(Richmond, IN)--There were a couple of important issues aside from the dispute between RCS and the REA and this week’s Board meeting.  There’s an opportunity for the school district to purchase McBride Stadium for $12,000 from the Richmond Parks Department.  The stadium is now 87 years and is again in need of numerous repairs and upgrades.  Financial issues were also discussed.  Right now, RCS has one of the state’s lowest tax rates.  One option discussed included a $10 million assumed debt increase.

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond is getting a Wawa.  Wawa is a convenience store that also offers several varieties of food – including its signature hoagies – that originated on the east coast and is expanding into the Midwest.  The company announced Thursday that it will have a store at the intersection of Williamsburg Pike and Industries Road.  There’s no specific time for an opening, but the company indicated Thursday that it would likely be about two years.

(Whitewater Valley)--Several cold-air funnels were spotted across the Whitewater Valley Thursday.  Most of the sightings were around the north side of Connersville extending north toward Milton.  Cold-air funnels have the appearance of forming tornadoes but rarely touch down and cause damage.  Another weather note…nearly all of the Whitewater Valley is now officially in a drought despite the rain over the last couple of days.  A new assessment by the NOAA was released Thursday.  With no more rain in the forecast, Richmond will finish September having had only a third of an inch of rain for the entire month.

(Richmond, IN)--A huge turnout of Richmond teachers forced the moving of Wednesday afternoon’s meeting of the Richmond Community School Board from the administration building to Civic Hall.  Speaker after speaker addressed the Board in support of former REA President Kelley McDermott.  Several of those teachers spoke to the Board, including teacher and former Board member Keith Morey.  "The current climate in Richmond Community Schools is not good for kids, and it's quickly eroding what's left of an already tired and demoralized teaching and administrative staff," Morey said.  This teacher said the climate has changed:  "Look at how many teachers are leaving and how many teaching openings there are each year."  This speaker gave the most impassioned plea:  "What you're doing is demoralizing this teaching staff and demoralizing this community and it's not right."  The Board, as is its policy, did not respond directly to any of the speakers.

(Richmond, IN)--A child fell from a balcony and then was in an ambulance that was involved in a crash en route to Reid Health early Wednesday night.  According to scanner traffic, the child fell between 15 and 20 feet from a home near 14^th and East Main.  An ambulance was carrying the child north on Chester Boulevard toward Reid when it collided with a vehicle at the intersection of Chester Boulevard and Waterfall Road.  Chester Boulevard was shut down in both directions and another ambulance arrived to take the child to Reid.  A medical helicopter was summoned.  There’s no word on the child’s identity or condition this morning.  First responders in the ambulance that crashed sustained bumps and bruises.

(Eaton, OH)--Eaton police put out a request to the public Wednesday to help find a missing man.  He’s 47-year-old Jason Phares.  Phares is known throughout Eaton for walking city streets often, but he has not been seen since Tuesday.  Preble County officials indicated Thursday morning that Phares is still considered missing and that they are concerned for his safety.  Residents are asked to call 911 if they see him.

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Community School Board issued a statement Tuesday regarding the issues between RCS and the REA, or teachers’ union.  Nicole Stults delivered the assessment.  "We believe the relationships among the Board, teachers, and administration are quite positive and stronger than they have been in recent years," Stults said.  Stults cited several factors, including supplemental pay given to teachers in May.  "By addressing these inequities, the Board demonstrated its respect as well as high regard for the dedicated RCS teachers," she added.  And, she concluded with this:  "Teachers in RCS have shared that the start of the school year has been the best and smoothest in several years."  You can see the nearly four-minute message in its entirely on the RCS Facebook page.

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond man who abused and neglected a dog so severely that it had to be euthanized was found guilty in a Wayne County courtroom Tuesday.  Following the conviction, 55-year-old James Null was sent directly to jail.  Details of what Null did are too graphic to share.  Null has previous convictions that include possessing meth.  He is set to be sentenced this coming Tuesday and faces up to a year behind bars.

(Winchester, IN)--The identification of a Winchester man who died in a house fire on Monday was released Tuesday.  58-year-old Todd Berryhill was found in a home that had caught fire in the 300 block of West Washington Street.   Most of the damage was contained to a single room, and that’s where firefighters located Berryhill.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

(Wayne County, IN)--After climbing for three straight months, Wayne County’s unemployment rate has dropped – at least a little bit.  New numbers from the state put Wayne County’s unemployment rate Tuesday morning at 3.8%.  That’s down from last month’s two-year-high 4.1% rate.  One of the primary reasons for the drop is that nearly a hundred people have dropped out of Wayne County’s labor force is the last month.  Unemployment rates for other Whitewater Valley counties have seen similar modest drops in the new report.

(Connersville, IN)--A Connersville father has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for abusing his own infant son.  28-year-old Michael Mengedoht was convicted of neglect of a dependent causing serious bodily injury.  In August of last year, the boy, who was just two weeks old, was taken to Reid Health in Connersville with multiple traumatic injuries that included broken bones.  The baby’s mother, Brittany Mengedoht, is set to go on trial in December.  In social media posts just after the incident, she said that she was a good mother and then asked if anybody was selling mice.

(Richmond, IN)--The November general election is six weeks from today.  WCTV has now released its schedule for its candidate forums for local races.  The programs will air at 6 o’clock on Thursday nights beginning this Thursday with candidates for Cambridge City and Milton discussing the issues.  Richmond’s Mayoral candidates will appear on October 12.  Questions for the candidates can be submitted through the WCTV website.  WCTV will have live election results on November 7.

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Education Association, or teachers’ union, called over the weekend for a demonstration Monday morning in advance of a Wednesday afternoon Board meeting.  Members were being told to meet outside of their respective school buildings Monday morning and walk in two minutes prior to their contracted start time as a show of solidarity.  The message indicates that the REA sees three issues of contention with the RCS administration.

(Richmond, IN)--Removal of the Weir Dam in the Whitewater Gorge in Richmond is about to begin.  If you don’t know it by name, it’s the structure adjacent to Sim Hodgin Parkway near the foot bridge.  There has been an effort across Indiana to remove low-head dams to increase safety to the public and improve water quality for wildlife.  The Weir Dam has not served any purpose for decades.  It was built 120 years ago to either power a mill or to provide cooling to the RP&L facility that once stood near it.  The dam’s removal is expected to take several weeks to complete.

(Blooming Grove, IN)--The pilot of a small airplane made a safe emergency landing in a Franklin County bean field at around sunset on Friday night.  The FAA had reported receiving a Mayday call with a plane that had been tracked to the Fairfield area near Brookville Lake.  After the call, the pilot safely landed the four-seat Cessna aircraft.  The initial indication was that he had run out of fuel.  FAA records indicate he had taken off from just west of Terre Haute.  (Photo:  Fayette/Union County scanners)

(Richmond, IN)--A Centerville motorcycle rider was flown to Miami Valley Hospital after a crash Thursday afternoon that resulted in the closing of a section of one of Richmond’s busiest streets.  It happened late Thursday afternoon on East Main Street.  Investigators have not yet released details, but the indication from witnesses is that someone tried to turn left onto East Main at the Walmart exit near Jimmy John’s.  Turning left there is prohibited, but drivers often do it anyway.  The motorcyclist then hit the vehicle in the side.  Family members have identified the victim as Cory Gindling and indicated that Gindling faces a long road to recovery.

(Hamilton, OH)--A high-speed chase that began in Union County Thursday afternoon didn’t end until the driver crashed in downtown Hamilton.  The driver, who has not yet been identified, fled in a pickup truck from Union County and crashed near the Butler County Courthouse.  The female driver had stolen the truck in Liberty.  Stop sticks in Hamilton brought the chase to an end.  Union County officials would not release her name Friday morning.

(Richmond, IN)--A guilty plea as part of a plea deal means that an upcoming trial for a Richmond mother is now off.  29-year-old Casey Miller pled guilty this week to a mid-level felony.  Back in the spring of 2020, her four-month-old daughter suffered injuries that were described as catastrophic and included broken bones and a brain bleed.  Miller will be sentenced in early November.  The baby’s father, Matthew Shaffer, has already been sentenced to 30 years.

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Education Association – or teacher’s union – is urging residents to attend what they’re calling a press conference but appears to be more of a rally in advance of next Wednesday’s Richmond Community School Board meeting.  The statement, which was posted Wednesday night on the REA's Facebook page, says that next week’s event is an effort to restore REA President Kelly McDermott to her teaching position and to demand that union voices be respected.  The event begins at 4:45.  The REA is inviting the public to attend.

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond man accused of stabbing two people early Wednesday morning remained behind bars Thursday morning.  Officers were called to the 200 block of North 10^th Wednesday morning and found that 26-year-old Tyshawn Cochran and 43-year-old Melissa Darling had both been stabbed.  Cochran ultimately went to Miami Valley Hospital.  Darling was less seriously injured.  25-year-old Stephen Centers now faces two counts of battery with a deadly weapon.  Details of what led to the incident were not released.

(Richmond, IN)--There was a robbery at a Richmond liquor store Wednesday night.  It happened at Papa Joe’s at the east end of the G Street Bridge.  Charges indicate that 31-year-old Dillon Hofacker was already intoxicated when he tried to take more alcohol by force or threat of force.  Hofacker has also been charged with felony intimidation.  No injuries were reported.

(Richmond, IN)--The formal establishment of Richmond’s first DORA – or Designated Outdoor Recreation Area – will have to wait – at least for a little while.  Council member and mayoral candidate Ron Oler explained where the Saftey Committee stands to his fellow council members this week.  "We ended up with more questions than answers, so we want to spend some more time on this.  The Depot District is okay with not having the ordinance in place for Oktoberfest," Oler said.  The issue will come back before council at a later date.  A DORA designation would allow people to drink alcoholic beverage in public areas under certain conditions.

(Wayne County, IN)--Here’s more on the booming price of Wayne County homes.  On Tuesday, Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News reported that the median home price in Wayne County had gone from $95,000 in July of 2021 to $149,000 today, according to realtor.com.  The effect of much higher interest rates points out the burden on today’s local new-home buyer.  Back in July of ’21, buying a Wayne County house at the median price with a 30-year mortgage would have resulted in a monthly payment of $604.  Today, buying a house at the median Wayne County price with today’s average mortgage rate would result in a payment of $1166.

(Richmond, IN)--Here’s a criminal charge you don’t often see in Wayne County.  25-year-old Timothy Stokes, who lives in Mississippi, was taken into custody Tuesday by state police troopers in the 1100 block of North J in Richmond.  He was charged with possessing marijuana and unlawful carrying of a handgun.  But, he was also charged with carrying synthetic urine.  That charge is a Class A misdemeanor.

(Whitewater Valley)--Wayne County housing prices have fallen by nearly eight percent in the last month.   But, looking back further, there’s been an incredible increase in a relatively short time.  According to realtor.com, the median home price in Wayne County is just under $150,000.  Just two years and two months ago, though, the median price was $95,000. July of 2021 will likely be the last time the median price was under $100,000.  Preble County median home values have doubled in just the last five years and stand this morning at $261,000.  Franklin County has our area’s most expensive homes, by far, with a median price of $309,000.

(Connersville, IN)--Connersville City Council member Tommy Williams has now acknowledged that the man who confessed to burning Williams’ home down is Williams’ own son.  Tommy Harrison was arrested more than a year and a half ago under federal charges because he came from Alabama to set the fire.  Nowhere in the charging document is the relationship between Williams and Harrison mentioned, and Williams had not come forward publically about it until now.  The FBI claims that Harrison called his father nine minutes after parking near the home to set the fire.  Williams was out of town when the fire was set.

(Liberty, IN)--An initial hearing was held Monday in a Union County child molestation case.  Nicholas Sandlin has been charged with three counts of child molestation and one count of vicarious sexual gratification.  The charges come after a search warrant was executed three weeks ago at Sandlin’s home on Quail Run Court in Liberty.  He was taken into custody at his place of employment in Butler County.

(Connersville, IN)--You may remember back in 2015 when a racial slur was spray-painted on a Richmond house and a car in the driveway was set on fire, but investigators learned later it was orchestrated by the home’s occupant.  Is it possible that something similar has happened with a Connersville city council member?  That’s what investigators want to know based on information included in newly filed federal court documents.  The home of Councilman Tommy Williams burned two years ago.  Tommy Harrison, who is alleged by insurance investigators to be Williams’ son, is charged with arson.  New court documents indicate that Harrison contacted Williams just before leaving Alabama, stopped in Kentucky to buy spray paint, and contacted Williams again just after the fire was set.  Harrison was supposed to have been sentenced a couple of weeks ago, but that’s now been pushed back into February of next year.

(Lakengren, OH)--A 37-year-old Preble County man was killed early Sunday morning when he crashed his UTV.  It happened in Lakengren at around 2:30 Sunday morning.  Bradley Cummins was driving his UTV on Lakengren Drive when he went off the roadway and struck a culvert.  The UTV flipped and came to rest on its side.  Cummins was pronounced dead at the scene.  It was one of two alcohol-related fatal crashes in Preble County this weekend.

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Common Council meets Monday night with a couple of important issues on the docket.  One will set the city’s budget for 2024.  That ordinance is on first reading.  On second reading, which is when public comment is taken, is an ordinance that would establish a Designated Outdoor Recreation Area – or DORA – in Richmond’s Depot District.  A legal DORA would make it legal for people to walk outside while carrying alcoholic beverages if those drinks were purchased from vendors inside the DORA.  Monday night’s meeting begins at 7 o’clock.  As always, you can catch it live on WCTV.

(New Paris, OH)--Newly filed court documents provide more details about the deadly mobile home fire on New Paris Pike a week ago.  According to that document, a female who was inside the mobile home when the fire broke out told investigators she heard popping sounds and then heard Kenneth Doolin ask Anthony Luker if Luker was going to stop shooting off fireworks.  The fire broke out shortly after that.  Doolin’s body was found near a door that had been boarded up from the outside.  Luker then allegedly fled in a car he stole and then dumped the car in Connersville.

(Winchester, IN)--There was a happy ending Thursday in the search for a missing special needs child in Winchester.  Randolph Central Schools and Winchester police took to social media Thursday afternoon to enlist the community’s help in finding a missing nine-year-old girl who did not get off of her bus after school.  After an extensive city-wide search, it was determined that the girl had gotten on the wrong bus and was returned home safely.

(Connersville, IN)--It happened again Thursday in Connersville…yet another truck tried and failed to fit underneath the Central Avenue railroad bridge.  City and railroad leaders have met in recent months to discuss preventing trucks from slamming into the bridge, but nothing has worked so far.  Thursday’s strike was at least the eighth time it’s happened this calendar year.  No one was hurt.  (Photo courtesy of Fayette/Union County Scanners)

(Richmond, IN)--The city of Richmond has issued a response to a claim by the family of a New Paris woman who say that she died as a result of the My Way Trading fire.  That family, through their Dayton law firm, has filed notice of a pending $2.1 million lawsuit.  City Attorney A.J. Sickmann said Wednesday that the city is aware of the notice filed, but cannot comment on pending litigation.  This lawsuit is not connected to the class-action lawsuit filed by two Richmond residents.  The case will now go through a federal court.

(New Paris, OH)--Charges have been increased against the man who investigators say is responsible for a fatal mobile home fire on New Paris Pike last week.  Richmond’s Anthony Luker now faces new charges that include reckless homicide and having weapons under disability.  57-year-old Kenneth Doolin died in the mobile home where he lived.  Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson said there was lots of activity and that police had been called there before.  "There were other people that would come and go from this place."  Luker also faces a drug charge in Wayne County.

(Lynn, IN)--The smell of gas impacted classes at a Randolph Southern school building Wednesday morning.  Here’s Superintendent Donnie Bowsman in a message to parents:  "The emergency plan was implemented.  Students and staff were evacuated."  First responders and the gas company responded at 8 o’clock.  "They cleared the building for us to go back inside at 9:17 a.m.," Bowsman said.  There was no word on the source of the gas smell.

(New Paris, OH)--The family of a New Paris woman is claiming she died as a direct result of April’s My Way Trading fire in Richmond, and now they’re suing for millions as a result.  Smoke from the fire passed over New Paris.  Linda Hardin was 72 when she died two weeks after the fire broke out.  Her estate and two immediate survivors are now asking for $700,000 each, which is the statutory limit per person.  The lawsuit is being filed through a Dayton law firm.  A notice from Dyer, Garafalo, Mann, and Schultz does not go into detail about why Hardin died as a result of the smoke when no one else did.  The city of Richmond has filed a notice of removal through a federal court.  As a result of that filing, all future hearings in the pending class-action lawsuit filed by two Richmond residents in Wayne Superior I have been cancelled.

(Richmond, IN)--An exhibit honoring the legacy of fallen RPD K9 Officer Seara Burton opened to the public Tuesday inside the Wayne County Historical Museum.  The exhibit is permanent and showcases Burton’ cruiser and tokens of love that people left at her memorial.  The museum’s Kerry George talked about putting the exhibit together:  "Once we took a step back and were able to take a look, there were a few tears shed by the staff of the museum."  The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday each week on North A Street in Richmond.

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond drug dealer had time tacked on to his already lengthy prison sentence Tuesday for shooting a property owner in the leg during a burglary.  Earlier this year, Alex Irwin was sentenced to 35 years for drug dealing.  Tuesday, as part of a plea deal, Irwin was given an additional nine years.  In early 2020, Mike Elstro opened a door to his basement not knowing Irwin was in the process of a burglary.  That’s when Irwin shot Elstro.  Even with credit for good behavior, Irwin will not be eligible for release until at least 2048.  At that point, he’ll be 58 years old.

(Richmond, IN)--The growing dispute between the Richmond Education Association, or teachers’ union, and Richmond Community School administrators will be more evident during this week’s Homecoming events.  Last week, the REA claimed to be "under attack" by RCS in a dispute over contract negotiations.  On Monday night, a call went out to teachers to either wear black or T-shirts that say IT IS TIME for Wednesday night’s Homecoming parade.

(Eaton, OH)--The man suspected of causing a fatal fire just outside of New Paris late last week has been transferred across the state line.  Anthony Luker Junior was taken from the Wayne County Jail Monday night to the Preble County Jail.  Luker is being held there without bond.  So far, he’s charged only with receiving stolen property after being caught in Wayne County with a stolen car.  He is suspected of setting a fire on New Paris Pike that killed 57-year-old Kenneth Doolin.

(Wayne County, IN)--A Fountain City-area man was behind bars Tuesday morning after allegedly taking a swing at an intended female victim with a baseball bat Monday night.  Initial reports indicate that 26-year-old Austin Field swung and missed with the bat but did still strike the victim.  The extent of her injuries this morning has not been released.  The domestic incident happened in the 6300 block of Arba Pike in the presence of a child.  Field is being held on a $25,000 bond.

(Richmond, IN)--23-year-old Anthony Luker, Jr. remained in the Wayne County Jail Monday morning and is awaiting extradition to Preble County following the death of 57-year-old Kenneth Doolin.  Doolin was the man who died in a trailer fire late Thursday night on New Paris Pike near the state line.  Luker allegedly fled the scene shortly after the fire broke out in a stolen vehicle.  Luker was captured over the weekend in southern Wayne County while he was trying to get to a home just west of Richmond.  A female was inside the trailer when the fire broke out and was able to escape.  "We've talked to her.  We're pretty confident that we knew what was going on at the time the fire started," said Sheriff Mike Simpson.  So far, Luker will be charged only with having the stolen car.

(Randolph County, IN)--One person was killed on Saturday when his car collided with a train in Randolph County.  The man was waiting at a crossing on County Road 400 East for an eastbound train to pass.  When it did, he started to cross but was struck by a westbound train.  He was pronounced dead at Reid Health and was later identified as a 26-year-old man from St. Henry, which is about 30 miles north of Greenville.

(Richmond, IN)--An alleged Richmond drug dealer is in custody this morning following a Saturday night pursuit through the city involving the state police.  Troopers had to use a Taser to get 53-year-old Brent Diamond into custody near the Richmond Post Office.  He faces eight new criminal charges including dealing cocaine and being a lifetime habitual traffic violator.  An unspecified quantity of drugs was also recovered.

(New Paris, OH)--One person is dead as the result of an overnight trailer fire on New Paris Pike near the state line.  The fire broke out at 10:45 Thursday night about a half-mile from the state line on the Ohio side.  First responders got word that one person was trapped inside.  Once the fire was knocked down, the victim’s body was located.  That person’s identity has not been released.  Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson said that the cause of the fire is under investigation, but scanner traffic indicated that it was intentionally set with a Be On The Lookout to law enforcement for a 2014 Buick that fled the scene.

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Community School administrators say they can’t comment on the scathing statement the Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News reported Thursday in which the REA – or teachers’ union – said they’re under attack from RCS.  The dispute centers on what the REA says was the bypassing of the bargaining process and the removal of REA President Kelly McDermott.  The REA has filed two unfair labor practice complaints.  The REA has filed three other unfair labor practice complaints in recent years.  All of those complaints were determined to be unfounded.

(Richmond, IN)--Hundreds of people are expected to gather at the south side of the Richmond city building early Friday evening to remember fallen police officer Seara Burton.  It’s been nearly a year since Seara died after being shot in the line of duty.  Here’s Richmond Mayor Dave Snow:  "Over the past year, we have found many ways to pay honor and respect.  Her legacy is unquestionable."  The event is described as a prayer vigil to bring the community together.  It begins at 6 o’clock Friday night.

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Education Association, or teachers’ union, is reaching out for community support Thursday morning following a meeting Wednesday night following a dispute that they say began in May.  According to the REA, RCS bypassed the established bargaining process regarding teacher compensation for this school year.  The REA then filed a complaint of Unfair Practice in June.  Last month, RCS placed President Kelly McDermott on paid leave pending an investigation.  Two weeks later, and after the REA filed a second Unfair Labor Practice complaint, RCS recommended canceling McDermott’s contract.  Wednesday night’s statement says that teachers at RCS are under attack from the administration.  It can be read in its entirety on the Facebook page of the Richmond Education Association.  Kicks 96 and The Point News has reached out to RCS for a response.

(Wayne County, IN)--A second location is now being sought for a proposed large livestock auction facility in Wayne County.  Earlier this summer, a proposed location on Helm Road was rejected by the county’s Board of Zoning Appeals.  Now, owners are coming back to the BZA with an alternate location that would put the facility at a 61-acre property on U.S. 27 near the Wayne / Randolph County line.  The Board will hear the request September 14.

(Richmond, IN)--An alleged Richmond meth dealer was jailed eary Thursday morning.  47-year-old Gary Lady was apprehended while riding around on a scooter early Thursday morning in the area of North 15^th and F Street.  The quantity of drugs and paraphernalia located has not been released.  This makes Lady’s sixth drug-related arrest in just the last two years.  He’s being held on a $23,000 bond.

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Common Council Tuesday night heard on first reading an ordinance that would create a DORA in the Depot District.  DORA stands for Designated Outdoor Recreation Area and would allow people to walk around outside while drinking alcoholic beverages.  "Simply put, within the DORA, a person may exit the premises of a designated permittee with up to two alcoholic beverages in a labeled DORA container.  They also may drink the beverage outside or in businesses that allow beverages within the boundaries of the DORA," said Mayor Dave Snow.  Richmond can have up to seven DORA’s.  Tuesday night, council sent the ordinance to the Safety Committee which will review it and then make a recommendation.

(Wayne County, IN)--Power had been fully restored Wednesday morning after widespread power outages that hit parts of Wayne County late Tuesday afternoon.  Widespread outages were reported by people in Cambridge City, Greens Fork, Fountain City, and Hagerstown.  Whitewater Valley REMC said that their supplier had lost the feed to three of four substations.  Duke Energy customers also experienced an outage.  Most customers were back on by 9 o’clock Tuesday night.

(Randolph County, IN)--Details of a Monday night shooting in Randolph County were released Tuesday.  According to police reports, 60-year-old James Swoveland shot 61-year-old William McKee at a home on West Windsor Road near Farmland.  McKee was flown to a Level One trauma center.  His condition Wednesday morning had not been released.  There’s no word yet on what led to the shooting.  Swoveland has no previous criminal record.

(Richmond, IN)--The city of Richmond is looking to establish a DORA in the Depot District.  DORA stands for Designated Outdoor Recreation Area.  What it really does is allow people to walk around outside with alcoholic beverages.  The drinks would have to be purchased from businesses inside the DORA and could not be brought in from outside.  The Depot DORA, as the area would be called, would be operational from 4 in the afternoon until 11 at night on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.  The proposed area would be roughly from Fort Wayne Avenue to 10^th Street and from the railroad track to North D Street.  There are four existing businesses in that area that serve alcohol.  An ordinance establishing the DORA is on first reading Tuesday night with Richmond Common Council.  As always, you can catch that meeting live at 7 o’clock on WCTV.

(Connersville, IN)--Investigators want to find whoever is responsible for dumping dogs in Connersville.  Over the weekend, two dogs were found in a very small cage that had been covered in a tarp along West 18^th Street.  The dogs were hot and lethargic due to heat and lack of air flow.  A note had been attached indicating that the owner was giving them to whoever found them.  Now, police have released a photo of the dogs with the hope that someone will recognize their owner so that that owner can be arrested.

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond woman who was arrested in July for allegedly beating a female victim in a robbery is now charged with multiple counts of drug dealing.  41-year-old Amanda Smith was taken into custody near North West 11^th and L on Sunday and charged with dealing meth, cocaine, and controlled substances.  The quantity of drugs recovered and details of what led to the arrest have not been released.  Smith has bonded out of jail and was free Tuesday morning.

(Richmond, IN)--The city of Richmond this week requested, and was granted, a 45-day extension to respond to plaintiffs in the My Way Trading fire class-action lawsuit.  The city cited the complexity of the case as one of the reasons for the extension request.  The next scheduled hearing is October 12.  That’s when Seth Smith, who previously owned the buildings and filled them with plastics, will ask the court to be removed from the lawsuit.

(Wayne County, IN)--There is some good news in the state’s new numbers regarding child abuse and neglect in Wayne County.  In the three warm-weather months of May, June, and July, there has been a 43% drop in the number of local substantiated case of child abuse and neglect from last year to this year.  The reduction of the entire year is even more noticeable.  By this time last year, there had been 210 cases of neglect.  This year, there have been 117.

(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond woman is facing some serious felony charges as a result of an incident early Friday morning.  Police were called to the 100 block of South 9^th Street.  A resident there had called 911 to say that someone was in their house without permission.  Dispatchers could hear 41-year-old Trina Risch threatening to throw knives at the caller.  Officers took Risch into custody and no injuries were reported.  She’s charged with burglary and intimidation with a deadly weapon.