BASEBALL ACES RUN-RULE SOUTHERN ILLINOIS, 12-2, TO OPEN SERIES
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville senior starter Shane Harris tossed six strong innings on Thursday night, and the Purple Aces broke things open with nine runs in the seventh and eighth innings to post a series-opening 12-2 run-rule victory over the Southern Illinois Salukis at German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium in Evansville.
“It’s great to get back in the win column obviously,” said UE head coach Wes Carroll. “It really started on the mound for us tonight with the effort that we got out of Shane Harris. He got some early swings tonight, which kept his pitch-count low, and that really helped him settle in and set the tone for us.
“Offensively, we got a lot of hits early, but also left a lot of guys on base, and it felt like we should have been up more early on. But, the guys never wavered, and finally, in winning time, we were able to string together a lot of good at-bats and we were finally able to put up the big inning. Overall, I really liked the energy that our guys came to the park with today and we need to carry that over to tomorrow night.”
Harris set the tone early for UE, recording a pair of strikeouts in the first inning, as he retired the first 12 men he faced. Graduate outfielder Mark Shallenberger then led off the game with a double to left-center field and he eventually scored on an RBI ground out by graduate third baseman Brent Widder, as UE took a 1-0 lead just three batters into the game.
Shallenberger then added a two-run double off the wall in left-center field in the second inning to push the lead to 3-0. Evansville would collect seven hits in the first three innings, but left five men stranded on base, as the lead remained 3-0.
Southern Illinois would finally get its first hit and run of the game off of Harris in the fifth inning, and tacked on another run in the sixth inning, but he buckled down and got a fly out from SIU’s clean-up batter to end the sixth inning with a 3-2 lead. Harris (2-4) would earn the victory in just his second start of the year, giving up just two runs on five hits in 6.0 innings of work with three strikeouts against no walks.
SIU threatened to tie the game in the seventh inning, putting two men on base, but reliever Drew Fieger got a pop up to end the frame and keep Evansville in the lead. Then, in the seventh inning, Evansville took advantage of extreme wildness from the SIU bullpen to plate six runs on a lead-off single, an error, seven walks and a pair of sacrifice flies. UE then enacted the run-rule in the eighth inning on a run-scoring ground-rule double by junior outfielder Harrison Taubert, a run-scoring passed ball, and a walk-off RBI single by Shallenberger.
Shallenberger led UE by going 3-for-4 with two doubles and four RBI. Taubert, graduate first baseman Chase Hug and junior catcher Evan Waggoner also had two-hit outings.
With the victory, Evansville improves to 10-15 overall and 1-3 in the Missouri Valley Conference. Southern Illinois, meanwhile, falls to 17-9 overall and 3-1 in the Valley. The series will continue on Friday night at 6 p.m. in a game that can be heard live in the Tri-State on 107.1 FM-WJPS and seen live on ESPN+. Freshman left-hander Kenton Deverman (2-1, 4.46 ERA) will get the start for UE.
Screaming Eagles lose slugfest with Morehead State
MOREHEAD, Ky. – University of Southern Indiana Baseball lost a slugfest with Morehead State University, 11-10, to start a three-game series Thursday evening in Morehead, Kentucky. USI is 11-14 overall and 2-2 in the OVC, while MSU goes to 15-11, 2-2 OVC.
The Screaming Eagles took the early advantage, 2-0, with a pair of runs in the top first. Senior designated hitter Jack Ellis (Jeffersonville, Indiana) put USI on top, 1-0, with a sacrifice fly, while junior rightfielder Adam Euler (Evansville, Indiana) gave the Screaming Eagles a 2-0 lead on a RBI-single in his 2024 debut.
After Morehead tied the score, 2-2, in the bottom half of the frame, USI jumped back out in front, 5-2, with three in the top of the second. Senior first baseman Tucker Ebest (Austin, Texas) would give the Screaming Eagles a 4-2 lead with a two-out two-run single to left center before sophomore shortstop Caleb Niehaus (Newburgh, Indiana) finished the rally by sneaking home on a wild pitch.
The MSU Eagles bounce back in the bottom of the second to regain the lead, 6-5, after a four-run frame. The score would remain 6-5 until USI took back the advantage, 8-6, in the seventh on a three-run blast by Ellis. The homer was Ellis’ team-high fifth of the season.
The USI margin would last until the bottom of the eighth when MSU jumped back into the lead, 10-8, with its second four-run frame of the game. The Screaming Eagles fought back into the game for a third time, tying the game, 10-10, with a pair of runs in the top of the ninth.
USI pulled to within one at 10-9 on a RBI-single by junior catcher Logan Mock (Livermore, California) and tied the score, 10-10, on a RBI-single by Euler.
MSU, however, rebounded to take the lead for a third time in the game when USI senior right-hander Cory Anderson (Linton, Indiana) gave up a walk-off home run to MSU Eagles first baseman Roman Kunz to lead-off the frame. Anderson fell to 0-1.
USI freshman Grant Parson (Owensboro, Kentucky) started and got a no-decision. Parson allowed six runs on two hits and four walks in two innings of work.
Swim ‘Bests, Diving to Drive IU in Day Two
INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana was one of two programs to send multiple athletes to the 1-meter A final Thursday (March 28) at the 2024 NCAA Men’s Swimming and Diving Championships inside the IU Natatorium.
Junior Quinn Henninger posted the top qualifying score in the 1-meter prelim, tallying 386.85 points in the early afternoon. Classmate Carson Tyler was not far behind, earning a score of 367.05 to finish fifth in the prelim. Henninger finished sixth in the event as a freshman. Tyler, the 2023 NCAA platform champion, will compete in his first national 1-meter final. Both finished top five at the 2024 Big Ten Championships.
IU was always going to have a light final swimming session Thursday, as the program’s heaviest action falls in the second half of the meet. However, a personal best from junior Rafael Miroslaw pulled in additional assured points Thursday night. Had he swum his seed time, Miroslaw would have finished 20th in the 500-yard freestyle preliminaries. Instead, the junior trimmed 2.56 seconds off his best to touch in 4:11.84 and reach the consolation final. Miroslaw’s time tied the second-fastest 500 free in program history, set by program record holder Marwan El Kamash in 2017.
Fellow junior Luke Barr also improved and reached the 200 IM B final. Barr came in as the No. 15 seed but moved a spot higher with a personal best 1:41.97 in the morning.
The Hoosiers will also swim the 200-yard freestyle relay. They come in as the No. 16 seed with a time of 1:16.19 from their bronze medal finish at Big Tens.
RESULTS (Prelims)
500 FREESTYLE
12. Rafael Miroslaw – 4:11.84 (Consolation Final, Career Best)
- Tristan DeWitt – 4:18.77 (Career Best)
200 IM
- Luke Barr – 1:41.97 (Consolation Final, Career Best)
41. Toby Barnett – 1:44.72
50 FREESTYLE
- Finn Brooks – 19.52
1-METER
- Quinn Henninger – 386.85 (Championship Final)
- Carson Tyler – 367.05 (Championship Final)
- Maxwell Weinrich – 311.60
HOOSIER ALL-AMERICANS
Luke Barr (200 IM*)
Finn Brooks (200 medley relay)
Brendan Burns (200 medley relay, 800 freestyle relay)
Tomer Frankel (200 medley relay, 800 freestyle relay)
Quinn Henninger (1-meter)
Mikkel Lee (200 medley relay)
Rafael Miroslaw (800 freestyle relay, 500 freestyle*)
Carson Tyler (1-meter)
Kai van Westering (800 freestyle relay)
* – Denotes second-team All-America
Softball welcomes UIC for 3-game series
Aces and Flames play Friday through Sunday
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Another 3-game home series is on the slate this weekend as the University of Evansville softball team welcomes UIC to Tri-State Orthopaedics Field at Cooper Stadium for a 3-game series running Friday through Sunday. ESPN+ will have the live coverage of the final two games of the weekend.
Last Time Out
– Strong pitching by Belmont led them to a 3-game series sweep last weekend in Nashville; the Bruins allowed just two runs by the Purple Aces in the three games
– Sunday’s finale saw the Aces fall by a 2-1 final as Sydney Weatherford kept her team in it, allowing two earned runs in five frames
– Jess Willsey, who hit .444 over the weekend, had a solo home run in the final game
Providing the Offense
– Batting a team-high .444 in the Belmont series, Jess Willsey has upped her season average to .302, which is second on the team
– Willsey registered four hits in nine at-bats versus the Bruins and takes a 7-game hit streak into the weekend
– She is tied for 6th in the MVC with seven doubles and a total of 29 hits; her 96 at-bats ranks third in the conference
Solid Performances
– Brooke Voss finished the Belmont series batting .333 with three hits in nine at-bats
– Over the last 11 games, Voss has batted .344 with 11 hits in 32 at-bats; those efforts have seen her season average rise from .146 to .237
– Voss has 10 runs and six RBI during that span and has picked up a hit in 8 of the last 11 games
Making Strides
– Mid-March saw Hannah Hood posted just two hits in 16 at-bats between the 12th and 19th, but she looks to get back on track following the road trip to Belmont
– Against the Bruins, Hood registered a pair of hits in eight at-bats and has upped her average for the season to .257
– Her 15 runs is tied for third on the team while her 14 walks is second
Solid in the Circle
– Over her last four pitching appearances, Sydney Weatherford has allowed just three earned runs in 23 frames, translating to an ERA of 0.91
– In that time, Weatherford has seven strikeouts while walking just two batters
– Her MVC earned run average is 1.56 while her season ERA is just 2.43
– Weatherford was at her best in the series against Valparaiso as she allowed one unearned run in 12 innings of work on her way to a pair of victories
Big weekend on tap for UE golf squads
Both teams in action
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Both the University of Evansville men’s and women’s golf teams will be in action over the course of the weekend, including a match against USI on Friday.
Beginning at 11 a.m. on Friday morning, the Purple Aces men and women will face USI in a match at Fendrich Golf Club in Evansville. There will be multiple match play matches with the programs competing for one combined trophy. The public is invited to Fendrich to cheer on the teams.
Following Friday’s action, both teams will compete in weekend tournaments. The men head to Indianapolis for the Don Benbow Butler Spring Invitational. Set for Monday and Tuesday, the tournament will take place at Highland Golf and Country Club. Par will be 70 and the yardage is set for 6,551.
Butler, Bradley, Cleveland State, DePaul, Detroit Mercy, Green Bay, Indian Hills, IUPUI, Loyola, Oakland, Purdue Fort Wayne and Youngstown State join Evansville in the field.
Evansville’s women are also back on the course on Monday where they will take part in the Golfweek Intercollegiate in Pawley’s Island, S.C. The event is slated to run from Monday through Wednesday.
Last week, the men competed at the Bobby Nichols Intercollegiate where they came home in a tie for 11th. Carson Parker led the way with a tie for 26th place. His top performance was a 72 in the second round of play. Isaac Rohleder finished three strokes behind him with a 229, tying him for 34th.
UE’s women took 10th at the Nevel Meade Invitational last Tuesday. Another stellar performance by Kate Petrova saw her tie for second place with a 151. Highlighting her efforts was a 73 in the first 18 holes.
JUST IN: Carpenters Union Endorses Mike Braun in Indiana’s Governor’s Race
Carpenters Union Endorses Mike Braun in Indiana’s Governor’s Race
March 29, 2024
Greenwood, Indiana—The Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters (CMRCC) is proud to endorse Mike Braun for Governor of Indiana“Mike Braun is a Main Street entrepreneur who understands the challenges facing our council. He appreciates our four-year apprenticeship program which is privately funded training the next generation of carpenters and millwrights that are building our roads, bridges, manufacturing sites, and schools across Indiana,” said Political Directo Jason Clark. “Braun is also the strongest candidate when it comes to addressing Tax Fraud. The business practice of using undocumented workers is taking opportunities away from hard-working Hoosiers and contractors who play by the rules.”
“I am honored to have the endorsement of the Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters,” said Mike Braun. “As a businessman and Main Street entrepreneur, I know not every good-paying job requires a four-year degree, and as Governor, it will be a top priority to make sure we educate the parents, their children, and Indiana schools of the opportunities that exist with the Carpenters.”
The Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters (CMRCC) represents over 36,000 professional tradespeople in 36 locals in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. CMRCC is a proud affiliate of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, which has a century-plus tradition of representing the best of the building trades.
For more information, please visit www.cmwcarpenters.com.
PROSECUTOR DIANA MOERS GIVES AN OVERVIEW OF MARCH 2024 CASES
PROSECUTOR DIANA MOERS GIVES AN OVERVIEW OF MARCH 2024 CASES
March 29, 2024
Evansville, IN – Prosecutor Diana Moers announces an overview of jury trials and sentencing that occurred in March 2024.
Child Molester Sentenced to 35 years after Jury Trial
On March 8, 2024, Timothy W. Vaughn was sentenced to 35 years for Child Molesting, a Level 1 Felony, and 6 years for Incest, a Level 4 Felony; the sentences are to run concurrent to each other. The Honorable Magistrate Judge Kelli E. Fink of the Vanderburgh County Circuit Court presided
In May of 2023, Holly’s House conducted a forensic interview with a child who stated Timothy W. Vaughn had molested them several years back. The Evansville Police Department was able to verify the dates, location, and descriptions the victim gave, ultimately leading to charging Vaughn with the crime. Vaughn was found guilty by a jury on February 13, 2024.
The victim’s family spoke at the sentencing hearing before Vaughn received 35 years. “I am happy that our victim was surrounded by family and received the justice they so deserved. After keeping a secret for several years, they can finally move forward with the next chapter of their life. They can sleep better at night knowing their molester is no longer on the streets,” stated Deputy Prosecutor Amanda Honaker. “Because of the brave survivor in this case, this Defendant will never have access to another child. The jury listened to the difficult testimony in this case and, because of the courageous efforts of the survivor to tell their story, the Defendant will spend the rest of his life behind bars for his depraved acts. Due to the hard work of my office and local law enforcement, and the cooperation of the survivor and their supportive family,
Vanderburgh County is safer today. I hope that healing can begin with the perpetrator behind bars and out of our country,
” Prosecutor Moers replied. Defendant Found Guilty by Jury of Reckless Homicide and Attempted Murder After Week-long Jury Trial
On March 15, 2024, after a week-long jury trial, Austin D. Ousley was found guilty of Reckless Homicide, a Level 5 Felony (punishable by up to 6 years), and Attempted Murder, a Level 1 Felony (punishable by up to 65 years). The Defendant also admitted to using a firearm in the commission of the crime so the court can consider enhanced sentencing in this case which can add 5-20 years to the sentence. The State will argue for consecutive sentencing. The Honorable Judge Robert J. Pigman of the Vanderburgh County Superior Court presided over the jury trial. On February 27, 2023, brothers Chad and Shawn Wildt drove to their family’s property on 5100 Cypress Dale Road after trail cameras and family alerted them that unknown persons were on the property. Upon entering the property, a confrontation occurred where the Defendant testified he shot an unarmed Chad Wildt in the face.
Testimony revealed that the Defendant fired 3 shots – one directly at Chad Wildt. Shawn Wildt was fatally injured when one of the shots fired by the Defendant struck him in the back.
While the Defendant admitted to firing a weapon at the unarmed Chad Wildt, he denied seeing Shawn Wildt when firing his weapon. The Defendant unsuccessfully claimed self-
defense against the unarmed Wildt brothers.
Deputy Prosecutor Heath Tuley, representing the State in this case, presented over 300 exhibits to the jury including witness testimony, trail camera photos, the 911 call, Ousley’s confession video, and more digital evidence.
“This case required the jury to listen carefully to a large amount of evidence and make complex decisions. I am extremely proud of Mr. Tuley’s efforts in delivering the information clearly to the jury through hundreds of exhibits and hours of witness testimony. I hope that the families of all involved in this tragic case can find healing through telling their stories at the sentencing portion of this matter.”
Moers also commends law enforcement for their efforts: “Our Sheriff’s Deputies did an amazing job on this difficult case— Det. Jackie Junker did an outstanding job on the initial investigation and Sgt. Hertweck Jr., Detectives Lasher, Toopes, Roberts and Sgt. Elrod made sure no stone went unturned. Deputies Fentress, Henehan, Luigs, and Gorman all played critical roles in this matter as well- each doing their part to make sure the scene was processed professionally and precisely while Evansville Police Department, including Sgt. Offerman and K9 Officer Cash, offered critical assistance after the initial run-call to apprehend the Defendant in the city. Due to these agencies working together seamlessly, as well as several good Samaritans who stopped to assist immediately after the shooting, Chad Wildt survived to tell his story to the jury.”
Sentencing is scheduled for April 23, 2024, in front of the Honorable Judge Robert J. Pigman of the Vanderburgh County Superior Court.
Defendant Sentenced to 2 years of Executed Time and Ordered to Pay $3,000 for Resisting Arrest and Causing Officer Injury
On March 19, 2024, Destinee Grace Littlepage was sentenced to 2 years in the Indiana Department of Correction for crimes she committed on December 17, 2023. Littlepage was also ordered to complete a mental health evaluation and treatment and ordered to pay $3,000 of posted bond to Officer Harrington as restitution. On February 21, 2024, Littlepage pleaded guilty to Resisting Law Enforcement Resulting in Bodily Injury, a Level 6 Felony; Public Intoxication, a Class B Misdemeanor; and Disorderly Conduct, a Class B Misdemeanor. The Honorable Judge Robert J. Pigman of the Vanderburgh County Superior Court presided over the sentencing hearing which was argued by Prosecutor Moers and Chief Deputy Winston Lin. Moers and Lin successfully argued for the bond revocation while this case was pending due to the failure of the Defendant to follow court orders. At the sentencing hearing, the Prosecutor and Chief Deputy presented body camera footage, jail phone calls of the Defendant discussing the incident, and officer testimony to successfully argue for a 2-year sentence and an order of $3,000 of restitution for the injured officer.
On December 17, 2023, officers responded to a domestic violence call. Upon the arrival of Evansville Police Officers Harrington and Alexander, the officers attempted to separate the subjects. The scene devolved into chaos when Destinee Littlepage refused to let go of the other subject and resisted the commands of Officer Harrington. Eventually, Littlepage and Officer Harrington ended up on the ground with Officer Harrington suffering severe injury to his eye. The Defendant, who is 18, admitted to being intoxicated at the time of the incident. There was an active protective order between Destinee Littlepage and the other subject at the time of the incident.
Prosecutor Moers stated: “This matter underscores the dangerous nature of domestic violence situations; domestic violence has many victims and unfortunately can often be a very volatile scene for responding officers who are arriving to assist. When officers answer the call, it is unacceptable that they must then fight for their safety or lives. My office takes very seriously cases where resisting arrest occurs because it can quickly lead to severe injury to law enforcement and others. I am grateful that Officer Harrington and Officer Alexander did not suffer worse injuries and thank them for their efforts.”
The Co-Defendant in this matter will have his case heard in Monroe County, Indiana.
Jury Finds Defendant Guilty of Possession and Resisting Law Enforcement On March 26, 2024, a jury found David Alan Flaherty guilty of Possession of Methamphetamine, a Level 4 Felony, and Resisting Law Enforcement, a Level 6 Felony. The Honorable Magistrate Judge Celia M. Pauli of the Vanderburgh County Circuit Court presided.
On April 24, 2023, State Tropper Aaron Hadley conducted a traffic stop on David Alan Flaherty who was excessively speeding on his motorcycle down the Lloyd Expressway. After conducting a BMV check, it was found that the Defendant had a prior suspended license. Evansville Police Department K9 Officer Jaylen Blair arrived at the traffic stop as a backup. The Defendant had a knife on his side which the Officers indicated they were going to remove for their safety. The Defendant then stood and began to flee the scene on foot. After a pursuit on foot, the officers were able to apprehend Flaherty and a pat-down search revealed Flaherty owned Methamphetamine and a glass pipe. The Defendant became unresponsive, and naloxone was administered to him by the officers on the scene. He was then transported to Deaconess Midtown for treatment. Officer Blair sustained cuts and minor injuries from the incident. Deputy Prosecutor Keaton Maurer presented officer testimony, lab results on the Methamphetamine, Indiana State Police Lab Chemist testimony, crime scene photos, and body camera footage during the trial all in aid of securing the guilty verdict.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 17, 2024, in front of Magistrate Judge Celia M. Pauli of the Vanderburgh County Circuit Court
In each of these cases, Prosecutor Moers extends her deepest gratitude to her staff for their constant efforts
EVANSVILLE HISTORY: “Queen Of THE Gypsies” Buried At Oak Hill Cemetery
Evansville History: Queen of Gypsies Buried at Oak Hill Cemetery
BY JOHNNY KINCAID
MARCH 29, 2024
The 128th anniversary of a huge “Royal” funeral in Evansville. The “Queen of the Gypsies” Elizabeth Stanley Harrison, was laid to rest in Oakhill Cemetery on April 1, 1896.
Elizabeth and her husband Isaac were the leaders of the Romany gypsies when the tribe migrated from England to the United States in the mid-1800s.
In Evansville, the Harrisons and Elisabeth’s brother, Adam Stanley, owned a large tract of land along Stringtown Road near Pigeon Creek. They lived in a large Victorian mansion in what is now the 500 block of Olmstead Avenue. That home was the scene of an annual convention of the gypsies and Tribe members would pitch tents and camp on the land around the mansion.
Elizabeth died in Corinth, MS, in November 1895, and her body was brought back to Evansville for burial. But, time was needed to allow the Gypsie tribe members to travel to attend the funeral and the body was stored for five months.
The funeral was the most prominent in Evansville’s history. Newspaper reports said over 6,000 people gathered at Oak Hill Cemetary to watch. Many spectators had heard that her wagon and possessions would all be burned. The spectacle didn’t happen; instead, it was a simple, short ceremony conducted by a Presbyterian minister.
Four years later, Isaac was killed while breaking up a fight between his sons. His body was held for three weeks until he was buried at Oak Hill Cemetary. The couple’s burial site is marked with an obelisk in section 23 near a statue of a Confederate soldie
Social Insecurity
Freedom, Indiana – Author Andrew Horning is the Libertarian Party of Indiana’s candidate for Indiana’s US Senate seat in 2024.
It is, of course, true that Libertarians oppose unconstitutional, costly and inevitably destructive “government programs” that make up most of what government does to us today. But when people use that against us, as if we’re who’s wrong, they’re ignoring reality.
Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid are failing…fast, and badly, as we’ve been warned. …For decades. Democrats and Republicans play games with base-pandering rhetoric, but the fact persists: Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, are failing. Nobody denies this anymore, yet nobody’s worried enough to fix what literally millions of Americans depend upon for basic living needs? Even legacy media outlets, the ones who’re gradually conceding that most of Libertarians’ “conspiracy theories” are in fact, truth, are saying that our safety net programs will need to be scaled back in benefits, increased in cost, and will maybe fail anyway, as we add another trillion in USA debt every 100 days, for other priorities that rob us of rights and wealth, as government gains power, corruption, anti-civilian weaponry and secrecy.
The voters our government brings across our borders, may help with the demographic problem of too many retirees per taxpayer. That’s one of the many reasons our government has been encouraging illegal border crossings since Reagan’s administration. But the new aliens may not share our priorities, and may not want to pay into a system doomed by our government’s obvious priority of foreign entanglements, foreign aid, endless wars, and relentless spying, lying and crony capitalism here at home.
So, shall we continue to reelect people who rob millions of taxpayers 15.3% of their salary in combined OASDI and HI payroll taxes, as they prepare to stab millions of retirees in the back?
This is worth repeating: The over-lauded keystones of FDR’s New Deal, and LBJ’s Great Society, Social Security, and Medicare/Medicaid are failing. And we’re all paying for it, in every way.
While Libertarians rightly disdain impossible political promises, they are still promises. And we believe in keeping promises. There are ways to keep promises to citizens, by nullifying our other problems. Ask me how.
It’s time to stop reelecting this catastrophic Two Puppet Party train wreck. We need to FIX THIS to avoid genuinely impoverishing fiscal, monetary and social calamity. NOW!
I pray it’s not only Libertarians who think so.
Liberty or Bust!
Andy Horning