Kicks 96 Local News

MURDER TRIAL PUSHED BACK TO JULY

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Brookville, IN)--The trial of the Brookville woman accused of shooting and killing her own brother has been pushed back. 29-year-old Crystal Pence allegedly shot and killed her brother, Ronald Pence, and the Riverfront Apartments last December. Her trial was to have taken place this month, but has now been pushed back to July. Delays – or, as they’re called legally, continuances – are routinely granted in criminal trials in Indiana. And, in many cases, it happens multiple times with each case.

LIBERTY RESIDENTS RALLY TO HAVE DRIVE-UP MAILBOX RETURNED

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Liberty, IN)--Liberty residents are rallying to save something very important to many of them…a mailbox. The town’s only drive-up mailbox, which allowed people to deposit mail outside the post office from their driver’s seat, was removed last week by the U.S. Post Office without warning or explanation. A post office representative has indicated the mailbox will not return. Several Union County organizations have organized a petition to get it back. You can find a link to the petition on the Facebook page of the Union County Development Corporation. (Note: the photo accompanying this story is not of the actual mailbox).

MAN WANTED FOR FAILING TO APPEAR IN DRUG CASE ARRESTED

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond’s Everett Cooper was wanted for failing to appear in court for a drug case. And, when Cooper was located and taken into custody in the 1800 block of South 13^th Monday, he allegedly had more drugs that included cocaine and meth. Because he failed to appear, he is now being held without bond. Cooper was arrested last month after nearly 150 grams of various drugs were found in a house near the Depot District.

LIBERTY TO MOVE TOWN ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Liberty, IN)--Liberty is getting a new town administration building. The town announced Monday that it has purchased the former Whitewater Valley REMC building to be the new administration building. There’s no word yet on exactly when the move to the new building will occur. And, in some more Liberty news, some residents are noticing small flags in their yards. It’s part of the fiber optic cable installation project and alerts contractors to other utility lines.

MAN JAILED AFTER ALLEGEDLY STEALING WORK TRUCK

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--A stolen truck, along with the man who allegedly stole it, was located at a Richmond trailer park Monday morning. The work truck had been taken from Highway 38 Dumpsters and Restrooms in Hagerstown. Numerous law enforcement agents arrived at the trailer park at the north end of Salisbury Road and arrested 27-year-old Jacob Saylor for motor vehicle theft and resisting. Saylor has a criminal record that includes a cruelty to animal charge.

MAN KILLED IN DARKE COUNTY MOTORCYLCE CRASH

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Darke County, OH)--A motorcyclist was killed in a Darke County crash Monday night. Investigators say that an SUV driven by Rebecca Harleman pulled out in front of the motorcycle on State Route 49 at 7:30 Monday night. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. He has now been identified as a 52-year-old man from Brookville, Ohio. The accident remains under investigation.

DEPARTMENT RELEASES UPDATED INFORMATION ON FIREFIGHTER'S DEATH

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Milton, IN)--There’s a gathering Monday night at the Milton Fire Department to remember Scott Adams. Adams was a firefighter with the department who died on Friday. According to updated information that was released Sunday from Milton-Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department, Adams died at home after suffering a medical emergency hours after responding to a call for a motor vehicle accident. Adams had served with fire departments in both Milton and Boston since 2007. The funeral service has been set for Friday at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. That will be followed by a procession and final call at the Boston Volunteer Fire Department.

NWS RULES TORNADO TOUCHED DOWN IN DARKE COUNTY

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Darke County, OH)--The National Weather Service investigated damage in Darke County over the weekend and determined that a tornado touched down on Friday night. As tornados go, it was very weak. It was rated an EF-O with a maximum wind speed of 65 miles per hour. It touched down along Greenville-Celina Road at just after 7:30 Friday night. One building sustained moderate damage. There were no injuries.

MAN JAILED ON DRUG, RESISTING CHARGES

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond man is facing a long list of charges following a weekend incident. 44-year-old James Black was taken into custody near South 15^th and B Street. Black was allegedly driving with a suspended license and fled police. He was also allegedly in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and syringes. Black has already been released from the Wayne County Jail.

HOARDING BLAMED FOR TEEN'S DEATH IN FIRE

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Oxford, OH)--An area high school senior has been killed in a house fire just weeks before he would have graduated. The fire occurred at a house just off of U.S. 27 near Oxford. The victim has now been identified as 18-year-old Ryan Starrett, who was a senior at Talawanda. Investigators say the house was a hoarding situation, and that kept firefighters from getting to the victim. "We weren't able to make entry because of the condition of the house," said John Detherage with the Oxford Fire Department. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

BURN VICTIM IN HOUSE EXPLOSION MAKES PROGRESS

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The news is as good as it can be, at least for today, for a Richmond woman who was critically injured in a house explosion on Randolph Street a week ago. According to friends and family Thursday night, Autumn Reed sustained third-degree burns of 75% of her body. She was taken to a facility specializing in burn treatment. Autumn still needs assistance to breathe, but has been able to communicate by writing. She has also undergone the first of what will be several surgeries to remove burnt tissue. The other victim was not as seriously burned and is also recovered. There is still no official word on the cause of the explosion.

CROSS ARM DROPS ONTO SCHOOL BUS AS TRAIN PASSES

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Eaton, OH)--It was a somewhat shocking scene on North Barron Street in Eaton Thursday morning. At the railroad crossing, a school bus full of children sat very near the tracks with a train going by and the arm of the crossing sitting on the school bus. According to Eaton school officials, the bus driver did not see or hear the train coming initially and began to proceed across. Then, the oncoming train was seen and the warning lights activated, but a car had moved in behind the bus and prevented the bus from backing up. Although it sat close to the tracks, the bus was not contacted by the train and there were no injuries.

SEX OFFENDER ARRESTED AFTER SHOWING UP AT VAILE ELEMENTARY

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A man labeled by the state as a serious sex offender was taken into custody when he showed up at Vaile Elementary School in Richmond Thursday afternoon. 30-year-old Joshua Mays has been on the sex offender registry since he was found guilty of possessing child pornography in Rush County back in 2016 in a case in which he was also charged with vicarious sexual gratification. Last fall, Mays was arrested for failing to register as a sex offender in Richmond. A plea agreement is being worked out on that charge. There’s no word on what Mays was doing at Vaile.

WESTERN WAYNE MAN ACCUSED OF BRINGING DRUGS INTO JAIL

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A western Wayne County man is facing a new round of charges after allegedly bringing a synthetic opioid into jail with him when he showed up to begin serving a one-year sentence. 25-year-old Jakob Gaddis of Dublin now faces a new dealing charge. He’s also now charged with being a habitual offender, which could add much more prison time onto any other sentence he might receive. He has convictions for intimidation, invasion of privacy, possession of a controlled substance, and others.

WEEKS AFTER SUPERINTENDENT LEAVES, SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT STEPS DOWN

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Cambridge City, IN)--Western Wayne Schools is continuing to lose people who have filled key roles with the district. It’s been less than a month since Superintendent Andy Stover accepted a new position with Fayette County Schools. Now, Western Wayne School Board President David Sturgis is also leaving. An executive session is taking place Thursday night for the remaining board members to discuss a replacement. That meeting is private. A public meeting has been set for this coming Monday afternoon to search for Stover’s replacement. In addition to Stover and Sturgis, Chad Liebermann, who was the director of titles and grants, has also stepped down.

CARDINAL GREENWAY STABBING

Posted About One Year Ago

One Richmond man has been accused of stabbing another at a homeless encampment along the Cardinal Greenway. 44 year-old Richard A. Reese was charged Monday with battery with a deadly weapon. According to Richmond Police, Reese used a pocket knife to stab a 36-year-old Richmond man during a dispute on Saturday. The victim was found walking south on the trail near Richmond Avenue with wounds on the left side of his torso and on his left hand. He was taken by ambulance to Reid Hospital. When police found Reese at the encampment on the east side of the Greenway, past the bridge, he denied the conflict had become violent. . .telling police the pocketknife he was carrying was "only used for cutting cheese and pork chops."

photo credit: Wayne County Jail

3rd PERSON ARRESTED IN WAYNE COUNTY STABBING

Posted About One Year Ago

Officers arrested a third person in connection with a stabbing in a Richmond neighborhood that took place earlier this month. Detectives arrested 47 year-old Michael Cavanaugh in the 200 block of South 7th Street on Friday. The suspect was wanted on a felony warrant in connection with a stabbing April 11 in the 3500 block of W. National Road. Two people were injured and transported to Reid Health, but have since been released. Cavanaugh was booked on several felonies, including two counts of kidnapping and one count each of criminal confinement and intimidation with a deadly weapon. As we previously reported, 27 year-old Jasmin Cash of Richmond and 31 year-old Shane Cail of Cambridge City were arrested separately this month in connection with this incident. We will bring you more information as it becomes available.

photo credit: Wayne County Jail

FLAGS AT HALF-STAFF

Posted About One Year Ago

Flags are flying at half-staff across the state in honor of Pope Francis, who died Monday at 88. Governor Mike Braun says flags will remain at half-staff until the day of interment for the Pope. Archbishop Charles C. Thompson- who was appointed as the seventh archbishop of Indianapolis by Pope Francis in 2017- called him a "good and faithful servant" and a "man of the Church". The diocese is holding a Mass for Pope Francis tomorrow (Thursday) at noon at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral.

photo credit: Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (Jeon Han)

SPARTANBURG SCHOOL DEMOLISHED

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Spartanburg, IN)--Earlier this year, a school building that had stood for decades in Centerville was demolished. Now, the same has happened to a former Randolph County school. Over the last several days, demolition has taken place at the former Spartanburg school. According to the Spartanburg alumni group, the plan is to try to salvage the cornerstone and other pieces of the building with historic information and then erect a monument on the site. The school in Spartanburg was last in service in that capacity in 1976.

photo credit: Indiana Historical Society

COUNTY AUDITOR'S TRIAL PUSHED BACK

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--There’s been another delay in the criminal trial of Wayne County Auditor Mark Hoelscher. Hoelscher faces two counts of misdemeanor intimidation after allegedly leaving threatening notes in the mailbox of at least one of his Esteb Road neighbors. A judge has now granted Hoelscher’s motion to move the trial back from mid-May to July. An order of protection filed by Esteb Road residents remains in place.

STATE ROAD 1 CONSTRUCTION SHIFTS

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--Construction is about to shift on State Road 1 in western Wayne County. According to INDOT, the temporary traffic signal on 1 that is currently located near Goose Haven Road will shift to the south near Capitol Hill Road beginning Wednesday. The restriction is to allow crews to replace a large culvert and is expected to remain in place for another three weeks. Once that is done, 1 will be paved between U.S. 40 and I-70.

UNEMPLOYMENT RATES IN AREA INDIANA COUNTIES DROP SUBSTANTIALLY

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Whitewater Valley)--There’s been a substantial drop in the unemployment rate for all Indiana counties in the Whitewater Valley. According to numbers released by the state Monday, Wayne County’s rate dropped a full percentage point in the last month from 4.6 to 3.6 percent. That’s the lowest Wayne County’s rate has been since December of 2023. Union County has the lowest area rate at just 2.4%. More than 300 Wayne County residents counted as unemployed in the last report are now working.

STREET, ROAD CLOSURES TO GO INTO EFFECT

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A couple of significant road and street closures are set to go into effect Monday. One of them is State Road 227 between Richmond and Boston. More specifically, the bridge over the railroad tracks near the south end of Niewoehner Road will be replaced in a project expected to take six months. Also Monday, South 37^th Street will close between East Main and the stoplight between Kroger and Walmart. The right lane of eastbound East Main will also be closed for a two-block stretch west of that intersection. The closure is to allow for utility work at a new business and is expected to last through the end of the week.

NEW HOTEL PROPOSED FOR WEST EATON PIKE

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond will likely be getting a new hotel. On Wednesday, the Richmond Board of Zoning Appeals will address a proposal to construct a four-story hotel which would be located directly across West Eaton Pike from the entrance to Lowe’s. It would be owned and operated by TownPlace Suites of Marriott, which currently operates more than 275 hotels across the U.S. and Canada. It would be the 11^th hotel at the U.S. 40 / I-70 interchange. There are currently about 950 hotel rooms in Richmond and Wayne County.

FRIENDS INDICATE EXPLOSION VICTIM HAS IMPROVED

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Friends of one of the two victims who were critically burned in last week’s house explosion on Randolph Street in Richmond are indicating that she has taken positive steps toward recovery over the weekend. Autumn Reed is reportedly now able to communicate by writing. There is no word on the condition of the other victim, Forrest Tevis. The investigation into the cause is continuing, although a gas leak is widely suspected. It could take several days or even weeks before a cause is officially released.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE CONTINUES TO SEARCH FOR EXPLOSION'S CAUSE

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office is continuing to work to pinpoint exactly what caused Thursday morning’s house explosion on Randolph Street in Richmond. Investigators said Thursday afternoon that it could take several days or even weeks to come up with a definitive cause. Meanwhile, there has been no updated word on the conditions of the two residents of the home, who were both flown to the burn unit of a Level One trauma center. That hospital refused to release their conditions Friday morning. Those two people have been identified as 51-year-old Forest Tevis and 24-year-old Autumn Reed. Their injuries were initially described as life-threatening. (Photo courtesy of WHIO-TV)

CLOSURE OF I-70 ON-RAMP POSTPONED INDEFINITELY

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Last week, INDOT said that the entrance ramp to eastbound I-70 from southbound U.S. 35 in Richmond would close this coming Monday and remain closed for at least a year due to safety concerns while Revive I-70 construction is going on. Now, they’re putting that closure off. INDOT indicated Thursday they have postponed the ramp’s closure indefinitely, but did not say what prompted that decision or when it would go into effect.

EATON MAN KILLED IN CRASH ON 122

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Preble County, OH)--Details of a fatal crash that happened Wednesday night in Preble County were released Thursday. It happened on State Route 122 near Yost Road a couple of miles southeast of Eaton. Investigators say 22-year-old Spencer Hunt of Eaton crossed the center line and struck an oncoming Jeep. Hunt was pronounced dead at the scene. Alcohol is being investigated as a potential factor in the crash. The other driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

MAYOR ISSUES STATEMENT ABOUT SAFE TEAM

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Mayor Ron Oler issued a statement Thursday about the status of the city’s SAFE Team. That’s an acronym that stands for Strategic and Focused Enforcement. It was formed last fall after the dissolution of the Wayne County Drug Task Force. Oler said that members of the SAFE team are now going through a promotional process and that the city remains dedicated to the SAFE team. Oler added that the fight against narcotics remains as strong as ever.

PURCHASER REFUTES CONTENTS OF COMMISSIONER EMAIL REGARDING LOT PURCHASE

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Following an email from a Wayne County Commissioner to Richmond Common Council earlier this week that expressed concerns about the potential sale of an Uptown parking lot, a representative of Elm Place Development has taken issue with the email’s content. The email alleged that the city had offered the lot to Abilities in Richmond for $10,000 without taking proper steps or notification to other potential buyers. An Elm Place representative said Thursday that they are the buyer of the lot and that the total offered price is $45,000.

NEW CASTLE CHASE ENDS IN INDY CRASH

Posted About One Year Ago

One person is dead and several more are injured after a police pursuit that started in Henry County ended in a crash in Indianapolis. Monday night the Henry County Sheriff observed a vehicle driving erratically on State Road 3 near Indiana Avenue in New Castle. When an attempt was made to stop the SUV, it fled and a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit continued westbound on I-70 where tire deflation devices had been deployed by another agency. State Police say the pursuit ended when the SUV crashed into two vehicles at East Washington Street and Mitthoefer on the east side of Indy. One man was ejected from the SUV and pronounced dead at the scene and three other people inside the SUV were taken to the hospital. The intersection was closed for more than 4 hours before the coroner arrived. A police investigation into the incident is ongoing.

CAMBRIDGE CITY MAN ARRESTED FOR STABBING

Posted About One Year Ago

A Wayne County man has been accused of stabbing another. 31-year-old Shane Cail of Cambridge City has been charged with felony battery with a deadly weapon. The unidentified 37-year-old victim told police Friday that Cail stabbed him in the back with a kitchen knife and possibly punctured his lung. Officers reported they found Cail in the 3500 block of West National Road, hiding under a bed. His shirt appeared to be stained with blood. The Cambridge City man has received a July 8 trial date. As of press time, Cail was still held in the Wayne County Jail under a $40,000 bond.

2025 - A RECORD-BREAKING TORNADO SEASON

Posted About One Year Ago

The National Weather Service released their current tornado report this week. 45 tornadoes have touched down on Indiana so far this year, including (25) EF1s and (7) EF2s. The events occurred between March 15 and April 10, reaching the earliest ever threshold since 1950. Indiana has not seen (45) tornados by April the 10th. The previous record of (45) tornados fell late in May of 2011.

Severe storms could hit central Indiana late Friday, especially north and west of Richmond, with rain likely to linger through Easter weekend.

CITY FILES RESPONSE TO SHIPMAN'S MOTION TO DISMISS LAWSUIT

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--On the last day they could, private attorneys representing the city of Richmond and Adam Blanton filed a response to Wayne County Prosecutor Mike Shipman’s motion to dismiss the city and Blanton’s lawsuit against Shipman for Blanton’s placement on the Brady List last year. In a five-part, 21-page response, the city’s attorneys claim the lawsuit should not be dismissed essentially because Shipman knew that Blanton was an administrative officer and was unlikely to testify in a criminal case. It also claims Blanton was not given due process. There is no timeline listed for a judge to decide whether the case should be dismissed or not. The city had already spent in excess of $37,000 in legal fees before the time spent by the private law firm to draft this week’s response.

UPTOWN BUSINESS OWNERS, APPRAISER OBJECT TO POTENTIAL LOT SALE

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Some business leaders are expressing their concern over the potential sale of a vacant lot in Uptown Richmond. That lot is located next to what was Bullerdick Furniture near South 9^th and Main. The lot has allegedly been offered for sale to Abilities Richmond for $10,000. But, in an email to members of Richmond Common Council that is supported by other business owners, Appraiser Brad Dwenger claims that those other business owners were not notified of the sale and had no chance to bid on the city-owned lot. Dwenger said the $10,000 price is far below market value. He also called the city’s claim that appraised value is 25-40% above assessed value is a "fabricated statement." The city’s administrative office did not return a message from Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News on Tuesday.

SECOND PHASE OF LOOP PROJECT PROMPTS STREET CLOSURE

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Construction is coming on Phase 2 of the city of Richmond’s Loop project, and that will include a street closure. The Loop is the name given to the project connecting Uptown to the Depot District with bicycle and walking paths. The city announced Tuesday that North 7^th Street will close between C and D Streets for construction. Additional lane restrictions will be in place in the coming weeks on Fort Wayne Avenue and North E. Tuesday’s announcement did not indicate how long North 7^th is expected to be closed.

HOMEOWNER HOLDS ALLEGED BURGLAR AT GUNPOINT

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Fayette County, IN)--An allegedly burglar was held at gunpoint late Tuesday night. It happened on West Everton Road in Fayette County. According to scanner traffic, a homeowner who was away at the time saw two people on his property through a camera at around 11 o’clock. He returned home and held at least one at gunpoint. There was also an indication that a shot was fired but that no one was hit. Deputies arrived and took Jared Tollett into custody on a burglary charge.

BILL CONTAINING AMENDMENT TO CLOSE UNION SCHOOLS PASSES TUESDAY MORNING

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Indianapolis, IN)--The news is not good for those who want to see Union schools in Modoc continue to exist. Senate Bill 1 contained an amendment that would close Union permanently in two years. After a marathon session that didn’t end until early Tuesday morning, the bill passed 27-22. Numerous Union students, teachers, and supporters rallied at the statehouse Monday. "We have a student in every county in Indiana that is going to have to find another option for education," said Union School Board President Christina Ogden. Critics have said Union has created an online charter school that essentially acts as a charter mill. The bill now needs only the signature of Governor Mike Braun, but that’s just a formality because Braun has already said he will sign it.

DRIVERLESS SEMIS PASSING THROUGH WHITEWATER VALLEY

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Whitewater Valley)--Driverless semis are now operating on I-70 as they pass through Wayne, Preble, and Henry County. There are only two of them so far. The two trucks deliver shipments between Columbus and Indianapolis and use what’s called platooning technology. That means a lead semi is operated normally by a human, and a second semi follows automatically. The driverless semis speed up, brake, and change lanes depending on what the lead truck does. Professional drivers will be behind in the trailing semi and can deactivate the automation. The semis display a purple light.

RICHMOND WOMAN JAILED FOR BATTERY WITH A DEADLY WEAPON

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond woman is facing a charge of battery with a deadly weapon after an incident Monday. 27-year-old Jasmin Cash was taken into custody at her home in the 200 block of South 7^th Street at around noon Monday. Details of what Cash is alleged to have done have not yet been released. That charge is often applied as a result of a shooting, stabbing, or other violent attack. There’s also no word on the condition of any alleged victims.

GUILFOYLE FOUND GUILTY BUT MENTALLY ILL

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Brookville, IN)--A Franklin County man has been found guilty but mentally ill after shooting his wife and a deputy more than two years ago. Three days before Christmas of 2022, Gregory Guilfoyle shot his wife in the head and then left his home on foot in a snowstorm, carrying his young daughter in his arms. When a deputy intervened, Guilfoyle shot the deputy and struck him in the protective vest. Guilfoyle was also shot when the deputy returned fire. The trial ran all of last week. In Indiana, guilty but mentally ill carries the same sentencing as any other conviction. Treatment can be provided, but it does not lessen the sentencing. He faces between 20 and 40 years behind bars when sentenced in about a month.

CITY FACES NEW LAWSUIT OVER MY WAY TRADING FIRE

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Two years after the My Way Trading fire that sent black smoke billowing over much of Richmond, the city is facing a brand new lawsuit. The lawsuit has been filed by Troy Wilson, who says his health has been permanently affected by breathing that smoke. It’s the latest of several lawsuits. But, because the courts have not yet certified a class-action lawsuit, Wilson’s lawsuit lists 175 other people as plaintiffs. Seth Smith, who owned much of the property and failed to remove tons of plastic that had been stored there, is also named in the lawsuit. So far, the city has spent in excess of $200,000 on outside legal fees connected to the multiple lawsuits.

CHILD PORN-RELATED CHARGED DROPPED AGAINST EATON BUSINESSMAN

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Eaton, OH)--Trial was supposed to begin Monday for Eaton businessman Ernest Hatmaker on several charges involving child pornography. But now that trial is off and Hatmaker no longer faces any child porn charges. A plea agreement was reached Friday that resulted in the dropping of the child porn charges in exchange for a plea of no contest to possessing criminal tools. Neither prosecutors nor the defense provided any details about what led to the plea agreement. FBI agents originally searched Hatmaker’s home near Eaton nearly three years ago as part of a federal investigation. Hatmaker is due back in court on May 5 for sentencing.

UNION SCHOOL STAFFERS, STUDENTS ORGANIZE TO PREVENT CLOSURE

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Modoc, IN)--People who live in the Union school district in and around Modoc are organizing in an effort to save the school from closure. Senate Bill 1, which is working its way through the state legislature, would bring about the permanent closure of Union schools. The Indiana State Teacher’s Association is holding a rally Monday at the Indiana Statehouse. "We have many students and community members and teachers who want to be there, so we are amending our schedule to allow our folks to go," said Union Superintendent Galen Mast. The current amendment in the bill would have Union students divided between Blue River and Monroe Central. A legislative update with J.D. Prescott has also been set for this coming Saturday morning at the Randolph County Fairgrounds.

RESTRICTIONS COMING TO RICHMOND'S BUSIEST INTERSECTION

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Some restrictions are coming to Richmond’s busiest and, statistically, most dangerous intersection. It’s being brought about by utility work on a new business. It’s the intersection of South 37^th and National Road East. Beginning a week from Monday, traffic headed east will not be able to turn right onto South 37^th toward Kroger. It also affects the stoplight on 37^th between Kroger and Walmart. Traffic headed north will not be able to go any further toward National Road East than that light. The restrictions are expected to last three to five days. The Board of Works has granted a variance to allow work to be done at night to expedite completion.

DEADLINE LOOMS FOR CITY TO RESPOND TO SHIPMAN'S MOTION TO DISMISS LAWSUIT

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Time is running out for the city of Richmond to file a response to Wayne County Prosecutor Mike Shipman’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit that the city has joined against him. Earlier this year, the city joined RPD’s Adam Blanton’s lawsuit over Blanton’s placement on the Brady List. When Shipman filed a motion last month to dismiss the lawsuit, the city was given 30 days to file a response. That 30 days is up on Monday. So far, the city has spent over $35,000 in legal fees since joining the lawsuit.

BILL'S PASSAGE WOULD RESULT IN CLOSURE OF UNION (MODOC) SCHOOLS

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Modoc, IN)--A bill that passed the Indiana House Thursday could mean the end of the Union School Corporation in Modoc. The bill is Senate Bill 1, which was originally drafted as property tax reform. But, on Monday of this week, an amendment to the bill that was added in a committee would force Union schools to shut down at the end of the school year two years from now. This was the reaction from Union Superintendent Galen Mast: "This proposed amendment - proposed being the key word - came out of nowhere as a tricky way to force consolidation." Mast said Union is prepared to fight. "We don't plan on going anywhere. We plan on fighting this proposed amendment every step of the way," Mast added. Union has faced consolidation discussions several times over the last decade. The bill now goes to the Indiana Senate.

MAN JAILED FOR STRANGULATION

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Fountain City, IN)--There was an incident involving an alleged strangulation Thursday night in Fountain City. It happened near the intersection of U.S. 27 and Main Street. Wayne County deputies arrived and took 32-year-old Brandon Clark into custody. He’s charged with both strangulation and domestic battery in the presence of a child. There’s no word on the condition of the alleged victim. Just three days ago, Clark was sentenced to six months in jail after pleading guilty to criminal trespass. All of that jail time was suspended.

RCS GETS IMPROVING EMPLOYEE SURVEY RESULTS

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Community School Board met Wednesday night and got the results of a retention survey that was sent to all employees. Those results generally show an improvement in the overall satisfaction for RCS employees from recent years. One of the questions asked if employees are happy in their jobs. Stacy Mopps presented the results: 57.5% said that it is satisfying (in 2023). Two years later, we're up to almost 67%. That was a trend that makes me happy," Mopps said. Employees were also asked the most challenging aspect of their jobs. The number one answer? Student discipline. But, there was some good news there also. "Even though student discipline is still number one, it dropped almost 20 percentage points," Mopps explained. Data specific to each school will be shared with that school’s principal.

RAMP TO I-70 TO CLOSE FOR AT LEAST A YEAR

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--Another day brings another major highway announcement from the Indiana Department of Transportation. This one involves the ramp from southbound U.S. 35 to eastbound I-70. The narrowing of lanes there as part of the Revive I-70 project has made that onramp especially dangerous. As a result, INDOT announced Wednesday that they will be closing that ramp for at least a year. The closing of the ramp is expected to begin a week from Monday.

WESTERN WAYNE SUPERINTENDENT HIRED AT FAYETTE COUNTY

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Connersville, IN)--Western Wayne school superintendent Andy Stover is headed to Fayette County. The Fayette County School Board this week approved hiring Stover as the new operations director. Superintendent Jeremy Duncan called Stover a man of great integrity. Stover has served at Western Wayne since 2021 and was a teacher in Randolph County before that.

CHAMBER TO HOST HIRING FAIR

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Thursday is a big day for people who are seeking jobs and for employers who are seeking to fill those jobs. The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a hiring fair at the First Bank Richmond Kuhlman Center. More than 25 employers representing manufacturing, health care, education, and public service will be on hand with some conducting on-site interviews. Thurday’s event runs from 2-4 p.m.

TBK BUILDING SALE CLOSES FOR $5.25 MILLION

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The sale of the TBK building on West Industries Road in Richmond is now final. According to Wayne County property records, the buyer is an LLC called Focus 37. The purchase price was $5.25 million. Last August, TBK announced that it would be ceasing operations at the facility and laying off 79 employees in the process. The building covers about 130,000 square feet.

MAN JAILED ON BATTERY CHARGE

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A suspect was in the Wayne County Jail Thursday morning after a reported case of battery with injury in Richmond Wednesday night. Officers were called to the first block of North West G Street at around 8 o’clock Wednesday night. There, they encountered 36-year-old Brian Lane Junior. He was charged with felony battery. Indiana law requires that anyone arrested on a battery charge be held for at least 24 hours. There’s no word on the condition of the alleged victim or what led to the incident.

227 BETWEEN RICHMOND AND BOSTON TO CLOSE FOR MONTHS

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--Another major Wayne County roadway is set to close for months. This one will affect travel between Richmond and Boston. INDOT announced yesterday that State Road 227 will close about three miles southeast of Richmond to near Niewoehner Road for replacement of a bridge deck over railroad tracks. The closure is expected to begin on Monday the 21^st and last until the end of September. The easiest local detour would be to take Wernle Road or Boston Township Line Road to Niewoehner Road.

FLEEING DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN CRASH

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--A high-speed chase ended with a serious crash near Centerville Tuesday afternoon. The chase entered Wayne County on U.S. 40 from the west and then went south on Centerville Road. The driver lost control on Ruby Road and rolled several time. The driver had to be cut from the wreckage and was then flown to a Level One trauma center. There’s no word yet on the driver’s identity, condition, or what led to the chase.

ORDER OF PROTECTION ISSUED AGAINST WAYNE COUNTY AUDITOR

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A judge has issued an order of protection to some residents on Esteb Road in response to allegations against their neighbor, who is also Wayne County’s auditor. The order of protection that was issued Tuesday against Mark Hoelscher remains in effect for two years. Hoelscher is alleged to have placed threatening messages in at least one mailbox and come onto the properties of others without permission. He faces a misdemeanor charge and is due in court for a pre-trial hearing on Tuesday of next week.

MAN CHARGED WITH MAKING THREAT THAT FORCED COURTHOUSE EVACUATION

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Connersville, IN)--A Connersville man has now been charged with making a bomb threat last month that forced the evacuation of the Fayette County Courthouse. 45-year-old John Sheets now faces charges that include felony intimidation and charges from an underlying case that include drug dealing and escape. The courthouse was evacuated for four hours on the day of the threat. The state police’s explosives unit had to be called in to conduct a search of the building.

RP&L TO REDUCE COAL ASH FOOTPRINT

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Power & Light continues to deal with coal ash that was stored on the property from the 1950’s through the 1970’s. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has issued some relatively new regulations aimed at protecting ground water. RP&L General Manager Tony Foster talked this week about some of the new measures that will likely be taken to deal with the ash. The area where the ash is spread will be condensed and then covered. Then, there would be this: "We would be digging all the way around the perimeter of the project and then doing a concrete wall that would help encapsulate the material to prevent water from escaping," Foster said. RP&L monitors wells near the ash and posts results on its website.

COUNCIL APPROVES ZONING FOR GAS STATION, STOPLIGHT ON U.S. 35

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A new stop light will be installed at an area of U.S. 35 that’s been the site of a fatal accident and countless complaints over the years. Monday night, Richmond Common Council gave unanimous approval to a zoning amendment that will pave the way for a gas station and convenience store to be constructed at what is now a vacant area just across from Love’s Truck Stop. The zoning approval came with this new requirement: "The motion is that we will require the petitioner to install a stoplight at their own expense," said Council President Larry Parker. That new stoplight, combined with a roundabout that will be installed at the I-70 / U.S. 35 interchange as part of the Revive I-70 project, will significantly change traffic flow in that area.

WATERFALL ROAD BRIDGE LIKELY TO REMAIN CLOSED FOR EXTENDED PERIOD

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Weekend flooding took a toll on some area roads and bridges, and that includes Waterfall Road in Richmond, which remained closed at the bridge near Springwood Park Tuesday morning. Mayor Ron Oler Monday night explained why the bridge may not be repaired anytime soon. "It looks like there is more damage than just the pavement coming off the top, so it might be a period of time before it gets reopened," Oler said. Wayne County – not the city - will be handling the repairs. Meanwhile, Brookville Lake continued to rise Monday, but not nearly as fast. It sat Tuesday morning at 12 feet over its normal summer level.

BOND ISSUANCE APPROVED FOR SMITH HILL DEVELOPMENT

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The Smith Hill development took another step forward Monday night. Richmond Common Council gave unanimous approval to a bond issuance to help finance the construction of well over 150 new homes and townhouses in the area of Garwood and Backmeyer Roads. EDC President Valerie Shaffer explained the importance of the bond issuance to council Monday night. "But for you pledging this tax revenue, the development will not move forward. This is an incredibly important part of the project, Shaffer said. $4.3 million for the project has been requested from the state’s economic development corporation.

PART OF REID HEALTH RENAMED FOR LONG-TIME GOLF PRO

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A part of Reid Health has been renamed for a longtime Richmond golf pro who became a leader in the battle against Parkinson’s disease. Doug Kuntz died last December after a 14-year battle with the disease. Kuntz started the Pro’s Players FORE Parkinson’s golf tournament and raised more than a million dollars which, in turn, helped to bring about Reid’s Rock Steady Boxing program. Over the weekend, an event marked the naming of a space in the Reid Neurology Associates practice as The Doug Kuntz Neuroscience Center. (Photo supplied)

DRIVER KILLED IN FAYETTE COUNTY CRASH

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Fayette County, IN)--There was a fatal crash in Fayette County Monday. It happened at 1:15 Monday afternoon on State Road 44 near County Road 550 west of Connersville. The initial investigation determined that a box truck pulled out into the path of an oncoming passenger car. The driver of that car was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger was flown to a Level One trauma center. The identities of those involved have not yet been released. Investigators at the scene determined that speed was likely a contributing factor to the crash.

RIVERSTART BEGINS SOLAR OPERATIONS IN RANDOLPH COUNTY

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Modoc, IN)--The Riverstart solar project is now operational in Randolph County. That solar park, which is located near Modoc, was first announced back in 2018 by Texas-based EDP Renewables. That company called the project the largest solar farm by capacity in the state of Indiana and one that would generate enough energy to power 36,000 homes per year.

FLOODWATERS RECEDE, BUT EFFECTS REMAIN

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Whitewater Valley)--Floodwaters were replaced by a dusting of snow Monday morning, but there are still some lingering effects from the weekend’s high water. That includes the closure of the bridge on Waterfall Road in Richmond. Water went over the bridge and destroyed the top layer of pavement. In Randolph County, State Road 1 remains closed at State Road 28. At Brookville Lake, the water level rose five and a half feet just Sunday. The water level is now 12 feet higher that it was a week ago. Officially, Richmond had just under five inches of rain since it began falling last Wednesday. Some schools were operating on delays Monday morning.

U.S. 27 TO CLOSE BETWEEN RICHMOND AND LIBERTY

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne and Union County, IN)--People traveling between Richmond and Liberty will have to find a route other than U.S. 27 this week. That’s because the Indiana Department of Transportation’s maintenance crews will conduct daily closures on 27 for multiple pipe replacements. The highway will close at three different locations, but only between 9 o’clock in the morning to 5 in the afternoon. INDOT says the work could extend into next week, depending on weather.

COUNCIL TO ADDRESS SMITH HILL, PROPOSED U.S. 35 GAS STATION

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Common Council is set to meet Monday night with the proposed Smith Hill development showing up on the agenda a couple of times. That development would result in more than 170 new homes in the area of Backmeyer and Garwood Roads. Council will address a resolution that would establish that area as an economic development target area. It then comes up again as an ordinance on second reading, which is when public comment is taken. Council will also address zoning for a proposed gas station and convenience store that would be located across from Love’s Truck Stop on U.S. 35. Monday night’s meeting gets underway at 7 o’clock. As always, you can catch it live on WCTV.

SHOOTING TRIAL TO BEGIN AFTER EIGHT DELAYS

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Brookville, IN)--A man accused of shooting his wife and a Franklin County deputy more than two years ago is set to go on trial beginning Monday morning. The trial of Gregory Guilfoyle has been rescheduled eight times, largely at the request of his attorney. Two days before Christmas in 2022, Guilfoyle allegedly shot his wife and left her with a severe brain injury. The deputy was shot in the midsection and was protected by his vest. Shortly after the shooting, Guilfoyle was arrested carrying his two-year-old daughter down the highway in extreme cold.

ONE JAILED AFTER BROOKVILLE SHOOTING

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Brookville, IN)--There was a shooting in Brookville late Wednesday night. Very few details have been released, including the name of the suspect and the condition of the victim. It happened on High Street at around midnight as Wednesday night turned into Thursday morning. The shooting victim was taken to University Hospital. One suspect was taken into custody at the scene.

ALLEGED BURGLAR CAUGHT IN SKATE'S RAFTERS

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond police caught an alleged burglar Friday morning. Officers were called to the Skate on Commerce Drive. When they went inside and investigated, they found that 41-year-old Joshua Farmer had gotten into the building’s rafters in an apparent attempt to hide. Farmer was booked into the Wayne County Jail at just after 3 o’clock Friday morning.

INDOT TO EXTEND I-70 PATCHING WESTWARD

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Henry County, IN)--The Indiana Department of Transportation has released some travel notes in the last 24 hours. INDOT says that State Road 101 at the railroad tracks in Liberty has now reopened after being shut down earlier this week to make repairs at the crossing. INDOT also said that patching on I-70 will be extended westward. That work is already underway in the eastern half of Wayne County. Now, it will be extended westward into Henry County. Most of that work will take place in the westbound lanes over the course of the next month.

AREA HAS LITTLE THURSDAY MORNING IMPACT FROM STORMS

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Whitewater Valley)--The Whitewater Valley appears to have fared very well after a strong line of storms passed through the area late Wednesday night. The websites of RP&L, AES, Whitewater Valley REMC, and Duke Energy Thursday morning showed less than a hundred outages for all four energy companies combined. Other than the dry fords in Union County and a few side roads in Franklin County, there are no road closures due to either high water or downed trees. There has also been no indication of any tornado touchdown despite several warnings that prompted sirens to be sounded across numerous Whitewater Valley counties. The strongest wind gust reported at the Richmond Municipal Airport was 46 miles per hour at 9 o’clock Wednesday night. Radar estimates indicate the area received between two and 2.5 inches of rain.

SIX ARRESTED AT PROBLEM RICHMOND HOUSE

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Six people were jailed Wednesday when the Richmond Police Department’s SAFE team executed a search warrant at a problem house in the 400 block of South 15^th Street. In the past year, police have been called to 404 South 15^th 77 times, including 32 already in 2025 after neighbors complained about drug activity, theft, and other suspicious behavior. When investigators went there Wednesday morning, they took six people to jail for either maintaining or visiting a common nuisance. They include Brittney Harmon, Jeremy Jacob, Levi Johnson, Gary Lady, Lori Martin, and Lisa Presley. All but one were still in jail Thursday morning. An elderly man who lived there was turned over to Adult Protective Services.

CHAMBER TO HOST HIRING FAIR

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for a hiring fair on April 10. More than 25 local companies will gather at the First Bank Richmond Kuhlman Center to conduct immediate short interviews. The event is open to both college students and the general public and offers potential job opportunities and internships. It runs from 2 until 4 p.m.

ARMY CORPS PREDICTS BROOKVILLE LAKE WATER LEVEL COULD RISE 26 FEET

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Franklin County, IN)--With as much as eight inches of rain predicted to fall across some parts of the Whitewater Valley between Wednesday night and Sunday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released some estimates on impacts on local rivers. Those predictions show what would be an incredible rise. Tuesday night at 8 o’clock, the Whitewater River at Brookville was at 3.9 feet. At 8 o’clock Friday morning, the river is predicted to be at 14.5 feet – more than three times as high. Brookville Lake was designed to control flooding. The Army Corps of Engineers is predicting its water level could rise as much as 26 feet higher than where it sat Wednesday morning.

MAN WITH 15 CRIMINAL CASES IN LAST DECADE NOW FACES 16th

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond man who, before Tuesday, had 15 criminal cases in the last decade, is now facing his 16^th. 37-year-old James Napier was booked into the Wayne County Jail at 2:45 Tuesday afternoon after officers allegedly found an undisclosed amount of methamphetamine in his possession in the 200 block of North 12^th Street. Less than a month ago, Napier was sentenced to 20 days in jail for breaking into a car. In 2023, he was sentenced to two years for battering an officer. Other previous charges include dealing lookalike substances and non-support of a dependent child.

WOMAN ACCUSED OF CHILD PORN AND BESTIALITY JAILED, RELEASED ON BOND

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Here’s more on the criminal charges against Richmond’s Brittaney Sawyer that Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News reported Monday morning. Sawyer faces multiple counts of possession of child pornography and one count of bestiality. Sawyer’s Linkedin status indicates that she had served as a social worker at two different healthcare organizations in Richmond, although her specific duties were not disclosed. Neither of those companies returned calls Monday. Sawyer turned herself in at the Wayne County Jail Monday afternoon and then bonded out. She has waived an initial hearing in Wayne Superior Court II. Online court records do not disclose a future hearing date.

MAN WHO LIVESTREAMED SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TODDLER SENTENCED TO 40 YEARS

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond man who not only sexually abused a one-year-old boy but also live-streamed the assaults online has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison. The Richmond Police Department along with U.S. Homeland Security investigated 29-year-old Moises Bojorquez in 2023 and uncovered thousands of images of infants and toddlers. The federal judge who sentenced Bojorquez called him a menace to society.

SANDBAGS BEING OFFERED IN ADVANCE OF FLOODING RAIN

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Franklin County, IN)--The Whitewater Valley goes under a flood watch beginning Wednesday. And, in Franklin County Tuesday, they’re preparing for several inches of rain and what the aftermath could bring. Franklin County Emergency Management is offering free sandbags and sand to help protect property. They can be picked up near the animal shelter on Landfill Road in Brookville between 3 and 6 Tuesday afternoon. Those who want sandbags should bring their own shovels and be prepared to fill the bags themselves.

I-70 TO BE PATCHED NEAR STATE LINE

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--INDOT said Monday that it is focusing this week on patching the rough pavement on I-70 between the Seara Burton overpass on U.S. 27 and the state line. That would presumably include the few hundred yards just at the state line, which is incredibly rough. 2500 tons of material will be used in patching which will occur overnight. Also, a large crane is moving into place this week just west of U.S. 35. That crane will be there for several months with bridge demolition work also expected to begin this week.

FIRE DISPLACES UNION CITY FAMILY

Posted About One Year Ago by Jeff Lane

(Union City, OH)--Fire gutted a home in the Union City area Monday night. It broke out at 8 o’clock on Pickett Road. The fire started in the basement and spread upward to the attic. No one was home at the time and there were no injuries, but the family was displaced Monday night. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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