UE’s Cruse Named Missouri Valley Conference Men’s Runner of the Week
- LOUIS, Mo. –Following an emphatic team performance this past weekend, University of Evansville cross country freshman James Cruse (Melbourne, Australia) has been named Missouri Valley Conference Men’s Runner of the Week, it was announced in a release by the Conference office on Monday afternoon.
Cruse finished tops among collegiate competition at the Panther Prowl Cross Country Classic in Owensboro, Ky. on Friday evening. The freshman completed the 6k course in a time of 18:48.3, besting the second-place collegiate runner by eight seconds. As a team, Evansville captured five of the top 10 collegiate times while earning the team title, its first since the Fleet Foot Invitational in 2013.
The honor is the first for a UE men’s cross country runner since Stanley Chepchieng earned MVC Runner of the Week recognition on September 25th, 2018 and the first UE runner from either squad since Anna Lowry on September 24, 2019.
Evansville’s men’s and women’s cross country teams are back in action on Saturday, Sept. 20th when the Aces travel to Terre Haute, Ind. to compete in the John McNichols Invitational hosted by Indiana State.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun hosts U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on tour of ORX site
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (Sept. 8, 2025) – Today, Gov. Mike Braun hosted U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Sean P. Duffy with a helicopter tour of current progress on the I-69 Ohio River Crossing in Evansville and also made a stop in Henderson, Kentucky, to view progress on bridge approaches across the river.
“The I-69 Ohio River Crossing is a priority for Indiana, and Secretary Duffy’s visit demonstrates the vital role the future I-69 bridge will play in a new national interstate corridor,” said Gov. Mike Braun. “When this interstate is complete, it will stretch from Texas to Michigan. As the crossroads of America, Indiana is at the heart of ensuring a safe and efficient route for people and goods to travel the country. Completing this connection is vital to our state and our nation.”
During the tour, Sec. Duffy and Gov. Braun were joined by U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), U.S. Congressman Mark Messmer (R-Ind.), U.S. Congressman Jefferson Shreve (R-Ind.), U.S. Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.), U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-Ky.), Indiana Secretary of Transportation and Infrastructure Matt Ubelhor, Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Commissioner Lyndsay Quist, and Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray. Other elected officials, dignitaries, and local leaders were also on site.
“I’m thrilled to have Sec. Duffy visit Evansville and see firsthand the progress being made in Indiana,”said Sec. Ubelhor. “Earlier this year, I joined members of our congressional delegation and other local leaders to visit Secretary Duffy in his Washington, D.C. office to share a progress update on this important project. It’s very encouraging to see those discussions followed by a site visit. Federal support will keep the momentum going for this crucial crossing.”
The I-69 Ohio River Crossing is divided into three sections for project delivery. Section 1 includes the approach work in Henderson. Construction started in fall 2022 and will be complete late this year. Section 3 includes the approach work in Evansville, where work began in fall 2024 and is scheduled to be complete in late 2026.
“Indiana knows the importance of completing the I-69 connection,” said INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist. “We crossed the I-69 Finish Line in 2024, completing the connection between Evansville and Indianapolis, but we know our work is not done until this final piece is in place with a new bi-state bridge. This bridge will provide interstate connectivity that will benefit Hoosiers and the entire region for decades to come.”
I-69 ORX Section 2 is a bi-state project between Indiana and Kentucky that will complete the I-69 connection from U.S. 60 in Henderson to I-69 in Evansville. It includes the new four-lane river crossing. With funding identified, construction will begin in 2027 and finish by 2031. Preconstruction activities are underway.
The Friday Knights Hunger Bowl Provides Essential Support to the Local Community Through St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
Evansville, IN — The 9th Annual Friday KNIGHTS Hunger Bowl is less than three weeks away, and the staggering statistics of rising food insecurity are the reason to support this great cause.
Rising Food Insecurity
- 47 million Americans, around 13.5% of U.S. households, including 14 million children, were food insecure in 2023—the highest level since around 2014.
Local Perspective:
- Vanderburgh County—home to Evansville—has a food insecurity rate of approximately 12.1%, affecting over 21,790 people in 2021.
- The per-meal cost estimated was $3.52, with an annual shortfall of about $13.6 million between what vulnerable households need to purchase food and what they can afford.
Food Access & Deserts
- More recent data (circa 2025) indicates an estimated food insecurity rate of 14.9% in Vanderburgh County—above both the national average (13.5%) and the county average—highlighting intensified local challenges.
- 15,300 people live in food deserts within Vanderburgh County—locations where access to full-service grocery stores is severely limited. Notable neighborhoods include Old Erie, Ballard, Bellemeade Bayard Park, and areas near Lynch Road and I‑69.
Poverty Correlates
- In much of core Evansville, at least 45% of residents live below 185% of the federal poverty line.
- Some neighborhoods—like southern Jacobsville—see 70% of residents below that threshold.
- As a reference point, the county’s 2010 census data showed 15.6% of the population lived below the poverty line, including 22.4% of children—underscoring long-standing economic vulnerability.
The 9th Annual Friday Knights Hunger Bowl will be held on Friday, September 12 at Enlow Field at Bosse High School. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m., and the evening will feature a spirited matchup between the Reitz Memorial Tigers and the Mater Dei Wildcats.
While the Hunger Bowl began as a friendly competition between Memorial and Mater Dei, it has evolved into a full-fledged community effort. In recent years, foundations, businesses, trusts, schools, and K of C councils have joined forces to lift up their neighbors through the gift of giving.
As the pantry stretches to meet unprecedented need, your support—whether by attending the game, donating online, or spreading the word—makes a real and lasting difference.
Donations can be made directly to St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry online at: https://www.fridayknightshungerbowl.org
Sickman selected to serve as USI Vice President for Finance and Administration
Jeff Sickman has been selected to serve as Vice President for Finance and Administration at the University of Southern Indiana, effective Wednesday, October 1. He will report to Steve Bridges, USI President, and will serve on the USI President’s Cabinet and Council.
Most recently, Sickman, a two-time USI alumnus, served as Director of Faith Formation and Finance at St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish in Newburgh. Prior to that role, his career at USI spans over 30 years. While at USI, Sickman held several leadership roles, including Assistant Vice President for Finance and Administration, Controller and Assistant Treasurer.
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Mr. Sickman for much of my 36-year career at USI, and he has served the University well in every position he has held,” said Bridges. “We are excited to welcome him back, and I look forward to the many ways his leadership will continue to advance the University and strengthen its long-term financial stability.”
As Vice President for Finance and Administration, Sickman will serve as the chief business and fiscal officer of the University. He will provide administrative direction and management in formulating policies and guidelines pertaining to financial planning and business operations to include development, implementation, and coordination of business and financial programs, policies and procedures.
“I appreciate the opportunity to return to USI as Vice President for Finance and Administration, and I am grateful for the trust that President Bridges has placed in me,” Sickman says. “I look forward to working with him and the entire University community to invest in strategic initiatives that promote enrollment growth and serve the educational, cultural and economic development needs of the region and the state. I am honored to continue the legacy of financial stewardship that precedes me, and I am confident that the best days of USI are in front of us.”
He will be responsible for overseeing the University’s overall budget, which includes state appropriations, tuition and fees and other funding sources. He will also advise the President on fiscal affairs and provide leadership to ensure the integrity of the University’s financial, personnel and management reporting systems.
In addition, Sickman will work closely with the President, Vice Presidents, Deans and the Board of Trustees to identify budget challenges and opportunities, while ensuring compliance with federal, state, local and University regulations. The role also serves as Treasurer to the Board of Trustees, represents the University on financial matters and prepares finance-related agenda items for Board of Trustees meetings including the Finance and Audit Committee.
Beyond fiscal oversight, Sickman will direct and coordinate multiple areas critical to supporting the University’s mission, including the Business Office, Facilities Operations and Planning, Information Technology, Campus Store, Auxiliary Operations and Internal Auditing. He will often collaborate with students and University leadership on facilities planning, financing, construction and maintenance, while ensuring the proper management and investment of University assets. Additionally, he will play a key role in strategic and master planning, developing policies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, and presenting the University’s strategic plan to internal and external stakeholders.
Sickman earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1993 and a master’s degree in business administration in 2000, both from USI.
9/11 Memorial Walk at Vincennes University
Students in Vincennes University’s five public safety programs — Conservation Law Enforcement, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Fire Response and Safety Technology, Homeland Security and Public Safety, and Legal Studies — will walk 441 laps in honor of the 441 First Responders who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks in 2001. A brief memorial reading will occur before the walk begins.
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025 , 5 p.m. (ET)
Vincennes University Outdoor Track
1600 Short St.
Vincennes, Indiana 47591
Women’s golf rallies to finish in top ten
Petrova leads UE at Redbird Invitational
NORMAL, Ill. – Completing the final round of the Redbird Invitational at 17-over, the University of Evansville women’s golf team rallied to finish in 9th place at Weibering Golf Course.
Leading the way for the Purple Aces was Kate Petrova. An even score of 72 in Monday’s final round saw her come home in 4th place with a 3-round total of 217. Her low round of the weekend was a 1-under in Sunday’s opening 18 holes.
Second for the Aces was Jane Grankina. Her score of 79 on Monday saw her tie for 51st with a score of 236. Grankina’s top score was a 1-over 73 in the second round.
Louise Standtke rallied with a strong round on Monday. Shooting a 5-over 77, Standtke tied for 55th place with a 238. One behind her was Elizabeth Mercer. With a 239 for the weekend, she tied for 61st. Haley Hughes was fifth for Evansville with her low round of the weekend. Hughes registered a 5-over 77 on Monday to tie for 78th with a 247. Her score in the final round was five strokes under her previous low round.
As a team, the Aces took 9th place as they completed the weekend at 63-over. They jumped four positions in the third round. Eastern Kentucky took the team championship as they finished one shot ahead of South Dakota. Karra Tucker of EKU was the medalist, finishing the tournament at 3-under.
UE returns to action on Sept. 28 at Notre Dame.
Preparedness starts at home: Red Cross urges everyone to get ready for emergencies now
Tornadoes and severe weather pose biggest threats to Indiana Region
[INDIANA, September 8, 2025] — September is National Preparedness Month, and the American Red Cross Indiana Region urges everyone to protect their loved ones by getting their households ready now.
National Preparedness Month is a great time to ask whether your family would be ready if something unexpected happened tomorrow. It’s not about being scared; it’s about being smart and looking out for the people you love. Taking a few simple steps now so that you have a plan can make all the difference when it matters most.
HOW TO GET READY Disasters don’t wait for the “right time” — they can happen in the middle of the night, during your commute or while your kids are at school. Protect your family by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies and knowing how you’ll stay connected by taking these steps:
- Depending on the emergency, you may need to stay where you are or go somewhere else to stay safe. If you may need to leave, think about where you’ll go, how you’ll get there, where you’ll stay and what you’ll take with you. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation.
- Next, gather and organize critical supplies — like food, water and medicine — into a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit. Make sure to include backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.), a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and critical personal records.
- Your go-kit should include three days of supplies that you can take with you. Your stay-at-home kit should have two weeks of food and water, and a one-month supply of medications, if possible.
- Customize your kit to meet your household’s specific needs. If you have young children, don’t forget formula and diapers. If you have pets, include leashes, carriers, food, bowls, litter and a litterbox.
- Finally, make a plan to reconnect with loved ones if you are separated or if the phone or internet is down. Write down important phone numbers on a contact card and carry it with you.
Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for weather alerts, safety steps for different emergencies and expert advice in both English and Spanish. Don’t forget to sign up for local government emergency alerts to get critical local information — like evacuation notices — during an emergency.
People can also help their community be better prepared for disasters by giving blood, taking a class in lifesaving skills like CPR, or becoming a Red Cross volunteer. Visit redcross.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to learn more today.
Whether it’s a fire in someone’s home or a storm that destroys an entire town, disasters can happen anywhere, at any time. Taking a few minutes now to get ready will help you protect your loved ones if the worst happens.
THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 100 YEAR TOUR CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION SET TO ARRIVE IN INDIANAPOLIS
100 Years of Thrills, Laughs and Joy coming this Winter to
Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday, January 17 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Leaders in breaking barriers and making history, the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters™ today announced that Indianapolis will be a key stop on the team’s 100 Year Tour—the most legendary tour in Globetrotters history—playing two games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. EST on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. This centennial season is a once-in-a-century celebration of 100 Years of jaw-dropping “No Way!” moves, 100 Years of “Wow!” moments, and 100 Years of basketball thrills. From gravity-defying dunks to game-changing tricks, fans will feel the history, the joy, and the fun that only the Globetrotters can deliver. Tickets for Gainbridge Fieldhouse games will go on sale to the general public on Monday, Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. EST.
For the first time, the team will also debut their new 100 Year jerseys, honoring a century of global impact, as they face off against their longtime rivals, the Washington Generals. Fans can also expect all-new surprises like the Golden Basketball by Spalding®, epic pre-game Magic Pass experiences, and an unforgettable 5th Quarter Autograph session (FREE for ALL FANS!)—making this a celebration unlike any other.
From breaking the NBA color barrier with alums like Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton signing a pro contract as a member of the New York Knicks or courting future Hall of Famers like Wilt Chamberlain and Connie Hawkins, or Curly Neal and Meadowlark Lemon dazzling sellout crowds, to ushering women into professional basketball, to enchanting thousands around the world as the first team to globalize the game of basketball, to the current group of men and women who are stars on the court and on every screen, the Globetrotters are unparalleled in their reach, impact, awareness and in what they stand for as ‘Ambassadors of Goodwill.’
The current team of elite men and women, holders of an unprecedented 60+ Guinness World Records, including 18 set just last year, the most of any team in any sport, will bring a fresh look of gravity-defying dunks and game-changing tricks against their renowned rivals, The Washington Generals, on Jan. 17, 2026.
EWSU Statement Regarding the Recent Chemical Fire in Warrick County
In the wake of the recent chemical fire in Newburgh, Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) wants to reassure our customers that our drinking water is safe and meets all state and federal standards. Our water treatment team has been closely monitoring the situation to ensure the water we provide remains of the highest quality.
Evansville’s water source is the Ohio River. First Responders indicate the water used for firefighting drained into Vann Park Pond, not the river. While some quantity of ash from the fire may have settled into the river, our intake pumps are located just a few feet above the river bottom. This means that the potential for contamination from ash particles depositing on the surface of the river during the fire was low. The fire has since been extinguished, so ongoing contamination from airborne particles is very unlikely.
In addition to our other water-quality testing, EWSU tests raw water from the river for organic contaminants every 4 hours using an online instrument. Test results show no unexpected organic species have been detected since the fire started. In recent days, we have been feeding powdered activated carbon (PAC) to control the presence of naturally occurring taste-and-odor chemicals in the river water. PAC can also remove many organic species from the water, providing some protection should a new contaminant appear in raw-water samples.
EWSU evaluates water quality multiple times each day to ensure that Evansville’s drinking water quality meets the regulatory standards. We remain ever vigilant in our efforts to ensure that EWSU’s customers are not affected by contamination in the Ohio River, from this event or any future events.