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USI pulls away in second half to extend winning streak

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball used a strong second half Thursday night at Screaming Eagles Arena to pull away and win its ninth consecutive game with an 81-61 victory against Western Illinois University, keeping the Screaming Eagles undefeated in the Ohio Valley Conference with an 8-0 conference record.

Southern Indiana, who remains in first place in the OVC by 2.5 games, already surpassed its OVC win total from the 2022-23 season last week. Thursday’s win against the Leathernecks put the Screaming Eagles at 13-5 this season, surpassing last year’s overall mark.

Thursday’s matchup featured two top-three scoring offenses in the Ohio Valley Conference and the Screaming Eagles’ top-scoring defense in league play. After a couple of minutes of settling into the game, Southern Indiana grabbed an early 10-3 advantage three minutes into the contest following a pair of three-pointers and a layup. Then Western Illinois went to work on the offensive end for an 8-0 run to take a one-point lead in the middle of the first quarter. By the end of the first 10 minutes of action, the Leathernecks led 18-15.

The back-and-forth struggle from the first period lingered into the second quarter. After Western Illinois started the second by pushing its lead to five, USI’s freshman forward Chloe Gannon (Manchester, Tennessee) put consecutive baskets through the bottom of the net to bring the Screaming Eagles within one, 22-21. Halfway into the frame, the Leathernecks led 26-22 before USI senior forward Meredith Raley (Haubstadt, Indiana) went on an individual spurt with a mid-range jumper and a triple to push Southern Indiana in front, 27-26. Raley ended up with 10 second-quarter points. Down the stretch of the first half, sophomore guard Ali Saunders (Depauw, Indiana) helped expand the Eagles’ lead on her second trey of the game and a dazzling layup. Southern Indiana carried a 35-28 lead into the halftime locker room.

After a bit of a slow start from the floor to start the second half, Southern Indiana scored back-to-back layups from senior forward Madi Webb (Bedford, Indiana) and junior guard Vanessa Shafford (Linton, Indiana) to maintain its halftime margin. Then the Eagles started to find a consistent balance between their inside and outside game. Under the six-minute mark in the third period, Saunders canned another three to cross into double figures for the game, as USI led 42-35. About two minutes later, Shafford started to heat up from beyond the arc, splashing home a three from the wing to extend the Eagles’ advantage to 10, 47-37. Late in the third, USI went on a 12-0 run, which was sparked by a three-point play from Raley and a made three from Shafford. Southern Indiana went into the fourth stanza ahead 61-43.

Right away in the fourth quarter, Shafford cashed in another three-pointer. Later in the fourth, Southern Indiana went on an 11-2 run, which was highlighted by Gannon making a basket and drawing the foul twice within a minute of action. With six minutes left on the clock, Raley and Saunders swished back-to-back triples to increase the Screaming Eagles’ lead to 25, 75-50. In the two minutes that followed, Gannon scored twice more to set a new career mark. Southern Indiana closed out the victory from there.

Southern Indiana ended the game shooting 47.5 percent from the field (29-61) with 11 makes from long range, nearly double USI’s total three-point makes in the previous two games. USI was 12-23 for 52.2 percent at the foul line. The Screaming Eagles racked up 18 assists after 12 second-half helpers. Individually, Raley led all scorers with 21 points, while Gannon posted a career-high 18 points on 8-13 shooting. Shafford recorded her fourth double-double of the season with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Saunders tallied a season-high 14 points with five rebounds and seven assists, which matched a season best.

Western Illinois, who dropped to 12-6 this season and 3-4 in league action, was held to 30 percent shooting (19-63) and only 19 percent (6-31) from outside the perimeter. The Leathernecks went 17-21 for 81 percent at the free-throw stripe. Freshman combo guard Raegan McCowan paced Western Illinois with 18 points.

The current run by the Screaming Eagles, overall and in conference play, is a team best since 2017-18 when USI rattled off 13 straight victories in the middle of the Great Lakes Valley Conference season. The Screaming Eagles also continue to ride their best start to a conference schedule since 1996-97. The current streak has featured six double-digit margins of victory and two single-digit wins in conference play, flipping some of the close defeats from last season. In addition to completing the three-game homestand sweep, Southern Indiana also picked up its fifth weekly sweep in the OVC schedule after having none in 2022-23.

The Screaming Eagles will return to game action for a pair of road contests next week. USI will head to Tennessee Tech University next Thursday, February 1, for a 5:30 p.m. start before visiting Tennessee State University next Saturday, February 3, for a 1 p.m. tip. Both road games can be seen with a subscription to ESPN+ and heard on 95.7 FM The Spin.

 

MASKED HOME INTRUDER FOUND GUILTY AS CHARGED

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 Evansville, IN –Prosecutor Diana Moers announces that on January 25, 2024, Michael Steven Lucero Jr. was found guilty after a two-day jury trial in front of Magistrate Judge Ryan C. Reed of the Vanderburgh County Circuit Court. Lucero was charged with Burglary, a Level 4 Felony; Criminal Mischief, a Class A Misdemeanor; and Resisting Law Enforcement, a Class B Misdemeanor. 

On July 25, 2023, Officers were dispatched at approximately 4:30am on a residential burglary call. The victim had got an alert on her camera system that there was motion inside her deceased brother-in-law’s house. The house had been in the family since the 1940s, and the victim’s brother-in-law had recently passed away. She told police she could see a man sifting through items in the house on the camera, and that residence had been robbed before. Officers began to set up a perimeter around the house as soon as they arrived at the scene. The back door then swung open, glass busting over the patio, and Michael Steven Lucero Jr. ran out. Officers told him to stop, but Lucero continued to run. Officers were soon able to get Lucero to the ground while he continued to resist. When asked why he ran from officers, Lucero said he didn’t want to go back to jail. Stolen items from the house were then found in his backpack. 

Surveillance footage from inside the home, stolen items, and officer testimony were all presented by Deputy Prosecutor Ian Blair at the trial. “I hope this outcome shows Evansville citizens that law enforcement and the Prosecutor’s Office take seriously the duty to protect their homes, as well as their sense of safety in this community,” stated Deputy Prosecutor Blair after the trial. Prosecutor Diana Moers added: “One of the most terrifying crimes is the breach of one’s own home in the night. The Defendant in this case was held accountable and we will seek a harsh punishment at sentencing. The brave victim made use of home surveillance which was instrumental in keeping her safe by allowing her to alert the police quickly. Police then apprehended the masked intruder ultimately leading the conviction of this Defendant.” 

Prosecutor Moers thanks Officers Kory Winn, Ryan Andrews and Robert Morrow, as well as Detectives Todd Lincoln and Alanna Hagensieker, and all other Officers who had a role in this case. Prosecutor Moers also thanks her staff, Victim Advocate Lisa Deutsch and Investigator Jessica Pollock, for their earnest efforts to ensure a smooth trial. 

Sentencing is scheduled for February 16, 2024, in front of Magistrate Judge Ryan C. Reed of the Vanderburgh County Circuit Court. 

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

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Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

Vanderburgh County Crash Report

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Vanderburgh County Crash Report

Talent EVV 2023 Annual Report Showcasing Remarkable Progress And Investment In The Evansville Region

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Aligning the Evansville Region for Impactful Growth and Transformation the Evansville Region for Impactful Growth and Transformation

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (January 25, 2024) – Talent EVV, the driving force behind advancing economic prosperity and quality of life in the Evansville Region, unveils its 2023 Annual Report. This comprehensive report is a testament to the significant progress and substantial investments made by the Evansville Region and its stakeholders to advance the goals of Talent EVV.

Regional goals highlighted in the 2023 Annual Report include:

  1. Population Growth
  2. New Jobs and Wage Growth
  3. Increasing Educational Attainment
  4. Reducing Poverty
  5. Improving Health Outcomes

 The 2023 Annual Report highlights unprecedented alignment and collaboration within the Evansville Region. Through strategic partnerships and collective efforts, stakeholders have aligned resources, strategies, and initiatives to drive impactful progress toward Talent EVV’s goals. This collaboration positions our communities better than ever to make a lasting impact and transformation for both current and future residents.

“With thousands of young professionals, families, and individuals ready to make an impact, get engaged, innovate, and be advocates for the region, anything is possible. I look forward to the partnerships that will continue to be built across the region to advance the goals of Talent EVV and drive impact. As a region, we have never been positioned better to advance the quality of life and place for our current and future residents,” said Tyler Stock, Executive Director of Talent EVV at the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership.

Celebrating the achievements outlined in the 2023 Annual Report, the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership maintains a steadfast commitment to fostering a thriving and resilient region through the strategic work of Talent EVV. The momentum gained through collaborative initiatives ensures that the Evansville Region is well-positioned to overcome challenges and continues to drive positive impact for all.

Rep. Ledbetter authors legislation to increasehealth care access, lower patient costs

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Rep. Ledbetter authors legislation to increase health care access, lower patient costs

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 25, 2024) – State Rep. Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) filed legislation to improve healthcare access and lower patient costs by expanding the roles of advanced practice registered nurses in Hoosier hospitals and medical facilities.

“As a family psychiatric nurse practitioner, I know the effects of not having enough physicians, especially in our rural communities,” Dr. Ledbetter said. “Advanced practice registered nurses can step up and fill this void given the opportunity just like they did during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With this bill, APRNs could provide care without unnecessary barriers that ultimately limit health care access and drive up costs for patients.”

Ledbetter said her legislation would delete an outdated state law that requires APRNs to have a practice agreement with a collaborating physician to provide services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indiana State Board of Nursing temporarily waived this requirement, which she said helped increase access to care and streamline services for patients. Due, in part to this law, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners identifies Indiana as being one of the states that limits the full scope of practice for APRNs. The organization reports that over half of all U.S. states currently allow APRNs to have full practice authority.

Ledbetter’s bill would also allow APRNs with prescriptive authority to prescribe schedule II drugs for addressing obesity.

BRAUN, CASSIDY INTRODUCE BILL TO TARGET MEDICARE FRAUD

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Braun and Cassidy introduced legislation to create an algorithm-based pilot period of oversight at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) targeted at the irregular billing activity of certain products for the 5% of beneficiaries that already receive electronic notices. Representative Schweikert introduced the companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

Medicare loses approximately $60 billion annually due to fraud, errors, and abuse involving both predatory healthcare professionals and anonymous organized criminals. These individuals charge Medicare beneficiaries for unapproved diagnostic tests and fraudulently bill them for wheelchairs, braces, and other Durable Medical Equipment products in order to obtain Medicare reimbursements.

“An annual loss of $60 billion is unacceptable. It’s time for CMS to strengthen their fraud detection process in order to stop the hemorrhaging of the Medicare trust fund.” — Senator Braun

“Medicare fraud should always be fought, but with insolvency only eight years away we must be particularly careful about how we spend every dollar. This gives CMS the tools they need to fight fraud and to save the money to actually take care of patients.” — Dr. Cassidy

“Every year, too many Medicare beneficiaries fall victim to scammers who fraudulently charge them for medical supplies to take advantage of their reimbursements. This has led to Medicare losing billions annually and a depleted Medicare trust fund without much accountability for those at fault. The Medicare Transaction Fraud Prevention Act helps protect beneficiaries and taxpayers by analyzing transactions instantly to better identify and stop fraud when it takes place. By embracing innovative health care technologies like AI, we can meet our moral obligation to ensure beneficiaries receive the care they deserve and prevent U.S. taxpayer dollars from being stolen by fraudsters.” — Rep. Schweikert

The Medicare Transaction Fraud Prevention Act:

Directs CMS to create a two-year pilot to oversee Medicare-covered purchasing of DME and other diagnostic testing related products. By asking beneficiaries to verify certain purchases, this bill will give CMS increased access to vital predictive data, test proof of concept for future use, and save hundreds of millions of dollars without overhauling their system.

  • This bill does not authorize any funding, and beneficiaries can opt out at any time.

Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital Patients Receive Visit from Evansville Thunderbolts Hockey Team

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Evansville Thunderbolts spread joy to patients at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital

EVANSVILLE, IND. – In a heartwarming gesture of community outreach, players from the Evansville Thunderbolts made a memorable visit to Peyton Manning Hospital (PMCH), bringing smiles and joy to the faces of some of our youngest patients.

Players took time out of their busy schedules to share smiles, sign autographs, and perk up the spirits of the brave children currently hospitalized. The visit aimed not only to uplift the spirits of the young patients but also to create lasting memories for them during challenging times.

Ru Woolfork (11) is one of the children they visited. Ru is currently in the hospital being treated for issues related to her sickle cell disease diagnosis. Her father, Travis Fraiser, says she has been hospitalized at least once a year since she was diagnosed as a baby.

Ru and the players spent time decorating a model airplane, talking about school, helping her name her stuffed animal, and even letting her paint their nails.

Fraiser says, “As a parent seeing your child in this type of environment and knowing there is not much you can do for them, being able to uplift them is one of the highlights of your day. If the only thing you can do is uplift them and put a smile on their face, then it’s a win for me and those

guys put a smile on her face.” This is the first time the Evansville Thunderbolts have made a hospital visit and we are hopeful to bring them back soon.

“It’s awesome. I mean, we were all rocking some pretty nice nail polish here and, you know, a small price to pay to put a smile on a kid’s face like that. “

00:08:17-00:18:17- Kenny Britton #24, Left Winger “It’s awesome to be able to come in for a few hours and just hang out with them. It’s the brightest part of our day as well. So if we’re able to do that a little bit, it’s all worth it.”

“Well, I mean, I’m just trying to make her feel good. And plus she’s an amazing nail painter, so I’ll be rocking a bedazzled finger this weekend against Birmingham, so I’ll be looking out for it, you know?”

“It made me feel better. Like I felt a little bit better and, it was like, a surprise. And it was really fun. Like painting their nails and doing crafts with them. “

“It was awesome. Just to bring that hope here, to put that smile with her face at a time like this and even at a time like this for a parent it was awesome. I couldn’t be more thankful for what

those guys, those young men came in here and did today. You became really good today. It was a blessing, it was very awesome. Appreciate it.”

Attorney General Todd Rokita warns fellow Hoosier families of recent cyber kidnapping schemes

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After recent, heartbreaking cyber kidnapping stories have surfaced in the U.S., Attorney General Todd Rokita pushes regular Hoosier families to beware of false ransom threats.

“This type of attack largely targets our students as they travel overseas,” Attorney General Rokita said. “These malicious scammers are willing to dupe and terrify families as they create a false kidnapping heist – all to convince them to hand over their hard-earned money.”

Cyber kidnapping occurs when victims are tricked into paying a ransom fee to free a loved one who they believe has been threatened with violence or death. In reality, cyber kidnappers have not actually kidnapped anyone, but they have instead obtained a photo of the alleged person alone in a secluded area.

The worrisome photos are used to create the illusion that an individual has been kidnapped and needs immediate aid. After the family members or friends receive this information, they are asked to wire ransom money immediately.

According to the FBI, these cases are extremely difficult to investigate since the calls typically come from outside of the country.

This crime often occurs when family members are unable to track the location of the person, contact them, or verify their safety.

“Do not hesitate to contact our office if you suspect or witness this type of crime,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Our Consumer Protection Division is dedicated to helping Hoosiers when they’re faced with these devastating situations. When your loved one is being threatened, it is your natural instinct to jump to their aid, but we also need to be informed of the newest scams.”

We suggest the following:

  • Beware of incoming calls coming from an outside area code, sometimes from Puerto Rico with area codes (787), (939) and (856).
  • Beware of calls that do not come from the alleged kidnapped victim’s phone.
  • Beware of callers who go to great lengths to keep you on the phone.
  • Beware of callers who prevent you from calling or locating the “kidnapped” victim.
  • Beware of ransom money that is only accepted via wire transfer service.

If you receive a phone call from someone who demands payment of a ransom for a kidnapped victim, the following should be considered:

  • Try to slow the situation down. Request to speak to the victim directly. Ask, “How do I know my loved one is okay?”
  • If the callers don’t let you speak to the victim, ask them to describe the victim or describe the vehicle the victim drives, if applicable.
  • Listen carefully to the voice of the kidnapped victim if he/she speaks.
  • Attempt to call, text, or contact the alleged victim via social media. Request that the victim call back from his or her cell phone.
  • While staying on the line with the alleged kidnappers, try to call the alleged kidnap victim from another phone.
  • To buy time, repeat the caller’s request and tell them you are writing down the demand, or tell the caller you need additional time to meet their demands.
  • Don’t directly challenge or argue with the caller. Keep your voice low and steady.
  • Request the alleged kidnapper allow the victim to call you back from his/her cell phone.
  • At the earliest opportunity, notify your local police department.
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