Local News Archives for 2019-10

TRICK-OR-TREAT STILL ON FOR THURSDAY NIGHT IN RICHMOND, OTHER TOWNS

(Richmond, IN)--Parents are sounding off on social media about whether or not to postpone trick-or-treat due to Thursday night’s weather.  Since Wednesday morning, only one additional community has postponed moved trick-or-treat from Thursday night.  That’s Hagerstown, which has moved its event to Friday night.  Connersville moved its time to Saturday earlier this week.  Meanwhile, both Richmond and Eaton trick-or-treats are still on for Thursday night as scheduled.  Most communities have alternative indoor events.

JC PENNEY REOPENS IN RICHMOND MALL

(Richmond, IN)--A grand reopening is set for Friday for a store in the Richmond Mall that’s been closed ever since a weak tornado struck in June.  JC Penney actually reopened rather quietly Wednesday with a repaired ceiling and new carpet and paint.  The reopening of JC Penney means only Office Max remains closed.  Office Max has worked to reopen in December, although no specific date has been set.  Nine mall stores were forced to close for varying degrees of repairs as a result of the EF-0 tornado.

DEFENSE PRESENTS NO WITNESSES IN MURDER TRIAL

(Richmond, IN)--Multiple witnesses took the stand Wednesday in the murder trial of Eric Lairson in Wayne Superior Court I.  Lairson is accused killing Tylissa Isaacs almost two years ago.  One witness, who was a counselor at a shelter for battered women, testified about how Isaacs had sought help weeks before her death.  Other witnesses testified about a history of violence between the couple.  The forensic pathologist who conducted the autopsy talked about evidence of multiple blunt-force injuries.  The prosecution wrapped up its case Wednesday afternoon.  The defense rested without a single witness.  Closing arguments will take place Thursday morning.  The jury should get the case later in the day.

JURY SEES POLICE INTERROGATION IN MURDER TRIAL

(Richmond, IN)--The murder trial of Eric Lairson continued Tuesday in Wayne Superior Court I.  Lairson is accused of killing his girlfriend, Tylissa Isaacs, late in 2017.  The jury spent much of Tuesday watching video of a police interview shortly after Isaacs’ body was discovered in a bathtub on North 13th.  Lairson told investigators the two had been drinking heavily the day before Isaacs was found and that he didn’t remember many of the events.  But his story changed as the interview progressed, with him eventually admitting there had been an argument that turned physical.  Trial resumes Wednesday morning with the prosecution continuing to present its case.

MOST COMMUNITIES KEEP TRICK-OR-TREAT TIMES

(Whitewater Valley)--At least one Whitewater Valley community is moving its trick-or-treat time due to Thursday night’s forecast, but others are holding firm.  Connersville has moved its trick-or-treating to Saturday from 5-7.  Meanwhile, as of 7 a.m. Wednesday, Richmond’s time is still set for 5:30 until 8 Thursday night.  Eaton has also indicated that its time will be from 6-8 Thursday night, rain or shine.  Meteorologists at WHIO-TV say that rain chances will have diminished to 30% by 6 Thursday night with a projected temperature of 38 degrees.  And, contrary to popular belief, cold and rainy weather does not cause colds and sickness.  That’s a function of viruses.

LIBERTY WOMAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED ROBBERY

(Cambridge City, IN)--A young Liberty woman has been charged with attempted robbery after a strange series of events.  According to police, 21-year-old Alexis Rogers had claimed to have been struck with a baseball bat.  She was taken into custody Tuesday at Main and Chestnut Street in Cambridge City.  Details of what led to the attempted robbery charge have not been released.

MORE ON REID / FOREST HILLS COLLABORATION

(Richmond, IN)--Neither Reid Health or Forest Hills has responded yet to requests from Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News for details of a proposal that would pump nearly $2 million into the Richmond country club after our initial report last Friday.  Others close to the situation have provided some details.  Reid is reportedly paying $1.85 million to Forest Hills, which would fund 50 social memberships for doctors and other high-level medical personnel for ten years.  The Forest Hills Board would expand by two, and Reid would get to select those members.  The current pro shop would be converted to a fitness center.  A new pro shop would be built.  Much of the remaining money will upgrade the swimming pool and tennis courts.  Little if any money would go into the golf course itself.  Reid would use the social memberships and a recruitment tool.

RICHMOND RANKS 4th NATIONALLY FOR MAKING $1 MILLION LAST

(Richmond, IN)--If you won $1 million and wanted to live in Richmond, how long would it last you?  Well, according to the website smartasset.com, longer than all but three other communities in the country.  In new rankings, Richmond ranks first in Indiana and 4th nationally for places where a million dollars would last longest.  And, if you’re wondering how long it would last, the answer, according to smartasset, is 22 years and three months.

FIRE DOES HEAVY DAMAGE TO SALISBURY ROAD HOME

(Richmond, IN)--Fire did heavy damage to a Wayne County home Sunday night into Monday morning.  It broke out late Sunday night at a home on Salisbury Road north near the intersection of Gaar-Jackson Road and next to Everett’s Body Shop.  A passer-by noticed flames and called 911.  "When we pulled up, there was smoke coming out of the two gable ends," said Battalion Chief Charlie Bartlett.  No one was home at the time and no injuries were reported.  Damage has been set at $30,000.  Investigators will be back on the scene Monday to search for a cause.

FOREST HILLS MEMBERS ADDRESS MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR COLLABORATION WIT REID

(Richmond, IN)--On Thursday night, members of Forest Hills Country Club addressed what would be a major influx of money from Reid Health.  Details of the agreement have not been released by either party.  But, according to multiple members of Forest Hills, Reid would pump at least $2 million into Forest Hills.  Reid would be able to use multiple social memberships as a recruiting and retention tool for medical professionals.  And, Forest Hills would get a much-needed financial boost that would include significant renovations to the club.

KUHLMAN CENTER OPENS SATURDAY FOR VOTING

(Richmond, IN)--Wayne County residents will have more places to vote beginning Saturday.  The Kuhlman Center will open Saturday for local voters.  So far, early voting has only taken place at the Wayne County Courthouse, and turnout there has been extremely light.  As of Thursday morning, only about 350 people had cast ballots.  Then, on Monday, First English Lutheran Church in Richmond will be open for voting.  Three more vote centers will be open for the traditional Election Day, which is a week from Tuesday.

ONE KILLED, TWO HURT IN HEAD-ON CRASH

(Camden, OH)--One person is dead and two more were injured after a head-on crash in Preble County Thursday night.  It happened on U.S. 127 at Camden-College Corner Road just south of Camden.  One driver crossed the center line and struck an oncoming vehicle.  But Ohio Highway Patrol Trooper Dallas Root said the crash didn’t have to end in a fatality.  "It's my opinion, based on my experience, that he most likely would have survived had he had his seat belt on in this incident," Root said.  Names have not been released.  The man who was killed was from Cincinnati.  Two other people from Trenton were seriously injured.

OLD REID INVESTOR CIPRIETTI FAILS TO COMPLETE RESTAURANT CONVERSION

(Milford, DE)--One of the former owners of the old Reid Hospital building has walked away from yet another project.  Bob Ciprietti was a key investor with Spring Grove Development.  That’s the name given to the company that had promised to convert old Reid into a multi-use facility.  That project, of course, never got off the ground.  Ciprietti allegedly stiffed Wayne County for more than a million dollars in property taxes.  Now, he has walked away from a project in Delaware.  He had promised to convert an old bank building into a new restaurant there.  Cipretti has now sold the property.  Wayne County officials continue to pursue Ciprietti for outstanding property taxes at old Reid.

RAPPER FACES EXTRADITION FOR UNION COUNTY THEFTS

(Liberty, IN)--Investigators say a relatively well-known rapper committed several break-ins at Whitewater Memorial State Park in Union County last March and has been on the loose ever since.  s Selassie Ward isn’t on the loose any more.  He’s been taken into custody and now faces extradition back to Union County.  Details of his arrest have not been released.  Ward is a Florida resident.  It’s unknown why he was in Union County last spring.

GOOD SAMARITAN ROBBED AT GUNPOINT

(Preble County, OH)--There was a report of an armed robbery in Preble County.  It happened on Camden – Sugar Valley Road.  A man had stopped to help what appeared to be a stranded female driver.  When he got out of his vehicle, a man emerged from a wooded area and robbed the victim at gunpoint.  The suspects fled on State Road 732 in an old, white Ford work truck with extremely rusty wheels.  The only description of the suspects is that they are a white male and white female.  The victim was not hurt.

NTSB RELEASES PRELIMINARY REPORT IN PLANE CRASH THAT KILLED RHS GRAD

(Lansing, MI)--The NTSB has released a preliminary report on the Michigan plane crash that killed former Richmond resident Joel Beavins and four other people a few weeks ago.  According to the report, no specific mechanical problem was found.  But, the plane was 126 pounds overweight.  Beavins was piloting the plane when it went down on final approach.  Beavins graduated from Richmond High School back in 1990.

COUNCIL PASSES 2020 BUDGET DESPITE OPPOSITION OF THREE

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Common Council passed the city’s budget Monday night, but it was far from routine.  Council voted 5-3 for passage.  Those who dissented, including Misty Hollis, Jamie Lopeman, and Clay Miller, did so primarily because funding the budget will require using a significant amount of the city’s cash reserves.  Hollis indicated that the underfunded amount exceeds $7 million.  Before voting to approve the budget, council unanimously agreed to cut about $3.2 million.  That includes $2.4 million in TIF funding for the Richmond Redevelopment Commission and half a million on a state-required drainage project.  Council has approved salaries for police and firefighters next year.  The contract for other city employees, which includes a three-percent pay raise, has not yet been approved by the Board of Public Works.  Council member Clay Miller indicated that the new budget would be unsustainable in 2021 and said that the city was on track for tax increases

IU REPORT: 96% OF OLD REID DEBRIS WAS REPURPOSED

(Richmond, IN)--A new Indiana University report details what happened to the debris left behind when the old Reid Hospital was demolished.  The report says that 96% of the demolished building were recycled or reused as backfill or road bedding.  It was a process that diverted more than 60 tons of material from the landfill and saved the city $1.25 million by preventing long-term debt service.

NEW UNEMPLOYMENT NUMBERS POSITIVE FOR WHITEWATER VALLEY

(Indianapolis, IN)--New unemployment numbers released Monday were generally positive for Wayne County and the rest of the Whitewater Valley.  Wayne County’s unemployment rate dropped from 3.5 to 3.1%.  The number of people in Wayne County’s workforce also dropped, though, by about 300 people.  Both the number of people working and not working dropped by 150.  Union County has our area’s lowest unemployment rate at 2.7%.

BUSINESS SURROUNDED, ALLEGED BURGLAR CAPTURED

(Cambridge City, IN)--A man who allegedly broke into a Cambridge City business and took a cash register with a significant amount of money was captured Monday morning.  Police were called to a business in the Church Street area.  According to scanner traffic, multiple agencies responded, surrounded the building, and took a man now identified as 27-year-old Preston Dunaway of Dublin in to custody at gunpoint.  Some items were located in a nearby campsite.  A female was questioned but was not initially jailed.  Dunaway has been charged with felony burglary.

RANDOLPH COUNTY FAMILY LOSES EVERYTHING IN FIRE

(Randolph County, IN)--Efforts are underway to help a Randolph County family who lost everything but the clothes on their backs in a fire over the weekend.  Rebekah and Jeramy Shumaker were at church when they learned that their home a few miles north of Modoc had caught fire.  Firefighters were on the scene for six hours but were unable to save the home.  There’s no word yet on the cause.  The Shumakers have five children.  There were no injuries.  A gofundme account has been established.

MAN CHARGED WITH DEALING METH AFTER FLEEING CRASH

(Richmond, IN)--What began as a crash into a parked car led to the arrest of an alleged methamphetamine dealer on Sunday.  30-year-old Nicholas Lakes of Richmond was captured near South 16th and E.  Witnesses said Lakes fled the scene after hitting the parked car.  Not only was he charged with dealing meth; he was also charged with operating while intoxicated – serious bodily injury, possession of controlled substances, and possession of marijuana.

MOTHERS PRESS FOR ARREST OF DAYCARE RESIDENT

(Richmond, IN)--A group of Richmond mothers are pressing for charges against a man who lives in a home where daycare is provided to multiple children.  According to a Department of Child Services report, several children reported being touched inappropriately and witnessing other touching events.  The suspect was questioned and gave conflicting stories.  The DCS concluded that there was substantiated sexual abuse, but that was back in late August.  That’s when Richmond police requested an arrest warrant.  The man’s family claims that he has serious health issues.

MAN GETS 17 1/2 YEARS FOR ROLE IN MURDER

(Richmond, IN)--On Thursday, 32-year-old Jesse Boggs was sentenced to 17 ½ years for his role in the murder of James Herbolt II two years ago.  Boggs was the first of four men charged in the case.  Herbolt was killed two years ago and his body was dumped in a field near Nolands Fork Road.  A murder charge against Boggs was dropped in exchange for a guilty plea to lesser charges.  Boggs admitted to providing materials used to bind Herbolt’s hands to another suspect.  Boggs said Thursday that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

TIP LEADS TO ARREST OF WANTED RICHMOND WOMAN

(Richmond, IN)--Police received a tip Friday morning about a Richmond woman who has been wanted on drug charges, and now she’s in custody.  29-year-old Chelsea Beaty was captured in the 2500 block of North West 16th and jailed at just before 3 Friday morning.  Beaty is charged with possessing methamphetamine and controlled substances.  She was one of five people caught in a drug raid on North 10th in April of last year.

MOTHER OF DENNIS SHOOTER JAILED, RELEASED

(Richmond, IN)--The mother of the boy who caused the active-shooter incident at Dennis Intermediate School last year spent about an hour and a half in jail Tuesday.  43-year-old Mary York turned herself in at the Wayne County Jail, posted a $750 bond, and was released.  She faces a total of six felony charges connected to the allegation that she knew her son had mental health issues, but withdrew him from treatment and withheld medication.  Treatment records indicate York was fully informed by medical personnel of her son’s mental health situation.

STOPLIGHT PROBLEM CREATES TRAFFIC BACKUP

(Richmond, IN)--There’s a problem with a stoplight at Richmond’s most dangerous intersection, and it’s causing traffic headaches that are not associated with interstate construction.  The stoplight is the one at Elks Road and East Main, which sees more crashes annually than any other intersection.  The problem is that green light going from east to west lasts only about ten seconds before turning red again.  On Tuesday, it caused traffic to back up to Garwood Road.  The issue has existed for several days.  There’s been no word on the cause of the problem or when a fix will be made.

MOTHER OF DENNIS SHOOTER CHARGED WITH MULTIPLE FELONIES

(Richmond, IN)--The mother of the Dennis Intermediate School shooter Brandon Clegg is now facing six felonies in connection with events leading up to that incident last December.  "I just don't think he would.  That wasn't my son,"  said Mary York in response to being asked if she thought her son was capable of trying to shoot and kill Dennis students.  But charging documents indicate her response is far from the truth.  Prosecutors say York was well aware of her son’s mental health issues, neglected to provide him medical care for months, and gave him access to guns.  Clegg had told doctors for weeks that he wanted to kill other students.  He was prescribed medication, but York allegedly told him he didn’t have to take it.  York told the Dr. Ox Show there were no warning signs.  She also allegedly never told police he had fired a gun inside the home two months before the shooting.  York has not been taken into custody.

MAN WHO PROMPTED SILVER ALERT FACES MULTIPLE CHARGES

(Whitewater, IN)--A man who had prompted a Silver Alert by allegedly beating and strangling his wife was caught following a manhunt and foot chase in the Whitewater area Monday morning.  38-year-old Travis Lee was behind bars Tuesday morning, charged with eight crimes including aggravated battery and strangulation.  Lee allegedly dragged Sommer Lee into a wooded area Sunday night after a car crash.  Authorities searched overnight into Monday morning and could not locate the couple.  Sommer Lee was eventually able to get to a home on Whitewater Road and call for help.  Travis Lee was tracked in the same area taken into custody.  Sommer Lee suffered minor injuries and has been released from Reid Health.

GROUP REACHES GOAL FOR ORCHARD AT MARY SCOTT PARK

(Richmond, IN)--An organization has reached its financial goal to convert part of Mary Scott Park in Richmond into a public-access fruit orchard.  The goal was to raise $17,500.  On Monday, the total was $200 higher than that.  Funding will secure fencing and other materials.  The orchard would provide continuous free access to food through the growing season and will serve as a learning tool for students at next-door Dennis Intermediate School.  Installation would begin in September of next year.

UPDATE: SUBJECT OF SILVER ALERT FOUND ALIVE

(Whitewater, IN)--There was breaking news Monday morning in the case of the Silver Alert involving a missing and endangered missing woman.  Wayne County authorities have now confirmed that Sommer Lee was found alive in the Whitewater Road area at around 9:15 Monday morning.  She was being taken to Reid Health for an evaluation.  Her condition has not been released.  Meanwhile, law enforcement agents were searching the same area where Sommer Lee was found for her husband, Travis Lee.  Lee is still thought to be armed with a knife.  The Silver Alert was prompted by a report that he had dragged her into a wooded area last night.  Lee has an extensive violent criminal record.

SILVER ALERT ISSUED AFTER REPORT OF DOMESTIC ATTACK

(Wayne County, IN)--There was an active Silver Alert Monday morning for a missing Richmond woman who may have been the victim of a violent domestic incident Sunday night.  Police were originally called to Jennings Road near Whitewater on the report of a man armed with a knife dragging a female into the woods. Due to the violent criminal history of the suspect, 38-year-old Travis Lee, a large police response was sent to the area.  Officers from multiple agencies Sunday night searched the Whitewater area with helicopters, dogs, and drones, but Lee and the possible victim, Sommer Lee, could not be located.  The Silver Alert for Sommer Lee was issued by the state police Monday morning.  She is said to be in extreme danger.  It was just last week that Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News reported that Travis Lee was facing 13 new criminal charges after allegedly choking Sommer Lee until she lost consciousness while traveling between Lynn and Winchester.

CENTERVILLE POLICE ARREST TWO FOR METH, COUNTERFEIT MONEY

(Centerville, IN)--Centerville police conducted a traffic stop Sunday that ended with some serious criminal charges.  A vehicle occupied by 28-year-old Bernard George of Centerville and 24-year-old Teanna Ray of Richmond had allegedly visited an area known for drug activity.  Inside the vehicle officers found both methamphetamine and counterfeit money.  Both George and Ray are charged with morning with multiple felonies.  Quantities have not been released.

CONSTRUCTION BACKUP LEADS TO YET ANOTHER I-70 CRASH

(Preble County, OH)--construction backup on westbound I-70 around Richmond Thursday led to yet another serious crash in Preble County.  One person was trapped after two vehicles collided about five miles from the state line.  That person was flown to a Level One Trauma Center.  His or her name and condition have not been released.  Two other people sustained minor injuries.  The interstate was closed until 8 o’clock Thursday night.  Friday morning, crews were removing barrels around Richmond that had reduced 70 to one lane.  But those barrels will be going right back up Friday night as crews shift construction from the passing to the driving lane.  The construction begins just west of Chester Boulevard, but backups are again expected to extend well into Preble County.

NEARLY ALL WHITEWATER VALLEY NOW OFFICIALLY IN A DROUGHT

(Whitewater Valley)--Burn bans continue across parts of the area.  Franklin County extended its burn ban Thursday through at least this coming Tuesday.  Union County is also under a burn ban.  Meanwhile, the federal government Thursday released an updated drought map.  Now, the entire Whitewater Valley, with the exception only of southeastern Preble County, is officially in a moderate drought.  That includes all of Wayne County.

AREA GETS $5.4 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR ROADS

(Whitewater Valley)--Whitewater Valley communities will be receiving nearly five-and-a-half million dollars to improve roads and bridges, according to a release from State Senator Jeff Raatz’s office.  The money comes from the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program.  Wayne County will get $810,000 and Randolph County gets $650,000.  Franklin County is our area’s largest single recipient, getting $905,000.  Grant money is also being distributed at the town level.  Hagerstown is set to get $532,000.

PHILLIPS DRUGS SUES CITY

(Richmond, IN)--After being denied a flooding claim by the city of Richmond’s insurance carrier, Phillips Drugs has now sued the city, a contractor, and a design firm.  Water begin infiltrating Phillips’ basement earlier this year during the construction process.  No one seems to deny there’s a water issue, but all three entities being sued have blamed each other in a series of letters.  The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in Wayne Circuit Court.  Phillips is seeking unspecified damages, although in an earlier filing it claimed the damage was $7700.  On Tuesday, the city posted on its Facebook page photos of repair work being done just outside Phillips.

MAN INVOLVED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH DIES

(Richmond, IN)--A man who was involved in a Richmond motorcycle accident Wednesday afternoon has died.  A rider lost control at the intersection of Industries Road and Chester Boulevard.  It did not appear that the motorcycle had collided with any other vehicle.  Scanner traffic indicated that bystanders were doing CPR.  A medical helicopter responded.  The man’s identity has not been released.  It’s also unclear if the man suffered a medical incident that led to the crash and his ultimate death or if the crash itself was the cause.

FORMER RHS BASEBALL PLAYER DIES IN PLANE CRASH

(Lansing, MI)--Recently, Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News reported on Luke Leverton, the Seton High School baseball standout who is currently working to raise money to improve McBride Stadium.  One mother has been so touched that she’s asking that people to remember her son by donating.  Joel Beavins played at McBride Stadium in 1990.  This past Sunday, Joel died as the result of a plane crash in Michigan.  Now, Joel’s mom, Dana Leas, has asked that any money spent on flowers or other items be given instead to Leverton’s effort to fund McBride Stadium improvements.  Joel Beavins’ funeral is set for Friday in Franklin.

DCS: WAYNE COUNTY HAS HAD 57 CASES OF CHILD ABUSE, NEGLECT IN 60 DAYS

(Wayne County, IN)--New numbers from the Indiana Department of Child Services show that the confirmed new child abuse and neglect cases continue on a nearly daily basis.  In the last 60 days, there have been 57 new cases of child abuse and neglect in Wayne County, and that includes six new, confirmed cases of sexual abuse.  So far this year, Wayne County has had 231 new cases.  That’s about the same number as at this point last year.

HENNY PENNY EXPANSION MEANS AT LEAST 70 JOBS

(Eaton, OH)--Here’s more on the Henny Penny expansion that we told you about earlier this week.  Officials are now calling it the largest expansion project in Henny Penny’s 62-year history.  The Eaton manufacturer will add a total of 175,000 square feet of space to two of its buildings.  That will bring the total square footage to nearly 600,000.  More importantly, the expansion is creating 70 new jobs.  Henny Penny’s last expansion was five years ago.

COUNCIL REJECTS PROPOSED BAN ON SEMI PARKING

(Richmond, IN)--Semi drivers can continue to park their vehicles in residential driveways in Richmond.  Richmond Common Council on Monday night voted down an ordinance that would’ve forced semi drivers to park in other locations.  One person, Amber Daggy, spoke in favor and talked about buyers who backed away from a house for sale.  "They had really great interest in it and were going to buy the property.  Upon a second viewing - that's when the semi was parked next door - they declined their offer and pulled it back," Daggy said.  Several truckers, like Jeff Hargas, spoke against the proposal.  "I've spoken with my neighbors.  I've been parking my truck there for five years.  Nobody has had any complaints," Hargas explained.  Council voted down the ordinance Monday night 8-1, with Bruce Wissel casting the lone favorable vote.

DRIVER, BANNED FOR LIFE, ARRESTED AFTER CHASE

(Richmond, IN)--A man who had previously had his driver’s license revoked for life allegedly was not only driving Monday afternoon, but led police on a chase through Richmond.  42-year-old Chad Duff drew the attention of officers on North 12th.  Duff fled in the areas of Chester Boulevard and Waterfall Road.  At one point, he struck a parked car and kept going.  The car gave out on Salisbury Road near Rich Road.  That’s where Duff was taken into custody.  He also had two active warrants.

CHIEF: THREAT WAS AGAINST LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL IN CALIFORNIA

(Cambridge City, IN)--Cambridge City Police Chief Richard Roberts issued another statement Monday about what had been interpreted by some on social media as a threat against Lincoln High School.  Roberts said Monday that the threat was aimed at a Lincoln High School in San Jose, California.  That’s more than 2300 miles from the Lincoln High School in Cambridge City.  There was an arrest in that case.

CAMBRIDGE CITY POLICE CHIEF RELEASES STATEMENT ON THREAT

(Cambridge City, IN)--Two recent social media posts have caused a stir in Cambridge City and prompted the police department to make a statement Sunday night.  Chief Richard Roberts said his department has been inundated with calls about what appears to have been a threat that originated from another state.  Roberts indicated they cannot say it’s a credible threat or that it was even pointed to Western Wayne Schools.  Roberts added that there has been a lot of false information shared about a different post on Friday, adding that there was no threat of a gun and no gun found on any student.  Still, additional police officers will be on hand Monday.

AT LEAST ONE INJURED IN ANOTHER I-70 STATELINE CRASH

(Preble County, OH)--The barriers went back up on I-70 around Richmond over the weekend and, shortly after they did, there was another three-car crash at nearly the same spot where three people died last week.  The newer crash occurred on Saturday after traffic had backed up near the state line.  The Ohio Highway Patrol Monday morning confirmed that there were injuries, but no fatalities.  Details of exactly what caused the crash and who was involved have not been released.  Meanwhile, visitation for Richard and Karen Shiverdecker of Lewisburg is set forTuesday.  They were killed in a state-line crash on 70 last Wednesday.

MOLESTATION CHARGES DROPPED AGAINST FOUNTAIN CITY MAN

(Richmond, IN)--Criminal charges that included child molesting and sexual misconduct have now been dropped against 44-year-old Jason Kirtley.  Prosecutors indicated in Wayne Superior Court I that new evidence had surfaced that would difficult to get a conviction.  One juvenile has twice, under oath, taken back previous allegations against Kirtley.  Kirtley had spent less than a day in jail when he was arrested last January.

INDOT: BARRIERS TO RETURN FRIDAY NIGHT

(Wayne County, IN)--INDOT commented Thursday on the barriers on westbound I-70 that indirectly led to the deaths of three people in a crash near the state line on Wednesday.  INDOT confirmed Thursday that the barriers that caused a miles-long backup multiple times this week were removed shortly after the crash but said the removal had been previously scheduled and had nothing to do with the accident.  And, the barriers are going right back up Friday night.  INDOT said the removal was done as part of the concrete curing process.

MUGGING REPORTED IN DEPOT DISTRICT

(Richmond, IN)--There was a report of a mugging in Richmond’s Depot District Thursday afternoon.  A female victim reported that she was pulled into an area under the overpass where her credit cards and cell phone were taken.  One suspect fled on a scooter.  Investigators stopped a truck they thought was involved on South 6th a short time later.  Officers recovered marijuana and a gun that had been stolen from Fayette County.  27-year-old Zachary Faulkner of Richmond was charged with dealing marijuana and possessing the stolen weapon.  Another suspect could not be located.

TEEN ARRESTED FOR CAMBRIDGE CITY ROBBERY

(Cambridge City, IN)--An incident in Cambridge City is now being called a robbery, a western Wayne County teenager was in jail for it Friday morning.  Police were called to the Country Mart on Main Street in Cambridge City Thursday afternoon.  17-year-old Jaylen Meltzer of Dublin was taken into custody and charged with robbery.  No injuries were initially reported.  The investigation is continuing with more arrests possible.

VICTIMS IDENTIFIED IN STATELINE I-70 CRASH

(Preble County, OH)--The identities of the victims in Wednesday afternoon's triple-fatal crash on I-70 near the state line were released Thursday morning by the Ohio Highway Patrol.  The two victims who occupied an SUV and who were pronounced dead at the scene are 71-year-old Richard Shiverdecker of Lewisburg and his 65-year-old wife, Karen.  The truck driver who caused the crash and who later died at a Dayton hospital was a resident of Wisconsin.

THREE DIE IN STATELINE CONSTRUCTION BACKUP CRASH

(Preble County, OH)--Three people were killed in a four-vehicle crash on westbound I-70 near the state line Wednesday afternoon.  Westbound traffic had stopped very near the Ohio Arch for construction around Richmond.  Investigators say one semi driver was not paying attention and slammed into the back of an SUV.  "The car rolled two or three times.  When that vehicle rolled, it ejected both occupants out," said Ohio Highway Patrol Trooper Jeff Kramer.  Others tried to help the victims.  "Bystanders were trying to render same aid.  They passed away here at the scene," Kramer explained.  I-70 was then shut down.  The semi driver died at a Dayton hospital.  Two other semis were involved.  Those drivers were not hurt.  The two occupants of the SUV are thought to have been Preble County residents, although their identities had not been released by 7 a.m. Thursday.  A total of five people died in the Preble County crashes over the course of just 31 minutes yesterday.

MOTORCYCLIST KILLED ON U.S. 127

(Preble County, OH)--Camden man was killed in a motorcycle crash on U.S. 127 between Camden and Eaton Wednesday afternoon.  Deputies say 25-year-old Levi Robertson was headed south on 127 near Consolidated Road when he crossed the center line and collided head-on with an oncoming Ford Escape.  Robertson was not wearing a helmet and was pronounced dead at the scene.  An elderly Camden couple was in the Escape.  They were not seriously hurt.

WOMAN KILLED IN COLLISION WITH FARM IMPLEMENT

(Preble County, OH)--A 33-year-old Preble County woman was killed Wednesday when she collided with a farm implement on Somers-Gratis Road just west of State Route 503 near Gratis.  Jessica Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.  The preliminary investigation showed Johnson was headed east when she struck the combine from behind.  42-year-old Jeremy Bendell of Camden was driving the combine.  He was not hurt.

MAN KILLED BY BULL ON DARKE COUNTY FARM

(Darke County, OH)--A Darke County man was killed by a bull Wednesday night.  First responders were sent to a farm in the 6400 block of Heller Road just west of Greenville at around 6:45 Wednesday night.  Deputies found that 53-year-old Bruce Hoskins had received severe injuries from a bull at his home.  Family members and neighbors had begun CPR and a medical helicopter had been called, but Hoskins was pronounced dead at the scene.

BELDEN AGAIN NAMED FINALIST FOR NATIONAL AWARD

(Richmond, IN)--For the second year in a row, Belden is a finalist for a national award for its Pathways to Employment Program.  That program not only helps addicted job applicants break their addiction through treatment, but also promises those people a job once they complete rehab.  The program drew a visit last year from some presidential staff members and Second Lady Karen Pence.  The winners of this year’s Citizens Awards will be announced at a November ceremony in Washington.

IVY TECH IN RICHMOND NAMES NEW CHANCELLOR

(Richmond, IN)--Ivy Tech in Richmond has a new chancellor.  Dr. Stacy Atkinson was named Tuesday as the replacement for Chad Bolser, who accepted an expanded role with Ivy Tech earlier this year.  Atkinson has been serving as the interim chancellor since Bolser’s promotion, and said she’s ready for the responsibilities.  "You're responsible for the entire budget.  You're responsible for all of the decisions made, and I am ready and excited to take part in it," Atkinson said.  Atkinson has served in various capacities with Ivy Tech since early in 2015.

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ALLEGATION LED TO OAK PARK SHOOTING

(Richmond, IN)--A police report released Tuesday confirms what caused an incident that resulted in a shooting on Dawn Court in Oak Park in Richmond on Monday.  The initial complaint that ended with a self-inflicted gunshot in a back yard was that there had been sexual misconduct with a minor.  That complaint led to a dispute which brought police to the area.  Officers then heard the gunshot in the back yard.  There was no word on the condition of the person who shot himself, although he is expected to survive.  Whether or not he’ll face criminal charges is unknown.

POLICE RESPOND TO OAK PARK INCIDENT

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond police have now released more information on a shooting incident that happened on Dawn Court in the Oak Park neighborhood of Richmond early Monday night.  According to scanner traffic, there were two calls originating from Dawn Court.  The first involved possible abuse.  The second involved a person in a back yard with a gun to his head.  Police on the scene heard a gunshot and found 34-year-old Jacob French with a gunshot wound to the head.  French was taken first to Reid Health and then to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton to be treated for what were described as non-life-threatening injuries.

RICHMOND MAN CHARGED WITH VILLAGE PANTRY ARMED ROBBERY

(Richmond, IN)--An accused armed robber was taken into custody Monday after speaking with investigators at the Richmond Police Department.  20-year-old Laquent Hogg is accused of holding up the Village Pantry on South 9th Street in August.  A store employee was a former schoolmate of Hogg’s and was able to give police his identity.  A second suspect was also involved in the robbery.

CITY STREETS CLOGGED WITH INTERSTATE TRAFFIC AFTER CRASHES

(Richmond, IN)--Construction on I-70 westbound around Richmond is now affecting traffic on heavily traveled streets inside the city limits.  Barriers restricting westbound traffic to one lane are in place on 70, and that’s forcing daily backups.  On Monday, there were three minor accidents within a half an hour, and that forced interstate traffic into the city.  Meanwhile, traffic on the interstate was at a standstill.  One driver reported that it took an hour to get from the state line to the Williamsburg Pike exit.  The construction will continue for about two months.

Archives:

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