Kicks 96 Local News

REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION ASSIGNS $80,000 FOR WCTV MOVE

Posted Today At 5:53am by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The collaboration between Whitewater Community Television and Richmond Community Schools advanced at Tuesday’s meeting of the Richmond Redevelopment Commission. The commission approved $80,000 in funding to help WCTV complete its move from IU East to Richmond High School. Here’s Nicole Stults, who is part of the RCS Board and is a non-voting member of the commission: "The Board has been very excited about this collaboration and the opportunity that it provides students. They're the ones who are going to win," Stults said. WCTV President Ken Paust said it will take about two more months to complete the buildout and that WCTV is looking to hire more staff members.

MAN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH SOUTH 14th STABBING

Posted Today At 5:51am by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond police have made an arrest in connection with a stabbing that occurred late Monday night. Trevor Younger allegedly became involved in a fight in the 700 block of South 14th that escalated into a stabbing. The victim was taken to Reid Health with non-life-threatening injuries. Two years ago, Younger was charged with criminal confinement with a deadly weapon. That case was pled down last year with Younger pleading guilty to a lesser charge, getting sentenced to two years, but serving only 30 days in jail.

UNITED WAY ANNOUNCES LOCAL GRANT DISPURSEMENTS

Posted Today At 5:50am by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The United Way of the Whitewater Valley has announced grant recipients for this grant year. Community grants are fueled by employees taking part in the United Way’s annual workplace campaign. A total of $50,000 was awarded to 19 local health and human services agencies. Those organizations include Amigos, Birth to Five, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County, and the Townsend Center.

NEW OWNER OF CAMBRIDGE CITY MARKET: "I WANT CAMBRIDGE CITY BACK"

Posted Today At 5:42am by Jeff Lane

(Cambridge City, IN)--About five years ago, ownership at what was once Cutshaw’s Market in Cambridge City changed and it became the Cambridge City Market. The results, in general, were less than positive. Now, ownership has changed again with one goal in mind. "I want Cambridge City back. I want the customers to be happy. We're going to make it right," said new owner Scott Morrill. Morrill said the change has been palpable since he took over nearly two months ago. "It's been really, really positive. Customers are noticing the change. Employees are embracing the change," Morrill added. The Cambridge City Market is open daily from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.

ALLEGED MURDERER, ARSONIST FORMALLY INDICTED

Posted Today At 5:41am by Jeff Lane

(Greenville, OH)--The man accused of killing his employer, who was also a cheerleading coach at a Darke County high school, was formally indicted Tuesday. 22-year-old Peyton Beam is charged with aggravated murder, arson, and several other crimes. At Tuesday’s hearing, prosecutors said Beam shot Ericka Kramer twice in the back of head execution style, doused her body with gasoline, and set the house on fire. Beam then responded to the scene as an Ansonia firefighter.

VANDALISM AFFECTS EATON PLAYGROUND

Posted Today At 5:38am by Jeff Lane

(Eaton, OH)--Vandalism has affected a popular playground in Eaton. The Preble County Board of Developmental Disabilities said in a social media post that recent vandalism has closed the restrooms at the ASK playground on Maple Street until further notice. The estimated dollar amount of damage to the playground was not disclosed. No arrests have been made.

COUNCIL APPROVES ABATEMENTS FOR LIBERATION BIOINDUSTRIES

Posted Yesterday At 5:53am by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--It was a short meeting Monday night for Richmond Common Council. But, in the 20-minute meeting, Council approved two tax abatements for Liberation Bioindustries – formerly known as Liberation Labs – in the Midwest Industrial Park. Council member Jane Bumbalough recently toured the facility. "We explored the facility and it is very impressive. I'm really looking forward to seeing what the future holds," Bumbalough said. The company expects to begin production later this year.

INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY AFTER WAYNE COUNTY MURDERER FOUND DEAD IN PRISON

Posted Yesterday At 5:51am by Jeff Lane

(Peru, IN)--A convicted Wayne County murderer has died in prison, and now an investigation is underway by the Indiana State Police. Billy Wilson shot and killed KC Allen Simpson in November of 2020 and was sentenced to 48 years in prison. Wilson, who is now 82 years old, was found dead at the Miami Correctional Facility in Peru. Prison officials have requested an autopsy. Details about why they think Wilson’s death could be from something other than natural causes have not been released.

FRANKLIN COUNTY TO CUT FOUR TEACHING POSITIONS

Posted Yesterday At 5:50am by Jeff Lane

(Brookville, IN)--While Richmond Community Schools deals with the potential reduction of 22 positions, another area school district will also be laying off teachers. Four teaching positions will be eliminated at the end of this school year at Franklin County Schools. The primary reason given was a drop in student enrollment. Teachers have not been named, but the teachers at Brookville, Laurel, and Mount Carmel Elementary Schools have been notified.

MAN SENTENCED TO TIME SERVED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEEN

Posted Yesterday At 5:47am by Jeff Lane

(Winchester, IN)--A Randolph County man has been sentenced to time served after sexually assaulting a teen. 46-year-old George Fenton provided an 18-year-old female with alcohol and then followed her into a bedroom and assaulted her. Fenton had originally been charged with the much more serious crime of rape, but that was pled down to a reduced charge of sexual battery.

RPD TO TRAIN ON SOUTH WEST 10th

Posted Yesterday At 5:43am by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Police Department wants everyone to know that heavy police activity this week in the area of South West 10^th near Clear Creek Park is part of training and is not any reason for concern. Nearby schools, including Dennis, have been notified that the activity will be taking place. Officers will be training on residential room clearing and core response skills.

POLICE CHIEF PLACED ON LEAVE AFTER ICE "WELLNESS CHECK"

Posted Monday Morning by Jeff Lane

(Gratis, OH)--The police chief of one Preble County village and an officer were each placed on paid administrative leave Sunday. The allegation is that Gratis Police Chief Tonina Lamanna and Officer Jeff Baylor went to three different Cincinnati public schools unannounced and in uniform seeking to conduct what they called a “wellness check” on behalf of ICE last week. ICE later indicated the visits did not involve any federal officers. Officer Baylor on Sunday night downplayed his role. "She done all the talking. I stayed silent through the whole day because, again, that's not my job," Baylor said. Gratis Mayor Kevin Johnson read a prepared statement after the decision. "The village of Gratis does not condone these actions," Johnson said. The vote to place the officers on leave was unanimous.

EXTENDED RAMP CLOSURES COMING THIS WEEK TO U.S. 27 / I-70 INTERCHANGE

Posted Monday Morning by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The intersection of U.S. 27, or Chester Boulevard, and I-70 is about to undergo some major modifications as part of the Revive I-70 project. Ramps to and from 27 to the interstate are set to close on Thursday of this week. The exit ramp from eastbound 70 to 27 is not expected to reopen until June. Much like what’s happening at the state line, the new closure will cut interstate traffic to north-side businesses in half. The entrance ramp from 27 onto eastbound 70 is not expected to reopen until August.

MAN KILLED WHEN SKID LOADER OVERTURNS

Posted Monday Morning by Jeff Lane

(Darke County, OH)--A Darke County man was killed Sunday in an incident on Medford Road. A preliminary investigation found that 65-year-old Steve Kramer of Versailles had a large log on the front of a skid loader while driving east. A spokesperson with the sheriff’s department said the log was too heavy, causing the skid loader to tip over and trap Kramer underneath. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

MULTIPLE CREWS BATTLE BARN FIRE IN HIGH WINDS

Posted Monday Morning by Jeff Lane

(Preble County, OH)--Crews from several fire departments extinguished a barn fire in Preble County Sunday. It broke out in the 6000 block of Lexington-Salem Road at around 3:40 yesterday afternoon. That’s just north of West Alexandria. High winds made fighting the fire more difficult, but crews were able to prevent the fire from spreading to other nearby structures. There’s no word yet on the cause of the fire, and there were no injuries.

PART OF WILLIAMSBURG PIKE TO BE REDUCED TO ONE LANE FOR AT LEAST FIVE MONTHS

Posted Friday Morning by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Get ready for another long-term travel restriction. INDOT announced Thursday that a one-mile stretch of Williamsburg Pike will be reduced to one lane beginning next week and running through at least late September. The area in question is from Industries Road to Salisbury Road, which is essentially about a half-mile on either side of the I-70 overpass. INDOT says the work is necessary to strengthen pavement in the area.

FIRE RESPONSE BLOCKS PART OF EAST MAIN, BUT DOES MINIMAL DAMAGE

Posted Friday Morning by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A fire at a house on East Main in Richmond drew a lot of attention yesterday afternoon, but really didn’t amount to much. It happened next door to First English Lutheran Church. As is always the case when a call comes in as a structure fire, there was a large response with crews blocking a part of East Main. Here’s Battalion Chief Jerry Benjamin: “Once we got there, we realized pretty quick that it was just part of the porch that got caught on fire by the people who were working there.” The fire never actually entered the house and there were no injuries.

RCS BOARD MEMBERS EXPRESS SUPPORT FOR MUSIC, ARTS AMID RIF DISCUSSIONS

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Here’s more on the Richmond Community School Board meeting from Tuesday night. An announcement was made more public last month that RCS was proposing a reduction in force of 22 positions and many people expressed concern that music and the arts would be affected. Clearly, Tuesday night, Board members expressed a desire to find other solutions. Here are some of them: Kristen Brunton: "Cuts need to start at the administrative level.". Nicole Stults: "I am of the strong opinion that we should explore alternative solutions." And, Aaron Stevens: "Don't touch the arts." No action was taken Tuesday night. Nearly three dozen people signed up to address the Board.

MAN CHARGED WITH SEXUAL BATTERY AT RICHMOND BUSINESS

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A sexual battery investigation culminated Thursday with the arrest of 32-year-old Joseph McCalister. The arrest stems from an incident that happened at a business in the 4300 block of National Road East in Richmond. The specific business was not identified. McCalister is alleged to have inappropriately touched an adult female. McCalister was arrested on the exact same charge less than a year ago after trying to pull a woman’s pants down as she left a Dollar General in Richmond. He was sentenced in that case to 300 days in jail.

RPD JAILS THREE SUSPECTED METH DEALERS

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Three more alleged methamphetamine dealers were arrested in Richmond on Wednesday. The Richmond Police Department’s SAFE Unit arrived to the 900 block of North 19^th Wednesday and took Brandon Carpenter, Deanna Duncan, and Jeannette Oliver into custody. All now face dealing and numerous other charges. All three have at least two previous meth possession cases. Rodney Necessary was also arrested on lesser charges. The amount of drugs recovered was not disclosed.

RCS BOARD HEARS FROM PUBLIC ABOUT PROPOSED RIFS

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Community School Board met Tuesday night and, as expected, heard from numerous teachers and students about the proposed reduction in force of 22 staff members. Much of the concern was directed toward music and arts programs. Here’s one RHS student addressing the Board: "The music programs can get hurt by your decisions. There is serious concern about about students dropping out of class because of what has happened," that student said. In advance of those public comments, Karen Scalf gave a detailed explanation of school funding and talked about changes in taxation at the state level. "Homeowners are going to see additional deductions. They are going to move from a flat rate to a percentage. They are going to see changes to abatement rates. They are going to see changes to overall taxation," Scalf said. The RCS Board took no action Tuesday night, but several members read prepared statements about the RIFs.

DRUG DEALER, THREE OTHERS JAILED AFTER SEARCH WARRANT EXECUTED

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond drug dealer was taken into custody along with three other people when Richmond police executed a search warrant Tuesday in the 700 block of South 10^th. Lance Perkins was charged with dealing cocaine. Perkins was sentenced to ten years in prison back in 2015 for drug dealing. Also arrested Tuesday on less serious charges were Sean Mayberry, Chelsea Reynolds, and Jessica Corner. Perkins was still being held Wednesday on a $75,000 bond. The amount of drugs recovered Tuesday was not disclosed.

I-70 TRAFFIC SHIFTING TO NEW PAVEMENT IN PART OF WAYNE COUNTY

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Drivers on a section of I-70 will soon be getting their first taste of driving on new pavement that used to be the median. Traffic on eastbound I-70 is set to move to the new roadway as crews begin work on a new phase of the project. The shift extends from west of U.S. 35 to State Road 227. The east and westbound lanes in that area are now separated by a barrier wall. There has also been another ramp closure this week. The ramp from westbound 70 to westbound U.S. 40 at the state line has been closed, effectively cutting interstate traffic to east-side Richmond businesses in half.

COACH WHO LED CONNERSVILLE TO FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP DIES

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Connersville, IN)--The man who led Connersville High School to its first-ever state boys basketball championship has died. Coach Myron Dickerson, who coached Connersville in 1972, died on Sunday. Dickerson is also a member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. A service will be held on Saturday in Greenwood. Myron Dickerson was 91.

MAN ARRESTED FOR CHILD MOLESTATION ORIGINALLY FACED ACCUSATIONS IN 2010

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Here’s more on the arrest of William “Billy” Johnson of Richmond on numerous child molestation charges that Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News reported Monday. Johnson has worked in the Starr Elementary School cafeteria for 32 years, but there is no indication in the affidavit of probable cause that any children in the school were molested at any time. What the affidavit does state is that Johnson was originally accused of molesting family members back in 2010, but that case was never prosecuted because the father of the victim did not want to press charges. A second family member came forward with very similar allegations in January of this year. Johnson originally spoke to investigators, but has since retained an attorney and is no longer cooperating.

RIF LIKELY TO BE ADDRESSED IN PUBLIC COMMENT OF RCS BOARD MEETING

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Even though it doesn’t appear specifically on the agenda, looming Reductions in Force, or RIFS, are virtually assured of coming up during the public comment portion of Tuesday afternoon’s meeting of the Richmond Community School Board. Last Wednesday, Superintendent Dr. Curtis Wright posted a video in which he talked about the elimination of 22 positions. "When teaching positions are reduced, it can feel personal," Wright said. The Richmond Education Association, or teachers union, responded with a statement that alleges that RCS was either misleading or misinforming the bargaining team about the nature of the planned cuts when a new contract was ratified late last year. No action can be taken Tuesday, and Board members will not respond to whatever will be said. Tuesday afternoon’s meeting gets underway at 5:30.

AREA INDIANA COUNTIES SEE UPTICK IN UNEMPLOYMENT

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Whitewater Valley)--The first unemployment numbers for 2026 have finally been released for Indiana. And, in the Whitewater Valley, those numbers are up across the board. Wayne County’s rate has increased from 2.7 to 3.3%. That’s due mostly to 184 more Wayne County residents listed as unemployed than were the month before. Rates for all counties are up about a half a percent. Union County has the second-lowest unemployment rate in the state at 2.4%.

MAYOR: CITY HAS OPPORTUNITY TO GET "ADDED BACK IN" TO CASINO DISCUSSIONS FOR '28

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Mayor Ron Oler talked about a casino for Richmond in a podcast that was posted early Monday. In the episode, which can be viewed on the city’s Facebook page, Oler said that a Richmond casino would have required an investment of up to $650 million, and that’s what eliminated the city from contention earlier this year. But, Oler said in the podcast that the pursuit of a resort-style casino is not over and that developing companies are still eyeballing the city. "They've been really interested in coming to Richmond / Wayne County and we have an opportunity in the next legislative session to get added back in," Oler explained. But, there’s this: "But there's one problem we have. 2027 is not a general election year. We'd have to wait until 2028 to do a referendum in November. We would welcome a referendum," Oler added. Oler said in the podcast that Richmond’s pursuit of the casino this year put it on the radar for other large projects.

MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER, ARSON AFTER FATAL DARKE COUNTY FIRE

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Darke County, OH)--Darke County investigators announced Sunday night that they have made an arrest in what they’re classifying as both an arson and a homicide. First responders were sent on Friday afternoon to a house fire on Zumbrum Road near Ansonia. The house was engulfed in flame. When it was out, firefighters found the body of 50-year-old Ericka Kramer. Further investigation over the weekend led to the arrest of 22-year-old Peyton Beam on charges of aggravated murder and aggravated arson. They have not said what the connection – if any – was between the two was or what the motive may have been.

MAN REMAINS JAILED PENDING INITIAL HEARING FOR MULTIPLE MOLESTATION CHARGES

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--William “Billy” Johnson remained behind bars in the Wayne County Jail Monday as he awaits an initial hearing after being taken into custody on Friday on numerous counts involving alleged child molestation. The 54-year-old Johnson was arrested Friday on North 21^st Street in Richmond and was initially charged with four counts child molesting and two counts each of incest and sexual misconduct with a minor. He was being held Monday on a $50,000 bond.

REA ISSUES SCATHING RESPONSE TO RCS VIDEO DISCUSSING RIF

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Education Association, or teachers union, issued a scathing response Thursday to the message from Superintendent Dr. Curtis Wright, which wasdelivered earlier in the week about Reductions In Force, or RIF. 22 positions are set to be eliminated. In his message, Wright said there was discussion about potential RIF’s as early as last fall. "That give-and-take was central to the bargaining process," Wright said. In their response, the REA said "there have been no conversations. RCS has told teachers what will happen. RCS has told staff that they are in dire financial straits." The statement goes on to allege that RCS was either misleading or misinforming the bargaining team about the nature of the planned cuts when a new contract was ratified late last year. The RCS Board meets this coming Tuesday, and public comment will be taken.

RICHERT ADDRESSES QUESTIONS ABOUT FURNITURE GALLERY'S CLOSURE

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Roger Richert, who is the owner of the Richmond Furniture Gallery, answered a series of questions about the closure of that building, which has been an anchor of the revitalized Depot District, on his social media page. Richert stated that the building has sold to the land bank, but did not disclose the terms or the intended future use of the building. This year, that building turns 140 years old. It was one of the first in the Depot District to be revamped – a process that started 22 years ago. Furniture sales will now be centered around the new east-side location. Richert said that the goal is to have inventory at the Depot District store cleared by May 15. (Note: the photo accompanying this story is not Richert's store. The photo used is in the public domain).

LIBERTY POLICE ARREST ALLEGED METH DEALER

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Liberty, IN)--Police in Liberty executed a search warrant at a home on East Sycamore Street and came away with a substantial amount of drugs. Details were released Thursday of the Wednesday search. Inside the home, officers found 176 grams of meth, scales, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Haylee Saylor was charged with dealing meth and a host of other charges. Another person who was wanted in Fayette County was also taken into custody. That person was not identified. Saylor has had two previous meth possession arrests in Fayette County in just the last five months.

Reid Health Moves Services to New Campus

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN) -- At Reid Health in Connersville, emergency services have now made the move to the new campus on Park Road and are no longer available at the Virginia Avenue facility.

Today, more services are making the move. That includes outpatient radiology, infusion therapy, and the USLA Cafe.

Primary and specialty care services will begin at the new location starting Monday.

Skeletal Remains Found in Preble County

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Preble County, OH) -- The investigation is continuing after skeletal remains were found in Preble County.

The discovery was made on Tuesday night in the 7700 block of Eaton-Lewisburg Road. The initial indication is that the remains are of a male and had been there for an extended period of time.

The property where the remains were found was unoccupied.

The remains were discovered in an old pool house. There was no initial indication of foul play.

Teacher Sentenced for Crimes Against Student

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Darke County, OH) -- A former teacher in Darke County has been sentenced for sexual crimes committed against his 15-year-old female student.

Justin Travis will now spend the next four-to-six years in prison after admitting guilt as part of a plea agreement.

The juvenile victim testified in court and actually apologized to Travis. Her sister then spoke and said she should not apologize.

Travis resigned as a teacher last September when the allegations came to light. He will have to register for life as a sex offender.

Multiple Fire Crews Respond to Barn Fire

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Ella Chew

(UNION COUNTY, IN) - Fire crews battled a massive barn fire Tuesday afternoon on E Kitchel Road in Union County, with flames visible as far away as Richmond.

Multiple departments responded with mutual aid, including four tankers, and remained on scene for about six hours.

Liberty Fire Chief Jim Franklin says the fire started as a man tried to jump-start a truck inside the barn using a tractor.

The structure, used for equipment and hay storage, was a total loss. No injuries were reported.

COUNCIL APPROVES INTERLOCAL LAND BANK AGREEMENT WITH COUNTY

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Common Council on Monday night addressed an interlocal agreement between the city and the county that establishes a land bank. It’s a project being spearheaded by the local EDC. Here’s President Valerie Shaffer: "The purpose of a land bank is to acquire, manage, and repurpose vacant, abandoned, and tax-delinquent properties to return them to productive use so we can revitalize our neighborhoods and strengthen our community." A local board would be established to guide the land bank through specific areas of revitalization. Council Monday night approved the interlocal agreement.

PLAQUE TO HONOR VICTIMS AT EXPLOSION SITE

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Monday was the 58^th anniversary of the explosion in downtown Richmond. Monday night, Richmond Mayor Ron Oler talked about a permanent memorial that will be installed. "We had a committee of community leaders and council members design a bronze plaque that we're looking to get installed at the front of 6th and Main. We came up with a final design a couple of weeks ago..got the names in alphabetical order of the 41 victims, Oler said. The plaque is expected to be installed sometime this summer at the spot where Marting Arms once stood.

PIPES RECEIVES STATE AWARD

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--It’s a big honor for the Board Chair of the United Way of the Whitewater Valley. Karen Pipes has been presented with the prestigious Castaldi Award, which is given by the Indiana Association of United Ways in recognition of her commitment.

SUSPECTED DRUG DEALER CAUGHT AFTER CHASE

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Officers from multiple agencies passed through downtown Richmond on Saturday night as they pursued a suspected drug dealer. That pursuit ended at the intersection of U.S. 27 and Beelor Road. The suspect was identified as 30-year-old Dylan Marshall. Marshall is charged with dealing meth, felony resisting, and numerous other charges. He’s already due in court in July for a different meth dealing charge. Back in 2019, he led police on another multi-county pursuit. Marshall’s middle name, ironically enough, is Chase.

STATE ROAD 121 TO CLOSE FOR ONE MONTH

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Fayette County, IN)--Yet another Whitewater Valley highway is about to shut down for an extended period of time. Beginning one week from today, State Road 121 will shut down between Connersville and Nulltown. That closure will allow crews to replace a pipe that is 25 feet underground. 121 will be closed for a month. It joins State Road 101 in Franklin County and U.S. 35 in Wayne County, which both are already closed until late in the summer. The Quakertown Causeway is also closed, and U.S. 52 south of Brookville is affected by bridge reconstruction.

WOMAN CHARGED WITH BATTERING CHILD

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond woman was on a mandatory 24-hour hold in jail after allegedly battering a child overnight Sunday night into Monday morning. 40-year-old Latrice Buchanan was taken into custody early Monday morning after police responded to her home in the 1700 block of South J and charged her with domestic battery against a child. There’s no word yet on whether or not the child suffered any serious injuries. Buchanan was also charged with public intoxication.

TWO YEARS AFTER CLOSURE, WERNLE, GORDON FACE NEW $15 MILLION LAWSUIT

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Shelbyville, IN)--The Wernle Youth and Family Treatment Center in Richmond ceased operations more than two years ago following a series of state sanctions and accusations against its CEO, Darrell Gordon. Now, Wernle and Gordon are facing a brand new lawsuit – and it’s a big one. The plaintiff in the case, who has legally changed his name and now goes by Bartholomew Blunt, is asking for $15 million in damages in a case that has been filed in Shelby County. Blunt claims in the lawsuit that he – under Gordon’s leadership – was subjected to repeated sexual battery while housed at Wernle because another resident was granted unsupervised access. He also alleges staff was not trained to recognize warning signs. Gordon has not yet filed a response to the lawsuit.

CREDIT UNION TO VACATE CITY BUILDING

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The KEMBA Credit Union, which had formerly operated as the Richmond City Employees Credit Union, is moving out of the city building. They’ve been there since 2013 and it was recently discovered that they never had a lease. And, they benefitted greatly. "They've been subsidized to the tune of about $3000 per month by the taxpayers for having that space," said Richmond Mayor Ron Oler, who added that KEMBA was paying only $200 per month. But, the discovery is not why they’re moving out. It’s because the city building is one of KEMBA’s lowest performing branches. Company reps are coming Friday …"to actually go and look at spaces. They're about this close to finding a space and moving out," Oler added. Other city departments have requested the office space.

RPD CHIEF APPEALS TO PARENTS AFTER TWO JUVENILE PIT BIKE CHASES

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A group of juveniles on pit bikes and mopeds led Richmond police on two separate pursuits Thursday. One of them took place on Chester Boulevard. That chase ended on Berry Lane. Three of the four juveniles who were involved in the chases were taken into custody. The incidents prompted RPD Chief Kyle Weatherly to issue a statement urging parents to take action, saying "we would genuinely rather work with your family than show up at your door with different news." (Note: this photo does not depict the specific pit bike ridden in the chase. It is one that is in the public domain.)

DOWNTOWN RICHMOND BUILDINGS TRANSFER

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Two more buildings transferred to the Wayne County Land Trust Thursday. Those two buildings are at 720 and 722 East Main Street. Matthew Keller, who is Richmond’s Director of Public Operations and Engineering, told the Board of Works why that’s being done..."to be properly rehabilitated and put into the hands of some business owners and rent out the apartments that were finalized in 2023 in the upstairs." The Board gave unanimous approval Thursday for the transfer.

PREBLE COUNTY WOMAN CHARGED WITH USING STOLEN IDENTITY TO BUY CAR

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Lewisburg, OH)--A Preble County woman is accused of stealing someone else’s identity and using it to buy a car. A search warrant was executed at the Lee Street home of Julie Rike in Lewisburg. During the search, investigators located a stolen driver’s license. They also located 12 grams of suspected fentanyl. The car was seized. Rike has already posted bond and is awaiting her next court appearance.

COUNTY DEPARTMENT HEADS TOLD "ANYTHING YOU CAN CUT, YOU NEED TO CUT"

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Wayne County’s Board of Finance met Wednesday and is already beginning to set dates to begin the 2027 budget process. In talking about that Wednesday, the Board’s Beth Leisure had this warning for department heads: "Anything you can cut, you need to cut. Don't be coming to us with a bunch more requests for employees and more money for this and that because this year is going to be way different than last year." Department heads will complete budgets for ’27 by the end of next month.

INDOT RELEASED IMAGE OF U.S. 35 / I-70 ROUNDABOUT

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Plans for the Revive I-70 project in Wayne County include two roundabouts at interchanges. Construction on one of them, at U.S. 40, is already well underway. Now, INDOT has released an image of how the other one will look and function. Construction hasn’t gotten underway at the U.S. 35, or Williamsburg Pike, interchange yet, but it’s coming. Loop ramps will be removed and there will be a new configuration that INDOT says will eliminate weaving movements from the entrance and exit ramp.

RAATZ BILL TO PROTECT KIDS ONLINE SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Indianapolis, IN)--State Senator Jeff Raatz of Richmond had authored a bill that restricts children younger than 16 from setting up social media accounts unless their parents or guardians give consent. On Wednesday, Indiana Governor Mike Braun ceremonially signed that bill into law. "We're going to keep using every tool we have to protect kids," Braun said. Raatz said that he will also continue to look for ways to protect kids online.

MAN HOSPITALIZED AFTER FIRE AT MUSIC CITY PLACE

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond firefighters were called Tuesday night to Music City building, which is the former YMCA. Here’s Battalion Chief Chris Chappel: "It was an active incident. There was a possible victim involved. We got there in approximately three minutes. The first crew made their way to the third floor and encountered a moderate smoke condition. As they began searching for the fire, they encountered a victim who was removed through a nearby stairway." That victim was taken to Reid Health. His identity and condition at 5:30 Wednesday morning had not been released. The fire had been put out with a fire extinguisher, but significant smoke and the fire alarm brought all of the residents out of the building. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Crews were on the scene Tuesday night for about two hours.

STATE ROAD 101 CLOSES FOR MONTHS

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Franklin County, IN)--Just in time for boating, camping, and recreational season comes another major, extended road closure around Brookville Lake. INDOT announced yesterday that State Road 101 just north of Brookville is for the next several months. The closure is expected to remain in effect until late July. It’s being done to correct a slide in the Bonwell Hill area. In addition to 101, the Quakertown Causeway has also closed until sometime around Labor Day.

WOMAN JAILED FOR DOMESTIC BATTERY WITH DEADLY WEAPON

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond woman with a history of domestic violence is facing a new charge after an incident Tuesday night at her home on Kinsey Street. Police were called to the home of 40-year-old Deborah Mann at around 9 o’clock Tuesday night. Details of what led to that call have not been released, but Mann was charged with domestic battery with a deadly weapon. Last September, she was charged with criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon. In addition to Tuesday night and last September, she has had five other criminal cases involving battery in the last eight years.

MAN JAILED FOR WEDNESDAY MORNING BURGLARY

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--An alleged burglar was captured Wednesday morning. Officers arrested 29-year-old Angeloe Boyer on Harris Street in Richmond at 2 o’clock Wednesday morning. In additional to burglary, Boyer was also allegedly in possession of an unspecified amount of cocaine or other narcotic drugs. Two months ago, Boyer was jailed for allegedly beating a pregnant woman. Trial is set for June in that case.

Local News Archives for 2026-04

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