Morning News: Wednesday January 18th 2023

Posey County Radio News and Sports

News:

Today, the American Red Cross is hosting another Blood Drive in Mt. Vernon. There continues to be a critical need for blood donations. If you can support and give blood, the drive is today from 12:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the Country Mark Pavilion.

Indiana Representative Jim Banks says he’s running for a soon to be open United States Senate for Indiana. Banks made the announcement yesterday morning on Twitter. This comes as Senator Mike Braun is starting his campaign for Indiana Governor in 2024. Right now, Banks represents District 3 in Indiana.

Police say an EVSC school bus hit and killed a man. It happened at the intersection of Louisiana and Mary Streets yesterday morning just before 9:00 AM. EPD detectives were there along with their crime scene unit, accident re-constructionist, and the Vanderburgh County Coroner who later released the identity of the man who died: 62-year-old Albert Leroy Page.

Police say an EVSC school bus hit the 62-year-old while he was riding a bicycle. He later died at the scene. Police say it appears Page had the right-of-way through the intersection. No children or passengers were on the bus at the time. The bus driver was not injured but did go to the hospital and consented to having her blood drawn. Police say this is typical following a serious accident. Police say they’re still looking for witnesses to what happened, or anyone who may have have access to area security cameras. The EVSC issued a statement, saying their thoughts and prayers go out to all those involved in the incident. If anyone has any information, you are asked to call police at (812) 436-7979.

Yesterday, Evansville’s Ivy Tech announced a partnership with the Deaconess Health System. Deaconess has donated $550,000 to support the growth of the nursing program and its faculty members. Ivy Tech officials say the majority of the funds will be used for scholarships as well as the expansion of the classroom and lab spaces. Deaconess CEO says the partnership will help reduce the shortage as the need for nurses grows.

“By 2031 there’s going to be a 200,000 deficient in nurses in this country,” says Deaconess President, Shawn McCoy. “So we have start doing something about to increase the number of nurse’s we have working, and this partnership with Ivy Tech is going to do that.”

Ivy Tech currently takes between 30 and 50 nursing students, but thanks to the donation, that number will rise to 138 in year 2025.

An Evansville non-profit is celebrating two decades of service, and they want the community to join them in their festivities. Boom Squad kicked off their first practice for the drumline in 2003. Boom Squad has since grown to become an award winning youth development organization. To celebrate their accomplishments, organizers set a goal to get 1,000 people to donate $20. Donations can be made now through January 23rd, on their website or in person at their office on South Evans Avenue. 

Sports:

- Mt. Vernon Boys Basketball (5-8) defeated Day School, 79-69. 

- Mt. Vernon Girls Basketball (1-17) lost at home against Memorial, 59-24. 

- Evansville Men's Basketball (4-16, 0-9) got tripped up by the Salukis (15-5, 7-2) on the road, 77-70. Marvin Coleman II had 25 points to pace the Aces. 

- In other Mens College Basketball from last night...Butler (11-9) got beat by Creighton at home, 73-52. Notre Dame (9-10) fell at home against Florida State, 84-71. Ball State (13-5) edged Western Michigan at home, 71-70. Murray State (10-9) got thumped at Belmont, 80-65. Kentucky (12-6) pulled out an 85-71 win at home against Georgia. Oscar Tshiebwe had 37 points and 24 rebounds for UK.