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Fifth-largest Ford Center crowd on hand for MSU game

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Aces drop 81-59 contest

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The fifth-largest crowd in University of Evansville men’s basketball Ford Center history was on hand Saturday as the Purple Aces squared off against Murray State.  A total of 7,928 fans were in attendance, surpassing the 7,801 who were inside the arena on Dec. 30, 2015 against Indiana State for the 5thspot on the list.

Out of the gate Saturday, Murray State took control and led from start to finish, defeating the Purple Aces by a score of 81-59.  Four Evansville players registered double figures, led by Gage Bobe and Kenny Strawbridge Jr.  Bobe was a perfect 4-of-4 from outside while Strawbridge hit a total of five field goals.  Yacine Toumi and Antonio Thomas registered 10 apiece.  The Racers had five double digit scorers, led by Rob Perry’s 17 points.

“Credit Murray State – they have an experience team who has been there and done it all before.  They punched us in the mouth first.  Consistency was our word that we had this week and I felt like we were inconsistent in our habits today,” Purple Aces head coach David Ragland said.   “When you do not get back and allow 16 points in transition and give up 18 points off turnovers, that is 34 points that they had off of our habits.  We have done a pretty solid job this year of limiting points in the paint, but when you give up points in transition and turnovers, most of those will come in the paint.”

“Our entire program thanks our fans for the support.  I loved the crowd today and am regretful that we did not play the way we expected,” Ragland continued.  “It is not a matter of if, but when we revive this program.  That is the way we are built as a coaching staff and program.  We are not taking any shortcuts.  Our University and Athletics Department have really gotten behind us and the community has followed their lead.  This type of crowd will become the norm!”

Murray State posted the first four points of the day and would take an 8-3 lead.  Evansville uncharacteristically turned the ball over three times in the opening three minutes.  Chuck Bailey III scored UE’s first field goal on a nice feed from Sekou Kalle at the 15:40 mark before the Racers countered with a triple on the other end to make it an 11-5 game.

With 11 minutes left in the half, Kenny Strawbridge Jr. connected on a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 11-10, but it took just a few seconds for MSU to answer with a triple on the ensuing possession.  As the period reached the midway point, Murray State took its largest edge to that point – 18-10.  They continued to add to the lead as it reached double figures with six minutes on the clock at 22-12.

Inside the 5-minute mark, MSU extended the lead to as many as 12 before the Aces cut that down to 11 at halftime.  Murray State shot 36.4% in the half but turned 12 UE turnovers into 7 points in the period.

Kenny Strawbridge Jr. opened the second-half scoring as the deficit hovered around 10 points.  Yacine Toumi connected on a basket as the game reached the final 12 minutes to make it a 44-35 game.  Just when it looked like Evansville had momentum on its side, the Racers countered in a big way, going on a 17-0 run over the next three minutes as they converted five field goals in a row.  Gage Bobe drained a triple to put an end to the stretch with nine minutes left.

From there, the Racers pulled away for the 81-59 win.  MSU shot 60.7% in the second half and finished the game at 47.5%.  Evansville completed the day at 41.2%.

Evansville returns to the road on Wednesday for a road contest at Bradley.

LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS RECEIVE HEALTH FIRST INDIANA FUNDING

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INDIANAPOLIS — Local health departments have received enhanced funding for the first time as a result of the Health First Indiana (HFI) initiative. HFI is a historic investment in public health made possible by legislation passed by the 2023 Indiana General Assembly. Eighty-six counties serving nearly 96% of Hoosiers opted to receive a total of $75 million in HFI funding. HFI is an unprecedented state investment to improve Indiana’s health outcomes.

HFI launches a groundbreaking effort to improve the health of all Hoosiers through guaranteed access to core public health services, including maternal and child health, tobacco and vaping cessation, chronic disease, trauma and injury prevention and more. About 78% of the funding will support preventive and health outcome-related activities. A key component of Health First Indiana is that local health departments determine how the funding is spent as they know best how to improve the health of Hoosiers living in their communities.

“The work began in 2021 with the formation of the Governor’s Public Health Commission, the support for the passage of SEA 4 and the overwhelming county-level participation in Health First Indiana have brought us to this moment,” said State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP. “As I have visited communities across the state, it is clear they are poised to address the most pressing health challenges they face through partnerships within those communities.”

More information about Health First Indiana, including a map of participating counties, a list of core public health services, and a breakdown of funding amounts by county can be found by visiting healthfirstindiana.in.gov.

Ladies Aces make a 13-point comeback in loss to Drake

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Aces make a 13-point comeback in loss to Drake

The Purple Aces had a 13-point turnaround in 12 minutes to get within striking distance

DES MOINES, IOWA – The University of Evansville women’s basketball team fought fast and furious to the end of its 68-78 loss to the Drake Bulldogs.

Despite trailing by 23 points with just over a quarter to go in Saturday’s game, the Purple Aces kept fighting to only a 10-point loss. UE was able to hold Drake under its MVC-leading scoring average and its high-octane field goal percentage. Junior guard Alana Striverson had a season-high 15 points to lead Evansville in scoring while center Barbora Tomancova picked up her third double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.

As opposed to recent games, the Aces put up points quickly at the Knapp Center. But a fast seven-point run from Drake had UE behind. Evansville cut the run with a three from guard Lexie Sinclair. Tomancova added a second-chance layup to make it only a two-point game. But the Bulldogs responded with a seven-point run over two and a half minutes to get the game back in their favor. The Aces continued to fight back as point guard Kynidi Mason Striverson had a quick five points in the final two minutes of the first. UE went into the second quarter trailing by 10.

It was a tough start on defense for Evansville in the second quarter. Drake had a fast seven points in just over two minutes. Striverson hit her first three of the day to end the run. A minute and a half later Mason Striverson sunk a three-point play with an and-1 opportunity to help breathe new life into the Aces offense. Over the final six minutes of the first half, UE put up 13 points to head into halftime down by 17.

Despite a hot start to the second half with seven points in the first two minutes, it was fairly quiet the rest of the third quarter for Evansville. The Aces didn’t make a shot for just under five minutes to see their deficit grow to 21. Guard Madlena Gerke broke the scoring slump with a second-chance layup. UE added just one more basket in the third as point guard Tené Smith hit a jumper three with 39 seconds on the clock. Evansville went into the final frame with a deficit of 22.

The Aces kicked their offense into high gear in the fourth quarter, going a blistering 10-16 from the field for 62.5%. The charge was led by Sinclaire and Striverson with six and five points respectively. UE was able to keep the Bulldogs from putting together any runs in the final 10 minutes. The first half of the fourth quarter was a quick back-and-forth pace, but Evansville ended the game on an eight-point run in the final minute and a half. Even with the late surge, the Aces couldn’t overcome Drake in the 78-68 loss.

UE had three players in double-figures between Striverson (15), Tomancova (12), and Mason Striverson (12). Tomancova had another strong game around the ball for Evansville as she set a career-high in steals with three while leading the team in rebounds with 13. Gerke also set a season-high in steals with three as well. Mason Striverson led the Aces in assists with 5 while forward Maggie Hartwig picked up three blocks.

UE will have almost a week off before its next game on Jan. 11. Evansville will be hosting its annual Education Day game against the Belmont Bruins. The Aces will welcome EVSC students to the Ford Center at 11 a.m. on the 11th for their game with the Bruins.

 

Indiana Arts Commission accepting applications for Arts Project Support grant program

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(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) and its Regional Arts Partners announced today the opening of applications for the Fiscal Year 2025 Arts Project Support grant program. 

 Arts Project Support grants provide nonprofit organizations and public entities with funding to support a specific arts activity, such as a one-time event, a single production, an exhibition, an educational workshop, or a series of related arts activities such as art classes or training sessions.     

 The purpose of the program is to provide broad access to arts opportunities throughout the state. Applicants may request up to $4,000 to support their project, and there is no match requirement. Projects must occur between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025 to be eligible for FY25 Arts Project Support.     

 “Arts Project Support grants are a wonderful opportunity for Indiana communities to bolster and grow their creative activities,” said Miah Michaelsen, IAC Executive Director. “We encourage organizations and public entities to apply for funding to start new programming, expand existing offerings, or reimagine a community event. Arts and creativity help strengthen the fabric of Indiana communities, and we are proud to support the creative community development work that Hoosiers are doing in every corner of our state.” 

 

Hoosier History Highlights

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January 7 – January 13

This Week in Indiana History


Glenn Robinson

January 10, 1973 Glenn Robinson, Big Ten Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Year, Indiana Mr. Basketball, American NBA forward (Milwaukee Bucks , Olympic gold 1996), born in Gary, Indiana.


January 10, 1801 William Henry Harrison appointed the first Territorial Governor of the Indiana Territory.

William Henry Harrison


Sharon Gabet

January 13, 1952 Sharon Gabet, actress (Edge of Night, Another World), born in Fort Wayne, Indiana


January 13, 1953 The 3rd NBA All-Star Game was held in Fort Wayne at the Allen County Coliseum. NBA All-Star Game FW

Notre Dame January 15, 1844 University of Notre Dame received its charter in Indiana.

Our Where in Indiana? from last week was taken inside the dome of the Indiana Statehouse.

dome

Where in Indiana?

Do you know where this photograph was taken?

Visit us on Instagram to submit your answer.

Jan 7

Follow us on Instagram: @instatehousetouroffice

Indiana Statehouse Tour Office

Indiana Department of Administration

Guided Tours of the Indiana Statehouse are offered Monday through Saturday.  For more information, contact us.

(317) 233-5293
Estanley@idoa.in.gov


Statehouse Virtual Tour

Indiana Quick Quiz

1. When was the first ever Blizzard Warning issued for the entire state of Indiana?

2. What is the most snowfall Indiana has received in one month?

3. When was the warmest winter in Indiana history?

4. What Indiana city has the highest annual snow fall average?

Answers Below


For more activities

             in IN

https://www.visitindiana.com/


Answers

1. January 25, 1978

2. 30.6 inches

3. 1931-32, at an average of 38.2 degrees

4. 66.65 inches in Hudson Lake, IN

Ivy Tech to Host Guest Speakers From SIMA at MLK Celebration Jan. 18

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Evansville, IN – Ivy Tech Community College will host the Southern Indiana Mentoring Academy (SIMA) as a part of its celebration of the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. The event is planned for Thursday, Jan. 18, at noon, in Vectren Auditorium on the Ivy Tech campus, 3501 N. First Avenue, Evansville.

The event is free and open to the public.

SIMA will discuss its mission of providing a safe and supportive environment for youth to explore their potential and build meaningful relationships with mentors who care about their success. It’s mission statement says, “We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to grow and learn, and we are committed to making that a reality for the youth of Southern Indiana.

SIMA’s goals are to:

  • Provide 1:1 mentorship.
  • Increase graduation rates among disadvantaged youth.
  • Empower youth to become leaders in their communities.

 

Maintaining a Strong Economy

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Thanks to years of fiscally conservative leadership, Indiana remains one of the most economically competitive states in the nation.

In fact, Indiana:

  • Set a new state record for business investment in 2023, with over $28.7 billion in committed investments representing 21,866 new jobs.
  • Has the third-lowest cost of living and the fifth-lowest cost of doing business in the nation.
  • Has the No. 1 tax climate in the Midwest and the 10th best in the U.S.

Senate Republicans plan to identify more ways to improve our state’s impressive financial standing. Through the State and Local Tax Review Task Force, which met this week, lawmakers continue working to identify and consider long-term, big-picture ways to make our tax system and economy work better for Hoosiers.