Ben Verbanic

Reporter at WTHI-TV (Terre Haute, IN)

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Articles

Oblong firehouse upgrade vital for safety, community spirit

3 days ago | wthitv.com | Chris Essex |Ben Verbanic

OBLONG, Ill. (WTHI) - The Oblong Volunteer Fire Department is set to receive a significant upgrade with much-needed additions to their firehouse. For small communities like Oblong, volunteer firefighters are crucial. Mayor Teresa Fielder emphasized their importance. "They really are the heart of what we do. They are just regular people who work alongside of us and then when it comes to an emergency there they are in all that they can do," Fielder said.
Vincennes breaks ground on $35M housing project to ease shortages

4 days ago | wthitv.com | Chris Essex |Ben Verbanic

VINCENNES, Ind. (WTHI) - Officials in Vincennes broke ground on a major apartment complex Monday morning. The new multi-million dollar project on Bierhaus Boulevard will be supported by tax abatements and grant funding. Once completed, the complex will offer 240 apartments, a significant step towards addressing the housing needs in Vincennes. The Vincennes Redevelopment Commission is spearheading this large-scale project.
Court docs reveal details in Terre Haute crash that killed 2 teens

1 week ago | wthitv.com | Chris Essex |Ben Verbanic

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Court documents reveal grim details about a fatal crash that occurred Saturday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of two juveniles and injuring two others. According to court documents, eyewitnesses reported seeing an SUV speeding west on Oak Street, ignoring multiple stop signs. Passengers were observed hanging out of the sunroof and windows while the vehicle moved at high speed.
Energy reliability report raises concerns for Indiana

2 weeks ago | wthitv.com | Ben Verbanic

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTHI) - The Midcontinent Independent Systems Operator (MISO) has released its 2025 survey results, highlighting significant energy reliability issues in Indiana. The report warns that the premature retirement of coal plants is a key factor in the state's growing energy concerns. Gov. Mike Braun has echoed these concerns, emphasizing the necessity of keeping coal-fired plants operational.
Homeownership made easier with Vigo County's new initiative

2 weeks ago | wthitv.com | Ben Verbanic

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - The City of Terre Haute, Vigo County, and Thrive West Central have collaborated to launch a new initiative aimed at making homeownership more accessible. The "Hoosier Homes" program, announced Thursday morning, offers down payment assistance to eligible homebuyers in Vigo County. For the past 18 months, city and county officials have worked together to increase housing stock in the area. Now, they are focusing on filling that housing stock and boosting the tax base.
Terre Haute kicks off summer road paving projects

2 weeks ago | wthitv.com | Ben Verbanic

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - The city of Terre Haute is moving forward with plans to repair and pave city streets, marking a significant increase in road maintenance efforts. Mayor Brandon Sakbun emphasized that fixing city streets is a priority, with a budget of $3.6 million allocated for paving projects this summer. This budget reflects a 20 percent increase from last year. Sakbun noted that drivers should expect street closures and traffic delays as these projects progress.
VCSC officials vow positive changes in wake of feasibility study, will spend summer months weighing options

2 weeks ago | wthitv.com | Ben Verbanic

VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - Vigo County School Coroporation Superintendent Dr. Chris Himsel tells News 10 that it is time for positive change. VCSC officials are evaluating options for the future of the school system after a 16-month feasibility study confirmed that school facilities are in desperate need of upgrades, and that efficient use of space is lacking. The study, conducted by Gibraltar, also acknowledged 50-year lows in enrollment rates.
A community's effort to help one woman stay independent in Brazil

2 weeks ago | wthitv.com | Chris Essex |Ben Verbanic

BRAZIL, Ind. (WTHI) - Drivers in Brazil may notice a unique street sign on Hendrix Street near the intersection with Murphy Road. The sign reads "Blind Person in Area" and serves a critical purpose for local resident Cindy Stearns. Cindy Stearns, who resides in the nearby apartments, has lived with a degenerative eye disease since she was 17. As a lifelong resident of Clay County, Stearns has adapted to her condition over the years.
Torch Run kicks off 2025 Indiana Special Olympics in Terre Haute

3 weeks ago | wthitv.com | Chris Essex |Ben Verbanic

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - The 2025 Indiana Special Olympics is just around the corner. On Friday afternoon, law enforcement officers from across the Wabash Valley joined representatives from the Special Olympics for a ceremonial torch run, marking the start of the games. The Law Enforcement Torch Run, which began in 1981, has grown into a significant supporter of the Special Olympics, raising awareness and funds.
New Terre Haute logo highlights city's history and sports

3 weeks ago | wthitv.com | Chris Essex |Ben Verbanic

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Dozens of officials and residents gathered outside Terre Haute City Hall on Thursday morning to witness the unveiling of the city's new logo and brand. The design, crafted with Terre Haute's architectural and cultural history in mind, marks a significant step in updating the city's visual identity. Mayor Brandon Sakbun emphasized the importance of differentiating the new logo from the city seal, which will continue to be used for formal and legal purposes.

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