Evansville Courier & Press

Tollway Foes Put Brakes On Bill

A plan to fund Interstate 69 construction by building a privatized tollway through the Indianapolis suburbs was praised by supporters but harshly criticized by toll-road opponents, who urged state lawmakers not to rush into the proposal. Legislators had some questions Tuesday, enough to postpone a vote on the Indiana Commerce Connector for one week.

Group to Study Stadium

Evansville will hire a Cleveland consultant to sort out whether to renovate or replace Roberts Stadium and -- if the answer is replace -- where to locate it. Thomas V. Chema, chairman of The Gateway Group, said Tuesday he has "advised cities to build arenas and I've advised them to do nothing."

Ellsworth Takes Wait-and-See Attitude

Newly elected Rep. Brad Ellsworth, D-Ind., cut past the awe of experiencing a presidential State of the Union address in person Tuesday night and got to the point. "It's different when you are in the room, but it is the substance. Now let's put our money where our mouth is. Let's get down to work," he said. "Talk is cheap. I'm not just talking about the president. It's all of us."

Music Mogul has Trouble with Bank Loans

A Florida businessman who Integra Bank has taken to court over $17.7 million worth of delinquent loans is the music mogul who first recorded such popular boy bands as Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync. However, in recent years Louis J. "Lou" Pearlman, who has been dubbed "the Prince of Darkness" in Rolling Stone magazine, has fallen on hard times as these and other artists have battled him in lawsuits over royalties.

Peyton Manning Deserves Congratulations

Even if you're not a Colts fan (which I am not), or even if you're not a big sports fan (which I am), how could anyone not feel good for Peyton Manning? Nobody wants to be a "yes, but a" type of person, especially not when you're the class of your field. If you're the best sales person at your company, eventually you want to win the company-paid vacation.

Teen's Life Returning to Normal Local News Anchor Lends a Helping Hand

Just before midnight March 4, police contacted Emily Gravenhorst's mother, asking if she owned a Honda Accord. When they found out she did, they asked her to come to Deaconess Hospital immediately. Her daughter had been involved in a car accident, and the injuries were severe.

Another `Deal' in Local Spotlight

Is Howie Mandel ready for Big Red, the furry monster mascot from Western Kentucky University? We'll find out Feb. 14 during an 8 p.m. Valentine's Day airing of "Deal or No Deal" on 14WFIE-NBC. There'll even be a public party at Jillian's inside Casino Aztar's entertainment district to watch.

Ge Buys Share of Cash Creek

An arm of General Electric has acquired a 20 percent interest in a proposed power plant in eastern Henderson County that would convert coal into gas, the company said Tuesday. GE Energy Financial Services, based in Stamford, Conn., bought part of the Erora Group LLC, which is developing the Cash Creek power plant on the Green River. Financial details of the transaction with Louisville-based Erora were not disclosed.

The Taste Test

Shift in Property Tax Burden Pitched State Would Assume All General Education, Juvenile Detention Costs

A top state senator is proposing changes that could overhaul the way local governments pay for services by shifting more of their property tax burden to the state and giving them new options to raise local income taxes. Senate Tax Chairman Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, wants the state to assume all kindergarten through 12th grade general fund expenses and juvenile detention costs, it was reported Tuesday. He also would cut in half the burden property taxpayers carry for child welfare services.

Riverfront Flood Marker Told Tale of City's Staying Power [Corrected 01/25/07]

THIS DAY IN 1937: Jan. 24: River stage: 48 feet.

High School Classmate Deserves Long-Overdue `I'm Sorry'

Dear Jerry, As one high school classmate who is getting dangerously close to 58 years old to another, how goes it?

Road Closing

* A portion of Indiana 168 will be closed Feb. 5-8 for work on a CSX crossing in Fort Branch, Ind., according to the Indiana Department of Transportation. The road will be closed from the U.S. 41 near Fort Branch to State Road 65 in Owensville, Ind.

Briefs

INDIANAPOLIS Young a step closer to gubernatorial run

Info Line

If you have a brief question about the news, use a Touch-Tone phone to call: (812) 464-7466

Question of the Day Tuesday's Online Question

Do you approve of a $1 tax increase on cigarettes? 252 votes cast as of 10 p.m. Tuesday

Ky. Governor's Race Getting Crowded

Former Lt. Gov. Steve Henry on Tuesday joined a flock of Democrats running for governor, offering broad policy goals to improve Kentucky's schools, economy and health care. Henry, a Louisville orthopedic surgeon who served as the state's second in command from 1995 to 2003 under former Gov. Paul Patton, selected Fayette County Property Valuation Administrator Renee True as his running mate. His choice forms a ticket with strong ties to the state's two largest cities. Henry also can draw on st...

Naked, Stranded Boater Alert Turns Out to Be a False Alarm

A multi-agency rescue effort on the Ohio River proved unnecessary Tuesday morning after a man believed to be stranded on a boat was found to be in no danger. Initial reports suggested a naked man was stranded by a tree on the river in a small camouflage boat.

Obituaries

Local obituaries Kathryn Louise Berning

Briefs

Hoops for the Cure set for Saturday The fifth annual Women's Hoops for the Cure will take Roberts Stadium's floor on Saturday.