Local News Archives for 2018-10

JAIL MATRON INJURED IN ESCAPE

(Brookville, IN)--A Franklin County Jail matron sustained what were described as serious injuries when an inmate escaped Tuesday.  42-year-old Jennifer Broering of Laurel was being escorted from a court hearing in Brookville when she escaped the matron, causing the matron to fall to the pavement.  Broering was found hiding in a shed about a half an hour later.  A school was placed on lockdown during the search.  Broering now faces much more serious charges than the original drug charge for which she was appearing.  The matron’s name and condition have not been released.

REID ANNOUNCES GRANTS TO PROMOTE PHYSICAL FITNESS

(Richmond, IN)--Reid Health announced Tuesday that they’ve distributed more than $178,000 in grant money to multiple organizations in an effort to promote good nutrition and physical activity.  Those groups include the YMCA’s of Richmond and Preble County.  In the last five years, Reid has returned more than $176 million to the Whitewater Valley through various grants.

MAN KILLED IN FARMING ACCIDENT

(Wayne County, IN)--A Wayne County man died in a farming accident Monday.  It happened late Monday afternoon on a farm on U.S. 27 very near Northeastern High School.  According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, 27-year-old Jesse Martin became trapped in a corn picker while trying to clean it out.  Martin was pronounced dead at the scene.

SUSPECT ESCAPES AFTER HIGH-SPEED CHASE

(Whitewater Valley)--A suspect has escaped a wild police chase Tuesday morning.  Officers began the chase of a pickup truck in southern Randolph County.  Other agencies joined in the chase as the suspect went through county roads and farm fields in Greens Fork, Williamsburg, and Webster at speeds of a hundred miles per hour.  The driver then entered Richmond at high speeds, went briefly to Greenwood Apartments, and then headed east.  The chase then crossed the state line.  The driver went into a farm field near Paddock Road in Preble County and was able to evade police.  Officers were able to get a license plate number.  The driver’s name and other details, including what started the chase, have not been released.

RAINY FORECAST PROMPTS CHANGES TO TRICK-OR-TREAT

(Whitewater Valley)--Some local communities are changing their trick-or-treat times due to nasty weather in the forecast Wednesday night.  So far, Richmond’s trick-or-treat is still Wednesday night from 5-8, although that could change at some point.  Connersville has postponed until Friday night.  Liberty’s trick-or-treat is now set for Saturday night.  Eaton’s trick-or-treat is on for tonight; that’s when it was originally scheduled.

VOTE CENTERS OPEN; 500-PLUS CAST BALLOTS SATURDAY

(Wayne County, IN)--Four vote centers are opening across Wayne County at 10 o’clock Monday morning and will be open all week in advance of the traditional Election Day, which is a week from Tuesday.  The vote centers are at the Kuhlman Center and First English Lutheran Church in Richmond, the Golay Center in Cambridge City, and the New Testament Church in Hagerstown.  Early voting was described as heavy on Saturday at the Kuhlman Center with more that 500 people casting ballots.  Some voters reported waiting in line for about an hour to cast their ballots.

CAMBRIDGE CITY WOMAN FOUND DEAD

(Henry County, IN)--A Cambridge City woman who was the subject of a statewide Silver Alert over the weekend has been found dead.  The alert was issued after 76-year-old Rhea Cash left her home early Saturday morning.  Her crashed car was located on Bentonville Road in Henry County, but Cash could not be found.  On Sunday morning, her body was discovered in a ravine about a quarter of a mile away from the crash site.  No foul play is suspected.  An autopsy is pending.

BELDEN PRAISED AT WHITE HOUSE FOR PROGRAM

(Washington, D.C.)--Belden representatives were at the White House Wednesday and met with President Donald Trump to discuss their efforts to curb the opioid epidemic.  Belden’s Pathways to Employment was the focus of that discussion.  The program offers drug-addicted job applicants treatment, and then a job, if the treatment is successful.  The company is developing what’s called the “Belden Blueprint”, which will help other organizations implement similar programs.

RICHMOND MAN CAPTURED AFTER HIGH-SPEED CHASE

(Fayette County, IN)--One person was in jail after a high-speed chase that covered three counties Wednesday morning.  The chase began in Randolph County at around 2:40 Wednesday morning.  From there, 40-year-old David Joiner of Richmond allegedly fled south on State Road 1 through Wayne County at speeds that topped 120 miles per hour.  Joiner crossed into Fayette County, where stop sticks were successfully deployed.  Joiner had already been labeled a habitual traffic violator before Wednesday morning’s chase.  Details of what led to the chase have not been released.

TEEN CHARGED WITH RECKLESS DRIVING, DUI AFTER CRASH

(Wayne County, IN)--One teen was jailed late Tuesday night after a Wayne County crash that allegedly involved both reckless driving and alcohol.  The crash happened at around 9:30 on Round Barn Road near Skyline Drive.  18-year-old Jared Presley was spotted by a law enforcement officer, allegedly driving at a high rate of speed.  Presley hit a tree before he could be pulled over.  Presley and an occupant were taken to Reid Health to be treated for minor injuries.

BEECHWOOD GOLF COURSE SET FOR AUCTION

(Arcanum, OH)--Another Whitewater Valley golf course is in major jeopardy.  This month, we’ve told you about an auction scheduled for Brook Hill Golf Course.  Now, another course is up for auction.  It’s Beechwood Golf Course just outside of Arcanum.  The auction site lists Beechwood as either a turnkey business or site for estate homes.  It’s currently a 27-hole course that also includes a large clubhouse and banquet center.  The land covers about 251 acres.  The auction date is November 27.

PREBLE COUNTY MAN SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS FOR CHILD PORN

(West Alexandria, OH)--A Preble County man has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for possessing child pornography.  29-year-old Jeremiah Armstrong of West Alexandria was the focus of an investigation by the FBI.  Agents seized his computer and found more than 600 videos and 200 images.  Many of the 72 different children were described a pre-pubescent.  None were thought to be from the area.

MAN JAILED FOR BATTERING POLICE OFFICER BY BODILY WASTE

(Richmond, IN)--A New Paris man was taken into custody on Chester Boulevard in Richmond late Tuesday afternoon and is facing charges that include battery on a police officer by bodily waste.  31-year-old Darryl King was picked up near the old Reid Hospital.  There had been earlier complaints on Chester Boulevard, including a theft at Nature’s Nook and at Nine North Apartments.

548 MORE PEOPLE WORKING IN WAYNE COUNTY NOW THAN LAST YEAR

(Wayne County, IN)--The number of people working in Wayne County has risen by 163 people in the last month, and it’s up even more substantially from this time last year.  That’s according to new numbers from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.  Wayne County has 548 more people actually working now than were working at this point last year.  Those additional workers have resulted in a drop of Wayne County’s unemployment rate from 4 to 3.2%.  Other area counties saw similar drops this month.

UNIQUE-TO-RICHMOND LOTTERY FUN FACTS

(Richmond, IN)--Tuesday night’s $1.6 billion Mega Millions has lots of people dreaming big.  Here are a few unique things you could do with the money if you’re the winner.  If you wanted to be generous and decided to share it equally with every Wayne County resident, you would be able to give every man, woman, and child in the county $24,000.  If you wanted to fund Richmond city government, you could do that by yourself until the year 2102.  If you wanted to buy a house in Wayne County at the median price, you could buy 17,000 homes.  If you took the winnings in hundred dollar bills and stacked them up, the stack of hundreds would be as tall as eight Leland buildings in downtown Richmond stacked on top of each other.  If you lined up those hundreds end-to-end, they would stretch from Richmond to Salt Lake City.

EARLY VOTING UP IN WAYNE COUNTY

(Richmond, IN)--Only about 27% of registered Wayne County voters cast ballots in the last midterm election four years ago.  But, based on absentee voting, that’s on pace to increase this year.  Close to 600 people have cast ballots locally already through either mail-in ballots or showing up at the Wayne County courthouse.  Early voting will continue this week.  On Saturday, the first voting center opens at the Kuhlman Center.  Three other vote centers across the county will open Monday of next week.

WAYNE COUNTY HEPATITIS A CASES ON THE RISE AGAIN

(Wayne County, IN)--After leveling off for a couple of weeks, cases of hepatitis A in Wayne County are on the rise again.  Wayne County has added 11 new cases of hepatitis A in the last two weeks, bringing to total number of cases to 123.  It also means that, despite increased public awareness, Wayne County has averaged almost one new case each day for the last month.  The 123 cases is twice the number of cases in Indiana’s largest three cities combined.  Wayne County has issued more than 2900 vaccines.

ONE HOSPITALIZED AFTER POLICE CHASE

(Richmond, IN)--One person was taken to Reid Health after a police chase Sunday.  The chase went down Sim Hodgin Parkway and ended when a suspect crashed into a pole at the intersection of North West I and Sheridan Street.  The suspect sustained a large gash on the head and was taken to Reid.  There’s no word yet on an identity or condition.  Scanner traffic indicates that police found a vacuum-sealed bag of marijuana inside the vehicle.  Another person is thought to have fled the scene of the crash on foot.

DRIVER WHO CAUSED FATAL CRASH SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS

(Richmond, IN)--A year and a half ago, Anthony Zircher went speeding down State Road 227 near Middleboro, tried to pass on a double-yellow line, and caused a head-on crash that killed five-year-old Jocelyn Gesell.  Zircher on Thursday was given just a three-year prison sentence, mostly because Indiana considers reckless homicide a relatively low-level felony.  Jocelyn’s mother, Britney Byrley, addressed Zircher and said it was sad that she’ll spend more time in a wheelchair because of the crash than Zircher will spend in prison.  Zircher apologized to the girl’s family by reading a prepared statement.

CAR SLAMS INTO REAR OF FIRE TRUCK ON I-70

(Preble County, OH)--A fire truck was involved in an accident on I-70 in Preble County Thursday night.  Firefighters had responded to an area of westbound 70 near the Preble-Montgomery County line at 8:45 Thursday night for a rollover crash.  A fire truck had parked on the side of the interstate and was struck from behind by another driver.  No firefighters were hurt.  The driver of the car that struck the fire truck sustained non-life-threatening injuries.  The fire truck was from Brookville and sustained heavy damage.

HABITUAL OFFENDER DESIGNATION FILED AGAINST ALLEGED GREENWOOD APTS. POLICE ATTACKER

(Richmond, IN)--Here’s more on an arrest at Greenwood Apartments in Richmond that Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point reported earlier this week that sent an RPD officer to Reid Health.  Newly released court documents indicate that 40-year-old Damien Allen punched RPD officer Ryan Gray as Allen resisted arrest while he was carrying meth, marijuana, and Ecstasy.  Allen then ripped Gray’s radio off his uniform and swung it as a weapon.  A habitual offender designation has also now been filed against Allen due to his extensive criminal record.

FAYETTE REGIONAL SAYS CANCER CENTER WILL REMAIN OPEN

(Connersville, IN)--There’s more fallout from the recent bankruptcy filing by Fayette Regional Health System in Connersville.  This week, some cancer patients were contacted and told to seek chemotherapy treatment at another hospital.  Fayette Regional said that message was the result of a gap in service from one medication provider.  The hospital said that its cancer center is not closing and that they’re working to minimize disruption to patients.

DECISION ON WESTERN WAYNE WASTEWATER STILL A MONTH AWAY

(Cambridge City, IN)--A report that analyzes two options for the Western Wayne Sewer District has now been complete.  Wastewater treatment there must be expanded or there can be no additional growth at the Gateway Industrial Park.  Options include expanding local capacity or sending the wastewater to Connersville.  Plant Manager Ron Holbrook said this week that a decision is still at least a month away.  Wastewater treatment capacity has been an issue for the last three years.

CAMBRIDGE CITY MAN CHARGED WITH MAINTAINING NUISANCE

(Cambridge City, IN)--A Cambridge City man was taken into custody Wednesday night for the second time in less than two months.  31-year-old Billy Neal is charged with maintaining a common nuisance.  That’s a charge usually given to the occupant of a home or vehicle where drug activity is taking place.  Neal was arrested Wednesday night in the 100 block of West Church Street in Cambridge City.  He was arrested in Richmond last month for possessing methamphetamine.

MAN RETURNED TO WAYNE COUNTY TO FACE DRUG CHARGES

(Richmond, IN)--A man who lives in central Indiana but has a massive criminal record in Wayne County was returned to Richmond Wednesday.  Deputies traveled to another jail to bring back 45-year-old William Conrad.  Conrad is charged with possessing cocaine and methamphetamine.  His most recent arrest came in January.  Conrad has a total of 33 Wayne County offenses.

RPD OFFICER CHECKED FOR CHEST PAIN AFTER GREENWOOD APTS. INCIDENT

(Richmond, IN)--One Richmond Police officer was taken to Reid Health to be checked out for chest pain after an incident at Greenwood Apartments Tuesday night.  34-year-old Meghan Amburgey said that 40-year-old Damien Allen showed up there to get tattoo equipment.  It led to Allen, who was allegedly armed, fleeing into a wooded area.  Officers eventually caught Allen and found meth, marijuana, and synthetic drugs.  He was also charged with felony battery on a police officer and had to be Tased to be taken under control.  Amburgey was charged with assisting a criminal.  The officer was checked out at Reid and released.

INSPIRING NORTHEASTERN GRAD ESCAPES SERIOUS INJURY IN CRASH

(Richmond, IN)--A recent Northeastern graduate who has inspired many was involved in a traffic accident Tuesday.  The good news is that Austin McNew and his mother, Teresa, both escaped serious injury when an oncoming Jeep crossed the center line on Salisbury Road and hit their van head-on.  Teresa McNew had to be cut from the wreckage.  Both she and Austin were taken to Reid Health and later released.  Stephen Deffibaugh of Williamsburg was the driver of the Jeep.  Police don’t yet know why he crossed the center line.  Fountain City and the Northeastern community rallied around Austin McNew after he was paralyzed in a sledding accident in January of 2016.

EARLHAM COLLEGE PROWLER CAPTURED AFTER CHASE

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond man who had been banned from the Earlham College campus was caught Wednesday morning after showing up there again late Tuesday night.  43-year-old Faron Haycock had allegedly tried to climb through Earlham windows before and had been banned.  After being spotted there again late Tuesday night by Earlham security officers, Haycock fled south.  RPD officer pursued and caught Haycock on U.S. 27 near Beelor Road.  His charges include felony criminal trespass, drunken driving, and resisting arrest.

RICHMOND'S 2019 BUDGET APPROVED

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Common Council addressed the city’s 2019 budget Monday night.  One source of controversy in that budget was a request from Mayor Dave Snow to create a new city department.  A code enforcement office would work to force residents to clean up dilapidated properties, keep trash out of streets and alleys, and make sure lawns do not become overgrown.  Some council members had questioned the cost of a new department.  After a compromise that eliminated an administrative assistant position, council approve next year’s budget last night by a 5-2 vote.

RPD REQUESTS NEW CRUISERS

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Police Department is in need of new police cruisers.  RPD’s Mike Britt addressed Richmond Common Council Monday night and explained a problem.  An expanded number of new officers are finishing training and are ready to patrol, but there are not enough police cars for them to use.  The department has asked council for eight new cruisers that would cost a total of $216,000.  About half of that money would be covered through asset forfeiture.  18 cars have been identified that need to be retired due to excessive miles and rust.  Monday night’s request was sent to the finance committee.

FAYETTE REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM BEING SUED FOR $1.5 MILLION

(Connersville, IN)--Just a few days after it announced that it had filed for bankruptcy protection comes word that Fayette Regional Health System is being sued.  A central Indiana company called Siskin Physicians is suing, claiming that the Connersville hospital has failed to pay a million and a half dollars.  Siskin had contracted to provide emergency room services at Fayette Regional.  In its bankruptcy filing, Fayette Regional lists $10 million in assets and $50 million in liabilities.

CHILD MOLESTER JAILED FOR FAILING TO REGISTER

(Richmond, IN)--A convicted Richmond child molester was jailed over the weekend after authorities determined he was violating the terms of his sex offender status.  27-year-old Michael Eaton was taken into custody in the 200 block of North West J Street.  He’s charged with illegal residency and failing to register as a sex offender.  Eaton was arrested for the same thing in Hagerstown in May.  Eaton was convicted of child molestation back in the spring of 2012.

LOCAL DEER HUNTERS WARNED ABOUT BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS

(Whitewater Valley)--There’s a warning today from the Department of Natural Resources for deer hunters in the Whitewater Valley.  They say that if you’re hunting in the southern part of our area – especially in Franklin County – you should be on the lookout for bovine tuberculosis.  Bovine TB had affected some deer in that area a couple of years ago, and there have been two positive tests on cattle this year.  If you suspect bovine TB while field-dressing a deer, the DNR wants to hear from you immediately.

FAYETTE COUNTY'S NEEDLE EXCHANGE REOPENS

(Connersville, IN)--Fayette County’s needle exchange program has re-opened in a different location.  The program ended back in May due mainly to staffing issues.  Fayette Regional Health System has now taken over operation of the program from the county’s health department and has opened at a location in the 2100 block of Indiana Avenue.  The exchange will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

FAYETTE REGIONAL FILES BANKRUPTCY, CLOSES OB DEPARTMENT

(Connersville, IN)--Fayette Regional Health System has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection.  A statement issued by the hospital in Connersville says that Fayette Regional faces unfunded care mandates, government funding cuts, and other challenges.  The statement goes on to say that Fayette Regional could not continue to operate under mounting debt and tightening financial resources.  The filing does not mean that Fayette Regional is closing; instead, it will give the hospital the opportunity to reorganize its debt.  The hospital was founded back in 1913.  While the hospital will remain open, one department will not.  Fayette Regional has announced that it will end obstetric services on October 19.  The hospital is collaborating with other hospitals that offer obstetric services to make the transition for expectant mothers easier.  Mothers entering the ER to deliver babies will be stabilized and sent to other hospitals.  Staff members are being offered other jobs inside the hospital.  Fayette Regional’s gynecology and pediatric services will remain open.

CHILD MOLESTER ARRESTED FOR FAILING TO REGISTER

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond child molester was arrested again Thursday.  62-year-old Barry Reffitt was picked up at his home in the 600 block of South 8th.  Reffit had failed to register as a sex offender and failed to show up for a court hearing.  Thursday was the latest in a long list of arrests for Reffitt.  Last year, a drunken Reffitt stripped himself naked at Reid Health and began threatening medical staff members.  He was subdued by multiple officers.

BROOK HILL GOLF COURSE TO BE AUCTIONED UNLESS COUNTY STEPS IN

(Brookville, IN)--Brook Hill Golf Course’s days could well be numbered.  The golf course just north of Brookville is set to be split up and auctioned off in December unless the city or county agrees in the next few weeks to buy it and maintain it as a municipal golf course.  It would take an estimated $1.2 million to purchase the course.  Some city leaders would like to save the course.  They say the loss of Brook Hill would decrease property values in the area, which would translate to a loss of property tax revenue.

DRUNKEN, GREEN-MASKED ARMED ROBBER CAPTURED

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond police caught an alleged armed robber Wednesday night.  A man wearing a green mask entered the Conoco gas station in the 1200 block of South 9th with a knife and took not only cash; he took the entire cash register.  The man was pursued by a civilian, who helped lead police to a home a few blocks away.  38-year-old Chad Capps was taken into custody.  The money, the cash register, the knife, and the mask were all recovered.  Capps is charged with armed robbery and public intoxication.  He allegedly had a blood alcohol content of .181 at the time of the robbery.

WOMAN DIES IN RANDOLPH COUNTY CRASH

(Randolph County, IN)--Details of a fatal Randolph County accident were released Wednesday.  It happened Tuesday at the intersection of County Roads 500 West and 200 North.  58-year-old Brenda Florea of Winchester was headed north and did not stop at the intersection.  She struck a pickup driven by 35-year-old Benjamin Passmore of Winchester.  Florea was pronounced dead.  Passmore was treated at Reid Health for non-life-threatening injuries.

ABSENTEE VOTING BEGINS IN WAYNE, SURROUNDING COUNTIES

(Whitewater Valley)--Absentee voting is now underway in Wayne County and across the Whitewater Valley in advance of the November 6 general elections.  It began Wednesday at the Wayne County Courthouse and will continue until November 5.  Most area counties have seen an increase in people who vote absentee in recent years, and that trend is expected to continue this year.  Vote centers in Wayne County will open on October 29.

DNA TESTING BEING CONDUCTED ON HUMAN REMAINS

(Hagerstown, IN)--It will likely be at least three more weeks before remains found in a Hagerstown farm field can be identified.  Wayne County Sheriff Jeff Cappa Tuesday that the remains are undergoing DNA testing, and that that process usually takes about a month.  The remains were found nine days ago.  DNA from the skeletal remains is being compared to DNA taken from items belonging to people currently considered missing.  No estimate of how long the remains may have been in the field has been made public.

RICHMOND EXPERIENCES WARMEST-EVER OCTOBER TO DATE

(Richmond, IN)--It will all come to an end after Wednesday.  But, so far, this has been the warmest October in Richmond’s recorded weather history.  That’s according to the National Weather Service office in Wilmington.  Through the nine days of October ending Tuesday, Richmond has been above normal every day. And, we’ve been at least ten degrees above normal seven of the nine days.  In total, Richmond has been 139 degrees above normal over these last nine days.

WAYNE COUNTY: 216 CASES OF CHILD NEGLECT THROUGH AUGUST

(Wayne County, IN)--Statistics are in for the first eight months of this year.  Those numbers from the Indiana Department of Child Services show that Wayne County had more than 200 substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect.  With 216 cases, Wayne County now averages just short of one new, substantiated case every day.  Also, in the last two months, there have been five new cases of sexual abuse of Wayne County children.

SEARCH CONTINUES FOR MAN ACCUSED OF TRYING TO ARRANGE MURDER

(Richmond, IN)--The search is on Tuesday for a Richmond man accused of arranging a contracted killing of a confidential informant who was going to testify in the suspect’s drug case.  40-year-old Larry Blackstock allegedly conspired  with Ryan Carpenter and Bradi Louden, who are already jailed on conspiracy to commit murder charges.  Police say Blackstock offered up to $30,00 for Louden to kill the informant.  The plan was to give the informant a deadly concoction of heroin and fentanyl so that the informant would fatally overdose.  Blackstock failed to show up for a court hearing Monday.

CHARGES INCREASED AGAINST COUPLE CHARGED IN CHILD'S BEATING

(Richmond, IN)--An affidavit became available Monday in a weekend case of child abuse.  Sarah Dunn and Matthew Day both remained behind bars Tuesday facing charges that now include battery to a child younger than 14 resulting in serious bodily injury.  According to the affidavit, Sarah Dunn returned home from work to find that her four-year-old boy had been severely beaten by Day.  The boy’s injuries were extensive and he was sent to a central Indiana children’s hospital.  The boy had been removed from the home by CPS last year, but was allowed to return after Day moved out.  But, Dunn allowed Day to return this spring.  Both now face a standard nine-year prison term.

COUPLE ARRESTED FOR BATTERING CHILD

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond couple was behind bars Monday morning after allegedly seriously abusing a four-year-old boy.  Paramedics requested Richmond Police officers when they arrived over the weekend at the Harris Street home of 29-year-old Matthew Day and 27-year-old Sarah Dunn after an initial report that the child was unconscious.  The boy was taken to Reid Health.  His condition Monday morning had not been released.  Both Day and Dunn have been charged with felony battery and neglect of a dependent.

HEPATITIS A CASES INCREASE BY TWO

(Wayne County)--The number of cases of hepatitis A in Wayne County continues to grow, although the rate of growth appears to be slowing.  According to the Indiana Department of Health, Wayne County now has 112 cases of hepatitis A, and that’s still far and away the most in Indiana.  It’s also two more than at this point last week.  The Wayne County Health Department has now issued more than 2600 vaccinations.

BUTTERS TO STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL: "KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF"

(Richmond, IN)--Wayne County Commissioner Mary Ann Butters addressed Wayne County Council members this week about the viability of the county’s needle exchange program, which she calls a public health program.  Butters has been an outspoken advocate of the program’s benefits.  State Attorney General Curtis Hill, like local prosecutor Mike Shipman, has been an outspoken opponent.  This week, Butters had this message to Wayne County Council:  "Attorney General Curtis Hill has urged all prosecutors throughout the state to do everything they can to stop this public health program.  And I would just say to the Attorney General 'Keep your hands off where they do not belong.'"  Some council members this week expressed reservation about continuing the program.

TWO ARRESTED FOR CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MURDER

(Richmond, IN)--Two people were arrested in Richmond late Thursday afternoon and charged with conspiracy to commit murder.  28-year-old Ryan Carpenter of Connersville and 24-year-old Bradi Louden of West College Corner were taken into custody at RPD headquarters.  Details of what the alleged conspiracy involved have not been released.  Louden was allegedly in possession of heroin Thursday afternoon.  She had just been released from the Wayne County Jail three weeks ago on drug charges.

EATON COUNTRY CLUB TO BE OPEN IN 2019

(Eaton, OH)--There’s good news for Eaton.  The Eaton Country Club will remain open next year.  "Without question, we will be open for 2019,: said Board Member John Kramer.  But, like other traditional country clubs including Forest Hills in Richmond, Eaton is struggling with a changing demographic that has resulted in less membership and revenue at traditional country clubs.  "The whole social stigma, I think, has changed drastically over the last generation or generation and a half," Kramer added.  Now, Eaton Country Club is looking to reinvent itself.  "You can't keep offering the same product to the same people and expect different results," Kramer explained.  The club is working with a consultant and exploring partnerships.

ISTEP SCORES SHOW MIXED LOCAL RESULTS

(Whitewater Valley)--ISTEP tests have been released for the last time.  That standardized test has been a source of controversy in recent years and is being replaced by a different exam called ILEARN.  Locally, Northeastern, Nettle Creek, and Union County saw improvement from last year while Richmond, Centerville, and Western Wayne all experienced declines.  Union County had the area’s highest percentage of students who passed both math and English at 58.7%.  Richmond’s rate was 32%.

MAN JAILED DAYS AFTER SWALLOWING DRUGS

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond man who was allegedly in a vehicle in which three other men were arrested for meth dealing earlier this week was jailed a couple of hours ago.  55-year-old Lonnie Winchester told officers that he swallowed multiple drugs during the stop on Williamsburg Pike and was taken to Reid Health.  After spending a couple of days at Reid, he was transferred to the Wayne County Jail Thursday morning.  Winchester has been charged with dealing meth and other drug-related charges.

PROSECUTOR, COMMISSIONER CONTINUE SOCIAL MEDIA DEBATE OVER NEEDLES

(Richmond, IN)--Wayne County Prosecutor Mike Shipman and County Commissioner Mary Ann Butters continued their dispute on social media about the county’s needle exchange program Tuesday.  Shipman said that the program claims to be for treatment and recovery, then challenged Butters to provide the number of needle exchange participants who are in a program and the number that has successfully completed a program.  Butters did not provide those figures, but did indicate that needles would be provided for diabetics if those people came forward.

RICHMOND MAN CHARGED WITH 172 COUNTS OF COUNTERFEITING

(New Castle, IN)--A Richmond man is facing an unbelievable 172 felony counts of counterfeiting after his arrest in Henry County.  30-year-old Jeremy Goodwin of Richmond was jailed after a traffic stop in New Castle.  During a search, officers allegedly found counterfeit bills in multiple denominations, including 10’s, 20’s, and 50’s.  Investigators believe Goodwin was passing the bills in New Castle for about a week.  Richmond has also seen a rash of counterfeit bills in lower denominations recently, although Goodwin has not been charged in Wayne County.

COMMISSIONER RIPS PROSECUTOR OVER NEEDLE EXCHANGE

(Wayne County, IN)--Wayne County Commissioner Mary Ann Butters took several shots at Prosecutor Mike Shipman late Monday night after Shipman earlier in the day posted information about a man who had been arrested with a needle he had obtained from the county’s needle exchange program.  Butters wrote "It’s unfortunate that our prosecutor is unaware of the facts regarding Wayne County’s needle exchange."  Butters claims that "the exchange in no way encourages drug use."  She goes on to say "Our streets and alleys are free of used needles." 

INVESTIGATORS WORK TO IDENTIFY HUMAN REMAINS

(Hagerstown, IN)--Investigators in Wayne County will be working Tuesday to come up with an identity after human remains were found Monday in a Hagerstown farm field.  The remains were found on Turnpike Road across from Hagerstown Community Park.  Investigators were working to collect evidence in that area late Monday afternoon.  So far, there’s been no word on what led to the discovery of the remains, whether clothing or other items were discovered, or how long the remains may have been there.  There are several active local missing persons cases, including at least one from the Hagerstown area.

FIRE DEPARTMENT SEEKS STATION EXPANSION

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Common Council met Monday night.  Ordinances for the 2019 budget and salaries were on second reading.  Council members also Monday night learned of plans to expand a Richmond fire station.  It’s Station #3, which is located on Woodside Drive just off of National Road East.  The city would apply for a Department of Homeland Security Grant that would allow for a 1300-square-foot addition to the building, which was constructed back in the 1970’s.

SHIPMAN MAKES RENEWED CALL TO END NEEDLE EXCHANGE

(Richmond, IN)--Wayne County Prosecutor Mike Shipman is making a renewed call for the county to end its needle exchange program.  Shipman wrote on his department’s social media page that county commissioners have not provided justification for the program to continue.  He also wrote that needle exchange is causing numerous problems, including people dying after using the program’s needles, people selling the needles, and the difficulty it creates for prosecution.  You can read Shipman’s statement in its entirety on the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office Facebook page.

THREE ARRESTED FOR DEALING METH

(Richmond, IN)--Three alleged meth dealers were arrested just a few hours ago in Richmond.  Officers pulled over a vehicle occupied by Johnathon Bray, Brian Burdette, and Samuel Newman on Williamsburg Pike early Monday morning.  Inside, officers found meth, other drugs, and smoking instruments.  All three were taken to the Wayne County Jail.  It’s Burdette’s 57th criminal offense.  He’s also a been arrested for sexual misconduct with a minor and burglary.

NEW PARIS WOMAN TIED UP, ROBBED

(New Paris, OH)--Investigators were piecing together evidence Monday morning after initial reports that indicated a woman was tied up and robbed at her home in New Paris overnight.  Only a few details have been made available so far.  The victim was reportedly tied up by someone she knew on Sunday night.  There’s no word yet on where in New Paris it occurred or if the victim was injured.  More information was expected to be released later Monday.

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