Hometown Media Group

Police: 4 in ‘self-proclaimed criminal gang’ arrested; about 50 officers involved

By HMG Staff | July 28, 2021

About 50 law enforcement officers from local, state and federal agencies teamed to arrest four young men they say have caused havoc in Wayne County through their “self-proclaimed criminal gang.”

One of the suspects faces charges of murder, attempted murder and criminal gang intimidation, while police say the others face a variety of lesser charges that are related to recent shooting incidents and shots fired calls. During the early morning of July 28, Richmond Police Department, Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, Preble County Ohio Sheriff’s Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation (Safe Streets Task Force) and Wayne County Prosecutors Office mobilized and executed a number of arrest warrants. RPD Chief Mike Britt said the team partnered to direct efforts and considerable resources to identify suspects in incidents organized by a “self-proclaimed criminal gang that has been operating in our city and county for the last several months,” according to a news release. Britt said no defendants or officers were injured as the four arrests were made around Richmond, calling the process “truly a team effort.”

“This is a part of a lengthy, ongoing investigation to curtail this recklessness and help ensure the safety of the citizens of our community,” Britt said.

Delta variant has arrived in Wayne County, health department says

Wayne County Health Department was notified Monday of the county’s first COVID-19 sample testing positive for the Delta variant (B 1.617.2). Only a fraction of all sample are sent for DNA speciation. “We have been operating for several weeks as if we have
had the Delta variant in Wayne County already,” explained Christine Stinson, executive director of the Wayne County Health Department.

Muffins sold at Walmart, other stores being recalled for potential Lysteria

Several brands of muffins are being recalled from convenience and grocery stores around the country. Give and Go Prepared Foods (U.S.A.) Corp. has announced a voluntary nationwide recall of certain muffin products due to the potential for the products to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Body of missing Connersville man recovered from river

Indiana Conservation Officers have recovered the body of Robert L. Austin, 26, of Connersville, from the Whitewater River. A media release sent late in the evening of Tuesday, July 13, announced the discovery. Conservation officers have searched in recent days for a missing man in the vicinity of Mahan Park, commonly referred to as “Three-Mile Bridge,” near Highway 121 in Connersville.

More Headlines

Sheriff: Missing Hagerstown teen last seen in Richmond

Man dies, woman injured in Richmond shooting

RSO conductor announces 25th season will be his last

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Independent seniors can learn about latest Alzheimer’s treatments

By Millie Martin Emery | May 11, 2021

Two virtual programs will help those preparing for difficult conversations after a dementia diagnosis as well as those currently residing in independent living communities who want to learn more about available resources if they notice a cognitive decline. The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter will host those two virtual programs in May. At noon Friday, May 14, a Dementia Conversations program will help attendees learn about three of the most difficult conversations families face after a dementia diagnosis – conversations about doctor visits, driving and legal and financial planning. The program will feature tips from experts as well as stories from Hoosier families about how they navigated these topics during their own journey with dementia. “For many people who are affected by dementia, hearing from others who are going through the same journey helps them to feel less alone,” said Stephanie Laskey, Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter program director, in a news release.

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Grad ads due Thursday, June 10!

By HMG Staff | May 10, 2021

CALL OR EMAIL US BY 5 p.m. Thursday, June 10, TO PLACE YOUR AD CONGRATULATING YOUR FAVORITE ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE SCHOOL, HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE GRADUATE! If your business or family would like to congratulate the entire Class of 2021, a group of student employees, or an individual graduate, please reach out. Our full-color (discounted) ads start at just $35 for this keepsake edition. Email a photo of your grad to customerservice@hmgccity.com and the text you’d like to include, and our designers will get a proof ready for your approval. Please call (765) 478-5448 with questions.

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Sheriff’s department seeking missing girl last seen in Hagerstown

By Millie Martin Emery | May 8, 2021

Wayne County Sheriff’s Office announced Saturday night, May 8, that it is seeking information on a missing juvenile, Emily Crawford. Emily was last seen in the Hagerstown, Indiana, area, and is believed to be in Richmond, Indiana. She is a white female with brown shoulder-length hair, and green eyes. She is approximately 5’07” and 220 pounds. Those with any information on Emily’s whereabouts please call the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office at 765-973-9393.

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Police: Missing Richmond woman found safe

By Millie Martin Emery | May 7, 2021

Mikaela Grace Estes of Richmond has been located and is safe, Indiana State Police announced shortly before 8 p.m. Friday, May 7. Investigators from the Indiana State Police worked with police officers from an out of state law enforcement agency who located and spoke with Estes. They verified she is safe and have no reason to believe she was taken from Indiana against her will, a news release said. Estes, 27, had been reported missing on Saturday, May 1, and was last thought to be in Henry County. Estes was traveling from Indianapolis to her home in Richmond along Interstate 70 that day.

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Free women’s health screenings offered

By HMG Staff | May 7, 2021

Henry Community Health is offering a free women’s health screening on Wednesday, May 12. Appointments are required but limited.

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Hagerstown High School principal departing at year end

By HMG Staff | May 7, 2021

Hagerstown Junior-Senior High School principal David Tyner is resigning. On May 5, Tyner announced his intention to leave his position at the end of the school year, said Kyle Barrentine, superintendent of Nettle Creek schools. Tyner’s resignation will go to the school board for acceptance on Wednesday, May 12, Barrentine said. Barrentine said Tyner’s decision came as a surprise. “He came to a decision he thought was best for his family,” Barrentine said.

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Reid taking vaccines to giant flea market

By HMG Staff | May 7, 2021

Reid Health is partnering with Franklin County Health Department and White’s Farm Flea Market and Auctioneers to offer a special COVID-19 vaccination clinic for area residents. As many as 300 vaccines will be available at the popular flea market at White’s Farm, 6028 Holland Road in Brookville, Ind., during the market’s hours of 7-11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 12. Second doses then will be given during the Wednesday, June 2 market. “I think it’s vital for local businesses to play a role in the vaccination effort,” said Jonathan White, vice president of White’s Farm and staff pharmacist at George’s Pharmacy in Brookville, in a news release. “I think we all have very short memories regarding what life was like this time last year.

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Free transportation to vaccine clinics, visits to homebound offered

By Millie Martin Emery | May 4, 2021

Free rides to, from Western Wayne County

Jackson Township Trustee’s Office is organizing free transportation for Western Wayne County residents to get their vaccine at Reid Health’s clinic at Wayne County Fairgrounds. Those from Jackson and surrounding townships can call (765) 478-4620 anytime to leave a message with contact information and request round-trip transportation. Trustee Lyndon Wicker is working with Wayne County Commissioners and Reid Health to make transportation available. Rides in Richmond

The City of Richmond is providing no-charge bus service to Wayne County Health Department’s vaccination clinic at its downtown office and Reid’s clinic at Kuhlman Center. To schedule a ride, patients will need to call (765) 983-7227 or (765) 983-7301.

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Indiana State Police announce search for missing local woman

By Millie Martin Emery | May 3, 2021

Investigators with the Indiana State Police are still attempting to locate a Richmond woman who was reported missing on Saturday, May 1. Mikaela Grace Estes was traveling from Indianapolis to her home in Richmond along Interstate 70 that day. Family members told investigators Estes called and told them she was planning to stop for fuel at the 131-mile marker (Wilbur Wright Road) exit at approximately 8:30 p.m. between New Castle and Cambridge City. She was driving a silver 2016 Chrysler 200 with an unknown Indiana temporary license plate. Richmond Police Department took the initial missing person report.

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Earlham, IU East offering virtual discussion on documentary featuring women in science

By HMG Staff | May 2, 2021

The Joseph Moore Museum and Department of Biology at Earlham College is screening the acclaimed documentary Picture A Scientist for 72 hours beginning on Friday, April 30. The documentary portrays discrimination against women in science and highlights three scientists writing a new chapter for women working in the field. The screening will culminate with a virtual panel and small-group discussions at 7 p.m. Monday, May 3, that feature graduates and faculty from Earlham and Indiana University East. Registration is free and open to the public. Those interested in watching the documentary outside of the designated time frame can do so for a limited time here. “We’re taking this as an opportunity to bring people together who are interested in changing the culture of science. We all suffer when STEM research and product design don’t come from diverse teams,” said Heather Lerner, Earlham associate professor of biology and director of the Joseph Moore Museum.