The parents of UE student Abby Guerra are questioning a policy in Arizona that they say contributed to an indentity mix-up in a fatal crash. The parents of the 19-year-old Guerra says agony could have been avoided if families had been allowed to view the young woman who died in the July 18 car crash. But the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office will not allow families to view a body until authorities have made a positive identification. Authorities made a mistake, saying Guerra died in the crash and Marlena Cantu was alive. The mix-up was discovered several days after the crash. Guerra remains in critical condition.

Abby Guerra - Photo Courtesy of UE

Evansville city and Vanderburgh County officials get together to talk about next year's budget. City controller Jenny Collins says a tentative proposal would put a freeze on pay raises for city employees. Meantime, the County Council has set dates for county budget hearings. Council President Russ Lloyd Junior says they will be held on August 17 and 18, and September 1 and 8.

A Newburgh man is arrested for dealing crystal meth. Newburgh Police and Warrick Sheriff's officers acted on several anonymous tips, and conducted a month-long probe before arriving at the home of 25-year old Curtis Sallee at 5733 Maple Lane. Officers used a search warrant to locate 10 grams of meth in the garage, along with scales, pipes, a small amount of marijuana, and $1,000 cash. Sallee was jailed on charges that include dealing in methamphetamine over three grams. 

An Evansville man is accused of pepper-spraying three police officers while resisting arrest. Police responded to a report of a man beating his girlfriend at 13 East Tennessee St. Tuesday night. From the porch an officer says he saw a woman lying on a bed with swollen eyes. He said he could also see 31-year-old Kevin Marshall inside the house. Marshall refused to let officers in, but they entered through a window to check on the woman. Police say Marshall ran out of the house with a can of pepper spray, officers chased him, and he sprayed them with pepper. The officers subdued Marshall, who faces charges of battery of a police officer, one count of battery with serious injury, domestic battery, and resisting law enforcement. The officers were treated at Deaconess.

Fort Campbell opens a new facility, to serve the needs of wounded soldiers and their families. The post opened the Soldiers and Families Assistance Center during a ribbon-cutting.

A Lewisport, Kentucky man suffers burns, after his experimental aircraft crashed near the Perry County Municipal Airport. State Police say 69-year old Charles Lunceford was able to crawl from the wreckage near Tell City. He was taken to University of Louisville hospital for treatment.

A fire investigator confirms that a house fire that killed an elderly Evansville woman was likely caused by her smoking a cigarette while using an oxygen tank. WIKY News reported that was the likely cause of the fire on Sunday, the day of the blaze. Investigator Jesse Storey says the fire was mostly limited to the family room where Mary Edith Welch slept at 3119 Washington Avenue. Welch's daughter and 18-year-old grandson got out of the house. Vanderburgh County Coroner Annie Groves says Welch died of smoke inhalation.

She loved getting kids enthused about the benefits of reading. Former young adult and literacy services librarian Lola Teubert died Sunday night at her Newburgh home at the age of 83. Teubert was hospitalized last week with congestive heart failure. Daughter Annette Laswell says her mother returned Friday evening. Laswell says she passed away in her room that overlooks the Ohio River.

Evansville Police Chief Brad Hill postpones submitting a report to the Police Merit Commission on whether officers used excessive force when breaking up a party outside the Scottish Rite. Hill cited a number of unresolved procedural questions Monday. Officers fired pepper balls and pepper spray to disperse the crowd and arrested four people at the party. The Merit Commission's next meeting is August 9.

Two people are found dead following a house fire in central Indiana. It happened early in Brownsburg, just west of Indianapolis. A Fire Department spokeswoman says causes for the deaths and the fire aren't yet known. The blaze badly damaged the first floor of the farm house next to a subdivision.

Both Pennsylvania and Indiana collected more in taxes from commercial casinos than all other states, including Nevada. Tax revenue figures for the 2009 fiscal year collected by The Morning Call of Allentown show Pennsylvania took in nearly $1.1 billion from its nine casinos. That outpaces the $878 million collected by Indiana and the $831 million by Nevada. Gaming Control Board spokesman Richard McGarvey says it's not surprising since the intention of legalizing gambling in Pennsylvania was to increase state revenue.

Old National Bank's Bob Jones isn't exactly bullish about the economy - at least not yet. The president and CEO of the Evansville-based financial company says there are signs of better days ahead. For the first time since the fourth quarter of 2008, Old National has seen an upturn in commercial loans. And it reports an increase in business checking accounts for the first time since the first quarter last year. Old National reports a net income increase of more than nine percent.

More tennis courts are planned for Wesselman Park, in addition to a baseball-softball complex. Terry Clemens of the Evansville Community Tennis Association says his group plans to install at least 8 new tennis courts and possibly a tennis stadium. Clemens says his group will coordinate with city officials on the new additions. The Evansville Convention and Visitors Commission has approved a contribution of $15,000 for the tennis project. Clemens says ground will likely be broken next year.

Democratic U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell give starkly different assessments of what last year's $787 billion stimulus package has done amid the deep recession. Pelosi tells a gathering of state legislators meeting in Louisville that the stimulus has created or saved as many as 3.6 million jobs. She says more jobs will be created in the first eight months of this year than were created in the eight years George W. Bush was president. McConnell says the stimulus hasn't prevented the loss of another 2.5 million jobs. He says the stimulus is an example of congressional Democrats centralizing power in Washington at the expense of states.

A police report quotes one of three children of an Evansville woman as saying "this has been going on a long time." The child was thanking officers for arresting their 45-year old mother, Debbie Jennings on charges of child neglect with injury. Jennings, of 1113 Washington Avenue had told police her three kids had been sneaking out, and had to be disciplined. Police say they had responded to a 911 call from one of the young ones, and all three were at Highway-41 and Washington Avenue. They alleged their mom had struck them with sticks, an extension cord, and a belt. Two kids were placed with Child Protective Services, while the third was placed in the custody of their father.            

The 90th edition of the Vanderburgh County Fair is underway.  A single day pass costs $5 and a season pass for all six days costs $20. Along with the usual fair food, 4-H livestock shows and rides, county music star Chris Young will perform Wednesday night at the Grandstand. For a complete schedule of events and a map of the fair, click HERE.

Highway 62 is closed at the west end of Boonville. Southern Railway is replacing a railroad crossing. 62 will remain closed for about a week between State Road 261 and State Road 61.

A former Evansville-Vanderburgh school administrator and teacher has died. Patrick Henry was 80. Henry was assistant superintendent from 1976 to 1990. He often represented the school corporation in collective bargaining talks with the Evansville Teachers Association. Earlier in Henry's career, he was director of Student Services; an assistant principal, counselor and teacher at North High School; and a teacher at Highland Elementary School. EVSC officials say Henry influenced the lives of countless individuals.

A fourth teenager pleads guilty to two counts of burglary and two counts of criminal mischief in connection with the July 6th vandalism at Golfmoor Baseball Park and Helfrich Hills Golf Course. 15-year-old Kyle Hildenbrand is one of five young persons, four of them juveniles, accused of causing more than $10,000 worth of damage at the facilities. The other juveniles — 17-year-old Tyler Schnitzle, 15-year-old Shawn Fitzgerald, and 16-year-old Cody Gibson — pleaded guilty last week to most of their charges. All four teens will return to court Aug. 9. 19-year-old Damian Johnson faces charges of arson, criminal mischief, theft, and burglary in the case.

The family of a southern Indiana man who died nearly two years ago when his fishing boat got caught in the current and capsized in the Ohio River near the Cannelton Locks & Dam, is suing the Army Corps of Engineers. The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court alleges the agency was negligent by not having signs posted in the area, warning of the dangerous current. Ricky Wiseman of Troy died when the boat capsized, and Ed Elder of Tell City was injured. Other areas of the water near the dam do have signs warning of dangerous currents.

State officials say they'll have about half the planned Interstate 69 extension under construction by next spring. The building of overpasses at country roads and other preliminary work has started for a segment from near the city of Washington to just outside Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center southwest of Bloomington. Washington Mayor Larry Haag says he understands the concerns of those against the highway that will connect Evansville and Indianapolis. But he believes the project will be an economic boost for the largely rural area.

A bank robber slips through a search by land and air after holding-up an Integra teller. Kentucky State Police say a man with a gun entered the bank on U.S. 41-A at Poole. He fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money. Nobody was hurt. The suspect is described as a white man with a tan complexion. He's 5’ 5” to 5’ 6” in height with a stocky build. He was wearing dark colored clothes, dark sunglasses, and a black baseball hat. The robber was wearing a white bandana or cloth over his face. Officers on the ground got help from a K-9 and a KSP airplane but the robber hasn't been found.

Bank Robbery Photo courtesy of Integra Bank and Kentucky State Police

A close call for Vanderburgh County Sheriff's K-9 Bosko, after his nose led him to a man hiding in an attic. Deputies and U.S. Marshal's service officers were sent to 518 East Illinois to arrest 41-year old Christopher Eugene Young on felony warrants for Resisting Law Enforcement, Possession of Marijuana and Driving on a Suspended License. Lt. Doug Daza says Young previously has threatened to kill a police officer. Deputy Bryan Bishop deployed Bosko to sniff-out Young and the pooch struggled with Young in the attic. The ceiling caved-in, and Young fell to the floor. Bosko was stranded, so Evansville Firefighters using a ladder truck freed him through an attic vent on the front of the residence. Young was treated at a hospital and jailed.

Southwest Indiana Democrats criticize what they call a bail out that used money that should have gone toward education. Democrat Russ Stilwell of Boonville says the money was shuttled to the Indiana Pacers. He was joined by Representative Gail Riecken and candidate Steve Smith at a news conference outside Bosse High School. Smith noted that the only local House member to vote for the budget that contained the money was Suzanne Crouch, his Republican opponent.

The Vanderburgh County Republican Party chooses a new chairman. Precinct committee members have elected retired coal executive Wayne Parke. The 66-year-old Parke defeated Holli Sullivan, president of the conservative group Women Right of Center, in a caucus at party headquarters Thursday night. Parke pledged to immediately meet with candidates, establish a network of ward captains, fill precinct and central committee openings, and work on fundraising. He replaces Nick Hermann, who's leaving the post to run for county prosecutor. Hermann fired Parke from the position of party treasurer in May.

A western Kentucky man is back in custody after allegedly overpowering a sheriff's deputy and stealing a police crustier. Hopkins County Sheriff's deputies and Madisonville Police officers arrested Brandon Polley Thursday night at a home at 2744 Country Club Lane in Madisonville. Police say Polley held a man hostage there until police negotiators resolved the standoff. Polley faces numerous charges.

Evansville Police Chief Brad Hill says his department has decided to send its completed investigation of a graduation party at the Scottish Rite to the Police Merit Commission. The group's next meeting is Monday. Hill says the public will get its first look at the report when the commission takes-up the issue. Police arrested three 18 year olds and an adult during a large fight and some citizens have called for disciplinary action against some of the officers, who used pepper spray to disperse a crowd of about 200.

A former Evansville police officer is found guilty of criminal deviate conduct. 29-year-old Martin Montgomery was accused of forcing a woman to perform sex acts while he was a member of the police force. A jury of eight women and four men heard testimony in Vanderburgh Superior Court. Montgomery was suspended from the department after the complaint surfaced in June of last year. He was arrested a month later and resigned shortly before the Police Merit Commission was to consider Chief Brad Hill's recommendation that Montgomery be terminated.

A Jasper woman is killed when a car and a semi collide in western Kentucky. State police say the car driven by 81-year-old Thomas Eversman of Jasper crossed the median of the Natcher Parkway near the Daviess-Ohio county line, hit the rear of the tractor-trailer, spun back into the median and caught fire. A passenger in the car, 74-year-old Mary Eversman of Jasper, was killed. Thomas Eversman was ejected from the car and then flown to St. Mary's Medical Center in serious condition. The truck driver was not injured, but the impact knocked the back axle off his truck.

A chain reaction crash on Evansville's west side critically injures a man. It happened Tuesday afternoon at St. Joe Avenue and Wimberg Road. The Vanderburgh County Sheriff's office says three cars were involved. 53-year-old Ronald Kimmel and 31-year-old Melissa Hill, both of Evansville, were taken to Deaconess Hospital. Kimmel is in critical condition and Hill was treated for minor injuries.

A worker at a western Kentucky plant has died after suffering an electrical shock on the job. 22-year-old Chuck Pollard was flown to Vanderbilt Medical Center after being shocked at the Brazeway plant in Hopkinsville. Pollard died due to complications from the injury. A statement from the company says several employees rushed to his aid and administered CPR before paramedics arrived. Brazeway officials say they are attempting to determine what caused the accident, and the equipment Pollard was working on has been taken out of operation. Brazeway CEO Stephanie Boyse says the company has "never experienced an accident of this magnitude'' in its 60-year history. The plant makes refrigeration parts.

Work is ahead of schedule on the interchange at the Lloyd and Fulton. INDOT spokeswoman Cher Goodwin says the project is targeted for completion in October, but could finish sooner. Until then, lane restrictions and a reduced speed limit continue. Police have ticketed numerous drivers for speeding in the work zone.

Vanderburgh County Commissioners say the single largest road project that the county has ever tackled is running on schedule to be complete by December. Commission President Steve Melcher tells Rotarians a major part of the $26 million project to widen and raise Green River Road from Lynch to Millersburg Road has been construction of five bridges at a cost of $8 million. Melcher says that keeping the road open during the project cost $3 million - but he says it was worth the extra investment.

You'll soon be hearing much more about the committee working to develop a workable plan for merging city of Evansville and Vanderburgh County government. Commissioner Lloyd Winnecke tells Rotarians that details on what consolidation could mean to budgets and taxes should come to light next month. Winnecke says a proposal could be presented to voters next year, or in 2012.

More doctors are coming around to recognizing adrenal fatigue, and testing for it. The World Health organization indicates at least 80-percent of people suffer symptoms at some point in their lives. Author Jennifer Busch tells WIKY news it's brought on by stress, and is being diagnosed by more physicians. Busch has written a book called, "All in my Mind?" She says if you take your blood pressure while lying down, then take it again while standing, and either number drops, you may have adrenal fatigue.

Information from the new Kids Count Data Book shows that many improvements in the well-being of children began in the late 1990's, then stalled before the economic downturn. National Coordinator Laura Beavers says the child poverty rate is about 18-percent, across the U.S. and in Indiana, and it isn't expected to improve anytime soon. Beavers says there are five areas of improvement: the infant mortality rate, child and teen death rates, teen birth rate, and the percent of teens not in school and not high school graduates.  

Fort Campbell opens a new facility, to serve the needs of wounded soldiers and their families. The post opened the Soldiers and Families Assistance Center during a ribbon-cutting.

A Lewisport, Kentucky man suffers burns, after his experimental aircraft crashed near the Perry County Municipal Airport. State Police say 69-year old Charles Lunceford was able to crawl from the wreckage near Tell City. He was taken to University of Louisville hospital for treatment.

The father of a woman misidentified after a fatal Arizona traffic crash says the hospital mixed up the families, not the victims. Frank Cantu says the hospital used information provided by the families to correctly determine it was 19-year-old UE student Abby Guerra who survived the July 18 crash, not his 21-year-old daughter, Marlena Cantu. But he says hospital staff mistakenly came to him and said the critically injured woman was his daughter.

Abby Guerra - Photo Courtesy of UE

A fire investigator confirms that a house fire that killed an elderly Evansville woman was likely caused by her smoking a cigarette while using an oxygen tank. WIKY News reported that was the likely cause of the fire on Sunday, the day of the blaze. Investigator Jesse Storey says the fire was mostly limited to the family room where Mary Edith Welch slept at 3119 Washington Avenue. Welch's daughter and 18-year-old grandson got out of the house. Vanderburgh County Coroner Annie Groves says Welch died of smoke inhalation.

She loved getting kids enthused about the benefits of reading. Former young adult and literacy services librarian Lola Teubert died Sunday night at her Newburgh home at the age of 83. Teubert was hospitalized last week with congestive heart failure. Daughter Annette Laswell says her mother returned Friday evening. Laswell says she passed away in her room that overlooks the Ohio River.

Evansville Police Chief Brad Hill postpones submitting a report to the Police Merit Commission on whether officers used excessive force when breaking up a party outside the Scottish Rite. Hill cited a number of unresolved procedural questions Monday. Officers fired pepper balls and pepper spray to disperse the crowd and arrested four people at the party. The Merit Commission's next meeting is August 9.

Two people are found dead following a house fire in central Indiana. It happened early in Brownsburg, just west of Indianapolis. A Fire Department spokeswoman says causes for the deaths and the fire aren't yet known. The blaze badly damaged the first floor of the farm house next to a subdivision.

Both Pennsylvania and Indiana collected more in taxes from commercial casinos than all other states, including Nevada. Tax revenue figures for the 2009 fiscal year collected by The Morning Call of Allentown show Pennsylvania took in nearly $1.1 billion from its nine casinos. That outpaces the $878 million collected by Indiana and the $831 million by Nevada. Gaming Control Board spokesman Richard McGarvey says it's not surprising since the intention of legalizing gambling in Pennsylvania was to increase state revenue.

Old National Bank's Bob Jones isn't exactly bullish about the economy - at least not yet. The president and CEO of the Evansville-based financial company says there are signs of better days ahead. For the first time since the fourth quarter of 2008, Old National has seen an upturn in commercial loans. And it reports an increase in business checking accounts for the first time since the first quarter last year. Old National reports a net income increase of more than nine percent.

More tennis courts are planned for Wesselman Park, in addition to a baseball-softball complex. Terry Clemens of the Evansville Community Tennis Association says his group plans to install at least 8 new tennis courts and possibly a tennis stadium. Clemens says his group will coordinate with city officials on the new additions. The Evansville Convention and Visitors Commission has approved a contribution of $15,000 for the tennis project. Clemens says ground will likely be broken next year.

Democratic U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell give starkly different assessments of what last year's $787 billion stimulus package has done amid the deep recession. Pelosi tells a gathering of state legislators meeting in Louisville that the stimulus has created or saved as many as 3.6 million jobs. She says more jobs will be created in the first eight months of this year than were created in the eight years George W. Bush was president. McConnell says the stimulus hasn't prevented the loss of another 2.5 million jobs. He says the stimulus is an example of congressional Democrats centralizing power in Washington at the expense of states.

A police report quotes one of three children of an Evansville woman as saying "this has been going on a long time." The child was thanking officers for arresting their 45-year old mother, Debbie Jennings on charges of child neglect with injury. Jennings, of 1113 Washington Avenue had told police her three kids had been sneaking out, and had to be disciplined. Police say they had responded to a 911 call from one of the young ones, and all three were at Highway-41 and Washington Avenue. They alleged their mom had struck them with sticks, an extension cord, and a belt. Two kids were placed with Child Protective Services, while the third was placed in the custody of their father.            

The 90th edition of the Vanderburgh County Fair is underway.  A single day pass costs $5 and a season pass for all six days costs $20. Along with the usual fair food, 4-H livestock shows and rides, county music star Chris Young will perform Wednesday night at the Grandstand. For a complete schedule of events and a map of the fair, click HERE.

Highway 62 is closed at the west end of Boonville. Southern Railway is replacing a railroad crossing. 62 will remain closed for about a week between State Road 261 and State Road 61.

A former Evansville-Vanderburgh school administrator and teacher has died. Patrick Henry was 80. Henry was assistant superintendent from 1976 to 1990. He often represented the school corporation in collective bargaining talks with the Evansville Teachers Association. Earlier in Henry's career, he was director of Student Services; an assistant principal, counselor and teacher at North High School; and a teacher at Highland Elementary School. EVSC officials say Henry influenced the lives of countless individuals.

A fourth teenager pleads guilty to two counts of burglary and two counts of criminal mischief in connection with the July 6th vandalism at Golfmoor Baseball Park and Helfrich Hills Golf Course. 15-year-old Kyle Hildenbrand is one of five young persons, four of them juveniles, accused of causing more than $10,000 worth of damage at the facilities. The other juveniles — 17-year-old Tyler Schnitzle, 15-year-old Shawn Fitzgerald, and 16-year-old Cody Gibson — pleaded guilty last week to most of their charges. All four teens will return to court Aug. 9. 19-year-old Damian Johnson faces charges of arson, criminal mischief, theft, and burglary in the case.

The family of a southern Indiana man who died nearly two years ago when his fishing boat got caught in the current and capsized in the Ohio River near the Cannelton Locks & Dam, is suing the Army Corps of Engineers. The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court alleges the agency was negligent by not having signs posted in the area, warning of the dangerous current. Ricky Wiseman of Troy died when the boat capsized, and Ed Elder of Tell City was injured. Other areas of the water near the dam do have signs warning of dangerous currents.

State officials say they'll have about half the planned Interstate 69 extension under construction by next spring. The building of overpasses at country roads and other preliminary work has started for a segment from near the city of Washington to just outside Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center southwest of Bloomington. Washington Mayor Larry Haag says he understands the concerns of those against the highway that will connect Evansville and Indianapolis. But he believes the project will be an economic boost for the largely rural area.

A bank robber slips through a search by land and air after holding-up an Integra teller. Kentucky State Police say a man with a gun entered the bank on U.S. 41-A at Poole. He fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money. Nobody was hurt. The suspect is described as a white man with a tan complexion. He's 5’ 5” to 5’ 6” in height with a stocky build. He was wearing dark colored clothes, dark sunglasses, and a black baseball hat. The robber was wearing a white bandana or cloth over his face. Officers on the ground got help from a K-9 and a KSP airplane but the robber hasn't been found.

Bank Robbery Photo courtesy of Integra Bank and Kentucky State Police

A close call for Vanderburgh County Sheriff's K-9 Bosko, after his nose led him to a man hiding in an attic. Deputies and U.S. Marshal's service officers were sent to 518 East Illinois to arrest 41-year old Christopher Eugene Young on felony warrants for Resisting Law Enforcement, Possession of Marijuana and Driving on a Suspended License. Lt. Doug Daza says Young previously has threatened to kill a police officer. Deputy Bryan Bishop deployed Bosko to sniff-out Young and the pooch struggled with Young in the attic. The ceiling caved-in, and Young fell to the floor. Bosko was stranded, so Evansville Firefighters using a ladder truck freed him through an attic vent on the front of the residence. Young was treated at a hospital and jailed.

Southwest Indiana Democrats criticize what they call a bail out that used money that should have gone toward education. Democrat Russ Stilwell of Boonville says the money was shuttled to the Indiana Pacers. He was joined by Representative Gail Riecken and candidate Steve Smith at a news conference outside Bosse High School. Smith noted that the only local House member to vote for the budget that contained the money was Suzanne Crouch, his Republican opponent.

The Vanderburgh County Republican Party chooses a new chairman. Precinct committee members have elected retired coal executive Wayne Parke. The 66-year-old Parke defeated Holli Sullivan, president of the conservative group Women Right of Center, in a caucus at party headquarters Thursday night. Parke pledged to immediately meet with candidates, establish a network of ward captains, fill precinct and central committee openings, and work on fundraising. He replaces Nick Hermann, who's leaving the post to run for county prosecutor. Hermann fired Parke from the position of party treasurer in May.

A western Kentucky man is back in custody after allegedly overpowering a sheriff's deputy and stealing a police crustier. Hopkins County Sheriff's deputies and Madisonville Police officers arrested Brandon Polley Thursday night at a home at 2744 Country Club Lane in Madisonville. Police say Polley held a man hostage there until police negotiators resolved the standoff. Polley faces numerous charges.

Authorities have arrested six teenagers in connection with a fire that destroyed a small church in rural southern Indiana. The July 14 fire gutted the Grandview Apostolic Church in Columbus, and its roof and steeple collapsed.

Each year the Boys & Girls Club considers young people who are  doing a great job. From the list, leaders select a Youth of the Year. This year's choice is Garrett Cadwalder. He'll be a senior at North High School this year, and was presented this honor for his outstanding service to the Club and for showing tremendous character and leadership. His academic interests include architecture, engineering, community design planning and other areas of construction. He'll now be considered in national competition.

The president of the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Board is seeking a third term. Chris Kiefer chairs the Criminal Justice Department at Ivy Tech. The former sheriff's deputy recently organized a giveaway of 131 bicycles to students in the EVSC's Summer Enrichment Program.

Both U.S. Senators from Indiana pledge their support to Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan. Republican Richard Lugar and Democrat Evan Bayh made their intentions known after the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13-6 to send Kagan's name to the full Senate for consideration. Earlier, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky announced he would oppose the nomination. He's been joined by Republican Senator Jim Bunning.  Most Senate Republicans are expected to oppose Kagan.

Five finalists are drawn for the Easter Seals Sweeps. One of them will win a new home or choose - instead - to take $100,000. Finalists include Andrew Kopshever, Steve & Melinda DeVillez, Andrea Chambers and Barbara Givens, and Lisa Conti -all of Evansville - and Jamie Render of Boonville. Some 2,400 of 3,000 available tickets were sold, for net proceeds of $129,000 for therapeutic services. The final drawing takes place at noon Thursday at the Rehabilitation Center on Bellemeade.

New jobs are coming to Princeton. Todd Mosby of the Gibson County Economic Development Corporation says Windsor Machine Group will hire 50 new employees at its plant. Windsor is headquartered in Windsor, Ontario. It currently employs 32 workers at its Princeton plant, where they produce headrests for Toyota. Mosby says the Gibson County Commissioners will be the owners of a new plant for the first five years as Windsor works to complete criteria set-forth in a half million dollar Community Development Block Grant.

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels tells Evansville Rotarians and guests that more cuts will likely be made in state government. Daniels also dismissed the rise in Indiana's unemployment rate during a time that 39 other states and the District of Columbia saw their unemployment rates drop. And Daniels left open the possibility that he may run for president. Click HERE to see WIKY's Randy Wheeler and other reporters interview Daniels about his main points.

While he was in Evansville, Gov. Daniels presented Evansville-Vanderburgh School Superintendent Vince Bertram with a Distinguished Citizens Award and said Bertram is Indiana's best school superintendent. You can see Bertram's reaction by clicking HERE.

The former executive director of Evansville's Convention and Visitors Bureau files a lawsuit against its board. Marilee Fowler says the board violated her first amendment rights, and committed fraud as well as other illegal actions. Fowler was placed on administrative leave for speaking with a reporter about the plan for Wesselman Park. She was provided a severance agreement, and asked to resign, effective at the end of March. Her suit alleges the board voted behind closed doors to accept her resignation and deny the severance. The bureau's attorney says Fowler's media comments “clearly violate the express terms and the spirit of the severance agreement.” Fowler is now president of the Cedar Rapids Iowa Convention and Visitors Bureau.

A member of the Newburgh Junior Baseball board of directors, 34-year old Chad Ailstock, faces charges of sexual misconduct with a minor, child seduction, and providing obscene material to a minor. Warrick Sheriff's officers say they began to investigate Ailstock in April. Child Services had notified them, and alleged Ailstock engaged in illegal sexual contact with a minor. They interviewed Ailstock at Holly's House, and obtained a search warrant for his house. Without being specific, investigators say what they found was enough for an arrest warrant.

The Vanderburgh County Commission responds to the desires of most Bohannon Estates residents. Commissioners voted against replacing the subdivision's septic tanks with sanitary sewers. Costs of the project would have been shared by Bohannon residents and the county. It's pricetag increased because of lengthy delays in getting it started, and many changed their minds, saying its no longer affordable.  

It's a step forward for the renovation of the Audubon Apartments in downtown Evansville. The Redevelopment Commission has approved a $75,000 grant for the new owner, Mike Martin. Martin plans to invest $800,000 in the building at Riverside and Adams. He already received permission to raze a dilapidated house next door.

The military announces the deaths of three soldiers from Fort Campbell in separate attacks in Afghanistan. Sgt. 1st Class John Jarrell and Sgt. Leston Winters died in Kandahar after their unit was attacked with an improvised explosive device. The military also says Sgt. Matthew Weikert was killed when his unit was attacked with an IED.

Two programs in southwest Indiana - in Evansville and Newburgh - receive 2010 National Trust Main Street Accreditation. They've met the commercial district revitalization performance standard set by the National Trust Main Street Center. The programs are credited with building strong revitalization organizations and demonstrating their ability in using a methodology for strengthening their local economy and protecting their historic buildings. Caitlin Poe of Historic Newburgh, Incorporated says it the accreditation will help HNI qualify for grants that will help the group fulfill its mission.

A key Newburgh couple is leaving town. Frank Hijuelos and his wife Pam are returning to the New Orleans area. He's the Director of Planning and Development for Newburgh and she's an official with the Newburgh Senior Center. They moved to Newburgh 10 years ago from the Gulf and will return to be with Pam's aging mother and Frank's aging brother. He says he'll miss the opportunity to spur Newburgh's economy. Hijuelos will become a Harbor Master at a marina on Lake Pontchatrain. 

You can see some local history on the Vanderburgh County Clerk's web page. Clerk Susie Kirk has added local election results that go back 120 years. She says it involved paging through a lot of dusty, old books. Kirk says she encountered a problem during the World War two years. You can access the results by going to the county clerk's web page and clicking on "elections" and then "old election results."

An Evansville man accused of seriously injuring his girlfriend's daughter appears in court. Jason Wayne McReynolds was advised that instead of going to trial now, he will be tried November 8. Last month, Judge David Kiely denied McReynolds request for a reduction of his $300,000 bond. Five-year old Nevaeh Almond continues to recover from a severe skull fracture, bleeding on the brain, a bruised pancreas and other injuries. She's the daughter of Kimberly Sue-Ann Butler Hoeflinger. Reynolds is charged with battery resulting in serious bodily injury of a person younger than 14.

Students at Ivy Tech Community College who hope to transfer those courses to a four-year program may find they don't get the credit they think they're due. Officials at four-year colleges say some Ivy Tech classes may have similar names but different content and shouldn't transfer.

It may not seem fair to many students who are enjoying their spring break, but school bells will ring for many EVSC students - and others in the area - less than a month from now. And local school officials have compiled information that will be useful to moms and dads, as well as for the kids. The EVSC Back to School Information packet covers everything from required immunizations to snow days. We'll leave it here far beyond opening day for many students, Aug. 11th. And you may want to Bookmark it as one of your favorites - even if it is not. Here it is...so click HERE We'll leave here even after the starting bell for many students on Aug. 11th.

Put your phone down and stop texting. It's now the law in Kentucky. Gov. Steve Beshear's office says Kentucky had more than 57,000 crashes last year that were attributed to driver distraction and inattention. The new law prohibits drivers of all ages from reading and sending text messages. It also prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from talking on a cell phone while the vehicle is moving.

Some Evansville area residents would tell you there's always been Thunder on the Ohio. But not this year. The Unlimited Hydroplanes have been a high point of each summer. But ThunderFest leader Tom Sawyer says planners haven't been able to come-up with enough money to bring the big hydroplanes back to Dress Plaza. Sawyer hopes enough money will be raised between now and next summer to bring thunder back to Dress Plaza. He says this year's festival will include a big-name star, a barbecue festival, hot air tethered balloon rides, inflatable attractions and the Budweiser Clydesdales. The cost of a button is $10. You can hear Randy Wheeler's interview with Tom Sawyer by clicking HERE. Depending on your connection, it may take a half minute or so for the interview to load and playback.

Technology and creativity continue to make life a little simpler. You can now access information on the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library’s new mobile website. The site, which officially launches today, is mobile phone-friendly with larger text, graphics, and specific information that customers may need while away from a computer. Customers can easily search the library catalog, find event information, renew materials, ask questions and map library locations. The system is accessible on any Internet-enabled mobile phone. Library system Marketing and Communications Manager Amy Mangold says the mobile version of their website is another way to make it easier for customers to connect with the library.” The mobile website address is m.evpl.org 

The 16th Ducks on the Ohio will again carry a top prize of $10,000 and the chance to win one-million dollars. Duck adoptions are underway. The fundraiser supports the transitional housing program at the Goodwill Family Center. Goodwill Vice President of Human Services Connie Ralph says it served 19 families last year. You may buy ducks at Fifth-Third, Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union, Schnucks, and Goodwill. The race is August 7th at 2:02 p.m..

Dozens of new laws are now in effect in Indiana. Here's an overview provided by State Senator Vaneta Becker of Evansville:

Child Support: In , an effort to collect more than $2 billion in overdue child support payments, lawmakers passed a bill to withhold casino winnings from those who ignore their court-ordered obligations. The Indiana Department of Child Services estimates more than 165,000 “deadbeat parents” each owe more than $2,000 in support payments. Colorado passed a similar law in July 2008, resulting in more than $320 million in delinquent payments.  

Drunken Driving: Legislation designed to stiffen penalties against drunken drivers also memorializes an innocent victim, an Indiana family’s unborn son. In 2007, Danielle Brookshire lost her unborn son in a car crash believed to be caused by a drunken driver. Lawmakers worked with Brookshire and local prosecutors on the bill’s language. 

Costly, Crowded Prisons: Senate Enrolled Act 415 eases the burden on Indiana’s over-crowded correctional facilities and saves tax dollars. Every year of incarceration costs taxpayers at least $20,000 per inmate, and SEA 415 allows parole boards to consider early discharges for long-term, non-violent offenders who have been incarcerated for 21 consecutive years and have completed a four-year college degree or other approved community transition program. 

Utility Co-Ops: Lawmakers passed,, a measure allowing rural telephone and electric cooperatives to merge into single co-ops. Supporters of Senate Enrolled Act 126 say merging co-ops could increase the utilities’ management efficiencies and streamline efforts to more cost-effectively bring service to Hoosiers in rural communities.  

Independent Research: In an effort to make the legislative branch less dependent on lobbyists for resea, rch on public policy topics, Senate Enrolled Act 84 allows lawmakers and the non-partisan Legislative Services Agency to access state-funded research resources at Indiana colleges and universities. Feasibility of establishing a research and policy development di, vision will also be explored. 

Voting Accessibility: House Enrolled Act 1109 makes voting easier for those with disabilities and military personnel serving our country overseas. The new law ensures disabled voters have the same access to private, independent voting methods when casting ballots early or absentee as they do when voting on Election Day. It also provides more options for military personnel to cast a vote when serving overseas. 

Property Rights: Aimed at protecting Hoosier homeowners’ rights to display political signs on their property, lawmakers approved a bill allowing homeowners associations to regulate but no longer ban the display of political signs during election seasons. Senate Enrolled Act 64 prohibits associations from adopting restrictive rules that outright prohibit the display of political signs 30 days before an election. Associations may still adopt and enforce rules restricting the size, number and location of signs. 

Motor Vehicle Offenses: Senate Enrolled Act 93 seeks to protect roadside workers by stiffening penalties for drivers who fail to slow down and move over when approaching a stationary utility vehicle on the side of the road. Senate Enrolled Act 170 increases penalties for drivers who kil, l a law enforcement officer or law enforcement animal, like a K-9 dog, while driving drunk or resisting arrest. 

Suicide, Violence Education: Senate Enrolled Act 226 establishes a study of teen suicide and prevention measures, including teacher training to recognize early , signs of suicidal tendencies in youth. Senate Enrolled Act 316 requires the Department of Education to develop dating violence education materials, which can later be used to assist schools with preventive programming. 

Gun Rights: House Enrolled Act 1068 aims to keep the names, addresses and other identifying information of more than 300,000 Hoosiers with handgun licenses – also referred to as concealed carry permits – confidential, like tax records. House Enrolled Act 1065 prohibits most businesses from enacting policies that prevent licensed gun owners from keeping legal firearms in their locked vehicles out of sight.  

Rx Abuse: Lawmakers supported a , bill aimed at combating prescription drug abuse in Indiana. Senate Enrolled Act 356 expands the data collected by Indiana’s prescription monitoring program (INSPECT) and allows INSPECT to release information on prescribers and patients to the state toxicologist, Medicaid fraud investigators and substance abuse assistance programs. This change should help better identify problem prescribers and ‘doctor shopper’ patients in an effort to reduce prescription drug abuse.

Gilda's Club will do it again. There will be a second annual gala and family fair in October. Spokesman Randy Moore says Gilda's Club was the brain child of his wife Ann, who died 11 months ago of pancreatic cancer. Tickets for the gala will cost $100 per person, and only 350 will be sold. It will be held October 15 at Shoe Carnival's corporate headquarters in the Cross Pointe Commerce Center. The fair is the following day.