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3 OF 10 RCS STUDENTS ARE CHRONICALLY ABSENT
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(Richmond, IN)--Last week, Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News reported on Richmond Community School enrollment figures. Now, here’s a look at another number…chronic absenteeism. A student is described a chronically absent if he or she misses at least ten days in a school year. Absenteeism has been a recent focus of RCS administrators. The good news is that Richmond’s rate of chronic absenteeism is coming down; the bad news is that it remains very high. According to new numbers from the state, 30% of RCS students were chronically absent last year. That's down from 33% the year before. No other public school in Wayne County is even close to Richmond's 30% number. Centerville’s number is 10%. Northeastern’s chronically absent rate is 8%.
MEASLES CASES RISE, WAYNE COUNTY CONTINUE'S TO HAVE STATE'S MOST CASES
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(Wayne County, IN)--Measles cases in Indiana are up in the last week, and Wayne County continues to have the most confirmed cases in the state. According to the Department of Health’s dashboard, which was updated on Friday, Wayne County now has 14 confirmed cases of measles. Wayne County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Bales recently said there could be more cases. "There is concern that there are undocumented cases in the community. But, you can only document cases if there is testing and it is confirmed," Bales said. The number of cases of measles statewide jumped by about 30% just last week. Randolph County has two cases. No other Whitewater Valley county has any.
SUSPECT JAILED AFTER STABBING CALL
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(Richmond, IN)--A domestic issue on Richmond Avenue escalated on Saturday. When police arrived on a stabbing call, they took 57-year-old William Mills into custody on a charge of domestic battery with a deadly weapon and criminal mischief. Mills has bonded out of jail. The victim’s injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening.
MAN JAILED AFTER ALLEGEDLY RETALIATING AGAINST A TESLA
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(Richmond, IN)--One man allegedly chose an unusual form of retaliation when someone parked a Tesla where he thought it shouldn’t have been parked. It happened over the weekend in the 100 block of North West E Street in Richmond. 37-year-old Johnathon Weiss allegedly went after the Tesla with his own bodily waste, whatever that may have been. Weiss was booked into the Wayne County Jail on a charge of Malicious Mischief with human blood, semen, urine, or fecal waste contact. Weiss has since been released.
WAYNE COUNTY'S 2027 GENERAL FUND BUDGET APPROVED
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(Richmond, IN)--Wayne County leaders this week passed the county’s general fund budget for next year. But, what lies past that raised some concerns. "It's going to look different in a couple of years and I just want to be careful we don't keep using all the cash available to us," said County Council member Misty Hollis. "We have a lot of unknowns ahead of us," responded Council's Max Smith. Council indicated that it anticipates state-mandated cuts. The general fund budget for the county next year is $45 million.
JUDGE ORDERS MEDIATION IN RCS BULLYING LAWSUIT
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(Richmond, IN)--It’s been well over a year since a lawsuit was filed that alleges Richmond Community School did not do enough to prevent bullying. Recently, there’s been some movement. The lawsuit was filed by the parents of a Dennis student who allege that the bullying went on for two years and that they attempted multiple times to meet with school officials to find a solution. Now, a Wayne County judge has ordered that the two sides try to settle the case through a mediator. A trial date has also now been pushed back nearly a full year to March of 2028.
THREE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN OVERNIGHT CRASH
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(Richmond, IN)--There was a serious crash overnight on South 8th Street in Richmond. It happened at the intersection of South G Street at around midnight Thursday night / Friday morning (actuality 31006). An Indiana State Police trooper who responded to the scene indicated that three vehicles were involved. Images from the scene show at least one person being cut from the wreckage and that one vehicle appeared to have been sideswiped. There’s no word yet on the condition of the victims or what caused the crash. South 8th was shut down as a result.
MAN ARRESTED IN WEDNESDAY RAID REMAINS JAILED THURSDAY
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(Richmond, IN)--The 13 people caught Wednesday morning in the multiple-state investigation into two bikers’ clubs that stems from a Fourth-of-July fight in Madison will now begin to work their way through the court system. That includes the only one from the Whitewater Valley – Richmond’s Owen Dumford. Dumford remained behind bars Thursday morning in the Wayne County Jail. Multiple law enforcement agencies took part in raids at two Richmond locations Wednesday morning.
CAR CRASHES INTO HOME
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(Richmond, IN)--A crash sent a vehicle into a house Wednesday night in Richmond. Dispatchers sent first responders to North West L Street at around 9 o’clock. Here’s one of the first arriving crews reporting what they encountered: "We have what looks to be a sedan into the side of the structure...fullly in." The initial report was that there was entrapment. There’s no word yet on the condition of any victims or what caused the crash.
WANTED DRUG DEALER CAPTURED
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(Richmond, IN)--There was a raid Wednesday morning apart from the one conducted by the FBI in Richmond targeting motorcycle club members. This one turned up a wanted drug dealer. 34-year-old Cody Jordan was taken into custody in the 500 block of South 12th. Jordan was jailed for being serious violent felon in possession of a firearm. He was wanted for failing to show up for an OWI hearing in Wayne County. Jordan had been sentenced to nine years in prison for dealing drugs in the Logansport area.
OLER: "REVITALIZATION WILL DETERMINE FUTURE OF CITY"
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(Richmond, IN)--Tuesday, the Richmond Redevelopment Commission addressed a resolution to authorize expenditures totaling more than $600,000 in the Starr District as improvements continue to be made to properties there. That neighborhood had been tagged by the state as one of the ten most endangered historic areas in Indiana. Richmond Mayor Ron Oler talked about how efforts to improve downtown, the Starr District, and the Vaile area are all coming together. "This entire revitalization really will determine the future of the city. Since we're doing three parts all at once, this is going to make a huge difference in our city for generations to come," Oler said. The commission Tuesday approved the resolution.
EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO REMOVE BLACK SUBSTANCE FROM "CHEESE CUTTER" BUILDING
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(Richmond, IN)--By now, you’ve seen the architecture that was revealed when the exterior of what was known as the Cheese Cutter building in downtown Richmond was removed earlier this year. That building is located at 8th and Main. Now, efforts are being made to remove whatever black substance covered the building. John Anderson with AP Development said that a meeting was held Tuesday to try to figure it out: "Without knowing exactly what it is, it's hard to know exactly how to tackle it. The funny thing is that rainwater works because the bottom of the columns are white, but only if you have 60 years. We don't have that kind of time." That building’s rehab is one of several downtown in a project now called Legacy on Main.
MAN JAILED FOR DOMESTIC BATTERY RESULTING IN SERIOUS BODILY INJURY
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(Middleboro, IN)--At least one person was seriously injured in an overnight domestic incident. First responders were sent late Tuesday night to a home on Filby Road near Middleboro. 53-year-old Charles Beck was sent first to Reid Health and was then booked into the Wayne County Jail early Wednesday morning on a charge of domestic battery with serious bodily injury. There’s no word yet on the identity or condition of the victim.
REID CENTER TARGETED FOR NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
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(Richmond, IN)--The Reid Center has now fully acquired the former Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church building at the corner of North 11th and A Streets in Richmond. And, as renovations continue, there’s an effort to get the building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. "We get requests almost weekly for tours of this building. And these are people who are coming not only from just Richmond, but from all over the state and many of them have been from out of state," said Ann Fennimore with the Reid Center. That designation would make several national grants available.
COUNCIL APPROVES CITY'S 2027 BUDGET
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(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Common Council met Monday night and passed the city’s budget for the coming year. No one from the public spoke about it, but Council Member Jerry Purcell expressed some concern about fully funding all accounts. "It seems that we're continuing to underfund some line items in order to create a budget that looks at least somewhat balanced," Purcell said. Mayor Ron Oler said discussions are already taking place about doing that in the ’28 budget: "...especially on the overtime - how we're going to budget for it in '28." Monday night’s vote to approve the budget was unanimous.
FAYETTE COUNTY COUNCIL CANDIDATE APPEARS ON PIERS MORGAN
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(Connersville, IN)--Fayette County Council candidate Jaime West appeared on the program Piers Morgan Uncensored and talked more about the video of her appearance on a candidates’ forum which has garnered millions of views around the world. Morgan first asked what many assumed…whether she was under the influence...and how many beers she had drunk before her appearance on the forum. "Alright, three," West responded. She shifted when asked about a sheriff’s nephew who she claims "threatened to blow her head off." "This was the Union County, who's right next door to me," West said. And, she said she didn’t regret anything she said about Republicans. "I say it all the time. I'm not friends with them. I don't like them. They voted for all of this that's happening to our country," West explained. West said she granted Morgan the interview over CNN, ABC, and NBC because of his British accent.
JUDGE FINDS PROBABLE CAUSE IN CARLIN CASE
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(Richmond, IN)--Here’s more on the arrest reported by Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News on Monday morning of Richmond’s Jessie Carlin. A judge later Monday found probable cause related to charges that include criminal confinement and domestic battery. According to court documents, Carlin head-butted his girlfriend and then told her to make a video saying the injuries she sustained were the result of a fall in the shower. When she refused, he tied her hands and feet with a phone cord and gagged her until she agreed to make the video. Carlin has denied the charges. Previous convictions include drug dealing and criminal gang activity.
MAYOR ISSUES STATEMENT ON YOUTH VIOLENCE AS SEARCH FOR SHOOTER CONTINUES
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(Richmond, IN)--As the search continues for the shooter in a teen’s murder last month and as another victim of a different teen shooting continues to recover, Richmond Mayor Ron Oler has issued a statement to the community. In it, Oler said that he has full confidence in the Richmond Police Department, but believes that preventing youth violence begins at home with parental involvement, guidance, and accountability. Oler also said that he recognizes that not every young person has the benefit of a stable home and calls for others in the community to provide positive influences.
FAMILY OF MISSING WOMAN CONTINUES TO SEARCH FOR ANSWERS
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(West Manchester, OH)--The family of a missing Preble County woman observed her 36th birthday over the weekend with a renewed call for help as they continue to search for answers. Tiffany Orona was a West Manchester resident who went missing five years ago this month. Investigators have conducted interviews, executed search warrants, and used cadaver dogs, but have come up empty. A $10,000 reward for information is now in place. Tiffany’s mother has been raising her four children since the disappearance.
CONNERSVILLE MANUFACTURER TO ADD 100 JOBS
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(Connersville, IN)--A Connersville company is expanding. Forge Werks is expanding by adding a second location with 250,000 square feet of production space. That expansion is expected to result in 100 new jobs in the next year. The new Western Avenue facility will be used for high-capacity steel manufacturing projects, much of which is destined for data centers. The new facility also includes room for additional expansion.
ONE SHOT IN INCIDENT INVOLVING JUVENILES
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(Richmond, IN)--For the second time in less than a month, multiple gunshots were fired by a Richmond teens at Richmond teens. The initial call that went to first responders at a little after six o’clock Thursday night sent them to an area on Ridge Street. Nearby residents reported hearing at least a dozen gunshots. Investigators indicated that one juvenile was shot. That juvenile’s identity and condition have not been released. There is also no indication that the shooter has been apprehended, nor has a description of that person been released. Also unknown is the reason why last night’s shooting may have occurred.
CANDIDATE ISSUES RESPONSE TO APPEARANCE ON FORUM
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(Connersville, IN)--Fayette County Council candidate Jaime West has issued a response to question about her appearance on a candidates’ forum that has drawn millions of views across the world this week due to West’s affect and comments. In that response, which was included in an article posted Thursday night by the Connersville News Examiner, West said that she was not drunk or under the influence of any drugs, but did say that she had one Coors Light before the interview began. West claims to have slurred her words because of a traumatic brain injury she suffered six years ago. She added, in referring to herself in the third person, that she has received lots of support from around the world.
CAMPUS ALERT DISTRIBUTED AT MIAMI
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(Oxford, OH)--At just after 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon, messages were sent to Miami University students telling them to "run, hide, fight" based on a report of a potential active shooter. "We did have students sheltering in place and calls coming from the building. We went ahead and issued the campus alert," said Miami’s police chief in talking about something sounding like gunshots outside of McGuffey Hall. Miami later gave the all clear after finding no evidence of gunfire or anyone injured. The sounds are believed to have been fireworks.
ZONING BOARD GIVES APPROVAL TO FIRST-FLOOR APARTMENTS DOWNTOWN
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(Richmond, IN)--The question of whether or not to allow first-floor apartments in some of Richmond’s most iconic downtown buildings went before the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals Wednesday. Plans called for 24 first-floor residences to be located in several renovated downtown structures. Developer John Anderson touted the project to the Board. "People want to live in our apartments. They're cool. They're well done. They're historically accurate," Anderson said. But not everyone agreed that ground-floor residences were good. They expressed concerns over things like parking and residents lingering outside. Dakota Collins, who is Earlham’s Director of Community Relations and who has been heavily involved in the project, downplayed that. "There's no reason to leave under or un-utilized space in our downtown first floors just because we're scared of what may happen," Collins said. Downtown business owner and investor Mike Lyons took exception. "They've never invested their money, but they want to tell me what's best. That kind of upsets me," Lyons explained. In the end, the Board granted 3-1 approval for the residences. Only two of those will front East Main.
CHASE SUSPECT IS SEX OFFENDER WITH MULTIPLE DRUG WARRANTS
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(Richmond, IN)--Here’s more on the chase reported by Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News on Wednesday that occurred on Tuesday and ended with a crash in a front yard. Richmond police have now identified the driver as 41-year-old Brian Burdette. Burdette has three active criminal cases and had a warrant on drug-related charges. He’s also a registered sex offender who allegedly failed to register a year ago. Burdette was taken to Miami Valley Hospital as a result of the crash near South 16th and L. His condition Thursday morning was not released.
WAYNE COUNTY HAS 27% OF INDIANA'S MEASLES CASES
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(Wayne County, IN)--Wayne County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Bales provided an update on measles when the Wayne County Board of Health met Tuesday. Bales said that Wayne County alone has 27% of all measles cases in Indiana. "There were 30 cases in Indiana, and there were eight confirmed cases in Wayne County," Bales said. Bales said that there are also likely more local cases that have gone undiagnosed. Bales also talked about flu, saying she has already seen local cases and that that is earlier in the season than it normally appears.
MAN INDICTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY TRYING TO MEET GIRL AT CEMETERY
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(Gratis, OH)--A Preble County man has been indicted by a grand jury after allegedly arranging to meet what he thought was a 14-year-old girl at a cemetery. 45-year-old Brandon Armstrong of Gratis remained behind bars Wednesday morning on a charge of importuning. Local investigators were alerted to a sexually charged conversation involving a decoy by the organization Great Basin Predator Watch. Armstrong was arrested when he arrived at the cemetery in Gratis. Court documents indicate Armstrong admitted to sending messages and explicit images.
ORGANIZATION ARRIVING IN CONNERSVILLE TO HELP WITH FLOOD RECOVERY
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(Connersville, IN)--Connersville Mayor Chad Frank gave an update on flood recovery efforts Monday. Frank said that a company called Title Basin will be arriving to help with short-term housing. Frank said that even though it’s been two months since the flood, many people are still feeling the effects. "We still have a lot of people who are not able to return to their homes. There's still a lot of damage. They're sleeping in vehicles, and cold weather is coming on," Frank said. Frank wants the community to know that Title Basin is legitimate. More details will be released Tuesday.
QUAKERTOWN CAUSEWAY REOPENS
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(Dunlapsville, IN)--One of the only two bridges that cross the 16-mile-long Brookville Lake had been closed for the entire recreational season. But, no longer. The Dunlapsville Road bridge, which is often referred to as the Quakertown Causeway, has now reopened after six months’ worth of repairs. The design of that bridge had come into question in recent years and is the same as the Fairfield Causeway, which also recently underwent significant reconstruction.
RCS BUDGET FINALIZED AT JUST UNDER $70 MILLION
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(Richmond, IN)--The budget for next year for Richmond Community Schools is ready for adoption. The budget for 2027 comes in at just shy of $70 million and includes $12 million of total property tax levies. It also includes $5 million in debt service. Public hearings on the budget were held last month, and now it’s set for passage when the RCS Board meets Wednesday afternoon.
3 OF 10 RCS STUDENTS ARE CHRONICALLY ABSENT
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(Richmond, IN)--Last week, Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News reported on Richmond Community School enrollment figures. Now, here’s a look at another number…chronic absenteeism. A student is described a chronically absent if he or she misses at least ten days in a school year. Absenteeism has been a recent focus of RCS administrators. The good news is that Richmond’s rate of chronic absenteeism is coming down; the bad news is that it remains very high. According to new numbers from the state, 30% of RCS students were chronically absent last year. That's down from 33% the year before. No other public school in Wayne County is even close to Richmond's 30% number. Centerville’s number is 10%. Northeastern’s chronically absent rate is 8%.
MEASLES CASES RISE, WAYNE COUNTY CONTINUE'S TO HAVE STATE'S MOST CASES
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(Wayne County, IN)--Measles cases in Indiana are up in the last week, and Wayne County continues to have the most confirmed cases in the state. According to the Department of Health’s dashboard, which was updated on Friday, Wayne County now has 14 confirmed cases of measles. Wayne County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Bales recently said there could be more cases. "There is concern that there are undocumented cases in the community. But, you can only document cases if there is testing and it is confirmed," Bales said. The number of cases of measles statewide jumped by about 30% just last week. Randolph County has two cases. No other Whitewater Valley county has any.
SUSPECT JAILED AFTER STABBING CALL
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(Richmond, IN)--A domestic issue on Richmond Avenue escalated on Saturday. When police arrived on a stabbing call, they took 57-year-old William Mills into custody on a charge of domestic battery with a deadly weapon and criminal mischief. Mills has bonded out of jail. The victim’s injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening.
MAN JAILED AFTER ALLEGEDLY RETALIATING AGAINST A TESLA
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(Richmond, IN)--One man allegedly chose an unusual form of retaliation when someone parked a Tesla where he thought it shouldn’t have been parked. It happened over the weekend in the 100 block of North West E Street in Richmond. 37-year-old Johnathon Weiss allegedly went after the Tesla with his own bodily waste, whatever that may have been. Weiss was booked into the Wayne County Jail on a charge of Malicious Mischief with human blood, semen, urine, or fecal waste contact. Weiss has since been released.
WAYNE COUNTY'S 2027 GENERAL FUND BUDGET APPROVED
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(Richmond, IN)--Wayne County leaders this week passed the county’s general fund budget for next year. But, what lies past that raised some concerns. "It's going to look different in a couple of years and I just want to be careful we don't keep using all the cash available to us," said County Council member Misty Hollis. "We have a lot of unknowns ahead of us," responded Council's Max Smith. Council indicated that it anticipates state-mandated cuts. The general fund budget for the county next year is $45 million.
JUDGE ORDERS MEDIATION IN RCS BULLYING LAWSUIT
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(Richmond, IN)--It’s been well over a year since a lawsuit was filed that alleges Richmond Community School did not do enough to prevent bullying. Recently, there’s been some movement. The lawsuit was filed by the parents of a Dennis student who allege that the bullying went on for two years and that they attempted multiple times to meet with school officials to find a solution. Now, a Wayne County judge has ordered that the two sides try to settle the case through a mediator. A trial date has also now been pushed back nearly a full year to March of 2028.
THREE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN OVERNIGHT CRASH
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(Richmond, IN)--There was a serious crash overnight on South 8th Street in Richmond. It happened at the intersection of South G Street at around midnight Thursday night / Friday morning (actuality 31006). An Indiana State Police trooper who responded to the scene indicated that three vehicles were involved. Images from the scene show at least one person being cut from the wreckage and that one vehicle appeared to have been sideswiped. There’s no word yet on the condition of the victims or what caused the crash. South 8th was shut down as a result.
MAN ARRESTED IN WEDNESDAY RAID REMAINS JAILED THURSDAY
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(Richmond, IN)--The 13 people caught Wednesday morning in the multiple-state investigation into two bikers’ clubs that stems from a Fourth-of-July fight in Madison will now begin to work their way through the court system. That includes the only one from the Whitewater Valley – Richmond’s Owen Dumford. Dumford remained behind bars Thursday morning in the Wayne County Jail. Multiple law enforcement agencies took part in raids at two Richmond locations Wednesday morning.
CAR CRASHES INTO HOME
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(Richmond, IN)--A crash sent a vehicle into a house Wednesday night in Richmond. Dispatchers sent first responders to North West L Street at around 9 o’clock. Here’s one of the first arriving crews reporting what they encountered: "We have what looks to be a sedan into the side of the structure...fullly in." The initial report was that there was entrapment. There’s no word yet on the condition of any victims or what caused the crash.
WANTED DRUG DEALER CAPTURED
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(Richmond, IN)--There was a raid Wednesday morning apart from the one conducted by the FBI in Richmond targeting motorcycle club members. This one turned up a wanted drug dealer. 34-year-old Cody Jordan was taken into custody in the 500 block of South 12th. Jordan was jailed for being serious violent felon in possession of a firearm. He was wanted for failing to show up for an OWI hearing in Wayne County. Jordan had been sentenced to nine years in prison for dealing drugs in the Logansport area.
OLER: "REVITALIZATION WILL DETERMINE FUTURE OF CITY"
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(Richmond, IN)--Tuesday, the Richmond Redevelopment Commission addressed a resolution to authorize expenditures totaling more than $600,000 in the Starr District as improvements continue to be made to properties there. That neighborhood had been tagged by the state as one of the ten most endangered historic areas in Indiana. Richmond Mayor Ron Oler talked about how efforts to improve downtown, the Starr District, and the Vaile area are all coming together. "This entire revitalization really will determine the future of the city. Since we're doing three parts all at once, this is going to make a huge difference in our city for generations to come," Oler said. The commission Tuesday approved the resolution.
EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO REMOVE BLACK SUBSTANCE FROM "CHEESE CUTTER" BUILDING
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(Richmond, IN)--By now, you’ve seen the architecture that was revealed when the exterior of what was known as the Cheese Cutter building in downtown Richmond was removed earlier this year. That building is located at 8th and Main. Now, efforts are being made to remove whatever black substance covered the building. John Anderson with AP Development said that a meeting was held Tuesday to try to figure it out: "Without knowing exactly what it is, it's hard to know exactly how to tackle it. The funny thing is that rainwater works because the bottom of the columns are white, but only if you have 60 years. We don't have that kind of time." That building’s rehab is one of several downtown in a project now called Legacy on Main.
MAN JAILED FOR DOMESTIC BATTERY RESULTING IN SERIOUS BODILY INJURY
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(Middleboro, IN)--At least one person was seriously injured in an overnight domestic incident. First responders were sent late Tuesday night to a home on Filby Road near Middleboro. 53-year-old Charles Beck was sent first to Reid Health and was then booked into the Wayne County Jail early Wednesday morning on a charge of domestic battery with serious bodily injury. There’s no word yet on the identity or condition of the victim.
REID CENTER TARGETED FOR NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
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(Richmond, IN)--The Reid Center has now fully acquired the former Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church building at the corner of North 11th and A Streets in Richmond. And, as renovations continue, there’s an effort to get the building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. "We get requests almost weekly for tours of this building. And these are people who are coming not only from just Richmond, but from all over the state and many of them have been from out of state," said Ann Fennimore with the Reid Center. That designation would make several national grants available.
COUNCIL APPROVES CITY'S 2027 BUDGET
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(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Common Council met Monday night and passed the city’s budget for the coming year. No one from the public spoke about it, but Council Member Jerry Purcell expressed some concern about fully funding all accounts. "It seems that we're continuing to underfund some line items in order to create a budget that looks at least somewhat balanced," Purcell said. Mayor Ron Oler said discussions are already taking place about doing that in the ’28 budget: "...especially on the overtime - how we're going to budget for it in '28." Monday night’s vote to approve the budget was unanimous.
FAYETTE COUNTY COUNCIL CANDIDATE APPEARS ON PIERS MORGAN
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(Connersville, IN)--Fayette County Council candidate Jaime West appeared on the program Piers Morgan Uncensored and talked more about the video of her appearance on a candidates’ forum which has garnered millions of views around the world. Morgan first asked what many assumed…whether she was under the influence...and how many beers she had drunk before her appearance on the forum. "Alright, three," West responded. She shifted when asked about a sheriff’s nephew who she claims "threatened to blow her head off." "This was the Union County, who's right next door to me," West said. And, she said she didn’t regret anything she said about Republicans. "I say it all the time. I'm not friends with them. I don't like them. They voted for all of this that's happening to our country," West explained. West said she granted Morgan the interview over CNN, ABC, and NBC because of his British accent.
JUDGE FINDS PROBABLE CAUSE IN CARLIN CASE
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(Richmond, IN)--Here’s more on the arrest reported by Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News on Monday morning of Richmond’s Jessie Carlin. A judge later Monday found probable cause related to charges that include criminal confinement and domestic battery. According to court documents, Carlin head-butted his girlfriend and then told her to make a video saying the injuries she sustained were the result of a fall in the shower. When she refused, he tied her hands and feet with a phone cord and gagged her until she agreed to make the video. Carlin has denied the charges. Previous convictions include drug dealing and criminal gang activity.
MAYOR ISSUES STATEMENT ON YOUTH VIOLENCE AS SEARCH FOR SHOOTER CONTINUES
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(Richmond, IN)--As the search continues for the shooter in a teen’s murder last month and as another victim of a different teen shooting continues to recover, Richmond Mayor Ron Oler has issued a statement to the community. In it, Oler said that he has full confidence in the Richmond Police Department, but believes that preventing youth violence begins at home with parental involvement, guidance, and accountability. Oler also said that he recognizes that not every young person has the benefit of a stable home and calls for others in the community to provide positive influences.
FAMILY OF MISSING WOMAN CONTINUES TO SEARCH FOR ANSWERS
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(West Manchester, OH)--The family of a missing Preble County woman observed her 36th birthday over the weekend with a renewed call for help as they continue to search for answers. Tiffany Orona was a West Manchester resident who went missing five years ago this month. Investigators have conducted interviews, executed search warrants, and used cadaver dogs, but have come up empty. A $10,000 reward for information is now in place. Tiffany’s mother has been raising her four children since the disappearance.
CONNERSVILLE MANUFACTURER TO ADD 100 JOBS
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(Connersville, IN)--A Connersville company is expanding. Forge Werks is expanding by adding a second location with 250,000 square feet of production space. That expansion is expected to result in 100 new jobs in the next year. The new Western Avenue facility will be used for high-capacity steel manufacturing projects, much of which is destined for data centers. The new facility also includes room for additional expansion.
ONE SHOT IN INCIDENT INVOLVING JUVENILES
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(Richmond, IN)--For the second time in less than a month, multiple gunshots were fired by a Richmond teens at Richmond teens. The initial call that went to first responders at a little after six o’clock Thursday night sent them to an area on Ridge Street. Nearby residents reported hearing at least a dozen gunshots. Investigators indicated that one juvenile was shot. That juvenile’s identity and condition have not been released. There is also no indication that the shooter has been apprehended, nor has a description of that person been released. Also unknown is the reason why last night’s shooting may have occurred.
CANDIDATE ISSUES RESPONSE TO APPEARANCE ON FORUM
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(Connersville, IN)--Fayette County Council candidate Jaime West has issued a response to question about her appearance on a candidates’ forum that has drawn millions of views across the world this week due to West’s affect and comments. In that response, which was included in an article posted Thursday night by the Connersville News Examiner, West said that she was not drunk or under the influence of any drugs, but did say that she had one Coors Light before the interview began. West claims to have slurred her words because of a traumatic brain injury she suffered six years ago. She added, in referring to herself in the third person, that she has received lots of support from around the world.
CAMPUS ALERT DISTRIBUTED AT MIAMI
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(Oxford, OH)--At just after 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon, messages were sent to Miami University students telling them to "run, hide, fight" based on a report of a potential active shooter. "We did have students sheltering in place and calls coming from the building. We went ahead and issued the campus alert," said Miami’s police chief in talking about something sounding like gunshots outside of McGuffey Hall. Miami later gave the all clear after finding no evidence of gunfire or anyone injured. The sounds are believed to have been fireworks.
ZONING BOARD GIVES APPROVAL TO FIRST-FLOOR APARTMENTS DOWNTOWN
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(Richmond, IN)--The question of whether or not to allow first-floor apartments in some of Richmond’s most iconic downtown buildings went before the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals Wednesday. Plans called for 24 first-floor residences to be located in several renovated downtown structures. Developer John Anderson touted the project to the Board. "People want to live in our apartments. They're cool. They're well done. They're historically accurate," Anderson said. But not everyone agreed that ground-floor residences were good. They expressed concerns over things like parking and residents lingering outside. Dakota Collins, who is Earlham’s Director of Community Relations and who has been heavily involved in the project, downplayed that. "There's no reason to leave under or un-utilized space in our downtown first floors just because we're scared of what may happen," Collins said. Downtown business owner and investor Mike Lyons took exception. "They've never invested their money, but they want to tell me what's best. That kind of upsets me," Lyons explained. In the end, the Board granted 3-1 approval for the residences. Only two of those will front East Main.
CHASE SUSPECT IS SEX OFFENDER WITH MULTIPLE DRUG WARRANTS
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(Richmond, IN)--Here’s more on the chase reported by Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News on Wednesday that occurred on Tuesday and ended with a crash in a front yard. Richmond police have now identified the driver as 41-year-old Brian Burdette. Burdette has three active criminal cases and had a warrant on drug-related charges. He’s also a registered sex offender who allegedly failed to register a year ago. Burdette was taken to Miami Valley Hospital as a result of the crash near South 16th and L. His condition Thursday morning was not released.
WAYNE COUNTY HAS 27% OF INDIANA'S MEASLES CASES
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(Wayne County, IN)--Wayne County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Bales provided an update on measles when the Wayne County Board of Health met Tuesday. Bales said that Wayne County alone has 27% of all measles cases in Indiana. "There were 30 cases in Indiana, and there were eight confirmed cases in Wayne County," Bales said. Bales said that there are also likely more local cases that have gone undiagnosed. Bales also talked about flu, saying she has already seen local cases and that that is earlier in the season than it normally appears.
MAN INDICTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY TRYING TO MEET GIRL AT CEMETERY
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(Gratis, OH)--A Preble County man has been indicted by a grand jury after allegedly arranging to meet what he thought was a 14-year-old girl at a cemetery. 45-year-old Brandon Armstrong of Gratis remained behind bars Wednesday morning on a charge of importuning. Local investigators were alerted to a sexually charged conversation involving a decoy by the organization Great Basin Predator Watch. Armstrong was arrested when he arrived at the cemetery in Gratis. Court documents indicate Armstrong admitted to sending messages and explicit images.
ORGANIZATION ARRIVING IN CONNERSVILLE TO HELP WITH FLOOD RECOVERY
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(Connersville, IN)--Connersville Mayor Chad Frank gave an update on flood recovery efforts Monday. Frank said that a company called Title Basin will be arriving to help with short-term housing. Frank said that even though it’s been two months since the flood, many people are still feeling the effects. "We still have a lot of people who are not able to return to their homes. There's still a lot of damage. They're sleeping in vehicles, and cold weather is coming on," Frank said. Frank wants the community to know that Title Basin is legitimate. More details will be released Tuesday.
QUAKERTOWN CAUSEWAY REOPENS
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(Dunlapsville, IN)--One of the only two bridges that cross the 16-mile-long Brookville Lake had been closed for the entire recreational season. But, no longer. The Dunlapsville Road bridge, which is often referred to as the Quakertown Causeway, has now reopened after six months’ worth of repairs. The design of that bridge had come into question in recent years and is the same as the Fairfield Causeway, which also recently underwent significant reconstruction.
RCS BUDGET FINALIZED AT JUST UNDER $70 MILLION
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(Richmond, IN)--The budget for next year for Richmond Community Schools is ready for adoption. The budget for 2027 comes in at just shy of $70 million and includes $12 million of total property tax levies. It also includes $5 million in debt service. Public hearings on the budget were held last month, and now it’s set for passage when the RCS Board meets Wednesday afternoon.
ONE SHOT IN INCIDENT INVOLVING JUVENILES
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(Richmond, IN)--For the second time in less than a month, multiple gunshots were fired by a Richmond teens at Richmond teens. The initial call that went to first responders at a little after six o’clock Thursday night sent them to an area on Ridge Street. Nearby residents reported hearing at least a dozen gunshots. Investigators indicated that one juvenile was shot. That juvenile’s identity and condition have not been released. There is also no indication that the shooter has been apprehended, nor has a description of that person been released. Also unknown is the reason why last night’s shooting may have occurred.
CANDIDATE ISSUES RESPONSE TO APPEARANCE ON FORUM
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(Connersville, IN)--Fayette County Council candidate Jaime West has issued a response to question about her appearance on a candidates’ forum that has drawn millions of views across the world this week due to West’s affect and comments. In that response, which was included in an article posted Thursday night by the Connersville News Examiner, West said that she was not drunk or under the influence of any drugs, but did say that she had one Coors Light before the interview began. West claims to have slurred her words because of a traumatic brain injury she suffered six years ago. She added, in referring to herself in the third person, that she has received lots of support from around the world.
CAMPUS ALERT DISTRIBUTED AT MIAMI
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(Oxford, OH)--At just after 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon, messages were sent to Miami University students telling them to "run, hide, fight" based on a report of a potential active shooter. "We did have students sheltering in place and calls coming from the building. We went ahead and issued the campus alert," said Miami’s police chief in talking about something sounding like gunshots outside of McGuffey Hall. Miami later gave the all clear after finding no evidence of gunfire or anyone injured. The sounds are believed to have been fireworks.
ZONING BOARD GIVES APPROVAL TO FIRST-FLOOR APARTMENTS DOWNTOWN
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(Richmond, IN)--The question of whether or not to allow first-floor apartments in some of Richmond’s most iconic downtown buildings went before the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals Wednesday. Plans called for 24 first-floor residences to be located in several renovated downtown structures. Developer John Anderson touted the project to the Board. "People want to live in our apartments. They're cool. They're well done. They're historically accurate," Anderson said. But not everyone agreed that ground-floor residences were good. They expressed concerns over things like parking and residents lingering outside. Dakota Collins, who is Earlham’s Director of Community Relations and who has been heavily involved in the project, downplayed that. "There's no reason to leave under or un-utilized space in our downtown first floors just because we're scared of what may happen," Collins said. Downtown business owner and investor Mike Lyons took exception. "They've never invested their money, but they want to tell me what's best. That kind of upsets me," Lyons explained. In the end, the Board granted 3-1 approval for the residences. Only two of those will front East Main.
CHASE SUSPECT IS SEX OFFENDER WITH MULTIPLE DRUG WARRANTS
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(Richmond, IN)--Here’s more on the chase reported by Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News on Wednesday that occurred on Tuesday and ended with a crash in a front yard. Richmond police have now identified the driver as 41-year-old Brian Burdette. Burdette has three active criminal cases and had a warrant on drug-related charges. He’s also a registered sex offender who allegedly failed to register a year ago. Burdette was taken to Miami Valley Hospital as a result of the crash near South 16th and L. His condition Thursday morning was not released.
WAYNE COUNTY HAS 27% OF INDIANA'S MEASLES CASES
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(Wayne County, IN)--Wayne County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Bales provided an update on measles when the Wayne County Board of Health met Tuesday. Bales said that Wayne County alone has 27% of all measles cases in Indiana. "There were 30 cases in Indiana, and there were eight confirmed cases in Wayne County," Bales said. Bales said that there are also likely more local cases that have gone undiagnosed. Bales also talked about flu, saying she has already seen local cases and that that is earlier in the season than it normally appears.
MAN INDICTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY TRYING TO MEET GIRL AT CEMETERY
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(Gratis, OH)--A Preble County man has been indicted by a grand jury after allegedly arranging to meet what he thought was a 14-year-old girl at a cemetery. 45-year-old Brandon Armstrong of Gratis remained behind bars Wednesday morning on a charge of importuning. Local investigators were alerted to a sexually charged conversation involving a decoy by the organization Great Basin Predator Watch. Armstrong was arrested when he arrived at the cemetery in Gratis. Court documents indicate Armstrong admitted to sending messages and explicit images.
ORGANIZATION ARRIVING IN CONNERSVILLE TO HELP WITH FLOOD RECOVERY
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(Connersville, IN)--Connersville Mayor Chad Frank gave an update on flood recovery efforts Monday. Frank said that a company called Title Basin will be arriving to help with short-term housing. Frank said that even though it’s been two months since the flood, many people are still feeling the effects. "We still have a lot of people who are not able to return to their homes. There's still a lot of damage. They're sleeping in vehicles, and cold weather is coming on," Frank said. Frank wants the community to know that Title Basin is legitimate. More details will be released Tuesday.
QUAKERTOWN CAUSEWAY REOPENS
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(Dunlapsville, IN)--One of the only two bridges that cross the 16-mile-long Brookville Lake had been closed for the entire recreational season. But, no longer. The Dunlapsville Road bridge, which is often referred to as the Quakertown Causeway, has now reopened after six months’ worth of repairs. The design of that bridge had come into question in recent years and is the same as the Fairfield Causeway, which also recently underwent significant reconstruction.
RCS BUDGET FINALIZED AT JUST UNDER $70 MILLION
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(Richmond, IN)--The budget for next year for Richmond Community Schools is ready for adoption. The budget for 2027 comes in at just shy of $70 million and includes $12 million of total property tax levies. It also includes $5 million in debt service. Public hearings on the budget were held last month, and now it’s set for passage when the RCS Board meets Wednesday afternoon.
BRIDGE OVER I-70 TO BE DEMOLISHED THIS WEEK
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(Richmond, IN)--A couple of ramp closures that were announced last week as part of the Revive I-70 project have now been delayed until spring. Ramps at both U.S. 40 and State Road 227 have been affected by what INDOT called an updated work schedule. Later this week, crews will demolish the bridge that carries northbound Williamsburg Pike to westbound 70. That entire interchange will have two roundabouts when work is complete.
RPD SEEKS HELP IN IDENTIFYING MAN
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(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Police Department is asking for the help of the public in identifying a person. RPD is not saying why they’re seeking his identity, but did share a couple of images over the weekend that appear to have been taken from a convenience store. If you can identify him, you’re asked to contact Detective Huskisson at RPD.
MAN SOUGHT BY MARSHALS CAPTURED IN UNION COUNTY
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(West College Corner, IN)--What started as a simple traffic stop for speeding turned in to something much more. Details were released Sunday of a traffic stop in West College Corner. Union County deputies stopped the vehicle and found that an occupant had a warrant and was actively being sought by U.S. Marshals on weapons charges in Virginia. Deputies also recovered an unspecified amount of cocaine and marijuana. There’s no word on what the man was doing in Union County.
VICTIM PULLED FROM OVERNIGHT APARTMENT FIRE
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(Richmond, IN)--A medical helicopter was called after a victim was found at the scene of a fire on Richmond’s east side overnight. Firefighters were called to the area of the Stonehenge Apartments in the 3700 block of South A at around 11 o’clock last night. Here’s radio traffic of one of the first units on the scene: "We've got smoke in the air. We're going to check further." Shortly after, an occupant was located. "Medic 3, get up here. We've got a victim they just pulled out," said one firefighter. The fire was mostly contained to one unit. There’s no word yet on the condition of the victim or the cause of the fire.
PREBLE COUNTY AUTHORITIES SEARCH FOR "KNOWN CAR THIEF"
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(Eaton, OH)--Law enforcement officers in Preble County have been searching overnight for a man they describe as a known car thief. 34-year-old Anthony Polver allegedly stole a city-owned truck from a storage building across from Fort St. Clair in Eaton. The truck was then abandoned on State Route 725 just east of Camden. A possible sighting of Polver was made on North Barron in Eaton as recently as around midnight Thursday night / Friday morning.
MAKE MY MOVE EXTENSION SOUGHT
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(Wayne County, IN)--Wayne County is looking to extend its participation in the Make My Move program. That’s the program that offers financial and other incentives to move to Wayne County to take advantage of its low cost of living. Here’s Wayne County EDC President Valerie Shaffer addressing the impact with County Council on Wednesday: "We've been able to recruit 50 households which equates to 111 individuls - 77 adults and 34 children. Most of those people work remotely. The financial impact has been undeniable. "About $201,000 invested results in a $4.2 million economic impact and $518,000 in new annual tax revenue," Shaffer explained. Each mover receives about $7500 in incentives.
BROTHERS ARRAIGNED ON RAPE CHARGES INVOLVING UNDERAGE GIRLS
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(Eaton, OH)--Two Camden brothers appeared in a Preble County courtroom Wednesday to be formally arraigned on charges involving the rape of underage girls. David and Frankie Rader, who are ages 51 and 48, allegedly engaged in sexual offenses with a girl when she was between the ages of six and 13 years old. They allegedly engaged in that conduct through force or threat of force. Both brothers are being held in the Preble County Jail.
TWO JAILED IN THURSDAY MORNING DRUG ARRESTS
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(Richmond, IN)--Two people were arrested in separate drug incidents in Richmond early Thursday morning, and one of them is a convicted drug dealer. Brooklyn Bair was arrested at around 1 o’clock Thursday morning near South 11th and E and charged with possession of cocaine. A couple of hours before that, officers encountered Jessie Swearingen near North 17th and C. He’s now charged with possession of meth. 11 years ago, Swearingen was sentenced to ten years in prison for dealing heroin. There’s no word yet on quantities of drugs recovered Thursday morning.
BROTHERS ACCUSED OF RAPING UNDERAGE GIRL
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(Camden, OH)--Two Preble County brothers are both charged with raping a girl who was under the age of 13. 48-year-old Frankie Rader of Camden was booked into the Preble County Jail Tuesday and is being held without bond. His brother, David Rader, is facing two rape charges stemming from an investigation that dates back more than a decade. Prosecutors expressed concerns that there could be other victims and urged those potential victims to come forward. David Rader is set to be arraigned Wednesday.
JURY SEATED IN DOUBLE MURDER CASE
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(Connersville, IN)--It took two full days to pick a jury in the Joshua Farmer double murder trial in Connersville, but that process was completed Tuesday. The final jurors to be picked Tuesday were again questioned at length about their views on mental illness and the insanity defense. Farmer is accused of killing Thomas Combs and Joshua Durham in separate shootings four years ago. Opening statements and the beginning of the presentation of the prosecutor’s case are taking place Wednesday.
"J-MURDA" REMAINS ON THE LOOSE
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(Richmond, IN)--Joshua Smith remained on the loose Tuesday morning. The teen, who is also known by the nickname “J-Murda”, still has an active warrant for the murder of Cecelia Hargrove and the shooting of two other teenage girls in Richmond last week. Law enforcement agents searched the area of Hayes Arboretum on Monday based on a reported potential sighting of Smith on Glen Court on Sunday and a subsequent report late Sunday of someone jumping from a train. Monday night, RPD issued a statement saying that the suspect was not Smith, but was a different individual who had allegedly stolen a car. That car was recovered Monday in Eaton. RPD also Monday night reminded residents to stay alert and to not approach anyone who they believe may be Smith.
COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY REJECTS HOMELESS ORDINANCE
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(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Common Council met Monday night and addressed a proposed ordinance that was written with a goal of keeping homeless people from other communities from being brought to Richmond and dropped off. Mayor Ron Oler had previously said the ordinance was written to protect local resource from being drained by people from other cities. Councilman Doug Goss said that the city’s Safety Committee had numerous concerns. "The Public Safety Committee has concerns about enforcement - the ability to actually enforce this - and possible legal issues," Goss said. Council unanimously rejected the ordinance.
DOUBLE MURDER TRIAL BEGINS
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(Connersville, IN)--More than four full years after the first of two murders, trial finally began Monday in a Connersville courtroom in the case of Joshua Farmer. Farmer allegedly killed Thomas Combs near Dale Cemetery and Joshua Durham near the Connersville City Cemetery. The entire day Monday was comprised of jury selection, and that is not yet complete. Prospective jurors were questioned at length Monday about their views on mental illness and legal insanity. Farmer has been held without bond since his arrest two and a half years ago. Jury selection is continuing Tuesday.
INITIAL HEARING SET FOR MAN ACCUSED OF OBTAINING NUDE PHOTOS OF YOUNG GIRLS
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(Cambridge City, IN)--An initial hearing has been set for a Wayne County man accused of exchanging nude photos with young girls across three states. 41-year-old James Slonaker is due in court on Friday. According to a newly obtained affidavit, Slonaker posed as a boy as young as ten years old to make contact with girls as young as eight through TikTok. Three girls were listed in the affidavit as victims, including one each in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. In each case, the girls allegedly were sent inappropriate photos Slonaker took of himself and received photos in return from the girls. In most cases, the activity was discovered by the girls’ mothers, who then reported it to law enforcement.
TWO MORE I-70 RAMPS PEGGED FOR CLOSURE
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(Wayne County, IN)--The next set of extended ramp closures is coming to I-70 in the Revive I-70 project. INDOT announced Monday that the exit ramp from eastbound 70 to State Road 227 and the entrance ramp from eastbound U.S. 40 to eastbound 70 are set to close at some point in the next two weeks. Both ramps will remain closed until sometime in December.
MASSIVE MANHUNT CONDUCTED IN AREA OF HAYES ARBORETUM
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(Richmond, IN)--There was a massive manhunt Sunday night and early Monday morning in the area of Hayes Arboretum in Richmond. The search began at around 9:30 Sunday night. At 11 o’clock Sunday night, the state police and other agencies headed to the scene to help establish a perimeter and to search. Here’s one ISP trooper: "They're trying to get a subject detained that's been running around on top of a train." Then, a half an hour later, the Ohio Highway Patrol joined the search by air. That’s when a description that of the suspect was given to searchers. "He's a six-foot light-skinned black male with a red hoodie and light blue jeans covered in tattoos," said one dispatcher. Although that description matches the description of the teen involved in last week’s fatal shooting, there is no confirmation at this point that that teen was the subject of Monday morning’s search. One Wayne County official indicated that the search has been called off by 5 a.m. Dispatchers later refused to give any information, including whether or not the search ended because of capture or because it was simply called off. That dispatcher also refused to say if any residents in the area should take any precautions.
INVESTIGATION INTO CAMBRIDGE CITY MAN SPANNED MULTIPLE STATES
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(Cambridge City, IN)--Here’s more on the arrest first reported Thursday by Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News of Cambridge City’s James Slonaker. According to a release from the Indiana State Police, Slonaker had been the subject of an eight-month investigation by numerous agencies including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security involving the solicitation of children. Investigators in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York were also involved in the case. Slonaker has posted bond and was free Friday morning. An initial hearing is pending.
PREBLE COUNTY 911 CALLS REROUTED TO DARKE COUNTY
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(Eaton, OH)--Repairs are continuing to 911 lines in Preble County. The outage happened Thursday when, according to Brightspeed, fiber lines were cut. Calls to 911 Thursday were immediately rerouted to Darke County dispatchers. Preble County officials indicated Friday morning that some calls to 911 are again going to Preble County, but others are going to Darke County as repairs continue.
BOND DENIED FOR WOMAN CHARGED WITH TOWN MARSHAL'S KILLING
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(Winchester, IN)--Bond has been denied for the woman charged with striking and killing Lynn Town Marshal Brad Fisher during a police chase in July. Earlier this week, public defenders for Maci Atkinson asked that bond be set, ostensibly so that she could potentially be released from jail before trial. But, in a ruling that was issued Wednesday, the Randolph Circuit Court Judge found that prosecutors met the burden required to keep Atkinson held without bond. That trial is currently set for late January, although it will almost certainly be pushed back.
MAN JAILED FOR POSSESSION OF CHILD SEX ABUSE MATERIAL
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(Cambridge City, IN)--A Wayne County man was booked into the Wayne County Jail Wednesday afternoon and is now charged with a series of sex crimes against children. 41-year-old James Slonaker was taken into custody at his home in Cambridge City. Charges against Slonaker include possession of child sex abuse material, child solicitation, and child exploitation. Details of what led to the charges have not yet become available. Slonaker has no history of those types of crimes in Wayne County.
WAYNE COUNTY HAS 27% OF INDIANA'S MEASLES CASES
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(Wayne County, IN)--Wayne County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Bales provided an update on measles when the Wayne County Board of Health met Tuesday. Bales said that Wayne County alone has 27% of all measles cases in Indiana. "There were 30 cases in Indiana, and there were eight confirmed cases in Wayne County," Bales said. Bales said that there are also likely more local cases that have gone undiagnosed. Bales also talked about flu, saying she has already seen local cases and that that is earlier in the season than it normally appears.
MAN INDICTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY TRYING TO MEET GIRL AT CEMETERY
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(Gratis, OH)--A Preble County man has been indicted by a grand jury after allegedly arranging to meet what he thought was a 14-year-old girl at a cemetery. 45-year-old Brandon Armstrong of Gratis remained behind bars Wednesday morning on a charge of importuning. Local investigators were alerted to a sexually charged conversation involving a decoy by the organization Great Basin Predator Watch. Armstrong was arrested when he arrived at the cemetery in Gratis. Court documents indicate Hatfield admitted to sending messages and explicit images.
ORGANIZATION ARRIVING IN CONNERSVILLE TO HELP WITH FLOOD RECOVERY
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(Connersville, IN)--Connersville Mayor Chad Frank gave an update on flood recovery efforts Monday. Frank said that a company called Title Basin will be arriving to help with short-term housing. Frank said that even though it’s been two months since the flood, many people are still feeling the effects. "We still have a lot of people who are not able to return to their homes. There's still a lot of damage. They're sleeping in vehicles, and cold weather is coming on," Frank said. Frank wants the community to know that Title Basin is legitimate. More details will be released Tuesday.
QUAKERTOWN CAUSEWAY REOPENS
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(Dunlapsville, IN)--One of the only two bridges that cross the 16-mile-long Brookville Lake had been closed for the entire recreational season. But, no longer. The Dunlapsville Road bridge, which is often referred to as the Quakertown Causeway, has now reopened after six months’ worth of repairs. The design of that bridge had come into question in recent years and is the same as the Fairfield Causeway, which also recently underwent significant reconstruction.
RCS BUDGET FINALIZED AT JUST UNDER $70 MILLION
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(Richmond, IN)--The budget for next year for Richmond Community Schools is ready for adoption. The budget for 2027 comes in at just shy of $70 million and includes $12 million of total property tax levies. It also includes $5 million in debt service. Public hearings on the budget were held last month, and now it’s set for passage when the RCS Board meets Wednesday afternoon.
BRIDGE OVER I-70 TO BE DEMOLISHED THIS WEEK
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(Richmond, IN)--A couple of ramp closures that were announced last week as part of the Revive I-70 project have now been delayed until spring. Ramps at both U.S. 40 and State Road 227 have been affected by what INDOT called an updated work schedule. Later this week, crews will demolish the bridge that carries northbound Williamsburg Pike to westbound 70. That entire interchange will have two roundabouts when work is complete.
RPD SEEKS HELP IN IDENTIFYING MAN
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(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Police Department is asking for the help of the public in identifying a person. RPD is not saying why they’re seeking his identity, but did share a couple of images over the weekend that appear to have been taken from a convenience store. If you can identify him, you’re asked to contact Detective Huskisson at RPD.
MAN SOUGHT BY MARSHALS CAPTURED IN UNION COUNTY
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(West College Corner, IN)--What started as a simple traffic stop for speeding turned in to something much more. Details were released Sunday of a traffic stop in West College Corner. Union County deputies stopped the vehicle and found that an occupant had a warrant and was actively being sought by U.S. Marshals on weapons charges in Virginia. Deputies also recovered an unspecified amount of cocaine and marijuana. There’s no word on what the man was doing in Union County.
VICTIM PULLED FROM OVERNIGHT APARTMENT FIRE
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(Richmond, IN)--A medical helicopter was called after a victim was found at the scene of a fire on Richmond’s east side overnight. Firefighters were called to the area of the Stonehenge Apartments in the 3700 block of South A at around 11 o’clock last night. Here’s radio traffic of one of the first units on the scene: "We've got smoke in the air. We're going to check further." Shortly after, an occupant was located. "Medic 3, get up here. We've got a victim they just pulled out," said one firefighter. The fire was mostly contained to one unit. There’s no word yet on the condition of the victim or the cause of the fire.
PREBLE COUNTY AUTHORITIES SEARCH FOR "KNOWN CAR THIEF"
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(Eaton, OH)--Law enforcement officers in Preble County have been searching overnight for a man they describe as a known car thief. 34-year-old Anthony Polver allegedly stole a city-owned truck from a storage building across from Fort St. Clair in Eaton. The truck was then abandoned on State Route 725 just east of Camden. A possible sighting of Polver was made on North Barron in Eaton as recently as around midnight Thursday night / Friday morning.
MAKE MY MOVE EXTENSION SOUGHT
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(Wayne County, IN)--Wayne County is looking to extend its participation in the Make My Move program. That’s the program that offers financial and other incentives to move to Wayne County to take advantage of its low cost of living. Here’s Wayne County EDC President Valerie Shaffer addressing the impact with County Council on Wednesday: "We've been able to recruit 50 households which equates to 111 individuls - 77 adults and 34 children. Most of those people work remotely. The financial impact has been undeniable. "About $201,000 invested results in a $4.2 million economic impact and $518,000 in new annual tax revenue," Shaffer explained. Each mover receives about $7500 in incentives.
BROTHERS ARRAIGNED ON RAPE CHARGES INVOLVING UNDERAGE GIRLS
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(Eaton, OH)--Two Camden brothers appeared in a Preble County courtroom Wednesday to be formally arraigned on charges involving the rape of underage girls. David and Frankie Rader, who are ages 51 and 48, allegedly engaged in sexual offenses with a girl when she was between the ages of six and 13 years old. They allegedly engaged in that conduct through force or threat of force. Both brothers are being held in the Preble County Jail.
TWO JAILED IN THURSDAY MORNING DRUG ARRESTS
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(Richmond, IN)--Two people were arrested in separate drug incidents in Richmond early Thursday morning, and one of them is a convicted drug dealer. Brooklyn Bair was arrested at around 1 o’clock Thursday morning near South 11th and E and charged with possession of cocaine. A couple of hours before that, officers encountered Jessie Swearingen near North 17th and C. He’s now charged with possession of meth. 11 years ago, Swearingen was sentenced to ten years in prison for dealing heroin. There’s no word yet on quantities of drugs recovered Thursday morning.
BROTHERS ACCUSED OF RAPING UNDERAGE GIRL
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(Camden, OH)--Two Preble County brothers are both charged with raping a girl who was under the age of 13. 48-year-old Frankie Rader of Camden was booked into the Preble County Jail Tuesday and is being held without bond. His brother, David Rader, is facing two rape charges stemming from an investigation that dates back more than a decade. Prosecutors expressed concerns that there could be other victims and urged those potential victims to come forward. David Rader is set to be arraigned Wednesday.
JURY SEATED IN DOUBLE MURDER CASE
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(Connersville, IN)--It took two full days to pick a jury in the Joshua Farmer double murder trial in Connersville, but that process was completed Tuesday. The final jurors to be picked Tuesday were again questioned at length about their views on mental illness and the insanity defense. Farmer is accused of killing Thomas Combs and Joshua Durham in separate shootings four years ago. Opening statements and the beginning of the presentation of the prosecutor’s case are taking place Wednesday.
"J-MURDA" REMAINS ON THE LOOSE
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(Richmond, IN)--Joshua Smith remained on the loose Tuesday morning. The teen, who is also known by the nickname “J-Murda”, still has an active warrant for the murder of Cecelia Hargrove and the shooting of two other teenage girls in Richmond last week. Law enforcement agents searched the area of Hayes Arboretum on Monday based on a reported potential sighting of Smith on Glen Court on Sunday and a subsequent report late Sunday of someone jumping from a train. Monday night, RPD issued a statement saying that the suspect was not Smith, but was a different individual who had allegedly stolen a car. That car was recovered Monday in Eaton. RPD also Monday night reminded residents to stay alert and to not approach anyone who they believe may be Smith.
COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY REJECTS HOMELESS ORDINANCE
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(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Common Council met Monday night and addressed a proposed ordinance that was written with a goal of keeping homeless people from other communities from being brought to Richmond and dropped off. Mayor Ron Oler had previously said the ordinance was written to protect local resource from being drained by people from other cities. Councilman Doug Goss said that the city’s Safety Committee had numerous concerns. "The Public Safety Committee has concerns about enforcement - the ability to actually enforce this - and possible legal issues," Goss said. Council unanimously rejected the ordinance.
DOUBLE MURDER TRIAL BEGINS
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(Connersville, IN)--More than four full years after the first of two murders, trial finally began Monday in a Connersville courtroom in the case of Joshua Farmer. Farmer allegedly killed Thomas Combs near Dale Cemetery and Joshua Durham near the Connersville City Cemetery. The entire day Monday was comprised of jury selection, and that is not yet complete. Prospective jurors were questioned at length Monday about their views on mental illness and legal insanity. Farmer has been held without bond since his arrest two and a half years ago. Jury selection is continuing Tuesday.
INITIAL HEARING SET FOR MAN ACCUSED OF OBTAINING NUDE PHOTOS OF YOUNG GIRLS
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(Cambridge City, IN)--An initial hearing has been set for a Wayne County man accused of exchanging nude photos with young girls across three states. 41-year-old James Slonaker is due in court on Friday. According to a newly obtained affidavit, Slonaker posed as a boy as young as ten years old to make contact with girls as young as eight through TikTok. Three girls were listed in the affidavit as victims, including one each in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. In each case, the girls allegedly were sent inappropriate photos Slonaker took of himself and received photos in return from the girls. In most cases, the activity was discovered by the girls’ mothers, who then reported it to law enforcement.
TWO MORE I-70 RAMPS PEGGED FOR CLOSURE
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(Wayne County, IN)--The next set of extended ramp closures is coming to I-70 in the Revive I-70 project. INDOT announced Monday that the exit ramp from eastbound 70 to State Road 227 and the entrance ramp from eastbound U.S. 40 to eastbound 70 are set to close at some point in the next two weeks. Both ramps will remain closed until sometime in December.
MASSIVE MANHUNT CONDUCTED IN AREA OF HAYES ARBORETUM
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(Richmond, IN)--There was a massive manhunt Sunday night and early Monday morning in the area of Hayes Arboretum in Richmond. The search began at around 9:30 Sunday night. At 11 o’clock Sunday night, the state police and other agencies headed to the scene to help establish a perimeter and to search. Here’s one ISP trooper: "They're trying to get a subject detained that's been running around on top of a train." Then, a half an hour later, the Ohio Highway Patrol joined the search by air. That’s when a description that of the suspect was given to searchers. "He's a six-foot light-skinned black male with a red hoodie and light blue jeans covered in tattoos," said one dispatcher. Although that description matches the description of the teen involved in last week’s fatal shooting, there is no confirmation at this point that that teen was the subject of Monday morning’s search. One Wayne County official indicated that the search has been called off by 5 a.m. Dispatchers later refused to give any information, including whether or not the search ended because of capture or because it was simply called off. That dispatcher also refused to say if any residents in the area should take any precautions.
INVESTIGATION INTO CAMBRIDGE CITY MAN SPANNED MULTIPLE STATES
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(Cambridge City, IN)--Here’s more on the arrest first reported Thursday by Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News of Cambridge City’s James Slonaker. According to a release from the Indiana State Police, Slonaker had been the subject of an eight-month investigation by numerous agencies including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security involving the solicitation of children. Investigators in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York were also involved in the case. Slonaker has posted bond and was free Friday morning. An initial hearing is pending.
PREBLE COUNTY 911 CALLS REROUTED TO DARKE COUNTY
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(Eaton, OH)--Repairs are continuing to 911 lines in Preble County. The outage happened Thursday when, according to Brightspeed, fiber lines were cut. Calls to 911 Thursday were immediately rerouted to Darke County dispatchers. Preble County officials indicated Friday morning that some calls to 911 are again going to Preble County, but others are going to Darke County as repairs continue.
BOND DENIED FOR WOMAN CHARGED WITH TOWN MARSHAL'S KILLING
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(Winchester, IN)--Bond has been denied for the woman charged with striking and killing Lynn Town Marshal Brad Fisher during a police chase in July. Earlier this week, public defenders for Maci Atkinson asked that bond be set, ostensibly so that she could potentially be released from jail before trial. But, in a ruling that was issued Wednesday, the Randolph Circuit Court Judge found that prosecutors met the burden required to keep Atkinson held without bond. That trial is currently set for late January, although it will almost certainly be pushed back.
MAN JAILED FOR POSSESSION OF CHILD SEX ABUSE MATERIAL
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(Cambridge City, IN)--A Wayne County man was booked into the Wayne County Jail Wednesday afternoon and is now charged with a series of sex crimes against children. 41-year-old James Slonaker was taken into custody at his home in Cambridge City. Charges against Slonaker include possession of child sex abuse material, child solicitation, and child exploitation. Details of what led to the charges have not yet become available. Slonaker has no history of those types of crimes in Wayne County.
FRISCH'S BUILDING TO BE CONVERTED TO HEALTHCARE FACILITY
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(Eaton, OH)--A new health care center is coming to Eaton. Ground was broken Wednesday on what will be called the Eaton Community Health Center as part of Primary Health Solutions. The facility will operate in the former Frisch’s restaurant building on North Barron Street. That building has been vacant for nearly two years. They’ll offer primary care, dental services, and behavioral health services. It’s scheduled to open early next summer.
WOODRUFF'S SUPERMARKET LONG-TIME OWNER SELLS, RETIRES
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(Liberty, IN)--The long-time owner of Woodruff’s Supermarket in Liberty has sold the business and is retiring. Tim Woodruff has spent the last 50 years operating Liberty’s only grocery. Operations of the store and its name will continue with the new ownership and a few minor changes. Woodruff’s has operated in Liberty since 1944.
SERVICES PENDING FOR SHOOTING VICTIM
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(Richmond, IN)--The family of Cecilia Hargrove indicated Tuesday night that services are still pending for the girl who was killed in the Monday morning shooting at a home near the intersection of South 9th and E in Richmond. Hargrove was pronounced dead at the home where two other teenage girls had also been shot. Richmond police investigators did not update the conditions of the two girls who initially survived, but did say that a juvenile had been arrested in connection with the shooting. RPD also Tuesday called it an ongoing investigation and asked that anyone who witnessed the incident or who had pertinent information contact investigators. Even though the juvenile who has been arrested in connection with Monday morning’s fatal shooting in Richmond has not been charged as an adult yet, it remains a possibility depending on the suspect’s age. If that suspect is either 16 or 17 years old, charges would be filed directly into adult court by the prosecutor. If the shooter is between 12 and 15 years old, a judge decides whether or not to transfer the case to adult court. Once the case is transferred, the suspect can be identified regardless of his or her age.
RCS DROPS IN ILEARN PROFICIENCY; MOST AREA SCHOOLS BELOW STATE AVERAGE
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(Whitewater Valley)--New ILEARN results have been released. ILEARN measures student achievement and growth in various categories for grades three through eight. Statewide, 31.5% of students have been rates as proficient in both math and English. Nearly every public school in the Whitewater Valley fell below state average. The only two schools above state average are Centerville and Randolph Southern, which are both at 33%. Richmond fell well below state average, with only 16.5% of students testing proficient in both math and English. Richmond Community Schools has taken a step backward with its ILEARN results when compared to previous years. In each of the last two years, 25% of students were proficient. The problem for Richmond this year comes in grades 7 and 8. Less than one in ten students in those grades is proficient. Nearly half of Charles Elementary students are proficient, while less than one in 10 at Vaile are proficient in both math and English. Here are the results for area schools indicating the percentage of students rated proficient in both math and English: Centerville, 33.6%. Randolph Southern, 33%. Nettle Creek, 31.4%. Western Wayne, 30.4%. Union County, 30%. Fayette County, 27%. Northeastern, 25.2%. Franklin County, 25%. Randolph Central, 25%. Monroe Central, 25%. Richmond, 16.5%. Randolph Eastern, 9%.
HOME INTRUDER SHOT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY
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(Laurel, IN)--There was a shooting in Franklin County on Tuesday morning. It happened at a home in the 25,000 block of Chapel Road near Laurel. A resident of that home fired at least one shot at a man who was trying to get into the home. The man who was shot was taken to University Medical Center in Cincinnati. Injuries were initially described as non-life-threatening. Investigators believe the two men knew each other and it was not a random incident. No arrests have been made so far.
3 OF 10 RCS STUDENTS ARE CHRONICALLY ABSENT
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(Richmond, IN)--Last week, Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News reported on Richmond Community School enrollment figures. Now, here’s a look at another number…chronic absenteeism. A student is described a chronically absent if he or she misses at least ten days in a school year. Absenteeism has been a recent focus of RCS administrators. The good news is that Richmond’s rate of chronic absenteeism is coming down; the bad news is that it remains very high. According to new numbers from the state, 30% of RCS students were chronically absent last year. That's down from 33% the year before. No other public school in Wayne County is even close to Richmond's 30% number. Centerville’s number is 10%. Northeastern’s chronically absent rate is 8%.
MEASLES CASES RISE, WAYNE COUNTY CONTINUE'S TO HAVE STATE'S MOST CASES
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(Wayne County, IN)--Measles cases in Indiana are up in the last week, and Wayne County continues to have the most confirmed cases in the state. According to the Department of Health’s dashboard, which was updated on Friday, Wayne County now has 14 confirmed cases of measles. Wayne County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Bales recently said there could be more cases. "There is concern that there are undocumented cases in the community. But, you can only document cases if there is testing and it is confirmed," Bales said. The number of cases of measles statewide jumped by about 30% just last week. Randolph County has two cases. No other Whitewater Valley county has any.
SUSPECT JAILED AFTER STABBING CALL
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(Richmond, IN)--A domestic issue on Richmond Avenue escalated on Saturday. When police arrived on a stabbing call, they took 57-year-old William Mills into custody on a charge of domestic battery with a deadly weapon and criminal mischief. Mills has bonded out of jail. The victim’s injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening.
MAN JAILED AFTER ALLEGEDLY RETALIATING AGAINST A TESLA
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(Richmond, IN)--One man allegedly chose an unusual form of retaliation when someone parked a Tesla where he thought it shouldn’t have been parked. It happened over the weekend in the 100 block of North West E Street in Richmond. 37-year-old Johnathon Weiss allegedly went after the Tesla with his own bodily waste, whatever that may have been. Weiss was booked into the Wayne County Jail on a charge of Malicious Mischief with human blood, semen, urine, or fecal waste contact. Weiss has since been released.
WAYNE COUNTY'S 2027 GENERAL FUND BUDGET APPROVED
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(Richmond, IN)--Wayne County leaders this week passed the county’s general fund budget for next year. But, what lies past that raised some concerns. "It's going to look different in a couple of years and I just want to be careful we don't keep using all the cash available to us," said County Council member Misty Hollis. "We have a lot of unknowns ahead of us," responded Council's Max Smith. Council indicated that it anticipates state-mandated cuts. The general fund budget for the county next year is $45 million.
JUDGE ORDERS MEDIATION IN RCS BULLYING LAWSUIT
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(Richmond, IN)--It’s been well over a year since a lawsuit was filed that alleges Richmond Community School did not do enough to prevent bullying. Recently, there’s been some movement. The lawsuit was filed by the parents of a Dennis student who allege that the bullying went on for two years and that they attempted multiple times to meet with school officials to find a solution. Now, a Wayne County judge has ordered that the two sides try to settle the case through a mediator. A trial date has also now been pushed back nearly a full year to March of 2028.
THREE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN OVERNIGHT CRASH
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(Richmond, IN)--There was a serious crash overnight on South 8th Street in Richmond. It happened at the intersection of South G Street at around midnight Thursday night / Friday morning (actuality 31006). An Indiana State Police trooper who responded to the scene indicated that three vehicles were involved. Images from the scene show at least one person being cut from the wreckage and that one vehicle appeared to have been sideswiped. There’s no word yet on the condition of the victims or what caused the crash. South 8th was shut down as a result.
MAN ARRESTED IN WEDNESDAY RAID REMAINS JAILED THURSDAY
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(Richmond, IN)--The 13 people caught Wednesday morning in the multiple-state investigation into two bikers’ clubs that stems from a Fourth-of-July fight in Madison will now begin to work their way through the court system. That includes the only one from the Whitewater Valley – Richmond’s Owen Dumford. Dumford remained behind bars Thursday morning in the Wayne County Jail. Multiple law enforcement agencies took part in raids at two Richmond locations Wednesday morning.
CAR CRASHES INTO HOME
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(Richmond, IN)--A crash sent a vehicle into a house Wednesday night in Richmond. Dispatchers sent first responders to North West L Street at around 9 o’clock. Here’s one of the first arriving crews reporting what they encountered: "We have what looks to be a sedan into the side of the structure...fullly in." The initial report was that there was entrapment. There’s no word yet on the condition of any victims or what caused the crash.
WANTED DRUG DEALER CAPTURED
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(Richmond, IN)--There was a raid Wednesday morning apart from the one conducted by the FBI in Richmond targeting motorcycle club members. This one turned up a wanted drug dealer. 34-year-old Cody Jordan was taken into custody in the 500 block of South 12th. Jordan was jailed for being serious violent felon in possession of a firearm. He was wanted for failing to show up for an OWI hearing in Wayne County. Jordan had been sentenced to nine years in prison for dealing drugs in the Logansport area.
OLER: "REVITALIZATION WILL DETERMINE FUTURE OF CITY"
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(Richmond, IN)--Tuesday, the Richmond Redevelopment Commission addressed a resolution to authorize expenditures totaling more than $600,000 in the Starr District as improvements continue to be made to properties there. That neighborhood had been tagged by the state as one of the ten most endangered historic areas in Indiana. Richmond Mayor Ron Oler talked about how efforts to improve downtown, the Starr District, and the Vaile area are all coming together. "This entire revitalization really will determine the future of the city. Since we're doing three parts all at once, this is going to make a huge difference in our city for generations to come," Oler said. The commission Tuesday approved the resolution.
EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO REMOVE BLACK SUBSTANCE FROM "CHEESE CUTTER" BUILDING
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(Richmond, IN)--By now, you’ve seen the architecture that was revealed when the exterior of what was known as the Cheese Cutter building in downtown Richmond was removed earlier this year. That building is located at 8th and Main. Now, efforts are being made to remove whatever black substance covered the building. John Anderson with AP Development said that a meeting was held Tuesday to try to figure it out: "Without knowing exactly what it is, it's hard to know exactly how to tackle it. The funny thing is that rainwater works because the bottom of the columns are white, but only if you have 60 years. We don't have that kind of time." That building’s rehab is one of several downtown in a project now called Legacy on Main.
MAN JAILED FOR DOMESTIC BATTERY RESULTING IN SERIOUS BODILY INJURY
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(Middleboro, IN)--At least one person was seriously injured in an overnight domestic incident. First responders were sent late Tuesday night to a home on Filby Road near Middleboro. 53-year-old Charles Beck was sent first to Reid Health and was then booked into the Wayne County Jail early Wednesday morning on a charge of domestic battery with serious bodily injury. There’s no word yet on the identity or condition of the victim.
REID CENTER TARGETED FOR NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
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(Richmond, IN)--The Reid Center has now fully acquired the former Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church building at the corner of North 11th and A Streets in Richmond. And, as renovations continue, there’s an effort to get the building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. "We get requests almost weekly for tours of this building. And these are people who are coming not only from just Richmond, but from all over the state and many of them have been from out of state," said Ann Fennimore with the Reid Center. That designation would make several national grants available.
COUNCIL APPROVES CITY'S 2027 BUDGET
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(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Common Council met Monday night and passed the city’s budget for the coming year. No one from the public spoke about it, but Council Member Jerry Purcell expressed some concern about fully funding all accounts. "It seems that we're continuing to underfund some line items in order to create a budget that looks at least somewhat balanced," Purcell said. Mayor Ron Oler said discussions are already taking place about doing that in the ’28 budget: "...especially on the overtime - how we're going to budget for it in '28." Monday night’s vote to approve the budget was unanimous.
FAYETTE COUNTY COUNCIL CANDIDATE APPEARS ON PIERS MORGAN
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(Connersville, IN)--Fayette County Council candidate Jaime West appeared on the program Piers Morgan Uncensored and talked more about the video of her appearance on a candidates’ forum which has garnered millions of views around the world. Morgan first asked what many assumed…whether she was under the influence...and how many beers she had drunk before her appearance on the forum. "Alright, three," West responded. She shifted when asked about a sheriff’s nephew who she claims "threatened to blow her head off." "This was the Union County, who's right next door to me," West said. And, she said she didn’t regret anything she said about Republicans. "I say it all the time. I'm not friends with them. I don't like them. They voted for all of this that's happening to our country," West explained. West said she granted Morgan the interview over CNN, ABC, and NBC because of his British accent.
JUDGE FINDS PROBABLE CAUSE IN CARLIN CASE
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(Richmond, IN)--Here’s more on the arrest reported by Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News on Monday morning of Richmond’s Jessie Carlin. A judge later Monday found probable cause related to charges that include criminal confinement and domestic battery. According to court documents, Carlin head-butted his girlfriend and then told her to make a video saying the injuries she sustained were the result of a fall in the shower. When she refused, he tied her hands and feet with a phone cord and gagged her until she agreed to make the video. Carlin has denied the charges. Previous convictions include drug dealing and criminal gang activity.
MAYOR ISSUES STATEMENT ON YOUTH VIOLENCE AS SEARCH FOR SHOOTER CONTINUES
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(Richmond, IN)--As the search continues for the shooter in a teen’s murder last month and as another victim of a different teen shooting continues to recover, Richmond Mayor Ron Oler has issued a statement to the community. In it, Oler said that he has full confidence in the Richmond Police Department, but believes that preventing youth violence begins at home with parental involvement, guidance, and accountability. Oler also said that he recognizes that not every young person has the benefit of a stable home and calls for others in the community to provide positive influences.
FAMILY OF MISSING WOMAN CONTINUES TO SEARCH FOR ANSWERS
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(West Manchester, OH)--The family of a missing Preble County woman observed her 36th birthday over the weekend with a renewed call for help as they continue to search for answers. Tiffany Orona was a West Manchester resident who went missing five years ago this month. Investigators have conducted interviews, executed search warrants, and used cadaver dogs, but have come up empty. A $10,000 reward for information is now in place. Tiffany’s mother has been raising her four children since the disappearance.
CONNERSVILLE MANUFACTURER TO ADD 100 JOBS
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(Connersville, IN)--A Connersville company is expanding. Forge Werks is expanding by adding a second location with 250,000 square feet of production space. That expansion is expected to result in 100 new jobs in the next year. The new Western Avenue facility will be used for high-capacity steel manufacturing projects, much of which is destined for data centers. The new facility also includes room for additional expansion.
ONE SHOT IN INCIDENT INVOLVING JUVENILES
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(Richmond, IN)--For the second time in less than a month, multiple gunshots were fired by a Richmond teens at Richmond teens. The initial call that went to first responders at a little after six o’clock Thursday night sent them to an area on Ridge Street. Nearby residents reported hearing at least a dozen gunshots. Investigators indicated that one juvenile was shot. That juvenile’s identity and condition have not been released. There is also no indication that the shooter has been apprehended, nor has a description of that person been released. Also unknown is the reason why last night’s shooting may have occurred.
CANDIDATE ISSUES RESPONSE TO APPEARANCE ON FORUM
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(Connersville, IN)--Fayette County Council candidate Jaime West has issued a response to question about her appearance on a candidates’ forum that has drawn millions of views across the world this week due to West’s affect and comments. In that response, which was included in an article posted Thursday night by the Connersville News Examiner, West said that she was not drunk or under the influence of any drugs, but did say that she had one Coors Light before the interview began. West claims to have slurred her words because of a traumatic brain injury she suffered six years ago. She added, in referring to herself in the third person, that she has received lots of support from around the world.
CAMPUS ALERT DISTRIBUTED AT MIAMI
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(Oxford, OH)--At just after 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon, messages were sent to Miami University students telling them to "run, hide, fight" based on a report of a potential active shooter. "We did have students sheltering in place and calls coming from the building. We went ahead and issued the campus alert," said Miami’s police chief in talking about something sounding like gunshots outside of McGuffey Hall. Miami later gave the all clear after finding no evidence of gunfire or anyone injured. The sounds are believed to have been fireworks.
ZONING BOARD GIVES APPROVAL TO FIRST-FLOOR APARTMENTS DOWNTOWN
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(Richmond, IN)--The question of whether or not to allow first-floor apartments in some of Richmond’s most iconic downtown buildings went before the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals Wednesday. Plans called for 24 first-floor residences to be located in several renovated downtown structures. Developer John Anderson touted the project to the Board. "People want to live in our apartments. They're cool. They're well done. They're historically accurate," Anderson said. But not everyone agreed that ground-floor residences were good. They expressed concerns over things like parking and residents lingering outside. Dakota Collins, who is Earlham’s Director of Community Relations and who has been heavily involved in the project, downplayed that. "There's no reason to leave under or un-utilized space in our downtown first floors just because we're scared of what may happen," Collins said. Downtown business owner and investor Mike Lyons took exception. "They've never invested their money, but they want to tell me what's best. That kind of upsets me," Lyons explained. In the end, the Board granted 3-1 approval for the residences. Only two of those will front East Main.
CHASE SUSPECT IS SEX OFFENDER WITH MULTIPLE DRUG WARRANTS
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(Richmond, IN)--Here’s more on the chase reported by Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News on Wednesday that occurred on Tuesday and ended with a crash in a front yard. Richmond police have now identified the driver as 41-year-old Brian Burdette. Burdette has three active criminal cases and had a warrant on drug-related charges. He’s also a registered sex offender who allegedly failed to register a year ago. Burdette was taken to Miami Valley Hospital as a result of the crash near South 16th and L. His condition Thursday morning was not released.
WAYNE COUNTY HAS 27% OF INDIANA'S MEASLES CASES
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(Wayne County, IN)--Wayne County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Bales provided an update on measles when the Wayne County Board of Health met Tuesday. Bales said that Wayne County alone has 27% of all measles cases in Indiana. "There were 30 cases in Indiana, and there were eight confirmed cases in Wayne County," Bales said. Bales said that there are also likely more local cases that have gone undiagnosed. Bales also talked about flu, saying she has already seen local cases and that that is earlier in the season than it normally appears.
MAN INDICTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY TRYING TO MEET GIRL AT CEMETERY
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(Gratis, OH)--A Preble County man has been indicted by a grand jury after allegedly arranging to meet what he thought was a 14-year-old girl at a cemetery. 45-year-old Brandon Armstrong of Gratis remained behind bars Wednesday morning on a charge of importuning. Local investigators were alerted to a sexually charged conversation involving a decoy by the organization Great Basin Predator Watch. Armstrong was arrested when he arrived at the cemetery in Gratis. Court documents indicate Armstrong admitted to sending messages and explicit images.
ORGANIZATION ARRIVING IN CONNERSVILLE TO HELP WITH FLOOD RECOVERY
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(Connersville, IN)--Connersville Mayor Chad Frank gave an update on flood recovery efforts Monday. Frank said that a company called Title Basin will be arriving to help with short-term housing. Frank said that even though it’s been two months since the flood, many people are still feeling the effects. "We still have a lot of people who are not able to return to their homes. There's still a lot of damage. They're sleeping in vehicles, and cold weather is coming on," Frank said. Frank wants the community to know that Title Basin is legitimate. More details will be released Tuesday.
QUAKERTOWN CAUSEWAY REOPENS
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(Dunlapsville, IN)--One of the only two bridges that cross the 16-mile-long Brookville Lake had been closed for the entire recreational season. But, no longer. The Dunlapsville Road bridge, which is often referred to as the Quakertown Causeway, has now reopened after six months’ worth of repairs. The design of that bridge had come into question in recent years and is the same as the Fairfield Causeway, which also recently underwent significant reconstruction.
RCS BUDGET FINALIZED AT JUST UNDER $70 MILLION
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(Richmond, IN)--The budget for next year for Richmond Community Schools is ready for adoption. The budget for 2027 comes in at just shy of $70 million and includes $12 million of total property tax levies. It also includes $5 million in debt service. Public hearings on the budget were held last month, and now it’s set for passage when the RCS Board meets Wednesday afternoon.