Rebecca Todd Peters will be the speaker at the seventh annual William R. Connolly Ethics Lecture planned for Monday, March 14. Her topic will be “Solidarity in a Globalizing World.†The lecture begins at 7:00 p.m., in Eykamp Hall, Room 251, Ridgway University Center. It is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Lisa Kretz, director of the Ethics Program, at lk102@evansville.edu or the Department of Philosophy and Religion at 812-488-2165.
The University of Southern Indiana baseball team opens the 2016 regular season and home schedule Friday at 2 p.m. when it starts a three-game series against Midwest Region rival Grand Valley State University at the USI Baseball Field. Following Friday’s 2 p.m. first pitch and the start of a 10-game homestand, the Screaming Eagles and the Lakers are scheduled to play Saturday at 1 p.m. before concluding the series Sunday at noon.
Coverage of the Eagles-Lakers series, including live stats and audio, are available at GoUSIEagles.com.
SCREAMING EAGLES BASEBALL NOTES:
USI Baseball picked to place 2nd in GLVC East Division. The Eagles, who were 28-21 overall record and 21-15 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference’s East Division in 2015, are predicted to place 2nd in the GLVC East Division. USI is forecast to follow the University of Indianapolis, but ahead of Bellarmine University, Saint Joseph’s College, Lewis University, the University of Illinois Springfield, McKendree University, and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.
Collegiate Baseball Newspaper preseason honors. Senior rightfielder Kyle Kempf (Evansville, Indiana) and senior third baseman Trent Gunn (Tell City, Indiana) were named Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Preseason All-Americans, while sophomore outfielder/first baseman Drake McNamara (Mt. Vernon, Indiana) and junior right-hander Colin Nowak (Carol Stream, Illinois) were named preseason “Player” and “Pitcher” to watch this spring.
New pitching rotation in 2016. The USI pitching staff will have a new look to the starting rotation after graduation of or injuries to all but one of the 2015 starting pitchers. The lone returning starter is senior right-hander Alex Holder (Princeton, Indiana), who was 5-1 with a 3.17 ERA in 10 appearances and nine starts during his first year with the Eagles.
Eagle hitters look to continue production. USI hit .310 last season as a team, averaging 6.1 runs per contest in 2015. The Eagles averaged only 5.4 runs per contest during their run to the national championship in 2014. .
Kempf leading hitting attack. USI senior rightfielder Kyle Kempf (Evansville, Indiana) returns to lead the Eagles’ hitting attack after posting a team-best .395 batting average, 45 runs scored, and 15 doubles. Kempf, currently, ranks ninth in total bases; 18th in games played; seventh in hits; 11th in doubles, and 15th in home runs.
Gunn closing on hitting streak record. USI senior third baseman Trent Gunn (Tell City, Indiana) finished 2015 on a 19-game hitting streak, two games away tying Josh Perkins’ record of 21-straight (last two games of 2000 and the first 19 of 2001).
Returning from 2015’s line-up. The Eagles return eight members of the 2015 starting line-up that took the field for the GLVC Tournament last year. USI returns senior catcher Ryan Bertram (Zionsville, Indiana); sophomore second baseman Sam Griggs (Evansville, Indiana); senior third baseman Trent Gunn (Tell City, Indiana); senior leftfielder Jaylen Quarles (Indianapolis, Indiana); senior centerfielderHamilton Carr (Evansville, Indiana); and senior rightfielder Kyle Kempf (Evansville, Indiana).
Archuleta at the helm. USI Head Coach Tracy Archuleta has a USI record of 340-171 (.665) in eight-plus seasons and is 488-295 (.623) in 13-plus seasons as the head coach. He has been named the ABCA Division II Coach of the Year twice (2010 and 2014) after leading the Screaming Eagles to a pair of national championships. He also has earned a pair of GLVC Coach of the Year awards (2011 and 2014).
GVSU in 2016. The Lakers, who were 34-18 last spring, enter 2016 as the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference defending champions and are coming off of an appearance in the 2015 NCAA II Midwest Regional
USI vs. GVSU. USI holds a 9-5 all-time series lead over GVSU, having won four of the last seven meetings (all at the USI Baseball Field). The Eagles and the Lakers also have met in the NCAA II Midwest Regional title game twice since 2007 with USI winning both match-ups.
This gorgeous girl is Etna! She’s a female calico/torbie and is about 9 months old. Her sister Santa Maria is up for adoption at the Vanderburgh Humane Society, too! Adopt one for $30, or $60 for both! Call (812) 426-2563 or visit www.vhslifesaver.org for adoption information!
A bipartisan group of Indiana elected officials is urging United Technologies, the parent company of Carrier and UTEC, to work to find a solution to continue operations in Indiana. U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly, Governor Mike Pence, U.S. Senator Dan Coats, Congressman Andre Carson, Congressman Marlin Stutzman, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, and Huntington Mayor Brooks Fetters sent a letter today requesting a meeting with United Technologies. The letter follows last week’s announcement that Carrier and UTEC will move operations from facilities in Indianapolis and Huntington to Mexico, leading to the elimination of more than 2,000 Hoosier jobs.
 In the letter, the Indiana elected officials wrote, “While we struggle to understand the basis of your business decision, we continue to believe that when we work together we can solve most problems.
“We understand that you are meeting with union officials to discuss the decision to move your operations to Mexico. We ask that Carrier, UTEC, and United Technologies also meet with our offices to discuss this issue, and hope that you come to the table in good faith and work to find a solution to continue this partnership that has brought success to your company and strengthened our communities.
“On behalf of the workers at Carrier and UTEC and the Hoosier communities in which they live, we stand ready to support these discussions.â€
Full text of the letter is below. A signed PDF copy of the letter can be found attached.
February 17, 2016
Gregory J. Hayes, President and Chief Executive Officer
Robert McDonough, President, UTC Climate, Controls & Security
United Technologies
Dear Mr. Hayes and Mr. McDonough,
We write to you in support of the 1,400 workers at the Indianapolis Carrier facility and the 700 workers at the Huntington UTEC facility who received the devastating news last week that their jobs will be moved to Mexico. Carrier and UTEC have served as pillars of our communities for decades, and many of the individuals set to lose their livelihoods have given their lives to your company.
While we struggle to understand the basis of your business decision, we continue to believe that when we work together we can solve most problems. It is this pragmatic approach combined with your loyal and talented workforce and their dedication to your brands that has helped Carrier and UTEC to many years of success.
Just as your workforce has done right by Carrier and UTEC, we are now asking you to do right by them. We understand that you are meeting with union officials to discuss the decision to move your operations to Mexico. We ask that Carrier, UTEC, and United Technologies also meet with our offices to discuss this issue, and hope that you come to the table in good faith and work to find a solution to continue this partnership that has brought success to your company and strengthened our communities.
On behalf of the workers at Carrier and UTEC and the Hoosier communities in which they live, we stand ready to support these discussions.
Sincerely,
Senator Joe Donnelly
Governor Mike Pence
Senator Dan Coats
Congressman Andre Carson
Congressman Marlin Stutzman
Mayor Joseph Hogsett
Mayor Brooks Fetters
Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence and First Lady Karen Pence will attend the 2016 Indiana Leadership Prayer Breakfast at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. Governor Pence will also offer remarks. Details below.
Thursday, February 18
7:15 a.m. EST – Governor, First Lady to attend 2016 Indiana Leadership Prayer Breakfast; Governor Pence to offer remarks
*Media are welcome to attend.
Indiana Roof Ballroom – 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN
Dave Stafford for www.theindanalawyer.com
The first of 29 Indiana Supreme Court applicants interviewed Wednesday made cases for age and geographic diversity, the importance of practice experience on the court and the need to increase court funding statewide.
The Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission began three days of interviews in the first round of vetting for lawyers and judges who’ve applied to replace retiring Justice Brent Dickson. Here are highlights from those interviewed Wednesday morning.
Thomas P. Yoder, partner, Barrett McNagny LLP, Fort Wayne
Fielding a question about his age, which Yoder described as a youthful 64, the former Indiana State Bar Association president said the court currently is comprised of younger justices who could exit in a couple of decades, giving a future governor an opportunity to pack the court.
“I think I’m perfect,†Yoder quipped when asked about his age. “In 10 years I will be on the cusp of mandatory retirement,†which he said wouldn’t necessarily be a negative given the court’s current more youthful composition. Also, he said Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana hadn’t had a justice on the court since he began practicing.
“I want to have a public voice,†Yoder said, something he’s not had since departing as ISBA president some 15 years ago. He said the court needs an experienced practitioner and touted his experience in business law.
Geoffrey G. Slaughter, partner, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Indianapolis
Slaughter told the commission his work as president of the Indiana Bar Foundation has illuminated the need to extend civil representation and legal assistance to unrepresented litigants and those in need. “We’re making important strides in that area,†he said.
The most important traits for a justice are legal ability, collegiality and civility in dealing with lawyers who come before the court, he said. He said his experience of the past 15 years in private practice and six years prior to that with the attorney general’s office would be a good fit for the court.
“I bring the practitioner’s perspective,†he said. “I like to think I would bring to the court experience in some substantive areas of law in which I’ve had some relevant experience, mostly in the business realm,†he said. Slaughter also said he would be eager to assist with efforts to increase pro bono work and court administration.
Thomas E. Wheeler II, partner, Frost Brown Todd LLC, Indianapolis
Wheeler stressed his 30 years as a trial lawyer, his connections with the Legislature and current and former governors, and efforts to increase state funding for the judiciary as reasons he should be appointed to the Supreme Court. The former chairman of the Indiana Election Commission, whose decision that stripped the office from former Secretary of State Charlie White was affirmed by the high court, noted the political nature of the case.
He said the bipartisan committee handled the case collegially. “We were able to work together, and that’s what needed to happen,†Wheeler said. “Generally, I’m a team player; I like to block out and rebound and not score.†He said that would be his approach on the court, and he said late Justice Antonin Scalia’s sometimes acerbic manner of argument and writing caused him concern.
Wheeler said he would seek general fund increases to ensure equal access to courts statewide. “Right now we have a system where, frankly, access to justice depends on which side of county line you’re standing on, and I don’t think that’s acceptable,†he said.
Evansville Police are looking for 22 year old AUSTIN D SMITH. SMITH is wanted for Rape, Criminal Confinement, and Battery.
Police began an investigation when the victim was treated at a local hospital following the Tuesday night attack. The victim told investigators she knew SMITH and he was giving her a ride. He became angry during the car ride and attacked her.
SMITH is 5’09” and 135lbs. He has blonde hair and green eyes.
Anyone with info is asked to call EPD at 812-4367-7979 or WeTip.
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Evansville Police have arrested 23 year old STEPHEN ELSEY on two counts of Battery Causing Serious Bodily Injury to a Child Under 14.
Investigators believe ELSEY was watching his 2 month old daughter on February 14th. ELSEY told investigators he became upset when she would not stop crying and intentionally banged the girl’s head against the metal railing of a pack and play crib. The infant suffered a fractured skull during the assault.
During the medical treatment, hospital staff also found a healing wound on one of the girl’s collar bones. ELSEY said he may have caused that injury during an incident in January when he was upset with the infant and forcefully laid her down in her crib.
ELSEY originally denied knowing how the girl was injured. He then claimed it was an accident and she was injured when she fell from his lap. After several interviews, he told investigators he injured the infant when she would not stop crying.
ELSEY was arrested Wednesday and is at the Vanderburgh County Jail.
IS IT TRUE the City Council Observer predicted many months ago that we you can expect a major water and sewer increase? Â …it looks like we were right? Â …if the water rates increases continue a gallon of Jack Daniels could cost less than a gallon of water?
IS IT TRUE we hope that the new owner of the Evansville Hockey team Mike Hall will have the needed start up operating capital? Â …we hope he has the funds to pay for workers comp, marketing staff, monthly stipend to pay players, funds to pay for housing arrangements for out of area players, money to pay for away game travel expenses (transportation-food and lodging)? Â …we hope he can afford to pay the costs to lease the Ford Center for practices and home games, start up money for uniforms, pads, skates and equipment, be able to provide the League and the City with a letter of line of credit and performance bond? Â …we hope that Mr. Hall also realizes that 75% of operating income comes from the sales of tickets? Â …we wish him the best in this massive financial undertaking?
IS IT TRUE if Mayor Winnecke thinks he made the right decision concerning his selection of a new Hockey team for Evansville he should challenge the IceMen to a charity game this coming season?
IS IT TRUE that the transfer of the Hotel Parking Garage to the Evansville Brownfields Corporation now will allow this public project to proceed without the competitive bidding process?
IS IT TRUE It appears that Evansville has been dealt yet another post-election surprise from the Mayor’s Office? …the controversial North Main bike paths are going to cost more than originally planned for? Â …because of underground streetcar tracks, we are going to spend $16 million plus, instead of the $13 million that was originally planned for the project?
IS IT TRUE this amounts to a million dollars a block for the 16 block project meant to redevelop the business section of a very high-crime, blight-ridden neighborhood? Â .. .the money comes from the Jacobsville TIF, which is dedicated to improving the North Main/Gavin Park area? Â …the TIF money for North Main shall be totally tapped out once the project is complete?
IS IT TRUE we admit that we are puzzled at the decision to spend so much money on those with interests in the area who are best off financially, the business owners? Â …there is so much that is needed to make the neighborhood safer and more family friendly rather than doing for those who need it less.?
IS IT TRUE we believe that the return on the “investment†is dubious to say the least? …the fact that Bob’s Bikes that was the “centerpiece†for the project has already failed and the owner has left town is reason enough to doubt the success of the bike paths in renewing business on North Main Street.?  …we have been told by many cyclists that the main “strike†against Bob’s Bikes was its location.? …our friends who are fitness cyclers tell us that they are not interested in riding in areas with vehicles and foot traffic that make them slow down?
IS IT TRUE the thought of loading bikes up and hauling them to a high-crime area for a ride does not appeal to many people? Â …Many of those in Jacobsville who ride bicycles are riding of necessity and have little disposable income?
We are asking our readers to “like us” on Facebook and encourage friends and family to do so, as well? Our next IS IT TRUE will be posted on this coming Friday?
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Todays “Readers Poll”:Do you feel Council should spend $16 million dollars to renovate North Main area?Â
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