MT. VERNON, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s and Women’s Golf went down to the final hole of 17 matches before falling to the University of Evansville, 9-8, in match play at Western Hills Country Club in Mt. Vernon, Indiana.
The final score came down to the final pairing as USI senior Carter Goebelbattled Evansville’s Jamison Ousley through 18 holes. Goebel was up one through the first nine holes before falling behind by two between holes 10 and 16. He made a long putt on 17 to pull to within one and force the 18th hole, but could not get all square as Goebel and Ousley both parred the final hole.
Of the 17 match-ups between USI and Evansville, the USI Screaming Eagles had the lead in the women’s match, 4.5-2.5 (three wins, two losses, and one tie, and trailed in the men’s matches, 6.5-3.5 (two wins, three losses, and three ties).
Women’s Golf wins match play battle with UE with an average of plus-two advantage. Freshman McKenna Lowe led the way, winning her match with a three-hole lead before the match was called with two holes to play, while sophomore Brianna Kirschand graduate Valaria Lopez de Haro Juste posted two-hole leads before the matches were called with one hole left. Sophomore Fernanda Vera finished out all 18 holes with a plus-two win.
Junior Alexis Wymer earned USI a tie after battling UE’s Kate Petrova, the Missouri Valley Conference champion last spring, to an all-square. Wymer trailed by as many as three holes before pulling ahead by one on 16 and settling for the tie after the 18th.
On USI Men’s Golf, graduate Sam Gargis and junior Hunter Reynolds posted wins in their matchups. Reynolds won his match in a back-and-forth affair before winning the last two holes for the point. Gargis posted a three-hole win after pulling ahead by three with three holes to play and getting an all-square on 16.
What’s Next
USI Women’s Golf stays in the area competing in the Braun Intercollegiate, hosted by the Purple Aces at Oak Meadow Country Club, Monday and Tuesday of next week to complete fall action.
USI Men’s Golf also finishes fall play next week by playing in the Xavier Invitational in Cincinnati, Ohio. The tournament will be played Monday and Tuesday at the Maketewah Country Club.
EVANSVILLE, IND. (10/15/2025) – At a time when universities nationwide are experiencing enrollment declines and facing increasing skepticism about the value of higher education, the University of Evansville (UE) has defied those trends with remarkable growth across nearly every category. According to official fall census data, UE has achieved double-digit increases in enrollment, reflecting the University’s strong momentum and continued commitment to excellence and affordability.
The incoming freshman class grew by an astounding 19 percent this fall. Total enrollment increased by 10 percent, fueled by a 7 percent increase in the overall undergraduate population and a 6 percent gain in graduate students. At Harlaxton College-UE’s beloved study abroad campus in Grantham, England-enrollment more than doubled, reflecting a renewed passion among students for transformative global experiences.
“This is an exciting moment for the University of Evansville,” said UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. “We are bucking the national and regional trends in higher education thanks to our significant investments in new facilities, innovative programs, and our commitment to making a UE education affordable and accessible to students from all backgrounds.”
Hailing from 31 states and 12 different countries, the incoming class of students includes valedictorians, National Merit Scholars, Eagle Scouts, championship athletes, accomplished artist and performers, Lilly Scholars, and many others who have already demonstrated excellence in their fields.
Regional growth has been especially strong, with a 28 percent increase in students from the local area. Over 40 percent of incoming freshmen are Pell Grant-eligible, underscoring UE’s dedication to expanding access for students from lower-income households. Additionally, one in four students qualified for the Aces Opportunity Grant or the Hoosier Aces Scholarship, which allow eligible Indiana residents to attend UE without paying any tuition out of pocket–and, in some cases, receive additional support for room and board.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see students recognize that UE is a place where they are genuinely cared for,” said Dr. Jill Griffin, Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing. “That spirit of care is at the heart of how we change lives and change the world.”
The University’s momentum is fueled by the hallmarks of a UE education– Active Academics, a Caring Culture, and Extraordinary Experiences-which shape students into confident, compassionate leaders and changemakers. Through innovative programs, personalized support, and immersive learning opportunities, the University empowers students to achieve professional success and lead lives of purpose. This strong foundation ensures a bright future for the University of Evansville and the students and communities it serves.
By Leslie Bonilla Muñiz, Indiana Capitol Chronicle
Immigration head Tom Homan also talked border crossings, deportations and the search for unaccompanied migrant children.
White House Border Czar Tom Homan visited Indiana on Tuesday to tout successes under President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown — and urge Hoosier lawmakers to pass an immigration bill they killed earlier this year.
“We’re going to send a message to the whole world. It’s not okay to enter this country illegally. It’s a crime,” he said. He spoke as part of a “Fairness for Hoosiers” event at the Statehouse.
Republican lawmakers and other attendees cheered and clapped throughout Homan’s 20-minute speech, while a small group of Westside Indianapolis residents protested the visit.
“Hoosier hospitality for every nationality!” they called from across the Statehouse, on the other side of a security line that only attendees, state employees and reporters could cross.
The event was originally set to be held in the building’s public atrium, but it was moved last-minute to the House chamber and closed to both the public and reporters. Instead, it was livestreamed.
Homan, who was acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during Trump’s first administration, said the president gave him three tasks after winning back the White House.
“One, secure the border. Two, run the largest deportation operation this country’s seen. Three, find over 300,000 missing children,” Homan recounted.
Border crossings have dropped from more than 10,000 daily to less than 100 last Friday, he said — and all were detained or deported.
Deportations have ticked up to nearly 550,000 since Trump re-took office in late January, per Homan. Another 1.6 million people have self-deported.
The search for unaccompanied child migrants is ongoing.
A “Fairness for Hoosiers” event flyer shows the original location. (Screenshot)
Homan accused former President Joe Biden’s admin
istration of “allow(ing) half a million children to be trafficked” across the border and of “releas(ing) them to unvetted sponsors.”
Republicans have claimed that upwards of 300,000 children were “lost” beginning last summer, after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security released a report showing that ICE didn’t serve notices to appear in court to 291,000 children and that another 32,000 were notified but failed to show up for immigration court hearings. The data is from October 2018 to September 2023.
“I told the president, out of the three things you gave me, this is the hardest,” Homan said. “And why is that? Because we can find you. We can find me. We have a digital footprint. You own a home, you got a car, you got credit cards, you pay utility bills.
“How do we find a child? Well, we have to count on the paperwork of the sponsor. If that paperwork wasn’t vetted and done right, that’s almost useless too. So we’re out there every day looking for these children,” he continued.
Homan said almost 24,000 have been “rescued,” adding, “We’re not going to stop until we run every lead down.”
Immigration bill revived
Homan was the final — and highest-profile — speaker to push lawmakers into passing a controversial, previously unsuccessful immigration bill.
Gov. Mike Braun and Attorney General Todd Rokita — along with lobbyist and former acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf — also plugged the measure. It’s now called the FAIRNESS Act: Fostering and Advancing Immigration Reforms Necessary to Ensure Safety and Security.
“The FAIRNESS Act is the next step to protecting Hoosiers communities. It will further strengthen immigration enforcement and give (Rokita) the tools to protect our citizens. Indiana is not a sanctuary state,” Braun posted on X.
House Bill 1531 would have required all levels of Hoosier government to comply with federal detainer requests. ICE often asks local police and others to keep “potentially dangerous aliens” behind bars for 48 hours longer so it can take them into custody.
If Rokita had labeled a government entity as noncompliant, Braun could’ve withheld state funding and grants for up to a year.
“Fairness for Hoosiers” attendees lunched on Shapiro’s Delicatessen meals stacked in the Indiana House chamber’s north window. Soda cans and water bottles were arranged in the south window. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
“The fact of the matter is, there is no country, and therefore no Indiana, if we don’t have a defined border, one language and a common culture,” Rokita said.
The legislation also would’ve banned employers from “knowingly or intentionally” recruiting, hiring or employing people not allowed to work in the U.S. Violators could’ve had their operating authorizations suspended.
“This is critical to protect our workers and end the magnet that draws illegal immigration to our factories and communities,” Rokita said. “It’s pro-business, it’s pro-worker, and it’s pro-Hoosier legislation.”
The bill passed the House on a 64-26 vote, but died after the Senate Judiciary Committee declined to hold a hearing. Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, leads the committee.
Rokita called her out by name, telling the audience, “That decision set us back at least a full year. We can’t afford further delays.”
Author Rep. J.D. Prescott, R-Union City, plans to reintroduce the bill. The next regular legislative session begins in January.
“Hopefully that becomes law, folks,” Homan said.
“If you would, please help President Trump,” he added. “I think it’s a great bill.”
Natural gas utilities across Indiana encourage customers to save and take steps to prepare this winter.
CenterPoint to promote a series of payment assistance and energy savings programs available to eligible southwestern Indiana customers.
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Oct. 15, 2025 – Today, as part of its commitment to supporting its customers in its Indiana South natural gas service territory, CenterPoint Energy is launching a customer communication campaign encouraging eligible customers to take advantage of a series of support programs, including energy efficiency and bill assistance resources ahead of this winter heating season.
CenterPoint, as well as other Indiana natural gas utilities, is taking action in response to nationwide industry forecasts, including the U.S Energy Information Administration (EIA) annual Winter Heating Outlook, that indicate that gas customers across the Midwest will see higher residential bills compared to last year, as a result of rising fuel costs. The campaign, which will include social media and direct outreach to customers, is aimed at helping customers plan and prepare for the potential impact of rising fuel costs nationwide.
While the agency anticipates stable year-over-year pricing nationally, the EIA projects higher gas prices in the Midwest due to higher expenditures.
“Given seasonal forecasts, including EIA’s, of an increase to the cost of natural gas we are concerned about the potential for rising fuel prices to impact our customers’ bills this winter. While CenterPoint doesn’t control the price of natural gas or determine how fuel costs impact customer bills, we are committed to supporting our customers, especially those who may need help paying their energy bill. We encourage all those who may have difficulty paying their bill to plan ahead and take advantage of our customer support programs and energy-saving resources during the winter heating season,” said Mike Roeder, CenterPoint’s Senior Vice President, External Affairs.
Financial Assistance and Customer Support Programs
CenterPoint encourages customers to take advantage of payment assistance options and energy-saving programs to help manage their winter bills, including:
Customer Assistance Fund (CAF): Direct bill support is available to eligible southwestern Indiana customers who may be facing financial challenges. Administered in partnership with The Salvation Army Indiana Division and supported by CenterPoint, the CAF features an easy and accessible application process. More information is available at CenterPointEnergy.com/CAF.
Energy Assistance Program (EAP): Income-eligible customers can apply through their local community action agency or online ateap.ihcda.in.gov or call 1-800-872-0371 to find their nearest agency.
Universal Service Program (USP): Customers who apply and qualify for EAP are automatically enrolled for additional bill reductions.
CenterPoint Payment Assistance Program: Customers who may need special payment plans to temporarily keep their service connected and better manage energy costs can explore available resources at CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance.
Additional details about these customer support programs can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/ResourceHub or call us at 812-227-1376.
Summary of Key Facts
Utilities are not permitted to mark up the cost of natural gas. Natural gas is a commodity traded in a national, deregulated market, where prices fluctuate daily with supply and demand.
CenterPoint does not control or profit from the cost of natural gas. CenterPoint purchases natural gas on behalf of its customers and then passes those costs on to customers through the gas cost adjustment, which is listed on the bill as “Gas Cost Charge.” Only gas costs actually incurred and approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission are recovered from customers. Natural gas costs are calculated separately from electric bills.
Industry forecasts, including the Energy Information Administration (EIA) annual Winter Heating Outlook point to higher residential bills this year compared to last.
Due to the forecasted increase in natural gas commodity prices, CenterPoint estimates the average residential household could expect to pay an average of approximately $141 per month over the five-month heating season (November-March), compared to approximately $127 per month last year – an increase of approximately 10% due to the price of natural gas. Actual bills vary with home size and age, number of gas appliances, thermostat settings, insulation and weather.
Natural gas continues to be one of the most affordable heating sources for most customers in Indiana. In fact, CenterPoint gas customers in the utility’s Indiana South territory who heated their homes with natural gas last year saved up to $704, compared to those who heated their homes with propane.
CenterPoint Energy’s Indiana South territory delivers natural gas to approximately 115,000 customers in Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Martin, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.
LOUIS – The Missouri Valley Conference announced its women’s basketball “Players to Watch” list for the upcoming season this morning, including three University of Evansville student-athletes – Logan Luebbers Palmer (Union, Ky./Randall K. Cooper), Kylee Norkus (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley), and Camryn Runner (Cicero, Ind./Hamilton Heights). All three Aces selected are sophomores, serving as key pieces of Evansville’s exciting young core.
Luebbers Palmer lands on the list after a stellar freshman campaign that saw her play in 24 games with 11 starts. Luebbers Palmer scored 6.5 points per game in her first season of collegiate basketball and was at her best in MVC play, scoring in double figures six times against conference opponents. She notched her first double digit scoring effort against Missouri State (1/17/25), scoring 15 points, before earning MVC Freshman of the Week honors by scoring 14 points against Bradley (2/13) and a season-high 17 points in 34 minutes against Illinois State (2/15).
Norkus receives preseason recognition after impressing in four games as a freshman last season before suffering a season-ending injury. Norkus started the first four games of the season, scoring an average of 10 points per game while grabbing 5.5 rebounds per game. Before going down against Lindenwood, Norkus played 33, 39 and 37 minutes in the Aces’ first three games and helped Evansville pick up wins over Wright State (11/10/24) and SEMO (11/14).
The reigning MVC Freshman of the Year, Runner lands on the list after one of the most impressive freshman campaigns in UE program history. One of two Aces to start all 32 games last season, Runner led the team with 1,072 minutes played and led MVC freshmen and ranked eighth in the MVC with 15.5 points per game. Runner was among the most prolific free throw shooters in the country, leading the MVC and finishing fifth in the country in free throws made (206) and free throw attempts (250). Runner also averaged 2.8 assists per game, while her 89 assists were the most by an Evansville freshman since Dakota Weatherford in 2013-14. A dynamic scorer, Runner scored in double figures in 30 games and had eight performances of 20-plus points, including putting up a season-high 30 against Lindenwood (11/18/24). In MVC play, Runner upped her scoring to 17.8 points per game.
The 2025-26 season begins on October 28th with an exhibition against Roosevelt at Meeks Family Fieldhouse before opening the regular season at SEMO on November 6. The first regular season contest at Meeks Family Fieldhouse comes on November 20, when the Aces play host to IU Indy.
Season tickets for the 2025-26 season are on sale now. We offer great seats that fit with every family budget. For questions or more information on how we can help you and your family create long lasting memories with us at Meeks Family Fieldhouse this season, please call Logan Belz at the UE Ticket office 812-488-2623.
KILLEN, Ala. – Omar Khalid had the low score of the day to pace the University of Evansville men’s golf team in Tuesday’s final round of the Turtle Point Invite at Turtle Point Yacht & Country Club.
Finishing with an even 72, Khalid completed his three rounds with a score of 220. His 4-over effort on the weekend saw him finish in 28th. The Purple Aces’ highest finisher was Daniil Romashkin. A 75 on Tuesday gave him a 3-round tally of 218. He came home in a tie for 24thplace.
Tying for third on the team and 4th in the final standings were Andrew Rottschalk and Julian Kiessling. Both wrapped up the tournament at 8-over. Rottschalk shot a 76 in the last round while Kiessling finished the day with a 77. Jamison Ousley carded a 76 on Tuesday to finish in 54th with a score of 227. Individual Miguel Sobrado finished in the 37th position. A 2-over 74 in the final 18 holes gave him a 222 for the weekend.
As a team, the Aces tied New Orleans for 5th place at 17-over. North Alabama took top honors finishing the event at 22-under. They defeated SE Louisiana by 20 strokes. Brycen Jones was the medalist. Playing as an individual for Alabama, Jones defeated Logan Reilly of Auburn by one. Jones wrapped up his three rounds at 16-under.
Pup-ular event returns for the sixth year to Downtown Evansville
ANNOUNCEMENT – The Downtown Evansville Improvement District (DEID) invites the community to bring their dogs and visit Downtown Evansville on Saturday, October 18 from 11 AM – 2 PM for the sixth annual Dog Day Downtown Presented by German American Bank. The event will take place on Main Street (from 2nd to 6th Street). Free activities will include a dog agility course, bone bar, pup cups, foam party, bandanas, ball pits, cuddle station, photo portrait station, photo points, and pet pampering services including nail trimmings, brushing, ear cleaning, and massages.
New for 2025, the event will feature doggie donut balls, ice cream dishes, and a pet costume contest. Title sponsor, Earthborn Holistic Pet Food, will judge the costume contest at 12:30 PM at their booth on the 200 Block of Main Street. Winners for best costume will receive a prize. Activities are free thanks to the generous support of sponsors, led by presenting sponsor German American Bank. Please note, free items are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Local animal nonprofits are participating, as are local vendors selling dog-related products. There are 15+ dog friendly businesses Downtown. Dog friendly businesses can be identified by window clings. Guests 21 and older can purchase alcoholic beverages in official Downtown Evansville DORA branded cups and enjoy them as they explore Downtown Evansville.
“We’re thrilled to welcome hundreds of dogs and dog lovers to Downtown Evansville for a day filled with free activities, thanks to generous support from our sponsors. We encourage you to bring your furry friends as you explore our pet-friendly neighborhood,” said Adam Trinkel, executive director, DEID.
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s and Men’s Golf will match up against the University of Evansville in the Battle of the Expressway Thursday at Western Hills Country Club (Mt. Vernon, Indiana) for another edition of the crosstown clash. The matches begin teeing off at 9 a.m. The last grouping will tee off near 11 a.m.
The matchup will follow a Ryder Cup-style singles format with each Screaming Eagle facing off with a Purple Ace one-on-one, looking to win more holes than the other. The 17 matches (10 men, seven women) will take place with a point being awarded to the winner of each. A tie will result in a point being halved. The trophy will be awarded to the team that has won the most points overall after the men’s and women’s scores have been tallied together.
USI and Evansville competed last year with the Aces winning in the fall in a combined score of 13-5 (7.5-2.5 men, 5.5-2.5 women). The spring match-up, which followed a different format, ended in a combined 4.5-4.5 tie with USI winning a tie-breaker.
Tee times Thursday are as follows:
Match 1 – 9:00 am – Men’s Match – USI – Ingtawan Wangrunruchasri / UE – Denzel Rai
Match 2- 9:07 am – Men’s Match – USI – Chandler Ornelas / UE – Omar Khalid
Match 3 – 9:14 am – Women’s Match – USI – Fernanda Vera / UE – Jane Grankina
Match 4 – 9:21 am – Men’s Match – USI – Jairen Stroud / UE – Julian Kiessling
Match 5 – 9:28 am – Women’s Match – USI – Alexis Wymer / UE – Kate Petrova
Match 6 – 9:35 am – Men’s Match – USI – Alex Peck / UE – Mason Taylor
Match 7 – 9:42 am – Women’s Match – USI – Tora Timinsky / UE – Emily Mercer
Match 8 – 9:49 am – Men’s Match – USI – Wade Worthington / UE – Luke Price
Match 9 – 9:56 am – Women’s Match – USI – Brianna Kirsch / UE – Trinity Dubbs
Match 10 – 10:03 am – Men’s Match – USI – Hunter Reynolds / UE – Miguel Sobrado
Match 11 – 10:10 am – Women’s Match – USI – Camryn Luthy / UE – Adeline Wittmer
Match 12 – 10:17 am – Men’s Match – USI – Weston Hardy / UE – Chris O’Donnell
