Local News from WIKY

Heavy storms trigger major crash and many lesser mishaps

Submitted by WIKY News on Mon, 06/17/2013 - 6:24pm
A multiple vehicle crash in the west bound lanes of I-64 about a mile east of Highway 41 has traffic at a standstill and Gibson County Sheriff George Ballard advises motorists to stay away until at least 8 p.m. Two semis and at least two passenger cars are involved and several persons were trapped in vehicles. The crash happened as torrential thunderstorms moved through the area, causing flash flooding on many streets and highways. Police agencies were stretched to the breaking point in responding to a rash of accidents on roads.

Pence praying for trooper shot in exchange of gunfire that killed a robbery suspect

Submitted by WIKY News on Mon, 06/17/2013 - 6:19pm
Gov. Mike Pence is among those expressing relief that State Trooper Jarrod Lents did not suffer life-threatening injuries in a shoot-out with a robbery suspect. It happend this afternoon after the man had robbed a gun shop near Montgomery . The man reportedly shot the trooper at least twice and a flack jacket prevented what could have been a fatal injury. Lents shot once, killing the gunman. Pence issued a statement saying he is relieved to learn that Trooper Lents’ injuries are not life-threatening.

Heatlh Dept. to begin spraying to kill mosquitoes

Submitted by WIKY News on Mon, 06/17/2013 - 6:17pm
Rain and hot weather mean one thing to mosquitoes, and they mean a very different thing for the Vanderburgh County Health Department. It will begin spraying to kill larvae starting on Wednesday. The first targeted area is bounded by Seasons Ridge Blvd, Pollack Ave, Capella Ave., I-164, and Covert Ave. If weather conditions prevent spraying on Wednesday, they'll begin spraying on the next available day. The department urges you to avoid being outside around dusk or dawn,and use insect repellant when you are outside.

Weisheit testifies in her murder trial

Submitted by WIKY News on Mon, 06/17/2013 - 4:39pm
An Evansville man being tried on two counts of murder and one count of arson testifies in his own defense Monday. Jeffery Weisheit had been advised by counsel not to take the witness stand. He said he duct taped a dish towl in Caleb Lynch's mouth and duct taped his arms behind his back. Weisheit said he did it before the fire later that later destroyed the home, because the 5-year old had been acting up. Caleb and his 8-year old sister Alyssa were killed in the inferno. read more

State Trooper exchanges gunfire, killing robbery suspect

Submitted by WIKY News on Mon, 06/17/2013 - 2:56pm
Indiana State Trooper Jarrod Lents is being treated for gunshot wounds following an exchange of fire that left a gunman dead. Lents was airlifed from Montgomery, just east of Washington, for what are believed to be non-life threatending wounds. Sources say Lents confronted a man who it was believed robbed a gun store near SR 50 and I-69 and the gunman shot him in his bullet proof vest. Lents returned gunfire, killing the alleged robber.

More than 900 walk and run for Colon Screening

Submitted by WIKY News on Mon, 06/17/2013 - 10:13am
More than 900 walkers and runners turn out for the Colon Screening For Life 5K in Downtown Evansville. Dr. Michael Rusche of St. Mary's Digestive Care Center says colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, and it's important to get regular screenings. One cancer survivor says the community's support has been "amazing." The weekend event included the forty-foot long "Colossal Colon" for kids to crawl through.

Vehicle hits gas main

Submitted by WIKY News on Mon, 06/17/2013 - 10:10am
A vehicle hit a gas main near the intersection of State Road 64 and Top Hat Road in Gibson County during the weekend. Roads in that area were blocked for hours as Vectren worked to stop the gas leak. No one was injured in the crash. The driver, Tina Hill, says she ran away from the vehicle as she called 911 because she smelled gas. She says she ran before she even looked at the damage. Crews fixed the leak and police reopened all roads in that area.

Fire destroys Ohio County firehouse

Submitted by WIKY News on Mon, 06/17/2013 - 10:07am
Fire has destroyed a western Kentucky fire department's headquarters. The blaze broke out Saturday night at the Dundee Volunteer Fire Department building in Ohio County. Fire chief Danny Pogue says firefighters were helpless, because their equipment was inside. Nearby fire agencies did help. They put out the fire but the building was a total loss. Pogue says an electrical problem may have started the fire. He says a truck was plugged into a wall outlet to charge equipment like flashlights and cameras.

Indiana med school expands Evansville program

Submitted by WIKY News on Sat, 06/15/2013 - 9:06am
December is the deadline for Indiana University to choose a location in Evansville for its new regional academic health science and research campus. The current IU two-year program is at University of Southern Indiana, and the new program will expand to four years plus residency opportunities. Possible locations include Downtown, USI, and the area along the Lloyd and Interstate 164.

70s & 80s Boogie Nights part of Tropicana kick-off

Submitted by WIKY News on Fri, 06/14/2013 - 12:50pm
The general manager of Tropicana Evansville says it's spent more than $19 million dollars, upgrading it's big facility since emerging from bankruptcy in 2010. During a Friday news conference called to celebrate the name change from Casino Aztar, Shaw told a large crowd in it's remodeled main hotel lobby that the spending continues in 2013. This fall, Shaw says a "Boogie Nights" franchise will open in the former Stoney's night club space. It's billed as "the ultimate 70's and 80's dance club. A new bar and grill, called "The Sports Book" will also be opening.