Good morning, Evansville.

West Side Nut Club officials announced that tickets for the 2026 Half Pot will go on sale Wednesday, Sept.

30 for the charity event offering a $25,000 Early Bird Prize. Tickets must be purchased by 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5 for eligibility, with the cash prize drawn at 8 p.m.

Evansville native Kenna Elpers competed on NBC’s The Voice on Monday night as local watch parties cheered her performance; she will host another watch party at the Wheel House in Poseyville soon.

Former employees at Oakland City University report unpaid wages and a shutdown of services following layoffs in May — officials have not responded and President Dempsy promised an update later this week.

University of Evansville announced a new scholarship program for fall 2027 freshmen.

Eligible 21st Century Scholars and Indiana residents from families earning $60,000 or less will have their tuition and fees fully covered plus receive extra funding (up to $2,500 annually or up to $15,000 for qualifying students).

Oakland City University updated its payroll schedule Tuesday after mass layoffs, with former staff set to receive a third deposit Friday, Sept.

25 and additional payments arriving by early October (including pay for 12-month faculty and summer adjuncts).

The DOE has kept two Indiana coal plants active until Dec.

18 despite their planned 2025 retirement, spurring legal challenges from local groups over rising costs and pollution while utilities plan repairs that could raise ratepayer bills. Supporters argue the emergency orders secure grid reliability.

The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office will issue tickets this week for drivers who bypass active railroad crossing signals & stop arms during Indiana Rail Safety Week.

This enforcement aims to reduce preventable train-related accidents and keep families safe at local crossings.

A statue at the Desert Shield-Desert Storm Monument fell Tuesday on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard by the Civic Center + police are checking for vandalism while the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Building Authority works to restore the monument.

Heating bills are expected to rise nearly 9% this winter as families face costs over $1,000 due to higher electricity and heating oil prices.

Scott Township officials say residents can call their local office for help if their budgets become strained.

Deaconess officials celebrated the opening of the Tri-State’s first combined emergency & urgent care facility in Evansville after a ribbon-cutting at the new 19,000 sqft center, which will offer 24/7 access to board-certified emergency physicians, labs and radiology services.

Indiana-based Saratoga Potato Chips is recalling J.

HIGGS Loaded Bacon & Cheddar potato chips sold at Save A Lot in Indiana and other states due to undeclared soy that can trigger allergy symptoms; Shoppers are advised to return the product for a full refund.

The Courier & Press is inviting voters to select the high school Athlete of the Week for Sept.

14-19, with the poll open online until 5 p.m. CDT Friday. Nominees include standout athletes from sports like golf, soccer, tennis, and volleyball.

Holiday Drive-In will host a free watch party for Game 2 of the Indiana Fever playoff series next week — either Sept.

29 or 30 — with complimentary popcorn and chocolate chip cookies; registration opens Thursday and the box office opens one hour before tip-off.