Local News Archives for 2015-08

TRIAL TO BEGIN FOR CHASTITY HALL

(Eaton, OH)--Trial gets underway Monday for Chastity Hall.  She’s the Preble County mother of two children, who were ages 9 and 10, who died in a fire earlier this year.  Prosecutors are expected to present evidence indicating that Hall had left the children alone all night so that she could go out drinking.  "The mother failed recklessly to live up to her duty to care and support and protect those children." said Prosecutor Martin Votel.  Hall faces a total of six felony charges.

CONNERSVILLE'S WATER JUDGED INDIANA'S BEST

(Connersville, IN)--Connersville’s water is the best in Indiana.  That’s the opinion of judges with the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water.  Judges tasted samples from across Indiana and have crowned Connersville the champion.  It’s the third time in the last six years that Connersville has won the award.  It also has two second-place finishes in that time span.  The city’s water comes from well fields at Roberts Park and the Babe Ruth complex.

SCHOOLS RELEASE BULLYING STATISTICS

(Indianapolis, IN)--The Indiana Department of Education has released a new report on the reported incidents of bullying for the past school year.  Richmond Community Schools formally reported 56 instances.  Most were at Richmond High School and Fairview Elementary.  Nettle Creek had 42, Centerville had 19, Lincoln had 9, and Northeastern reported only 5.  One school system in our area did not report a single bullying incident last year.  That school system is Randolph Southern.  Here are the number of reported bullying incidents in other school systems across the Whitewater Valley...Union County, 16; Fayette County, 9; Franklin County, 5; Randolph Central, 8; Union, 19; and Monroe Central, 10.

CENTERVILLE BANK ROBBER APPEARS TO HAVE ROBBED NUMEROUS NORTHEASTERN INDIANA BANKS RECENTLY

(Centerville, IN)--The man who robbed a Centerville bank Thursday appears to be the same man who has robbed banks in northeastern Indiana in the last two weeks.  A well-groomed white man entered MainSource Bank in Centerville Thursday and demanded money, but did not display a weapon.  He fled in a gold-colored car with another man.  No one was hurt.  Surveillance images indicate the same man robbed a bank in Kendallville on Wednesday.  He even wore the same clothes.  He’s also suspected of robbing a Bluffton bank earlier this month.

WOMAN WANTED FOLLOWING DRUG CHARGES APPREHENDED

(Richmond, IN)--A wanted Richmond woman was captured Thursday.  23-year-old Cherie Thacker had failed to appear for a court hearing after being arrested in February.  Thacker then was seven months pregnant when she was allegedly high on heroin while a one and three-year-old child were in her care.  When she was arrested Thursday, she had a needle in her possession.  24-year-old Marc Samples was also taken into custody Thursday on drug charges.

NUMBER OF WAYNE COUNTY FOOD STAMP RECIPIENTS IS DROPPING

(Wayne County, IN)--The number of people on welfare and food stamps in Wayne County is slowly but steadily dropping.  According to newly-released figures from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, 206 Wayne County residents have come off food stamps since the beginning of the year.  It represents a savings of $40,000 taxpayer dollars every month.  Still, there are over 10,800 Wayne County residents on food stamps.  $1.3 million is spent for Wayne County food stamp recipients every month.

MOLD IS NEWEST PROBLEM FOR WAYNE COUNTY JAIL

(Richmond, IN)--The list of problems at the Wayne County Jail is growing.  Commissioners already knew the roof was leaking and the water pipes were failing.  On Wednesday, they learned that mold is now an issue.  The mold appears to be the result of leaky pipes.  The two types of mold found in recent testing are not dangerous, but it makes the jail ripe for growth of a type of mold that would threaten the health of inmates and employees.  The jail building is only ten years old.

PUBLIC ASKED TO IDENTIFY CREDIT CARD THIEF

(Richmond, IN)--The Wayne County Sheriff’s Department is asking for help today in identifying a person who stole the credit card of an elderly victim.  A video has been posted showing the suspect using the stolen credit card at a convenience store.

 

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office is seeking help identifying the individual seen in this video, wearing the red shirt. He is a suspect in the theft of a credit card from a local senior citizen. If you can identify the subject, please message us privately through Facebook.

Posted by Wayne County Sheriff's Department on Wednesday, August 26, 2015

 

JUDGE REJECTS HYDE'S MOTION FOR DISMISSAL OF CRIMINAL CHARGES

(Richmond, IN)--Former Richmond attorney Chuck Hyde appears to be headed to trial after a special judge ruled against him.  Hyde faces 21 felony counts after allegedly taking thousands of dollars from clients but never providing legal services in return.  Hyde’s attorney had made a motion to dismiss the charges, saying they represented a civil, not a criminal matter.  But the judge ruled that argument is for a jury to decide.  Hyde is now set to go on trial in mid-November.

EARLHAM PLANS $1.5 MILLION RENOVATION OF RUNYON CENTER

(Richmond, IN)--Plans for a big renovation of the Runyon Center at Earlham College were released Tuesday.  Earlham is investing $1.5 million to renovate the now-vacant east wing of the Runyan Center and convert it into a two-story open-air lounge that will serve as a meeting and multipurpose space for students to gather, study, or just hang out.  The project is expected to be complete early next year.

METHANE GAS AT RANDOLPH COUNTY LANDFILL TO BE CONVERTED TO RENEWABLE ENERGY

(Modoc, IN)--A new partnership will turn Randolph County landfill gas into a renewable energy source.  The partnership is between Hoosier Energy and Randolph Farms Landfill and was announced Tuesday.  A four-megawatt landfill gas facility will be constructed near Modoc and will convert methane gas into electricity.  Construction is expected to begin in about a year with actual power production a year and a half away.  The project will cost about $12 million.

HISTORIC DEPOT TO SELL; REDEVELOPMENT TO HEAR OVER $670,000 IN DEPOT DISTRICT FUNDING REQUESTS

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond’s Historic Depot is selling, and with that sale comes a request for half a million dollars in Redevelopment Commission money.  Better Homes & Gardens Realty is purchasing the building from a Roger Richert LLC.  On Wednesday, the Redevelopment Commission will consider the request, which the new owners have indicated is for stabilization of the building.  Better Homes & Gardens plans to utilize the Depot’s second floor for its own office space, while the ground floor would be available for a restaurant, microbrewery, or retail space.  Developers hope to have the Depot ready to use by next spring.  Also, just weeks after a controversial decision to give $80,000 to one Depot District business, the Richmond Redevelopment Commission Wednesday will hear a request for more than twice that much.  The owner of the building at North 10th and E that is home to the 4th Floor Blues Club and Maria Mitrione Catering will ask for $170,000 for a new elevator.  Rick Parker said it would help develop other businesses in the building.

1159 MORE PEOPLE NOW WORKING IN WAYNE COUNTY THAN ONE YEAR AGO

(Richmond, IN)--There are some positive job numbers for Wayne County.  According to numbers released by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development on  Monday, 288 more people are working now in Wayne County than were a month ago.  Better still, 1159 more people have jobs now than at this time last year.  Wayne County is now down to 5.2% unemployment.  Two years ago at this time, it was 9.7%.  Also, Fayette County’s rate has dropped to 6.4%.  That’s fifth highest in Indiana.  Ohio’s numbers come out Tuesday.

UNITED WAY TO GET LARGE GIFT FROM ONE OF RICHMOND'S NEWEST CORPORATE CITIZENS

(Richmond, IN)--Details of a large gift from one of Richmond’s newest corporate citizens were released Tuesday.  Late last month, Wolverine Worldwide hosted its first United Way SuperSample Shoe Sale in its Richmond parking lot.  Over 4000 pairs of shoes were discounted up to 80%.  As a result, Worldwide is giving $40,000 to the United Way of Whitewater Valley.  The check will be presented in a ceremony Wednesday.

WOMAN DIES IN ARBA PIKE CRASH

(Fountain City, IN)--There was a fatal accident in Wayne County Sunday night.  It happened at around 8:30 Sunday night on Arba Pike, just north of Fountain City Pike.  A 50-year-old female driver lost control of her SUV on a curve.  The SUV rolled over once, ejecting the driver, who was pronounced dead at the scene.  Her name was being withheld Monday morning.  Investigators were looking to see if weather may have played a role in the crash.  It was raining heavily at the time.

SECOND ABDUCTION ATTEMPTED REPORTED OVER WEEKEND

(Richmond, IN)--There was a second reported abduction attempt in Richmond over the weekend.  On Saturday night, witnesses saw a female being forced into a vehicle at the intersection of North 17th and C Streets.  Late last week, another woman told police a man tried to force her into his car at knife or gunpoint near the west-side Village Pantry.  Police have not yet indicated whether or not the two incidents may be related.  No arrests have been made.

DOCTOR'S HUSBAND, ACCUSED LYING ABOUT RACIAL GRAFFITI, HAS CRIMINAL RECORD

(Richmond, IN)--The case of racial graffiti and a truck fire at the home of a black Richmond plastic surgeon appears to have been an orchestrated hoax by a member of the household.  Charges of false informing were filed Thursday against Jonathan Powell.  Powell is the husband of Dr. Myla Bennett.  He is accused of lying to state police investigators about the February incident on Sandbridge Drive.  Powell has a criminal history.  Dr. Bennett married him the day before he went to prison for an armed robbery.  Although no motive for the graffiti was released, Dr. Bennett was under contract locally but had pursued another job in Atlanta before the incident.  She told blackamericaweb.com that she was afraid to return to her Richmond home.

WOMAN DIES IN CRASH ON U.S. 52

(Franklin County, IN)--A crash on U.S. 52 in Franklin County claimed the life of a Brookville woman Thursday.  32-year-old Vicky Clark was killed when her car left the south side of the road.  She overcorrected and hit an oncoming car driven by 58-year-old Kevin Priessman of Brookville.  A one-year-old child in Priessman’s vehicle was taken to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.  A condition has not been released.

SHOTS FIRED, ATTEMPTED ABDUCTION AMONG OVERNIGHT RPD CALLS

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond police are looking for whoever fired shots in the area of the Norwood Apartments Friday morning.  One officer heard the shots.  A person of interest was seen leaving an alley at a high rate of speed and fled on foot, but was not caught.  Police are also searching for a suspect in a late-night abduction attempt.  A 22-year-old woman told police she was walking near the west-side Village Pantry Thursday night when a man tried to force her at gun or knifepoint into his car.  She was able to flee.  He’s described as thin and possibly Asian or Hispanic.  The car appeared to be a new black Cadillac with tinted windows.

RPD CONTINUES TO SEARCH FOR TEEN'S MURDERER

(Richmond, IN)--Police are still searching for information leading to the arrest of whoever shot and killed a Richmond teenager Wednesday.  18-year-old Caleb Stevens lived in a home with three other people on South 13th.  There had been drug activity.  "I don't know if we would call it a drug house or not.  However, once we obtained a search warrant and entered the crime scene, there were some illegal substances recovered," said Mike Britt with the Richmond Police Department.  But Caleb had no criminal record.  The other two residents in the home could shed little light on what happened.  "I have not been told thusfar that any demands were made.  We're not exactly certain what the motive of the violence was about," Britt added.  Those two, Dillan Delucio and Kelsey Boatman, were both arrested for maintaining a common nuisance.

SUV CRASHES INTO CENTERVILLE MUNICIPAL BUILDING

(Centerville, IN)--An SUV crashed into the city building in Centerville overnight.  It happened at just after midnight Thursday morning when a female driver lost control on U.S. 40.  She took out the handrail and flower pots at the city building, then careened into a home next door.  Damage to both buildings was minimal.  The driver was only scratched and told witnesses she fell asleep at the wheel.  40 had to be closed for about a half an hour because utility lines came down.

FAIRFIELD CAUSEWAY OVER BROOKVILLE LAKE MAY NEED REPLACED

(Franklin County, IN)--The Fairfield Causeway over Brookville Lake may have to be totally replaced.  That’s what Franklin County leaders learned this week after a new INDOT inspection last week.  The county was preparing for $3 million in repairs.  But a new bridge would cost $10 million.  One of the main problems, according to INDOT, is the pin and hangar system.  Those types of bridges have failed in other parts of the country with no warning.

HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY AFTER EARLY-MORNING SHOOTING

(Richmond, IN)--A shooting victim in Richmond Wednesday morning has now been pronounced dead.  The incident has now turned into a homicide investigation in the 1600 block of South 13th.  It happened at around 2:30 Wednesday morning.  Initial reports indicate that one person was shot and taken to Reid Health.  A second person was punched or otherwise hit in the face.  The shooting victim has now been pronounced dead.  Two suspects were being sought.  The only description is that one was a large black male.  Investigators have been granted a search warrant and are now inside the home collecting evidence.  The victim’s identity has not been released.

MAN WALKING PUPPY INJURED BY SUSPECT WITH BOX CUTTER

(Richmond, IN)--There was a late-night attack between Richmond and Centerville Tuesday night.  A man told police that he was walking his pit bull puppy on Woody Drive when another man approached and tried to steal the dog.  The dog’s owner began to fight the man off when the man pulled a box cutter and injured the victim.  The suspect then fled into a wooded area.  He has not been located.

MAN LEADS POLICE ON HIGH-SPEED CHASE

(Wayne County, IN)--A high-speed chase crossed Wayne County more than once Tuesday night.  A man had stolen a BMW from central Indiana.  Police began chasing him near Greenfield.  He crossed into Wayne County at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.  Stop sticks were unsuccessful.  He reversed his direction twice in Wayne County before crossing into Preble County.  The man finally crashed in a construction area in Englewood.  There were no injuries.

MAN DROWNS IN PREBLE COUNTY CREEK

(Camden, OH)--There was a drowning in Preble County Tuesday.  A man in his 20’s was pulled from Seven Mile Creek in Camden late Tuesday afternoon.  It happened at a popular swimming spot between Free Short Pike and South Main Street.  Deputies are investigating to see what happened.  The victim’s name has not been released.  He is not a resident of Camden and was visiting family and friends at the time.

SOUTH 13th STANDOFF ENDS PEACEFULLY

(Richmond, IN)--A standoff in the 200 block of South 13th in Richmond ended peacefully Monday night.  A man later identified as 53-year-old Martin Beaty barricaded himself inside an apartment and refused to speak with officers who were there to investigate a report that Beaty had fired a shotgun inside a few days ago.  Monday night, officers saw Beaty take pills and chase it with alcohol.  SWAT Team members then used an electronic control device to get control of Beaty.  He was taken to Reid Health.

SOUTH A RECONSTRUCTION BACK ON FOR NEXT SUMMER

(Richmond, IN)--RP&L General Manager Randy Baker told the board Monday night that the South A reconstruction and repaving project is now back on the schedule for next summer.  That project had been slated for 2016 for five years, but was recently moved back to 2017 due to delays with moving utility lines.  But, Baker said he met with Frontier officials Monday to work out details to do the project next year.  INDOT will be responsible for the project and will have the final say.

FAYETTE COUNTY APPROVED FOR NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

(Connersville, IN)--The Indiana Department of Health has formally approved Fayette County’s request for a needle exchange program.  The approval comes after the state declared a public health emergency in Fayette County last week due to high rates of Hepatitis C brought about by drug addicts sharing needles.  The declaration also means those who take part in the needle program will be enrolled in a health insurance program.  Wayne County is considering applying for the same program.

MAN WHO ATTACKED RICHMOND COUPLE WITH BRICK LEFT VALUABLES BEHIND

(Richmond, IN)--The search continued Tuesday for whoever entered a South West 17th Street home late Sunday night and attacked the residents with a brick.  "This appears to be a random act.  I want to assure the neighbors that their neighborhood is still a very safe place to live," said Mike Britt with the Richmond Police Department.  Neighbor Joe McCarter has his own theory about the incident.  "She plays a lot of bingo.  She may have went to a bingo hall on Sunday night.  She hit some money and followed her home," McCarter suggested.  Although the suspect did take money from the male victim’s wallet, he left other valuables behind, including the couple’s bag of marijuana.

MAN ARRESTED FOR CHILD MOLESTING

(Richmond, IN)--A man with living in the 100 block of South 13th Street in Richmond was taken into custody Monday night and charged with the highest level of child molesting.  40-year-old Gabriel Orduno was being held in the Wayne County Jail Tuesday morning.  Details of what Orduno has been accused of doing have not been released.  His status in the United States is also not yet known.

FIRE DOES HEAVY DAMAGE TO RICHMOND INDUSTRY

(Richmond, IN)--Fire did heavy damage to a Richmond business Friday morning.  Crews were called to Levi Holdings on Rich Road in Richmond at around 3:15 a.m.  "When I arrived, we had heavy flames coming out of the back of the structure," said Battalion Chief Jeff Glenn.  "Due to the size of the structure, smoke and flames had extended pretty heavily throughout," he added.  Levi is an industrial truck cleaner, and that meant there were hazmat issues.  "They have several cleaners and acids in there that we had to take note of, but none of them became a problem." Glenn explained.  Nearly all Richmond firefighters were there with help from New Paris and Centerville.  "This was a very physical fire, so the guys got worn out quickly." Glenn added.  There’s no word yet on what started the fire and there were no injuries.

ILLNESS TO KEEP HUTTON OUT OF OFFICE FOR TWO WEEKS

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Mayor Sally Hutton will be recuperating at home for at least the next two weeks as she deals with an illness.  Hutton confirmed Thursday that she is being treated for headaches and dizziness at Reid Hospital.  She has been out of the office for much of the last two weeks and missed the most recent council meeting.  Hutton has also indicated she will not be at council this coming Monday.

STABBING REPORTED ON RICHMOND AVENUE

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond police are searching for a suspect after a stabbing Friday morning on Richmond Avenue.  It happened in the 600 block at around 3 o’clock Friday morning.  The victim was taken to Reid Hospital as investigators cordoned off the area.  The victim’s identity and condition have not been released.  The suspect is known to police, but his or her identity is currently being withheld.

WAYNE COUNTY CHILD NEGLECT CASES CONTINUE TO RISE

(Wayne County, IN)--The number of Wayne County’s substantiated cases of child neglect continues to rise at an alarming rate.  The newest figures run through the end of June.  That month, in Wayne County, there was an average of one new case of child neglect every single day.  The 30 new cases in June are twice as many as the next highest area county, which was Fayette with 15 cases.  Officials say nearly all cases are directly or indirectly connected to drug usage.

ACCUSED TALLY HO PUB SHOOTER CAPTURED

(Richmond, IN)--On Thursday morning, Richmond police caught the man accused of firing shots during a robbery at the Tally Ho Pub earlier this week.  22-year-old Calob Wooten was taken into custody at a home on North West 1st.  Wooten was also wanted for questioning in several other recent shootings and armed robberies, including a case in late May where he allegedly shot at a teenage girl.  No one was injured in any of the shootings.  Even though he’s just 22, Wooten has a lengthy criminal record and was released from prison in February.  He was taken into custody Thursday morning without incident and booked into the Wayne County Jail shortly after 1 a.m.  Charges include two counts of robbery and one count of attempted robbery.

CHARGES ADDED IN RANDOLPH COUNTY AGAINST ADMITTED RICHMOND CHILD MOLESTER

(Winchester, IN)--Charges have now been added in Randolph County against a Richmond man already accused of molesting several children in Wayne County.  30-year-old Justin Mitchell allegedly assaulted three girls in Lynn.  "The victim had disclosed that a family friend who had stayed with the victim's family periodically had touched her inappropriately," said Ron Pennington with the Richmond Police Department.  Mitchell has admitted to molesting seven girls under the age of 13 and told police there are more.  "There was a victim that was here in Richmond when an incident took place.  That victim and her family have since moved to Texas." Pennington added.  Mitchell is currently in the Wayne County Jail.

BROOKVILLE, WHITEWATER LAKES INCLUDED ON RECREATI0N ALERT LIST

(Brookville, IN)--Brookville and Whitewater Lakes are both included on a list of recreation alerts.  The latest list from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management placed the lakes on the list due to high blue-green algae counts.  People who swim, ski, or tube in the lakes should try to keep the water out of their mouths and shower afterward.  Acton Lake at Hueston Woods had a similar alert this summer.

SHOTS FIRED INSIDE TALLY HO PUB DURING LATE-NIGHT ARMED ROBBERY

(Richmond, IN)--Shots were fired inside the Tally Ho Pub in Richmond during an armed robbery late Tuesday night.  No one was hurt, but at least two shell casings were found inside the bar.  A man described as white and wearing a black ski mask with white tube socks pulled up to his knees entered the bar and demanded cash.  He then fled down an alley.  Police combed the nearby railroad tracks and surrounding areas.  A small amount of cash was found, but the suspect was not located.  More details are expected to be released later Wednesday morning.

LEADERS HEAR PROS, CONS OF METHADONE AT RICHMOND TREATMENT CENTER

(Richmond, IN)--:  Law enforcement agents from numerous jurisdictions gathered at the Richmond city building Tuesday to hear about the pros and cons of methadone treatment and, specifically, the Richmond Treatment Center.  Luke Moore, the center’s director, said that they have a thousand patients.  80% claim prescription drugs led to their addiction.  The average stay is nine months.  25% of patients are unemployed.  Three patients spoke about how the center helped them get their lives together.  Some patients who had taken methodone Tuesday were field tested for sobriety in front of the crowd of 50.  The first patient failed the test.  The second marginally passed.

ALLEGED COLLEGE CORNER ARMED ROBBER IDENTIFIED

(College Corner, OH)--The names of two people now facing charges connected to a College Corner armed robbery have been released.  24-year-old Jacob Griffee and 23-year-old Jessica Treadway were both behind bars Wednesday after allegedly robbing a convenience store at gunpoint late Monday night.  The two fled in a car shortly after returning to their home at the Stonebrook Apartments.  They were stopped nearby and taken into custody.  On Tuesday, the clothes Griffee wore were found in a cornfield.  The gun was also recovered.  Griffee was charged with robbing Exotic Fantasies in Richmond at gunpoint five years ago.

AROUND-THE-CLOCK EMERGENCY CENTER OPENS IN PREBLE COUNTY

(Eaton, OH)--For the first time ever, Preble County has an around-the-clock emergency medical treatment option.  A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Tuesday for the new Kettering Health Network Preble Emergency Center in Eaton.  "We'll have a board-certified emergency physician 24 hours a day.  We'll also have two or three emergency nurses," said Director of Nursing Keith Achor.  He also talked about the benefits to the community.  "We've heard from local industry that it's and advantage to them to recruit people to come, because now you've got 24-hour-a-day emergency medical service.  The 24,000 square-foot facility includes 12 patient care rooms as part of a $13 million project. The center is located on Washington-Jackson Road next to the YMCA.

MAN ROBS COLLEGE CORNER CONVENIENCE STORE AT GUNPOINT

(College Corner, OH)--There was an armed robbery in College Corner Monday night.  Someone entered the American Mini Mart with a semiautomatic handgun drawn and demanded cash.  The suspect then fled toward railroad tracks.  Trains were stopped as officers from numerous jurisdictions searched for the robber.  Union County is now indicating that someone is in custody in their jail, although that person’s name has not been released.  There were no injuries.

RPD: LOW BOB'S, MILKHOUSE ARMED ROBBERIES NOT CONNECTED

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond police do not believe the city’s most recent two armed robberies are connected.  A suspect has been identified, but not yet arrested, in the robbery of the Milkhouse on Sunday morning.  Investigators on Monday released a new surveillance image of the man who robbed Low Bob’s Tobacco last Friday night.

NEEDLE FOUND IN ALLEGED PROSTITUTE'S BRA

(Richmond, IN)--What started as a normal prostitution arrest Monday night in Richmond turned into a little more.  As police were taking 24-year-old Leilani Peterman into custody, they allegedly found a hypodermic needle with drugs stuffed in her bra.  Later, the man accused of patronizing her, 59-year-old Gary Gifford, tried to bail her out but would not because of the large bond.  Peterman remains in the Wayne County Jail.

MILKHOUSE ROBBED AT KNIFEPOINT

(Richmond, IN)--There was an armed robbery of a Richmond business Sunday morning.  A knife was pulled on a clerk at Miller Milkhouse on West Main at around 10:30.  The suspect, described only as a white male with an average build, fled in a stolen SUV.  The SUV was spotted in the 200 block of Pearl Street and was occupied by two people.  Both were able to flee when they saw police.  Investigators are checking to see if Sunday’s robbery is connected to a Friday night armed robbery at Low Bob’s Tobacco on North West Fifth.

ALLEGED TEEN CAR THIEF JAILED

(Richmond, IN)--An alleged Richmond teenage car thief was behind bars Monday.  18-year-old Jordan Yates was taken into custody Sunday.  Richmond teens have been connected to numerous car thefts and burglaries over the summer.  Details of how many vehicles Yates is suspected of having entered have not yet been released.

MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE ADDED TO MAN ACCUSED OF BEATING FATHER TO DEATH

(Richmond, IN)--Charges have been modified after an initial hearing for the Richmond man accused of beating his father to death earlier this week.  Mitchel Legg now faces an added charge of involuntary manslaughter in addition to the original reckless homicide and aggravated battery charges originally filed in connection with the death of his father, Jimmy.  Jimmy Legg had a history of domestic violence.  Mitchel Legg also had a run-in with police.  Back in 2009, he walked into RPD headquarters to fill out a gun permit application but had pockets that were filled with marijuana and a gun hidden in his waistband.  He was patted down when officers smelled what was described as an overwhelming odor of marijuana and arrested.

LONG-TIME RICHMOND BUSINESS SELLS

(Richmond, IN)--A long-time Uptown Richmond business is changing hands.  Paust Printers has been sold to Augustin Printers, which has changed its name to Infinitprint Solutions.  The company had operated in Richmond since the end of World War II at various locations…most recently on North 10th.  All of Paust’s employees will be retained by Infinitprint.  Owner Ken Paust had also operated print shops in Oxford and Winchester.

127 YARD SALE IS THIS WEEKEND

(Eaton, OH)--A few weeks ago, a multi-state yard sale passed through the Whitewater Valley on the east-west route of U.S. 40.  This weekend, it’s the north-south route.  The U.S. 127 yard sale stretches from Michigan to Alabama and passes through Preble, Darke, and Butler Counties.  Heavy traffic is expected along 127 due to people stopping to peruse antiques and a large variety of other yard sale items.

WAYNE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ADDRESS NEW JAIL PROBLEMS

(Richmond, IN)--Wayne County Commissioners got an update on the condition of the county jail Wednesday, and it’s not good.  Continuous repairs have been made recently to rotting water pipes.  A recent analysis indicated a disinfectant in the water may be causing corrosion.  Estimates for repair are as high as $2 million.  And, a solution is still being sought for a leaky jail roof.  Leaders will address the jail problems again in two weeks.  The building is only 11 years old.

TEEN ARMED ROBBER NABBED BY RICHMOND POLICE

(Richmond, IN)--An alleged teenage Richmond armed robber was behind bars Thursday morning. 18-year-old Jeffrey Paradise is accused of using a knife to rob an individual near the south-side Dairy Queen Wednesday night.  Paradise and two other people thought to be involved were found a couple of blocks away.  No injuries were reported by the victim.  No other arrests were made.

MAN WHO DIED AFTER FIGHT WITH SON HAD HISTORY OF DOMESTIC ABUSE

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond man who was jailed for striking and killing his father told investigators that he only hit his dad once with his elbow.  Those are among the details included in an affidavit filed Wednesday in the case of Mitchel Legg.  Legg also accused his father, Jimmy, of threatening his family…a threat that led to Tuesday’s confrontation.  Jimmy Legg had been arrested late last year for intimidation and domestic violence.  Mitchel Legg bonded out of jail Wednesday.

CHARGES INCREASED AGAINST MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING HIS FATHER

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond man remained behind bars Wednesday morning, charged with killing his own father.  32-year-old Mitchel Legg now faces charges that include reckless homicide and aggravated battery in connection with the death of Jimmy Legg.  He is being held without bond in the Wayne County Jail.  The elder Legg was found in the yard of his home on South West 17th Street Tuesday morning.  Details of exactly what transpired have not been released, but one witness described seeing the two in a fistfight.  The home had been the site of several domestic dispute calls.  Mitchel Legg lives a block away from his father.

RCS BEGINS TODAY WITH BUSSING RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE

(Richmond, IN)--Several Whitewater Valley schools were back in session Wednesday.  That includes Richmond, and one significant change is in effect now.  Beginning Wednesday morning, students who live within a certain radius of their school will no longer be bussed.  Elementary students who live within 4/10 of a mile of their school and middle school and high school students who live within 7/10 of a mile of their school will now either have to walk or find their own transportation.

CENTERVILLE SUPERINTENDENT GETS SAGAMORE OF THE WABASH

(Centerville, IN)--Centerville-Abington School Superintendent Phil Stevenson has received Indiana’s highest honor.  Stevenson was given the Sagamore of the Wabash Tuesday.  The award was a surprise and came during Tuesday’s back-to-school breakfast for teachers.  Stevenson began as a teacher at Centerville 43 years ago.  He also serves on several area boards.

NUMEROUS WAYNE COUNTY COMPANIES ANNOUNCE EXPANSIONS

(Richmond, IN)--Three companies announced expansions when Wayne County’s EDC Board met Monday.  The Noble Order Brewing Company on National Road West is adding ten jobs as part of a half-million dollar investment aimed at keeping up with growing demand.  New machines will allow them to crank out 40 beers per minute.  Also, Osborne International is adding 37 jobs and the Woodruff Corporation is adding six jobs.  A California food processing company is considering Wayne County.  That project, if it’s landed, would bring 123 jobs.  Expansion plans and tax abatements for two companies were discussed when Richmond Common Council met Monday night.  Color Box is planning a $7.7 million expansion that will create ten jobs.  Quanex Homeshield is investing $400,000.

HAIL, HIGH WINDS, DAMAGE HOMES AND CARS

(Whitewater Valley)--Strong storms laced with near golf-ball-sized hail brought damage to parts of the Whitewater Valley Monday afternoon.  Large hail dented cars and homes across Richmond.  In Eaton, hurricane-strength straight lines winds snapped off dozens of trees and tore shingles from roofs just across from Eaton High School.  "It just turned white.  The wind was blowing.  The hail was falling.  The rain was pouring.  All you could see was shingles and all kinds of debris flying around," said one resident of State Road 732.  No injuries were reported as a result of those storms.

UNION SCHOOL ENROLLMENT NUMBERS DROP FURTHER

(Modoc, IN)--The numbers were not good for Union Schools in Modoc when school started Monday.  Union faces closure and consolidation.  Only 275 students registered, and that represents a loss of 47 students.  And, many of those 275 remaining students did not show up Monday.  They remain officially enrolled at Union, but may be planning to attend other schools.  The official count day for all schools comes next month.

FORMER MAYOR FRANK WALTERMANN DEAD AT 76

(Richmond, IN)--A former Richmond mayor has died.  Frank Waltermann died early Sunday morning after an illness that was diagnosed fairly recently.  Waltermann was Richmond mayor from 1984 until 1991.  During his tenure, Richmond earned its first All-America City title.  He was also a former talk show host at WHON.  Arrangements are pending at the funeral home he owned, Riggle-Waltermann Mortuary.  Frank Waltermann was 76.

MAN SLEEPS ON TRACKS AS TRAIN PASSES OVER

(Richmond, IN)--He received only minor injuries as a train passed over the top of him as he slept between the tracks.  A train stopped after passing over Josh Napier Saturday night between North West L and Salisbury Road.  The conductor got out and told Napier he had been hit.  Napier told the conductor that he was wrong and went back to sleep.  He was awoken again and taken to Reid Hospital to be treated for relatively minor injuries.

ANTIQUE STORE HIT BY SMASH-AND-GRAB BURGLARS

(Lewisburg, OH)--Police were on the scene Monday morning of an apparent smash-and-grab in Lewisburg.  Burglars smashed through the front windows of the National Trail Antiques Market on Commerce Street.  A coin collection and several other items were taken.  That Lewisburg business has been hit several times by burglars.  It does not appear that surveillance images will be available.

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