Aces and Salukis to tangle on Wednesday at Ford Center
UE takes on SIU in first meeting of the season
 On Wednesday, the University of Evansville men’s basketball team opens its season series against Southern Illinois with a 6 p.m. game inside the Ford Center. The game will be carried on ESPN+ along with the Purple Aces Radio Network.
 Setting the Scene
– The first meeting of the season between the Aces and Salukis sees both teams on opposing streaks – SIU has won five in a row while the Aces have dropped their last 10
– Last season, the Salukis swept the season series and have won four of the last six games against UE; in the home finale last year, SIU grabbed a 98-91 win
– Despite its record, UE continues to progress each game and finished the second half of Saturday’s game versus UNI with 52 points, its second-highest scoring half of the season
– Evan Kuhlman has evolved over the last two games, tying his career mark with 14 points against the Panthers; he has hit 8 of his last 14 attempts
– Following Wednesday’s game, the Aces will have just three more home games on the schedule
Last Time Out
– It was a tale of two halves on Saturday when the Aces took on the Panthers – UE had its lowest scoring half with 16 to begin the game, but rebounded with its second-highest tally of 52 points in the second half as UNI earned an 80-68 win
– Three UE players had 14 points with Sam Cunliffe, Evan Kuhlman and K.J. Riley tying for the team scoring high
– Kuhlman’s effort tied his career high – he connected on five out of seven attempts
– Evansville trailed by as many as 16 in the opening moments of the second half, but clawed their way back within four tallies before UNI was able to pull away in the final minutes
– The first nine Evansville shots in the second half found the bottom of the net with UE shooting 69.2% (18/26) in the final stanza
Showing his Accuracy
– John Hall is starting to find a nice rhythm for Evansville, recording at least six points in the last five games averaging 8.2 points
– His rebounding has also improved. In his last nine outings, Hall has recorded an average of 4.1 per game with his season mark of seven caroms coming versus Drake
– Hall is shooting 50% overall (12/24) in the last three contests but has hit 15 of last 22 shots inside the arc in the last five outings
– Over the first seven MVC games this season, Hall averaged 4.4 points per game while shooting 23.6% from the field; the last three games have seen those numbers jump to 10.0 points and 50% shooting
Back in Action
– Junior Evan Kuhlman had an excellent week for the Aces, culminating in a 14-point game against UNI, tying his career scoring mark
– Making the start in both games, Kuhlman knocked down eight of his 14 field goal tries while playing 24.5 minutes per game
– He was 3-for-7 at Illinois State while posting four assists and two blocks while his 14-point game against the Panthers saw him hit five out of seven attempts while going 3-3 from the free throw line to go with a pair of steals
Scouting the Opponent
– Winners of their last five games, Southern Illinois enters Wednesday’s game with a 13-10 record and are 7-3 in conference games
– The Salukis picked up a 79-72 win at Drake on Saturday to sweep the season series and own victories over UNI and Loyola
– Marcus Domask leads the way for SIU with 15.0 points per game; he is a 50.9% shooter and has one of the top outside shooting tallies on the squad – hitting 42.6% of his outside tries (46/108)
– Eric McGill checks in with 11.5 points while Barret Benson has averaged 10.1 points
– Benson, a graduate transfer from Northwestern, leads the team with 5.6 rebounds per contest
AG Curtis Hill urges Hoosier businesses to boost cybersecurity protections
Attorney General Curtis Hill, co-chair of the Indiana Executive Cybersecurity Council’s Legal and Insurance Working Group, today warned Hoosiers and especially business-owners to take proactive measures to protect online security. Cyberattacks, he said, are near an all-time high.
“These malicious efforts are coming in the form of phishing attempts, malware attacks and ransomware demands,†Attorney General Hill said. “They are a concern for both the public and private sectors. My office takes very seriously the security of all Hoosiers and the companies where they work. We will continue to do everything possible to ensure the online safety of Indiana residents.â€
To that end, Attorney General Hill urged Hoosier businesses to complete a cyber risk planning survey. While many businesses will receive mailings, anyone may find the survey online. The survey should take no more than 25 minutes and will help the Indiana Executive Cybersecurity Council better understand the cybersecurity threats Indiana is facing.
Several high-profile data breaches in recent years — involving such large companies as Equifax, Neiman Marcus and Premera — have served as stark reminders of dangers lurking online. Data breaches sometimes destroy companies’ ability to even stay in business.
“Our goal is to identify barriers that prevent effective cyber-risk planning,†Attorney General Hill said. “Further, we want to encourage Hoosiers to be proactive when it comes to cybersecurity rather than simply reacting to issues once they arise.â€
That starts with assessing measures already in place to protect cybersecurity and making improvements if such measures are found to be deficient.
The Indiana Executive Cybersecurity Council is working in collaboration with researchers at Indiana University and the University of Arizona to explore how Indiana organizations perceive and manage cyber risks. To participate in the online survey, go to https://www.go.iu.edu/cybersurvey.
This survey takes no more than 25 minutes to complete. The responses provided will only be reported in the aggregate. Participation is entirely voluntary, and those participating are free to terminate the survey at any point.
Family Free Night
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Eagles wrap up road trip with stops at Maryville, S&TEagles wrap up road trip with stops at Maryville, S&T
University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball concludes its season-long road trip this week as it visits Maryville University Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in St. Louis, Missouri, and Missouri University of Science & Technology Saturday at 1 p.m. in Rolla, Missouri.
Both games will be aired on 95.7 The Spin as well as the GLVC Sports Network, while live stats, audio and video can be accessed at GoUSIEagles.com.
The Screaming Eagles (12-6, 8-4 GLVC) are coming off an 81-68 road win over Lindenwood University this past Saturday after falling to the University of Missouri-St. Louis, 72-64, last Thursday in St. Louis. Senior guard Ashley Johnson averaged 15.0 points, 5.5 assists and 2.0 steals per game to lead the Eagles on the week.
Heading into Thursday’s game against the Saints, USI has three players in double-figures in the scoring column, led by Johnson, who is averaging a team-high 14.3 points and 3.9 assists per game. Junior guard Emma DeHart is chipping in 11.2 points per contest, while freshman forward Hannah Haithcock is contributing 10.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per appearance. Sophomore forward Ashlynn Brown also is contributing 7.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per contest.
Following this week’s games, the Eagles return to Screaming Eagles Arena for rematches against Lindenwood (February 13) and Missouri-St. Louis (February 15).
USI Women’s Basketball Notes
• USI splits first half of four-game road trip. USI Women’s Basketball went 1-1 in the first half of its season-long four-game road trip. Senior guard Ashley Johnson averaged 15.0 points, 5.5 assists and 2.0 steals per game to lead the Eagles, who fell to Missouri-St. Louis, 72-64, Thursday before defeating Lindenwood, 81-68, Saturday. Freshman forward Hannah Haithcock averaged 13.5 points per game, while junior guard Emma DeHart chipped in 11.0 points per contest. Sophomore forward Ashlynn Brown led USI with 7.5 rebounds per outing.
• USI-Lindenwood breakdown. Led by Johnson, the Eagles had four players in double-figures and another with nine points en route to a 13-point win over Lindenwood. Johnson finished with a career-high tying 22 points and six assists, including 13 points in the second half, while Haithcock scored 11 of her 15 points in the final 20 minutes. DeHart and freshman guard Addy Blackwellhad 12 and 10 points, respectively, for the Eagles, who Eagles held Lindenwood to just 28.1 percent (9-32) from the field in the opening half en route to a 33-27 halftime lead.
• Eagles big at charity stripe. USI went 17-of-20 from the free throw line in its win over Lindenwood despite being just 1-of-2 at the charity stripe in the opening half. The Eagles made 12-of-13 free throw attempts in the final 90 seconds of the game to seal the victory.
• Eagles struggle in second half, fall to UMSL. USI went just 9-of-31 (.290) from the field in the second half and just 3-of-13 (.231) in the third period in its loss to Missouri-St. Louis. Haithcock had 12 points to lead the Eagles, while Brown contributed 10 points and a team-high eight rebounds. DeHart added 10 points.
• First loss when leading at the half. The Eagles suffered their first loss in 10 games this season when leading at the half in their setback to Missouri-St. Louis. USI raced out to a 39-36 halftime advantage before being held to just 25 second-half points.
• Rare loss. Thursday’s loss to the Tritons marked the first time since March 3, 2017, that the Eagles have lost a game when committing fewer than 10 turnovers—USI was 2-0 this season and had won seven straight games when limiting its turnovers to fewer than 10. The Eagles are now 19-5 under Head Coach Rick Stein when committing fewer than 10 turnovers, including 15-3 since the 2013-14 campaign.
• USI’s first GLVC road loss. Thursday’s loss also marked USI’s first GLVC road loss. The Eagles’ were 4-0 on the road in GLVC play prior to visiting Missouri-St. Louis.
• Double-figures. USI has had nine different players reach double figures in the scoring column this year, with seven different players scoring at least 10 points in multiple games.
• DeHart drains two second-half three-pointers. Junior guard Emma DeHart drained a pair of three-pointers and had eight points in the first four minutes of the third quarter as USI extended its six-point halftime lead over Lindenwood to 48-33 early in the second half.
• Moses helps thwart Lindenwood comeback. Senior guard Kiara Moses had a steal and a break-a-way layup in a 7-0 run at the end of the third period that turned a 50-46 USI lead into an 11-point advantage heading into the final 10 minutes. After a quick Lindenwood basket early in the fourth quarter, Moses drained a three-pointer to give USI a 12-point lead and keep momentum in the Eagles’ favor.
• Robbe scores 16. Freshman forward Tara Robbe scored 16 points during USI’s two games last week, finishing with nine in USI’s win over Lindenwood.
• Johnson finishes with five assists. Senior guard Ashley Johnson had eight points and a team-high five assists in the loss to Missouri-St. Louis.
• Blackwell sinks two three’s. Freshman guard Addy Blackwell sank a pair of first-half three-pointers in USI’s loss to Missouri-St. Louis. She finished the game with six points, going 2-of-3 from the field and 2-of-2 from downtown.
• Moses, Sherwood combine for 11. Senior guard Kiara Moses and senior guard/forward Morgan Sherwood combined for 11 points and eight rebounds in USI’s loss to Missouri-St. Louis. Moses finished with six points and five boards.
• Haithcock joins select group. Forward Hannah Haithcock became the seventh freshman under USI Head Coach Rick Stein to reach double-figures in the scoring column 10 times during their rookie campaign. Haithcock has reached double-figures 11 times, surpassing the total number of 10 double-figure scoring performances that former USI standouts Anna Hackert and Kaydie Grooms recorded in their freshmen campaigns and two shy of Amie Newhart’s freshman total of 13. Jessica Stuckman’s 20 in 2000-01 stands as the most for a freshman under Stein. Lauren Parrish reached double-figures 12 times as a freshman in 2003-04, while Keisha Collins reached double-figures in the scoring column 18 times in 2005-06.
• About Maryville. Senior guard Mary Barton averages 22.9 points and 4.6 assists per game to lead the Saints, who are 11-8 overall and 6-6 in GLVC play after losing games at Southwest Baptist and No. 1 Drury last week. Senior center Abby Monis chips in 12.3 points and a team-high 8.6 rebounds per contest.
• About Missouri S&T. Sophomore guard Laura Rodriguez averages 12.1 points per game to lead the Miners, who have lost four straight games heading into their Thursday matchup with McKendree. Senior center Mykala Berry is one of four Miners averaging at least 8.0 points per game as she contributes 11.3 points and a team-high 10.1 rebounds per contest.
• Screaming Eagles Arena. The Eagles’ game against Central Missouri marked the first-ever regular-season basketball game in Screaming Eagles Arena. USI Women’s Basketball played in the Physical Activities Center from 1980-81 to 2018-19, posting a 363-194 record all-time at the PAC, including a 217-81 record under Head Coach Rick Stein.
• Magic Mark: 75 points. The Eagles are 418-77 (.844) all-time when scoring at least 75 points. USI is 291-28 (.912) since 1996-97 when reaching the 75-point plateau.
“IS IT TRUE” FEBRUARY 4, 2020
We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUEâ€Â will provoke honest and open dialogue concerning issues that we, as responsible citizens of this community, need to address in a rational and responsible way?
IS IT TRUE that some connections are being made that cause people to think there is more to Crescent Valley Capital LLC and its current relationship with Hope of Evansville?
IS IT TRUEÂ recently it was revealed that Crescent Valley Capital bought a distressed house at 101 East Tennessee Street for $5,000 and sold it to Hope of Evansville 6 weeks later for $11,000 making a 120% profit in a period of six weeks?…it was also revealed in the HOPE OF Evansville newsletter that after making a quick and easy $6,000 profit that amounted to 120% that Hope of Evansville turned around and hired Crescent Valley Capital to do the $240,000 refurbishment of the very house that they bought from them?
IS IT TRUE the above transaction really seems like a close relationship that should raise questions from whatever firm audits the financial records of Hope of Evansville?…the 2018 form 990 for Hope of Evansville even includes a statement that discussions of conflicts of interests may be presented to the board of directors from time to time?
IS IT TRUE one must wonder why such an explicit statement on conflicts of interest would be necessary for the non-profit that deals in affordable housing? Â …we wonder why haven’t the self-proclaimed investigative reporters from the mainstream media haven’t given a serious look at this transaction?
IS IT TRUE last night the Vanderburgh County Commissioner Ben Shoulders was honored last night as outgoing President of the Board and Chair of the Boys and Girls Club of Evansville?….that Commissioner Shoulders served as emcee of the “Boys And Girl Club” Annual Meeting and got choked up as he accepted the award in front of his family, friends and hundreds of people in attendance? …we give County Commissioner Ben Shoulders five (5) cheers for the sacrifice of his time, talent and treasure for the betterment of the children of the “Boys and Girls Club” of Evansville?
IS IT TRUEÂ several years ago the CCO ran an article about local elected officials were quietly trying to do away with our Local Option Income (LIT) Taxes? …we dubbed this attempted backroom political deal “Sneaky But Legal”? …when we exposed this “SENEGAL” deal those involved ran like “Court House Rats”?
IS IT TRUE we are now told that our elected officials in Indy are talking about making some major adjustments on how members on the LIT COUNCIL can vote on making adjustments to our local Option Income (LIT) Taxes?
IS IT TRUE it seems like another backroom political SENEGAL deal has unconditional support in the Indiana House of Representatives? …if the State Senate agrees with House bill, HB 1065 you will see a significant change in the law on how members of the LIT Council can vote on rural tax issues?
IS IT TRUE we been told that the State Representative representing the taxpayers in the rural areas say this bill is about county residents being treated fairly? …others say it will cause cities like Evansville financial challenges?
IS IT TRUEÂ we are told that HB1108 will give the State Board of Accounts (SBA) greater access to information and tools for better enforcement of state law and protection of taxpayers?
IS IT TRUE that HB1108 sailed through the House without any problems and yet it can cause big problems for local government? …that SBA will now be able to subpoena locals to make them file a report and not just subpoena them for an interview; if a quasi-government agency doesn’t do an annual report and doesn’t have something in their bylaws about filing, the law will say they must and send a copy to SBA?
IS IT TRUE that the Indiana Supreme Court said the SBA can’t fire an officer but if this goes through the court and can be charged a civil penalty of $500 a day?
IS IT TRUE last week an employee of Hamrick Towing made a service call on the Eastside concerning a senior citizen that locked her key in their car? Â …when the driver from Hamrick Towing realized that the person that locked herself out of her car was in her eighty’s (80) and didn’t have the money to pay for the service call he didn’t charge her one cent? …we give five (5) cheers to the good people at Hamrick Towing for helping those in need?
IS IT TRUE we would like to thank Ray Simmons, Director of Athletic Communications at USI for sending current sports happenings at that fine University?
Today’s “Readers Poll†question is: How do you rate the Super Bowl half time show
Footnote: City-County Observer Comment Policy. Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will be tolerated and will be removed from our site.â€
We understand that sometimes people don’t always agree and discussions may become a little heated.  The use of offensive language, insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.
Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers.
IS IT TRUE we would like to thank Ray Simmons, Director of Athletic Communications at USI for sending current sports happenings at that fine University?
IS IT TRUE when the people fear the Government we have Tyranny! Â When the Government fears the people we have Liberty
Footnote: City-County Observer Comment Policy. Be kind to people. No personal attacks or harassment will be tolerated and will be removed from our site.â€
We understand that sometimes people don’t always agree and discussions may become a little heated.  The use of offensive language, insults against commenters will not be tolerated and will be removed from our site.
Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers.
MAGISTRATE JUDGE J. AUGUST STRAUS ANNOUNCES THAT HE’S A CANDIDATE FOR SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE
Today the Vanderburgh County Magistrate Judge J. August officially announces that he is a candidate for the Vanderburgh County Superior Court Judge.
Magistrate Judge J. August J. Straus told the City County-Observer that “Judgeship is a position that he has chosen as his long-term goal. As a lifelong resident of Vanderburgh County, he attended St. Boniface school on the west side of Evansville. I have been blessed in my career, including serving as a Vanderburgh Superior Court Magistrate, in hopes to serve the citizens of Vanderburgh County as a Superior Court Judge one day.”
Other than his time away at college and law school, he has resided on the West Side of Evansville. He spent the last 8 years as a single father to his beautiful daughter, Shayleigh, age 12.
Magistrate Judge J. August Straus attended Westside Catholic Consolidated Schools (Sacred Heart/St. Agnes/St. Boniface) and graduated from Mater Dei High School. After high school, he briefly attended Hanover College before transferring to Arizona State University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree with the highest honors.  He attended the University of Memphis because of the cultural diversity of the school and the city. Shortly after receiving his Juris Doctor, he returned home due to the declining health of his father (who later passed in 2001) to be of assistance to both my mother and my sibling.
Upon his return to Evansville, he was hired at Fine & Hatfield. They allowed him to begin working for the Vanderburgh County Prosecutors Office in order to sharpen his trial skills. He spent approximately one year at the Prosecutors Office, then returned to Fine & Hatfield with more experience in the courtroom and a better understanding of the criminal area of the law to grow his; practice.
Magistrate Judge J. August told the CCO “that his career took a turn for the best when he was was hired by Johnson Carroll Griffith & D’Amour. Upon accepting this position, he said “that he was mentored by some of the finest and most respected attorneys in the State of Indiana in all areas of law?. He also said “he had the opportunity to learn Estate and Corporate law from Brian Carroll; Personal Injury, Probate, Mediation & Family law from Edward Johnson; Family and Criminal law from (former law partner) Superior Court Judge Richard D’Amour; and Workers Compensation, Social Security Disability and Jury trial practice from the late Charlie Griffith. With this opportunity, he was able to grow his own General Practice in multiple areas of the law and become a well-rounded attorney”?
Along with his practice, he became very involved with the Evansville Bar Association and held numerous positions over the years, as demonstrated on his extensive resume. In addition, he became involved in Judges’ campaigns in Vanderburgh County, working on Judge Lloyd’s, Neumeier’s and Bower’s re-election campaigns and Judge D’Amour and Kiely’s campaigns.
In 2012, Magistrate Judge’s Straus legal career took another remarkable turn when he was appointed to the bench as a Magistrate Judge by the seven Vanderburgh Superior Court Judges. During the past 8 years, he regularly handled Criminal Misdemeanor, Protective Orders, Small Claims and General Civil cases and of course Family law cases, including but not limited to Divorce, Post-Divorce, Paternities, Adoptions, and Guardianships. In addition, for a 2 year period, he worked directly with Judge Trockman in Treatment Court and his Level 5/6 Felony Court and Judge Pigman in his Felony Court. He also handled all aspects of those courts, including but not limited to Arraignments, Initial Hearings, Progress Hearings, Sentences, Jury Trials, and Treatment Court team meetings and court sessions.
Finally, Magistrate Judge August J. Straus told the City-County Observer after 20 years in practice, he feels that he’s perfectly suited to fill the position of Superior Court Judge being vacated by Judge Tornatta.
FOOTNOTE: The Vanderburgh Superior Court’s are set up in such a way that two of the Judges (Trockman and Pigman) handle Criminal matters, one judge is assigned all Probate, CHINS, Delinquency, Guardianships, and Adoptions (Niemeier) and the remaining four Judges handle all Family Law (Divorces and Paternities) and Civil Law. Judge Tornatta’s position is one of these four Judges.