Local News
JEFF LANE NEWS - Do Not Delete
en-us
VISITATION TIME SET FOR SHOOTING VICTIM
/local-news/73f3be5c661c66b7d400eee024f0401d
Wed, 07 Oct 2026 06:04:00 -0500
/local-news/73f3be5c661c66b7d400eee024f0401d
(Richmond, IN)--Visitation and funeral times have been set for a teenage shooting victim, while the search for her alleged killer continues. 18-year-old Cecilia Hargrove died nine days ago when a shooter fired through a door at a home near South 9th and E in Richmond. The visitation has been set for 11 until 1 o’clock Thursday at Community Family Funeral Home. The funeral will follow. Joshua Smith remains wanted in connection with the shooting. There have been no developments in the search for Smith in the last 24 hours (as of 6 a.m. Wednesday).
]]>
(Richmond, IN)--Visitation and funeral times have been set for a teenage shooting victim, while the search for her alleged killer continues. 18-year-old Cecilia Hargrove died nine days ago when a shooter fired through a door at a home near South 9th and E in Richmond. The visitation has been set for 11 until 1 o’clock Thursday at Community Family Funeral Home. The funeral will follow. Joshua Smith remains wanted in connection with the shooting. There have been no developments in the search for Smith in the last 24 hours (as of 6 a.m. Wednesday).
]]>
BROTHERS ACCUSED OF RAPING UNDERAGE GIRL
/local-news/48873141708c2b7d2a65a4fac2b5508c
Wed, 07 Oct 2026 06:02:00 -0500
/local-news/48873141708c2b7d2a65a4fac2b5508c
(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.
]]>
(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
/local-news/0609b5d70490a975fd2993757ce7f282
Wed, 07 Oct 2026 05:58:00 -0500
/local-news/0609b5d70490a975fd2993757ce7f282
(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.
]]>
(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
/local-news/291d9f9b4e5748452a007b30501cddb8
Tue, 06 Oct 2026 05:43:00 -0500
/local-news/291d9f9b4e5748452a007b30501cddb8
(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.
]]>
(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
/local-news/f5d77f3edfafe421d860bfd6dd5f8e8d
Tue, 06 Oct 2026 05:40:00 -0500
/local-news/f5d77f3edfafe421d860bfd6dd5f8e8d
(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.
]]>
(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
/local-news/831c5e981cde9dadc8bf8bd5417ec278
Tue, 06 Oct 2026 05:37:00 -0500
/local-news/831c5e981cde9dadc8bf8bd5417ec278
(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.
]]>
(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
/local-news/d6976540993ca5a6ac7d14dcb297da05
Tue, 06 Oct 2026 05:30:00 -0500
/local-news/d6976540993ca5a6ac7d14dcb297da05
(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.
]]>
(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
/local-news/75f49975e96a61cb0c6c48b7fdfa371d
Tue, 06 Oct 2026 05:26:00 -0500
/local-news/75f49975e96a61cb0c6c48b7fdfa371d
(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.
]]>
(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
/local-news/01bea38eeda146df31ffd596e60b5d21
Mon, 05 Oct 2026 06:21:00 -0500
/local-news/01bea38eeda146df31ffd596e60b5d21
(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.
]]>
(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
/local-news/681450435304f470c51a069ecb92be81
Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:53:00 -0500
/local-news/681450435304f470c51a069ecb92be81
(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.
]]>
(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
/local-news/8dc54db970e96b2cb5559ea8c951c84a
Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:49:00 -0500
/local-news/8dc54db970e96b2cb5559ea8c951c84a
(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.
]]>
(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
/local-news/101323fe1a1b223a61c4ff88abda7738
Thu, 01 Oct 2026 05:37:00 -0500
/local-news/101323fe1a1b223a61c4ff88abda7738
(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.
]]>
(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
/local-news/be72ab06e4d5554386e9d217c3f9d6c1
Thu, 01 Oct 2026 05:32:00 -0500
/local-news/be72ab06e4d5554386e9d217c3f9d6c1
(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.
]]>
(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
/local-news/9c0f05c869acc833a96a5e1f1363c841
Thu, 01 Oct 2026 05:28:00 -0500
/local-news/9c0f05c869acc833a96a5e1f1363c841
(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.
]]>
(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
/local-news/de26b5785f142aaa09d2ac7ba4a7b4c1
Thu, 01 Oct 2026 05:23:00 -0500
/local-news/de26b5785f142aaa09d2ac7ba4a7b4c1
(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.
]]>
(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
/local-news/aa9e77802166cf9817efd0c0dfbffb54
Wed, 30 Sep 2026 06:01:00 -0500
/local-news/aa9e77802166cf9817efd0c0dfbffb54
(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.
]]>
(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
/local-news/e9bac06dd2c026ae80d251ced6fd7490
Wed, 30 Sep 2026 05:47:00 -0500
/local-news/e9bac06dd2c026ae80d251ced6fd7490
(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%.
]]>
(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
/local-news/d3fa0b4c4c8a05cefde6bb9eba70334b
Wed, 30 Sep 2026 05:44:00 -0500
/local-news/d3fa0b4c4c8a05cefde6bb9eba70334b
(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.
]]>
(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.
]]>
RPD STILL WITHHOLDING DETAILS OF TRIPLE SHOOTING
/local-news/d62d894558edac5ef1ce6503fdc7e207
Tue, 29 Sep 2026 05:45:00 -0500
/local-news/d62d894558edac5ef1ce6503fdc7e207
(Richmond, IN)--There has been no new information overnight from the Richmond Police Department after three people were shot near South 9th and E Street Monday morning. RPD indicated shortly after arriving on the scene that there was no threat to the community, but did not indicate whether or not an arrest had been made. It was described as an incident that was isolated and among people who knew each other. Numerous bullet holes were visible in the door of the multi-unit apartment. By Monday afternoon, RPD said that they had interviewed several people of interest and were working through tips and evidence. They called it a fluid and ongoing case. Investigators Tuesday morning were not confirming the ages, identities, or conditions of the three people who were shot . The victims are widely being identified on social media as teenage girls. RPD did confirm that at least one person was taken to Miami Valley Hospital. A family member has identified her and started a gofundme account. That victim is a 16-year-old girl who was reportedly shot three times.
]]>
(Richmond, IN)--There has been no new information overnight from the Richmond Police Department after three people were shot near South 9th and E Street Monday morning. RPD indicated shortly after arriving on the scene that there was no threat to the community, but did not indicate whether or not an arrest had been made. It was described as an incident that was isolated and among people who knew each other. Numerous bullet holes were visible in the door of the multi-unit apartment. By Monday afternoon, RPD said that they had interviewed several people of interest and were working through tips and evidence. They called it a fluid and ongoing case. Investigators Tuesday morning were not confirming the ages, identities, or conditions of the three people who were shot . The victims are widely being identified on social media as teenage girls. RPD did confirm that at least one person was taken to Miami Valley Hospital. A family member has identified her and started a gofundme account. That victim is a 16-year-old girl who was reportedly shot three times.
]]>
PUBLIC DEFENDERS REQUEST BOND FOR LYNN TOWN MARSHAL'S ALLEGED KILLER
/local-news/b88c728a49c61869bd2438fc7f3bb724
Tue, 29 Sep 2026 05:42:00 -0500
/local-news/b88c728a49c61869bd2438fc7f3bb724
(Winchester, IN)--The public defenders representing Maci Atkinson, who is charged with striking and killing Lynn Town Marshal Brad Fisher in July, on Monday tried to convince a Randolph County Judge that she should be released on bond. Those attorneys said that the evidence that Atkinson did it intentionally was not strong. But prosecutors countered, saying the judge should not "unleash this defendant on the people of Randolph County." Prosecutors also pointed to Atkinson’s recent criminal record. Just since April, but before the fatal chase, she had been charged with a total of seven crimes in four different cases. The judge is expected to issue a decision on the request for bond in a few days.
]]>
(Winchester, IN)--The public defenders representing Maci Atkinson, who is charged with striking and killing Lynn Town Marshal Brad Fisher in July, on Monday tried to convince a Randolph County Judge that she should be released on bond. Those attorneys said that the evidence that Atkinson did it intentionally was not strong. But prosecutors countered, saying the judge should not "unleash this defendant on the people of Randolph County." Prosecutors also pointed to Atkinson’s recent criminal record. Just since April, but before the fatal chase, she had been charged with a total of seven crimes in four different cases. The judge is expected to issue a decision on the request for bond in a few days.
]]>
SOUND OF GUNSHOTS DELAYS ELEMENTARY DISMISSAL
/local-news/20ccdcc2699926f3baffaae3716a9f90
Tue, 29 Sep 2026 05:40:00 -0500
/local-news/20ccdcc2699926f3baffaae3716a9f90
(Connersville, IN)--Dismissal at Frazee Elementary in Connersville was briefly delayed Monday because of the sounds of gunshots. According to a statement from Fayette County Schools, students were kept inside while police investigated. It was quickly determined that the shots were coming from Indiana Ordinance on 21st Street and were echoing into the area. Indiana Ordinance is a long-range competitive shooting facility. There was no threat to students or staff.
]]>
(Connersville, IN)--Dismissal at Frazee Elementary in Connersville was briefly delayed Monday because of the sounds of gunshots. According to a statement from Fayette County Schools, students were kept inside while police investigated. It was quickly determined that the shots were coming from Indiana Ordinance on 21st Street and were echoing into the area. Indiana Ordinance is a long-range competitive shooting facility. There was no threat to students or staff.
]]>
TRUMP TO APPEAR AT RALLY WITHIN HALF-HOUR OF RICHMOND
/local-news/cd28801241bdae3675df6ad6f78d6772
Mon, 28 Sep 2026 06:21:00 -0500
/local-news/cd28801241bdae3675df6ad6f78d6772
(Vandalia, OH)--The White House has announced that President Trump will be holding a rally within a half an hour of Richmond coming up on Saturday. Trump is scheduled to appear at Butler High School in Vandalia late Saturday afternoon. That’s just a few blocks away from the Dayton International Airport. The rally is in support of Republican Senator John Husted, who is being challenged by Sherrod Brown. People who want to attend will need to register through the GOP’s event page website.
]]>
(Vandalia, OH)--The White House has announced that President Trump will be holding a rally within a half an hour of Richmond coming up on Saturday. Trump is scheduled to appear at Butler High School in Vandalia late Saturday afternoon. That’s just a few blocks away from the Dayton International Airport. The rally is in support of Republican Senator John Husted, who is being challenged by Sherrod Brown. People who want to attend will need to register through the GOP’s event page website.
]]>
BOND HEARING SET FOR MONDAY FOR TOWN MARSHAL'S ALLEGED KILLER
/local-news/984e31db639c66331608b38533cf1c14
Mon, 28 Sep 2026 06:17:00 -0500
/local-news/984e31db639c66331608b38533cf1c14
(Winchester, IN)--The woman who is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of Lynn Town Marshal Brad Fisher is due back in court Monday. A Randolph County judge will set bond in the case of Maci Atkinson. Atkinson has been held without bond since her arrest following a police chase that ended shortly after Fisher was struck and killed. Atkinson’s hearing is set for 2 o’clock Monday afternoon. Her trial is currently set for late January, although that will almost certainly be pushed back.
]]>
(Winchester, IN)--The woman who is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of Lynn Town Marshal Brad Fisher is due back in court Monday. A Randolph County judge will set bond in the case of Maci Atkinson. Atkinson has been held without bond since her arrest following a police chase that ended shortly after Fisher was struck and killed. Atkinson’s hearing is set for 2 o’clock Monday afternoon. Her trial is currently set for late January, although that will almost certainly be pushed back.
]]>
INVESTIGATORS SAY SEARCH FOR MISSING MAN HAS ENDED
/local-news/7212c5614b0ca99f1620d166f563d053
Mon, 28 Sep 2026 06:15:00 -0500
/local-news/7212c5614b0ca99f1620d166f563d053
(Union County, IN)--A man who was reported as missing and who was last seen in the Union and Franklin County area has been found dead. 50-year-old Todd Payne of Hamilton was wheelchair-bound and was last seen last Monday when he was leaving the Quakertown Recreational area of Brookville Lake. The group Equusearch became involved as the search intensified and announced Sunday that Payne’s body had been located. There’s no word on where Payne was found or what led up to his death.
]]>
(Union County, IN)--A man who was reported as missing and who was last seen in the Union and Franklin County area has been found dead. 50-year-old Todd Payne of Hamilton was wheelchair-bound and was last seen last Monday when he was leaving the Quakertown Recreational area of Brookville Lake. The group Equusearch became involved as the search intensified and announced Sunday that Payne’s body had been located. There’s no word on where Payne was found or what led up to his death.
]]>
LIBRARY SETS TIMELINE FOR MAJOR REPAIRS
/local-news/07031fad8488e8011fb438bc69e21701
Fri, 25 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0500
/local-news/07031fad8488e8011fb438bc69e21701
(Richmond, IN)--Morrisson-Reeves Library issued a timeline Thursday for $4.5 million worth of repairs. The original assessment of the roughly 50-year-old building called for nearly $19 million in needed repairs. The approved work will focus on the highest-priority, time-sensitive repairs that will include repairing severe roof leaks, addressing the lack of a fire suppression system, and rebuilding the compromised north wall. Thursday’s timeline will have bids going out in the spring, work beginning next summer, and a completion in early 2028.
]]>
(Richmond, IN)--Morrisson-Reeves Library issued a timeline Thursday for $4.5 million worth of repairs. The original assessment of the roughly 50-year-old building called for nearly $19 million in needed repairs. The approved work will focus on the highest-priority, time-sensitive repairs that will include repairing severe roof leaks, addressing the lack of a fire suppression system, and rebuilding the compromised north wall. Thursday’s timeline will have bids going out in the spring, work beginning next summer, and a completion in early 2028.
]]>
ORGANIZATION TO BEGIN PHONING WAYNE COUNTY FLOOD VICTIMS
/local-news/55efd22dd7171531b921d858718aeb5d
Fri, 25 Sep 2026 05:57:00 -0500
/local-news/55efd22dd7171531b921d858718aeb5d
(Wayne County, IN)--Flood victims in western Wayne County could receive phone calls beginning Friday. If that number shows up on caller ID, members of Wayne County’s Long-Term Recovery Group want residents to know that it’s not a scammer and that they should answer the call. That number is 765-312-4699. Volunteers will be identifying themselves as members of that group and will not be asking for personal information like bank account and social security numbers. The stated goal of the organization is to reach the uninsured and the underinsured to try to find assistance.
]]>
(Wayne County, IN)--Flood victims in western Wayne County could receive phone calls beginning Friday. If that number shows up on caller ID, members of Wayne County’s Long-Term Recovery Group want residents to know that it’s not a scammer and that they should answer the call. That number is 765-312-4699. Volunteers will be identifying themselves as members of that group and will not be asking for personal information like bank account and social security numbers. The stated goal of the organization is to reach the uninsured and the underinsured to try to find assistance.
]]>
INTERSECTION TO BECOME FOUR-WAY STOP
/local-news/524b513e6aec334dc3bc3e128a7313a6
Fri, 25 Sep 2026 05:56:00 -0500
/local-news/524b513e6aec334dc3bc3e128a7313a6
(Union County, IN)--A change is coming to an interchange on the primary route from Richmond to College Corner and Oxford. Beginning in about a week and a half, the intersection of State Road 44 and Nine Mile Road will be converted to an all-way stop. INDOT said they’re making the change due to a history of severe right-angle crashes at the intersection. Flashing LED stop lights will be installed on 44 to alert drivers of the new stop. A stop sign has always existed on Nine Mile Road at that intersection.
]]>
(Union County, IN)--A change is coming to an interchange on the primary route from Richmond to College Corner and Oxford. Beginning in about a week and a half, the intersection of State Road 44 and Nine Mile Road will be converted to an all-way stop. INDOT said they’re making the change due to a history of severe right-angle crashes at the intersection. Flashing LED stop lights will be installed on 44 to alert drivers of the new stop. A stop sign has always existed on Nine Mile Road at that intersection.
]]>
BRIDGE DECLARED STRUCTURALLY UNSOUND
/local-news/a14e2ebc615eb138b9f1166b56361b3f
Fri, 25 Sep 2026 05:54:00 -0500
/local-news/a14e2ebc615eb138b9f1166b56361b3f
(Nulltown, IN)--A Fayette County bridge that had been in use since shortly after last month’s flood has now been declared structurally unsafe and closed. It’s what’s generally referred to as the Nulltown Bridge over the Whitewater River just south of Connersville. The county had requested a bridge inspection from an engineering consultant. That consultant has now determined the bridge is unsafe. There is no timeline yet for repairs to be made, but it will likely be an extended closure.
]]>
(Nulltown, IN)--A Fayette County bridge that had been in use since shortly after last month’s flood has now been declared structurally unsafe and closed. It’s what’s generally referred to as the Nulltown Bridge over the Whitewater River just south of Connersville. The county had requested a bridge inspection from an engineering consultant. That consultant has now determined the bridge is unsafe. There is no timeline yet for repairs to be made, but it will likely be an extended closure.
]]>
MONROE CENTRAL MOURNS LOSS OF STUDENT
/local-news/ecddbc85746b1358e94764d320888c51
Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:19:00 -0500
/local-news/ecddbc85746b1358e94764d320888c51
(Parker City, IN)--The Monroe Central school family is mourning the loss of one of their students. Charli Siekmann, who was a Monroe Central junior and member of the girls golf team, died on Tuesday. Charli has been involved in a serious accident a week ago and had been in intensive neurocritical care since. Since that accident, the Monroe Central family had been wearing Charli’s favorite color, yellow, as a symbol of hope. Services for Charli Siekmann were pending Thursday morning.
]]>
(Parker City, IN)--The Monroe Central school family is mourning the loss of one of their students. Charli Siekmann, who was a Monroe Central junior and member of the girls golf team, died on Tuesday. Charli has been involved in a serious accident a week ago and had been in intensive neurocritical care since. Since that accident, the Monroe Central family had been wearing Charli’s favorite color, yellow, as a symbol of hope. Services for Charli Siekmann were pending Thursday morning.
]]>
FATHER, SON JAILED IN NORTH 19th INCIDENT
/local-news/a491d4b8ac16fb2cb7ad4d4b8b906181
Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:17:00 -0500
/local-news/a491d4b8ac16fb2cb7ad4d4b8b906181
(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond father and son were taken into custody early Wednesday morning in an incident that involved the city’s SWAT unit near North 19th and East Main Street. 45-year-old James Jones Senior was wanted for failing to appear in a drug case. When officers went to Jones’ North 19th Street home Wednesday, they found Jones along with his son, who shares his name. Investigators also found an undisclosed quantity of cocaine or other narcotic drugs and drug paraphernalia. Jones Senior is now being held without bond.
]]>
(Richmond, IN)--A Richmond father and son were taken into custody early Wednesday morning in an incident that involved the city’s SWAT unit near North 19th and East Main Street. 45-year-old James Jones Senior was wanted for failing to appear in a drug case. When officers went to Jones’ North 19th Street home Wednesday, they found Jones along with his son, who shares his name. Investigators also found an undisclosed quantity of cocaine or other narcotic drugs and drug paraphernalia. Jones Senior is now being held without bond.
]]>