FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
Flaherty hits walk-off home run for UE to take series over Valparaiso
The Purple Aces won their final game of the weekend in dramatic fashion
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – After leading for eight innings, the University of Evansville baseball team rallied back and won its final game against the Valparaiso Beacons 5-4 with a walk-off home run.
The Purple Aces led early but faced a similar situation as Saturday as Valparaiso battled back to tie the game in the top of the ninth. But UE learned from its second game of the series as the team won both the game and the series in the bottom of the ninth. Graduate catcher and pinch hitter Matt Flaherty (Lake Zurich, Ill. / Bellarmine) hit his first home run of the year to win the game for Evansville with two outs on the board in the 5-4 victory.
“It was a great series win at home,” said Head Coach Wes Carroll following the game. “Flaherty had a big swing of the bat to secure the series win for us. And [starting pitcher Owen] Byberg was outstanding giving us a chance in the rubber match. We need to take the momentum from this weekend and run with it.”
The Aces had a strong start to Sunday’s game as they took down the Beacons in order and scored a run in the first inning. Center fielder Ty Rumsey (Evansville, Ind. / North HS) scored on a wild pitch after getting on base with an error to give UE a 1-0 lead. Evansville had an almost identical second inning, starting with a three up and three down top and scoring one run in the bottom.
Rumsey recorded the Aces’ second hit of the game to score second baseman Drew McConnell (Blue Springs, Mo. / Blue Springs HS). McConnell moved around the bases in three at-bats as he got on base with a walk, moved to second on a balk, and was put on third by a flyout from right fielder Harrison Taubert (Casper, Wyo. / Northeast CC). UE followed the established formula in the third inning, facing the minimum batters in the top of the inning and scoring a run in the bottom.
Starting pitcher Owen Byberg (Barrie, Ontario) had a strikeout in every inning while adding two in the third for four strikeouts in only 33 pitches. While in the bottom of the third after a video review, Taubert connected on his fifth long ball of the season out to left center. The solo home run from the right fielder was the third of the series for Evansville after one in both Friday and Saturday’s games.
Valparaiso had its first hit of the game in the top of the fourth, but the Aces took the next two batters down in order to go back on offense. UE had its first empty inning in the bottom of the fourth as all three batters had putouts in the field. Evansville’s offense stayed quiet for three innings while the Beacons’ bats began to get going.
It was déjà vu for the Aces after the fifth inning as Valpo began to score in the back half of the game. The Beacons added a run in the sixth and seventh innings to make it a one-run game. UE was able to get back a run in the bottom of the seventh as third baseman Drew Howard (Ferdinand, Ind. / Forest Park HS) led off with a triple to right center. Howard then scored right after as Rumsey picked up his second RBI with a sacrifice fly.
But Valparaiso answered right back with a solo home run to lead off the eighth and again make it a one-run game. Evansville didn’t add an insurance run in the bottom of the inning as catcher Kaleb Wilkey (Manhattan, Ill. / Lincoln-Way West HS) was stranded at second after hitting a double just past the shortstop. The Beacons tied the game up in the top of the ninth as they strung together a single and a double for their fourth run.
After the tying run scored, the Aces were able to strand Valpo’s go-ahead run with a strikeout from reliever Parker MacCauley (Paducah, Ky. / Tennessee Tech) and a ground out to McConnell. UE needed a run as they returned to offense to avoid its third extra innings game of the season.
Evansville’s first two batters in the ninth recorded outs, bringing the ninth down to Flaherty’s at-bat. Flaherty did not start on Sunday but instead entered as a pinch hitter after shortstop Brodie Peart (Markham, Ontario) pitched in the eighth inning. The graduate player faced two pitches before he connected on a bomb past the left-field fence to win the game for the Aces. It was Flaherty’s first home run of the season, UE’s second of the game, and Evansville’s fourth of the weekend.
First baseman Cal McGinnis (Kimberly, Wis. / Bradley) was the only Aces player with multiple hits on Sunday in front of his high school team, who were in town to watch UE while playing local baseball teams over spring break. Seven other Evansville batters recorded a hit, while Rumsey had two RBIs. On the mound MacCauley earned his first victory in an Aces uniform as he pitched 1.0 inning with a strikeout, no walks, and two hits. Byberg had the longest outing for UE at 5.2 innings, allowing only four hits and one run while striking out six batters and allowing a single walk.
Evansville hosts one more team at The Braun in its first homestand of the season. The Aces play the second game of their home-and-home series with Southeast Missouri on Tuesday evening. UE welcomes SEMO to the River City for a 6 p.m. first pitch on Tuesday, April 1.
The Word In 120 – Trust in the Lord!
Trust in the LORD!
There is so much wisdom in the word of God that is untapped, that is ignored, yet it is highly advantageous to allow the word of God to guide our thinking. Psalm 18 vs. 30 says; “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.”
Mankind has always been hardheaded when it comes to doing what is right. Ecclesiastes chapter 1 vss. 9 and 10, the wise man Solomon says, “That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what
will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which it may be said, ‘See this is new?'” It has already been tried in ancient times before us.
The prophet Jeremiah says in chapter 9 vs. 23; “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches.” Chapter 10 vs. 23 he made a universal application relative to the nature of mankind. He says; “O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” It’s as though Jeremiah is saying; “Why is mankind so hung up on doing what is wrong, as opposed to what is right And why; help me understand “O LORD,” when will mankind learn to place his trust in You; the Almighty God? There is a phrase that comes to mind which says; “the twelfth of never.” In other words, it will never happen! Man lacks the
discipline needed to consistently do the right things on his own.
Thank God for sending Jesus into the world! Jesus says in John 10 vs. 27; “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them and they follow Me.” Proverbs 29 vs. 18 says; “Where there is no revelation the people cast off restraint.” In 2 nd . Timothy chapter 4 vs. 2 the Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy on what to do as God’s minister. He said; “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” The behavior of people today is indicative of the words in Judges 21 vs. 25 which says; “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in their own eyes.”
Ditto to America!
Deaconess Health System Awards Significant Gift to Youth First
Deaconess Health System Awards $17,500 to Youth First, Inc.
Gift to Provide Mental Health Support for Students at Partner Schools in Gibson,
Posey, Warrick and Vanderburgh Counties
EVANSVILLE, IN – Youth First is celebrating Deaconess Health System for investing in Indiana youth. The organization recently awarded $17,500 to Youth First, Inc. to strengthen the mental health and well-being of students in Youth First partner schools across Gibson, Posey, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.
This significant gift from Deaconess, along with funding from other sources, will enable Youth First to provide its school-based student assistance program and family and community prevention programs to help students build valuable life skills and healthy mindsets as they grow into thriving adults.
“Deaconess Health System believes in making a positive difference in the lives of our patients, families, employees and community. We support Youth First because positive outcomes show their mental health professionals and prevention programs are truly building more healthy, resilient kids,” stated Jackie Stinson-Smith, Deaconess Health System’s Chief Administrative Officer and Behavioral Health Center of Excellence Systems Director.
Youth First embeds highly trained mental health professionals in school buildings, partnering with 125 schools across 14 Indiana counties. Youth First Mental Health Professionals build caring relationships, promote healthy choices, foster readiness for positive change, and boost resiliency along with other valuable life skills.
Youth First President & CEO Parri Black shared, “Our kids and families are dealing with busier schedules, greater stress and more complex challenges than ever. That’s why it’s so important to have easy access to skilled mental health support in school buildings, where students, parents and teachers can take full advantage of it. We are grateful for a continued partnership with Deaconess Health System to build strong futures for Indiana kids.”
Hoosier History Highlights
Hoosier History Highlights
March 30 – April 5
This Week in Indiana History
Indiana Statehouse Tour Office
Guided tours of the Indiana Statehouse are offered Monday through Friday.
For more information contact us.
(317) 233-5293
Estanley@idoa.in.gov
Guided tours of the Indiana Statehouse are offered Monday through Friday.
For more information contact us.
(317) 233-5293
Estanley@idoa.in.gov
March 31, 1880 Wabash was the 1st town to be completely illuminated by electric lighting. |
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March 31, 1987 49th NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship: Indiana beats Syracuse, 74-73; Hoosiers’ guard Keith Smart hits game-winner in final seconds, intercepts full court pass at the last second.
April 3, 1926 (Virgil) “Gus” Grissom, US Air Force test pilot and NASA astronaut (Mercury-Redstone 4; Gemini 3; Apollo 1), born in Mitchell.
April 4, 1932 Richard Lugar, American politician (U.S. Senator from Indiana, 1977-2013), born in Indianapolis.
West Side Nut Club Announces 78th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Mater Dei High School
West Side Nut Club Announces 78th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Mater Dei High School
Evansville, IN – The West Side Nut Club is excited to invite families and children to the 78th Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Mater Dei High School’s football field, located at 1300 Harmony Way, Evansville, IN 47720. This beloved annual tradition promises an afternoon of excitement, community fun, and plenty of prizes!
Please note: This year’s event will take place at a different time than in previous years due to scheduling conflicts. The rope drop will be at exactly 12:00 PM, with cleanup beginning at 12:01 PM. Known as “the fastest 45 seconds on the Westside,” this exciting hunt will have kids scrambling to collect thousands of eggs in record time!
The event is free and open to children in grades Pre-K through 3rd, with designated areas to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for different age groups. Participants are encouraged to bring their own baskets to collect eggs.
“We love bringing the community together for this wonderful Easter tradition,” said Mike Dietz, Event Chairman of the West Side Nut Club. “Seeing the joy on children’s faces as they race to find eggs is what makes this event so special.”
Exciting Prizes & Thousands of Easter Eggs!
This year’s Easter Egg Hunt will feature:
- Approximately 16,000 eggs filled with over 50,000 pieces of candy
- 15 large pre-made Easter baskets
- 75 stuffed animals
- 50+ other toys and novelty prizes
Special Character Appearances & Photo Opportunities
Before and after the event, families will have the opportunity to take pictures with beloved characters from T’s and Crackers, including:
The Easter Bunny
Elmo
Big Bird
SpongeBob SquarePants
Scooby-Doo
Mickey & Minnie Mouse
These special guests will be available before and after the egg hunt, making this a truly magical event for kids and families alike!
Generous Sponsors Make It Possible
Prizes for this year’s event have been generously donated by Drake’s, Dig’N Roll Indoor Play, Bob Walther’s Golf and Fun, CMOE (Children’s Museum of Evansville), Deep Blue Indoor Play, Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure, Chuck E. Cheese, and Mesker Park Botanical Gardens.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to arrive early, as parking may be limited. In the case of inclement weather, updates will be shared on the West Side Nut Club’s official website and social media pages.
For more information, contact Brandon Julian at 812-430-8964 or publ
USI and NSWC Crane partner to enhance STEM and business education for students
USI and NSWC Crane partner to enhance STEM and business education for students
The University of Southern Indiana and Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) are partnering to provide science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and business management opportunities for USI students. The partnership continues a long-time relationship between the two entities. Under the new Education Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed in a ceremony on Monday, March 24, both organizations will share resources to empower future STEM leaders.
The EPA provides USI students with access to NSWC Crane’s expertise in STEM and business fields. The partnership aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world applications in STEM.
“This partnership between the University of Southern Indiana and NSWC Crane represents our ongoing commitment to work together to provide USI students with resources, hands-on experiences, and real-world applications in science, engineering and business,” said Steven J. Bridges, Interim President, USI. “With access to Crane technologies and resources and the ability to work alongside experts in the field, our students will gain invaluable insights and skills that will prepare them for future careers. We are excited about the opportunities this ongoing collaboration brings to our University community.”
NSWC Crane is a national leader in electromagnetic warfare, strategic missions and expeditionary warfare, which provide the U.S. Navy and U.S. Department of Defense a wide variety of technology and platforms across science and engineering disciplines. USI is committed to providing high-quality education including the areas of STEM and business. NSWC Crane will provide students with access to its state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, mentorship and research projects.
“The partnership with USI is critical to our regional innovation ecosystem, as their team of educators has been instrumental in supporting NSWC Crane’s STEM initiatives for our 38 K-12 school EPA partners in surrounding towns and cities over the past 18 years,” said Maria Duran, the Technology Transfer Director at NSWC Crane. “Our shared commitment to advancing STEM opportunities elevates the pipeline of skilled technical professionals needed to address the present and future challenges of our warfighters.”
USI students will gain invaluable hands-on experience and access to the state’s only federal laboratory. They will also learn about national security and specialized technology focus areas.
USI and NSWC Crane have operated under a Memorandum of Understanding since 2007 and a Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) since 2009. In 2018, NSWC Crane and USI signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to study chemical reactions including the chemical outputs of special munitions and pyrotechnic reactions.
“This partnership can inspire a new generation of skilled professionals in STEM fields that are critical to national security and technological advancement,” said Dr. Angela Lewis (SES), the Technical Director at NSWC Crane. “Partnering with USI strengthens the talent pipeline for NSWC Crane and other organizations seeking highly qualified individuals in STEM fields and provides students with a unique educational experience where they can take lessons learned and apply to their future careers.”
Evansville-Vanderburgh County Coalition on Homelessness to Host Annual Homeless Connect
The Evansville & Vanderburgh County Commission on Homelessness will host the annual Homeless Connect of Southwest Indiana next Thursday, April 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Old National Events Plaza.
The event – which brings together service providers, community members, and volunteers – offers everything from healthcare and housing assistance to employment support, legal support, and more both to individuals experiencing homelessness, and to others in need of support. Individuals and families facing financial hardship, housing instability, or barriers to essential services also can find the support and services they need at Homeless Connect.
“Every year, the Homeless Connect highlights the city’s ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness and poverty in our community,” said Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry. “More than 60 vendors will be on-site this year, and each one will be providing a direct service to those in need – things like basic health services, haircuts, tax advice, foreclosure mitigation, and even veterans services all will be available at the event.”
Numerous sponsors also assist in putting on the event, alongside public donations. Anyone interested in making a donation through the Commission’s Dignity Fund is encouraged to visit evansvillehomeless.org/dignityevv. All donations to this fund go directly toward offsetting costs of the Homeless Connect.
Pre-registration for the event is encouraged, but not required. Attendees can pre-register online at evansvillehomeless.org/homelessconnect.
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.