VINCENNES, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - Frozen ponds, lakes, and waterways can look solid—but they can be dangerously unpredictable, officials warn. Firefighters with the Vincennes Township Fire Department have been taking advantage of the cold to train for ice rescues. “Ice is never 100% safe,” Vincennes Township Fire Chief Tim Smith told WAKC News Now. So far this year, the department has not responded to any rescues involving people or pets that have fallen through the ice.

UPDATE AT 9:48AM ON 01/30/2026 - Knox County Sheriff Doug Vantlin has informed WAKC News Now that Michelle Bloebaum has been found and is safe. No other information was released. --- KNOX COUNTY, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - A statewide Silver Alert has been issued for a Vincennes woman. According to Indiana State Police, 54-year-old Michelle Bloebaum was last seen on January 25, 2026, at approximately 1:22 p.m. Bloebaum is described as a white female, 5 feet 7 inches tall, we

VINCENNES, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - The wait for a new store in Vincennes is almost over. Five Below announced on its Facebook page that it will hold a grand opening celebration beginning Friday, February 6 at 10:00am, and continuing through the weekend. According to Five Below, those who attend the grand opening celebration over the weekend will receive a free drawstring bag. The new Five Below is located at 230 Kimmell Road in Vincennes, next to Aldi. Five Below is a dis

VINCENNES, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - Police are asking for the public’s help to locate a 17-year-old reported missing. According to the Vincennes Police Department, Xander Chapman was last seen by his guardian on Friday, January 16, after being dropped off at Washington Learning Academy in Vincennes. Police say Chapman was last seen wearing white sweatpants, a brown Carhartt jacket, and orange shoes. Chapman's most recent hair color is described as purple. The VPD says Chap

KNOX COUNTY, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - Heavy snowfall is continuing to impact trash and recycling services across Knox County, with multiple cities and towns announcing cancellations or delays this week. The City of Vincennes announced Wednesday that trash and recycling pickup will not take place this week due to road conditions caused by the snow. City officials say normal trash and recycling schedules are expected to resume February 2. Trash service has also been canceled

KNOX COUNTY, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - The Knox County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is warning residents to take precautions as dangerously cold wind chills continue. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes, and extreme cold increases the risk of hypothermia. Residents are urged to dress in layers, including hats, gloves, scarves, and warm footwear; limit time outdoors; bring pets inside; and check on neighbors who are elderly, medically fragile,

VINCENNES, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - Usually, when we get a lot of snow, people go outside and build a snowman. Instead of a snowman, some Vincennes University students braved the cold on Tuesday to build a snow minion. The snowy creation, based on a character from the movie Despicable Me, stands around 13 feet tall. Coltyn Sellers, one of the students involved, told WAKC News Now that eight people spent nearly nine hours building the life-sized figure. You can find the sno

KNOX COUNTY, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - The Knox County Board of Commissioners has issued a Local Disaster Emergency Declaration, placing the county under a travel warning. This is due to the winter storm that moved through Knox County over the weekend. Commissioner President TJ Brink told WAKC News Now that the Board of Commissioners approved the declaration unanimously Sunday evening. Under the declaration, nonessential travel on county-maintained roads is prohibited, with

KNOX COUNTY, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - A winter snowstorm has forced schools across Knox County to cancel classes for the first part of the week. All four Knox County school districts announced closures Sunday afternoon, saying they will use a mix of asynchronous and synchronous e-learning through Wednesday. Asynchronous learning allows students to access lessons and complete assignments on their own schedule, while synchronous learning involves real-time instruction with t

KNOX COUNTY, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - People in central and southern Indiana are being asked to cut back on electricity usage until further notice. “High demand for electricity and tight power supplies throughout the Midwest are causing a serious power supply emergency for central and southern Indiana and southeastern Illinois,” Hoosier Energy said in a press release issued on behalf of electric cooperatives. This affects WIN Energy REMC customers in Knox County along with

VINCENNES, Ind. (We Are Knox County) A local shelter is opening its doors during the winter storm to provide a safe, heated space for those without adequate shelter. Troy Pickel told WAKC News Now that First City Sunrise shelter is now open 24 hours a day to individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as anyone in the community who needs shelter from the cold. Those in need of assistance are asked to contact Pickel at 812-830-2797 to make arrangements. Pickel also said the

VINCENNES, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - The City of Vincennes is reminding drivers not to park on designated snow routes this weekend. Drivers who live along snow routes are asked to avoid parking on the street both Saturday and Sunday. According to the City of Vincennes, any vehicle parked on a snow route will be towed at the owner’s expense. Designated snow routes in Vincennes include: Bayou Street (Seventeenth Street to Tenth Street) Bierhaus Boulevard (Hart Street to Stat