Local News Archives for 2018-05

SEARCH CONTINUES FOR PERSON OF INTEREST IN SHOOTING OF RHS STUDENT

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond police investigators have a person of interest in connection with the shooting death of RHS senior Tremell Carpenter early Tuesday morning.  That person was not in custody Thursday morning and RPD is not releasing the shooter’s name.  Sources close to the situation say that shooter is a teenager who was involved in a rather high-profile investigation late last year.  The suspected shooter’s Facebook account has been reactivated.  A post made early Thursday morning appears to be a suicide message and begins with the words "I’m sorry for the pain that was brought upon everyone…"  RPD’s investigation continues.

ARMED ROBBER STRIKES LOSANTVILLE GAS STATION

(Losantville, IN)--There was an armed robbery at a Losantville gas station late Wednesday night.  It happened at the Phillips 66 at the junction of U.S. 35 and 36 when the station was closing for the night.  "Suddenly, somebody came inside the store that had covered his face," said the operator of the station Thursday morning.  "He pulled a gun on the cashier and told her to give him the money."  The robber was still on the loose Thursday morning.  The suspect is described as a white male between 25 and 30 years old.  He was wearing a camouflage t-shirt.  No one was hurt.

EATON SCHOOLS NAMES NEW SUPERINTENDENT

(Eaton, OH)--Eaton Community Schools has a new superintendent.  Jeff Parker won’t be coming from far away…he was the previously superintendent at National Trail.  Parker’s appointment was approved during a special meeting of the Eaton Community School Board.  He will begin on the first of July and was awarded a three-year contract.

POPULATION DROPS IN RICHMOND AND MOST AREA CITIES IN THE LAST YEAR

(Whitewater Valley)--Richmond’s population continues to shrink, but not as quickly as you might think.  New population estimates have been released by the U.S. Census Department.  Richmond’s population stands at 35,455 people.  That’s a decrease of 181 people in the last year.  The city’s population has slowly but steadily decreased in since 2010.  In the last eight years, the city has lost 1267 people.  That’s a decrease of about 3 ½ percent.  Only two county seats in the Whitewater Valley are growing, and neither by very much.   Liberty and Eaton are the two communities that grew in the last year.  Liberty grew by seven people; Eaton added ten.  Every area community, though, has seen decreasing population since 2010.  The largest drop, by percentage, is Connersville, which has lost 615 residents – or 4.8% of its population – since 2010.  Eaton is the city that has lost the fewest residents.  It’s population has dropped by 2.7%.

CORDELL POOL TO REMAIN CLOSED THROUGH MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

(Richmond, IN)--Cordell Pool in Richmond will not be ready to open for the extended Memorial Day weekend.  Park officials have indicated that the installation of a new pool liner will prevent from opening at its tradition time.  The pool will be filled on Friday.  Mechanical procedures involved with beginning pool operations will follow.  It appears that the earliest possible opening date for the pool will be Saturday, June 2.

DETAILS OF SCHOOL THREAT RELEASED

(Hagerstown, IN)--Details of what was deemed to be a threat at Hagerstown Junior-Senior High School this week have been released.  It happened in the lunchroom this week when a group of students told another student he looked like they type of person who would commit a school shooting.  His response was to say that maybe he would.  The student was immediately removed from class and all parents were notified.  The school was not placed on lockdown.  Hagerstown is now out for summer vacation.

WAYNE COUNTY'S WORK FORCE INCREASES BY 300

(Wayne County, IN)--Some very positive new job numbers are out for Wayne County.  The number of people in Wayne County’s work force is up by nearly 300 people in the last month.  Also in the last month, the number of employed people has risen by nearly 400 while the number of unemployed people has dropped by 108.  When compared to this time last year, though, the number of Wayne County workers is down by about 200.

MAN ARRESTED FOR BURGLARY AND BATTERING OFFICER

(Hagerstown, IN)--A Hagerstown man is facing the highest level of felony after an incident there Wednesday afternoon.  22-year-old Johnathon Morris allegedly entered a house on South Perry Street and battered an occupant inside.  When police arrived, Morris then fought with some of the officers.  One officer had to be taken to the hospital to be evaluated after a hand injury.  Morris now faces a total of seven charges, including possession of a controlled substance and burglary.

UNUSUAL AIRPLANE TO FLY OVER RICHMOND

(Richmond, IN)--There will be a strange airplane flying over Richmond for the next few days.  A Ford Tri-Motor airplane will be at the Richmond Municipal Airport and will be giving rides.  The Ford Tri-Motor dates back to the 1920’s and was known as the first luxury airliner that marked the beginning of commercial flight.  Rides will be given from 2-5 Thursday afternoon and all day Friday through Sunday.  The cost is $75 for adults.

BELDEN'S DRUG REHAB PROGRAM GARNER'S NATIONAL ATTENTION

(Richmond, IN)--A couple of weeks ago, Kicks 96 and The Point News reported that Belden in Richmond had initiated a program aimed at helping people with drug addiction.  Potential Belden employees who fail pre-employment drug screens are offered personalized drug rehab.  A job with Belden is then made available if the person is able to successfully complete rehab and remain drug free.  Now, that program is making national news.  CNN Money featured Belden’s new program.  "If we look at the counties where more medication is being prescribed, we see a bigger drop in the labor force participation rate," said one industry expert in the feature.  No one currently applying for a job at Belden agreed to speak with CNN.

RICHMOND SEX OFFENDER JAILED FOR ALLEGEDLY LIVING TOO CLOSE TO SCHOOL

(Hagerstown, IN)--A convicted Richmond child molester was jailed Tuesday night after authorities determined he was violating the terms of his sex offender status.  27-year-old Michael Eaton was taken into custody at Hagerstown’s Dollar General.  Eaton’s status as a sex offender prevents him from living too close to a school, but he had allegedly moved in with a girlfriend who lives directly across from a school.  Eaton was convicted of child molestation back in the spring of 2012.

EATON MAN SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

(Eaton, OH)--An Eaton man was sentenced Tuesday to nine years in federal prison for possessing child pornography.  An FBI investigation determined that 22-year-old Matthew Perry shared at least 4700 images of children.  Agents then executed a search warrant on Perry’s phone, where they found thousands more images.  Perry was recently arrested and pled guilty to attempted rape of a child in a separate Preble County case.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION TO CONTINUE THROUGH THANKSGIVING

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Common Council Monday night got an update on the city’s road construction nightmare.  A project engineer with INDOT told council that the paving work on U.S. 27 was roughly 2/3 of the way done.  But South A Street, which is currently heavily restricted and very rough, is only about a quarter of the way done.  South A is not projected to be complete until sometime around Thanksgiving.  Projects that would be coming in the next couple of years were also discussed Monday night.  That includes a possible reconstruction of the U.S. 27 bridge over the Depot District and a complete reconstruction of Ninth Street from South M to North A Street.

400-BED REGIONAL OPIOID RECOVERY CENTER PROPOSED FOR CONNERSVILLE

(Connersville, IN)--A state director of a USDA program says that Fayette County could become a regional home for opioid recovery.  That representative told city and county leaders that he wants the former K-Mart in Connersville, which is now vacant, to be converted into a Phase III recovery center.  A Phase III center would house recovering addicts for up to two years if they’ve completed the first two phases.  The former K-Mart could house up to 400 people.  The regional center would include Wayne, Union, and Franklin County.

WAYNE COUNTY DOG BREEDER NAMED ONE OF COUNTRY'S WORST PUPPY MILLS

(Greens Fork, IN)--A Wayne County dog breeder has been named one of the one hundred worst puppy mills in the entire country.  The Humane Society calls the list the "Horrible Hundred."  The USDA has redacted the exact identity of the Wayne County breeder, although it did identify the location as being in Greens Fork.  Last summer, an adult dog was found serious wounds and other injuries that had not been treated.  Multiple puppies were found without shelter from wind and rain.

MAN JAILED AFTER REPORTS OF THOWN POTATOES AND EGGS

(Richmond, IN)--What began as a call about someone throwing potatoes and eggs at cars resulted in the drug arrest of a Richmond man early Tuesday morning.   It happened at the Clover Leaf Trailer Park on Salisbury Road.  Police received consent to search a residence and located syringes and drug paraphernalia in a bathroom.  38-year-old Chad Capps was taken into custody.  Reports do not indicate if Capps was the one throwing the eggs and potatoes.

ACCUSED TODDLER MURDERER NOW FREE ON BOND

(Lynn, IN)--A Lynn man accused of murdering his own two-year-old child in March of last year bonded out of jail this week and is free, at least for the time being.  23-year-old Josh Null was able to post 10% of a $35,000 bond that includes personal property this week.  Null is accused of causing blunt force trauma to the child in March of last year.  Multiple first responded were unable to revive the unresponsive toddler.  Null is free but is now currently scheduled for trial in mid-September.

CITY'S WEBSITE IS UP AND RUNNING

(Richmond, IN)--The city of Richmond’s new website is up and running.  The older website had long been a subject of criticism because it contained outdated or incomplete information.  That’s changed now with the launch of the new web site.  It contains updated information about the city’s departments, upcoming events, and contact information.  You can find the website at richmondindiana.gov.

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR VISITS ULLERY'S ICE CREAM

(Richmond, IN)--The city of Richmond’s new website is up and running.  The older website had long been a subject of criticism because it contained outdated or incomplete information.  That’s changed now with the launch of the new web site.  It contains updated information about the city’s departments, upcoming events, and contact information.  You can find the website at richmondindiana.gov.

SHOTS REPORTED FIRED INTO ARBA PIKE HOME

(Wayne County, IN)--The Wayne County Sheriff’s Department is continuing to investigate after multiple shots were allegedly fired into a home just north of Richmond.  It happened in the 4600 block of Arba Pike and was discovered Tuesday morning.  Police reports do not indicate the number of shots that were fired or the type of weapon that may have been used.  There were no reports of any injury.

BRIDGES TO CLOSE FOR INSPECTION NEXT WEEK

(Wayne County, IN)--Get ready for more road closures.  This time, though, the closures will only last for a day for bridge inspections and not for construction.  The G Street Bridge in Richmond will be completely shut down all day Monday for inspection.  On Tuesday, it will be the 20th Century Bridge on Richmond Avenue near Purina, although that will only involve lane restrictions.  Then, on Wednesday, the bridge over the Whitewater River just east of Abington will be closed.

STATS SHOW METH USE IS EXPLODING IN WAYNE COUNTY

(Wayne County, IN)--Newly released Wayne County crime statistics show an unmistakable shift from heroin to methamphetamine among local drug users.  Three years ago, there were five times as many criminal heroin cases as meth cases in Wayne County.  Now, though, there are twice as many criminal meth cases as heroin cases.  In 2015, there were only 18 local meth cases.  This year, Wayne County is on pace to go 12 times higher to 213 cases.  The number of heroin cases is on pace to drop slightly from 140 last year to 129 this year.

FIREFIGHTERS RETURN TO RICHMOND STRIP MALL

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond firefighters on Wednesday morning returned to the strip mall on National Road West in Richmond that was the site of a significant fire in late March.  The fire started at 1:30 Wednesday morning in the area of the Great Wall restaurant and a dollar store at 18th and National Road West.  "There was a fire in the building again.  The dispatcher told us that the fire was going pretty good.  The first engine arrived on the scene and found a large pile of debris on fire," said Battalion Chief Tim Brown.  Wednesday morning’s fire, though, was not nearly as damaging.  It was quickly extinguished.  The fire is considered suspicious.

MAN CAUGHT AFTER CHASE INTO CAMBRIDGE CITY WOODS

(Cambridge City, IN)--Police in Cambridge City were able to capture a woman and her boyfriend when he fled from a traffic stop Tuesday afternoon.  Officers pulled over 24-year-old Brandon McDonald on High Street.  He ran into a home, then out the back door, and then into a wooded area.  After searching for a couple of hours, McDonald was apprehended.  22-year-old Heather Moffitt was also arrested.  Both face charges that include felony neglect of a dependent.

PROSECUTOR CHALLENGES NEEDLE EXCHANGE IN LETTER TO COMMISSIONERS

(Richmond, IN)--Wayne County Prosecutor Mike Shipman is openly questioning multiple elements of the county’s needle exchange program.  In a letter to Commissioners, Shipman questions what data exists to show that the program has reduced harm.  Shipman cited a case in March in which James Massey died from an overdose.  Massey was not involved in the program but still died using a needle from the exchange.  In another recent case, Brittany Davis was caught with 20 syringes from the program but could not prove she was a participant in needle exchange.  Shipman will soon address Commissioners in person.

RPD SEARCHING FOR MAN WHO DOUSED WOMAN, CHILDREN IN LIGHTER FLUID

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond police are looking for a man who not only intentionally set fire to a porch Monday night, but also squirted lighter fluid on two children, including one of his own.  It happened at 10:15 Monday night in the 300 block of South 9th Street.  "The fire really wasn't anything.  It wasn't on the building; it was just a rug," said one Richmond battalion chief.  What was something was that the suspect doused an adult female and two young children with the same lighter fluid he used to start the fire.  All three victims were taken to Reid Health to be checked out.  One of the victims was the suspect’s own child.  The suspect’s name has not been released.

LOCAL BUSINESSMAN DIES IN FLORIDA

(Destin, FL)--A longtime Richmond business owner has died in Florida.  Mike Earlywine has died while visiting the Destin, Florida area.  Earlywine was the former owner of Earlywine Pest Control and a broker at Coldwell Banker Lingle.  The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Department said that more information about Earlywine’s death would be available later today.  Local services for Mike Earlywine are pending.

REID FOUNDATION GETS MILLION-DOLLAR DONATION

(Richmond, IN)--Reid Health has had a million-dollar donation.  Debra Edelman has given a million dollars to the Reid Health Foundation in honor of her husband, Jack, who died in October of last year.  The donation will fund what will now be known as the Jack Edeman Cardiac Catheterization Center.  With that gift, the former Recycling Center owners have donated a total of $2.12 million to Reid’s Foundation.

GREENS FORK TEEN ARRESTED FOR HOME INVASION, ROBBERY

(Richmond, IN)--A Greens Fork teenager was behind bars Tuesday morning after allegedly committing a home invasion and robbery late Monday night.  19-year-old Brayden Hoskins is now accused of entering an apartment near South 8th and E, taking a purse, and running.  Hoskins was tracked down and captured by RPD at South 13th and D with the purse still in his waistband.  The victim then positively identified Hoskins.

ZONING BOARD APPROVES HOMELESS SHELTER NEAR DOWNTOWN RICHMOND

(Richmond, IN)--Over the objection of many nearby business owners, the Richmond Board of Zoning Appeals has approved the conversion of the old Knucklehead’s Bar just east of downtown into a homeless shelter for women.  "We're looking out for the safety of our kids.  We're looking out for the children in our studio," said an employee of a nearby dance studio addressing the BZA.  Rock Solid Ministries would operate the shelter.  "I can't control what people do when they leave our building," said Rock Solid's director.  Most of the business owners who opposed it did not question the women; they had an issue with the men who may have battered them and may congregate around the shelter.  Some residents, though, favored the shelter.  "I think it will take some women off the street.  I think our prostitution rate will go down." said one self-described former prostitute.  The Board approved the zoning change by a 3-1 vote.

WOMAN KILLED IN I-70 CRASH

(Wayne County, IN)--Investigators don’t yet know what caused a Richmond woman lose control on I-70 in crash that cost her her life.  62-year-old Carol Gallagher was headed west on I-70 near the Washington Road overpass between Centerville at Cambridge City at around 10:30 Sunday morning  Gallagher’s car drifted into the median.  She overcorrected and rolled several times.  Gallagher was wearing her seat belt but was pronounced dead at the scene.  No other vehicles were involved.  Traffic on 70 was affected for several hours.

MAN JAILED AFTER CHASE

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond man was in the Wayne County Jail Monday morning after a high-speed chase down Chester Boulevard at speeds that reached 80 miles per hour on Saturday.  Police began pursuing 24-year-old Tyrone Jarrett at an apartment complex near Dillon Drive.  Jarrett was allegedly doing 80 as he passed the old Reid Hospital.  He bailed out near 22nd and Grand Boulevard.  Jarrett was tased and taken into custody after a short foot chase.  Charges include residential entry, criminal recklessless, and felony resisting.

ELDER BEERMAN BUILDING IS FOR SALE

(Richmond, IN)--The Elder-Beerman building in Richmond is for sale.  The building went up for sale this week after officially announcing last month that it would close.  A New York company is overseeing the sale, along with the sale of all other properties owned by Elder-Beerman’s parent company, Bon-Ton.  There is no specific asking price for the building.  The property has an assessed value of about $2.5 million.  There’s also an outstanding tax debt of close to $80,000.

PROSECUTOR ASKS TO ADDRESS COMMISSIONERS ABOUT NEEDLE EXCHANGE

(Richmond, IN)--Wayne County Prosecutor Mike Shipman has asked to be on the agenda when County Commissioners meet on Wednesday next week.  Shipman has asked to address commissioners about the needle exchange program after they extended the program by two years earlier this week.  Shipman has continued to express his opposition to the program since its inception a few years ago.  He did not indicate exactly what his address to commissioners will entail.

MAN SERIOUSLY HURT IN ACCIDENT AT BLUE BUFFALO

(Richmond, IN)--There was a serious industrial accident at the new Blue Buffalo plant in Richmond Thursday.  The hydraulics failed on a grate that helps fork lifts unload semis and trapped the worker.  Other employees then used a fork lift to free the man.  A medical helicopter landed at Blue Buffalo and flew him to a Level One trauma center.  His name and condition had not been made available by 6 a.m. Friday.

WITNESSES HELP RPD CATCH MAN AFTER FOOT CHASE

(Richmond, IN)--Lots of alert citizens helped RPD catch a man after a foot chase Thursday afternoon.  30-year-old Edward Mann ran when he saw an officer in the area of South 15th and E.  He ran in between houses through several city blocks.  Mann eventually made it to a house near South 11th and C and was taken into custody there.  New charges include criminal trespass and criminal confinement.  Mann had originally failed to appear on a drug charge.

IU EAST NAMES NEW DEAN OF STUDENTS

(Richmond, IN)--IU East has a new dean of students, and they didn’t have to look far to find her.  IU East has announced that Amy Jarecki will transition from her current role as Associate Director of Financial Aid to the Dean of Students.  The Dean of Students has a multitude of responsibilities, including reviewing student conduct cases and acting as a student liaison.  Jarecki has been with IU East for eight years.

WAYNE COUNTY EXTENDS NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

(Richmond, IN)--A two-year extension was given to Wayne County’s needle exchange program on Wednesday.  The county’s commissioners have extended the program to at least June of 2020.  There were 61 participants in the first quarter of this year.  That’s a nearly 25% increase from the previous quarter.  Wayne County recently switched to a more unique syringe at the request of Prosecutor Mike Shipman.  Possessing a similar a syringe not obtained from the county is a criminal offense.

LIBERTY POLICE SEEK HELP IN IDENTIFYING BURGLARS

(Liberty, IN)--The Liberty Police Department is asking for the help of the public to catch a couple of burglars.  Video surveillance images have been released that show the two suspects as they tried to commit a burglary at the Liberty Bell.  Investigators have not yet said if the two men are suspected in committing any other recent break-ins.  If you know the identity of either of these two men, you're asked to contact the Liberty Police Department.

RETTER, BARRETT WINS HIGHLIGHT LOCAL ELECTIONS

(Whitewater Valley)--Here are results of local elections from Tuesday:

 

WAYNE COUNTY SHERIFF:  Randy Retter appears to be Wayne County’s next sheriff.  Retter defeated opponents Todd Barker and Donnie Benedict when the county’s votes were tallied Tuesday night.  Retter received 43% of the votes, while Barker finished second with 35%.  Retter is not yet technically in place as the sheriff-elect.  Another party could name a candidate to oppose Retter in the fall.  But that’s unlikely to happen and, even if it did, it would be even more unlikely that that candidate would be successful.

 

DISTRICT 56:  Three-time incumbent Dick Hamm was unseated Tuesay in his bid for a fourth term as the State Representative from Indiana District 56.  Not only was Hamm defeated, he was defeated decisively by political newcomer Brad Barrett.  Barrett defeated Hamm by slightly more than a two-to-one margin.  Barrett will now face Democratic nominee Jeff Locke in the fall.  Locke ran unopposed on the Democratic ticket.

 

WAYNE COUNTY COUNCIL:  Beth Leisure on Tuesday became the Republican nominee to replace Pete Zaleski on Wayne County Council.  Leisure defeated Mark Hoelscher 56-44%.  Leisure will square off against Democratic nominee Nick Elder in November.  Elder ran unopposed.

 

PREBLE:  In Preble County, there were several tax levies on the ballot.  Lakengren approved a police levy by a 3-1 margin that ensures the gated community will continue to have the police protection that began nine years ago.  A Lewisburg police levy went down to defeat by just 16 votes.  Preble County also supported Mike Dewine, who won the Republican race for governor over Mary Taylor.

 

FAYETTE: There were only a couple of contested races in Fayette County Tuesday.  In the race for Democratic nominee for County Commissioner, Donna Schroeder beat Jerry Pennington 55-45%.  Joey Laughlin won in a landslide in the race for sheriff, defeating Wesley Pennington 87-13%.

 

RANDOLPH:  There was only one contested local race for Randolph County voters Tuesday.  In the race to be the Republican nominee for sheriff, Art Moystner beat Douglas Fritz by a 2-1 margin.

REPORT: RHS TO HIRE SHABAZ KHALIQ AS NEW BOYS BASKETBALL COACH

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond High School appears to have a new basketball coach.  The Fort Wayne News Sentinel reported Tuesday night that Northside High School Coach Shabaz Khaliq will become the new boys coach at RHS.  Khaliq has an impressive record of 175-64 as a head coach.  He had been at Fort Wayne North for the last eight years and is an Earlham College graduate.

RCS BOARD TO ADDRESS ELEMENTARY BOUNDARIES FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE CHANGES ANNOUNCED

(Richmond, IN)--It could be a rather contentious meeting of the Richmond Community School Board Wednesday afternoon.  The Board will meet in a work session beginning at 5:30 p.m.  This is the first time the Board has met since boundaries were redrawn for the district’s elementary schools.  Those boundaries were finalized recently and were put into effect without an opportunity for parents and others to express their views and concerns.  According to the agenda, there is an opportunity for public comment early in the meeting.

OLYMPIAN CANDIES BECOME 4th DOWNTOWN BUSINESS OF NOTE TO CLOSE IN A YEAR

(Richmond, IN)--Yet another downtown Richmond business is shutting its doors.  This time, it’s Olympian Candies.  Olympian had operated in downtown Richmond for over a century, but posted on social media Monday that it would close a week from Saturday.  Owners cited downtown Richmond construction and an overall poor business climate as reasons for the closure.  Olympian becomes at least the fourth significant downtown business to close its doors in the last year, joining Veach’s, Chase Bank, and Elder-Beerman.  Olympian owners say they may re-open elsewhere in the future, but it certainly will not be downtown.

WOMAN REVIVED, THEN JAILED, IN WILLIAMSBURG DRUG INCIDENT

(Williamsburg, IN)--A Williamsburg couple is in the Wayne County Jail after a drug-related incident early Tuesday morning.  29-year-old Jessica Smith overdosed at her home on U.S. 35 and was revived with CPR and multiple doses of Narcan at just after midnight.  After she recovered, she and 34-year-old Ronald Roberts were taken to jail where they now face charges that include possession of drugs and paraphernalia and felony neglect of a dependent.

FREQUENT CAMBRIDGE CITY DRUG OFFENDER ARRESTED AGAIN

(Cambridge City, IN)--Multiple law enforcement agencies descended on a house in the 300 block of West Main in Cambridge City Monday night.  Investigators allegedly found methamphetamine and syringes at the home of 59-year-old William Moffitt and 40-year-old Jamie Pickett.  It was just last month that Pickett was arrested by the state police after heroin was located on her by the Indiana State Police.   She pled guilty to three other felony drug charges last October.

91-YEAR-OLD FIRES SHOT AT RICHMOND McDONALD'S

(Richmond, IN)--A dispute over food at a Richmond McDonald’s resulted in a shot fired Monday morning, and the alleged shooter is a 91-year-old man.  It happened at about 3:45 Monday morning at the McDonald’s at 18th and East Main.  91-year-old Johnnie Douglas of Richmond allegedly fired at least one shot while sitting in the drive-thru lane.  The initial report indicates he fired at the driver of another car in the drive-thru line but did not strike anyone.  Douglas was taken into custody.  A second person, who was reportedly a McDonald’s employee, was also taken into custody.  He’s been identified as 39-year-old Phillip Bailey of Richmond.  Bailey is charged with intimidation and disorderly conduct.  Douglas was charged with criminal recklessness and pointing a loaded firearm.  The initial report was that the argument started over a tomato.  Note:  the mugshot of Douglas was not immediately available.

BODY OF MISSING MAN FOUND

(Richmond, IN)--The body of 31-year-old Travis Phillips was found Sunday afternoon in the Whitewater River near the Weir Dam in Richmond.  Phillips had been missing for a week after walking away from the Sheridan Pub.  Video surveillance had captured Phillips walking toward the back of the Sheridan Pub where he went out of the camera’s range.  Now, the investigation continues to determine the cause of death and what happened after Phillips left the Sheridan Pub.  An autopsy is pending.

BELDEN OFFERS TREATMENT TO OPIOID-ADDICTED APPLICANTS

(Richmond, IN)--Belden in Richmond is taking a unique step toward fighting the opioid crisis.  A new program has been announced in which potential Belden employees who fail pre-employment drug screens are offered personalized drug rehab.  A job with Belden is then made available if the person is able to successfully complete rehab and remain drug free.  Some other local companies are helping Belden with the program including Centerstone, Meridian, Ivy Tech, and Manpower.

MAN JAILED AFTER TINGLER ROAD BURGLARY; BATTERY ON OFFICER

(Richmond, IN)--An incident on Tingler Road Thursday has landed a Richmond man in jail facing multiple felonies.  Deputies were called there on the report of a burglary or residential entry.  They tried to arrest a man they found there who has now been identified as 24-year-old Randy Schroy.  Schroy fought with deputies but was finally subdued.  He’s been charged with burglary, intimidation, and battery on a police officer.  Schroy has a history of domestic violence.

GRANT WILL FUND DEMOLITION OF BUILDING NEXT TO DEPOT

(Richmond, IN)--A building near Richmond’s historic Depot will be coming down.  Scott Alexander told leaders at Wednesday’s Depot District meeting that the city had been awarded a $300,000 grant to remove a dry cleaning facility located on North E Street just east of the Depot and across the street from the Inn Zone.  Plans for the site once the building has been taken down have not been finalized. 

MOTORCYLCIST INJURED IN CHESTER BOULEVARD CRASH

(Richmond, IN)--One person was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash on Chester Boulevard in Richmond Wednesday night.  It happened at just before 6:30 near the intersection of Crestdale Drive.  A motorcycle and a car collided there.  A female on the motorcycle was taken to Reid Health.  Scanner traffic indicated she was later transferred to a Level One trauma center with internal bleeding.  Her identity and condition have not been released.  Southbound lanes of Chester Boulevard were shut down after the crash.

TRAILER PARK RESIDENT JAILED FOR CHILD MOLESTATION

(Richmond, IN)--A resident of the Garden City Trailer Park between Richmond and Fountain City was taken into custody Wednesday night and charged with felony child molestation.  20-year-old Patrick Butts remained in the Wayne County Jail Thursday morning after being booked in at 11 o’clock Wednesday night.  Other details of the incident, including the ages of the alleged victim or victims, have not yet been made available.

CITY, AFSCME REACH TENTATIVE AGREEMENT

(Richmond, IN)--The city of Richmond and the AFSCME union were able to reach a tentative agreement Tuesday.  The AFSCME union represents Richmond’s street, sanitation, and parks workers.  A fact-finding panel had been working resolving an ongoing dispute over several issues.  It includes additional longevity pay, a modification of the “me-too” clause, a uniform allowance, and a 2% cost of living increase.  It’s a two-year agreement that covers this year and next.  The agreement will now go to all AFSCME members for approval and then to Richmond Common Council for an additional appropriation to cover the increase.

RPD INTENSIFIES SEARCH FOR MISSING MAN

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Police Department has put out an alert for a missing man.  31-year-old Travis Phillips has not been seen since last Saturday night when he left the Sheridan Pub at shortly before midnight.  Investigators have intensified their search as the days have gone on.  Phillips is described as white male, 6-1 and 150 pounds with multiple tattoos, including the name “Rileigh” on the right side of his neck.  Anyone with information should call RPD or 911.

RICHMOND WEATHERS THIRD-COLDEST APRIL ON RECORD

(Richmond, IN)--April is over.  And, from a weather standpoint, most people are glad to see it go.  The National Weather Service in Wilmington says this April will go down as the third coldest in recorded weather history in the Whitewater Valley.  Richmond had a least a trace of snow on nine separate April days.  Temperatures were also below normal for 24 of the 30 days, and half of those were at least ten degrees below normal.  Richmond was a combined 173 degrees below normal last month.

RICHMOND TAGGED FOR OPPORTUNITY ZONE DESIGNATION

(Whitewater Valley)--Almost all of Richmond has been nominated to earn what’s called an Opportunity Zone designation.  That’s a new federal program that provides tax incentives to attract private investment to low-income communities.  Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb also nominated a section of Randolph County that includes Union City, the northeastern section of Connersville, and nearly all of Brookville.  The nominations now need federal approval.

WOMAN JAILED FOR DRUG POSSESSION AFTER SKIPPING DRUG-DEALING TRIAL

(Richmond, IN)--On the very day she was scheduled to go to trial for dealing methamphetamine, a Richmond woman was arrest for drug possession.  36-year-old Rachel Scammahorn, who lives on Parry Street, was taken into custody Monday night.  Scammahorn was due to go on trial after being arrested twice within a year for dealing drugs.  She was also charged last night with failure to appear.

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