Local News from WIKY

Local state rep not giving up on fertilizer plant

Submitted by WIKY News on Mon, 05/20/2013 - 2:43pm
Posey County Republican lawmaker Wendy McNamara says Fatima Group still has her support. Republican Gov. Mike Pence withdrew the state's financial backing of the Pakistan-based fertilizer company. He was concerned about security risks voiced by the Pentagon about the company's fertilizer being used in terrorist bombs that have killed American GI's overseas. Fatima owns 48 percent of Midwest Fertilizer which wants to build an almost $2 billion plant in Mount Vernon. McNamara says the company has reduced risks associated with its products.

Hundreds turn-out for Streets Alive event

Submitted by WIKY News on Mon, 05/20/2013 - 10:02am
Hundreds were biking, rollerblading, and dancing on Fulton Avenue Sunday. The stretch of Fulton between Columbia and Diamond was closed to cars and trucks for Evansville Streets Alive. Gloria Schwartz of the Healthier Evansville Committee says the goal was to get kids and adults out of the house and to exercise. Vendors lined the street to promote healthy foods and choices. Organizers hope to put-on a third Streets Alive event next year.

Twin Bridges getting rusty

Submitted by WIKY News on Mon, 05/20/2013 - 10:00am
It looks like the Twin Bridges will need another coat of paint soon. Keith Todd of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says the paint that was applied in 2007 is already deteriorating, especially on the northbound bridge. Todd says the paint manufacturer altered the paint recipe, so it didn't adhere to the bridge as well as it should. He says that manufacturer has been removed from the supplier list. The last painting cost $21 million.

Severe storms possible

Submitted by WIKY News on Mon, 05/20/2013 - 9:57am
When this warm, humid air-mass collides with an approaching cold front, we could see some strong storms in the Tri-State. First Alert meteorologist Byron Douglas says the best chance for rough weather will be Tuesday into Wednesday. Byron says it's too soon to say if the Tri-State will see any tornadoes before the front passes on Wednesday.

Purdue researches how autism develops in young children

Submitted by WIKY News on Sat, 05/18/2013 - 10:08am
Purdue is studying how autism develops in young children.  Researchers are seeking infants between 6 and 18 months who have an older sibling with autism.  Purdue will observe the children until they are 2 and a half years old, assessing language development, physiological development, and several other developmental areas.  For more information or to enroll a child in the study, call 765-494-6610 or email AJLab@purdue.edu

Indy Motor Speedway expects "high" class entertainment

Submitted by WIKY News on Sat, 05/18/2013 - 10:06am
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced Friday that six World War II-era planes will fly over the world‘s most famous racecourse prior to the start of the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500. The pre-race flyover will feature a North American B-25 Mitchell, nicknamed "Axis Nightmare," and five North American T-6 Texan trainer aircraft. The planes will fly over the speedway at the conclusion of the National Anthem.

State support of Posey fertilizer plant withdrawn

Submitted by WIKY News on Fri, 05/17/2013 - 11:56am
Concerns over security involving a Pakistani firm convince Gov. Mike Pence to reverse the state's support of a planned fertilizer plant in Posey County. The Daniels administration had committed to backing bonds for the proposed $1.3 billion dollar plant.  Then came national news media reports disclosing that the Fatima group's fertilizers were being used to make bombs that targeted U.S. soldiers. The Pence administration launched a four-month study that concluded with the announcement by Pence that it would not back the bonds needed to finance the plant.

Schools locked down after inmate walks away

Submitted by WIKY News on Fri, 05/17/2013 - 11:11am
A Henderson county inmate walks away from a work detail, prompting Henderson County School officials to order a modified lockdown of seven public schools. Police say Nicholas Christian was working at the jail garden and walked away. He's a white man, about 5 foot 7, 170 pounds with brown hair. Christian was wearing blue jeans and a white t-shirt and was seen along Henderson's riverfront. He was being held on a contempt of court charge and is considered non-violent. read more

Inmate missing in Henderson, schools locked down

Submitted by WIKY News on Fri, 05/17/2013 - 10:13am
Two Henderson schools are placed on precautionary lockdown as police search for a missing inmate. Henderson Police say Nicholas Christian was working at the jail's garden when he walked away Friday morning. Police say he is a non-violent offender, but Jefferson Elementary and Riverview preschool went into lockdown as a precaution. Christian was being held on a Contempt of Court charge. read more

Showplace South to stay open

Submitted by WIKY News on Fri, 05/17/2013 - 10:06am
Showplace Cinemas South has avoided the wrecking ball. Showplace owner Paul Stieler tells the Evansville Courier and Press that he will invest a half-million dollars in the second-run theater at Hebron and Powell, instead of tearing it down. Stieler had planned to demolish the building and sell the site, but changed his mind after receiving many calls from upset movie-goers and only one offer for the property. The renovations will include digital upgrades and new seats, and the facility will stay open during the renovations.