Eagles Visit Little Rock This Weekend

05/09/2024

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — University of Southern Indiana Baseball hits the road in the Ohio Valley Conference this weekend, making a visit to conference-leading University of Arkansas at Little Rock for a three-game series. The first pitch of the series is scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. and continues Saturday at 4 p.m. before concluding Sunday at 1 p.m.

The Screaming Eagles (22-27, 11-10 OVC) will start the weekend tied for fifth in the OVC, but only one game out of second and two games out of first. The Trojans of Little Rock (26-21, 13-8 OVC) are tied for first in the conference with Southeast Missouri State University with a 13-8 league mark.

The SERVPRO OVC Championship, which includes the top eight teams in the standings, is scheduled for May 22-25 at Marion Stadium in Marion, Illinois.

Following the road trip to Little Rock, the Eagles return to the friendly surroundings of the USI Baseball Field for a regular-season ending four-game homestand. The final homestand of 2024 includes a 6 p.m. Tuesday matchup with Middle Tennessee State University before ending the regular season with a three-game series versus Western Illinois University (May 16-18). Links to follow the Eagles during the 2024 season can be found on USIScreamingEagles.com and on the USI Baseball Schedule.

The final series of the season also is Alumni Weekend for the Eagles and will included a celebration of the 10-year anniversary of the 2014 NCAA Division II National Championship and Senior Day on May 18. Both the 2014 team and the 2024 seniors will be recognized prior to the 1 p.m. regular season finale on May 18.

USI Baseball Notes
Eagles overpowered by Aces: The USI Screaming Eagles were overpowered by the University of Evansville, 10-0, to start the week. USI was only able to manage three hits, while UE had seven, three of which were home runs.

Parson named OVC Pitcher of the Week. USI freshman right-hander Grant Parson was named the OVC Pitcher of the Week after leading the Eagles to a 5-1 victory over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville last weekend. Parson, who is the first USI pitcher to earn an OVC Pitcher of the Week Award, allowed one run on five hits and two walks, in addition to striking out a season-high nine batters.

USI wins three of four for 2^nd-straight week. The USI Eagles were 3-1 for the second-straight week, falling at Southern Illinois University before sweeping SIUE last week. USI senior outfielder Ren Tachioka batted a team-best .529 last week with seven runs scored, two doubles, and five RBIs. Senior first baseman Tucker Ebest led USI in RBIs with six.

USI won 6^th series of the year. USI won its sixth series of the season and its third in the OVC after sweeping SIUE last weekend. The Eagles won only four series all of last season.

Tachioka’s hitting streak ends at 11. USI senior outfielder Ren Tachioka saw his hitting streak ended at UE Tuesday. During the streak, Tachioka hit .468 (22-47) with 16 runs scored, four doubles, one triple, and 10 RBIs.

Van Grieken heating up. USI junior third baseman Ricardo Van Grieken has been heating up the last 10 games. Van Grieken has raised his batting average 25 points over the last week (.189 to .214) by hitting .306 (11-36) in the last 10 games. He also has scored seven runs, driven seven more, and banged four doubles.

Kapust the surprise hitter this spring. Senior catcher Tyler Kapust, who has played nearly as many games this season (26) as he has the first three seasons (31), is having a career year at the plate. Kapust is hitting .288 (19-66) this season, compared to the .188 career average (10-53) he entered the season with. He also has a career-high eight RBIs and one home run.

Comes down to pitching. USI’s 22 wins in 2024 (year two of the Division I transition) are five victories better than last season with eight regular season games to play and a lot of this year’s improvement has come down to pitching. The Eagles have a 5.92 ERA, 1.78 better than last season’s 7.70 ERA and the lowest since 2021.

One run games. The Eagles are battle tested in close games this spring, playing in nine one-run games, going 2-7, and 10 two-run games, going 4-6.

USI in the OVC. USI is tied for fifth in the OVC standing (11-10) after sweeping the series and tiebreaker with SIUE. Senior outfielder Ren Tachioka leads USI at the plate in conference play, batting .441 (30-68). Senior first baseman Tucker Ebest has a team-high 21 RBIs and four home runs in league action.

USI in non-conference. In the 28 non-conference games, senior outfielder Ren Tachioka leads the Eagles with a .357 average (30-84), while senior first baseman Tucker Ebest has a team-high 26 RBIs. Ebest also is tied with senior designated hitter Jack Ellis with a team-best four home runs outside of the OVC. Four pitchers have a team-best two victories each in the non-conference schedule.

Season leaders at the plate in 2024. Senior outfielder Ren Tachioka is hitting a team best .395 (60-152) in 39 of the 49 games, while senior infielder/designated hitter Tucker Ebest has hit a team-high eight home runs and driven in a team-best 47 RBIs.

Leaders on the mound in 2024. USI junior right-handers Gavin Seebold has recorded a team-best six wins this season (6-2). Freshman right-hander Grant Parson follows with four wins and has a team-high 60 strikeouts. Freshman right-hander Clayton Weisheit leads USI hurlers with a team-low 2.92 ERA in 37.0 innings this season.

At home versus the road. USI, as a team, is hitting .296 at the home (23 games), compared to .268 on the road (24 games). Senior rightfielder Ren Tachioka is hitting a team-high .444 at the USI Baseball Field, but team-high .350 on the road.

Multi-hit/Multi-RBI Games. USI junior centerfielder Terrick Thompson-Allen leads the Eagles with 22 multi-hit games (20 with 2; 2 with 3), followed by senior outfielder Ren Tachioka has 20 (13 with 2; 6 with 3; 1 with 4). Senior first baseman/designated hitter Tucker Ebest has a team-high 14 multi-RBI games. Sophomore infielder Caleb Niehaus has the top RBI game of the season with five versus Southeast Missouri State University.

In the OVC statistically. USI as a team is third in the OVC in pitching with a team 5.79 ERA and fifth in the league in hitting with a .282 team batting average. Senior outfielder Ren Tachioka is second in the OVC with a .400 batting average, while freshman right-hander Grant Parson is fourth with a 3.90 ERA and sixth with 60 strikeouts.

In OVC Games Only. USI is fourth in the league with a .303 team batting average and fourth with a 5.97 team ERA in OVC games only.

Little Rock in 2024. The Trojans of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock are 26-21 overall and 13-8 in the OVC after taking two of three from Western Illinois University. Little Rock has won six of the last 10 games, entering this week.

USI vs. Little Rock. Little Rock leads the all-time series with USI, 2-0, after taking both games of the series last season at the USI Baseball Field. The third game was rained out.

MTSU in 2024. The Blue Raiders of MTSU are 17-31 overall in 2024 and are 4-6 in the last 10 games. MTSU, who visits Jacksonville State University of three games before visiting USI, is 9-19 since playing the Eagles in March.

USI vs. MTSU. USI owns the first and only meeting between the two programs, defeating MTSU, 12-9, in March. Junior catcher Logan Mock led the USI hitters in the win, going four-for-four with three RBIs and two doubles.

Mayor Stephanie Terry To Read Proclamation For Stamp Out Hunger Day At Press Conference Friday Morning

05/09/2024

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The National Association of Letter Carriers and Tri-State Food Bank would like to invite the media and the public to attend the official kick-off of this year’s Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive at a press conference this Friday, May 10^th at 9:00 AM CST in the lobby of the Downtown Evansville Post Office located at 800 Sycamore Street. Mayor Stephanie Terry will read the official Mayoral Proclamation for Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day. Among those in attendance will be representatives of the National Association of Letter Carriers and Tri-State Food Bank.

Now in its 32^ndyear, the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is the largest one-day food drive in the U.S., with more than 10,000 cities and towns across America participating. It provides a unique opportunity for all residents to come together with a common goal of helping our neighbors who are faced with hunger. Residents can simply leave a bag of non-perishable food in a bag next to their mailbox before the delivery of the mail this Saturday, May 11^th. Letter carriers will collect these food donations as they deliver mail along their postal routes. All food collected in the Evansville area will be distributed by Tri-State Food Bank to local food pantries, shelters, and other hunger-relief programs.

In its 31-year history, Stamp Out Hunger has collected over 1.9 billion pounds of food nationwide to help feed those in need. In Evansville alone, over two million pounds of food have been collected since the first Stamp Out Hunger in 1983.

Vanderburgh County Marriage Licenses Issued

05/09/2024

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Vanderburgh County Marriage Licenses Issued

Vanderburgh County Marriage Licenses Issued

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

05/09/2024

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EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.

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05/09/2024

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Hartsfield named Vincennes University Interim Women’s Basketball Head Coach

05/09/2024

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VINCENNES, Ind., May 8, 2024 – Vincennes University has taken the first step in its effort to fill the roles of its legendary Hall of Fame Coach and Director of Athletics Harry Meeks, who announced his retirement on April 24. VU Assistant Coach Ingrida Hartsfield has been named VU Women’s Basketball Interim Head Coach. Meeks announced her appointment on Wednesday, May 8.

Hartsfield steps into the role of interim coach for one season as Meeks, her mentor, retires with 33 years of service to VU as Director of Athletics and Women’s Basketball Coach.

According to Meeks, “President Johnson and I discussed what is in the best interest of our program and our student-athletes, and we concluded that Ingrida Hartsfield is the best person to fill the role of interim head coach. We believe appointing her will ensure continuity and maintain leadership within the program.”

Citing her experience and seamless integration within the team structure, Meeks believes Hartsfield’s appointment will be integral in VU’s efforts to keep the program strong during the time of transition.

“Having witnessed her growth from VU student-athlete to coach, I’m proud to see Ingrida step into this interim role with a deep understanding of VU culture and traditions,” Meeks said. “Her journey through the VU ranks uniquely positions her to provide continuity for our student-athletes and recruits. She has played an instrumental role in the success of the VU Women’s Basketball program. She possesses a wealth of experience and immense insight into our program’s dynamics. Her seamless transition will ensure onward progress of the program and will foster stability during this period of change.”

She knows the ins and outs of the Trailblazers Women’s Basketball program arguably more than anyone outside of Meeks, VU’s longtime coach.

Hartsfield (then Ingrida Strikas) played for VU from 2010 to 2012. She earned NJCAA All-American Honors in 2012 and graduated from VU with a degree in Criminal Justice. Her VU career catapulted her to NCAA Division I Utah State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.

She credits Meeks’ mentorship as instrumental to professional and personal growth, expressing deep gratitude for the guidance she received.

“Throughout my time as both a student-athlete and a coach, Coach Meeks has had a major influence in my life,” Hartsfield said. “He has been instrumental in shaping my coaching style and has instilled in me the values of leadership, integrity, and resilience that are integral to a program’s success. I am incredibly thankful for the lessons learned under his tutelage, and I will carry his wisdom with me as I embark on this new chapter. It’s an honor to lead the team at my alma mater, and I am excited about having the privilege to continue our tradition of excellence on the court and in the classroom.”

Hartsfield is entering her sixth season overall and third consecutive coaching the Trailblazers. Her coaching career began during the 2015-16 season and stretched through the 2017-18 season before she returned to the Trailblazers bench for the 2022-2023 season.

“As I pass the torch to Ingrida Hartsfield, I do so with full confidence in her ability to lead,” Meeks said. “Her dedication, coaching acumen, and never-ending support of Lady Trailblazers basketball have made her a major asset to the program. I am confident that she will excel in her new role as interim head coach, continuing VU’s legacy of excellence on and off the court.”

Hartsfield is excitedly embracing the opportunity to step into the new leadership position, where she will continue to guide a team of talented athletes and contribute to their growth athletically and academically

Originally from Riga, Latvia, Hartsfield carries unique expertise. Her experiences navigating the American collegiate basketball season give her valuable insights into the specific needs of international student-athletes and effectively connecting with players from diverse backgrounds.

“Together, with the support of our players, coaching staff, the VU Athletics Department, the University, and with support from the community, I am confident the VU Women’s Basketball team will have a fantastic season ahead,” Hartsfield said.

VU will strive to build upon an overall record of 19-11 during the 2023-2024 season that saw freshman Destinee Hooks, who is bound for Division I New Mexico, earn 2024 Region 24 Player of the Year honors, as well as being named Freshman of the Year in Region 24 and a 2nd Team All-American, while sophomore Elikya Baseyila earned All-Region 24 honors for the second time.

“Now is the time to roll up my sleeves and get to work,” Hartsfield said. “My immediate priorities are connecting with our student-athletes and finalizing recruiting efforts. By building on the foundation we’ve already laid together, we will ensure the program continues to thrive.”

Basketball has always been a constant in her life. Between coaching stints at VU, Hartsfield and her husband, Jimmie, built the basketball program ‘Whatever it takes basketball’/Buttermilk, which focuses on helping prepare younger players for a higher level of basketball.

A national search for a VU women’s basketball coach will commence in 2025.

STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN TO PERFORM AT VICTORY THEATRE ON SEPT 26TH!

05/09/2024

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TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY, MAY 10^TH AT 10AM!

Evansville, IN– In a career that has spanned more than three decades, Steven Curtis Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music history. With 59 Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Awards, five GRAMMY®Awards, an American Music Award, and a historic 50 No. 1 singles, he has sold more than seventeen million albums with ten RIAA-Certified® Gold or Platinum albums to his credit. Along with touring the world, Steven Curtis Chapman has appeared on Good Morning America, The Tonight Show, 60 Minutes, The Today Show, among others, along with appearing in the pages of People Magazine, Billboard, and more. As a vocal supporter of adoption, Chapman along with his wife Mary Beth founded Show Hope in 2003, a nonprofit organization that helps restore the hope of a family to orphans.

Aces advance in MVC Championship

05/09/2024

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UE defeats Drake by a final of 4-1

NORMAL, Ill. – Wednesday’s 2024 Missouri Valley Conference Championship opener saw the 10^th-seeded University of Evansville softball team earn a 4-1 win over the #7 seed Drake on at Marian Kneer Stadium.

With the win, the Purple Aces earned their first win in the championship since 2013. Hannah Hood went 1-3 with two RBI, a walk and run to pace the offense. Zoe Frossard, Alexa Davis and Taylor Howe recorded two hits apiece. Sydney Weatherford pitched a gem, allowing one run on nine hits.

Frossard looked to get the Purple Aces rolling in the early moments, opening the game with a single to left. Brooke Voss later reached on an error before the runners were stranded on base. Sydney Weatherford returned the favor in the bottom of the frame, holding the Bulldogs scoreless with a pair of runners left on base.

Hannah Hood opened the second with a walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Alexa Davis came through with a bases hit through the right side to bring in Hood and give UE a 1-0 lead. Davis and Taylor Howe came through once again to get things rolling in the top of the fourth. The duo each posted their second single of the day to set the table for Marah Wood. Her RBI groundout made it a 2-0 game.

Weatherford retired eight batters in a row, but with two outs in the bottom of the 4^th, Drake strung together three hits in a row to pick up their first run of the game.

It did not take long for the Aces to respond. Frossard and Jess Willsey led the 5^th off with back-to-back singles while advancing to second and third on Jenna Nink’s groundout. That brought Hood to the plate and she came through with a 2-run single that pushed the lead to 4-1.

From there, Weatherford got the job done, shutting down the Bulldogs to clinch the win. UE advances to face #2 seed UNI on Thursday at 4 p.m.

Echoing Ideations exhibit on display at USI New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art

05/09/2024

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The University of Southern Indiana’s New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art (NHGCA) is proud to present Echoing Ideations, a solo exhibition by Bailey Roby, a current design student at USI, Saturday, May 11 through Saturday, June 15. An opening reception will be held from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, May 11 at the Gallery and is open to the public at no charge.

Roby tends to explore performative and conceptual installations that confront the viewer with thought-provoking subjects. From The Giving Tree, a work where Roby dangled felted pads and tampons from a tree, to her most recent work Unheard Echoes, a book of unsent letters to people in Roby’s past, she broaches uncomfortable and often personal subjects as a wayfinding tool for her own healing journey. Roby has been working on Echoing Ideation, bolstered by an Endeavor grant totaling $2,450, under the guidance of USI Rob Dickes, Assistant Professor of Photography and Digital Imaging, since August 2023.

Roby is a contemporary artist who explores the combination of installation and imagery. She is a local art student at USI and primarily works photographically and with mixed media installation works. She is set to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in May 2025 and plans to continue to grow her conceptual art while working towards becoming a commercial photographer.

The NHGCA is dedicated to enhancing the experiences of students through an artist-run exhibition space in the Back Gallery. BG Projects at NHGCA allows students to exhibit, experiment and/or curate within a working contemporary art gallery setting. Through exhibition and curatorial strategies, students can envision new possibilities for collaborations and their art practice.

The NHGCA at the University of Southern Indiana promotes discourse about and access to contemporary art in the southern Indiana region. The NHGCA is a proud outreach partner of USI. The gallery is located at 506 Main Street in New Harmony, Indiana. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit the NHGCA website or call 812-682-3156.   

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

05/09/2024

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FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.