USI hosting press conference/pep rally to make major USI Athletics announcement Thursday

10/31/2024

WHO/WHAT: The University of Southern Indiana will host a press conference and pep rally to make a major announcement pertaining to USI Athletics. Steve Bridges, USI Interim President; Jon Mark Hall, Vice President and Director of Athletics; and special guests will make remarks. Student-athletes, coaches, students, employees, USI’s mascot, Archie, and invited guests will be in attendance.

The event will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, October 31.

The event will be held in the Screaming Eagles Arena on the USI campus. A map of campus, featuring the Arena, is available at USI.edu/map. Media parking spaces will be reserved in Lot C, Bay 4.

Grafton sisters receive All-OVC honors

10/31/2024

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Soccer had two Screaming Eagles receive Ohio Valley Conference postseason honors on Wednesday. The league’s head coaches and communication directors voted upon the postseason accolades.

It was announced that junior defender Charli Grafton and junior midfielder Emerson Grafton were recognized by the conference for their performances in 2024. Both Graftons were named to the All-OVC Second Team, and Emerson was also selected to the OVC All-Newcomer Team.

Anchoring the defensive unit, Charli Grafton earned All-OVC Second Team honors for the second consecutive season. Primarily as the right centerback, Grafton led a Southern Indiana backline that dealt with injury-related adversity during the season, resulting in multiple player combinations. The junior’s consistency helped USI to earn four shutouts in the regular season, including three in the final four matches of OVC play. One of the Eagles’ captains, Grafton once again started every match during the 2024 regular season. Grafton totaled 1,590 minutes in the regular season, playing all 90 minutes in 16 matches and 13 consecutive outings to conclude the regular season. The centerback also scored once in USI’s home victory against the University of Tennessee at Martin. Grafton was named OVC Defensive Player of the Week in mid-September.

Emerson Grafton had a breakthrough campaign in her first season with the Screaming Eagles. The former transfer paced Southern Indiana with three goals, six assists, 12 points, and 14 shots on goal this season. Grafton was second on the squad with 24 shots. In OVC play, Grafton scored twice and notched a team-best four assists toward a team-high eight points while topping the team with 18 shots and 10 shots on target. The junior appeared in all 18 matches during the regular season, making 13 starts. Grafton finished the regular season ranked second in the OVC in assists, both overall and in league play, and top 10 in conference play in points. The midfielder had an assist and placed all four of her shots on goal in USI’s road win at Morehead State University and concluded the regular season with a goal and an assist in USI’s home win against Western Illinois University.

Southern Indiana concluded the 2024 regular season with a top-four seed and a berth into the Ohio Valley Conference Women’s Soccer Championship Tournament quarterfinals for the second consecutive year. Following its first-round bye on Thursday, USI will host its quarterfinal match Sunday at 1 p.m. from Strassweg Field. When the Eagles will face either UT Martin or Morehead State.

All games of the 2024 Ohio Valley Conference Championship Tournament can be seen with a subscription to ESPN+. Additional coverage for USI can be found on usiscreamingeagles.com with full tournament coverage on the OVC website at ovcsports.com.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY WARRANTS

10/31/2024

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VANDERBURGH COUNTY WARRANTS

VANDERBURGH COUNTY RECENT BOOKING RECORDS

10/31/2024

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VANDERBURGH COUNTY RECENT BOOKING RECORDS

USI Athletics receives $10 million gift from Liberty Federal Credit Union for Screaming Eagles Arena naming rights

10/31/2024

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. — During a press conference on Thursday, October 31, the University of Southern Indiana announced Liberty Federal Credit Union (LFCU) has made a historic $10 million gift to the University of Southern Indiana Foundation for USI Athletics, securing the naming rights to the Screaming Eagles Arena for the next 20 years. The Arena will now be named Liberty Arena, Home of the Screaming Eagles. This landmark gift marks the largest single donation in the history of the University.

The new name, Liberty Arena, Home of the Screaming Eagles, will be proudly displayed on the exterior of the Arena. Additionally, the Liberty Federal Credit Union logo will be featured prominently on both halves of the Arena floor.

“Liberty Federal Credit Union and the University of Southern Indiana have grown in this community together. In fact, I’ve personally banked with them for the last 35 years,” said Steve Bridges, Interim President of the University of Southern Indiana. “This generous gift from Liberty will greatly enhance our athletic programs and provide much-needed support as we continue our transition to Division I athletics. Liberty’s commitment will help pave the way for future success and ensure our student-athletes have the resources they need to thrive.”

The funds from this gift are unrestricted, allowing USI Athletics to direct them where they are most needed. This includes support for student-athlete scholarships, travel, Division I transition requirements and other essential needs. The gift represents a significant boost to USI Athletics, positioning the Screaming Eagles for continued success in their Division I journey.

Bill Schirmer, President and CEO of Liberty Federal Credit Union, noted the organization’s deep roots in education. “Our mission is to support our members and community through education,” said Schirmer. “As a credit union that was founded by Evansville teachers, our ties to the educational community in this region are strong. Supporting the advancement of USI students and their athletic programs aligns well with our mission of providing value to our members and the communities we serve.”

Jon Mark Hall, Vice President and Director of Athletics at USI, highlighted the importance of the partnership in furthering the University’s vision. “When we made the decision to transition to Division I athletics, we knew we had to align with progressive, forward-thinking partners within this community and region. This partnership with Liberty allows us to take our vision and make it a reality,” said Hall. “As we move into years three and four of our Division I transition, we are aligning with partners who share our drive for success at the highest level. Liberty and USI Athletics will both continue to be impactful in the community, striving for the highest level of achievements.”

This $10 million contribution is the largest gift Liberty Federal Credit Union has made to date, underscoring the credit union’s commitment to the University, the community and the future of athletics at USI.

EXPLORE EVANSVILLE HONORED WITH AWARDS AS 2024 CHAMPION IN SPORTS TOURISM

10/31/2024

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Evansville, IN Sports Destination Management, the leading publication serving sports event planners and tournament directors nationwide, has announced the 2024 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism. This year’s awardees contributed a combined $1.88 billion boost to the U.S. economy through sports tourism.

Explore Evansville was honored twice among Mid-Market Champions. The 2024 IHSAA State Wrestling Tournament, a collaboration between the Indiana High School Athletic Association, the Ford Center and DoubleTree by Hilton Evansville, generated over $3.74 million in economic impact. The 2024 US Figure Skating Theatre on Ice National Competition, in partnership with the Greater Evansville Figure Skating Club, Ford Center and Swonder Ice Arena, contributed $2.93 million to the local economy. Together, these two events attracted over 10,000 athletes and spectators to Downtown Evansville, resulting in nearly 6,000 hotel room nights.

“We are incredibly proud to see Evansville recognized for the tremendous economic impact these events bring to our city,” said Alexis Berggren, President & CEO of Explore Evansville. “None of this would be possible without our dedicated local organizing committees, whose passion and hard work form the foundation of these events. From the coordinators to volunteers, each person plays a critical role in ensuring a memorable experience for athletes and fans. We owe our success to their commitment and are grateful to see their efforts celebrated on this stage.”

All winners of awards have been recognized in a special feature published in the November/December 2024 issue of Sports Destination Management. The entire article with full details on the winners listed below can also be found online.

USI hosting press conference and pep rally to make major USI Athletics announcement

10/31/2024

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WHO/WHAT: The University of Southern Indiana will host a press conference and pep rally to make a major announcement pertaining to USI Athletics. Steve Bridges, USI Interim President; Jon Mark Hall, Vice President and Director of Athletics; and special guests will make remarks. Student-athletes, coaches, students, employees, USI’s mascot, Archie, and invited guests will be in attendance.

WHEN: The event will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, October 31.

WHERE: The event will be held in the Screaming Eagles Arena on the USI campus. A map of campus, featuring the Arena, is available at USI.edu/map

USI Anthropology Speaker Series to present Dr. Richard Lunniss

10/31/2024

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USI Anthropology Speaker Series to present Dr. Richard Lunniss

The University of Southern Indiana’s Anthropology Speaker Series will present a lecture and Q&A by Dr. Richard Lunniss at noon Tuesday, November 12 in Rice Library Room 0017. This event is open to the public at no charge.

Lunniss earned his bachelor’s degree from the University Cambridge and a doctorate in archaeology from the University of London. He arrived in Peru in 1979. Since 1982, he has been working in Ecuador and is currently a Research Professor at Universidad Técnica de Manabí.

After many years dedicated to the excavation, analysis and interpretation of archaeological evidence, first in highland Peru near Machu Picchu and then at Salango and other sacred sites of the central coast of Ecuador, Lunniss has more recently been drawn to participate in certain contemporary ritual and religious practices in both Peru and Ecuador where he lives and works.

In the lecture, he will discuss some of this trajectory and how the different strands of his long-term professional and personal interactions with landscape and people have contributed to his understanding of Andean being in the past and present.

“The Anthropology Speaker Series is an opportunity for us to highlight the diversity and relevance of Anthropology” says Dr. Daniel Bauer, Professor of Anthropology. “We are excited to have Dr. Richard as the first speaker in the series. He is one of the most prominent contributors to Andean archaeology and our understanding of sacred sites and landscapes.”

THUNDERBOLTS HOST HAVOC THIS FRIDAY FOR FREE KIDS FRIDAY-MASCOT NIGHT

10/31/2024

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Evansville, In.: After defeating the Havoc in overtime on Saturday night and hosting a record crowd of 7,758 fans on Education Day on Tuesday, the Thunderbolts prepare for a weekend doubleheader against the Havoc, hosting Huntsville this Friday night before playing in Huntsville on Saturday.

Week In Review:

The Thunderbolts fell 4-1 in Birmingham on Friday night to start the weekend, with Matthew Barnaby scoring Evansville’s goal. On Saturday, the Thunderbolts returned home and came back from 2-0 down to defeat the Havoc 3-2 in overtime, behind two goals from Barnaby and an overtime goal from Brendan Harrogate. The Thunderbolts set a new franchise record for single-game attendance on Tuesday, hosting 7,758 fans as the Thunderbolts hosted Peoria. Unfortunately, Evansville was defeated 5-2 in a close and exciting game until the finish, with goals from Tyson Gilmour and Harrogate.

The Week Ahead:

This Friday, November 1st will be Free Kids Friday/Mascot Night presented by TaylorMade, as the Thunderbolts host the Huntsville Havoc at 7:00pm CT. Mascots from several local and regional institutions will be on hand, including from the Indianapolis Indians, University of Southern Indiana, University of Evansville, Ellis Park, the Evansville Otters, and Highland Challenger Baseball. With every adult ticket purchased at the Ford Center Box Office, fans will receive a free kid’s (12 and under) ticket. An inflatable slide courtesy of Legendary Inflatables will be set up in the lobby, and other activities will be available throughout the concourse. In addition, a blood drive will be held in the Ford Center Corner Club on Friday between 11:00am and 5:00pm, and anyone who donates blood will receive a free ticket for Friday night’s game. For tickets, call (812)422-BOLT (2548), buy online at EvansvilleThunderbolts.com, or visit the Ford Center Ticket Office. The Thunderbolts will be in Huntsville this Saturday night to take on the Havoc at 7:00pm CT. Fans can watch the action on FloHockey with a paid subscription or listen in for free on the Thunderbolts Mixlr Channel.

Coming Soon:

Saturday, November 9th will be Military Appreciation Night as the Thunderbolts host the Macon Mayhem. All current and retired military personnel can purchase tickets for themselves and up to five friends or family members for only $11 per ticket, with valid identification.

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

10/31/2024

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EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.