The 765

10/02/2025

Water Flow Restored at Laurel Feeder Dam, But Timeline to Metamora Uncertain

METAMORA, Ind. — Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites officials announced work has been completed at the Laurel Feeder Dam and waterflow has been restored to the Whitewater Canal.

However, the Whitewater River’s level being low has slowed the pace at which water reaches Metamora. Officials said they cannot predict exactly when the canal through town will be refilled.

“We’ve done everything we can to have water in the canal for Canal Days,” officials said in a statement. “We are not certain how long it will take water to reach Metamora. The mill is not dependent on water to run, and it will operate as normal during Canal Days.”

Despite uncertainty about water levels, the grist mill will operate with free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, with ongoing grinding demonstrations producing cornmeal and grits for purchase. Public restrooms and the hands-on transportation discovery space will also be available throughout the weekend.

10/02/2025

09/30/2025

Follow RPD for additional updates.

🚨 Law Enforcement Activity Alert 🚨

There is currently a large law enforcement presence in the 1st block of South 11th Street. The Richmond Police Department’s SWAT Team has been mobilized.

We are asking the public to avoid this area and allow law enforcement officers to work safely and effectively.

More information will be released at a later time.

Thank you for your cooperation.

09/29/2025

Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash Under Investigation in Franklin County

The FCSD has released the following:

“The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred early Sunday morning, September 28, 2025, along State Road 1 near Blooming Grove.

At approximately 4:30 a.m., deputies and emergency personnel from the Blooming Grove Fire Department were dispatched to the 14000 block of State Road 1. Upon arrival, responders located the driver, identified as Ethan M. Heath, 17, of Laurel, who was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Preliminary investigation indicates Heath’s vehicle was traveling northbound when, for reasons still under investigation, it left the east side of the roadway. The vehicle struck a culvert and driveway, went airborne, and rolled multiple times before coming to rest.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the Blooming Grove Fire Department, the Franklin County Coroner’s Office, the Brookville Police Department, and the Indiana State Excise Police, continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Source: Major Gregory Mehlbauer, Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Major Gregory Mehlbauer, Franklin County Sheriff’s Department

09/28/2025

Union County Council Sets Public Meeting on Proposed Income Tax Increase

LIBERTY, Ind. — The Union County Council will hold a public meeting next week to gather input from residents on a proposed increase to the county’s Local Income Tax (LIT) rate.

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m. at the 4-H Building, 411 Patriot Boulevard in Liberty.

Council members will consider raising the current 2.0% rate to as much as 2.75%, with other rates in between also under review. The proposed increase comes as a result of state-level changes to local government funding outlined in Senate Enrolled Act 1, passed during the 2025 Indiana General Assembly session.

According to the council, additional revenue generated by the tax would be directed toward public safety initiatives and to support ongoing infrastructure projects and operations.

The meeting will begin with information about the proposal, followed by a period for public comment before a final decision and vote on the new rate is made.

Union County officials are encouraging all residents, taxpayers and interested parties to attend and share their input.

09/28/2025

Richmond Police Investigating Early Morning Shooting

RICHMOND, Ind. — At approximately 2:58 a.m. on Sept. 27, the Wayne County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a person having difficulty breathing in the 800 block of North 19th Street.

When Richmond Fire Department medics and firefighters arrived, they discovered the patient, an adult male, had sustained a gunshot wound to the chest. Medics immediately requested law enforcement assistance.

Richmond Police Department 3rd Shift officers responded, secured the scene, and contacted the Investigative Services Division. Detectives later located the crime scene at a residence in the 900 block of North 19th Street, executed a search warrant, and collected evidence.

The victim was first transported to Reid Health for treatment and later transferred to Miami Valley Hospital. His condition has not been released.

Police said the shooting is believed to be an isolated incident and emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the community.

“We would like to thank Wayne County Emergency Communications for their assistance during this incident,” the department said in a release. “The investigation is ongoing.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the Richmond Police Department at 765-983-7247.

09/25/2025

FRANKLIN CO. E911: US52 IS NOW OPEN AT YELLOW BANK ROAD.

US52 IS NOW OPEN AT YELLOW BANK ROAD.

09/24/2025

State officials say an agreement has been made and crews will begin work to restore water to the Whitewater Canal.

Read more here:

METAMORA, Ind. - Relief is on the way for Metamora's dry canal. State officials confirmed today an agreement has been reached between the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the Whitewater Canal State Historic Site and property owners involved in a land dispute that temporarily delayed maintena...