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USI fights back in big OVC win against Lindenwood

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USI fights back in big OVC win against Lindenwood

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball returned home to Liberty Arena on Thursday and delivered a strong, gutsy win in front of the home crowd with a 70-66 victory against Lindenwood University.

The hearty fight and late-game execution helped Southern Indiana improve to 13-5 on the season and 5-2 in the Ohio Valley Conference. USI ended the night in a three-way tie for third in the conference standings. Lindenwood dropped to 9-7 overall and 5-2 in OVC play.

Lindenwood jumped out to a 7-2 lead, as it took nearly four minutes before Southern Indiana tallied its first bucket from the floor, courtesy of graduate forward Madi Webb. Webb wound up scoring USI’s first six points of the contest. Coming off her three-point record-setting day last Sunday, senior guard Vanessa Shafford canned her first three to tie the game at 13 with 2:37 left in the opening quarter. USI continued to attack the hoop to take a 19-17 lead to the second period.

A triple from sophomore guard Sophia Loden early in the second quarter pushed the Screaming Eagles ahead by five, 22-17. Lindenwood retook the lead with seven minutes remaining in the first half, 27-24, to force Southern Indiana into a timeout. Later in the frame, Webb continued her strong start to help propel USI back ahead, 30-29. Webb tallied 12 first-half points. However, the Lions finished the first half on an 11-3 run to take a 40-33 halftime lead.

After a couple of quick baskets from Southern Indiana to start the second half, Lindenwood pushed its advantage to its largest lead of nine, 46-37, two minutes into the third quarter. The combination of Webb and fellow graduate forward Meredith Raley got the Eagles going in the second half, helping cut into the deficit. Late in the third, Shafford converted a three-point play to bring USI back within one possession, 55-52, in the final 90 seconds of the quarter.

The back-and-forth battle continued in the first five minutes of the fourth stanza. Inside the five-minute mark, Shafford drew USI to within one before Webb put the Eagles in front, 62-61, seconds later. The game would even up three times over the next three minutes. Southern Indiana utilized a timeout in the final 40 seconds with the contest tied at 66. In the ensuing possession, Shafford splashed home the go-ahead triple with 18 seconds remaining to give the Screaming Eagles a three-point advantage. Shafford went on to hit a free throw and grab the final rebound to put the cherry on top of a big conference win for Southern Indiana.

USI shot for over 47 percent (26-55) in the game with four made threes. The Screaming Eagles were above 82 percent (14-17) at the free-throw stripe. The defense forced 20 turnovers, which led to 26 points for USI. Southern Indiana also had a 14-point advantage in the paint. Webb led all scorers with a season-high 18 points on 6-8 shooting and 6-6 at the foul line. Shafford posted 16 points with five boards and five assists. Raley recorded 15 points in the game.

Lindenwood shot 46 percent (23-50) from the floor and 44 percent (8-18) from beyond the arc. The Lions were over 85 percent (12-14) at the charity stripe. Lindenwood won the battle on the glass, 31-27. Four Lions finished in double figures, led by sophomore guard Gracy Wernli’s 14 points.

The Screaming Eagles are back at Liberty Arena Saturday at 1 p.m. against Western Illinois University. The game can be seen with a subscription to ESPN+ and heard on The Spin 95.7 FM and WREF 97.7 FM.

Saturday is Military Appreciation Day, and tickets are free for veterans and their guests (limit to five per veteran) with proof of service. Plus, there will be free t-shirts for USI students while supplies last. Military Appreciation Day is sponsored by the USI Student Veteran Association.

Tickets for all home games at Liberty Arena can be purchased online at usiscreamingeagles.com or the USI Ticket Office.

Screaming Eagles snap streak with 80-73 win

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Screaming Eagles snap streak with 80-73 win
Harrison leads the way with season-high 26 points

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball snapped a five-game losing streak with an 80-73 victory over Lindenwood University Thursday evening at Liberty Arena. The Screaming Eagles are 7-10 overall and 2-5 in OVC action, while the Lions are 8-10, 3-4 OVC.

USI and junior guard Damoni Harrison exploded out of the gate to a 12-0 lead before the first media timeout. Harrison led the way to the game-opening lead with six of the 12 points.

Defensively, USI held Lindenwood to below 10 percent (1-12) from the field and two points for the first 7:45. The Lion, however, got hot and erased the Eagles’ lead with a 13-0 run to lead 15-14 with 9:35 left before halftime.

The lead would swing back and forth for the next few minutes until Lindenwood used a 10-0 surge to take control at the 6:15 mark, 26-16. USI would rally to tie the contest at 38-38 after surging with a 22-12 dash to the intermission.

Harrison, who had a team-best 13 first-half points, and junior guard Jayland Randall had seven points each during the six-minute run to halftime. USI was six-of-seven as a team during the rush to tie, including a pair of three-pointers and eight-of-nine from the stripe.

The first 10 minutes of the second half saw both teams scramble to take command with 16 lead changes and three ties. USI attempted to take control with nine minutes to play, building a four-point lead, 59-55, on a pair of free throws by sophomore forward Stephen Olowoniyi.

The lead would grow back to eight points, 65-57, after a jumper by Harrison to cap off a 13-2 run. Harrison and Olowoniyi would lead the offensive swell with a combined 11 of the 13 points.

Lindenwood, however, was not done as the Lions cut the USI lead to one twice before a three-point bomb by graduate forward Jack Mielke gave the Eagles some breathing room, 75-71, with 1:20 to play. The Lion would get to within two points, 75-75, one more time before USI closed out the 80-73 win on a bucket by Harrison and free throws by junior guard Jack Campion and Randall.

For the game, Harrison would add 13 more points in the second half and ended with a game-high and season-high 26 points. The junior guard was eight-of-16 from the field, three-of-five from downtown, and seven-of-nine from the line. Harrison also had a team-high and season-high 10 rebounds for his first double-double as an Eagle.

Randall followed with 17 points in his first game back after missing the last two contests due to an injury, while Mielke closed out the double-digit scorers with 10 points.

Next Up For USI:
USI concludes the homestand Saturday when it hosts Western Illinois University for Military Appreciation Day. Tipoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. after the USI Women’s Basketball game at 1 p.m.

The Leathernecks of WIU are 8-9 overall, 2-4 in the conference, after losing at Morehead State University, 51-47, tonight in Morehead, Kentucky. WIU has lost five of its last six games after tonight’s action.

WIU leads the all-time series, 5-1, after taking both games from USI last season. The Leathernecks won at Liberty Arena, 73-68, and in Macomb, Illinois, 78-76.

Saturday’s USI-WIU matchup is Military Appreciation Day at Liberty Arena. Veterans and their guests will receive free tickets with proof of service (limit to five per veteran) on Military Appreciation Day, which is sponsored by the USI Student Veteran Association.

Tickets for the homestand and all USI home dates are on sale now at USIScreamingEagles.com.

Following Saturday’s action, the Eagles will be on the road for a pair of OVC contests. USI visits Southern Illinois University Edwardsville January 23 in Edwardsville, Illinois, and Eastern Illinois University January 25 in Charleston, Illinois.

Lady Blazers cruise late to big road Region 24 win at Rend Lake College

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INA, Ill. – The Vincennes University Lady Trailblazers hit the road Wednesday night heading to Ina, Ill. for another tough Region 24 contest against Rend Lake College.

The Lady Blazers battled all game long and were able to pull away late, allowing only nine points in the fourth quarter to come away with the 77-52 victory over the Lady Warriors.

VU got off to a bit of a slow start, after scoring the first five points of the game Rend Lake answered back with eight straight and would hold the lead for most of the opening quarter of play.

Vincennes would get back on track late in the first quarter, closing out the opening period on a 9-0 scoring run to take a 19-15 lead into the second quarter.

VU continued this scoring run into the second quarter, opening the second period by outscoring the Lady Warriors 9-2 to increase the lead to 28-17.

The Lady Blazers would get their lead to as many as 15 in the first half before the Lady Warriors hit a late three to cut the VU lead to 39-27 heading into the locker room at the break.

Vincennes kept playing tough into the second half, using an 11-3 scoring run midway through the third quarter to increase the lead to 54-38.

The two teams would trade baskets to close out the third quarter, with the Lady Blazers holding a strong 60-43 lead going into the final 10 minutes of play.

Rend Lake looked to put together a late comeback in the fourth quarter but were unable to keep the offense going as the Lady Warriors were held to just nine points in the final 10 minutes of play.

VU kept their foot on the gas all night and closed out the game strong with a 10-0 scoring run to pull away and close out the 77-52 victory.

Th Lady Blazers were led offensively by another outstanding game by freshman Emani Washington (Indianapolis, Ind.) who had a very efficient night, scoring 29 points on 17 shots, while also dishing out three assists.

Freshman Netala Dixon (Dyersburg, Tenn.) got the offense going early and came away with her first collegiate double-double Wednesday night, filling up the stats sheet with 19 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and four steals.

Freshman Delora Pricop (Satu Mare, Romania) came away with her fourth straight double-double and ninth of the season Wednesday night, finishing her game with 12 points and a team-high 13 rebounds.

Freshman Ahmya Thomas (Phoenix, Ariz.) was the fourth Lady Blazer in double figures scoring, ending her night with 12 points, five assists and four rebounds.

The Lady Blazers will look to keep this momentum going as they get set to hit the road again Saturday, Jan. 18 when VU heads to Rockford, Ill. to face off against Rock Valley College at 2 p.m. eastern.

VU will return home to open the following week of action when Vincennes hosts Region 24 opponent Olney Central College inside the P.E. Complex, Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 5 p.m. eastern.

 

Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

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Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

Booked Last 24 Hours-Public

Preparing Cities to Mitigate Wildfires: Lessons from Los Angeles

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Preparing Cities to Mitigate Wildfires: Lessons from Los Angeles

BY JOE WALLACE

JANUARY 15 2025

Los Angeles, California, a sprawling metropolis known for its cinematic allure, is equally infamous for its susceptibility to wildfires. The devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire, which burned nearly 97,000 acres and destroyed over 1,600 structures, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges cities face in combating wildfires. The loss of life, property, and ecosystems in such fires underscores the urgency of preparing urban areas for these increasingly common disasters. So, what constitutes proper preparation for a city to mitigate wildfires with minimal damage and loss of life? One thing is for sure and that is Los Angeles did not learn anything from the Woolsey Fire as the fires of 2025 are still burning in Palisades and other locations making the Woolsey Fire look easy.

1. Essential Infrastructure

Water Supply and Accessibility

A reliable and deployable water supply is the backbone of wildfire mitigation. Cities must ensure that water resources are proportionate to the population density and potential fire hazards. Large-capacity reservoirs, dedicated firefighting water tanks, and strategic placement of hydrants in high-risk areas are critical. Los Angeles, for instance, has made strides by implementing high-pressure water systems and requiring developments in wildfire-prone areas to include dedicated fire suppression infrastructure.

However, water availability alone is insufficient. The infrastructure must be resilient to extreme conditions. Underground pipelines, for example, should be insulated against potential fire damage, and cities should explore the use of mobile water tanks and helicopters equipped for aerial water drops.

Defensible Space Requirements

Urban planning must integrate defensible space zones around homes and businesses. This involves maintaining buffer zones free of flammable vegetation and enforcing strict landscaping regulations. In Los Angeles, laws mandate property owners to clear brush and maintain safe perimeters, reducing the likelihood of fires spreading from wildland to urban areas.

Power Grid Resilience

Wildfires are often sparked by aging or poorly maintained electrical infrastructure. Cities should adopt measures like underground power lines, regular maintenance of overhead lines, and public safety power shutoffs during high-risk weather. Programs such as California’s Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) demonstrate the importance of balancing risk reduction with the needs of the community.

2. Strengthening First Responders

Fire Departments

Well-equipped and well-trained fire departments are the first line of defense. Investments in modern firefighting equipment, such as fire engines with off-road capabilities, drones for real-time surveillance, and personal protective equipment for firefighters, are critical. Urban fire departments should also work in tandem with federal and state wildfire response teams to pool resources effectively.

Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Specialists

As cities expand into wildland areas, the need for specialists trained in WUI firefighting grows. These experts are trained to address the unique challenges of fighting fires in mixed urban and natural environments.

Emergency Communication Systems

Advanced communication systems, including community alert networks and direct lines for coordination among agencies, are vital. Apps and text alerts can notify residents of evacuation orders, while interagency communication ensures a cohesive response.

3. Preventive Measures

Prescribed Burns and Fuel Management

Controlled burns and mechanical thinning of vegetation are proven methods to reduce wildfire fuel. Programs like California’s Vegetation Treatment Program (CalVTP) focus on large-scale vegetation management, helping to minimize fire intensity.

Building Codes and Fire-Resistant Materials

Cities must enforce stringent building codes that require fire-resistant materials, such as ember-resistant vents, Class A roofing, and tempered glass windows. Retrofitting older buildings in high-risk zones should also be incentivized.

Community Involvement and Education

Residents play a crucial role in wildfire prevention. Programs like Ready, Set, Go! educate communities on evacuation planning, creating defensible space, and understanding fire behavior.

4. Coordination and Innovation

Regional Collaboration

Wildfires don’t respect city boundaries. Regional planning and mutual aid agreements among neighboring jurisdictions are essential. The Los Angeles Fire Department, for example, works closely with Cal Fire and the U.S. Forest Service to coordinate responses.

Technology and Innovation
Advancements in AI and satellite technology now enable early detection of wildfires, often within minutes of ignition. Implementing these systems, along with GIS mapping for risk assessment, can give cities a critical edge in early response.

Exemplary Cities in High Fire Zones

Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Boulder, Colorado, have both emerged as leaders in wildfire preparedness. Santa Fe’s Fire Department operates a robust Wildland Division, focusing on fuel management and community education. Boulder has adopted aggressive defensible space programs and invests in cutting-edge wildfire detection systems.

Internationally, Australia’s Melbourne has set a benchmark with its integrated approach to wildfire management, combining urban planning, community resilience programs, and cutting-edge fire behavior research.

Conclusion

The devastating fires that plague Los Angeles and similar cities worldwide highlight the urgent need for proactive wildfire preparation. Building resilient infrastructure, empowering first responders, enforcing preventive measures, and fostering community involvement are fundamental steps toward mitigating wildfire risks. Cities that act decisively can reduce damage, save lives, and set examples for others to follow in the face of a changing climate. By learning from past disasters and adopting innovative practices, urban centers can better prepare for an increasingly fiery future.

Mayor Terry Holds Town Hall Meeting on Animal Control

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Animal lovers filled the room at CK Newsome Center Wednesday night (1/15/24) to talk about ways to approach the problem of overcrowding at the Evansville Animal Care and Control Center

Mayor Stephanie Terry addresses the crowd at a town hall meeting. – photo by Johnny Kincaid

Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry opened the meeting by telling the crowd, “This is important. I hear you.” She closed one hour and fifteen minutes later, saying, “This is just the beginning.” In between, the crowd heard from the people who are on the front lines from It Takes a Villiage, Vanderburgh Humane Society, PAAWS, and Evansville Animal Care and Control.

Lyn Miller Pease with her dog Clark Kent – Photo by Johnny Kincaid

Lynn Miller Pease of Leadership Evansville facilitated the meeting along with her dog, Clark. Please read written questions from audience members for the panelists.

Animal Control brings in 3,000 to 4,000 dogs each year, and the Vanderburgh Humane Society reports that over the years, they have improved their live release rate from 40% to 93%.

Discussion of root causes

Lack of awareness of the Animal Care and Control Center is a problem because many people don’t realize that the center is where they should check if their pet is missing.

People lack the funds to continue taking care of their existing pets or are unable to afford to adopt a rescue animal.

A major issue is that there is a shortage of veterinarians nationwide. The shortage has resulted in higher costs and much longer wait times for getting a pet spayed or neutered.

People often surrender their pets when they move and they encounter landlords that don’t allow pets.

Some of the proposed solutions

National experts say that the overcrowding problem would be virtually eliminated if there was a 6% increase in the number of people adopting shelter dogs.

Raising public awareness would help more people know where to go if their pet is missing and increase adoptions.

Changing the stray hold times would allow dogs to be moved to a no-kill shelter sooner and free up kennels at ACC. Other cities in Indiana, like Ft. Wayne, South Bend, and Indianapolis, have a three-day hold on strays.

Changing state restrictions on vets would help free up time and allow vets to treat more animals.

Increasing the number of volunteers was also stated as a need at all of the shelters.

Getting help from the outside

Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal rights group, consults for animal shelters and communities across the country. They recently visited ACC in Evansville and are going to help the Center and will send a consultant to spend time helping the Center and the community develop solutions.

Second Ward City Council member Missy Mosby is working on plans to establish an Animal Control Foundation saying, “We have a police foundation and a fire foundation, why wouldn’t it work for animal control?”

Those wishing to donate now can give to the Spirit Medical Fund. https://cityofevansvillein.munisselfservice.com/css/citizens/OtherServices/ViewDetails.aspx

City-County Observer will continue to raise awareness and support the adoption of shelter animals.

2025 Legislature: What Bills Are Written by Representative Alex Burton

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House Bill 1349 IHCDA report requirement.
Authored by: Rep. Alex Burton.

Requires the Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) to include in its annual report certain information concerning the authority’s programs to promote housing stability.

House Bill 1673 Tracking of municipal utility costs.
Authored by: Rep. Alex Burton.

Requires the Indiana utility regulatory commission (commission) to include in the commission’s annual report and publish on the commission’s website: (1) the average amount paid by residents of each Indiana municipality for: (A) energy utility service; (B) water and wastewater utility service; and (C) gas distribution service; in the preceding year, disaggregated by municipality; and (2) the statistical change in each of these average amounts since the first year for which the commission reported the average amount.

House Bill 1674 Tracking of statewide utility costs.
Authored by: Rep. Alex Burton.

Requires the Indiana utility regulatory commission (commission) to include in the commission’s annual report and publish on the commission’s website: (1) the average amount paid by an Indiana resident for: (A) energy utility service; (B) water and wastewater utility service; and (C) gas distribution service; in the preceding year; and (2) the statistical change in each of these average amounts since the first year for which the commission reported the average amount.

House Bill 1675 Appropriation to community mental health centers.
Authored by: Rep. Alex Burton.

Appropriates $3,000,000 from the state general fund to the division of mental health and addiction to award grants to community mental health centers in low income areas to hire mental health professionals.

House Bill 1451 Evansville professional sports development area.
Authored by: Rep. Timothy O’Brien.
Co-Authored by: Rep. Wendy McNamara, Rep. Matt Hostettler, Rep. Alex Burton.

Increases the maximum amount of covered taxes that may be captured in the Evansville professional sports and convention development area from $10 per resident to $5,000,000.

House Resolution 1 Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Authored by: Rep. Vernon Smith.
Co-Authored by: Rep. Earl Harris, Rep. Carolyn Jackson, Rep. John Bartlett, Rep. Alex Burton, Rep. Ragen Hatcher, Rep. Renee Pack, Rep. Gregory Porter, Rep. Cherrish Pryor, Rep. Robin Shackleford, Rep. Vanessa Summers.

Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

USI to host Interdisciplinary Colloquium on “Harmony and Dissonance”

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USI to host Interdisciplinary Colloquium on “Harmony and Dissonance”

The University of Southern Indiana College of Liberal Arts is proud to announce the 17th Annual Interdisciplinary Colloquium, which will take place Tuesday, April 8 in University Center West, rooms 2217-2220. This event is open to the public at no charge.

This year’s theme “Harmony and Dissonance” invites participants to contemplate the myriads of ways that harmony and dissonance shape our world, our lives and our communities, large and small.

“The annual Interdisciplinary Colloquium is one of my favorite events on campus each year,” says Dr. Alexandra Natoli, Assistant Professor of French and event organizer. “In addition to spotlighting diverse student and faculty contributions, the Colloquium serves as a powerful reminder of all that we share as a scholarly community. Although we may come from different disciplines, backgrounds and approaches, the Colloquium brings us together to explore themes which matter deeply to us all while celebrating our own unique interpretive lenses.”

Proposals for papers, panels, artwork, posters, performances, workshops and more are welcome. To submit a proposal, please send an abstract of roughly 250 words with name, contact information and departmental affiliation to usi1lacolloquium@usi.edu by Friday, February 21.

Topics may include:

  • Communities
  • Utopias and dystopias
  • Politics, collaboration and compromise
  • Friction, clashes and tensions
  • Music and musicality
  • New Harmony, the Harmonists and the Owenites
  • Cognitive and cultural dissonance
  • Homeostasis
  • Power differentials and conflict resolution
  • Othering and subversion
  • Opposites
  • Dialogues and rhetoric

For more information, visit USI.edu/idc. For questions, contact Natoli at anatoli@usi.edu or call 812-465-7027.

CenterPoint Energy launches state-specific social media accounts

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To better serve customers and local communities in 2025, CenterPoint Energy launches state-specific social media accounts to provide tailored experience across its multi-state service territory

New options available on X for Indiana, Ohio, Texas and Minnesota

Follow @CenterPoint_IN to receive the most up-to-date information on the company’s operations in Indiana

Evansville, Ind. – Jan. 14, 2025 – As part of CenterPoint Energy’s commitment to continuously improving locally focused, relevant customer and public communications, the company is launching state-specific accounts in Indiana, Ohio, Texas and Minnesota on the social media platform X (previously known as Twitter). Alongside the company’s main enterprise account, @CenterPoint, these accounts will provide more tailored local content and share valuable information on relevant company news, energy industry issues, weather updates, energy efficiency tips, emergency response and preparedness topics, as well as outage and restoration updates all tailored to the needs and interests of customers in each service territory.

“We are always working to listen to our customers, incorporate their feedback into our operations and communications and improve the methods and content we deliver across the states and communities we have the privilege to serve,” said Keith Stephens, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer. “CenterPoint is proud to deliver electric and gas service to a diverse footprint across the country, and it is critical our customers have an equally diverse set of options in how they receive CenterPoint news. By following these new accounts, customers will continue to receive relevant and timely information impacting their communities at a more targeted, regional level.”

Find each of the new accounts on X at:

Across its other social media platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor, CenterPoint will continue to use geotargeting to deliver more precise messages and content in each state where it has customers. LinkedIn and Instagram will remain enterprise-level channels.

Customers can continue to follow @CenterPoint for company-wide updates and highlights from each area.

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