“IS IT TRUE” NOVEMBER 9, 2023
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IS IT TRUE history was made on Tuesday in Evansville, Indiana with the victorious campaign of Stephanie Terry who woke up this morning as Mayor-elect of Evansville?
IS IT TRUE that the Citizens of Evansville, Indiana can hold their head high today for going to the polls and smashing two glass ceilings with one vote?…come 2024 we will all see Mayor-elect Stephanie Terry sworn in as the 34th Mayor of Evansville crashing both the gender and race barrier that had been in place since the 1800s?
IS IT TRUE that Mayor-elect Stephanie Terry has long enjoyed a level of popularity across party lines for her pleasant demeanor, her willingness to work hard, and her dedication to building a BETTER EVANSVILLE and VANDERBURGH COUNTY while being humble and respectful?
IS IT TRUE that Mayor-elect Stephanie Terry has promised that her staff and board appointments will be comprised of diverse, caring, intelligent, and qualified people? Â …that we hope she will choose wisely because the masses are watching?
IS IT TRUE that this year’s mayoral election was one of the most competitive in years, aside from a few last-minute mud bombs that had very little to do with Ms. Terry?
IS IT TRUE that the voters of Evansville, Indiana can hold their heads high today for going to the polls and smashing two glass ceilings with one vote? …come 2024 we will all see Mayor Stephanie Terry sworn in as the 34th Mayor of Evansville crashing both the gender and race barrier that had been in place since the 1800s?
IS IT TRUE Ms. Terry did receive unexpected assistance from a source that recent elections have not had in years?… that the aggressive and intelligent Libertarian candidate Micheal Daughtry with enough support to garner over 2,000 votes or 11.4% of the vote total which was extremely hurtful to the likable and well qualified Natalie Rascher’s Mayoral campaign?
IS IT TRUE that Stephanie Terry was once, twice, three hundred times a lady during the campaign and that is why the people of Evansville bestowed this great honor upon her at this time?…members of the  “CCO Mole Nation” believe that with Mayor Terry at the helm we may just be entering a time of tranquility, togetherness and progress in Evansville that the previous administrations have never delivered?
IS IT TRUE while Mayor-elect Terry did not hit the magical 50% level she came close with 48.6% of the vote for a victory margin of 8.6% over runner-up Natalie Rascher who had a disproportionate money advantage (one Million dollars in her campaign war chest) due to her heir apparent status with the outgoing Winnecke Administration?
IS IT TRUE that it isn’t surprising that three-term Mayor Lloyd Winnecke has landed a high-paying role leading the Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana on his way out the door?
IS IT TRUE that we aren’t surprised to hear that the newly hired CEO of EREP Lloyd Winnecke is already talking about doing a new multi-million dollar project in Evansville proper? Â …that we wonder if City Council members and members of the Vanderburgh County Commission will be allowed to give EREP their input on any future big-ticket capital projects created by EREP since both entities donated $300,000 to EREP?
`IS IT TRUE that it seems as though Evansville was ready for a departure from excessive spending and a maniacal obsession with tourism as the key to the future?…in the last 20 years, Evansville has gone from a Mayor who wanted to be President of the United States, to a chicken fat dancing Harold Hill act alike from The Music Man, to what appears to be a temperate, kind, considerate Mayor who is interested in making improvements at home?
IS IT TRUE across the Ohio River in Kentucky, Andy Beshear was re-elected to the Office of Governor over Daniel Cameron despite being a lifelong Democrat in a very Red State?…the Governor’s race in Kentucky featured two qualified candidates so it came down to personal preference?…while Governor Beshear did not get off to a great start, often mimicking the antics of California Governor Gavin Newsom with his COVID10 policies and posturing, the turning point was his compassionate and tenacious handling of the natural disasters that devastated the cities of Mayfield, Bremen, and his ancestral home of Dawson Springs?… Governor Beshear won his re-election on the ground serving the people of Kentucky at a time of disaster?… Andy, as his friends and constituents, call him broke some ground last night too winning 15 counties in Eastern Kentucky and that was likely 15 more counties than any Democrat has won in Eastern Kentucky in the last century?…it was apparent that the people of Kentucky have validated Beshear’s first term by giving him a second, in an election that saw both other statewide elections in the Commonwealth go heavily Republican?…that means straight-ticket voting was off the table in Kentucky and that is a good thing?…the time of partisanship is over in America?…the only question is when will the members of congress figure this out?
USI President Rochon appointed Chair of AASCU Board of Directors
Dr. Ronald S. Rochon, University of Southern Indiana President, was appointed Chair of the American Association of State College and Universities’ (AASCU) Board of Directors at the 2023 AASCU Annual Conference, held in Chicago, Illinois, on Tuesday, November 7. He will serve a one-year term as Chair.
Before assuming this position, Rochon served on the Executive Committee and chaired the Millennium Leadership Initiative Steering Committee.
“It is my privilege to assume the role of chair on the AASCU Board of Directors, collaborating with my dedicated colleagues who relentlessly strive to foster the growth and prosperity of our community of colleges and universities,†Rochon said. “I am enthusiastic about the essential and collective work ahead, ultimately, delivering meaningful results for our students.â€
As President of the University since July 2018, Rochon has led USI in improving its rates of overall degree completion, at-risk degree completion, STEM degree completion, student persistence and on-time graduation. He has secured more than $250 million in state funding for capital projects and operations and led the University’s reclassification process from NCAA Division II to Division I athletics.
In October 2020, Rochon was appointed to Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb’s Workforce Cabinet for a two-year term and to the Midwest Higher Education Compact in 2021. He also serves on the NCAA Division I Ohio Valley Conference Board of Presidents and the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America Board of Directors, as well as the boards of WNIN Public Broadcasting, Deaconess Health Systems and the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership.
“Ronald Rochon has dedicated his work around advocating and promoting educational excellence, access, and equity, while creating an environment where diverse students can grow intellectually, culturally, socially and emotionally,†said José A. Cabrales, AASCU’s Executive in Charge. “We know he will bring that lifelong passion to this role and continue promoting the transformative power of postsecondary education.â€
University of Evansville Receives Renewal of Changemaker Campus Designation
EVANSVILLE, IND. (11/08/2023) The University of Evansville (UE) is proud to announce that it has been granted the renewal of its Changemaker Campus designation by Ashoka U, solidifying its position as one of the nation’s leading institutions dedicated to fostering social innovation and community engagement. The renewal also marks UE’s fifth consecutive year of being a Changemaker Campus.
Ashoka – rated one of the top five most impactful social good organizations by NGO Advisor – confers the Changemaker Campus designation to institutions worldwide that exhibit an exceptional commitment to promoting positive social change within their communities and beyond. The leading designation for social innovation in higher education, this achievement highlights the University of Evansville’s unwavering dedication to empowering students, faculty, and staff to become active participants in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. UE remains Indiana’s only Changemaker Campus and one of only a handful in the Midwest.
“It is a true honor to be part of an institution that places a priority on positive change the way UE does,” said Erin Lewis, Executive Director of UE’s Center for Innovation & Change. “This recognition by Ashoka U is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire community in fostering a culture of innovation, social impact, and positive change across all disciplines. Our students, staff, and faculty drive meaningful transformations that address some of the most significant challenges of our time, and we’re thrilled to continue being in the Ashoka network of colleges prioritizing that work.”
Students need interdisciplinary, entrepreneurial, and solutions-oriented skillsets to succeed in today’s complex world that is changing at an accelerating pace. “Changemakers at UE have made an impact addressing issues such as food and housing insecurity, environmental sustainability, and promoting equitable access to the arts – many of these projects have been pursued by students in our flagship program, Change Lab,” said Lewis. “Whether they are tackling large projects like the Toyota Trinity Stormwater Park being built in downtown Evansville right now, providing pro-bono physical therapy to uninsured patients, or helping minority-owned businesses gain access to capital, UE’s changemakers work hard to make the world better than they found it.”
One notable illustration of UE’s commitment to fostering positive change in the community is the receipt of $30 million federal grant to establish the Evansville Promise Neighborhood. With this designation, UE becomes the first institution in the world to host a Promise Neighborhood grant as an Ashoka Changemaker Campus.
Ashoka U noted that UE exhibits changemaking through its deep community engagement locally as well as its role in fostering social innovation in global issues and with global partners. One reviewer stated: “This university leads the way in communicating changemaking, and their community embeddedness is exemplary.”
“Ashoka U is thrilled to have the University of Evansville continue serving as a global leader in change-making. UE has demonstrated exceptional dedication to equipping its students with the tools and mindset needed to address complex global challenges and drive meaningful impact,” said Heather MacCleoud, PhD, Chief Network Officer for Ashoka U. “Particularly through innovative programs like ChangeLab, I am confident that UE’s students will continue to shape a brighter future for our increasingly complex world.”
By earning this renewal, the University of Evansville remains in an elite group of fewer than 50 academic institutions around the world that are at the forefront of social innovation and creating a meaningful impact on a global scale. Other Changemaker Campuses include such distinguished institutions as Brown, Cornell, Tulane, Arizona State University, and Duke, to name a few. This recognition is a testament to the University’s integration of social innovation and change-making principles throughout its core values and academic programs and to the community’s willingness to engage with students and faculty to address challenges in our region.
“We are immensely proud to have our commitment to social innovation and community engagement recognized once again with the renewal of our Changemaker Campus designation,” said University President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. “Our students, faculty, and staff continue to make a positive difference in the world, and through the Evansville Promise Neighborhood, we will continue to provide a transformative educational experience that empowers our entire community to be agents of change.”
USI awarded ICHE College Success Program grant to support first-generation students
The University of Southern Indiana has been named an inaugural recipient of the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (ICHE) 2023 College Success Program grant. Announced by the ICHE on November 3, the first grant cycle funding is being used to create 32 full-time positions at 22 public or private four-year Indiana higher education institutions to support 21st Century Scholars, Frank O’Bannon Grant recipients, minority students and other low-income and first-generation students.
USI has been awarded $180,000 to fund two full-time College Success Coaches. Coaches will be housed in the Pathways to College Program and will report to Dr. Brandi Neal, Director of Pathways to College Program. In their roles, coaches will assist in providing an immersive on-campus experience for first-generation college students, aimed at increasing matriculation to the institution. Coaches will also ensure the proportion of participants supported exceeds the state average of high school graduates who enroll in college.
“Today is First-Generation College Celebration Day, commemorating the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which created federal financial aid and other programs that promoted access to higher education,†says Dr. Shelly Blunt, Interim Provost. “This grant funding enables the University to provide essential wrap-around support services for our first-generation students.â€
Funding for the College Success Program grant is made possible under House Enrolled Act 1001-2023. The initial program will run from November 1, 2023, through October 31, 2024, with opportunities to extend the grant pending review of the State Budget Committee.
“Last year, the Commission launched its strategic priorities to address college enrollment, completion and graduate retention,†said Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery. “The College Success Program is one of our intentional strategic approaches to partnering with institutions to address the challenges in the education to workforce pipeline and amplify the impact of proven programs such as the 21st Century Scholarship and Frank O’Bannon Grant. This will remove barriers that especially affect first-generation and low-income students.â€
About the Indiana Commission for Higher Education
Created in 1971, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education plans, coordinates and defines Indiana’s postsecondary education system to align higher learning with the needs of students and the state. The Commission also administers Indiana’s financial aid programs, including the 21st Century Scholars early college promise scholarship, which celebrates 30 years in 2020.
UE Men’s basketball back in action on Thursday
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Three days after a season-opening win over Miami Ohio, the University of Evansville men’s basketball team will be back inside the Ford Center on Thursday night to face UHSP. Tip is set for 7 p.m. with ESPN+ and the Purple Aces Radio Network covering the action.
Setting the Scene
– Evansville is in search of its first 2-0 start since 2019 when it faces the Eutectics on Thursday
– This will mark the first time UE has faced the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis
– UHSP was previously known as St. Louis College of Pharmacy
Last Time Out
– Monday’s season opener saw the Purple Aces hold strong in the late minutes to defeat Miami Ohio by a score of 72-64
– The RedHawks held a 34-32 lead at the break and were shooting 62.5% on the night after hitting 7 of their first 11 shots to open the second half
– Over the final 12 minutes of the contest, the defense for the Aces clamped down, holding MU to 25% shooting (5-of-20) while finishing with the 8-point win
 Clutch When It Counts
– Ben Humrichous put the team on his back in the win over Miami, scoring all 18 of his points in the second half
– With UE trailing by six points inside of 12 minutes remaining, Humrichous went on to score 15 of Evansville’s next 19 points, turning a 52-46 deficit into a 65-57 lead
– By himself, Humrichous outscored Miami by a 15-5 margin during an 8-minute stretch
– He added 8 rebounds and 3 assists
 Freshman Debut
– Making his first appearance in an Aces uniform, freshman Joshua Hughes recorded 12 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks
– On the floor for 17 minutes, Hughes was 3-for-6 from the field and connected on 6 of his 8 free throw tries
 Solid Start
– Yacine Toumi made contributions in all facets of the game in the 2023 opener
– Toumi picked up 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and an assist in 24 minutes of action
– He connected on 5 of his 9 field goal attempts as UE took the victory
Scouting the Opponent
– UHSP enters Thursday’s game with an 0-3 record after dropping a 98-65 contest on Tuesday at Missouri Valley
— Three players are currently averaging 14 points or more, led by Jas Suvalija
– The freshman has averaged 14.7 points per game while shooting 40.7% from 3-point range
– Sophomore Landon Engelage checks in with 14.3 points while freshman Brady Bowers is currently posting 14.0 PPG
– Engelage is the top rebounder for the Eutectics with 6.3 per contest
Consumer Alert: Check your kids’ candy for choking hazards and many more flawed products
Attorney General Todd Rokita alerts Hoosiers of recalled items sold in OctoberÂ
Attorney General Todd Rokita is alerting Hoosiers of important consumer protection concerns for products recalled in October.Â
“Halloween may be over, but the leftover candy could be a hazard for your kids,†Attorney General Rokita said. “You shouldn’t have to worry if a simple snack could cause harm to your child. Don’t allow a flawed product to put your family in danger. Stop using recalled items immediately and pursue resolution from the manufacturer.â€Â  Â
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the following consumer products were recalled in October:Â Â Â
Slime Licker Sour Rolling Liquid Candy from Candy Dynamics  Â
Cocco Candy Rolling Candy from Cocco Candy and KGR Distribution  Â
Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Troublesome Truck & Crates and Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Troublesome Truck & Paint from Fisher-PriceÂ
YourHealthToolkit 5-pound children’s weighted blankets from YourHealthToolkit  Â
Sleepyhead Loveys and Bandana Bibs from Little Sleepies  Â
The FORT Children’s Play Tents from The FORTÂ
Rene Rofe Girl Children’s Blanket Sleepers and Hooded Robes from International Intimates  Â
Russound MCA-88 Multizone Controller Amplifiers from Russound  Â
Biometric Gun Safes from Fortress Safe  Â
Crystal Clear Sodium Hydroxide, 2 lb. Bags from Family Health Products  Â
Gevi Household Countertop Nugget Ice Makers from Far Success TradingÂ
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
Holiday Used Cooking Oil Disposal Event November 25 at Sunrise Pump Station
THUNDERBOLTS SEEK REVENGE AGAINST RIVERMEN, HAVOC THIS COMING WEEK
Evansville, In.:Â Â After a successful 3-point weekend against the Macon Mayhem, the Thunderbolts will seek to avenge their first two losses of the season, returning to Peoria on Friday before hosting the Huntsville Havoc again on Saturday for Military Appreciation Night, followed by the Thunderbolts Annual Education Day Game against the Peoria Rivermen next Tuesday morning.
Week In Review:Â Â
On Friday night, the Thunderbolts came back from separate 3-0 and 5-3 deficits to force overtime and a shootout, where the Thunderbolts won by a 6-5 score. Scott Kirton, Bair Gendunov, and Mike Ferraro scored to secure the first comeback in the first period, with Gendunov and Chays Ruddy scoring in the third period to send the game to overtime tied at 5-5. In the shootout, Gendunov and Kirton scored one goal each while Sean Kuhn stopped 4 of 5 Macon attempts to secure the victory. Down again 3-0 on Saturday, a pair of goals from Gendunov and a goal from Matt Dorsey once again sent the game to overtime, where the Thunderbolts picked up a hard-fought point despite losing 4-3. Gendunov finished with 4 goals and 6 points on the weekend and was awarded SPHL Player of the Week honors as a result.
The Week Ahead:Â
The Thunderbolts will be in Peoria this Friday night to take on the Rivermen, puck drop set for 7:15pm CT. Friday’s game can be viewed with a paid subscription on FloHockey or can be listened to for free on the Thunderbolts Radio Network via the Thunderbolts MixLr Channel. Fans can also watch Friday’s game at the Thunderbolts Booster Club away game watch party at Parkway Pizza. On Saturday, the Thunderbolts return home to Ford Center to host the Huntsville Havoc for Military Appreciation Night, presented by National Vet Help. Active and Retired Military Personnel are eligible for up to 6 tickets for only $10 each.  Following the weekend, the Thunderbolts will host their Annual Education Day Game on Tuesday the 14th against the Peoria Rivermen, puck drop at 10:00am CT. For tickets to this Saturday and Tuesday’s games, call (812)422-BOLT (2658), go to EvansvilleThunderbolts.com, or visit the Ford Center ticket office.
Coming Soon:Â
Saturday, November 18th will be Hockey Fights Cancer Night, as the Thunderbolts take on the Quad City Storm at 7:00pm CT. The Thunderbolts will be wearing specialty jerseys which will be auctioned off after the game.
Scouting the Opponent:Â
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Record: 3-0-1, 7 Points, T-4th Place
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Leading Goal Scorer: Tristan Trudel, Ryan Nolan, Jordan Ernst (3 Goals Each)
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Leading Point Scorer: Joseph Widmar (8 Points)
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Primary Goaltender: Nick Latinovich (2-0-1, .909 Save %)
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Thunderbolts 23-24 Record vs PEO: 0-1
In their lone game of the past week, the Rivermen were defeated 4-3 in overtime at home by the Quad City Storm on Friday. Down 3-1 late in the second period, with their lone goal at that point from Jordan Ernst, the Rivermen came back to tie as JM Piotrowski scored in the second period’s final minute, and Chad Lopez scored in the third period to allow Peoria to take the game to overtime and earn a standings point.
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Record: 3-2-1, 7 Points, T-4th Place
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Leading Goal Scorer: Doug Elgstam (5 Goals)
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Leading Point Scorer: Doug Elgstam (6 Points)
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Primary Goaltender: Matt Petizian (2-1-0, .941 Save %)
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Thunderbolts 23-24 Record vs HSV: 0-1
The Havoc were downed twice by the Birmingham Bulls on home ice this past week, 4-1 on Friday and 4-2 on Saturday. Brandon Osmundson scored the lone Havoc goal on Friday while Eric Henderson and Kyle Clarke provided goals on Saturday. The Havoc wrap up their homestand against Knoxville this Thursday and Roanoke this Friday before traveling to Evansville on Saturday.
Call-up ReportÂ
– None to report currently.
Transactions:Â Â Â Â
Tue. 11/7: G Michael Herringer added as Emergency Backup Goaltender (EBG)
Tue. 11/7: D Jackson Siemens placed on waivers
Tue. 11/7: D Dmitri Yushkevich signed to contract
Thur. 11/2: F Frankie Trazzera placed on waivers
Thur. 11/2: F Mark Zhukov signed to contract
Practice Media AvailabilityÂ
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 Location 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@
Thur. November 9: 10:00 to 11:30am, Swonder Ice Arena
Wed. November 15 to Thur. November 16: 10:00 to 11:30am, Swonder Ice Arena
Individual game tickets and group packages are on sale for this 2023-24 season. Season tickets for the 2023-24 season are also on sale. Call 812-422-BOLT or visit our all-new website (www.evansvillethunderbolts.