Home Blog Page 5364

Parents, students, educators invited to share mandated testing concerns

1

Ann Ennis, Republican candidate for State Representative, invites parents, students and educators to share their stories of ISTEP 2015 on the eve of ISTEP 2016.  Recently the state Senate adopted a plan to start all over after the 2017 ISTEP:  yet another major change led by the same assessors who created ISTEP+.

The gathering is Saturday, February 27, from 7:30 until 9:30 am, Ennis will be at the Darmstadt Inn, 13130 Darmstadt Road, to record stories, statement or questions.

“We are seeing first hand and hearing frequently that the software and on-line testing process is not working any better this year than last,” Ennis said.  It is time to talk openly about it.

Persons coming by the Darmstadt Inn that morning will have opportunity to make a short statement on digital media about their standardized testing experiences.  Friends of Ann Ennis will assemble these into a short video to prompt others in the community to think of the ramifications of these expensive series of tests.   They also can get particular questions about education policy in 2016 answered.

“The broader community is generally unaware of the financial and human cost of these mandated tests.  Although parents and students are free to speak and need to speak up, schools discourage them from too much talk.  As well, we think the educators who come will be retirees, because current teachers and administration are not able to speak out,” Ennis said.

Ennis has witnessed state officials’ distrust of local educators and how this has played out in anti-local and closed lips laws and statements.  Local school administrators have no choice but to clamp-down on current staff talking about ISTEP concerns. For this reason, groups advocating against state mandated tests are discouraged from speaking to parents or in schools, she said.  “So the community is not hearing the full story.  ISTEP and other mandated tests are like a series of deep dark secrets.  ‘What is on the test?’ ‘How does the equipment work?’ and ‘How much time is this eating up in day-to-day classrooms?’.”

As a volunteer in a local school, Ennis found herself quite accidentally in a classroom during the February 4 state-wide equipment stress-test that taxpayers funded for Pearson, the new Indiana ISTEP vendor.  “There was a better than 25% equipment failure rate.”

Ennis is a lifetime resident of District 64 with 30 years’ experience in civic leadership, including serving as Executive Director of Keep Evansville Beautiful (Evansville), and executive fund development positions with Habitat of Evansville, Ruth’s House (substance abuse recovery) and the Public Education Foundation of Evansville. She has been an officer in her family’s coal and oil exploration contracting firm, and worked in finance and media marketing.

TRI-STATE MOTHERS OF MULTIPLES ANNUAL SPRING RUMMAGE SALE TO BE HELD AT ST. MARY’S

0

 

(Evansville, IN) – St. Mary’s Health is pleased to once again host and sponsor this year’s Tri-State Mothers of Multiples Annual Fall Rummage Sale. The event is open to the public on Saturday, March 12th from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. in the St. Mary’s Manor Auditorium. Admission is $1.

Tri-State Mothers of Multiples is a local support group for mothers with twins, triplets, quadruplets, and quintuplets. Having multiple babies presents many challenges, such as providing several car seats, clothes, strollers and much more. Whether it’s emotional or financial support, Tri-State Mothers of Multiples reaches out to mothers who may be having trouble raising their babies. The rummage sale will include gently used strollers, car seats, premature infant clothes through elementary age, toys and furniture.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ohio Valley and The Women’s Hospital to Host Open House with Special Guest, Ronald McDonald

0

 

You will not want to miss this Open House event! Ronald, himself, will be present at the unveiling of not one, but two special projects at The Women’s Hospital. Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ohio Valley have partnered with The Women’s Hospital to expand their mission by bringing care and comfort to the families within the walls of the hospital. This special Open House will celebrate the remodel of the parent care area and unveil the new Happy Wheels Cart program.
Ronald McDonald hopes you will join us at this special event- Saturday, February 27, 2016, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at The Women’s Hospital (4199 Gateway Blvd, Newburgh, Ind.), on the third floor.
“We are fortunate to have space in the hospital for parents to stay if they have a baby in the NICU. The NICU parent support area was previously used as a doctor’s office, and each exam room and office was converted into a sleeping room. Although families are welcome to stay at the local Ronald McDonald House, many times they choose to stay in one of the eleven rooms right here at The Women’s Hospital. Staying close allows the parents to participate in their baby’s care including nursing around the clock. The simple fact that they have a place to sleep right here in the hospital allows them to be a step away from their newborn,” advises Mary Stephens, Nursing Director of Newborn Services at The Women’s Hospital.
“Studies show that children cope better and heal faster when their families are involved in their care. The parent care area of The Women’s Hospital allows parents to focus on the health and well-being of their child. We are happy to partner with The Women’s Hospital to help provide a comfortable space and create a relaxing atmosphere for the many families who will benefit from it,” said Theresa Floyd-Maas, Executive Director at Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ohio Valley.

Also at Saturday’s Open House, the new RMHC Happy Wheels Cart will be unveiled. “Much like the Ronald McDonald House, this program will allow us to take our ‘home away from home’ away from home. As our volunteers roll it through the hallways of the hospital, they will offer a snack, refreshment and toiletries to parents, while keeping children entertained with books and toys,” said Theresa Floyd-Maas, Executive Director at Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ohio Valley. “Serving both out of town and local families, the Happy Wheels Cart serves individuals who spend hours on end at the hospital with their child. It offers a small piece of comfort and encouragement to families at a time when they need it most. We are excited to be able to impact the lives of more children through the Happy Wheels Cart.”

The Happy Wheels Cart is owned by Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ohio Valley, operated by their volunteers, and stocked with items through the generosity of the community. To learn more about this volunteer opportunity, visit: www.rmhcohiovalley.org/volunteer or contact Volunteer Coordinator, Lydia Balbach at (812)402-7642. If you are interested in learning more about donating items to stock the Happy Wheels Cart, visit www.rmhcohiovalley.org/hwcwishlist or stop by the Ronald McDonald House: 3540 Washington Ave., Evansville, IN 47714.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities

Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®), a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Through its global network of 300 Chapters in more than 63 countries and regions, its three core programs, the Ronald McDonald House®, Ronald McDonald Family Room® and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®, and millions of dollars in grants to support children’s programs worldwide, RMHC provides stability and vital resources to families so they can get and keep their children healthy and happy. All RMHC-operated and supported programs enable family-centered care, provide a bridge to quality health care and are a vital part of the health care continuum and give children and families the time they need to heal and cope better together. Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ohio Valley (located in Evansville, IN) currently has two programs: Ronald McDonald House and Grants. The local charity is able to extend its reach through its Grants program thanks to a restricted gift from local McDonald’s Ohio Valley Co-op. For more information, visit www.rmhcohiovalley.org, follow us on Twitter (@RMHCOhioValley) or like us on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/rmhcohiovalley).

Dr. Bucshon Joins Amicus Brief to Overturn EPA’s Clean Power Plan

0

 

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Eighth District Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. joined 34 members of the U.S. Senate and 170 members of the House in filing an amicus brief supporting petitions filed by 27 states, including Indiana, seeking to overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan.

 

“These regulations would be devastating to Indiana’s energy sector, the thousands of jobs it supports, and the low cost energy it provides to seniors on a fixed income, the poor, and our manufacturers. Not to mention, these regulations are a clear overreach of the EPA’s legal authority,” said Bucshon.“Congress has repeatedly tried to overturn these regulations through legislation; however, the President and his allies continue blocking our legislative efforts in order to protect their ideological climate change agenda. Now we’re taking the fight to the courts because we believe the way forward is through innovation and technology advancements, not unlawful federal regulations that cannot be met, damage the economy, and cost jobs. I’m proud to help file this amicus brief, in support of states like Indiana, requesting that the D.C. Circuit Court vacate these regulations that have been temporarily blocked by the Supreme Court.”

The members reiterated that “all legislative Powers” granted by the Constitution are vested in the United States Congress and argued the Administration’s actions are outside its legal authority:

“The Final Rule goes well beyond the clear statutory directive by, among other things, requiring States to submit, for approval, state or regional energy plans to meet EPA’s predetermined CO2 mandates for their electricity sector. In reality, if Congress desired to give EPA sweeping authority to transform the nation’s electricity sector, Congress would have provided for that unprecedented power in detailed legislation. Indeed, when an agency seeks to make “decisions of vast ‘economic and political significance’” under a “long-extant statute,” it must point to a “clear” statement from Congress. Util. Air Regulatory Grp. v. EPA, 134 S. Ct. 2427, 2444 (2014) (quoting FDA v. Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp., 120 S. Ct. 1291, 1315 (2000)). EPA can point to no statement of congressional authorization for the Final Rule’s central features, precisely because there is none.

“Nor has Congress authorized EPA to make the policy choices that are reflected in the Final Rule—a rule that imposes enormous costs on States and the public without achieving meaningful climate benefits. Because of the Final Rule, States will face unprecedented new regulatory burdens, electricity ratepayers will be subject to billions of dollars in compliance costs, and American workers and their families will experience the hardship of job losses due to power plant shutdowns, higher electricity prices, and overall diminishment of the nation’s global economic competitiveness. Choices of this nature are inherently Congressional decisions. See W. Minn. Mun. Power Agency v. Fed. Energy Regulatory Comm’n, 806 F.3d 588, 593 (D.C. Cir. 2015) (“Agencies are empowered to make policy only insofar as Congress expressly or impliedly delegates that power.”) (citing Util. Air Regulatory Grp., 134 S. Ct. at 2445 (2014)). Congress has not authorized EPA to make the central policy choices in the Final Rule and, in many respects, has affirmatively rejected those policies, as it certainly did with respect to cap-and-trade programs for CO2 emissions from power plants.

“Accordingly, the Final Rule that has been properly stayed by the Supreme Court should now be vacated by this Court.”

ESPN makes appeal for Notre Dame police records

0

Dave Stafford for www.theindianalawyer.com

ESPN Inc. argued public policy, legislative intent and precedent in Indiana and other states favor a Court of Appeals order for University of Notre Dame police to release records of incidents involving student athletes.

Notre Dame insists that as a private institution, those records are its own. It says an order from the court could mean private hospitals and institutions that provide security would be subject to public scrutiny of investigatory records.

Those competing arguments highlighted oral arguments in ESPN Inc. and Paula Levigne v. University of Notre Dame Security Police Department, 71A05-1505-MI-381, Wednesday before a panel of the Indiana Court of Appeals. ESPN seeks judgment on the pleadings that the university’s police department is subject to the Access to Public Records Act and must provide records as do other agencies such as campus police at Indiana, Purdue and Ball State universities.

St. Joseph Superior Judge Steven Hostetler last year sided with Notre Dame police and denied ESPN’s record requests. The South Bend judge based his ruling on multiple advisory opinions of public access counselors from 2003 until 2011 that found private college police were not public agencies, and that the Legislature had acquiesced to those opinions by not clarifying the law during that time. Hostetler urged lawmakers at the time to act, however, noting ESPN made “persuasive policy arguments.”

Frost Brown Todd LLC attorney Maggie Smith argued on behalf of ESPN. She told the court that lawmakers used canons of statutory construction in relevant laws so that any agency exercising state-granted powers such as searches, crime investigations and arrest is subject to disclosure of certain information under the Access to Public Records Act. Exercising those powers means, “You will be considered a public agency,” she said.

Smith argued there is no distinction between campus police at IU, Purdue or Ball State and the Notre Dame police when it comes to the obligation to report information from incidents, including names of those involved and some specificity regarding what happened. Campus police at the public schools “do it just fine,” she said.

She said Notre Dame police respond to, investigate and make arrests in cases involving allegations of rape, burglary and other crimes, and they have jurisdiction to make arrests anywhere in St. Joe County. “These are not the actions of library security guards there to keep kids from stealing books,” Smith said.

Arguing for Notre Dame police, Barnes & Thornburgh LLP partner Damon Leichty said the agency was under no obligation to comply with records requests under APRA. “In fact, these are Notre Dame’s records,” he said. He said the police are subject to oversight by the university’s board of trustees.

But Judge Rudolph R. Pyle III repeatedly asked Leichty about the police powers Notre Dame officers employ. “Whose power are they using?” Pyle asked. Leichty ultimately answered that the state is the plaintiff in criminal actions where Notre Dame police make an arrest and a charge is filed, but he insisted the private nature of the institution shields it from disclosure of reports ESPN has sought.

In the event of a wrongful arrest or civil rights action of Notre Dame police actions, Leichty said, “It is the board of trustees who become responsible for that conduct.” Leichty also argued the Legislature used very specific language to describe who is subject to records disclosure under APRA, such as the police department of a political subdivision. This distinguishes Notre Dame from campus police of public universities. “Indiana University is a political subdivision,” he said.

Chief Judge Nancy Vaidik posed a hypothetical for Leichty: If the court found the plain language of relevant statutes required Notre Dame police to comply with APRA, “do you lose?” she asked. Leichty said that would not be the case. If the court so ruled, he said the university would examine the scope of the requests and determine what would be exempted.

But he warned against expanding the reach of APRA. If the court ruled against Notre Dame, he warned, “we will encompass all kinds of entities” from private hospital security to bail bondsmen. He said an outcome of such a ruling could be that the public-records law would apply “to anyone who is an agency investigating a crime. … It would turn APRA on its head.”

Judge Margret Robb pointed to decisions in similar records-dispute cases involving the University of Chicago and Otterbein University in Ohio where courts ruled records of those campus police were subject to public review. She also cited the federal Clery Act that requires all colleges and universities receiving federal money report information about crime on and around campus.

Smith said in rebuttal that Indiana “absolutely” embraces a presumption of public access to records. She pointed to the Indiana Supreme Court’s unanimous 2014 decision in Evansville Courier & Press and Rita Ward v. Vanderburgh County Health Department, 82S04-1401-PL-49, holding that death certificates were public records. That decision and others, she said, signals “APRA means what it says and courts are going to enforce it as written.”

Robb and Vaidik also asked lawyers for both sides about House Bill 1022 making its way through the General Assembly and its potential impact on this case. The bill would make private university campus police arrest records for criminal offenses public but would shield investigative records, as is customary with public police agencies. The bill sailed through the House and passed a Senate committee Tuesday.

Leichty said the bill would be prospective and would take effect July 1 of this year if adopted in its current form. The bill would not impact the records ESPN seeks, he said. The proposal would give to private colleges and universities “proper and fair notice they are subject to this law,” he said.

Smith rebutted that HB 1022, authored by South Bend Democrat B. Patrick Bauer, was “a bill drafted by Notre Dame and a recognition of the writing on the wall.” She said the bill would require a more limited release of records than if the court ruled the university was subject to APRA.

Notre Dame could exempt itself from the expectation of complying with public records by not having a police department that exercises state-granted powers. “Notre Dame has not made that choice,” she said.

At the conclusion of Wednesday’s arguments, Smith said ESPN sought records from Notre Dame as it has with schools nationwide as it investigates whether student athletes receive preferential treatment from campus security. She said a significant issue is the disparate treatment of arrest and incident records. “It’s a constitutional deprivation of rights if you are selectively enforcing” access to public records, she said.

Vaidik said the court expected to rule soon.

Pence avoiding layoffs while cutting 200 state employees

0

Gov. Mike Pence’s administration is looking to reduce the number of state employees by about 200 – but not through layoffs.

Micah Vincent, director of the Indiana Office of Management and Budget, called the move a recalibration and said it would be achieved through attrition.

State government has about a 10 percent turnover rate annually, so some positions won’t be refilled while others could be combined.

Vincent said Pence has always used the headcount of employees when he arrived – 27,197 – as a guidepost for his administration.

But in recent months, that number has grown by about 200.

Last year, the administration announced the hiring of more than 200 Department of Child Services caseworkers, but Vincent said those positions won’t be touched.

The headcount generally covers only executive-branch agencies that Pence controls. For instance, it doesn’t include employees of the Indiana Department of Education or other statewide office holders, the judiciary or the legislature.

Vincent has instructed agencies to start focusing on reducing their staffs but said no one will be laid off.

Governor Pence Announces Creation of Governor’s Health Workforce Council

0

Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence today announced the creation of the Governor’s Health Workforce Council (Council), which is charged with coordinating health workforce-related policies, programs, and initiatives within Indiana in order to reduce cost, improve access, and enhance quality within Indiana’s health system.

“We’ve created the Governor’s Health Workforce Council to help develop data-driven health workforce policies so Indiana’s well-trained health workforce will continue to grow,” said Governor Pence. “Our administration has worked to expand health care access to low-income Hoosiers through the Healthy Indiana Plan 2.0, and our Governor’s Task Force on Drug Enforcement, Treatment, and Prevention is recommending ways we can expand the delivery of substance abuse treatment and mental health care to Hoosiers. By creating this Council, we are bringing together the necessary state agencies, legislators, health care experts, and industry leaders to have a serious discussion on how Indiana can provide quality care to an even greater number of Hoosiers.”

The Council includes members from both the public and private sector, including representatives from the Governor’s office and designees from the Department of Workforce Development, Senate Health and Provider Services Committee, House Public Health Committee, Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana Department of Education, Indiana Commission on Higher Education, Bowen Center for Health Workforce Research and Policy, Anthem, Indiana Hospital Association, Indiana Rural Health Association, and Indiana Primary Care Association. The first public meeting for the Council will be on Monday, February 29, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. in Conference Room A of Indiana Government Center South.

For the past eighteen months, the Governor’s Office worked with the Bowen Center for Health Workforce Research and Policy in the Department of Family Medicine at IU School of Medicine on a project sponsored by the National Governor’s Association (NGA) to help address health care provider shortages in Indiana. The goal of the project was to identify and develop a long-term strategy to ensure that Indiana has an accessible, well-trained, and flexible health workforce that is able to adapt to the ever-changing and growing needs of Hoosiers. At the conclusion of the NGA project, it was recommended that the state of Indiana establish an advisory council for the purpose of coordinating health workforce policy efforts in Indiana and establish a formal partnership for data exchange with the Bowen Center for Health Workforce Research and Policy.

 

Hodges powers #24 USI Softball to DH sweep of Trojans

0

EVANSVILLE, Ind.-Junior catcher/first baseman Haley Hodges (Portage, Indiana) went a combined 5-of-5 with two home runs, a double, three runs scored, and eight RBIs to power the No. 24 University of Southern Indiana softball team to a doubleheader sweep of Midwest Region foe Trevecca Nazarene University Tuesday afternoon at the USI Softball Field.

Hodges went 4-of-4 in the opener as USI edged the Trojans, 6-5. She was 1-of-1 with a pair of walks in the night cap as the Screaming Eagles blasted Trevecca Nazarene, 9-1, in five innings.

In the opener, Hodges hit a three-run home run to straight-away centerfield in the bottom of the first inning to put the Eagles up 3-0.

Trevecca Nazarene (5-5), which is receiving votes in the NFCA Top 25 Preseason Coaches’ Poll after advancing to the NCAA II Midwest Region #2 championship round last year, answered the Eagles’ charge with five unanswered runs to take a 5-3 lead heading into the fourth inning.

Hodges’ two-out single in the fourth inning, however, pushed the tying run across the plate; then her two-out double in the sixth inning put the Eagles up 6-5 heading into the seventh frame.

Freshman pitcher Caitlyn Bradley (Forest, Indiana) retired the final seven batters she faced as USI rallied for the game-one victory. Bradley (1-0), who earned her first collegiate victory, allowed just one unearned run off two hits in 4 2/3 innings of work.

USI (4-0) began the second game in the same fashion as it opened the first game; with Hodges hitting a three-run shot over the centerfield fence to give the Eagles a 3-0 cushion in the bottom of the first inning.

The Trojans trimmed USI’s advantage to 3-1 with a tally in the third stanza, but the Eagles answered with six runs in the last half of the fourth inning to win via the eight-run rule.

Junior shortstop Lexi Reese (Lebanon, Indiana) aided the Eagles with a three-run double, while freshman infielder Claire Johnson (Pittsboro, Indiana) had an RBI-single. USI also took advantage of a two-out error in the fourth inning to score the final five runs of the frame.

Freshman pitcher Courtney Atkisson (Bringhurst, Indiana) earned the win after surrendering just one run off four hits in five innings of work.

USI returns to action Friday when it begins the Mid-South Classic in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The Eagles take on Augusta University and Wingate University Friday at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., respectively.

The Eagles will get their crack at No. 1 ranked and defending national champion University of North Georgia Saturday at 11 a.m. before taking on the University of North Carolina-Pembroke later in the day. USI concludes the weekend slate Sunday with Lenoir-Rhyne University and Lincoln Memorial University.

Streaking Cyclones Skate Past Banged-Up IceMen

0

Two-point night for Ryan Penny in Evansville return not enough against red-hot Cincinnati.

 

Records:  Evansville: 19-25-6-1; Cincinnati: 27-20-3-2

 

Goalies:   CIN – Iles (W), 12-8-1-0, 16 saves

EVN – Bengtsberg (L), 6-10-4-1, 20 saves

 

Scoring:

1st Period: 1. CIN – Pendenza 8 (unassisted, 8:06); 2. EVN – Penny 4 (Leveille, 15:39)

2nd Period:  3. CIN – Noonan 6 (PP, Budish, Downing, 11:19); 4. CIN – Gracel 11 (Mulvey, Blazek, 11:36); 5. EVN – Hagaman 1 (Penny, Leveille, 18:39)

3rd Period:  6. CIN – Mele 17 (Mulvey, Gracel, 13:28); 7. CIN – Noonan 7 (EN, Yogan, 19:42)

 

CINCINNATI, OH – With eight players out of the lineup due to various injuries, the Evansville IceMen hung with the Cincinnati Cyclones for 53 minutes, but ultimately fell at US Bank Arena 5-2. It was Cincinnati’s tenth consecutive win over Evansville at home, dating back to November 26, 2014. The IceMen dressed just 16 players, with eight regulars out with various injuries.

The Cyclones jumped out to a 1-0 lead 8:06 into the first period, when Joe Pendenza intercepted an Evansville clearing attempt in front of the net and buried the quick shot past IceMen goalie Christoffer Bengtsberg. Then, in his first game back with the IceMen, Ryan Penny tied the game on a centering pass that ricocheted off of a Cincinnati skate and past goaltender Andy Iles with 4:21 left in the frame.

Cincinnati regained the lead with three seconds left in its third power play, when Garrett Noonan fired a one-timer from high in the slot under Bengtsberg’s blocker. 17 seconds later, Brandon Gracel shoveled a rebound into the net to make it 3-1, after Bengtsberg kicked out the initial shot from Colin Mulvey.

Late in the middle period, Alec Hagaman scored his first career ECHL goal, when Penny set him up from the corner with a centering pass to the slot. The goal made it 3-2 with 1:21 to play in the second. Cincinnati outshot Evansville 10-7 in the period.

Tommy Mele provided an insurance goal with 6:32 to play, when he scooped up his own rebound and lifted a shot over Bengtsberg on a 2-on-1. Noonan added an empty-net goal to complete the Cyclones’ 5-2 win. Bengtsberg stopped 20 shots in his first regulation loss in February, while Iles stopped 16 in his third straight win over the IceMen.

The IceMen return home for two games against the Atlanta Gladiators Friday and Saturday at 7:15pm both nights. It is Pink the Rink Weekend at the Ford Center, and the IceMen will wear special jerseys that will be auctioned off after Saturday’s game, with proceeds donated to Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research.

 

UPCOMING HOME GAMES

Fri. 2/26 – Atlanta at Evansville (7:15pm) – Ford Center

                        Pink the Rink Weekend – Paint the Ice

Sat. 2/27 – Atlanta at Evansville (7:15pm) – Ford Center

                        Pink the Rink Weekend – Jersey Auction

 

 

PINK THE RINK

The IceMen invite you to Pink the Rink Weekend February 26-27 at the Ford Center! For just $5, purchase the opportunity to paint the name of a loved one on the ice following Friday night’s game. An exclusive ticket special for the weekend includes a goal zone ticket to both Friday and Saturday night’s games and name on the ice for just $35. The IceMen will be wearing specialty jerseys both nights which will be auctioned off Saturday night after the game. All proceeds from the painting of the names and the jersey auction will go to Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research.  Both games start at 7:15 pm against the Atlanta Gladiators. Call 812-421-GOAL (4625) for more information.

 

MARCH BOOK DRIVE

The IceMen will be hosting a book drive for three games in March. The team will be collecting new or gently used beginner to teen books Friday March 4thand Saturday March 5th when Evansville hosts the Tulsa Oilers and again Sunday March 6th when the IceMen take on the Wichita Thunder. Bookmarks will be handed out for every book donated, and anyone with a bookmark can present it at the Ford Center Ticket Office for a discounted ticket to the IceMen game Wednesday March 9th.  All of the books will be donated to Evansville Hangers.

 

FAITH SUNDAYS

Bring any pamphlet or program from your faith service to the Ford Center Ticket Office and receive a $5 discount on tickets anywhere in the building for Sunday home games! There are three remaining Sunday home games: March 6, 13 and 20. Also, stay for the free postgame faith concert after the Sunday, March 6 game against Wichita.  All Sunday games are scheduled for 5:15pm.

 

FRIDAY HAT PACKS

Get a ticket and a limited edition IceMen hat for only $20 for any Friday home game the rest of the season! This offer is good for any of the remaining Friday games at the Ford Center: February 26, March 4 and April 1. Call the IceMen front office at 812-421-GOAL (4625) for details.

 

DOMINO’S 4-GAME HAT PACK

Choose any four IceMen home games and get a FREE limited edition IceMen hat and a large 1-topping Domino’s pizza, starting at only $17 per ticket. Call the IceMen front office at 812-421-GOAL (4625) for details.

 

Visit us at www.evansvilleicemen.com, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @EvvIceMen for more information about your hometown professional hockey team.

Mockevicius sets program rebounding mark as Aces win 23rd

0

Evansville ready for Senior Day on Saturday

 

PEORIA, Ill. – There is a new leader in career rebounds for the University of Evansville as Egidijus Mockevicius grabbed the 1,198th of his career in the second half as the Purple Aces men’s basketball team defeated Bradley by a final of 67-55 on Tuesday night at Carver Arena.

Mockevicius finished with 20 points and 17 rebounds as he hit 7 of his 10 shots in the win for UE (23-7, 12-5 MVC).  D.J. Balentine was Evansville’s leading scorer with 22 points.  Bradley (5-25, 3-14 MVC) was led by a 14-point effort from Callum Barker.

“It was a tough start, we did not get as many good looks and the ones we got did not fall,” head coach Marty Simmons said.  “We needed to get off to a good start in the second half, we challenged our guys to be efficient at the start of the second half.  I thought we did a pretty good job of that.”

“We’ve had some good spot and some not so good spots tonight, but we’re playing better.  We have to make free throws better, but overall, were better.”

It was a tough start for the Purple Aces as the Braves scored the first four points of the game as UE missed its first four shots.  A 1-of-7 beginning to the day saw the Aces fall into a 10-3 hole.  Blake Simmons found Egidijus Mockevicius underneath the basket for a layup that got UE back within a pair at 10-8, but the Braves were able to open up a 6-point gap at 17-11 midway through the half.

Evansville muscled its way back, utilizing a 9-0 run as they took their first lead of the night at 20-19 with 5:19 remaining.  The rally was capped off with a Simmons layup that put the Aces up 24-19.  Bradley got back within a pair at 27-25 before UE scored the final bucket of the period to head to the locker room up 29-25.

In the first possession of the second half, Balentine hit a pullback jumper before Jaylon Brown scored on a runout to put UE up 33-25 in the opening minute of the second half.  Brown hit a floater at the buzzer to give UE a 10-point edge before an and-one by Callum Barker cut the gap to seven.

Bradley got within five at 41-36, but the Aces fought right back with a 7-0 run.  Balentine was the key to it as he hit an and-one, followed by a triple to put UE up by 12 at 48-36.  In that stretch, Mockevicius hauled in his 13th rebound of the night, setting the all-time program mark with 1,198.

 

While Mockevicius took care of the glass, the offense found its groove, going up by 19 at 63-44 with 5:19 left.  From there, it was all Evansville as the Aces completed the night with the 67-55 win.

 

The Aces finished the night shooting 48% while Bradley finished at 43%.  The Braves completed the game with a 34-30 edge in rebounding.

CBS Sports Network will be back in town on Saturday as the Aces will play host to UNI on Senior Day.  D.J. Balentine, Egidijus Mockevicius and Adam Wing will be honored prior to the game.  The first 5,000 fans will receive a commemorative Senior Day print courtesy of ARC Construction Company.  Game time is set for 1 p.m.

1...5,3635,3645,365...6,931Page 5,364 of 6,931