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

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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.”

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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The Common Sense Quips of Ross Perot: Lessons Still Relevant Today

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The Common Sense Quips of Ross Perot: Lessons Still Relevant Today

By Joe Wallace

Ross Perot, the Texas billionaire who shook up American politics in the 1992 and 1996 presidential elections, was known for his straight talk and folksy wisdom. His quips, often laced with humor and pragmatism, cut through the political noise and addressed the concerns of everyday Americans. Many of his statements, particularly on trade, debt, and governance, still resonate today. While some believe recent debates on tariffs and trade fairness are novel, Perot was making these arguments over three decades ago.

“We will charge you whatever tariff you charge us.”

Perot’s stance on tariffs was simple and fair. He argued that if another country imposed a high tariff on American goods, the United States should respond in kind. This tit-for-tat approach wasn’t about protectionism but about leveling the playing field. His logic was clear—why should American businesses and workers be put at a disadvantage due to foreign trade policies? While tariffs remain a contentious issue, Perot’s perspective reminds us that trade should be a two-way street.

“That giant sucking sound.”

One of Perot’s most famous lines came during the 1992 presidential debate when he warned that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) would lead to massive job losses as American companies moved operations to Mexico in search of cheaper labor. He described it as a “giant sucking sound” of jobs leaving the United States. While his opponents dismissed him at the time, his warning proved eerily accurate as many manufacturing jobs did shift overseas, fueling economic anxieties that persist today.

“If you see a snake, just kill it. Don’t appoint a committee on snakes.”

Perot had little patience for bureaucratic inefficiency and red tape. This quip, like many of his, underscored his preference for decisive action over endless deliberation. He believed that government should focus on solving problems quickly rather than getting bogged down in committees and political maneuvering. His no-nonsense approach to leadership still appeals to those frustrated with Washington’s gridlock.

“The debt is like the crazy aunt we keep down in the basement.”

Decades before national debt became a major talking point in political campaigns, Perot was sounding the alarm. He compared the national debt to a “crazy aunt in the basement,” a problem everyone knows about but no one wants to talk about. His concern about fiscal responsibility and government overspending was ahead of its time, and today’s ballooning deficits show he had a point.

“Welfare should be a bridge, not a parking lot.”

Perot believed in a safety net, but he was wary of government programs creating dependency. His view was that welfare should help people get back on their feet, not serve as a permanent way of life. His belief in self-reliance and opportunity aligned with his broader philosophy that America’s strength came from its people, not from government programs.

“You measure a man by what he does with power.”

A businessman turned political outsider, Perot had deep skepticism about career politicians. He believed that power should be used for the public good, not for personal gain or partisan interests. In an era when public trust in government is at an all-time low, this message still carries weight.

Perot’s Legacy: Not So Crazy After All

Many of Perot’s ideas and warnings were dismissed at the time as alarmist or unconventional, but history has vindicated much of his thinking. His common-sense approach to trade, debt, and governance was rooted in logic rather than ideology. Though he never won the presidency, his influence reshaped the national conversation and paved the way for future outsiders in politics.

The next time you hear a politician talking about fair trade, government waste, or rising debt, remember: Ross Perot was saying it long before it was fashionable. And in many ways, we’re still catching up to him.

Suzanne Crouch Named System Executive Director Of Deaconess Foundation

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Suzanne Crouch Named System Executive Director Of Deaconess Foundation

TRI-STATE – Deaconess Health System announced that Suzanne Crouch has been named System Executive Director of the Deaconess Foundation, effective March 2025.

An Evansville native and lifelong public servant, Crouch brings decades of leadership experience in government, community engagement and fundraising to her new role. As System Executive Director, she will lead the Foundation’s long-term fundraising strategies, oversee capital campaigns, cultivate individual gifts and guide foundation-led events that support Deaconess’ mission.

In this expanded role, Crouch will provide leadership and strategic direction for the Deaconess Foundation, ensuring alignment with the health system’s long-term philanthropic goals. She will also oversee regional foundation officers and their respective advisory councils, fostering a collaborative and community-driven approach to fundraising. Additionally, Crouch will lead the operations of Deaconess Volunteer Services and the Gift Shops, further integrating philanthropy into the patient and family experience at Deaconess.

“Suzanne’s longstanding history of servant leadership, deep ties to the Evansville community, and passion for service make her an exceptional choice to lead the Deaconess Foundation,” said Linda White, Chief Administrative Officer at Deaconess Henderson and overseer of the Foundation. “Her proven ability to cultivate meaningful partnerships and drive impactful fundraising efforts will be invaluable as we continue to advance the mission of Deaconess.

“Suzanne understands the importance of community-driven philanthropy,” White said. “Her dedication to making a difference, paired with her strategic vision, will help take the Deaconess Foundation to new heights. We look forward to working with her as we continue to expand our efforts to support patients, families and communities across the region.”

Crouch has dedicated her career to public service and advocacy, most recently serving as the 52nd Lieutenant Governor of Indiana (2017-2025). During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in economic development, rural affairs, mental health initiatives and housing programs across the state. She has also been a successful fundraiser, having raised over $7 million for a gubernatorial campaign, and has led statewide volunteer initiatives to support various causes.

“Supporting Deaconess in this capacity is both an honor and a privilege,” Crouch said. “I look forward to working with the Foundation team, donors and community partners to enhance access to quality healthcare and build on the strong foundation of philanthropy that has long been a part of Deaconess’ legacy.”

Crouch is married to attorney Larry Downs, and they have one daughter, Courtney.

ASCAP Announces Lawsuit Over Music Use at Bars Including Bud’s in Evansville

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By Johnny Kincaid

Bud’s Rockin’ Country Bar and Grill is being sued by American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) because ASCAP says that they aren’t paying for the right to play music in public.

The suit filed by ASCAP named fifteen venues across the country is to recover fees on behalf of songwriters for use of their music.

Music licensing firms like ASCAP and BMI collect royalties on behalf of all songwriters.

Songwriters make their money from public performances of their songs, unlike performers who make money from sales of the recordings of the songs. A public performance happens anytime a song is played where other people can hear it. That might be a band playing the song on Saturday night, playing the song on the radio, or simply playing the song inside a business where customers can hear it. If your business plays music, ASCAP wants you to pay for the rights to that “public performance.”

As odd as that might seem, it is how talented songwriters make their money. According to ASCAP, the average cost for bars and restaurants to play music is less than $2 per day.

When I worked at a radio station in Reno, Nevada, I woke up to the headline in the newspaper, “KWNZ Sued by Lionel Richie, Bruce Springsteen, and Others.” The article went on to explain that ASCAP was suing on behalf of a dozen famous songwriters because we weren’t paying royalties. I don’t know if the station was avoiding their royalty payments or not, but by the end of the day the lawsuit went away.

The lawsuit against Buds and the other bars will likely also fade away now that a clear message has been sent to businesses everywhere to pay your music royalties.

University of Evansville Launches “We Grow Aces!” to Tackle Food Insecurity and Support Student Learning

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University of Evansville Launches “We Grow Aces!” to Tackle Food Insecurity and Support Student Learning

EVANSVILLE, IND. (03/05/2025) The University of Evansville (UE) is launching We Grow Aces!, a new initiative that brings together education, sustainability, and community engagement to provide access to extraordinary experiential learning, while addressing food insecurity and workforce development.

The program, funded through the Eli Lilly Endowment’s Indiana Youth Programs on Campus grant, will make possible the purchase of a Pure Produce Container – a vertical garden system jointly developed by anu and eko Solutions, housed in an up-cycled shipping container capable of producing 3,920 plants per 40-day cycle, or several tons of vegetables annually.

UE will then provide accompanying programming that will equip students-from middle school through college-with practical skills in nutrition, agriculture, and sustainability. By working alongside local schools, community organizations, and industry leaders, We Grow Aces! will prepare students for future careers while helping to meet critical needs in the region.

Through this initiative, students will engage in hands-on learning opportunities that introduce them to advanced agricultural practices, including vertical farming with Rotary Aeroponics significantly boost yield while minimizing power consumption. Through UE’s award-winning ChangeLab program, it will also connect these resources to the Evansville Promise Neighborhood, including EPN Partners Glenwood Leadership Academy and Urban Seeds, allowing expanded access to healthy food and education.

“This initiative is about more than just growing food-it’s about growing opportunities,” said Scott Massey, Co-Founder & CEO of a nu, “Introducing innovative agricultural solutions provides students with the tools and knowledge they need to drive meaningful change in their communities embracing food as medicine, critically needed as diet-related disease is our nation’s greatest threat.”

Pure Produce Container Farms are the result of a strategic partnership between eko Solutions and anu, combining innovative indoor agriculture technology with sustainable, up-cycled infrastructure. Together, they’ve created a commercial-scale farming solution that uses the anu advanced rotary aeroponics technology – a cutting-edge form of hydroponics – housed within eko Solutions’ 20-foot customized, up-cycled shipping containers. This collaboration leverages eko Solutions’ expertise in manufacturing and construction, along with the leadership of anu in plant science and controlled environment agriculture. The result is a zero-waste, year-round farming solution that delivers fresh produce while overcoming the challenges of traditional agriculture.

The We Grow Aces! initiative originated in the voices and vision of Hoosier students in UE’s ChangeLab and Springboard programs. Particularly UE student Neva Verbik, a biology major from Avon, Indiana, who brought this idea to campus through her High School Changemaker Challenge idea. After enrolling at UE, she’s worked on it for multiple semesters in her Transformative Action ChangeLab, partnering with Massey to develop an innovative pivot to her original rooftop garden idea.

As We Grow Aces! takes shape, the University is seeking input and collaboration from faculty, staff, and community members who want to contribute to its success. Those interested in getting involved are encouraged to reach out to DivisionTalentCommunity@evansville.edu to learn more about mentorship, partnership opportunities, and other ways to support the initiative.

About eko Solutions

eko Solutions is a Land Betterment portfolio company focusing on sustainable development utilizing innovative, low-cost, up-cycled shipping container structures to provide durable, high-end solutions to the building marketplace while also maintaining the ability to be utilized in a mobile environment. eko Solutions uses innovative ecological structures to replace legacy inefficient and ineffective methods of living, growing and working. The sustainable craftsmanship of our up-cycled shipping container structures is what separates us from the alternatives. Our structures are suitable for farming, residential, crisis recovery, commercial, and recreation use. To stay up to date on our innovations and get an insider’s view of our daily operations visit our website ekosolutionsllc.com and follow us on our social platforms – Facebook LinkedIn Instagram

About anu

Anu is an Evansville based health and wellness brand advancing Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) technologies to empower consumers and communities to sustainably grow their own Pure Produce, growing healthier food on-site, nurturing minds and bodies through accessible nutrition education. Founded by former NASA research engineers Scott Massey and Ivan Ball, recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30, Anu is developing autonomous cultivation systems powered by artificial intelligence. Anu is as simple to use as “Keurig for plants,” utilizing compostable Self-Nurturing Seed Pods, backed by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and USDA-NIFA.

Indiana Education Scholarship Account Application Period Now Open

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Indiana Treasurer Dan Elliott
Indiana Education Scholarship Account
Application Period Now Open
Parents of children with disabilities can apply for up to $20,000 in education funding
More than 180,000 Hoosier school-age children navigate life with disabilities
INDIANAPOLIS –Starting March 1, 2025, through Sept. 1, 2025, Hoosier parents of children with disabilities can apply for the Indiana Education Scholarship Account  for the 2025-2026 school year. More than 180,000 Hoosier students in Indiana navigate life with disabilities, and many are potentially eligible for funding to help customize their education to meet their individual needs.

“Having walked this journey with my own family, I know how crucial it is for parents to have options and support to meet their children’s unique education needs that come with disabilities,” said Indiana Treasurer of State Daniel Elliott.

Elliott said parents caring for children with disabilities often report feeling intimidated and lost in trying to access the services and support they need to help their children get a well-rounded learning experience.

Schools also attest to the advantage INESA provides to students with disabilities.

“The ESA program has made it possible for many parents to be able to afford the necessary academic intervention programs that Fortune Academy provides,” said Vanessa Coles, Fortune Academy, Head of School.  “Our students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities desperately need this specialized individual support to
find success in the classroom, which transforms them into competent and confident lifelong learners.”

INESA scholarship funding provides eligible students (K-12) access to the educational environment that best meets their learning needs, such as private education, at-home learning, and other non-public educational settings that qualify.

Parents can use INESA dollars for a variety of qualified expenses for educational support, such as tuition and fees, transportation costs, occupational therapy, tutoring, vocational and life-skills courses, extra-curriculum programs, and more.

The INESA application deadline is Sept. 1, 2025.

Parents learn more about INESA and apply here.

USI announces annual SpringFest lineup

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USI announces annual SpringFest lineup

Friday Willow Avalon concert open to the public 

The University of Southern Indiana has announced dates and activities for its annual SpringFest event on campus, and this year, the concert event will be open to the public.

SpringFest, which has become an annual tradition at USI, is happening Wednesday through Friday, April 9-11, on the USI campus. In addition to the Friday concert, SpringFest will feature a variety of events and activities for students to enjoy.

The SpringFest concert will feature sensational country and americana rising star Willow Avalon on Friday, April 11 in the Liberty Arena, Home of the Screaming Eagles. Avalon is known for hits like Homewrecker and Tequila or Whiskey, featured on her recently released debut album, Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell. The show will also feature Kashus Culpepper and his unique sound that melts together country, blues, soul, gospel and folk.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the concert will begin at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for the public, $10 for USI employees and free for students. To purchase tickets, visit the USI SpringFest ticketing webpage.

For more information, visit USI.edu/springfest25. For questions or event-related accommodations, email Allison Weihe, Assistant Director of Student Activities and Traditions, at alweihe@usi.edu.

Spring Online Silent Auction!

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Spring Online Silent Auction!

Newburgh, Indiana – Warrick Humane Society’s highly anticipated Spring Silent Auction is back, offering the community an exciting opportunity to bid on incredible items while supporting homeless pets in need. The auction runs March 10th at 10 AM through March 16th at 8 PM, with all proceeds directly benefiting the animals in WHS’s care.

Event Details:
Bidding Opens: Monday, March 10th at 10 AM
Bidding Closes: Sunday, March 16th at 8 PM
Bid Online: https://onecau.se/_8p44z1
Item Pick-Up: March 19th-26th at WHS during business hours

This online auction features a wide variety of items, including local experiences, gift baskets, unique treasures, and more. Every bid placed provides essential funding for the care of the many animals that rely on WHS.

Why Your Support Matters:
Warrick Humane Society is currently at max capacity, with many pets waiting for their forever homes. Community support through fundraising events like this auction allows WHS to continue its mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need.

Don’t miss this chance to win fantastic items while making a difference in the lives of rescue pets!

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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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.

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