FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
Offense explodes in big win over Y’alls
FLORENCE, KY – The Evansville Otters snapped their three-game slide tonight against the Florence Y’alls with a massive offensive production, winning 15-9.
After scoring just five runs against Washington, the bats exploded for the Otters (5-9), taking the Y’alls (4-8) starter out early and hammering the bullpen as well.
The Otters scored one run in the first inning off a pair of doubles from the leadoff hitter Blake Mozley and David Mendham.
Their big inning came in the second frame, tallying eight runs on five hits to take a commanding lead. The inning was highlighted by a two-run single from Mozley, an RBI knock from Mendham and Anthony Calarco’s run-scoring base hit. The score was 9-0.
Evansville kept its foot on the gas in the third adding another run, before Florence answered in the bottom of the frame making it a 10-1 game.
Seemingly out of reach, the Y’alls made the game interesting with seven unanswered runs in the fourth and fifth innings to cut the deficit to two runs.
In the sixth, Jake Green scored after being hit by a pitch and a double from Austin Bost, making it 11-8.
The Y’alls answered again with another run in the seventh, but the game was put out of reach in the eighth and ninth innings by the Otters’ bats, scoring four more runs which featured Calarco’s third RBI of the night accompanied by a double on the play.
Eight of the nine Otters in the lineup had at least one base hit. Mendham was at the front of the charge and totaled a double and three singles. Calarco and Mosley each had a trio of hits, with each man garnering a double.
Mosley, Mendham, Calarco, Green, Mason House and Jomar Reyes each scored multiple times. Three Otters had multi-RBI performances.
Tyler Ras started the game going six-up-six-down, but the Y’alls picked at him in his later innings. The bullpen was ready to back him up.
Pat Miner (2-0) threw 1.1 scoreless innings and took home the win. Jon Beymer came in to relieve next and allowed his first run of the year in 2.0 innings on a pair of hits. He was able to limit the damage, though, before Michael McAvene shut the door with a scoreless ninth inning.
The Otters series against Florence will continue tomorrow night with a 5:36 PM CT first pitch. Evansville has a chance to win its second series of the 2024 season, and their first on the road.
VU’s Preston Broce finishes strong week at DII Golf Nationals
JOPLIN, Mo. – Vincennes University sophomore golfer Preston Broce (Indianapolis, Ind.) wrapped up his week at the 2024 NJCAA Division II Golf National Championships Friday afternoon, finishing the four day tournament with a total score of 315, placing him in a tie for 73rd place overall.
Broce’s week got off to a rocky start with the opening round Tuesday at Twins Hills Golf and Country Club in Joplin, Mo.
Battling some tough weather conditions, Broce got the week started with by shooting an 85 in the opening round, leaving him in a tie for 100th place after the first day.
Broce was able to bounce back and climb up the leaderboard in the second round Wednesday morning, closing out the front nine Wednesday with back-to-back birdies to shoot a one-over par 73 and climb 33 places to a tie for 67th overall.
Broce took a slight step back in the third round Thursday, with two holes on the back nine causing the most damage but Broce was able to steady the round with two birdies to finish with an 81 on Thursday.
Broce finished out the week with another strong round Friday, again closing out the front nine with a birdie and later claiming another birdie on the back nine to close out the tournament with a four-over 76 in the final round.
Broce was able to climb 10 places on the leaderboard with his round on Friday, finishing out his VU career with a 73rd place finish at the NJCAA National Championships.
Broce was able to come away from the National tournament with some more accolades however, as Broce was named to the All-Central Region team.
“Preston was named to the Central Region team for his play this season, which was certainly deserving,” VU Hall of Fame Golf Coach Dennis Chattin said. “I know he was a little disappointed in the final results of the tournament but he made the cut for the final two days and literally three holes cost him 10 shots in the final two rounds. If not for one who today he shoots and even par and without the two holes yesterday, he shoots a 75.”
“Preston is a great guy and a great player and has certainly added to the VU Golf program,” Chattin added. “He will fit in very well at the DI level at IU Indy next season. This is the problem with coaching Junior College golf. When you have to say goodbye to this type of young man.”
Mississippi Golf Coast Community College ended up claiming the National Championship as a team, with Grant Greazel of Kirkwood Community College claiming the Individual Championship after shooting an outstanding three under for the tournament.
Braun, Marshall introduce bill to ease burdens on small business
WASHINGTON – Senators Mike Braun, Roger Marshall, M.D., Katie Britt, Ted Budd, and Rick Scott introduced the Small Business Regulatory Reduction Act to protect small businesses from the financial burden of top-down federal regulations.
Often, when D.C. imposes regulations, it comes at a significant cost to our locally-owned businesses. In 2022 alone, complying with regulations cost American small businesses an average of $14,700 (adjusted for 2023 dollars) per employee on their payroll. The Small Business Regulatory Reduction Act alleviates these costs and requires the Administration to submit an annual report to Congress outlining the impacts of regulations on small businesses.
“We need to cut burdensome regulations on small businesses in order for Main Street to thrive. I’m proud to join Sen. Marshall on this bill to prevent big government from stacking regulations on top of America’s small businesses without removing any red tape.”—Sen. Braun
“Washington D.C.’s top-down regulatory approach hurts our small businesses – the backbone of our economy – the most. Main Street merchants are constantly under attack from this Administration’s onslaught of regulations and jumping through unnecessary and costly hoops to provide services to our communities. I am proud to join Rep. Beth Van Duyne in fighting for this important legislation that addresses our small businesses’ concerns and stands up to the Administration’s relentless attacks.”—Sen. Marshall
“I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this common sense legislation to alleviate burdens on small businesses, who already have to contend with persistently high inflation on top of the Biden Administration’s red tape regime. From entrepreneurs just starting out to the established, family-owned shops on local Main Streets across our great state and nation, I will continue to fight tirelessly for small businesses and the families they support.”—Sen. Britt
“The SBA’s fundamental purpose is to empower America’s small businesses, not add regulatory burdens. I’m proud to join Senator Marshall’s commonsense bill to control the regulatory state and help job creators serve their customers.”—Sen. Budd
This legislation is based on the Trump Administration policy that required agencies to repeal two regulations for every new one created. This successful policy was repealed by the Biden Administration in 2021.
Southwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy Class 24-35 Graduation
The Southwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy has 28 officers and deputies graduating today, May 24th . SWILEA class 24-35 commencement will take place at the University of Southern Indiana in the USI theatre at 1:00 p.m.
This is the 35th class that has graduated from our law enforcement academy here in southwest Indiana. Class 24-35 includes officers and deputies from Indiana law enforcement agencies. SWILEA appreciates the privilege of helping prepare officers as they begin their law enforcement career and is honored that so many agencies trust the academy to train their new department members.
The Evansville Police Department looks forward to welcoming 13 new officers from SWILEA class 24-35 to EPD. SWILEA, and the Evansville Police Department, would like to congratulate the class 2024-35 and wish them long, fulfilling, and safe careers as they go on to help and protect their communities.
Southwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy Class 24-35 Clark County Sheriff’s Office-
-Deputy Patrick McCutcheon
-Deputy Austin Fregia
Clarksville Police Department-
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-Officer Bailey Leonhardt
-Officer Steven Schnell
Evansville Police Department-
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-Officer Aksana Allen
-Officer Peyton Bradfor
Embrace the great outdoors in Indiana
Indiana State Park Inn summer lodging savings
Stay two or more consecutive nights, and receive 25% off your stay May 27 through Aug. 29, 2024. Certain property specific restrictions may apply. Reserve today by calling 1.877.LODGES1 or reserve at IndianaInns.com.
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Wearing a life jacket could save your loved one’s life
Wearing a life jacket could prevent most loss-of-life tragedies that happen in the water.
A large percentage of drowning victims are over the age of 20. Life jackets are for everyone.
DNR encourages everyone to learn to swim, but a life jacket is still the best option to prevent drowning.
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Altered winner: Frog Baby Fountain on campus of Ball State University by Tim Underhill of Muncie
DNR announces winners of historic photo contest
The DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology has announced the winners of its annual Historic Preservation Month photo contest.
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Gov. Holcomb cuts ribbon on 100th mile of Next Level Trails
Gov. Eric J. Holcomb on April 30 joined the DNR, the town of Merrillville, and the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department to celebrate the official opening of the recently completed C&O Trail. The new trail marks the 100th mile of trail built under the Next Level Trails program (NLT).
To date, NLT has awarded $180 million to 89 projects across the state. Of these NLT projects, 34 are already completed, contributing 100 miles of trail since the program’s inception. Several projects are under construction, with many more scheduled to break ground later this year.
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Chain O’Lakes State Park
Get your summer passes and permits
To visit state parks properties frequently or to launch your boat in DNR waters, get your yearly passes and permits now. Available for purchase online:
- Annual state park entrance pass
- Golden Hoosier entrance pass
- Motorized lake permit
- Non-motorized lake permit
- Annual horse tag
- Off-road cycling permit
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2024-25 Migratory bird hunting seasons announced
Indiana’s migratory bird hunting seasons for 2024-25 have been submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The hunting seasons include those for mourning dove, waterfowl (i.e., ducks, coots, mergansers, and geese), woodcock, snipe, and sora rails.
New this year, the white-fronted goose season and bag limit are separate from other geese. The white-fronted goose season is closed during the Canada goose season segment in September, but it is open at the same time as for the other geese later in the season. The daily bag limit is two white-fronted geese.
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Hike Pisgah Marsh Nature Preserve on June 15
An Indiana birdwatcher’s hidden treasure, Pisgah Marsh includes grassland, marsh, lake, and upland habitat. Pisgah Marsh, just east of Warsaw, is an ecologically sensitive, geologically significant, and biologically diverse area accessible via a boardwalk.
Two state-endangered species are found there, the massasauga rattlesnake and Blanding’s turtle. The wetland and upland areas also provide habitat for migratory waterfowl, sandhill cranes, beavers, rails, squirrels, raccoons, and deer.
The Pisgah Marsh boardwalk and golden eagle viewing deck were constructed to provide guests the opportunity to experience and understand the natural habitat and diversity of the marsh while protecting the habitat.
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National Fishing and Boating Week and Free Fishing Days
Celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week, June 1-9, with a fishing trip. What better way to celebrate than taking your family, friends, and neighbors out on the water? Indiana residents who fish on June 1-2 don’t need a fishing license or trout/salmon stamp to fish on state waters, as these days are Free Fishing Days.
Keep in mind that all other rules such as seasons, bag, and size limits still apply on Free Fishing Days. Explore the outdoors today.
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DNR seeks State Fair Fishin’ Pond volunteers
DNR is seeking volunteers to help ensure the Fishin’ Pond runs smoothly. With four different volunteer positions available, we have the perfect opportunity for you. Volunteers receive free admission to the fair on the day of their shift, a free T-shirt, and the opportunity to fish with kids for a few hours at the pond.
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Several more McCormick’s Creek State Park trails reopen Friday
Several trails at McCormick’s Creek State Park will reopen Friday, May 24 after being closed for clearing of downed trees after last year’s March 31 tornado.
Through the efforts of DNR staff and volunteers from Team Rubicon, trail access has increased from 3.6 miles to 7.1 miles since the fall of 2023. Team Rubicon is a veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves global communities before, during, and after disasters.
The reopened hiking trails are trails 2 and 3, and the Bridle Trail is reopened for hiking only, as the saddle barn will be closed during the 2024 season for pasture restoration and barn maintenance.
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Turtle traffic: Saving turtles from roads
This summer, you may see turtles crossing roadways to find places to nest. Here’s how you can safely lend a helping hand:
- Do not remove turtles from the area, as they will seek to return to their home range, even if it means spending the rest of their life trying. If it is safe to do so, you can move turtles off the roadway in the same direction in which they were already heading. Move them by grasping the back of the top shell.
- If you see a snapping turtle trying to cross the road, be aware that grabbing a snapping turtle’s tail can damage its spine. To keep yourself and the snapping turtle safe, hold it by the top back of its shell and leverage it upward.
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One million trees planted
Gov. Eric J. Holcomb celebrated the historic milestone of the DNR planting one million trees throughout Indiana in five years by planting a tree on the Statehouse lawn on April 26.
The tree Gov. Holcomb planted, a cucumber magnolia, is native to southern Indiana. The 12-foot tree was grown on Clark State Forest. A plaque next to the tree recognizes the achievement of planting one million trees over five years.
Today, the state is home to 4.8 million acres of forestland, including 160,000 acres across Indiana State Forests.
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Enhanced fishing opportunities at Griffy Lake
After a year of planning, Bloomington Parks and Recreation has collaborated with DNR to plan, fund, obtain permits, and install fish habitat structures in Griffy Lake in Bloomington.
Structures were installed near the five fishing bump outs on the accessible walkway that extends a quarter mile across the causeway. The location of the Griffy Lake habitat placement can be found online on DNR’s statewide fish habitat map.
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Lake Michigan angler catches state record yellow perch
Blas Lara was fishing Lake Michigan in Lake County during the Mayor’s Fishing Derby in Hammond on April 21 when he landed a 3-pound, 2-ounce yellow perch, shattering a 43-year-old Indiana state record.
Yellow perch are native to Lake Michigan and popular with anglers due to the relative ease of catching them and their high quality as table fare.
To learn more about the Indiana Record Fish program, see on.IN.gov/recordfish.
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Indiana Conservation Officer K-9 School graduation
Four K-9 teams were recognized for completing the DNR Division of Law Enforcement’s nine-week K-9 Resource Protection program during a graduation ceremony held May 23. The teams came from Indiana and Arkansas.
K-9 teams provide conservation officers an essential tool to help stop poaching, to find concealed game and firearms, and to find shell casings in road hunting and hunting-with-a-spotlight cases. K-9 teams are used to find lost hunters as well as poachers who have tried to hide from officers.
Because of their unique abilities, K-9 units are often requested by other state and local law enforcement agencies for help in locating evidence, missing persons, or fleeing felons.
At least one K-9 unit serves in each of the 10 Indiana DNR Law Enforcement districts.
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Many pools and beaches to open this weekend
Get ready to cool off, Hoosiers. DNR public swimming pools in Indiana State Parks will open soon, as will DNR swimming beaches.
Beaches generally remain open through Labor Day. Public pools generally are open through early to mid-August, depending on the availability of lifeguards as they return to school.
For public pool or beach hours at the property you plan to visit, contact the property directly since these vary by location. Directory information is at stateparks.IN.gov.
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Participate in research for chronic wasting disease management
Researchers at Purdue are studying the willingness of hunters and non-hunters to reduce the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in white-tailed deer.
Information collected may help inform DNR’s response to CWD. Participants will answer online survey questions and use a web app that shows how CWD may spread. The activity and survey questions take about 30 minutes to complete. The study is open to everyone 18 years or older. Participate in the study online.
For questions about this study, please email the research team at cwdwebapp@purdue.edu.
Please reference the following in the email: Study title – Web App Use and Intention to Reduce Chronic Wasting Disease Spread; Principal Investigator – Dr. Patrick Zollner; IRB Number – IRB-2023-1039.
Check Presentations for Bally’s Evansville Monthly Jeans Days
Check Presentations for Bally’s Evansville Monthly Jeans Days
Evansville, IN (May 24, 2024) – Bally’s Evansville is pleased to announce check presentations for Team Member Jeans Days which support local charitable organizations in the Evansville community. Bally’s was proud to have recently supported the Warwick Humane Society, It Takes a Village Animal Rescue, and Meals on Wheels, and we were excited to present them with the funds raised through Bally’s Evansville Team Member participation.
During monthly Jeans Days, Bally’s Evansville Team Members had the opportunity to wear jeans to work in exchange for a small cash donation. The funds raised through these monthly initiatives were then donated to local charitable organizations that make a significant impact in the Evansville community.
These check presentations took place at Bally’s Evansville each month. Representatives from the Warwick Humane Society, It Takes a Village Animal Rescue, and Meals on Wheels were present to receive the donations and express their gratitude for the support. It was an excellent opportunity to showcase the generosity and community spirit of Bally’s Evansville and its Team Members.
BASEBALL ACES EXPLODE PAST FLAMES, 12-1, AT MVC TOURNAMENT
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville baseball team exploded for 12 runs on 10 extra-base hits, including a school and Missouri Valley Conference Tournament record-tying eight doubles, on Friday, as the Purple Aces run-ruled the fifth-seeded UIC Flames, 12-1, at German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium in Evansville, Indiana.
“What an outstanding effort today by our team,” said UE head coach Wes Carroll. “I thought that Donovan Schultz was locked in from the start, and he really set the tone for us on the mound. Then, after he got that strikeout in the sixth inning, I knew that our bats would come alive, and they did in a big way.
“I want to thank again the city of Evansville for coming out and supporting us like they did today! The fans were really involved once again, and I feel like our team has fed off their energy all week long. Hopefully, we will see a good crowd on Saturday!”
In a game that started as a pitcher’s duel, Evansville used back-to-back doubles by graduate catcher Brendan Hord and junior second baseman Cal McGinnis in the second inning, and McGinnis and junior outfielder Harrison Taubert in the fifth inning to grab an early 2-0 lead.
Graduate starting pitcher Donovan Schultz took a one-hit shutout into the sixth inning before the Flames would get a single from shortstop Zane Zielinski and a double to left-center field by outfielder Kendal Ewell to cut UE’s lead to 2-1. The Flames would eventually load the bases against Schultz in the frame on a walk and hit-by-pitch, but Schultz struck out catcher Jackson Bessette to end the threat and keep UE in the lead 2-1.
The UE offense then exploded for 10 runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to enact the mercy rule. The first seven Purple Aces in the inning reached base, as graduate third baseman Brent Widder knocked a three-run double and Hord and Taubert both launched two-run home runs. Then, after a ground out, senior shortstop Simon Scherry doubled and graduate outfielder Mark Shallenberger was hit by a pitch. Senior designated hitter Kip Fougerousse followed with an RBI double down the right-field line to give UE a 10-1 lead. Then, graduate first baseman Chase Hug produced a two-run sacrifice fly to center field to cap the scoring.
McGinnis led UE by going 3-for-3 with two doubles and a bunt single. His single was the lone single Evansville had among 11 total hits. Hord and Taubert both went 2-for-3 with a double and a home run, while Fougerousse had two doubles as well. Schultz (5-2) earned the victory by holding UIC to just a single run on three base hits with five strikeouts. Graduate reliever Jace Kressin tossed a scoreless seventh inning to seal the victory.
With the win, Evansville improves to 33-23 overall and stands as the only undefeated team remaining in the MVC Tournament field. Evansville now plays Illinois State in the next round of the MVC Tournament. First-pitch is currently scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
on Saturday, as the schedule features Southern Illinois taking on the winner of tonight’s game between Indiana State and UIC at 11 a.m., then Evansville and Illinois State battling at 2:30 p.m., with a potential first championship game scheduled for 6 p.m. All three games can be seen live on ESPN+ and every Evansville game can be heard on 107.1 FM-WJPS. Tickets for every game of the MVC Tournament are available by contacting Logan Belz in the UE Athletic Ticket Office by phone at 812-488-2623.
