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.”
For over two decades, the City-County Observer has been a recognizable and trusted name in local digital journalism. Built during a time when community-focused reporting mattered most, the Observer established itself as a platform for government transparency, civic dialogue, and independent reporting. Today, it presents a rare opportunity: the chance to acquire a legacy online newspaper with an established brand, existing readership, and significant growth potential.
A Recognized Name with Community Credibility
The City-County Observer is not a startup—it is a known entity. The name carries weight in the community, particularly among readers who value local government coverage, public accountability, and independent commentary. In an era when local journalism is disappearing, this publication represents something increasingly rare: brand recognition tied to civic trust.
For the right buyer, the City-County Observer is more than a website—it is a foundation. One that can be revitalized, expanded, and positioned for long-term success in the future of local media.
It is with a heavy heart that we share this message with everyone who has followed the City-County Observer for more than two decades. As of February 1, 2026, there will be no further publications of the City-County Observer.
With Ron’s passing, continuing his legacy has been incredibly difficult. This paper was truly his passion, and it meant a great deal to him to keep the community informed.
We are deeply grateful to all who supported and read the paper over the years, especially those who enjoyed “Is It True?” and the many articles that sparked conversation and kept readers engaged.
As we close this chapter, we do so with a salute to Ron and the work he dedicated so much of his life to.
The Faith and Values weekly Sunday meditation has been well received by the many subscibers to the CCO.. It will continue uninterrupted at the blog of theword120.com as usual every Sunday.
Republican Indiana senators on Tuesday approved a bill aimed at prohibiting transgender students at public K-12 schools and state universities from using restrooms or locker rooms that match their gender identity.
Provisions of Senate Bill 182 would require those schools and universities to designate multiple-person restrooms, locker rooms, and changing areas for use only by males or females based on their reproductive biology at birth.
Supporters described the bill as helping protect the safety and privacy of women and girls, while opponents argued its restroom requirements would increase bullying of transgender youth and force transgender men into women’s restrooms.
Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, speaks during a Senate debate on Dec. 11, 2025. (Photo by Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Bill author Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, said during the Senate debate that the proposal allows “women to continue to have their private spaces.”
“We’re not singling anyone out. You can continue to identify any which way you want,” Brown said. “But if you’re born a male, you’re going to the male bathroom. Pretty simple. You’re born a female, going to the female bathroom.”
The Senate endorsed the bill in a 37-8 party-line vote, sending it to the House for consideration.
Protesters denounce bill
About a dozen transgender-rights supporters gathered outside the Senate chamber ahead of the vote and argued that the bill would lead to more harassment of transgender people.
Emma Vosicky, the executive director of GenderNexus, criticized provisions that would allow anyone “who is directly or indirectly injured” by an alleged violation of the restroom restrictions to file a lawsuit against the school.
“The opportunity for the bounty is just going to feed the desire for some people to think that they are the gender police, which means anybody who’s dressed in a way that doesn’t perfectly conform with what our social structure says,” Vosicky said.
The bill also toughens the restrictions on changing the sex designation on a birth certificate. It would limit such changes to a “medically verifiable genetic or physiological disorder of sex development.”
Restroom impact debated
Sen. Shelli Yoder, D-Bloomington, argued against the bill, saying its requirements would force transgender men, often with beards and other masculine features, into women’s restrooms.
Andre Hardy speaks against Senate Bill 182 along with other transgender-rights supporters outside the Indiana Senate chamber on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (Photo by Tom Davies/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Yoder said the bill encourages “a vigilante culture that targets everyone.”
“It’s an invitation for strangers to police the bodies of everyone, including women who are not transgender,” she said. “By mandating these bans, the state is encouraging a culture of harassment.”
Erica O’Connell, an attorney with the conservative group Alliance Defending Freedom, testified in support of the bill last week, arguing that someone’s sex should not be based on a “person’s subjective sense of gender identity.”
“Women and young girls deserve to have their privacy and dignity safeguarded in the spaces where they are most vulnerable,” O’Connell said.
Andre Hardy was among those who protested against the bill on Tuesday.
“I’m a transgender man, and I do not belong in the women’s restroom,” Hardy said. “I do not want to be in the women’s restroom.”
Hardy said he could face situations of not being allowed to use a men’s restroom: “I deserve the human right to use the bathroom.”
Due to ongoing weather conditions, Republic Services has suspended all City waste and recycling collection through the weekend.
Regular collection will resume on Monday, February 2, 2026.
On that day, Republic Services will collect household carts and any extra bagged trash & recycling placed next to the carts.
Safety remains the top priority—for residents, their property, and collection crews. This week’s weather has challenged our community, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as services safely return to normal.
We will continue to share updates as they become available.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping keep our community safe.
INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Jan. 28, the Indiana House of Representatives passed House Bill 1307, authored by State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville). This bipartisan bill seeks to protect Indiana children by requiring the Department of Child Services (DCS) Ombudsman’s office to investigate complaints alleging that DCS failed to protect a child’s physical or mental health and safety.
Burton released the following statement:
“DCS is meant to be a safe haven to protect our children, yet dozens of Hoosier children are still put in harm’s way every year — many of whom are already in the DCS system. I authored HB 1307 to curb this issue by requiring DCS’ Ombudsman’s office to investigate and resolve complaints alleging DCS of failing to protect a child’s wellbeing. The Ombudsman’s office was created to serve as an independent watchdog office over DCS. This bill ensures they’re doing just that.
As a member of the House Family, Children, and Human Affairs Committee and a long-time children’s advocate, I am very proud to have authored HB 1307. I’m even prouder that my first bill to pass the House is about protecting children. I’m eager to see it move to the Senate for further consideration, and with any luck, to Gov. Braun’s desk to be signed into law.
CONSENT AGENDA: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
A.
ORDINANCE F-2026-01 An Ordinance of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Authorizing Transfers of Appropriations, Additional Appropriations and Repeal and Re-Appropriation of Funds for Various City Funds Sponsor(s): Green Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Green Discussion Date: 2/9/2026 Notify: Robert Gunter, Controller
ORDINANCE R-2026-02 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 2713 Jeanette Ave Owner: Ronald Lee Strahl Requested Change: R1 to M2 w/ UDC Ward: 2 Taylor Representative: Krista Lockyear, Stoll, Keenon, Ogden, PLLC
ORDINANCE R-2026-03 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 2708 & 2712 Jeanette Ave Owner: Robert D Strahl Requested Change: R1 to M2 w/ UDC Ward: 2 Taylor Representative: Krista Lockyear, Stoll, Keenon, Ogden, PLLC
REGULAR AGENDA: SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
A.
ORDINANCE G-2026-01 An Ordinance to Vacate Certain Public Ways or Public Places Within the City of Evansville, Indiana, Commonly Known as Part of a 60 foot Right-of-Way for Chestnut Street in the Original Plan of the City of Evansville Sponsor(s): Green Discussion Led By: Public Works Chair Taylor Discussion Date: 1/30/2026 Notify: Scott Buedel, Cash Waggner & Associates
ORDINANCE G-2026-02 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 8.05.090 of the Evansville Municipal Code to Increase Curbside Refuse Collection Fees Sponsor(s): Trockman, Allen, Green Discussion Led By: Public Works Chair Taylor Discussion Date: 1/30/2026 Notify: Marco DeLucio, ZSWS
ORDINANCE G-2026-03 An Ordinance to Vacate Certain Public Ways or Public Places Within the City of Evansville, Indiana, Commonly Known as the 12’ Alley Behind 1028 Hensz Ave Sponsor(s): Koehler Lindsey Discussion Led By: Public Works Chair Taylor Discussion Date: 1/30/2026 Notify: Roger Lehman, RLehman & Son Consulting
ORDINANCE R-2025-31 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 2923 Mount Vernon Ave Owner: KEG Holdings, LLC Requested Change: R2 to R3 w/UDC Ward: 6 Brinkmeyer Representative: Kimberly Clark, eXp Realty, LLC
ORDINANCE R-2025-32 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 1521 & 1523 W Missouri St Owner: Habitat for Humanity of Evansville, Inc Requested Change: M3 to R2 Ward: 6 Brinkmeyer Representative: Patrick Landry, Habitat for Humanity of Evansville, Inc
ORDINANCE R-2025-33 AMENDED An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 401, 407 & 421 N Fulton Ave Owner: Franklin St Lofts, LLC Requested Change: C4 to M1 w/ UDC Ward: 6 Brinkmeyer Representative: Scott Buedel, Cash Waggner & Associates, PC
ORDINANCE R-2025-34 An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as N Burkhardt Rd Owner: State of Indiana Requested Change: C2 to M2 w/ UDC Ward: 5 Koehler Lindsey Representative: Scott Buedel, Cash Waggner & Associates, PC
ORDINANCE R-2025-35 AMENDED An Ordinance to Rezone Certain Real Estate in the City of Evansville, State of Indiana, More Commonly Known as 1120 Professional Blvd Owner: DDA, LLC Requested Change: CO2 w/ UDC to C4 w/ UDC Ward: 3 Heronemus Representative: James E Morley, Morley
RESOLUTION C-2026-03 A Resolution Ratifying Certain Prior Actions of the Department of Metropolitan Development, By and Through Its Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee, Regarding Allocations from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to Nonprofit Organizations Sponsor(s): Green, Allen, Trockman Discussion Led By: President Trockman Discussion Date: 1/30/2026 Notify: Kolbi Jackson, DMD
RESOLUTION C-2026-04 A Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Evansville, Indiana Authorizing Affordable Housing Funds for Advantix Development Corporation River City Homes in the City of Evansville, Indiana in an Amount not to Exceed Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) Sponsor(s): Green, Allen, Trockman Discussion Led By: President Trockman Discussion Date: 1/30/2026 Notify: Kolbi Jackson, DMD
RESOLUTION C-2026-05 A Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Evansville, Indiana Authorizing Affordable Housing Funds for Hope of Evansville Inc Phoenix Apartments, in the City of Evansville, Indiana in an Amount not to Exceed Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) Sponsor(s): Green, Allen, Trockman Discussion Led By: President Trockman Discussion Date: 1/30/2026 Notify: Kolbi Jackson, DMD
RESOLUTION C-2026-06 A Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Evansville, Indiana Authorizing Affordable Housing Funds for JD Sheth Foundation Inc. Meena’s Place, in the City of Evansville, Indiana in an Amount not to Exceed Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) Sponsor(s): Green, Allen, Trockman Discussion Led By: President Trockman Discussion Date: 1/30/2026 Notify: Kolbi Jackson, DMD
RESOLUTION C-2026-07 A Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Evansville, Indiana Accepting A Conflict of Interest for City Administered HUD Funds Sponsor(s): Green, Allen, Trockman Discussion Led By: President Trockman Discussion Date: 1/30/2026 Notify: Kolbi Jackson, DMD
RESOLUTION C-2026-08 A Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Evansville, Indiana Accepting A Conflict of Interest for City Administered HUD Funds Sponsor(s): Green, Allen, Trockman Discussion Led By: President Trockman Discussion Date: 1/30/2026 Notify: Kolbi Jackson, DMD
RESOLUTION C-2026-09 A Confirmatory Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Evansville Declaring an Economic Revitalization Area for Property Tax Phase-In for the Rehabilitation of Real Property and Granting a Waiver of Noncompliance for an Economic Revitalization Area (Uniseal Inc) Sponsor(s): Brinkmeyer, Trockman, Allen Discussion Led By: President Trockman Discussion Date: 1/30/2026 Notify: Patrick Hickey, E-REP
RESOLUTION C-2026-10 A Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Evansville, Indiana, Declaring its Support for House Bill 1250 Sponsor(s): Allen, Hatfield, Trockman Discussion Led By: President Trockman Discussion Date: 1/30/2026 Notify: Joshua Trockman, KDDK
FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
For over two decades, the City-County Observer has been a recognizable and trusted name in local digital journalism. Built during a time when community-focused reporting mattered most, the Observer established itself as a platform for government transparency, civic dialogue, and independent reporting. Today, it presents a rare opportunity: the chance to acquire a legacy online newspaper with an established brand, existing readership, and significant growth potential.
A Recognized Name with Community Credibility
The City-County Observer is not a startup—it is a known entity. The name carries weight in the community, particularly among readers who value local government coverage, public accountability, and independent commentary. In an era when local journalism is disappearing, this publication represents something increasingly rare: brand recognition tied to civic trust.
For the right buyer, the City-County Observer is more than a website—it is a foundation. One that can be revitalized, expanded, and positioned for long-term success in the future of local media.
It is with a heavy heart that we share this message with everyone who has followed the City-County Observer for more than two decades. As of February 1, 2026, there will be no further publications of the City-County Observer.
With Ron’s passing, continuing his legacy has been incredibly difficult. This paper was truly his passion, and it meant a great deal to him to keep the community informed.
We are deeply grateful to all who supported and read the paper over the years, especially those who enjoyed “Is It True?” and the many articles that sparked conversation and kept readers engaged.
As we close this chapter, we do so with a salute to Ron and the work he dedicated so much of his life to.
