FOOTNOTE:EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
USI finishes strong at Payne Stewart Memorial
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Golf finished strong and finished ninth in the 2025-26 opening Payne Stewart Memorial in Springfield, Missouri. The tournament was hosted by Missouri State University at Twin Oaks Country Club.
Day 1 (36 holes):
USI was 10th of the 11 teams after the first day of the tournament, following a two-round 637 (317-320). The Screaming Eagles were ninth after the first 18 holes but dropped back to 10th following round two. Sophomore Fernanda Vera and graduate Valeria Lopez led the Eagles with each posting a two-round 154 (77-77). Vera and Lopez were tied for 32nd after the first 36 holes.
Day 2 (18 holes):
The Eagles improved 12 strokes, as a team, in the final round to return to the ninth with a 308 in the third 18 holes. Vera and junior Tora Timinsky tied for the team lead in the third round, each posting a 76. Freshman McKenna Lowe followed with a 78.
Final Results:
The Eagles shot a three-round 945 (317-320-308) as a team, finishing ninth ahead of Oklahoma City University (10th) and Western Illinois University (11th). Missouri State won its home tournament with an 866 (287-288-291).
Individually, Vera tied for 31st overall with a 54-hole score of 230 (77-77-76). She had 10 birdies during the tournament.
Lopez was close behind, tying for 35th with a 232 (77-77-78), while sophomore Brianna Kirsch was nine strokes back with a 241 (80-81-80) to place 53rd. Timinsky and Lowe rounded out the Eagles, placing 55th and 58th, respectively. Timinsky shot a 244 (83-85-76), while Lowe rounded out USI’s five with a 250 (85-87-78).
NEXT UP FOR USI:
USI continues the 2025-26 fall season September 15-16 by playing in The Velvet, hosted by Murray State University at Country Club of Paducah in Paducah, Kentucky. The Eagles finished 13th a year ago at The Velvet and return four of the five players who scored in the tournament.
Aces Welcome Xavier for Midweek Match
The University of Evansville men’s soccer team wraps up a three-match homestand on Wednesday, hosting Xavier at Arad McCutchan Stadium. Kick-off is set for 6 PM.
Last Time Out
Evansville dropped their second contest of the season last Thursday night, falling to Lindenwood 1-0 at Arad McCutchan Stadium.
The first 45 minutes of the night were scoreless, with Lindenwood out-shooting Evansville 5-2. Evansville nearly broke through early in the second half on a set piece, but a header from Nacho Garcia (Zaragoza, Spain/UNIR) was saved and the Aces were kept off the board.
Lindenwood found the winner just over ten minutes later, netting a goal off a set piece in the 59th minute. The Lions’ defense held strong for the remainder of the contest, withstanding four Evansville shots to secure the shutout.
Series History
Thursday marks the 27th all-time meeting between the former MCC foes, with the Purple Aces holding a 19-5-2 advantage. Wednesday’s match will be the second meeting between the two sides in as many seasons and the fifth meeting since 2010. Xavier has won the last three match-ups, including a 2-0 win last season in Cincinnati.
Scouting Xavier
Xavier brings a 1-2 record into Wednesday’s match, defeating Saint Francis to open the season before falling to Bellarmine and Northwestern.
Attorney General Todd Rokita leads 17 states in effort to end unconstitutional race, gender rules in INDOT contracts
Attorney General Todd Rokita is leading a 17-state effort in support of the Indiana Department of Transportation’s (INDOT) request for a waiver from the discriminatory and unlawful race and gender-conscious requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.
DBE program regulations require INDOT to consider race and gender when hiring contractors for infrastructure projects. In many cases, the regulations require INDOT to allocate a portion of federal highway, transit, and airport funds to small businesses owned by individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Federal regulations also force INDOT to employ a presumption that businesses owned by women or members of certain minority groups automatically qualify as disadvantaged, thus placing businesses owned by men or individuals of races that aren’t given special preferences by federal regulations at a competitive disadvantage and undermining fair competition. That presumption impermissibly introduces race and gender classifications into the DBE program.
To ensure it is acting consistent with the Constitution, INDOT has requested that the U.S. Department of Transportation waive the requirement that INDOT use the discriminatory presumption in how it administers the DBE program.
In a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Indiana-led, multistate coalition argues that the DBE program’s race and gender-based rules are unconstitutional, violate the Equal Protection Clause, and conflict with the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. The states also argue that granting INDOT waiver would advance President Trump’s historic work eliminating DEI from federal government programs and practices. Indiana and other states have also previously submitted an amicus brief arguing that the racial and gender aspects of the DBE program are unlawful in the case of Mid-Am. Milling Co., LLC v. USDOT , where private contractors have challenged the presumption’s legality.
“Forcing INDOT to prioritize contractors based on race or gender is unconstitutional and undermines fair competition,” said Attorney General Todd Rokita. “Granting thewaiver INDOT is requesting, is well within the Department of Transportation’s authority and would be a critical step toward ensuring that Indiana’s transportation projects are awarded based on merit, not arbitrary classifications, and aligns with our constitutional duty to uphold equal protection under the law.”
In a related effort, Attorney General Rokita has worked to ensure state procurement policies are aligned with equal protection principles by requiring state contractors to commit not to discriminate on the basis of race and sex in the name of DEI. That effort complements Governor Braun’s actions to eliminate discriminatory DEI initiatives. In January 2025, Governor Braun issued an executive order forbidding executive branch state agencies from using state funds, property, or resources to “support diversity, equity, and inclusion positions, departments, activities, procedures, or programs if they grant preferential treatment based upon one person’s particular race.”
President Donald Trump, Attorney General Rokita, and Governor Braun have taken aim at discriminatory DEI programs in a variety of ways to ensure equal opportunity for all. Attorney General Rokita’s letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation is just another step in accomplishing this shared goal.
Read the letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation here.
Mayor Stephanie Terry, Rep. Alex Burton, and Councilor Ben Trockman to Speak at Disability Town Hall in Evansville
Evansville, IN — The Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council (INSILC) invites community members to join an upcoming Disability Town Hall on Tuesday, September 23, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM CT at the DoubleTree by Hilton Evansville.
This free event will feature Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry, State Representative Alex Burton, and Evansville City Council President Ben Trockman, who will speak directly with the disability community. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and engage on issues that matter most to Hoosiers with disabilities.
Discussion topics will include healthcare, transportation, and other key priorities that impact the independence and quality of life of people with disabilities.
“Events like this town hall are essential in ensuring that policymakers hear directly from the disability community about the barriers and solutions that affect their daily lives,” said Mike Foddrill, Executive Director of INSILC.
The event is sponsored by AARP Indiana.
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Announces New Appointments to the Medicaid Advisory Committee
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) today announced the appointment of new members to the Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC), a body established under Indiana Code 12-15-33 to provide public input and feedback on Indiana’s Medicaid program.
The MAC serves as a forum for stakeholders—including providers, beneficiaries, advocates, elected officials, and citizens—to advise the state Medicaid agency on program policies and proposed changes. Meeting quarterly, the committee ensures that Indiana’s Medicaid program remains responsive to the needs and concerns of Hoosiers.
The newly appointed members are:
Provider Representatives
- Terry Cole – CFO, Indiana Hospital Association (Hospitals)
- Donna Elbrecht – CEO, Easterseals of Northeastern Indiana (Waiver Providers)
- Richard Nussle – Executive Director, Indiana Osteopathic Association (Osteopathic Medicine Providers)
- Kent Rodgers – Advisor to the Board of Directors, CarDon & Associates (Assisted Living & Nursing Facility Providers)
- Sarah Bosslet – Indiana Pediatric Association / Traders Point Pediatrics (Pediatric Medicine Providers)
- Zoe Frantz – President & CEO, Indiana Council of Community Mental Health Centers (Mental Health Centers)
Managed Care Entity Representatives
- Blaire Hadley – Director of Government Relations, Insurance Institute of Indiana
- Christina Hage – Plan President & CEO, Managed Health Services (MHS)
Consumer Advocacy & Community-Based Organization Representatives
- Kim Dodson – CEO, The Arc of Indiana (Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities)
- Cara Veale – CEO, Rural Health Association (Rural Health)
Medicaid Beneficiary Advisory Commission Members
- Neil Samahon
- Kate Miller
- Gale Everett
- Abigail Beckham
- Mindi Ramsey
- Chris Grosse
Legislative Appointees
- Sen. Jean Leising – District 42
- Sen. Ed Charbonneau – District 5
- Sen. Fady Qaddoura – District 30
- Sen. Shelli Yoder – District 40, Minority Caucus Leader
- Rep. Brad Barrett – District 56
- Rep. Ed Clere – District 72
- Rep. Chris Campbell – District 26
- Rep. Robin Shackleford – District 98
Ex-Officio Members
- Mitch Roob – Secretary, Family and Social Services Administration
- Lindsay Weaver, MD – Commissioner, Indiana Department of Health
- Megan Ornellas – CFO, Indiana Department of Child Services (Commissioner Designee)
- Sarah Sailors – Director, Division of Mental Health & Addiction
Rucks Family $50,000 Gift Establishes Scholarship for Education Students at UE
EVANSVILLE, IND. (09/09/2025) The University of Evansville (UE) has received a $50,000 planned gift from the late Gerald L. Rucks and Carol A. Rucks ’64, creating an endowed scholarship fund to support future educators. The Carol (Umbach) and Gerald Rucks Endowed Scholarship Fund for Education Students will assist those pursuing degrees in education and, when possible, history majors or minors with a demonstrated commitment to service.
Carol (Umbach) Rucks, an Evansville native, graduated from F.J. Reitz High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at UE in 1964. During her college years, she was active in Beta Sigma Omicron sorority and formed friendships that lasted throughout her life. The education she received at UE prepared her for a distinguished career as an educator and reading specialist in Hinsdale, Illinois, where she became known for her dedication to literacy and student success.
Gerald “Jerry” Rucks, who shared nearly 50 years of marriage with Carol, was a U.S. Army veteran whose career spanned business, teaching, and public service. He managed his family’s dry-cleaning business, taught electronics, and later worked at the Illinois Unemployment Office. Known for his fairness and compassion, Jerry also devoted time to community organizations. After retiring, the couple moved to Tucson, Arizona, where they remained active in civic and cultural life through groups such as the Sons of Norway, with Jerry serving as treasurer and Carol as a board member.
The couple’s planned gift underscores their lifelong belief in the power of education. “Carol and Jerry Rucks understood the power of education to shape lives, communities, and futures,” said Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, UE president. “Through their generous gift, they are creating a lasting impact that will inspire students to lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and carry forward the spirit of changemaking that defines the University of Evansville.”
The Rucks’ journey from Evansville to Illinois to Arizona was marked by service, humility, and generosity. Their legacy will now endure through the scholarship that bears their names and through the students whose education it supports.
Lammers Earns Second Consecutive MVC Goalkeeper of the Week Nod
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – After recording her second clean sheet in as many starts and helping the Purple Aces win their third game in a row, University of Evansville goalkeeper Allie Lammers (Cincinnati, Ohio/Mount Notre Dame) earned her second consecutive MVC Goalkeeper of the Week award, the league office announced Tuesday morning.
Lammers ran her scoreless streak to 225 minutes in Thursday’s win over Austin Peay, setting a career-high with four saves. With her team leading 1-0, the sophomore made three saves in the second half to seal the win and help the Aces improve to 4-1 on the season, their best start since 2021. Since entering in the second half against Purdue on August 28, Lammers has earned three wins without allowing a goal, facing 32 shots with nine saves. Lammers is one of five qualified goalkeepers in the country to have not allowed a goal this season.
The nod marks UE’s fourth MVC weekly honor this season, the most of any Valley school, while Lammers becomes The Valley’s first repeat weekly honoree of the year.
Evansville looks to win their fourth game in a row on Thursday with a road contest at UT Martin. Kick-off is set for 7 PM.
Sammy Dowd promoted to Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach
Dowd joined the program in 2022
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville head men’s basketball coach David Ragland has announced the promotion of Sammy Dowd to a Assistant Coach – Director of Player Development with the Purple Aces program.
“I’m thrilled to share the news of Sammy Dowd’s elevation to Assistant Coach – Director of Player Development. Since our arrival in Evansville, Sammy has made a tremendous impact on our program. His journey has been one of steady growth and commitment — from player, to Graduate Assistant, to Director of Operations, and now stepping into this well-earned role on our coaching staff,” Ragland said. “Anyone who knows Sammy understands the contagious energy and unwavering work ethic he brings every single day. No task is beneath him, and his dedication to our players’ development — both on and off the court — is unmatched.
I have full confidence that Sammy will thrive in this new position. He is a rising star in our profession, and we’re lucky to have him continue growing within our program.”
After joining the program as a graduate assistant prior to the 2022-23 campaign, Dowd was promoted to Director of Basketball Operations in 2024. In his work with the program, Dowd has contributed in a number of facets including team logistics, managing practice schedules, facilitating communication between the coaches and student-athletes, operations, and compliance.
“It is an incredible honor to step into a new role for the Purple Aces program. I am grateful to Coach Ragland for his belief in me and for the opportunity to continue learning under his leadership, as well as from the rest of our outstanding staff,” Dowd exclaimed. “Excited to step into a greater role where I can continue to impact the student-athlete experience both on and off the court. Heading into year four with such a special group makes this moment even more meaningful. Let’s keep building together. Go Aces!”
Dowd, a native of Seattle, Washington, came to Evansville after concluding his playing career for the University of the Philippines in 2020. He played his final two collegiate seasons at Idaho State where he saw action in 56 games while making 10 starts. His top performance came against Portland State where he scored 13 points.
Following his junior campaign in 2017-18, Dowd was the recipient of the US Basketball Writers Association’s Most Courageous Award,, which was presented at the NCAA Tournament Final Four.