Posey County Radio News and Sports
News:
At the Kiwanis meeting on Tuesday, Mayor Bill Curtis gave his final State of the City address. Mayor Curtis started by recalling his first time speaking to the Mount Vernon Kiwanis was in 1972. He spoke about new hires including Police Chief Andy Rush, and Fire Chief Ryan Riggs and the experience and connection they have brought to the people of the city. He stated that the police department has purchased 3 new vehicles as of late and the fire department has purchased a new lighter duty truck that is more economical for the short runs fielded by the fire department. In total last year, the fire department fielded 752 calls of which eighty percent did not require a full-sized fire truck.
Mayor Curtis then turned to the street department who has spent nearly six million dollars in paving projects in which the city had to pay only twenty-five percent of with the help of various grants secured by the city. A total of 805,000 dollars were spent on paving projects last year, 533,000 dollars allotted so far this year and more grant money has been sought after to continue improvements on the roads within the city.
The water department was the next topic. Last year the water department took over one-thousand work orders, replaced hundreds of feet of water mains and replaced old faulty water meters. The Sewer department fielded over 400 work orders last year including flushing of sewer lines in the total of 17,000 feet. Many of these projects were preventative maintenance to stay ahead of aging systems.
Mayor Curtis voiced his concerns about cleaning up within the city with the hope that it will help attract new businesses and residents for the industry in the area. In his term, over 100 houses have been removed that were beyond repair and there is grant money in place for around 50 more properties to be cleaned up and nearly 250 houses were brought up to code.
He talked about the growth of business within the city remarking on the recent projects including the former K-Mart being purchased and renovated by Country Mark, store fronts and buildings on main street being cleaned up and several new businesses settling in the downtown area.
Mayor Curtis wrapped up by mentioning the recent partnership with R.E.A.D.I. , Regional Economic Acceleration & Development Initiative as well as E.R.E.P , the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, in which many residents were concerned, but over 2.5 million dollars has been brought into the city and the dues were only $30,000 in which the return on investment is unquestionable.
Mayor Curtis said that as his final term progresses, that it is time for someone else to take the seat.
The Trotter House of Posey County had their Ribbon Cutting on Tuesday. They are located at 220 West 4th Street, Unit A, in Mt. Vernon. The Trotter House is a resource center for unplanned pregnancies, or for those that find themselves in a difficult situation. For more information, you can visit trotterhouse.org…or call 812-831-3952.
A proposal introduced by Evansville City Council members that would have halted the construction of the pickleball courts at Wesselman Park was defeated 7-2 at Monday night’s meeting. A large number of people showed up to share their concerns and hopes for the project. Some residents were concerned about what they feel will be irreversible damage done to Wesselman Park, as they worried the construction would disrupt a fragile ecosystem. Others were more concerned with what they think will be an unacceptable increase in noise and light pollution in the subdivisions neighboring the park, insisting that there were better options available for the project. Despite these concerns, the Council decided to move forward. They say this is the best move to ensure the future of Wesselman Park.
Sports:
- Mt. Vernon Baseball (2-4) lost at home against Washington, 11-4
- North Posey Baseball (4-4) earned a wild win at Heritage Hills, 19-11
- North Posey Softball (6-0) defeated South Knox at home, 7-0
- Evansville Baseball (19-13) fell at Western Kentucky, 6-2
- USI Baseball (9-23) got tripped up at home against Saint Louis, 16-11
- Evansville Softball (20-19, 6-8) blanked Indiana State on the road, 2-0
Local News: Thursday May 16th 2024