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Social activist Tia Oso To Present 2018 Mandela Social Justice Day Keynote Address

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Speech To Cap Full Day Of Social Justice And Activism ActivitiesTia Oso, director of impact at Revolve Impact and a dynamic and experienced social justice leader, will present the keynote address for the University of Southern Indiana’s 2018 Nelson Mandela Social Justice Day at 6 p.m. Wednesday, February 21 in Carter Hall located in University Center West. Oso’s address, “Chaos or Community: The Persistent Question in Achieving Racial Progress and Human Rights,” is free and open to the public.

Oso is a nationally respected organizer, strategist, and emerging leader on issues of racial equity, migrant rights and social justice. She has worked with #SayHerName and #BlackLivesMatter organizations. A dynamic leader and political strategist with over 15 years of grassroots organizing experience, Oso is an experienced community engagement professional specializing in social change initiatives such as building multi-racial and cross-cultural coalitions and strategic planning for grassroots community development. Her theory of change is firmly rooted in the ability of everyday people to become change-makers for social and economic justice. Oso’s passion for human rights and witty enthusiasm, move and inspire audiences to take action and make a difference in the world around them.

In her previous work with the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI), Oso led African American and Black immigrant communities in developing strategies for progressive wins in racial justice and migrant rights, and building multiracial coalitions. Her work in immigrant rights opened doors for greater solidarity and strengthening relationships internationally among people of African descent in grassroots movements and advocacy throughout the diaspora.

The keynote address is the culmination of a full day of activities meant to raise dialogue at USI around current issues of human and civil rights, public service, and activism. Additional events include “Immigration Explained,” featuring a panel of experts discussing and answering questions on immigration, and “Activism 101,” a workshop on creating change through social action. All events are open to the public as space is available. Previous keynote speakers in this series include Dr. Cornel West and Tim Wise. A full list of activities can be found on the USI website at USI.edu/liberal-arts/special-programs/mandela-social-justice-day/.

This event is sponsored by the USI College of Liberal Arts, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Multicultural Center, Counseling Center and the Office of Housing and Residence Life. For more information, contact Dr. Sakina Hughes, assistant professor of History and chair of the Mandela Social Justice Committee, at shughes1@usi.edu.

USI Softball predicted to win GLVC in 2018

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University of Southern Indiana Softball has been picked by league coaches to win the Great Lakes Valley Conference in 2018. The prediction was outlined in the GLVC Preseason Coaches’ Poll, which was released Wednesday by the conference office.

Additionally, the Screaming Eagles are ranked No. 6 in the National Fastpitch Coaches’ Association Preseason Top 25 Coaches’ Poll.

In the GLVC poll, USI received 193 points and 11 first-place votes to finish in front of the University of Missouri-St. Louis, which was picked second with 182 points and three first-place votes. Truman State University (166 points) and McKendree University (143 points) were respectively predicted to finish third and fourth, while Rockhurst University (141 points) garnered one first-place vote to round out the top five.

The University of Indianapolis (135 points) and the University of Illinois Springfield (117 points) were forecasted to finish sixth and seventh, respectively, while Bellarmine University (115 points), William Jewell College (96 points) and Lewis University (81 points) rounded out the top 10. Maryville University (57 points), Missouri University S&T (51 points), Quincy University (41 points), the University of Wisconsin-Parkside (31 points) and Drury University (26 points) completed the poll.

About the Eagles
USI returns 12 players, five position starters and its entire pitching staff from a team that was 46-14 overall, 19-7 in the GLVC, and won the NCAA II Midwest Region title a year ago. USI finished in a tie for first in the GLVC regular-season a year ago and slipped to No. 2 in the final Midwest Region rankings after a 0-2 performance at the GLVC Tournament.

The Eagles, however, hosted their first Midwest Region Tournament before earning the right to host the Midwest Super Regional, where they swept Wayne State University in the best-of-three series.

USI’s 2017 campaign came to a close at the NCAA II Softball Championship, where they lost to eventual national champion Minnesota State University-Mankato, 5-1, in the opener and to the University of West Florida, 4-3, in the elimination bracket.

Coaching Staff
The 2017 Midwest Region Coaching Staff of the Year is once again led by Head Coach Sue Kunkle, who returns to lead the Eagles for the 17th straight year. Kunkle, who earned GLVC Coach of the Year honors a year ago for the second time in her career, begins the 2018 season with a 472-338-1 (.583) overall record and a 228-170-1 (.573) mark in the GLVC. She has directed USI to the NCAA II Tournament in each of the last three years and four of the last five.

MacKenzi Dorsam ’15, a former GLVC Player of the Year at USI, begins her third year as an assistant coach for the Eagles, while Lexi Reese ’17 jumps into the coaching world after a stellar three-year playing career with the Eagles.

Top Returners in 2018
Senior first baseman Marleah Fossett (Brownsburg, Indiana) and sophomore pitcher Jennifer Leonhardt (Louisville, Kentucky) lead the Eagles into 2018 after earning All-America honors a year ago.

Fossett led the Eagles with a .412 batting average, .528 on-base percentage and a .998 fielding percentage in 2017. Her five home runs a year ago tied for third on the team, while her 32 RBIs were fourth.

Leonhardt was the GLVC Freshman of the Year as well as the Midwest Region Pitcher of the Year in 2017 after going 29-4 in the circle with a save, a 1.67 ERA and a .209 opponent batting average. Her GLVC-best 29 wins set a single-season program record and ranked sixth in the nation.

Position of strength
USI’s pitching staff figures to be one of the deepest in the region thanks to the emergence of juniors Caitlyn Bradley (Forest, Indiana) and Courtney Atkisson (Bringhurst, Indiana) in the circle a year ago. Bradley was 7-4 with a 1.87 ERA and three saves as a sophomore, while Atkisson was 10-6 with a 2.32 ERA despite playing much of the year with a nagging foot injury.

The return of red-shirt sophomore Haylee Smith (Florence, Kentucky) bolsters USI’s staff. Smith sat out last season, but was 11-8 with a 2.91 ERA and two saves as a freshman in 2016.

Offensive production
While Fossett figures to get a lot of the attention from opposing coaches, senior third baseman Mena Fulton (Bloomington, Indiana), senior outfielder Olivia Clark-Kittleson (Carbondale, Illinois) and junior second baseman Claire Johnson (Pittsboro, Indiana) all made big impacts on the Eagles’ lineup a year ago.

Fulton hit .337 with 12 doubles, a triple, three home runs and 21 RBIs a year ago, while Johnson racked up a .289 batting average, seven doubles, four triples, two home runs and 33 RBIs. Clark-Kittleson, a two-time All-GLVC honoree, recorded a career-high .376 batting average to go along with 28 runs scored and 11 RBIs in 2017.

USI also saw solid offensive production from Bradley and Leonhardt a year ago; and flashes of good things to come from sophomore outfielder Allison Schubert (Nicholasville, Kentucky). Bradley, who also played in the outfield, hit .284 with five doubles, five home runs and 27 RBIs; while Leonhardt hit .266 with four doubles, a home run and 14 RBIs last season.

Schubert had a .314 on-base percentage, two doubles, two home runs and nine RBIs during her freshman campaign.

Big shoes to fill
The loss of Haley Hodges, Lexi Reese and Grace Clark to graduation not only leaves a huge void in the offensive lineup, but it leaves some big question marks in the defensive alignment as well. Junior catcher/infielder Lindsey Barr (Whitesville, Kentucky) is a leading candidate to replace Hodges behind the plate, while sophomore infielder Taylor Ricketts (Georgetown, Kentucky) looks to fill the void left by Reese at shortstop. USI could use a number of different combinations to replace Clark in right field.

Off the bench
USI lost Alisha Ludwig (graduation) and Shelby Tate (left team to concentrate on academics), both of whom provided the Eagles solid base-running and were used in key situations in the offensive lineup last year. Senior Alex Logan (Carleton, Michigan) figures to be a go-to player in pinch-hit scenarios, provided she is not already in the lineup as a designated player. Logan hit .295 with three doubles, a home run and 11 RBIs in 61 at-bats as a junior.

New to the team
USI is infusing four freshmen into its squad this year, including infielder/outfielder Alicia Webb (Elberfeld, Indiana), outfielder/infielder Jessica Tucker (Georgetown, Kentucky), catcher/infielder Riley Regnier (Twin Lakes, Wisconsin) and first baseman/outfielder Haley Shouse (Borden, Indiana).

The 2018 schedule
The Eagles begin the 2018 campaign, February 9-11 when they travel to Huntsville, Alabama, for six games at the Charger Chillout. USI plays 2017 NCAA II South Regional Tournament participants in the University of Alabama-Huntsville and the University of North Alabama to open the weekend as well as NCAA II South Super-Regional finalist Lee University. North Alabama was the 2016 national champion.

USI hosts the 18-team Midwest Region Crossover February 23-25 at Deaconess Sports Park, where it will square off against 2017 NCAA II Midwest Region Tournament opponent Saginaw Valley State University.

Bouts with defending national champion Minnesota State-Mankato and 2017 NCAA II Midwest Region Tournament opponent Grand Valley State University highlight a 10-game swing for the Eagles at The Spring Games in Clermont, Florida, March 3-8. USI also plays against 2017 NCAA II Tournament participants Winona State University and Wilmington University at The Spring Games as well.

USI’s home and GLVC-opener is March 11 when it hosts Maryville in a doubleheader at the USI Softball Field. The Eagles conclude a four-game homestand March 17 against rival Bellarmine, while a doubleheader against NCAA II Tournament regular Indianapolis March 25 highlights the Eagles’ first conference road trip.

The Eagles host Illinois Springfield and Lewis March 30-31, while a twinbill against Midwest Region foe and 2017 NCAA II Tournament participant Kentucky Wesleyan College April 3 concludes a six-game homestand.

Home doubleheaders against Rockhurst and William Jewell April 14-15 split up a pair of four-game road trips, while a six-game home stretch, featuring doubleheaders against defending GLVC Tournament champion Missouri-St. Louis as well as McKendree, wraps up the regular-season for the Eagles.

The GLVC Tournament returns to the EastSide Centre in East Peoria, Illinois, May 3-5, while the NCAA II Midwest Regional is May 10-13. The NCAA II Midwest Super Regional is May 17-18, while the NCAA II Softball Championship is May 24-28 in Salem, Virginia.

St. Vincent Evansville birth announcements for January 23, 2018

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Amy and Zachary Spaetti, Evansville, IN, daughter, Vivi Ann, Jan. 14

Hayley and Seth Lindsey, Henderson, KY, daughter, Hannah Leeann, Jan. 15

Lindsey and Matt Schmittler, Fort Branch, IN, daughter, Ryelyne Rene, Jan. 15

Hope and Thomas Adcock, Evansville, IN, son, Thomas Lawson, Jan. 16

Rebecca and Lloyd Grigsby, Evansville, IN, daughter, Savannah Jade, Jan. 16

Tristyn Meeler, Evansville, IN, son, Rylan Carlisle, Jan. 16

Donna Sailer and Zahvell Madison, Princeton, IN, son, Zahvell Levay Jr., Jan. 16

Coral Kurtz and Blake Sales, Evansville, IN, son, Lucas Alexander, Jan. 16

Camille Owens and Brian Tyler Anderson, New Harmony, IN, daughter, Lorelia Sue, Jan. 16

Shawna and Thomas Watson, Petersburg, IN, son, William Alexander, Jan. 17

Alicia and Matthew Seits, Mount Vernon, IN, son, Dorian James, Jan. 17

Kacie and Brandon Gambrel, Evansville, IN, son, Rhett Michael, Jan. 17

Tatianna Burnette, Evansville, IN, daughter, Zymear Sahari, Jan. 18

Kusuma and Lee Tien, Evansville, IN, son, Jacob, Jan. 18

Derrica Fletcher, Evansville, IN, daughter, Paige Monae, Jan. 18

Kaitlyn McGee and Harrison Sherretz, New Harmony, IN, daughter, Esmae Rosalie, Jan. 18

Steffani and Luke Suter, Richland, IN, daughter, Rhealynn Michelle, Jan. 19

Christine and Adam Bradley, Evansville, IN, daughter, Jordyn Elizabeth, Jan. 19

Micheala Wobler and Derek Haas, Evansville, IN, daughter, Haydn Ellie, Jan. 19

Aubrie LeMay-Furlong and Korey McDowell, Evansville, IN, daughter, Kynlee Sue, Jan. 19

Jayla Campbell, Evansville, IN, daughter, Ajahya Jonae Nicole-Fyce, Jan. 20

Amanda and Nicholas Baylor, Evansville, IN, son, Warren Nicholas, Jan. 20

Jasmine Baity and Kyle Russell, Evansville, IN, son, Jayce Christopher Allan, Jan. 20

Carrie and Tony Figueroa, Evansville, IN, daughter, Grace Evelyn, Jan. 21

Holly and Jeffrey Bumpus II, Dixon, KY, son, Bryer Crew, Jan. 21

IS IT TRUE JANUARY 24, 2018

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We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUE” will provoke honest and open dialogue concerning issues that we, as responsible citizens of this community, need to address in a rational and responsible way?
IS IT TRUE that speculation has reached the fever point with respect to the upcoming announcement from former Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel that he is planning to seek the Democrat nomination to oppose Congressman Larry Bucshon in the 2018 election to be the House of Representatives member the Indiana’s 8th Congressional District?…for many Weinzapfel’s candidacies is a foregone conclusion?…holding elected office certainly has been about the only job that Weinzapfel has continually sought for his entire adult life?…he has been a banker, a lawyer, and a community college chancellor but the only constant in the former Mayor’s life has been his ravenous hunger to be elected?
IS IT TRUE we are hearing that opposing campaigns are licking their chops at the prospects of running against Weinzapfel? …we are told that his competition will remind the voters of the 8th District about the some of the questionable decisions he made while he was Mayor of Evansville?
IS IT TRUE if Weinzapfel decides to run for Congress his Democrat challenger will be a well-respected person who does not have a litany of financial debacles in his political history? …for the last several months a prominent Terre Haute attorney William Tanoos has been going all around the 8th district, visiting as many counties, communities as possible? …we have been told that he is receiving good support in Vanderburgh County and the surrounding counties in Southwest Indiana?
IS IT TRUE that Congressman Bucshon is seemly well liked among most Republicans in the 8th District and he will remind voters that the economy has been on fire since President Donald Trump was elected?…we are told that it will be difficult for any Democrat to defeat Congressman Bucshon because he will have the strong financial backing of local, state and the national GOP?  …you can also expect that Vice President Pence and Governor Holcomb and their friend will put unlimited financial resources to ensure that Congressmen Bucshon will be re-elected?
IS IT TRUE that 8th District Congressman Larry Bucshon has an opponent in the Republican primary? …we expect conservative Dr. Richard Moss of Jasper to call Mr. Bucshon out on some of the votes he casts during recent years?  …we know that Dr. Moss will be dogging him about his legal resident’s status?
IS IT TRUE on the minus side Congressman Larry Bucshon is a dull campaigner?  …some people consider him to be a little cold and snobbish but we feel he might be just reserved?  …people are telling us that it seems like his campaign staff has lost some of their focus? …Dr. Bucshon has to convince the people of the 8th District that he and his family home is here and not in Washinton, DC? …we expect that race for the 8th District Congressional seat will be the most costly and in your face political battle we have seen in a long time?
IS IT TRUE we predict that the upcoming 2018 Primary and General elections are going to extremely competitive? …that Federal, State and County offices are on the ballot? …we expect that the District #2 Republican primary race for County Commissioner will be one hell of a race to watch?  …the candidate who can garner 5,500 votes will be the primary winners?  …we expect this race will draw a big voter turnout?
IS IT TRUE we are told that it will be particularly burdensome for any candidate that has wasted tax dollars on questionable projects and a reputation for arrogance and hubris dominating his or her resume will have a hard time in being elected to public office in 2018 or 2019?
IS IT TRUE it looks like District 77 State Representative Ryan Hatfield is on his way to an easy re-election bid? …during his first term in office, Mr. Hatfield has established himself as a voice of reason and an extremely hard-working elected official?
IS IT TRUE that Brady Hall just announced that he is no longer a candidate for the Indiana State Senate District 49 because he has decided to move to Indianapolis?  …we wish him well because he is an extremely nice person?
 IS IT TRUE that the newly appointed Finance Chairman of the Evansville City County did a good job in that position at last Monday meeting?  …we congratulate Jonathon Weaver for being up to the task?
IS IT TRUE that the newly elected President of the Evansville City Council, Jim Brinkmeyer is doing a very good job in conducting council meetings?
Todays “Readers Poll” question is: Do you feel that the chances of 8th District Congressman Larry Bucshon being re-elected to another term are very good?
Please take time and read our articles entitled “STATEHOUSE FILES, CHANNEL 44 NEWS, LAW ENFORCEMENT, READERS POLL, BIRTHDAYS, HOT JOBS” and “LOCAL SPORTS”.  You now are able to subscribe to get the CCO daily.
If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us City-County Observer@live.com.
EDITOR’S FOOTNOTE:  Any readers comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers

 

Senate Committee Passes Billing Legalizing Sale Of CBD oil

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Olivia Covington for www.theindianalawyer.com

A bill that would allow Hoosiers to purchase a marijuana-derived product over-the-counter from any retailer is headed to the full Senate floor.

The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee have passed Senate Bill 52, which would allow any person to purchase cannabidiol, or CBD, oil without a prescription or medical reason, if the oil contains no more than 0.3 percent THC. Purchasers would not have to put their names on a registry, but all CBD oil containers would have to be labeled and certified as having no more than 0.3 percent THC.

The original language of SB 52 allowed for the sale of CBD oil with zero THC, but based on a two-hour session of testimony last week, the bill passed Tuesday defines “zero THC” at the 0.3 percent limit. Additionally, an amendment to the bill would provide immunity to state contractor employees who test positively during a drug test but have legally purchased the oil.

Sen. Rod Bray, R-Martinsville, raised concerns about that amendment, questioning how employers would know when an employee tests positive for THC – the substance that causes the euphoric effects of marijuana – because of the legal use of CBD oil. The bill’s author and committee chair Sen. Mike Young, R-Indianapolis, acknowledged that issue did raise questions, but said he thinks it’s important for immunity to be available to employees abiding by the law. Bray suggested that issue could require further study to come to a more concrete answer to this question.

 Senate Minority Leader Tim Lanane, D-Anderson, celebrated Tuesday’s version of SB 52 as a “common sense bill,” considering it would allow consumers to purchase CBD oil over-the-counter and without having to put their name on a state registry. Another of Young’s bills, SB 294, would allow patients on a state registry to purchase CBD oil to treat certain cases of epilepsy if they can prove their presence on the registry. Testimony was also heard on SB 294 last week, but Young did not bring it before the committee for a vote on Tuesday.

The committee passed SB 52 with a 7-2 vote, with Sens. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, and Eric Koch, R-Bedford, opposing it. The vote comes after Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill issued an advisory opinion last year that said CBD oil remained illegal in Indiana, despite legislation in 2017 that allowed the oil to be used to treat intractable epilepsy.

SB 52 now heads to the Senate floor, where it can be amended and passed.

REPRESENTATIVE HATFIELD VOTES YES FOR SUNDAY SALES

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Representative Ryan Hatfield (D-Evansville) issued the following statement after the Indiana House approved House Bill 1051, a bill allowing carryout alcohol sales on Sundays from noon to 8 p.m.:

“I am happy to endorse a bill that can be good for our convenience stores, our business revenue, and our citizens. Indiana is one of twelve states that bans alcohol on Sundays, and I am glad the legislature is making a positive change on our alcohol sales.

“These are the first steps toward bringing Indiana’s alcohol laws into the 21st Century. These changes, which are long overdue, reflect a public sentiment that believes our state should not be stuck with archaic laws that reflect thinking of the Prohibition Era, when they were first enacted.

“Considering the large margins of support that this proposal received in both its House and Senate versions, I would say that lawmakers are finally ready to follow the public’s wishes on this issue.

“This should not be the last move we make in this area. There is much more that can be done, and we should have the time and the will to do it.”

 

Disney Dreams Come True For 48 Students Thanks To Cops Connecting With Kids

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Community: Disney Dreams are about to come true for 48 students thanks to Cops Connecting With Kids

Members of the Evansville Police Department and Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office will be taking 48 EVSC students on the trip of a lifetime on Tuesday. As part of the Cops Connecting With Kids program, they will team up with teachers for their 4th annual trip to Walt Disney World.

The trip is funded through sponsorships and fundraisers. To date, the group has provided this experience for 118 students from Glenwood, Cedar Hall, and McGary. 

The group will depart from Glenwood Leadership Academy on Tuesday at 1:30 pm. There will be a send-off ceremony beginning at 12:30 pm.

They will visit all 4 Disney Parks before returning home on Sunday. On the trip back to Evansville, they will visit the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial in Atlanta Georgia.

Democrat William Tanoos Is Running For Indiana’s 8th Congressional District

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Tanoos Whats To Restore Middle Class And Bring Good Paying Jobs To District

Terre Haute, IN – Several months ago via an online video, local attorney William Tanoos announced his candidacy as a Democrat for Indiana’s 8th Congressional District.

Tanoos currently works as a disability attorney, getting help to those most vulnerable. He pledges to take that spirit with him to Washington and work for the people of the Eighth District.

He said; “I’m running because I believe our middle class is what has made America the greatest country in the world for generations. It’s clear to everyone that those currently in Congress have lost their way. They no longer work for the working families in their communities, but instead for the special interests that have come to define Washington. I want to go to Congress to change that.”

He also added that the “The American dream is not dead. Together, we can rebuild the middle class and support working Hoosiers who have proven to be the backbone of this great country,” said Tanoos. “That’s what families all around our state have valued and relied on for generations and we have no intention of letting it go without a fight.”

Tanoos is an alumnus of South Vigo High School and Indiana University, where he graduated cum laude with concentrations in History and Political Science. He earned his Juris Doctorate from IU’s McKinney School of Law and practices law in the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana.

Away from his practice, Tanoos is interested in film, writing, and spending time with his family. William and his family have been active members of St. George Orthodox Christian Church for generations. William and his wife, Katie, reside in Terre Haute with their beautiful 11-month old son, Jack, and Truman, the family dog.