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(Richmond, IN)--Here’s more on Richmond’s proposed one percent food and beverage tax that we first told you about last Thursday. The tax would convert the old Reid Hospital facility into a conference center. While many controversial or high-profile ordinances may endure several months of presentations and discussions before they actually reach a vote, this one won’t. Council will have to decide on the ordinance, one way or the other, before the end of the month. That’s because, according to the ordinance, it must be passed by August 1 to take effect at the beginning of the next year. Council will get the ordinance on first reading Monday evening. But, if you’d like to voice your opinion to council, Monday night is not the night. A first reading is basically an introduction. No public comment is taken. What will likely happen is that the issue will be taken up by a committee of the whole before council meets again July 21. Public input would be taken then and when the ordinance is on second reading. The one percent tax would generate roughly three quarters of a million dollars annually. Monday night’s council meeting begins at 7:30.

(Greenville, OH)--Police say it’s very likely that a man who robbed a Richmond bank at gunpoint earlier this year has struck again – this time in Greenville. It happened on Saturday morning at the Greenville National Bank. The details are nearly identical to what occurred at First Merchants Bank on Chester Boulevard in Richmond in early April. This time, just like in April, the man stole a car from a Muncie used car dealership and used it to commit the crime. The man entered the store wearing a mask and pointed a handgun at the teller. He’s described as a white male, about 30 years old, and weighing between 150 and 180 pounds. Police recovered the stolen car in Greenville a few blocks away from the bank. The suspect got away with an undisclosed amount of cash. The same Greenville bank was robbed by what police say is the same suspect back on March 7. Police believe this is the 11th robbery committed by the same suspect in Indiana and Ohio.

(Winchester, IN)--Winchester City Council will consider a different approach to fighting high gas prices when it meets Monday night. Winchester is considering allowing golf carts on city streets. Some other towns across the state have recently allowed golf carts. And, it’s an idea that’s supported by police chief Michael Burk. There would be exceptions. For example, golf carts would not be allowed in a nine-square block section of downtown Winchester. Also, they would not be allowed on streets where the speed limit is over 20 miles an hour or on highways like 27 or 32. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles does not license or register golf carts.

(Richmond, IN)--A sentencing hearing was held Thursday morning in Wayne Superior Court II for Leonard Dickey. Dickey pled guilty last month to murdering Cambridge City teenager Tarra Pickett. As expected, Dickey was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole with another 50-plus years tacked on for lesser associated charges. Wayne County Prosecutor Mike Shipman spoke on behalf of Tarra’s parents and family members, who were in the courtroom. Shipman said that a request by the parents for life with no parole was not a merciful act. Rather, they believe it’s harsher than anything else. Shipman had considered seeking the death penalty, but ultimately chose to honor the family’s wishes of life with no parole (actuality 31266). Dickey’s public defender is Timothy Neal. He said that Dickey is extremely remorseful and accepts responsibility for the murder. Still, Dickey chose not to say anything in court. Another separate molestation case against Dickey was dropped (actuality 31267). When he passed sentence, Judge Gregory Horn called Dickey’s actions, quote, absolutely horrific and unfathomable.

(Richmond, IN)--An ordinance has appeared on the Monday night’s agenda for Richmond Common Council that is bound to raise some eyebrows. The ordinance would impose a food and beverage tax in Richmond. It will be on first reading, which is basically an introduction to council. It’s part of an expedited push to convert what will soon be the old Reid Hospital into a conference center, which could include a hotel and restaurant. The Richmond-Wayne County Convention and Tourism Bureau has expressed the need for a conference center for several years. Reid is getting set to move north to its new facility on Chester Boulevard in just a couple of months.

(Richmond, IN)--Two Dayton men have been arrested after passing $1300 worth of counterfeit money at numerous Richmond stores Wednesday night. The first call to police came from the Finish Line in the Richmond Square Mall. Brad Berner with the Richmond Police Department indicated that the men "washed out" real five dollar bills, and then photocopied a one hundred dollar bill on top of it . The two suspects bought a minimal amount of merchandise, paid with the phony hundreds, and received real cash back. Soon, other stores made similar reports, including Sears, Menards, Big Lots, Shoebilee, and JC Penney. The men were caught when they tried to pass a counterfeit bill at Wal-Mart. A third suspect in a car left the area and was not apprehended. Investigators say complaints from more Richmond retailers are likely Thursday. The two men were taken to the Wayne County Jail.

(West Alexandria, OH)--The name of the Lewisburg man killed in a crash with a dump truck Wednesday has been released. 32-year-old Nuzio Bordonaro died at the scene of a crash on State Route 503 at the north edge of West Alexandria. Authorities now believe that Bordonaro may have been paying more attention to his cell phone than the roadway. The calendar function on the phone with the day’s date was open when deputies found it. Bordonaro drifted left of center and into the path of an oncoming dump truck. That driver, who is from Wilmington, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. It’s the latest in a series of recent fatal crashes on Preble County roadways. 11 people have died on Preble County roadways this year.

(Richmond, IN)--Sentencing is set for Thursday for Leonard Dickey. He’s the Cambridge City man who has admitted to killing Tarra Pickett in May of last year. The Cambridge City teen’s body was found in a wooded area not far from her home. Terms of a plea agreement signed a month ago have Dickey spending life in prison without the possibility of parole. Dickey is a convicted rapist, and was free on bond in another completely unrelated child molestation case when he murdered Tarra Pickett. The sentencing takes place at 9 o’clock Thursday morning in Wayne Superior Court II.

(Camden, OH)--A toddler from Camden is recovering Wednesday morning after being shot in the neck with a BB gun Tuesday. Two kids were playing with the gun Tuesday morning at a home in the 7300 block of Camden Road when it went off. The BB lodged in the child’s neck. He or she was taken to Children’s Medical Center in Dayton and is expected to be okay. The accident remains under investigation.

(Preble County, OH)--Preble County has numerous residents that will be directly affected by upcoming GM plant closures in Dayton and the smaller manufacturers that support them. With that in mind, Preble County Commissioner David Wesler has accepted an invitation to serve on a regional task force to discuss workforce development and job retention. Ohio Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher is co-chairing the task force. Wesler attended a meeting held a few days ago held by Congressman Mike Turner and other state and federal leaders. The GM plant in Moraine will cease operations in less than two years. That means about 2400 hourly workers will be without a job. Officials did not estimate how many of those workers live in Preble County.

(Richmond, IN)--Wayne County’s Centennial Model T Party is now just a few weeks away. On Monday, close to a hundred volunteers gathered at the Wayne County Fairgrounds for training to perform all kinds of services for the week-long event. "To have this many people from the community take two hours to come in for volunteer training on a Monday morning is very exciting," Event Coordinator Dianna Pappin said. It all begins on the 21st with an opening dinner. So far, 884 Model T’s are registered to be here. Pappin also serves on Richmond Common Council. She said that it’s vital for all of Wayne County to put its best foot forward. The events wrap up on Friday the 25th.

(Richmond, IN)--There were a couple of fairly significant drug arrests overnight. A Richmond man was arrested when officers found him passed out behind the wheel of a parked car with the engine still running in the 200 block of North 18th Street Tuesday morning. 19-year-old Zachary Hancock had been found in the same condition just Monday morning. But this time, officers located 16 Ecstasy pills and a large amount of cash inside the car. Hancock was taken to the Wayne County Jail and booked on a felony charge. Also, at around 12:20 Tuesday morning, there was a traffic stop on I-70 near the US 27 interchange. Investigators found marijuana stuffed inside a cereal box. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Department has not released any other information about that arrest.

(Richmond, IN)--It’s been about a week and a half since the most recent attack by a man suspected of committing at least five attacks on Richmond women in the last year. In that time, police have released a composite drawing of the man, who’s white, no taller than 5-5, and in his 40’s. But, investigators indicated Monday that they’re not much closer to making an arrest. And, they continue to ask for the public’s help. The composite drawing has led to about a dozen phone tips so far. The victims have ranged in age from 14 to 83. At least two attacks have occurred in the Fairview area, although one occurred on South 31st and the most recent at a coin-operated laundry in broad daylight. Recently, the man has committed an attack roughly once every three weeks.

(Richmond, IN)--Production is winding down at Marvel Industries in Richmond. 130 jobs will be lost when the company closes at the end of October. Late last week, about 87 of those employees represented by the Teamsters completed severance negotiations with the company. Business Agent Jerry Hayden indicated that employees will get one week of severance pay for every year of service. Employees will also get insurance tied into severance through the end of the year. There will also be incentives and bonuses for attendance and production. Hayden said there has been no date set for the layoffs to begin, and he expects it to be a gradual process. He also indicated that another prospective company will interview some outgoing employees next month.

(Preble County, OH)--One person is dead after a motorcycle crash in Preble County yesterday afternoon. It happened on State Route 122 between Haldermann and Quaker Trace Road a few miles southeast of Eaton. Authorities say that a motorcycle driven by Kenneth Duff went off the right side of the road. His 33-year-old wife, Tonya Duff, was killed in the crash. Kenneth Duff was Careflighted to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton where he was listed in serious condition Monday morning. Speed was not a factor in the crash. Neither rider was wearing a helmet. Just two weeks ago, three people died in the same area. Also, a Union City man who was killed in another motorcycle crash late last week has now been identified. 62-year-old Gerald Pouder of Union City died when he lost control in a heavy rain near Sidney.

(Oxford, OH)--Just days after a Butler County Sheriff’s investigation in the tasing death of a man in Oxford showed know wrongdoing on the part of police, the Butler County prosecutor’s office is indicating they’ll conduct a review of the sheriff’s department review of the case. 24-year-old Kevin Piskura died five days after being tased outside the Brick Street Bar in Oxford. His blood alcohol content was four times the legal limit. The sheriff’s investigation showed Oxford police did not use excessive force. The prosecutor’s review is expected to take about two weeks.

(Richmond, IN)--Thursday on our video news, we showed you a composite drawing of the man accused of assaulting several Richmond women recently. It raised some eyebrows. The man is thought to be in his 40’s, but many people have commented that the suspect in the drawing looks closer to 14 than 40. Brad Berner with RPD explained the benefit of the composite. "We're not saying that it looks exactly like this person. But what the composite does is elimate what the person doesn't look like," Berner said. Investigators have taken the composite to the Depot District to show to residents and business owners. That’s where the suspect’s most recent victim’s car was found. You can see the composite again today by watching video news.

(Oxford, OH)--One of the area’s most dangerous sex offenders, and one who inspired tougher penalties in Ohio for people who expose themselves to children, was caught in Oxford Thursday afternoon. Police had been searching for 38-year-old Michael Hamblin. He was caught Thursday walking along the train tracks in Oxford. Just six weeks after being released from prison, he tried to lure two young Butler County girls into the woods. In that same time period, he had also exposed himself to three other young girls at two separate parks. Hamblin’s conviction back in 2005 led to something known as Nicole’s Law. It makes repeated exposures a felony. Hamblin was taken to the Butler County Jail. Authorities believe he was headed to a relative’s house in College Corner when he was caught.

(Brookville, IN)--Brookville’s Bicentennial observance wraps up this weekend. The Indiana State Police have indicated that Main Street in Brookville, which is also Highways 1 and 52, will again be closed for a portion of the weekend and suggest another route if you’re headed through town. Some of the events Friday night include a Canoefest princess crowning and Idol contest finals. There’s a parade set for 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon, and a fireworks and laser show at 10 o’clock Saturday night. You can see a full schedule of events by logging on to Brookville200.com.

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Police Department has released a composite sketch of the man suspected of sexually assaulting five women in Richmond in the last year. The drawing was created with the help of the man’s most recent victim…a 63-year-old woman who was forced into her own car last weekend at a North Sixth Street coin-operated laundry. He’s a white male, about 40 years old. His most distinguishing characteristic is his height, or lack thereof. He’s only about 5-2 and weighs about 140 pounds. The suspect in several recent armed robberies at gas stations in Richmond is also very short. You’ll be able to see the composite on our video news just a little later Thursday morning. Click on video news. We’ll also post surveillance video from one of the recent convenience store robberies.