EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Soccer and Chicago State University battle to a 3-3 draw Thursday afternoon at Strassweg Field. The Screaming Eagles go to 1-9-2 overall and 0-3-2 in the OVC, while Chicago State is 3-8-2, 1-3-1 OVC.
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USI exploded offensively following the the kickoff, scoring a pair of goals in the first five minutes. Junior forward Robert Schoenstein (Evansville, Indiana) put the Eagles in front, 1-0, with his first goal of the season at 1:16.
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Schoenstein was assisted on the goal by senior midfielder Nick Faddis (St. Louis, Missouri) and junior midfielder Elmer Garcia (Indianapolis, Indiana).
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Garcia increased the USI advantage to 2-0 three minutes later when he recorded his first tally of the season at 3:55. He had a clear shot from five yards out, after receiving assisting passes from Schoenstein and Faddis.
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The Eagles saw their lead grow to 3-0 after Faddis convert his second penalty kick of the season at 22:35 for his second goal of the year. USI was awarded the penalty kick after Schoenstein was fouled inside the box.
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The Cougars chipped away at the Eagles’ lead late in the first half, scoring their first of the match at 29:05. The 3-1 USI lead would hold through the end of halftime.
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Cougars would own the second half with a pair of goals in the final 21 minutes and outshoot the Eagles, 11-2. Chicago State narrowed USI’s lead to 3-2 with a tally at 69:24 before putting a flurry of shots on the Eagles’ goal in the final minutes to get the equalizer at 88:26 for a 3-3 final.
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NEXT UP FOR USI:
The Eagles reach the middle of the three-game homestand Sunday when it hosts Liberty University for Senior Day at 1 p.m. USI will honor its 10 seniors in a pregame ceremony at 12:15 p.m.
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Liberty began this week’s action with a 4-0 win at Eastern Illinois University and watched it record go to 8-4-0 overall mark, 3-2-0 OVC. The Flames broke a two-match losing skid with the win and are 3-3-0 in the last six matches.
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The homestand wraps up October 19 when Eastern Illinois University comes to Strassweg Field for a 3 p.m. contest.
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Eagles, Cougars battle to 3-3 draw
 Cops Connecting with Kids Presents: Be the Hero in Your Own Story Leadership Workshop
 Cops Connecting with Kids Presents: Be the Hero in Your Own Story Leadership Workshop
Summary:Â
Cops Connecting with Kids will be hosting a leadership workshop later this month to help raise funds for CCWK. This workshop will be held at Ivy Tech Campus on October 24th and is open to the public.Â
Jeff Barnes is a best-selling author and captivating keynote speaker who engages audiences with lessons learned from Walt Disney. He uses the magical story of Walt Disneyland and Walt Disney World to challenge you to think bigger, expand your expectations, and never stop dreaming.Â
To register for this workshop, please call (812) 436-7896 or email bbolin@evansvillepolice.com. Please see the attachment for further informationÂ
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration highlights UE volleyball weekend
Aces face UIC and Valparaiso
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – A 5-match homestand comes to a close for the University of Evansville volleyball team this weekend when the Purple Aces play host to UIC and Valparaiso. UE welcome the Flames on Friday at 6 p.m. before facing the Beacons on Saturday at 5 p.m. inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse. Both matches will be carried by ESPN+.
To celebrate the final days of Hispanic Heritage Month, the University of Evansville athletic department and UE Volleyball are hosting a Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Celebration for Saturday’s volleyball match.
The celebration begins at 3 PM in front of the Carson Center with a block party, featuring Hispanic/Latinx music, food truck, and a photo booth. At 5 PM, the party will move inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse for the Aces match with Valparaiso. The first 100 fans inside the fieldhouse will receive a Vamos Aces t-shirt.
Help support our Hispanic/Latinx community by coming out and cheering on the Aces!
Last Time Out
– Hitting .372 as a team, the Aces overcame a 1-0 deficit on Monday to defeat Indiana State by a 3-1 final at Meeks Family Fieldhouse
– Giulia Cardona led all players with 27 kills while Melanie Feliciano added 20 and Brooke Springer set her career high with 7
– Kora Ruff picked up 57 assists, just one short of her top collegiate tally
Putting it all Together
– Brooke Springer had what may have been the top match of her Purple Aces career against Indiana State
– Springer set her career mark with 7 kills while adding two solo blocks and four block assists
– She continues to pace the team with 1.02 blocks/set and is third in the MVC
– Springer opened the DePaul Invite with a solo block and three block assists versus St. Thomas before adding five block assists in the triumph over NIU
– Aside from her 28 block assists, Springer has contributed 9 solo blocks in 2023
Efficient Operation
– Kora Ruff’s efficiency on the offensive side was pivotal in Evansville’s home win over Indiana State where she registered a season-high 57 helpers
– The total was just one shy of her top collegiate mark of 58, which came in 2022
– Ruff stands third in the MVC with her average of 10.39 assists and is 27th nationally
– While her season average of 2.66 digs is 18th in the league, that average has risen to 2.92/set through seven MVC matches
She’s #1
– Giulia Cardona’s impressive season continues as she paces the NCAA in three of the top offensive categories
– Cardona leads the nation in kills (5.44/set), points (6.13/set) and attacks (14.59/set)
– After completing the opening MVC weekend with a mark of 8.86 kills, she earned her second MVC Player of the Week award of 2023
– She finished with 26 at Murray State before resetting her career high with 36 at Belmont on Sept. 23
– Her 36 kills was the most in the NCAA in a 4-set match this season and tied for the highest tally in any match of the 2023 season while her 26-kill performance against the Racers was the most this season by any NCAA player in a 3-set contest
Scouting the Opposition
– UIC comes into Friday’s weekend opener sporting a 13-7 record and a 4-3 mark through their opening seven conference contests
– Martina Delucchi is 4th in the conference with 3.74 kills per set while Becca Oldendorf is the league’s most accurate hitter at .433
– Valparaiso is currently 11-9 overall and 3-4 in Valley play
– Emma Hickey is stellar on the defensive side, ranking 4th in the conference with 5.13 digs per frame
Vincennes University announces major expansion of Aviation Maintenance program to fill growing demand
INDIANAPOLIS, October 12, 2023 – Vincennes University proudly announced a $4.5 million state-funded initiative focused on injecting further vitality into Indiana’s aviation industry and bolstering the Indianapolis International Airport’s growth.
VU plans to expand the reach of its educational impact by doubling the enrollment of the University’s esteemed Aviation Maintenance program. In addition, VU aims to boost its high school dual credit offerings, enabling ambitious high school students to get a head start in their aviation education.
Sen. Jeff Raatz, who is chair of the Senate Education and Career Development Committee, was in attendance for the announcement and spoke at the event on Thursday, Oct. 12.
Raatz said, “This is one of the shining examples of how our educational systems can work. I applaud Vincennes University and AAR. We will see a great return on the investment throughout the lives of the students who are trained here. With programs like this, we win as a state.”
The announcement was made at VU’s state-of-the-art Aviation Technology Center in Indianapolis during an event attended by state and local leaders, including Rep. Jeffrey Thompson, Indiana House Ways and Means Committee chair, and Josh Garrison, senior associate commissioner and chief of staff for the Indiana Higher Education Commission, as well as industry partners, VU administrators, and the University community.
According to VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson, “This initiative allows Vincennes University the opportunity to help develop the next generation of aviation technicians and showcases our dedication to offering rewarding career paths for Hoosiers, offering them a chance to excel in an industry that is vital to our region’s growth and prosperity. We are also grateful for the investment made by our state leaders and for the ongoing support of our industry partners, paving the way for a brighter future for aviation in Indiana.â€
VU’s efforts will address the demand for professionals within the aviation industry and help meet the workforce needs of industry partners and the Indianapolis airport, strengthening its position as a vital hub for aviation in the United States.
Through tailored educational programs and cutting-edge facilities, VU is committed to equipping aspiring professionals with the specialized skills needed for successful careers in aviation. The University strives to empower the workforce, enhance regional economic development, and ultimately contribute to aviation’s sustainable growth within Indiana.
VU is expanding enticing pathways for aspiring aviation professionals through collaboration with industry partners, including AAR, Jet Access, FedEx, Textron, Comlux, Rolls Royce, General Electric, and Republic Airways.
Through a strategic partnership with AAR, a global leader in aviation maintenance, VU plans to fill the gap by increasing a training pipeline of highly skilled technicians through work-based learning that will lead to hundreds of new jobs.
“Vincennes University’s focus aligns closely with the objectives of our industry partners, and we’re honored to provide access to high-quality education and affordable pathways to fulfilling careers in aviation maintenance,†VU Director of Aviation Michael Gehrich said. “The demand for aviation maintenance technicians is great. Together, we can cultivate a skilled workforce that will help elevate aviation in Indiana and the country.â€
The demand for aviation professionals is sky-high. Almost 2.3 million new aviation personnel are needed over the next 20 years to support the global commercial fleet, according to Boeing’s recent 2023 Pilot and Technician Outlook long-term forecast. Due to a retiring workforce and increasing demand for travel, the report says 690,000 maintenance technicians, 649,900 pilots, and 938,000 cabin crew members are needed.
Aviation maintenance is a high-skill, high-demand job in Indiana, and eligible VU students qualify for the state’s Next Level Jobs grant, making the program even more affordable.
In addition, VU is committed to providing accessible pathways for young learners. With the University’s new initiative, high school students can accelerate their academic journey by earning 16 college credits and completing the general section of the Federal Aviation Administration Airframe and Powerplant certificate while still enrolled in high school.
“This growth will not only enrich our VU community but also strengthen the state of Indiana and the aviation industry by nurturing a new generation of skilled and passionate professionals,†Gehrich said.
Aviation maintenance is a good-paying career. The median pay in 2022 for an aviation maintenance technician was $70,010 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Nealis finishes Top-10 at unique Rend Lake Fall Invitational
WHITTINGTON, Ill. – The Vincennes University golf team was short handed earlier this week when the Blazers headed to the Rend Lake Golf Course in Whittington, Ill. for the 2023 Rend Lake College Fall Invitational.
Entering this tournament without sophomore Aaron Brink (Nashville, Ill.) who injured his wrist last tournament, VU Hall of Fame Golf Coach Dennis Chattin looked to see who would be the one to step up in his place.
The tournament was a two-day, 54-hole tournament, consisting of two 27-hole days as Rend Lake Golf Course includes three nine-hole courses.
VU freshman Alex Nealis (Olney, Ill.) stepped up in a big way during the tournament, recording his first Top-10 finish of the season after shooting an eight over par 116 on Monday and an impressive five over 113 on Tuesday to finish 10th overall.
Sophomore Preston Broce (Indianapolis, Ind.) was the next VU scorer, shooting a six over 114 on Monday and capping off the tournament with a 122 on Tuesday, good for 15th place overall out of 45 golfers.
Freshman Xavier Brown (Franklin, Ind.) had the most improvement from one round to the other, taking six shots off of his first round 129 to finish Tuesday with a 123 and take 27th place overall.
Freshman Trejan Morrison (Ferdinand, Ind.) was close behind Brown, shooting a 126 on Monday and a 128 on Tuesday to finish 29th overall.
Freshman Jackson Stone (Vincennes, Ind.) rounds out the VU scorers for the tournament, shooting a 139 on Monday and a 138 on Tuesday to place 42nd overall.
Vincennes as a team had a very consistent tournament, combining to shoot a 485 on Monday and a 486 on Tuesday to finish fourth out of eight teams competing.
The Trailblazers will look to get back to full strength when they hit the links next as VU prepares for the Battle in the Ozarks hosted at Old Kinderhook Resort in Camdenton, Mo.
This tournament will begin on Monday, Oct. 30 and conclude on Tuesday, Oct. 31 and will be the 2023 Fall season finale for the VU golf team.
TOURNAMENT RESULTS
TEAM RESULTS
Madison – 466, 460 – 926
Mineral Area – 459, 469 – 928
Rend Lake – 468, 465 – 933
VINCENNES – 485, 486 – 971
Lewis & Clark – 487, 484 – 971
Lincoln Trail – 493, 479 – 972
Southeastern Illinois – 529, 517 – 1046
Southwestern Illinois – 543, 542 – 1085
VINCENNES RESULTS
Alex Nealis (10) – 116, 113 – 229
Preston Broce (15) – 114, 122 – 236
Xavier Brown (27) – 129, 123 – 252
Trejan Morrison (29) – 126, 128 – 254
Jackson Stone (42) – 139, 138 – 277
EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
FOOTNOTE: Â EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
HOT JOBS
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 Eat, Drink & Be Scary | Rain Plan
October 13th from 4 – 5:30PM
We have some important updates regarding tomorrow’s ‘Eat, Drink & Be Scary’ event.
Regrettably, due to the weather forecast predicting rain in Evansville tomorrow afternoon and evening, we won’t be able to screen ‘Ghostbusters’ in Willard Park as originally planned.
But don’t be disheartened! We’ve got a fantastic alternative in store for your little ones. They can still enjoy some spooky fun by participating in our hauntingly delightful activities, including trick-or-treating through our haunted library, and a lively costume contest from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors, PC Quest and Sixth and Zero, for their unwavering support of Willard Public Library. We couldn’t do it without you!
Thank you to these amazing vendors who planned to attend:
Haynie’s Corner Brewing Co., Stuft, Hot Diggity Dog, and Sugar Momma’s
Your support and participation make these community events possible, and we’re incredibly grateful for it.
CenterPoint Energy natural gas bills expected to be more than 20% lower when compared to last winter
- Expected decrease in natural gas bills primarily driven by lower, stable natural gas prices
- Company purchases natural gas on behalf of its customers, does not mark up or profit from the purchase and sale of natural gas
- As heating season begins, company encourages customers to utilize assistance programs, various payment options, energy-saving tips and energy efficiency programs
Evansville – Oct. 11, 2023 – CenterPoint Energy’s Indiana South natural gas territory today announced customers should expect a more than 20% decrease in their natural gas bills when compared to those of last winter, assuming normal winter weather, due primarily to stabilization of the natural gas market. Last winter season, higher and more volatile natural gas prices impacted utilities across the state and country. Decreased and stable natural gas prices should assist customers’ bill amounts to remain lower this heating season.
This year, based upon expected natural gas commodity costs and normal winter weather, customers can expect to pay on average $115 a month, over the 5-month heating season of November through March. By comparison, last year’s average bill amount for the 5-month period was around $150 a month.
“With the decrease in natural gas prices, assuming our region experiences normal weather this heating season, customers should expect a notable decrease in their bills compared to last season,†said Ashley Babcock, Vice President, Indiana and Ohio Gas. “However, we recognize some customers might still face financial hardship this heating season, and we want to encourage them to contact us for options to assist in managing costs prior to their first bill of the heating season.â€
CenterPoint Energy utilities are not allowed to markup, nor profit, from the purchase and sale of natural gas. Natural gas is a commodity bought and sold in a national deregulated market where prices fluctuate daily due to supply and demand.
Only gas costs actually incurred and approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission are recovered from customers. CenterPoint Energy purchases natural gas on behalf of its customers and then passes those costs on to customers through the gas cost adjustment, which is listed on the bill as “Gas Cost Charge.â€
Natural gas continues to be the most affordable heating source. In fact, CenterPoint Energy gas customers who heated their homes with natural gas last year saved up to $757 compared to those who heated their homes with propane.
It is important to remember bills will vary by customer depending on the size and age of the home, number of gas appliances, number in the household, thermostat settings and levels of insulation. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of CenterPoint Energy’s array of payment assistance options as well as energy-saving tips and energy efficiency programs to help mitigate the impact on bills.
CenterPoint Energy has in place several tools to help customers manage their energy bills.
Energy Assistance Program (EAP): State and federal utility assistance dollars are available for income-eligible customers. Those that fall within 60 percent of state median income should visit their local community action agency to sign up for the EAP. To apply for the EAP, customers should call 1-800-872-0371 to locate their nearest community action agency. Customers may also apply any time at the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority website at www.EAP.ihcda.in.gov.
Universal Service Program (USP): All eligible natural gas heating customers who apply and qualify for EAP will automatically be enrolled in the USP, which provides additional gas bill reductions that range from 15 to 32 percent of the total bill received (not including EAP benefits) in the months of December through May. The USP, which has been in place since 2005, is the result of a collaborative effort by CenterPoint Energy, Citizens Energy Group, the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, Citizens Action Coalition and a group representing industrial customers.
Due Date Extension and Payment Arrangement: These are two free offerings available to customers in need of a special payment plan to temporarily keep their service connected and better manage energy costs.
Energy Efficiency Resources: CenterPoint Energy offers energy efficiency tips, appliance rebates and energy-saving tools to help customers lower their natural gas bills. All Indiana residential and small commercial natural gas customers are eligible. Visit www.centerpointenergy.com/smartsavings or call 1-866-240-8476 for a list of rebates, qualifying appliances and energy efficiency tips.
Budget Bill: Under this billing plan, a customer’s estimated costs for a year of gas service are spread in equal monthly bill amounts for the year. This leveling of monthly bill amounts reduces the need to pay the full amount in the winter and spreads some of those higher bill charges into the non-heating months. Amounts are adjusted each summer for actual costs, and the customer’s credit or amount due rolls into the next Budget Bill payment for the next 12-month period. Customers can enroll for free onwww.centerpointenergy.com or by calling 1-800-227-1376.
CenterPoint will continue to seek out opportunities to provide all customers with access to the tools and services needed to manage bills, with plans for Access to Service Fairs to again be held, in partnership with the City of Evansville, later in the heating season. Company representatives will be onsite to speak with customers and provide resources. Customers needing further financial assistance are also encouraged to apply for programs available through local community action agencies and local non-profits.
CenterPoint Energy’s Indiana South territory delivers natural gas to approximately 114,000 customers in Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Martin, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.
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