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Murderer Sentenced to 145 Years

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 Evansville, IN – Prosecutor Diana Moers announces that on November 17, 2023, after a week-long trial, the jury found Arthur Lee Jones IV guilty of murdering Derek Johnson and Samantha Robbins. On December 15, 2023, Jones was sentenced to 145 years in prison. Judge Leslie C. Shively of the Vanderburgh County Superior Court presided over the trial and sentencing. 

On December 19, 2021, Officers were dispatched to 1208 Marshall Avenue after a neighbor called stating a young child was wandering around saying his mother was shot dead. When Officers arrived at the home, two additional children were found inside. Derek Johnson and Samantha Robbins were found in their bedroom deceased. One of the children stated that “Uncle Art” had shot their mother. With the description the children gave to Officer JT Vancleave, detectives identified “Uncle Art” to be Arthur Lee Jones IV. 

The trial started on Monday, November 13, and closing remarks were made Friday, November 17. It was a fiery trial with the Defendant’s mother eventually removed from the courtroom due to her outbursts and the Judge threatening to remove the Defendant due to his outbursts during witness testimony. Deputy Prosecutor John Bober and Chief Deputy Prosecutor Winston Lin presented a slew of evidence indicating that Arthur Lee Jones IV had shot the couple with the intent to rob them. The Defendant’s bounty after the murder was a mere $400 and some costume jewelry. After almost four hours of deliberation on Friday, November 17, the jury found the Defendant guilty of both murder charges. 

Prosecutor Diana Moers congratulated her Deputy Prosecutor John Bober and Chief Deputy Prosecutor Winston Lin on a successful prosecution, securing the guilty verdict, and a near-maximum sentence. Moers stated, “The Defendant in this case was on parole for a violent crime a mere 65 days before he took the lives of two individuals. He took the parents away from the three children who knew the Defendant as “Uncle Art” and were in the home at the time of the murders. The children in this case were critical witnesses and are traumatized by seeing their parents dead. Arthur Jones is not fit to walk among society and will now spend the rest of his life in prison where he belongs for his evil deeds. I will never forget the brave children in this case, and I know we all live with the impact of hearing their stories.” 

Prosecutor Moers also thanked the Evansville Police Department for their excellent police work including lead Detective Anthony Aussieker and Detectives Mike Ward and Zach Oxford. “The Detectives in this case were greatly affected by seeing the small children in the home as they were the first to arrive at this horrific scene. The officers did an amazing job speaking with the children and following up on all leads immediately. I also want to thank my amazing Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office staff Chief Criminal Investigator Tony Carden, Investigators Jessica Pollock, Gage Shots, and Jennifer Savage, Evidence and Media Specialist Morgan Richardville, Paralegal Kiersten Butler, and Victim Advocate Robyn Mastison for their crucial assistance in this trial.” 

Prosecutor Moers noted: “It was truly a team effort to put on this grueling five-day jury trial. Honorable Judge Leslie Shively and his staff were incredible in ensuring this trial ran smoothly and that each side received their day in court.” 

At the sentencing, the prosecution recommended the max of 150 years served. Judge Leslie C. Shively of the Vanderburgh County Superior Court sentenced Arthur Lee Jones IV to 145 years.

PUBLIC NOTICE OF EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE EVANSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT PENSION BOARD

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The Evansville Police Department Pension Board (the “Board”) will hold an Executive Session on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at 8:15 a.m. The Executive Session will be held in Room 307 on the third floor of the Civic Center at 1 N.W. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Evansville, Indiana. 

The Executive Session will be closed to the public for the following reason: for discussion of records classified as confidential by state or federal statute (I.C. § 5-14-1.5-6.1(b) (7)) and to receive information about prospective employees (I.C. § 5-14-1.5-6(b) (5)). 

Immediately following the Executive Session, the Board will conduct its regularly scheduled monthly meeting, which is open to   the public.

 EVANSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

PENSION BOARD AGENDA

12/20/2023

Room 307, Civic Center Complex

Executive Session opened at _______am.

  1. ATTENDANCE

Present       Absent

PRESIDENT  Mayor Lloyd Winnecke               
PRESIDENT PRO-TEM Rob Hahn
TREASURER Russell G. Lloyd Jr.   
SECRETARY Rick Hubbard
CHIEF OF POLICE Billy Bolin
ACTIVE MEMBER Aaron McCormick
ACTIVE MEMBER Michael Sides
ACTIVE MEMBER Jeff Breivogel
ACTIVE MEMBER Tony Zimmer
BOARD ATTORNEY Keith Vonderahe
  1. Sgt. Dexter Wolf will present five applicants to review. 
  1. Applicant #23-085
  2. Applicant #23-112
  3. Applicant #23-127
  4. Applicant #23-099
  5. Applicant #23-100

Executive Session Closed at   _____am

Regular Session Open at   ______am

  1. ATTENDANCE:

Present      Absent

PRESIDENT  Mayor Lloyd Winnecke               
PRESIDENT PRO-TEM Rob Hahn
TREASURER Russell G. Lloyd Jr.   
SECRETARY Rick Hubbard
CHIEF OF POLICE Billy Bolin
ACTIVE MEMBER Aaron McCormick
ACTIVE MEMBER Alan Yeager
ACTIVE MEMBER Jeff Breivogel
ACTIVE MEMBER Tony Zimmer
BOARD ATTORNEY Keith Vonderahe
  1. MOTION ON APPLICANTS 
  1. Applicant # 23-085 Motion to Accept/Deny by Member _______________. Second by Member __________.
  2. Applicant # 23-0112 Motion to Accept/Deny by Member _______________. Second by Member __________.
  3. Applicant # 23-127- Motion to Accept/Deny by Member _______________. Second by Member __________.
  4. Applicant # 23-099- Motion to Accept/Deny by Member _______________. Second by Member __________.
  5. Applicant # 23-100 Motion to Accept/Deny by Member _______________. Second by Member __________.
  1.   APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
  1. Emailed minutes from our November 1, 2023 meeting.  Motion to approve the minutes from the November 1, 2023 meeting. Motion to accept by Member____________. Second by Member_________.
  1. FINANCIAL REPORT: 1925 Fund

 

  1. Payroll: November 15, 2023 $ 241,375.94
  2. Payroll: November 30, 2023 $ 228,864.78
  1. OLD BUSINESS:
  1. NEW BUISNESS:
  1. DEATHS:
  1. Retired Officer David W. Hudson passed away on November 9, 2023. Leaving a wife, Linda and two adult sons. He was a member of the 1925 Fund.
  1. Retired Officer Guy W. Minnis passed away on November 18, 2023. Leaving a wife, Debra and two adult children. He was a member of the 1925 converted to 1977 Plan Fund.
  1. Loretta Nellis passed away on October 27, 2023. She was the widow of William Nellis. She was a member of the 1925 Fund.
  1. Retired Officer Edward Keller passed away December 10, 2023. He leaves a widow Dawn. He was a member of the 1977 Fund.
  1. RETIREMENTS/RESIGNATIONS:
  1. Officer Eric Krogman Badge 1293 retired February 22, 2023 effective having served 18 years, 8 months and 9 days.
  1. Officer Kevin Corbin Badge 1259 retired effective November 15, 2023 having served 21 years, 7 months and 21 days.
  1. Officer Christopher J. Alexander Badge 1560 resigned effectively November 13, 2023 after serving 10 months and 11 days.
  1. Officer Jeramey B. Rosenthal Badge 1508 resigned effectively December 8, 2023 after serving 3 years, 6 months and 7 days.
  1. GOOD OF THE BOARD:
  1. Next meeting is set for Wednesday January 3, 2024 in Room 307 of the Civic Center Plaza.
  1. Motion to adjourn by Member___________________. Second by Member___________________.
  1. Regular Session Closed at   _____a.m.

This Week in Indiana History

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December 17 – December 23


Fricke December 19, 1947 Country music star Janie Fricke was born in South Whitley. Twice named “Female Vocalist of the Year,” she has sold 14 million records.

1957 Indiana’s own, Bobby Helms first released “Jingle Bell Rock”. The iconic song is played in the United States every holiday season since it was released.

Bobby Helms 2


David Baker December 21, 1931 David Baker, Jr. was born in Indianapolis. He has won fame and honor as a musician, jazz composer, and dedicated music educator at IU.

December 23, 1866  John Finley died in Richmond, Indiana. He is given credit for the first printed use of the word “Hoosier” in his 1830 poem “The Hoosier’s Nest.” John Finley

Our Where in Indiana? from last week was taken In Thorntown, Boone County at Dull’s Tree Farm.

Dulll's  

Where in Indiana?

Do you know where this photograph was taken?

Visit us on Instagram to submit your answer.

Dec 16

Follow us on Instagram: @instatehousetouroffice

Indiana Statehouse Tour Office

Indiana Department of Administration

Guided Tours of the Indiana Statehouse are offered Monday through Saturday.  For more information, contact us.

(317) 233-5293
Estanley@idoa.in.gov


Statehouse Virtual Tour

Indiana Quick Quiz

1. Who was the first U.S. President to ride in an automobile?

2. Who was the first U.S. President to have his voice audio-recorded?

3. Who was the first U.S. President to use the typewriter for official business?

4. Who was the U.S. President who installed electricity in the White House?

Answers Below


For more activities

             in IN

https://www.visitindiana.com/


Answers

1. – 4. Indiana’s own President Benjamin Harrison!

Aces grind out 70-61 road victory over Bellarmine

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UE overcomes 11-point first half deficit 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – In a game that featured 11 lead changes, Chuck Bailey III converted a 4-point play to put the University of Evansville men’s basketball team in front for good, leading to a 70-61 win over Bellarmine inside Freedom Hall on Saturday afternoon.

Bailey was one of four players to finish in double figures, recording 12 points.  Yacine Toumi had a team-high 14 points while Ben Humrichous added 12 and Kenny Strawbridge Jr. completed the game with 10.  Antonio Thomas put forth an efficient all-around performance with 9 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists.  Humrichous had a team-high 9 caroms.  Leading the way for Bellarmine was Langdon Hatton.  He recorded 18 points and 11 rebounds.

“This was a big road win for us.  To be down double digits in the first half and rally to take a lead at the break was huge,” UE head coach David Ragland exclaimed.  “This is one of those games that really builds your culture.  We had contributions from so many guys and it helps their confidence.”

It was Toumi providing the offense in the early moments.  After the Knights posted the first basket of the day, Toumi connected on his first three attempts to give UE a 6-2 lead.  Bellarmine began the game hitting one of their first nine attempts.

Following the tough start, BU countered with 11 in a row to take 13-6 edge.  The Aces uncharacteristically had five turnovers in the opening eight minutes and the Knights took full advantage, turning those into nine points.  With 8:08 remaining in the opening stanza, Bellarmine opened its largest advantage at 24-13.

Evansville got back to business over the final segment of the half, outscoring Bellarmine by a 16-4 margin to hold the lead heading into the break.  Chuck Bailey III took it coast-to-coast as UE registered four in a row.  Bailey converted once again, hitting a 3-pointer at the 3:21 mark to make it a 1-possession game at 26-23.  The Knights pushed the lead to 28-23, but the Aces would score the final six of the half to take a 29-28 advantage.  Joshua Hughes took a feed from Kenny Strawbridge Jr. for the final basket of the half.

An exciting second half saw the squads swap the lead in the opening minutes before Bellarmine went up 46-40 at the 13:39 mark.  Tanner Cuff had a 3-point play and Bailey would hit his second triple of the afternoon to tie the game at 48-48 as the game entered the final 10 minutes.  Bellarmine posted the next four points while the Aces came back to go up 57-55 inside of the 7-minute mark thanks to an excellent move by Tanner Cuff.

With 3:47 remaining and the game knotted at 59-59, it was Bailey with the game-changing play.  The freshman was fouled on a 3-point make and the 4-point play gave UE the lead for good.  With just over a minute remaining, a putback by Toumi proved to be the dagger as it pushed the lead to 68-61.  Evansville would go on to win the game by a 70-61 final.

UE shot 47.4% in the road triumph while holding the Knights to 34.3%.  The Aces wrapped up the game with a 39-38 edge on the boards.

Next up in a busy stretch is a home game on Monday against UT Martin.  Tip is set for 7 p.m. inside the Ford Center.

JANUARY 2024 HAPPENINGS AT BALLY’S-EVANSVILLE

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JANUARY 2024 HAPPENINGS At BALLY’S-EVANSVILLE

  • 24-HOUR CASINO. MUST BE 21 TO PLAY. PROMOTIONAL RULES AND CONDITIONS APPLY. BALLY’S EVANSVILLE ENCOMPASSES 45,000 SQUARE FEET OF GAMING SPACEFEATURING 940 SLOT GAMES AND 28 LIVE AND ELECTRONIC TABLE GAMES
  • TWO FIRST-CLASS HOTELS
  • THREE DINING OPTIONS
  • THREE BARS
  • JANUARY PROMOTIONS

GIFT GIVEAWAYS

Qualified, invited Bally Rewards Members receive a choice of Free Gift(s) or Free Slot Play.
Wednesday, January 3: 19” Rectangular Baking Dish
Thursday, January 4: Choice of Marathon, Walmart, Amazon, Texas Roadhouse, VISA Gift Card
Wednesday, January 10: Handheld Garment Steamer
Thursday, January 11: Choice of Marathon, Walmart, Amazon, Texas Roadhouse, VISA Gift Card
Saturday, January 13: Bally’s logoed Puffer Jacket

Sunday, January 14: Blowout Gift Giveaway. Choose from 7 items
Wednesday, January 17: Tactical Flashlight
Thursday, January 18: Choice of Marathon, Walmart, Amazon, Texas Roadhouse, VISA Gift Card
Saturday, January 20: Choice of Marathon, Walmart, Amazon, Texas Roadhouse, VISA Gift Card
Wednesday, January 24: 7-Piece Cutting Board Set
Thursday, January 25: Choice of Marathon, Walmart, Amazon, Texas Roadhouse, VISA Gift Card

Friday, January 26: Choice of Marathon, Walmart, Amazon, Texas Roadhouse, VISA Gift Card
Saturday, January 27: 6-in-1 Corded Stick Vacuum
Wednesday, January 31: Digital Weather Station

$50,000 NEW YEAR’S DAY FREE SLOT PLAY DRAWING

100 WINNERS ALL DAY • Monday, January 1, 2024
Open to all Bally Rewards Members. Players check in at any Promotional Kiosk starting at 10 AM CT and receive ONE FREE ENTRY. All Club Members will receive ONE FREE ENTRY to deposit into the Players Club Drawing Bin. Drawing Bin will be closed 5 minutes prior to each drawing time and will close for the night at 7:10PM. Drawings will be held every 15 minutes from 11AM – 7:15PM. One $500 Free Slot Play winner will be selected at 11AM. From 11:15AM – 7:15PM CT, three winners every 15 minutes will be drawn to receive $500 Free Slot Play.

BALLY BUCKS MULTIPLIER

Each Monday in January • All day! 12 Midnight – 11:59PM CTOpen to all Bally Rewards Members. Play your favorite casino games with your Bally Rewards card inserted in the machine to earn 3X Multiplier toward your Bally Bucks.

PICK A CHIP

Tuesdays, January 2, 16 and 30, from 6AM – 12AM CT
Qualified and invited Bally Rewards Members swipe their card at any Promotional Kiosk to see how much Free Slot Play they have won, from $5, $10, $25, or $500.

COMPETITOR’S OFFER PROGRAM

Friday, January 5 and Saturday, January 6 between 10AM – 12AM CT
Sunday, January 7 between 10AM – 10PM CT
Open to qualified, invited Bally Rewards Members. Present a current and valid Free Play offer from another casino, up to $250, at the Players Club and we’ll redeem that offer in Bonus Free Slot Play and load it onto your Bally Rewards Card. Competitor’s offer must be a direct mail offer or a printed email offer valid during January 5, 6 or 7, 2024. Hotel and text message offers will not be accepted.

$20,000 JACKPOT PARTY

Wednesday, January 10 • 7PM – 8:30PMDRAWINGS AT 7PM, 7:30PM, 8PM & 8:30PM CT
You have an entry for every $1,200 jackpot or more hit between January 1, 2020, and 5:59AM on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. To be eligible for the drawings, swipe your Rewards card at any promotional kiosk and activate your entries on Wednesday, January 10, any time between 4:30PM – 6:30PM CT. 5 WINNERS EVERY HALF HOUR WILL WIN $1,000 IN FREE SLOT PLAY!

$20,000 COLD CASH HOT FUN SCRATCH & WIN

Friday, January 12

Qualified Bally Rewards Members will receive a scratch-card mailer advising them to bring their scratch card to the Bally’s Evansville Executive Conference Center Mezzanine, Level 2, to reveal their $5, $10, $25, $50, $75, and $500 Free Slot Play prize, or a cash prize of $1,000 or $20,000. Check-in between 2PM-8PM CT on Friday. Each scratch-off is a winner.

3-DAY $50,000 WINTER THRILLS FREE SLOT PLAY DRAWING

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, January 12, 13 & 14
Open to all Bally Rewards Members. Each day, receive PRINTED ENTRIES by checking in at any Promotional Kiosk starting at 12PM CT. Legend Tier Members receive 3 entries, Superstar Tier Members receive 2 entries, and all other Club Members receive 1 entry. Guests deposit entries into the Players Club Drawing Bin starting at 12PM each day. The Players Club Drawing Bin will be closed 5 minutes prior to each Drawing time and will close for the night at 8:55PM on Friday and Saturday and at 5:55PM on Sunday. Entries do not carry over from the previous day. On Friday & Saturday, 4 Winners every 15 minutes, between 4:15PM – 9PM each day, receive $250 Free Slot Play. On Sunday, every 15 minutes between 1:15PM – 6PM, 2 Winners will receive $250 Free Slot Play.

$20,000 JACKPOT PARTIES

Fridays, January 19 & 26 • 8:30PM – 10PM
DRAWINGS AT 8:30PM, 9PM, 9:30PM & 10PM CT
You have an entry for every $1,200 jackpot or more hit between January 1, 2020, and 5:59AM on the Thursday before each Jackpot Party. To be eligible for the drawings, swipe your Rewards card at any promotional kiosk and activate your entries on each Party date, any time between 6PM – 8PM CT.
January 19 – 5 WINNERS EVERY HALF HOUR WILL WIN $1,000 IN FREE SLOT PLAY!
January 26 – 5 WINNERS EVERY HALF HOUR WILL WIN $500 IN FREE SLOT PLAY!

BALLY’S HARD ROCK CASINO, BILOXI TRIP GIVEAWAY

Friday or Saturday, January 19 or 20, from 5PM – 9PM CT or Sunday, January 21, from 10AM – 2PM.
Open to qualified Bally Rewards Members. Invited players go to the Executive Conference Center Mezzanine on Level 2 and register with a Promotions Representative to pick up their Biloxi Trip Voucher. Trip must be taken before 07/21/2024.

5X, 3X AND 2X BALLY BUCKS MULTIPLIER

Sunday, January 21 • 12 Midnight CT – 11:59PM CT
Bally Reward Members play their favorite casino games while using their Bally Rewards Card and earn multiplied Bally Bucks, automatically applied to their Bally Rewards card. Bally’s Legend Tier Members will earn a 5X Multiplier, Superstar Tier Members will earn a 3X Multiplier, and all other Club Members will earn a 2X Multiplier.

TABLE PLAYERS DRAWING

Friday, January 26Open to qualified, invited Bally Rewards Members. Check in at any promotional kiosk between 12PM – 4:30PM CT to receive entries based on previous gaming activity. A $250 Table Free Play Drawing will be held every 15 minutes from 5PM – 9:15pm CT. At 9:30PM CT, a $1,000 Cash Prize plus all unclaimed Table Free Play will be awarded to one lucky winner.

$30,000 LUCKY DEVIL FREE SLOT PLAY DRAWING

Saturday and Sunday, January 27 & 28
Open to all Bally Rewards Members. Receive PRINTED ENTRIES, starting at 2PM CT on Saturday and at 11AM on Sunday, by checking in at any Promotional Kiosk. Legend Tier Members receive 3 entries, Superstar Tier Members receive 2 entries, and all other Club Members receive 1 Entry. Entries do not carry over from Saturday to Sunday. On Saturday from 5:30PM – 9PM, 2 winners every 15 minutes will receive $500 Free Slot Play. On Sunday from 2:30PM – 6PM, 2 winners every 15 minutes will receive $500 Free Slot Play.

MONTHLY EMAIL DRAWING

Bally Rewards Members submit their email addresses to enter a monthly drawing for $1,000 Bonus Free Slot Play.

NEW SLOT GAMING PRODUCT

  • Ocean Spin: Mighty Shark
  • Ocean Spin: Pirate’s Riches
  • Ocean Spin: Secrets of Egypt
  • Ocean Spin: Kingdom’s Treasure
  • Jackpot Carnival: Buffalo
  • Jackpot Carnival: Power of 88
  • Big Hot Flaming Pots: Tasty Treats
  • Egyptian Nefturs Treasures
  • Egyptian Ramosis Treasures
  • Money Slam Big Bucks
  • Money Slam Red Envelope
  • MORE Prosperity Link
  • Ultimate Firelink Cash Falls
  • Duo Fu Duo Cai: Flower of Riches
  • Duo Fu Duo Cai: Diamond Eternity
  • Fu Dai Lian Lian: Turtle
  • Fu Dai Lian Lian: Phoenix
  • Lightning Dollar Link

DINING, SPECIALS, AND HAPPY HOURS

TAP HOUSE SANDWICH OF THE MONTH – $16
Bourbon Glazed Chicken topped with Provolone cheese, caramelized onions, Cole slaw, lettuce, tomato, and pickle. Served on a brioche bun.

TAP HOUSE BEER OF THE MONTH – $5.50 Pint
Bell’s Amber Ale

TAP HOUSE CHEESECAKE OF THE MONTH – $8
Snickerdoodle Cheesecake topped with chocolate and caramel sauce, cinnamon sugar, and whipped cream.

LEGENDARY CELEBRATION
Legend Club Members receive complimentary appetizers and alcohol each Friday from 5PM-9PM at Cavanaugh’s On the River.

PREMIUM WEEKEND PARTY
Legend Club Members receive complimentary drinks from 7PM-12AM at the High Limit Bar on Fridays and Saturdays.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 

PIANO BAR AT CAVANAUGH’S ON THE RIVER –

The casual, upscale atmosphere of the Piano Bar is the ideal place to enjoy live regional entertainment on Thursdays from 6PM-9PM and on Fridays and Saturdays from 6PM-10PM CT.

  • January 4 – Andrea Wirth
  • January 5 – Bob Green
  • January 6 – Bob Green
  • January 11 – Andrea Wirth
  • January 12 – Andrea Wirth
  • January 13 – Bob Green
  • January 18 – Andrea Wirth
  • January 19 – Bob Green
  • January 20 – Bob Green
  • January 25 – Kasey Todd
  • January 26 – Kasey Todd
  • January 27 – Kasey Todd

NIGHTLIFE

Place sporting wagers in our Sportsbook and sit back and watch all the hottest football games and sporting events on our many flat-screen TVs in the Sportsbook Lounge, 24-hour Casino, and at Tap House.

MEETINGS AND GROUPS

Whether you are planning a small business meeting or a large wedding, Bally’s Evansville Convention Services Team is ready to work with you to create a customized event. Event spaces include Hotel Meeting Rooms, a Conference Center, a Riverfront Event Center, an outdoor Events Plaza, and a Riverfront Overlook. Visit www.ballysevansville.com

About Bally’s Evansville

Bally’s Evansville is a multi-million-dollar entertainment complex located on the scenic banks of the Ohio River in southwestern Indiana. The single-level casino encompasses 45,000 square feet of gaming space featuring over 950 slot games, thirty live and electronic table games and a High Limit Room. Accommodations include a 243-room hotel tower and a 95-room boutique hotel. The property also includes a sports book, three dining options, three bars, conference center, riverfront event center and a 1,660-vehicle attached parking garage.

About Bally’s Corporation

Bally’s Corporation is a global casino entertainment company with a growing omnichannel presence of Online Sports Betting and iGaming offerings. It currently owns and manages 16 casinos across 10 states, a golf course in New York, a horse racetrack in Colorado, and has access to OSB licenses in 18 states. It also owns Bally’s Interactive International, formerly Gamesys Group, a leading, global, online gaming operator, Bally Bet, a first-in-class sports betting platform, and Bally Casino, a growing casino platform. With 10,500 employees, the Company’s casino operations include approximately 15,000 slot machines, 600 table games and 5,300 hotel rooms. Upon completing the construction of a permanent casino facility in Chicago, IL, and a land-based casino near the Nittany Mall in State College, PA, Bally’s will own and manage 17 casinos across 11 states. Its shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “BALY”.

Aces women’s basketball earns first home win against Lindenwood

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The Purple Aces held the Lions to only seven points in the fourth quarter

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – A second chance layup and two free throws sealed the win for the University of Evansville women’s basketball team on Saturday afternoon.

With coaches donned in festive apparel for the holiday season, the Aces beat the Lindenwood Lions 70-68 on Saturday. It was UE’s first home win of the 2023-24 season after three close attempts over the past month. Four players scored in double-figures while freshman forward Maggie Hartwig had her third double-double of the year.

“I’m really really proud of our resiliency,” said Head Coach Robyn Scherr-Wells following the win. “I wish we would stop digging ourselves such a big hole. But we’ve shown that we have the ability to get back in the game, so we don’t quit. Finally, we came out on the winning side of one of those close games. I’m proud of our girls and I’m proud of our fourth-quarter play to get the win,”.

Evansville started Saturday’s contest with a bang as guard Alana Striverson sunk a wide-open three for the early lead. The Lions matched the three seconds later, establishing the back-and-forth pace of the first quarter. A seven-point run midway through the first put UE down by six. But guard Madlena Gerke started to heat up, getting the offense going to only trail by four when the quarter ended.

The Aces retook the lead in the second quarter on a guard Julia Palomo’s first three of the day. But with 5:07 left in the first half, Evansville hit a cold shooting streak. UE didn’t make a basket for the next five minutes for a 12-point hole. A last-second layup from guard Kynidi Mason Striverson broke the Aces scoreless run to make it a 10-point game going into the second half.

It was another hot start to the second half for Evansville with five points in the first minute of play. The teams traded shots after the first 60 seconds as UE got back within five thanks to a three from guard Lexie Sinclair and free throws from Hartwig and Gerke. But the Aces’ shooting woes returned as Lindenwood broke out on a 10-point run for another double-digit deficit. With just under two minutes in the third Evansville trailed by 18 for its largest hole of the game. UE headed into the final frame with 16 points to make up in 10 minutes.

Momentum swung back in the Aces favor in the fourth quarter as Gerke hit a three to start a seven-point run. The Lions cut into the run with an attempt at the line but it didn’t slow down Evansville’s pace with two back-to-back field goals. Midway through the quarter layups were traded but a trey from Hartwig with five minutes on the clock began a 12-2 run.

Center Barbora Tomancova got the game within one for UE with an and-one opportunity at the line. While she missed the free throw, Hartwig fought two Lindenwood players for the offensive rebound to make the second chance layup to take the lead. The Lions tied the game back up with a free throw, but an identical opportunity came for Palomo with two seconds left. Palomo hit both shots from the charity stripe with ease, giving the Aces the 70-68 win.

Hartwig, Mason Striverson, Gerke, and Tomancova all had double-digit performances for Evansville on Saturday. Hartwig also led the team on defense with 12 rebounds and a steal. Tomancova was UE’s block leader with two while Gerke added her fifth of the season. The Aces also benefited from 17 assists and more second-chance points down the stretch.

It will be a quick turnaround for Evansville as they head up to Bloomington on Monday, Dec. 18. UE will face the no. 15 team in the nation in the Hoosiers on Monday night. Tip-off from Assembly Hall is set for 6 p.m. with the game to be broadcast on Big Ten+.

Study puts Indiana near the bottom of best states for jobs

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The job search is hard (trust me, I’m a senior in college starting to look for jobs, so I’m beginning to get it).

It’s tough to know where to start, and it certainly doesn’t help if the state you live in ranks 45th on a list of best states for jobs. 

WalletHub compared the 50 states in 34 different job-market-related categories and found that Indiana ranked in the middle or bottom of all of them. The personal-finance website study released the report after finding “the unemployment rate at 3.9% and labor force participation at the highest level since the onset of the pandemic.”

The Hoosier state came in 36th for job opportunities, 39th for employment growth, and 38th for unemployment rate. However, Indiana workers benefit from the state being 18th for monthly average starting salary. 

“The past few years have been volatile for job seekers, going from massive unemployment to worker shortages,” Cassandra Happe, a WalletHub analyst, said in a press release. “[But] living in one of the best states for jobs can help you not just secure a career but also improve your chances of getting competitive wages, good benefits, and high job security.” 

According to the report, Washington is the best state for jobs because workers aren’t charged income tax and they’re also offered high pay and loads of employment protections. Less than 4.2% of employed Washingtonians live below the poverty line, which is the fifth-lowest percentage in the country. 

The average wage in Indiana is $20.05 per hour, according to Workstream, which is $4.34 lower than the national average but translates into $41,600 per year. 

Now, Indiana wasn’t the only Midwest state near the bottom of the list—Kentucky rounded out the bottom at No. 49. Ohio and Illinois also ranked below average, coming in 31st and 40th respectively. 

While the search may continue, keep in mind these are just numbers and there are things you can do to help you land the best job for you. Here are some things you can do: 

Consider applying for online jobs

After the pandemic, lots of employers have started offering hybrid or work-from-home positions—because of this, you could potentially work in a different state without having to uproot your life.

Network with anyone and everyone

Sometimes it’s not what you know but who you know. If you have a strong work ethic and are friendly, it can go a long way.

Use the worker shortage to your advantage

Push for a better salary or better benefits when negotiating during the hiring stage.

Don’t limit your options to a specific field or even location

By showing that you are adaptable and versatile, with soft skills like strong communication, creativity or tech skills, you can land a job you never would have thought. 

Tack on showing yourself care and patience. These are tips I’ll be using as I continue to pursue my post-graduate plans.

It’s going to take a little bit of work because finding a job takes time and just that—work.

EVV Airport Authority District Board’s Regular Board Meeting

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 NOTICE OF REGULAR BOARD MEETING 

Notice is hereby given that the Evansville-Vanderburgh Airport Authority District Board’s Regular Board Meeting will be: 

DATE: Monday, December 18, 2023 

TIME: 4:00 pm, Local Time 

PLACE: Evansville Regional Airport 

7801 Bussing Drive 

Evansville, IN 47725 

Regina 

CLUTCH GOALS LEAD THUNDERBOLTS OVER RIVERMEN, 4-3   

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Evansville, In.:  After the Rivermen rallied twice in the third period to tie the game, a late power play goal from Bair Gendunov proved to be enough, as the Thunderbolts skated by the Rivermen with a 4-3 victory on Saturday night at Ford Center, moving up to 9th place as a result.  The Thunderbolts’ next home game will be on Sunday, December 31st against the Macon Mayhem, puck drop at 7:00pm CT.

After a scoreless and penalty-free first period, Nick Prestia opened the scoring at 4:51 with his first professional goal, assisted by Matt Dorsey.  A few minutes later at 8:21, Myles Abbate scored off the rush from Bair Gendunov and Prestia to make it a 2-0 Evansville lead.  The Rivermen pushed Evansville to the brink in the third period, tying the game 2-2 with goals from Tristan Trudel at 6:38 and Alec Baer at 9:01.  The Thunderbolts grabbed a 3-2 lead just a couple minutes later at 11:32 with Tommy Stang scoring from Brendan Harrogate and Jordan Spadafore, however the Rivermen tied the game again as Braydon Barker scored at 13:37.  With a late power play opportunity, Gendunov scored at 16:40 from Chays Ruddy and Stang to put Evansville ahead for the third time, 4-3 the score.  The Rivermen would go up on a 6-on-4 attack with goaltender Nick Latinovich pulled on top of being on a late power play, but Evansville successfully defended the lead with clutch defense and goaltending.  Now on a three-game win streak, and a four-game win streak at home, the Thunderbolts have moved out of 10th place and into 9th, now only 3 points out of a playoff spot as the Thunderbolts continue to gel and build momentum.

Stang, Gendunov and Prestia each scored a goal and assist, Abbate finished with one goal, and  Cole Ceci picked up his 5th win of the season by stopping 32 of 35 shots.  The Thunderbolts and Rivermen meet again on Friday, December 22nd at Peoria Civic Center.

Anonymous donor “Pete” returns to Easterseals for 33rd year.

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Beloved “Secret Santa” delivers $3,000 to make Christmas merrier for children in need served by the Easterseals Rehabilitation Center and Easterseals Early Learning Center.

Pete’s donations since 1990 have now surpassed $106,000.

The beloved anonymous benefactor who calls himself “Pete” returned to the Easterseals Rehabilitation Center this morning to hide his generous surprise! Including today’s gift, Pete has now made 43 generous donations to Easterseals since 1990. Pete notified Easterseals that he had just delivered a gift, and staff should hurry to look for his donation outside the nonprofit organization’s headquarters at 3701 Bellemeade Avenue in Evansville.

A group of staff members followed Pete’s directions and found a gift bag. Inside was a colorful holiday drawstring bag that held 30 one-hundred-dollar bills, making a total donation of $3,000. Photos and videos are available at this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Pyv_I1Pbo-Qf7D8knN0vfNpvJv5zx7g8

Again this year—like so many years before—Pete stressed that his donation should be used to provide gifts to children with disabilities from disadvantaged families served by the Easterseals Rehabilitation Center and Easterseals Early Learning Center. The organization’s therapists, teachers, and other staff gladly act as Pete’s elves, purchasing and delivering presents from Pete for young clients and their siblings who would otherwise have a meager holiday.

Pete has said that giving this donation makes his day and he loves that his giving spirit has inspired many other individuals, groups, and companies to join the effort and “adopt” children and families each holiday season. Thanks to the combined generosity of Pete and others in the community, more than 158 individuals served by Easterseals will receive assistance this year. Gifts will range from toys, books and games to socks, shoes and winter coats.

Easterseals employees do not know the identity of their mysterious gift-giver, who has always referred to himself as “Pete.” Including this most recent delivery, Pete’s contributions over the past 33 years now total $106,450. All of Pete’s contributions have been designated to fill the needs of local children with disabilities. This “secret Santa’s” donations have always arrived in the form of hundred-dollar bills delivered in fun, creative ways. As usual, accompanying Pete’s latest delivery was a hand-written note with the words “You will hear from me again. Pete”

Easterseals invites the community to share Pete’s giving spirit by enjoying Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights in Evansville’s Garvin Park nightly through Jan. 1. All proceeds from the drive-through light show provide inclusive early education and essential therapy services, empowering Tri-State children and adults with disabilities to achieve their own unique goals and dreams.