CREWS PREPARE FOR SIGNIFICANT SNOW

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Whitewater Valley)--Road crews are preparing for the arrival of the first significant snowfall of the late fall season.  The Wayne County Highway Department will begin monitoring conditions overnight tonight and dispatch trucks armed with salt and sand.  Currently, the National Weather Service in Wilmington has put I-70 as the dividing line between just an inch or two and up to five inches.  But, they say that could change either way as the precipitation gets closer.  A winter storm watch goes into effect at 7 o'clock Saturday morning for Wayne, Randolph, Henry, and Darke County.

TWO MEN ESCAPE SERIOUS INJURY IN HOUSE COLLAPSE

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--Two men escaped serious injury when a house collapsed on them and trapped them just south of Centerville on Wednesday.  It happened in the 4000 block of Stevens Road.  According to a family member, the house was being demolished when the collapse occurred.  First responders from multiple agencies were sent to the scene and were able to remove the debris and free the two trapped victims.

NORTHEASTERN FALLS JUST SHORT OF TEACHER PAY REQUIREMENT

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Fountain City, IN)--Last week, Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News reported that Western Wayne Schools had failed to meet a state requirement that school corporations spend at least 62% of state tuition support on teacher pay.  But, they’re not the only Wayne County school district to fall short.  Northeastern narrowly failed to meet the benchmark by paying 61.7%.  The state’s department of education made Northeastern address the shortage by requiring a posting on the school’s website and sharing it during a school board meeting.

STATE-LINE INTERCHANGE GETS LESS-THAN-RAVE REVIEWS

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--INDOT made a social media post with aerial photos Tuesday indicating that the new interchange of U.S. 40 and I-70 was beginning to take shape.  Existing loop ramps are being removed and a diamond interchange with single-lane roundabouts is being installed.  The reaction to the update has been overwhelmingly negative.  That interchange is expected to be complete in two years.  INDOT also Tuesday announced that the Cardinal-Greenway Trail has reopened in the area where it passes under the interstate.

TWO INTERSECTIONS BECOME FOUR-WAY STOPS

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A couple of Richmond intersections are now four-way stops for the first time ever.  Signs are now up at the intersections of South 13^th and O Street and at Woodside Drive and Hayes Arboretum Road.  The signs are being made permanent in an effort to slow traffic and reduce crashes.  Westbound drivers on National Road East will sometimes divert onto Woodside Drive to avoid all of the traffic lights and join National Road East again at Menard’s.  The new four-way stop will likely eliminate that practice.

RCS BOARD APPROVES TEACHER MASTER CONTRACT

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Monday night, the Richmond Community School Board approved the teacher master contract.  The Board unanimously supported the contract and there was no discussion other than a thank-you from Board President Kym Pickering.  "It was definitely a team effort working to get this contract pushed through.  It was great collaboration," Pickering said.  The Board also got an update on Phase II of strategic planning.  The plan, which is in the draft stage, lays out goals for student achievement, financial longevity, and community involvement.

MAN JAILED FOR POINTING FIREARM, DOMESTIC BATTERY

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond man is facing three felony charges as the result of a domestic incident late Monday morning.  Officers were called to the 4000 block of South A Street, which is near the home of 24-year-old Terrell Davis.  Davis was taken into custody and charged with pointing a firearm and domestic battery in the presence of a child.  Details of exactly what happened have not been released, including the extent of any injury to the alleged victim.  Davis was being held on a $25,000 bond.

MEN ARRESTED IN EXCISE POLICE INVESTIGATION BOND OUT OF JAIL

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The two Richmond men who were arrested Friday in connection with an investigation by Indiana State Excise Police bonded out of jail over the weekend.  According to Richmond police, the investigation centered on a business called “The Lounge” near 11^th and East Main.  An RPD release called that business "a drain on the neighborhood" and a place with chronic illegal activity including illegal substance distribution and fights.  53-year old Jerry Norris faces numerous charges including racketeering, dealing, and selling liquor without a license.  Willie Mills Junior was also charged.

EDG LEADER SAYS FAYETTE COUNTY IS NOT PURSUING DATA CENTER

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Connersville, IN)--Recently, Fayette County commissioners passed a resolution saying that they would be open-minded when it comes to data centers, which many people oppose.  Now, EDG President Brad Coulter is clearing up misconceptions that the resolution created.  "There is no data center project...no discussions about a project...no plans, meetings, or sites of any kind.  Zero on the front burner and back burner concerning a data center," Coulter said.  Coulter explained that the resolution was done to attract site selectors for all types of businesses and manufacturers.

JUDGE GIVEN WEDNESDAY DEADLINE TO SUBMIT RESIGNATION

Posted About Five Months Ago

(Winchester, IN)--A Randolph County judge has been given until Wednesday by Governor Mike Braun to hand in his resignation.  That requirement for Randolph Superior Court Judge Dale Arnett comes after the Indiana Supreme Court finalized its ruling on Friday which permanently bars Arnett from judicial service after uncovering a long pattern of mismanagement and dereliction of judicial duties.  Arnett failed to take timely action on criminal cases, leading to some of those cases being dismissed.  27 defendants were kept in jail longer than the required period of time.  Arnett has served as a judge in Randolph County since 2021, but he has been on a leave of absence since April.

WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO HAVING SEXUAL CONTACT WITH BOYS

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Eaton, OH)--An Eaton woman has now pled guilty to charges related to her inappropriate relationships with underage boys.  According to court documents, 31-year-old Jenna Anderson has admitted to having sexual contact with boys who were 15, 16, and 17 years old at the time of the incidents.  Those incidents occurred in July through September of this year.  Anderson is now set to be sentenced in three weeks.

SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT SEEKS POTENTIAL VICTIMS OF FUNERAL HOME

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Randolph County, IN)--Randolph County investigators are continuing to want to hear from anyone who may have complaints about Wilson-Shook Funeral Homes.  According to the Sheriff’s Department Thursday, several reports have come from residents who said they paid large amounts of money to Wilson-Shook for prepaid funeral arrangements that were not placed into the required Funeral Plan Trust accounts.  Wilson-Shook operates in four locations under various names.  Three of them are in Randolph County, including Thornburg Memorial Chapel, Thomas Memorial Chapel, and Fraze and Brooks Memorial Chapel.  So far, the Sheriff’s Department said that around $36,000 has been stolen, but it could end up being much more as other victims come forward.

COUNTY LOOKS TO LIMIT NUMBER OF DOGS ON BREEDERS' PROPERTIES

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--In a recent six-year period, Wayne County was on the list of Humane Society’s “Horrible Hundred” list, which calls out dog breeders across the country for breeding violations and inhumane conditions, four times.  Thursday, dog breeders and boarders were addressed by the Wayne County Advisory Plan Commission.  A change was made to restrict the number of dogs that can be held on individual properties of breeders.  "If you're gonna have no more than 40 for boarding, then there should be no more than 40 for breeding," said one member of the Plan Commission during discussions Thursday.  The proposed change now goes to Wayne County Commissioners for final approval.

SECOND ALLEGED BODY MOVER CAPTURED

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A few weeks after his father was arrested for the same alleged crime, a wanted Richmond man was taken into custody Thursday night.  Officers found 33-year-old Levi Wallace in the Redwood Terrace Apartments near the south end of South 13^th at 8 o’clock Thursday night.  Wallace, along with his father, Keith, are both accused of dragging the body of a man who had died of a drug overdose on North 12^th from a chair inside into a back yard.  Both Wallaces are now charged with altering the scene of a death.

REID DOLES OUT $100,000 IN GRANTS THROUGH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Reid Health’s Community Engagement Grant Program has doled out another $100,000 in grant money to a total of 14 non-profit organizations across the Whitewater Valley.  The financial support is specifically geared toward helping women’s and children’s health.  The largest single recipients are getting $10,000 and include Birth to Five, Circle U, and Gleaner’s Food Bank.

PRECONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES UNDERWAY ON I-70 IN WESTERN WAYNE COUNTY

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--INDOT said Wednesday that preconstruction activities are ramping up on I-70 west of the area where actual construction is already in progress.  The newer area is from just west of Centerville Road extending west to near the Henry County line.  It represents a nine-mile stretch of highway.  INDOT is indicating that construction will begin early next year.  An updated timeline indicates work to widen that section to three lanes won’t be complete until sometime in 2029.

TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO DEALING CHARGE

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--An alleged methamphetamine dealer was caught in Richmond Wednesday afternoon.  32-year-old Heather Sluis was taken into custody near the intersection of South 5^th and P Street after what began as a routine traffic stop.  A deputy noticed indicators of drugs, and then a police canine gave a positive indication.  In all, 43 grams of meth was recovered and Sluis was charged with dealing.  Sluis has a record that includes arrests for drugs and burglary.  Kristin Osborn was taken into custody during the same stop, but was charged only with possession.

LAKENGREN RESIDENTS SUE OVER WAKEBOATS

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Lake Lakengren, OH)--A group of Lakengren residents are, is effect, suing themselves and their neighbors.  The issue is over wakeboats.  Wakeboats are boats designed specifically to create large wakes that create the best conditions for wakeboarding and other activities on the water.  The problem is that manufacturers and other industry experts claim that a lake the size of Lakengren is far too small and that the wakeboats will damage the shorelines.  The community recently voted to deny any new wakeboats access.  The lawsuit, which includes seven residents, seeks an injunction.

WESTERN WAYNE ACKNOWLEDGES NON-COMPLIANCE REGARDING TEACHER PAY

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Cambridge City, IN)--One week after its most recent school board meeting, there is no word on what – if any – ramifications will result from a lack of compliance by Western Wayne Schools involving teacher pay.  There were two issues:  Western Wayne failed to spend at least 62% of state tuition support on teacher pay and it did not increase pay when state support increased.  Superintendent Kelly Plank said that the district only needed to acknowledge the non-compliance.  "We just have to acknowledge that we have not met the requirements to spend 62% of our education fund on teacher benefits and salaries," Plank said.  That was the entirety of the eight-second discussion at last week's Board meeting.

AREA MAYORS MEET TO DISCUSS SENATE ENROLLED ACT 1 MODIFICATIONS

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Mayor Ron Oler and Connersville Mayor Chad Frank joined a group of other Indiana mayors earlier this week to talk the impacts of Senate Enrolled Act 1, which is impacting essential services on the local level.  "...taking all these notes together and coming up with some ideas on how we can approach the state legislators next year on changing some of these things that had some unintended consequences," Oler said.  Richmond recently cut 21 jobs.  Connersville’s budget next year has no pay raises for city employees, and Mayor Frank predicted that the most painful cuts would come over the next three years.  Some state organizations are seeking revisions to the law.

RESOLUTION STATES OPEN-MINDEDNESS TO DATA CENTERS

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Fayette County, IN)--Fayette County leaders are addressing controversial data centers like the one that’s being opposed by many in Preble County.  Commissioners in Fayette County has issued a resolution stating that they are open-minded to data centers, but they also acknowledged the large strain those centers can place on resources.  Regarding water, the resolution states that some data centers can consume millions of gallons per day and put a strain on infrastructure.  And, as for electricity, commissioners say the centers are large users with one center using enough energy to power an entire small city.

COUNCIL APPROVES RESOLUTION SUPPORTING FOOD AND BEVERAGE TAX

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A proposed one-percent food and beverage tax in Richmond is one step closer to reality following a meeting of Richmond Common Council Monday night.  With a vote of 8-1, council approved a resolution that states its support of the tax.  Monday night’s vote paves the way for the resolution to become an ordinance.  Council member Bill Engle, who is also the parks liaison, talked about how it will work:  "It is a tax on prepared food - not groceries.  The money is earmarked for parks, trails, and the gorge project.  If you go out to eat, you will pay this tax.  If you go to the grocery store, you will not pay this tax."  The tax proposal will likely go before Council again at meeting on December 1, and then be the subject of a special public hearing.  "I don't think anyone want to see our parks go in a backward direction," said Park Superintendent Denise Retz.  Council member Lucinda Wright cast the lone dissenting vote.  The tax is projected to generate somewhere between $900,000 and $1.5 million annually.

FIRST BANK RICHMOND ANNOUCES MERGER

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The parent company of First Bank Richmond has announced an agreement to acquire the parent company of Farmers Bank.  The Frankfort-based Farmers Bancorp will merge into Richmond Mutual Bancorporation in an all-stock deal valued at $82 million.  The merger will create a $2.6 billion asset community bank with a network of 24 branches across parts of both Indiana and Ohio.

TRIAL DATE SET FOR PARENTS ACCUSED OF NEGLECT

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A January trial date has been set for a Richmond couple facing felony charges related to an alleged horrendous case of child neglect.  Andrew Turner and Angelica Baker each face four felony counts.  According to court documents, an officer went to the home last month and found a four-year-old who could not speak and did not know his name.  There was also an infant and a one and three-year-old.  Grease was thick on the floor of the North 12^th Street home.  None of the children had shoes, and one child was playing with one of numerous cockroaches.  The Department of Child Services removed the children from the home.

DOWNTOWN RICHMOND BUILDING'S FACADE PEELED BACK

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The façade on a large downtown Richmond building is being peeled back to see what lies underneath.  It’s the Harris Bank building at the northwest corner of 8^th and East Main.  That building is now 115 years old.  It was covered with its current metal front decades ago.  Crews from AP Development are peeling it back temporarily to see the design of what’s underneath and to assess its condition.  Construction bids have not gone out yet.  It’s one of five iconic downtown Richmond buildings targeted for upgrades through the Revitalize Richmond project.

WANTED MAN JAILED FOR CHILD SOLICITATION

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Cambridge City, IN)--A Cambridge City man was taken into custody Sunday night and now faces two counts of child solicitation.  Details of the allegations have not been released, but that’s generally the charge applied when adults attempt to lure or entice children to engage in sexual activity.  37-year-old John Jackson was located at a trailer park on U.S. 40 near Cambridge City Sunday night.  A judge found probable cause in the case on Friday and issued an arrest warrant.  Jackson was being held Monday morning on a $25,000 bond.

DARKE COUNTY SHOOTING SUSPECT CAPTURED IN KENTUCKY

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Georgetown, KY)--The suspect in a shots-fired incident in Darke County has been taken into custody in central Kentucky.  Early Saturday afternoon, deputies were called to Willis Road on the report of shots being fired into a home as part of a domestic dispute.  The suspect was identified as Dante Genovesi.  Investigators say Genovesi fled before deputies arrived.  Law enforcement agencies across the region were alerted.  Genovesi was located in Kentucky and taken into custody.  No one was injured.  Genovesi is awaiting extradition back to Darke County.

COUNCIL TO ADDRESS PROPOSED FOOD AND BEVERAGE TAX MONDAY NIGHT

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A memorandum has been drafted and submitted to Richmond Common Council that urges passage of a one-percent food and beverage tax.  It was drafted this week by the city’s law department.  By law, Council must pass a resolution supporting the food and beverage tax before it can become an ordinance.  If the resolution is passed and becomes an ordinance, a public hearing would be held where the proposed tax is the only item on the agenda.  The memo states that the ordinance could be made available for introduction at Council’s first meeting in December.  At Thursday’s meeting of the Richmond Parks Board, the proposed food and beverage tax was discussed with a resolution set to go public on Monday night.  Here’s Park Superintendent Denise Retz Thursday:  "...one penny on a dollar.  So if you go to a restaurant and have a twenty-dollar meal, that's 20 cents to the Parks Department."  Park Board member Dakota Collins cited a figure that 9 million people annually travel around Richmond on I-70.  "Many, many, many of those stop in Richmond for food.  They'll be the ones paying this tax," Collins said.  In discussions earlier this year, Council appeared divided on the proposed tax.

RICHMOND TEACHERS RATIFY CONTRACT

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Work has been done recently on a contract between Richmond Community Schools and the REA, or teachers’ union.  Here is RCS Board member Kristen Brunton with an update this week:  "We've had four different sessions of collective bargaining and we're happy to report that we have a tentative agreement."  And this is Board President Kym Pickering:  "You really do shake hands when it's all said and done, which is always promising."  Teachers met Thursday regarding the contract and voted for ratification.  A public hearing is set for Monday.

DREDGING COMING TO GLEN MILLER PARK POND

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Some work is coming to improve the pond at Glen Miller Park in Richmond.  That includes dredging.  Here’s Park Superintendent Denise Retz:  "The last time it was dredged was 1972.  We also are concerned when we dredge that the spillway is something that we want to make sure is intact.  There are some cracks in the spillway."  Work has already been done to remove an invasive plant species called tree of heaven from around the pond as part of a stabilization process.

RCS ANNOUNCES PERSONNEL CHANGES

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Community Schools has announced some changes in leadership.  Stacy Mopps will take over as Chief of Operations in the wake of Steve Jones’ departure to become the new superintendent at Union County – College Corner.  Mopps has more than 30 years of experience in education in various capacities.  Also, Steven Hensley is the new Director of Human Resources at RCS and Cassandra Laudermilk is the new principal at the Hibberd Program Building.

ALLEGED DRUG DEALER BUSTED FOR SECOND TIME IN FOUR MONTHS

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--For the second time in four months, a Cambridge City man has been arrested on drug-dealing charges.  Terry Chasteen was booked into the Wayne County Jail at around 4:30 Wednesday morning on charges that include dealing meth and theft of a firearm.  Chasteen was arrested Wednesday morning on State Road 1 near the Gateway Industrial Park.  In August, deputies in Henry County found Chasteen on State Road 38 with 80 grams of meth, cocaine, and mushrooms.  He is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing in that case Wednesday.

TWO JAILED IN WESTERN WAYNE DRUG BUST

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--Two people were taken into custody Tuesday in western Wayne County and now face numerous drug charges.  29-year-old David Rohe and 26-year-old Paige Thomas were located on South Brick Church Road.  Investigators say they had meth, cocaine, and drug paraphernalia.  Quantities recovered have not been released.  Thomas was also charged with trafficking with an inmate.  A few years ago, she was arrested on drug charges and escaped from the jail in Henry County.

BOND INCREASED FOR MAN ACCUSED OF CAUSING DRUG OVERDOSE DEATH

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A former Hagerstown resident appeared in a Wayne County courtroom Monday.  Kain Grose, who now lives in northeast Indiana, is charged with two counts of dealing a controlled substance resulting in death.  The allegations stem from an incident in May of 2023.  Cambridge City’s Jamen Riggs overdosed and died, and investigators say Grose provided the drugs.  Grose’s bail was increased Monday and his trial was set for early February.

SUV SLAMS INTO RETAIL BUILDING

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The timing could not have been worse for a Richmond store that was struck by an SUV Monday.  Old Mill Christmas Craft was supposed to open November 18 in a building on North 12^th near Freeman Park.  But, Monday, the SUV driver lost control and took out the corner of the building, which is more than a hundred years old.  Owners of the business said last night on social media that the driver was not hurt, but the damage is extensive enough that it will not be able to operate there.  They say they’ll open in a nearby location but are not sure when.

CRASH VICTIM IDENTIFIED AS WEST ALEXANDRIA RESIDENT

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Preble County, OH)--Deputies have identified the driver that was killed in the Preble County crash that Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News reported Monday morning.  It happened early Sunday morning on U.S. 35 at Quinn Road.  Investigators say 20-year-old Shelby Haynes of West Alexandria lost control, hit a culvert, and rolled over with her SUV catching fire.  Investigators also think that alcohol could have been a factor in the crash.

FALL'S FIRST SNOW BRINGS MONDAY MORNING SLICK SPOTS

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Whitewater Valley)--The first snow of the fall has arrived in the Whitewater Valley and it left some slick spots on area roadways Monday morning.  Mike Sharp with the Wayne County Highway Department was out monitoring conditions at 5 o'clock Monday morning.  Here’s what he was seeing:  "Some areas no snow stuck and it doesn't seem to be as slick, but other areas are snow-covered.  Bridges and overpasses definitely got it."  There was an accident involving a semi early Monday morning on I-70 between Richmond and Centerville, but there was no immediate indication that it was weather-related.

THREE JAILED WITH DEALING AFTER PASSING OUT IN BUSINESS PARKING LOT

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--What began over the weekend as three people passed out from drug overdoses in a vehicle in a business parking lot near the intersection of Chester Boulevard and I-70 in Richmond has ended with all three facing drug-dealing charges.  The three are from Muncie and, after being revived with Narcan, told police they had gone to Ohio where someone threw drugs into their car and told the trio to try the drugs.  The three, who include Frank Stover, Jennifer Williams, and Damian Gibson, were originally only charged with possession, but that’s now been increased to dealing.  A substantial amount of drugs was recovered.

MAN ACCUSED OF MOVING DEAD BODY CAPTURED

Posted About Five Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A man wanted for moving a dead body was taken into custody over the weekend.  Richmond police officers found 69-year-old Keith Wallace on Saturday near North 18^th and E Street.  A warrant for Wallace’s arrest had been issued a week and a half ago.  Wallace, along with his son Levi, are both accused of dragging the body of a man who had died of a drug overdose on North 12^th from a chair inside into a back yard.  Court documents indicate Levi Wallace is still wanted.

SHERIFF COMMENDS DEPUTIES FOR RESTRAINT DURING INCIDENT

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Fountain City, IN)--Wayne County Sheriff Randy Retter on Thursday commended his deputies for the way they handled a situation earlier this week.  It happened Wednesday night near the intersection of Whitewater and Gifford Roads just outside of Fountain City.  Retter said that Michael Baker refused commands to remove his hands from his pockets.  He then pulled out a handgun and made statements that he wanted deputies to shoot him. Baker then fired shots in a direction away from deputies.  Baker then dropped the gun but charged at deputies.  He was then taken into custody.  Retter complimented the deputies for their restraint.

FOR NOW, LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES ARE WELL-STOCKED

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Wayne County leaders had discussed the possibility of using opioid relief money to help stock local food pantries in the wake of SNAP reductions.  It appears, though, that that won’t be necessary – at least for now.  Here’s Wayne County Commissioner Aaron Roberts this week:  "At this point in time, there are no real needs from the food pantries.  They're all fine.  They're running the programs well even though they're having an uptick in usage."  Commissioners would still consider using opioid funding if needed.

DEMOLITION UNDERWAY ON LONG-TIME U.S. 40 EYESORE

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Preble County, OH)--What has been described as an eyesore for decades is finally coming down and being removed in Preble County.  It’s the site of the former Hines Truck Stop at the intersection of U.S. 127 and U.S. 40.  Demolition began this week after the Preble County Land Bank received an $800,000 Brownfield grant.  That program clears up any contamination and clears the way for future commercial development.  The site operated as a truck refueling station as long as a hundred years ago.  It ceased operation in 1990 and has been vacant ever since.

TWO DOWNTOWN RICHMOND LOTS SELL

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Two downtown Richmond lots sold Tuesday.  The sale was approved by Wayne County Commissioners for 916 and 918 East Main Street.  The buyer is Eric Eastman, who owns an adjacent building to the east.  He talked Tuesday about what the future holds for those lots.  "We plan on using the property to create a greenspace that will be connected to a public workshop that we're intending to create in the next year or so," Eastman said.  The buildings that once stood on those lots had deteriorated and were demolished a couple of years ago.  They were home to what many long-time Richmond residents will remember as the Kessler’s Sporting Goods store.

MAN JAILED AFTER SHOTS FIRED NEAR FOUNTAIN CITY

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Fountain City, IN)--There was an incident that brought lots of first responders to Gifford Road just southeast of Fountain City late Wednesday night.  A man later identified as 53-year-old Michael Baker allegedly fired several gunshots there.  When deputies arrived, Baker allegedly resisted.  Charges indicate Baker was under the influence of drugs and was taken first to Reid Health and then booked into jail on charges that include criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon.  There was no report of any injury.

TRIAL DELAYED FOR ACCUSED DOUBLE-MURDERER

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Trial has been pushed back for the Richmond man accused of murdering two people and dumping their bodies in Fort Wayne.  Dominique Washington allegedly killed Christina Dixon and Matthew Johnson a little more than a year ago.  Online court documents indicate the trial, which was supposed to have started last week, has been pushed back to next April due to trial congestion.  Washington’s case is also the one that led to the Brady List controversy between Richmond police, the city, and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.

2026 BALLOT COULD INCLUDE LIBRARY REFERENDUM

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--One of the possibilities for funding $23 million in needed repairs to Morrisson-Reeves Library in Richmond is to place a referendum on the ballot in elections one year from now.  That possibility was discussed during a recent public meeting involving the library board and citizens who want to find a solution that will allow the library to continue operations in its current location.  If a referendum were to be presented and then approved by voters, it would result in an additional estimated tax of just over ten cents per $100 of assessed value.  There’s no timeline for the building, in its current condition, to be abandoned.  But, repair bills are mounting.  The library has spent about $200,000 on repairs in the last year and a half.

GROUNDBREAKING HELD FOR WATER TREATMENT PLANT

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Winchester, IN)--Indiana-American broke ground Wednesday on its new $27 million water treatment facility in Winchester.  The upgraded plant will have a capacity of 1.25 million gallons of water per day.  The new facility replaced an aging water plant that required several costly upgrades to remain operational.  The facility also doubles the amount of water storage.

RCS ADMINISTRATOR NAMED NEW SUPERINTENDENT IN UNION COUNTY

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Liberty, IN)--new superintendent has been named for the Union County College Corner Joint School District.  He’s Steve Jones, who is the current Director of Operations at Richmond Community Schools.  Jones was unanimously approved this week by members of the school board in Union County.  RCS indicated that it will soon announce a plan to address Jones’ departure.  His resume also includes a stint as principal of Charles Elementary in Richmond.

ADMITTED CAT KILLER JAILED AFTER HEARING

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--An initial hearing was held Tuesday for a Richmond man accused in a horrible case of animal abuse.  58-year-old Clyde Bowne was sent directly to the Wayne County Jail following Tuesday hearing in which a public defender was appointed.  Last month, according to court documents, Bowne admitted to killing at least five cats inside his home on South 16^th.  A trial date was set for February.

PHOTOGRAPHER TO FACE FEDERAL CHARGES BEFORE LOCAL CHARGES

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Connersville, IN)--A Connersville photographer accused of photographing and sexually abusing young children recently pled not guilty to local charges.  Now, 22-year-old Mikell Shepard has also pled not guilty to federal charges.  The federal case against Shepard will be tried first.  Once that is complete, he can also be tried locally.  Investigators would still like to hear from the parents or guardians of children who may have been victimized.

RPD ASKS FOR PUBLIC'S HELP IN IDENTIFYING BURGLAR

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Police Department is asking for the help of the public in identifying a burglar.  RPD released surveillance images Tuesday of a man who broke into the Cabinet Factories Outlet of Richmond during non-business hours recently.  The suspect appears to be a white male in his 20’s or 30’s with a scruffy beard.

DISABLED WOMAN ESCAPES HOUSE FIRE

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A disabled resident was able to escape a Richmond house fire Monday morning.  Firefighters were first called to the 2200 block of North West 16^th at 10:09 Monday morning.  They arrived to find smoke and heavy flames coming from the windows of the single-story home.  Neighbors helped to check on the disabled female and verify that she was in the back yard.  "She was out before we even got there," said a Richmond battalion chief  The fire was declared under control in about 20 minutes.  There’s no word yet on the cause of the fire or the dollar amount of the damage, but it was described as substantial.

NEW MADISON MAN KILLED IN CRASH

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Castine, OH)--A New Madison man was killed in a crash on U.S. 127 just north of Castine Monday morning.  First responders were sent at around 5 Monday morning to an area near 127 and Grubbs-Rex Road on the report of a head-on crash involving a semi and a passenger car.  The investigation showed that 33-year-old Marcus Bingham was headed south on 127 when he crossed the center line and struck the semi.  Bingham was pronounced dead at the scene.  The semi driver was Joseph Abner of Lewisburg.  He was not seriously hurt.

PROPERTY TAX DEADLINE APPROACHES

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--Wayne County Treasurer Beth Fields has an important reminder for Wayne County homeowoners, and that is that the deadline to pay the fall installment of property taxes is rapidly approaching.  This coming Monday the 10^th is the last day to pay.  There is a drop box outside the county annex building.  Payments by mail will have to be postmarked by the 10^th.  The treasurer’s office will then be closed on the 11th for Veteran’s Day.

MAN SURRENDERS DAYS AFTER WARRANT ISSUED

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A wanted Richmond man has turned himself in at the Wayne County Jail.  33-year-old Harley Reeves surrendered Monday.  Last Friday, a judge had issued a warrant for Reeves’ apprehension on charges that include felony domestic battery in the presence of a child and strangulation.  Reeves was sentenced earlier this year to roughly a hundred days in jail after pleading guilty to intimidation.

CITY'S HIRING FREEZE TO CONTINUE INDEFINITELY

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A million and a half dollars less in revenue than expected is one of the primary reasons given for one of the largest one-time reductions in force in the city of Richmond’s history.  This was Mayor Ron Oler on Friday afternoon:  "The 2026 budget eliminates 21 positions, which is essentially a five percent reduction in force, or RIF."   Oler added this:  "The hiring freeze enacted on October 14 will remain in effect as long as necessary."  The mayor added that property tax caps have cost the city $120 million dollars over the last 15 years.  He asked for patience from Richmond residents as the city reconfigures its services with less staffing.

STATE ROAD 1 TO CLOSE IN FAYETTE COUNTY

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Fayette County, IN)--Another highway closure is coming to the Whitewater Valley.  This time it’s State Road 1 between Connersville and Everton.  INDOT announced over the weekend that the highway will close this Friday at Wellsview Road for culvert replacement and remain closed for about three weeks depending on weather.  State Road 1 reopened not long ago between Connersville and Brookville after having been closed for most of the year for construction.

MAN JAILED FOR BATTERING PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Hagerstown, IN)--A Hagerstown man was taken into custodySunday after allegedly battering a public safety official.  28-year-old Joshua Twigg was taken into custody at just before noon Sunday in the 100 block of East Main Street in Hagerstown and now faces a felony charge.  There’s no word on the extent of any injury to the public safety official.  Twigg has a criminal history of resisting arrest.

MONDAY MORNING CRASH CLOSES 127

Posted About Six Months Ago by Jeff Lane

(Darke County, OH)--A Careflight helicopter responded to a crash in Darke County Monday morning.  It happened at just before 5 o’clock Monday morning near the intersection of U.S. 127 and Grubbs-Rex Road.  That’s a few miles north of Castine.  127 was declared shut down by Darke County officials at 5:30 Monday morning.  By 6 a.m., there had been no details regarding injury of those involved or of the crash itself.