Local News from WIKY

Indiana budget moves forward with tax cut

Submitted by WIKY News on Thu, 04/04/2013 - 5:25pm
The Indiana Senate Appropriations Committee has approved the two-year state budget by a vote of 9-4. The plan cuts approximately $500 million in taxes and guarantees funding for roads, education and child protection. The measure now heads to the full Senate for further consideration. The proposal passed by the committee includes an income tax cut that would amount to about $25 for an average Taxpayer.

Officials probe cause of fire that destroyed historic theater building

Submitted by WIKY News on Thu, 04/04/2013 - 5:23pm
The cause of a fire that destroyed an historic Southern Indiana theater remains under investigation. Ten fire departments battled the blaze at the Orleans Theater on Wednesday. A nearby building received minor smoke and water damage. The building was built in the 1890s as a dry goods store but was converted to a movie theater in the 1930s.

A tale of Two States on guns

Submitted by WIKY News on Thu, 04/04/2013 - 4:53pm
The Governor of Connecticut signs a wide-ranging bill that includes sweeping new restrictions on weapons and large capacity ammunition magazines. It's a response to last year's deadly school shooting in Newtown. After more than 13 hours of respectful and at times somber debate, the Connecticut House and Senate voted in favor of the 139-page bill crafted by leaders from both parties. Parents of kids who were slaughtered at Sandy Hook Elementary School spoke and wept as the governor signed the bill into law.

Champions go to the Indiana State Capitol

Submitted by WIKY News on Wed, 04/03/2013 - 4:24pm
Members of the Class 2A girls’ basketball state championship team from Mater Dei High School met with State Sens. Vaneta Becker and Jim Tomes at the Indiana Statehouse. The Wildcats won their second consecutive state title earlier this year, making them the first Evansville team to win back-to-back state basketball titles since Benjamin Bosse High School did so in 1944-45. Beckeer and Tomes honored the team on the Senate floor with House Concurrent Resolution 39, praising their athletic and academic accomplishments. The Wildcats finished the season with a 28-2 record.

Proposed Indiana school gun law draws national attention

Submitted by WIKY News on Wed, 04/03/2013 - 4:20pm
Indiana is getting national attention as it moves toward becoming the only state in the nation to require a person in every public or charter school carry a loaded gun during school hours. Legislation approved this week by the House Education Committee would mandate the creation of a protection officer for each school. They could be police officers principals, teachers, staff members or security guards. They would have to be trained to operate a firearm. read more

U.S. soldier coming home for funeral

Submitted by WIKY News on Wed, 04/03/2013 - 3:49pm
The body of a Daviess County, Kentucky soldier killed in Afghanistan is expected to arrive at the Owensboro airport Thursday morning. The family says a procession will accompany the body of 26-year-old Sgt. Michael Cable from the airport to Haley McGinnis Funeral Home. Visitation for Sgt. Cable will be Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. The funeral will begin at 1:00 Saturday afternoon. Sgt. Cable will be buried in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Legislators favor guns in schools

Submitted by WIKY News on Wed, 04/03/2013 - 3:47pm
An Indiana House committee has passed a measure that would put an armed employee in every school. Each school would have the choice whether to arm a staff member, or hire a police officer. Training would be required. The bill now goes to the full Indiana House.

Sen. Donnelly returns to Evansville

Submitted by WIKY News on Wed, 04/03/2013 - 3:45pm
Hoosier Senator Joe Donnelly will host what he's calling a "JobsRoots" discussion in Evansville Wednesday. Donnelly will be at the Chamber of Commerce offices to meet with business owners, educators, and other community leaders, and discuss ways to better the employment picture. He says he'll ask how he, on the federal level, can help local efforts to further improve Indiana’s economy and create more jobs. This is Donnelly's third statewide tour. He's already visited other cities with the same mission.

Guard with broken leg lifts spirits of Cardinals Final Four team

Submitted by WIKY News on Wed, 04/03/2013 - 3:44pm
Injured Louisville guard Kevin Ware is cleared for travel to the Final Four on crutches. Ware says the overwhelming support he has received has helped him maintain his spirits and strengthened his confidence of a full recovery. The normally reserved 20-year-old says he doesn't think Louisville would be in the Final Four if he had lost composure while suffering a devastating injury. Coach Rick Pitino says having Ware in Atlanta might provide the Cardinals with a little "extra emotion," but in his experience the "the team that executes the best will win."

Henderson bank robbed

Submitted by WIKY News on Wed, 04/03/2013 - 3:42pm
Kentucky State and Henderson Police are trying to find the man who robbed the downtown branch of 5/3 Bank on Second Street in Henderson Wednesday afternoon. Investigators say the man handed the teller a note saying he had a weapon and demanding money. After he got cash, he ran away. He's described as white, in his 40's with a camouflage cap, short brown hair and a brown jacket. A State Police K-9 unit was close by when the bank was robbed and is part of the search. Nobody was injured.