Local News Archives for 2023-06

GROUND BROKEN ON LIBERATION LABS $115 MILLION INVESTMENT

(Richmond, IN)--Ground was broken Thursday on one of several economic development projects landed this year by Wayne County’s Economic Development Corporation.  Local leaders gathered at the Midwest Industrial Park to turn the first shovels of dirt on construction of a new facility for Liberation Labs.  The facility will be constructed on 36 acres as part of a $115 million project that is expected to create 45 new jobs.  Liberation Labs will use a precision fermentation process to make alternative proteins that can be used in food products such as milk.  Initial startup is scheduled for the end of next year.

MAN TAKEN FROM COURT TO JAIL FOR NEGLECT OF DEPENDENT CAUSING DEATH

(Richmond, IN)--A trial this week has ended with a Richmond man being sent to jail for Neglect of a Dependent Causing Death.  30-year-old Matthew Shaffer was sent to jail from court Thursday.  Three years ago, Shaffer’s four-month-old child was found with numerous life-threatening injuries that doctors said was the result of serious physical abuse that included violent shaking.  There’s no mention of a sentencing date yet in online court documents.  The child’s mother, Casey Miller, is currently set to go on trial for similar charges in October.

"BATMAN" THROWS HIS COWL INTO THE MAYORAL RING AS INDEPENDENT

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond officially has another mayoral candidate.  David Carpenter, who most know better as Richmond’s Batman, has met the requirements to appear on the ballot in November as an independent candidate for mayor.  Carpenter had originally tried to run as a Republican.  He’s been a regular attendee at Richmond Common Council meetings this year and once even sat in the front row of chambers with a campaign sign.

REPORT: ONLY 6 OF 50 WAYNE COUNTY TEENS PLAN ON STAYING AFTER GRADUATION

(Wayne County, IN)--Forward Wayne County has released what they’re calling their Teen Workforce Report.  Members of that group recently spent time in all five public high schools in the county.  Students were asked questions about their thoughts on work and what would be needed to keep them in the area.  Of 50 students surveyed, only six said they would remain in Wayne County.  The other 44 said maybe or that they would not.  Some of the stated reasons students are opting to leave Wayne County include the lack of perceived opportunities, low wages, and lack of entertainment opportunities.

STATE LINE PROPERTY ON U.S. 40 PURCHASED FOR $3.2 MILLION

(Preble County, OH)--Here’s more on the development of the property on U.S. 40 near the state line that Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News reported Wednesday.  Two weeks ago, the former home of a truck stop was purchased for $3.2 million.  It was purchased by an organization called “United Highway 70 LLC.”  A filing with the state lists the property use as a "carry-on gas station with convenience store."  Preble County leaders say they have not been contacted by the new property owners.  About a thousand trees were recently taken down at the site.

SMOKE BEGINS TO DISSIPATE, BUT ALERT REMAINS IN EFFECT

(Whitewater Valley)--Smoke from Canadian wildfires will dissipate today, but it is still thick enough that the Air Quality Alert for the entire Whitewater Valley has been extended through midnight tonight.  Newscenter 7 Meteorologist Britley Ritz talked Thursday morning about Richmond’s AQI, which stands at 169.  "What does that mean?  It simply means it's unhealthy.  Those of us with asthma, COPD...still having some trouble breathing," Ritz said.  Richmond’s visibility Thursday morning was at four miles.

CANADIAN SMOKE DROPS AREA VISIBILITY TO LESS THAN A MILE

(Whitewater Valley)--Smoke from Canadian wildfires has returned to the Whitewater Valley, and that has prompted an Air Quality Alert to be issued Wednesday for the area.  Here’s Newscenter 7 Meteorologist Britley Ritz talking about the effects and the conditions Wednesday morning:  "Notice visibilities.  This is impressive.  Darke County - down to a mile and a half.  Eaton - a half of a mile.  That's how this smoke is.  Our Air Quality Index is 228.  That's very unhealthy."  Meanwhile, it’s not feeling much like summer.  Richmond has had below-normal temperatures for 24 consecutive days going back to June 4.

LAND AT U.S. 40 AT STATE LINE BEING CLEARED

(Preble County, OH)--There’s lot of activity going on at U.S. 40 at the state line, but there’s still be no official announcement as to what it is.  A company called Stearman and Sons has been clearing the area on the south side of 40 that was home to a truck stop more than two decades ago.  They claim on social media that they’re clearing the trees for what will be another truck stop.  More than a thousand trees have been cleared from the area.

RCS CONTINUES WORK TO ESTABLISH POLICE FORCE

(Richmond, IN)--Work is continuing to establish a police department for Richmond Community Schools with a very short time frame to do so before the start of the school year.  Two weeks ago, the RCS Board voted to establish its own police department.  Not only do new officers have to be hired, they also have to be certified by the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board.  And, it comes at a time when other local agencies are already desperate for officers.  The Richmond Police Department, for example, is short about 15 officers.  The first day of school for RCS students is in 40 days.

OFFICER SEARA BURTON'S ACCUSED KILLED BEING SUED FOR PIT BULL ATTACK

(Richmond, IN)--Phillip Lee faces the possibility of the death penalty in connection with the shooting and killing of RPD officer Seara Burton late last summer.  And, although it pales in comparison to the murder charge, there’s also a civil case against Lee that is working its way through the Wayne County court system.  There was a response to that case Monday.  Lee is now being sued for an incident that occurred just two weeks before Seara was shot.  A woman claims she was visiting another apartment in a building where Lee lived on North 10th when Lee’s pit bull, which was loose in the hallway, attacked her and dragged her though the hall.  Monday’s response was from the building’s owner, which is also named in the lawsuit.  The next hearing in the murder case is set for early August.

INDOT PAUSES RICHMOND CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

(Richmond, IN)--INDOT said Monday that it is putting the brakes on at least one Richmond road construction project.  Milestone Contractors is suspending work on North A Street beginning Friday until the middle of next week.  Crews have begun to alternate closing two lanes of traffic on North A, but that will be suspended and there will be no lane restrictions.  Work is expected to be complete by the middle of next month.

WHITEWATER VALLEY REMC TO BREAK GROUND ON NEW FACILITY

(Union County, IN)--Whitewater Valley REMC is about to start construction on its future home.  That new facility will be located in the 1200 block of State Road 101 just south of Liberty and not far from the entrance to Whitewater Memorial State Park.  Company leaders will be on hand for a groundbreaking ceremony at 5:30 Tuesday afternoon.  Whitewater Valley REMC serves six counties across our area.

WAYNE COUNTY'S MEDIAN HOME VALUE FAR BELOW STATE'S MEDIAN VALUE

(Wayne County, IN)--There are some new housing numbers for Wayne County included in Forward Wayne County’s new 2023 report.  That study shows that the median home value in Wayne County is far below Indiana’s average.  Wayne County’s median value is $120,000.  The state’s median value is $182,000.  Only 14% of Wayne County homes are worth more than $200,000.  But, across the state, that number is 44%.  Local economic development leaders have said that mid-range housing is critical to attracting and maintaining quality employees to the area.

DRUG DEALER ARRESTED IN WILLIAMSBURG

(Williamsburg, IN)--A Whitewater Valley drug dealer is facing a brand new round of serious criminal charges.  27-year-old Dylan Resetar was taken into custody on Railroad Street in Williamsburg over the weekend.  Resetar faces new charges that include dealing cocaine, vehicle theft, and resisting arrest.  Resetar had been sentenced to three years in prison back in 2016 for dealing heroin.  Other information about what led to the Williamsburg arrest has not been released.

DEPUTIES COME ACROSS WANTED WOMAN AT WAYNE COUNTY FAIR

(Richmond, IN)--Deputies were patrolling at the Wayne County 4-H Fair Thursday night when they noticed a woman who they knew was wanted for Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon.  22-year-old Autumn Reed was in the Wayne County Jail Friday morning.  She was originally arrested on that charge back in March.  Details of what she is alleged to have done have not been released.

RICHMOND UNEMPLOYMENT SPIKES BY MORE THAN ONE PERCENT

(Richmond, IN)--Earlier this week, Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News looked at new unemployment numbers for Wayne County.  Now, here’s a look specifically at Richmond.  In just the last month, 138 fewer Richmond residents are counted among those with jobs.  The number of people in the labor force is hold steady at just under 14,700 people.  The unemployment rate in Richmond has spiked in the last month from three percent to 4.1%.

AREA MOVES OUT OF DROUGHT STATUS

(Whitewater Valley)--All of the Whitewater Valley has now moved out of official drought status, and that’s good news as fireworks time approaches.  Parts of Preble County had classified as in a drought by the federal government, but that ended Thursday when an updated map was released.  All of Wayne County is still classified as abnormally dry.  Richmond Mayor Dave Snow had cautioned a few weeks ago that dry conditions could lead to a burn ban, which would have had the potential to impact fireworks.

MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ARSON OF CONNERSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEMBER'S HOME

(Connersville, IN)--The Alabama man who set fire to the home of a Connersville city council member has now pled guilty to arson.  The plea now means that the federal trial for Tommy Harrison is off.  Back in late October of 2021, Harrison drove from Alabama to Connersville to set fire to the house of Tommy Williams.  The house was heavily damaged.  Williams and his family were visiting a family member out of the country at the time of the fire, but two family pets were killed.  No motive for the arson is disclosed in court documents.  Harrison now faces 20 years in prison.

TIRES CRASH THROUGH WALL OF VETERINARY CLINIC

(Union County, IN)--Two large tires that came off a vehicle passing by the Grove Veterinary Clinic just southeast of Liberty crashed into the building Wednesday and left a large hole in their wake.  Before crashing into the building, the tires went across a parked car.  A female driver and her dog were inside the car when the tires hit, but were not injured.  Investigators could not immediately locate the driver of the vehicle that lost the tires.  (Photo courtesy Fayette/Union County Scanners)

MAN CAUGHT AFTER 100 MPH CHASE

(Wayne County, IN)--A 21-year-old man was behind bars Thursday morning following a high-speed chase through western Wayne County Wednesday night.  Deputies began pursuing Jonnie Kidwell on State Road 1 near Hagerstown.  Kidwell fled south on 1 at speeds that reached one hundred miles per hour.  The chase went through Milton and onto Crawford Road, where Kidwell eventually crashed in a field.  He faces charges that include Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon.  There’s no word yet on what started the chase.

UNEMPLOYMENT RATES SPIKE ACROSS WHITEWATER VALLEY

(Whitewater Valley)--Last month, there was a big drop in area unemployment.  Now, there’s been a big jump that put it right back where it was.  According to new numbers from the state, Wayne County’s unemployment rate has increased from 2.7 to 3.6% in just a month.  3.6% is what the number was in March.  In the last month, 278 Wayne County residents have been added to the list of those unemployed while the number in the labor force stayed the same.  Other area counties saw even larger increases in the last month, including Fayette County, which went from 3.5 to 4.7%.

FIRE DESTROYS GARAGE ON STATE ROAD 227

(Richmond, IN)--Numerous agencies responded to a fire just north of Richmond late Tuesday afternoon.  It broke out at around 4:15 at a home on State Road 227 near Gaar Road.  Those firefighters were being credited Wednesday morning with saving the house.  "They made a good stop on it.  It really didn't get into the house.  It stayed in the garage," said Battalion Chief Eric Holmes.  227 was shut down and tankers were brought in from Fountain City and Webster.  Occupants were evacuated without injury.  The cause remains under investigation.

RPD SEEKS TO IDENTIFY PROWLER

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Police Department on Tuesday turned to social media to help identify a prowler.  They’re not saying exactly why, but an excellent surveillance image shows the man approaching a porch in the middle of the night.  Respondents to the post said the prowling incidents have occurred recently toward the west end of West Main Street.

REID HEALTH TOPS LIST OF COUNTY'S LARGEST EMPLOYERS

(Wayne County, IN)--An updated look at Wayne County’s largest employers is included in Forward Wayne County’s County Indicator Report.  The largest single employer – by a long shot – is Reid Health with 2998 employees.  Next is Richmond Community Schools with 723 employees.  The largest manufacturer is Belden with 714 employees.  Other manufacturers in the top ten include Sugar Creek and Primex.

MAN WITH GUN ARRESTED FOR WALMART THEFT

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond man who has already been jailed at least 20 times in the last 15 years was back behind bars Tuesday morning after allegedly stealing from Walmart while he was in possession of a handgun.  43-year-old Jesse Craft was jailed Monday afternoon and faces charges that include being a felon in possession of a handgun.  Craft already has a pending case for domestic battery with a deadly weapon.  He also has a previous arrest for strangulation.

VERY LITTLE MY WAY TRADING FIRE INFO RELEASED IN LAST MONTH

(Richmond, IN)--It’s now been more than two months since Richmond’s My Way Trading industrial fire.  And, while information poured out in the first month after the fire, it has been essentially non-existent in the second month.  The last official update to the public from the EPA came on May 15.  That’s when the EPA said that it had collected debris from the site for analysis, but there’s been no word on the results.  The last update from the city came on May 12.  There has also been no word from the State Fire Marshal’s office on the cause of the fire.  That office says that it is still under investigation.  The area around the fire remains fenced.

RICHMOND MAN KILLED IN HENRY COUNTY CRASH

(Henry County, IN)--A Richmond man was killed in a Henry County crash late Sunday afternoon.  The Henry County Sheriff’s Office says that 68-year-old David Warren was headed east on State Road 38 when his vehicle left the roadway, crossed into oncoming traffic, and then struck a tree.  No one else was in the vehicle.  Investigators suspect that Warren may have suffered a medical issue that caused him to lose control.

MASSIVE $900 MILLION EXPANSION COMING TO REGIONAL COMPANY

(Brookville, OH)--There is a massive economic development announcement for a company very close to the Whitewater Valley.  Six miles east of the Preble / Montgomery County line on I-70 is where construction is getting underway on a $920 million expansion of the DMAX plant.  It will add 1.1 million square feet to the existing facility.  Engine parts for GMC and Chevrolet pickup trucks will be produced there.  The project will result in the hiring of more than 700 employees.

NORTH E STREET TO CLOSE BRIEFLY FOR OVERPASS DEMOLITION

(Richmond, IN)--Demolition of the Depot District overpass in Richmond means that North E Street is about to close again.  The closure will once again be between 8th and 10th Streets and is set to go into effect Tuesday.  The good news, though, is that this closure is expected to last only for a couple of days.  INDOT says that the overpass replacement project is currently on schedule.  Demolition won’t be complete until September at the earliest.

SUSPECTED FLORIDA MURDERER ESCAPES RICHMOND CHASE

(Richmond, IN)--Two wanted people from Florida were captured Thursdaya night, but two more got away and police believed one of those two was a wanted murderer.  The pursuit happened in the area of the old Reid Hospital on Chester Boulevard in Richmond.  The chase continued on foot in a wooded area near the East Fork of the Whitewater River.  At one point, scanner traffic indicated that a Taser was deployed in the river.  Jonathan Slaughter and Samantha Harris were captured and were being held Friday morning without bond and are awaiting extradition to Florida.  No information has been released on the other two suspects.

PLEA DEAL REACHED IN BURGLARY, SHOOTING CASE

(Richmond, IN)--A plea deal now appears to be in place for a Richmond drug dealer who shot a property owner while he was burglarizing that property owner’s basement.  A change of plea hearing has now been set for next month for Alex Irwin.  Three years ago, Irwin shot Mike Elstro in the leg when Elstro was investigating a suspicious noise.  The plea deal calls for Irwin to plead guilty to aggravated battery and be sentenced to nine years.  Earlier this year, he was sentenced to 25 years for dealing methamphetamine.

DEMOCRAT JOINS RACE FOR RICHMOND COMMON COUNCIL

(Richmond, IN)--There’s another at-large candidate for Richmond Common Council.  Carl Rhinehart has been picked by a caucus vote of the Wayne County Democratic Party to seek a seat on council this November.  Rhinehart is a business owner, the co-founder of Future Achievers, and serves as a mentor to many high school students.

RCS BOARD ADOPTS RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH SCHOOL POLICE DEPARTMENT

(Richmond, IN)--On Wednesday night, the Richmond Community School Board approved a resolution to establish a school police department.  The Board issued a statement saying that it had concluded that it is time for the school corporation to explore new avenues for essential safety needs of the district.  Board member Aaron Stevens, who is a member of the Richmond Police Department, talked about the issue of school safety:  "I'm very passionate about this because it all comes down to student safety, staff safety, and family safety.  I can't just have a mall cop."  The RCS Board added that its goal is to provide safety and security on the first day of school.

EATON'S DORA TO BEGIN JULY 1

(Eaton, OH)--Eaton’s first DORA is now set to officially go into effect on July 1.  DORA stands for Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area.  It will allow certain establishments to sell alcohol in a designated cup that allows people to walk around outside in a multi-block area.  The DORA will be in effect from noon until 11 at night each day all year long.  It essentially covers about a three-block area around the Preble County Courthouse.

THIRD CANDIDATE OFFICIALLY JOINS RICHMOND MAYORAL RACE

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond now has a third official candidate for mayor.  Howard Price has obtained the required number of signatures from registered voters and will now face Democratic incumbent Dave Snow and Republican challenger Ron Oler when the general election rolls around in November.  Others who initially declared candidacy were excluded in primaries because they did not participate in recent city elections.  Other local political candidates have until June 30 to file a petition with the required number of signatures.

WAYNE COUNTY EDC SCORES ANOTHER WIN WITH ANCHOR INGREDIENTS ANNOUNCEMENT

(Richmond, IN)--It’s another big win for Wayne County’s Economic Development Corporation.  On Tuesday, the EDC announced that a transloading and processing facility company called Anchor Ingredients will invest $40 million into a project in the Midwest Industrial Park in Richmond.  The North Dakota-based company will serve the supply chain needs of several pet food brands.  A new facility will expand rail infrastructure within the park and provide bulk storage and warehousing.  30 new jobs are expected to be created.  It will receive half a million dollars in tax credits and grants.  Construction will start right away and is expected to take a year to complete.

TEEN SHOOTER SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS

(Richmond, IN)--A 20-year-old Richmond resident has been sentenced to a total of seven years in prison, but that’s a lot less than it could have been based on the original charge.  Two summers ago, Jason Duncan, who was 18 years old at the time, fired shots that struck a juvenile near G Street in Richmond.  Duncan was originally charged with attempted murder and faced 40 years, but his charge was pled down to aggravated battery.  Duncan was also sentenced to an additional year for attacking a public safety official.  In September, he’s set to go on trial in a robbery case on the Ball State campus.

RCS BOARD TO CONSIDER ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT CHANGES

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Community School Board is set to meet late Wednesday afternoon.  One of the items on the agenda calls for the restructuring of the Athletic Department.  Proposed changes would place more resources to address the academic needs of students and develop a more sustainable feeder program.  The position of Assistant Athletic Director would be dissolved.  Changes would create a $50,000 net savings.  Wednesday afternoon’s meeting begins at 5:30.

COUNTY CONSIDERS PURSUING CRIMINAL CHARGES IN AUCTION SABOTAGE

(Richmond, IN)--When Wayne County Commissioners meet again Wednesday, they will likely address an incident that happened at property sales last week.  When property taxes are not paid, they’re eventually transferred back to the county which then auctions them off.  Last week, a group from out of the area submitted a winning bid far in excess of the properties’ values but never paid as required.  For example, one dilapidated property on North 17th sold for $3.5 million.  That’s roughly one hundred times it’s actual value.  Commissioners say the sabotaging bids prevented actual bidders from getting the properties.  The county is pursuing criminal charges.

TRAINING VEHICLES CATCH FIRE AT FIRE STATION

(Greens Fork, IN)--Two vehicles caught fire early Tuesday morning in Greens Fork, and it happened at the Greens Fork Volunteer Fire Department.  Scanner traffic indicated that there were two fully engulfed vehicles at the department at around 3 o’clock Tuesday morning.  Officials said the vehicles were not actual fire apparatus but were instead training vehicles.  There’s no word yet on what started the fire.

ALLEGED METH TRAFFICKER ARRESTED

(Preble County, OH)--An alleged Preble County drug trafficker was behind bars Tuesday morning.  A deputy noticed a suspicious vehicle in Sugar Grove Cemetery on State Route 503 north of West Alexandria.  The deputy noticed several criminal indicators with two adults inside.  A search turned up 30 grams of meth, baggies, and scales.  35-year-old Brett Marker of Eaton was taken into custody.  The other occupant was not charged.

Indiana's wages lag behind national average

A recent analysis of Indiana's annual wage data shows that the statewide average annual wage paid to Hoosiers was $58,604, and it ranges from Marion County's high of $70,834 to a low of $36,559 in nearby Union County.  Employees in all but one Indiana county make less than the national average wage, and Hoosiers earn just 83.3 cents for each dollar earned by their national counter-parts, according to employment date from the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics.  However, many counties did have faster wage growth than the national average, as well as faster job growth, but not enough to catch up.  Wayne County's annual wage comes in at $44,408, while Fayette averages $42,484.

 

Preble County Road projects

You can add two more road projects to area motorist challenges.  Those drivers in Preble County will be dealing with the continuation of the State Route 503 work focusing on a pair of culvert replacements.  State Route 503 will be closed between Prymont and Eaton-Lewisburg roads through June 23rd.  Drivers will be detoured onto US 35, 127 and I-70.  And U.S. 35 will have pavement and resurfacing done beginning today between the town limit of Eaton and Preble County Line Road.  Lane restrictions will be in effect daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

Part of U.S. 40 to be closed due to construction

 

Starting next Monday, June 19, road crews will alternate closing two lanes of traffic on Westbound U.S. 40 here in Richmond for a milling and paving project, according to the Indiana Department of Transportation.  The closure will be between N. 17th Street and S. 3rd Street.  One lane of west bound U.S. 40 will stay open to motorists.  The nighttime work will take place between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. The work is expected to be completed in mid-July, weather permitting.  INDOT said.

2023 Indiana Special Olympics Summer Games

 

And it was a successful weekend not only for area Special Olympic athletes, and athletes from nearly all Indiana counties at the 51st Indiana Special Olympic Summer Games, but for Indiana Special Olympics itself.  The games were held this past weekend in Terre Haute on the campus of Indiana State University.  Area athletes from Wayne and surrounding counties heard their names called and were awarded medals in many Olympic-type sports, including bocce, cycling, powerlifting, swimming, track and field and volleyball.  But because the games forced the Indiana State baseball team to move their home NCAA Super Regional game to their opposition's field in Texas, the team from Texas Christian University took the opportunity to raise money to help Indiana Special Olympics, and their boosters donated nearly $50,000 to our state's Special Olympics fund.

Area rain does not alleviate fears of area drought

 

Much needed rainfall moved through the area yesterday bringing scattered showers and isolated storms thoughout the day and early evening.  Prior to this system passing through the state, the area was over an inch and a half below the monthly average, and for the year, down 2 and quarter inches. The good news for area farmers, a more unsettled weather pattern should bring rain chances back into the forecast for Thursday and Friday of this week.

Silver Alert issued for Rush County Teen

Police in nearby Rush County have issued a Silver Alert in the search for a missing teen.  The Rush County Sheriff's Department is investigating the disappearance of 17-year-old Valerie Tindall, last seen Wednesday, June 7th. She is from Arlington Indiana.  Valerie is 5 feet 6 inches tall, 162 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes.  She was last seen wearing a light blue shirt, jean shorts and sandals, driving a green 2000 Honda Accord with Indiana license plate ZYK833.  Rush County authorities believe she is in extreme danger.  If you have any information on the whereabouts of Valeire Tindall, you are asked to contact the Rush County Sheriff's Department.

 

Sunday storms cause power outages and possible tornado

 

The much-needed area rain yesterday did cause power outtages in western Ohio and based on a National Weather Service picture that was posted, at least one tornado near Dayton International Airport.  The photo was taken by NWS at 7:22 pm last night.  A damage survey has not yet been conducted, and NWS has not released the strength of the tornado or any additional details.

KEY INDICATORS RELEASED FOR WAYNE COUNTY

(Wayne County, IN)--The Wayne County Foundation and Forward Wayne County have released the County Indicator Report, which gathers key community indicators.  Here are some of the highlights over the past year:  The poverty level for Wayne County is up nearly three percent.  Per capita income rose by nearly $3300 and stands at $48,785.  The median home value in Wayne County has increased to more than $120,000, but home ownership is down 3.5%.  Wayne County ranks 76th out of 92 Indiana counties for overall health factors.

PART OF WHITEWATER VALLEY NOW OFFICIALLY IN DROUGHT

(Whitewater Valley)--A part of the Whitewater Valley is now officially in a drought.  A new U.S. drought monitor is issued every Thursday.  This Thurday’s showed the eastern halves of Preble and Butler County are now in a drought, while the rest of the Whitewater Valley is still classified as abnormally dry.  It’s prompted one county to issue a burn ban.  In Franklin County, all open burning has been banned until further notice.  Outdoor grilling is still permitted.  Earlier this week, Richmond Mayor Dave Snow said a similar ban was under consideration, but that has not been implemented.

GRANT SOUGHT FOR MANLOVE PARK

(Fayette County, IN)--Fayette County is pursuing help for Manlove Park, which is located outside of Milton near the Wayne County line.  There are numerous problems with the large lake there, including much-needed maintenance on the dam.  The lake, which is 80 years old, has lost ten feet in depth because it’s never been dredged and is in danger of filling in completely.  Fayette County is now pursuing a grant to develop a silt removal plan.  Complete renovations will take years to finish.

PRETRIAL SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY IN PHILLIP LEE MURDER TRIAL

(Richmond, IN)--According to Odyssey online court documents, a pretrial conference is scheduled to take place Thursday morning in the murder trial of Phillip Lee.  Lee faces the possibility of the death penalty in connection with the shooting of Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton.  Earlier this week, a motion involving discovery was filed.  Another pre-trial conference is scheduled for early August, but there is currently no trial date set.

RFD ISSUES REMINDER OF FIREWORKS PROTOCOL

(Richmond, IN)--Earlier this week, Richmond Mayor Dave Snow told Common Council that the city was considering a burn ban due to dry conditions that could affect fireworks.  On Wednesday, a message from the fire department indicated that’s not likely to happen, but it did remind residents of fireworks protocol.  Regardless of conditions, personal fireworks cannot legally be set off inside the city until June 29th and only then between five in the afternoon and two hours after sunset.  The department also said that there is an increased risk this year due to dry conditions.

MAN CRITICAL AFTER ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING

(Dublin, IN)--Details of a western Wayne County shooting were released Wednesday.  According to Wayne County Sheriff Randy Retter, deputies were called to the 100 block of North Davis Street in Dublin at 4 o’clock Tuesday morning.  There, they found a 26-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the abdomen.  Investigators determined that the man was accidentally shot by a female who was visiting.  Identities have not been released.  The victim was flown to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton and was last listed in critical condition.

LIBERTY AVENUE CLOSES FOR A YEAR AS SEWER PROJECT BEGINS

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Sanitary District has begun construction on its new Short Creek Lift Station on Liberty Avenue.  The new lift station will handle more than three times the capacity of the existing station and be more energy efficient.  But, here’s the down side.  Construction means another lengthy road closure.  Liberty Avenue will be closed from the Sanitary District to U.S. 27.  Lots of people on Richmond’s southwest side use Liberty Avenue as a shortcut to 27 when they’re going south.  The closure is expected to last for a full year.

DRY STREAK ENDS, WINDS KNOCK OUT POWER

(Richmond, IN)--A line of rain Tuesday night ended Richmond’s 16-day dry spell, but it also brought high winds that knocked out power to well over a thousand customers.  Most of the Richmond outages were south of U.S. 40.  RP&L issued a statement saying that they were experiencing problems with the feeds coming into two substations.  At 12:20 Wednesday morning, power was fully restored.  Tuesday night’s rain ended the longest dry spell that Richmond had experienced since 1999.

ALLEGED METH DEALERS JAILED IN RICHMOND, CONNERSVILLE

(Richmond,  IN)--Fayette County officers continued their string of arrests of suspected methamphetamine dealers Tuesday, and Richmond police got one as well.  In Richmond, 21-year-old Caleb McKinney was taken into custody at his home in the 700 block of South 13th and charged with dealing meth.  In Connersville, officers arrested Michael Cross on the same charge.  In that case, investigators found 40 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mix, hundreds of syringes, a loaded handgun, and more than $2000 in cash.

CITY CONSIDERS BURN BAN THAT COULD AFFECT FIREWORKS

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Mayor Dave Snow told Common Council Monday night that the lack of rain could result in a burn ban which could, in turn, affect local fireworks.  Nothing is official yet and a burn ban is only being considered by the city.  But, if the ban is put into place, personal fireworks would be prohibited.  There would also be implications for the annual display on Roosevelt Hill.  According to the National Weather Service, Richmond has not officially had any rain for 16 consecutive days and has had less than three inches since the first of May.  There’s no rain in the forecast until Sunday and Monday.

EDC CLOSES IN ON PROJECT THOMAS

(Richmond, IN)--The lack of a quorum forced the cancellation of the monthly meeting of the EDC Board Monday afternoon.  Had it met, the Board would have been updated on Project Thomas.  That as-yet unnamed company is getting close to a final location decision in Richmond as the city works on finalizing a rail agreement.  That development would be a $39 million investment that would create 30 new jobs that pay an average of $25 per hour.  Also, groundbreaking has been set for a different project.  Liberation Labs will break ground in the Midwest Industrial Park on June 29.

SHOOTING REPORTED AT MERLE HENDERSON APARTMENTS

(Richmond, IN)--A shooting was reported at Richmond’s Merle Henderson Apartments Monday.  According to scanner traffic, a fight took place inside an elevator in the apartments on South 14th that ended with one person being shot in the leg.  Shell casings were located.  There’s no word on the condition of the victim or the identity of the alleged shooter.

LASERS FLASHED INTO AIRLINERS PASSING OVER FAYETTE COUNTY

(Fayette County, IN)--Overnight Sunday night and Monday morning, the FAA notified Fayette County dispatchers that a laser was being flashed into the cockpit of numerous aircrafts passing overhead.  At least four aircrafts reported the green lasers.  The FAA said the lasers have to potential of incapacitating pilots of commercial airliners.  The original report was that the lasers were in the area of Western Avenue and 11th Street in Connersville.  An updated version placed the laser closer to the Connersville Airport.  Fayette County officials are asking to be contacted by anyone with any information.

DATES SET FOR MY WAY TRADING FIRE LAWSUIT; MEDIATION ORDERED

(Richmond, IN)--On Friday, an order was issued setting formal dates for the My Way Trading Fire civil lawsuit.  One element of the order in Wayne Superior Court I is the requirement that the case go in front of a mediator three months before the scheduled trial date to try to avoid a trial.  The next date in the case is a pretrial conference in November of this year.  The case is now set to go to trial on February 10 of 2025.  Meanwhile, the EPA has not issued an update on cleanup efforts at the My Way site since May 15.  No results from testing at the site have been released.

U.S. 40 CLOSURE BEGINS

(Wayne County, IN)--Here’s a reminder that another major Whitewater Valley highway is scheduled to close Monday.  U.S. 40 is scheduled to begin its months-long closure Monday just west of Centerville.  It’s to allow for bridge replacement over Nolands Fork Creek, which passes under 40 near the Centerville Church of the Nazarene and Gillman Home Center.  It’s scheduled to remain closed until sometime around Christmas.  State Road 1 is also now closed just south of Everton.

BOARD OF WORKS APPROVES CONTRACTS FOR BABY BOX INSTALLATION

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Board of Public Works met Thursday afternoon and approved a contract for the installation of a Baby Box into the exterior wall of Fire Station #1.  Assistant Chief Buckler gave the Board some specifics:  "It is designed for newborns up to 30 days of age.  There is a state law that is in effect that people can surrender their children - basically without any question."  There’s no word on exactly when the Baby Box will be installed and available.

INDOT UPDATES COMPLETION DATES FOR RICHMOND ROAD PROJECTS

(Richmond, IN)--INDOT has released an updated estimation of when all of the road projects in and around Richmond will be complete.  That series of projects is referred to as a whole as Renew Richmond.  INDOT projected that the Depot District bridge would open to traffic sometime in the fall of next year.  The North A Street resurfacing project will see paving this summer and be complete sometime in the fall.  The major project on South 9th is nearing completion.  It should be finished in the next couple of months.

CORDELL POOL TO CLOSE FOR RHS COMMENCEMENT

(Whitewater Valley)--This is commencement weekend for lots of high school seniors across the Whitewater Valley.  That includes at Richmond High School, with commencement set for Sunday at the Tiernan Center.  Just as last year, commencement means that Cordell Municipal Pool will be closed all day on Sunday.  Connersville will also graduate its seniors on Sunday.  Eaton High School will have its commencement Saturday night at Millett Hall in Oxford.

MY WAY TRADING FIRE CIVIL CASE TO GO TO TRIAL IN MARCH OF 2025

(Richmond, IN)--The civil case surrounding Richmond’s My Way Trading industrial fire will take years to sort out based on court filings Wednesday.  Case management was filed and approved yesterday and included numerous deadlines.  For instance, a witness list isn’t due until January of next year.  Discovery isn’t due until December of next year, with trial now expected to begin in March of 2025.  Also included in that filing Wednesday is Seth Smith’s primary defense in which he claims the city owned the property, allowed vagrants to occupy it, and did not clean up the property despite receiving a grant to do so.  The city claims that Smith is still responsible and ignored numerous orders for cleanup.

U.S. 40 TO CLOSE FOR MONTHS WEST OF CENTERVILLE

(Wayne County, IN)--Here comes another road construction project that will have a major impact on Wayne County travel.  On Monday, U.S. 40 is set to close on Centerville’s western edge to allow INDOT to replace a bridge over Noland’s Fork Creek.  Once it closes, that section of 40 won’t likely reopen until sometime around Christmas.  The closure will bring much heavier traffic to McMinn, College Corner, and Mineral Springs Roads.  The cost of the project is $7.3 million.

BOARD OF WORKS TO AWARD CONTRACT FOR BABY BOX

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond’s Board of Public Works is set to meet Thursday afternoon and address a Safe Haven Baby Box that is planned for Richmond Fire Station #1.  The baby box would allow an adult that either doesn’t want or is unable to care for an infant to place that infant into a box built into the fire station’s outside wall with no questions asked.  The Board of Works is expected to award a contract for the installation of the baby box at a cost of just under $4200.