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.”
Evansville, In.: Now on a five-game win streak following a pair of wins over the Quad City Storm, the Thunderbolts return home for a pair of games at Ford Center against the Knoxville Ice Bears on Friday and Saturday at Ford Center, the first rematches of last April’s President’s Cup Final.
Week In Review:
The Thunderbolts got off to a strong start on Friday on home ice, with early goals from Aidan Litke and Scott Kirton, along with 3 fights in the first period as Evansville grabbed a 2-0 lead. Evansville held the lead at 2-1 down the stretch, and Isaac Chapman potted a late empty net goal to seal the deal with Evansville winning 3-1. At Quad City on Saturday, the Storm led 1-0 through one period before Myles Abbate tied the game in the second period. Evansville prevailed in overtime off a goal from Litke as the Thunderbolts completed the weekend sweep. Kristian Stead was once again brilliant in goal, stopping 36 of 37 shots on Friday and 32 of 33 shots on Saturday.
The Week Ahead:
Join the Evansville Thunderbolts for First Responders Night this Friday, November 21st as we honor the everyday heroes who keep our community safe. Enjoy an action-packed night of hockey with special recognitions to all first responders. Current and former first responders will have the option to purchase $12 goal zone tickets or $17 center ice tickets for them and up to 5 people. Purchase those tickets here: bit.ly/FirstResponders25 . American Red Cross Blood Drive will be set up in the corner club at the Ford Center from 12:00-5:00. Join us for Toy Story Jersey Night this Saturday November 22nd for a fun-filled evening featuring themed games, music, and Toy Story themed jerseys inspired by the beloved movie. These jerseys will be auctioned off after the game! Bring the whole family and let your imagination take the ice—because this game’s gonna be infinity and beyond! Both games at Ford Center will begin at 7:00pm CT! For tickets, call (812)422-BOLT(2658), go to EvansvilleThunderbolts.com, or visit the Ford Center Box Office.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Governor Mike Braun today recognized Global Entrepreneurship Week in Indiana by highlighting new initiatives and measurable results showing the state’s rise as one of America’s best places to start and grow a business.
Governor Mike Braun, a Main Street entrepreneur himself, created the first ever Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Indiana to support small businesses. He also launched Power Up Indiana, a new initiative that incentivizes employers to upskill, retrain, and promote their employees.
“We’re working to make Indiana the best place in the country to start and grow a business, and with the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Power Up Indiana, READI 2.0 and our new jobs-and-wages centered economic development model, we’re well on our way to achieving that goal this Global Entrepreneurship Week.” – Governor Mike Braun
The Indiana Small Business Development Center assisted 5,817 entrepreneurs and helped 372 new businesses launch in 2025.
The Community Collaboration Fund invested $1 million statewide, supporting projects from Fort Wayne’s SEED/Brightpoint childcare-business accelerator to Muncie’s Innovation Connector, to the Ignition at 16Tech incubator designed to support early-stage collegiate founders, to Purdue Northwest’s Baby-Boomer Succession Accelerator.
The Office of Commerce’s READI 2.0 program is supporting communities across the state, and gBETA Indiana helped 30 companies raise $500,000 and created 27 new jobs this year across Main Street, agbioscience, and high-tech industries.
Other programs supporting entrepreneurship in Indiana include STARTedUp, which cultivates entrepreneurship skills in students and has reached 13,640 Hoosier students this year, and Innovate WithIN which saw 1,854 students participating in this year’s competition, the largest high school pitch competition in the country.
Hoosier Entrepreneurship by the Numbers
591,000+ small businesses – 99.4% of all Indiana businesses
1.2 million Hoosiers (43% of the workforce) are employed by small businesses
Indiana’s startup and small business survival rate ranks in the top 5 nationally, with 84% Indiana businesses remaining open after one year.
Businesses under 5 years old account for 74% of new job growth
It’s officially the holiday season in Downtown Evansville! Holiday décor installations for 2025 are complete. Since 2018, the Downtown Evansville Improvement District (DEID) has activated and decorated key pedestrian corridors of Downtown for the holidays. To maximize the impact of the décor, the main decorations are installed in November and remain in place through the New Year. Decorations are funded by property owners within the DEID. Photos of the holiday décor are available at this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/NFhLZ3ckUh5oV3o38
Holiday Décor Details:
New for 2025: Holiday Row (Riverside Drive) *sponsorship opportunities available for $250
Honor a family member, friend, pet, celebration, or business by sponsoring a tree on Riverside Drive. Contact laura@downtownevansville.com to participate.
Tunnel of Light (One Main St, lawn of Old National Bank)
New for 2025: Spool of Lights (123 Main St, ONB Hub)
Chandelier Tree (130 Main St, F.C. Tucker Emge)
12 ft. Nutcrackers and Lighted Archway (200 Block of Main)
10 ft. Christmas Tree (200 Block of Main)
Santa’s Mailbox Presented by Edward Jones-Financial Advisors: Jessica Engel, Steve Harding, Janet Schultheis, and Jenni Vaughn (200 Block of Main)
Letters can be dropped off in Santa’s mailbox until December 15 to ensure a response from Santa and his elves. Stationary is available to print online or at 3 stationary locations – River City Coffee + Goods, River Kitty Cat Café, and Memo. A stamp is not required.
Decorated Fountain (300 Block of Main)
Heart of DTEVV (400 Block of Main)
12 ft. Snowflake (500 Block of Main)
Holiday Banners and Window Paintings (along Main Street and Fourth Street)
“Holiday decorations help us in our ongoing work to create a more vibrant Downton destination and result in increased activity that benefits property owners. We’re excited to see everyone create holiday memories with our décor. Tag us in your photos—we love seeing our décor featured on your annual Christmas cards and family portraits,” said Adam Trinkel, executive director, DEID.
The holiday décor installation precedes a lineup of holiday events, including Small Business Saturday on November 29 and A Downtown Christmas Presented by Engelbrecht Enterprises on Saturday, December 6.
Small Business Saturday: Saturday, November 29 (hours vary per location)
Downtown stores and restaurants will be open and offering holiday gifts and specials throughout the day. The event will feature free Shop Small bags (while quantities last), hot chocolate, 15+ local makers, and a Shop Small Passport with chances to win Downtown Evansville e-Gift Cards
A Downtown Christmas Presented by Engelbrecht Enterprises: Saturday, December 6 from 11 AM – 3 PM on Main Street (2nd – 6th Street)
The event will feature free holiday themed activities, including live reindeer encounters, pony rides, trackless train, and more.
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville women’s basketball team opens their regular season home schedule on Thursday evening, hosting IU Indy at Meeks Family Fieldhouse. Tip-off is set for 6 PM
Series History
– Thursday marks the 16th meeting all-time between Evansville and IU Indy
– IU Indy leads the all-time series 9-6
– The Aces and Raiders met in last season’s opener in Indianapolis, with the Jaguars taking a 101-76 win
– Camryn Runner scored 18 points in the game, while Kylee Norkus scored 11 in each of their collegiate debuts
Defending Home Court
– Evansville is looking to continue their success against non-conference opponents at Meeks Family Fieldhouse
– Since 2020, the Aces are 15-6 at home against non-conference opponents
– Last season, Evansville posted a perfect 4-0 record at home against non-conference competition
– Under Head Coach Robyn Scherr, the Aces have gone 12-6 in non-conference play at home
Sophomore Surge
– After scoring 6.5 points per game as a freshman in 2024-25, Logan Luebbers Palmer has taken a step forward early in her sophomore campaign
– Against Wright State on Sunday, Luebbers Palmer notched her third consecutive double-digit scoring effort with 13 points, including a 3-for-3 mark from 3-point range
– Through three games this season, Luebbers Palmer ranks second on the team with 10.5 ppg
– Luebbers Palmer has been one of the Aces’ top three-point threats, leading the team with nine three-pointers this season
INDIANAPOLIS State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) convened with lawmakers for Organization Day at the Statehouse for the ceremonial start of the 2026 legislative session. Burton reassures his commitment to addressing the real, everyday challenges facing Hoosiers. Burton was also appointed Ranking Minority Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, a position that will allow him to elevate issues related to Indiana’s natural assets.
“Organization Day is to reaffirm our responsibility to the people we serve. But over the last several months, far too much of the Statehouse’s attention has been tied up in a redistricting fight that no one in Evansville was asking to push forward. Hoosiers aren’t demanding new maps. They are telling us they’re overwhelmed by the cost of housing, utilities, child care and health care.
“We cannot afford to let any more time pass of us drifting from one crisis to the next. That means getting serious about affordability, stability and opportunity. Every Hoosier is expecting the legislature to act on their behalf.
“With my recent appointment as ranking minority member of the Natural Resources Committee, which I am humble and grateful for, will help me advocate for strong recreation and conservation policies, and environmental decisions that shape Indiana’s long-term economic well-being. Our natural resources are part of our identity and our economy. Whether it’s clean waterways, outdoor access or the health of the environment we’re leaving to the next generation, these issues deserve thoughtful, bipartisan work.
“My position hasn’t changed: keep people at the center, build consensus and deliver results to Hoosiers.”
Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith and Secretary of State Diego Morales urged lawmakers before both chambers met on Organization Day to revive Indiana’s stalled redistricting effort during a small rally at the Statehouse. They called on the Senate to return for a special session and take a roll-call vote.
The rally comes after Senate Republican leadership announced earlier this month that the chamber will not convene on Dec. 1 as planned, saying there aren’t enough GOP votes to advance mid-decade redistricting. The decision has created an unusual public divide within Republican ranks, with national and state party figures pushing aggressively for new maps and Senate leaders insisting the support simply isn’t there.
President Donald J. Trump over the weekend took to Truth Social to berate Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray and Sen. Greg Goode, threatening to oust Republican state senators who opposed redistricting by supporting opponents in primaries. Vice President JD Vance visited Indiana in October to lobby Republican leaders in person.
Beckwith told a crowd of about 50 people Tuesday morning that Republicans must act because Democrat-led states such as California and Illinois have already redrawn maps for political advantage. Texas began the 2025 redistricting race when its state legislature, at Trump’s urging, redrew congressional districts to increase the number of Republicans seats.
“Republicans have to protect their voice in Indiana,” Beckwith said. “This is the most bipartisan issue in America right now. Don’t let them tell you that in Indiana this is not bipartisan—it very much is.”
Morales echoed the warning and linked redistricting to national political stakes, telling the crowd that if Democrats win control of the U.S. House in 2026, “they will immediately push to impeach President Trump.”
“I’m here to tell you that Republicans need to start acting like Republicans,” he said.
Why the fight matters
Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, left in red hat, and Secretary of State Diego Morales, in red tie, lead a rally Tuesday at the Statehouse in favor of mid-decade redistricting.
Photo by Sydney Byerly, The Indiana Citizen.
The push for new maps—coming just four years after Indiana completed its regular once-a-decade redistricting process—has been fueled by national and state Republicans who want a 9–0 map that would give the GOP control of all nine of Indiana’s U.S. House seats.
Gov. Mike Braun in late October called for a special session to consider redrawing the districts. But Bray has repeatedly said the votes are not there within his caucus and called offthe scheduled session last week. At least several Senate Republicans have publicly resisted the push, citing ethical concerns about mid-cycle redistricting, worries about public backlash or simply a lack of consensus among GOP members.
Rally attendees demand a vote
Alice Work, a Plainfield resident and president of the Indiana Republican Assembly, said she was disappointed to learn the Senate had canceled the December special session.
“I think that people need to have an up-or-down vote from their representatives,” Work said. “We’re not being told what’s going on. We have to get it by word of mouth. But we need votes on paper.”
Work said she supports a 9–0 map but emphasized that transparency—not unanimity—is what matters. “Legislators shouldn’t be hiding behind doors,” she said.
Brian Pease, an Evansville resident and chair of the Indiana Freedom Caucus, said he attended because Beckwith recently traveled south to speak at one of his events. He also challenged Bray’s explanation that the Senate lacked the votes to proceed.
“If you’re not sure, if you don’t know, then find out,” Pease said. “Have a vote. Do your job. See what the representatives say—they’re supposed to reflect their constituents. Otherwise he’s suppressing the will of the people through their representatives.”
Pease said simply being visible at the Statehouse matters.
“So many times they operate on the idea that if the public doesn’t know what they’re doing, the public won’t know what they’re doing wrong,” he said. “Let’s pull back the curtain. Let’s have transparency.”
The rally drew fewer than 100 people, many wearing red shirts or hats while carrying laminated paper signs with slogans like “Give Us a Roll Call Vote!” and “Let’s Go 9–0!” Attendees chanted “9–0!” while gathering for a group photo after Beckwith prayed over the group.
This article was published by TheStatehouseFile.com through a partnership with The Indiana Citizen, a nonpartisan, nonprofit platform dedicated to increasing the number of informed, engaged Hoosier citizens.
Sydney Byerly is a political reporter who grew up in New Albany. Before joining The Citizen, Sydney reported news for TheStatehouseFile.com and most recently managed and edited The Corydon Democrat & Clarion News in southern Indiana. She earned her bachelor’s in journalism at Franklin College’s Pulliam School of Journalism (‘Sco Griz!).
VINCENNES, Ind., November 18, 2025 – Vincennes University President Dr. Chuck Johnson has announced the appointment of Sara Clark as Executive Director of Human Resources and Chief Human Resource Officer, effective Dec. 3, 2025.
Johnson said, “Sara Clark brings to Vincennes University an exceptional blend of experience, leadership, and commitment to people. She shared that her decision to join VU is grounded in her desire to serve a mission-driven institution and contribute to work that truly matters. Her appointment represents an important investment—championed by our Board of Trustees—to build upon the work of our dedicated HR team and further strengthen the support we provide to our employees. This new role positions Human Resources as an even stronger strategic partner as we modernize systems and processes, seek opportunities for innovation and growth, and navigate the challenges facing higher education in the years ahead. Most importantly, it helps ensure that VU continues to attract, retain, and develop the talented people who make our mission possible.”
Clark brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in human resources, risk management, and operations across multiple industries. A certified HR professional, she has built a career leading organizational culture initiatives, driving employee engagement, and operational improvements. Clark most recently served as the owner of Comprehensive HR & Risk Consulting. Her background also includes senior HR leadership roles at Amcor Flexibles North America and Sunrise Coal/Hallador Energy.
Clark said, “My first priority will be getting to know the VU staff, faculty, and students. I plan to immerse myself in VU culture and attend as many events as practical. This will allow me to better understand the current organizational culture and then develop a path forward. My first initiative will be to improve the onboarding process and create efficiencies for the HR department.”
She added, “I see my role contributing to VU’s mission and long-term goals by optimizing HR processes, assessing the total rewards program, and enhancing the organizational culture to ensure that VU is positioned to attract and retain top talent. As the competition for talent becomes increasingly more competitive, being an employer of choice will be critical to driving the mission of Vincennes University.”
A native of Jasonville, Indiana, Clark has strong ties to Knox County, the Vincennes Community, and the University Community, including completing her underground coal mine training at VU.
Evansville Land Bank will hold an Executive Session on Friday, November 21, 2025, at9:00 a.m. in Room 301 of the Civic Center Complex at 1 N. W. Martin Luther King Jr.Blvd.
This Executive Session will be held for discussion of strategy with respect to the purchase, sale or lease of real property by the Evansville Land Bank Corporation pursuant to the Indiana Code 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(2)(D)
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – In the second addition for the University of Evansville men’s basketball team during the signing period, head coach David Ragland has announced the signing of David Nejezchleb. The 6-foot-8 forward is currently playing for ERA Basketball Nymburk in his native Czech Republic.
“We are excited to add both size and skill to our roster, and as a staff, we have placed a strong emphasis on positional size,” Ragland explained. “We believe we have found exactly that in David. His ability to handle the ball, make plays for others, and consistently shoot from the perimeter makes him a difficult matchup for any defense.”
“We have enjoyed great success with international student-athletes since our arrival at UE, and David continues that tradition,” Ragland continued. “He has competed with and against some of the top talent in Europe, and we are eager to work with him as he transitions to playing here in the United States. Our system aligns extremely well with his skill set, and we are confident he will thrive within it.”
Nejezchleb is currently in his first season playing for Nymburk of the Basketball Champions League. Through six games, he has averaged 1.7 points and 2.8 rebounds per game while seeing an average of eight minutes per contest. He is also playing for Polabi of the Czech Republic 1Liga where he is averaging 11.4 points and 7.7 boards. His top effort of 20 points and 10 caroms came against Chomutov on Sept. 28.
Last season, he played for Slavia and recorded 3.3 points and 2.8 rebounds over 24 games for the squad. In 2024, he played for Tygr Brno of the U19 Extra League where he averaged 18 points. He also played in the first league for Litoměřice where he recorded 16 PPG.
“Choosing the University of Evansville was easy for me,” Nejezchleb said. “It’s a place where I can grow as an athlete, challenge myself every day, and be part of a program that believes in my potential on and off the court.”
