USI opens OVC play with 2-1 win Screaming Eagles finish homestand Thursday
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Soccer opened Ohio Valley Conference play with a 2-1 win over Eastern Illinois University Sunday afternoon at Strassweg Field. The Screaming Eagles, who are 2-2-0 during the homestand, are 2-7-0 overall and 1-0-0 in the OVC, while the Panthers go to 1-5-2, 0-1-0 OVC.
USI sophomore forward Jackson Mitchell gave the Eagles an early 1-0 lead with a breakaway goal at 9:57. Mitchell, who scored his second goal of the year and for the second-straight match, was assisted on the play by senior midfielder Elmer Garcia and freshman forward David Davilla.
The Eagles held the 1-0 lead through the intermission. USI was dominant for the first 45 minutes, outshooting EIU, 8-4 (5-2 on-goal), and had the advantage in corner kicks, 3-1.
In the second half, the Panthers found the back of the Eagles’ goal at 66:47, knotting the score at 1-1. USI would respond with the game-winner 10 minutes later when senior defender Brock Martindale scored to give the Eagles a 2-1 lead.
Martindale was assisted on his first USI career goal by freshman midfielder Ahiro Nakamae and sophomore midfielder Will Kirchhofer.
The USI defense would make the 2-1 lead stand up for the final 14 minutes, limiting EIU to only two off-goal shots. The Eagles also had a 10-6 lead in shots during the second half, while the Panthers led in corner kicks, 3-2.
Between the posts, sophomore goalkeeper Andrew Klott posted his second-straight win. Klott faced a total of 10 shots, allowing one goal and making four saves.
NEXT UP FOR USI:
The Eagles conclude the five-match homestand Thursday at 1 p.m. when they host Lindenwood University for an OVC match at Strassweg Field. Lindenwood is 4-4-1 overall and 0-1-0 in the OVC after falling to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Saturday, 2-0, at Edwardsville.
USI and Lindenwood are tied 3-3-0 in the all-time series between the two schools. The Eagles split the series with the Lions last year, falling in St. Charles, Missouri, 1-0, but bouncing back to win at Strassweg Field, 4-2, to end the season.
USI Women’s Soccer battles Eastern Illinois to 1-1 draw
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Soccer battled Eastern Illinois University to a 1-1 draw Sunday at Strassweg Field, claiming the fifth consecutive result for the Screaming Eagles.
Southern Indiana (2-6-4, 1-0-2 OVC) still had to deal with rain and soggy field conditions against Eastern Illinois (2-5-5, 0-1-2 OVC) on Sunday as they did last time out on Thursday. The two teams contested for possession in a defensive start to the first half.
Junior midfielder Emerson Grafton, who scored in the last game Thursday, had two shot chances in the first 20 minutes. Junior midfielder Peyton Murphy had two shots with one on goal in the first half. Defensively, USI remained strong with several blocked shots.
Southern Indiana grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 38th minute. Following a corner kick that pinballed around in the box, freshman midfielder Ana Munyon tapped it back to fellow freshman midfielder Emma Schut for a shot into the right-side netting. The goal was Schut’s second of the season.
Working with a 1-0 advantage out of halftime, Southern Indiana started the second half on the attack with multiple shots including four on goal in the first 15 minutes of the second stanza.
A big sequence in the second half came just after the 60-minute mark. Eastern Illinois was awarded a free kick inches outside the top of the box. The free kick went off the post and was cleared out by USI’s defense. However, Eastern Illinois tied the match later, 1-1, in the 79th minute off a corner kick.
The Eagles could not collect the potential game-winning goal after a couple of shot attempts late, as the match ended in a draw.
USI tallied 17 shots with 12 coming in the second half. Eastern Illinois totaled nine shots in the contest. Southern Indiana had a 6-2 advantage in shots on goal. Emerson Grafton led USI with four shots. Schut and Murphy were among four Screaming Eagles to record two shot attempts. Seven of USI’s starters played a full 90 minutes.
By the end of the early afternoon slate in the Ohio Valley Conference, Southern Indiana was fourth with five points.
Next, the Screaming Eagles will travel to St. Charles, Missouri, on Thursday for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Lindenwood University. Match coverage links can be found at usiscreamingeagles.com.
BREAKING NEWS: Prayer Vigil for Matthew Redd Today at Deaconess Midtown
CALLING ON ALL “PRAYER WARRIORS”
“Prayer warriors” are gathering at Deaconess Midtown today (9/30) at 6:45 to pray for Matthew Redd, the passenger in the car crash that took the life of his dear friend Clinton Keown.
The prayer vigil participants will gather near the Deaconess helipad to pray for Matt Matthew and his family.
Family members tell us that there has been some improvement in Matthew’s condition, but he remains in the ICU.
FOOTNOTE: IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING THIS EVENT, PLEASE CALL JOHNNY KINCAID at 812–589-247.
The Challenges and Solutions of Integrating Haitian Immigrants into Midwestern Cities
The Challenges and Solutions of Integrating Haitian Immigrants into Midwestern Cities
BY JOE WALLACE-CCO WRITER
SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
Recent reports of Haitian immigrants relocating to midwestern cities have sparked a complex debate about immigration policies and local communities’ capacities to support large influxes of newcomers.
Unfortunately, the narratives surrounding these relocations often focus on negative stories, including accusations of crime and culturally unfamiliar behaviors, leading to a perception of Haitians as disruptive to the social fabric.
However, these challenges are not solely the immigrants’ fault but often stem from poor planning and lack of support from local, state, and federal agencies. This article explores how better integration programs could address these issues, focusing on vetting, skill matching, cultural orientation, and sustainable community absorption.
Understanding the Challenges
The arrival of large groups of Haitian immigrants in smaller midwestern cities often overwhelms local infrastructure, social services, and community resources. Many of these towns were unprepared for such an influx, lacking the necessary programs to help integrate immigrants into the local economy and culture. The resulting friction leads to misconceptions and blame placed on the newcomers, who, in reality, are frequently victims of inadequate planning and insufficient support systems.
Agencies responsible for relocating immigrants often fail to assess whether the communities receiving them have the capacity to provide necessary services, such as language classes, job placement assistance, and mental health support. Furthermore, many Haitian immigrants speak Creole French, creating a language barrier that complicates communication and integration efforts. This lack of preparation can lead to misunderstandings, isolation, and, in some cases, involvement in undesirable activities due to a lack of guidance and opportunities.
A Blueprint for Effective Integration
To address these challenges, a well-structured integration program must be developed, focusing on vetting, skill identification, cultural orientation, language training, and community involvement. Here are key components of such a program:
-
Individual Vetting and Skill Assessment: Before relocation, each immigrant should be individually vetted, not just for security concerns but also to assess skills, education, and work experience. Identifying relevant skills can help match individuals to local industries that are in need of labor, such as manufacturing, agriculture, or healthcare. This approach not only benefits the immigrant by providing employment opportunities but also addresses local workforce shortages, contributing positively to the community.
-
Capacity Assessment of Receiving Cities: Not every city has the capacity to absorb large numbers of immigrants. A detailed assessment of a city’s resources—including housing, social services, education, and employment opportunities—should be conducted before any resettlement decisions are made. This process will ensure that the number of immigrants relocated to a particular city matches its capacity to support them. Additionally, placing a manageable number of immigrants in various cities rather than concentrating them in a few locations can ease the burden on local services.
-
Cultural Orientation and Language Training: A critical aspect of integration is cultural orientation, which should include lessons on American societal norms, laws, and daily living practices. Language training is equally essential, as proficiency in English significantly enhances employment opportunities and social interactions. Classes should focus on practical language skills tailored to the immigrant’s daily needs and job requirements. Community volunteers, local colleges, and nonprofit organizations can play pivotal roles in providing these resources.
-
Community Involvement and Support Networks: Successful integration requires more than just administrative measures; it needs community involvement. Programs that pair immigrants with local families, mentors, or volunteers can create personal connections that help newcomers feel welcome and guide them through the complexities of American life. Local churches, civic organizations, and cultural groups can also serve as support networks, offering immigrants a sense of belonging and community.
-
Monitoring and Continuous Support: Integration is an ongoing process that does not end once an immigrant is employed or housed. Continuous monitoring and support systems are necessary to address emerging challenges and provide additional resources as needed. Local governments, in partnership with state and federal agencies, should set up monitoring mechanisms to track the progress of integration efforts, assess outcomes, and adjust programs accordingly.
Conclusion
Integrating Haitian immigrants into midwestern cities is a multifaceted challenge that requires coordinated efforts across various levels of government and local communities. Effective integration programs that focus on vetting, skill matching, cultural orientation, language training, and community involvement can transform what is often seen as a burden into a mutually beneficial opportunity.
By preparing both the immigrants and the receiving communities, we can foster an environment where newcomers are not merely tolerated but valued and integrated as productive members of society. The goal should not be just to relocate but to invest in people and the communities that welcome them, creating a foundation for shared success.
However, it is obvious at this stage that the sponsors attempting to provide Haitian immigrants with a predictable and sustainable quality of life is lacking.
VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA
VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL
2025 COUNTY BUDGET ADOPTION
OCTOBER 2, 2024 – 4:00 PM
CIVIC CENTER COMPLEX, ROOM 301
1. OPENING OF MEETING
2. ATTENDANCE ROLL CALL
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE / INVOCATION
4. OPENING REMARKS – PRESIDENT JILL A. HAHN
5. FINANCE CHAIRMAN JAMES RABEN
A. Amended Position Titles
B. 2025 Salary Ordinance and Exhibits A through J
C. Miscellaneous Budget Changes/Additions
6. APPROVAL OF ALL BUDGETS – 2000, 3000 AND 4000 ACCOUNTS
7. APPROVAL OF 2025 HEALTH INSURANCE BUDGET
8. ESTABLISH COUNTY TAX RATE
9. ESTABLISH CUMULATIVE BRIDGE TAX RATE
10. CLOSING REMARKS AND PUBLIC COMMENT
11. ADJOURNMENT
USI to celebrate All Steinway designation with CEO of Steinway- CANCELED
After a long journey tracing back to 2015, the University of Southern Indiana earned an All-Steinway School distinction in Fall 2023. To celebrate this achievement, the Steinway CEO will join the USI College of Liberal Arts for a reception and a concert by USI choir, accompanied by Tom Drury, Instructor in Music, on a Steinway piano at 3 p.m. Tuesday, October 29 in the Rice Library second floor Reading Room.
With the opening of the USI Performance Center in 2015, which included a Steinway grand piano, the USI Foundation petitioned Dr. Linda L. M. Bennett, USI’s third President, to approve the initiative of becoming an All-Steinway School, “a school that demonstrates a full commitment to excellence by providing its students and faculties with the best instruments possible for the study of music.”
By summer 2023, USI and the Dr. Philip H. Hagemann Department of Performing Arts, Music and Theater were in a position for the USI Foundation to formally seek the All-Steinway School Distinction. “USI has a long tradition of musical excellence, and this designation is a good step forward as we look to the future of our programming,” said Dr. Del Doughty, Dean of USI’s College of Liberal Arts.
For more information about the All-Steinway School Distinction, visit the Steinway Pianos for Higher Education webpage.