Home Blog Page 86

Jim Redwine GAVEL GAMUT – Spring Humbug

0

GAVEL GAMUT
redlineBy Jim Redwine
www.jamesmredwine.com
(Week of 17 March 2025)
SPRING, HUMBUG

James Taylor wrote Sweet Baby James in 1970:

“There’s a song that they sing when they take to the highway
A song that they sing when they take to the sea
Song that they sing of their home in the sky
Maybe you can believe it if it helps you to sleep
But singing works just fine for me”

If you side with those who dream of a home in the sky, paradise was populated by Adam
and Eve. Their Garden of Eden was perfect but that did not stop Eve from trying to improve it.

You know, kind of like some wives when spring arrives. Say my wife, Peg, for example. I can imagine the conversation between Adam and Eve.

“Adam, isn’t this idyllic? Everything is just perfect. However, that one tree needs its fruit
plucked. Would you mind just keeping an eye on that serpent while you are lounging around doing nothing?”

It is theoretically possible that was the beginning of humanity’s Rite of Spring where
husbands are cast out of their dens by their wives who are intoxicated from the sight of emerging buds, the feel of damp earth and the smell of humas. I am reminded of Peg’s need to transform our perfect new home with paint and flower beds. Spring should be re-named the season of restless wives and “Honey, could you?” Where in the Constitution is it provided that it is illegal, or at least, unpolitic, for husbands to prop up their feet while waiting for a fish to make a mistake?

What estrogen fueled behavior is it that prevents wives from allowing winter to gently
and slowly thaw its way to autumn and football season? Or as Professor Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady asked, “Why can’t a woman be more like a man?” My guess is that Dr. Louis Leakey only found Lucy and not her mate in Olduvai Gorge because she had her husband off performing some springtime chore. Nothing has changed in a few hundred thousand years.

Now, it may not be that the female response to spring is responsible for all the world’s
troubles but I think it goes without question that Peg’s incessant activities both in our cabin and our yard interfere with my desire to fish our pond and watch Gunsmoke reruns. I will leave it to you, Gentle Reader, at least those of you of the testosterone persuasion, what else could it be?

For more Gavel Gamut articles go to www.jamesmredwine.com

B 29 Bomber Coming Back to Evansville

2

The historic Boeing B-29 Superfortress “Doc” will be landing in Evansville later this spring.

Organizers say it is one of only two remaining airworthy B-29 Superfortresses worldwide and is one of 1,644 B-29 bombers built in Wichita during World War II.

Officials say Doc will be available for ground and cockpit tours at the Evansville Wartime Museum, as well as rides during its short stay in the Tri-State.

“We’re thrilled to bring the B-29 Doc History Restored Tour to the Evansville Wartime Museum,” said Mark Novak, B-29 DOC chief pilot. “Evansville has a rich history of wartime aircraft production, and this stop is a perfect opportunity to honor the legacy of those who built and flew these incredible machines. We look forward to sharing the sights, sounds, and history of this legendary bomber with the community.”

Doc is expected to arrive on Thursday, May 8, and will be available for tours Friday morning at 10 a.m.

Rides will be available that weekend on Saturday and Sunday, May 10 and 11, at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. both days, followed by ground and cockpit tours from 12:30 to 5 p.m., May 10 and 11.

Organizers say attendees must buy a museum admission ticket, plus an additional $5 per person for access to B-29 DOC during the event.

You can purchase your ticket at www.b29doc.com.

Wendy McNamara Urges You to Volunteer for CASA

0

In Indiana, the law states any abused or neglected child be represented by a Court Appointed Special Advocate, who looks after the child’s best interest while they are in the juvenile court system and foster care.

These volunteers play a vital role in ensuring these children are cared for and can find a safe and loving forever home as quickly as possible. There are hundreds of these children in Vanderburgh County, and we need more volunteers to help them.

Volunteers must be 21 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, a clean criminal history and pass a screening with CASA staff. Volunteers help by researching each child’s case and conducting assessments, and then communicating with them during court hearings to ensure the child’s best interests are looked after.

Vanderburgh County CASA will host its “Become a Child’s Champion” event in Evansville on March 13, where anyone interested can learn more about becoming an advocate and how they can help those waiting for a forever home.

Learn More
Click here to learn more about Vanderburgh CASA and what being a volunteer entails. CASA volunteers are vital in Indiana’s juvenile court system, and I greatly encourage anyone who is able to help these children in need to get involved.

 

Help Patients in Need as a Red Cross Volunteer

0
Help Patients in Need as a Red Cross Volunteer
Join our lifesaving mission during Red Cross Month in March
 
Evansville, Indiana, March 12, 2025 — Volunteers make up 90% of the Red Cross workforce and are the beating heart and soul of our organization. The Southwest Chapter of the American Red Cross Indiana Region has a critical need for volunteers serving as blood donor ambassadors and blood transportation specialists. During Red Cross Month in March, we’re inviting people to give back to their community as a Red Cross volunteer.
INTERVIEW AVAILABILITY Southwest Chapter Executive Director Beth Sweeney and Volunteers Phil and Lee Anne Bruner are available for interviews on Friday, March 14 at 9:00 a.m. Phil and Lee Anne both volunteer as blood transportation specialists and can speak about their roles as Red Cross volunteers and how these positions enable them to help people in their community.
JOIN US – VOLUNTEER In the Southwest Chapter, we currently need more than 30 blood donor ambassadors to ensure every blood donor has a wonderful experience from start to finish. We also have an urgent need for blood transportation specialists, who serve as a critical link between blood donors and blood recipients. These roles are a great fit for those who want to make an immediate difference and help ensure lifesaving blood is available to patients in need.
  • Blood donor ambassadors: Engage with blood donors by greeting them at blood drives, helping them register, answering questions, providing information and assisting them at the refreshments table. Shifts are typically five to six hours and people can volunteer on a regular basis or as their schedule allows.
  • Blood transportation specialists: Volunteer transportation specialists support hospital patients by delivering blood from our facilities to local hospitals for on-demand, or ‘stat’, shifts which do not have a minimum time commitment. Volunteers can schedule their availability using a mobile app and will receive notifications for on-demand deliveries when hospitals need blood delivered within a 30-minute timeframe. Volunteers must be at least 18 and have a valid driver’s license as well as be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
The need to help has never been greater. Join our lifesaving mission and play a critical role in your community. Visit redcross.org/volunteer and get started today.
Click here to access b-roll.
RED CROSS MONTH Red Cross Month is a national tradition that began in March 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation – and each U.S. president has followed ever since. During Red Cross Month, we proudly recognize the individuals who represent the best of humanity by stepping up to care for neighbors and deliver support when emergencies can’t wait.
HOW TO HELP Visit redcross.org/GivingDay to make a financial donation and be part of our annual Giving Day on March 26. A gift of any size helps provide emergency shelter, food, relief supplies, basic health care, emotional support and financial assistance for people affected by disasters big and small. Visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment to give blood in March, when the Red Cross will offer free A1C screening for diabetes and pre-diabetes on all successful donations.
About the American Red Cross Indiana Region:
The American Red Cross of Indiana Region serves 6.9 million people in 104 counties in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio through its chapters: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Greater Indianapolis (Regional Headquarters). The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit us at Redcross.org/Indiana or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @indianaredcross. LinkedIn: American Red Cross of Indiana.

RECENT VANDERBURGH COUNTY DEATH REPORT

0

 

RECENT VANDERBURGH COUNTY DEATH REPORT

Weekly Death Report

 

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

0
EPD

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.

STEWART’S OVERTIME GOAL LEADS THUNDERBOLTS OVER MARKSMEN 3-2

0
STEWART’S OVERTIME GOAL LEADS THUNDERBOLTS OVER MARKSMEN 3-2
 
Fayetteville, NC.:  In the Thunderbolts’ first game at Fayetteville in over five years, Mackenze Stewart scored his first goal as a Thunderbolt in dramatic fashion, scoring in overtime to defeat the Marksmen 3-2 in Fayetteville on Friday night.  The Thunderbolts’ next home game will be on Saturday, March 22nd against the Quad City Storm at 7:05pm CT.
                For the second game in a row, Aidan Litke opened the scoring early in the first period for Evansville, scoring moments after a power play chance expired at 3:39, assisted by Stewart and Isaac Chapman.  The Marksmen answered back to tie the game 1-1, as Trent Grimshaw scored a power play goal with only 1.8 seconds remaining in the first period.  The lone goal of the second period was scored by Evansville on a 3-on-2 rush by Will van der Veen at 3:48, assisted by Logan vande Meerakker and Scott Kirton, the goal being Van der Veen’s first professional goal in his first professional game.  Evansville led 2-1 nearly the entire rest of the way, however Sam Anzai banked in a shot from behind the goal line with only 2:25 remaining in the third period to force overtime.  In overtime, Stewart scored at 4:21 with assists from Myles Abbate and Matt Dorsey, as Dorsey initially stormed the net and Abbate fed Stewart with a beautiful pass from the far corner while tied up by a Marksmen defender.  With the win, Evansville is now 8-1-1 in their past 10 games, the best 10-game record at present time for any team in the SPHL.
Stewart scored the game-winning goal along with an assist, while Litke and Van der Veen scored one goal each in regulation.  In goal, Cole Ceci finished with 30 saves on 32 shots on goal for his 17th win of the season and his 30th as a Thunderbolt, which gives Ceci the franchise all-time wins record previously held by Brian Billett.  The Thunderbolts and Marksmen meet again on Saturday, March 15th at Crown Coliseum.  Friday’s win was Evansville’s 23rd of the season, increasing Evansville’s standings points to 52 as the Thunderbolts are again tied for 5th place and only one point out of 4th place.  Evansville now only needs a maximum of 7 points out of 16 possible remaining points to clinch a playoff spot.
Individual game tickets and group packages are on sale for the 2024-25 season.  Season tickets for the 2025-26 season are on sale now.  Call 812-422-BOLT(2658) or visit our website (www.evansvillethunderbolts.com) for details.
About Evansville Thunderbolts: The Evansville Thunderbolts is the area’s only professional hockey team. The Thunderbolts are a proud member of the SPHL.  The team is owned and operated by VW Sports, L.L.C, a subsidiary of VenuWorks, Inc. www.evansvillethunderbolts.com

Nealis, Trailblazers win at Lincoln Trail Spring Invitational

0

Nealis, Trailblazers win at Lincoln Trail Spring Invitational

ROBINSON, Ill. – The 2025 Spring Golf season continues to roll for the Vincennes University Trailblazers, heading just up the road to Quail Creek Country Club in Robinson, Ill. for the 2025 Lincoln Trail College Spring Invitational.

The Trailblazers dominated the 36-hole, two-day tournament, coming away with a team win by 40 strokes and finishing with four Blazers in the top five and six in the top 10 individually.

Vincennes opened the two day tournament Thursday afternoon with the first round, finishing the day with VU golfers claiming all spots in the top five.

VU finished the first round with a tie at the top of the leaderboard, with sophomore Alex Nealis (Olney, Ill.) and freshman Brock Naile (Trico, Ill.) finishing the day with a three-over par 75.

Nealis closed out his opening round with three birdies on the day, with Naile claiming one birdie on the scorecard.

Freshman Kadin Gibson (Franklin, Ind.) found himself in third place overall after the first 18 holes, shooting a 77, just one shot ahead of freshman teammate Landon Gardner (Danville, Ind.) in fourth and two shots ahead of freshman Parker Steininger (Vincennes, Ind.) in fifth.

Freshmen Matthew Mills (Boonville, Ind.), Brayden Gough (Tuscola, Ill.) and sophomore Jackson Stone (Vincennes, Ind.) each played the tournament as individuals, with Mills holding seventh place on the leaderboard with an opening round 80, while Gough placed 20th with a 91 and Stone checked in a 22nd with an opening round 94.

The Trailblazers as a team closed out the first round of the tournament with a score of 305, holding a 22 shot lead over the second place team.

Vincennes then returned to the course Friday morning for a very windy final round.

VU was able to handle the conditions and build on their first round success, with Alex Nealis finishing the day with an impressive even par 72, with an outstanding four birdies on the day, to claim solo first for the tournament with a two-day total of 147.

Brock Naile also improved on his opening round score, posting a 74 in the final round to take second place overall.

Landon Gardner moved up into the top three on the leaderboard with a 78 in his final round to finish the tournament with a total of 156.

Kadin Gibson rounded out the Vincennes top five finishers, shooting an 82 Friday to take fifth place overall.

Parker Steininger and Matthew Mills each tied for eighth overall, with Steininger coming in with an 83 on Friday and Mills posting an 82 to close out the tournament with a final score of 162.

Jackson Stone and Braydon Gough round out the VU representatives in the tournament with Stone posting the largest improvement in the tournament for VU, taking four shots of his opening round to post a 90 on Friday. Gough checked in Friday with a final round 93.

VU as a team posted a final round score of 306, giving them a tournament total of 611 and claiming their first tournament victory of the spring season by a 40 shot margin.

“Winning a tournament by 40 shots is aways fun but also having the medalist and two other players in the top three makes it better,” VU Hall of Fame Golf Coach Dennis Chattin said. “I was really happy for Alex, shooting three over par for the two days. His even par round Friday was really good with the wind an pin locations. Alex really works hard on his game and this score was something he deserved. The wind an pin locations were really tough, so I thought our round Friday was considerably better even though the team score was one stroke higher.”

“Brock Naile played consistently with his 75 and 74,” Chattin added. “Landon struggled a little but he continues to improve.”

The Trailblazers will look to build on this momentum as they get set to hit the road again Monday, March 17 and Tuesday, March 18 to take part in the Brad Rose Collegiate Invitational at Willow Creek Golf Club in Knoxville, Tenn.

TEAM RESULTS

VINCENNES – 305, 306 – 611

Lincoln Trail – 328, 323 – 651

Lewis & Clark – 327, 344 – 671

VINCENNES RESULTS

Alex Nealis (1) – 75, 72 – 147

Brock Naile (2) – 75, 74 – 149

Landon Gardner (3) – 78, 78 – 156

Kadin Gibson (5) – 77, 82 – 159

Parker Steininger (T8) – 79, 83 – 162

Matthew Mills (T8) – 80, 82 – 162

Jackson Stone (T21) – 94, 90 – 184

Braydon Gough (T21) – 91, 93 – 184

USI caps off Friday doubleheader split with big win

0

USI caps off Friday doubleheader split with big win

NASHVILLE – University of Southern Indiana Softball notched a big 9-2 win following a narrow 6-5 loss against Tennessee State University to earn a doubleheader split Friday afternoon in Nashville, Tennessee.

Tennessee State (12-8, 3-2 OVC) opened the scoring in game one with a four-run bottom of the first inning. Southern Indiana (5-15, 2-3 OVC) responded in the top of the second inning when freshman catcher Jordan Mackey belted her second home run of the season to cut the early deficit in half, 4-2.

After a sac fly from freshman designated player Grace Huffman made it a one-run ballgame, 4-3, in the top of the fourth, the Tigers answered with two more runs in the home half of the inning to go up by three, 6-3.

The scoreboard remained quiet until the top of the seventh inning when USI made a push. Three consecutive singles, including an RBI hit by senior pitcher Josie Newman, brought the Screaming Eagles within two, 6-4. In the next at-bat, senior third baseman Whitley Hunter kept the charge going with another RBI knock to bring USI within one, 6-5. However, after a Tennessee State pitching change, the Tigers recorded the final two outs to win the series opener.

USI tallied 12 total hits with seven players registering a hit in the game. Five Screaming Eagles recorded two-hit games. Mackey led with two RBIs. Newman (3-9) pitched a complete game, striking out a dozen in the loss.

Senior pitcher Reina Castillo (10-3) was credited with the win after 6.1 innings pitched, five runs allowed, and three strikeouts. Freshman pitcher Kristian Holder picked up the save, getting the last two outs of the contest.

In game two, Tennessee State scored once in the bottom of the first inning with a two-out RBI triple to take a 1-0 lead, which lasted until the third inning.

Southern Indiana posted a big third inning with five runs on the board. Junior outfielder Caroline Stapleton tied the game at one with an RBI single. With the bases loaded, Mackey delivered a two-run double to propel USI ahead, 3-1. In the next at-bat, senior outfielder Kennedy Nalley singled to score two more runs to give USI a 5-1 lead.

The Screaming Eagles were not done after the third frame, dropping another crooked number with four runs in the top of the fourth. Huffman recorded another sac fly on the day, Mackey added to her big afternoon with a two-RBI base hit, and Nalley followed with another RBI knock of her own. USI led 9-1 through four innings.

The Tigers scratched one more run across, but the Screaming Eagles sealed the 9-2 win with scoreless sixth and seventh innings.

USI posted 10 hits in the second game. Sophomore infielder Sydney Long, sophomore outfielder Kate Satkoski, and Nalley each had two hits. Mackey finished with three hits and four RBIs. Nalley had a three-RBI game. Freshman pitcher Kylie Witthaus (2-5) secured her second win of the season with a complete game. Witthaus struck out four batters.

For Tennessee State, Holder (1-2) got the start in game two, lasting only 2.2 innings with five runs allowed. The Tigers used four pitchers in the second contest.

The Screaming Eagles and Tigers look to decide the series Saturday in a rubber match. Saturday’s start time has been pushed up to 10 a.m. to avoid bad weather in the forecast. Further updates can be found at usiscreamingeagles.com and through the USI Athletics social media platforms.

Longmeier records first collegiate home run as UE baseball drops doubleheader at Samford

0
Longmeier records first collegiate home run as UE baseball drops doubleheader at Samford
The Purple Aces highlight stat
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The University of Evansville baseball team had its fifth player of the year get a hit out of the park but didn’t pick up a victory in a doubleheader with the Samford Bulldogs.
The Purple Aces weren’t able to stop the red-hot Samford Bulldogs on Friday who have now won four of their last five games. UE’s offense kept up early in the first game but only held the Bulldogs from scoring in two innings for a 10-4 loss. Samford jumped out to an early lead in the second game and held on through seven innings for the 6-2 final score as the teams agreed to only play seven in the second game of the day.
Designated hitter Aaron Nehls (Evansville, Ind. / North HS) had a day for the Aces going four-of-six for a .667 batting average. Infielders Charlie Longmeier (Seymour, Ind. / Seymour HS) and Drew Howard (Ferdinand, Ind. / Forest Park HS) had two RBIs each for UE while Nehls was the only Evansville batter to score multiple runs.
“Not good enough right now to win games but it’s not because of a lack of effort,” said Head Coach Wes Carroll on Friday. “Sunday will be a great opportunity to get competitive in all three aspects of the game.”
Game 1 – UE 4, SAM 10
It was a quiet first inning as the Aces went down in order and Samford stranded two batters that walked. But the first would be only one of three innings without a run scored in the game. The Bulldogs took a 1-0 lead after the second on a double that became the scoring run.
UE answered in the top of the third as Nehls led off with a triple and scored on an RBI groundout from third baseman Ben Stuart (Mason, Ohio / William Mason HS). But Samford got the lead right back in the bottom of the third from a sacrifice fly after their second batter hit a double to get into scoring position.
Evansville’s offense went silent for the next two innings as the Bulldogs grew their lead to five runs. Samford scored a run in the fourth on two singles and a two-run homer in the fifth made it a 6-1 game halfway through. The Aces got back on the board in the top of the sixth as Howard led off with a walk and outfielder Ty Rumsey (Evansville, Ind. / North HS) put a single into center. Howard scored two batters later to make it 6-2.
The Bulldogs answered with two runs in the bottom of the sixth on a single and a throwing error after a hit into left field. UE made up for the two runs in the top of the seventh as catcher Matt Flaherty (Lake Zurich, Ill. / Bellarmine) began the inning with a walk. Nehls then had his second hit of the game to put Flaherty at third while another walk loaded the bases. With the bases loaded Howard put a two RBI double into the right corner for an 8-4 game.
That would be the last runs Evansville scored in the first game of the afternoon. Samford added two more runs in the bottom of the seventh on two hits and a walk. The Aces had strong chances to start the eighth and ninth as infielder Cal McGinnis (Kimberly, Wis. / Bradley) had a lead off double and Nehls had a lead off single. But neither runner came home as UE fell to the Bulldogs 10-4 in game one.
Game 2 – UE 2, SAM 6
Rumsey led off the second game of the day with a single to second. He didn’t stay on base long as Rumsey was caught trying to steal second base and the next two Evansville batters went down in order. Samford began the bottom of the first in similar fashion but took an early lead on a walk with the bases loaded. The Bulldogs added one more run before the opening frame was over on a passed ball.
Nehls had his fourth hit of the day in the top of the second with a single to right. But with two Aces outs already on the board Nehls would be stranded at second. UE’s defense took down Samford in order to quickly close out the inning. The Bulldogs did add two runs in the bottom of the third on a two-run homer to right center to make it a 4-0 game.
Evansville broke the shutout in the top of the fourth as right fielder Harrison Taubert (Casper, Wyo. / Northeast CC) opened with a single up the middle. Taubert made his way up to third on a flyout and an infield ground out. He was then brought home to score the Aces’ first run of the game when Longmeier reached first on a fielding error. Samford got the scored run back in the bottom of the inning as a walk followed by a single put a Bulldog runner on third. The runner was then able to score for Samford on a wild pitch bringing the lead back to four runs.
It was a quiet fifth inning for both teams with no scoring and two walks for UE. But it was again Longmeier who had a big play for Evansville in the top of the sixth. After two strikeouts to open the inning Longmeier attacked the first ball he saw launching it past left-center for his first career home run. With 5-2 on the board, Nehls walked in the at-bat following Longmeier’s homer. But the Aces next batter ground out to third ending the top of the sixth.
The Bulldogs scored their sixth and final run of the game in the bottom of the sixth as their first batter walked. The Samford runner scored three at-bats later on a fielder’s choice after making it all the way to third on a wild pitch and a stolen base. UE went to the top of the seventh needing four runs to keep the game going. Rumsey connected on his second hit of the game in the seventh with two outs on the board. He would be stranded at first to end the day as Taubert struck out looking for the final out of the seventh.
With weather expected in the Birmingham area on Saturday, the series finale won’t be until Sunday afternoon. First pitch of the third game in the series is set for 1 p.m. from Joe Lee Griffin Field on March 16.
-www.gopurpleaces.com-
1...858687...7,200Page 86 of 7,200