Local News Archives for 2020-08

WAYNE COUNTY SEES 2nd-HIGHEST WEEKLY COVID POSITIVES

(Wayne County, IN)--Wayne County has seen its second-highest number of positive Covid-19 cases in a week since the outbreak began.  Since last Monday, Wayne County has had 67 new positives and now stands at 539.  The 67 last week is second only to the 71 reported at the end of July.  Darke County last week saw its largest number of cases since the start of the outbreak with 91 new cases.  And Fayette County, which was colored as red in the state’s school monitoring system last week, has added 45 new cases since last Monday.

LOCAL JOBLESS CLAIMS LOWEST SINCE COVID-19 OUTBREAK

(Wayne County, IN)--There’s good news this morning on the local job front.  The most recent jobless claims report in Wayne County shows the lowest number of jobless claims in a week – by far – since the Covid-19 outbreak became evident in jobs numbers.  108 claims were most recently filed.  That’s down from 159 the week before.  It was the 22nd week that the virus took an obvious effect on local jobs.  In those 22 weeks, there have been just shy of 7700 jobless filings in Wayne County.

SEARCH CONTINUES FOR MINI MART ARMED ROBBER

(Dublin, IN)--The search continues for a weekend armed robbery suspect in western Wayne County.  It was late Friday night when the suspect entered the Dublin Mini Mart.  Scanner traffic indicated he was armed with a knife.  The only description of the suspect is that he is a white male who fled in a silver Ford Taurus.  There were no reports of any injury.

LOCAL COUNTIES APPEAR ON STATE MAP TO HELP SCHOOLS WITH COVID DECISIONS

(Whitewater Valley)--Indiana has launched a new color-coded map that’s intended to help schools with in-person attendance decisions as those schools deal with Covid-19.  Each county is either blue, yellow, orange, or red.  The color indicates to schools how they should operate based on the number of new cases in the past week per 100,000 residents and the change in positivity.  Today, Wayne County is in the yellow.  Randolph, Franklin, and Henry County are blue counties, meaning the safest.  Union County is colored orange, while Fayette County is red – meaning the most significant spread.  Local schools are not bound by the color coding system.

CAMBRIDGE CITY FACES $11 MILLION IN WATER UPGRADES

(Cambridge City, IN)--Cambridge City is facing two major water improvement projects that carry a $11 million price tag.  Engineers recently suggested that, in town, an aging distribution system will be subject to frequent breaks and could contain lead issues.  At the Gateway Industrial Park, there are issues with future capacity and water storage requirements.  Cambridge City can pursue grants and loans for the projects.

MAN ARRESTED FOR STEALING CARE-A-VAN VEHICLE

(Richmond, IN)--A Care-a-van vehicle was stolen late Thursday night from that organization’s Hawkins Road facility.  But, not long after it was reported taken, a Richmond man was arrested at North 16th and C.  Troy Aidt is now facing multiple felonies.  Recovery of the vehicle means Care-a-van can make needed runs Friday.  For Aidt, this is his second time in the Wayne County Jail this month.

WAYNE COUNTY PASSES 500-CASE MARK FOR COVID-19

(Wayne County, IN)--As expected, Wayne County surpassed the 500-case mark Wednesday for Covid-19.  According to the state’s website, Wayne County now has 502 cases.  People in their 20’s make up the highest percentage of the 502 cases at 19%.  Children and teens account for 12% of the positive local cases.  As of Thursday morning, less than three percent of local ventilators are being used for Covid-19 patients.  In the last week, 4.2% of Wayne County residents tested for the virus have tested positive.

NINE COVID-19 POSITIVES RESIDENTS DIE AT EATON NURSING HOME

(Eaton, OH)--There are startling numbers from Preble County.  Preble County Public Health says that at least nine people have died following positive Covid-19 tests in connection to the outbreak at Greenbriar Nursing Center in Eaton.  The deaths don’t appear in the state’s official numbers because causes of death are still pending.  The Ohio National Guard continues to help with staffing.  There have been 18 positive tests among employees and 45 more positives among residents of the nursing home.  Public health believes the spread began with two employees who were positive.

FORMER OFFICER SENTENCED FOR SEXUALLY ASSAULTING MINOR

(Greenville, OH)--A former Greenville police officer was sentenced Wednesday for sexual battery against a minor.  52-year-old Shannon McDaniel pled guilty to 14 counts and was sentenced to a year in prison for each count to be served consecutively, meaning 14 years behind bars.  The underage female victim testified yesterday that McDaniel raped her repeatedly – almost every day – until she finally worked up the courage to come forward.

COVID-19 CONTAINMENT PATIENTS AT REID NEARLY DOUBLE SINCE MONDAY

(Richmond, IN)--The number of Covid-19 patients in Reid Health containment areas continues to fluctuate.  After being at a five-week low of 20 patients just two days ago, the number Wednesday morning has nearly doubled to 36 and is now at a five-week high.  The seven-day positivity rate is up slightly and stands on Wednesday morning at 4.6%.  At some point Wednesday, Wayne County will likely record its 500th case of Covid-19.  Fayette County is likely to go over the 300-case mark on Wednesday.

MOST CENTERVILLE RESIDENTS OPPOSE LIFTING PIT BULL BAN

(Centerville, IN)--A public hearing will take place Thursday night for a proposed new housing development in Centerville.  It would be called Hoffman Estates and would be built just off Kellam Road on Centerville’s east side.  It would have ten duplexs and house up to 20 individuals or families.  And, in some other Centerville news, residents have responded to a pit bull survey.  Currently, there’s a ban that prevents pit bull ownership, but an ordinance would reverse that.  Centerville residents who responded to the survey favor keeping the ban by a two-to-one margin.

NEW MADISON-AREA RAPIST SENTENCED TO TEN YEARS

(Greenville, OH)--A New Madison-area man who was working as a massage therapist has been sentenced to ten years in prison for rape.  35-year-old Duane Boomershine was handed the sentenced as part of a plea deal involving rape and sexual misconduct with a minor.  The plea deal reduced three counts of rape down to just one.  Boomershine is behind bars this morning awaiting transfer to a state prison in Columbus.

WHITEWATER VALLEY SEES HUGE DROP IN UNEMPLOYMENT

(Whitewater Valley)--There has been a dramatic drop in local unemployment.  The Indiana Department of Workforce Development released new figures Monday for July.  Here’s a look.  Wayne County dropped from 10.3% unemployment to 7.7% in just a month.  Fayette County dropped nearly five full points, from 15.6 to 10.8%.  And in Henry County, the drop is even more dramatic, from 14.1 all the way down to 6.7%.  And Franklin County now has one of the state’s lowest rates – back down to just 5.4%.  Ohio rates come out later this week.

WAYNE COUNTY HAS NOW TESTED MORE THAN 11,000 FOR COVID-19

(Wayne County, IN)--Wayne County has now had just over 11,000 people tested for Covid-19.  That amounts to one of every six residents and, in the last week, the positivity rate is below five percent.  Wayne County has added 42 positive cases in the last week and stands this morning at 472.  That means that one out of every 140 Wayne County residents has tested positive and one in every 6600 has died from the virus.  This morning, Reid Health has 20 patients in its containment area.  That’s the lowest that number has been in the last five weeks.

ID's RELEASED IN DOUBLE-FATAL PREBLE CRASH

(Preble County, OH)--Details have been released about a weekend crash that claimed two lives in Preble County.  It happened on U.S. 127 at Mann Road between Eaton and Camden on Saturday.  Investigators say a semi driven by Edward Stoffregen crossed the center line to avoid stopped traffic and struck an SUV driven by 39-year-old Katrina Potter of Eaton.  Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.  Two of Potter’s children, eight-year-olds Jacob and Kaylie Potter, were flown to Dayton Children’s Hospital.  Both were last listed in stable condition.

WAYNE COUNTY SURPASSES 7500 COVID-19 JOBLESS CLAIMS

(Wayne County, IN)--Wayne County has a workforce of roughly 31,000 people.  And now, there have been more than 7500 jobless claims filed since the Covid-19 outbreak began.  If there’s positive news, it’s that the number of weekly jobless claims in Wayne County continues to drop.  But, it’s still running ten times higher each week than last year.  159 new filings were made for the week ending August 15, which is the most recent week for which numbers are available.  For that week last year, instead of 159 jobless filings, there were 13.

TWO KILLED IN I-70 CONSTRUCTION BACKUP

(Preble County, OH)--Two people were killed in a multi-vehicle crash Thursday night on westbound I-70 in Preble County.  It happened near the U.S. 127 exit.  Traffic had slowed and backed up that far as a result of interstate construction in Wayne County.  It resulted in a chain-reaction crash involving at least three vehicles at around 6:30 Thursday night.  A 25-year-old woman and seven-month-old baby were both killed.  I-70 was closed in both directions for several hours.  Interstate traffic then clogged Richmond streets in an effort to avoid the closure.  A total of nine people have now died on I-70 in areas directly affected by Wayne County road construction in just over a year.

PREBLE COUNTY MOVES TO LEVEL RED FOR COVID-19

(Eaton, OH)--There’s been a large Covid-19 outbreak at an Eaton nursing home.  56 people connected to Greenbriar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center have now tested positive.  Eight residents and three employees have been hospitalized.  Members of the Ohio National Guard are being sent to the nursing home.  Contact tracing will continue Friday.  Those new cases have been a factor in Preble County being moved to Level Red on the state’s Covid-19 warning system.  That’s near the highest level and means that there is "very high exposure and spread."

CHARGES INCREASED AGAINST ALLEGED GARDEN CITY SHOOTER

(Richmond, IN)--A hearing Thursday regarding last week’s shooting incident and subsequent manhunt in the Garden City Trailer Court area has resulted in upgraded criminal charges.  32-year-old Joshua Harrison is now charged with felony battery by means of a deadly weapon and criminal recklessness.  According to court documents, the initial dispute centered on a stolen motorcycle.  A November trial date was set Thursday.  Harrison is currently free on bond.

WAYNE COUNTY CHILD ABUSE CASES RISE DURING COVID-19

(Wayne County, IN)--Numbers of confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect in Wayne County since the Covid-19 outbreak began have become available.  Since the first of April and running through the end of July, Wayne County has had 113 confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect, and that includes six confirmed cases of sexual abuse.  It’s a 23% increase in the number of cases over the same time period last year.  Last month alone, there were 40 cases of abuse and neglect.  That’s the highest single-month total since March of last year.

CHANGE OF VENUE SOUGHT IN DENISE PFLUM CASE

(Connersville, IN)--The attorney in the Denise Pflum case in Fayette County has asked for a change of venue.  55-year-old Shawn McClung has admitted to killing Pflum back in 1986.  McClung’s court-appointed attorney filed documents saying that his client cannot get a fair trial due to extensive media coverage as well as discussion of the case on social media.  A hearing to have the case moved to another county takes place on September 18.

INVESTIGATORS SAY DRUGS, ALCOHOL SUSPECTED IN FATAL CRASH

(Wayne County, IN)--Investigators said Wednesday that alcohol and drug intoxication are believed to have played a role in what turned out to be a fatal crash Wednesday morning on U.S. 27 just south of Richmond.  55-year-old Daniel Bolser of Liberty was riding a motorcycle when he collided with 46-year-old David Ramsey of Richmond.  Bolser was pronounced dead at the scene.  The investigation is continuing.

MOTORCYCLIST KILLED IN WAYNE COUNTY CRASH

(Wayne County, IN)--There was a fatal crash in Wayne County Wednesday morning.  U.S. 27 was completely shut down at Esteb Road just south of Richmond at around 4:45 Wednesday morning following the report of a crash involving a car and a motorcycle.  The Wayne County Coroner was dispatched to the scene.  So far, there’s no word on the identities of those involved or the details of what caused the crash.  The Wayne County Sheriff’s Department is handling the investigation.

MAN CHARGED WITH NEW MADISON BANK ROBBERY

(New Madison, OH)--The man who allegedly robbed the Farmers State Bank in New Madison at gunpoint Tuesday morning has been captured.  After being handed cash and fleeing, the man, who has now been identified as 41-year-old Bryan Adkins of Hollansburg, was captured at a home on West Washington Street in New Madison.  Investigators found drugs and evidence tying Adkins to the robbery.  They also found items linked to other thefts in the New Madison and Hollansburg area.  The investigation is continuing.

COUNCIL HOLDS PARKS ALCOHOL ORDINANCE ON 1st READING

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Common Council met Monday night and addressed for the first time an ordinance that would greatly expand alcohol sales in the city’s parks system.  Alcohol sales would be permitted, with some restrictions, at Jack Elstro Plaza, Middlefork Reservoir, and the Glen Miller Golf Course area.  The issue was held on first reading Monday night after some reservations were expressed.  It would permit alcohol sales or usage at those locations only for specific special events.

COUPLE CHARGED WITH NEGLECT AFTER CALL TO GAS STATION

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond couple was behind bars Tuesday morning after authorities were called to a gas station Monday night.  Officers were sent to the Shell station on Industries Road on the report of a female screaming.  Those officers arrived and allegedly found cocaine or other drugs, syringes, and paraphernalia in the presence of children.  32-year-old Arvie Berry and 35-year-old Crystal Lacy were both taken into custody and are charged with felony child neglect.

ORDINANCE WOULD EXPAND ALCOHOL SALES AT RICHMOND PARKS

(Richmond, IN)--When Richmond Common Council meets Monday night, it will address an ordinance that would greatly expand alcohol sales and usage on park property.  As it stands now, beer and wine can be sold and consumed under certain conditions at Highland Lake Golf Course, McBride Stadium, and the Starr-Gennett facility.  The new ordinance would expand those locations and also include Glen Miller Golf Course, Jack Elstro Plaza, Middlefork Reservoir, and the Charles House.  The ordinance also says alcohol can be sold by any individual with a temporary permit.  Monday night’s meeting begins at 7 and can be seen live on WCTV.

MAN WANTED FOR GARDEN CITY SHOOTING CAPTURED

(Richmond, IN)--He eluded law enforcement for a few days, but the suspect who allegedly brought about a large manhunt in the Garden City Trailer Court area last Thursday was taken into custody on Sunday.  Law enforcement agents acted on tips and were able to apprehend 32-year-old Joshua Harrison in the 700 block of South 7th.  Harrison is now charged with criminal recklessness and battery as the result of a shooting that left one person with very minor injuries.  Harrison had been charged with meth possession just a day before last Thursday’s shooting incident.

RICHMOND MAN KILLED IN DARKE COUNTY CRASH

(New Madison, OH)--The victim in a crash near New Madison on Friday has now been identified as a Richmond man.  65-year-old Homer Howard was driving west on Rush Road just east of New Madison when his pickup went off the road and struck a utility pole.  Howard was pronounced dead at the scene.  The initial investigation by the coroner’s office reveals that Howard may have suffered a medical event just before the crash.

SEARCH CONTINUES FOR GARDEN CITY SHOOTING SUSPECT

(Wayne County, IN)--A man who was the subject of a large manhunt Thursday afternoon at the Garden City Trailer Court between Richmond and Fountain City was still on the loose Friday morning.  Investigators say they know the identity of the man who fired shots there Thursday afternoon, causing very minor injuries to one person.  But, they are not releasing that man’s identity.  Multiple law enforcement agencies responded with helicopters and drones but were unable to locate the suspect, who fled through woods and farm fields.  Sheriff Randy Retter said Thursday night that the incident involves an investigation by the Richmond Police Department.  Some stolen property, including a motorcycle, was recovered Thursday.  Retter called it an isolated incident.

DOCTOR SAYS "SCORES" OF WAYNE COUNTY STUDENTS IN QUARANTINE

(Wayne County, IN)--The Wayne County Health Department Thursday reported 14 new Covid-19 positive cases.  That pushes Wayne County over the 400-case mark.  Executive Director Christine Stinson called this week “noisy” but also pointed to a low positivity rate of 3.8% in the last week.  Wayne County Health Officer Dr. David Jetmore said Thursday that scores of students have been identified as close contacts of a Covid-19 individuals.  Scores means multiples of 20.  Jetmore also said that scores of students have been out of school on a 14-day quarantine.

AMC TO REOPEN RICHMOND THEATER IN SEPTEMBER

(Richmond, IN)--It’s been several months since you could watch a movie in a theatre in Richmond.  But that will soon change.  AMC Theaters has announced that it will reopen its Richmond theater on September 3.  Multiple safety measures, including distancing of seats, will be in place to combat Covid-19.  All movie-goers will have to wear a mask.  AMC says it will have a few new releases, but will also offer classics like Back to the Future, Goonies, and Grease at greatly reduced prices.

TWO ARRESTED, DRUGS RECOVERED FOLLOWING CHASE

(Richmond, IN)--Two men allegedly tossed drugs out of a car as they fled on North West L in Richmond early Friday morning.  Police tried to stop a car occupied by 42-year-old Jeremy Johnson and 36-year-old Eric King.  Their Camaro was stopped after a short chase.  Officers recovered methamphetamine, other narcotic drugs, and paraphernalia.  The quantity of drugs recovered has not been released.

WEEKLY LAB COVID-19 POSITIVES DROP IN WAYNE COUNTY

(Wayne County, IN)--The Wayne County Health Department released some good news about Covid-19 Wednesday.  The Department showed that Wayne County’s weekly lab positive count for people tested at Reid Health has dropped.  It’s the first time since the week of the Fourth of July that the number has dropped.  That number last week was 63 after having peaked at 71 the week before.

59 COVID-19 CASES REPORTED AT NURSING HOME

(Greenville, OH)--There’s been a huge outbreak of Covid-19 at a Darke County nursing home.  Data from the state coronavirus website shows the outbreak occurred at the Rest Haven nursing home in Greenville.  55 residents and four staff members at the facility on North Ohio Street have contracted the virus.  The outbreak accounts for almost 7% of all resident cases reported in the entire state this week.

JETMORE OFFERS CLARIFICATION ON FALSE NEGATIVE COVID-19 TESTS

(Richmond, IN)--Wayne County Health Officer Dr. David Jetmore offered clarification Wednesday on Covid-19 testing after some confusion connected to the start of Centerville schools.  Jetmore said that positive results from either PCR or Rapid testing is nearly 100% accurate.  But, the PCR test can give a false negative up to 40% of the time if it’s done too early in the infection.  Jetmore added that the department will "always take the more cautious route" in dealing with someone who may have the virus.

RCS STUDENTS RESUME IN-PERSON SCHOOLING

(Richmond, IN)--It’s back-to-school day on Wednesday for students at Richmond Community Schools.  Elementary student will be going every day, while older students will be returning on a hybrid plan that has them in buildings on half the days.  On Wednesday, older students with last names that begin with the letters “A” through “L” will return.  The second half of the alphabet returns Thursday.   RCS issued five reminders Tuesday, including that students be pre-screened at home and that each students have two masks.  Those masks will have to be worn on the bus, in the hallways, and in the classroom when social distancing cannot be maintained.  There’s school news across the Whitewater Valley.  Richmond is not the only school system that’s resuming classes.  Students in Fayette and Franklin County are also going back beginning Wednesday.  In Fayette County, nearly 90% of parents have opted to send their kids back for in-person schooling, meaning only about one in ten have opted for virtual learning only.  In Eaton, administrators announced Tuesday that the start of school has now been pushed back.  The start date in Eaton was to have been next week, but it’s now August 31.

CENTERVILLE RESIDENTS RECEIVE PIT BULL SURVEYS

(Centerville, IN)--Centerville residents who are getting their utility bills this week are also getting a survey.  That survey questions whether or not residents want to see a ban lifted that currently prevents pit bull ownership.  Town council will consider an ordinance to lift the ban next month, and results of the survey will be taken into consideration.  In some other Centerville news, juveniles who vandalized the newly placed caboose have been arrested.  That caboose had sat at McDonalds in Richmond decades ago, was renovated, and then was vandalized.

FOUNTAIN CITY GETS $700,000 WATER GRANT

(Fountain City, IN)--Fountain City is getting help with replacing its water infrastructure.  Fountain City is getting $700,000 to replace all of the water mains and other lines that are all about 60 years old.  Cast iron lines will be replaced with PVC that should result in better water pressure for residential customers.  Bids for the project will go out in October.  The grant comes from the Indiana Office of Rural and Community Affairs.

WAYNE CO. HAS ONE OF STATE'S LOWEST COVID-19 POSITIVITY RATES

(Wayne County, IN)--Indiana’s website focusing on Covid-19 statistics indicated Tuesday morning that Wayne County has one of the lowest positivity rates in the state.  The official Wayne County rate for positives is 3.3%.  Only five of Indiana’s other 91 counties have a rate lower than Wayne County.  Some other area counties have a dramatically higher rate.  Union County now has the fifth highest positivity rate in Indiana at 14.1%.

AT LEAST ONE PERSON CRITICALLY HURT IN SCOOTER CRASH

(Richmond, IN)--At least one person was critically injured in a crash Monday afternoon on U.S. 27 in front of Richmond Power & Light.  First responders were sent there on the report that two scooters had been hit by a truck.  Southbound 27 was shut down and a medical helicopter was summoned.  There’s no word this morning on the identity or condition of victims.

SINGLE-WEEK HIGHS IN COVID CASES REPORTED IN FOUR AREA COUNTIES

(Whitewater Valley)--Four Whitewater Valley counties all saw their biggest single-week total of Covid-19 positive tests last week.  That includes Darke County, which saw 79 new cases just last week.  Union County added 11, Franklin County added 37, and Randolph County added 20.  All of those are single-week highs.  Wayne County added 62 new cases last week and has added 178 in just the last three weeks.  Wayne County’s positivity rate since the start of the outbreak is just over four percent.

COVID-19 OUTBREAK REPORTED AT EATON NURSING HOME

(Eaton, OH)--There’s been an outbreak of Covid-19 at Greenbriar Nursing Center in Eaton.  That’s according to Preble County Public Health, which released a statement over the weekend.  Two employees have tested positive, but there are also 15 positive but asymptomatic patients.  All residents were tested after the employees tested positive.  Further investigation of the outbreak will continue through contact tracing.

DANCE RECITAL LEADS TO NORTHEASTERN STUDENTS' QUARANTINE, HEALTH DEPT. ALERT

(Williamsburg, IN)--A staff member at Northeastern High School has tested positive for Covid-19.  The Wayne County Health Department issued a statement Thursday saying that at least ten Northeastern students have been placed in a two-week quarantine period.  It stems back to a dance recital that was held in the Williamsburg Gym last Friday night.  The Health Department says that anyone who was at that recital may have been exposed to the person who has tested positive.  They’re asking all who attended to be particularly aware on oncoming symptoms because they’re having difficulty identifying close contacts at the recital.

WAYNE COUNTY'S WEEKLY JOBLESS NUMBERS LOWEST SINCE OUTBREAK

(Wayne County, IN)--Here’s some positive local news regarding Covid-19.  The number of jobless claims filed in Wayne County last week was the lowest it’s been since the outbreak became apparent on local jobs 19 weeks ago.  152 new claims were filed last week.  That’s eight times higher than at this time last year, but well below the weekly average since the outbreak of 382.  Wayne County has now had 7264 jobless claims since the middle of March.

TIDROW OUT AT RCS; BOARD SEEKS SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS

(Richmond, IN)--There’s a shortage of manpower for school resource officers at Richmond Community Schools.  That shortage prompted the RCS Board this week to contract with off-duty sheriff’s deputies.  The deputies will wear the same uniforms and perform the same functions as previous officers.  Also, RCS Chief Operating Officer Rob Tidrow is out.  Tidrow’s position has been eliminated in restructuring.  Three years ago, Tidrow was named Indiana’s Technology Coordinator of the Year.

RCS TO START ON TIME FOR IN-PERSON STUDENTS

(Richmond, IN)--It’s full speed ahead for students at Richmond Community Schools after the RCS Board Wednesday night.  Some area and regional schools, like Seton, have opted to push back the start of in-person schooling after a recent uptick in Covid-19 cases.  Others, like Centerville, have started as scheduled.  No in-person schooling delays were implemented by the RCS Board Wednesday night, although it continues to monitor the situation.  Richmond students will begin this coming Wednesday with a hybrid plan that has only half the students in class at any given time.  Those who opt out can attend classes virtually full-time.

FOUNTAIN CITY LIONS CLUB FESTIVAL (FORMERLY LEVI COFFIN) CANCELLED

(Fountain City, IN)--Another Whitewater Valley festival has been cancelled due to Covid-19.  On Wednesday, the Lions Club in Fountain City announced that the Fountain City Lions Fall Festival – which was formerly known as Levi Coffin Days and actually was to have taken place in the summer – has been cancelled.  Most other similar festivals in our area have also been cancelled, including Canal Days, Archway Days, and the Preble County Pork Festival.

SHOTS FIRED INTO RICHMOND HOMES

(Richmond, IN)--No one was hurt in two separate shots fired incidents Wednesday morning.  At around 2:30, shots were fired into a house in the 600 block of South West A Street.  Witnesses hear tires squealing after the shots were fired.  Then, at around 6 Wednesday morning, shots were fired into a house and car in the 200 block of South 20th.  Police are investigating to see if the two incidents are connected.

CHANGES MADE TO DARKE COUNTY POULTRY DAYS

The latest cancellation due to COVID-19 is the social portion of Darke County Poultry Days.  It had been scheduled for August 14th through the 16th.  Organizers say Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s mask mandate cannot reasonably be adhered to at the festival, and they say that could lead to more restrictions or the festival possibly being shut down.  Poultry sales for the festival will continue with a drive-thru set up all three days.  Also, on Tuesday, Governor DeWine announced that masks would be mandatory for all K-through-12 students in Ohio schools when their school years start. 

RCS MEETING AFTER SETON DELAYS IN-CLASS LEARNING

The Richmond Community School Board is set to meet tonight.  The meeting comes following the announcement that Seton Catholic will delay the resumption of in-person schooling due to Covid-19.  Seton was set to start their school year a week from today.  But in-person classes have now been pushed back to September 14th.  Until then, Seton students will have only virtual instruction.  About 80% of Seton Catholic students had intended to physically be in school next week. 

3000 RP&L CUSTOMERS FACE DISCONNECTION

Richmond Power and Light has set a cutoff date if you are behind on your electric bill.   Indiana’s moratorium on utility cut-offs expires August 14th as of now.  Unless that moratorium is extended, RP&L says it will start turning off power on August 17th.  RP&L General Manager Randy Baker told the utility’s Board there are currently 3000 customers in jeopardy of losing service.  Baker says the utility’s revenue is short by near one-and-a-quarter million dollars since the outbreak began.  RP&L is offering a payment plan for those who are unable to catch up by the shutoff date. 

WAYNE COUNTY NOW HAS 10 COVID-19 DEATHS

Wayne County now has ten deaths caused by Covid-19, including four over the past two weeks alone.  The Wayne County Health Department says a man in his 80’s died at Reid Health on Monday.  He had been a patient at a long-term care facility before being taken to Reid, but the Health Department did not name the facility.  On Tuesday, Wayne County had its highest number of positive Covid-19 tests reported in one day since the pandemic began. It brings the total number of Wayne County cases to 334.  Half of those have come in just the last three weeks. 

STATE: LESS THAN 2% OF AREA VENTILATORS IN USE BY COVID PATIENTS

(Wayne County, IN)--The Wayne County Health Department on Monday issued a statement saying that local residents in the 20’s are dominating the county’s cases of Covid-19.  People in their 20’s make up 18% of the local cases.  That’s followed closely by people in their 60’s, which make up 17.7%.  Here are a couple of other numbers you don’t normally hear…according to the state for Area 6 in our part of Indiana, less than ten percent of ICU beds dedicated to Covid-19 patients are currently in use and less than two percent of available ventilators are being used by patients with the virus.

RICHMOND FIREWORKS CANCELLED FOR 2020

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond’s fireworks display is the latest event to be cancelled because of Covid-19.  The fireworks traditionally take place around the 4th of July on Roosevelt Hill.  This year, the display was originally pushed back to Labor Day because of the virus.  On Monday, the city of Richmond and American Legion Post 65 announced the fireworks would be cancelled entirely.

CONNERSVILLE COACHES TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19

(Connersville, IN)--Some area high school football teams are preparing for a season without knowing if it will be played, and some are already dealing with adversity.  At Connersville practices have been cancelled this week after two coaches tested positive for Covid-19.  Those coaches are currently in isolation.  And, Ohio schools including National Trail and Eaton are dealing with a new requirement from the OHSAA.  That requirement says that all players and coaches must be tested three days before playing a game that’s considered a contact sport.

GOFUNDME CREATOR INDICATES YOUNG CRASH VICTIM HAS DIED

(Richmond, IN)--The organizer of a gofundme account that was established to help a family involved in a crash on U.S. 40 at Round Barn Road last week has indicated that one child has now died as the result of the crash.  Nine people were hurt in that crash.  All injuries were minor except in the case of four-year-old David Kirkendall.  According to family friends, David had been on life support at a children’s hospital.  The account indicated that he died yesterday.  The Wayne County Sheriff’s Department investigated the crash and has not yet confirmed the death.

NUMBER OF NEW WAYNE COUNTY COVID-19 CASES DROPS

(Wayne County, IN)--There’s been a significant drop in the number of new Covid-19 cases in Wayne County.  New numbers on Monday morning show that there were 45 new Wayne County cases last week.  And, while that’s a lot, it is substantially less than the 71 new cases from the week before.  Six percent of people tested last week tested positive.  Wayne County now has 315 confirmed cases.  The new numbers mean that roughly one half of one percent of Wayne County’s population has tested positive.  Approximately 1/70th of 1% of Wayne County residents have died from Covid-19.

ARCHWAY DAYS CANCELLED

(Centerville, IN)--Leaders in Centerville have reversed course and decided to cancel this year’s Archway Days festival.  Centerville officials had planned as recently as last week to have the festival, but cancelled over the weekend because of the recent spike in Covid-19 cases.  Other late summer and early fall festivals have also cancelled, including Canal Days and the Preble County Pork Festival.

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