University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball returns to action Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. when it visits Quincy University for a Great Lakes Valley Conference contest.
Tuesday’s contest is a rematch from USI’s 62-50 win over the Hawks this past Thursday at Screaming Eagles Arena and is one of three road games on the week for the Screaming Eagles.
USI (10-2, 10-2 GLVC) also visits William Jewell College Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and 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 you’re 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)
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Health today announced that 1,733 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at state and private laboratories. That brings to 628,391 the number of Indiana residents now known to have had the novel coronavirus following corrections to the previous day’s dashboard.
A total of 9,613 Hoosiers are confirmed to have died from COVID-19, an increase of 16 from the previous day. Another 376 probable deaths have been reported based on clinical diagnoses in patients for whom no positive test is on record. Deaths are reported based on when data are received by the state and occurred over multiple days.
To date, 2,963,581 unique individuals have been tested in Indiana, up from 2,957,867 on Sunday. A total of 7,039,744 tests, including repeat tests for unique individuals, have been reported to the state Department of Health since Feb. 26, 2020.
To find testing sites around the state, visit www.coronavirus.in.gov and click on the COVID-19 testing information link.
Hoosiers age 65 and older, along with healthcare workers, long-term care residents and first responders who are regularly called to the scene of an emergency to render medical assistance, are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. To schedule, visit https://ourshot.in.gov or call 211.
As of today, 568,328 Hoosiers have received a first dose of vaccine, and 146,333 are fully vaccinated.
Additional locations and appointments are being added as more vaccine becomes available.
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Health today announced that Hoosiers age 65 and older are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
The vaccine is available at no cost, and appointments can be made by visiting https://ourshot.in.gov. Hoosiers who do not have access to a computer or cell phone or who need assistance with registration also can call 211 or contact one of Indiana’s Area Agencies on Aging for assistance. A caregiver or loved one may make an appointment on behalf of an eligible senior.
The vaccine requires two doses to obtain full immunity. Appointments for the second dose will be made at the clinic when the first dose is administered.
Vaccine supply remains limited nationally. Indiana has adopted an age-based approach to expanding vaccine eligibility in order to fulfill its goals of reducing hospitalizations, saving lives and protecting vulnerable populations. Hoosiers age 60 and older comprise 22.5 percent of the population but account for 64.1 percent of hospitalizations and 93.3 percent of COVID-19 deaths.
Additional groups will be added as more vaccine becomes available. Updates will be posted at https://ourshot.in.gov.
In a non-conference doubleheader hosted by Western Kentucky, the University of Evansville volleyball team rallied for a 3-2 win over Saint Louis before falling to WKU by a 3-0 final on Sunday at E.A. Diddle Arena.
Match 1 – Saint Louis
Alondra Vazquez and Melanie Feliciano recorded 20 and 17 kills, respectively, to lift the Aces (2-2, 1-1 MVC) to a 3-2 victory over Saint Louis. Allana McInnis notched 26 assists while Cecilia Thon accounted for 14 helpers and 15 digs. Laura Ruiz led the Purple Aces with 17 digs while Hannah Watkins posted a solo block and four block assists. Chloe Bontrager and Kate Tsironis also had four block assists. Saint Louis (0-2) was led by a 22-kill game from Maya Taylor.
Game 1
In a back-and-forth set, it was the Billikens who picked up the early 7-4 edge before kills by Chloe Bontrager and Alondra Vazquez put Evansville in front by a 10-9 tally. Nine ties led to an 18-18 score before SLU posted two in a row and went on to take the opening game, 25-21.
Game 2
Saint Louis once again had the early edge, jumping out to an 8-3 advantage. The Billikens led by as many as six points (14-8) before Evansville rallied back. UE took advantage of SLU errors to get within a pair at 16-14 before tying it up at 18-18 with Vazquez adding another kill in the run. Saint Louis retook the lead at 22-20 but this time, Evansville had the late rally. Melanie Feliciano recorded two late kills to give the Aces a 25-23 decision to tie the match.
Game 3
Evansville fell into another early hole in the third game with SLU opening up a 10-3 lead. Kills by Feliciano and Bontrager helped to cut the deficit to four (11-7), but Saint Louis countered to finish the game on a 14-4 stretch to take a 25-11 win.
Game 4
With the score knotted at 8-8, the Billikens went on an 8-3 stretch to open up a 16-11 lead. Facing the deficit, the Aces went on a game-changing run. A Vazquez kill and a Cecilia Thon service ace saw UE cut the gap to three (18-15). Following a point by SLU, it was Kate Tsironis registering a kill that was the start of a 6-0 run that turned a 19-16 deficit into a 22-19 lead. It was Vazquez capping it off with three consecutive kills. It was fitting that it was Vazquez who also had the clinching kill in a 25-22 win that sent the game to a fifth and deciding set. The junior had six kills in game four.
Game 5
The opening portion of the fifth frame was the Billikens open up a 2-point lead on four occasions, including a 7-5 edge. Evansville fought right back, using back-to-back Vazquez kills to take a 9-8 lead – its first advantage in the fifth game. A Saint Louis error gave the Aces a 2-point lead and, following a Billiken time out, Laura Ruiz posted a service ace that gave UE an 11-8 advantage. SLU cut the gap to two, but Evansville had the answer with Melanie Feliciano capping off a 15-12 win to give the Aces their second match victory of the season.
Match 2 – #24 Western Kentucky
In the second match of the day, it was 24th-ranked Western Kentucky picking up a 3-0 triumph over Evansville. The Hilltoppers (5-0) hit .278 and were led by Lauren Matthews, who had nine kills. Vazquez and Feliciano had six kills apiece for UE.
Game 1
UE held strong in the opening moments of the first set as the Hilltoppers led by a 9-7 score with a Hannah Watkins kill getting UE within a pair. Western Kentucky would score the next five points to push its gap to seven points before taking the opening game by a 25-16 final.
Game 2
Once again, the Aces kept the nationally-ranked WKU squad in its sight, trailing by a 5-4 score before a huge 12-2 run changed the course of the game. Two Evansville errors saw WKU cap off the run to take a 17-6 lead. Allana McInnis ended the stretch with a kill, but the deficit was too much to overcome with Western Kentucky posting a 25-14 victory to take a 2-0 lead in the match.
Game 3
WKU used a 10-2 stretch in the middle of the third stanza to clinch a 3-0 win in the match. Holding a 10-5 lead, the Hilltoppers reeled off the next six tallies to take a 16-5 lead. Vazquez posted a kill to get UE back on track, but Western Kentucky used its firepower to pull away and clinch the match with a 25-11 decision.
For the past few weeks, members of the Administrative Team and the Location Managers have been discussing how and when EVPL would resume “in-person†services. It was decided to resume our in-person services beginning Monday, February 15.
All EVPL locations will be open 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Friday, and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturdays. All other EVPL services (EVPL to Go, Book a Librarian and etc.) will continue 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
These conversations were not easy, and as to be expected were often difficult. Trying to pick the “perfect time†to resume our in-person services, knowing that there are still varying levels of apprehension among our EVPL staff made this decision very difficult. Unfortunately, with this disease, the pandemic and nature of our chosen profession, there will never be a perfect time.
Our jobs require us to work with the public, and often times to set the example of how to operate in these difficult times. As I have said before your altruism, dedication, and caring are what make our profession and EVPL so unique.
Most scientists feel COVID-19, in some form, will be here for some time. They also feel we can resume some functions of our daily life, as long as we are careful, and take the necessary precautions. Please remember how important it is to wear face coverings, use hand sanitizer, and continue to follow social distancing guidelines.
In the past two weeks we have seen the number of COVID-19 infections within Vanderburgh County go down significantly. For the first time in almost two months, Vanderburgh County’s seven day positivity rate had gone below 10%. We have not seen this figure this low since before the Thanksgiving Holiday break.
We appreciate everyone’s efforts to keep your coworkers and the public as safe as we can.
Scott Kinney
CEO-Director Of the Evansville/Vanderburgh Public Libraries
With the recent temperature drops across the state, Indiana Conservation Officers are advising Hoosiers across the state of the potential hazards of being on frozen lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.
It’s also important to keep a watchful eye for other people who may venture out on neighborhood retention ponds, lakes and other waterways and find themselves in trouble.
Every winter, thousands of Hoosiers safely enjoy fishing, skating, hiking, or just sliding around on frozen ponds and lakes. And every year, people drown after falling through ice.
Just like driving differently on snow versus on clear roads, it’s important to adjust your approach to safely have fun on ice.
The best rule of thumb is to put safety first. When you are thinking about getting on the ice, believe it is thin ice unless proven otherwise.
Here are a few tips to remember when considering standing on or walking on a frozen lake or pond:
Remember that no ice is safe ice.
If you don’t know the thickness of the ice, don’t go on it.
Before going on the ice, leave a note of your whereabouts with a friend or family member.
Don’t test the thickness of ice while alone.
When testing the thickness of ice, use an ice auger. At least 4 inches of ice is recommended for ice fishing; at least 5 inches is recommended for snowmobiling.
Wear a life jacket or flotation coat.
Carry ice hooks and rope gear.
Wearing a life jacket is especially important when on the ice. If you fall through, a life jacket will keep your head above the water until help arrives.
Remember that the coatings of snow that Indiana receives can also make for treacherous ice conditions. The snow can insulate the ice, causing it to freeze at a slower rate. When snow and rain freeze into ice, it is never as strong as solid, clear ice.
Some other tips:
If you see a pet or other animal in distress on the ice, do not go on the ice after it. Doing so can often end in tragedy. Instead, contact your local emergency response personnel, who are equipped to make a rescue.
Remember that some bodies of water will appear to be frozen solid but can have thin ice in several potentially unexpected areas.
Flowing water, such as rivers and streams, should be avoided when covered by a layer of ice.
Water that is surrounded by sand may freeze with inconsistencies in the thickness of the ice.
Underground springs, wind, waterfowl and other animals can also keep areas of ice thin.
Enjoy the winter weather but make safety a priority.
 AGENDA  Of The VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL On FEBRUARY 3, 2021 At 3:30 P.M. In Room 301Â
1. OPENING OF MEETINGÂ
2. ATTENDANCE ROLL CALLÂ
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEÂ
4. INVOCATIONÂ
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: (A) County Council January 6, 2021Â
6. PERSONNEL REQUESTS: (A) Circuit Court 1. Request to fill vacancy for Probation Officer 10001360-136136
(B) Circuit Court – Pre-Trial Diversion 1. Request to fill vacancy for Probation Officer 93060000-930612Â
(C) Prosecutor 1. Request to fill vacancy for Investigator 10001080-108146Â
(D) Prosecutor IV-D – Child Support Division 1. Request to fill vacancy for Receptionist 10001400-140035Â
(E) Prosecutor – Incentive Fund 1. Request to fill vacancy for Part-time Clerical 88970000-199000Â
(F) Prosecutor – Adult Protective Services – State Grant 1. Request to increase hourly pay for Adult Protective Services Investigator – Extra Help 92010000-199000 and fill vacancyÂ
(G) Co-op Extension 1. Request to fill vacancies for 3 Part-time 4-H Assistants 10001230-123120Â
(H) Health Department 1. Request to fill vacancy for Part-time Administrative Aide 11590000-199000Â
(I) Health Department – WIC 1. Request to fill vacancy for Administrative Aide 84030000-840321Â
(J) Health Department – Safety Pin Grant 1. Request to establish supplemental pay for Public Health Nurse line 11590000-115926 from 94150000-941529Â
(K) Cumulative Bridge 1. Request to fill vacancy for Design Engineer 11350000-113522Â
(L) Auditor 1. Request to fill vacancy for Real Estate Clerk 10001020-102129Â
7. APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE: NONEÂ
8. REPEAL: NONEÂ
9. TRANSFERS: NONEÂ
10. OLD BUSINESS: NONEÂ
11. NEW BUSINESS: NONEÂ
12. AMENDMENTS TO SALARY ORDINANCE:Â
(A) AuditorÂ
(B) ProsecutorÂ
(C) Co-op ExtensionÂ
(D) Circuit CourtÂ
(E) Prosecutor IV-D – Child SupportÂ
(F) Cumulative BridgeÂ
(G) Health DepartmentÂ
(H) Health Department – WICÂ
(I) Prosecutor Incentive FundÂ
(J) Prosecutor – Adult Protective Services State GrantÂ
(K) Circuit Court – Pretrial DiversionÂ
(L) Health Department – Safety Pin GrantÂ
13. PUBLIC COMMENTÂ
14. REMINDER UPCOMING MEETING DATES/TIMES:Â
Personnel and Finance meeting February 24, 2021 @ 3:30 Room 301Â
County Council meeting March 3, 2021 @ 3:30 p.m. Room 301Â
Commentary: Young, Braun And A Bad Idea For Indiana
January 31, 2021 Â
By John Krull TheStatehouseFile.com
INDIANAPOLIS—Indiana’s two Republican U.S. senators, Todd Young and Mike Braun, have an idea.
John Krull, publisher, TheStatehouseFile.com
They want to impose term limits on members of Congress—two six-year terms for senators and three two-year terms for members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Young and Braun have signed on to an effort by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, that is both pandering and quixotic to amend the U.S. Constitution to include such term limits.
It’s an effort doomed to failure, but getting it embedded in America’s founding charter really isn’t the point.
It’s a chance to play to the suckers in America’s political game, the less-thoughtful citizens who think holding a gun to their own heads is a meaningful threat to others. Because they buy the argument that all government is bad all the time, they’ll chop off their own limbs just to stub the toe of the state.
I never have liked the notion of term limits, but then, that’s because I’ve never been enthusiastic about limiting the choices people can make at the ballot box.
I’m even less fond of telling them they aren’t responsible for those choices. If we free people don’t like the government we’re getting, then it’s our job to turn out at the polls and fix it—and not count on some deux ex machina to save us from ourselves.
If we elect idiots, well, that just means we’re getting the government we deserve.
The government we have earned.
Because we made the decision to put those idiots in the positions they occupy.
Self-government is just what it sounds like—a do-it-yourself project. When we break it, we have to fix it.
Ourselves.
This is true everywhere in this nation, but it is particularly true in a state such as Indiana.
Because we are a relatively small state without a huge population or vast reservoirs of wealth, we cannot count on the weight of numbers or an abundance of cash to protect our interests.
Our only hopes for exerting influence over events are through force of reason—and we have seen how effective rationality is in today’s Washington—or by building influence over time.
When people analyze the career of the late U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Indiana, most of the attention focuses on his efforts to make the world a safer place and particularly on his historic partnership with U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn, D-Georgia, to keep weapons of mass destruction from finding their way into the wrong hands.
This is understandable. Lugar’s disarmament work was a huge achievement, one that had beneficial implications for the entire world.
But it also overshadows his other accomplishments.
Not the least of them was that he largely shaped agricultural policy in the United States during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The policies he crafted were helpful to farming states.
Such as Indiana.
Lugar was able to exert that sort of influence because he served for a long time. He was in the U.S. Senate for 36 years. Over that time, he developed not just expertise in manipulating the machinery of government but the relationships that greased the wheels of that machinery.
If he hadn’t been able to serve for six terms, this state would be poorer.
More important, many Hoosiers—many farm families—would be poorer.
It’s easy to understand why Ted Cruz, a senator from Texas, would be in favor of term limits. The state with the second-largest population and second-largest economy in the United States never will have a problem making its voice heard or getting its needs addressed.
It’s the smaller states that need the protections longevity provides. The chance for our senators and representatives to accrue influence levels the playing field.
Perhaps Cruz and another big-state Republican senator, Marco Rubio of Florida, who is pushing this constitutional amendment, grasp that.
It’s clear, though, that Indiana’s two senators, Todd Young and Mike Braun, do not get it at all.
And that’s a pity.
FOOTNOTE: John Krull is director of Franklin College’s Pulliam School of Journalism and publisher of TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER POSTED THIS ARTICLE WITHOUT OPINION OR EDITING.
Vanderburgh County Republican Party Chairman Wayne Parke Served with Diligence and PassionÂ
by the Staff of the City-County Observer
The Vanderburgh County Republican Party was recently advised that Wayne Parke, who has successfully served as the Party Chairman for over a decade, will not be a candidate to continue as the Vanderburgh County Republican Party Chairman. It is now time for the Party to contemplate their future, and it will be a difficult task to replace the diligence and commitment that Mr. Parke brought to the table.
The City County Observer, over the decade that Mr. Parke has served, has had a love and less than love relationship with Mr. Parke, but we have never ever had anything less than professional respect for his competence and commitment to make Vanderburgh County a better place through his political vision and leadership.
Through the Parke years we have enjoyed finding common ground on several issues, including the spending of over $50 million on space age water meters by the outgoing Weinzapfel Administration.
It is widely accepted belief that balanced government is only achieved when there are two healthy political parties represented. The long-term diligence of E. Wayne Parke is a testament to this concept. Balanced, but functional governance in Vanderburgh County, is perhaps the biggest accomplishment of this successful businessman’s leadership. Other political types could learn much from what Mr. Parke has done for the Evansville/Vanderburgh County political landscape.
It is also commendable that Mr. Parke contributed generously from his own personal funds to strengthen the local Republican Party of Vanderburgh County, that had fallen into irrelevance before he took the helm of the local GOP.
We have found Mr. Parke to be a strong willed, focused leader with endless perseverance. Yes, he was a little hard headed and opinionated at times and ruffled political feathers of people in his own party. The City County Observer has also found Wayne to be a person of conviction who can be counted on to do what he commits to do with passion and grit.
Wayne Parke has conducted his role as the Vanderburgh County GOP Chairman with honor and determination. He will be missed, but his accomplishments as a political visionary will benefit the members of his party for many years to come.
