Afternoon News: Friday January 6th 2023

Posey County Radio News and Sports

News: 

A controlled demolition in Wabash County stirred up commotion in both Posey and Vanderburgh counties this morning. There were multiple reports about a “loud boom and shaking” in both counties around 9:00 AM. Some thought the noise may have been an earthquake. According to the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office, the disturbance was caused by a demolition at Amax Coal Mine. Officials say crews were taking out a couple of structures during the demolition.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb announced all his plans this week for the 2023 Next Level Agenda. Public health, education, workforce, community development, and economic development were the main topics he addressed in the agenda. His public health plans focused on more money for county officials, enhanced mental health services, and more funding for substance abuse programs. His education initiatives include a proposed $1.17 billion investment in K-12 tuition support, an incentive program to raise IREAD grades, prohibiting textbook fees, and teacher pay raises. Lori Young of the Evansville Teachers’ Association said the proposed raise from the current average salary of $56,600 a year to $60,000 a year is “a step in the right direction.” Young said she hopes it will help Indiana begin to compete with neighboring states. His community development plans involve doubling state funds to regional food banks, more money to Next Level Trails and $500 million more for READI grants. Evansville Regional Economic Partnership CEO Tara Barney said those funds have helped the area in the past.

A pair of projects in Evansville will have drivers looking for alternative routes. According to the Evansville Water Sewer Utility (EWSU) one of those projects is happening on Lincoln Avenue. EWSU says it will close Lincoln Ave to through traffic between Green River Road, and Outer Lincoln Avenue starting January 9^th. The closure is expected to last about 60 days. The closure will allow for a new water line to be installed. Meanwhile, another project on the city's west side. According to EWSU, the northbound lane on Mesker Park Drive will be closed from Bement to Wimberg. That project is also slated to begin January 9^th and wrap up in about 2 months. That project is for the installation of a new water main.

For all the dog lovers out there, this weekend’s Evansville Thunderbolts game is perfect for you. Tomorrow night, Tri-Staters can bring their pup to the game for just $5 extra for "Dogs Night Out." Officials say there will be a $100 giveaway basket courtesy of Pet Food Center. The first 160 dogs will receive a doggy bag. Officials say all dogs will be sitting in Sections 109-113. There is a doggie costume contest taking place in the second intermission. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. The game is set to begin at 7:00 PM.

Chicken wing lovers should be aware of an upcoming event in Evansville. Evansville Wing Festival will return to the River City on Saturday, January 21^st. It will take place from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM inside the historic Veteran's Memorial Coliseum, with a two-hour VIP session also available earlier from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Organizers say the event will feature 40+ different styles of wings from over a dozen wing vendors, fun events like Bobbing for Wings, Ranch Chug, and Hot Sauce Chug, and much more. Admission for kids 12 and under is free, but adult patrons must pay for entry. Pricing and more information can be found on the Evansville Wing Festival Facebook event page. 

Sports: 

- Mt. Vernon Boys Basketball (3-6) plays at Forest Park this evening. JV game at 6:00 PM with the Varsity game to follow at 7:30 PM. You can hear the game on 106.7 FM WMVI and online at poseycountyradio.com. 

- Mt. Vernon Girls Basketball (1-13) plays host to Southridge tonight. JV game at 6:00 PM and the Varsity will play at 7:30 PM. 

- North Posey Boys Basketball (6-5) does not play tonight, but they will be in action tomorrow evening as they play host to Mt. Vernon. JV game at 6:00 PM and the Varsity game will follow at 7:30 PM. You wll be able to hear the game on both 106.7 FM WMVI and 98.9 WPIW...as well as online at poseycountyradio.com. 

- North Posey Girls Basketball (5-5) plays at Perry Central tomorrow afternoon. JV game is at 12:00 PM and the Varsity game will be at 1:30 PM. 

- The Indiana Pacers (21-18) return home tonight to battle the Portland Trailblazers at 6:00 PM.