Local News Archives for 2017-11

SIX UNITS AT COUNTRY CLUB APARTMENTS SEALED BY CITY

(Richmond, IN)--Six units at Country Club Apartments in Richmond have been sealed by the city’s Building Commissioner.  Beverly Budd said it began two months ago and involved the Health Department after standing water was found in units below ground level.  But that investigation turned up much more.  Two empty units were discovered that were being used for prostitution.  Residents saw men frequently coming and going.  Four other empty units were being occupied by drug users.  Users were climbing in through windows.  City officials found paraphernalia inside.  The door of one unit had a sign that said “Not a trap house.”  Budd said that Country Club’s owner has been cooperative with clean-up efforts.

REID PHYSICIAN RETURNS FROM PUERTO RICAN HURRICANE RELIEF TRIP

(Richmond, IN)--A Reid Health physician is back from her trip to help people in hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico.  Dr. Sara Valentin used what would have been her vacation time to personally deliver 19 suitcases and boxes of medicine and supplies.  "Instead of just lamenting or complaining that help is not getting in, it was easier to say 'What can I do?'"  Her efforts have now led to the formation of a new organization called “Puerto Rico Rise Up.”  That organization’s first project is a toy drive for Christmas.  More than a thousand toys have already been collected and will be given to foster children affected by the hurricane.

FOUR TRI HIGH STUDENTS INVESTIGATED FOR POT BROWNIE DISTRIBUTION

(Straughn, IN)--Four students at one Tri Eastern Conference school are under investigation after marijuana brownies were passed out at school.  Investigators now have warrants to allow them to search the phones of four Tri High students.  One student became ill after the pot brownies were passed out at school earlier this month.  All four students now face expulsion.

ALLEGED TEEN BURGLAR CAUGHT INSIDE WAYNE COUNTY CHURCH

(Wayne County, IN)--A teenager was caught red-handed Wednesday inside a northwestern Wayne County church.  Officers were sent to the West River Friends Church near the intersection of U.S. 35 and State Road 1.  A police canine helped to find 18-year-old Dustin Brenner of Muncie inside.  Brenner has been charged with felony burglary and was still in the Wayne County Jail Thursday morning.

MISSISSIPPI COUPLE ARRESTED FOR OVERNIGHT RICHMOND CARJACKING

(Richmond, IN)--There was an armed carjacking in Richmond overnight Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, and a Mississippi couple has been arrested.  Details of exactly where the incident began have not been released, but police reports indicate that one man later identified as 38-year-old Ed Harris grabbed another man by the hair and demanded to be taken to the Richmond Inn and Suites.  33-year-old Rosalee Zirger then allegedly pulled a large knife on the victim.  The two were stopped a short time later near Henley Road and East Main.  The knife was recovered.  They were booked into jail at around midnight.  Police have not said why they were in Richmond from Mississippi.  There was no indication that the victim suffered any serious injuries.

FAYETTE REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM NAMED IN FEDERAL LAWSUIT

(Connersville, IN)--Fayette Regional Health System is included in a list of 62 hospitals statewide that are now facing a federal lawsuit that alleges those hospitals defrauded taxpayers out of millions of dollars through the federal HITECH Act.  Basically, the lawsuit claims Fayette Regional and the others made false claims in order to get federal grant money for electronic health records systems.  Henry County Memorial Hospital is also listed as a defendant in the suit.

SIX ARRESTED AS SWAT DESCENDS ON RICHMOND'S ECONO LODGE

(Richmond, IN)--Six people were jailed after Richmond Police, SWAT, and the Indiana State Police all descended on the Econo Lodge in Richmond late Monday night.  There, officers found heroin, other drugs, guns, and stolen property.  34-year-old Christopher Crawley of Richmond faces multiple felony charges, including possession of heroin with intent to deliver.  Five others were also still in jail Tuesday morning.  They include Howard Clark, Scott Haskett, Bree Skinner, and Michael Townsend of Richmond and Wendy Ford of Connersville.  It’s the second drug incident at the Econo Lodge in the last month.

NATURE'S NOOK EXPANDS PRODUCT LINE IN WAKE OF MARIJUANA OIL RULING

(Richmond, IN)--Indiana’s attorney general recently declared that oil derived from marijuana plants illegal for sale, and now one Richmond business is feeling the effect.  "We were able at one point to offer it to them and it was helping them with a number of different things, such as chronic pain, diabetes, and stress disorders," said Paige Jennings with Nature’s Nook.  She said customers are not happy about the loss of what's known as CBD oil.  "They don't understand why this has been taken from them as an option, and they're very angry," Jennings added.  Jennings said that Nature’s Nook still offers other products that can help with those ailments.  Nature’s Nook now has and expanded product line that includes counseling.

VICTIM SENT TO REID HEALTH AFTER ALLEGED GREENWOOD APTS. STRANGULATION

(Richmond, IN)--A female victim went to Reid Health Tuesday morning after allegedly being strangled in a domestic incident.  It happened at the Greenwood Apartments on South 16th Street in Richmond.  28-year-old Nicholas Lakes was jailed at just before 4 o’clock Tuesday morning and charged with felony strangulation.  There’s no word yet on the identity or condition of the victim, or what led to the incident.

WOMAN JAILED ON DRUG CHARGES FOR SECOND TIME IN A WEEK

(Richmond, IN)--She had just posted a $25,000 bond to get out of jail last week.  Now, 25-year-old Sharae Jackson of Richmond is right back behind bars.  Jackson was arrested Sunday in the 200 block of South West 18th for felony intimidation and possessing methamphetamine.  Jackson had been jailed last Wednesday for violation of the legend drug act.  Details of her arrest Sunday have not been released.

WANTED WOMAN ARRESTED FOR TRAFFICKING WITH INMATE

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond woman was waking up behind bars Monday morning after her weekend arrest for not only possessing methamphetamine, but trafficking with a Wayne County Jail inmate.  32-year-old Jamie Hall was taken into custody over the weekend in an alley between South 5th and 6th Streets.  Billy Braughton was also taken into custody there.  Both had outstanding warrants.  Hall was wanted for burglary, fraud, and auto theft.

RANDOLPH COUNTY SCHOOLS FACE DECLINING ENROLLMENT

(Randolph County, IN)--Enrollment at four out of the five public school systems in Randolph County is forecast to drop in the next five years.  Results of a professional demographics study were recently presented to county leaders.  Union Schools in Modoc is forecast to lose 39 students.  That’s significant because Union has faced consolidation discussions for the last few years.  Randolph Central and Eastern and Monroe Central are all also forecast to lose students.  Only Randolph Southern is predicted to grow, but only by a dozen students.

MAN ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY EXPOSING HIMSELF TO CHILDREN

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond man has bonded out of jail after allegedly exposing himself to multiple people, including children, over the weekend.  According to witness statements and police reports, 56-year-old Michael Nix was intoxicated and trying to fight children in the 100 block of North 12th.  When confronted by adults, Nix allegedly exposed himself.  He was charged with public indecency and taken to the Wayne County Jail.

ARREST MADE IN CONNECTION WITH CENTERVILLE MAN'S MURDER

An arrest has been made in connection with the recent murder of a Centerville man in central Indiana.  Police there have charged a 21-year-old with shooting and killing 43-year-old Kurt Estes last week.  The suspect told police that Estes had gone to an apartment complex to buy crack cocaine, but denied shooting Estes.  An autopsy showed that Estes had been shot four times in the back of the head and severely beaten.  The investigation continues.

WRONG-WAY TEEN DRIVER ARRESTED WITH DANGEROUS DRUG

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond teen was in the Wayne County Jail Friday morning after allegedly being caught with a dangerous drug.  19-year-old Martin Gonzalez was behind the wheel of an SUV that was going the wrong way on South A Street in Richmond at around 9:30 Thursday night.  When Gonzalez was caught, officers found cocaine that had been laced with Fentanyl.  Gonzalez was also charged with felony maintaining a common nuisance and a host of other charges.

HALF OF THOSE ENROLLED IN LOCAL DRUG DIVERSION PROGRAM ARE COMPLIANT

(Richmond, IN)--Wayne County Prosecutor Mike Shipman has released new numbers for the county’s drug diversion program. That program reduces or drops certain drug charges if suspects can complete drug treatment.  Right now, there are 32 participants, and exactly half are considered compliant.  Since the program’s inception a year and a half ago, 117 people have tried the program.  62% have failed to comply.

THREATS CITED AS REASON FOR HELP SHELTER BOARD PRESIDENT'S RESIGNATION

(Richmond, IN)--There’s been more fallout from last week’s revelation that the Help The Animals shelter euthanized seven dogs.  Board President Susan Beeson has now resigned.  Many outspoken residents had called for Beeson to be ousted, even after Help Shelter Director Jamie Glandon was fired.  The Help Center’s website on Wednesday morning pointed to a Saturday protest.  It says "Due to the hatred, protests, and threats from a small number of individuals, (Beeson) felt it was the best decision."  A permanent director will be hired once a new board is in place.

GROUND BROKEN ON $50 MILLION PROBLE COUNTY PLANT

(Lewisburg, OH)--Ground has been broken for a $50 million investment in Preble County.  Cargill and Provimi will be opening a new facility in Lewisburg in two years.  It will be the only fully non-medicated animal feed plant in the U.S.  It will be located at the former Iams Pet Food plant and will be known as the Lewisburg West Manufacturing Facility.

CONNERSVILLE SUES OPIOID MANUFACTURERS

(Connersville, IN)--The city of Connersville has filed a lawsuit against multiple opioid manufacturers and distributors.  The lawsuit, which is similar to others filed around the country in the wake of the heroin epidemic, names ten pharmaceutical companies as defendants.  The lawsuit claims those companies’ drugs have devastated Connersville residents and placed a heavy burden on the city’s resources.  The city is not incurring any legal fees with the filing of the lawsuit.

OSHA REPORT NOTES CORRODED GRATES AT SITE OF SANITARY DISTRICT FATALITY

(Richmond, IN)--An OSHA report stops short of directly blaming corroded grates for a Richmond man’s death earlier this year, but does point out six violations at the Richmond Sanitary District.  Employee Danny Caldwell died in early July at the plant on Liberty Avenue.  The initial report then was that he had fallen into a tank.  The newly released OSHA report claims that metal grating for walking at the tank was corroded to the point of potential failure.  The report also claims the grates were not inspected.  The city has about three weeks to fix the problem or be fined.

COUNCIL HEARS BICYCLE PATH PROPOSAL

(Richmond, IN)--Bicycle paths and laws were the hot topic when Richmond Common Council met Monday night.  Council heard about a proposal that would create bike paths that would connect the Uptown area with the Depot District.  The paths would be located on 7th and 10th Streets and would carry a $3 million price tag, although most of that would be covered with federal dollars.  If ultimately approved, construction would be at least a couple of years away.  Council also Monday night did away with existing bicycle laws that were written in the 1960’s.

348 MORE DROP FROM WAYNE COUNTY'S WORKFORCE; ONLY 43% OF POPULATION WORKING

(Wayne County, IN)--Another 348 people dropped out of Wayne County’s workforce last month.  That’s according to numbers released Monday by the state’s Department of Workforce Development.  The number of people in the workforce now stands at 30,153.  Right now, only about 45% of Wayne County residents are considered to be in the workforce, and only 43% actually have jobs.

RICHMOND MAN CHARGED WITH DETONATING HOMEMADE BOMBS

(Marion County, IN)--A Richmond man has been charged with detonating homemade bombs in a central Indiana city.  Corey Rheinhardt is due in court Tuesday for an initial hearing after being charged with two counts of detonating an explosive device.  One of the bombs was strong enough to shatter windows a block away.  Investigators allegedly found materials to make more bombs inside Rheinhardt’s apartment.  He’s also charged with battering a police officer.

20TH STREET BRIDGE REOPENS

(Richmond, IN)--After roughly nine months of construction, the 20th Street Bridge in Richmond is now open again.  Traffic was flowing over the bridge Sunday after that main connector between the city’s north and east sides was completely demolished and then rebuilt.  The project finished about a month ahead of schedule and carried a $2 million price tag.  A short dedication ceremony is set for Wednesday.

CENTERVILLE MAN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES

(Centerville, IN)--A positive indication by a police canine Sunday night led to a drug arrest in Centerville.  Police located a man later identified as 32-year-old Jeremy Cavanaugh near U.S. 40 and Mattie Harris Road.  The search turned up controlled substances.  Cavanaugh was charged with felony violation of the Legend Drug Act.  He has a lengthy history of drug and alcohol arrests, including a dealing charge.

PREBLE COUNTY LINE ROAD RESIDENT PLEADS GUILTY TO CHILD PORN CHARGES

(Preble County, OH)--A man who lives on Preble County Line Road has pled guilty to federal charges of receiving child pornography.  21-year-old Zachery Van Meter used a Kik account to send and receive child porn.  He also took at least 15 photos of a child known to him in an effort to get more child porn.  Van Meter now faces up to 20 years in a federal prison.  The Preble County Sheriff’s Department worked with FBI and the U.S. Attorney General’s Office in the investigation.

POLICE QUESTION FRIENDS AND FAMILY AFTER CENTERVILLE MAN'S MURDER

More details have been released about the shooting death early Wednesday morning of a Centerville man.  43-year-old Kurt Estes was shot in the head and killed outside an apartment complex in a large central Indiana city.  Investigators spent Thursday looking for leads by talking with friends and family members.  But, there were no witnesses to the shooting and police are asking for the public’s help.  There’s also no word yet on what Estes may have been doing at the apartment complex.

ISP: CHASE SUSPECT COULD STILL BE IN AREA

(Henry County, IN)--Investigators believe one suspect could still be in the area after a police pursuit late Wednesday night.  The chase went through Wayne County and ended in Henry County on I-70 when officers found the car crashed in the median.  No suspects were found then.  But, Thursday morning, one of the men – who is from New York – was found trying to hitchhike on a Henry County roadway.  There is no description of the second suspect.

WANTED RICHMOND WOMAN FOUND HIDING IN ATTIC

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond police found a wanted woman hiding in an attic Thursday night.  Officers responded to a home at South 11th and I Street Thursday night and found 26-year-old Summer Hutchings.  Methamphetamine was allegedly found at the scene.  Hutchings was wanted for failing to appear in court after she was arrested just last month for theft and possession of drug paraphernalia.

DARKE COUNTY SOLDIER INJURED IN SYRIA

A Darke County soldier has been seriously injured in combat in the Middle East.  U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Kenton Stacy was injured by an improvised explosive device while clearing a hospital in Syria earlier this month.  Stacy has returned to the United States to be treated.  In 2010, Stacy was the USO’s Service Member of the Year.  He has taken part in more than 50 combat missions while deployed in Afghanistan.

WIND ENGERY COMING TO WHIRLPOOL IN GREENVILLE

Whirlpool says it will build three wind turbines to power its manufacturing facility in Greenville. Whirlpool already uses wind power at three other facilities in Ohio. Like those, the Greenville turbines will be developed in coordination with One Energy Enterprises. They will generate around 70-percent of the plant’s electricity once they begin operation.

NORTH 20th STREET BRIDGE TO OPEN SOON

Transportation officials say the North 20th Street Bridge could re-open as soon as this weekend. The bridge has been closed since March so it could be re-built completely. The project was scheduled to be finished by mid-December, but Wayne County officials now expect it to be open again by next Wednesday. A small dedication ceremony is scheduled for noon that day.

AHAUS TOOLS FACES LARGE FINE

A Richmond manufacturing company faces a hefty fine for workplace safety violations. Ahaus Tool and Engineering on Industrial Parkway was fined 10-thousand 500 dollars by the state’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The fine stems from a May 12th accident at the plant in which a metal bar fell from an overhead crane and struck a worker, sending him to the hospital. The plant had previously gone more than two years without an accident.

HELP THE ANIMALS DIRECTOR FIRED

(Richmond, IN)--The director has been fired and two board members have stepped down as fallout from the Help The Animals allegations continues.  Jamie Glandon was fired by the Board Tuesday after seven healthy dogs were euthanized.  The Help Center claims they were bite risks.  Board Members Kimm Ladd and Michele Curry have stepped down.  On Tuesday, Board President Susan Beeson indicated that other staff and volunteers may have been falsely told the euthanized dogs were moved to another location to spare those volunteers the heartbreak of knowing the dogs had been put down.  She added that she does not think the director intentionally deceived the public, but made the wrong decision.  The shelter has received several threatening phone calls.  A protest is still on for this Saturday outside the Help the Animals shelter in Richmond, despite Tuesday’s firing of Director Jamie Glandon and the resignation of two board members.  Specifically, the protest is calling for the removal of everyone responsible, including Board President Susan Beeson, after seven dogs were euthanized.  The protest begins at 3 Saturday outside the Help shelter.

MAN SET FOR TRIAL FOR STEALING RPD WEAPONS FACES NEW DRUG CHARGE

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond man who was set to go on trial next month for dealing heroin and stealing weapons from a Richmond Police Department cruiser is facing a brand new charge.  Kristopher Carico was taken into custody Tuesday in the 400 block of South 5th and charged with aiding, inducing, or causing dealing in a narcotic drug.  Carico’s wife, Khandyce, was sentenced in September to 13 1/2 years for dealing heroin.  During that sentencing, she testified about the hardships Kristopher would face in having to raise the couple’s children.

RICHMOND MAN FACES FEDERAL DRUG CHARGES

(Richmond, IN)--He has been described for years as one of Richmond’s most major drug players, and now 43-year-old Gary Sellers is facing federal charges for the distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine and heroin.  Sellers has been arrested by federal agents along with three central Indiana men for trafficking the drugs into that area.  Richmond Police helped with the investigation.  Sellers has two local drug convictions and now faces life in prison.

TEEN CHARGED AS ADULT AFTER GAS STATION INVESTIGATION

(Richmond, IN)--There was a large police presence at the Hoosier Pete station at 16th and East Main in Richmond Tuesday afternoon.  Multiple people were packed into an SUV and were taken out one-by-one by RPD officers and checked for warrants.  Marijuana was found inside.  17-year-old Bryan Hall was charged as an adult for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.  Several other teenagers were taken home.  Hall’s three most recent social media posts depict him with brass knuckles, and handgun, and an assault rifle.

HELP THE ANIMALS BOARD ACKNOWLEGES EUTHANIZING A TOTAL OF 52 ANIMALS

(Richmond, IN)--After intense scrutiny and pressure Monday, the Help The Animals Board finally admitted that the shelter did, in fact, euthanize at least seven healthy dogs.  Since its inception, Help has branded itself as a no-kill shelter.  The admission came after 12 employees and volunteers indicated that they were instructed by the Board to lie about what had happened to the dogs, which went missing from the Help Center earlier this month.  In a prepared statement, the Help Board said that the dogs were euthanized because they represented a bite risk.  The Help Center’s director has been placed on administrative leave.  Kicks 96 and The Point News began to attempt to contact Board members as early as 8:30 Monday morning for explanation and reaction.  Not a single Board member responded all of Monday.  In the Help Shelter Board’s statement of admission that the shelter recently euthanized seven dogs determined to be bite risks came another admission:  a total of 52 animals have been euthanized at what is branded as a no-kill shelter.  The Help Board statement indicates that 33 of those animals were terminally ill, but 19 others were put down because they were bite risks.  The issue exploded Monday when 3500 people signed an online petition demanding an explanation and action.  The Board also claims that it is reviewing procedures and has successfully found homes for 5600 animals in the last five years

LIQUOR STORE EMPLOYEE HIT OVER THE HEAD DURING ROBBERY

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond man is in custody after allegedly robbing a liquor store Monday night.  A man later identified as 24-year-old Elijah Isaacs allegedly entered J Street Liquors at around 10 o'clock Monday night, bashed the clerk over the head with an undisclosed item, and then fled south.  Officers were able to pull Isaacs over on U.S. 27 at Endsley Road.  Under his seat, officers found a bottle of apple Crown Royal.  Isaacs is charged with robbery.  A passenger in his car, 25-year-old Terri Rust of Connersville, was also jailed for assisting a criminal.  The clerk was not seriously hurt.

MAN ARRESTED FOR CARRYING CHINESE THROWING STAR

(Richmond, IN)--A Williamsburg man was arrested in Richmond Monday night and charged with carrying an unusual weapon.  30-year-old Joel Toney was located at South 13th and A.  In his possession, police allegedly found drugs and drug paraphernalia.  But they also found that Toney was carrying a Chinese throwing star.  Toney had also been arrested in May on various drug charges.

WAYNE COUNTY HAS SEEN 90 NEW CASES OF CHILD ABUSE, NEGLECT IN LAST TWO MONTHS

(Wayne County, IN)--Wayne County has had an unbelievable 90 new, substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect in just the last two months.  According to new numbers from the state’s Department of Child Services, there were 27 news cases in October.  That comes on the heels of 63 new cases in September, which was the county’s largest single-month total ever.  So far this year, Wayne County has had 362 new, substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect.  Authorities say that drugs are in some way involved in the vast majority of those cases.

WOMAN JAILED FOR BATTERING OFFICER

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond woman was charged with felony battery on a police officer after an incident in the 200 block of North West 18th Street Sunday night.  RPD was sent to that area after a disturbance allegedly involving 32-year-old Amanda Carlin.  Carlin allegedly also interfered with a call to 911 and was intoxicated.  There was no indication that the officer was seriously hurt.

BROTHERS JAILED FOR WEEKEND ATTACK

(Richmond, IN)--Two Richmond brothers are in the Wayne County Jail Monday morning after an alleged weekend home invasion and attack.  Daryl and Jonathon Barthalow, who are both in their mid-20’s, allegedly entered a home near Kinsey Street and attacked a resident there in retaliation for an earlier attack.  Both Barthalow brothers are charged with felony burglary and battery.

BID AWARDED FOR OLD REID'S DEMOLITION

(Richmond, IN)--A bid was awarded Thursday for the teardown and cleanup of the old Reid Hospital property.  A central Indiana firm was awarded a bid of slightly under $3.5 million for the project.  That money will not cover other facets of the project that include insurance and inspections.  That could add close to another million dollars, but it’s still well below the initial estimate of $8.1 million for the project.  The contract is expected to be signed by the end of the month and work could begin as early as January 2.

MULTIPLE SHOTS FIRED INTO RICHMOND HOME

(Richmond, IN)--Multiple shots were fired into a Richmond house Thursday, but there were no reports of any injuries.  Officers were called to the 100 block of South 12th at around 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon.  Police searched the home of 37-year-old Gabriel Hatfield after initially being denied permission.  Multiple shell casings were found.  Across the street, four rounds were found embedded in a home.  Hatfield was taken to the Wayne County Jail and charged with felony criminal recklessness, but he has bonded out.  There’s no word yet on what prompted the shooting.

U.S. 35 TO CLOSE FOR TWO WEEKS

(Wayne County, IN)--Here comes yet another major road closing.  U.S. 35 is set to close on Monday in a portion of Wayne County and will remain closed for at least two weeks.  Crews will be replacing a culvert on 35 just east of Economy.  That project is the last of four sections of 35 to see major work this year as part of a $3.1 million project.  All of the work should be done by the first of December.

RCS BOARD APPROVES TEACHERS' CONTRACT

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Community School teachers have a new contract.  The RCS Board Wednesday night unanimously approved a two-year contract.  It’s retroactive to the first of July.  RCS reached the agreement with the REA much quicker than had occurred with previous contracts.  Also Wednesday night, the Board approved a pay raise for non-union school employees.  Most will get a two percent raise, but some substitutes and food service workers will get more.

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB TO OPEN NEW LOCATION

(Richmond, IN)--The Boys and Girls Club of Wayne County is getting set to open a new location on Richmond’s west side.  The new location is on West Main Street at the former Richmond Academy, across the street from Fire Station #5.  Doors will open on Monday at the club, which offer the same types of services as are available on South L.  Officials say they were forced to put a temporary freeze on new members due to a lack of available space.

MAN FOUND WITH METH, UNLICENSED HANDGUN

(Richmond, IN)--A wanted Richmond man was taken into custody Wednesday night on a felony drug charge.  55-year-old Danny Steelman, who lives in the 600 block of South 10th, was taken to the Wayne County Jail and charged with possession of meth.  Steelman also allegedly had marijuana and drug paraphernalia and a handgun that he was carrying without a license.  He had been wanted for failing to appear on a previous charge.

FOUR ARRESTED AT RICHMOND'S ECONO LODGE

(Richmond, IN)--Four Richmond residents were arrested a Richmond motel Wednesday morning on a host of charges.  Officers were called to the Econo Lodge on Commerce Drive at around 2:30 Wednesday morning on the report of a suspicious person.  There, they found 21-year-old Toshan Dunbar and 19-year-olds Kaylyn Eversole and Kirsten Reed.  They were charged collectively with possession of marijuana, theft, and underage drinking.  A fourth person was arrested as the investigation continued.  25-year-old Devontae Kennedy was booked into jail at 6 o'clock Wednesday morning on charges that include theft and OWI.

BOARD TERMINATES NORTHEASTERN PRINCIPAL IN 3-2 VOTE

(Fountain City, IN)--In a public meeting Monday night that lasted less than five minutes, the Northeastern School Board voted 3-2 to cancel the contract of High School Principal Wes Wisner.  Board Members Ben Austerman, Chris Dingwerth and Brad Hester cast the three votes that effectively fired Wisner.  Wisner had been suspended twice this year for reasons that included alleged intimidation of staff members.  Doug Jay and Keith Webster voted against removing Wisner.  No comments were made by the Board or Superintendent, despite the large crowd that had assembled.

BIKE-SHARING PROGRAM CONSIDERED FOR RICHMOND

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Common Council met Monday night and learned about a bicycle sharing program that’s being considered for the city.  Here’s how it would work…kiosks would be established around the city, including Uptown, at IU East, and at Earlham College.  People could rent the bikes at one kiosk and drop them off at another.  City leaders met with a company called Zagster a couple of weeks ago to discuss the proposal.  The cost has not been determined.

FORMER AUDITOR ESCAPES JAIL TIME FOR NOW

(Brookville, IN)--A plea deal will keep the former Franklin County auditor out of jail, at least for now.  Steve Brack has agreed to plead guilty to theft for stealing from the Brookville Kiwanis while he served as treasurer.  He’ll also have to pay back the $888 he stole.  The plea deal calls for him to serve two years with all time suspended.  But Brack faces more charges in a different case.  He’s also accused of stealing $5000 from the Whitcomb Methodist Church while he was treasurer there.

WATER RECEDES AFTER 3.7 INCHES OF RAIN

(Whitewater Valley)--Dispatchers across the Whitewater Valley say that most roads have now reopened after heavy rain inundated the area Sunday night.  The East Fork of the Whitewater River at Abington went over its 14-foot flood stage mark at just after midnight Monday morning.  At the Richmond Municipal Airport, 3.7 inches of rain fell between Sunday afternoon and early Monday morning.  There were multiple reports of street flooding across Richmond last night with several cars becoming stranded.  One man had to be helped from his Liberty Avenue home when floodwaters crossed his driveway.  "We were able to load him and his three pets to get him out of there to stay with friends for the night," said Battalion Chief Jeff Glenn. By Monday morning, most of that water had receded and was not posing an issue.  Eaton Community Schools were placed on a two-hour delay.  To our north, tornadoes did significant damage in Portland and Celina.

NORTHEASTERN SCHOOL BOARD TO DETERMINE PRINCIPAL'S FATE MONDAY NIGHT

(Fountain City, IN)--The future of Northeastern High School Principal Wes Wisner will be determined Monday night when the school board conducts a special meeting.  Wisner has been on paid leave since September for multiple incidents, including once when he put the school on classroom secure status without the superintendent’s knowledge or approval.  The Board will meet in executive session at 5:30 Monday afternoon at the high school conference room.  That will be immediately followed by a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria.

WOMAN CHARGED WITH FELONY CHILD NEGLECT AFTER DRUGS FOUND IN CAR

(Cambridge City, IN)--A Connersville woman with a lengthy drug history was arrested again early Monday morning – this time at a Cambridge City gas station with a child involved.  32-year-old Ashley Moore was stopped near I-70.  An officer allegedly saw drugs in plain view.  A search turned up methamphetamine, marijuana, and paraphernalia.  Moore was also charged with felony neglect of a dependent.

LINGLE MERGES WITH COLDWELL BANKER HERITAGE

(Richmond, IN)--There’s been a merger involving a long-time Richmond real estate agency.  Lingle Real Estate has merged with the Dayton-based Coldwell Banker Heritage.  Lingle Real Estate began operations in 1959 and will continue to be managed locally by Paul Lingle.  The agency, though, will now be referred to as Coldwell Banker Lingle.  In a prepared statement, Lingle said the companies would benefit from their top rankings in the Richmond and Dayton markets.  The Richmond office location at North 8th and A Street will not change.

JUVENILE CHARGED IN NW 2nd GUN INCIDENT

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond juvenile was taken to a juvenile detention center in Muncie after an incident in the 800 block of North West 2nd Street Thursday morning.  According to scanner traffic, multiple residents in the area reported hearing a gunshot followed by screaming at about 7:10 Thursday morning.  The juvenile was charged with criminal recklessness with a firearm and aiming a firearm.  Both are felonies.  There were no reports of any injuries.

TWO MORE ARRESTED IN PEARL STREET STANDOFF

(Richmond, IN)--Two other people were arrested as a result of the standoff on Pearl Street in Richmond that we told you about Thursday.  It brings the total number of people jailed to seven.  Shawn Cooper was charged with possessing meth and a syringe.  Timothy Culbertson was charged with carrying a handgun without a permit.  The standoff involved local law enforcement and U.S. marshals.

ALLEGED BURGLAR CAUGHT WITH HOMEOWNER'S ID

(Richmond, IN)--An alleged burglar was caught in the act Thursday afternoon on North 20th Street in Richmond.  A home’s occupant arrived to find that their front door had been kicked in.  A suspicious man later identified as 40-year-old Shane Huffman was questioned outside.  Not only did police allegedly find methamphetamine in Huffman’s pocket, they also found the homeowner’s ID.  Huffman was in the Wayne County Jail Friday morning.

RCS FORECAST TO LOSE UP TO 400 STUDENTS IN NEXT DECADE

(Richmond, IN)--The consulting company that’s looking at the Richmond Community Schools master plan laid out some initial projections in the first of a series of community meetings Wednesday night.  The projection is for RCS to lose between three and 400 students in the next decade.  And, right now, there’s capacity for another 1700 students district-wide.  Those numbers will play a key role in possible grade reconfigurations and renovations.  In a district with 5000 students, less than five members of the general public showed up last night.  The next meeting takes place at 6 o'clock Thursday night at Charles Elementary.

FIVE ARRESTED AFTER INCIDENT INVOLVING SWAT, U.S. MARSHALS

(Richmond, IN)--A standoff involving a U.S. Marshal on Pearl Street in Richmond Wednesday afternoon ended with the arrest of five people.  A man later identified as 42-year-old Phillip Lee allegedly fled a traffic stop on Kinsey Street and ran into a garage on Pearl Street.  SWAT members and other law enforcement agencies arrived as Lee covered the windows with blankets.  Eventually, he tried to flee the garage, was Tased, and taken into custody.  Inside the house, police also arrested Crystal Garcia, Jordan Pentecost, and Vincent Thornburg of Richmond and Deanna Duncan of New Paris.  All were in jail Thursday morning.  There’s no word yet on why marshals were initially trying to apprehend Lee.

"BASEBALL-SIZED BALL OF METH" RECOVERED ON GLEN COURT

(Richmond, IN)--What was described as a baseball-sized ball of meth was recovered Thursday morning on the problem street of Glen Court in Richmond.  Officers came into contact with 44-year-old Dreama Fair at about 1 o’clock Thursday morning and allgededly saw her throw an object.  Fair then initially refused to let officers search.  A canine was brought to the scene and the methamphetamine was recovered.  Fair was taken to the Wayne County Jail and is charged with a Level 2 felony of dealing meth.  Her arrest is the latest in a series of incidents on Glen Court.

SNOW ASKS RESIDENTS TO PATRONIZE UPTOWN BUSINESSES DURING CONSTRUCTION

(Richmond, IN)--Road construction in Uptown Richmond means an annual event will not be taking place.  "This project has resulted in the cancellation of the Veteran's Day Parade, and I really hate to hear that, said Richmond Mayor Dave Snow.  INDOT says the closure of 8th and Main will last for about three weeks.  Snow said it’s critical to support Uptown businesses.  "We really have to remember that, even though there is road construction, we still must patronize our downtown businesses.  It's very important that they have our support."  Parade organizers considered alternate routes, but ultimately decided against it.

McDONALD'S OPENS AFTER EARLY-MORNING SMOKY INCIDENT

(Richmond, IN)--It’s business as usual Wednesday morning at the west-side Richmond McDonald’s after an overnight incident.  A large fire response was sent to the restaurant on National Road West at 12:45 Wednesday morning on a report of smoke coming from the ceiling.  A smoky haze filled the inside, but no fire actually broke out.  "It was the air handling system.  We ended up shutting it down and told them to get it serviced, said Battalion Chief Jeff Glenn.  Firefighters were on the scene for about 2 ½ hours.  The restaurant opened as normal Wednesday morning.

Archives:

2023-12 | 2023-11 | 2023-10 | 2023-09 | 2023-08 | 2023-07 | 2023-06 | 2023-05 | 2023-04 | 2023-03 | 2023-02 | 2023-01 | 2022-12 | 2022-11 | 2022-10 | 2022-09 | 2022-08 | 2022-07 | 2022-06 | 2022-05 | 2022-04 | 2022-03 | 2022-02 | 2022-01 | 2021-12 | 2021-11 | 2021-10 | 2021-09 | 2021-08 | 2021-07 | 2021-06 | 2021-05 | 2021-04 | 2021-03 | 2021-02 | 2021-01 | 2020-12 | 2020-11 | 2020-10 | 2020-09 | 2020-08 | 2020-07 | 2020-06 | 2020-05 | 2020-04 | 2020-03 | 2020-02 | 2020-01 | 2019-12 | 2019-11 | 2019-10 | 2019-09 | 2019-08 | 2019-07 | 2019-06 | 2019-05 | 2019-04 | 2019-03 | 2019-02 | 2019-01 | 2018-12 | 2018-11 | 2018-10 | 2018-09 | 2018-08 | 2018-07 | 2018-06 | 2018-05 | 2018-04 | 2018-03 | 2018-02 | 2018-01 | 2017-12 | 2017-11 | 2017-10 | 2017-09 | 2017-08 | 2017-07 | 2017-06 | 2017-05 | 2017-04 | 2017-03 | 2017-02 | 2017-01 | 2016-12 | 2016-11 | 2016-10 | 2016-09 | 2016-08 | 2016-07 | 2016-06 | 2016-05 | 2016-04 | 2016-03 | 2016-02 | 2016-01 | 2015-12 | 2015-11 | 2015-10 | 2015-09 | 2015-08 | 2015-07 | 2015-06 | 2015-05 | 2015-04 | 2015-03 | 2015-02 | 2015-01 | 2014-12 | 2014-11