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THUNDERBOLTS CONCLUDE REGULAR SEASON WITH COUNTRY, FAN APPRECIATION NIGHTS AGAINST BULLS

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Evansville, In.:  As the regular season winds down, the Thunderbolts will finish up their final games before the playoffs against Birmingham, as they host the Bulls for Country Night this Friday and Fan Appreciation Night this Saturday.
Week In Review:
 
                Evansville was shut out 5-0 at Huntsville on Friday night.  On Saturday, Evansville came back to tie twice with goals from Logan vande Meerakker and Benjamin Lindberg, however penalties in the third period came back to haunt Evansville as the Havoc won 5-2.  On Sunday against the Rivermen, Evansville again rallied twice to tie on goals from Bronson Adams and Tyson Gilmour, while Scott Kirton scored in overtime to win the game for Evansville 3-2.  Talor Joseph stopped 28 of 30 shots to pick up the win in his Thunderbolts debut.
The Week Ahead:
The Thunderbolts will finish the regular season on Ford Center ice against the Birmingham Bulls on Friday, April 4th for Country Night and Saturday, April 5th for Fan Appreciation Night.  Country Night will feature Evansville-area PBR Bull Riders Brandon Ferguson and Dakota Warnken, who will be available for autographs, photos, and demonstrations, with a live bull outside on the plaza.  16 oz. cans of Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra will be on sale for $3 each the entire night.  Country Artist and Member of 3 Doors Down Justin Biltonen will be in attendance, will be performing his new country songs during intermission, and will be available for a Meet and Greet/Autograph Session.  A special bundle of (1) ticket to PBR on May 24th and (1) ticket to Country Night is available for $30 at the Ford Center Box Office.  Fans who purchase the bundle will be entered to win a Thunderbolts/3 Doors Down jersey signed by Justin Biltonen.  Fan Appreciation Night will feature giveaways from local sponsors throughout the game, and a post-game jersey auction.  There will be a Party on the Plaza between 4:00-6:00pm featuring Food Trucks from La Plaza and Stuft Burger, and the Ford Center Corner Club will be open to purchase beverages before doors open at 6:00pm.  Fans will receive (3) free raffle tickets upon entry that can be placed in any combination of buckets in the lobby to win prizes from over 20 sponsors with the option to purchase additional tickets, 5 tickets for $5 and 25 tickets for $20.  A special Fan Appreciation Night bundle of (4) tickets and $40 of food vouchers for $80 is available at the following link:https://fordcentervictorytheater.formstack.com/forms/fan_appreciation_family_pack .

USI Theatre closes its 2024-25 season with Pippin: The Musical

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University of Southern Indiana Theatre concludes its 2024-25 season with Pippin: The Musical. Directed by Joshua Robinson and choreographed by Jaddyn Sage, this Broadway powerhouse has been reimagined with a new feel and ending. Performances will run from Thursday, April 10 through Sunday, April 13 in the USI Performance Center. 

With an infectiously unforgettable score from Stephen Schwartz, four-time Grammy winner, three-time Oscar winner and musical theatre giant, Pippin is the story of one young man’s journey to be extraordinary. Winner of four Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival, this updated circus-inspired version of Pippin continues to captivate and appeal to the young at heart throughout the world. 

Based on the book by Roger O. Hirson, heir to the Frankish throne, the young prince Pippin is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father, King Charlemagne the Great). In the end, though, Pippin finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors, but rather in the unextraordinary moments that happen every day. 

Featured cast members include Rayn Miller as the Leading Player; Ethan Hoover as Pippin; Chloe Kummer as Catherine; Will Monroe as Charlemagne; Madalyn Cottrell as Fastrada; Hamonee Baltzell as Berthe; Cooper Craig as Lewis; and Eric Meyer as Theo. Rounding out the cast as The Players are Jaden Crouch, Car Downs, Jade Griffy, Audrey Mereday, Simon Peters and Abby Scheller. 

USI Theatre will be using reserved seating, and ticket buyers can choose their own seats when purchasing online at https://usitheatre.universitytickets.com/ or by calling the box office at 812-465-7110. 

Tickets are $2 for USI students, $10 for USI employees, $4 for non-USI students (student ID required), $10 seniors (60+) and $12 for adults. Tickets are free to USI students with ID one hour before each performance begins based on availability. Shows begin at 7 p.m., Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. for the Sunday matinee. 

A Fond Farewell from the City-County Observer

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A Fond Farewell from the City-County Observer

MARILYN AND RONALD COSBY

APRIL 2, 2025

After more than two decades of relentless dedication, community engagement, and passionate pursuit of truth, it is with both sadness and gratitude that we, Ron and Marilyn Cosby, announce the closing of the Tri-State’s True Watchdog, the City-County Observer. For 23 years, we have worked side-by-side with our contributors and loyal readers to publish independent news and opinions with a mission to inform, challenge, and empower.

This decision does not come easily. Ron suffered a traumatic brain injury from a serious fall last year and has been under expert care at Vanderbilt and in rehabilitation centers ever since. While his recovery is progressing slowly and we remain hopeful, his health and well-being must now be our top priority. At the same time, the rising costs of operating the publication—equipment, digital infrastructure, and overhead—have made it increasingly difficult to maintain the high standards we set from the very beginning.

We want to say thank you—to our readers, our contributors, and to those who believed in the importance of independent local journalism. The CCO has been more than just a publication; it has been a community of watchdogs, thinkers, doers, and truth-seekers. Together, we made a difference.

Looking back, some of our proudest moments came from digging into stories others were too timid to touch. With the support of brave contributors and whistleblowers, we exposed public waste, challenged backroom deals, and held public officials accountable. We take pride in the impact we made, and none of it would have been possible without you.

Who could forget when we pulled back the curtain on the extravagant spending habits of the Evansville Convention and Visitors  Bureau—highlighting their taxpayer-funded indulgence in Opus One wine and luxury dining, which we dubbed “The Bacchanalian Fest”? That series sparked resignations and reform. Or the time we uncovered the truth behind the so-called Earthcare Energy project—an alleged economic win that turned out to be little more than vaporware. Our reporting revealed a lack of basic due diligence, saving the city from even greater embarrassment and financial loss.

We stood up to utilities like Vectren, spotlighting their attempt to charge ratepayers for unauthorized projects—like dense pack technology—before they got regulatory approval. And we never let up on pointing out the disconnect between the city’s obsession with tourism and the crumbling infrastructure, drug-laced public parks, and raw sewage problems that desperately needed attention.

We were loud. We were funny. We were relentless. And in our own way, we were effective. We estimate that the work of the City-County Observer saved taxpayers tens of millions of dollars—maybe even more. Whether it was shining a light on secret meetings that threatened the Homestead Tax Credit or calling for sensible policies in an often nonsensical political environment, we did it with passion and purpose.

Ron loved this work. He believed deeply in the power of journalism to protect the public interest and was never afraid to ruffle feathers if it meant doing the right thing. His “Is It True?” column—sharp, witty, and fearless—became a must-read across the region. And through it all, he never stopped advocating for good government and honest leadership.

To those who supported us, thank you for the privilege of being part of your daily lives. You made the CCO a success story rooted in conviction and community. To our contributors, thank you for lending your voices to a cause that matters. And to Ron—my husband, my partner, my best friend—thank you for leading with courage and vision.

As we close this chapter, we are not saying goodbye to the values that built the CCO. We are simply turning the page. Our hearts are full, and our gratitude is immeasurable.

Of course, there are many columns and exposés that we decided at the time they were written, not to publish. We do expect to consider a book with unpublished columns and some of our best memories at a later date.

With love and appreciation, Peace Out!
Ron and Marilyn Cosby

 

 

Aces baseball ends homestand with SEMO on Tuesday

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he Purple Aces will try to even the season series on their home field
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — The University of Evansville baseball team will wrap up a five-game home stand on Tuesday night at German American Bank Field.
The Purple Aces earned another conference series win over the weekend as they hosted the Valparaiso Beacons for three games. UE took two of the three games with wins on Friday night and Sunday afternoon for a 4-2 Missouri Valley Conference record. Evansville’s two wins over the weekend evened its home record to .500 as the program has only played six home games through 27 total in 2025.

The Aces end a five-game homestand on Tuesday evening against Southeast Missouri. UE played a game at SEMO three weeks ago for the first game of a home-and-home series. Evansville struggled in Cape Girardeau, losing the game to the Redhawks 17-6 in seven innings. But the Aces are looking to even the series with SEMO in Evansville with a win. Currently, the Redhawks lead by a game in the River City, but UE won the most recent meeting at German American Bank Field last year by a run.

Since the team’s first meeting three weeks ago, SEMO has had eight wins and only four losses. The Redhawks are currently on a five-game winning streak after sweeping Western Illinois in conference play while taking a midweek game against Middle Tennessee and the final game of a three-game series against UT Martin. SEMO has mostly been led by their pitching staff as the Redhawks lead the country in walks allowed per nine innings by only averaging just under three walks in a full game.

UE had success hitting the long ball over the weekend against Valparaiso. Evansville had a home run in all three games facing the Beacons’ pitchers while also having only the second game this season with multiple home runs on Sunday. Right fielder Harrison Taubert (Casper, Wyo. / Northeast CC) and catcher Matt Flaherty (Lake Zurich, Ill. / Bellarmine) had the Aces two home runs on Sunday. Flaherty’s home run was his first of the season to win the game for UE in the bottom of the ninth.

Sophomore left fielder Charlie Longmeier (Seymour, Ind. / Seymour HS) has been successful at the plate in conference action. Longmeier has a .545 MVC batting average, connecting on 12 of his 22 at-bats in six games. The sophomore leads Evansville in conference games at the plate in both batting average and doubles, with six two-base hits. And with a second home run hit on the season over the weekend, Longmeier is slugging .955 against Valley opponents.

Russell leads women’s golf after opening round

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 Aces in 7th place at Pawley’s Island

 

PAWLEYS ISLAND – With the first round complete at the Golfweek Stifel Women Spring Challenge, the University of Evansville women’s golf team is in 7th place at True Blue Golf Club.

Leading the way for the Purple Aces was Mallory Russell.  Completing the round with an even score of 71, she is tied for 7th place on the individual leaderboard.  Kate Petrova posted a 1-over 72 in the opening 18 holes and ranks in a tie for 10th place.

Elizabeth Mercer was third on the team and tied for 27th overall with a 4-over 75.  Trinity Dubbs carded a 79 in the first round to rank in a tie for 53rd while Louise Standtke wrapped up the day with an 81.

As a team, the Aces are in 7th place out of 16 teams with a score of 297.  UE is just two strokes outside of the top five.  Coastal Carolina leads the team standings with a 286 while Morehead State is two behind with a 288.  Sara Sarrion of CCU and Tavia Burgess of MSU are tied for the individual lead with rounds at 4-under 67.

Round two is set for Tuesday with the final 18 holes slated for Wednesday.

Eliza Piggott named MVC Freshman of the Week

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Piggott batted .600 in road series at Valparaiso

 ST. LOUIS – After finishing the weekend series at Valparaiso with a .600 batting average, University of Evansville softball player Eliza Piggott has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Week.

Aside from her .600 batting average, Piggott completed the 3-game series slugging 1.300 while reaching base 69.2% of the time.  She added a home run, five RBI, three walks, and two runs scored.

Friday’s opener against the Beacons saw Piggott go 1-3 with a walk and run scored to lead the Purple Aces to their first MVC win of the season.  She followed that up with a 2-3 effort in the second game of the doubleheader.  Piggott added two RBI and two walks while hitting an RBI triple in the 8th inning to add an insurance run.

Piggott put forth her top performance of the weekend on Saturday, going 3-for-4 with three RBI and a run.

Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

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Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Rcords

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Booked Last 24 Hours-Public

CenterPoint Energy actively monitoring severe weather risk as another round of storms targets southwestern Indiana

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Evansville, Ind. – April 1, 2025 – Following Sunday evening’s storms, CenterPoint Energy is actively monitoring forecasts which call for another significant round of severe weather expected to impact southwestern Indiana beginning Wednesday afternoon. According to the National Weather Service, the approaching system may bring large hail, damaging winds, isolated tornadoes and several inches of rain. Prolonged rainfall through the weekend is expected to significantly increase the risk of flooding across the region.

CenterPoint’s Operations and Emergency Preparedness & Response teams are leading the company’s preparedness actions as they monitor conditions and review readiness plans for possible severe weather.

“We’ve been tracking this system since the weekend and the risk has continued to increase,” said Shane Bradford, CenterPoint’s Vice President, Indiana Electric. “Our teams are preparing to respond safely and quickly if severe weather leads to outages or storm-related damage.”

CenterPoint’s storm preparation efforts

As part of its preparations, CenterPoint is taking steps to enhance its readiness and support restoration efforts, including:

  • Monitoring internal weather forecasts, along with reports from the National Weather Service and local weather outlets
  • Taking inventory of materials and readying equipment to support potential system repairs
  • Evaluating timing and initial plans for mobilizing crews and resources based on forecasts

CenterPoint will continue to monitor conditions and adjust response plans as weather activity develops throughout the week.

Understanding power restoration and potential repairs

As part of its proactive communication ahead of the storm, CenterPoint is reminding customers how power restoration is prioritized in the event of service interruptions due to severe weather. Restoration efforts begin with critical infrastructure, followed by repairs that restore service to the greatest number of customers before addressing individual outages.

Safety and preparedness tips

CenterPoint encourages customers to take steps to prepare for severe weather:

  • Stay informed: Monitor local weather updates and alerts from the National Weather Service. Follow CenterPoint on Facebookand X (formerly Twitter) for updates.
    • Note: CenterPoint has launched an Indiana-specific account on X (formerly Twitter) with the latest local information. Please be sure to follow @CenterPoint_IN.
  • Downed power line safety: Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines and report them by calling 800-227-1376.
  • Prepare an emergency kit: Keep flashlights, batteries, water, medications and a battery-powered phone charger ready.

Important flood safety tips

With prolonged periods of rainfall expected through the weekend, CenterPoint is encouraging customers to be prepared for potential flooding and review important electric and natural gas safety tips.

Electric safety during flooding:

  • If water appears likely to reach electrical outlets, power should be turned off at the breaker box—only if it can be done safely and without standing in water.
  • Any amount of water, including a puddle, can become energized. If you see a downed power line near water, retreat to a safe distance, then call CenterPoint immediately to report it.
  • Electrical appliances, including HVAC systems, that were submerged in water should be allowed to dry for at least one week and inspected by a qualified technician before use.

Natural gas safety before and after a flood:

  • Before a flood: Natural gas should not be turned off at the meter. Keeping the meter on helps maintain proper pressure in gas piping and prevents water from entering the lines. If discontinuing service is necessary, gas should be turned off at each appliance.
  • After a flood:
    • If a natural gas meter was underwater, CenterPoint should be contacted to schedule an inspection. The meter may require replacement.
    • Flooded natural gas appliances—such as furnaces, gas grills and gaslights—should be inspected by a qualified technician before operation.
    • If you smell natural gas, get to a safe area and call both 911 and CenterPoint at 800-227-1376.
    • While conducting clean-up, call 811 to locate utility lines prior to digging on your property.

Electric customers encouraged to enroll in Power Alert Service®

Electric customers are encouraged to enroll in Power Alert Service® to receive outage details, estimated restoration times (as available or determined,) and customer-specific restoration updates in the event of severe weather. With the option to receive updates via phone call, text or email, Power Alert Service® helps keep customers informed of restoration progress during an outage event.

CenterPoint Energy expands Smart Cycle program for Indiana Electric customers

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Increased bill credits, extended program season offer more opportunities to save 

 

Evansville, Ind. – March 31, 2025 – CenterPoint Energy has expanded its Smart Cycle program for Indiana Electric customers, increasing bill credits and extending the program season to provide participants with more opportunities to save on their energy bills.  

 

Smart Cycle is a voluntary energy management program that helps reduce electricity demand during peak energy usage hours while keeping customers comfortable. When demand is high, smart thermostats owned by participating customers will automatically adjust by up to four degrees to help manage energy use. Before each event, homes are pre-cooled to maintain comfort and customers can override adjustments anytime through their thermostat or app. 

 

Increased bill credits and a longer program season 

With these updates, customers can now earn: 

·         A one-time $75 enrollment credit upon completing program registration 

·         A $7.50 bill credit each month from March through November—an increase from the previous $5 per month credit 

·         Up to $67.50 per year in total bill credits, adding up the $7.50 monthly credit across the nine-month season. Previously, the program was capped at $20 per year. 

 

“Smart Cycle provides an additional, easy way for customers to save energy and lower their bills,” said Natalie Hedde, CenterPoint Energy’s Vice President, Strategic Business Growth & Engagement. “With the expanded season and increased bill credits, customers can enroll and start earning savings automatically—all while helping manage energy demand during peak usage times. We thank our customers for their participation, which also assists in maintaining energy reliability for all customers in our southwestern Indiana region.” 

 

Additional ways to save energy 

Smart Cycle is just one of the various energy efficiency programs, tools and tips that help customers manage energy costs year-round. Simple steps customers can take to reduce energy use and stay comfortable as the weather warms up include: 

·         Closing blinds and curtains to block direct sunlight 

·         Using ceiling fans to improve air circulation and help rooms feel cooler, and 

·         Sealing doors and windows to prevent warm air from entering and cool air from escaping 

 

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