform concrete and other exterior work on Hoosiers’ homes and failed to complete the work.

To prevent the headache of being scammed by a contractor, Attorney General Rokita offers the following tips to avoid falling victim to a home repair scam:

  • Ask your family, friends and co-workers for contractors they have used who have done good work.
  • Before signing a contract or making a payment, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and the Better Business Bureau for complaint information on contractors you are considering.
  • Get multiple bids from local contractors.
  • Avoid contractors who spontaneously show up at your door offering a “bargain” price for painting, driveway sealing, roof repairs, etc.
  • Never pay for the entire project before the work begins.
  • Don’t make the final payment to the contractor until you know all suppliers of materials and all subcontractors have been paid.

Special Dedication Ceremony Honoring Ms. Anita at Willard Public Library

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If you’ve visited the Children’s Department at Willard Public Library over the past 40 years, chances are you’ve been warmly greeted and assisted by one of our most cherished staff members, Ms. Anita. As a cornerstone of WPL and one of the friendliest faces in Evansville, Ms. Anita has dedicated four decades to serving our community. Now, we invite you to join us in honoring her at a special ceremony and the unveiling of a permanent exhibit in her name.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Time: 4 PM

Location: Lankford Reading Room

We are excited to invite you to a very special event at Willard Public Library! On Tuesday, October 29, at 4 PM, we will be honoring Ms. Anita, one of our longest-serving and most cherished staff members, for her extraordinary contributions to the library and our community.

Since 1979, Ms. Anita has touched thousands of lives through her leadership, service, and unwavering positivity. To commemorate her dedication, we will be unveiling a permanent exhibit in her honor in the Lankford Reading Room. This exhibit will also pay tribute to two other past employees who have left an enduring mark on our institution.

We would love for you to join us as we celebrate Ms. Anita’s remarkable legacy and the lasting impact she has had on generations of visitors to the library.

This is a wonderful opportunity to show our appreciation for Ms. Anita’s decades of service, and we hope to see you there to be part of this special moment!

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