Deaconess plans to build a $150 million state-of-the-art cancer center
Deaconess Health System on Monday announced plans for a new, state-of-the-art comprehensive cancer center that will transform cancer care across the Tri-State region.
The Cinelli Cancer Center is set to open in 2028 on the Deaconess Gateway campus.
“This is a milestone moment,” said Deaconess CEO Shawn McCoy in a prepared statement. “We are not just adding services—we are transforming the experience of cancer care, bringing new hope close to home.”
The more than $150 million cancer center will bring together medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, nurses, genetic counselors, navigators, researchers, rehabilitation specialists and numerous other providers and services in one coordinated, patient-centered model, said a Deaconess release.
“Patients will no longer have to navigate cancer alone—they will be supported by an entire team every step of the way,” said Dr. Samer Schuman, Deaconess’ Medical Director of Cancer Services, in the relase. “This is about redefining cancer care in our region, elevating quality, transforming the patient experience and making care more coordinated, personalized and compassionate at every stage.”
“This Center will bring prevention, screening, treatment and survivorship programs all under one roof—creating a seamless experience that we have never been able to offer before,” said Lisa Hirsch, Deaconess’ Vice President of Cancer Services.
According to Deaconess, key features of the Cinelli Cancer Center will include:
• Multidisciplinary oncology specialists in one location
• Personalized treatment plans
• Seamless coordination across services
• Prevention, screening and a consolidated Diagnostic Breast Center
• Multi-specialty clinics and flexible infusion spaces
• Expanded radiation oncology, rehabilitation and oncology urgent care
• Comprehensive support services, including dedicated mental health care, counseling, nutrition and education
• Embedded clinical trials and research
• Survivorship programs
To date, more than $35 million has been committed by the community, including a transformational gift from the Cinelli Family Foundation, for which the center is named—one of the most significant philanthropic investments in Deaconess history, said the release.
Founded by Al and Sharon Cinelli, the Cinelli Family Foundation is driven by a vision to help create a future where leukemia, pancreatic and breast cancers are curable, said the release. The foundation focuses on transforming cancer prevention, early detection and treatment through strategic partnerships and sustained investment in innovation, said the release.
The Cinelli family’s commitment to cancer care is deeply personal. Al Cinelli lost both of his wives to cancer—his first wife, Lois, to leukemia, and later Sharon, who overcame breast cancer before ultimately passing from pancreatic cancer in 2020.
In honoring Sharon’s final wish, the foundation expanded its mission to focus on finding cures for the cancers that impacted their family. “Our family knows firsthand the challenges cancer can bring. This gift comes straight from our hearts to the people of Evansville and the Tri-State area. We are deeply grateful to this community, where we were able to build a family of companies including Metronet, KDL and others over nearly 30 years,” said Janet Cinelli, executive director of the Cinelli Family Foundation. “Supporting the Cinelli Cancer Center is our way of saying thank you to our Associates who worked tirelessly to help us build these organizations. We’ve seen how profoundly a world-class cancer center can strengthen a community, and we’re honored to help bring that level of care to Evansville.”
To learn more about the Cinelli Cancer Center or to get involved in supporting this vision, visit deaconess.com/cancercenter.
Henderson County Students to Begin Kentucky Summative Assessment
April 27, 2026
Henderson County Schools will begin administering the Kentucky Summative Assessment on Wednesday with the testing window remaining open through May 18, according to HCS.
The KSA is the annual statewide assessment given to Kentucky public school students in grades 3–8, 10, and 11. It measures student achievement in reading, mathematics, science, social studies, writing, and editing & mechanics. In addition to academic assessments, students will also complete a Quality of School Climate and Safety Survey.
Per Kentucky regulations, all students enrolled in Henderson County Schools are expected to participate in the assessment.
To support student success, families are encouraged to:
• Be aware of their child’s testing schedule
• Avoid scheduling appointments on testing days
• Emphasize the importance of doing one’s best and carefully following directions
• Ensure students get adequate sleep, eat a nutritious breakfast, and arrive at school on time.
“State assessments are an important measure of student learning and progress,” said Brandy Haley. “We appreciate the support of our families in preparing students to do their best.”
Each school will provide families with a detailed testing schedule.
City to begin scheduled spring street milling and paving
The city of Henderson will begin milling and paving work on select streets starting the week of May 4, said a city release.
Work is expected to take approximately two to three weeks to complete. However, the schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions and other unforeseen factors.
During this time, temporary street closures and traffic delays may occur. Motorists are encouraged to avoid affected areas when possible.
City officials have asked that all residents of the streets remove their vehicles from the streets by 6 a.m. each day on scheduled workdays.
The following streets and areas are scheduled for milling and paving:
- Clay Street from Fagan Street to Meadow Street
- Clay Street from South Alves Street to Fagan Street
- Dr. MLK Avenue from Fagan Street to Meadow Street
- Dr. MLK Avenue from Fagan Street to South Alvasia Street
- Norris Lane from South Green Street to South Alves Street
- South Alvasia Street from Washington Street to Vine Street
- South Alves Street from Dr. MLK Avenue to Vine Street
- South Elm Street from Audubon Street to Hancock Street
- Washington Street from North Green Street to South Alvasia Street
For questions or additional information, please contact the city of Henderson.
Annual Mother’s Day breakfast is Saturday at JFK Center
The city of Henderson’s Parks & Recreation department is hosting a special Mother’s Day breakfast to celebrate the mothers in our community. Guests can enjoy a free meal featuring pancakes, bacon, sausage, and eggs.
The event will be 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday at the John F. Kennedy Community Center.
Parks & Recreation staff will be on-site to provide directions and assistance throughout the event. For more information, please contact the department at 270-831-1274.
Hydro wins 2026 Governor’s Business Service Award for Kentucky
Hydro Henderson has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Governor’s Business Service Award for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, said a release form the company.
The longstanding award, coordinated by Serve Kentucky and given to one or two businesses in the state each year, honors organizations that demonstrate exceptional volunteerism and service, and highlights Hydro Henderson’s long‑term, people centered approach to community engagement, said the release.
“Being a good neighbor means taking a long‑term perspective in the communities we are part of. Strong communities are built through trust, continuity and partnerships. We’re proud to work alongside Henderson County Schools and organizations like Junior Achievement, which help prepare young people for their futures by supporting them in practical, meaningful ways. This can be building life skills, supporting basic needs, or simply making sure every child feels seen and valued,” said Duncan Pitchford, head of recycling for Hydro Aluminum Metals USA.
HCS nominated Hydro, according to a recent HCS Facebook post. Hydro employees participate in a monthly birthday recognition program ensuring every student is celebrated with a personalized book, cupcakes and handwritten notes, said the release. This action has led to all public elementary schools being supported by local business partners, said the release.
“Hydro’s support goes far beyond their financial contributions,” said Melissa Walker, the family resource coordinator at East Heights. “Their employees show up, engage with students and help make learning relevant. That kind of consistency and commitment has a real impact on young people and the schools we serve.”
The company’s contributions extend to providing school supplies, hygiene items and uniforms to students experiencing hardship, in partnership with South Middle School, Hydro helped establish a student food pantry, addressing food insecurity that can affect attendance, focus and learning outcomes, said the release.
In addition, Hydro employees volunteer with Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana, delivering financial literacy and career readiness education in classrooms. The company has also supported initiatives such as the Happy Feet Program, school food and backpack programs, hygiene stations, uniforms, and school supply drives, helping remove barriers that can affect attendance, confidence, and learning.
HMP&L wins three awards
Henderson Municipal Power & Light has been recognized by the American Public Power Association with three awards, said a post from HMP&L.
The APPA includes about 2,000 community-owned electric utilities in the country, said HMP&L General Manager Brad Bickett.
The first is the Safety Award of Excellence. The utility in 2025 achieved zero OSHA reportable accidents.
Bickett said this is the sixth consecutive year that the utility has been award the Safety Award of Excellence.
The second is the Excellence in Reliability Award. The post said the HMP&L ranked in the top 25% of electric utilities nationwide for delivering dependable, reliable service to our community. Like the safety award, this is the sixth consecutive year that the utility has won the Excellence in Reliability Award, Bickett said.
Finally, HMP&L Platinum RP3 Designation which is a recognition for excellence in reliability, safety, workforce development and system improvement, said the post.
“(The awards) represent how well the team has worked together and focused on the same goals,” Bickett told the Hendersonian.
