(Connersville, IN)--Here’s more on Tuesday’s deadline to receive bids for Fayette Regional Health System.  Fayette County officials have indicated that they have contacted several organizations that were thought to be interested but got no response from any of them.  Reid Health has been involved in at least one walk-through but has made no public statement about its level of interest.  The primary goal for county leaders is to keep the hospital open.  It currently employs more than 400 people.  If there’s more than one qualified bidder by the end of the day today, there will be an auction on Thursday.

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond’s Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church now appears on the Indiana Landmarks list of the Ten Most Endangered building in Indiana.  The building, which is located at the corner of 10^th and North A Street, has not hosted a church service for a year and a half.  If the building remains unused for ten years, it would revert back to the heirs of Daniel Reid, although that could happen much sooner due to the cost of upkeep.  Marketing efforts have been unsuccessful to date.  The church first hosted a service 113 years ago.

(Franklin County, IN)--The closure date has been set for the Fairfield Causeway.  That date is this Thursday.  The bridge over the midway point of Brookville Lake will remain closed until sometime in October for major repairs.  The causeway is a pin-and- hanger bridge, which has been connected to several large bridge collapses across the country.  Repairs will cost more than two million dollars.

(Connersville, IN)--Bids are due Tuesday from any entity interested in purchasing Fayette Regional Health System.  The Connersville hospital filed for bankruptcy last October.  Qualified bidders will return for an auction on Thursday.  Then, a successful buyer and a back-up buyer will be identified.  Attorneys will make a recommendation for sale to a federal bankruptcy judge on May 13.  If the sale is approved, a final closing would likely take place in July.  Fayette County Commissioner Gary Naylor has indicated that Reid Health officials have made several walk-throughs recently at Fayette Regional.

(Richmond, IN)--First responders were sent to Middlefork Reservoir in Richmond Sunday afternoon on the report of a suicidal person.  After one nearby resident reported hearing a single gunshot, the body of a man was located.  A handgun and rifle were recovered at the scene.  It happened near the reservoir’s dam and there was no threat to anyone near the playground, picnic areas, or on the water.

(Whitewater Valley)--Severe weather sirens sounded Thursday night in Wayne County as a line of storms blew through.  A tornado warning was issued, although none were actually spotted.  In Wayne County, a trampoline was blown into a power line on George Early Road, knocking out power to the area.  In Connersville, a roof was blown off a home on 10^th Street.    Other trees were reported down in Fayette County.  Some county roads were closed in the northern part of Darke County Friday morning due to heavy rain and flooding.

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond teenager was in the Wayne County Jail Friday morning after a pre-trial hearing that was held Thursday.  17-year-old Mekhi Henderson is facing a charge of reckless homicide.  Henderson was allegedly involved in the accidental shooting of another 17-year-old boy on Grand Boulevard in Richmond in February.  That teenage shooting victim later died.  Reckless homicide is a relatively low-level felony.

(Richmond, IN)--Teachers across the Richmond Community School District were taking part Friday morning in what’s called a “walk-in” at buildings across the district.  The walk-in is designed to draw attention to the frustration of public school teachers with the failure of the Indiana General Assembly to adequately fund public schools and to provide funding for raises for teachers.  That’s according to Kelley McDermott, who is the president of the Richmond Education Association.  It’s part of “RedForEd Week”, which draws attention to the importance of supporting schools.

(Richmond, IN)--A convicted counterfeiter appears to have been at it again.  Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant Wednesday at the home of 45-year-old Travis Barker in the 1600 block of South 6^th in Richmond.  Investigators say they had made several controlled buys of methamphetamine there.  But there was also allegedly fentanyl and evidence of a counterfeiting operation.  Barker has a criminal history that also includes robbery with bodily injury.  He remained in the Wayne County Jail Thursday morning.

(Richmond, IN)--A part of South A will be closed for much of the day Thursday.  According to the Indiana Department of Transportation, South A will be closed between 8^th and 9^th Street from 7 a.m. until 3 o’clock Thursday afternoon.  The closure is to allow crews to add the last section of concrete slabs.  Meanwhile, the closure of East Main Street between 6^th and 7^th Streets remains in effect.  That closure is expected to shift a block west in about a week.

(Fountain City, IN)--Northeastern schools wants everyone to know it’s just a drill.  At around noon Thursday, Northeastern students and staff will be participating in a mock crash.  There will be multiple first responders on the scene, including police, fire, and an ambulance.  The purpose of the mock crash is to illustrate the potential result of drinking and driving.  Wallace Road will be closed for a couple of hours.

(Wayne County, IN)--Wayne County’s workforce continues to grow.  After having dipped below 30,000 people a little more than a year ago, the number of people available to work has grown to 31,650.  That’s according to new numbers from the state.  The new number is also 200 people higher than it as at this point last year.  The number of unemployed people has also dropped by 54 people in the last month.  Wayne County’s unemployment rate now stands at 4.1%.

(Richmond, IN)--A Hagerstown man who identifies himself as a corrections officer at the New Castle Correctional Facility was on the inside of a jail cell Wednesday morning after a domestic incident escalated Tuesday.  32-year-old Steven Laboyteaux now faces charges that include kidnapping, criminal confinement, and residential entry.  Details of what Laboyteaux is alleged to have done have not been released.  He was taken into custody at Fricker’s in Richmond Tuesday afternoon.  The condition of the alleged victim has not been released.

(Winchester, IN)--The latest man to be caught in Randolph County’s sting aimed at catching online child predators drove all the way from Elkhart to meet what he thought was a 13-year-old girl at the Winchester McDonald’s.  That girl was really a Randolph County investigator.  In online chats with the girl, 27-year-old Stephen Nettrouer said the three-hour drive wasn’t that far and that he had driven as far as Texas to meet other girls.  When he was caught in Winchester, he was carrying condoms and marijuana.

(Richmond, IN)--Local leaders in Richmond observed Earth Day Monday by cutting the ribbon on the solar park that’s situated on former New Creations property along I-70.  Nearly 27,000 solar panels have the capacity of generating about seven megawatts of energy.  The panels generate enough electricity to power about a thousand homes daily.  Generated electricity will be used in Richmond and not distributed elsewhere.

(Metamora, IN)--A 31-year-old Franklin County woman could spend most of the rest of her life in prison after she was charged under a new Indiana law that holds drug dealers responsible for the overdose deaths of others.  Kelly Neville is accused of selling heroin laced with deadly Fentanyl to Jeffrey Shultz.  Shultz died from an overdose in the Metamora Family Dollar restroom.  The charge is a Level 1 Felony, which is the highest level of felony in Indiana.

(Winchester, IN)--A former Richmond resident is now facing multiple counts of child molesting in Randolph County.  41-year-old Kevin Retter faces decades in prison after the parents of a girl in her early teens allegedly found messages about Retter that she had shared with friends.  The girl claims Retter abused her multiple times during a four-month period ending late last month.  She also claims Retter told her not to tell anyone because he would get into big trouble.

(Kingman, AZ)--A man described so far as only a “person of interest” in connection with the death of a Winchester man has been captured in Arizona.  59-year-old Monty Cook had been sought since death last December of David Brumley, whose body was found at his home on West South Street in Winchester.  Cook had allegedly taken Brumley’s unique car and dumped it in Memphis.  Cook now faces charges in both Randolph County and in Arizona.

(Preble County, OH)--Investigators in Preble County are still searching for a weekend robber.  It happened at the Pilot Travel Center on U.S. 127 near the junction of I-70.  The suspect escaped with cash, but no injuries were being reported.  A description of the robber and the getaway vehicle has not been released.  Officials are unsure if other people were involved.

(Richmond, IN)--What started as a breaking and entering call late Sunday night ended with the arrest of an alleged drug dealer.  Police were called at just before midnight to the 200 block of North 14^th in Richmond.  A canine gave a positive indication on 26-year-old Dustin Alvey.  Alvey was jailed at midnight and charged with dealing cocaine or other narcotic drug.  The amount of drugs recovered has not been released.

(Richmond, IN)--What was arguably downtown Richmond’s last truly iconic business is closing for good on Saturday.  "It was too  much," said Cindy Scheele, who is the owner of Joy Ann Cake Shop.  Joy Ann had existed downtown for 80 years, but that ends Saturday.  Scheele cited a variety of factors for the decision, including increased cost from suppliers, increased payroll, and lengthy street construction around the building.  "I just don't have it in me.  I'm very tired," Scheele added.  Efforts to sell the business and the building have failed.  As for now, the building will be empty.  "I own the building.  I'm losing it to the bank.  I'm loosing everything," Scheele explained.  Joy Ann had operated at the same location on East Main Street for more than 80 years.  Scheele said she’s making one last large batch of Joy Ann’s famous thumbprint cookies to sell Friday and Saturday.

(Centerville, IN)--A zoning request to turn a house on Stevens Road just south of Centerville into a sober living transitional home has been withdrawn.  The petition was withdrawn this week after numerous nearby residents spoke against the proposal, which would have provided transitional housing for up to six people battling various addictions.  Opponents feared decreased property value and increased criminal activity.  The withdrawal means the plan is off the table for at least six months.

(Wayne County, IN)--A Wayne County police canine was struck by a car during the apprehension of a suspect Thursday morning.  It happened on Frontage Road in western Wayne County when deputies were attempting to arrest 38-year-old Travis Lee of Lynn.  The dog was not seriously injured.  Charges against Lee include felony criminal recklessness with a vehicle and battery on a police canine.  He’s also charged with felony neglect of a dependent.

(Cambridge City, IN)--A police standoff that prompted lockdowns Thursday afternoon at Western Wayne Elementary and Lincoln High School in Cambridge City ended peacefully.  A man described as suicidal barricaded himself inside a home in the 100 block of East Main Street and refused to come out for about an hour and a half.  Schools were placed on lockdown strictly as a precautionary measure.  Sheriff Randy Retter said there was never any direct threat to the schools.  The man eventually surrendered without incident and was taken to Reid Health for evaluation.

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Roosters are returning.  That’s according to a social media post by John Cate.  Cate was instrumental in the founding and operation of the original Roosters, which played baseball at McBride Stadium from 1995 until 2005.  According to the Wednesday post, the Roosters will be a college wooden bat league that will play in the Midwest Prospect Baseball League.  John and Cindy Cate and Allen Brady are the owners.  The first league game is set for June 29.  There’s no word on where the Roosters will play and, if that location is McBride, how the Roosters will co-exist with the Richmond Jazz, which also plays at McBride.  Cate said more information will be released in a couple of weeks.

(Cambridge City, IN)--There’s been yet another delay in the effort to find a permanent solution to treating wastewater at the Gateway Industrial Park near Cambridge City.  Although the option of sending the wastewater to Connersville appears to be off the table, numbers presented to SugarCreek last month appear to be inaccurate.  Instead of an 18% increase in rates, it now appears there would be an increase of 37%.  A third party firm is now in the process of analyzing data.  In addition to that issue, there are 300,000 gallons of clear water flowing daily into the wastewater system.  The source of that water must be located.

(Richmond, IN)--The resident of an alleged Richmond drug house has bonded out of jail and was free Thursday morning.  47-year-old Betty Johnson was one of three people arrested during a SWAT Team raid of a home in the 800 block of South 6^th in Richmond.  Officers executed a search warrant after an investigation that included complaints from neighbors and recovered a variety of drugs.  Johnson was charged with dealing cocaine but has posted ten percent of a $15,000 bond and was released.  A Dayton man and Jason Branham of Richmond remained behind bars Thursday.

(Preble County, OH)--A female driver in her 20’s was killed in a crash on State Route 503 just north of West Alexandria Tuesday.  "It was a huge metal-on-metal crash.".  That’s how Sarah Cupit described the crash just outside her house near Pyrmont (PEER-mont) Road.  The victim had been driving erratically according to a witness who was driving behind her.  "Kind of all over the roadway.  In fact, the witness was just about to give us a call because of the erratic driving when the crash occurred," said Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson.  She hit an oncoming pickup head-on, causing minor injuries to that driver.  The victim’s name will be released Wednesday.

(Richmond, IN)--Some new signage went up in downtown Richmond yesterday that geared toward helping merchants and businesses deal with ongoing street closures.  The signs encourage people to park in the former Elder-Beerman parking lot as an alternative to the loss parking and accessibility due to construction.  Main Street is currently closed between 6^th and 7^th Streets.  That closure will shift a block west next month.

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond police on Tuesday made another drug arrest in the problem area of the 100 block of Richmond Avenue.  Officers recovered narcotic drugs, marijuana, and syringes when they took 24-year-old Heaven Ford into custody.  Ford now faces three felony counts.  The quantity of drugs recovered has not been released.  Ford has a criminal history that includes numerous book-ins last year.

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Common Council Monday night heard a request for the issuance of a four-year, three-quarters-of-a-million bond for upgrades throughout the Park Department.  "We're still completely, 100% committed to making our park system the best it can be," said Superintendent Denise Retz to council.  The bond would fund multiple elements.  "Priorities are focusing on maintenance and beautification, compliance, and the parks' future," Retz added.  Some council members suggested that a lengthier bond would be more appropriate.  Others questioned why the needs were not addressed during the budget process.  Council will vote on the request next month.

(Richmond, IN)--A man wanted in multiple counties, including Wayne, was located and then taken into custody in Richmond Tuesday morning.  Officers located 29-year-old Kyle King near 15^th and East Main.  King allegedly was in possession of methamphetamine this morning and also faces a resisting law enforcement charge.  King has been jailed multiple times in recent years, including as recently as this January.

(Wayne County, IN)--New numbers are out for child abuse and neglect in Wayne County.  The Department of Child Services says the number of confirmed case of child abuse and neglect has exploded from 14 in February to 41 last month.  The huge jump also puts Wayne County well ahead of where it was at this point last year.  By this point in 2018, there were 62 local cases.  This year, there are 82 cases.  That’s an increase of 32%.

(Preble County, OH)--The two victims in a double-fatal weekend crash in Preble County have now been identified.  37-year-old Brian Logan of Camden was headed north on State Road 122 near Shul Road when he crossed the center line and hit 69-year-old Steven Fore of New Paris head-on.  Both drivers were killed.  70-year-old Shirley Fore was Careflighted to Miami Valley Hospital.  Her condition has not been released.  Investigators don’t know why Logan crossed the center line, but it did not appear drugs or alcohol were factors.

(Henry County, IN)--Some new information was released Thursday about the fatal police shooting that occurred on I-70 in Henry County earlier this week.  Investigators now say that the Greenfield man who was shot and killed after pointing a gun at a Henry County deputy actually fired that gun at the deputy before the deputy returned fire.  The deputy was not hit.  The suspect was also in possession of methamphetamine.

(Richmond, IN)--The city of Richmond has a new IT director.  Mayor Dave Snow announced Thursday that Jeff Kempton has been hired to take over that role and will start a week from Monday.  Kempton comes from similar jobs in Miamisburg and Englewood.  It marks the first time since last summer the administration has been fully staffed.   Also, Linda Irwin has been named executive director of Birth to Five.  Irwin has been with that organization for the last ten years.

(Richmond, IN)--For the ninth year in a row, the intersection of National Road East, Elks Road, and South 37^th Street is the Richmond intersection where the most crashes have occurred.  RPD has released its annual list showing where the most traffic accidents occur.  The top four all involve National Road East, including the intersections of Woodside Drive, Garwood Road, and West Eaton Pike.  Those four intersections accounted for 82 crashes in 2018.  Overall, the number of accidents across the city last year dropped by 182.

(Richmond, IN)--A drug house near Richmond’s Depot District was shut down Wednesday.  Members of the Wayne County Drug Task Force found methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin when they served a search warrant at an apartment in the 100 block of Fort Wayne Avenue.  David Singleton and Edward Hoelscher were both charged with multiple drug-related felonies, including dealing.  The investigation had included several controlled buys.  Numerous needles from the county’s needle exchange program were also recovered.

(Cambridge City, IN)--Most of the discussion about the Gateway Industrial Park near Cambridge City in recent years has centered on the treatment of wastewater.  This week, the discussion turned to providing more clean water to the area.  There’s a water tower near I-70 that’s nearing capacity because of growth from SugarCreek Packing.  Local officials are looking into a USDA grant that would allow for construction of a new water tower at the industrial park.

(Wayne County, IN)--A new living facility for people getting outpatient treatment for drug addiction is being planned for a property just south of Centerville.  Entities called CapGrow Partners and Pinnacle Treatment Centers would like to convert an existing home at 4446 Stevens Road into a recovery center.  A public hearing on a request to change zoning will take place Thursday night at 6 at the Wayne County Board of Zoning Appeals.  Pinnacle Treatment is the company that operates a similar facility on State Road 1 near I-70 in western Wayne County.

(Preble County, OH)--One man died Tuesday after the boat he was fishing in capsized at Hueston Woods.  Two men were fishing on Acton Lake when witnesses say one of them stood up.  Both fell out of the boat.  Other fishermen rushed to their aid.  A 76-year-old man survived, but a 55-year-old man was pronounced dead.  Right now, investigators don’t know if the man drowned or suffered some other medical incident.  His name has not yet been released.

(Cambridge City, IN)--Reid Health has purchased the Alco and CVS building on State Road 1 in Cambridge City.   Reid said in a release Tuesday that the space will be the new home of Dr. James Bertch sometime next year.  New offices will have 18 patient rooms and will have bays for Reid’s new ambulance service.  CVS will remain in its space.  Renovations are currently underway on 18,000 square feet.  There will also be room to add more providers, up to six from the current two.

(Bloomington, IN)--Here’s more on our report Monday about the total economic damage created by drug addiction in our area.  IU researchers say the total damage to Wayne County since 2003 has been $538 million.  But the numbers have gotten much bigger each year.  It went from $26 million in 2015 to $54 million in 2017 – the last year of the study.  And, here are the numbers for other counties since 2003.  Union’s impact is $35 million.  Fayette’s is $221 million.  Frankin’s is $300 million.  Randolph County’s impact is $182 million, and Henry’s is $256 million.

(Richmond, IN)--There was a high-speed motorcycle chase through Richmond city streets early Tuesday morning.  And, unlike last week, a rider seems to have escaped.  According to scanner traffic, the motorcycle rider hit speeds of 120 miles per hour as he fled east on Main Street at around 1:30 Tuesday morning.  The chase entered Preble County and turned south past National Trail schools.  Officers lost track of the rider near U.S. 35 and Oxford-Gettysburg Road.  There’s no word yet on what started the chase.

(Wayne County, IN)--A crash late Monday night on I-70 led to the recovery of drugs and landed two people in jail.  Officers responded to a call of a car in a ditch on westbound 70 near the Centerville exit.  According to scanner traffic, a man later identified as 52-year-old Ira Hamilton of Winchester was found in the car unconscious and still clutching drugs in his hand.  He was revived and taken to jail along with 31-year-old Christina Fraze of Richmond.  The quantity and type of drugs recovered has not been released.

(Bloomington, IN)--An IU study shows the staggering cost of opioid addiction at the county level.  The study takes into account numerous elements that include cost to police and the courts, medical expenses, lost wages, and even the present value of money that people who died from overdoses would have earned over a lifetime.  According to the study, since 2003, opioid addiction has caused total economic damage in Wayne County of $538 million.  Combining the Whitewater Valley counties of Wayne, Union, Fayette, Franklin, Randolph, and Henry yields total economic damage of $1.5 billion.  The study also says that since 2003, opioid addiction has cost each Wayne County resident – drug user or not - $8100.

(Richmond, IN)--Tension is escalating between Wayne County elected officials and the county’s Health Department.  In a scathing letter obtained by Kicks 96 and 101.7 the Point, Wayne County Commissioner Ken Paust wrote to John Lebo, the chairperson of the local Board of Health, to express extreme disappointment with executive director Eric Coulter.  In a February meeting, Coulter said that Board Member Pete Zaleski was too immature to receive orientation.  The Board’s attorney then suggested Zaleski and Jeff Plasterer were adversaries of Coulter.  Paust is calling for more open conversation.  Kicks 96 and 101.7 the Point is reaching out to Coulter for comment.

(Richmond, IN)--Drugs were found – but no occupants were – when a car crashed on Arboretum Road in Richmond Friday morning.  A passerby noticed the wreckage near Woodside Drive and called 911.  When first responders arrived, they found baggies of a white powdery substance and marijuana both inside the vehicle and out.  A canine was brought to the scene to search for occupants, but none were found.  Police then began the process of trying to find the owner through the car’s license plate.  No one has been jailed yet.

(Dayton, OH)--A Georgia man is now wanted for allegedly causing the death of a Richmond woman one year ago.  46-year-old Candice Flaugher of Richmond was struck from behind by a semi on I-75 in Dayton.  She later died from her injuries.  A grand jury has now indicted Thomas Massey of Georgia on two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide.  A crash report indicates Massey was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time.  If he can be located, Massey will be in court in two weeks.

(Richmond, IN)--A motorcycle rider was taken into custody after allegedly fleeing police at speeds of up to 90 miles per hour on Richmond city streets Wednesday night.  It began with a report of 28-year-old William Jinks driving recklessly on South 15^th.  Jinks allegedly blew through stop signs on Henley Road, South 37^th, and Garwood Road as police gave chase.  Jinks then wound his way back into the city and was finally captured on U.S. 27 just south of Richmond.  He’s currently charged with felony resisting law enforcement.

(Centerville, IN)--Police canine Ozzy helped send three people to the Wayne County Jail following a traffic stop in Centerville Wednesday afternoon.  Ozzy alerted on a vehicle stopped on Main Street occupied by two central Indiana men and 24-year-old Brooklyn Toth of Richmond.  Methamphetamine, controlled substances, and marijuana were recovered.  Police reports indicate one person tried to hide the meth and ended up spilling it all over themselves.

(Eaton, OH)--A Preble County commissioner has apologized for what three women deemed was a sexually inappropriate comment made during a presentation involving Preble County Council on Aging.  Chris Day made the comment after being handed a bicycle horn, which was included in several items on display.  According to the allegation, Day said that it made him "feel horny."  The council’s executive director then asked that Day issue a written apology, stay away from the senior center, and attend sexual harassment sensitivity class.  She said if he took those steps, nothing further would happen.  Day has issued an apology and said that it was meant only as a joke.

(Richmond, IN)--Many more details were shared about last December’s Dennis Intermediate School shooting by the state police during a press conference late Tuesday afternoon.  Spokesperson Dave Burnsten said that the 14-year-old boy had a written plan of attack.  "His intent was to cause maximum damage and harm.  I'm comfortable telling you that no specific person was targeted," Bernsten said.  The boy's weapons included a pistol, a rifle, and these.."water bottles filled with gasoline.  There were a couple of rags that we believe were intended to be used as fuses to make makeshift Molotov cocktails," Bernsten added.  ISP confirmed gunshots were exchanged between the boy and police.  Burnsten also indicated that Dennis principal Nicole VanDervort’s relaying of information to dispatchers was critical in allowing police to contain the teenage shooter.  VanDervort was at Tuesday afternoon’s press conference.  "I think anybody with access to the camera system would do exactly what I did that day," VanDervort said.  Burnsten also said the roll of the boy’s mother was critical.  She called 911 to say that the boy was coming.  "Had she not made that call, things would have turned out dramatically different there," Burnsten said.  Burnsten also said that bullying was not a relevant factor in the shooting.

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond man who was allegedly involved in a January stabbing incident was taken into custody Tuesday on charges that include robbery, burglary, and battery.  Police say Aaron Simpson was stabbed on North 18^th and taken to Miami Valley Hospital early this year.  Now, Simpson is facing two level-three felonies.  He was able to post ten percent of a $25,000 in just a few hours and was free Wednesday morning.

(Eaton, OH)--An Eaton woman was indicted Tuesday for her alleged role in a fatal crash.  42-year-old Stephanie Higgins of Eaton allegedly struck and killed a 20-year-old man on a Dayton street.  Now, there’s a warrant for Higgins’ arrest.  She’s scheduled to be arraigned on the 16^th, although that could happen earlier if she’s located and taken into custody.

(Richmond, IN)--INDOT says work is ahead of schedule on some downtown Richmond road construction.  Work on South A wasn’t originally scheduled to be complete until the end of June, but it could be as early as the end of this month.  But, some merchants are dealing with complete street closures.  The 600 block of East Main is closed right now and will remain that way for a month as part of the bike path project.  The 500 block of East Main will completely close next month.

(Wayne County, IN)--Traveling east and west Monday night through the Whitewater Valley was made more difficult by a series of incidents.  I-70 eastbound was closed early Monday night near the Henry County line following a car fire.  There was a secondary rear-end crash when one vehicle slammed into the back of another that had stopped for traffic.  Eastbound traffic backed up for 12 miles  And, while all of that was going on, a home was burning on U.S. 40 also near the Wayne – Henry County line.  It forced 40’s closure.  There was no word of any injuries or what caused it.

(Centerville, IN)--A new business is setting up shop in what has been home to multiple eateries in recent years in Centerville.  It’s called Five Arch Brewing, and they’re preparing to open in the Main Street building that once housed Jag’s, the Blue Monkey, and, more recently, Ugly Mugs.  A recent post on Five Arch’s Facebook page says that great food and great beer is coming in the fall of ’19.  Ugly Mugs closed earlier this year.

(Connersville, IN)--Fayette Regional Health System is continuing to take action to remain open until it’s sold in bankruptcy proceedings at the end of the month.  The Connersville hospital has now borrowed another $1.6 million from Comerica Bank.  Also, the hospital has issued a ten percent pay cut for salaried employees.  That includes all doctors and administrators.  Hourly employees have been given a ten percent reduction in their hours worked.  Fayette Regional continues to say it will remain open through bankruptcy proceedings.

(Liberty, IN)--The Liberty Police and Union County Sheriff’s Department were still looking Monday morning for a man who fled from a potential arrest late last week.  Selassie Ward has a criminal history in multiple states, including smash-and-grab burglaries in New Jersey.  Ward was able to escape a foot pursuit that began in Liberty last Thursday.  He is thought to be a Florida resident and part of a national gang that commits car burglaries.

(Richmond, IN)--Three Wayne County men were taken into custody over the weekend on multiple felony drug charges after what began as a theft call at Richmond’s Walmart.  Officers located a truck in the parking lot and also found methamphetamine, syringes, and other drug paraphernalia.  Jeremy Johnson, Brandon Miller, and Gunner Toschlog were all taken to the Wayne County Jail.  All three remained there Monday morning.