Posey County Radio News and Sports
News:
USI Athletics announced a new six-year, $1 million partnership with Mount Vernon-based company TCG yesterday. Under the agreement, TCG will become the exclusive jersey patch sponsor for the University of Southern Indiana’s 19 NCAA Division I athletic programs. The Screaming Eagles say the partnership is the first of its kind in the Ohio Valley Conference. USI President Steven Bridges says the deal is an innovative way to support student-athletes while partnering with a company that has a longstanding commitment to the university and the region. The partnership comes after NCAA Division I Council-approved legislation allowing schools to display corporate logos and sponsorship patches on uniforms, apparel and equipment took effect August 1st.
Indiana’s literacy rate is on the rise for the fifth consecutive year. State data released this week shows about 89% of Indiana children are reading by the end of third grade. Officials say IREAD test scores saw their largest single-year increase ever recorded, pushing the 2026 results above pre-pandemic levels. But educators say there’s still work to do. Only about 40% of Indiana elementary schools are meeting the state’s goal of a 95% IREAD pass rate. Officials say the continued improvement is encouraging, but closing the remaining gap remains a priority.
Expressway Auto Group is launching a new two-year paid apprenticeship program aimed at training the next generation of automotive technicians. The Expressway Technician Academy officially launches this coming Monday, August 17th, and is designed to address the growing need for skilled technicians in the automotive industry. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training in an actual dealership service environment. Students will attend classes on weekdays at 200 North Royal Avenue in Evansville, from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. The two-year program is free for accepted students, who will be paid while they train. Students will use CDX curriculum and gain hands-on experience in dealership service departments. Those who successfully complete the program are guaranteed a position at an Expressway Auto Group store. Graduates will also receive a starter tool package, including a toolbox and the tools needed to begin their careers. They must remain employed with Expressway for three years after graduation to keep the tools. Expressway developed the program with help from SWIN Workforce to address the shortage of qualified automotive technicians and create a pathway into the skilled trades. Spots are still available. Those interested in applying can email eta@expresswaydodge.com.
Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry announced yesterday that 35 local organizations will receive a total of $500,000 in Forward Together GO Grants. The announcement came during the city’s 812 Day event, where nonprofit leaders learned in real time whether they had been selected and how much funding they would receive. The grants support organizations focused on three key community priorities: neighborhood revitalization, youth wellness and literacy. The latest round brings the city’s total investment through the Forward Together Grant program to $1.5 million over the past three years. City officials say the funding supports organizations working on issues ranging from youth development and affordable housing to education, public health, arts and culture, and family services. Rather than holding a traditional press conference, the city turned the announcement into a community celebration, giving nonprofit leaders the chance to experience the grant awards together.
Tonight, in local high school sports, Mt. Vernon Volleyball has their scrimmage at South Spencer at 6:00 PM. Mt. Vernon Boys Soccer travels to Boonville for a scrimmage at 5:30 PM and Mt. Vernon Girls Soccer welcomes Boonville for a scrimmage at 5:30 PM.
In Major League Baseball on Wednesday, the St. Louis Cardinals won the series finale at home vs the Philadelphia Phillies, 7-1. Alec Burleson had a 3-RBI game for the Cardinals. Kyle Leahy improved to 9-4 on the mound as he allowed only 1 run over 5 innings and struck out 6. St. Louis won 2-of-3 in the series. The Cardinals are 61-60 on the season. They have today off, before beginning a 3-game set at the Chicago Cubs tomorrow afternoon.
The Chicago Cubs slugged their way to a 12-6 win at the Washington Nationals. Alex Bregman went 3-for-3 with 3 HR’s and 7 RBI in the victory. Bregman now has 16 home runs on the season. Dansby Swanson also hit his 18th home run of the year. The Cubs have won 3-straight and 8 of their last 9 games to move to 71-50 overall. They look for the 3-game sweep of the Nationals in Washington today at 3:05 PM.
The Cincinnati Reds got shut out in Chicago by the White Sox, 5-0. The Reds only had 2 hits in the game. Luis Castillo pitched 7 scoreless innings and only gave up 1 hit, while striking out 10. The White Sox improve to 62-57 and the Reds are 57-62. Chicago and Cincinnati have split the first two games of the series. They play the series finale this afternoon in Chicago at 1:10 PM.