MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – University of Southern Indiana Baseball rolled through Middle Tennessee State University with a 12-9 victory Tuesday afternoon in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. USI is 8-8 in the non-conference season, while MTSU goes to 8-8.
The victory was the fourth-straight for the Screaming Eagles, marking the longest winning streak since May 2022 when USI swept four on the road from the University of Indianapolis.
USI opened the scoring in the second inning when junior centerfielder Terrick Thompson-Allen (Sioux City, Iowa) scored on an error to put the Eagles up 1-0. The Raiders bounced back in the bottom half of the frame to knot the game up at 1-1.
Following a scoreless third inning, USI opened up offensively with a tally in the fourth and a five-spot in the top of the fifth. USI junior catcher Logan Mock (Livermore, California) put the Eagles in front with an RBI-single in the fourth, scoring Thompson-Allen for a second time.
Senior first baseman Tucker Ebest (Austin, Texas) started the USI rally in the fifth with a RBI-single for a 3-1 lead, before senior designated hitter Jack Ellis (Jeffersonville, Indiana) got the Eagles really rolling at the plate with a two-RBI single to make the score 5-1 with one out.
USI junior third baseman Lane Crowden (Jackson, Missouri) pushed another run across with a ground out to extend the lead to 6-1, while Mock struck again with a RBI-double down the left field line for a 7-1 margin.
The Raiders struck for three in the bottom of the sixth to cut the USI advantage to 7-4, but the Eagles got two of the runs back in the top of the seventh when senior leftfielder Trent Robinson (Louisville, Kentucky) dropped a two-run double into left center for a 9-4 lead.
MTSU matched the USI two-run rally in the bottom of the seventh to make the score, 9-6. The Eagles, once again, extended their lead to six, 12-6, with a three-spot in the eighth. Mock struck again with a run-scoring double, while senior rightfielder Ren Tachioka (Japan) pushed USI’s final two runs across the plate with a single.
USI’s six-run lead was cut in half for the second time in the game when MTSU matched the Eagles’ rally with three more runs in the bottom of the eighth to make the score, 12-9.
After USI left a runner on in the ninth, MTSU got the tying run to the on-deck circle before the Eagles closed the door on a hard fought 12-9 win.
At the plate in the game, Mock led the Eagles by going four-for-four with a run scored and three RBI and two doubles. Ellis and Tachioka followed with three hits, three runs scored and two RBI each.
The win went to junior right-hander Carson Seeman (Auburn, California) in relief. Seeman (1-1) threw a pair of scoreless innings, allowing a walk, in getting the win.
USI junior right-hander Tyler Hutson (Villa Hills, Kentucky) posted his third save of the season, throwing a scoreless ninth inning. Hutson (3) walked two and struck out three versus the five batters faced.
USI rolls to 12-9 win at Middle Tennessee State
UE BASEBALL RETURNS HOME TO HOST SEMO WEDNESDAY NIGHT
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville baseball team will return home briefly on Wednesday night to host the visiting Southeast Missouri State Redhawks at German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium. First-pitch is set for 6 p.m.
Evansville will look to get back in the win column on Wednesday night after dropping three games at SEC power Mississippi State over the weekend. UE will bring a 7-8 overall record into Wednesday’s contest. Despite getting limited by Mississippi State’s pitching staff over the weekend, Evansville still ranks in the NCAA’s top 25 in three major offensive categories entering this week’s action. UE is currently sixth in the nation in doubles (25), 21st in total hits (173) and 23rd in team batting average (.322).
Graduate outfielder Mark Shallenberger continues to pace the UE attack with a .407 batting average. Shallenberger has reached base safely in 31-straight games dating back to last year, and he has done so by reaching base by any means necessary. He currently leads UE in batting average, walks (12) and hit-by-pitches (nine). His nine HBPs are currently tied for the top spot in the Missouri Valley Conference, and he ranks ninth nationally overall.
Southeast Missouri State will bring a 7-10 overall record into Wednesday’s game. The Redhawks will be looking to snap a two-game losing streak, as they dropped the final two games of a series at Marshall over the weekend. Junior outfielder Michael Mugan currently leads the SEMO offense with a .353 batting average, while he is second on the team with four home runs. As a team, the Redhawks have launched 24 home runs already this year.
Evansville and SEMO split a home-and-home series last year, with both teams winning on the other’s home field. UE has opened the 2024 season on fire at home, as the Purple Aces are 4-1 at home this year thanks to an offense which has hit .401 as a team and scored 63 runs in five home contests.
Tomancova named to MVC Scholar-Athlete Team
The honor is Tomancova’s first post-season recognition by the Valley
ST. LOUIS – Graduate center Barbora Tomancova has been recognized for her work both on the court and in the classroom by the Missouri Valley Conference.
For the first time as a Purple Ace, Tomancova has been named to the Missouri Valley Conference’s Scholar-Athlete First Team. Along with five other Valley athletes, she was honored as part of the 2024 Missouri Valley Conference Women’s Basketball Scholar-Athlete First Team, announced today by the league office. Drake forward Anna Miller was named the State Farm Scholar Athlete of the Year. Voting was conducted by the league’s sports information directors.
Tomancova holds a 4.0 grade point average while pursuing her Master of Science degree in Health Services Administration. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Evansville the year prior. Tomancova currently leads the Aces in rebounds per game, averaging 8.1 boards in 20.9 minutes. She is also third on the team in blocks over the regular season with 13.
Others named to the First Team along with Tomancova include Kiley Bess of Indiana State, Grace Boffeli of UNI, Tuti Jones, and Tessa Miller of Belmont and Miller. A total of 22 players were honored across four Scholar-Athlete Teams in the MVC.
The criteria for the MVC Scholar-Athlete Team voting parallels the CSC (College Sports Communicators) standards for Academic All-America nominations. Student-athletes must be at least a sophomore academically and athletically and must be enrolled at their institution at the time of nomination either as undergraduates or graduate students. [The 12-month residency requirement for undergraduate transfers is no longer required.] An undergraduate student-athlete must have at least a 3.50 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale), and a graduate student-athlete must have at least a 3.50 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) as both an undergraduate and a grad student unless they are in their first semester as a graduate student and don’t have an established graduate GPA.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: E-REP SHOULDN’T USE TAXPAYERS MONEY FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES
By Former State Representative Gail Riecken
MARCH 13, 2024
Recently 2 of the 3 members of the Vanderburgh County Commissioners voted to approve the E-Rep $300,000 “annual agreement” to support their work in attracting industry and jobs, an agreement that will fund or will have the appearance of funding a political action arm of E-Rep. I hope that E-Rep will choose not to start the political advocacy group, J-PAC.
E-Rep is receiving taxpayer monies and taxpayer-awarded monies cannot be used for political lobbying or supporting political candidates. I feel that even the appearance that E-Rep might use public taxpayers’ money to promote political activities should be avoided at all costs.
At the most recent County Commission meeting E-REP attorney Micheal Schopmeyer attempted to assure County Commissioners that J-PAC and E-Rep missions are entirely separate but there is no way to avoid co-mingling of monies or at least the appearance of such.
There was also a statement made at the meeting by their attorney that I think is very curious and convinces me that adopting an advocacy group is the wrong direction for E-Rep.
E-Rep’s attorney Michael Schopmeyer said that the advocacy group is to be bipartisan, which, of course, is as it should be. However, the fact that their attorney thought he had to make such a point about a bipartisan group makes me think E-Rep realizes there would be a negative response among some members if they thought there was partisanship in the advocacy group. These members know business and industry would look negatively at any appearance of partisanship in E-Rep or in this new advocacy group.
If E-Rep wants political advocacy for some concern, members have the freedom now to talk to individuals and organizations outside their organization, not directly affiliated with E-Rep. Certainly, that would include elected officials, those representatives whom taxpayers already pay to devote their time and effort to helping our region grow.
E-Rep should change course. There is a lot at stake. E-Rep initiating a political advocacy arm, even if E-Rep says funding is separate from taxpayer monies, is not worth the risk of misinterpretation or unintentional co-mingling.
Evansville has lost its population over the last few years. The estimated population in 2022 is recorded at 115,749. The population in 2020 was 117,291 (census.gov)-about the same as 10 years preceding. Evansville must grow. We need everyone working together for economic growth, and working above board, and that means staying above any appearance of being involved in the political process.
Finally, just a note I don’t want to forget. I was very offended at the attitude of Michael Schopmeyer in his approach to Commissioner Musgrave. Even more, I was disappointed that fellow Commissioners didn’t stand up for her.
In all the years of serving the public, I never heard such disrespect from a presenter, and believe me, I have been in more than one emotional public meeting.
FOOTNOTE: THE CITY COUNTY OBSERVER POSTED THIS LETTER WITHOUT BIAS OR EDITING.
Scheller to present on eclipses ahead of USI Solarpalooza
Dr. Kent Scheller, University of Southern Indiana Professor of Physics, will present Eclipses and Humans: Science, Shock and Awe at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 20 in WA1, located in the Wright Administration Building, ahead of USI’s Solarpalooza event happening Sunday and Monday, April 7-8, on campus. The presentation is open to the public at no charge.
Scheller will explore how eclipses happen, types of eclipses and the necessary safety measures needed to view an eclipse. He will then dive into how eclipses have affected humans over the millennia with examples in history, war, religion, literature, film and the animal kingdom.
“Eclipses have impacted humans for thousands of years, and we are no different,” says Scheller. “Then, it was dragons devouring the sun, now it’s the moon. Regardless, the heavens will put on a show for us, and we will have rare, front row seats on The Quad.”
USI will host Solarpalooza Sunday and Monday, April 7-8, beginning with a talk by trailblazing electrical engineer and retired NASA astronaut Joan Higginbotham, at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 7 in the Screaming Eagles Arena, followed by a full day of experiential learning and engagement on Monday, April 8, the day of the eclipse.
CenterPoint Energy urges customers to review payment options
| CenterPoint Energy urges customers to review payment options as the Indiana winter moratorium ends
Qualified customers encouraged to utilize payment assistance options Evansville, Ind. – March 12, 2024 – As the winter heating season draws to a close, CenterPoint Energy is reminding customers that the State of Indiana’s winter moratorium ends on March 15. The utility is taking proactive steps to support customers during this time and encourages them to contact us to discuss options. The Indiana winter moratorium protects customers who have applied for support through income-qualified programs, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), from having their heating services interrupted. CenterPoint Energy has implemented a number of programs to provide continued support beyond the moratorium’s end. “As the winter moratorium comes to an end, we are committed to raising awareness and providing necessary support,” said Ashley Babcock, Vice President of Gas Operations, Indiana and Ohio. “Customers concerned about potential service disconnection or in need of bill payment assistance are encouraged to contact CenterPoint Energy immediately to explore additional support options that are available.” Available assistance programs include: · Keep Service On: A crisis assistance program, Keep Service On, is available to income-eligible customers — those earning up to 70% state median income — who heat with natural gas. The program can provide up to $200 per customer. It will remain available until funds are depleted. Customers should call 1-800-227-1376 to check eligibility and apply. · Special Payment Arrangement: CenterPoint Energy will offer a special payment arrangement to customers who received energy assistance or previously participated in the Fall Turn On or Spring Keep Service On programs. This applies to customers who have previously not followed payment arrangements. A larger down payment is required to establish the payment arrangement, which can be set up from now until the end of June. The balance may be extended through September 2024. Customers should call 1-800-227-1376 to set up the arrangement. Additional payment assistance options offered by CenterPoint Energy and other agencies include: · Standard Payment Arrangement: Customers who are having difficulty paying bills in full can request a payment arrangement to fulfill the obligation in smaller increments over a set period of time. Eligible customers can request a payment arrangement by calling 1-800-227-1376. · Energy Assistance Program (EAP): Contact the local Indiana Community Action Agency, which administers EAP for income-eligible customers and can provide intake information about the application process and program requirements. EAP is available to Indiana customers with CenterPoint Energy natural gas service and/or electric service. · Universal Service Program (USP): A program for Indiana natural gas customers, the USP provides a monthly discount on residential gas charges during the heating season. By enrolling in EAP, customers are automatically enrolled in USP. The monthly discount of 15 to 32 percent applies from December through May 31. · Energy Efficiency Resources: CenterPoint Energy has a wide offering of energy efficiency programs for customers, which can be found at CenterPointEnergy.com/SmartSavings. Customers are also encouraged to apply for all residential (home ownership or rental) weatherization programs, including programs available through the local service provider. These programs assist with reducing energy use in the home, which can help lower the bill. For additional information on available resources, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/IndianaBilling.
|
Marah Wood named MVC Player of the Week
Honor is first in Wood’s career
- LOUIS – For the first time in her collegiate career, University of Evansville softball senior Marah Wood has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week.
Wood put together a big week at the plate for the Purple Aces, , batting .429 with two home runs, seven RBI and six runs scored while slugging .857. After going 1-3 in Wednesday’s opener against Lindenwood, Wood picked up the biggest hit of the year for the Aces in game two. With her team trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the 6th, Wood launched a 2-run home run that would prove to be the game winner while giving Evansville its first win of the season. She went 2-3 in that contest.
Saturday’s victory over Bellarmine saw her go 3-4 with a RBI, two runs and a stolen base. Wood opened the day on Sunday with a 2-3 game against St. Bonaventure while adding her second home run of the week, three RBI, a run and steal. She added a hit, RBI and two more runs in the weekend finale that saw UE finish with its fourth win in five games. Just as impressive – Wood struck out just twice in 21 plate appearances over the course of the week.
Join us for our first breakfast meeting of the year this Saturday!
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Pull up a chair, grab a drink, and have some food while socializing with fellow Democrats! We will meet this Friday from 5:30pm – 7:00pm at Doc’s (1305 Stringtown Road). This is a great way to kick-off your weekend and enjoy time with party members. Appetizers provided! |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Please join us for the first VCDP Breakfast in 2024! Iron Workers Local 103 is hosting and providing breakfast for everyone. We will hear from some of our 2024 candidates including Ed Sein, 8th District Congressional candidate, Hope Fussner, County Commissioner candidate, Gina Ungar, candidate for Recorder, Keith Mosby, candidate for Coroner and Marc Carmichael, candidate for the US Senate. |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
ONLY 300 TICKETS AVAILABLE! Our 2024 Red, White & Blue kicks off on March 16th! The success of the raffle determines the level of support for our 2024 candidates. We will use the funds for mailers, texting, phone banks and advertising. Visit our website for information on purchasing tickets through Venmo, or contact Cheryl Schultz (812-459-7645) to use cash or check. Tickets will also be available for purchase at our March 16th breakfast. Support of the Raffle is greatly appreciated! |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Join us to provide your input and suggestions for the 2024 Indiana Democratic Party Platform! |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Absentee ballots for the May 7 primary will be mailed beginning March 22. You can request your ballot by going to indianavoters.com or calling Cheryl Schultz at 812-459-7645. |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
If you would be interested in helping voters complete their primary ballots, please contact Cheryl Schultz at 812-459-7645. Workers travel in pairs to various nursing homes, private residences, etc. to assist voters who are unable to leave their homes or need help in completing their ballots. Workers are compensated for their time. |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Special thanks to our In to Win monthly donors! Blue — Dona Hall, Glenn Boberg Bronze — Ann Wallis, Edie Hardcastle, Connie Parker, Jane Duesterberg, Valerie Ewers, Kristi Roll, Genny Tenbarge, Nancy Higgs, Melissa Moore
|