Local News Archives for 2022-12

INDOT DISCUSSES I-70 WIDENING

(Wayne County, IN)--INDOT released more information Thursday about what will be the biggest improvement project to I-70 through Wayne County since it was first constructed.  They’re calling the project Revive I-70.  Beginning in a little less than two years, construction will begin to widen I-70 to three lanes in each direction from the state line to State Road 1.  40 bridges in that stretch will have to be widened and two key interchanges in Richmond will be modified.  A public meeting regarding the project is expected to take place sometime in the next few months.

LEE CONTINUES TO PUSH TO REPRESENT HIMSELF

(Richmond, IN)--Phillip Lee, who is charged with shooting and killing RPD Officer Seara Burton, continues to push to represent himself through trial.  Lee filed a motion last week signaling his intent to forgo a public defender.  On that same day, his previously assigned attorney, Robert Gevers, filed a motion to withdraw as counsel.  Lee faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted.  He’s currently set to go on trial in early March.

HOMICIDE SUSPECT CRITICAL AFTER SELF-INFLICTED SHOOTING

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Police Department released more information Thursday on a person they originally called a suspect in a recent homicide.  On Wednesday, investigators went to a home on US 27 just south of Richmond based on a tip that Erica Petry was there.  Petry was found inside the home with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.  Petry was flown to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton.  At last check, she was in critical but stable condition.  Petry has not yet been charged and the investigation is continuing.

WOMAN WANTED IN HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION LOCATED

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Police Department on Wednesday solicited help from the public for a woman wanted for a homicide.  A few hours after that notice was posted on social media, Erica Petry had been located.  In the original post, investigators did not specify what homicide Petry is suspected of having committed.  In the update, RPD said that she had been located in what it described as an active scene.  Petry was not in the Wayne County Jail Thursday morning.  Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News is working to confirm a report that she has been hospitalized as a result of the incident in which she was located.

BOIL ADVISORY ISSUED FOR DUBLIN AFTER MULTIPLE WATER MAIN BREAKS

(Dublin, IN)--There were multiple water main breaks in Dublin Wednesday and Wednesday night. Those breaks prompted town officials last night to issue a notice that, once was is restored, all of Dublin would be under a water boil advisory until further notice.  Boil advisories generally take at least 24 hours to resolve due to required testing.

REID PURCHASES CARVER'S; REFUTES DEMOLITION CLAIM

(Richmond, IN)--On Tuesday, Kicks 96 and the Point News reported that Carver’s is closing and is being sold.  Later in the day Tuesday, Reid Health confirmed that it is the purchaser.  A Reid spokesperson said that Reid recently learned that the owner of Carver’s planned to close the restaurant and expressed interest in selling the property.  After discussing options with the owner, Reid chose to purchase the property due to its proximity to Reid’s main campus on Chester Boulevard.  Reid has no immediate plans for the property.  Reid also disputed a claim made by the company that is conducting an equipment auction that the building would be demolished.  Reid indicated that decision has not been made.  New Year’s Day will be the last for Carver’s.  Reid Health’s purchase of the Carver’s Restaurant building on Chester Boulevard in Richmond is the latest in series of real estate purchases by the healthcare organization.  Here’s a look at some of the larger purchases:  In late 2018, Reid bought the former home of County Market in Richmond for $1.75 million.  That building is now the home of the PACE Center.  Reid then purchased the former Alco building in Cambridge City for $1.05 million.  In late 2019, Reid purchased the former Kmart building in Eaton for $1.5 million.  That building remains vacant.  Then, a year ago, Reid purchased the former Kmart building in Connersville.  Terms of the Carver's purchase were not disclosed.

MAN DIES IN DARKE COUNTY BARN FIRE

(Darke County, OH)--Details of what turned out to be a fatal Darke County barn fire were released Tuesday night.  It happened last Friday on Stauffer Road in eastern Darke County.  A caller to 911 said that her barn was on fire and that her husband had ran into the burning barn.  Multiple agencies responded.  When the fire was out, the body of 75-year-old Terry Mowry was located.  Foul play is not suspected.  The cause of the fire has not been determined.

CARVER'S SET FOR CLOSING, DEMOLITION

(Richmond, IN)--A long-time Richmond restaurant appears to be headed for demolition.  According to a company called Commercial Liquidators of America, Carver’s on Chester Boulevard has been sold and is set for demolition.  It is indicating that all of the building’s equipment and fixtures will go up for auction beginning a week from today.  Carver’s had been recently remodeled.  Carver’s on Tuesday morning was stating on its Facebook page that it will remain open through New Year’s Day.  There is no official word yet on why the closing is occurring or what organization is purchasing the property.

MAN CHARGED WITH SHOOTING FRANKLIN COUNTY DEPUTY

(Franklin County, IN)--The suspect in last week’s shooting of a Franklin County deputy and another woman is being identified now that charges have been filed in Franklin Circuit Court.  31-year-old Gregory Guilfoyle of Brookville has been charge with two counts of attempted murder.  Deputy Arin Bowers responded to a report that Guilfoyle was walking around midnight Friday in single-digit temperatures with a small child.  Guilfoyle allegedly shot Bowers and hit the deputy in his body armor.  Bowers returned fire and struck Guilfoyle.  The child was not hurt.  Later, Guilfoyle’s wife was found with a gunshot wound.  The couple remains at University Hospital in Cincinnati.

AREA RETURNING TO NORMAL AFTER COLD, WINDY WEATHER

(Whitewater Valley)--Things were getting back to normal across the Whitewater Valley Tuesday morning after a few days of frigid temperatures and drifting snow.  Most travel advisories have been lifted, although many county roads across the area remain snow-packed with residual areas of drifting.  During the coldest temperatures, about nine people took shelter in the Richmond city building, which had opened as a warming center.  Richmond Power and Light crews were also out in the elements dealing with sporadic power outages.  All power had been restored Tuesday morning.

AREA ESCAPES HIGH SNOW TOTALS, BUT NOT COLD TEMPS

(Whitewater Valley)--The Whitewater Valley escaped on the lower end of the snow prediction range for the winter storm, but that doesn’t mean that travel is not an issue.  Here’s what Mike Sharp with the Wayne County Highway Department had to say about the county's roadways on Friday morning:  "The roads underneath the snow are all slick and hazardous with icy conditions.  There's some drifting.  It's a little worse on the north-south roads with the west wind."  There were no significant crashes affecting any Whitewater Valley highways or I-70 in our area overnight.  Winds Friday morning at the Richmond Municipal Airport were blowing steadily out of the west at between 20 and 30 miles per hour.  There were a few gusts overnight that have been over 40 miles per hour.  The strong winds will continue throughout the day Friday.  Richmond Mayor Dave Snow issued an update Thursday night on how the city is dealing with the winter storm.  Throughout the night, volunteers drove around the city with various supplies and offering rides to the city building for anyone who needed to get out of the cold.  The city building remained open as a warming center Friday morning.  The city’s street department was out treating intersections and resumed efforts at around 5 Friday morning.  Fire stations across Wayne County also remain open as warming centers.

SEARA'S FAMILY DONATES TO RPD K9 TRAINING

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Police Department has received a generous gift from fallen Officer Seara Burton’s family.  Burton’s family is covering the cost to train the department’s new K9 handler, Keifer Uphaus.  The department said in a social media post that the training amounts to several thousand dollars.  The post went on to say that it was very important to Seara’s family to give back to the Richmond community that showed them and the department after Seara was shot in the line of duty in August.  Training begins in about a month and will run for six weeks.

RICHMOND CONTRACTOR SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond contractor has been sentenced to federal prison for violating federal lead-based paint laws and falsifying documents.  54-year-old Jeffrey Delucio, who operated Aluminum Brothers Home Improvement, has been sentenced to 16 months.  Delucio admitted to taking federal money intended to help mitigate lead paint hazards in older homes.  A child with elevated blood levels lived in one of the homes.  Delucio also admitted to falsifying documents to cover up his employees’ lack of training.

WARMING STATIONS TO OPEN FOR COLD WEATHER

(Richmond, IN)--The city of Richmond and Wayne County Emergency Management has released a list of warming stations that will be open during the cold weather that’s knocking on our doorstep.  All fire stations will be open to anyone who needs a place inside.  Other locations that will be open in Richmond include Central United Methodist Church, the Salvation Army, Morrison Reeves Library, and the Richmond Senior Center.

FORMER CRAIN SANITARIUM OWNER ASSUMES NEW ID, CLAIMS TO HAVE GIVEN FLOWERS TO QUEEN

(Richmond, IN)--Remember Heaven Johnson?  She’s the one who came to Richmond a few years ago and convinced lots of people that she was a Beverly Hills interior designer who wanted to rehab the Crain Sanitarium at 22nd and East Main.  It turned out she wasn’t a designer, was a felon with numerous fraud convictions in multiple states, and wa arrested for stealing from Richmond’s Menards.  The Crain building today continues to deteriorate.  Here’s an update on Heaven Johnson.  Now, she’s using the name Heaven Auberjonois.  She recently lamented the death of Queen Elizabeth II, claiming to having presented the queen with flowers and claiming to be a British Honduran Fashion Model.  But, she’s got an open warrant for theft in central Indiana.  Johnson was, though, able to secure $40,000 in PPP money from the federal government.  Her whereabouts today are unknown.

ALLEGED RAPIST JAILED AFTER HEARING

(Richmond, IN)--An alleged rapist was sent to the Wayne County Jail from a local courtroom Tuesday.  The rape charge that 39-year-old Pedro Rodriguez is facing stems from an incident in March of 2020 in which Rodriguez allegedly sexually attacked a woman while she either slept or was passed out.  The victim told investigators that she had found evidence that Rodriguez had researched date rape drugs and then found video on his phone of him performing sex acts on her while she was passed out.  Rodriguez now faces a standard nine-year prison sentence.

911 DIRECTOR: PROFANITY NOT COMING FROM DISPATCH

(Union County, IN)--Union County residents who monitor police and fire scanners have gotten an earful recently.  In recent days, according to Union County 911 Director Jenny Brown, kids using profanity have come across the scanner.  Brown indicated that she has spoken to a radio vendor and wants residents to know that the profanity is not coming from dispatch or a Union County law enforcement officer.  A complaint is being filed with the FCC.

RICHMOND, WAYNE COUNTY SEE MODEST GAINS IN EMPLOYMENT NUMBERS

(Wayne County, IN)--Wayne County is making some modest gains in terms of its workforce.  According to new numbers from the state, there are 113 more people working in Wayne County today than were on December 20 of last year.  The number of people in the workforce has also grown, with 294 more people than a year ago.  The increases are generally the same inside the city of Richmond.  Still, only 38% of Richmond’s population, which includes people of all ages, is currently working.  The county’s unemployment rate has dropped slightly to 2.9%.

TEEN WORKFORCE INITIATIVE LAUNCHED

(Wayne County, IN)--Labor shortages continue to affect local businesses, and that includes a lack of teenage workers.  Now, the United Way of the Whitewater Valley is partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Wayne County and other organizations to create a teen workforce initiative.  The eight-week program will recruit teens, provide training, and create connections between teens and local companies.  The first wave of the program will begin in the spring and will serve 20-25 teens.

WOMEN JAILED FOR STEALING FROM STORE - SHOPPING CART AND ALL

(Richmond, IN)--Thefts from retail stores aren’t all that uncommon – especially this time of year.  But here’s something you don’t hear about every day.  Two Richmond women allegedly went into Kohl’s Monday and walked out with a shopping cart full of merchandise.  They stuffed not only the merchandise – but also the shopping cart itself – into their vehicle and took off.  They then went to TJ Maxx to steal more.  The two were caught – shopping cart and all – in the 200 block of South 10th.  They were identified as Tala Jarrett and Traykia Walton.

PURCELL ISSUES STATEMENT ON DEMOTION AS FIRE CHIEF

(Richmond, IN)--Former Richmond Fire Chief Jerry Purcell on Sunday night presented his version of his abrupt removal from that position earlier this month.  Purcell had planned to retire next May.  Richmond Mayor Dave Snow told a different local publication that the change involving Purcell did not involve anything but a process of transition.  Purcell’s account differs greatly.  Here is Purcell's statement - issued Sunday night - in its entirety:

Open Letter to the Citizens of Richmond, Indiana The recent news releases from the Richmond Mayor's office concerning my December 6 abrupt dismissal as the Richmond Fire Chief lead me to release a statement in my own words. Many conversations floating across social media, telephone calls to myself, as well as close friends, have covered everything from my health to other implausible reasons for my unintended exit as Fire Chief. My intention was always to retire in May of 2023 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70 years. It is a grave error for anyone to insinuate that I would willingly leave five months early as Richmond's Fire Chief. Those lost five months would have been used to tie up loose ends on grants, projects and an issue special to my heart, the finalization of a merit system for the promotion of chief officers. A final report to City Council, as well as the citizens of Richmond, is now a moot question. The timeline went like this. On November 28th, I was summoned to Mayor Snow's office. Mayor Snow asserted that I was not a team player based on two recent incidents. The first was my response to city council members' questions regarding pay for part-time members of our EMS staff. Secondly, the Mayor was displeased with my November 25th supportive face book posts reflecting my dismay over the seeming lack of attention by the City toward the plight of our downtown merchants, especially during Thanksgiving weekend. Large machinery and blockades created a shopper's navigation nightmare and greatly inhibited any traffic flow, much less easy walking access. I had earlier brought this downtown situation to the Mayor's attention at our department head meeting on November 21st. One might also note that I am a member of The Main Street Board. At first it was suggested that I could remain in my position as Fire Chief until the end of the year and that I would agree to a joint statement reflecting a voluntary departure from the Chief's rank coordinated with the Mayor's announcement. At a later scheduled meeting with the Mayor on December 1st or December 2nd, I notified the Mayor that I would not coordinate a statement with him as that would be starting the next phase of my life based on false information. On December 6, 2022, I was again summoned to the Mayor's office. He reiterated his intention to remove me as Chief of the Richmond Fire Department. After that December 6 meeting, I was then informed by the same email sent to all city employees that I was no longer Richmond's Fire Chief. I have always known, as do all city department heads, that I serve at the pleasure of the Mayor. It has been my honor and privilege to carry out my duties to the citizens of Richmond as your Fire Chief.

SHOTS FIRED AT APARTMENT COMPLEX

(Richmond, IN)--Shots were fired at a Richmond apartment complex Sunday night.  About six shots were fired at the Carriage House Apartments off of Chester Boulevard when multiple people became involved in a dispute.  Several of those people then fled in vehicles.  Officers were able to recover numerous shell casings.  There is no indication that anyone was shot.  No arrests have been made.

FIRE DAMAGES McCONAHA ROAD HOME

(Wayne County, IN)--Fire did heavy damage to a home just south of Centerville Sunday afternoon.  It broke out at around 4 o’clock in the 5900 block of McConaha Road.  Firefighters from multiple agencies encountered heavy smoke and fire when they arrived.  One occupant was treated at the scene and then taken to Reid Health.  The fire appears to have started in the basement, but an exact cause has not been determined.  No injuries were reported to emergency personnel.

RPD SEEKS SUSPECT IN STABBING

(Richmond, IN)--Investigators are still searching for a suspect in a Richmond stabbing that occurred Thursday.  It began at just before noon with the report of one person with a gun chasing another person in the 200 block of South 13th.  The report of the weapon was then changed to a baseball bat.  When officers arrived in the area, they found 29-year-old Malique Thompson with stab wounds to the stomach and chest.  Thompson was taken to Reid Health and underwent emergency surgery.  Thompson’s condition Friday morning was not available.  No arrests have been made.  The investigation is continuing.

UNION COUNTY FUGITIVE CAPTURED IN TEXAS

(Plano, TX)--The man who allegedly stole a Union County Sheriff’s Department vehicle and has been on the loose for the last month has been captured in Texas.  46-year-old Steven Lakes was arrested in a Dallas suburb.  Local investigators had been working with the U.S. Marshal’s office.  Lakes remained in jail in Texas Friday morning awaiting extradition back to Indiana, where he will face multiple felonies in both Union and Franklin County.  Lakes had been flushed from a Connersville home during a drug investigation earlier this fall.

BOBCATS MAKING COMEBACK IN WHITEWATER VALLEY

(Whitewater Valley)--Naturalists say that an animal that was common in the Whitewater Valley a couple of hundred years ago is now making a comeback.  It’s the bobcat.  A couple of weeks ago, a trail camera near Miami University snapped a photo of a large bobcat.  A DNR supervisor said this week that he couldn’t put a number of the sightings this year, but did say they’re increasing due largely to long-term habitat improvements.

FIRE DISPLACES RESIDENTS OF MULTI-UNIT APARTMENT BUILDING

(Richmond, IN)--Several residents of an apartment building in the 100 block of South 11th in Richmond spent the night somewhere else after fire broke out Wednesday night.  "It was a multi-unit building.  We believe there were six units in the building.  Only one was affected by fire.  All occupants of the building were displaced - at least for the evening," said Interim Battalion Chief Chris Chappel.  It broke out at around 6 o’clock Wednesday night.  Evacuation was underway when firefighters arrived and saw heavy fire showing.  South A Street was shut down for a short time.  No injuries were reported, and there’s no word yet on the cause of the fire of the dollar amount of damage.

SURVEY ASKS RCS TEACHERS' OPINIONS OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

(Richmond, IN)--Kicks 96 and The Point News has obtained a survey distributed to Richmond Community School teachers that addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion.  Teachers are told that the survey is designed to assess perception of diversity, equity, and inclusion and that participation could help build a more equitable and successful student experience.  Teachers are asked if they believe there are enough LGBTQ+ leaders and appropriate race, gender, and age diversity among leaders and staffers.  It also asks teachers if they believe supervisors value their opinions.

TEEN ARRESTED FOR CROSSING CAUSEWAY AT 109 MPH

(Franklin County, IN)--A Connersville teen is now facing charges after allegedly crossing the Fairfield Causeway over Brookville Lake at 109 miles per hour in a car that appears to be essentially falling apart.  Residents in the area had complained about the car before.  Deputies monitored the area and stopped 18-year-old Elisha Steele of Connersville this week after being clocked at 109.  The car is missing an entire front quarter panel.

RICHMOND CITY EMPLOYEES FEDERAL CREDIT UNION UNDER CONSERVATORSHIP

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond City Employees Federal Credit Union has been placed into conservatorship by the National Credit Union Administration.  That term essentially means that the agency has stepped in to provide financial oversight.  The credit union posted a net income loss of half a million dollars at the end of the third quarter.  The credit union serves 836 members and was conserved because of unsafe and unsound practices not specified by the federal agency.  Richmond Mayor Dave Snow issued a statement Tuesday, saying that the credit union is a separate and distinct entity from the city and that the city is not part of the investigation.  The credit union does operate inside the City Building with a lease that expires at the end of the year.  The lease will now be on a month-to-month basis.

INVESTIGATED CASES OF LOCAL CHILD ABUSE SKYROCKETING

(Wayne County, IN)--There is an alarming increase right now in the number of cases of child abuse and neglect in Wayne County that are investigated on a monthly basis.  Listen to this monthly increase from July to October, which is the most recent month in which numbers are available.  In July, there were 94 cases investigated.  That increased to 118 in August, then 172 in September, and then 204 in October.  About 20 percent of the local cases of abuse and neglect that are investigated are determined to be legitimate.

SHERIFF CREDITS PHONE APP FOR KEEPING CITIZENS AWARE DURING STANDOFF

(Wayne County, IN)--Wayne County Sheriff Randy Retter said Tuesday that Monday’s standoff on Arba Pike illustrated how valuable the department’s communication system with the public can be.  During the standoff, safety bulletins were pushed to citizens who had downloaded the department’s phone app.  Those alerts contained information regarding the incident that were intended to keep nearby citizens aware and safe.  Anthony Alexander remained in the Wayne County Jail Wednesday morning charged with attempted murder.  The female victim who he allegedly shot is in stable condition.

ONE PERSON SHOT, ONE JAILED IN ARBA PIKE STANDOFF

(Wayne County, IN)--One person was shot during an incident that resulted in a standoff and the delayed release of Northeastern students Monday afternoon.  Deputies were called to a home near the intersection of Arba Pike and Pleasant Plain Road.  According to scanner traffic, one man armed with a gun retreated inside a home.  SWAT was called and efforts were made to get to a woman who had been shot in the hip.  Northeastern students were held in school as negotiators tried to get the man to surrender.  When he continued to refuse, tear gas was deployed inside the house.  He eventually surrendered.  On Tuesday morning, 58-year-old Anthony Alexander was behind bars.  Charges include attempted murder and strangulation.  There’s no word on the condition of the victim.  This makes the 25th time Alexander has been jailed since 2005.

ALLEGED RICHMOND MURDERER CAPTURED IN NEVADA

(Sparks, NV)--The man who is suspected of committing a murder in Richmond more than a year and a half ago has been taken into custody.  In April of last year, 26-year-old Chad Mullins was shot in the 200 block of North 13.  Mullins later died at Miami Valley Hospital.  Richmond police said Monday that Tayshawn Newman was located just outside of Reno, Nevada last Friday and taken into custody on warrants for murder and possessing a handgun without a license.   Newman was staying at a hotel there and was at a bus station about to go to California when he was apprehended.   Extradition back to Wayne County is pending.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT ENCOURAGES FLU VACCINES AS CASES RISE

(Wayne County, IN)--The Wayne County Health Department issued an appeal for residents to get their flu vaccine as hospitals and urgent cares across the area continue to see high volumes of patients.  According to state numbers, just over six percent of Wayne County residents have sought treatment for flu-like symptoms that include a temperature over one hundred.  In Randolph County, it’s just over 11%.  Case numbers are significantly higher this year than they’ve been in the last four years.

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES INTO FATAL WEEKEND SHOOTING

(Richmond, IN)--The search continued Monday morning for whoever shot and killed a Richmond woman early Saturday morning.  That’s when police were sent to a home in the 100 block of Randolph Street.  There, they found 42-year-old Brandy Fox dead from a gunshot wound to the chest.  Investigators have not said whether or not they believe the shooting is the result of a domestic incident or released any information about a potential suspect.

MONDAY MORNING FIRE DESTROYS FAUS PLACE GARAGE

(Richmond, IN)--Numerous nearby residents reported hearing an explosion during a garage fire in Richmond early Monday morning.  It happened at a home on Faus Place just off of South O Street.  "Fully involved detached garage fire when we arrived," said Battalion Chief Charlie Bartlett.  A Richmond police officer was first to arrive at around midnight and reported that the garage was fully engulfed.  Bartlett said that the explosion was caused by a small propane tank.  Another structure sustained damage.  "There was one house that had siding damage," Bartlett added.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.  There were no injuries.

UPTOWN BUSINESS OWNER SOUNDS OFF ABOUT CONSTRUCTION

(Richmond, IN)--Some small business owners along Main Street in Uptown Richmond are sounding off about construction that has heavily affected their businesses for months.  In an open letter to the city of Richmond, Sam Purcell alleges that the closure of a city block that began November 19 and ended last week for work on the Readmore building was done without required documentation, public notice, or Board of Public Works approval.  Purcell claims that the city’s response has been to blame the state.  Other small business owners responded by saying that they, too, are frustrated by the lack of communication.  The Readmore building is part of a program in which Redevelopment Commission funds are used to purchase downtown buildings and provide necessary renovations.

NO SUSPECTS SOUGHT IN CONNECTION WITH DISCOVERY OF REMAINS AT HUESTON WOODS

(Preble County, OH)--Here’s more on the human remains found in Hueston Woods on Wednesday that Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point reported on Thursday.  Investigators said Thursday that, because the remains had been there for two and a half years, it may not be possible to determine a specific cause of death.  But, so far, there have been no signs of foul play.  "I will say that we're not looking for anybody right now.  We're not looking for any suspects," said Sergeant Brandon McCroskey.  Investigators still believe the remains are those of Butler County’s Michael McKenney, but it will take DNA testing to confirm that, and will take at least a few weeks.

AREA HOSPITALS FARE WELL IN SAFETY ASSESSMENT

(Whitewater Valley)--One area hospital received the highest possible grade for patient safety in results that were released Thursday by the national consumer watchdog group Leapfrog.  That hospital is McCullough-Hyde in Oxford, which received a letter grade of A based on very low rates of infections, surgical errors, and similar elements.  Reid Health also fared well, receiving a letter grade of B.  Reid was rated as above average in five of six elements of patient safety.

OPINIONS OF RCS TEACHERS ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION SOUGHT IN SURVEY

(Richmond, IN)--This week, Richmond Community Schools released a video that encourages teachers and staff members to take part in survey designed to assess perceptions on three words than can produce a wide range of emotions based on the volatile national political climate.  Those words:  diversity, equity, and inclusion.  "We have an incredible opportunity to increase awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout all of Richmond schools," said teacher Emily Sherrow in the video.  A coalition of teachers, students, and community leaders has been addressing the issue.  RCS has not yet responded to a public records request submitted Thursday from Kicks 96 and The Point News for specific questions included in the survey.

HUMAN REMAINS FOUND IN HUESTON WOODS

(Preble County, OH)--Human remains have been found at Hueston Woods State Park and investigators say they may already know who it is.  Search teams looked Wednesday and located the remains in an unspecified area of Hueston Woods.  Michael McKenney went missing in May of 2020.  His vehicle, cell phone, and other personal belongings were located in Hueston Woods not long after his family reported him missing.  The Preble County Coroner’s Office has taken possession of the remains and is continuing the investigation.  There’s no word yet on the cause of death.

CHEER COACH FIRED FOR SHARING NUDE IMAGE WITH CHEERLEADERS

(Randolph County, IN)--The varsity cheer coach at Monroe Central High School was fired Wednesday after the school district learned she had been accused sharing a photo of a nude adult male with at least three of the cheerleaders.  28-year-old Hanna Gilmer was booked into the Randolph County Jail on three counts of dissemination of material harmful to minors.  Wednesday afternoon, Monroe Central publically announced Gilmer’s firing.  She bonded out of jail Wednesday night.

PURCELL REMAINS WITH RFD; CITY MUM ON REASON FOR DEMOTION

(Richmond, IN)--There’s still no word from the city on why former Richmond Fire Chief Jerry Purcell no longer holds that position.  Purcell said Wednesday that he is still a member of the department, will help in the transition, and will have a press release next week.  On Tuesday night, Richmond Mayor Dave Snow announced abruptly that Purcell is being replaced as chief, but gave no explanation.  A couple of weeks ago, Purcell had posted images on his personal social media page of Uptown Richmond construction.  Purcell expressed sympathy for small business owners who were losing money due to the construction and said that he was "embarrassed for our community and disappointed in the seeming lack of concern by community leaders.

PURCELL WILL "NO LONGER SERVE AS FIRE CHIEF"

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Fire Chief Jerry Purcell no longer carries that title.  Late in the day Tuesday, Richmond Mayor Dave Snow issued a statement saying that Purcell will no longer serve as Chief.  Snow, though, did not say why and made no mention of it during Monday night’s council meeting.  Snow did say that Purcell, "gave his time and talent to grow the department in leaps and bounds."  Tim Brown will be serving as Interim Chief.

IRWIN CONVICTED OF MULTIPLE DRUG-DEALING CHARGES

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond drug dealer has been found guilty of a host of charges.  Alex Irwin has been convicted of dealing cocaine, dealing meth, and dealing other narcotic drugs.  Irwin has also admitted to being a habitual offender, which will likely add significant prison time when he is sentenced next month.  Irwin still faces charges in an unrelated case in which he allegedly broke into a basement and shot the property owner in the knee when that person went to investigate.

THIEF STEALS CHARITY CUP FROM RICHMOND LIQUOR STORE

(Richmond, IN)--Someone stole the Santa’s Secret Angel change bucket at Hornak’s Liquor in Richmond.  The man walked in and asked the employee to get a specific brand of liquor.  When the employee’s attention was diverted, the man tucked the donation bucket under his jacket and walked out.  Investigators likely have the man’s name based on the very distintive Toronto Bluejays windbreaker he wears, but no arrests have been made.

TEEN ARRESTED AFTER KINSEY STREET SHOOTING

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond teen was in custody Tuesday morning after shots were fired at a home in the 200 block of Kinsey Street Monday night.  18-year-old Nicholas Combs has been charged with Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon.  The shooting happened at around 7 o’clock.  Two hours later, a victim walked into Reid Health with a gunshot wound to the hand.  Investigators searched an attic for a weapon.  Other details of the shooting have not been released, and there’s no word on the condition of the victim.

MIDTOWN PHARMACY LEAVES UPTOWN RICHMOND

(Richmond, IN)--A small business in Uptown Richmond has left.  Midtown Pharmacy, which had operated for decades at 11 South 9th Street, has left Richmond and merged with its Cambridge City location.  It’s now located at 100 West Main in Cambridge City.  Staffing shortages have affected numerous pharmacies in the Whitewater Valley.  Many have reduced hours due to being short-staffed.  Since 2009 nationally, the number of pharmacies has increased by 16%, but the number of prescriptions has increased by 64%.

ONE PERSON FOUND DEAD AFTER CRASH NEAR ABINGTON

(Wayne County, IN)--One person was found dead as the result of a vehicle crash in Wayne County Monday morning.  When daylight arrived Monday morning, first responders were sent to Centerville Road near Smoker Road a couple of miles north of Abington.  Scanner traffic indicated that the accident could have happened hours earlier.  A nearby resident had reported hearing something at around midnight.  The victim’s name and conditions that may have led to the fatal crash have not been released.  The Wayne County Sheriff’s Department is handling the investigation.

RICHMOND REMAINS A FINALIST FOR TWO LARGE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

(Richmond, IN)--The Economic Development Corporation’s Board of Directors meets Monday afternoon.  When it does, it will consider and likely approve a $50,000 grant application for Taconic Biosciences.  It’s part of a $5.6 million investment that is projected to create 20 new jobs and a half a million dollars in annual payroll.  Meanwhile, Richmond continues to be a finalist for two new projects.  The EDC is working on real estate purchase agreements and land surveys for both projects.  Neither company has been identified.  Combined, those two projects represent $136 million in new investment and 156 new jobs.

SEARA BURTON'S JERSEY DEDICATED AT NORTHEASTERN GAME

(Fountain City, IN)--There was a special ceremony during Friday night’s Northeastern girls  basketball game that honored RPD Officer Seara Burton.  The team presented a shadowbox with Burton’s previously worn #22 jersey.  Richmond and Wayne County has continued to show support for Burton since she died in September.  Last month, Burton’s name was permanently added to a Richmond police and fire monument.

LEWISBURG POLICE LOOK TO IDENTIFY, ARREST BANK ROBBER

(Lewisburg, OH)--Police in Lewisburg are working to identify and arrest a bank robber.  A man entered the LCNB branch on South Commerce Street at just before noon on Saturday and handed the teller a note demanding money.  No weapon was ever displayed.  The suspect is a white male who appears to be in his 30’s with a mustache, goatee, and glasses.   No one was hurt.

FAMILY WITH SIX CHILDREN LOSE ALL IN HOUSE FIRE

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond family lost everything in a house fire Thursday.  It broke out at a home on South 23rd just south of L Street.  Flames were showing when firefighters arrived.  The residents were able to make it out of the house, but lost all their possessions.  Those residents included six childen that range in age from an infant to ten years old.  One resident said that a space heater had been plugged in but was unsure if that was the cause.  There are requests on social media asking for help with clothing for the family.

FAYETTE COUNTY DOUBLE SHOOTING RULED SUICIDE

(Fayette County, IN)--The double shooting in Fayette County Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News reported Thursday morning was described later in the day Thursday as a suicide involving a father and a son.  Investigators said they were sent to a home on County Road 650 South late Wednesday night.  There, they found 58-year-old Robert Roszell with a gunshot wound to the abdomen.  His son, 35-year-old Robert Roszell III, was found dead nearby with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  The elder Roszell was flown to a Level One trauma center.  There was no word on his condition Friday morning.

RICHMOND AMBULANCE INVOLVED IN CRASH

(Richmond, IN)--An ambulance on an emergency run was involved in a Richmond crash Thursday afternoon.  It happened at the intersection of South 9th and A.  Here’s Battalion Chief Eric Holmes.  "They had just gotten dispatched.  They turned their lights and sirens on.   They went to pass her on the left side and she turned into them."  There were no injuries and damage was minimal.  There was another accident in Richmond Thursday that resulted in one person being flown to a Level One trauma center.  A scooter rider collided with a vehicle on Progress Drive near Holland Colors.  There’s no word on that person’s identity or condition.

RICHMOND SEES SUBSTANTIAL DROP IN VIOLENT CRIME

(Richmond, IN)--Last week, Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point reported that Richmond Police Chief Mike Britt is indicating that crime is generally down in the city this year.  Here’s a look at some more numbers.  So far this year, there have been only two criminal homicides.  Last year, there were four, and the year before that there were nine.  The number of rapes has been cut by more than half, from 26 last year to ten this year.  Britt has largely credited a system put into place by his predecessor, Jim Branum, for the drop in the number of high-level felonies.

TWO INJURED BY GUNSHOTS IN FAYETTE COUNTY

(Fayette County, IN)--Two people suffered gunshot injuries overnight in Fayette County.  Very little information has been released so far, but, according to scanner traffic, officers and medics were sent to a southern Fayette County location where they found two injured people at around 11:30 Wednesday night.  A medical helicopter landed in the Nulltown area at midnight.  There’s no word on the identity of the victims, their current conditions, or whether or not any arrests have been made.

CORONER AWAITS DNA TO IDENTIFY FIRE VICTIM

(Richmond, IN)--Wayne County Coroner Kevin Fouche has submitted DNA evidence to a state police lab to help confirm the identity of someone who died in a Richmond fire 12 days ago.  The body of a female victim was pulled from the rubble of a fire that broke out on November 19 at a warehouse in the 600 block of South J.  The DNA evidence is being compared to relatives of who Fouche believes the victim to be, and that will take a couple of more weeks.  Two other people were rescued from that fire.

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