The Evansville Courier & Press Employees Vote To Unionize.
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — After nearly four weeks of campaigning, the award-winning journalists of the Evansville Courier & Press have voted unanimously to unionize.
The union campaign was made public Jan. 8, with the staff citing slashed resources and jobs and the prospect that nothing would change without action.
Courier & Press journalists asked its parent company Gannett to voluntarily recognize its union, which would have erased the need for a vote. Gannett refused.
Gannett bought the newspaper in 2016, and since then Courier & Press journalists, who have been repeatedly recognized by their peers for their work, have steadily left the newspaper as resources are reduced. Others have been forced out. The newsroom is a fraction of its former size — but the care and effort shown by the remaining reporters and photographers has not wavered.
All nine of the editorial staff, two sports reporters, six news reporters and one photographer, voted yes to unionize on Wednesday.
As was shared when the effort went public in January, every member of the Courier & Press newsroom wants to continue to provide the top-notch journalism to which this community has become accustomed. And every member deserves respect and fair wages.
Evansville NewsGuild will be a bargaining unit of TNG-CWA Local 34070, which also represents workers of the Indianapolis NewsGuild and Courier Journal Guild.
The NewsGuild is part of Communications Workers of America (CWA), the largest communications and media labor union in the United States, representing about 700,000 members in the US and Canada.
You can find more information on the journey of the past few weeks at the Evansville NewsGuild Twitter – @EvansNewsGuild. The Guild can also be found on Facebook.
Thank you for your consideration!
FOOTNOTE- THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER POSTED THIS ARTICLE WITHOUT BIAS, OPINION, OR EDITING.
UE women’s basketball makes northern MVC road swing
It was another fight to the finish for the Aces in a close back-and-forth affair against Bradley. Evansville swapped the lead five times with the Braves while also tying the game up on seven different occasions. But no made shots in the final two and a half minutes signaled the end for UE as they dropped the close contest 79-72 to Bradley. While the result on Saturday night wasn’t what the Aces had hoped for, they did play in an electric environment. For National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Evansville hosted almost 100 local members of the community for a clinic and the evening game. It was a loud and supportive environment for UE while battling with the Braves.
VU baseball falls in doubleheader at Cleveland State C.C.
CLEVELAND, Tenn. – The Vincennes University Trailblazer baseball season continued Thursday afternoon as the Blazers headed back down to Tennessee for a doubleheader showdown with Cleveland State Community College.
The Blazers dropped both games of the doubleheader to the host Cougars, falling in game one 8-3 before dropping game two 5-4.
VU got the day started off with a bang as sophomore Dylan Ecken (Louisville, Ky.) led off the opening game of the doubleheader with a solo home run, his second home run of the season.
Sophomore Bryton Griffy (Louisville, Ill.) followed that by reaching base by a fielding error and later came around and scored on an RBI single by sophomore Kade Hinton (Fort Wayne, Ind.) to give VU an early 2-0 lead.
Cleveland State would get a run back in the bottom of the first before VU answered back with a run of their own in the second on another RBI single by Kade Hinton.
The Cougars would continue to battle, scoring a run in the second and the third innings to even the score at 3-3, before taking control of the game with a big four-run fifth inning and another run in the sixth to take an 8-3 lead.
Bryton Griffy looked to start a late rally in the seventh, leading off the inning with a single, the Blazers bats could not push a run across as VU fell in game one of the day 8-3.
Sophomore Josh McCormick (Indianapolis, Ind.) got the start on the mound for Vincennes in game one, throwing two and two-thirds innings, allowing three runs on seven hits and striking out one.
Freshman Kaleb Marrs (Terre Haute, Ind.) was the first out of the pen in game one, throwing two and a one-third innings, allowing four runs on four hits and striking out three.
Freshman Colton Okes (Evansville, Ind.) came on to pitch the sixth, allowing one run on no hits in one inning of work.
The Blazers looked to bounce back in game two at Cleveland State but got off to a slow start, with the Cougars taking an early lead with a pair of runs in the first.
VU would get on the board in the second after a leadoff walk by redshirt freshman Holden Clifton (Louisville, Ill.), who later came in to score after a bases loaded walk by freshman Brody Fessel (DePauw, Ind.).
Cleveland State would answer with two more runs in the second before the Blazers again got the leadoff man on, this time on a fielding error put in play by freshman Bradyn Douglas (Frankton, Ind.).
Douglas would come around to score on an RBI single by Dylan Ecken to cut the deficit to 4-2.
Hartke Pool to close for 2024 Due to Safety Concerns
Due to safety concerns with both the pool and deck areas, Hartke Pool will not open for swimming in Summer 2024.
In order to accommodate, the city will open Lorraine Pool seven days a week during the summer months, with Mosby and Rochelle-Landers pools also open during the summer. Officials with the Department of Parks & Recreation have aspects of all three pools in the past two years, and will also create additional programming – including free swimming lessons to beginning swimmers – at Lorraine Pool this summer.
Meanwhile, city officials will begin moving immediately to commission a study regarding the future of Hartke Pool, looking at designs and costs to repair the current pool; to create a new pool at Hartke; or to create another kind of recreational space, such as a splash pad, on the site.
“Hartke Pool has been a gem for our community since it opened in 1978,†said Danielle Crook, executive director of the Department of Parks & Recreation. “We don’t take the decision to close any recreational space lightly – especially not one as beloved, and that holds as many memories for as many people, as Hartke Pool.
“Unfortunately, the structural issues in and around the pool have reached the point where safety concerns require us to take this step and close the facility.â€
Among the safety concerns with the pool, which was last renovated in 1989, are:
Uneven surfaces on the pool deck, with many examples of parts of the deck settling or rising due to crushed pipes under the surface leaking water into the ground. These leaks, which also exist beneath the pool itself, eventually create voids under the pavement that have the potential to collapse without warning.
- Holes in the pool walls, through which groundwater seeps into the pool and contaminates the water.
- Cracks in the pool deck, many of which are around drains and stretch into the walls and even floor of the pool itself, creating a danger to the feet of swimmers.
- Slopes around the poolside drains that exceed required maximums which, coupled with the uneven surfaces from the rising and setting deck, create a tripping hazard and an increased likelihood of foot injuries.
The pool also faces numerous mechanical issues, including numerous damaged pipes under the concrete deck, significant corrosion on pool pumps and hardware, and near-full thickness corrosion on the steel filters.
A video walk-through of the space, discussing many of these issues, can be found at facebook.com/evansvillemayor.
Closing the pool also will coincide with construction on Division Street, which will connect the Roberts Park area with Boeke Avenue. That construction will begin next week.
The combination of the Hartke Pool closure and the road construction also means that the Department of Parks & Recreation will not hold Camp Swonder in Summer 2024.
“SCOTUS MUST REJECT THIS PARTISAN SCHEME†– SENATOR BRAUN ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S COLORADO BALLOT CASE STARTING ARGUMENTS IN SUPREME COURT
WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Braun released the following statement as the U.S. Supreme Court begins hearing arguments on the Colorado case barring former President Donald Trump from that state’s primary ballot.
“Joe Biden’s allies in states are interfering in the 2024 election, because their candidate has wrecked our economy with inflation, opened our border to millions of illegal aliens, got Americans soldiers killed in his botched Afghanistan withdrawal, and has the worst job approval of any modern president seeking reelection. The Supreme Court must reject this partisan scheme to disqualify the Republican nominee, and the American people shouldn’t accept our legal system being reduced to a political weapon.†– SENATOR MIKE BRAUN
Eagles bounce back with win in Play4Kay game
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball bounced back into the win column Thursday night with a 70-60 victory against Eastern Illinois University in the annual Play4Kay pink game at Screaming Eagles Arena.
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The Screaming Eagles picked up their 15th win of the season against the Panthers, improving to 15-6 overall and 10-1 in the Ohio Valley Conference. USI maintained its first-place lead at 2.5 games going into Saturday’s slate of contests. The win was also Southern Indiana’s first all time against Eastern Illinois, who had won the four previous meetings. Eastern Illinois, who sought to keep pace with the top half of the conference, dropped to 9-15 this season with a 6-5 mark in the OVC.
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Southern Indiana found quick success in the paint after a competitive start with both teams looking for opportunities early in the shot clock. The Screaming Eagles scored 10 of their first 13 points down inside, as USI led 13-9 at the 4:30 mark of the opening quarter. Freshman forward Chloe Gannon (Manchester, Tennessee) led the Eagles’ early presence in the post with six first-quarter points, connecting on her first three shot attempts. Southern Indiana led 19-16 through the first 10 minutes of action.
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The tempo settled to start the second period, as each side exchanged baskets in the first four minutes. With just under six minutes left in the first half, Eastern Illinois tied the game at 23, starting an 8-0 run for the Panthers over the next three minutes. Senior forward Meredith Raley (Haubstadt, Indiana) snapped the drought for USI with a hoop inside at the four-minute mark. Raley reached six points in the game with the made layup, joining Gannon and fellow senior forward Madi Webb (Bedford, Indiana) with six points each. After Southern Indiana brought the game to within one possession in the last 90 seconds of the second quarter, Eastern Illinois converted a pair of trips to the free-throw line late to take a 36-30 advantage into halftime.
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Coming out of the break, Raley knocked down a layup and a three-pointer within the first two minutes of the second half to cross into double figures scoring and to bring Southern Indiana within one possession once again, 40-37. The Panthers responded by holding onto a 45-37 lead at the halfway point of the third quarter. After USI was held scoreless for over four minutes, freshman guard Triniti Ralston (Louisville, Kentucky) canned a right-wing triple to end the scoreless drought. The Eagles organized an 8-0 run to knot the game up at 45 going to the last minute of the third frame. The contest was a two-point difference, 49-47 EIU, heading to the final stanza.
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The Screaming Eagles jumped out quickly to begin the fourth quarter. Junior guard Vanessa Shafford (Linton, Indiana) stuck back-to-back shots through the bottom of the net in addition to consecutive makes by Ralston and Raley to push USI ahead, 55-50. The two conversions by Shafford put the junior in double figures with Raley in the scoring column. With seven minutes on the clock, Raley capitalized on a three-point play to add to Southern Indiana’s run, which eventually stretched to a 13-0 span. Webb, who also reached double figures in the fourth quarter, joined Raley in leading USI to a double-digit lead in the middle of the period. The game was an eight-point contest, 66-58 USI, going into the final minute before Southern Indiana sealed the win with four made free throws.
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The Screaming Eagles were 28-58 for 48 percent from the field in the game, hitting three treys in addition to going 11-13 for nearly 85 percent at the charity stripe. USI outrebounded EIU by five, 43-38, and Southern Indiana outscored Eastern Illinois 15-6 on the fast break and 40-22 in the paint. Individually, Raley tied a season-high 22 points with 12 rebounds toward her fourth double-double of the season. Shafford also finished with a double-double, tallying 13 points and 10 boards for her sixth double-double this season. Webb posted 15 points on Thursday.
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The Panthers were held to 31 percent shooting (21-67) by USI. Eastern Illinois made six threes and went 12-17 for nearly 71 percent at the foul line. EIU had three players in double figures with junior forward Macy McGlone pacing the squad with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
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The Screaming Eagles continue the home set Saturday at 5 p.m. from Screaming Eagles Arena against Southern Illinois Univesity Edwardsville for Homecoming and Hall of Fame Night. Saturday’s game can be seen with a subscription to ESPN+ and heard on 95.7 FM The Spin (http://957thespin.com).
Consumer Alert: from bedding to boots, don’t kick off 2024 with these flawed products
Attorney General Todd Rokita alerts Hoosiers of recalled items sold in January
Attorney General Todd Rokita is alerting Hoosiers of important consumer protection concerns for products recalled as we celebrate the new year.
“January should be full of hope and positivity – not anxiety or concern about your purchased products,†Attorney General Rokita said. “Do not allow a flawed product to put your family in danger. Please stop using recalled items immediately and pursue resolution from the manufacturer.â€
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the following consumer products were recalled in January:Â
Home Design Recalls Upholstered Low Profile Standard and Platform Beds Due to Fall and Injury Hazards
Boot Royalty Recalls Men’s Leather Work Boots Due to Crush Hazard
H.H. Brown Shoe Company Recalls Redeemer Work Boots Due to Injury Hazard
There are many more items that need to be double checked before using regularly.
If you believe you recently purchased a recalled product, stop using it, and check its recall notice. Then, follow the notice’s instructions, including where to return the product or what steps must be taken to receive a replacement product.Â
USI to host second annual Regional Science Olympiad
The University of Southern Indiana Southwest Indiana STEM Resource Center will host the 2024 Regional Science Olympiad Saturday, February 10. The Science Olympiad, organized by the nonprofit Indiana Science Olympiad, is a renowned Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) competition where teams of up to 15 high school and middle school students compete in a variety of challenging events.
This year’s competition features a diverse set of events, including anatomy and physiology, astronomy, chemistry lab, codebusters, detector building, ecology, experimental design, flight, forensics, fossils, optics, robot tour and many more.
Teams from Brown County High School, Madison Consolidated High School, North Harrison High School and North Posey High School will compete in the high school division. In the middle school division, participants include teams from North Harrison Middle School, North Posey Junior High School, Rock Creek Community Academy and South Central Junior Senior High School. In total, 11 teams will be vying for victory.
The USI community, alongside external partners such as SABIC Innovative Plastics, NSWC-Crane and MSD of North Posey High School Science Department, have come together to support the event. This marks only the second year that USI has hosted the Science Olympiad, and the Southwest Indiana STEM Resource Center is proud to continue their mission to promote STEM through competitive outreach events.
“We are excited to welcome these dedicated teams to USI for the 2024 Regional Science Olympiad,†says Dr. Allison Grabert, Director of Southwest Indiana STEM Resource Center. “This event not only showcases the exceptional talent of southern Indiana’s students but also highlights the commitment of our community to fostering a passion for science and innovation.â€
The 2024 Regional Science Olympiad promises to be an engaging and educational event, providing a platform for young minds to explore and excel in the diverse fields of science.
For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the USI Regional Science Olympiad website.
Indiana Science Olympiad (INSO) is a nonprofit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science and providing recognition for outstanding achievement by students in grades 6-12. Science Olympiad competitions consist of 23 events that cover almost all of the Indiana science standards. Many teachers use the Science Olympiad events in their classrooms to support rigorous instruction related to engineering and inquiry of science.
USI Baseball predicted to finish eighth in OVC play
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Baseball is predicted to finish eighth in the Ohio Valley Conference as announced by the OVC Thursday. The Screaming Eagles received 52 points from the league’s coaches and communications directors.
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Leading the voting was the University of Arkansas at Little Rock who accumulated 12 first-place votes while Morehead State University received eight top votes to finish in second. Southeast Missouri State University earned the third most votes while the University of Tennessee at Martin and reigning OVC Champion, Eastern Illinois University, go fourth and fifth, respectively. Rounding out the ten teams are Tennessee Tech University, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, USI, Lindenwood University, and Western Illinois University.
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The Eagles finished the 2023 campaign with a 17-38 overall record while going 8-15 in conference play. USI returns to 2024 with hopes of returning to the OVC Championship after falling in the first round to eventual champion, EIU, 5-4. This year’s championship will return to Marion Stadium in Marion, Illinois, May 22-25 where the top eight teams will compete for a title.
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Making a key return to the squad is senior infielder Tucker Ebest (Austin, Texas) who led USI in hitting with a .321 average, 53 RBIs, and 12 home runs. Also looking to make a big jump in 2024 is senior outfielder Ren Tachioka (Saitama, Japan) who swiped a team-leading 15 bags last season and produced a .296 average off 61 hits and a team-high three triples.
For more information, visit our website at USIScreamingEagles.com or find us on social media at USIAthletics.
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2024 OVC Baseball Predicted Order of Finish
 1. Little Rock (12 first-place votes) – 155
 2. Morehead State (8) – 148
 3. Southeast Missouri – 127
 4. UT Martin – 106
 5. Eastern Illinois – 100
 6. Tennessee Tech – 93
 7. SIUE – 67
 8. Southern Indiana – 52
 9. Lindenwood – 31
 10. Western Illinois – 20
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2024 All-OVC Preseason Baseball Team
Preseason OVC Player of the Year:Â Ryley Preece (OF), Morehead State
Preseason OVC Pitcher of the Year:Â Jackson Wells (RHP), Little Rock
C Hayden Gilliland, Tennessee Tech *
C Grant Lashure, Eastern Illinois $
1B Blaze Bell, UT Martin $
2B Skyler Trevino, Little Rock *
2B Nick Gooden, Morehead State $
SS Andrew Fernandez, UT Martin *
SS Colton Becker, Morehead State $
3B Nico Baumbach, Little Rock *
3B Mac Danford, UT Martin $
OF Ryley Preece, Morehead State *
OF Tyler Williams, Little Rock *
OF Josh Cameron, Southeast Missouri $
DH Roman Kuntz, Morehead State *
SP Jackson Wells, Little Rock *
SP Luke Helton, Morehead State $
SP Haden Dow, Southeast Missouri $
RP Zane Robbins, Eastern Illinois *
RP Zach Wager, UT Martin $
* All-OVC First-Team Selection in 2023
$ All-OVC Second-Team Selection in 2023