Eagles stymie Rangers, 74-55
The University of Southern Indiana men’s basketball team used a strong defensive effort to roll over the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, 74-55, Thursday evening at the Physical Activities Center. USI, which is a perfect 12-0 at home this year and has won its last 18 at the PAC, saw its record rise to16-5 overall and 7-2 in the GLVC, while UW-Parkside goes to 7-12 overall, 5-4 GLVC.
USI battled UW-Parkside to a six-point lead at the end of the first half, 31-25, scoring the final five points of the half. The Eagles took the command of the first half at the 13:49 mark with a 6-0 run and would lead by as many as six points twice.
Senior forward Julius Rajala (Helsinki, Finland) led the Eagles offensive charge in the open 20 minutes with 10 points, while senior guard Marcellous Washington(Lexington, Kentucky) followed with seven points. The nine Eagles that played during the first half all contributed a bucket to the halftime lead.
In the second half, the Eagles methodically began to pull away from the Rangers, building a double-digit advantage for the final 10 minutes of the game and leading by as many as 21 points, 74-53. USI also did the job on the defensive end, holding UW-Parkside to 33.3 percent shooting (10-30) in the final 20 minutes, 35.1 percent (20-57) for the contest.
Individually, USI junior guard Alex Stein (Evansville, Indiana) led three Eagles in double-digits with 20 points. Stein, who scored 18 of his 20 points in the final half, was seven-of-12 from the field, three-of-three from long range, and three-of-three from the stripe.
Rajala followed Stein in the scoring column, adding four second half points to finish with 14. He finished six-of-10 from the field and two-of-two from the line. Washington also added four points in the final 20 minutes and conclude the game with 11 points on a blistering five-of-eight from the field.
On the glass, freshman forward Emmanuel Little (Indianapolis, Indiana) reached double-digit rebounds for the seventh time this year with a game-high 10 rebounds. Rajala followed Little in the rebound column with seven boards.
The Eagles hit the road Saturday to visit McKendree University for a 3 p.m. match-up in Lebanon, Illinois. The Bearcats saw their record go to 11-8 overall and 2-7 in the GLVC after an 84-78 loss to William Jewell College at home tonight.
USI is 9-7 all-time against McKendree after sweeping a pair of games with the Bearcats last year (104-58 win at McKendree; 81-67 win at the PAC). Washington led six Eagles in double-digits with 20 points in the win at McKendree, while Stein posted 27 points to lead four Eagles in double-figures during the win at the PAC. USI also is 7-1 against McKendree in GLVC play and 3-4 on the road.
Eagles survive 3-point barrage, top Rangers for fifth straight win
University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball survived an aerial assault as the No. 10/20 Screaming Eagles earned a 74-57 Great Lakes Valley Conference victory over East Division foe University of Wisconsin-Parkside Thursday evening at the Physical Activities Center.
USI (16-2, 8-1 GLVC) used a 17-0 run that spanned the final moments of the first half and the opening stages of the third quarter to build a commanding 52-32 lead. It used a 10-0 run to begin the game and led 26-14 heading into the second period, but a barrage of three-pointers kept the Rangers within striking distance throughout the contest
UW-Parkside (6-15, 2-7 GLVC), which went 12-of-30 from three-point range, cut USI’s lead to as low as two points in the second quarter; and trailed 35-32 before a 4-0 USI spurt sent the Eagles into the intermission with a 39-32 lead.
Following USI’s 13-0 surge to open the second half, the Rangers used a 10-2 spurt that featured a three-pointer and a three-shot foul to claw back into the contest.
USI, which led 60-48 heading into the final 10 minutes, closed the door on UW-Parkside’s upset bid by limiting the Ranger’s to just nine points and one three-pointer in the fourth quarter.
Senior forward Morgan Dahlstrom (Grayslake, Illinois) had a game-high 22 points and a career-high tying 17 rebounds to lead the Eagles, who shot 42.0 percent (29-69) from the field. Senior guard/forward Kaydie Grooms (Marshall, Illinois) added 12 points and a pair of steals, while junior guard Alex Davidson (Salem, Indiana) chipped in 11 points, two steals and five rebounds.
USI also got three points and eight assists from senior guard Randa Harshbarger (Philo, Illinois), while junior forward Kacy Eschweiler (St. Charles, Missouri) contributed eight points and five rebounds.
The Eagles, who outrebounded the Rangers 47-36, held UW-Parkside to just 33.3 percent (20-60) shooting and had a decisive 44-10 edge in points in the paint. USI also scored 30 points off 22 UW-Parkside turnovers.
Junior guard/forward Ali Bettencourt had 18 points and five assists to lead the Rangers, who were 8-of-13 (.615) from three-point range in the first half.
USI returns to action Saturday at 1 p.m. when it travels to Lebanon, Illinois, to take on McKendree University. The Bearcats (8-8, 4-5 GLVC) fell to William Jewell College, 68-63, Thursday evening.
Notes: USI improved to 12-0 at home this season and has won 18 consecutive games at the PAC dating back to last season…Davidson has recorded double-figures in each of the last four games and seven times this year…Dahlstrom is averaging 12.6 rebounds per game in USI’s last five outings, twice reaching the 15-rebound plateau along the way.
Gov. Holcomb Public Schedule for Jan. 26 through Jan. 29
INDIANAPOLIS – Below find Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb’s public schedule for Jan. 26 though Jan. 29, 2018.
Friday, Jan. 26, 2018: Next Level Veterans Announcement
WHO:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Gov. Holcomb
Lt. Gov. Crouch
WHAT:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â The governor will give remarks.
WHEN:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 26
WHERE:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Indiana Statehouse
200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
North Atrium
Monday, Jan. 29, 2018: Indiana State Conference NAACP Legislative Day
WHO:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Gov. Holcomb
WHAT:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â The governor will give remarks.
WHEN:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 29
WHERE:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Indiana Statehouse
200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
South Atrium
VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES
 Evansville, IN – Below are the felony cases to be filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office today.
Ryan Lynn Utley: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)
Trey Coulton McDowell: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)
Gregory Wilson: Maintaining a common nuisance – controlled substances (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substances (Class A misdemeanor), Possession of marijuana (Class B misdemeanor), Possession of paraphernalia (Class C misdemeanor)
Bobby Wayne Dyson: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Possession of marijuana (Class A misdemeanor), Driving while suspended (Class A misdemeanor)
Vincent S. Bufkin: Disarming a law enforcement officer (Level 5 Felony), Battery against a public safety official (Level 6 Felony), Battery against a public safety official (Level 6 Felony)
Seville Lamorio Carter: Failure to register as a sex or violent offender (Level 6 Felony)
Michael Allen Gross: Unlawful possession or use of a legend drug (Level 6 Felony), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor), Criminal trespass (Class A misdemeanor)
Darius Antwan Staten: Operating a motor vehicle after forfeiture of license of life (Level 5 Felony), Auto theft (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Class A misdemeanor), Possession of marijuana (Class B misdemeanor)
Matthew A. Wilkey: Attempt Criminal recklessness (Level 5 Felony), Intimidation (Level 6 Felony), Carrying a handgun without a license (Class A misdemeanor)
Blake Elden Gourley: Possession of a narcotic drug (Level 6 Felony), Unlawful possession of syringe (Level 6 Felony), Maintaining a common nuisance – controlled substances (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Class A misdemeanor)
Joanna Sue Ubelhor: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 5 Felony), Maintaining a common nuisance – controlled substances (Level 6 Felony), Possession of paraphernalia (Class C misdemeanor), Possession of a look-a-like substance (Class C misdemeanor)
Joshua Edward Draper: Disarming a law enforcement officer (Level 5 Felony), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor)
Randall Joseph Ubelhor: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 5 Felony), Maintaining a common nuisance – controlled substances (Level 6 Felony), Possession a look-a-like substance (Class C misdemeanor), Possession of paraphernalia (Class C misdemeanor)
Ryan Michael Kennedy: Unlawful possession of syringe (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a narcotic drug (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Class A misdemeanor)
Brock W. Gourley: Possession of a narcotic drug (Level 6 Felony), Unlawful possession of syringe (Level 6 Felony), Maintaining a common nuisance – controlled substances (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a synthetic drug or synthetic drug lookalike substance (Class A misdemeanor)
Brandon Michael Riordan: Operating a vehicle as a habitual traffic violator (Level 6 Felony), Driving while suspended (Class A misdemeanor)
Alex Dean Schafer: Neglect of a dependent (Level 6 Felony), Neglect of a dependent (Level 6 Felony), Neglect of a dependent (Level 6 Felony), Neglect of a dependent (Level 6 Felony), Neglect of a dependent (Level 6 Felony), Neglect of a dependent (Level 6 Felony)
Leann Irene Schafer: Neglect of a dependent (Level 6 Felony), Neglect of a dependent (Level 6 Felony), Neglect of a dependent (Level 6 Felony), Neglect of a dependent (Level 6 Felony), Neglect of a dependent (Level 6 Felony), Neglect of a dependent (Level 6 Felony)
Collin Scott Smith: Theft (Level 6 Felony), Criminal mischief (Class B misdemeanor)
Toddrick Sean Ogburn: Operating a vehicle as an habitual traffic violator (Level 6 Felony)
Edward S. Meredith Sr.: Dealing in methamphetamine (Level 3 Felony), Dealing in methamphetamine (Level 4 Felony)
Brian Carl Jordan: Operating a vehicle with an ACE of 0.15 or more (Level 6 Felony)
William Wayne Simmons Jr.: Unlawful possession of syringe (Level 6 Felony)
Fake Deputy Scam Targets Local Dentists
- Phone scammers are continuing to target local dentists. The Sheriff’s Office has received multiple calls from victims reporting that a man identifying himself as a deputy from the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office has been threatening local doctors with arrest.
The caller claimed that the doctor had a warrant for their arrest as a result of missed court date. The caller knew the correct name of the doctor, but did not appear to possess any personally identifiable information. The caller attempted to extort money from the victim in order to have the warrant recalled. The victims in each case recognized the call as a scam and hung up. The Sheriff’s Office first reported this scam to the public in July of last year and notified the Indiana Dental Association.
The Sheriff’s Office does not solicit the payment of fines or fees over the phone. Area residents are advised to treat any unsolicited caller who requests payment with extreme skepticism, regardless of who the caller claims to represent. When in doubt get the caller’s name, hang up, and then call the business or government entity back at a phone number you know to be correct.
IS IT TRUE JANUARY 26, 2018
IS IT TRUE that speculation has now reached a less than fever pitch with respect to the upcoming announcement from former Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel that he is planning to seek the Democrat nomination for the US House of Representative?  …several people in the political know feel that Weinzapfel late entry in the race will cause a serious split in the Democratic party?
IS IT TRUE we hear that Mr. Weinzapfel may announce his attention to run for the US Congress via social media in a couple of days?  …we are told if Mr. Weinzapzel decides to do so he will also send his announcement to area media via social media?
IS IT TRUE that Weinzapfel Democrat challenger is a well respected Terre Haute attorney with a good political following throughout the 8th Congressional District?  …it’s been alleged that a couple of Weinzapfel supporters approached Tanoos and asked him to withdraw from 8th District Congressional primary race?  …Tanoos response was heck no?  …we hear that Mr. Tanoos resolve to win the 8th District Congressional primary race is now stronger than ever?  …all we can say is let the political dogfight begin?
IS IT TRUEÂ ..we predict the Republican primary be extremely interesting to watch? Â …Congressman Bucshon is the establishment candidate that is seemly well liked by most Republicans in the 8th District? …you can rest assured that Governor Holcomb and Vice President Pence will do everything they can to help Congressmen Bucshon to win the primary race?
IS IT TRUE the political establishment in Indy better beware of the non-establishment candidate and successful businessmen Mike Braum from Jasper? Â …his TV commercials are well done and sends a well thought out conservative message to the voters of the 8th District? Â …that Mr. Braum must believe in what he doing because he put up $4 million dollars of his own money to fund his primary campaign?
Gas Pipeline Upgrades Underway in Evansville
JANUARY 26TH, 2018Â 
BRITNEY TAYLORÂ EVANSVILLE, INDIANA
Vectren is spending more than five million dollars to retire more than eight miles of gas main and service lines in Evansville alone.
In the last 10 years, about 60 miles have already been replaced within the city – with 130 miles to go.
Streets affected during the first project include South Rotherwood Avenue, East Mulberry Street, Bellemeade Avenue, East Gum Street, Runnymede Avenue, and South Englewood Avenue.
To view an interactive map displaying all street in Evansville where construction will take place in 2018, click here.
Evansville is one of nearly 75 cities in Indiana undergoing this type of pipeline replacement.
Senate Bill Calls For Carbon Monoxide Testing In Vehicles
TheStatehouseFile.com
INDIANAPOLIS—Savannah Bettis was traveling home from a shopping trip with her boyfriend when she got a bad headache and passed out.
Her boyfriend, Jesse Hurt, immediately called her parents and began heading to the hospital. But moments later, he, too, passed out and crashed the car. Savannah, who was looking forward to her high school graduation the next week, was killed and Jesse was injured.
“What we know from Savannah’s case is that the vehicle she was riding in was leaking substantially,†said Sen. Michael Crider, R-Greenfield. “The autopsy determined that really the primary cause of her death was not injuries from a vehicle accident. It was from carbon monoxide poisoning.â€
Crider and Sen. Michael Delph, R-Carmel, have authored Senate Bill 100, which would allow fire departments to perform carbon monoxide emission tests on vehicles free of charge. On Tuesday, the legislation, known as Savannah’s Law, passed the Senate 48-0.
Currently, the Wayne Township Fire Department offers voluntary free carbon monoxide emission test to the public.
After her death, Alexis Harris, a friend of Savannah and her parents, Wendy and John Bettis, created the #SavannahStrong foundation.
John and Wendy Bettis reached out to Delph, in hopes of spreading awareness about the risk of carbon monoxide leaks in an older car across Indiana and getting a law passed in the General Assembly.  “She always helped “She everyone. It didn’t matter race, clique, what type of person you were, she was there for everybody and anybody,†John Bettis said of his daughter in an interview. “She was her own individual person that went above and beyond to help others.â€
The #SavannahStrong foundation funds the Savannah Bettis Memorial Endowed Scholarship with the Wayne Township Education Foundation—a scholarship to help high school seniors further their education.
“Savannah Strong means everything to me and Wendy. It’s moving Savannah Bettis’s legacy along on what she would do in life if she was here,†John Bettis said. “We will continue doing this for the rest of our life as far as raising awareness, having events, helping others.â€
The Bettis family supported the bill and now encourage citizens to get their vehicles tested at their local fire stations.
A carbon monoxide test takes fewer than 15 minutes. While the vehicle is running, a trained firefighter places a carbon monoxide meter inside the vehicle. After the time has passed, the meter displays the amount of carbon monoxide leaking into the vehicle.
When carbon monoxide is present in vehicles there are no warning signs because the invisible gas has no taste or smell. Among the symptoms of poisoning are headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
The only way to know whether a vehicle is at risk is to test it.
Andy Harris, the firefighter for the Wayne Township Fire Department, said citizens should get vehicles tested yearly and those 10 years and older need to be monitored more frequently.
The bill now moves to the House.
FOOTNOTE: Bryan Wells contributed to this report. Amari Thompson and Bryan Wells are reporters for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.