Local News from WIKY

Students ready to pass ISTEP Test but state fails them

Submitted by WIKY News on Mon, 04/29/2013 - 3:08pm
Problems at the state level throw a monkey wrench into the machinery of ISTEP testing around the state. Screens in front of students were freezing-up. School systems throughout Indiana finally gave-up today, Monday Warrick School Supt. Brad Schneider is among educators hoping the problem will be resolved by tomorrow - because the deadline is May 10th. He says it now appears that deadline needs to be extended. Schneider says there's a lot of pressure on students to do well on ISTEP tests. He says the state's "dropping the ball" doesn't help the situation.

City Council to discuss downtown projects

Submitted by WIKY News on Mon, 04/29/2013 - 10:27am
Proposals for a convention hotel and I-U Medical Center will be talked about, when the Evansville City Council hosts a special meeting later today. There have been recent questions about the city's financial ability to help with both downtown projects. The developer of the Hilton Doubletree Hotel plan, that includes apartments, shops, and parking says $37 million in city assistance was included. But Mayor Winnecke has said that negotiations to reduce costs would continue. read more

Century Aluminum - Big Rivers - Kenergy reach deal

Submitted by WIKY News on Mon, 04/29/2013 - 10:25am
There's word that Century Aluminum, Big Rivers, and Kenergy have reached a tentative agreement on a market-priced power framework for the smelter at Hawesville, Kentucky. Century told its employees earlier this month that the plant's operations would be curtailed unless the company could gain access to competitively priced electric power. read more

Highland helps children with special needs play baseball

Submitted by WIKY News on Sat, 04/27/2013 - 9:09am
A cheerleading league for children with special needs is inspiring a local man to create another activity for these youth. Highland Baseball Club Vice President David Fisher is working to develop a Challenger Division baseball league for children with mental or physical challenges ages 4 through 18, or up 21 if they are still in high school. Club President Matt Pokorney says the league will have no costs or fees, and it will provide all of the uniforms and equipment for participants.

Indiana schools receive help to upgrade security

Submitted by WIKY News on Sat, 04/27/2013 - 8:07am
Schools will receive financial help to upgrade security under a bill on its way to Governor Pence.  The House and Senate gave overwhelming approval to a bill setting aside 10-million dollars in matching grants to help schools to hire security officers, conduct threat assessments, or make physical improvements to security. Attorney General Greg Zoeller, who supported the bill, says it will produce "safer schools and a greater appreciation for law enforcement." 

Newburgh woman died of multiple medication toxicity

Submitted by WIKY News on Fri, 04/26/2013 - 1:58pm
A toxicology report shows a Newburgh woman, who died at Evansville's Hampton Inn last month had lethal levels of prescription drugs in her system. And Coroner Annie Groves says 47-year-old Robin Frank died due to repository failure caused by "multiple medication toxicity." Groves says the death was an accidental overdose. Frank’s husband was questioned after he took his wife’s body out of the hotel on a luggage cart. But, investigators say no foul play was suspected and no criminal charges have been pursued.

Young Owensboro woman dies in vehicle crash

Submitted by WIKY News on Fri, 04/26/2013 - 1:28pm
The Daviess County coroner releases the name of the young woman who was killed in a two-vehicle crash in Owensboro. She's 18-year old Kimberly Williams of Wilder Drive in Owensboro. It happened early Friday morning on Frederica Street, near the Martin Luther King Junior Loop. Investigators say Williams was driving north when she crossed the center line into the southbound lane and slammed into another another vehicle. Her vehicle went down an embankment, overturned into a ditch and was submerged in water.

Cotter enters Alford plea in Henderson

Submitted by WIKY News on Fri, 04/26/2013 - 1:27pm
A former assistant soccer coach at Henderson County High School enters a plea in the shooting death of his wife. 37-year old Steven Cotter entered an Alford plea to second-degree manslaughter. It means he's not admitting guilt, but believes the evidence strongly indicates guilt. 38-year old Michelle Cotter was shot and killed at their home almost a year ago, on what was the last day of the 2011-2012 school year. Arriving police officers say Steven Cotter was also in the home and was armed.

Major flooding coming our way - but not on the Ohio River

Submitted by WIKY News on Thu, 04/25/2013 - 5:25pm
Indiana‘s oldest city is preparing for rising waters from the Wabash River. Flood gates are being installed in Vincennes and sandbags will be placed around the Knox County city. Heavy rains that fell last week have pushed the Wabash well over flood stage. The National Weather Service says the river is projected to crest in Vincennes on Saturday at about 27 feet. That‘s almost 12 feet above flood stage. As a wall of water flows toward southern Indiana, Hoosiers to the north will be mopping-up and using bleach to purify their home

Lawmalers reach new budget which includes money for I-69

Submitted by WIKY News on Thu, 04/25/2013 - 5:24pm
Indiana Legislators have reached a deal on a new state budget which gives Governor Pence half the tax cut he asked for. The House and Senate will vote Friday on a deal which includes a five-percent tax cut, phased in over four years. Your tax rate would go down one tenth of a point on your return for 2015, then dip to a final rate of three-point-two-three percent two years later.  Senate Appropriations Chairman Luke Kenley says the delay gives the state time to monitor its revenues and spending and gain confidence that the cut is affordable.