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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.”

USI Women’s Basketball signs Shirley for 2026-27

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball announced the signing of Maddy Shirley to its incoming class of 2026-27.

“We are super excited to welcome Maddy to our family here at USI!” USI Women’s Basketball Head Coach Rick Stein stated. “She will be an awesome fit with our style of play and who we are as a program on and off the court. Maddy is a competitor and a winner, and she is a player who makes everyone around her better. She is tough, hard-nosed, and understands how to play the game on both ends of the court.”

Maddy Shirley (Evansville, Indiana) is a 6’0″ forward out of Evansville Central High School. Last season, Shirley averaged a double-double of over 25 points and nearly 12 rebounds per game as a junior. The forward shot for 54 percent from the floor, 44 percent from three, and 84 percent at the free-throw line. She also averaged just over three blocks per contest.

Shirley set numerous records in 2024-25, including a school and city single-season scoring record (715), a school single-game points record (46), and Central’s all-time scoring record (1,525). Additionally, Shirley set the school’s all-time rebounding record (756) and blocked shots record (208) after setting Central’s single-season record for rebounds (335) and blocks (91).

During her high school career, Shirley has been named back-to-back All-SIAC Player of the Year and All-Metro Player of the Year in 2023-24 and 2024-25. Plus, the local product was an Indiana Future All-Star in 2024 and an Indiana Junior All-Star in 2025.

Shirley was a member of Central’s 2022-23 Sectional Championship squad as well as last season’s team that went on to win the conference championship, sectional championship, and regional championship in 2024-25.

At the club level, Shirley was a top 10 3ssb scorer in 2024 and named to the 3ssb All-Tournament Second Team.

Shirley is one of two student-athletes to sign with the Screaming Eagles in the early 2026-27 signing period.

 

BURTON SHARES UPDATE ON REDISTRICTING DECISION

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INDIANAPOLIS – Today, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement reacting to the news that Senate Republicans will not move forward on redistricting:

“For more than 100 days, the conversation around redistricting has taken up attention at the Statehouse. During that same time, healthcare costs have gone up, utility bills are rising, child care has become harder to access, housing remains unstable and local governments are still searching for real support after SEA 1.

“As we head into session, my focus is on delivering solutions that actually meet these needs. Our farmers, first responders and families are counting on us to prioritize policies that put Hoosiers first.”

♪ DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC? ♪ 

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redline

GAVEL GAMUT

By Jim Redwine

www.jamesmredwine.com

(Week of 17 November 2025)

♪ DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC? ♪ 

My first experience with Indiana University football was in 1963 when the United States Air Force sent me to IU to learn the Hungarian language. IU lost six out of nine games that year. As is the case with most Indiana Alumni, I have clung to a hope IU would somehow, sometime, win a game in the fourth quarter rather than lose. Peg and I have attended many games filled with enthusiasm but left crushed by reality.

The cruelty of an Indiana winter’s sleet, snow and rain coupled with IU football faux pas has been an almost unrelenting Hoosier heartbreak for sixty-two years. We did finally reach the Rose Bowl in January 1968, but O.J. Simpson ran over us as easily as he later did the California justice system. Almost every one of those long journeys into darkness called an IU football season has been as fruitless as Linus believing Lucy would let him actually kick the ball. After about the first thirty-one years of ennui Peg and I resigned ourselves to the gods’ destiny for Indiana football and attended games just for the tailgate parties.

Of course, Bloomington, Indiana and the IU campus are beautifully accented by pristine limestone, beautiful fall leaves foliage and great college hangouts. We long ago quit watching for a football star in the east and returned to campus to relive those halcyon days of books and beer. So, Gentle Reader, imagine our amazement in 2024 when IU, that’s right IU, made the first college playoff. We were so mesmerized by the real-life fairytale we even celebrated the last two losses after the first ten wins.

Then along came November 08, 2025 and our game against Penn State, at Penn State, a place at which IU had never won. Peg and I were too attuned to IU’s history of hard play and last-minute losses to believe the so-called experts who predicted a two touchdown, easy IU victory. Our pre-game prayer was any victory by any score. And, while IU’s first nine victories this season somewhat lulled us into believing the hype, we never relaxed; we were right!

As had happened to us fans many times with Hoosier football, we marched right along into the end of the third quarter looking like the fabled Four Horsemen or Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside or even like Jim Thorpe had arisen to lead us. However, as had almost always happened before, the fourth quarter brought the enemy to life and was poised to sound the death knell for us. Peg and I were sanguine; we expected it. Once again, the pigskin devils had stricken IU to have us snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

But with seconds to go and trailing by four points, our Cream and Crimson heroes donned their capes and scored by one toe. It was truly a miracle! Shame on us for ever doubting. Now all I can say is watch out Ohio State and “Holy ‘smokes’, where’s the Tylenol?”

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

Or “Follow” us on Substack @gavelgamut 

Big News at cMoe:

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Evansville’s favorite children’s museum is making headlines with two major announcements:
November 18 at 10 AM – Ribbon Cutting for Play It Forward Enhancements
Experience bold new upgrades to the Gateway to Learning Lobby, Quack Factory: Nature to Nebula, and the launch of cMoe-to-Go, our mobile museum bringing STEAM fun to the community. Special guests include: Mayor Terry, IEDC’s Heidi Young and more.
November 21 at 3 PM – Dedication of “Like a Duck to Water” Exhibit
Celebrate the legacy of Karen Magan, visionary founder of cMoe, with an interactive exhibit honoring her passion for play and education. Special guest includes Tom Magan, husband of Karen.

Pigeon Creek Watershed Development Commission Agenda

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Pigeon Creek Watershed Development Commission Agenda

November 17, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. CDT

Convening at Civic Center Complex, Room 301

1 NW Martin Luther King Jr Blvd

Evansville, IN 47708

1. Call to Order

2. Attendance

3. Pledge of Allegiance

4. Action Items

A. Old National Bank Certificate of Deposit Maturity.

5. New Business

A. Executive Director’s Insurance for 2026.

6. Old Business

A. Executive Director Contract/Job Description.

B. Healthy Waters Coalition.

C. Commission Website Update.

D. Burke GIS Mapping Update.

E. Truck Title/Registration Update.

F. WEX Fuel Program Update.

G. Office Supply Purchase Update.

H. IDEM 205j Stream Gage Grant Agreement.

7. Consent Items

A. Approval of October 27, 2025, PCWDC Meeting Minutes

B. Treasurer/Chair

1. Executive Director’s Report

i. Christopher Burke monthly report

2. Treasurer’s Report

3. Claims Voucher Reports

i. KDDK LLC Legal Fees – October 18, 2025, Statement #566197 for

$1,575.00.

ii. iii. Stipends for Meeting – Recurring Payments Allowed at $35 per meeting.

Contractual Services Payments to Christopher B. Burke Engineering for

services between September 28, 2025 to October 25, 2025 on invoice

no. 40455 dated October 29, 2025 for $11,680.97.

iv. Monthly Contractual Services Payments to Kathy Glaser for $550.00 paid

on November 6, 2025 (For October services).

v. Monthly Contractual Services Payments to Heathcotte & Weinzapfel, LLC

for $400 for September and October, paid on November 6, 2025.

vi. Recurring Payment for Executive Director Dickson’s Health insurance

premium for November of 2025 for $632.48 paid on November 18, 2025.Pigeon Creek Watershed Development Commission Member InformaƟon (Pursuant to IC 5-14-9):

LINDA FREEMAN, CHAIR

CHERYL MUSGRAVE, VICE-CHAIR

Elected Vanderburgh County Surveyor: 09/24/2024 – 12/31/2028

County Executive Appointment: 09/24/2024 – 09/24/2028

KARAN BARNHILL, SECRETARY/TREASURER

KRISTI JOHNSON, MEMBER

City Executive Appointment: 10/14/2024 – 10/14/2028

Indiana DNR Director Appointment: 10/14/2024 – 10/14/ 2028vii. viii. ix. x. xi. Invoice for Indiana Watershed Leadership Academy registration and

hotel fees, dated October 27, 2025, for $1133.00.

Invoice for three drawer locking file cabinet from Amazon.com for

$162.66 on November 7, 2025.

Invoice for a box of 8.5”x 11” copy paper from Amazon.com for $46.99

on November 7, 2025.

Receipt for truck license and registration packet to Indiana BMV for

$11.90 on October 24, 2025. A resubmission of the packet was required

due to an Indiana BMV error – they sent it back. Debit of $11.90 to USPS

on November 13, 2025.

Application fee and Speed Title fee for truck license and registration

packet to Indiana BMV for $40 ($15 application fee and $25 speed title

fee). This has not been processed by the IN BMV due to their error and

resubmittal of packet.

8. Public Comment

9. Adjournment

Pigeon Creek Watershed Development Commission Member InformaƟon (Pursuant to IC 5-14-9):

LINDA FREEMAN, CHAIR

Elected Vanderburgh County Surveyor: 09/24/2024 – 12/31/2028

KARAN BARNHILL, SECRETARY/TREASURER

City Executive Appointment: 10/14/2024 – 10/14/2028

CHERYL MUSGRAVE, VICE-CHAIR

County Executive Appointment: 09/24/2024 – 09/24/2028

KRISTI JOHNSON, MEMBER

Indiana DNR Director Appointment: 10/14/2024 – 10/14/ 2028

USI launches initiatives to help stock Archie’s Closet shelves for holiday season

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The University of Southern Indiana invites the USI and Evansville communities to join efforts to help stock Archie’s Closet during the holiday season.

Through two initiatives, the University aims to strengthen Archie’s Food Closet, a campus resource supporting the health and wellness of students and employees, and make food more accessible across campus.

USI Public Safety is hosting a Stuff the Cruiser initiative to collect non-perishable items for Archie’s Food Closet. A Public Safety cruiser will be parked in front of Liberty Arena, Home of the Screaming Eagles during three upcoming home USI Basketball games: the first at 3 p.m. Sunday, November 16, the second at 6 p.m. Monday, November 17 and the third at 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 29.

Those wishing to donate can give items directly to the Public Safety employee or student worker stationed at the cruiser. Donations can also be dropped off at the Public Safety Office, located on the first floor of the Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center, at any time.

High priority items needed for Archie’s Closet include:

  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Pasta
  • Pasta sauce
  • Crackers
  • Granola bars
  • Canned tuna and chicken
  • Pop-Tarts
  • Snack-related items

Additionally, the Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center, in partnership with the Dean of Students Office, Disability Resources and Staff Council, will host a pop-up food pantry from Monday, November 17 through Tuesday, November 25 in the Fireside Lounge, located in University Center East. These pantries will provide convenient access to food items donated to Archie’s Closet, helping support members of the USI community in need.

2025 Evansville Area Jeepers Backs the Blue Ride

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The Evansville Area Jeepers Backs the Blue Ride will be this Saturday 11/15/2025 beginning at 11:00 am. The ride will begin at Evansville North High School. From there, the route will be to take Baseline Rd to I- 69. The ride will then proceed on I-69 south to Henderson

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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Screaming Eagles finish 13th at regionals

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EVANSVILLE, Ind.—University of Southern Indiana Men’s Cross Country outperformed its regional ranking in its first-ever trip to the NCAA Division I post-season. The Screaming Eagles raced to a 13th-place finish out of 30 teams at the Great Lakes Region Championships at Angel Mounds Historical Site Friday.

The Screaming Eagles, who were 15th in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches’ Association Great Lakes Regional Poll, had four runners finish in the top 100 of the 210-competitor field as they finished with 397 points. USI was just 63 points away from a top 10 finish and was fourth among Indiana teams.

Notre Dame and Butler finished first and second, respectively, to punch their tickets to the NCAA I National Championships, while Wisconsin, Michigan State and Michigan rounded out the top five teams.

Senior Dominick Beine was the Screaming Eagles’ top finisher as he crossed the finish line in 58th place with a 10-kilometer time of 31 minutes, 46.9 seconds. Junior Alex Nolanwas 61st with a time of 31:51.6.

Junior Landen Swiney and freshman Carson Brown had strong performances as Swiney was 76th and Brown 93rd. Freshman Kraedyn Young and junior Cole Hess were 113th and 121st, respectively, while sophomore Andrew Smith rounded out the Screaming Eagles’ lineup with a 143rd-place finish.

Cincinnati’s Nickson Kogei won the race with a time of 29:42.8, while Butler senior Jesse Hamlin was second in 29:43.2.

Friday’s meet marked the first time since 2021 that the Screaming Eagles have competed in a regional. USI was not allowed to compete at regionals during their transition to full-time Division I status.

USI begins its 2025-26 indoor track & field season December 6th when it competes at the Sharon Colyear-Danville Opener in Boston, Massachusetts. The Screaming Eagles also are scheduled to race at the Indiana Eary Bird in Bloomington December 12th before taking a month off over the holiday break.

Media Contacts:

  • Ray Simmons, Director of Athletic Communication (Office) 812-465-1622; (Cell) 812-760-9582
  • Dan McDonnell, Assoc. Dir. of Athletic Communication (Office) 812-465-1121; (Cell) 812-589-2956
  • Preston Leinenbach, Asst. Dir. of Athletic Communication (Office) 812-465-7094; (Cell) 812-549-6501
  • Eric Reynolds, Graduate Asst. Athletic Communications
  • Kelstin Galovic, Graduate Asst. Athletic Communications

Founded in 1965, the University of Southern Indiana enrolls nearly 9,500 dual credit, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in more than 130 areas of study. A public higher education institution, located on a beautiful 1,400-acre campus in Evansville, Indiana, USI offers programs through the College of Liberal Arts, Romain College of Business, Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions, Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education and School of Graduate Studies. USI is a Carnegie Foundation Community Engaged University and offers continuing education and special programs to more than 15,000 participants annually through Outreach and Engagement. A competitive member of NCAA Division I and the Ohio Valley Conference, USI offers 19 varsity intercollegiate men’s and women’s sports. USI is online at www.usi.edu. For more on USI Athletics visit USIscreamingeagles.com.

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Men’s basketball signs Caden Symons

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Symons joins UE from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

 

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – One of the top high school basketball players in the State of Idaho is heading to the University of Evansville. Purple Aces head men’s basketball coach David Ragland has announced the signing of Caden Symons to a National Letter of Intent to play for the UE squad next season.

Symons – a 6-foot-4 guard from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – enters the 2025-26 season as the No. 3 rated player in Idaho. He currently plays for Coeur d’Alene High School.

“We are thrilled to welcome Caden and the entire Symons family to our UE basketball program. Caden is an outstanding young man who comes from a true basketball background,” Ragland said. “Both of his parents played collegiately and have established themselves as highly successful coaches. Caden embodies a tremendous work ethic and plays the game the right way. He is exceptionally competitive, defensively focused, and consistently makes winning plays for his teammates.”

“He is a perfect fit for the culture we have built here at UE. We are confident that his addition will help us take the next step forward as we continue working to revive the proud tradition of this storied program.”

Last season, Symons averaged 20.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game for the Vikings. He was recognized as a Second Team All-Idaho player at the 6A level.

“When I was on my official visit I felt a sense of community and knew I would be taking care of and pushed to be the best player and child of God,” Symons exclaimed. “I saw the way the coaches treated the players and knew I wanted to be part of a program with that type of relationship”.

Symons comes from a family with a great deal of basketball experience. His parents both played at the college level. His father Corey is the head coach at North Idaho College while his mother, Nicole, is a former girls basketball coach at Coeur d’Alene HS. His sister, Madi, currently plays for the University of Wyoming. Along with his efforts in basketball, Symons is a quarterback for his high school football team.

UE assistant coach George Swanson is a former assistant coach at NIC and worked under Symons while fellow Aces assistant coach Sammy Dowd played at NIC for two seasons.

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