A man has been sentenced to 30 days in jail in Darke County for a felony animal cruelty conviction. Robert Frazier of Ansonia pleaded guilty to the charge. Frazier was arrested last December after a dog was found frozen to death behind his home. Prosecutors say it is the first felony animal cruelty prosecution in Darke County.

(Richmond, IN)--A preliminary plea of not guilty was entered for accused murderer Austin Neathery in Wayne Superior Court II Thursday.  The 18-year-old Neathery appeared by video from the Howard County Jail in Kokomo.  The not guilty plea is absolutely routine in an initial hearing, as is the appointment of a public defender.  In Neathery’s case, that’s Patrick Ragains.  Neathery requested a speedy trial to occur within 70 days.  A preliminary trial date was set Thursday for September 10, although that will almost certainly be delayed.  Neathery was ordered to remain behind bars without bond until the trial.  He is accused of shooting and killing Tremell Carpenter late last month near Richmond’s Norwood Apartments.

(Liberty and Brookville, IN)--Restaurants in Liberty and Brookville were raided by Indiana State Excise Police Thursday.  A search warrant was executed at the El Reparo Mexican restaurant on High Street just north of the courthouse in Liberty.  At least one person was led away in handcuffs.  The restaurant closed briefly but reopened Thursday afternoon on a cash-only basis.  It was a similar scene at Brookville’s El Reparo.  Investigators have not yet discussed the nature of the search warrants, but did say it was the result of a two-year investigation.

(Richmond, IN)--An accused burglar was taken into custody Thursday night.  33-year-old Cory Shepherd was arrested at his home in the 1500 block of Round Barn Road.  Investigators have not yet said what led them to burglaries.  There had been multiple instances of attempted burglaries recently in the areas between Richmond and Centerville.  Shepherd was arrested back in February with drugs and a handgun for which he had no permit.

(Wayne County, IN)--The course has changed for this year’s Reid Ride to avoid construction, which is no easy task.  This is the 10^th year for the ride, and at least part of the 25-mile course has always included U.S. 40.  But not this year.  Riders will leave Reid, head west on Industries Road, then go northwest on the Cardinal Greenway Trail.  They will then work their way to Fountain City and cover several county roads until they return to Reid down Union Pike.  Up to a thousand riders are expected on July 14.

(Richmond, IN)--The Wayne County Sheriff’s Department will have an increased uniform presence throughout the week of the Wayne County Fair.  Sheriff Jeff Cappa said in a release Wednesday that the increase is to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.  The fair actually kicks off on Saturday but rolls into full swing on Monday when rides from Poor Jacks Amusements begin.  The increase in patrolling will happen mainly during peak times.

(Wayne County, IN)--Wayne County Prosecutor Mike Shipman has released some new figures about the county’s drug diversion program.  That’s the program where people with certain types of pending criminal drug cases can have their charges reduced or dropped if they can successfully complete a drug recovery program.  Shipman said that there are currently 31 people participating.  18 of those 31 are considered compliant.  Since its inception, 146 people have attempted the program.  19 have been successful.

(Wayne County, IN)--Newly released numbers from the state show a big increase both in Wayne County’s workforce and the number of people employed in the last month.  The workforce is up by 387 people and there are 250 more people actually working than were just a month ago.  The number of people in the workforce in Wayne County continues to climb month-by-month.  It had dipped a few months ago to under 30,000 people, but has today rebounded to 31,200 people.

(Richmond, IN)--Three Richmond residents were in jail Wednesday morning after allegedly breaking into a home where multiple drug overdoses have occurred.  Burton Bennett, Lesli Croucher, and Michelle Mack  are all charged with felony residential entry after allegedly entering the home Tuesday at 1213 North B Street.  That home’s occupant, Michael Cohee, had been jailed just a few hours earlier for maintaining a common nuisance.  Cohee was also arrested just two week ago for battering a police officer.

(Preble County, OH)--A Richmond woman died in a crash in Preble County Monday.  29-year-old Megan Harris lost control at the intersection of Twin Creek and Halderman Road.  That’s in a rural area about halfway between West Alexandria and Gratis.  An OHP trooper said that Harris overcorrected after going off the road and crashed into a tree.  She was pronounced dead at the scene.  There’s no word yet on what caused Harris to lose control.  Social media indicates she was a mother to seven children.

(Centerville, IN)--There are a couple of brand new areas of road construction to deal with beginnig Tuesday.  Main Street in Richmond has been closed just east of 8^th Street to allow for water main construction.  That closure is expected to last only through Wednesday.  Tuesday also starts culvert replacement on U.S. 40 just east of Centerville.  40 will be reduced to one lane in each direction near Matte Harris Road.  That project is not expected to be complete until at least late in September.

(Richmond, IN)--A sex offender with a massive criminal record was taken into custody again Monday in Wayne County.  Allen Goodwin, who now lives in the Lynn area, was convicted of incest and vicarious sexual gratification eight years ago.  Since then, Goodwin has been arrested multiple times, including for parole violations.  On Monday, Goodwin was arrested for failing to register as a sex offender.  He was then transferred to the Randolph County Jail.

(Darke County, OH)--A crash Tuesday morning in Darke County has left one person in critical condition.  It happened at about 2 o’clock Tuesday morning on State Route 121 about halfway between New Madison and Greenville.  25-year-old Kory Dusko was headed north and went through a curve.  His car rolled multiple times.  Dusko was flown to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton and was initially listed in critical condition.  The crash remains under investigation.

(Lakengren, OH)--One area lake has this season’s first blue-green algae alert.  It’s Lake Lakengren, where an algae alert was posted over the weekend.  Levels there have risen very slightly over normal levels.  The alert does not prevent swimming, although showering afterward is now recommended.  Other area lakes, including Brookville Lake, Whitewater, and Acton Lake at Hueston Woods have not yet issued alerts.  Algae alerts in our area have become much more common in recent years.

(Wayne County, IN)--Indiana’s Secretary of State has released some final election statistics on Thursday for the May primaries.  Wayne County’s official turnout was 21% of registered voters.  As has been the case, more people voted on the traditional Election Day than in the days and weeks leading up to it.  63% of voters voted on Election Day.  Randolph County had the area’s highest turnout at 25%.  Union County had the lowest at 17%.

(Richmond, IN)--The United Way of the Whitewater Valley is searching for a new leader today.  Amber Willeford is stepping down to take a new job at Miami University.  Paul Stanley, who is a former Board member, is serving as interim president.  Willeford had been the local chapter of the United Way’s president since September of 2015.

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond woman with a long history of theft and drug arrests was taken into custody again Thursday afternoon.  30-year-old Ashley Doolin was arrested at her home on Oak Drive.  She allegedly still had drugs on her when she was booked into jail.  Two years ago, Doolin was left a small child in the car alone at Meijer with drugs and a stolen handgun inside while she went inside to shop.

(Mount Carmel, IN)--Earlier this week, Kicks 96 and The Point News reported that a dead body had been found in a van in a school parking lot in Franklin County.  Now, that person has been identified.  Investigators say 28-year-old Garrett Shepard of Liberty was the man found in the Mount Carmel School parking lot just east of Brookville.  Shepard was thought to have been dead for 48 hours.  The death is not connected to the school and there were no signs of trauma or any struggle.  Toxicology results will take up to six weeks.  Shepard was a decorated veteran of the U.S. Army.

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Police Department on Thursday morning issued a press release with a couple of new details regarding the arrest late Wednesday afternoon of murder suspect Austin Neathery in the central Indiana town of Speedway.  Thursday morning’s release states that Neathery was caught near an apartment complex by U.S. Marshals, but details of the apprehension are unknown.  RPD had been in contact with Marshals since the time the warrant was issued because RPD investigators felt Neathery had fled the area shortly after the shooting death of Tremell Carpenter.  Neathery was being held in the Marion County Jail early Thursday but was expected to be brought back to Wayne County at some point later in the day.

(Speedway, IN)--A search that lasted for more than two weeks for the accused killer of RHS senior Tremell Carpenter is over.  18-year-old Austin Neathery was taken into custody early Wednesday night in central Indiana by U.S. Marshals.  Neathery was in the Marion County Jail Thursday morning.  Details of how Neathery was apprehended have not yet been released, although that was expected to happen Thursday morning.  Investigators have also not yet said where Neathery has been for the last two-plus weeks.  Neathery was expected to be returned to the Wayne County Jail at some point Thursday and should have an initial hearing by Friday afternoon.

(Laurel, IN)--A former reserve police officer in Laurel is now facing a felony charge after allegedly starving his own canine partner to death.  The dog, whose name was Blade, was a German Shephard and weighed less than a third of the normal weight of a dog of that breed at the time of his death.  Clint Ellis now faces trial in November after the recent filing of charges.  Ellis is also accused of stealing items from the evidence locker at the Laurel Police Department.  And, in yet another case, he’s accused of harassing hunters.

(Richmond, IN)--What was described as a large amount of packaged and labeled drugs were recovered by the Indiana State Police on the lot of Arby’s on National Road West in Richmond Wednesday night.  A police canine gave a positive indication.  Investigators then found methamphetamine and other controlled substances, syringes, and drug paraphernalia.  Jeremy Goodwin and Bryant Pieper of Richmond and Autumn Lowery of Dublin now all face multiple felonies.  Pieper still allegedly had drugs on him when he was booked into jail.

(Richmond, IN)--Groundbreaking ceremonies have now been set for a major upgrade to Richmond’s water system.  Indiana-American is investing $45 million to upgrade its treatment facility on Sylvan Nook Drive.  When it’s complete in two years, the facility will use liquid instead of gaseous disinfection chemicals, add UV disinfection, and upgrade chemical storage.  Groundbreaking is set for a week from Monday.

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond man was being held without bond Wednesday morning pending sentencing following a conviction for child molesting on Tuesday.  43-year-old Peter Angi’s case is not like those of most other child molestors.  He actually reported himself to authorities two years ago for improperly touching a young girl.  A subsequent interview with the victim confirmed the abuse.  A Level 4 child abuse conviction carries a sentencing range of from two to 12 years.

(Preble County, OH)--Last week, we told you that Preble Shawnee was considering adding resource officers to increase school security.  Now, two other Preble County schools are following suit.  National Trail and Twin Valley South schools have had discussions with Sheriff Mike Simpson.  One additional deputy would be assigned to each school and would be utilized in the classroom.  Applications for state grants have been made to offset some of the cost.

(Mount Carmel, IN)--The investigation continues after a dead body was found in the parking lot of a Franklin County school this week.  Deputies were called to Mount Carmel School just east of Brookville on Monday when the body was found inside a van.  No identity on the body had been released by Tuesday afternoon.  Investigators have also not said how long the body may have been there or whether or not foul play is suspected.  The body was taken to Cincinnati for an autopsy.

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond police investigators said Monday that anyone who is helping accused murderer Austin Neathery evade arrest could themselves face criminal prosecution.  An arrest warrant for Neathery was issued last Friday in connection with the death of 18-year-old Tremell Carpenter.  Investigators did not say Monday if they believe Neathery is being harbored by someone locally or if he has fled the area.  They did, though, say that he should be considered armed and dangerous.

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond woman was jailed Monday afternoon after allegedly neglecting her dependent and then attacking a police officer.  Police were called to the 800 block of North 16 and found 34-year-old Susan Ford.  Ford allegedly battered the officer during her arrest.  This makes the second time she’s been arrested for neglecting a dependent.  She also has a history of battery and disorderly conduct.

(Indianapolis, IN)--A bill authored by State Senator Jeff Raatz of Richmond was signed into law Monday by Indiana Goveror Eric Holcomb.  The new law will go into effect in July of next year and will require that each school within a school corporation include employability skills standards as part of their curriculum.  The bill also establishes what’s called the work ethic certification program.

(Richmond, IN)--Two people were found passed out in the Meijer parking lot in Richmond late last night.  One was wanted in both Fayette County and in Florida.  Officers found meth, other drugs, and syringes when they arrested 27-year-old Shalonda Clark of Richmond.  Clark is also charged with false informing.  She was arrested on similar charges back in March.  The second person’s name has not yet become available.

(Richmond, IN)--A well-known Richmond resident has joined the ownership team of Roscoe’s Coffee Bar.  He’s Zach Parker, who has directed and produced numerous critically acclaimed short films.  "I was really considering the idea of opening a coffee shop a few years ago and was looking at a few different places, but Roscoe's was already doing so many things so well," Parker said.  Parker will join original owners Mike and Terri Widau and said that some new elements are coming.  "I definitely have some ideas that I'm wanting to implement in the next few months...hopefully a few unique events and things like that," Parker added.  Roscoe’s operates in the Depot District and on National Road East.

(Richmond, IN)--Family and friends are preparing to say goodbye Saturday to RHS senior Tremell Carpenter.  Carpenter was shot and killed in Richmond a week and a half ago.  The search for Carpenter’s killer continues.  Another teen widely suspected of committing the shooting is still wanted for questioning by investigators.  Visitation for Tremell Carpenter begins at 9 o’clock Saturday morning at the Oak Park Church of God in Richmond.  The funeral begins at 1 o’clock.

(Muncie, IN)--A woman who helped a convicted Wayne County child molester recruit victims was sentenced Thursday.  40-year-old Suellen Davis was handed a 16-year sentence.  Davis took photos of at least three children who were showering and provided them to her boyfriend, Aaron Dalton, and then arranged for Dalton to meet the girls.  Dalton was ultimately convicted of molesting one of those pre-teen girls.  He was sentenced in March to 24 years.

(Richmond, IN)--An overnight incident at the McDonald’s at 18^th and East Main in Richmond had a Richmond man waking up in the Wayne County Jail Friday morning.  33-year-old Joshua Snider is now charged with criminal trespass.  Snider allegedly caused a ruckus and refused to leave late Thursday night.  He was jailed for the same thing just six days ago.  This makes the 41^st criminal offense for Snider.

(Richmond, IN)--Residents across Richmond got a surprise Wednesday night as hot air balloons landed across the city.  It was all part of the First Bloom and Glow event.  Typically, the balloons have been tethered.  Not this year.  Balloons landed at spots that included at North 9^th and B, near the east end of the Main Street Bridge, and on North 10^th Street.

(Centerville, IN)--The Centerville Fire Department will soon be operating out of a new facility.  The department posted Wednesday night on social media that it had acquired the former Wildfire Service Center on National Road West very near the intersection of Round Barn Road.  The building will operate as Centerville Fire and Rescue’s Station #2 and will house Engine 11 and Squad 18.  Some cleaning and maintenance needs to be completed before the building becomes fully operational.

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond man was jailed Wednesday night for the second time in five days.  54-year-old John Pagan was arrested at the east-side Richmond Speedway station after allegedly striking multiple cars in the Fricker’s parking lot and fleeing.  Another car was struck near Meijer.  Last weekend, Pagan was jailed for driving his motorcycle drunk.  There’s no indication yet of the total number of vehicles that were damaged Wednesday night.

(Richmond, IN)--Two Whitewater Valley elected officials will play a significant role in the launching of the USS Indiana.  The USS Indiana will be a new nuclear submarine that can attack targets with Tomahawk cruise missiles.  Wayne County Treasurer Cathy Williams has been picked to be the commissioning chairperson.  State Representative Tom Saunders is leading a local contingent to commissioning ceremonies in Florida this fall.

(Richmond, IN)--A visit to an inmate in the Wayne County Jail resulted in a Greens Fork woman being jailed herself.  29-year-old Kimberly Powers allegedly arrived in downtown Richmond in a stolen truck Tuesday night.  Inside that stolen truck, officers found syringes and drug paraphernalia.  Powers was jailed for auto theft and multiple other felony charges.

(Richmond, IN)--There will be a new attraction when the Wayne County 4-H Fair opens in a couple of weeks.  The Indiana Historical Society is bringing a traveling exhibit called “History of Wheels.”  That exhibit highlights Indiana’s role in auto manufacturing and racing and will have several local connections, including a car that’s 104 years old.  The fair kicks off this year two weeks from Saturday.

(Unon City)--Details of a two-hour police standoff in Union City have been released.  Officers tried to serve an arrest warrant on 23-year-old Montana Beanblossom for meth possession.  Beanblossom refused to come to the door.  During the standoff, 55-year-old Randall Plessinger showed up and tried to gain entry.  He was charged with obstruction.  Beanblossom finally surrendered just as a special police team was about to make entry.

(Franklin County, IN)--Franklin County has now joined several other counties across the area and the country in suing pharmaceutical companies over the opioid epidemic.  Franklin County is looking to recoup the cost of dealing with people with opioid addictions.  The county ranked 10^th on a per capita basis in Indiana for opioid deaths.  The county will not pay any legal fees associated with the suit, but would surrender a percentage of any settlement if successful.  Wayne County commissioners recently decided against suing pharmaceutical companies.

(Richmond, IN)--About 600 people gathered at the Tiernan Center Monday afternoon to say goodbye and reflect on the life of Richmond girls basketball coach Casey Pohlenz.  Pohlenz was found dead last Friday.  Speakers remembered Pohlenz as a coach who helped to change the lives of his players through basketball.  Also Monday, Wayne County Coroner Ron Stevens said that Pohlenz died as the result of a birth defect in his heart that had gone undetected for Pohlenz’ 43 years of life.

(Richmond, IN)--A 33-year-old Richmond man is now facing the highest level of felony child molesting.  Jeremiah Kofski was taken into custody late Monday afternoon at his home in the 100 block of Richmond Avenue and charged with two felony counts of child molesting, including a Level One charge.  Details of what Kofski is alleged to have done have not been released.  He has no criminal record in Wayne County.

(Richmond, IN)--There have been no significant developments over the weekend in the ongoing search for the teen who shot and killed RHS senior Tremell Carpenter six days ago.  A Facebook post made by the suspect following the shooting now has more than 1400 comments, including a recent one by a woman identifying herself as his grandmother.  That woman is urging the suspect to turn himself into police.  RPD has not yet released the suspect’s name.

(Richmond, IN)--A scooter-riding man was caught Sunday and now faces a whole host of drug charges.  The man, who was later identified as 43-year-old Joseph Freeman, was stopped on North West 2^nd in Richmond.  Officers allegedly found methamphetamine and other narcotic drugs.  Freeman was charged with dealing both meth and cocaine.  His scooter was impounded.

(Richmond, IN)--The Indiana State Police were at the Greenwood Apartment in Richmond late Sunday night to arrest a 53-year-old man.  David Wehrley was allegedly found with methamphetamine and other controlled substances.  He was also charged with maintaining a common nuisance.  Officers recovered drugs and paraphernalia at the scene.

(Richmond, IN)--There were two separate shooting incidents in Richmond overnight.  One of the incidents happened at around 9:30 Thursday night in the 400 block of South West 5^th Street.  Several shots were reportedly fired by a man in a van.  That van was later stopped in the 100 block of South J Street.  30-year-old Victor Moretz was taken into custody.  Investigators found a .45 caliber handgun, hollow-point bullets, and shell casings in the road.  There were no injuries.  No motive for the shooting has been released.  The other shooting incident in Richmond happened at around 11 o’clock Thursday night in the 700 block of North 16^th.  According to scanner traffic, a suspect walked into a home, pointed a gun, and fired between two and four shots.  No one was injured.  The suspect and another man fled in a black Jeep Grand Cherokee.  A large group of people then gathered outside in the area of North 15^th and G.  That prompted a response by the state police.  One of the two suspects is described as a light-skinned black male with a thin to medium build.  He has short dreadlocks.  Authorities said that the initial indication was that the two shootings were not connected.

(Richmond, IN)--The search continued Friday for the Richmond teen who shot and killed RHS senior Tremell Carpenter earlier this week.  Investigators have still not released his name.  Carpenter’s uncle said Thursday that his nephew knew his killer.  "Well you know how young folk have disagreements...instead of sitting down and talking it out, they think the way to handle it is by picking up a gun.  And that's not the way to handle anything."  The suspect was arrested and jailed in January for a probation violation and was jailed again a month later when he was found with drugs on Pennville Road.  He was also wanted at the time in the Muncie area.