EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Baseball opened Alumni Weekend with an 8-1 victory over Western Illinois University Thursday afternoon at the USI Baseball Field. The Screaming Eagles are 23-30 overall and 12-13 OVC, while Leathernecks go to 13-35, 8-17 OVC.
With the win, USI rises into a tie for fifth in the OVC standings at press time. The Eagles, 12-13 in the league, are tied in the standings with the University of Tennessee at Martin and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The Cougars could rise or fall out of the tie pending the conclusion of the doubleheader nightcap versus Morehead State University that started at 5 p.m.
The OVC Championship, presented by SERVPRO, is scheduled for May 22-25 at Mtn Dew Park in Marion, Illinois.
The Eagles used a two-run second inning to take command of the game, 2-0, early. USI junior catcher Logan Mock (Livermore, California) started the scoring by driving in junior leftfielder Thomas Emerich (Ava, Missouri), who had doubled to start the frame.
Mock would come around to score one batter later when junior second baseman Lane Crowden (Jackson, Missouri) tripled down the right field line for the 2-0.
USI expanded the lead to 6-0 with a 4-run fourth inning. Mock struck again for the first run of the inning with a sacrifice fly, while Crowden made the score 4-0 with a RBI-single to left. Junior third baseman Ricardo Van Grieken (Venezuela), after a single by senior rightfielder Ren Tachioka (Japan), capped off the four-run frame with a two-run double to right field for the 6-0 lead.
Following an Emerich single to start the seventh, junior centerfielder Terrick Thompson-Allen (Sioux City, Iowa) smacked a RBI-triple to left center and scored on a wild pitch to give USI an 8-0 advantage. The Leathernecks closed the gap in the ninth with a tally before the Eagles closed out the 8-1 victory.
USI junior right-hander Peyton Brown (Clemmons, North Carolina) was dominating through six innings and picked up the victory. Brown (2-2), who posted his longest outing of the season, blanked the Leathernecks on two hits and two walks, while striking out four.
USI senior right-hander Trent Robinson (Louisville, Kentucky) picked up the save after throwing the final three innings. Robins allowed one run on one hit and two walks, while striking out two.
USI opens series with 8-1 win
EPD K9 Orkan apprehends auto theft suspect
On May 16th around 8 a.m. officers were dispatched to a business on North Greenriver Road for an auto theft in progress. Officers arrived within minutes and found the suspect, later identified as 35-year-old Shawn M. Grigsby, trying to flee in a stolen truck. Grigsby had wrecked the vehicle, striking several poles, so the vehicle was inoperable. Grigbsy then refused to exit the truck.
Officers attempted to negotiate with Grigbsy for nearly an hour before utilizing less lethal options to end the standoff. When pepperball munitions were projected into the vehicle Grigsby exited the truck and fled on foot from officers. K9 Orkan, along with his partner Officer Blair, immediately apprehended Grigsby.
Officers responded quickly and worked together to help end this situation as safely possible. The collaborative effort by patrol, drone operators, negotiators, K9 units and detectives is to be commended.
Grigsby was treated at a local hospital and then booked into the Vanderburgh County Confinement Center with multiple charges including Auto Theft, Resisting Law Enforcement, Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon and Possession of Methamphetamine.
Former Cleaners Site Eyed For Housing Project
Former CLeaners Site Eyed For A Housing Project
By Jay Young
STAFF WRITER
MAY 17, 2024
A local non-profit organization is working with the owner of the former Pearl Cleaners site on a possible affordable housing project, HOPE of Evansville’s executive director said Thursday.
HOPE’s Joshua Calhoun said he’s corresponded with the property owner about a development at 428 NW Third St. The property is owned by an entity controlled by Eric N. Morgan of Evansville.
The Evansville Building Commission recently cited the property because a recent demolition of the burned-out structure didn’t include debris removals. The city could be stuck with a bill to remove the mountain of bricks and debriis that have covered the site since January. Morgan has not responded to interview requests made since that demolition.
The property is located on the edge of the Downtown Improvement District.
“I think it’s a great area for affordable housing,” Calhoun said. “I think it’s an up-and-coming area.”
Beyond the immediate cleanup, the site faces multiple challenges that include years of unpaid taxes and fees that total $46,590 and potentially a $103,000 lien from the company that demolished the walls.
Calhoun said Morgan originally reached out to HOPE about a possible project and shared renderings. He said his organization has applied for funding from the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP} , which administers money from the state and partners with the Downtown Evansville Improvement District.
This is a developing story.
Vincennes University Agribusiness majors place second at national livestock judging contest
VINCENNES, Ind., May 16, 2024 – A team of Vincennes University Agribusiness – Animal Husbandry majors showcased their outstanding expertise by placing second in the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Livestock Judging Contest last month. In addition to the team’s success, VU student Sidnee Mason emerged as a standout performer, placing second as an individual participant.
The VU Livestock Team that rose to the occasion includes; Joe Records (Elnora, Indiana), Mason Guthrie (Salem, Indiana), Sidnee Mason (Hazelton, Indiana), Rayne Held (Freelandville, Indiana), Delani Bateman (Loogootee, Indiana), and Katie Stenftenagel (Jasper, Indiana).
The contest was held at the College of Southern Idaho and was part of the NACTA Judging Conference, which annually hosts a variety of agricultural contests for 2-year and 4-year member institutions. The conference is a vital part of preparing college students for careers in agriculture by improving their decision-making, communication, and technical skills within their chosen field.
“NACTA helped me gain confidence when speaking to individuals I have never met,” Sidnee Mason said. “I learned how operations are ran in Idaho. NACTA will help enhance my VU journey by creating opportunities and connections that would have never been available if I didn’t go.”
The VU Livestock Team’s performance at the NACTA Judging Conference reinforces VU’s dedication to agricultural education and solidifies its position as a leader in preparing students for success in the agriculture industry.
VU Agribusiness and Horticulture Program Chair Jennifer Steffy said, “VU’s students invested significant effort and time to prepare for the Livestock Judging Contest. Placing second is proof of the knowledge, skills, and high-quality education students receive here at VU. We take great pride in their amazing achievement, and we are 100 percent certain that these students will make significant contributions to the agricultural industry as they step into the real world.”
Attorney General Todd Rokita co-leads half of U.S. states against new EPA rule that threatens to increase Hoosier utility bills
Attorney General Todd Rokita and 24 other attorneys general this week took the next step in preventing the Biden administration’s “Clean Power Plan 2.0” from imposing a stranglehold on the states and everyday Hoosiers as they cool, heat and light their homes. Attorney General Rokita’s office is leading a motion to stay this intrusive new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that places absurd anti-coal & gas mandates on power plants.
This new rule exceeds the EPA’s statutory authority — effectively requiring a shift away from coal by setting unrealistic standards for coal plants. The U.S. Supreme Court held in West Virginia v. EPA that Congress never gave the EPA such statutory power.
“By trying to foist this economy-crushing debacle on Indiana, the Washington elites are proving once again they have nothing but contempt for hardworking Hoosiers,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Rest assured that we’re working nonstop to protect our people from these ruthless schemes and hold these federal bureaucrats accountable to the rule of law.”
The unlawful new rule, which fits the agenda of left-wing climate extremists, threatens the reliability of the nation’s power grid and invites higher utility costs.
In their court motion, the attorneys general note that the new rule effectively forces some power plants out of business — ignoring the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 West Virginia v. EPA decision clarifying that Congress did not give the EPA power to “direct existing sources to effectively cease to exist.” Rather, Congress sought to respect the role of individual states in balancing regional economic interests with environmental priorities such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The rule abandons cooperative federalism. Although the federal government is legally required to give states discretion in implementing standards, the EPA’s new standards are so stringent that they erase state discretion.
Attorney General Rokita is co-leading the 25-state effort with West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey. After filing the initial lawsuit last week, the attorneys general are now seeking a stay of the new rule pending the outcome of the litigation.
CDC: Indiana reports significant decrease in overdose deaths in 2023
INDIANAPOLIS – Gov. Eric J. Holcomb today applauded new provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicating a nearly 18% decrease in overdose deaths in Indiana, the second-highest percentage decrease among all 50 states.
“Hours after I was sworn in as governor in 2017, I signed an executive order creating a new cabinet-level position in state government dedicated to reversing the trend of overdose deaths,” Gov. Holcomb said. “In the seven years since, Indiana has taken thoughtful steps to address this epidemic. This encouraging trend underscores the collective efforts and strategic initiatives implemented to combat substance use throughout our great state.”
An estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in 2023, marking a 3% decline nationally compared to 2022, according to the latest provisional figures reported Wednesday by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics.
In Indiana, an estimated 2,190 individuals died by drug overdose in 2023, a 17.85% decrease compared to 2022. Indiana is among four states that reported the largest year-over-year declines of 15% or more in overdose deaths in 2023.
Since taking office, Gov. Holcomb has placed a significant emphasis on curbing drug overdoses. In 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved an extension to Indiana’s existing Section 1115 Medicaid demonstration waiver, expanding coverage for a full-range of substance use disorder treatment services to Hoosier Medicaid members.
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction has expanded residential treatment beds by 385% since 2017, accounting for a total of 2,900 beds statewide, and the total number of outpatient addiction treatment providers has increased by 8%.
In September 2023, Gov. Holcomb unveiled Shatterproof Treatment Atlas, a free, confidential tool to connect Hoosiers in need with appropriate addiction treatment and deliver user-friendly information about the quality of available programs.
“From the outset of his administration, Gov. Holcomb has emphasized the need for an all-hands-on-deck approach to combat the drug epidemic,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director for drug prevention, treatment and enforcement for the State of Indiana. “These numbers are a testament to the collaborative efforts of countless stakeholders who have contributed to Indiana’s comprehensive treatment and recovery infrastructure.”
Through a partnership with Overdose Lifeline, Inc., an Indiana nonprofit dedicated to helping those affected by substance use disorder, the State of Indiana is distributing roughly 24,000 doses of opioid-reversal agent naloxone each month.
In recent months, FSSA has dedicated over $30 million of the State’s share of national opioid settlement funds to support the creation of 440 new recovery residence beds, implement 15 harm reduction street outreach teams, and expand behavioral health initiatives in the state judicial and correctional systems.
“While we celebrate this progress, it is not lost on us the thousands of Hoosiers who have lost their lives or are currently living with this disease,” Gov. Holcomb said. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to furthering efforts to prevent substance use, expand access to treatment, and support Hoosiers on their path to recovery,”
USI online Master of Business Administration Program earns top 20 ranking by Fortune Education
The University of Southern Indiana Romain College of Business Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program has been ranked 20th in Fortune Education’s Best Online MBA Programs for 2024. The USI MBA Program has earned consistent accolades for its online program and affordability by Fortune, U.S. News & World Report and multiple other outlets.
“We are thrilled our faculty, staff and students have earned this recognition for the transformational work being accomplished through the USI MBA Program,” said Dr. Jack Smothers, Master of Business Administration Director. “Most importantly, students are learning to lead motivated teams in the workplace, create valuable products and services and implement ethical solutions for sustainable operations. We are proud of our impact on business practice and thankful for the opportunity to work with leaders of today and tomorrow.”
Dr. Michael Dixon, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, added: “Interest in USI’s MBA continues to increase. Prospective students from across the United States and from countries around the world regularly submit inquiries and applications to our MBA Program. The program’s faculty, students and graduates are generating this interest. Recognition by Fortune Education underscores that quality.”
USI’s MBA Program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), considered the “gold standard” for business accreditation. The affordable program can be completed in as few as 12 months with six start dates each year and is offered fully online or with a mixture of online and on-campus classes. We often hear from our graduates that the experiences they gain while pursuing their USI MBA greatly increase the pipeline of opportunities available to them.
“We are grateful to the President, Provost, School of Graduate Studies, the entire USI leadership and all stakeholders whose support has been crucial to the success of the MBA Program,” said Dr. Sudesh Mujumdar, Dean of the Romain College of Business. “I am highly appreciative of our world-class faculty who display their expertise every single day to ensure that the MBA Program continues to create high-impact learning experiences for all students.”
The MBA Program can be customized with concentrations in accounting, data analytics, engineering management, healthcare administration, human resource management, marketing, project management and supply chain management. For more information on USI’s MBA Program and how to apply, visit USI.edu/business/mba.
New Book Release By Local Author Scott Conrad, “Damaged But Doable”
“Damaged But Doable”
Author Scott Conrad Publishes Second Book Sharing His Story of Heartache and Hardship as He Breaks the Cycle of Abuse in His Life
APRIL 17, 2024
With the release of ‘Damaged But Doable,’ Conrad opens up in detail about the different types of abuse, the struggles of coming out, battling suicide depression, an eating disorder and a recent struggle with narcissistic abuse.
Each chapter of the abuse is chronicled in his testimony. Conrad brings to light childhood trauma, depression, and a recent suicide attempt. Furthermore, he details the different types of abuse beyond physical, as he shares his experiences with emotional, verbal, mental, financial and narcissistic abuse.
To obtain a copy of the book, one may do so by ordering it online at Amazon in three formats: paperback, hardback and Kindle. ‘Damaged But Doable’ is now available for purchase.
Through Amazon, ‘Damaged But Doable’ has regularly ranked in the Top 75 Teen & Young Adult Body, Mind & Spirit and the Top 100 for Inner Child Self Help books. The ISBN is 979-8324372309.
On Saturday, June 15th from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m., Conrad will be signing and reading from ‘Damaged But Doable’ at Your Brother’s Bookstore located on Main Street in Downtown Evansville.
In addition to his second published title, Conrad also works as a Contributor for FanSided. You can find his articles on NinerNoise.com, 8points9seconds.com, and theviewfromavalon.com.
To answer any questions and to provide further information about the release and the book itself, please reach out to Conrad at guerrinconrad@gmail.com
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