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Indiana Philanthropy Award goes to Vincennes University alumnus Bernie Niehaus

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VINCENNES, Ind., November 29, 2023 – Bernie Niehaus, an esteemed alumnus of Vincennes University, is honored with the prestigious Indiana Philanthropy Award – Outstanding Philanthropist for his immense contributions to philanthropy and community development.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals – Indiana Chapter honored Niehaus with the award.

The chairman and retired CEO of Niehaus Lumber believes in living a life of service. “I am sure that many of you, just as myself, have found the more you give, the more you receive,” he says.

He was nominated by the Vincennes University Foundation and Alumni Association due to fostering positive changes within the community. “His unwavering support and generosity have significantly impacted numerous charitable initiatives, embodying the spirit of altruism and service,” said Kristi Deetz, VU’s Executive Director of the Foundation.

Niehaus, an alumnus whose roots in Vincennes University run deep, has consistently demonstrated a profound dedication to enhancing the lives of others through his philanthropic endeavors. His leadership, vision, and unwavering support have played a pivotal role in advancing numerous charitable causes within the region.

Vincennes University President Dr. Chuck Johnson expressed gratitude for Niehaus’s achievements, stating, “Bernie Niehaus epitomizes the values and ethos we aim to instill in our alumni. His commitment to philanthropy and community development truly reflect the spirit of Vincennes University.”

His philanthropic impact includes serving as president of the VU Alumni Association in 1963-64. In 1969, he helped in the founding of the Construction Technology program. In 1970, Bernie joined the Board of Trustees and served for 24 years, including four years as its chair in the 1990s. He chaired VU’s Third Century Excellence Fund campaign in the early 2000s which raised more than $10 million dollars. He was bestowed an honorary doctorate from VU in 2007 and is currently a member of the VU Foundation Board of Directors, which he formally served as chairman. His endowed scholarship fund has played the essential role of changing numerous students’ lives and will continue to provide generations of students a

future of endless possibilities.

VU is just one of the many organizations whose mission has been advanced thanks to the philanthropy of Niehaus. Too many to list, but to name a few, Saint Meinrad Archabbey and Seminary, Indiana Military Museum, Knox County Community Development Corp., Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy, and participation in Relay for Life and Habitat for Humanity builds adds to this extensive list.

The Indiana Philanthropy Award, a testament to Niehaus’s contributions, stands as a symbol of recognition for his tireless efforts and commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Indiana Philanthropy Awards Overview: The Association of Fundraising Professionals – Indiana Chapter (AFP-IC) fosters the growth of development of philanthropy, the fundraising profession, the chapter, and its individual members. AFP-IC annually hosts the Indiana Philanthropy Awards to honor and recognize individuals, groups, organizations, and corporations in Indiana who have enhanced philanthropy and the community through their dedicated efforts, time, leadership, passion, and generosity. These awards are given in recognition to those whose lifetime or long-term achievements have made a significant impact on our state or a local community through one or more charitable organizations.

Virtual Author Talk with Naomi Alderman!

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We are thrilled to announce our next Virtual Author Talk featuring bestselling and award-winning author Naomi Alderman! Join us for an exciting discussion about her latest book, “The Future,” a gripping novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey into a world where a daring heist is the only hope to save humanity from the grip of powerful tech giants.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, November 30, 2023

Time: 2:00 PM

Location: Your home, office, car, anywhere!

About the Book: In “The Future,” Alderman weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue, following Martha Einkorn as she escapes her father’s isolated compound only to find herself entangled in the web of a social media mogul. Meanwhile, in a mall in Singapore, internet-famous survivalist Lai Zhen faces imminent danger, guided by a mysterious piece of software. As their worlds collide, a chain of explosive events unfolds, revealing the dark underbelly of a world controlled by a few billionaires.

Why Attend?

  • Experience a breakneck-speed narrative that is thrilling, hilarious, tender, and brilliantly piercing.
  • Explore themes of power, corruption, and the courage to stand up against the forces that threaten our future.
  • Engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Naomi Alderman herself.

About the Author: Naomi Alderman is the bestselling author of “The Power,” winner of the 2017 Baileys’ Women’s Prize for Fiction. Her work has been praised by Barack Obama and recognized by the New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, and more.

VCSO No-Shave November Check Presentation

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The Sheriff’s Office would like to invite the  public to a check presentation being held at the 911 Gives Hope Toy Drive located at 401 N Burkhardt Rd (Wal-Mart East) on Friday, December 1st at 1pm.

Sheriff Noah Robinson will present checks to Chemo Buddies and Oliver’s Heroes K9 from the donations received from deputies during the No-Shave November campaign. Deputies donated a total of $2,320 that will be split between both organizations.

Vincennes University to hold Mid-Year Commencement Dec. 2

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VINCENNES, Ind., November 28, 2023 – Vincennes University will hold its 2023 Mid-Year Commencement at 11 a.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center, 20 W. Red Skelton Blvd.
VU will award 606 bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and certificates. The graduates represent 62 of Indiana’s 92 counties, 21 states, and three countries.
VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson will address graduates. VU Provost Dr. Laura Treanor will preside over the commencement ceremony. Joni Henderson, a Child Development and Early Childhood Education major from Mount Vernon, Indiana, is the student speaker.
Tickets are required. Graduates purchasing a cap and gown will receive up to 10 tickets for the ceremony. Graduates do not need a ticket. Any remaining tickets will be available at the Old Post Bookstore on Friday, Dec. 1, on a first-come-first-served basis while supplies last. Seating for guests is general admission and is first come, first served. Guests needing accessible seating should arrive early. Wheelchair seating is available, and ushers are available to assist.

 

For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will stream live on the Vincennes University YouTube Channel.
Graduates, family, and friends are encouraged to share their excitement, well wishes, and favorite Commencement moments on social media using the hashtag #VUGRAD2023.
Grad Images will photograph the graduates during the ceremony. It will provide each graduate photographed the opportunity to order enlargements from various photographic packages with no obligation to purchase. For more information, visit the Grad Images website, www.gradimages.com or call 800-261-2576.
Additional Commencement details are available at vinu.edu/commencement.

THUNDERBOLTS RETURN HOME, HOST ROANOKE THIS FRIDAY, SATURDAY

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Evansville, In.:  This past Saturday in Quad City, the Thunderbolts snapped their losing streak with authority to conclude their past week of action, and are set to bring their renewed success home going into this upcoming weekend’s games against the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs this Friday and Saturday night at Ford Center.

Week In Review: 

In Quad City for three games over the span of four nights, the Thunderbolts began on Wednesday evening down 2-0, before goals from Scott Kirton and Brendan Harrogate tied the game early in the third period.  Following a late surge from the Storm that put them back in front 4-2, Evansville nearly pulled off another comeback with a goal in the final minute from Tommy Stang.  However, the comeback was incomplete in a close 4-3 loss.  On Friday, despite a strong start, tough bounces proved costly in a 5-2 loss, with Aiden Wagner and Matt Dorsey scoring Evansville’s goals.  Evansville put together a very strong 60-minute performance on Saturday, starting with an early 2-0 lead on goals from Kirton and Dorsey.  Despite the Storm finding a way to tie the game early in the second period, the Thunderbolts stuck to their game plan and scored four unanswered goals later in the period from Colton Kalezic, Mike Ferraro, Dorsey, and Bair Gendunov, en route to a 6-2 win behind an outstanding performance from new goaltender Cole Ceci, who stopped 35 of 37 shots.

The Week Ahead: 

The Thunderbolts return home to Ford Center on Friday, December 1st and Saturday, December 2nd to host the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs, both games beginning at 7:00pm CT.  Friday will be Aero’s Birthday, featuring a special package of 4 tickets for $47, and $3 tall boy beers and sodas all night long.  In addition, Lyondellbasell will be giving away blankets for the first 500 fans in attendance.  Several of Aero’s fellow mascot friends will also be in attendance and will race on the ice in the first intermission.  Saturday will be the first Dogs Night Out game of the season, and fans can bring their dogs to the game for only five extra dollars per dog.  There will also be doggie races on the ice during the first intermission and dog costume contests during the game in the stands.  The first 100 dogs in attendance will receive an EVV Crew Dog bandana, and New Hope Animal Rescue Center will be on hand in the lobby with dogs available for adoption.  Also beginning this weekend, a toy drive for Toys for Tots will also be held in the Ford Center lobby during each home game until the 16th.

Coming Soon: 

Saturday, December 9th will be Teddy Bear Toss night as the Thunderbolts host the Peoria Rivermen, opening face-off at 7:00pm CT.  Fans are encouraged to bring new teddy bears or other stuffed animals to the game to toss onto the ice following the first Thunderbolts goal, with all stuffed animals going to local children’s charities in time for the Holidays.  The Thunderbolts will also be wearing specialty “Ugly Christmas Sweater” jerseys during the game, which will be auctioned off following the game.  Replica jerseys will also be on sale at the merchandise stand.

Scouting the Opponent: 

Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs: 
    • Record: 6-4-2, 14 Points, 6th Place
    • Leading Goal Scorer: CJ Stubbs (5 Goals)
    • Leading Point Scorer: Nick Ford (14 Points)
    • Primary Goaltender: Brody Claeys (2-4-1, .892 Save %)
    • Thunderbolts 22-23 Record vs RNK: 0-0 (0-2 in Playoffs)

The Rail Yard Dawgs played two games in the past week on home ice, beginning on Wednesday against the Huntsville Havoc.  Down 2-0, Roanoke rallied with goals from CJ Stubbs and Dominiks Marcinkevics to tie the game in the second period, before being stunned by two Havoc goals in the final 4 minutes of regulation, resulting in a 4-2 loss.  Roanoke reversed their fortunes on Friday against Fayetteville, scoring four times in the second period, with goals from Owen McDade, Marcinkevics, and a pair of goals from Josh Nenadal, to lead Roanoke to a 4-2 win over the Marksmen.

Call-up Report 

– None to report currently.

Transactions:     

Wed. 11/29: F Myles Abbate signed to professional tryout (PTO)

Wed. 11/29: G Ty Taylor signed to contract

Wed. 11/29: G Sean Kuhn placed on waivers

Wed. 11/29: D Michael Greco signed from professional tryout (PTO) to standard contract

Tue. 11/28: D Grayson Valente placed on 14-Day Injured Reserve

Fri. 11/24: G Cole Ceci signed to contract

Fri. 11/24: G Michael Herringer placed on waivers

Practice Media Availability 

 

Players and Coach Bes will be available for interviews upon request within 15 minutes prior to the start of practices and immediately following the conclusion of practices. Times, Dates, and Practice Locations are not likely to but may change at any time, with any changes being communicated immediately to any scheduled media.  To schedule practice filming and/or interviews, please contact Tommy Pecoraro at tpecoraro@evansvillethunderbolts.com.  

Thur. November 30: 10:00 to 11:30, Swonder Ice Arena

Tue. December 5: 10:00 to 11:30, Ford Center

Wed. December 6 to Thur. December 7: 10:00 to 11:30, Swonder Ice Arena

 

Spinner steps down as OCRA executive director

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STATEHOUSE (Nov. 28, 2023) – Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch announced today the resignation of Denny Spinner, executive director of the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). Spinner’s last day will be Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.

Spinner, former mayor of Huntingburg, Ind., was appointed to his position at OCRA in November 2020 by Lt. Gov. Crouch.

“Denny Spinner has been one of rural Indiana’s greatest advocates during his tenure as OCRA’s executive director,” said Lt. Gov. Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Hoosiers all across Indiana are grateful for his commitment, and I wish him well as he continues this mission in a new role.”

Under Spinner’s leadership, OCRA:

  1. Fueled community development around Indiana by helping communities build relevant and economically thriving places where Hoosiers want to live, work and play.
  2. Launched the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program, PreservINg Main Street Program, Indiana Connectivity Program and the Recovery Housing Program.
  3. Reestablished the Indiana Rural Affairs Working Group, carried out improvements to the agency’s grant management system, and increased technical assistance and training opportunities provided by the Indiana Main Street team.
  4. Continued to be a leading resource and tool for rural and urban communities throughout Indiana.

Though Spinner is stepping down from his position, he will continue to be an advocate for rural Indiana as he becomes the new interim director of the Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement.

“It has been an honor to serve Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and with the outstanding staff at OCRA,” Spinner said. “In working with rural communities these last few years, I saw the potential of rural Indiana being the state’s next great economic frontier. I feel fortunate and excited to have the opportunity to continue this work with the Indiana University Center of Rural Engagement.”

A search will begin immediately for Spinner’s successor.

Wilkison signs with USI Women’s Tennis

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Tennis has announced the addition of Rylie Wilkison to the 2024-25 tennis roster. Wilkison is the first early signee for the Screaming Eagles.

“I am super excited to have Rylie join out team next fall,” says USI Tennis Head Coach, Chris Crawford. “Rylie is a constant worker on and off the court. She will have an immediate impact on the court and in the classroom and will be a great addition to the team. I am really excited to coach her next season.”

Rylie Wilkison | 5’5″ | Whiteland, Indiana
Wilkison joins USI after a successful stint at Franklin Community High School. During her time as a Grizzly Cub, Wilkison collected two All-State first-team honors, two All-District awards, and an All-State second-team accolade along with being named to the All-Mid-State Conference team twice. The two-time Johnson County Player of the Year posted a 24-1 number one singles record in 2022 that led her to a semi-state crown. Wilkison was able to collect a 62-9 number one singles record in her three-year career and led FCHS to two team sectional and regional championships along with one semi-state title.

The Eagles enter the spring schedule after going 4-15 overall and 0-5 in the conference last season. USI’s 2024 spring schedule will be announced at a later date.

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

FOOTNOTE:  EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.