Eugene Roche, active hot walker at age 91, dies in Louisville

02/25/2017

Sent on behalf of the Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund. Photos are Eugene Roche leading Master Derby into the winner’s circle for the 1975 Preakness Stakes and of Mr. Roche walking horses at the track into his 90s. Provided by the Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund.

Eugene Gavalon Roche, Jr.: June 17, 1925 – February 24, 2017
Eugene Roche â€” perhaps the oldest active hot-walker in the country at age 91 â€” died Friday, Feb. 24, in Louisville, Ky.

Born in 1925 in Tampa, Fla., Roche took his first job walking horses at Sunshine Park when he was 25, spending the rest of his life in horse racing as a hotwalker, groom, owner and trainer. He was walking horses, doing barn laundry and cleaning tack as recently as December, after which Churchill Downs and its satellite Trackside training center closed stabling for the winter.

Roche traveled to all the major racetracks in America while working long stints for some of the sport’s winningest trainers, including Everett W. King and William E. â€œSmileyâ€ Adams. He attended to some of the most remarkable horses in Thoroughbred racing, including 1967 Filly Triple Crown winner and Hall of Fame inductee Dark Mirage, 1975 Preakness Stakes winner Master Derby, and Run Dusty Run, who finished second to Seattle Slew in 1977 in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.

He worked the last 25 years for trainer Marty Rouck while stabled in Kentucky.Â He rarely missed a Monday night church service held in Christ Chapel on Churchill Downsâ€™ backstretch. Known for his love of picking winners, Roche never handicapped horses from a racing form, judging them instinctively, by their looks, character and information provided by his many friends.

Roche will be missed by his colleagues on the track, his friends at Wagner’s Pharmacy, and by his neighbors at the Old School Apartments, where he lived the last 15 years of his life, one block from Churchill Downs.Â A memorial service will be held during the Churchill Downs spring meet.

Will Read and Sing for Food

02/25/2017

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Â proudly welcomes back

Will Read and Sing For Food (WRASFF)

Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana

318 Main Street

Saturday, March 11th at 7 PM

(doors open & ticket sales begin at 6 PM)

WRASFF, a unique show that mixes live music, humor essays and interviews, will raise money for WNIN public radioâ€™s Â¿QuÃ© pasa Midwest?, WNIN 88.3â€™s first national bilingual podcast.

Performers and musicians in this 90-minute show include:

WRASFF founder and humor writer, Scott Saalman
WNIN reporter, Paola Marizan
Courier-Press columnist, Jon Webb
WEVV 44 reporter & singer, Gretchin Irons
Reggae musician,Â Zion
Guitarist, Shawn Needham
Singer-songwriter, Marc Steczyk
Instrumentalist, Ray Major
Singer-songwriter, Vesper Days

About WRASFF:

Since 2011, Jasper-based WRASFF has raised over $85,000 for local charities and causes in southern Indiana, including Susan B. Komen Evansville Chapter and Evansvilleâ€™s United Services. In 2016, WRASFF was honored with an Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana Mayorâ€™s Arts Award in Evansville.

AboutÂ Â¿QuÃ© pasa Midwest?:

Â¿QuÃ© pasa Midwest? was selected, along with just seven stations from around the country, to produce national programming from Evansvilleâ€™s riverfront and through the Midwest. The Midwest is unique in its challenges as immigrants seek their version of the American Dream amid a majority population resistant to change. This transformational bilingual programming seeks to bridge those communities with informative and entertaining cross-platform content. Their goal is to discuss important and even provocative issues, but always through the lens of the people affected by them. Paola chose the bilingual format, rather than either English or Spanish, so that the true meanings of those in the programs can be expressed. The translations and paraphrasing are carefully timed to keep English-only, or Spanish-only speakers engaged throughout the program. The money raised at this event will help forward the podcast by providing a means for merchandise production and community engagement.Tickets are a $10 donation or more per person and can be purchased at the door starting at 6 p.m. at the venue.

All proceeds will benefit Â¿QuÃ© pasa Midwest?

Show #107 sponsor: Chris Fleck (Edward Jones)

Consumer Alert from the office of the Indiana Attorney GeneralÂ

02/25/2017

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INDIANAPOLIS â€“ The Consumer Protection Division (CPD) of the Office of the Indiana Attorney General is recommending Hoosiers exercise caution when considering tax refund advances, or tax refund-related loan programs. Such options commonly are offered by well-known tax preparation service companies.

The CPD has received complaints from Hoosiers involving both traditional loans and debit cards funded with tax refund advances. The advances and loans have become popular offers made to consumers in anticipation of tax refunds. The CPD is encouraging Hoosiers to exercise caution if they choose an advance or loan when filing taxes with a tax preparation service company.

In one complaint, a consumer reported incurring twoÂ $35-per-transaction fees when withdrawing funds using the debit card under certain circumstances. The consumer incurred $70 in fees to access his money. In another, a consumer reported that he utilized the tax preparation services believing he would qualify for a tax refund-related loan but later learned he did not qualify for the loan. The consumer paid more than $400 dollars for the company’s tax preparation services, believing he would benefit from a tax refund-relatedÂ loan that he ultimately did not receive.

The CPD and the Office of the Indiana Attorney General advise that consumers wishing to take advantage of these tax refund advances or loan programs carefully review all of the terms of the programs. Hoosiers should ask representatives soliciting participation in these programsÂ detailed questions about the fees, interest, andÂ qualification criteriaÂ of the programs. Â While these programs may benefit some consumers, they may not beÂ beneficialÂ for all. Consumers should alsoÂ understand that they may not qualify forÂ theÂ programs. They should base their decisions about whether to use the services of aÂ tax preparation service companyÂ on factors other than whether the companyÂ offers one of these programs.

If Hoosiers believe they have been misled or deceived about these products or services,Â they can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division by contactingÂ 317-232-6330 or 800-382-5516.Â Complaint forms can be mailed or emailed to consumers by our customer service representative.Â Consumers can also download a copy of the complaint form or submit a complaint online atÂ IndianaConsumer.com.

USI Stumbles In Home Opener, 6-5

02/25/2017

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The University of Southern Indiana baseball team fell short in a comeback and lost to Wayne State University, 6-5, Friday afternoon in game one of the Dunn Hospitality Invitational. USI is 1-3 to start the spring, while WSU goes to 3-1 in 2017.

The Screaming Eagles took the early 1-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI-ground out by junior third basemanÂ Sam GriggsÂ (Evansville, Indiana), scoring junior centerfielderÂ Buddy JohnsonÂ (Shelbyville, Kentucky). USI would hold the 1-0 lead until the third when WSU scored four times to take command, 4-1.

After WSU increased the margin to 6-1 with two runs in the fourth, USI tried to comeback. The Eagles scored once in the fourth on a RBI-double by senior rightfielderÂ Cody MontgomeryÂ (Shepherdsville, Kentucky) and three times in the fifth on an RBI-double by junior designated hitterÂ Nick GobertÂ (Jasper, Indiana) and a two-run single by junior second basemanÂ Joe RedburnÂ (Newburgh, Indiana) to make the score 6-5.

The USI rally came to an end at that point as the Eagles would not get a runner past second base in the final four innings of the 6-5 final.

On the mound, junior right-handerÂ Kyle GriffinÂ (Morganfield, Kentucky) took the loss for the Eagles. Griffin (0-2) allowed four runs, one earned, on four hits and two walks, while striking out five in three innings of work.

Senior right-handerÂ Lucas BarnettÂ (Sellersburg, Indiana) followed Griffin to the mound and allowed two runs on four hits and two walks, striking out two. Sophomore right-handerÂ Austin KrizanÂ (Mt. Vernon, Indiana) finished the game with the best day on the mound, throwing four scoreless innings, allowing two hits and three strikeouts.

The Eagles conclude its portion of the Dunn Hospitality Invitational Saturday at 4:30 p.m. when they host Notre Dame College (OH). Notre Dame will enter the weekend with a 1-2 mark.

Governor Holcombâ€™s Schedule for February 25 to 27

02/25/2017

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INDIANAPOLIS â€“ Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb will participate in his first National Governors Association meetings in Washington D.C., Feb. 25 through Feb. 27. Below are several items on his schedule that may be of interest.

Read Gov. Holcombâ€™s op-ed in advance of the NGA convening inÂ The HillÂ atÂ http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/healthcare/320816-trust-the-states-well-deliver-on-healthcare.

Saturday, February 25, 2017

National Governors Association meetings

Sunday, February 26, 2017

National Governors Association meetings

The governor and first lady will attend the annual reception and dinner for governors and their spouses at the White House

Monday, February 27, 2017

National Governors Association meetings

Meeting with the president, vice president and cabinet officials at the White House

Meeting with the Indiana congressional delegation

USI Softball sweeps opening day of MW Region Crossover

02/25/2017

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University of Southern Indiana Softball erupted for a combined 24 runs and 31 hits Friday as it opened the Midwest Region Crossover with a 7-4 win against Trevecca Nazarene University and a 17-2 victory against Ferris State University at Deaconess Sports Park.

Fifteen different players had a hit for the Screaming Eagles, while 10 players had an RBI and eight players had at least two RBIs.

Junior outfielderÂ Olivia Clark-KittlesonÂ (Carbondale, Illinois) went 4-of-5 at the plate with a pair of RBIs and three runs scored to lead USI offensively.

Southern Indiana (4-0): 7, Trevecca Nazarene (3-5): 4

Junior third basemanÂ Mena FultonÂ (Bloomington, Indiana) went 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs as the Eagles rallied from a 2-1 deficit to defeat Trevecca Nazarene, 7-4. Fultonâ€™s two-run single highlighted a three-run fifth inning that put the Eagles up, 4-2.

Sophomore second basemanÂ Claire JohnsonÂ (Pittsboro, Indiana) had an RBI-single in the sixth inning as the Eagles answered the Trojanâ€™s tally in the bottom of the fifth frame; then Fulton hit a two-run shot in the top half of the seventh inning to give the Eagles a 7-3 cushion.

Senior outfielderÂ Grace ClarkÂ (Indianapolis, Indiana) had a solo home run in the second inning to put the Eagles up, 1-0, but Trevecca Nazarene (3-5) scored runs in the third and fourth innings to go up, 2-1. Senior catcherÂ Haley HodgesÂ (Portage, Indiana) had an RBI-double in the fifth to tie the game prior to Fultonâ€™s two-run single.

Freshman pitcherÂ Jennifer LeonhardtÂ (Louisville, Kentucky), who was named theÂ Herosports.comÂ D2 Hero of the Week Friday afternoon, earned the win. Leonhardt (2-0) gave up four runs, three earned off nine hits in seven innings of work.

Walmart Greeter Kellyanne Conway

02/25/2017

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Eagles knocked off by Bluefield State BOX SCORE

02/25/2017

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The 31^st-ranked University of Southern Indiana men’s tennis team saw its three-game winning streak come to an end with a 7-2 defeat at the hands of 42^ndÂ ranked Bluefield State College Thursday in Charleston, West Virginia.

The Screaming Eagles (4-4) scored the first point of the day when the duo of sophomoreÂ James HardimanÂ (Backwell Bristol, United Kingdom) and freshmanÂ Denis DavydovÂ (Chorvatsky Grob, Slovakia) picked up an 8-2 win at number two doubles. However, the Eagles were behind 2-1 heading into singles play.

In singles, Hardiman had a 6-0, 6-0 win to tie the match at two apiece, but that would be the last point USI would score. Three of the remaining five singles matches went all three sets.

JuniorÂ Samuel KiladejoÂ (London, England) was defeated at number three singles 1-6, 6-4, 2-6. At number four, seniorÂ Aaron BarrisÂ (Marietta, Georgia) took the close 7-6, 6-7, 6-7 loss, and sophomoreÂ Ilia KarelinÂ (Ekaterinburg, Russia) was knocked off 2-6, 7-5, 3-10.

USI is back in action tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the University of Charleston in Charleston, West Virginia.

Physical Activities Center Renovation Groundbreaking Ceremony Postponed

02/24/2017

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The groundbreaking ceremony for USIâ€™s Physical Activities Center renovations scheduled for Friday, February 24 has been postponed until later this spring. A new date will be announced in the near future.

Eagles surge past Bellarmine in regular-season finale

02/24/2017

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Senior guardÂ Tanner MarcumÂ (New Albany, Indiana) and junior guard/forwardÂ Kaydie GroomsÂ (Marshall, Illinois) combined for 48 points as the No. 23 University of Southern Indiana Womenâ€™s Basketball team rallied from a 13-point first-half deficit to defeat No. 20 Bellarmine University, 88-81, in its regular-season finale Thursday evening.

USI (24-4, 16-2 GLVC) trailed 10-0 two minutes into the contest and 28-15 less than two minutes into the fourth quarter. The Screaming Eagles, however, outscored the Knights 25-13 throughout the final 8:30 of the half, taking a brief two-point lead late in the second quarter before going into the break facing a 41-40 halftime deficit.

The two teams traded buckets early in the third quarter, but Marcum had a three-pointer and a pair of field goals in USIâ€™s 7-0 run that put the Eagles up 55-46 with less than five minutes to play in the period.

Bellarmine (21-6, 13-5 GLVC) trimmed the Eaglesâ€™ lead to three late in the third quarter, but an 8-2 USI run that featured a pair of baskets by junior forwardÂ Morgan DahlstromÂ (Grayslake, Illinois) put the Eagles up 65-56 early in the fourth quarter.

USI maintained its nine-point advantage with just over four minutes to play in the game, but an 8-2 Bellarmine run trimmed the Eaglesâ€™ lead to 77-74 with less than two minutes to play in the contest.

Marcum, however, drained 6-of-6 free throws in the final 1:22 of the contest, while Grooms sank 5-of-6 attempts to preserve the Eaglesâ€™ victory.

Grooms, who became the 17^thÂ player in program history reach the 1,000-point plateau, finished with 21 points, while Marcum was named the Player of the Game byÂ NCAA.comÂ after finishing with 27 points, six rebounds and five steals.

Dahlstrom added 16 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while senior forwardÂ Hannah WascherÂ (Rantoul, Illinois) finished with 17 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. USI dominated the lane, out-rebounding the Knights, 42-32, and outscoring Bellarmine, 42-36, in the paint.

USI shot 47.5 percent from the field on 29-of-61 shooting, while Bellarmine went 27-of-66 (.405) from the field. The Eagles were a blistering 25-of-27 (.926) from the free throw line, while the Knights went 19-of-23 (.826) from the charity stripe.

Senior forward Sarah Galvin and junior guard Raven Merriweather led the Knights with 23 and 19 points, respectively.

The Eagles begin GLVC Tournament play next Friday, March 3, against an opponent to be determined. USI will be the No. 2 seed after winning the East Division by three games over Bellarmine and Lewis University.