BREAKING NEWS: Bally’s Remains Open After Car Drives Off Bally’s Parking Garage

11/26/2024

Updated November 25, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Operations are returning to normal at Bally’s after a strange incident this morning.

In the midst of the normal morning routine at Bally’s Casino, the sense of normal disappeared in one frightening moment when a car came crashing through the roof of the conference center. That car came from the top floor of the attached parking garage.

At the time of the crash, Koorsen Fire and Safety was hosting a conference for building inspectors and firefighters at the site. Koorsen is the fire protection company for Bally’s, and they aided in getting the building’s systems turned off. Firefighters and others attending the conference rendered aid at the scene.

The vehicle hit a concrete barrier, causing it to drop through the roof of the conference center, followed by the Ford SUV. The driver of the vehicle was the only injury.

A crane was brought in during the afternoon to lift the SUV and the concrete barrier out of the conference center.

The unanswered question is, “Why?” Police are putting together all of the information, looking at video footage, and planning to talk to the driver to determine what happened.

Bally’s was able to continue with normal casino operations through the day today and the parking garage will remain close until further notice.

Bally’s released the following statement: “We are currently investigating an incident involving a vehicle that drove off the seventh floor of our parking garage and will provide updates as necessary. Upon initial review, the incident appears to be the result of driver error. There are no signage or structural issues with the parking garage. The safety of our guests and staff remains our top priority.”

THUNDERBOLTS PUT ON DEFENSIVE SHOWCASE WITH 2-1 WIN OVER PEORIA

11/01/2025

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Evansville, In.: Behind goals from Jordan Simoneau and Connor Federkow along with a collective defensive effort that held Peoria to only 23 shots on goal, the Thunderbolts defeated the Rivermen 2-1 on Friday night at Ford Center. The Thunderbolts’ next home game at Ford Center will be on Saturday, November 1st against the Peoria Rivermen at 7:00pm CT.

The Thunderbolts outshot the Rivermen 14-5 in the first period, despite being shorthanded for five minutes, and grabbed the game’s first lead at 11:49 as Simoneau scored on a 2-on-1 rush from Cameron MacPhee. Early in the second period, the Thunderbolts doubled the lead to 2-0 at 3:17 as Federkow scored on a power play from Scott Kirton and Matthew Hobbs. The extra insurance was wiped out 40 seconds later however, as Griffen Fox scored at 3:57 to cut the Thunderbolts’ lead to 2-1. The Rivermen nearly tied the game in the final minutes of the second period, however a goal-line save with the stick by Kristian Stead on Brayden Barker denied the Rivermen of the tying goal. In the third period, Evansville shut down the Rivermen once again, outshooting Peoria 16-6 and hanging on at the end for the 2-1 victory to open the weekend doubleheader against the Rivermen, ending Peoria’s unbeaten start to the season.

Simoneau and Federkow scored Evansville’s goals while Kristian Stead finished with 22 saves on 23 shots on goal for his 3rd win of the season. The Thunderbolts and Rivermen meet again on Saturday, November 1st at Ford Center, with the Thunderbolts leading the series 1-0.

Aces Clinch Share of Regular Season Conference Title for First Time Since 1991

11/01/2025

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – For the first time since 1991, the University of Evansville men’s soccer team clinched a share of a regular season conference title, taking down Northern Illinois by a score of 1-0 on Friday night at Arad McCutchan Stadium. The regular season title is Evansville’s first as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference.

Michal Mroz (Elk Grove, Ill./Elk Grove) and Nate Roberts (Las Vegas, Nev./Bishop Gorman) carried the day for the Purple Aces, as Mroz notched a season-high 10 saves to post his sixth clean sheet of the season, while Roberts netted the game-winner with his first career goal in the 58th minute.

Northern Illinois dominated the scoring chances in the first half, tallying 10 shots to the Aces’ five, but Mroz held strong with six saves to keep the match scoreless heading into halftime. Mroz made three saves in the first 10 and a half minutes of play before making two more saves in the 25th minute.

Tancredi Fadda (Monza, Italy/University of Milan) saw the Aces’ best scoring chance of the first half in the first 40th minute, but his shot was saved to keep it 0-0 going to half.

Mroz made two more saves to begin the second half, coming up with stops in the 47th and 56th minutes to keep his clean sheet in tact.

In the 58th minute, Roberts struck for the night’s first goal, collecting a blocked shot near the top of the box and firing a shot past a diving keeper and into the bottom right corner.

From there, the Aces defense worked to keep the Huskies off the board, withstanding six NIU shots to post a shutout.

“It was a gritty win,” said Head Coach Robbe Tarver. “I think NIU came in here and created a lot of opportunities, we were up against it a little bit tonight but we were able to change the energy in the second half.”

“We talked a lot about being more consistent in the regular season to put ourselves in a position for a conference tournament and make the NCAA Tournament, so we are checking a lot of boxes. Ultimately, we need to win on Wednesday to win the conference outright and go to the final, which is ultimately what we need.”

With the win, Evansville improves to 6-3-8 overall with a 3-0-3 mark in MVC play. The Purple Aces stand alone atop the MVC table with 12 points and can clinch the outright MVC regular season title with a win or draw on Wednesday against Belmont. Kick-off from Nashville is set for 6 PM.

Volleyball drops match to Flames

11/01/2025

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Laubach leads UE with 10 kills

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – For the second match in a row, McKenzie Laubach recorded double digit kills, but a balanced attack by UIC saw them finish with a 3-0 win over the University of Evansville volleyball team on Friday at Meeks Family Fieldhouse.

Laubach led all players with 10 kills while hitting a solid .364. Brooke Herdes finished the night with seven kills for the Purple Aces. Ainoah Cruz had a match-best 15 digs while Lexi Owen posted 15 assists. Gabi Peter paced the Flames with nine kills while Ayat Amin tallied eight.

Game 1 – UIC 25, UE 17

McKenzie Laubach’s first kill of the match saw UE trail by a 3-2 deficit before UIC responded to go up 11-5 forcing a UE time out. Sabrina Ripple and Chloe Cline registered kills as Evansville cut the deficit to just four points at 14-10. The Flames countered with three in a row before going up 21-11. The Aces scored four in a row, however, the comeback fell short when UIC clinched the set by a 25-17 final.

Game 2 – UIC 25, UE 14

Things were close early on with the teams battling to a 4-4 tie. UIC took control going up 9-5 before the Aces scored twice to get back within two points. Ryan Scheu had a kill and block assist to cut the deficit in half. The Flames quickly regrouped to go up 15-9 before taking a 2-0 match lead with a 25-14 decision.

Game 3 – UIC 25, UE 22

An excellent start by the Purple Aces saw them open a 11-4 advantage to open the set. Two kills from Makenzie Miller solidified a 5-4 edge before Josdarilee Caraballo added back-to-back service aces during the run. Brooke Herdes capped the stretch with three kills in a row. The Flames made their way back with four in a row to get within three before another Herdes kill ended the stretch.

UIC continued to rally, making it a 1-point game at 13-12 before going in front at 19-18. From there, the Flames clinched the contest with a 25-22 victory.

UE looks for the weekend split when they face Valparaiso on Saturday at 5 p.m.

Elizabeth Mercer leads UE ladies following opening round

11/01/2025

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Two rounds remain

OWENS CROSS ROADS, Ala. – Elizabeth Mercer finished the opening round of The Robbie to lead the University of Evansville women’s golf team in the opening around at RTJ Golf Trail at Hampton Cove.

Mercer’s 1-over 73 has her in 8^th place going into Saturday’s second round. Jane Grankina and Kate Petrova are tied for 19^th overall. Both completed Friday’s round with scores of 75. They are tied for the 19^thposition.

Trinity Dubbs wrapped up the day with a 79 and is in 38^th place while Haley Hughes carded an 82. She is in 46^th. Playing as an individual, Adeline Wittmer finished the day with a 96.

Evansville is in 7^th place in the team standings sitting at 14-over. The Aces are two strokes behind Belmont and Lipscomb, who are tied for fifth place. Georgia holds the team lead at 5-under. The Bulldogs are 10 in front of Tennessee Tech. UGA has four players ranked in a tie for fifth or higher. Maria Garcia of UGA paces the individual leaderboard following a 3-under 69.

The second round is set for Saturday morning.

Evansville Promise Neighborhood Partners Unite to Drive Collective Action Across Four Key Pipelines

11/01/2025

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EVANSVILLE, IND. (10/28/2025) The Evansville Promise Neighborhood (EPN) at the University of Evansville (UE) continues to strengthen its collaborative approach to community transformation, bringing together partners across four key focus areas to launch collective, high-impact initiatives that empower local families and create pathways of opportunity.

Following EPN’s first-ever Essential Staff Training and Annual All-Partner Meeting earlier this year, each of the four EPN workgroups formed a Task Force to identify one or two collective projects that extend beyond individual partner programs. These Task Forces are now implementing their first shared action plans designed to make a measurable, lasting impact across the neighborhood.

Pipeline 1: Early Health and Kindergarten Readiness

To strengthen early learning outcomes, the Early Health and Kindergarten Readiness pipeline is leading a neighborhood-wide effort to empower families through the Little Moments, Big Growth campaign. The campaign aims to equip caregivers of young children with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to prepare their child for school. More than a message, Little Moments, Big Growth empowers families to take small, everyday actions that lead to big outcomes in a child’s learning journey.

Pipeline 2: Student Achievement and Success

Recognizing that student success begins with being present, the Student Achievement and Success pipeline is piloting creative strategies to support attendance and family connection throughout the year. Efforts include the development of a consistent and shared attendance incentive structure and strategies to overcome transportation barriers-supported in part by the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation’s (EVSC) new Promise Neighborhood bus, PN1, which works to help students and families stay connected and engaged throughout the year.

Pipeline 3: Postsecondary Access, Success, and Workforce Readiness

By taking a multigenerational approach to college and career readiness, the Postsecondary Access, Success, and Workforce Readiness pipeline is inspiring both students and families to dream big and plan ahead. Work is underway to develop mobile engagement displays, with the possibility of including virtual reality (VR) experiences, that will bring college and career exploration directly to students and families. The goal is to spark meaningful, future-focused conversations about education and career paths-wherever families already gather.

Pipeline 4: Neighborhood and Community Revitalization

Focused on building a healthier neighborhood, the Neighborhood and Community Revitalization pipeline is bringing fresh produce and interactive learning to EVSC family engagement events and after-school programs. By incorporating fresh produce and educational components into student experiences, the initiative seeks to build lifelong healthy habits and deepen understanding of food and nutrition.

About Evansville Promise Neighborhood

Evansville Promise Neighborhood (EPN) is an initiative housed at the University of Evansville’s Center for Innovation & Change, made possible through funding from the U.S. Department of Education. EPN focuses on building strategic partnerships that empower generations and create opportunities for kids, families, and entire communities.

THE PUBLIC FORUM

11/01/2025

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GAVEL GAMUT

By Jim Redwine

www.jamesmredwine.com

(Week of 03 November 2025)

THE PUBLIC FORUM

I have subscribed to The Posey County News and its progenitors for about forty years. At the request of the then editor and owner, Jim Kohlmeyer, in 1990 I began writing “Gavel Gamut”. Current editor Dave Pearce continued to publish my column after he and his wife Connie took over the paper. Neither Jim nor Dave nor Connie ever sought to censor any of the more than 1,000 columns I have written.

Gentle Reader, you are undoubtedly aware of how rare it has become for news outlets to provide a true forum for the exchange of differing views. The Posey County News provides such a forum. The Posey County News is a beacon to the First Amendment at a time that such beacons of illumination are under attack from several powerful and diverse sources. Our republic will not survive as the America our Founders envisioned if our citizens cannot freely express conflicting views, especially on deeply felt issues. As newspapers throughout our country continue to be subsumed by major news outlets, we need more than ever the courage of such local papers as The Posey County News.

Our republic’s free flow of ideas has been the major driver of our desire for “a more perfect union”. There was a time only 21-year-old, white, male citizens could vote. Due to the most vigorous of public debates, now 18-year-old citizens can not only be sent to war, they can vote on who sends them. My first vote for president was when I turned 21 even though I had already earned my honorable discharge from the Air Force.

My grandmother could not vote until 1921 after millions of Americans had demonstrated for her right to do so. It took a Civil War to get Blacks citizenship and many Native Americans are still in a struggle for the right to self-determination; but public outcries are forcing progress.

Therefore, when I opened my October 15, 2025 edition of my Posey County News and saw that Reverend Norman Martin had written a respectful and measured disagreement to one of my columns I was elated. There were no aspersions or threats, just calm opposing views. Thank you, Reverend, for reading my column. I am truly grateful you and I both have the right and, thanks to The Posey County News, the ability to publicly state our views without fear or expectation of favor.

We are all aware of our current climate of uncivil behavior among citizens of differing viewpoints. It may just be my age but I believe our culture was at one time able to discuss without cussing and disagree without canceling. Reverend Martin and I may never have the opportunity to have a cup of coffee and vigorously and respectfully exchange views, but thanks to one of America’s bedrock institutions, The Posey County News, if we ever have the chance, I bet we can do so.

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

Or “Follow” us on Substack @gavelgamut

BURTON AND DONNELLEY HOST TOWN HALL ON REDISTRICTING IN INDIANA

11/01/2025

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Special session will cost taxpayers $250,000 meanwhile thousands of Hoosiers will lose SNAP benefits over the weekend

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – This week, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) and Former U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly met with residents for a community town hall to discuss Gov. Mike Braun’s recent call for a special session to redraw Indiana’s congressional maps – a move that still requires approval from the General Assembly before it can move forward.

Moderated by Dr. Robert Dion, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Evansville, the event drew dozens of Hoosiers who voiced their frustration with the proposal and with the cost of living in Indiana, sharing concerns about what the new maps could mean for their representation. Many questioned why state leaders are prioritizing political maps instead of addressing the economic realities families face every day.

“Nobody in that room asked for new maps,” Burton said. “They asked for their needs to be prioritized at the Statehouse. Instead of focusing on how to help working families, the Statehouse is spending time and taxpayer money on redrawing lines no one asked for – at a cost of $250,000 Hoosier taxpayer dollars. To add to this, over the weekend, we are about to see thousands of Hoosiers lose access to their SNAP benefits. Children will go hungry, and Indiana has chosen to look the other way. That’s not leadership – that’s distraction.”

Former Sen. Joe Donnelly, who represented Hoosiers in Congress for nearly a decade, echoed Burton’s message about misplaced priorities and the importance of accountability.

“This isn’t about party lines – it’s about doing right by the people of Indiana,” Donnelly said. “Our government works for you, not the other way around. The legislature works with the executive branch, not for it. And both exist to represent the people who sent them there. When families are struggling to pay for groceries and heat their homes, the last thing they want to see is politicians fighting over maps. What we heard the other night was clear: Hoosiers want focus, fairness and common sense.”

Burton closed the evening by encouraging residents to stay engaged as the proposal heads to the legislature.

“The governor can call a special session, but it still falls into the hands of the legislature, and that means your voice matters,” Burton said. “The Senate is already hearing from you, and it’s working.”

“Continue to call your elected officials and voice your concerns. Tell them you want affordable living, and to stop wasting taxpayer dollars on political games. I’ll keep fighting for you and provide updates as soon as I hear anything from the Statehouse.”

Red Cross asks you to TEST your smoke alarms as you TURN your clocks back this weekend

11/01/2025

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Working smoke alarms cut risk of home fire deaths in half

INDIANA, October 31, 2025 — Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 2, and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to make sure the devices are working.

Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have about two minutes to safely get out. Every second counts when there’s a home fire and the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place. When daylight saving time ends this weekend, test your smoke alarms to help prevent a tragedy in your home.

So far this year, local Red Cross volunteers have responded to help 4,326 people in the Indiana Region affected by 1,144 home fires. The Red Cross responds to about 65,000 disasters annually across the country, and the majority are home fires.

SMOKE ALARMS When turning your clocks back this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed. Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to create and practice with your family, or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.
Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late.
Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.

IF YOU NEED HELP If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Visit redcross.org/inhomefire for more information and to request a smoke alarm installation appointment.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,508 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visitredcross.org/homefires.

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS PARTNER State Farm^® is the National Sound the Alarm Sponsor. Their funding helps our efforts to build safer, stronger, better-educated communities. For decades, State Farm has teamed up with the Red Cross in support of home safety, disaster preparedness and relief efforts. State Farm is committed to helping individuals and families manage everyday risks like home fires by sponsoring Sound the Alarm.