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Aces rally again but fall just short

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Bears take second game by 4-3 final

 EVANSVILLE, Ind. – One day after staging a dramatic 7th-inning rally, the University of Evansville softball team was primed to do the same on Saturday, but Missouri State held on for a 4-3 win at Tri-State Orthopaedics Field at Cooper Stadium.

Trailing by a 4-1 tally entering the bottom of the 7th, the Purple Aces registered five hits and two runs as the bases were loaded with two outs.  Interference was called on the final play with finishing with the win.

Saturday marked Senior Day for UE with its 2024 class being recognized.  Hannah Hood, Megan Brenton, Alexa Davis, Mikayla Jolly, Brooke McCorkle, Jenna Nink and Marah Wood were honored following the game.

Evansville looked to jump out to an early lead as Zoe Frossard and Brooke Voss reached on consecutive singles before Jenna Nink was issued a 2-out walk to load the bases.  A groundout ended the threat to send the game into the second.

Missouri State scored three times in the third to open the scoring.  Chloe Merced had a triple while Annie Mueller had a solo home run in the frame.  Another run crossed the plate in the top of the fourth as the Bears picked up three more hits to make it a 4-0 game.

Lacy Smith brought in the first UE run of the game with a single through the left side to score Marah Wood in the bottom of the fourth.  Megan Brenton came into the game and tossed three scoreless innings to give the Aces a chance in the bottom of the 7th.

Alexa Davis led off with a single to get things rolling.  With one out, Brooke Voss, Jess Willsey and Jenna Nink each hit singles of their own, plating two runs.  With two outs, Marah Wood singled to left to load the bases.  On the final play, a runner interference ended the threat and MSU took the win.

Sunday’s series-deciding game will begin with a 12 p.m. first pitch.

Gov. Holcomb announces Google is building a $2B Data Center in Northeast Indiana

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New data center solidifies Indiana’s place as leader for next gen AI and future economy

APRIL 28. 2022

FORT WAYNE, Ind.  – Governor Eric J. Holcomb joined Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg and executives of Google (NYSE: GOOG) today to announce plans to establish a new $2 billion data center in Fort Wayne, powering the company’s AI innovations and growing Google Cloud business for customers across the world.

“Indiana has made it a strategic priority to cultivate the economy of the future, and we’re already seeing the impact of our work thanks to the partnership of companies like Google,” said Gov. Holcomb. “Not only is Google choosing Indiana to power its global AI and cloud infrastructure, but we’re thrilled to see the company already investing heavily in the northeast Indiana community. These initiatives will help skill up our Hoosier workforce, preparing residents for the jobs of the future. And, at the same time bringing clean energy resources to the region propelling continued growth in industrial sustainability.”

Google broke ground today on its new data center and operational support complex near East Tillman Road and Adams Center Road on the southwest side of Fort Wayne. The new facility will join a network of Google-owned and operated data centers all over the world that keep the internet humming 24/7 and help power digital services — like Google Cloud, Workspace (which includes Gmail, Docs, Sheets and more), Search and Maps — for people and organizations worldwide.

The new facility is expected to create up to 200 new, competitive jobs, including facilities, data center technicians and support services, including security, catering and grounds keeping, in the coming years. Google will bring its Skilled Trades and Readiness (STAR) program to the Fort Wayne area in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College to help increase the entry-level pipeline in the skilled trades with a focus on underrepresented communities. These pre-employment programs offer paid training and networking opportunities to help participants move directly into employment on local construction projects.

“We are thrilled to announce our investment in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as the site for our newest data center,” said Joe Kava, vice president of global data centers at Google. “Our decision to make a commitment of this magnitude is a true testament to the strategic and collaborative nature of many leaders across Indiana, Allen County, and, particularly, Fort Wayne. Together, Fort Wayne and Google will help power the digital future, including AI innovation across our enterprise and consumer services.”

Additionally, Google announced a collaboration with Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) to bring new clean energy resources to the local grid, supporting the company’s ambitious 2030 goal to run all of its data centers and campuses on carbon-free energy. Today, Google already matches 100% of its global annual electricity consumption with renewable energy purchases and, as a pioneer in computing infrastructure, its data centers are some of the most efficient in the world. 

“There’s never been a better time to be in Fort Wayne,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker. “This investment from Google isn’t just about infrastructure or economic development; it’s about building a stronger tomorrow, together.”

Indiana is an ideal hub for data storage due to its business-friendly environment, abundance of infrastructure resources, availability of skilled labor, and growing technology and semiconductor sectors. Today’s news comes just two months after Meta announced plans to establish an $800 million data center campus in southeast Indiana, creating approximately 100 new jobs. 

Based on the company’s investment plans, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) committed an investment in Google in the form of a 35-year term data center sales tax exemption for a minimum $800 million in eligible capital. For each additional $800 million of eligible investment made at the site within that time period, the company will be eligible for tax exemptions for an additional 5-year period, up to a total term of 50 years. These incentives are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim state benefits once investments are made.

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) John B. Conaway ’56 Receives UE Presidential Medal of Honor

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u of E

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA (04/26/2024) The Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, VA, was the setting for the presentation of the University of Evansville’s Presidential Medal of Honor to 4-star Lt. Gen. (Ret.) John Conaway ’56. At a ceremony held on April 24, UE President Christopher Pietruszkiewicz bestowed the institution’s highest honor upon the esteemed military leader and notable alumnus.

The event, attended by alumni and friends of UE, was a special program to celebrate the remarkable achievements Lt. Gen. John Conaway ’56, the 2024 recipient of the UE Presidential Medal of Honor. It provided a unique opportunity for members of the UE community to come together and honor Gen. Conaway while engaging in meaningful conversations and reconnecting with their alma mater.

Lt. Gen. Conaway is renowned for his distinguished military career, which spanned from 1956 to 1993. Beginning with his commission as a second lieutenant in the US Air Force after graduating from UE, Conaway’s journey led him to serve as the 22nd Chief of the National Guard Bureau, as well as Vice Chief and Director of the Air National Guard.

However, Conaway’s impact extends far beyond his military service. In the early 1990s, he initiated the Youth ChalleNGe Program, a second chance program for high school dropouts, during his tenure at the National Guard Bureau. Starting as a pilot program in 1993, the Youth ChalleNGe Program has since expanded to 34 programs nationwide, helping nearly 115,000 troubled teens find their way back to graduation.

For over two decades, Conaway has worked tirelessly with state officials to expand the program’s reach and effectiveness, earning him recognition as a leading visionary in youth development. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in forming the National Guard Youth Foundation to raise scholarship funds for ChalleNGe graduates.

Reflecting on his time at UE, Conaway’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the university. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1956 and was later honored with an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 1986. Throughout the years, Conaway has remained actively engaged with UE, serving as an At-Large Trustee from 1989 to 2007 and as a Life Trustee since 2007. He has also been recognized with the Distinguished Alumnus Award and is a member of the John Collins Moore Society.

Gentry selected as USI Vice President for Development

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Andrea Gentry has been named Vice President for Development at the University of Southern Indiana, effective July 1. Gentry will report to Dr. Ronald S. Rochon, USI President, and join the President’s Cabinet.

As Vice President for Development, Gentry will provide innovative and strategic leadership for the Development team in planning, implementation and administration of the University’s comprehensive fund-raising efforts. The role also oversees Alumni Engagement and Volunteer USI and serves as President of the University of Southern Indiana Foundation.

“It was through the philanthropic efforts of our founders over 50 years ago that led to the creation of the University of Southern Indiana. Today, philanthropy continues to be a pillar in the success of our University,” said Rochon. “Andrea’s nearly two decades of service to the Foundation, establishing trusted relationships with our generous and loyal donors across alumni, employees and friends, well positions her to ascend to this vital role as plans begin for our upcoming capital campaign, a key to the University’s future.”

For the past seven years, Gentry has served as the Director of Development for the University of Southern Indiana. In that role, she was responsible for securing leadership, major and planned gifts, while conducting administrative duties for the Development Office and USI Foundation. Gentry works closely with the USI Foundation Board of Directors and its Executive Committee. In addition to her time as Director, she has been devoted to USI for 19 years in the Development Office, including the positions of Associate Director of Development; Assistant Director of Development, Major Gifts; Assistant Director of Development, Annual Giving; and Senior Administrative Assistant.

“It is an honor to serve the University of Southern Indiana in this capacity,” said Gentry. “USI has a strong tradition of generous support from the community, and our alumni, now over 52,000, are elevating their alma mater through numerous ways of engagement. The USI Foundation Board has an extensive history of dedicated leadership and we are eager to involve more individuals with University programs, students and staff.”

Gentry graduated cum laude from USI in 2005, where she majored in public relations. She earned the designation of Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) from CFRE International in 2013, and the Certificate in Fund Raising Management from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy in 2012. She completed the Indiana University O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs Nonprofit Leadership Academy in 2017 and is a member of Leadership Everyone’s class of 2011.

Through her work in higher education fundraising, Gentry is dedicated to building long-term relationships with alumni and friends. She is committed to fulfilling the needs of USI students, programs and colleagues while fostering a positive culture of philanthropy. She served as campaign manager for Campaign USI: Elevating Excellence, which exceeded its $50 million goal. She has served three terms on the University’s Administrative Senate. Communication and collaboration are key factors in the work Gentry does to serve her alma mater.

Gentry also provides leadership to the Evansville Area Fundraising Council through its board of directors. She is a board member of Keep Evansville Beautiful and mentors local high school students with the YWCA. She is a past board member of the Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville and was named to the Evansville Business Journal’s 20 under 40 Emerging Leaders in 2011.

DEFENDANT WHO SHOT MAN BEHIND MOVIE THEATER ON NEW YEAR’S DAY FOUND GUILTY

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DEFENDANT WHO SHOT MAN BEHIND MOVIE THEATER ON NEW YEAR’S DAY FOUND GUILTY

April 28, 2024

Evansville, IN –Prosecutor Diana Moers announces that on April 24, 2024, a jury returned a verdict of guilty but mentally ill in the murder trial of Brandon F. Schaefer.

After the jury trial, Schaefer also entered a plea of guilty to a sentencing enhancement for his use of a firearm in the commission of the murder. The Honorable Magistrate Judge Ceila Pauli of the Vanderburgh County Circuit Court presided.

On January 1, 2023, just shortly after 1:00 a.m., patrol officers of the Evansville Police Department were dispatched to a shots-fired run after a male subject, later identified as the Defendant, called 911 and advised Central Dispatch that he “shot someone in the head behind the movie theater on First Ave.” The Defendant also stated he had “thrown the gun in the creek across from the movie theater.”

Prosecutor Moers stated, “Deputy Prosecutors Stan Levco and Brett Niemeier did an excellent job trying this case efficiently and distilling down the expert testimony regarding the Defendant’s mental state at the time of the crime. We are pleased the jury listened to the opinions of the experts in this matter and returned a verdict of guilty but mentally ill—which is a distinct verdict of guilty that holds the defendant accountable for his actions (not to be confused with verdicts that are not culpable by reason of insanity).

The evidence in this case showed that the Defendant knew what he was doing at the time of the murder and could in fact distinguish between right and wrong. Because of the actions of the Defendant, a completely innocent man lost his life. It is clear by the facts of this case—a shooting of a completely innocent person who had never met the Defendant—that it is not safe for the Defendant to live among us in society. We will be asking the court to consider this at his sentencing.”

In addition to the Deputy Prosecutors, Stan Levco and Brett Niemeier, Prosecutor Moers thanks Evansville Police Department Detectives and Officers S. Toney, A, Hagensieker, A. Stepro, K. Thiry, K. Dennis, D. Fair, and her support staff for their efforts in getting this case to trial.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 20, 2024, in front of Magistrate Judge Ceila Pauli of the Vanderburgh County Circuit Court

Jones Signs With USI

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Jones Signs With USI

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball announced the signing of junior guard Braxton Jones (Monroe, New Jersey) for the 2024-25 season. Jones is the first player to sign with USI and Head Coach Stan Gouard this spring.
 
“USI is extremely excited to welcome Braxton and his family to the Screaming Eagles family,” said Gouard. “We have been recruiting Braxton and his family hard and cannot wait to watch him knock down threes in front the of the best fans and student section in all of college basketball.”
 
“I know Braxton is excited to uphold the standards of all the USI greats that have come before him,” continued Gouard.  “He embodies our culture both on and off the court.”
 
“Braxton is an absolute gym rat who has an immense amount of pride in how he plays and competes on a daily basis. I cannot wait to get to work with him and have him here in Evansville this summer,” concluded Gouard.
 
Jones comes to USI from Garden City Community College where he was named second-team All-Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference. He posted 18.9 points, 2.5 assists, and 3.7 rebounds during his only season with GCCC, posting a season-high 33 points versus Seward County Community College and 10 assists versus Dodge City Community College.
 
The 2023-24 sophomore guard shot nearly 35 percent from beyond the arc, hitting a school-record eight triples vs. Sterling College and drained five or more three-pointers in a game nine times. He also posted a triple-double, finishing with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 109-72 victory over Dodge City in January.
 
Jones ranked as high as 15th in JucoRecruiting.com, finishing the year 31st.
 
Prior to playing at GCCC, Jones began his collegiate career at the University of Harford where he averaged 4.5 points and 1.3 rebounds in 28 games during 2022-23. He posted a season-high 24 points and eight rebounds versus Fairleigh Dickinson University.
 
A graduate of Roselle Catholic High School, Jones helped the Lions to the 2022 NJSIAAA Tournament championship. He played a pivotal role the title game, hitting the go-ahead bucket on the way to the championship.
 
The Screaming Eagles reached the Ohio Valley Conference Championship post-season in 2023-24 marking the second-straight season since USI made the transition to NCAA Division I.
 

Hoosier History Highlights

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April 28 – May 4

This Week in Indiana History


McCray April 30, 1924  Indiana Governor Warren McCray resigned from office after being convicted of mail fraud.  He was replaced by Lieutenant Governor Forrest Branch. McCray spent three years at the federal prison in Atlanta. President Herbert Hoover granted him a full pardon in 1930.


Lincoln April 30, 1865   The funeral train carrying the body of President Abraham Lincoln arrived in Indianapolis. The fallen President lay in state in the rotunda of the old Capitol.  Although there was a steady rain all day, over 50,000 people passed by the casket. The train departed at midnight to go to Michigan City, its last stop in Indiana before traveling to Chicago and on to Springfield, Illinois, where burial would take place.

IHSAA April 30, 1996   The Indiana High School Athletic Association voted to move to multi-class sports. The decision disappointed coaches, players, and fans who had formed a group called “Friends of Hoosier Hysteria” in an effort to save the traditional single-class basketball tourney.

May 1, 1813  Corydon became the second capital of the Indiana Territory. The seat of territorial government was moved from Vincennes. In 1816, Corydon was named the state capital when Indiana became the 19th state to join the Union.

The old state capitol (pictured) is now a museum open for public tours.

Corydon


May 2, 1968 Happy Birthday Governor Holcomb!

Governor Holcomb


Our Where in Indiana? from last week was the Ripley County courthouse, taken in Versailles, IN.

Ripley County

Where in Indiana?

Do you know where this photograph was taken?

Visit us on Instagram to submit your answer.

April 28

Follow us on Instagram: @instatehousetouroffice

Indiana Statehouse Tour Office

Indiana Department of Administration

Guided Tours of the Indiana Statehouse are offered Monday through Saturday.  For more information, contact us.

(317) 233-5293
Estanley@idoa.in.gov


Statehouse Virtual Tour

Indiana Quick Quiz

1. When was the first Indianapolis 500 Mile Race?

2. Name the Hoosier who ran for President in 1940.

3. In what year did Indiana celebrate its centennial?

4. How did Amo, Indiana get its name?

Answers Below


For more activities

             in IN

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Answers

1. May 30, 1911

2. Wendell Willkie

3. 1916

4. It is often thought it was named for the Potawatomi word a-mo, “honeybee,” but it is actually the Latin for amo, “I love.”

Attorney General Todd Rokita defends states’ pro-life laws against federal interference

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Attorney General Todd Rokita defends states’ pro-life laws against federal interference

Attorney General Rokita leads 22-state amicus brief in US Supreme Court

Attorney General Todd Rokita is fighting efforts by the federal government to ride roughshod over state laws protecting human life and prohibiting abortions.

This week, Attorney General Rokita is supporting Idaho as it argues before the Supreme Court to protect its Defense of Life Act from preemption under the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). In February, General Rokita led a 22-state amicus brief backing Idaho’s common-sense stance.

“Hoosiers know that when federal bureaucrats come after pro-life laws in Idaho or any other state, they will soon be coming after pro-life laws here in Indiana,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Under the Biden administration, the federal government remains determined to advance a pro-abortion culture of death — and it’s perfectly willing to usurp states’ rights in order to do so.”

Under the U.S. system of federalism, the power to regulate health, safety and medicine rests largely with the states. And in the Dobbs decision, the Supreme Court returned the issue of abortion to the states as well — overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

Federal attorneys, however, claim EMTALA allows emergency room physicians to ignore state medical regulations whenever they think it necessary to do so — including by performing abortions that are otherwise banned. In reality, however, EMTALA nowhere mentions the topic of abortion — and was never intended to be construed as the federal government now claims.

“The law is on our side,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Here in Indiana and across the nation, we can continue building a culture of life that respects the precious value not only of unborn children but also their moms and dads. And that’s what we’re going to do.”