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ANN ENNIS DECLARES INTENT TO RUN FOR DISTRICT 2 SCHOOL BOARD SEAT

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Ann Ennis is declaring intent to run for a District 2 seat (two will be elected) for the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation Board of School Trustees.

The filing is not until late July 2018 for this non-partisan elected office. Ennis wants to meet with the community during the summer months to gather even more information so as to be an effective trustee.
Ennis has a more than 20-year history of advocating for public schools, fiduciary responsibility, and open communication.  Earlier this spring, she began talking with voters — taxpayers, parents, students, employers and more about impressions and understanding of the state’s third-largest school system — the EVSC.
Trust.  Transparency.  Dialog.

OBJECTIVE Seeking a seat representing District 2 on the Board of Trustees of the

Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation.  Non-partisan elected seat,

county-wide vote November 2018.   (filing in late July 2018)

WORK EXPERIENCE

May 2017-Present Freelance grant writing and fund development.

December 2013- Public Education Foundation of Evansville

May 2017 Fund Development Director, part-time

Responsibilities include expanding agency financial resources, starting two 

planned giving societies, differentiating agency public image; organizing 

and expanding databases; coordinating targeted funding programs.

February-May 2016 Candidate for State Representative, Indiana District 64 

Candidacy included initiating and developing relationships in each of five

counties, public speaking, representing my platform in more than 125 

public events, fund-raising, and extensive tenacity and organization.

October 2012- City of Evansville Safe Havens Grant

January 2014 Project Coordinator, temporary part-time

Responsibilities included communication and coordination tasks to secure the release of Safe Havens Funds from the Office on Violence Against Women to the contractor, Parenting Time Center; community education; administrative planning and advising on sustainable agency development leading to broadening PTC’s community support. 

May 2012- Reflecting Waters and its active ministry of Ruth’s House

September 2012 Coordinator, Community Education, and Development, temporary part-time

Responsibilities included communication/promotional activities to rapidly 

elevate agency profile; repairing agency relationship issues and improving community partnerships.

 June 2005- Keep Evansville Beautiful

January 2012 President

Responsibilities included implementing board-developed Strategic Plan, stabilizing and expanding agency financial resources, improving agency public image in order to enthuse private-public community about litter abatement and green-infrastructure grassroots efforts; fundraising.  

April 2003- Habitat of Evansville

June 2005 Development Director

Responsibilities included leading effort to raise funds for a $1.4 million 

annual budget; working closely with Executive Director to create and

implement the annual development plan and five-year campaign; creating 

giving society program; managing and implementing donor and sponsor relations activities and events; grant writing; media relations; internal and external communications; extensive public speaking.

May 1998- Freelance Writer and Project Manager

April 2003 Clients included Reitz Home Museum, The Catholic Foundation of 

Southwestern Indiana, Branson and Pritchett Public Relations, Center City 

Corporation (now GAGE), Metropolitan Evansville Chamber of Commerce, Evansville Zoo Guild, Catholic Charities.

October 1990- Keep Evansville Beautiful (then Operation City Beautiful)

May 1998 Staff Assistant (1990-1992) Program Coordinator (1992-1998)

EDUCATION

2004-2005 The Fundraising School, Indiana University. Principles and 

Techniques in Fundraising, five-day seminar.  Local program.

Interpersonal Communications for Fundraising, three-day seminar,

The Fundraising School, Indiana University.  Local program. 

Fall 1994 & University of Southern Indiana

1986-1987 English Writing Concentration; internship at GE Plastics.

1981-1984 B.A., Indiana University

Major:  Journalism and Political Science, double major.

CURRENT VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

2015-Present

  • Language Arts Volunteer, Glenwood Leadership Academy.  2015-18
  • Creative Writing Club; Middle School Speech Team Assistant. 2015-17
  • Substitute Teacher for EVSC. 2917-18
  • Member Indiana Coalition for Public Education.  2011-present
  • Volunteer board member Big Blue Boosters FJ Reitz HS. 2013-present

 OTHER 

  • Indiana State Teachers Association Public Servant Award, 2016
  • Member, Maryknoll (Fathers & Brothers) Lay Affiliates, 2002-Present
  • Pigeon Creek Greenway Advisory Board, 2008-2012
  • Leadership Evansville Greening Evansville Award, 2012
  • Leadership Evansville Class, Winter 2012

Tri-State Man Instrumental in Sending Spacecraft to Mars

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Tri-State Man Instrumental in Sending Spacecraft to Mars

MAY 10TH, 2018 Jeff Goldberg JEFF GOLDBERG INDIANA

When Spencer County native Thomas Werne won a rocket contest in the fourth grade, it is unlikely the young software programmer knew he would be working on rockets that are heading Mars. But that is exactly what happened after the Insight mission took a light to the Red Planet last Saturday.

Thomas grew up outside of Santa Claus on a small farm. The Heritage Hills grad moved onto Rose-Hulman in Terre Haute for a lick at higher education. It was there at Rose-Hulman during Werne’s senior year he entered into a career fair. When a friend pushed him to speak to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, Werne thought ‘no way could NASA be interested in me.‘

It was that simple interaction at a career fair in Terre Haute that turned into a job interview in Pasadena California and eventually a thriving career with NASA and the JPL.

That was in 2007, and after years of working in research and technology, Thomas linked up with the Mars Cube One Mission, or MarCO. The MarCO work started in 2014, with a brief break when Insight, which is the lead of the mission, backed out for two years.

The mission for Insight is to test the geology of Mars, and learn more about Marsquakes.

When it was time to get back to work, Werne threw himself fully into the project. He was the software programming lead of MarCO, which are two CubeSats that went along for the ride to Mars. CubeSats are small spacecrafts.

The goal of the MarCO CubeSats is to document Insight during what’s known as “seven minutes of terror” or the entry, descent and landing onto Mars. The breadbox sized spacecrafts will be sending real time information back during the Insight’s EDL. They will be reporting back on the health and status of Insight.

Beyond the valuable information, MarCO will be sending back, it serves as a pathfinder for future space exploration.

The mission launched over the weekend, and MarCO is now twice as far from the Earth than the Moon is. Things are going swimmingly as of now, the MarCO CubeSats are reporting back to Earth already.

Insight is set to land right after Thanksgiving, giving new meaning to the phrase “Cyber Monday.”

Jeff Goldberg

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Forum At Purdue Highlights Japanese Investment In Indiana

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Officials from the Japan Consulate visited Purdue University Wednesday for a forum connecting the business, education and government sectors. The visit was one of many stops for members of the consulate who are making the rounds of Indiana to understand how Japanese investment is impacting local communities.

Japanese officials share Hoosier leaders’ concerns about the future of the state’s workforce. Japan Consul-General Naoki Ito used one of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s buzz phrases – “next level” – to point out that growing investment in Indiana means Japanese companies need to see qualified workers ready to work.

“Japan and Indiana need to go to the next level too, but one of the issues, one of the challenges we need to deal with is workforce development,” Ito says.

Japan is Indiana’s largest international investor with about 300 of its companies investing in the state and supporting more than 58,000 jobs according to the Indiana Economic Corporation.

In his opening remarks, Purdue President Mitch Daniels says Indiana is number one in the U.S. in per capita investment by Japanese companies. Several others noted Indiana is the only state in the country that’s home to three Japanese automotive manufacturing companies: Subaru, Toyota, and Honda.

Ito says Indiana stands out from the rest when it comes to its business climate.

“It has sound fiscal policies, a central location, an excellent transportation network, and a low-cost business environment,” Ito says. “Hoosiers share then same strong work ethic and commitment to quality that we see in Japan.”

But Ito says just as Hoosier business leaders are concerned they can’t find enough skilled workers, Japanese companies are worried about what that might mean for future investment in the state.

Indiana Economic Development Corporation President Elaine Bedel agrees to point to Indiana’s low unemployment levels.

“We’re the lowest in the Midwest, lower than the national average, but that brings with us the other issues and the questions of  where do we get our worker pipeline?” Bedel says. “Not only from a skill level, but just sheer numbers of employees.”

Indiana Secretary of Career Connections and Talent Blair Milo previously served as mayor of La Porte.

She says while mayor, her city shared the state’s troubles.

“As some of the skill sets needed are changing and the connection points may change, and as we’re seeing the economy come forward and that tightening of the labor market overall,” Milo says.

She says the state’s “Next Level Jobs” plan – which connects employers and potential employees – will be expanding.

Election Officials Explain Significantly Lower Voter Turnout

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Election Officials Explain Significantly Lower Voter Turnout

MAY 10TH, 2018 MELANIE ZAYAS EVANSVILLE, INDIANA

Election officials say low voter turnout is typical during a primary election but more voters cast ballots this time around than in the last midterm in Indiana.

Dr. Robert Dion, a Political Science professor at the University of Evansville breaks down the trend. “That is because there weren’t people who were running unopposed which doesn’t exactly drive you to the polls so there weren’t a lot of contested races,” says Dion.

Larry Bucshon and Dr. Richard Moss faced off in the 8th Congressional District during Tuesday’s primary. Bucshon took the win, getting 60 percent of the vote, setting up a fight for the seat between Bucshon and William Tanoos in November.

Dr. Dion says, “It is very hard to dislodge an incumbent member of Congress. In his own party, in his own primary so it happens very infrequently.” Democrats had more township races while the Republicans had candidates running for U.S. Senate and State Representative. In the race for Indiana’s U.S. Senate seat, Republicans Mike Braun, Luke Messer, and Todd Rokita faced off Tuesday. All of them touted the faced that they see eye to eye with President Trump.

After Braun’s win, President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence called him, wishing him well for the matchup with current Senator Joe Donnelly this fall.

“We were watching and we are going to campaign the dickens out of Indiana and there might have been a different word in there and that was great and talked about the journey ahead,” says Braun.

But turnout was low during the primary which is typical. Election officials say more people usually show up for the general election in November. Vanderburgh County Clerk, Carla Hayden says, “Some of that is because Indiana has closed primaries so people have to choose a party. Some people don’t like doing that. They don’t like having to say, “Oh I want the Democrat ballot, or I want the Republican ballot, or they don’t want to have to pick.”

Dr. Dion says between the primary election and the presidential election – the results will create a spur to make people more likely to go out and cast a ballot. He explains, “There’s a little residual excitement left over from the presidential race. A lot of people expected the outcome to be different. As we see from the polls, not everybody is thrilled with the way things are going.”

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McNamara And Krizan Win Major GLVC Awards

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Eagles Have Five Named All-GLVC East

University of Southern Indiana senior left fielder Drake McNamara (Mt. Vernon, Indiana) was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Year and freshman centerfielder Bryce Krizan (Mt. Vernon, Indiana) was named the GLVC Freshman of the Year at the at the GLVC Awards Barbecue Wednesday night. McNamara leads five Screaming Eagles who were honored by the league with All-GLVC honors.

McNamara, who also was named first-team All-GLVC East Division, becomes only the third Eagle all-time to be named the GLVC Player of the Year, joining Kevin Brown (1993) and Darin Mastroianni (2007). He leads the GLVC in batting average (.400) and slugging percent (.823), while placing second in total bases (144), third in doubles (20) and RBIs (66), and tied for third in home runs (16).

The three-time All-GLVC award winner and reigning GLVC Player of the Week set the USI career record (32) and single-season mark (16) for home runs in last weekend’s four-game series at the University of Indianapolis. McNamara also tied the single-game record with three home runs in the game three 24-7 win.

Krizan becomes the first Eagle to be named the GLVC Freshman of the Year since the award was created in 1996. The freshman centerfielder leads the GLVC and ranks fourth nationally with 37 stolen bases while batting .293 in the lead-off spot for USI. He also has 50 runs scored, three doubles, and 25 RBIs.

Joining McNamara on the All-GLVC East Division first-team was senior utility player Nick Gobert (Jasper, Indiana) and junior catcher Logan Brown (Mt. Vernon, Indiana). Gobert, who has seen action on the mound, at third base, at first base, in right field, and as the designated hitter, is third on the team with a .357 batting average and ranks second on the squad with 45 RBIs, in addition to two home runs and a team-high 21 doubles.

Brown is having his best season as an Eagle, batting .323 with six doubles, one triple, four home runs, and 31 RBIs. The junior catcher also has thrown out 31 percent of base runners attempting to steal.

The Eagles featured senior right fielder Buddy Johnson (Shelbyville, Kentucky) and junior second baseman Jacob Fleming (Evansville, Indiana) on the All-GLVC East Division second-team.

Johnson, who set the USI single-game records with 10 RBIs and seven hits the 34-9 win over the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, is second on the team with a career-best .358 batting average, 40 runs scored, 16 doubles, two triples, and one home run. Fleming, who was named All-GLVC East Division for the second-straight year, is batting .298 with 46 runs scored, 10 doubles, a triple, and a home run while knocking in 29 RBIs.

The Eagles start GLVC Tournament action on Thursday at 9 a.m. when they play Quincy University in the first round. The GLVC Tournament, which is being played at U.S. Ball Park in Ozark, Missouri, runs through Sunday. USI is the third seed from the GLVC East, while Quincy is the second seed from the West.

USI’s Schubert earns All-Midwest Region honors

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University of Southern Indiana Softball sophomore outfielder Allison Schubert (Nicholasville, Kentucky) has been named second-team All-Midwest Region by the National Fastpitch Coaches’ Association.

A second-team All-GLVC honoree, Schubert is collecting her first All-Region award after hitting .346 with a team-best 11 doubles, 11 home runs and 41 RBIs in 2018.

Schubert is the eighth player in program history to hit 10 or more home runs in a single season, while her 11 home runs in 2018 are currently tie for fifth on USI’s single-season list.

USI (31-22) opens the NCAA II Midwest Region #1 Tournament Thursday at 1:30 p.m. (CDT) when it takes on the University of Indianapolis in Allendale, Michigan. The Screaming Eagles also opened the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament against the Greyhounds, coming away with a 4-0 win en route to winning their first GLVC Tournament crown since 1998 and fourth in program history.

WSWI 95.7 FM will carry USI’s games on the radio, while live stat, video and audio links are available at GoUSIEagles.com.

ADOPT A PET

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Silas is a 3-year-old male yellow Lab. He is a very chunky, handsome guy and very much a typical “Lab!” He was surrendered for his owner’s change in lifestyle. Silas’ adoption fee is $110 and includes his neuter, microchip, vaccines, and more. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 or www.vhslifesaver.org for details!

 

COA: Participating in needle exchange doesn’t excuse drug activity

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A Lawrence County man who argued he had “legal authority” to possess two syringes under the county’s needle exchange program has lost his appeal of his possession of paraphernalia conviction, with the Indiana Court of Appeals rejecting the notion that needle exchanges excuse illegal drug activity. However, the court overturned another of the man’s drug convictions for lack of evidence.

In Jerold W. Leatherman v. State of Indiana, 47A04-1711-CR-2711, two Bedford Police Department officers were patrolling a neighborhood in Mitchell when Jerold Leatherman opened the door of his van and nearly hit the unmarked patrol car. Pursuant to safety protocol, both officers exited their vehicle and approached Leatherman, who they saw hand a small bag to Heather Ditton, his passenger.

Sergeant Justin Dodd then saw Ditton shove the bag down her pants, so he escorted her from the van and removed the bag, which contained a substance later identified as methamphetamine. Detective Chris Roberts then conducted a patdown search on Leatherman and found two syringes in his pockets that he received from the county’s needle exchange program. Subsequent searches of the vehicles uncovered additional syringes in the van.

Leatherman was subsequently charged with Level 6 felony maintaining a common nuisance and Class C misdemeanor possession of paraphernalia, among other drug charges, and was alleged to be a habitual offender. After he was found guilty as charged, Leatherman appealed his Level 6 felony and Class C misdemeanor convictions, arguing they were not supported by sufficient evidence.

The Indiana Court of Appeals partially agreed on Wednesday, with Judge L. Mark Bailey writing the state “failed to provide evidence that the vehicle Leatherman drove had been used on multiple occasions for the delivery of a controlled substance.” Without that evidence, Leatherman’s conviction of maintaining a common nuisance cannot stand, Bailey wrote.

But the state did present evidence that Leatherman possessed meth and delivered it to Ditton, and that he was found in possession of two syringes, which is sufficient to support the possession of paraphernalia charge, Bailey said. Though Leatherman argued the needle exchange program gave him “legal authority” to possess the syringes, the appellate panel said the needle exchange statute does not carve out “immunity” from possession of paraphernalia charges.

“Rather, it is apparent that (Indiana Code) Section 16-41-7.5-9 protects the means by which individuals in counties with certain disease epidemics obtain hypodermic syringes,” Bailey wrote. “It does so by prohibiting mere possession of a needle obtained through the program or attendance at the program as bases for arrest or prosecution. Nothing in the language of the statute purports to condone unlawful conduct that transpires after an individual has obtained a needle from the exchange program.”

TRI-STATE FOOD BANK AND NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER CARRIERS TEAM UP TO STAMP OUT HUNGER

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Tri-State Food Bank and The National Association of Letter Carriers are teaming up for the 26th Annual STAMP OUT HUNGER on Saturday, May 12, 2018.  Letter Carriers will be picking up canned and non-perishable food donations along their mail routes throughout the day.  Team Members and volunteers of Tri-State Food Bank will be on hand at 4 post office locations between the times of 12:00PM to 6:00PM to assist in sorting and gathering the donations. All items that are donated will be distributed to local agencies through Tri-State Food Bank. The 4 locations are Diamond Valley, Wabash Ave, River City and Lawndale.

Tri-State Food Bank and The National Association of Letter Carriers would like to invite the public to join in a reading of the STAMP OUT HUNGER DAY proclamation by Deputy Mayor Steve Schaefer on Friday, May 11th at 9AM at the Lawndale Post Office to kick off the event.

 

 

 

UE men’s basketball announces 2018-19 non-conference slate

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Aces to play exciting schedule

 

In his first season at the helm of the University of Evansville men’s basketball program, head coach Walter McCarty will challenge his squad with a tough non-conference schedule for the 2018-19 season.

 

McCarty and the Purple Aces announced the slate on Wednesday and features a challenging road that will lead the team into Missouri Valley Conference play.

 

“We are very excited about the non-conference schedule, it is going to be a huge challenge for us,” McCarty said.  “The schedule has a good mix of Power 5 schools and others teams that have done very well in the tournament.  It will be challenging but very good for us in the long term.”

 

An increased emphasis was put on a higher level of competition in the non-conference portion of the schedule while also focusing on playing regional opponents that will increase fan interest while renewing rivalries that have helped to build the UE program.

 

“Our schedule is really good for the fans who have supported us in the past and have also been part of the rivalries and remember some of the big games that have taken place against these teams,” McCarty explained.  “It is great to get those rivalries back here and to get the community excited about them.”

 

On Saturday November 3, fans will have their first opportunity to see the Purple Aces squad as they welcome New Mexico Highlands to the Ford Center for an exhibition contest.  The Cowboys are coached by a name that Aces fans are familiar with – Craig Snow.  Snow was a player for the program from 1997 through 2001 and played a large part in the 1999 team that went to the NCAA Tournament.

 

“It will be good to have Craig back home and I know he will be looking forward to this opportunity,” Coach McCarty said.  “He is doing a really good job out there.  This will be a good chance for us to get used to the new guys and new system.  It should be a fun contest.”

 

Regular season play begins with a pair of road games against some of the top competition in the nation – Illinois and Xavier.  Both contests are part of the Maui Mainland Tournament.  UE heads to Champaign on November 8 before heading to Cincinnati to take on the Musketeers two days later.  The Fighting Illini went 14-18 in 2017-18, their first under head coach Brad Underwood.  Former UE assistant Geoff Alexander is a member of Underwood’s staff.  The game will be the first meeting between the schools.

 

Xavier is coming off of an historic season that saw them record a 29-6 record on the way to being a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history.  Evansville last played against Xavier in 2013.

 

“We have to be ready to play early in the season as we kick off with a bang at Illinois and Xavier, two teams that have enjoyed great success,” McCarty exclaimed.  “This will be a huge challenge and large step up for us.  Myself and our coaching staff will have to make sure that our guys are prepared and ready to compete.”

 

Evansville will be home the weekend of Friday, Nov. 16 for a pair of home games that will be part of the Maui Mainland Tournament.  Those opponents and game dates will be announced soon.

 

A road trip to Ball State awaits the squad on Nov. 24 and is part of a unique setup that features an in-season home-and-home with the Cardinals.  BSU comes to the Ford Center for a game on Sunday, December 9.  The Cardinals won 19 games last season and are two years removed from a 21-win season and a berth in the 2017 CIT.  It will mark the first game between the schools in ten years.

 

“This is something a little different that you do not see teams do as often,” McCarty explained.  “We thought it would be good for us to play up there and in Evansville in the same year.  They have a good team returning and it should be a good in-state rivalry game.”

 

Next up is a home game against Wyoming in the MVC/Mountain West Challenge.  The Cowboys are led by head coach Allen Edwards, who along with McCarty, were teammates on the 1996 University of Kentucky National Championship Team.  Wyoming won 20 games last year.

 

UE begins the month of December with a home game on December 1 with the opponent to be announced at a later date.  Three days later, the Aces head to Jonesboro, Ark. to complete a series against Arkansas State.  The Red Wolves played Evansville in last season’s opener with the Aces earning a 77-63 triumph.

 

Ball State makes its return trip to the Ford Center on Dec. 9 before Jacksonville State comes to town on Saturday, Dec. 15.  The Gamecocks have enjoyed great success as of late, winning 43 games over the last two years after registering 8 victories in the 2015-16 campaign.  JSU won the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament in 2016 on their way to the NCAA Tournament before winning 23 games last season, including a pair of contests in the CBI.

 

Another OVC foe awaits UE on Dec. 18 as the Purple Aces head to Murray, Ky. to renew its rivalry against Murray State.  The Racers had a great year in 2017-18, going 26-6 overall and 16-2 in conference play.  They won the league championship to advance to the NCAA Tournament.  The Aces and Racers have met six times since 2011.

 

“A lot of people are excited about that game,” McCarty said in regards to getting MSU back on the schedule.  “We know Murray State has a great tradition with what they have done over the last few years.  They always have really good talent.”

 

Green Bay marks the final opponent before Christmas.  The Aces welcome the Phoenix to Evansville on Dec. 22.  The final non-conference game is set for Saturday, Dec. 30 as UE heads to Oxford, Ohio to play Miami.  This will mark the seventh meeting between the programs since 2009.

 

Coach McCarty knows that the schedule is challenging and explains how this will pay off for his squad as the 2018-19 season progresses into conference play.

 

“This schedule will get our guys really locked in and prepared to play,” he said.  “They are excited about the newness of the schedule, the offense and defense and the coaching staff, just everything we have done in the last 2-3 weeks.”

 

“They understand that we have to be ready to play and have to set a standard where we are playing good basketball every night.  Hopefully this helps them lock in and are in their best shape.”

 

Season tickets are currently on sale.  For more information, call or text 812-488-ACES.

 

2018 Non-Conference Schedule

Saturday, November 3 – New Mexico Highlands (exhibition) – Ford Center

Thursday, November 8 – at Illinois – Champaign, Ill.

Saturday, November 10 – at Xavier – Cincinnati, Ohio

Friday, November 16 through Sunday, November 18 – Maui Mainland Tournament (2 games at Ford Center)

Saturday, November 24 – at Ball State – Muncie, Ind.

Wednesday, November 28 – Wyoming – Ford Center

Saturday, December 1 – TBA – Ford Center

Tuesday, December 4 – at Arkansas State – Jonesboro, Ark.

Sunday, December 9 – Ball State – Ford Center

Saturday, December 15 – Jacksonville State – Ford Center

Tuesday, December 18 – at Murray State – Murray, Ky.

Saturday, December 22 – Green Bay – Ford Center

Sunday, December 30 – at Miami Ohio – Oxford, Ohio

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