Mackenzie Holmes breaks Indiana women’s basketball’s all-time scoring record against Purdue
Holmes needed at least 17 points Sunday to break the record.
Graduate student forward Mackenzie Holmes runs down the court against Purdue on Feb. 11, 2024, at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Holmes broke Indiana’s all-time scoring record Sunday as she surpassed Tyra Buss.
Entering Sunday, Holmes had 2,348 points, needing 17 against Purdue to pass Buss’ 2,364 points. The Gorham, Maine, native previously became just the second Hoosier to score 2,000 points in her career.Â
Although she is in her fifth season in Bloomington, Holmes broke the record in her 138th game in the cream and crimson while Buss played 135 games as a Hoosier.Â
While breaking the record was in reach, Holmes said her focus would be on the bigger picture Sunday.Â
“The main focus is beating Purdue,†Holmes said after defeating Michigan State on Feb. 8. “I want to beat Purdue. I want to sweep Purdue for my career. [I] don’t want to lose to them in Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.â€Â
The Hoosiers did just that — sweep Purdue during Holmes’ career. While the Big Ten Tournament looms next month, there’s a possibility the two squads could face off again this season.Â
In the first matchup between the two Jan. 21 in West Lafayette, Holmes scored just 15 points in the matchup. Â
And while she scored just 6 points in the first half Sunday, she scored 11 in the second half with her final bucket of the day being the record-breaking one.Â
“Going into the season, I knew it was within reach for me,†Holmes said postgame. “I didn’t come back for a fifth year to break the all-time scoring record. I came back to win a Big Ten championship, win a national championship and so that’s kind of what I’ve had to continue to remind myself throughout this process.â€Â
While Holmes etched her name into the record books Sunday afternoon, her family was in attendance to witness history inside Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.Â
“On a day like today where she could get it in front of a crowd of 13,000 — that’s really special and I’m sure something that she and her family will always remember,†Indiana head coach Teri Moren said postgame.Â
With Holmes breaking Buss’ record, Moren was proud of her star forward. Moren said postgame that she knew it would only be a matter of time before Holmes eclipsed the record. While Holmes may have set an impressive record, Moren is proud of how far Holmes has come since she arrived on campus ahead of the 2019-20 season.Â
“I’m really proud because she came in here very shy,†Moren said. “Couldn’t give you eye contact. Was not confident. Now I look at her, I’ve seen her grow, I’ve seen her talk not just the media but people and represent our program. And has no problem with eye contact, no problem with articulating thoughts and representing us. That’s what I’m so proud of.”
MARSHALL CHARLOFF PURPLE XPERIENCE PERFORMS AT THE VICTORY THEATRE OCT 26TH!
Marshall Charloff & Purple xPeRIeNCE is the most celebrated tribute to Prince in the world. The group was co-founded by Marshall and Matt “Doctor†Fink (keyboardist from Prince & The Revolution) in 2011, an era where Prince closely monitored the use of his art. Their vision was to deliver Prince’s music on the highest level, played live and untracked by skilled musicians, while paying respectful visual homage through costuming and likeness. Immediately met with success and adoration from discerning Prince devotees, the band has now been touring for over a decade, nationwide and internationally, and has performed for over 500,000fans. In 2019, they were officially licensed by the Prince Estate, and in 2021, Marshall Charloff & The Purple xPeRIeNCE were selected by the US Department of State to be featured in the USA Pavilion of the World Expo in Dubai. Minneapolis-native Marshall was raised in the epicenter of 1980’s music production, and cut his musical teeth working with Superproducers John Fields and Steven “Funkytown†Greenberg. At age 19, Marshall, like Prince, was discovered and signed by producer Pepe Willie. Marshall is featured on 94 East albums with Prince, where he plays guitar and Prince is on vocals. A multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer in his own right, Marshall has written for, produced, and recorded for the multi-Platinum and Grammy award-winning Commodores and for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Little Anthony & The Imperials. Marshall’s second original album, “Unperfect†achieved the distinction of “Top 100 Albums of 2020†on global smooth jazz charts. Marshall has also played keys for the Atlanta Rhythm Section, and has played bass guitar with Bobby “Zâ€, Matt “Dr. Finkâ€, and Andre Cymone (all Prince alumni players). In addition to his work with The Purple xPeRIeNCE, Marshall has had the honor of fronting 25 of the finest symphonies in North America, performing the music of Prince to great acclaim. He has been the feature of two full-length PBS Broadcasts; fronting the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and fronting The Purple xPeRIeNCE in the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado. Marshall completed a Las Vegas residency, where he headlined starring in “Purple Piano: The World’s Only One-Man Tribute to Prince‖a highly-engaging show in the style of Prince’s final tour, “Piano and a Microphoneâ€. This production continues to tour nationwide, interspersed with full band performances. In all of his avenues of honoring Prince, Marshall’s vocals are uncannily accurate, his guitar and piano skills are masterful, and his endearing stage presence is irresistible in its paradox of finesse and reverence. Marshall Charloff’s all-star band, Purple Xperience, hosts a number of world-class players, including Tracey Blake on lead guitar (played with New Power generation, Sons of Almighty featuring members of NPG, Tracey Blake Project, Westside: inducted in the Midwest hall of fame), Ron Long on bass guitar (played with Christina Aguilera, The Backstreet Boys, 98°, also recorded with John L., Larry Blackman of Cameo, and Spike Lee), Ron Caron on drums (played with the Rembrandts, Tina and the B sides, The Melismatics). Cory Eischen on keys (played with New Power Generation, Prince’s protégé group: Mazarati, Soul Asylum’s Dave Pirner and Dan Wilson from Semisonic)
Addition of New Affordable Flights
Good morning! I’m Cheryl Musgrave, President of the Vanderburgh County Commission. Today we celebrate an exciting milestone by welcoming Allegiant’s new Tampa/St. Pete service.Â
The addition of new affordable flights opens doors to new travel, offering greater convenience for everyone who lives right here in Vanderburgh County.
Strong infrastructure is fundamental to our economic growth. It’s through the airport’s success as a regional economic engine that our community grows its economic base. Congratulations to the Airport Board and staff for their success in expanding our travel options and building a better foundation for our regional economy.
It is important to note that airlines invest where travelers are actually flying. So, let’s get behind this new route and all EVV’s flight options, because the more success you have, the more success you have. We want all our airlines to find Vanderburgh County an impactful place to do business, by expanding their routes right here at EVV.
Together, we can elevate our county’s connectivity and prosperity. Let’s continue to go to new places with EVV!
FORMER STATE REP. RYAN HATFIELD HONORED BY MEMBERS OF THE INDIANA HOUSE
Two lawmakers transitioning to careers outside the Indiana General Assembly received tributes from their colleagues Monday in sessions otherwise largely devoted to housekeeping matters.
Former Sen. Jon Ford, R-Terre Haute, received the Sagamore of the Wabash award during the Senate’s afternoon meeting.
The Sagamore of the Wabash is considered Indiana’s highest honor—“a personal tribute usually given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state or to the governor,†according to IN.gov.
Ford represented Senate District 38, which includes Vigo County and the upper portion of Clay County, from his election in 2014 to 2023. Sen. Greg Goode, R-Terre Haute, has replaced Ford, who resigned to lead the trade association Reliable Energy.
Several colleagues rose to praise Ford, who served on several key committees, including Elections, Family and Children’s Services, and Homeland Security.
“Indiana State University [in Terre Haute] serves predominantly first-generation college students, many of whom are taking advantage of this one wonderful, generous program, the 21st Century Scholars Program and Ford never lost sight of that and always saw something in every one of those Sycamores, who he believed had something great to offer,†said Goode.
Over in the House, members of the Democratic caucus shared stories about Rep. Ryan Hatfield, D-Evansville, who has served since 2016. Hatfield is not running for re-election for his House seat, instead running for circuit court judge of Vanderburgh County this fall.
“He knows issues deeply. The word genius gets used far too often today, and Ryan assures me it’s OK to do it today,†said Rep. Blake Johnson, D-Indianapolis. “He’s brilliant but still curious. He’s willing to be wrong, willing to be convinced to have the debate in the argument, which is pretty rare, especially in our line of work.â€
Rep. Gregory Porter, D-Indianapolis, said he has a nickname for Hatfield when he agrees and disagrees with him on issues.
“When I agree with him, I call him Matlock. When I don’t agree with him, I call him Rep. Hatfield. Most of the time, he’s Matlock,†Porter said.
Hatfield serves as assistant leader for the House Democrats and ranking minority member of the House Judiciary and Employment Committee and Labor and Pensions Committee.
FOOTNOTE: DeMarion Newell and John Asplund are reporters for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
INDOT, ISP Encourage Drivers to Plan Ahead for Upcoming Total Solar Eclipse
(Indianapolis, IN) —Indiana will play a pivotal role in hosting eclipse enthusiasts as they flock to the Hoosier State to catch a glimpse of the first total solar eclipse in seven years on Monday, April 8. The eclipse will be visible over a large portion of the state, with the path of totalityspanning from Evansville to the outskirts of Fort Wayne, entering southwest Indiana at 3:01 p.m. EDT/2:01 p.m. CDT and exiting to the northeast at 3:12 p.m. EDT/2:12 p.m. CDT. Other parts of the state will experience a partial eclipse of at least 90 percent totality from approximately 1:30 p.m. EDT/12:30 p.m. CDT to 4:30 EDT/3:30 CDT.
Nearly 4 million Hoosiers live within the path of totality, with hundreds of thousands of people expected to visit Indiana for the event. Increased traffic and congestion are also expected as residents and tourists alike make their way to viewing destinations. Areas near the eclipse centerline are anticipated to see the greatest influx of visitors, including Vincennes, Bloomington, Franklin and just north of Richmond. Indianapolis and Evansville are also included in the path.
To ensure a smooth trip, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the Indiana State Police (ISP) urges drivers to plan ahead and prepare for potential travel impacts before, during and after the eclipse.
Before the eclipse
- Research your viewing site, considering accessibility, parking and crowd size. Check INDOT TrafficWise on the mobile app or at org to plan your route and monitor traffic conditions. Plan to arrive to your destination early.
- Anticipate increased traffic and congestion, especially in areas in or near the path of totality.
- Reach your destination safely — buckle up and put your phone down while driving.
- Pack plenty of snacks and water, as well as charging cables for electronics and mobile devices, in the event you or your group become stranded.
- Make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas and top off fluids before you head out in case you’re stuck in traffic for a long period of time. Use this eclipse-ready checklist for more road trip essentials.
- Don’t forget your solar eclipse viewing glasses! You will need specially designed glasses to avoid damage to your eyes.
During the eclipse
- Avoid travel during the eclipse or in the main path if possible.
- Exit the roadway to stop and view the solar eclipse. Do not stop along highways or park on the shoulder for viewing.
- Do not take photos or videos while driving. Indiana is a hands-free state. Holding mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets while driving is prohibited by state law.
- Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving.
- Turn on your headlights. Do not rely on automatic lights.
- Watch for pedestrians, especially along secondary roads.
After the eclipse
- Plan your post-event transportation method well in advance. If celebrating, ensure everyone has a safe and sober way to return home. Designate a sober driver or arrange for alternate transportation.
- Exercise patience when leaving your viewing location as traffic may be heavy. Follow instructions from law enforcement or emergency personnel and be considerate of fellow drivers. Stay put and stick around to avoid the post-event rush.
- Clean up after yourself and dispose of trash in designated receptacles or take it with you.
- Once again, check INDOT TrafficWise on the mobile app or at 511in.org to plan your route and monitor traffic conditions.
INDOT will limit road closures and restrictions where possible on state routes to help with traffic flow surrounding the eclipse. Oversize and overweight permits will also be temporarily suspended during this time. View current construction and maintenance activities on INDOT TrafficWise or the free mobile app.
Visit the sites below and follow INDOT and ISP on social media for more information regarding the total solar eclipse in Indiana.
Kali Mayes Elevated to Director of Events at Evansville Regional Economic Partnership
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (February 12, 2024) — The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) proudly announces the promotion of Kali Mayes to the position of Director of Events. In this elevated role, Mayes will bring her exceptional expertise to both E-REP and the Evansville Regional Sports Commission (ERSC), marking an exciting development in our commitment to fostering regional growth and community engagement.
Previously serving as the Events Manager, Mayes has been an instrumental force in shaping and executing impactful events for E-REP. In her expanded capacity, she will now assume a hybrid role, overseeing events for both organizations.
“This multifaceted role aligns seamlessly with Kali’s experience, goals, strengths, and, most importantly, her passions. Our team has confidence in her abilities and looks forward to collaborating and supporting events under her leadership in 2024,†stated Justin Groenert, Chief Strategy Officer.
In addition to continuing her ownership of E-REP events, Mayes will play a pivotal role in ERSC activities, bringing her wealth of experience in sport management to the planning and execution of sports-related events.
“My goal within the events industry and the world of sports is simple: it’s to create environments where memories are made and authentic connections can thrive,†said Mayes. “I’m truly grateful to both E-REP and ERSC leadership for supporting this alignment and having faith in my ability. As a female in business, and more specifically, a female in the sports industry, I don’t take this opportunity lightly.â€
Mayes’ promotion reflects the collaboration and commitment of E-REP and ERSC to advancing regional excellence through dynamic event management. Together, they look forward to creating impactful experiences for the community.
THUNDERBOLTS HOST QUAD CITY THIS WEDNESDAY BEFORE TRAVELING TO ROANOKE, BIRMINGHAM
 Evansville, In.:  After another weekend split against the first-place Birmingham Bulls, the Thunderbolts prepare for a busy week ahead, beginning with a home game against Quad City this Wednesday night at Ford Center, followed by a multi-day road trip to Roanoke this weekend and Birmingham next Monday.
Week In Review:
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The Thunderbolts defeated the Birmingham Bulls 2-1 on Friday night at Ford Center behind goals from Brendan Harrogate and Brady Lynn, along with a 31-save performance from Brendahn Brawley. On Saturday at Birmingham, the Thunderbolts were defeated 4-2 in a game filled with power plays for both teams. Jordan Spadafore and Kenny Britton scored Evansville’s goals on Saturday, while Brawley was busy yet solid, stopping 40 of 44 shots.
The Week Ahead:
The Thunderbolts host the Quad City Storm this Wednesday, February 14th for Valentine’s Day.  Valentine’s Day will feature a special deal of two goal zone tickets along with two movie tickets to use at Showplace Entertainment for only $35. A package of two tickets for the Valentine’s Day game without movie tickets will also be on sale for only $14. More information can be found at https://bit.ly/BoltsVMD24.  For tickets, call (812)422-BOLT (2548), go to EvansvilleThunderbolts.com, or visit the Ford Center Ticket Office. Following Wednesday’s home game, the Thunderbolts will hit the road for three away games, starting in Roanoke this Friday and Saturday night, both games starting at 6:05pm CT. The Thunderbolts will then play at Birmingham on Monday the 19th, opening face-off at 1:05pm CT. Fans can watch all three road games on FloHockey with a paid subscription or can listen in for free on the Thunderbolts Mixlr Channel. Fans can also watch the road games at the Official Thunderbolts away game watch party at Parkway Pizza on 3911 Broadway Avenue on Evansville’s West Side.
Coming Soon:
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The Thunderbolts return home to host the Peoria Rivermen for 90’s Night on Saturday, February 24th. The Thunderbolts will be wearing specialty 90’s themed jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game, replicas will also be on sale at the Thunderbolts merchandise stand. Space Monkey Records will be providing music in the Ford Center lobby while DJ Chidi will provide 90’s throwback tunes inside the arena.
Scouting the Opponent:
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- Quad City Storm:
- Record: 18-18-0, 36 Points, T-6th Place
- Leading Goal Scorer: Leif Mattson/Cole Golka (16 Goals)
- Leading Point Scorer: Leif Mattson (36 Points)
- Primary Goaltender: Brent Moran (10-8-0, .910 Save %)
- Thunderbolts 23-24 Record vs QCS: 3-5-1
The Storm split their past weekend’s two games against the Peoria Rivermen, beginning with a 5-4 shootout victory at home on Friday. Doug Blaisdell, John Schiavo, Logan Nelson and Cole Golka scored goals in regulation, while Patriks Marcinkevics, Nelson and Schiavo scored in the shootout as Brent Moran stopped all three Rivermen shootout attempts and 26 of 30 shots in-game. Quad City was shut out 3-0 in the rematch in Bloomington, Illinois on Saturday, with Moran stopping 39 of 42 Peoria shots.
- Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs:
- Record: 22-10-6, 50 Points, 4th Place
- Leading Goal Scorer: CJ Stubbs/Jacob Kelly (12 Goals)
- Leading Point Scorer: Tommy Munichiello (27 Points)
- Primary Goaltender: Austyn Roudebush (17-3-3, .907 Save %)
- Thunderbolts 23-24 Record vs RNK: 1-1
The Rail Yard Dawgs started the past weekend at home with a 7-3 win over the Macon Mayhem on Friday, with Jacob Kelly scoring three goals, John MacDonald scoring twice, and one goal each from CJ Stubbs and Bailey Morrissette. In goal, Austyn Roudebush stopped 27 of 30 shots. Saturday’s game against Knoxville did not go as well, as Roanoke was defeated 5-4 in overtime. Owen McDade scored twice, while Billy Roche and Brenden Stanko each scored once, with Stanko’s goal forcing overtime. Roudebush had a difficult night in goal, stopping only 20 of 25 shots.
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- Birmingham Bulls:
- Record: 26-7-6, 58 Points, 1st Place
- Leading Goal Scorer: Drake Glover (23 Goals)
- Leading Point Scorer: Carson Rose (39 Points)
- Primary Goaltender: Hayden Stewart (18-5-4, .936 Save %)
- Thunderbolts 23-24 Record vs BHM: 2-2
MacGregor Sinclair scored Birmingham’s lone goal on Friday in Evansville, while Carson Rose scored twice in Saturday’s rematch, along with Sinclair and Scott Donahue. In goal this past weekend, Hayden Stewart stopped 28 of 30 shots on Friday, while Drennan Atherton secured the win on Saturday with 35 saves on 36 shots.  The Bulls host the Huntsville Havoc this Friday and Saturday night before hosting Evansville on Monday afternoon.
Call-up Report
– Colton Kalezic (Cincinnati Cyclones – ECHL)
– 30 GP, 4 G, 3 A, 7 P, 6 PIM
– Chays Ruddy (Orlando Solar Bears – ECHL)
– 2 GP, 0 G, 2 A, 2 P, 4 PIM
– Bair Gendunov (Tulsa Oilers – ECHL)
– 13 GP, 6 G, 3 A, 9 P, 4 PIM
– Scott Kirton (Cincinnati Cyclones – ECHL)
– 7 GP, 1 G, 0 A, 1 P, 5 PIM
– Mike Ferraro (Cincinnati Cyclones, prev. Savannah – ECHL)
– 16 GP, 1 G, 4 A, 5 P, 4 PIM
– Cole Ceci (Worcester Railers – ECHL)
– 0 GP, 0-0-0, 0.00 GAA, .000 Save %
Transactions:Â Â Â
Fri. 2/9: F Kenny Britton activated from Injured Reserve
Fri. 2/9: F Vadim Vasjonkin loaned to Estonian National Team
Gov. Holcomb announces Director Zac Jackson to step down from State Budget Agency
INDIANAPOLIS-Zachary (Zac) Jackson notified Governor Eric J. Holcomb he is stepping down from his role at the State Budget Agency (SBA) after almost five years as director. Jackson announced he accepted a job with the City of Carmel as the chief financial officer and controller. He will begin his new role on Monday, April 8.
“Zac has dedicated almost 20 of years of his career to serving the State of Indiana,†Gov. Holcomb said. “He has successfully managed balanced budgets and maintained the state’s AAA credit rating through unpredictable times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m truly grateful for his service.â€
Jackson was appointed director of SBA by Gov. Holcomb in 2019. Â Prior to his role as director, he served in a number of roles in the State Budget Agency since 2005.
During his time at SBA, Jackson accomplished the following:
- Developed and managed 10 biennial balanced budgets
- Managed state finances through financially unpredictable times in history such as the Great Recession of 2008 to 2009 and the COVID-19 pandemic
- Designed and managed the implementation of technology that fundamentally changed the way that SBA manages budgets and tracks spending
- Overhauled, updated and streamlined SBA’s Financial Management Circular (FMC) system – a set of guidelines for state agencies to promote sound financial management practices
“Serving as State Budget Director for the last few years has been an incredible experience,†Jackson said. “I’m forever grateful to Governor Holcomb for this opportunity to serve Hoosier taxpayers and for the hard work of the dedicated staff at the State Budget Agency and my colleagues across state government.â€
Jackson’s last day as director is April 5, 2024. Click HERE for a headshot.
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