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Mayor Terry Announces New Program to Fight Blight in Evansville Neighborhoods

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Mayor Stephanie Terry announced the launch of the Fight Blight program, aimed at identifying and rehabilitating blighted properties throughout Evansville – and asked for the public’s help in the program’s first phase.

“We have a number of properties across Evansville that are vacant, abandoned, or in other ways beyond repair,” Mayor Terry said. “Fight Blight is aimed at identifying those properties and either rehabilitating or re-developing as many as possible, so that we remove these hazardous eyesores from our neighborhoods and bring them back as safe, stable homes or businesses that residents are proud to have in their neighborhoods.”

Earlier this year, during the budget process, Mayor Terry announced plans to allocate $550,000 in American Rescue Plan Act interest funds to blight removal. The first phase of Fight Blight will utilize some of those funds to raze 23 properties that the Building Commission already has slated for demolition, but ran out of funding to take down in 2024.

Over the course of 2025, city officials expect to be able to use those funds raze at least 150 structures – nearly three times as many as will be razed in 2024.

At the same time, Mayor Terry is asking residents to help create a database of blighted properties in the community. If there is a property in your neighborhood that is vacant, abandoned, boarded up, or that otherwise “exhibits objectively determinable signs of deterioration sufficient to constitute a threat to human health, safety, and public welfare,” please email the property’s address – along with the condition of the house and, if you are able, a photograph – to blight@evansville.in.gov. This will get the property into the city’s database, and begin the process of inspecting it and determining if it meets the qualifications of a blighted property.

“The first step in solving any problem is having a thorough understanding of the problem,” Mayor Terry said. “We’re asking the public to help us identify as many blighted properties as possible to help ensure we have a full grasp of the scope of this issue, which will allow us to move forward with a strategic and intentional effort to remediate the blight in our community – which is a critical element in our neighborhood revitalization efforts.”

Once city officials have had the opportunity to inspect the identified properties, those properties that meet the qualifications for either demolition or rehabilitation through Fight Blight will be prioritized based on their condition, as well as by their location. Properties in the worst condition, as well as clusters of properties that, when added together, can make a significant impact on a neighborhood, will be first in line for possible remediation.

So while not all properties identified will be able to see immediate cleanup, city officials will use the ARPA interest funds, as well as additional funds budgeted in 2025 for the Land Bank and for land acquisition, to make as large an impact as possible.

“This isn’t a problem we’ll solve in one year, or even two or three,” Mayor Terry said. “But we are committed to neighborhood revitalization, and these properties – along with being a drain on their neighborhoods – are dangers to anyone who enters, including police who may have enter due to criminal activity or firefighters battling a structure fire.

“They also represent uncollected property tax dollars, which could be invested back into our community.”

Moore named Otters’ new General Manager

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Brycen Moore

Moore named Otters’ new General Manager

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Evansville Otters are excited to announce the promotion of Brycen Moore as the 8th General Manager in team history.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Stanley and Mr. Bussing have given me,” Moore said. “I couldn’t be more excited about the future of the Evansville Otters. We have such a fantastic staff in place and giving back to the community in which I grew up is such a special privilege to me.”

At 24 years old, Moore is the youngest General Manager in the Otters’ history. He will oversee all day-to-day operations of the Otters, including all baseball and non-baseball events held at historic Bosse Field.

“The Otters operation with multiple events has grown in complexity and we are fortunate to have Brycen overseeing our operations,” Otters’ Owner Bill Bussing said.

Moore served as a group sales intern in 2021 before stepping up to Assistant Director of Operations in 2022. In 2023, Moore was added to the full-time staff as the Director of Operations and Food & Beverage. While also overseeing operations, Moore was named an Assistant General Manager ahead of the 2024 season.

“We are thrilled to have Brycen in this critical role,” Otters’ Team President John Stanley said.

Moore, a native of Newburgh, IN, has always had deep ties to sports. While attending Castle High School, he participated in football, basketball and golf. Despite his athletic success, Moore was also a National Honor Society member at Castle and received academic, athletic, and leadership awards during his high school career.

Following high school, Moore attended Indiana University, where he was a Dean’s List member, earning his bachelor’s degree in Sport Management while also earning a minor in business.

The Evansville Otters are excited to welcome fans back to Bosse Field in 2025 for the 30th season of Otters baseball! More information on the upcoming season schedule is available here.

Season ticket and group ticket packages are on sale now. Call (812) 435-8686 for more information. Individual game tickets will go on sale in the Spring.

The Evansville Otters are the 2006 and 2016 Frontier League champions.

The Otters play all home games at historic Bosse Field, located at 23 Don Mattingly Way in Evansville, Ind. Stay up to date with the Evansville Otters by visiting evansvilleotters.com, or follow the Otters on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more information, visit evansvilleotters.com or call (812) 435-8686.

Bulls, Bands, and Barrels Returns to Evansville

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Bulls, Bands, and Barrels Returns to Evansville
Gavin Adcock, Treaty Oak Revival, Ella Langley, Muscadine Bloodline
Sam Barber, Ole 60 & More
Tickets On Sale Friday, November 22, 2024

(Birmingham, AL) — November 19, 2024: The Bulls, Bands, and Barrels (BBB), the premier fusion of western sports and country music entertainment, is back for its highly anticipated 2025 tour. Combining the thrill of elite bull riding and barrel racing with electrifying live music performances, BBB is set to deliver unforgettable nights across the U.S. The tour kicks off January 11 at the Ford Center in Evansville, IN, and features an impressive lineup of country music talent including Gavin Adcock, Treaty Oak Revival, Ella Langley, Muscadine Bloodline, Sam Barber, Ole 60, Alexandra Kay, Bayker Blankenship, Kolby Cooper, Hudson Westbrook, and others to be announced.

Each stop on the tour will offer a unique experience, with musical lineups varying by city to ensure fans across the nation enjoy diverse and exciting performances. From rising stars to established favorites, BBB has earned a reputation for hosting artists who are shaping the future of country music. Additional dates and performers will be announced later in 2025, keeping the excitement building throughout the year.

Audiences can expect a high-energy blend of western sports, kicking off with elite bull riders facing the toughest bulls in pursuit of the coveted 8-second buzzer. The action continues with skilled cowgirls competing in fast-paced barrel racing, demonstrating speed and precision in every turn. Freestyle bullfighting adds an extra layer of adrenaline, as athletes square off against powerful bulls in a test of strategy and endurance.

Fans can elevate their experience with the exclusive “Behind the Chutes Experience,” a $110 VIP add-on offering behind-the-scenes access, standing pit privileges near the stage, merchandise vouchers, and a private VIP entrance with bar access.

Tickets for Bulls, Bands, and Barrels 2025 start at just $28.99, with a $5 increase on the day of the event. Tickets will be available for purchase starting Friday, November 22, at BullsBandsAndBarrels.com. For a complete list of tour dates, updates, and additional information, visit the website or follow BBB on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

2025 Tour Dates and Lineups:
January 11 – Ford Center, Evansville, IN (Gavin Adcock, Alexandra Kay)
January 18 – Marshall Health Arena, Huntington, WV (Gavin Adcock, Bayker Blankenship)
January 25 – Gas South Arena, Duluth, GA (Gavin Adcock, Logan Crosby)
February 1 – Alliant Energy Arena, Cedar Rapids, IA (Treaty Oak Revival, Kolby Cooper)
February 8 – Brookshire Grocery Arena, Bossier City, LA (Gavin Adcock, Hudson Westbrook)
February 16 – Kentucky Horse Park Alltech Arena, Lexington, KY (Sam Barber, Ella Langley)
February 22 – Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI (Muscadine Bloodline, TBA)
March 1 – Jacksonville Equestrian Center, Jacksonville, FL (Ole 60, Hudson Westbrook)

Proudly presented nationally by Boot Barn and Blue Otter Polarized; Bulls, Bands, and Barrels 2025 promises a year filled with thrilling competition, show-stopping music, and unforgettable memories. With more dates and artists to be announced, BBB is set to dominate the western sports and live entertainment scene once again. Secure your tickets early to be part of the action!

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About Bulls, Bands and Barrels (BBB)
Bulls, Bands and Barrels is a premier western sports competition and entertainment tour featuring bull riding, barrel racing, bullfighting and up and coming national country music artists. “This Ain’t Your Grandpappy’s Rodeo,” the trademark BBB slogan, encapsulates the spirit of the BBB experience. This professionally produced tour brings top talent in western sports and country music to fans throughout the southeast and beyond. Bull riding and barrel racing, long considered standard rodeo events for a variety of western sports organizations, come to life and are showcased in a brand new way on the Bulls, Bands and Barrels tour. Bull riding, often referenced as the most popular of event offerings at rodeos, makes up one third of the western sports component of BBB. Barrel racing, another of the top two competitions in rodeo, is one of the most unique events in the rodeo world, truly one of the fastest and makes up a third of the BBB event as well. The final component, freestyle bullfighting, showcases top talent in bullfighting competition when bullfighter and bull meet mano a mano for 90 seconds where, in the end, only one can be the victor. Each event on the Bulls, Bands and Barrels tour is a two-hour fast paced extravaganza set in a country music festival environment. The entire Bulls, Bands and Barrels Tour features top level talent in each western emphasis while also providing top entertainment talent as a unique bonus for fans to enjoy an all in one, four events on one affordable family priced ticket, experience. Bulls, Bands and Barrels is co-produced by Summit Entertainment and Peachtree Entertainment.

About Summit Entertainment
Founded in 2021 by Hunter Price, Summit Entertainment Company specializes in high-quality production and unforgettable festival experiences, primarily catering to family audiences and fans of country music. Known for its innovative approach and approachable style, Summit is the brain trust behind Bulls, Bands, and Barrels—the hottest western sports tour in the country. With a focus on creating memorable entertainment that brings communities together, Summit Entertainment Company continues to push boundaries in the production and festival scene, delivering experiences that resonate with audiences of all ages.

About Peachtree Entertainment

Peachtree Entertainment is a nationally acclaimed concert promoter committed to spotlighting rising talent. With over 15 years of expertise in the music industry, Peachtree Entertainment has earned its reputation as a leader and innovator in live music. As pioneers in identifying and nurturing new talent, Peachtree Entertainment has played a key role in launching the touring careers of artists like Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Gavin Adcock, and many more. Beyond tours, Peachtree’s outdoor event portfolio features iconic gatherings such as Rock The South, Rock The Country, Live At The Station, Bulls Bands and Barrels, among many others.

 

Peachtree Entertainment is a joint venture with LiveCo, a leading private equity-backed entertainment company producing over 3,000 live shows annually across multiple genres. Together, they contribute to shaping the live entertainment landscape, delivering unforgettable experiences nationwide and internationally.

 

Peachtree Entertainment remains dedicated to shaping the national country music scene, continuing its legacy of significant influence and success. To learn more information about Peachtree Entertainment tours and events, click here, or follow on Instagram or Facebook.

 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Tricia Smith
Marketing Communications Director
Bulls, Bands, and Barrels
614-270-4172
TSMITH_101@yahoo.com 

Follow Bulls, Bands, and Barrels on social media for the latest news, event dates, and announcements.

 

 

 

Free Citizenship Preparation Class to Begin in January at Ivy Tech

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Free Citizenship Preparation Class to Begin in January at Ivy Tech

Ivy Tech Community College Evansville will offer a free Citizenship Preparation
Class beginning in January 2025. Registration is now open.

The 12-week program will meet at Ivy Tech, at 3501 N. First Avenue on Mondays, from 6-7 p.m. beginning on January 13.

The program is open to legal permanent residents who are ready to pursue citizenship. The
course will cover U.S. civics, reading and writing portions of the Citizenship test and practice interviews. The program will be offered through Sagrario’s Joy, a local network of volunteers dedicated to improving the lives of immigrants from all nations.

The class is made possible through a donation by Circle of Ivy, a female philanthropy for Ivy Tech. It is offered through the non-credit programming of Ivy+ Carer Link. To learn more or to sign up for this free preparation class go to link.ivytech.edu/EVcareerlink or call 812-492-0163.

Christkindlmarkt at Germania is November 23rd!

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Christkindlmarkt at Germania is November 23rd!

The holiday season kicks off in Evansville with the 7th Annual Christkindlmarkt hosted by
Germania Männerchor at 916 N Fulton Ave on Saturday November 23rd from 9am-2pm.
Christkindlmarkt features an array of festive attractions including handcrafted gifts and
authentic German food and beverages. From Christmas ornaments and artisan crafts to savory bratwursts and warm mulled wine, attendees will enjoy a cozy, festive atmosphere
reminiscent of the beloved holiday markets of Germany.

In addition to the market’s offerings, there will be a special appearance from Santa & Mrs.
Claus plus children’s craft activities. Admission is free.

All Christkindlmarkt proceeds benefit the Germania Männerchor Foundation’s Harold Griese
Scholarship fund, which awards an annual scholarship to a local high school student
planning to study the German language or choral music in college.

About: Germania Männerchor was established to sponsor and promote German song,
speech, music, dramatic arts, and social and fraternal association of its members.
Community members are encouraged to join and promote by attending Germania events,
and/or becoming a member.

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.

Bunnell and Pollock sweep Summit League Diver of the Week Honors

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Bunnell and Pollock sweep Summit League Diver of the Week Honors

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving swept this past week’s Summit League Peak Diver of the Week Honors. USI freshman Anna Bunnell claimed the women’s selection, while junior Lane Pollock earned the men’s side.

The honor marks the second and third Diver of the Week selection in the program’s history dating back to Pollock’s first selection in 2022. USI has now collected five Summit League Peak Swimmers and Diver’s of the week in their third season.

Bunnell earns her first career Diver of the Week accolade as she delivered clutch performances at the A3 Performance Invitational last weekend. The Evansville North product captured a third-place podium finish in the one-meter dive event (228.35 pts). Bunnell’s score resets her previous one-meter school record as she continues to improve meet by meet and most importantly added 16 points to the leader board.

The freshman turned in another hard fought fourth-place finish in the three-meter contest (226.45 pts), snatching 14.5 points for the Eagles. Both of Bunnell’s finals performances were clutch improving by a combined 29.7 points from her prelim scores.

Pollock’s second Diver of the Week honor came in his best A3 Performance Invite in his three years of competing at the event. The junior secured fifth place in the three-meter dive event with his best score of the season on the three (258.50 pts).

The Boonville native produced his first top three finish at the A3 Performance Invite, earning 16 points for the Eagles in the one-meter event (250.90 pts). Pollock was consistent with a strong prelim score (252.05 pts) to go along with his final’s performance.

Next up for the Eagles
USI takes a few weeks off before the U.S. Open in Greensboro, North Carolina on December 4-7.

USI concludes 2024 campaign with a home loss against Morehead State

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USI concludes 2024 campaign with a home loss against Morehead State

EVANSVILLE, Ind.- University of Southern Indiana Volleyball (8-22, OVC 3-15) concluded their 2024 season with a three-set loss against Morehead State University (16-13, OVC 12-6) on Wednesday afternoon at Liberty Arena (17-25, 19-25, 22-25). The Screaming Eagles finished with eight wins, five of which came in non-conference play.

Set 1: MORE 25, USI 17
Junior Bianca Anderson, sophomore Ashby Willis, and sophomore Leah Coleman each crushed two early kills. Morehead State took a convincing nine-point lead before USI bounced back with a five-point run on three kills from senior Paris Downing. However, USI couldn’t string together another late run to dig out of the early hole. Downing swatted five set one kills.

Set 2: MORE 25, USI 19
Six straight Morehead points put USI in an early ten-point deficit. Redshirt freshman Jillian Moonan delivered a cross court kill and senior Abby Weber placed an ace to cut the deficit to 16-13. Sophomore Ellie Marbet entered the match, bringing the Eagles within one on back-to-back kills. Morehead gained the two-set advantage after scoring six of the final seven points.

Set 3: MORE 22, USI 25
Anderson found herself on the service line propelling the Eagles to a four-point run with her first ace of the season. Coleman tied the set at 18 with her seventh kill of the night. Senior Lauren O’Neill finished her USI career with an emphatic kill before Morehead State clinched the match. Jillian Moonan and Marbet combined for 11 kills in the final two sets as both recorded career highs. Jillian Moonan tallied 5, while Marbet finished with 6.

Coleman and Downing led offensively each swatting seven kills. Senior Carly Sobieralski finished with 26 assists, accumulating 2,876 assists for her career at fifth in the program’s history. Junior Keira Moore broke her single season best in total digs tonight with 516 on the season and 19 on the night. The 516 single season digs ranks fifth all-time in digs in a season. Downing led the Eagles in blocks as she finished her career tenth all-time with 310. Weber led in service aces, along with serving as the team’s swish army knife for five years being able to thrive in multiple roles finishing with 598 kills, 75 assists, 113 aces, and 1,210 digs for her career.

As a team, USI finished with 35 kills, 35 assists, 57 digs, five aces, two blocks, and a .118 attacking percentage. MSU earned 43 kills, 41 assists, 52 digs, six aces, eight blocks, and a .280 hitting percentage.

USI Volleyball will dearly miss the five seniors who have helped this program grow significantly in Jasmine Green, Downing, O’Neill, Sobieralski, and Weber.

Stay tuned to offseason USI Volleyball updates by following @USIAthletics on X, Facebook, or Instagram and also following @usiwvolleyball on Instagram and Twitter.

Aces men’s soccer to begin NCAA Tournament play at Massachusetts

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Aces men’s soccer to begin NCAA Tournament play at Massachusetts

The Purple Aces return to the tournament after a 28 year absence
 
AMHURST, Mass. — The University of Evansville men’s soccer team will play its first NCAA Tournament match since 1996 on Thursday afternoon.
Evansville at Massachusetts | Wednesday, November 21 | 12 PM CT
Site | Location
Rudd Field | Amhurst, Mass.
Links
12 PM CT:  Live Stats | TV: ESPN+
Follow the Aces 

The Purple Aces earned their first MVC Tournament title since 1996 on Saturday night in thrilling fashion. UE scored the first goal of the match but found themselves down a goal by halftime. Evansville found the equalizer in the 79th minute and scored the championship-winning goal in the 107th minute off a Bowling Green defender.

Fifth-year forward Kai Phillip (Diego Martin, Trinidad and Tobago) was named the MVP of the tournament for scoring two goals in three matches. Three other Aces were named to the MVC Tournament Team; defender Nacho Garcia, defender Martin Wurschmidt, and redshirt midfielder Jacopo Fedrizzi who was also named to the All-MVC Second Team.

This will only be the second time in program history the Aces have played UMass and the first time on either home pitch. The two teams played in the Bradley Tournament to begin the 2013 season and tied 0-0 after one overtime. The Minutemen come into the match having bowed out of the A-10 quarterfinals against the eventual A-10 Champions, Saint Louis. The quarterfinal match ended in a 0-0 tie where the Billikens advanced on penalty kicks.

UMass has a 10-3-5 overall record and finished 5-2-1 in conference play. The Minutemen are led by three-time A-10 Offensive Player of the Year graduate forward Alec Hughes. Hughes has scored 14 goals in only 15 matches to be third in the country in goals per game.

After Evansville’s run in the MVC Tournament, TopDrawerSoccer ranked the Aces as the 23rd-best team in the nation. United Soccer Coaches does not release a weekly poll during tournament play but will release a final poll after the College Cup in mid-December. Heading into the first match of the tournament, UE has a 5-10 NCAA Tournament record. Evansville’s last win came during the program’s second Final Four run in 1990 with a 1-0 victory over Indiana.

THUNDERBOLTS HOST PEORIA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS NIGHT THIS SATURDAY

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THUNDERBOLTS HOST PEORIA FOR FIRST RESPONDERS NIGHT THIS SATURDAY

 
Evansville, In.:  Following a pair of very close, one-goal losses this past weekend, the Thunderbolts aim to get back in a winning groove this coming weekend against the Quad City Storm, at Quad City on Friday and back at Ford Center on Saturday for First Responders Night.
Week In Review:
 
                Matthew Hobbs and Jordan Simoneau tallied a goal each in Peoria this past Friday, however the Thunderbolts fell just short 3-2.  Derek Contessa scored only 27 seconds into the game on Saturday against the Rivermen, but the Thunderbolts were forced to settle for one point in a 2-1 overtime loss.  Ty Taylor was nearly unbeatable in net for both games, going 29 for 32 on Friday and 37 for 39 on Saturday.
The Week Ahead:
                The Thunderbolts will be in Quad City this Friday night to take on the Storm at 7:10pm CT.  Fans can watch the action on FloHockey with a paid subscription or listen in for free on the Thunderbolts Mixlr Channel.  There will also be an away game watch party at Parkway Pizza on Evansville’s West Side.
This Saturday, November 23rd will be First Responders Night as the Thunderbolts host the Quad City Storm.  All current and former first responders will be eligible for $11 tickets for themselves and up to 5 friends/family each with valid identification.  The Thunderbolts will wear specialty First Responder-themed jerseys that will be auctioned off immediately following the game, and a limited number of replica jerseys will be on sale at the Thunderbolts merch stand behind Section 102.  For tickets, call (812)422-BOLT (2548), buy online at EvansvilleThunderbolts.com, or visit the Ford Center Ticket Office.
Coming Soon:
 
                Saturday, December 7th will be Teddy Bear Toss Night as the Thunderbolts host the Huntsville Havoc.  The Teddy Bear Toss is one of the biggest traditions in hockey around the holidays, where fans can bring new or gently used stuffed animals to throw onto the ice when the Thunderbolts score their first goal of the game, all of which will be donated to charities around the Tri-State to bring holiday cheer to those in need.  Fans can also drop off stuffed animals at Town and Country Ford at 7720 E Division Street in Evansville between Monday, November 25th and December 7th.
Scouting the Opponent:
 
  • Quad City Storm:
    • Record: 4-4-1, 9 Points, 8th Place
    • Leading Goal Scorer: Leif Mattson (7 Goals)
    • Leading Point Scorer: Leif Mattson (15 Points)
    • Primary Goaltender: Tyson Brouwer (1-3-0, .894 Save %)
    • Thunderbolts 2023-24 Record vs QCS: 4-7-1
                The Storm have lost four-straight games, however they will have star forward Matt Ustaski back from ECHL call-up going into this coming weekend.  In Roanoke this past weekend, the Storm were defeated 6-3 on Friday and 7-6 in overtime on Saturday.  Cole Golka, Johnny Witzke and Tommy Tsicos scored in Friday’s game, which was tied 3-3 until the Rail Yard Dawgs pulled away with three goals late in the second period.  Quad City rallied from 6-4 down in the final minutes of regulation to force overtime and gain a point before losing in extra time, behind two goals each from Leif Mattson and Tsicos and one goal each from Witzke and Nicola Levesque.
Call-up Report
– Lincoln Hatten (Worcester Railers – ECHL)
                – 8 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 P, 2 PIM
Transactions:   
Sat. 11/16: G Cole Ceci returned from call-up to Bloomington (ECHL)
Sat. 11/16: G Daniel Davidson placed on waivers
Fri. 11/15: G Daniel Davidson signed to contract
Fri. 11/15: F Aiden Wagner signed to contract
Thur. 11/14: G Cole Ceci called up to Bloomington (ECHL)
Individual game tickets, group packages, and season tickets are on sale for the 2024-25 season.  Call 812-422-BOLT or visit our all-new website (www.evansvillethunderbolts.com) for details.
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