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No Mention Of Sparks At Latest Meeting

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:32:26 +0000

The pending termination of former Anderson police Chief Darron Sparks was not discussed during Thursday’s safety board meeting. Sparks was put on paid administrative leave in late April for allegedly choking a 20-year-old woman inside an interrogation room. At a May 3 safety board meeting, the board voted unanimously in favor of current chief Larry Crenshaw’s recommendation that Sparks’ employment with the city be terminated. Sparks has hired an attorney and plans to appeal. According to the city attorney, a date for the hearing has yet to be scheduled. However, he said it will likely take place in late June.

Two 10-Year-Olds Arrested On Arson Charges

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:31:41 +0000

Muncie police have apprehended the two individuals they believe are responsible for setting at least one of three recent arson fires in the southeast side Industry neighborhood. However, the two alleged arsonists probably won’t do any prison time – They’re both 10 years old.
Both youngsters will likely be charged with arson in juvenile court.

600 Percent Hike In Storm Water Fees

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:31:02 +0000

In the wake of a 600 percent increase in local storm water fees, Muncie Sanitary District officials say they’re considering ways property owners can reduce their costs.
Under consideration are credits toward the bills of people who install retention ponds, “green” roofs or rain gardens. Sanitary district officials have heard a steady number of concerns about the higher storm water fees, which were included in recent property tax bills and apply to virtually every property in the county, including homes, businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Three Arrested On Meth-Related Charges

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:30:25 +0000

Anderson Police arrested three people Tuesday for manufacturing methamphetamine in a residence in the 2400 block of Jackson Street. Police received a tip the three were producing the drug at the residence. Police went to the house to investigate, and found marijuana, meth and precursors to manufacture meth. All three were transported to the Anderson Police Department, where one of the three said she was teaching the others how to produce meth more safely.

Farmland Theft Probe Continues

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:29:48 +0000

The Farmland Town Council this week suspended most of the small community’s employees, over what officials are calling “alleged misconduct”. The council suspended, without pay, Marshal Melvin Nott, deputies Kenny Marquis – who is also employed by the town’s public works department – and Joe Bertram – along with Kris Deckman – a general laborer for Farmland. The Town Council met again on Thursday afternoon with the town attorney for an update on issues related to the suspension. Indiana State Police have confirmed that they are investigating related theft charges and continue their probe into the matter. In the meantime, police-related calls are being routed to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department and the town has hired a contractor from Ridgeville to perform daily state-mandated tests on the town’s water system.

City Of Anderson Settles Lawsuits

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:29:14 +0000

The City of Anderson has settled several lawsuits filed against the city and former Mayor Kris Ockomon by city employee Teresa Spencer and her family members. The city will make a total of $128,000 in payments to the plaintiffs in those 2010 and 2011 lawsuits. Spencer, the business manager at the city’s parks department, filed lawsuits against the city claiming she was a victim of sexual discrimination and retaliation at work. Spencer will receive a more than $47,000 settlement, after requesting nearly $400,000. As part of the settlement agreement, Teresa Spencer will also get a reinstatement of 960 hours of sick time, or 120 days, and eight hours of vacation.

Muncie Honors Fallen Police

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:28:39 +0000

The City Of Muncie and the community honored its fallen law enforcement officers Thursday in a solemn ceremony at the city’s Policeman’s Park. Muncie Mayor Dennis Tyler read the names of the fallen.
Family, friends and fellow officers gathered to remember those who paid the ultimate price. The ceremony was held in conjunction with National Police Officers Week.

Cowan Pranksters Will Not Face Criminal Charges

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:27:12 +0000

Cowan Junior-Senior High School students who participated in a senior prank that degenerated into acts of vandalism will not face criminal charges. Delaware County Prosecutor Jeffrey Arnold met this week with those students he believed could have been prosecuted as a result of the March 6 incident, along with their parents, and announced his decision, made under the following conditions: Each student must perform 40 hours of community service – that they must pay their assigned share of restitution for damages done and they must stay off school property for a year.

Driver Of Stolen Vehicle Behind Bars

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:26:29 +0000

The driver of a vehicle that was reported stolen Wednesday evening is behind bars today. Indiana State Police on patrol in Anderson spotted the vehicle and pulled in behind it. The driver took off at a high rate of speed through a residential neighborhood before driving through a fence and ending up on a 23rd Street lawn. The driver jumped out and continued on foot, running down an alley, but he was no match for Colt the K-9. The driver, Troy Porter, of Anderson, immediately went to the ground and stopped resisting as the K-9 partner reached him. He was taken into custody and was lodged in the Madison County Jail.

County Employees Reject Five Day Work Weeks

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:25:57 +0000

After receiving $1.8 million from the city of Muncie following the settlement of the 911 dispute, Delaware County officials said in March they would reverse one of the biggest cost-cutting measures they took in 2011 by reopening the Delaware County Building to the public on Fridays. Nearly two months later, the building remains on a four-day schedule. County commissioners recently sent a survey to county employees and they overwhelmingly rejected the proposal to go back to five-day weeks. This is just as well with Commissioner Larry Bledsoe who says the county doesn’t have the money to restore the earlier pay cuts.