Bubba is a male tomcat. He’s 4 years old. He recently had to go into quarantine for ringworm exposure, and he is now the poster child for the “Quarantine Fifteen.†Bubba came out more chubba than he went in. Bubba is all of us. Take him home today, already neutered, for $70! Get details at www.vhslifesaver.org/adopt
Protect Your Home from Indiana’s Winter Weather
The Indiana Department of Insurance provides tips to help you protect your home during the winter months.
Winter can bring extreme weather conditions in Indiana, including snow and ice. These conditions can create a higher risk of property damage, including damage to your roof, interior and plumbing. The Indiana Department of Insurance reminds you to review your insurance policies and provides you with tips to protect your home during the winter months.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Maintaining your property before snow, ice and freezing temperatures arrive is key to reducing your risk of damage from winter weather.
Snow and Ice. There is the old saying, “Too much of anything is a bad thing.†Too much snow and ice are no exception. As snow and ice buildup on tree limbs during a storm, they can snap off and fall on the home or power lines. Heavy snow and ice can also cause unseen structural damage and even the collapse of your roof.
Additionally, ice dams can cause interior water damage after the storm has passed. Ice dams occur when heavy snow melts and then refreezes due to improper attic insulation. The ice from this refreezing works its way under the shingles of the home, which then melts due to warm attic air and causes interior water damage.
Below Freezing Temperatures. As Old Jack Frost makes his presence known during the winter months, pipes can freeze and break. Those include interior and exterior pipes, such as irrigation lines and garden hoses still attached to the home. If you live in a warmer weather climate, your interior pipes may not be as well insulated and may not withstand sustained below freezing temperatures.
WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR HOME
Prune Trees and Clear Gutters. Look at the trees around your property and cut back branches or stems that are dead, dying, diseased, or broken. Clearing the debris from your gutters will help prevent ice dams by allowing meltwater to drain freely. Use a safe and secure ladder when removing leaves and debris from gutters or contact a professional to assist you.
Insulate and Ventilate. Evaluate the insulation and ventilation (roof or soffit vents) in your attic, keeping the warm air in your home and out of your attic. Keeping the attic air cold can help minimize the freeze/thaw cycle which causes ice dams. You’ll also save energy and reduce your heating and air conditioning bills. By adding roof and soffit vents it can provide proper ventilation and insulation and help to prevent ice dams.
Protect Your Pipes. To minimize the risk of frozen and cracked pipes, detach garden hoses from your home before freezing weather begins and properly winterize your home and irrigation systems. To protect interior pipes, leave your faucet running with a slight drip and open the cabinet doors under your sinks. This allows water to keep moving through interior pipes, reducing the chances of freezing, and also allows warm air to circulate around your plumbing lines. If winter weather causes a loss of electrical power disabling your furnace for an extended period of time, you will want to prevent water pipes from bursting. Take time now to learn how to shut off the water service to your home. Once shutoff is complete, open a faucet at the lowest level inside the house to allow for water to drain from the pipes.
USI men’s tennis tabbed tied-for-fourth for GLVC East
University of Southern Indiana’s men’s tennis team (49 points) was slated to finish tied-for-fourth in Great Lakes Valley Conference East Division in the preseason poll released this afternoon from conference.
The University of Indianapolis (84 Points) were tabbed to finish first in the GLVC East receiving 12 of the 13 first-place votes as Maryville University (60 points) is expected to finish second and University of Illinois Springfield (50 points) rounding out the top three. The poll would indicate there is a small gap between some of the top teams in the division and the Screaming Eagles.
In the GLVC West, it is Drury University (80 points) selected to come out on top, getting a little more than half of the first-place votes with eight. Southwest Baptist University (77 points) follows closely behind them with five first-place votes and University of Missouri St. Louis (60 points) rounds out the projected top three.
USI opens their 2020-21 season against Cedarville University Saturday and will is scheduled to start GLVC action April 9 vs. Lindenwood University.
Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab†February 4 2021
Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jabâ€Â was created because we have a couple of commenters that post on a daily basis either in our “IS IT TRUE†or “Readers Forumâ€Â columns concerning local, state, national, or international issues
The majority of our “IS IT TRUE†columns are about local or state issues, so we have decided to give our more opinionated readers exclusive access to our newly created “LEFT JAB and Middle Jab and RIGHT JAB† column. They now have this post to exclusively discuss local, state, national, or world issues that they feel passionate about.
We shall be posting the “LEFT JAB†AND “MIDDLE JAB†AND “RIGHT JABâ€Â 7 days a week.  Oh, “LEFT JAB†is a liberal view, “MIDDLE JAB†is the libertarian view and the “RIGHT JAB is representative of the more conservative views. Also, any reader who would like to react to the written comments in this column is free to do so.
FOOTNOTE: The City-County Observer posted this CAGEL Political Cartoon without bias in order to generate a rational discussion.
USI women’s tennis picked to finish sixth in GLVC Eas
University of Southern Indiana’s women’s tennis team (37 points) was slated to finish sixth in Great Lakes Valley Conference East Division in the preseason poll released this afternoon from conference.
The University of Indianapolis (91 Points) were tabbed to finish first in the GLVC East receiving 13 of the 14 first-place votes as Maryville University (71 points) is expected to finish second and Lewis University rounding out the top three.
In the GLVC West, it is Drury University (86 points) selected to come out on top, getting just more than half of the first-place votes with eight. Southwest Baptist University (82 points) follows just behind them with six first place votes and University of Missouri St. Louis (67 points) rounds out the projected top three.
 USI will kick off their 2020-21 season against Cedarville University Saturday and will start GLVC action April 9 at home against Lindenwood University.
Eagles ranked No. 23 in WBCA Top 25
University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball is ranked No. 23 in the first Women’s Basketball Coaches’ Association (WBCA) Top 25 Coaches’ Poll, which was released Tuesday.
The Screaming Eagles (10-3, 10-3 GLVC) are receiving votes in the D2SIDA Top 25 Media Poll after plummeting from No. 11 all the way out of the ranking following their loss to Truman State University last Saturday.
USI will attempt to stop a two-game slide Thursday at 6:30 p.m. when it visits William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. The Eagles also visit Rockhurst University Saturday at 2 p.m.
How to Watch
While fans are not permitted to attend the games, they can watch free of charge on the GLVC Sports Network, which is available both your desktop, mobile/tablet devices, as well as four over-the-top (OTT) platforms, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Apple TV (4th Generation). GLVCSN.com is the official website of the GLVC Sports Network, while the GLVCSN mobile app is available for iOS in the App Store and Android on Google Play. Apple users also can use AirPlay with their Apple TV or some of the newer smart TVs. (GLVCSN FAQs)
Other ways to follow the action
USI’s games will be carried on the airwaves at 95.7 The Spin as well as online at 957thespin.com. Links to both the online audio as well as live stats can be found at GoUSIEagles.com. Updates also will be provided on USI’s social media platforms (@USIAthletics), particularly Twitter.
USI Women’s Basketball Notes (2/3/21)
• Schedule changes. USI Women’s Basketball’s game at William Jewell Thursday has been moved to a 6:30 p.m. start due to the men’s game at Jewell being moved to Friday. Additionally, USI’s game at Rockhurst Saturday has been changed to a 2 p.m. start, while USI’s game at McKendree February 22 has been scheduled for a 1 p.m. tip-off time.
• Eagles start week with loss to Quincy. USI suffered a 69-61 road loss to Quincy Tuesday evening to begin another busy week. The Eagles were whistled for 26 fouls, allowing the host Hawks to go 26-of-33 at the free throw line. Senior forward Hannah Haithcock had 13 points and nine rebounds to lead the Eagles, while senior guard Emma DeHart finished with 12 points and five assists.
• House of horrors. Quincy’s Pepsi Arena continues to be a thorn in USI’s side. The Eagles are just 1-14 since 2000 in Pepsi Arena, including a loss to Lake Superior State in the 2004 NCAA II Regional Tournament.
• Last week. USI had home wins over Indianapolis (56-51) and Quincy (62-50), but fell to Truman State, 73-67, to end the week. Haithcock averaged 16.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game to lead the Eagles, while DeHart chipped in 16.3 points and 3.0 assists per game.
• Two-game slide. USI’s loss to Quincy marked the first two-game slide of the year for the Eagles, who have had a pair of five-game win streaks.
• Troubling trend. In the last two games, the Eagles have been charged with a combined 53 fouls, which has allowed the opposition to go a combined 47-70 at the charity stripe. USI, meanwhile, has drawn just 25 fouls during that stretch, going just 15-of-22 from the free throw line.
• Everyone played significant minutes. With USI playing eight games in a 17-day span, Head Coach Rick Stein is trying to keep his squad fresh. The Eagles played all 11 players in uniform against Quincy, with all players seeing at least seven minutes of work.
• USI in national poll. The Eagles fell out of the D2SIDA Top 25 Media Poll Tuesday afternoon as they were receiving votes outside the Top 25. However, the WBCA Top 25 Coaches’ Poll debuted Tuesday, with the Eagles receiving a ranking of No. 23.
• GLVC Point Ratings System. The Eagles remained No. 3 in the latest GLVC Point Ratings System (PRS) ranking, which determines the eight teams that will compete in the GLVC Tournament in March. The Eagles did lose ground with their rating, which dipped to 3.88 after Tuesday’s loss. USI trails Truman State (4.42) and Drury (4.32). Lewis (3.50) and Rockhurst (3.46) round out the top five, while Lindenwood (3.45), Missouri-St. Louis (3.27) and Maryville (2.97) round out the top eight teams.
• Season leaders. DeHart leads USI with 15.0 points and 3.5 assists per game, while Haithcock is averaging 12.8 points and a team-high 7.2 rebounds per contest. Sophomore guard Addy Blackwell is contributing 9.0 points and a team-high 1.8 steals per outing, while senior guard Ashley Hunter is adding 7.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals per appearance. Turner leads USI with 1.0 blocks per contest.
U E Softball releases 2021 schedule
Aces open season in 10 days
When the 2020 season was cut short for the University of Evansville softball team due to the pandemic, it was an unfortunate break for a Purple Aces squad who won four of its six games leading to MVC play. With the majority of that team coming back, the Aces are ready to get back on the field in 2021.
Evansville wrapped up last season with a 12-11 mark, but was playing its best softball at the time of the cutoff. UE went 3-2 in the Red & Black Challenge in Louisville with a win over Big Ten opponent Illinois highlighting the weekend. An 11-0 victory against Purdue Fort Wayne in the home opener saw the Aces grab even more momentum heading into the league slate, which was set to begin four days later.
“We are really happy with the way the schedule turned out this spring. Our ladies are so excited to finally be able to get back on the diamond and compete against other teams,†UE head softball coach Mat Mundell said. “We do understand there may be challenges along the way the team has done a tremendous job of being open and understanding. We hope to build off the foundation we set last spring. We are just so grateful for the opportunity to be able to play again.â€
With student-athletes able to get their year back for 2020 competition and the 2021 MVC Softball Championship coming to Cooper Stadium, the program is on the rise heading into the season. A trip to Natchitoches, Louisiana marks the season opener with the Aces taking part in the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission Lady Demon Classic, which will be hosted by Northwestern State. UE begins on Friday, Feb. 12 against UT Martin before wrapping up opening day with a game against Arkansas Pine Bluff.
Day two of the season pits the Aces against the host Lady Demons. Last season, they were 15-7 and earned 30 wins in 2019. Game two of the day will be a rematch against Arkansas Pine Bluff. The tournament will be completed on the 14th with a morning game versus Northwestern State.
Another trip south awaits the Aces when they travel to Montgomery, Alabama for week two of action. The Black & Gold Tournament will be hosted by Alabama State. UE starts the weekend on Friday, Feb. 19 against Middle Tennessee State before facing the ASU Hornets to complete the day. On the 20th, the Aces take on UT Martin for the second weekend in a row before squaring off against Alabama A&M. Sunday’s action features a rematch against MTSU.
Week three of the season pits the Aces against a pair of Tennessee schools at the Frost Classic. Set for Feb. 27 and 28, UE faces Tennessee Tech in the opening game each day before facing Chattanooga in the afternoon. In 2019, Chattanooga want 37-17 on its way to the Southern Conference Championship and a berth in the NCAA regionals.
March begins on Wednesday the 3rd with a doubleheader at Bellarmine. Home action starts that weekend with a 4-game series versus Purdue Fort Wayne on the 6th and 7th. There will be a doubleheader each day. Information for the weekend of March 13 will be announced soon.
Missouri Valley Conference play opens on March 20-21 with a 3-game set against Loyola. In the shortened 2020 season, the Ramblers were 12-9. A midweek contest pits the Aces against SIU Edwardsville. They were rolling a year ago – winning 13 out of their 18 games. League play continues on the 27th with a 3-game home set against Valparaiso before UE welcomes UT Martin for a doubleheader on the 30th. It will be the third time the squads will face off in 2021.
In its first conference road series, the Aces travel to UNI on Friday, April 2 and Saturday the 3rd. It is the first of three consecutive weekends on the road. UE heads to Southern Illinois on April 10-11 before continuing at Drake on the 17th and 18th of April. SIU had the league’s top record in 2020 – 15-6.
On April 21, UE returns home for a doubleheader against Indiana State before welcoming Illinois State for a 3-game series on the 24th and 25th. Following a trip to Indiana State on the 28th, the Aces host Bradley in their final home series of the regular season on May 1-2. A road trip to Missouri State completes the regular season on May 8-9.
The MVC Tournament will be held at Cooper Stadium and runs from May 12-15.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT UPDATES STATEWIDE COVID-19 CASE COUNTS
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VANDERBURGH HUMANE SOCIETY TO PIVOT ANNUAL “CUDDLEGRAM†FUNDRAISER TO VIRTUAL FACEBOOK LIVESTREAM
Since COVID has once again stolen the in-person Cuddlegram fundraiser from the Vanderburgh Humane Society, they are bringing the puppies to you VIRTUALLY! To help raise the $3,000 the organization would normally make from Cuddlegrams, you can see the puppy broadcast on Facebook Live for only $10 from 11:00-11:30 am CST on Friday, February 12.
Shelter staff will turn a whole litter of puppies loose in a visiting room, let them romp & play, and a staff member will be answering questions live every few minutes. The puppies will then be available for adoption shortly after.
Purchase your $9.99 access to the livestream here:https://www.facebook.com/events/231940468413015/.
Clear your schedule and tune in Friday morning, February 12 from 11-11:30 am Central time! Follow the VHS Facebook page for updates!