EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Baseball scored six times in the eighth inning to defeat Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, 11-6, Saturday afternoon at the USI Baseball Field. The Screaming Eagles are 21-26 overall and 10-10 OVC, while Cougars go to 18-27-1, 10-10 OVC.
USI reaches the .500 mark at 10-10 in the OVC and moves to within two games of conference-leading Morehead State University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, which are 12-8 in the league. The Eagles, who are tied for fifth in the OVC, also have won four of the last five games and five of the last seven.
USI struck for a run in the second to lead 1-0 when junior leftfielder Thomas Emerich (Ava, Missouri) scored on a RBI-single by junior centerfielder Terrick Thompson-Allen (Sioux City, Iowa). SIUE rebounded to take the lead with a pair of runs in the top of the third and the 2-1 lead.
Eagles’ senior rightfielder Ren Tachioka (Japan) crossed the plate with the tying run in the bottom of the third on a sacrifice fly by senior designated hitter Jack Ellis (Jeffersonville, Indiana) after USI loaded the bases with three-straight walks. The Cougars clawed their way back into the lead in the top of the fourth, 3-2, and extended the margin, 4-2, with another single tally in the top of the fifth.
USI regained the upper hand in the bottom of the sixth when it plated a trio of runs for a 5-4 advantage. Junior second baseman Lane Crowden (Jackson, Missouri) knotted the score by lacing a two-triple down the left field line before crossing the plate with the lead run on a RBI-single by junior third baseman Ricardo Van Grieken (Venezuela).
After SIUE tied the game, 5-5, in the top of the eighth, USI exploded for six runs in the bottom half of the frame for the margin of victory. USI junior pinch runner Cameron Boyd (Villa Hills, Kentucky) crossed the plate to put the Eagles back into the lead for good when Van Grieken was credited with a sacrifice fly and reached on a dropped fly ball.
Senior first baseman Tucker Ebest (Austin, Texas) drove in the eventual game-winning tally with a ground out to make the score, 7-5, while Ellis sealed the victory with a two-run single to put the Eagles up, 9-5. Niehaus and Thompson-Allen would knock in the final two runs in the inning to increase the advantage to 11-5.
SIUE loaded the bases in the ninth, but were only able to push one more run across before USI senior right-hander Carter Stamm (Jasper, Indiana) shut the door on the 11-6 win.
Tachioka had a pair of hits and increased his hitting streak to 10 games, while Thompson-Allen posted his team-best 21st multi-hit game with a pair of singles.
On the mound, junior right-hander Gavin Morris (Brazil, Indiana) picked up the win in relief. Morris (4-4) allowed two runs, one earned, on three hits, while striking out three in four innings.
Junior right-hander Gavin Seebold (Jeffersonville, Indiana) started and got a no-decision. Seebold went the first four innings, giving up three runs, two earned, on six hits and three walks.
USI Baseball rallies to win, reach .500 in OVC
VU Track and Field close out Outdoor regular season at Billy Hayes Invite
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Vincennes University Track and Field teams took their final tune up before the 2024 NJCAA Division I National Championships Friday evening, heading up to Bloomington to take part in the Billy Hayes Invitational hosted by Indiana University.
The Blazers again found themselves in a stacked field of NCAA Division I athletes and more than held their own.
The VU men’s team was led by the Trailblazer relay teams, winning the 4×400 relay with a time of 3:11.36 and taking second place in the 4×100 relay with a time of 40.67 seconds.
Freshman Malik Ferdinand led the charge in the individual finishers for the Blue and Gold Friday night, taking second place in the 400 meter dash with a final time of 48.36 seconds.
Freshman Brahym Sakka (Tunisia) led the men’s distance side after taking third place in the 3000 meter steeplechase, crossing the finish line with a time of 9:22.01.
Sophomore Isaac Stanford (Flora, Ill.) placed 10th in the 1500 meters at 3:55.76 and freshman Cody Noel (Hebron, Ind.) took 17th in the 3000 meters with a time of 9:09.72.
Freshman Zion Pruitt placed 19th in the 400 meter hurdles with a final time of 59.65 seconds.
The VU men’s team finishers were rounded out by sophomore Matthew Gray (Washington, Ind.) and freshmen Tanner Spence (Carmi, Ill.) and Bryaun Manuel (East St. Louis, Ill.) who all took part in the 800 meter race.
Gray led the trio of VU runners by taking 24th with a time of 1:58.37, while Spence ended at 1:59.71 for 27th and Manuel ended at 2:03.00 in 29th place.
“We had a good day at the IU meet,” VU Head Track and Field Coach Marty Rogier said. “We used this meet to try and hit a few more National Qualifiers and to tune up for the Championships in two weeks.”
“It was nice to finally get a chance to perform since the weather has been an issue at every one of our outdoor meets,” Rogier added. “I used the opportunity to stack our relays and try to hit some times. The guys came through breaking the program record in the 4×400 and tying the program record in the 4×100.”
“It was really impressive to see Cohen, Olamipo, Tumaini and Desroy move the stick so efficiently in the only time they have run the 4×100 relay,” Rogier said. “I knew we had the speed but I attribute their success to their ability to work together and execute their plan. It’s nice sometimes as a coach to just sit back and watch and enjoy the show.”
“I’m a big fan of the 4×400 and it will always be a goal to put a good group on the track,” Rogier added. “We just have not had a chance to turn it loose because of the weather. Friday was really the only chance to run it right and the guys got the job done.”
“Olamipo, Clinton, Tumaini and Desroy had to run it alone because they were 50 or so meters ahead most of the race,” Rogier said. “To run that time with no one to compete with makes me think we can drop it some more at the Championships. Both relays are ranked in the Top 10 Nationally, so I’m excited to see what they might do. Getting both of those records on the same day is quite a feat because those are some fast times.”
“In addition to the relay success, Malik, who has struggled all season with a wonky hamstring, put together a nice 400 to finish second,” Rogier added. “He will be an important part of what we are able to do at the National meet.”
“In the men’s 800, Matthew ran under two minutes and got a PR for the second week in a row,” VU Assistant Track and Field Coach and Distance Coach Tyler Steigenga said. “He’s got a lot left in him, so I’m excited to see what he can do at Nationals. Tanner also broke two minutes for the second week in a row, just off his PR.”
“Brahym ran his best steeplechase of the year with an 18 second improvement from two weeks ago,” Steigenga added. “We were trying to run a bit faster to improve his chances to get a spot in the fast heat at Nationals, but as of now he’s in. We’ll just have to see how things finish out this weekend.”
The VU women’s team was led by freshman and 2024 Indoor National Champion Sophia Amaral who placed sixth in the pole vault after clearing a height of 4.05 meters.
Sophomore Madison Davis pulled double duty Friday evening, taking 14th in the discus throw with a best throw of 38.07 meters and then taking 19th in the shot put with a throw of 11.66 meters.
Freshman Adi Fuller (Evansville, Ind.) led the women’s track team with a 15th place finish in the 1500 meters with a time of 4:55.85.
Freshman Emilly Barbosa (Sao Paulo, Brazil) rounded out the VU day on the track by finishing the 800 meters with a time of 2:18.18 for 19th place overall.
“Sophia added to her top ranking by clearing 4.05 and finishing sixth in a really good pole vault competition,” Rogier said. “There were some elite jumpers competing. It’s hard to not be satisfied but I really believe she has bigger bars if she will just let it happen and not overthink things.”
“Madison had a big personal best in the discus,” Rogier added. “It was good to see it come together for her in a big meet. She struggled a little with the shot put. She got a little nervous with the competition she was facing.”
“Adi had a great race in the 1500 to get her second National Qualifier and also moved to No. 7 on the VU All-Time list,” Steigenga said. “This meet can be a mixed bag of results as everyone is coming off a big week of final exams, moving out of dorms and dealing with other end of the school year things. It can be hard to compete after going through all of that. I know a lot of them are looking forward to resting up this week to get ready for Nationals.”
The Trailblazers will now take next two weeks to rest, recover and prepare for the 2024 NJCAA Division I Outdoor National Championships hosted at Brown Stadium at the University of Louisiana-Monroe.
The three day meet is set to begin Thursday, May 16 and will conclude on Saturday, May 18 in Monroe, La.
“Overall, I think we got almost everything done that we were hoping for,” Rogier said. “Tyler’s group performed very well against some stiff competition. This meet is set up to be a last chance qualifier for Division I programs. That is why you see schools like Notre Dame and Michigan. We are grateful that they allow us to be a part because it’s a great opportunity for our athletes to compete against some of the best talent in the country.”
Aces battle to the finish in Saturday contest
ISU finishes with 6-5 win
NORMAL, Ill. – With the score tied at 5-5 in the bottom of the 7th, Illinois State saw its first four batters reach base to defeat the University of Evansville softball team by a final of 6-5 on Saturday at Marian Kneer Stadium.
Three RBI hits in the bottom of the first saw Illinois State jump out to the early lead. UE looked to respond in the top of the second as Hannah Hood reached on a leadoff walk before Jenna Nink doubled to right center. A double play quickly ended the threat.
Illinois State registered three hits in the bottom of the frame before Purple Aces starter Megan Brenton forced a fly out to keep the deficit at three runs with ISU stranding the bases loaded.
Evansville got on the board in the top of the third with three consecutive batters reaching base with two outs. A Zoe Frossard walk and Brooke Voss single were followed by an RBI hit by Jess Willsey to make it a 3-1 game. The Redbirds quickly fought back, plating two runs in the bottom of the third.
Things remained at 5-1 until the top of the 5th when two runs scored on another hit by Jess Willsey to cut the deficit to 5-3. One inning later, it was Frossard coming through with the game-tying hit. Niki Bode opened the frame with a pinch hit single while Marah Wood reached on a 1-out fielder’s choice. With two outs, Frossard double to left center to bring in both runners.
Still tied at 5-5 in the bottom of the 7th, the Redbirds rallied to take the win. Following a leadoff single, ISU saw its next three batters walk as the winning run crossed the plate. Evansville posted eight hits in the game with Willsey recording a pair.
Brenton tossed three innings with five runs, four earned, crossing the plate. Mikayla Jolly threw three innings with just one run scoring.
Sunday’s regular-season finale begins with a 12 p.m. first pitch.
Braun challenges new Biden rule that will crush affordable health care plans
Introduced under Congressional Review Act by Senators Mike Braun, Roger Marshall, Mike Lee, and Ron Johnson President Biden promised on the campaign trail that if you like your health care plan, you can keep it.
He broke that promise with a new rule that would limit short term limited duration insurance plans.
These plans – called STLDI plans – are affordable, comprehensive plans that can be renewed to best suit beneficiaries’ unique situations.
In other words, not the one-size-fits-all, top-down federal government the Biden White House wants.
Senator Mike Braun, Senator Mike Lee, Senator Roger Marshall, and Senator Ron Johnson are challenging this new rule under the Congressional Review Act.
Senator Braun previously challenged President Biden’s ESG 401(k) rule that would encourage money managers to prioritize politics over returns for retirees. Braun’s challenge passed the House and the Senate on bipartisan votes.
Here are the basics:
- Right now, Americans can maintain STLDI plans for up to 12 months, and a maximum of 36 months with renewals.
- The Biden Administration’s final rule will severely limit STLDI coverage to no more than 4 months total, prohibiting any renewals.
- Up to 500,000 people could lose their current health insurance as a result of this rule.
- The Biden administration admits “those individuals who become uninsured could face an increased risk of higher out-of-pocket expenses and medical debt, reduced access to health care, and potentially worse health outcomes.”
Braun’s challenge to the new rule:
- Senator Braun is challenging this rule.
- Due to the House and Senate rules, Senator Braun will be able to force a vote on this challenge to Biden’s rule to protect Americans from losing affordable, comprehensive health coverage.
- The resolution requires a simple majority vote threshold.
More information:
- Around 2-3 million Americans rely on STLDI plans. These Americans are in danger of losing their comprehensive coverage.
o The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) characterized 95% of STLDI plans as “comprehensive major medical polic[ies].”
- CBO also found that STLDI plans can be 60% cheaper than Obamacare bronze plans.
- Out-of-pocket limits for coverage in the individual market is at a record-high, at $9,450 for an individual and $18,900 for a family.
o This is nearly a 16% increases since 2020.
- Since 1996, STLDI has been exempt from most federal health insurance laws and regulations, resulting in it being an affordable and well-tailored option for many.
Evansville To Begin Pavement Preservation Program By Treating Roads Wth Reclamite®
Evansville To Begin Pavement Preservation Program By Treating Roads With Reclamite®
MAY 3, 2024
On or after Wednesday, MAY 1st, 2024, weather permitting, RejuvTec Inc will begin the City of Evansville’s 2024 pavement preservation program by treating roads with Reclamite®. Reclamite ® is a rejuvenating fog seal, that will be applied to the below listed streets in EVANSVILLE. RejuvTec will be working from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on these roads. You should see traffic control with some lane restrictions, and minimal disruption to traffic in the following areas.
| ROAD TREATED | FROM | TO |
| 5/1/24 – Pollack Ave. | Lombard Ave. | Green River Rd. |
| 5/2/24 – Bellemeade Ave. | St. Marys Dr. | Green River Rd. |
| 5/3/24 – Garvin Street | Riverside Dr. | Mulberry St. |
FOOTNOTE |
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| RejuvTec will begin working with the City Engineer’s office this week to apply a pavement preservation seal to multiple roads in Evansville. The process will begin May 1; the attached release contains details of the process, as well as information about how the seal, Reclamite, works to extend the life of the pavement. | ||
Hoosier History Highlights
May 5 – May 11This Week in Indiana History
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Indiana Quick Quiz1.True or False? Indiana produces more steel than any other state. 2.What is the state flower of Indiana? 3.Hannah Milhous was born in Jennings County in 1885. What is her connection to history? 4. What was the original name of Pittsboro, Indiana? Answers Below
For more activitiesin IN
Answers1. True 2. Peony 3. She was the mother of President Richard Nixon 4. Pittsburg
Indiana’s beautiful state flower! |
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Retail Food Establishment Inspection Report
Don’t Miss Out on Murders Most Foul Part II This Tuesday
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the chilling tales of 1800s Evansville with ‘Murders Most Foul Part II’! Following the immense success of last year’s program, we’re thrilled to announce a new edition featuring fresh crimes and captivating stories.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Browning Gallery (lower level)
& Live Streaming on YouTube
Join us for an hour of intrigue, shock, and captivation with Willard Public Library historian, Stan Schmitt. Discover the dark secrets and mysteries that lurked in the shadows of our city’s past.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to explore true crime history! Mark your calendars, spread the word, and prepare yourself for a thrilling journey into the depths of Evansville’s past.
This event is very popular and we’ve reached full capacity for tickets. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of ways for you to catch all the action:
Join fellow true crime enthusiasts at WPL in the cozy Reading Room, where we’ll be simulcasting Murders Most Foul. Plus, if any ticket holders don’t make it, you’ll have the chance to snag a spot in the Gallery where there are available seats.
EPA Marks Asthma Awareness Month and Honors National Leader in the Fight Against Asthma Disparities
Maine Asthma Prevention and Control Program Recognized as National Model
WASHINGTON – Every year in May, EPA marks Asthma Awareness Month to raise national awareness of asthma and to highlight leading programs across the nation that serve as models for delivering outstanding improvements in asthma care and quality of life for people with asthma.
“Growing up with respiratory challenges in North Carolina, I know all too well the struggle that millions of Americans suffer daily. Asthma is a public health issue, an economic issue, and an environmental issue that impacts the entire country, especially low-income and minority communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “That’s why EPA is taking action to slash harmful pollution and raise awareness of the tools available for communities to manage asthma, control symptoms, and improve health.”
Asthma is a major public health issue that affects more than 25 million Americans, including four million children, and disproportionately affects certain racial and ethnic groups. The estimated economic impact of asthma is more than $80 billion per year from direct and indirect costs, such as missed school and workdays.
Fortunately, there are steps people can take as part of a comprehensive approach to manage their asthma, control symptoms, and improve health. These include following a personalized action plan to help manage asthma and avoiding triggers that can exacerbate symptoms.
EPA is taking action to reduce the pollution that causes asthma attacks while more communities, with EPA support, deploy approaches to improve the lives of people with asthma, especially in minority and low-income communities.
People can control asthma symptoms and improve health with three straightforward strategies:
- Identify and avoid indoor environmental asthma triggers. Dust mites, secondhand smoke, mold, pests, pet dander and other allergens and contaminants in homes, schools and other indoor spaces can trigger asthma attacks. Work with your health care provider to identify and avoid your personal indoor asthma triggers.
- Pay attention to outdoor air quality. Ozone and particle pollution can cause or worsen asthma attacks, even indoors. Check local air quality conditions at AirNow.gov and download the EPA AirNow app for your phone.
- Create a personalized asthma action plan. This will help you monitor your or your child’s asthma and take steps to reduce exposure to personal asthma triggers. Ask a health care provider to assist you in creating a plan.
During Asthma Awareness Month, EPA recognizes leading asthma management programs for their in-home interventions through the National Environmental Leadership Award in Asthma Management. The 2024 winner is the Maine Asthma Prevention and Control Program.
Maine’s program provides leadership and coordination for asthma care and service delivery statewide. One of MAPC’s initiatives is the In-Home Asthma Education Program, an innovative, home-based asthma program for adults, children and caregivers who, despite adequate medical management, have asthma that was not well controlled. The program connects those most in need with environmental asthma remediation tools and community resources through health educators who are highly attuned to the disparities that exist in asthma management.
EPA works year-round to promote understanding of asthma triggers, as a part of comprehensive asthma management, through research, education and outreach. With support from EPA, more communities are deploying approaches to improve the lives of people with asthma, especially in minority and low-income communities. A focus of EPA’s work to reduce the scope of asthma is addressing the Indoor Environmental Determinants of Health. IEDOH are modifiable environmental factors indoors — such as household air pollution, the presence of pests, mold and moisture, chemicals and irritants — that influence risk and experience of chronic diseases, like asthma.
In addition to EPA’s work in raising asthma awareness, EPA is taking action to reduce the pollution that causes asthma attacks. In recent months, EPA has finalized strengthened pollution standards for cars, trucks, and power plants — as well as stronger air quality standards for particulate matter — that once fully implemented, are anticipated to prevent tens of thousands of cases of asthma each year and avoid millions of lost days of school and work due to asthma symptoms.
With funding from President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, EPA is also working to improve the lives of millions of Americans by reducing pollution in neighborhoods where people live, work, play, and go to school. EPA is providing billions of dollars through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act to help schools and communities purchase clean school buses and clean heavy-duty vehicles that will reduce the air pollution from older diesel engines that is linked to asthma. Phasing out these older diesel engines, which disproportionally affect communities of color and Tribal communities, will ensure cleaner air for students and communities near these transportation routes. In addition, projects developed under the Inflation Reduction Act’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program are expected to fund projects that will provide even more clean-air benefits.