AUTOPSY RESULTS PENDING FOR STATE-LINE MURDER VICTIM

Posted Yesterday At 5:29am by Jeff Lane

(Eaton, OH)--The man accused of murdering a woman at a state-line truck stop remains behind bars without bond this morning in the Preble County Jail.  He’s 36-year-old LaDavid Shaw.  Online records indicate Shaw is a Mississippi resident.  So far, the victim’s identity has not been released.  An autopsy on her was conducted Thursday.  "Detectives did attend that autopsy as normal protocol.  We'll be waiting on those results back...wrapping up what we can wrap up and then do any further investigation we can do as this case moves forward," said Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson.  Also not disclosed yet is the relationship between the victim and the suspect…if there was any at all.  Preble County investigators are working with Wayne County as part of a joint investigation.

ARREST MADE IN STARR-GENNETT VANDALISM CASE

Posted Yesterday At 5:27am by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--An arrest has been made in connection with the vandalism that occurred recently in the Starr-Gennett area of the Whitewater Gorge in Richmond.  20 of 29 medallions that pay tribute to the most iconic artists who recorded in Richmond nearly a hundred years ago were ripped apart, causing tens of thousands of dollars of damage.  Thursday night, officers arrested 45-year-old Kevin Hodge in the 800 block of South 6^th.  Hodge faces a felony charge of criminal mischief.  Hodge has a previous conviction for drug possession.

RCS SETS SPECIAL MEETING FOR PROPOSED RIFs

Posted Yesterday At 5:25am by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Community School Board has now set a special meeting to deal with proposed RIFs.  That meeting will take place Monday afternoon at 5 o’clock.  The RIF issue was removed from the Board’s regular meeting agenda last week.  RCS said that some Board members did not feel they had enough time to weigh the issue.  The initial RIF proposal called for the elimination of 19 positions.  By law, teachers who will have their jobs eliminated must be notified by this coming Wednesday.

AREA UNEMPLOYMENT RATES TICK UPWARD

Posted Yesterday At 5:14am by Jeff Lane

(Indianapolis, IN)--After having dropped for three consecutive months, unemployment rates have ticked back up across the Whitewater Valley.  New figures from the state indicate that Wayne County’s unemployment rate has jumped from 2.7% to 3.3% in the last month.  The increase is due mostly to 188 more people counted as unemployed than were in the last month.  Other counties across the Whitewater Valley saw similar increases.

MAN ADMITS TO TRUCK STOP KILLING

Posted Thursday Morning by Jeff Lane

(New Paris, OH)--A death investigation that began Wednesday night at a state-line truck stop was continuing Thursday morning.  Deputies responded to the Petro Travel Center on U.S. 40 at around 8:20 Wednesday night.  The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office initially believed it was a fatal crash on the ramp onto westbound I-70.  But, Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson said they learned that was not what happened.  "The semi driver made some statements that he's responsible for the death of the female in the truck and it wasn't because of the crash," Simpson said.  He then ran across U.S. 40 but was quickly caught.  He was taken to the hospital to be checked out.  A Petro employee indicated that the killing occurred in the truck stop’s parking lot and that the man came in to take a shower after it occurred.  The identities of both the victim and the suspect have not been released.

SOLUTION SOUGHT FOR ELKS ROAD LANDSLIDE

Posted Thursday Morning by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Wayne County Commissioners met Wednesday and discussed finding a solution to an ongoing problem with Elks Road.  An area just north of the railroad tracks is sliding down toward the river.  The slide is breaking up the road, and it’s a problem that’s been going on for years.  The problem area has now been blocked off.  "There's one lane open.  I put concrete barricades along it because it's dropped far enough.  I don't want to keep putting gravel on it.  We're just wasting gravel," said Mike Sharp with the Wayne County Highway Department.  An account was created Wednesday to hold funding for more extensive work.

MAN DIES AFTER CRASH AT SPEEDWAY

Posted Thursday Morning by Jeff Lane

(Connersville, IN)--Investigators are saying it was likely a medical emergency that caused a man to crash at the Speedway station at 30^th Street and Park Road in Connersville.  It happened at around 1:45 Wednesday afternoon.  Bystanders worked to get the man out of his vehicle.  He was taken to Reid Health Connersville and was pronounced dead.  The initial finding was that the man was traveling north on Park Road at a high rate of speed before impacting a wall that runs adjacent to Speedway’s parking lot.  The man’s identity was not released.

RANDOLPH COUNTY JUDGE ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Posted Thursday Morning by Jeff Lane

(Winchester, IN)--A long-time Randolph County judge will be stepping down in a couple of weeks.  Randolph Circuit Judge Jay Toney has informed the Indiana Supreme Court that his final day on the bench will be July 6.  Toney was first elected in 2004 and was reelected three times after that.  Kimberly Dowling has been appointed as Judge Pro Tem.  She previously served in that role for Dale Arnett, who was forced to resign last fall for judicial misconduct.

MAN JAILED FOR PUBLIC INDECENCY WITH UNDER-13 VICTIM

Posted Thursday Morning by Jeff Lane

(Camden, OH)--A Preble County man was taken into custody Wednesday night following an investigation.  50-year-old Stephen Cook was arrested by Camden police and is now charged with public indecency to lure a minor under the age of 13 into sexual activity and importuning.  Importuning where the victim is under the age of 13 is a relatively high-level felony.  Cook is being held without bond.  Other details have not been released.

URANUS VANDALIZED OVER WATER ISSUE

Posted Wednesday Morning by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The Uranus Fudge Factory issued another reaction Tuesday night in the ongoing dispute over water at nearby Camp Mahanaim.  Uranus, which now faces a federal lawsuit, reiterated their opinion that they are prevented by law from supplying water to the camp.  They also urged online critics they called "yahoos" to confirm their position by going to ChatGPT.  Meanwhile, Uranus also Tuesday night posted images of a vandal who spraypainted the words “open the water” with an expletive near their storefront.

WANTED ACCUSED CHILD MOLESTER FOUND DURING SEARCH

Posted Wednesday Morning by Jeff Lane

(Connersville, IN)--Connersville police served a warrant on one man and found an accused child molester in the process.  Details of the Monday search were released Tuesday.  Dana Erlewein was wanted in Wayne County for failing to appear in his most recent of numerous drug cases.  Investigators went to the 100 block of East 2^nd in Connersville and found Erlewein hiding inside.  Because he was hiding, they did a more thorough search inside the home.  That’s when they found Roy Marsh of Knightstown, who is wanted in Henry County for child molestation.  Both were initially being held without bond.

FORMER SANITATION WORKER SET FOR PRE-TRIAL HEARING THURSDAY

Posted Wednesday Morning by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A pre-trial hearing is set for Thursday in the case of a former Richmond Sanitation Department worker accused of stealing more than $800,000.  It’s now been more than a year and a half since Jennifer Wilson was formally charged in the case.  Since then, online court documents indicate her trial date has been pushed back six times.  Wilson is a former accounts payable clerk with the Sanitary District.  She allegedly took customers’ monthly payments and deposited the money into her own account over a period that extended more than six years.  Wilson is currently set to go on trial in early August.

VANDALS DO MAJOR DAMAGE TO STARR-GENNETT MEDALLIONS

Posted Tuesday Morning by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Vandals have done major damage at a spot aimed to pay tribute to a significant part of Richmond’s legacy.  It happened in the Starr-Gennett area of the gorge.  There, 29 medallions pay tribute to some of the most iconic artists who recorded in Richmond decades ago – artists like Louis Armstrong and Guy Lombardo.  Last week, vandals took the bronze from those medallions, causing estimated tens of thousands of dollars in damage.  The Starr-Gennett Foundation indicated that reports have been filed with both the police and their insurance company.

RCS EXPLAINS REMOVAL OF RIFs FROM AGENDA AS DEADLINE APPROACHES

Posted Tuesday Morning by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Community Schools on Monday provided an explanation about why RIFs were removed from the agenda of last week’s Board meeting.  In a written response, RCS indicated that some members of the Board determined that they did not feel comfortable having such a brief period of time in advance of the meeting to fully consider the issue.  Teachers who will have their jobs eliminated must be notified by July 1 according to state law.  The Board meets in executive session Wednesday night and will set another public meeting before that deadline.  19 positions are set to be eliminated.

THREE-TIME DRUG DEALER SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS

Posted Tuesday Morning by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond drug dealer has received a stiff prison sentence.  Part of the reason that 55-year-old Kenneth Gipson received a 17-year prison sentence is that he had been convicted of dealing drugs twice before.  Last summer, investigators found more than one hundred grams of cocaine and items used for distribution in Gibson’s home in the 1400 block of South 4^th.  They also located handguns and $24,000 in cash.

MAN ACCUSED OF DEALING CAUSING DEATH SENTENCED

Posted Tuesday Morning by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A man arrested for dealing the drugs that caused the overdose death of a Cambridge City resident has been sentenced to 15 years.  Jamen Riggs died three years ago.  Investigators said that Kain Grose sold Riggs the drugs that killed him.  As part of a plea deal, Grose pled guilty to a drug-dealing charge in exchange for the causing death element being dropped.  Solomon Williams was also charged in the case.  Williams is due to go on trial in September.

URANUS ISSUES STATEMENT OVER WATER DISPUTE WITH CAMP

Posted Monday Morning by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The Uranus Fudge Factory issued a statement over the weekend after a dispute over water access between Uranus and Camp Mahanaim prompted the camp to file a lawsuit.  The camp claims Uranus parked a fire truck on top of a valve which prevented water from being turned on at the camp, forcing it to truck in water from Greenville.  The new statement from Uranus claims that they are prohibited by law from acting as a mid-stream water utility and that they are in full compliance with state utility laws.  Camp Mahanaim has filed a lawsuit over the issue.

MISSING TEEN LOCATED

Posted Monday Morning by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A missing Richmond teen has been located and is home safe.  Last Tuesday, the Richmond Police Department asked for the help of the public in locating 14-year-old Dredyn Williams, who had been missing from South West 2^nd Street for several days.  Over the weekend, RPD issued an update that indicated the boy had been found.  Details of where he had been and how he was located were not released.

WOMAN REVIVED, JAILED FOR DRUG POSSESSION

Posted Monday Morning by Jeff Lane

(Liberty, IN)--There were numerous drug arrests over the weekend.  In Union County, deputies found an unresponsive person in a car on Scratch Gravel Road.  42-year-old Brandy Baker of Liberty was revived and ultimately charged with possession.  The substance was identified as fentanyl.  In Wayne County, five people have been jailed on various drug charges since Friday.  That includes Travis Davis, who is charged with dealing cocaine.

RICHMOND MAN JAILED TWICE IN SAME DAY

Posted Monday Morning by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond habitual offender and convicted drug dealer Sunday earned the dubious distinction of being taken to jail twice in the same day.  44-year-old John Lubresky was first taken to jail Sunday morning for driving with a suspended license.  He was released.  Then, a few hours later, he was taken back to jail for battery against a juvenile.  That charge has a mandatory 24-hour hold.

SOME SMITH HILL HOMES TO BE PRICED AT $850,000

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Here’s more on the makeup of the Smith Hill development, which appears to be fully moving forward.  The proposed development now includes up to 277 individual living units, which is more than was originally proposed in the development’s initial stages.  "We are anticipating that up to one hundred of those may be town homes.  Those town homes may be owner-occupied; they may be for rent.  We don't know.  We have the flexibility to do both," said developer Chris Hamm.  Those potential rentals would be located closer to South 37^th in the northwest part of the development.  As for the individual homes, some will be very pricey.  "There will be a section of custom homes that will be created which are anticipated to be sold from $800,000 to $850,000 a piece," Hamm explained.  Hamm said homes on the low end will sell for about $300,000.

STORM DAMAGE RULED RESULT OF EF-2 TORNADO

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Franklin County, IN)--Storm damage was assessed across southern parts of the Whitewater Valley Thursday, which took the brunt of storms that moved through the area Wednesday night into Thursday morning.  The National Weather Service determined Thursday that an EF-2 tornado touched down in southeastern Franklin County  In the Drewersburg area, one home was destroyed with another receiving extensive damage.  One woman had to be rescued from her basement.  The tornado had an estimated wind speed of 125 miles per hour.

RCS RIF DISCUSSION TO CONTINUE

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--On Wednesday, the Richmond Community School Board removed proposed RIF’s from the agenda for the Wednesday night meeting.  But that does not mean the issue is over.  Here’s RCS Board President Austin Brann:  "They were removed for more discussion prior to the end of the month.  We will be having another meeting - probably executive session first and then a session to vote on that."  The proposal that was removed from the agenda called for 19 positions to be eliminated.

REA PREDICTS NO-CONFIDENCE VOTE WILL RESULT IN TERMINATION

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Education Association, or teachers’ union, has issued a follow-up statement after announcing earlier this week that there was a near-unanimous vote of no confidence in the RCS Central Office leadership.  The new statement essentially addresses fears of retaliation against leaders of the REA.  It lays out a six-point prediction of actions they say RCS may take to ultimately terminate those leaders.  The REA said that the predictions are based on previous actions by the RCS administration that came to fruition.  RCS has not addressed the no-confidence vote.

MAN CHARGED WITH CHILD MOLESTATION

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Connersville, IN)--A Connersville man is facing charges including child molesting and sexual misconduct with a minor.  52-year-old Forrest Crawley faces those charges following a lengthy investigation.  Details of what led to the charges have not been released.  Crawley is being held on a $150,000.  A judge in the case issued a no contact order on Thursday.

WHITEWATER VALLEY ESCAPES WIDESPREAD STORM DAMAGE

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Whitewater Valley)--For the most part, the Whitewater Valley escaped the severe storms and tornados that roared through parts of the Midwest Wednesday night and early Thursday morning.  The strongest storms went through the southern parts of area at around midnight.  Tornado warnings were issued between midnight and one o’clock Thursday morning for parts of Franklin, Preble, and Butler County.  But those were radar-indicated tornados only with no confirmed touchdowns.  Heavy rain was also an issue.  Radar indicated more than four inches of rain fell overnight in those same tornado-warned areas.  There were no widespread power outages in the immediate area Thursday morning.

RCS REMOVES RIF's FROM AGENDA, APPROVES REALIGNMENT

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Community School Board met Wednesday afternoon and did not address the proposed 19 RIF’s that had appeared on the agenda earlier in the day.  The Board did, though, unanimously approve a realignment that will send fifth-graders out of intermediate buildings and back to elementary buildings.  Board member Nicole Stultz said that the Board felt the community supported the change.  "We did feel collectively as the Board that that was something that was perceived as favorable," Stultz said.  The change will not take effect for the upcoming school year.  It won’t be implemented until the ’27-’28 school year.

MAN ARRESTED FOR TWO RECENT ARMED ROBBERIES

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--An arrest has been made in connection with two Richmond armed robberies.  Those robberies had occurred on Sunday at the Clark station at 12^th and North E and at the Milkhouse at 17^th and East Main the following day.  Investigators on Wednesday questioned 32-year-old Jordan Jarrett at RPD headquarters and arrested him there.  Jarrett is now charged with two counts of armed robbery and five other felony counts.  Jordan has a violent criminal history.  He has two previous robbery cases and, back in 2013, was sentenced to eight years in prison for child molesting.  No one was hurt in this week’s robberies.

RPD SEEKS HELP IN LOCATING HIT-AND-RUN SUSPECT

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Police Department is asking for the help of the public in identifying and arresting the driver in a hit-and-run incident that occurred earlier this week.  It happened on Monday afternoon just before two o’clock.  Investigators say that a person was struck near North 14^th and C.  That victim was left in critical condition.  The only description of the vehicle is that is black with Ohio plates.  There are no surveillance images.  The victim’s name and current condition have not been released.

RCS BOARD TO BE PRESENTED WITH RIF's WEDNESDAY

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Reductions in force will be addressed when the Richmond Community School Board meets late Wednesday afternoon.  There are 19 total positions set to be cut, including six teachers at the middle and high school levels.  Other positions facing cuts include the district’s financial director and the middle school athletic director.  The Board will also address a proposed grade-level realignment that would have fifth-graders return to elementary schools.  The cost of that realignment is currently set at between five and six million dollars.  Wednesday afternoon’s meeting gets underway at 5:30.

TIMELINE FOR SMITH HILL OUTLINED, FUNDING APPROVED

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The timeline for construction at the controversial Smith Hill residential development near Backmeyer and Garwood Roads in Richmond came more into focus Tuesday.  Developer Chris Hamm provided that timeline to the Richmond Redevelopment Commission yesterday.  Survey work and traffic studies are already underway.  Hamm talked about when more significant work is likely to begin.  "It's very unlikely that home construction would start this year.  The hope would be that we could get out there and begin moving dirt, shaping, and doing pipe work over the winter," Hamm said.  Hamm added that it’s more likely that actual home construction would begin next spring.  Funding allocations for the project were approved Tuesday.  There are now projected to be as many as 287 housing units.

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR DRUG DEALING IN HOME WHERE SHE WAS ONCE SHOT

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--An alleged drug dealer was taken into custody Tuesday night.  33-year-old Melinda Johnson was arrested at her home in the 1400 block of Hunt Street and now faces charges that include dealing methamphetamine and dealing cocaine.  Details of what led to those charges have not been released.  Johnson was shot in that home three years ago, and she was convicted of drug dealing eight years ago.  She was sentenced to three years in that case.  A firearm was also recovered during Tuesday’s arrest.

CHANGES COMING TO DEPOT DISTRICT INTERSECTION

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Changes are coming to the five-point intersection in Richmond’s Depot District.  Those changes were addressed Tuesday during the meeting of the Richmond Redevelopment Commission.  The traffic signal where Ft. Wayne Avenue, North D, and three other streets come together will change.  "If you're aware of that current signal where it has that large, steel stand crossing the whole five-way intersection...it's going to be a much more modernized look.  We'll have just cantilevers," said Jack Blocks, who is a project engineer.  There will also be new crosswalks at the intersection.  The work is part of an effort to connect the area to the Cardinal Greenway Trail.

REMAINS IDENTIFIED AS MISSING FRANKLIN COUNTY MAN

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Franklin County, IN)--Nearly two years to the day after he went missing, the remains of a missing Franklin County man have been positively identified.  Roger Purcell went missing back in June of 2024.  Remains found in eastern Franklin County late last week have now been identified as Purcell after forensic examination.  Purcell's mother had said that he was both diabetic and had brain damage from a stroke.  She also said that he had been hearing voices before he disappeared.  Investigators have not said if there was any indication of foul play.  Additional autopsy results are pending.

RPD ASKS FOR HELP IN LOCATING MISSING TEEN

Posted About A Week Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Police Department is continuing to ask for the help of the public in locating a missing teenage boy.  That boy is 14-year-old Dredyn Williams.  A release from RPD on Tuesday said that he is missing from the 400 block of South West 2^nd Street.  Details of what may have led to his disappearance and how long he’s been missing have not been released.  Dredyn is described as a black male, about 5’7” tall and 160 pounds.

TRANSFER OF REID PROPERTY FOR SMITH HILL DEVELOPMENT DRAWS SCRUTINY

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The Smith Hill project came under fire again when Richmond Common Council met Monday night.  The next step in the project will be a term sheet which lists terms between the city and the developer for the project.  The Redevelopment Commission will address the release of $3.2 million Tuesday.  Questions arose from Councilman Larry Parker about the transfer of $1 million worth of land for the project from Reid Health to the city in lieu of payment for cleanup of the old Reid property on Chester Boulevard.  Here’s Parker talking about Reid’s role:  "They get their cake and they get to eat it.  That's fantastic.  They're going to give us the land as long as we do what they want us to do."  Developers are currently working on surveys and traffic studies.

REA ISSUES VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE IN RCS ADMINISTRATION

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Education Association, or teachers’ union, on Monday issued a vote of no confidence in the leadership of the Central Office of Richmond Community Schools.  The statement says that the step "reflects ongoing and serious concerns in three critical areas."  Those areas are poor leadership, poor communication, and fiscal management.  According to the REA, at least 98% of the votes cast indicated they have no confidence in those three areas.  The statement does not seek any specific resolution, and there has been no public response from the RCS administration or Board.

MILKHOUSE ROBBED AT GUNPOINT

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--For the second night in a row, there was an armed robbery in Richmond.  On Sunday night, someone held up the Clark station at 12^th and North E.  Then, early Monday evening, a man held up the Milkhouse near 17^th and East Main.  Richmond Police have not released any information yet.  Witnesses said the suspect was a white male who displayed a handgun.  No injuries were reported.  RPD has also not said if they suspect the same person is responsible for both robberies.  No arrests have been made.

CONDOMINIUM PROJECT ON HOLD FOR TRAFFIC STUDY

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The proposed condominium complex on 19 acres just south of Walmart and just north of Backmeyer Road in Richmond is on hold at the request of the developer.  At the previous meeting of Richmond Common Council, some council members expressed concern about a possible entrance to the complex off of Backmeyer Road.  City Planning Director Shannon Hayes said Monday night that they’re now taking a closer look.  "Both the developer and the agent have reached out to me, and they are preparing a written commitment to get an independent traffic impact study," Hayes said.  There is no timetable for the completion of the traffic study.

URANUS REZONING NARROWLY PASSES

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Zoning for the expansion project at Uranus was narrowly approved Monday night.  Richmond Common Council approved the zoning change by a 5-4 vote despite ongoing disputes between Uranus and adjacent property owners over water and fire issues.  City Attorney AJ Sickmann advised council that those disputes would continue regardless of the zoning issues and that the city should not inject itself into the case.

MAN ARRESTED FOR RAPE, OTHER CHARGES

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Connersville, IN)--A few details were released Monday of the arrest of a Fayette County man on charges that include rape while in possession of a deadly weapon and criminal confinement.  The alleged incident occurred last Friday when investigators were sent to a health care facility on the report of an injured female.  44-year-old Justin Plummer was taken to jail and ordered held on a $450,000 bond.  Other details about what led to the allegations have not been released.

TEENS CONTINUE TO RECOVER AFTER FATAL CRASH

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--Two teenage boys were continuing to recover Monday morning after an early Saturday afternoon crash that claimed the life of a Greens Fork woman.  70-year-old Sue Gettinger was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on State Road 38 just east of Jacksonburg Road.  Investigators say the 16-year-old boy from Centerville crossed the center line into Gettinger’s path.  Both boys had to be cut from the wreckage.  The driver was flown to Miami Valley Hospital.  The passenger, who is also 16 years old, was taken to Reid Health.  The crash remains under investigation.

GROUP ACQUIRES WAYNE COUNTY LAND FOR NATURE PRESERVE

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--A $75,000 grant has helped an organization called Red-Tail Land Conservancy acquire 39 acres of mature woodland just south of Richmond for permanent protection.  It’s known as the Buskirk Falls Preserve, and its located a few miles west of Boston.  Here’s Executive Director Julie Borgman in one of their videos:  "It's an incredible piece of property, and not just because of the beautiful waterfall that's here."  They say that the area will provide opportunities for outdoor education, scientific research, and community engagement.

WEAK TORNADO TOUCHES DOWN IN RANDOLPH COUNTY

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Randolph County, IN)--The National Weather Service has now determined that a weak tornado touched down in Randolph County late last Thursday night.  It touched down in a farm field west of County Road 675 West, or a few miles east of Farmland.  It was rated an EF-0 with a maximum wind speed of 70 miles per hour.  It was on the ground for about a third of a mile.  One home suffered some structural damage.  There were no injuries.

HUMAN REMAINS FOUND IN FRANKLIN COUNTY

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Franklin County, IN)--Investigators will continue to work Monday to identify human remains that were found in Franklin County on Friday.  Those remains were found in an unspecified rural area in the eastern part of the county.  The Sheriff’s Department is withholding most of the details, including how the remains were discovered and if there was clothing or any other potentially identifying elements found with the remains.  A central Indiana forensic team is now involved in the case.

BINGO, RAFFLES TO BE PERMITTED AT FAIRGROUNDS

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Gambling of sorts will be allowed at the Wayne County Fairgrounds.  Wayne County Commissioners agreed to allow it this week.  That doesn’t mean there will be slot machines or blackjack tables, but instead will be more more mild forms like bingo and 50/50 raffles.  "As long as it's a legal entity that's doing it and entity that's doing it and it's a legal process - they go through their permitting - I say we rent to them," said Commissioner Brad Dwenger.  In allowing those types of events to take place, commissioners also discussed whether or not organizations should be required to provide security.

ALLEGED RICHMOND METH DEALER JAILED

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond police arrested another alleged drug dealer Thursday afternoon.  Officers arrived in the 200 block of North 12^th Street and took 38-year-old Edward Mann into custody.  Mann was charged with dealing methamphetamine and resisting arrest.  It is Mann’s 12^th criminal arrest in the last decade.  Details of what led to Thursday’s meth-dealing charge have not yet been released.

SCHOOL BUS DRIVER CHARGED WITH GROOMING SENTENCED

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Eaton, OH)--A Preble County bus driver accused of grooming students is behind bars.  44-year-old James Kimball was sentenced to 90 days in jail after pleading guilty to attempt to commit an offense last month.  Eaton Police Chief Steve Hurd said that Kimball was initially charged with grooming involving a student last fall.  Kimball was a bus driver for Twin Valley South schools, but also transported Eaton students to and from certain functions.

WHITEWATER CAREER CENTER FOUNDER DIES

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Connersville, IN)--A man who is widely credited with developing the regional vocational education system in the Whitewater Valley has died.  Bob Hoffman died on Wednesday night.  Hoffman was the founding director of what is known today as the Whitewater Career Center that serves students across the area.  Hoffman also spent time in the 1990’s as a state representative for House District 55.  The service has been set for 10 a.m. June 19 at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home  Bob Hoffman was 87.

VETERANS PARK THIEVES APPREHENDED, ITEMS RECOVERED

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Thursday, the Richmond Police Department issued security images and asked for the help of the public in identifying at least two people who stole items from the Veteran’s Memorial Park.  It wasn’t long after that the individuals were identified, taken into custody, and the stolen items were recovered.  The people involved are juveniles, so their names will not be released.  RPD did not say exactly what was stolen.

RIBBON CUT ON HOUSING ADDITION

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The ribbon has been cut on a new residential area on Richmond’s east side.  The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce took part this week in a ceremony at Villas at Garwood.  Those new homes are near the intersection of Backmeyer and Garwood Road.  They’re about 1800 square feet in size and are on the market for around $400,000.  Two more larger housing projects in the same general area continue to progress.  One is the Smith Hill development.  The other is just south of Walmart.  That project goes back before Common Council on Monday night.

WANTED MAN APPREHENDED OVERNIGHT

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--There was a large law enforcement presence on North West 16^th in Richmond overnight to help get a wanted man into custody.  31-year-old Jesse Maiden had two active warrants, including one connected to the allegation that he forced his way into a home on Hunt Street and then forced a female victim into a car and drove away with her.  Maiden is already a convicted burglar and has four different criminal cases currently pending.  He was booked into the Wayne County Jail at six minutes after midnight Thursday morning.

COUNTY TO MAINTAIN HEALTH INSURANCE STATUS QUO FOR EMPLOYEES

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Wayne County Commissioners had a lengthy discussion Wednesday on health insurance for the county’s employees.  The county had been presented with two companies.  Ultimately, commissioners voted to stay with a company called One80.  "I think, by and large, our employees are very satisfied with the service end of Dunn's program.  I'm very comfortable with where we're at," said Commissioner Jeff Plasterer.  The county faces an increase in costs due largely to a high amount of claims in the last two years.

TATTOO ORDINANCE DRAFTED, BUT NOT CURRENTLY NEEDED

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Pew Research estimates that one of three people now have at least one tattoo.  Tuesday, the Wayne County Health Department touched on the tattoo topic and said that they have drafted an ordinance to help oversee tattoo shops.  But, so far, it’s not really needed.  "We have 12 total tattoo shops in our county - not including any sort of microblading.  In the past year and a half since I've been here, we've received five calls and only two complaints," said Chad Kircher.  About 22 percent of Americans have more than one tattoo.

SPILL TURNS HIGHWAY BLUE

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Herbicide dye spilled at the junction of Highways 27 and 227 in Richmond on Tuesday.  The roadway turned an almost neon blue and prompted Wayne County Emergency Management to issue an advisory which stated that the liquid was non-toxic.  Drivers, though, were advised to wash the substance off their vehicles immediately.

DEPUTIES MAKE OVERNIGHT DRUG-DEALING ARREST

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Wayne County Sheriff’s deputies arrested an alleged drug dealer late Tuesday night.  33-year-old Shane Alexander was taken into custody at just before midnight Tuesday night in the 400 block of South 5^th Street in Richmond and charged with dealing cocaine or other narcotic drug.  Details of what led to Alexander’s arrest have not yet become available.  His criminal history includes burglary and drug possession.

FAYETTE COUNTY MAN JAILED FOR CHILD MOLESTATION

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Connersville, IN)--A multi-week investigation by Fayette County investigators has led to the arrest of a 26-year-old man for a host of alleged offenses against children.  Dakota Shepler was taken into custody early Tuesday morning.  Shepler is now charged with child molesting, sexual misconduct with a minor, and child exploitation.  He was being held Wednesday morning on a $150,000 bond.  An initial hearing has not been set.

APPLICATION PERIOD OPENS FOR DOWNTOWN GRANTS

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--The first application round for the READI Downtown Revitalization Grant Program opened Monday.  The program was launched by the EDC of Wayne County.  It’s a competitive funding initiative aimed at driving commercial and housing developments in downtown districts in communities across Wayne County.  Applicants will be able to request up to $200,000 for projects that will require a 75/25 match.  The program is expected to leverage nearly $17 million in total public and private investment.  The first application round closes near the end of next month.

TWO JAILED TUESDAY MORNING AFTER SEARCH WARRANT EXECUTED

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Two women are were taken to the Wayne County Jail early Tuesday morning after a search warrant was executed in the 300 block of South 12^th Street in Richmond.  Investigators searched that property at around midnight.  23-year-old Elizabeth Moster is now charged with maintaining a common nuisance with controlled substances.  32-year-old Laura Bond was charged with meth possession.  Details of what led to the search and the amount of drugs recovered have not been released.

FORMER TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE ESCAPES JAIL TIME

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Eaton, OH)--A former township trustee in Preble County escaped jail time after being convicted of making a video recording of a young girl in a bathroom.  Wade Guthrie pled guilty last month to voyeurism and tampering with evidence as part of a plea deal.  Monday, Guthrie was sentenced to five years of community control, or probation, and was ordered to receive counseling.  He will also have to register as a sex offender for the next 15 years.  Guthrie was a Gasper Township Trustee at the time of his arrest last year.

RICHMOND TEEN STILL MISSING AFTER 15 DAYS

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Police Department was continuing on Monday to ask for the help of the public in locating a missing teen.  Monday marks the 15^th day since anyone has heard from 16-year-old Yazmine Peters.  Yazmine was last seen voluntarily leaving her home on May 24.  RPD issued a plea on Friday for anyone who may have information on her whereabouts to contact law enforcement

MAN REMAINS WANTED AFTER ALLEGED KIDNAPPING

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond man remains wantedafter having now been charged with a series of charges tied to an incident last week.  31-year-old Jesse Maiden allegedly kicked in a door and entered the home of a woman known to him on Hunt Street.  Court documents indicate Maiden grabbed her by the back of the neck and forced her into his vehicle.  She eventually convinced Maiden to let her go at a Richmond convenience store.  He was charged last week with burglary, kidnapping, and several other charges but has not yet been taken into custody. Maiden has two other criminal cases pending.

PERSON PRONOUNCED DEAD AFTER JUMP FROM RICHMOND AVENUE BRIDGE

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--One person was pronounced dead after having jumped from the Richmond Avenue Bridge Sunday night.  First responders got the call at around 7 o’clock Sunday night.  Scanner traffic indicated a medical helicopter was alerted and then cancelled.  Last year, fencing was added to the G Street Bridge to prevent suicides, but that’s the only one of four bridges spanning the Whitewater Gorge to have that type of barrier.  The person’s name from Sunday night has not been released.

SEMI-TRUCK FIRE BACKS UP WESTBOUND I-70

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--A semi caught fire on I-70 in Wayne County Thursday afternoon. 

The fire broke out on westbound I-70 near Centerville Road. 

A semi hauling glue became fully engulfed in flame by the time both Centerville, Richmond, and Webster firefighters arrived. Westbound traffic quickly became backed up in the construction zone and remained stop-and-go for several hours. 

No injuries were reported.  There’s no word yet on what started the fire.

REVITALIZE RICHMOND PROJECT MOVES FORWARD

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A project that’s part of the Revitalize Richmond effort took a step forward yesterday. 

The Richmond Board of Public Works approved a contract that will provide preliminary work for a path aimed at connecting Earlham College to the downtown area.

The path will run from the Lundy Bridge to South West 16^th.  Funding is being provided through a Lilly grant. 

Preliminary work will take place throughout the remainder of this year with constructed expected to start early next spring.

FORMER ABINGTON FIREFIGHTERS FILE LAWSUIT

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Abington, IN)--Two former members of the Abington Volunteer Fire Department have filed a lawsuit in federal court against other members of that Department and the Abington Township Advisory Board. 

The complaints and allegations by Jameson Warren and James Ausmus are numerous, although the lawsuit claims that their constitutional rights were violated. 

Two years ago, Board President Steve Kaiser signed Ausmus’ name to a document without Ausmus knowledge or approval.  Ausmus was fired after bringing that situation to light. 

The lawsuit is proceeding through the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana.

VISUALLY IMPAIRED LOCAL VIOLINIST PLAYS AT CARNEGIE HALL

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A young member of a local orchestra has overcome incredible obstacles to realize a dream.  Lydia Smith was born blind, but taught herself to play numerous instruments by ear.  And, recently, she performed on the violin at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City.  Lydia has had 13 eye surgeries and now has some vision in one eye.  She is a 2024 graduate of Community Christian School.

22-YEAR-OLD WITH EIGHT PREVIOUS ARRESTS JAILED FOR DRUG POSSESSION

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--A 22-year-old Richmond man who already has a lengthy criminal record added to it Thursday morning.  Tyvon Harper was taken into custody earlier Thursday morning and charged with possession of meth and controlled substances.  The amount of drugs recovered is not yet available.  Despite being only 22, Harper has eight previous criminal cases just in Wayne County.  His arrest was one of two drug arrests early Thursday morning.  Charles Reams was jailed for possession of cocaine on South M Street.

COURT DOCS: WOMAN TRADED METH FOR CLEAN LAUNDRY

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Here’s more on a drug-dealing arrest first reported by Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News earlier this week.  38-year-old Evelyn Manning was charged on Tuesday with dealing meth and now faces up to 30 years in prison.  According to newly obtained court documents, Manning offered to give a woman meth if she would do Manning’s laundry.  A subsequent search of Manning’s home turned up more than one hundred syringes, digital scales, and packaging materials.  Manning is due in court on June 12.

LATE-NIGHT ARREST RESULTS IN JAILING OF ALLEGED DRUG DEALER

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond police arrested an alleged drug dealer late Tuesday night.  Officers took 43-year-old Nicholas Bigalk (BEE-ock), who also uses the name Nicholas McKinley, into custody in the first block of South West 3^rd Street.  He’s charged with dealing cocaine, dealing a lookalike substance, and a host of other charges.  Details of what led to the arrest have not been released.

WANTED MAN RETURNED TO WAYNE COUNTY

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Wayne County deputies went to Greensburg Tuesday to bring back 31-year-old Dustin Adams of Dublin after Adams was jailed there.  Adams has been wanted in Wayne County for allegedly exchanging sexually charged messages with who he thought was a 15-year-old girl, but was really an adult investigator.  Adams has had a warrant in Wayne County for the last two weeks.

FORMER POLICE LIEUTENANT JAILED

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Eaton, OH)--A former Preble County police lieutenant is back in jail.  Jason Etter was arrested Tuesday for violating a protective order.  Just a week ago, Etter had pleaded guilty to menacing by stalking after threatening to kill someone.  Court documents indicate Etter entered a woman’s apartment and placed a knife under her throat.  Etter will be held without bond until he can be seen by an Eaton Municipal Court judge.

RHS GRAD AWARDED SEARA BURTON SCHOLARSHIP

Posted About Three Weeks Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--New Richmond High School graduate Brooklyn Clark is the winner of the Officer Seara Burton and Brev Law Enforcement Scholarship by Reid Health.  That scholarship is a $2400 award for graduating seniors who want to pursue a degree in law enforcement and is named for the RPD officer who died in the line of duty in 2022.  Brooklyn is headed to Indiana State to pursue her degree.

CONFUSION REIGNS AS COUNCIL ADDRESSES ZONING CHANGE FOR HOUSING ADDITION

Posted About One Month Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Confusion reigned as Richmond Common Council on Monday night addressed the rezoning of 19 acres just south of Walmart.  The rezoning would create 30 lots with duplexes as part of a homeowners association that would sell for between $250,000 and $400,000.  Some on Council expressed concern about a potential new entrance to the area off of Backmeyer Road.  Others on Council said it was too early in the process to discuss those specifics.  Council voted not to proceed until a traffic study was done.  That brought this reaction from Larry Parker:  "I'm not sure that Council realizes what we just did.  We just stopped the whole thing."  Council then essentially asked for a do-over.  City Attorney A.J. Sickmann said that could happen.  "If Council didn't understand what it was doing, then I would ask for a unanimous vote to recall it," Sickmann said.  Council then reversed itself and voted to put the issue on hold until a traffic study is completed.  But, that would come at the expense of the developer with no guarantee that the rezoning would be approved.  A traffic study could cost up to $30,000.

SHERIDAN STREET FACILITY PRESENTS RISK OF ANOTHER MY-WAY-TRADING-TYPE FIRE

Posted About One Month Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--It’s been more than three years now since the My Way Trading. That fire sent large plumes of black smoke into the air and forced the evacuation of hundreds in the Fairview area of Richmond.  There are still several lawsuits pending.  The fire was made much worse because massive amounts of plastic were packed into warehouses despite the city’s effort to have them removed.  Now, a similar situation exits at a facility on Sheridan Street.  "I've had conversations with the property owner who is working with the Sanitary District to try to negotiate the details associated with removing that material so that it can be taken off-site.  That was as recently as two or three weeks ago," said City Attorney A.J. Sickmann in response to a question from Richmond Common Council on Monday night.  The exact location of the facility on Sheridan Street was not revealed.

FUNDS APPROPRIATED FOR PURCHASE OF IDLE POLICE VEHICLES

Posted About One Month Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The eight police cars that have sat idle on the lot of a local dealership since last December are now headed for the Richmond Police Department fleet.  Richmond Common Council approved the appropriation of funding for the purchase Monday night.  The purchase was initiated by a member of RPD last year but did not go through the proper procedures.  Council member Dr. Lucinda Wright addressed that Monday night.  "The integrity of this council is important.  It's important that we do what's right.  Let's do that - not hurt RPD or Wetzel.  Let's do what we need to do and be done with it," Wright said.  RPD recently lost one of its canine vehicles.

URANUS EXPANSION PUT ON HOLD OVER WATER, FIRE CONCERNS

Posted About One Month Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Plans to expand Uranus were put on hold Monday night by Richmond Common Council.  Ryan Toms, who owns an adjacent campground, addressed council and said that there are ongoing water issues and fire violations.  Those issues were not addressed recently when the Richmond Plan Commissioner gave a positive recommendation.  Here’s Council President Justin Burkhardt:  "I would like to get some more clarification on this.  I know we've heard from both sides, but I just think it would be in our best interest to hold this."  The expansion plans for Uranus will come back before Council at a future date.

BUS WITH CHILDREN ON BOARD INVOLVED IN CRASH

Posted About One Month Ago by Jeff Lane

(Wayne County, IN)--A Boys and Girls Club bus ended up on the side of the road following an accident at a problem Wayne County intersection on Monday.  It happened at around 3:45 at the intersection of U.S. 27 and Pottershop Road.  Scanner traffic indicated that an undisclosed number of children were on the bus when it collided with another vehicle.  None of them suffered any injuries.  An occupant of the other vehicle suffered a minor shoulder injury.  Names of those involved and the cause of the crash have not been released.

COUNCIL TO ADDRESS REZONING ISSUES

Posted About One Month Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Common Council meets Monday night, and it’s a meeting that will be highlighted by a couple of zoning issues.  One of them is the proposal to add roughly 30 homes on 19 acres of land near the northwest corner of South 37^th and Backmeyer Road, which is directly south of Walmart.  That proposal got a positive recommendation from the Richmond Area Plan Commission last week.  Council will also address a proposed expansion at Uranus.  And, finally, Council is expected to appropriate $360,000 for the purchase of police vehicles that have sat on the lot of a local dealer since last December.  Monday night’s meeting begins at 7.  As always, you can catch it live on WGTV.

ALLEGED METH DEALER JAILED FOR SECOND TIME IN 2026

Posted About One Month Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--Six years ago, Richmond’s Evelyn Manning was arrested when, in her words, she went on a “meth bender” and her young child was found living in deplorable conditions.  About three months ago, she was arrested for dealing methamphetamine.  And now, she was arrested again Sunday for dealing meth.  The arrest happened early Sunday morning at her home in the 200 block of North 12^th Street.  Manning’s arrest was one of numerous meth-related arrests in Wayne County over the weekend.  Five different people were jailed on various meth charges.

FIRST BANK RICHMOND SHAREHOLDERS APPROVE MERGER

Posted About One Month Ago by Jeff Lane

(Richmond, IN)--The parent companies of First Bank Richmond and the Farmers Bank have announced that their respective shareholders have approved the pending merger of the two financial institutions.  The combined organization will operate under the name First Bank Midwest.  Both organizations now say they expect the deal to close at the end of the month.