BUDGET PASSES, MAYOR PROMISES CHANGES

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Common Council met Thursday night to pass next year’s budget.  After a few more modifications and with a deadline looming, all ordinances passed.  "I am confident that the budget we've created in partnership with the council is realistic and workable," said Richmond Mayor Ron Oler.  But, Oler also added this:  "There will be changes in how the city operates and how it provides services to the community.  After tonight's vote, there will be a lot more work over the next several months in order to realign those services within all the departments.  We ask the public to be patient with us as we adapt to the new normal."  Council passed most ordinances Thursday night by an 8-1 vote with Jerry Purcell dissenting.

LOCAL, STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE SHOOTING

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Winchester, IN)--There was a shooting in Winchester Thursday, although not a lot of information about it has been released.  According to the Winchester Police Department, it happened at around 11:30 Thursday morning in the 600 block of North Main Street.  Winchester officers, who later called it an isolated incident, called for the Indiana State Police and the investigation was quickly turned over to that agency.  State police investigators have not released  any other details.

FRESHMAN BECOMES FIRST NORTHEASTERN GIRL TO COMPETE IN STATE FINALS

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Fountain City, IN)--With a shot from a starter's pistol Saturday afternoon in Terre Haute, more than 200 girls will break into a 3.1 mile run, and one of them is a Northeastern High School groundbreaker.  Hayden Neagle is the first girl in Northeastern school history to qualify for the girls cross country state finals, and she’s just a freshman.  "I'm excited to face competition and girls that are faster than me," Hayden said.  She talked about what motivates her.  "I like to be able to push myself and do things that are hard - that some people can't do."  Hayden has won more than 75% of the races she’s run so far this year.

AUDIT INDICATES PRINCIPAL FALSIFIED EMPLOYEE TIMESHEETS

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Cambridge City, IN)--Three weeks ago, Lincoln High School Principal Renee Lakes resigned with no public warning or explanation.  Now, a State Board of Accounts audit reveals why that resignation occurred.  In the audit, which is easily accessible online, Lakes allegedly falsified the hours of part-time school employees so that they would not qualify for insurance benefits.  The discrepancies were first noticed by one employee a year ago.  That employee contacted Western Wayne Schools’ Director of Human Resources.  That office then discovered that Lakes manually changed clock-in and clock-out times of part-timers to reduce their hours.  In one case, an employee is seen on video on a particular day clocking out at 3:02, but Lakes allegedly changed that time to 2:30.  In total, employees were shorted just over $5000 in pay.

CHARLES ELEMENTARY TO BE RECOGNIZED ON NOVEMBER 21

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--November 21 is the date that has been set for Charles Elementary in Richmond to be formally recognized as a Blue Ribbon School.  Earlier this week, Charles was one of only 11 schools across Indiana to be given that designation, which recognizes schools that demonstrate exemplary academic performance.  Charles is Richmond’s highest-ranking elementary in terms of IREAD results and objective standards.  And, not coincidentally, also has the district’s highest attendance rate.

EATON FACES LAWSUIT OVER DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Eaton, OH)--The city of Eaton bans door-to-door sales, calling it a public nuisance.  Now, that policy has resulted in the city facing a lawsuit.  Omni Fiber is suing Eaton, saying the ban violates the company’s right to free speech.  In the lawsuit, Omni says it has invested more than $7.7 million into establishing a state-of-the-art fiber network in Eaton.  The first hearing in the case is set to take place in two weeks.

SNAP BENEFITS END THIS WEEK

Posted About Six Months Ago

Food banks and pantries are preparing for an increase in the number of residents they serve as the countdown to cutting off federal food aid continues. The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, which distributes SNAP benefits, confirmed in an email that the state cannot issue November SNAP benefits until funding is restored. The 600,000 Hoosiers, about 9% of the state’s population who rely on SNAP are now facing a bleak future as the uncertainty of their next meal looms.  Feeding Indiana's Hungry, which comprises about 1,800 food pantries and nearly a dozen food banks statewide, is preparing for increased demand. Families seeking assistance are encouraged to call 2-1-1 or use the Community Compass App, which provides statewide information on food pantries, meal programs and food banks, including hours of operation.  

PREBLE COUNTY TEACHER CHANGES PLEA

Posted About Six Months Ago

A Preble County teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a student has changed his plea.  31-year- old Garrett Stringer-Smith pleaded not guilty to sexual battery charges in March and was indicted on all 10 counts.  Stringer-Smith has now changed his plea, pleading guilty yesterday to all 10 counts of sexual battery, according to Preble County Common Pleas Court documents. Stringer-Smith was a teacher at Twin Valley Community Schools and is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student. The former Band Director was arrested in February after the child reported the relationship to a school resource officer.  He is facing a maximum sentence of 50 years in prison and is expected back in court on Dec. 3.  

PHOTOGRAPHER ADMITS TO ALLEGATIONS INVOLVING CHILDREN

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Connersville, IN)--Court documents obtained Monday afternoon reveal the level of alleged depravity of the Connersville photographer that Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News first reported Monday morning.  Mikell Shepard has been charged with multiple counts involving child molestation and child pornography.  Shepard admitted not only to taking nude photos of at least eight children between the ages of five and nine, but also photographing himself inappropriately touching some of those children.  The investigation began last week based on cyber tips.  Those tips included over 1750 images and videos.  Investigators then matched Shepard’s tattoos to those that appeared in photos with children.  It was also clear that the photos were taken in Shepard’s house as part of his Connersville photography business.  More charges could be added.  What is not included in court documents that outline alleged crimes against  Shepard is how he was able to get young children out of their parents’ presence to take nude and inappropriate photos of them.  It’s now been four days since Connersville police said that they would have a press release which would give instructions to parents of potential victims of Shepard.  The department has said that it is working on a reporting system. 

TRIAL PUSHED BACK FOR SANITARY DISTRICT EMPLOYEE ACCUSED OF THEFT

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The trial for a former Richmond Sanitary Department worker accused of embezzling more than three quarters of a million dollars has been pushed back.  Monday, Jennifer Wilson’s trial was moved back from early December to late February of next year.  Wilson faces a total of 16 charges, including multiple counts of theft and official misconduct.

PHOTOGRAPHER JAILED ON CHILD PORN CHARGES; POLICE WITHHOLD NAME

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Connersville, IN)--In Connersville, a press release is expected to come at some point this week that will give directions to potential victims of child pornography.  A search warrant was conducted late last week as part of an ongoing local and federal joint investigation.  One man was taken to the Fayette County Jail and was being held without bond.  Connersville police have said they’re not releasing the man’s name.  The Fayette County Jail also refused Monday morning to give the man’s charges or confirm that he was there – even though that is generally considered public record – and abruptly hung up.  Although authorities won’t confirm it, the man is a local photographer.  His social media page on Monday morning remained full of professional photos of young children.  In promotion of his studio, he claims on social media to work well with children and infants.

MAJOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION COMING TO FOUNTAIN CITY

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Fountain City, IN)--It won’t begin until sometime next year, but major road construction is coming to U.S. 27 through all of Fountain City.  INDOT has announced that it has awarded the contract to Milestone Paving.  The project will include resurfacing asphalt and constructing new curbs and gutters.  Work will run from south of South Street to north of North Street.  INDOT says crews will utilize shifted traffic that will allow 27 to remain open for both north and southbound traffic.  No date has been set for the work to start.

FIRE DESTROYS HISTORIC WEST ALEXANDRIA BUILDING

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(West Alexandria, OH)--The building that was destroyed by fire Saturday night at the main intersection in West Alexandria was a former hotel that was on the National Register of Historic Place.  It broke out late Saturday night at the intersection of highways 35 and 503.  It was once the Lange Hotel, although it stopped being operational as a hotel in the early 90’s.  It was fully engulfed in flame when firefighters from several agencies arrived.  The building was completely demolished early Sunday.  During that process, an excavator fell through part of the structure and into the basement.  No one was hurt.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

BODY OF MISSING FOUNTAIN CITY MAN RECOVERED

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Preble County, OH)--The body of a man who went missing at a lake just outside of New Paris was recovered over the weekend.  That man has now been identified as 20-year-old Garrett LaRue of Fountain City.  LaRue first went missing at the lake on private property on Guy Murray Road in the pre-dawn hours eight days ago.  His body was recovered on Saturday morning and taken to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office for autopsy.  Several agencies had been involved in the week-long search.

MAN JAILED FOR DEALING DRUGS AT GREENWOOD APARTMENTS

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A man was taken into custody at a Richmond apartment complex Sunday morning and is now accused of dealing drugs.  RPD officers came into contact with 52-year-old Bobby Gray at the Greenwood Apartments off of South L Street.  Gray is now charged with both dealing and possession of cocaine or other narcotic drug.  Details about the amount of drugs recovered and what led to Gray’s arrest have not yet been released.  Gray is being held on a $30,000 bond.

TWO MEN ARRESTED FOR BURGLARIZING VACANT HOME

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--Two men were caught red-handed Sunday after allegedly backing a truck up to a vacant Wayne County home and trying to load up its contents.  Someone noticed the suspicious activity at a home on Franklin Road just north of Hagerstown.  Deputies arrived and found 43-year-old Joseph Bilbrey and 64-year-old Herbert Potter.  Both were taken into custody and charged with felony burglary and other charges.  A third suspect may have been involved but could not be located.

CHICK FIL A TO OPEN THURSDAY

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The opening date for Richmond’s new Chick-fil-A has been set, and it’s less than a week away.  Here’s owner/operator Ben Brumfield:  "We're going to be opening our doors to the public for the first time ever next Thursday at 6:30."  It’s located at the intersection of National Road East and West Eaton Pike in the spot where Steak-n-Shake once stood.  The new restaurant has 70 indoor seats and 59 parking spots – all of which are expected to be taken on Thursday.

APPROVAL GRANTED FOR NW 5th STREET CORRIDOR STUDY

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond’s Board of Public Works on Thursday approved a study on how to improve the North West 5^th Street Corridor from the I-70 exit to National Road West.  "It's to see what we can do to redevelop that area as it's a major thoroughfare to get to town off of I-70," said Director of Public Operations Matt Keller.  The study is expected to take a year to complete and will be conducted by a central Indiana company.  The preliminary plan is for a massive project that would take up to 15 years to complete.

LARGE POPULATION LOSS PROJECTED BY 2050

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Whitewater Valley)--Some new population projections issued by the state show some shocking numbers for Indiana counties in our area.  According to Stats Indiana, which is Indiana’s Public Data Utility, Wayne County is now projected to lose almost 7600 residents in the next 25 years.  The largest decrease in population is projected to be people under the age of 24.  Randolph County is expected to lose a larger percentage, with 18% of its population expected to be gone by 2050.  Union County has our area’s highest projected loss.  Union County is expected to lose one-quarter of its current population.

CENTERVILLE TO LEAVE TRI EASTERN CONFERENCE

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Centerville, IN)--The shake-up of the Tri Eastern Conference continues.  Wednesday night, the Centerville-Abington School Board voted to leave the TEC to join the new Eastern Crossroads Conference.  Athletic Director Clay Bolser said Wednesday night that changing demographics is one of the primary reasons for leaving the TEC.  "We're going to be in a situation where, possibly at the next re-classification, we could be 3A.  And then the Tri Eastern Conference would be left with one 2A school and the rest 1A schools," Bolser explained.  The board’s vote Wednesday night was unanimous.  Centerville joins Northeastern in the new conference after Northeastern voted to leave the TEC earlier this month.

PRE-TRIAL HEARING SET FOR THURSDAY FOR ALLEGED SANITARY DISTRICT EMBEZZLER

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A pre-trial hearing is set to take place Thursday afternoon for the former Richmond Sanitary District employee who is accused of embezzling more than three quarters of a million dollars over a six-year period.  Jennifer Wilson was charged about a year ago after a State Board of Accounts audit.  Wilson allegedly skimmed money from monthly customer payments as she was preparing deposits.  She is currently set to go on trial in December.

FLATBED SEMI TRAILER CUT IN HALF IN COLLISION WITH TRAIN NEAR AUTOCAR

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Hagerstown, IN)--There was a collision between a semi and a train in Hagerstown early Wednesday morning.  It happed at about ten minutes after midnight Wednesday morning.  An empty flatbed semi was crossing the tracks on Washington Street to make a pickup at Autocar.  But, the trailer became stuck on the tracks.  It remained there for ten minutes until an oncoming train slammed broadside into the trailer.  The impact cut the trailer in half, with one half ending up on each side of the tracks.  Neither the semi driver nor people on the train were hurt.

MILLIONS OF TONS OF CARBON DIOXIDE TO BE INJECTED IN RANDOLPH COUNTY

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Union City, IN)--There is a plan to inject up to more than 13 million metric tons of carbon dioxide underground in Randolph County.  Now, residents are entering a 49-day public comment period when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will listen to concerns.  The company seeking the permitting is One Carbon Partnership.  They would inject up to 450,000 metric tons per year for the next 30 years into the ground under the Cardinal Ethanol facility in Randolph County.  The carbon dioxide would be stored more than half a mile beneath the Earth’s surface.  A public hearing on the plan will take place in early December.

TIP LEADS POLICE TO WANTED MAN

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A tip not only resulted in a wanted man being captured in the Fairview neighborhood in Richmond Tuesday, it also led to additional charges.  42-year-old Stephen Cooper had a warrant to revoke his probation.  A tip led police to the 1100 block of Ridge Street.  When officers arrived, Cooper allegedly tried to flee on a bicycle.  When he was caught, he allegedly had meth, syringes, and drug paraphernalia.

SEMI COLLISION SHUTS DOWN I-70

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Preble County, OH)--I-70 was completely shut down in Preble County Wednesday morning after two semis collided.  It happened at 12:45 Wednesday morning on westbound 70 about five miles from the state line.  Debris from the crash littered the interstate. Traffic was diverted from 70 at U.S. 127, then to U.S. 40, and then back onto 70 at the state line.  The interstate fully reopened by 2 a.m.  One person sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

LAKE SEARCH TO BE SCALED BACK

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(New Paris, OH)--The search and recovery efforts for a missing man at a Preble County lake were unsuccessful on Tuesday, but the search will continue until that person is located.  Numerous agencies have been involved in the search.  Sheriff Mike Simpson said that it will be difficult to keep all the agencies there to keep up the search on a continuous basis.  Law enforcement agents are indicating Wednesday morning that the search is ongoing and will not end until a recovery is made.

COUNCIL ADDRESSES BUDGET IN ADVANCE OF ADOPTION

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--It was a relatively brief meeting of the Richmond Common Council Monday night with ordinances for next year’s budget in the forefront.  The ordinances were on second reading, which is when public comment is taken.  No members of the public spoke Monday night, and there was no discussion about the specifics of the budgets.  "I think we should keep these on second reading in case somebody wants to change something," said Council President Larry Parker.  Next up is a special meeting on the 30^th to formally adopt the budget.

SEARCH CONTINUES FOR MISSING KAYAKER

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(New Paris, OH)--Crews continued Monday to search for a missing man on a private Preble County lake.  More information released Monday indicated that the missing person is a 20-year-old male who had gotten into a kayak and gone onto the lake on Guy Murray Road in the dark early Sunday morning.  A witness saw the kayak overturn and tried for about 20 minutes to locate the person before calling for help.  Monday, crews used watercraft with sonar, drones, and K-9 units but were unsuccessful in locating the missing person.

RICHMOND DRUG DEALER FACES NEW CHARGES

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--An initial hearing has been set for Thursday for a Richmond drug dealer who is facing a new round of charges.  Six years ago, Dan Jerrell was sentenced to ten years in prison for dealing.  But, Jerrell was released from prison and now he’s accused of dealing again.  In the new case, investigators allegedly witnessed Jerrell handing what was later determined to be crack cocaine to another person on North 17^th Street.  Two additional baggies of drugs were then located in Jerrell’s vehicle.

SEARCH CONTINUES FOR MISSING MAN AT LAKE

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(New Paris, OH)--Crews were resuming the search Monday morning for a man who went missing over the weekend at a private lake just outside of New Paris.  According to Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson, first responders were sent early Sunday morning to the lake on Guy Murray Road at Camp Mahanaim on the report of a man going into the lake and not returning.  Searchers were unsuccessful Sunday in an effort that was hampered by the wind and rain.  The man’s identity has not been released.

MAN CHARGED WITH BATTERY IN INCIDENT LEADING TO RPD CRASH

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond police officer was involved in a serious crash on Saturday night that resulted in a total of four people to Reid Health.  Police were responding to a call on South 14^th and were told to expedite their response.  That’s because 32-year-old Christopher Stewart was allegedly attacking an officer as the result of a heated domestic incident.  Stewart is now charged with felony battery against a public safety official and resisting law enforcement.  Ten years ago, Stewart was sentenced to two and a half years in prison on identical charges.  There’s no word on the extent of any injury to the officer.

MAN ACCUSED OF TAMPERING WITH FOOD

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A man who was wanted on an unusual charge has turned himself in at the Wayne County Jail.  39-year-old Johnny Martin of Williamsburg was wanted for malicious mischief with food – human blood, body fluid, fecal waste in food and a host of other charges.  Martin’s arrest record includes an incident in 2014 in which he allegedly injected a 15-year-old girl with heroin and then sexually assaulted her.  That case was ultimately dropped.  Two years ago, he tried to disarm a Hagerstown officer.  Details of what led to the new charges have not yet been made available.

SHOTS FIRED AT VACANT HOME

Posted About Six Months Ago

Shots were fired into a vacant home in Richmond last night.  Initial reports indicate that it happened at around 8 last night in the 100 block of South 14^th.  Several juveniles and 19-year-old Bradley Harman were allegedly firing the shots from Harman’s garage into another unoccupied home.  Harman now faces numerous charges, including criminal recklessness and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

TEEN IN CUSTODY AFTER SHOTS FIRED

Posted About Six Months Ago

A teenage juvenile was taken into custody yesterday after shots were fired in Richmond.  Scanner traffic indicated that shots had been fired into multiple vehicles and police confirmed those shots at around 10:30 yesterday morning in the 200 block of North 17^th.  Officers followed additional information to the first block of South 16^th.  The teen was arrested there and charged with criminal recklessness and other gun-related charges.  There was no word on any injury or why the teen fired the shots.

COUNCIL ADDRESSES RICHMOND'S BUDGET SUSTAINABILITY

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Common Council met Wednesday night as a committee of the whole to again address next year’s budget.  Major changes took place over the last week after some on council took issue with the fact that the budget was to use $2.3 million in carryover from this year.  Wednesday night, Beth Fields talked about the goals.  "Ensure our future budgets are sustainable.  This is something we all acknowledge cannot be done in a single budget year.  It will be an ongoing process that will be done in the coming years," Fields said.  Then, she addressed accomplishments made in the last week.  "The team was able to balance 24 of the 24 city funds, two of the four park funds, and eight of the nine sanitation funds," Fields added.  31 of 39 funds are now considered sustainable.  The budget goes back before council on Monday night.

FIVE DIE IN WAYNE COUNTY FROM OVERDOSES IN LAST 30 DAYS

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--On Wednesday morning, Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point news reported that only one Indiana county is worse than Wayne County when it comes to per capita opioid overdoses.  Later in the day Wednesday, the Wayne County Coroner’s Office issued a statement indicating that that office has investigated five suspected overdose deaths in just the last 30 days.  Information shared with the Coroner’s Office suggests that a more potent or dangerous supply of narcotics may be present in the area.

FOUNDATION DOLES OUT $250,000 IN GRANTS

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--The Wayne County Foundation announced Wednesday that it has doled out funding through its final grant cycle of the year.  Eight local organizations have been awarded a combined quarter of a million dollars.  The largest two recipients are Girls Inc. of Wayne County, which is getting $50,000 to make facility upgrades and Gleaners Food Bank, which is also getting $50,000 to support hunger relief.

WAYNE COUNTY RANKS NEARLY LAST FOR OPIOID OVERDOSES

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--Tuesday, the Wayne County Health Board heard some statistics regarding where Wayne County ranks with other Indiana counties in various categories.  Wayne County is in the middle of the pack for some indicators including obesity (58th), infant mortality (50th), and in women who smoke while pregnant (64th).  But, it ranks nearly dead last in one category.  "Opioid overdose rate...we're 91out of 92 counties, so we're the worst in this area," said Dan Burk with the Health Department.  There are also only six Indiana counties with shorter life expectancies.  The average Indiana resident lives to the age of 75.  But, in Wayne County, it’s only 72.

MAN IN COUNTRY ILLEGALLY ARRESTED ON DRUG, WEAPONS CHARGES NEAR GLEN MILLER PARK

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A man who is in the country illegally is now facing a long list of serious charges after being taken into custody near the Rose Garden in Richmond’s Glen Miller Park Tuesday night.  It began when police investigated 57-year-old Nealon Hypolite for never having had a driver’s license.  But, as the investigation progressed, Hypolite, who has also used an alias, was charged with dealing cocaine and being a serious violent felon in possession of a firearm.  More details will be released later Wednesday.  Hypolite was being held without bond Wednesday morning on an ICE detainer.

WANTED ALLEGED RAPIST CAUGHT AFTER BRIEF STANDOFF

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A wanted alleged rapist was not only captured Tuesday night in Richmond, he also now faces a whole new round of charges as a result of a brief standoff.  It happened in the 700 block of South 6^th Street at around 8 o’clock Tuesday night.  57-year-old Troy Hinds allegedly raped a woman he knew from church at a local assisted living facility back in January.  Hinds failed to show up for a pre-trial hearing in that case three weeks ago, and a warrant for his arrest was issued.  On Tuesday night, new charges including burglary, confinement, and intimidation with a deadly weapon were added.  More details, including why those charges were added, will likely be released later Wednesday.

STATE ROAD 44 CLOSED BETWEEN LIBERTY AND CONNERSVILLE

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Union County, IN)--It’s a little late in coming, but the closure of a heavily traveled Whitewater Valley highway is now in effect.  State Road 44 is now closed between Liberty and Connersville.  Specifically, the closure is near Industrial Park Road in Union County to allow for box culvert replacement.  The road is expected to be closed for a month.

STATEMENT RELEASED ON CONFIDENTIAL INFORMANT LIST

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--The Wayne County Sheriff’s Department yesterday issued a short statement after a list of alleged confidential informants in drug investigations was circulated on social media.  Here is the statement in its entirety:

 

A recent social media post has circulated an image falsely claiming to be an official document from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and alleging to list confidential informants. This document is not property of the Sheriff’s Office, and the names listed are false. The post is misleading and irresponsible. The matter is being reviewed.

SKULL DATING TO 2300 B.C. FOUND IN WHITEWATER RIVER

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Fayette County, IN)--It was an incredible discovery along the banks of the Whitewater River in Fayette County that began recently when a man was hunting for Indian artifacts.  "He just happened to be out there one day and saw what he thought was the tip of a skull sticking out," said Sheriff Zac Jones.  The coroner was called.  He confirmed it was part of a human skull.  Eventually, it was sent to the University of Georgia for carbon dating.  Coroner Eddie Richardson announced the results Monday.  "At first I thought 'I'm not reading this right.'  I thought 'this can't be right' because that's really, really old," Richardson said.  The piece of skull dates back to about 2300 B.C.  Richardson said the person was likely a member of the Miami or Shawnee tribes that lived in the area at the time.  The coroner is currently awaiting guidance from the Department of Natural Resources to ensure the remains are handled according to cultural and legal standards.

SUSPECTED EARLHAM COLLEGE VANDAL JAILED

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--One of three men accused of breaking into – and then vandalizing – two buildings on the Earlham College campus was captured overnight.  Richmond police officers caught 20-year-old Mark Gabbard, Junior on Sim Hodgin Parkway and booked him into jail at just after midnight Tuesday morning.  Gabbard was charged with burglary and vandalism after allegedly breaking into the Runyan Center and Stanley Hall.  Court documents indicate Gabbard admitted to the break-in and said that he was highly intoxicated at the time.

WANTED DRUG DEALER CAPTURED ON WOODY DRIVE

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A wanted drug dealer was captured in Richmond Monday night.  40-year-old Aaron Spicer was taken into custody by Wayne County deputies on Woody Drive.  A warrant for Spicer’s arrest was issued after he failed to show up for a court hearing earlier this month.  That hearing was related to an arrest last month in which Spicer was allegedly found in a girl’s bedroom on Richmond Avenue with various types of drugs.  Back in 2011, Spicer was convicted of dealing cocaine.

RHS STUDENTS WITH 2.5 GPA OR HIGHER AUTOMATICALLY ADMITTED TO IU EAST

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--IU East and Richmond High School have announced a brand new partnership that admits hundreds of RHS students into IU East.  Here’s how it works…sophomores, juniors, and seniors at RHS with a 2.5 GPA or higher are now automatically admitted to IU East through the university’s seamless admission program.  "These students are the leaders of tomorrow.  If we're going to be ready for tomorrow, we have to do something today," said IU East Chancellor Dennis Rome.  And, here’s RCS Superintendent Dr. Curtis Wright:  "I could not be more excited for our students, for our faculty and staff, and for our entire corporation."  IU East said that one of the primary goals is to help students see college as an achievable next step.

MAN JAILED FOR SECOND TIME IN A WEEK

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--He was arrested just a week ago for criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon.  He was released and, days later, 33-year-old Matthew McClain was arrested again.  This time, McClain allegedly fled the scene of a crash on Friday.  Inside the vehicle, officers allegedly found various types of drugs.  McClain was located in the 200 block of South Q Street.  He was taken to jail and released Sunday on his own recognizance.

TWO ACCUSED OF MANUFACTURING, DISTRIBUTING STEROIDS

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Gratis, OH)--Two Preble County residents have been arrested after an investigation into the manufacturing and distribution of steroids.  A search was executed at the home of Ronald and Susan Fox on State Route 503 near Preble Shawnee High School.  Investigators found powders, pills, liquids, pill presses, and distribution equipment.  Both are charged with multiple felonies, including drug trafficking.  Both are still in the Preble County Jail this morning.

THIEVES STRIKE RICHMOND'S DICK'S SPORTING GOODS

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--It’s the kind of crime you usually only hear about in larger cities, but it happened Thursday afternoon in Richmond.  Three people entered Dick’s Sporting Goods on National Road East, grabbed armfuls of expensive Nike clothing, and ran back out the front door and into a waiting SUV.  The SUV then sped off to the east.  The suspects were described as two black males wearing durags and all black and one black female, also wearing black.  No arrests were made, and there has been no estimate released of the dollar amount of what was taken.

WEEKEND LANE CLOSURES CONTINUE ON I-70

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--This is the second of several consecutive weekends with lane closures on I-70 in a section of Wayne County.  Eastbound 70 will be reduced to one lane between Centerville and Cambridge City.  Long backups are expected to form eastbound.  It’s also likely that some of that interstate traffic will exit and take U.S. 40 as an alternative.  And, in another traffic note, the closure of State Road 44 between Liberty and Connersville has been delayed.  That closure, which is expected to last for a month, was supposed to have started two weeks ago.  But, 44 remains open.

ALLEGED LAKENGREN SHOOTER PLEADS NOT GUILTY

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Eaton, OH)--The suspect in a recent shooting in Lakengren has pled not guilty.  Mark Bowman made that plea during his arraignment in the Preble County Court of Common Pleas.  The victim was shot through the stomach and continues to recover after having had another surgery on Wednesday.  New information indicates that both the victim and Bowman had guns and were threatening each other as an altercation on Finland Drive escalated.  The victim also now claims that after being shot in the stomach, Bowman pointed the gun at his head but did not shoot.

RICHMOND MAN JAILED ON DRUG CHARGES FOR SECOND TIME IN A WEEK

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A man was arrested for the second time in less than a week Thursday on drug charges.  31-year-old Jacob Betz was contacted by police in the 200 block of South 7^th Street in Richmond on Thursday.  Betz was allegedly in possession of meth, cocaine, and drug paraphernalia.  Quantities of drugs recovered were not released.  Last Friday, Betz was jailed for similar charges.

PUBLIC MEETING SET TO DISCUSS LIBRARY RENOVATION FUNDING

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Funding solutions continue to be sought for Morrisson-Reeves Library in Richmond.  There are serious structural issues with the 50-year-old building with repair and renovation projected to cost $26 million.  The library has asked for close to $19 million through a bond issuance.  That request has been tabled by Wayne County Council as other, less expensive options are explored.  Now, a public meeting has been set for the 28^th at the Reid Center at 10^th and North A to further discuss the situation.

GROUP TO STUDY FAYETTE COUNTY'S POOR HEALTH

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Connersville, IN)--There’s focus on the health of Fayette County residents Thursday.  Statistically speaking, Fayette County residents are among the most unhealthy people in Indiana.  They live between three and five years shorter, on average, than other Indiana residents.  Two meetings are set for Thursday to hear from an organization called Blue Zones.  That group will be conducting a lengthy study and then develop programs to make health improvements.  A public meeting begins at 6:30 Thursday night at Connersville Middle School.

"FLYING MUMMIES" PICKED AS RICHMOND BASEBALL NICKNAME

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond’s new baseball team has unveiled its new nickname.  The nickname that beat out four other finalists…the Flying Mummies.  The team’s nickname and logo were announced in an event Tuesday.  The colors are generally black with some red trim.  The home uniforms have unique horizontal pinstripes that mimic the wrappings of a mummy.  The team will begin play in the Northwoods League next spring and will play its home games at McBride Stadium.  The roster will be compiled of players on various college teams.

RCS BOARD TO ADDRESS BUDGET

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Public entities continue to address budgets for next year.  Wednesday, it’s the Richmond Community School Board.  The budget was first presented to the public two weeks ago and goes up for adoption Wednesday.  The budget is just over $70 million, with about $44 million in the education fund.  That amounts to about $9800 per student.  The Board is also expected to approve a list of expenditures for some large projects.  The most expensive is a $6 million HVAC upgrade at Dennis.  The meeting begins at 5:30 Wednesday afternoon.

GRANDMOTHER CHARGED AFTER DRUGS FOUND IN BABY'S SYSTEM

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Union City, IN)--In Randolph County, a grandmother has been charged with obstruction of justice after meth, cocaine, and marijuana allegedly turned up in her grandchild’s system.  45-year-old Jennifer Fellers’ daughter left her child in Fellers’ care for four hours.  When she returned to pick her child up, the mother noticed erratic behavior and took the one-year-old to Reid Health, where drugs appeared in testing.  Fellers is charged with obstruction after allegedly erasing the contents of her phone.

RICHMOND'S 2026 BUDGET TO UNDERGO MAJOR REVISIONS

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Ordinances involving Richmond’s budget for next year were supposed to be on second reading before Richmond Common Council Monday night, but that didn’t quite happen.  City Attorney AJ Sickmann explained why.  "There was discussion in Finance Committee this evening immediately prior to the public meeting about some potential substantive changes being made," Sickmann said.  Justin Burkhardt, who leads the city’s Finance Committee, added this:  "We wanted to make sure that every stone was turned over looking for the best possible ways to get to the black to represent the taxpayers and continue growing the city positively."  Council members will now see the new budget for the first time this Friday.  Much of the remaining discussion Monday night involved the logistics of getting the new budget compiled, reviewed, and pass3ed before the deadline early next month.

FORMER BAND DIRECTOR SENTENCED TO MINIMUM OF 13 YEARS

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Eaton, OH)--Sentencing was moved up by a month and took place Monday for the former band director at Eaton High School.  Paul Bingle was sentenced to a minimum of 13 years in prison Monday for inappropriate sexual contact with his 15-year-old female student.  That girl’s mother spoke outside the Preble County Courthouse Monday.  "It's horrifying because you teach your children that they can go to their teachers with anything," she said.  The girl’s sister alleged that Bingle had other plans with the girl.  "If things went haywire, he would take her and go to Canada," she said.  Bingle will be at least 62 years old before he is released from prison and will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.  Bingle had been a teacher at Eaton since 1999.

WANTED RAPIST SURRENDERS TUESDAY MORNING

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A wanted Wayne County rapist turned himself in at the Wayne County Jail early Tuesday morning.  31-year-old Lane Fultz has been wanted since January for failing to register as a sex offender.  Fultz walked into the jail Tuesday morning with his girlfriend and identified himself.  He was originally charged with attacking a juvenile girl six years ago and pled guilty in 2023.

FIRE DAMAGES BIRCH DRIVE HOME

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Fire did heavy damage to a house in the 2500 block of Birch Drive in Richmond Monday afternoon.  Here’s Battalion Chief Chris Chappel with details:  "Basically, it was limited to a room and contents.  Engine 5 was the first there.  They got inside and got water on it quick.  Went out real easy.  Cause remains under investigation.  It's probably going to be electrical, but it remains under investigation."   No injuries were reported.

MOTORCYCLIST KILLED IN WEEKEND CRASH

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Franklin County, IN)--One person is dead as the result of a weekend motorcycle crash in the Whitewater Valley.  It happened on Saturday afternoon near the intersection of Highways 52 and 121 just south of Laurel in Franklin County.  Investigators say that an SUV driven by Samantha Forschbach pulled out into the path of a motorcycle being riden by 69-year-old Bonnie Lapham.  Lapham struck the side of the SUV and was pronounced dead at the scene.  The crash remains under investigation.  This was Franklin County’s 23 fatal traffic crash in the last five years.

MAN JAILED AFTER INCIDENT IN WYNFIELD

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A man is facing a long list of charges after an incident in a part of Richmond not normally known for crime.  It happened overnight Saturday night into Sunday morning.  33-year-old Matthew McClain was taken into custody on Waterford Drive in the Wynfield neighborhood.  Charges include criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, drug possession, and felony resisting arrest.  Details of what McClain is alleged to have done have not been released.

INVASIVE TICK APPEARS IN WHITEWATER VALLEY

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Whitewater Valley)--An invasive tick species is starting to make an appearance in the Whitewater Valley that poses a threat to both people and pets.  It’s called an Asian longhorn tick, and it first appeared in the United States nine years ago.  But, last week, an Oxford vet treated a dog covered with them.  It’s the first time the tick has been confirmed in this area.  What’s unusual about them is that they can reproduce asexually, meaning they don’t have to mate to produce thousands of new ticks.

EXIT RAMP ON I-70 CLOSED MONDAY

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--INDOT is releasing some more information about work on I-70 Monday that’s part of the Revive I-70 project to widen the interstate to three lanes through nearly all of Wayne County.  One of them is in effect Monday.  The exit ramp from westbound I-70 to Chester Boulevard is closed today.  INDOT also has now specified where lane closures on eastbound 70 will be this coming weekend.  It will be from Jacksonburg to Mineral Spring Roads.  INDOT again says that long delays are to be expected.

CITY OF RICHMOND DROPPED AS DEFENDANT IN BULLYING LAWSUIT

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--There’s been a development in the bullying lawsuit that was filed by the parent of a Dennis Middle School student who alleged ongoing bullying against her daughter.  That parent sued the school district, Dennis Middle School, and the city of Richmond because the city provided a school resource officer.  In a court filing Thursday, the city and Dennis have been dropped as defendants in the lawsuit.  Both sides agreed Thursday that Richmond Community Schools is the proper defendant.  The lawsuit will continue against RCS, but not the city.

WEEKEND LANE CLOSURES ON I-70 COULD EXTEND BEYOND OCTOBER

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--Here’s more on the weekend lane closures on eastbound I-70 that Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point news reported Thursday.  INDOT specified Thursday that eastbound 70 will be reduced to one lane between Mineral Springs Road and Centerville Road.  Long backups eastbound are a virtual certainty.  It means that if you’re returning to the area from somewhere to the west, you’ll want to exit 70 at the State Road 1 exit or, possibly, even the Wilbur Wright Road exit in Henry County both tomorrow and Sunday to avoid getting caught in the backup.  INDOT also said Thursday that the lane closures could extend beyond this month.

RANDOLPH COUNTY MAN GUILTY OF CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY TO TODDLER

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Muncie, IN)--It took a jury only about two hours on Thursday to find a Randolph County man guilty of causing catastrophic injuries to a toddler.  23-year-old Andrew Scott shook the boy – who was only a year and half old at the time – so violently that the boy suffered permanent brain damage and a broken back.  Scott admitted to only what he called “disciplining” the boy.  He now faces up to 40 years in prison when he’s sentenced at the end of the month.

LENGTHY PRISON TERM LOOMS FOR FORMER BAND DIRECTOR AFTER GUILTY PLEA

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Eaton, OH)--A lengthy prison term is coming for a former band director at Eaton High School after pleading guilty Wednesday to two charges involving inappropriate contact with a student.  49-year-old Paul Bingle admitted to sexual battery and unlawful sexual contact.  In return for the guilty plea, several other charges, including grooming, were dropped.  Judge Martin Votel told Bingle on Wednesday how much prison time he can expect.  "The result would be an aggregate term of 13 years minimum and 17 years maximum," Votel said.  Bingle was arrested in July after conversations he had with a female Eaton student were discovered.  Bingle will also have to register as a Tier 3 sex offender.  He’ll be sentenced next month.

LENGTHY WEEKEND BACKUPS EXPECTED ON EASTBOUND I-70

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--Big backups are expected on I-70 in Wayne County this weekend.  Crews typically work overnights as much as possible to lessen traffic impacts.  But, this weekend, eastbound 70 will be reduced to one lane during daytime hours.  The restrictions will take place mostly between the Cambridge City and Centerville exits.  It will create long backups and could bring interstate traffic onto U.S. 40 to avoid delays.  And it’s not just this weekend; the restrictions will take place for the following three weekends.  It’s all part of the Revive I-70 project.

911 CALL REVEALS POSSIBLE MOTIVE FOR SHOOTING

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Lake Lakengren, OH)--A 911 call reveals some more details of a Tuesday night shooting in Lakengren.  The 24-year-old victim was shot, allegedly by his godfather, Mark Bowman.  In the call to Preble County dispatchers, Bowman admits to the shooting and provides his version of the story.  "My daughter's boyfriend lives with me.  He came in all crazy and punched me and I shot him," Bowman said.  The victim was shot through the stomach but is expected to make a full recovery.  Bowman remained behind bars Thursday morning on a charge of felonious assault.

MAN SHOT IN LAKENGREN

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Lake Lakengren, OH)--There was a shooting Tuesday night in Lakengren.  According to Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson, it was an isolated incident involving two men who got into a verbal dispute on Finland Drive.  The victim allegedly was shot in the stomach and was able to get to a neighbor’s house for medical assistance before being taken to Miami Valley Hospital.  That man’s name and condition have not been released.  The shooter was taken into custody.

APPROVAL GRANTED FOR CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN MY WAY TRADING FIRE

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Approval has now been granted by a federal court which paves the way for a class action lawsuit by victims of the My Way Trading fire.  That fire, which broke out two and a half years ago on Richmond’s northwest side, resulted in the evacuation of more than 2000 people.  Some of those people claim they have lingering – and, in some cases, terminal – medical effects from the smoke and fallout.  Both the business owner, Seth Smith, and the City of Richmond are named in the suit.  Shortly after the fire, Smith took responsibility.  "During that period of time, I will admit openly that it got out of control," Smith said in reference to the amount of plastics stored inside buildings.  Dave Snow, who was Richmond mayor at the time, also pointed the finger of blame at Smith.  "That business owner is fully responsible for all of this," Snow said.  By the end of last year, the city had spent $200,000 in legal fees related to the fire.  Attorneys have asked residents who lived in the impacted area to gather proof of residence and evacuation-related expenses.

WANTED MAN APPREHENDED AFTER HIDING IN ATTIC

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Here are more details on the standoff Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News first reported Tuesday afternoon in Richmond.  According to an RPD release Tuesday night, the SWAT Team went to the first block of South 11^th on that tip that Joshua Farmer was there.  Farmer had active warrants for burglary and drug possession.  When officers arrived, they say Farmer got into his attic and hid there.  He was eventually taken into custody and is now being held without bond.  Farmer has a massive criminal record that includes seven previous felony cases.  In the most recent investigation, Farmer is suspected of stealing brass urns from a local cemetery.

NATIONAL TRAIL HOPES TO GARNER MORE VOTES FOR $1 MILLION PRIZE

Posted About Seven Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(New Paris, OH)--There are a million reasons why National Trail schools are asking anyone and everyone to get online and vote in a T-Mobile contest.  If the school can garner enough votes to become the top vote-getter nationally, they will receive a $1 million upgrade of their football field as part of T-Mobile’s Friday Night Lights contest.  National Trail is one of only 25 finalists in the country.  The school currently ranks eighth.  The easiest way to vote is to go to the National Trail Athletics Facebook page to find a link.