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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.”

Three Arrested After Robbery Investigation

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On 5/12/2025 officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Line Street in reference to a Holdup in Progress. The caller stated that a group of females were beating another female. The caller stated the suspects stole the victim’s phone and keys and were armed with a stick and a taser. All three suspects fled the scene in a silver passenger car before officers arrived.

On scene, officers met with the victim, who was able to identify the three females who robbed her. The victim identified Taliya Walker and Tadra Wilson by name, but only knew the third female as “Ari”. “Ari” was later determined to be Arianna Pride. Tadra contacted the victim and asked if she wanted to hang out. The victim agreed to meet Tadra at Line Street Park. The victim sat in Tadra’s passenger seat to talk when Taliya and Arianna approached. Taliya began spitting on the victim while all three yelled at her. Tadra kept the victim from getting out of the car by grabbing her by the hands. As the victim kept trying to get out of the car, she was pulled out by her hair. Outside the car, the victim was kicked and punched by all three suspects. The victim was also struck with a stick of some kind.

When the victim tried to get her keys and phone from inside the car, they were taken from her. All three suspects fled when it appeared someone was calling 911. The taser was never used during the incident

The victim was later transported to the hospital where it was learned she suffered a broken finger and a possible broken nose. All three suspects were charged individually, but face Robbery, Theft and Battery charges.

Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

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Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

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Booked Last 24 Hours-Public

Trailblazer Taveon Smith commits to Campbellsville University

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VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University Men’s Basketball freshman Taveon Smith (Radcliff, Ky.) announced last week his commitment to play next season at NAIA Campbellsville University in Campbellsville, Ky.

“I chose Campbellsville University because it’s closer to home and it’s a good fit for me,” Smith said.

Smith worked his way into a role this past season as a solid defensive reserve option for VU Hall of Fame Head Coach Todd Franklin.

Smith played in each of VU’s final three regular season games and saw action in two of the Trailblazers’ three NJCAA National Tournament games including playing nine minutes in the National Quarterfinal round against Panola College.

Smith closed out his lone season in the Blue and Gold with a total of 45 points in 23 games, including two starts and a 30.4 shooting percentage from three-point range.

Smith completed his season stat line with 19 rebounds, 17 assists and five steals for the Trailblazers.

With Smith, the Trailblazers finished the 2024-25 season with a final record of 28-5, including recording a perfect 16-0 regular season record in Region 24 play.

The Trailblazers won the 2025 regular season Region 24 Championship and earned VU’s 12th NJCAA National Tournament appearance in the past 13 seasons, reaching the National Quarterfinals in Hutchinson, Kan.

“My favorite memory was when we all took a picture together in the locker room after going 16-0 in the Region,” Smith added.

Smith will be joining a Tigers squad coming off a 12-17 year this past season under Head Coach Brent Vernon.

Smith is the latest member of the Trailblazers Men’s Basketball program to announce their plans for the upcoming season, joining Bryan Akanmu (Paris, France) and Michael Cooper (Minneapolis, Minn.) who signed with Wagner College in New York, Travelle Bryson (Anderson, S.C.) who is headed to Howard University in Washington, D.C. and Lebron Thomas (Bishopville, S.C.) who signed to play at Green Bay.

“Athletically Vincennes University helped me by making my work ethic a lot better,” Smith said. “Academically, VU helped me because the coaches were always on us about our work and it helped me stay more focused in the classroom.”

The Vincennes University Athletic Department would like to congratulate Taveon Smith on his commitment to Campbellsville University and wishes him good luck as he continues his athletic and academic career next season.

 

EWSU’s First Disinfectant Switch of 2025 Starts May 19

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(Evansville, IN) – Starting Monday, May 19, and continuing until Monday, June 30, Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) will temporarily switch the disinfectant used in the water treatment process. The switch to free chlorine from the regularly used disinfectant chloramine is a common preventive maintenance practice that helps ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe drinking water to our customers year-round.

Here’s what you should know

 

  • What is Chloramine?
    Chloramine is a disinfectant used in drinking water to remove bacteria and viruses that can make you sick. It is made up of chlorine and ammonia. EWSU has used chloramine as the disinfectant in its water treatment process since 1999.
  • What is Free Chlorine?
    Free chlorine is a slightly more potent disinfectant than chloramine, and it is used to remove more resistant bacteria and viruses that may be found in the water distribution system.
  • Why would EWSU Convert from Chloramines to Free Chlorine?
    State drinking water guidelines recommend that utilities using chloramine periodically switch to free chlorine for a while. The temporary use of chlorine will ensure that a proper disinfectant level is maintained throughout the network of water mains and pipes that deliver your drinking water.

Free chlorine is a more aggressive disinfectant than chloramine. This temporary change in the water treatment process denies bacteria the ability to form resistance to the usual disinfection treatment process. Switching to free chlorine is a proactive step to maintain optimal disinfectant levels in the water distributionsystem.

As always, the drinking water will be regularly monitored to ensure that the water delivered meets or exceeds federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

  • Why Does EWSU Use Chloramines Most of the Year?
    While chlorine is an effective disinfectant, chlorine alone creates byproducts that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates. These byproduct levels can be significantly and cost-effectively reduced with chloramine. Also, chloramine has less smell than chlorine and remains in the distribution system longer to prevent bacterial growth. As such, chloramine is a better long-term choice as a regular disinfectant.
  • Will I Notice a Difference in My Water?
    During this period, some customers may notice a slight change in the taste or odor of their tap water. Free chlorine may have more of a chemical odor, slightly like that of swimming pool water. Each customer has a sensitivity level to the taste or odor of free chlorine. Many detect no change at all. The mild chlorine taste and odor are typical and pose no health risk.
  • Are Free Chlorine and Chloraminated Water Safe?
    Yes, chlorine and chloramine are effective and safe for people and animals for drinking, cooking, bathing, watering the garden, and all other standard uses. However, precautions should be taken to remove or neutralize chloramine and free chlorine during the kidney dialysis process, when preparing water for fish tanks and ponds, and businesses requiring highly processed water. A dechlorination procedure optimized for chloramine removal will work equally well with free chlorine.

People and businesses that typically take special precautions to remove chloramine from tap water (such as dialysis centers, medical facilities, and aquatic pet owners) should continue to take the same precautions during the temporary switch from chloramine to free chlorine.

Most customers will not need to take precautions as the water remains safe to drink and is treated according to state and federal standards.

 

  • Information for Kidney Dialysis Patients
    Just like chloramines, free chlorine must be removed from water used in kidney dialysis machines. EWSU has contacted representatives from the medical community to inform them of this temporary conversion. We advise dialysis patients to call their physicians or dialysis centers if there are any questions.

 

  • Information for Fish Owners
    Like chloramine, free chlorine is toxic to fish. Therefore, fish owners need to remove chlorine, ammonia, and chloramine from the water before using it with tropical fish. Local pet stores carry water conditioners that remove chloramine and free chlorine. If customers have questions, we recommend contacting their petstore for information and detailed instructions.

Two USI alums receive numerous accolades for documentary

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Two University of Southern Indiana alums, Jordan Barclay and Kevin Titzer, have been traveling to film festivals around the country and overseas this past year showing their documentary Sack Race With Knives: The Curious Art of Kevin Titzer to the world and racking up an impressive list of accolades along the way.  

In 2018, alumnus Kevin Titzer, a 1997 graduate in studio art, created a unique installation on campus called Sack Race with Knives. The exhibit featured Titzer as the first-ever artist-in-residence, sponsored by the USI Art and Design Department. Titzer used the McCutchan/Pace Galleries to create Chapter 23: Sack Race with Knives, a large-scale installation made from reclaimed materials from the Evansville area. The creation of this installation took two weeks to complete.   

Over five years, local photographer, videographer and fellow USI alumnus, Jordan Barclay, a 2005 graduate in photography, produced a 25-minute documentary about Titzer and the art installation. He received partial financial assistance from the USI Foundation to complete the documentary.   

“Shortly after screening our film at the USI Performance Center in March 2024, we celebrated its film festival World Premiere in Atlanta. The past year has been a non-stop circuit of film festivals, averaging two per month—a challenging, overwhelming, yet a very fulfilling experience,” says Barclay.  

Barclay is proud of the work that went into the documentary and the collaboration with local artists and USI faculty. Thomas Bernardin, a 2008 USI graduate; Katie Waters, Professor Emerita of Art at USI; and Lenny Dowhie, Professor Emeritus of Art at USI, were all involved in conducting the interviews, filming and editing the documentary.  

“Kevin was self-directed and generally only needed some technical advice. His aesthetic was specific and consistent,” says David Huebner, Art Workshop Supervisor. “I recall he worked with a couple of others to organize an exhibition at Jennings Station in Newburgh called Medicine Show. It was a good show, and it was impressive that they took initiative to go out and make things happen!” 

Barclay goes on to say, “The documentary is interwoven with the USI community: our editor, Thomas Bernardin, Kevin and I are all alumni, and most of those interviewed have ties as graduates or faculty. We were also grateful to feature the Pace McCutchan Gallery (at USI) prominently as a main location.” 

With 22 Official Selections and seven wins, the short documentary has made a big splash at film festivals and will be available to the public to see this summer on WNIN.  

WNIN will air an interview with Kevin Titzer and Dr. Del Doughty, Dean of USI’s College of Liberal Arts, this May. Catch the documentary and interview at 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 17 and at 4 p.m. Monday, May 19. 

Barclay is on the lookout for his next award-winning artist-focused documentary, but he’s in no hurry. “It needs to be the right idea and a good story. I’ve talked to some nationally known artists and asked them to think of me if they have a big project coming up,” says Barclay. “I’m still working on my photography business. I also make one short, documentary-style video for a local business each year. I just finished a video that will be released next week for the Franklin Street Bazaar farmers market that I shot last season. And this summer, I’ll finish a micro documentary for Montessori Academy.” 

Achievements from film festivals include: 

Atlanta Docufest (World Premiere): March 24, 2024
Winner – Best Director Documentary Short 

Georgia Shorts: April 14, 2024
Official Selection

Benson Film Festival: April 27, 2024
Official Selection

Thin Line Fest: April 28, 2024
Best Emerging Filmmaker Nomination

Bare Bones International Film & Music Festival: May 4, 2024
Winner – Best Director Documentary

The Fine Arts Film Festival in Los Angeles, California: June 8, 2024
Winner – Best Short Documentary

Beyond The Curve International Film Festival in Paris, France: June 13, 2024
Winner – Best First Time Filmmaker

Flyover Film Festival: June 28, 2024
Official Selection

Indy Shorts International Film Festival (Oscar Qualifying festival): July 28, 2024
Official Selection

Madison Film Festival: August 24, 2024
Best Documentary Short Nominee

Victory International Film Festival: September 14, 2024
Winner – Best Documentary

Hobnobben Film Festival: October 5, 2024
Official Selection

Chagrin Falls Documentary Film Festival: October 5, 2024
Official Selection

Raleigh Film Festival: October 5, 2024
Official Selection

Louisville International Film Festival: October 12, 2024
Official Selection

Tourchfire Film Festival: October 17, 2024
Official Selection

Sky Arts Film Festival: October 18, 2024
Winner – Best Documentary Short

Tennessee International Indie Film Festival: November 16, 2024
Winner – Best Documentary Short

Los Angeles Cinefest: January 12, 2025
Official Selection

St Auggie Shorts Film Festival: February 7, 2025
Official Selection

DocUtah International Film Festival: February 28, 2025
Official Selection

Lake Michigan Film Festival: March 1, 2025
Official Selection

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CenterPoint Energy Foundation awards grants to nearly 200 nonprofit organizations across its four-state footprint during first grant cycle of 2025

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The Foundation awarded more than $8.6 million to nonprofit programs and initiatives focused on community vitality and education  

 

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – May 12, 2025 – During its first grant cycle of 2025, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation awarded more than $8.6 million in grants to 199 nonprofit organizations in Texas, Minnesota, Indiana and Ohio. Grants are awarded to eligible nonprofit organizations whose primary location is in CenterPoint Energy’s service areas and have programs that support the Foundation’s giving priorities of community vitality and education. 

 

Funded separately and financially independent from the utility, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation strives to be a catalyst for good in the communities CenterPoint serves by leveraging everyday opportunities and resources to increase the vibrancy of these communities.  

 

The Foundation prioritizes programs that serve low-to-moderate income families and under-resourced communities and provide increased access to nonprofit programs and services.  

 

“We’re proud of the impact the CenterPoint Energy Foundation continues to have in helping create positive, meaningful change in the communities we’re privileged to serve,” said June Deadrick, Vice President, Community Relations at CenterPoint Energy. “By supporting nonprofit programs that focus on community vitality and education, we’re excited to invest in making our communities more vibrant. The Foundation remains committed to initiatives enriching the lives of those living and working in communities we currently serve, while building a strong foundation for a brighter tomorrow.” 

 

Highlights of programs funded during the first cycle of 2025 include: 

 

Whitely Community Council (Indiana): The Whitely Community Council works toward improving the quality of life of residents living in and near the Whitely neighborhood in Muncie, Ind. The CenterPoint Energy Foundation awarded a $75,000 grant to support this organization’s efforts to redevelop a neighborhood property into a hub of residential resources. The Whitely Community Council’s Resource Hub will connect low-to-moderate income families to vital services such as a walk-in health clinic, financial counseling, homeownership programs, education services and more, so the neighborhood and residents can thrive.  

 

Tree Trust (Minnesota): Tree Trust works to transform lives and landscapes by engaging people to build skills for meaningful careers, inspiring people to plant trees and making communities greener, healthier places. Through a $20,000 grant, Tree Trust’s Learning with Trees Program will plant trees to provide students with experiential education opportunities highlighting the environmental and energy-efficiency benefits of trees, while beautifying schoolyards. Additionally, this grant will also support Tree Trust’s Summer Youth Employment program, which offers paid, entry-level summer work experience in community landscaping and construction projects.   

 

WPCU Sunshine Community Fund (Ohio): The WPCU Sunshine Community Fund collaborates with nonprofits to support and uplift vulnerable communities through seven wellbeing building blocks, including homeownership. The CenterPoint Energy Foundation awarded $75,000 to support WPCU Sunshine Community Fund’s Pathways to Homeownership program in Dayton, Ohio. This program provides homeownership opportunities to first-time, low-to-moderate income homebuyers by building new single-family homes on donated residential lots in focus neighborhoods. Prospective homeowners take courses, receive individualized coaching and prepare to become mortgage ready.  

 

Literacy Now (Texas): Literacy Now’s mission is to empower children and families through literacy and life skills. Literacy Now provides reading readiness and reading intervention programs, parent engagement and trained volunteer mentors to contribute to children’s long-term success.  The Foundation awarded $75,000 to support Literacy Now’s 2025 Reading Intervention program, providing hundreds of struggling readers from kindergarten through sixth grade throughout Greater Houston with individualized small group reading instruction aiming to create proficient readers. Students participating in the program increase their foundational reading skills on average by 150%.  

 

The Foundation’s second grant cycle for 2025 will be open from June 16 through July 18, and all eligible organizations within CenterPoint’s electric and natural gas service areas in Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Texas are encouraged to apply.  

 

Lt. Governor Beckwith, OCRA announce Indiana Main Street 101 trainings across the state

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VU’s Bryce Gross commits to play next season at Brescia University

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VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University baseball sophomore Bryce Gross (Bridgeport, Ill.) announced last week his plans to continue his athletic and academic career next season at NAIA Brescia University in Owensboro, Ky.

“Obviously the scholarships Brescia was able to give me was a big factor in committing,” Gross said. “But compared to other schools I was talking to, it just seemed like the right fit for me. Their new Head Coach is building a culture there and has a mentality that I love and it showed this season as they won over 20 games for the first time in about a decade.”

Gross has served this season as the Trailblazers’ everyday shortstop as well as a reliable late innings relief pitcher out of the bullpen.

Gross has played in 56 games so far in the Spring 2025 season, recording 36 hits and driving in 28 runs at the plate, including four home runs and 11 doubles.

Gross has a two season 0.335 on-base percentage in 88 games with the Blazers.

Gross has also been a key late innings contributor on the mound, throwing 11 and one-third innings this season and recording 11 strikeouts in 13 appearances.

In his two seasons at Vincennes Gross has 28 total appearances and thrown 32 total innings, including 32 strikeouts.

Gross was also a standout in the classroom at Vincennes University, earning Academic All-Conference and Academic All-American honors last season and earning the President’s Male Academic Excellence Award at the 2025 Willie Awards.

Gross has helped the Blazers to a 27-32 record this season, including helping the Blazers secure their first Region Championship since moving to Region 24 in 2016 and first District Championship appearance since 2014.

“My favorite experience while being at VU was actually our very first weekend this spring at Cleveland State,” Gross said. “After a tough year last season for our team, starting off the year playing that level of baseball was a great sign of a good season coming for us. I also hit my first collegiate home run in my very first at bat there, which I will never forget.”

Gross will be joining a Bearcats squad coming off of a 23-19 season in 2015, including an 11-13 record in River States Conference play under Head Coach Casey Hamilton.

Gross and the Trailblazers will continue their postseason run this weekend when the Blazers head to the Central District Championships hosted by East Central College in Union, Mo. May 15 through May 17.

“I couldn’t thank my coaches here at VU enough for the work they have put in to better me within the sport of baseball,” Gross added. “The coaching staff here held me to a certain level of work ethic that reflected in every aspect of life. One of those areas was in the classroom, which ultimately allowed me to have the grades to get more scholarship money from potential schools. Through a great staff and environment, the jump to a four-year school will be much easier because of my time at Vincennes.”

The Vincennes University Athletic Department would like to congratulate Bryce Gross on his commitment to continuing his education at Brescia University and wishes him good luck as he continues his baseball career next season.

 

UE announces leadership change for softball program

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 National search for new coach to begin immediately

 EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville Director of Athletics Dr. Kenneth “Ziggy” Siegfried announced a change of leadership of the Purple Aces softball program as the contract of head coach Mat Mundell will not be renewed.

“I want to thank Coach Mundell for his dedication to the University of Evansville and our student-athletes,” Siegfried stated.  “This decision did not come easy as Coach Mundell represented our program and university with a great deal of class and integrity for his entire 11-year tenure.”

“However, following a complete evaluation of our program, I determined that a leadership change was necessary for our softball program to take the next step forward,” Siegfried added.

A national search for the next head softball coach will begin immediately.

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