On Thursday January 12, at approximately 10:27 pm Ripley County Communications received a report of a single vehicle accident involving a semi tractor-trailer just east of Cave Hill road on US 50.  When officers arrived on scene, they found the driver, 50 year-old Francisco Estrada, of Tiffin, Ohio still in the cab of his semi tractor that had rolled onto its side. The trailer he was pulling broke loose from the tractor and flipped up side down releasing its load of steel coils.  The trailer came to rest blocking both lanes of US 50. The two coils of steel went into the ditch on the north side of the roadway.   Estrada told the investigating officer that he was going westbound coming around a curve at about 45 mph when he ran off the north side of the roadway and into the ditch. Estrada complained of soreness in his hip and chest, but was checked out by Rescue 69 personnel and released from the scene.
On Thursday, December 1, 2011 at about 10:10 pm Ripley County Communications received a report of a single vehicle accident with injuries located at 2248 North State Rd 101, Milan.  When Deputy Marshal Jeremy Ison arrived on scene, he found a male subject, later identified as 27 year old Jeremy L. Brown of Milan, trapped inside the wreckage and was unresponsive.  The initial investigation showed Brown had been operating a blue 1992 Buick passenger car heading southbound on State road 101 when for unknown reasons he traveled off the west side of the roadway, overcorrecting and then traveling off the east side of the roadway where he struck a concrete waterway, tree, and utility pole.  The vehicle "barrel-rolled" several times and even "end for end" before coming to a rest.  Brown had to be extracted from the vehicle by Milan Fire.  Rescue 30 transported Brown to a landing zone where he was flown by Stat-flight to UC Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio to be treated for injuries he sustained in the crash.  It appeared that Brown was not wearing a seat belt at the time or the crash, and Officers believe alcohol and speed played a major factor in the crash.  REMC responded to the area because of power lines down and the surrounding area without power due to the crash.  The crash is still under investigation.

On Monday night, November 21, at approximately 6:25PM, the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a single vehicle accident involving injuries located on Michigan Road, south of Fairground Road near Osgood.  Arriving on scene, deputies learned that 50-year-old Woodie L. Sizemore Jr. of Holton, had been traveling south on Michigan Road when his 1993 GMC pickup truck went off the roadway on the right, overturning, and pinning Sizemore inside the vehicle.  Sizemore, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, had to be extricated and was transported to Margaret Mary Community Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries by Rescue 69.

On Monday night, November 21, at approximately 6:45 PM, the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a single vehicle accident located on Friendship Road at the intersection of CR 300 South, near Elrod.  Arriving on scene, deputies found that 67-year-old Kenneth L. Kuhlman of Cross Plains, had been traveling south on Friendship Road when he attempted to negotiate a curve, losing control of the 2006 Chevrolet Colorado he was operating, running off the right hand side of the road, striking a guide rail, and overturning.  Kuhlman, who was the driver and only occupant of the vehicle, was transported to Dearborn County Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening head injuries by Rescue 69.
Due to a trademark ownership of "Shop with a Cop" The Fraternal Order of Police can no longer use that term in fund raising or advertising efforts.  The Official Term now trademarked by the Fraternal Order of Police is:  "FOP Cops and Kids" The Christmas shopping program in our area will operate under this term and the public needs to know that our program will continue as in the past but now under this phrase
 
"FOP Cops and Kids" Christmas shopping spree will take place on December 17th at Alco in Versailles

Wm. R.Rayner Lodge is accepting donations to continued to support this areas program
Donations may be sent to
Wm R. Rayner Lodge #177
Att: Sec. Jeff Thielking
406 Catherine Street
Batesville, IN 47006
Checks may be written out to " FOP Cops and Kids #177 or Wm R. Rayner Lodge #177
 
The company that holds the copyright is CJW, Inc., a small, private telemarketing company based in Ohio. The owner of CJW, Inc., is Edward Wiza.
Before starting CJW, Mr. Wiza was General Manager and Vice President for JAK Productions, the fundraising company at the center of the bankruptcy of the Indiana Troopers Association and the current problems with fundraising for the Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police. JAK Productions was also fined $300,000 by the Federal Trade Commission for violating telemarketing laws. Mr. Wiza was sued by JAK Productions for attempting to poach clients and taking confidential information with him when he left the firm in 1991.  According to court documents, Ed Wiza terminated his employment with JAK Productions on November 25, 1991. That is the same date CJW, Inc. claims as the “first use” in its trademark filings for “Shop With A Cop.” The trademark was officially filed on November 2, 1995, and finally registered on December 10, 1996.  It appears that the local FOP’s program predates CJW’s first use of the term, but it’s unclear whether the moniker started the same time as the program. According to the FOP Lodge 88 website, “Since 1990 during the month of December, FOP 88 has provided a joyful holiday for underprivileged children in the Monroe county [sic] area who, without this program, may not experience one.”

On Tuesday, November 8, at approximately 5:49 PM, the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a single vehicle accident involving injuries located on US 50 near CR 400 west, east of Holton.  Once arriving on scene, Deputies found that 50 year old Arlan E. West, of Kingman Arizona, had been traveling eastbound on US 50 operating a 2011 Volvo semi tractor pulling a 53’ box trailer when the vehicle traveled off the right hand side of the roadway, colliding with an earth embankment, injuring his passenger, 34 year old James C. Helund of Lake City, Florida, who had been asleep in the tractor's bunk at the time of impact.  Kingman was uninjured in the accident, however his passenger, Helund, was airlifted from the scene by University of Cincinnati Aircare for treatment of internal injuries.  Traffic on US 50 was impeded for approximately 3 hours while emergency crews worked at the scene.

On Monday, November 7, 2011 at approximately 4:45 PM, the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a single vehicle accident involving a motorcycle and injuries located on SR 48 east of Napoleon.  When officers arrived on scene it was discovered that 48 year old Judith M. Schalk, of Milan, had been traveling west on SR 48 when she lost control of the 1980 Harley Davidson motorcycle she was operating.  As she came into a curve, she ran off the left side of the roadway, and collided with the ditch.  Schalk, who was wearing a helmet, received injuries to her face and head, and was transported to Margaret Mary Community Hospital for treatment of non life threatening injuries

On Wednesday November 2, 2011 at about 05:03 pm Ripley County Communications received a report of a single vehicle accident with injuries involving a motorcycle located at County Road 500 N. and County Road 800 E. in Ripley County.

Susan M. Roysden, of Milan, told officers they were riding their motorcycle eastbound on County Road 500 N. approaching a left hand curve when a tan SUV came around the curve running them off the roadway. Anyone with information on this investigation should contact the Sheriff's Office at 812.689.5558, or 812.689.5555, or your local law enforcement agency.

09/22/2011 United States Attorney's Office working to target violent criminals whop prey on Hoosier communities
Of the more than 4,300 children killed or injured in Indiana motor vehicle collisions last year, most were either unrestrained or improperly restrained. While most parents understand the importance of using car seats few know how to properly select or install the safety devices. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a properly installed car seat can reduce a child's risk of injury in a motor vehicle collision by up to 70 percent.  More than 20 seat check clinics have been planned across Indiana for National Child Passenger Safety Week, all of which are free. For a listing of those events, go to www.preventinjury.org or call 1-800-KID-N-CAR.  To learn more about National Child Passenger Safety Week, download car seat recommendations, or find a permanent fitting station in your area, visit http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS.

On Tuesday morning, Sept 6, at about 6:45am, Sheriff Tom Grills, continuing the investigation into the escape, went to a residence located on SR 48 owned by the family of Stanley Short.  Sheriff Grills, and deputies, felt that Short at some point would come to the property to seek assistance and his personal belongings.  Deputies were at the residence last night looking for Short with negative contact. While the Sheriff was at the residence, he located Short sleeping in a grass hopper a couple hundred feet south of the residence next to the garden and some tall weeds.   Short was taken into custody without incident by the Sheriff, and is currently back at the Ripley County Jail.  The Sheriff’s Office will forward escape and criminal mischief charges to the Prosecutor for formal filing.

On Sunday night, September 4, hours after Huskey escaped, two Reserve Deputies for the Sheriff’s Office acting on a tip from a citizen took Huskey back into custody without incident.

The Ripley County Jail is back to normal operation and the Sheriff is working with the Commissioners and the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) to fix the fencing that was damaged and make the recreation area more secure.  There will be another inspection and outside resources brought in to audit policy and procedure to enhance operations, if need be. 

Sheriff Grills noted, “ The recreation yard was installed in 2003 and inspected to meet requirements.   It was revisited by administration at the time the canopy was installed to cover the communications center entrance.   At that time administration felt it was adequate, but we now know it was not.    The problem has been addressed and we do not anticipate any future issues.  The jail staff responded appropriately and followed proper procedure and protocol in this incident to keep from having any further incidents in the jail.  The staff should be commended on their effort.  The response and operation to locate the escapees and bring them back into custody went as good as could be expected under the circumstances.   I am proud of my team.”  The IDOC has issued the Ripley County Jail excellent annual inspections since 2008.

A tip to the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office results in a multi agency apprehension of an accused Wanted Violent Felon in Ripley County.  On Tuesday afternoon, July 26, the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation, which resulted in the exposure of 42-year-old Ripley County resident, Tony Ray Campos of Napoleon, who was wanted on a serious felony arrest warrant out of Dearborn County, Indiana.  The Sheriff’s Office, organizing with the Holton and Milan Police Departments in the town of Napoleon, located Campos operating a 2003 maroon Trail Blazer and initiated a traffic stop, taking Campos into custody without incident. 

Tony R. Campos was transported to the Ripley County Jail where he was held on Dearborn County Charges of;

Count I             Criminal Confinement with a Deadly Weapon, Class B Felony.

Count II             Burglary, Class A Felony.

Count III            Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Class C Felony.

Count IV            Intimidation with a Deadly Weapon, Class C. Felony.

Campos will be held at the Ripley County Jail until pickup by Dearborn County authorities.  All defendants are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

On July 20, 2011,  the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of vehicles being struck by rocks while traveling on the roadway.  The incident reportedly occurred in the Osgood and Versailles area.  Officers were unable to locate the suspect vehicle at that time. Later, a second report led to the apprehension of a vehicle and four suspects.  The subjects were detained at the Ripley County Fairgrounds in Osgood. It is believed the subjects are responsible for damage in Osgood and the surrounding area to parked and moving vehicles. Other responding agencies assisting the Sheriff's Office include Versailles Police, Osgood Police, and Milan Police. Anyone with information concerning this incident can contact the Ripley County Sheriff Office.  The incident is currently under investigation by Cpl. Rob Bradley, Ripley County Sheriff Office.

On Tuesday, July 18, 2011 at approximately 8:21 PM, the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a single vehicle accident involving injuries on US 50, west of Holton, near CR 950 west.  Once arriving on scene, officers found that 41-year-old Patrick P. Allen of Batesville had been traveling east on US 50 along with passenger, 37- year- old Tomya L. Allen also of Batesville, in a 2004 Freightliner Semi tractor pulling a box trailer, when the tractor trailer went off the roadway on the left side of US 50, colliding with a guide rail and careening over an embankment into a body of water known as Lake Williams, before coming to rest on it side, entrapping both occupants.  Both Patrick & Tomya Allen had to be extricated from the tractor-trailer before being airlifted to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis by Lifeline for treatment of internal injuries received in the accident.  US 50 was subsequently shut down for several hours into the evening while cleanup crews removed the wreckage.  The accident is currently under investigation by the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office who were assisted at the scene by Rescue 69, Ripley County Medic, Holton Fire, Versailles Fire, Jennings County Medic, Milan Rescue 30, Holton Police Department, Osgood Police Department, Versailles Police Department, Indiana State Police and Ripley County Emergency Management.

On Tuesday July 5, 2011 at approximately 7:44 PM, the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported of a single vehicle accident with injuries located on CR 625 east near Milan.  Once arriving on scene, Officers discovered that 16 year old Brandon A. Barrett of Milan, had been traveling south on CR 625 east when the 1999 Ford pickup he was operating, left the roadway on the right side, causing Barrett to lose control of the vehicle, traveling back left across the roadway and impacting with a tree and overturning.  Barrett, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and airlifted to the University of Cincinnati Hospital by University of Cincinnati Air Care for treatment of internal injuries along with massive abrasions.  The accident is currently under investigation by Ripley County Sheriff's Deputy, Jason Dickerson who was assisted at the scene by Milan Fire, Milan Rescue 30, Ripley County Medic & Milan Police Department.

On Sunday, July 3, 2011 at approximately 12:20 AM, the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a single vehicle accident involving injuries located on US 50, near Holton.  Ripley County Communications received information from the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office reporting that they had received a cellular 911 call from a female who stated that she had been involved in an accident while traveling on US 50 near the town of Holton when her vehicle veered off the roadway, over an embankment and overturning, trapping the female driver inside.  As Rescue personnel responded to the area, information was relayed by the trapped female to 911 dispatchers that she could hear cars passing on the highway but no one could see her.  At approximately 12:38 AM, after frantic searching by Rescue Responders, the trapped female reported that she could hear sirens from emergency vehicles going by her, leading to her discovery and extrication from the vehicle.  The investigation revealed that 52 year old Denise A. Hunger of Versailles, had been the lone occupant of a 2002 Nissan Altima, traveling east on US 50 when her vehicle veered off the left hand side of the roadway, near School Street in Holton, traveling over an embankment and colliding with a ditch, causing the vehicle to overturn in a small stream, trapping Hunger in the vehicle and concealing it from passerby’s and responding personnel.  Hunger, who was extricated from the vehicle by Versailles Fire Rescue Truck 61, suffered a broken ankle and abrasions. She was airlifted from the scene by PHI and transported to the University of Cincinnati Hospital for treatment of her injuries.  The accident is currently under investigation by the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office who was assisted at the scene by Holton Fire, Indiana State Police, Rescue 69 and Ripley County Medic.   

On Saturday, July 2, 2011 at approximately 5:28 PM, the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a single vehicle accident involving injuries located on CR 200 south, near Cavehill Rd, Versailles.  Once arriving on scene, Officers found that 24 year old Lindsey A. Brunkel of Cincinnati had been operating a brown 1998 Chevrolet mini van, traveling west on CR 200 south, when, Brunkel stated she encountered a black motorcycle operated by a male driver and a female passenger, traveling east on CR 200 south, in her lane of travel. Brunkel stated she swerved right to avoid a head on collision with the motorcycle, causing her to run off the roadway on the right and lose control of her vehicle, colliding with a ditch and overturning.  Brunkel reported that the motorcyclist continued on without stopping at the scene.  Injured in the accident was the driver, Lindsey A. Brunkel, who suffered abrasions. Two passengers, 43 year old Melissa A. Brunkel, also of Cincinnati and a three year old child who was a passenger in the vehicle, restrained in a child seat, both suffering minor abrasions as well. All three were transported to Margaret Mary Community Hospital for treatment of their injuries by Rescue 69.  The accident which is currently under investigation by the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, who was also assisted at the scene by the Versailles Fire Department. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Sheriff's Office.

On Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at approximately 8:19 PM, the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a Burglary in progress located near Delaware, in the 2000 block of north Delaware Road. The homeowner reported that he had observed two white males operating a smaller pickup truck, arrive at his residence and enter his garage, removing items, and fleeing from the scene. The homeowner, who had called 911 during the incident, was able to give a description of the subjects along with the vehicle, resulting in their apprehension by Ripley County Sheriff’s Deputies who observed the suspect vehicle traveling south on CR 300 East, a couple of miles away from the residence.  As a result of an investigation into the incident conducted by the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office and Ripley County Sheriff’s Detective, Abraham Hildebrand, both suspects were taken into custody.  Arrested were, 18-year-old Andrew E. Hill & 18-year-old Michael A. Adams, both of Osgood Indiana. Hill & Adams were transported to the Ripley County Jail where they were incarcerated, pending court for Burglary of a Structure, Class C Felony, Theft, Class D Felony & Possession of Marijuana, Class A Misdemeanor. Charges have been filed in Ripley Circuit Court by Prosecuting Attorney Ric Hertel in the matter.  The criminal acts are currently still under investigation by the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, who was assisted by both the Holton & Milan Police Departments.  All Defendants’ are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

In the early morning hours of Sunday, June 12, while on patrol in the Morris area, Ripley County Reserve Deputy, Kendall Hankins, observed what appeared to be a motorist in possible distress, slumped over in the seat of a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu as it sat in a local business parking lot.  As Deputy Hankins investigated, he discovered 26-year-old Marcus A. Koster of Sunman, was not in medical duress, however was found to be in an impaired state and in possession of drug paraphernalia and marijuana.  Koster was placed under arrest for Possession of Marijuana, class A Misdemeanor, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and transported to the Ripley County Jail where he was incarcerated, pending bond of $550.00.  All Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

On Saturday, May 14th, 2011 at approximately 8:00 PM, Ripley County Sheriff’s Officers responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident involving a semi tractor-trailer and a passenger car with reported minor injuries on US 50 in Elrod near the Washington Baptist Church. Once arriving at the scene, officers discovered that US 50 was totally blocked by the crashed tractor-trailer.  According to driver and witness statements, 45 year old Lisa K.Vanpelt of Westerville Ohio, was traveling east on US 50 in Elrod, operating a 2003 Toyota Camry, near the area of the Washington Baptist Church, in a no passing zone, as she traveled up the grade, an unknown driver, driving a passenger car, attempted to overtake the Vanpelt vehicle as it traveled east. 34-year-old James C. Taylor of Beebe Arkansas, was traveling west on US 50 operating a 2009 Kenworth semi tractor, pulling a 53 foot box trailer, when he observed two approaching vehicles, crest the hill with one vehicle traveling in his lane.  The Vanpelt vehicle was struck on the driver’s side as the passing vehicle attempted to swerve out of the oncoming trucks lane. Taylor, to avoid a head on collision, steered his tractor-trailer into the ditch on the right, causing him to lose control of the vehicle, coming to rest across both lanes of US 50.       The vehicle reported as the cause of the accident, did not stop at the scene, continuing east on US 50.  The accident is currently under investigation by the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office who is requesting anyone with information in regards to the accident or the vehicle that left the scene, to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (812) 689-5555 or 5558.

With prescription drug abuse a persistent problem in Indiana, new legislation recently passed will make it easier for Hoosiers to safely dispose of unneeded prescription drugs so they aren’t diverted or misused.  House Enrolled Act 1121, which passed the Legislature on Monday, becomes law. The legislation revises statutory and regulatory requirements so pharmacies will be able to accept unused prescription drugs from consumers and dispose of them without the need for a monitoring police presence. To read more: http://intranet.atg.in.local/Pages/PressRelease42811.aspx

On Saturday, April 23, 2011, at approximately 1:26 PM, Ripley County Communications received a 911 report of an accident involving a pedestrian at the intersection of State Road 101 and State Road 46 located, in Penntown. The accident involved a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, driven by Marvin F. Kirschner. The pedestrian struck by the vehicle is identified as Jonathan N. Cleary. Ripley County Sheriff’s Office and Indiana Excise Police arrived at the scene, which had closed the North section of State Road 101.  Initial investigation indicated that the vehicle was turning North onto State Road 101 from State Road 46 when the vehicle struck Cleary who was wearing a green, reflective traffic vest standing in the middle of the roadway, between lanes, collecting donations.  Cleary was transported to Margaret Mary Community Hospital and believed to have suffered a concussion, fractured collarbone and lacerations to his head. Cleary’s current condition is unknown. The driver didn’t suffer any injuries from the accident and was cited at the scene, then released.

On Saturday, April 23, 2011, at approximately 4:39 AM, Ripley County Communications received a 911 report of a single vehicle accident on US 50 near the Versailles State Park entrance. As Ripley County Sheriff’s units arrived on scene, which had closed both lanes of US 50, it appeared from evidence left that a 1996 Toyota 4x4 pickup driven by KENNETH W. JACKSON III, that the vehicle was westbound on US 50 approaching a curve, crossed over (2) eastbound lanes of traffic, left the south side of the roadway, traveled through a ditch, collided with a guardrail, struck a tree and came to a rest partially in a creek that trapped both driver and a passenger, Lucas W. Shelton.  Both driver and passenger were treated for minor injuries and released from Margaret Mary Community Hospital.

At approximately 7:41 PM on March 30, 2011, Deputies from the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, along with Holton, Osgood and Versailles Police Departments, responded to the area of US 50 and Michigan Road for a report of a burglary in progress.  According to Detective Abe Hildebrand at the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, it is believed the suspect(s) had forced entry into Carolyn’s Collectables, an antique store near that intersection, and removed several antiquities and other memorabilia from inside of the establishment.  47-year-old Andrew Lykins, of Osgood was located near the business attempting to flee from the scene on foot.  A short time later, other Sheriff’s Deputies located 37-year-old Troy Porter, also of Osgood, who had left the scene in a vehicle.  The Deputies found the vehicle contained several items that had been taken from inside of the establishment.  Both subjects were arrested  and preliminary charges. Lykins was charged with burglary, theft, and public intoxication. Porter was charged with receiving stolen property, assisting a criminal, and driving while suspended. Charges have been forwarded to the Ripley County Prosecutor’s Office.  The case is still under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and  the individuals involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

On Monday, March 28, 2011 the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office and Holton Police initiated a traffic stop near the town of Holton which resulted in the seizure of Heroin along with drug paraphernalia and the arrest of 28 year old, Joshua A. McCoy of Holton.  Pursuant to the investigation, the case was forwarded to Ripley County Prosecutor, Ric Hertel, resulting in charges being filed against 30 year old Tara M. Bowman of Versailles.  An arrest warrant was issued by the Ripley County Superior Court for the arrest of Tara M. Bowman on April 7th, 2011 for Count I, Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Class D Felony. Count II, Possession or Control of a Hypodermic Needle When Used to Violate the Legend Drug Act, Class D Felony & Count III, Possession of Paraphernalia, Class A Misdemeanor.  Subsequently, Tara M. Bowman was arrested and the arrest warrant served on her by Holton Town Marshal, Bob Curl on Sunday, April 10th where she was transported to the Ripley County Jail and incarcerated, pending a bond of $1050.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

On Friday March 4, 2011, at about 2:43 AM Deputies with the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office along with Officers with the Milan Police Department responded to an abandoned residence located at 4506 East County Road 200 North to investigate a suspicious vehicle parked at the vacant residence.

According to Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, Detective Abe Hildebrand, the truck was parked at the vacant residence, while the 3 male subjects who occupied it entered Dave’s Auto Salvage on foot.  The 3 subjects removed several automotive radiators from the scrap yard, and were taking them back to the vehicle.  Two of the male subjects were located attempting retrieve the vehicle, which was still under surveillance by Ripley County Deputies.  The two suspects were detained for questioning, and later incarcerated at the Ripley County Jail.  After the execution of a Search Warrant on the truck involved, a large amount of copper wire was found inside the truck.  It was later discovered that the wire had also been stolen earlier that same night from a residence in Dearborn County.  Arrested: Kraig W. King, 18, of Lawrenceburg, Indiana and Shane Mosier, 19, of Moores Hill, Indiana.  The third suspect fled from the area and his current whereabouts are unknown.  The incident is still under investigation by the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office.  All subjects involved in this incident are innocent until proven guilty.
Around 3:46pm, Sunday, March 6, 2011, 19-year-old Matthew C. Bauman, Sunman, was operating his Honda ATV losing control making the turn into his driveway on County Road 1000 E., near Penntown.  Bauman struck a guardrail, was thrown from the vehicle, and subsequently air lifted to UC Hospital in Cincinnati.  Bauman's injuries consisted of possible broken bones and internal injuries.   Bauman was wearing a helmet which minimized head trauma.  Sgt Marvin Smith is investigating the crash and was assisted at the scene by other Deputies, Sunman Rescue 20, Sunman Fire, Ripley County Medic, and UC Aircare.  The crash is still under investigation.

Sheriff Grills, VINE restores automatic alerts for victims of crime in Ripley County.

Ripley County residences once again have access to fast notification when an offender they wish to track is released or transferred into the custody of another agency.  Sheriff Thomas Grills has entered into an agreement with Louisville-based Appriss to restore the local victim alert system – VINE, or Victim Information and Notification Everyday. Appriss had the contract with counties and the state until June 2010, when the Department of Correction moved to another vendor for its services.  When VINE was in operation previously in Ripley County, more than 500 users were registered.

“Protecting the citizens of Ripley County is our highest priority,” said Sheriff Grills.  I brought VINE to our county originally, and we are grateful they are willing to work with us again.  “VINE provides an added level of protection to victims because it gives them timely and accurate information on offenders,” Sheriff Grills added.

The Website to register for the Appriss service is www.vinelink.com, or users also may call (866) 959-8463. People registering for service are asked to provide the offender’s name or inmate identification number, and may register multiple phone numbers or email address to be notified automatically when offender’s custody status changes.  One benefit of the VINE service is access to live operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week for callers requiring additional help.

With the restoration of service, several new features will be added – including a link from the department’s online offender lookup, which will allow users to go directly to the VINE site for registration  VINE BROCHURE

NATIONAL TAKE BACK INITIATIVE

Due to the overwhelming success of the first event, DEA is planning a second National Prescription Drug Take Back Day which will take place on Saturday, April 30, 2011.  This will be a great opportunity for those who missed the first event or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of them.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health.  Each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.

In an effort to address this problem, DEA, in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, conducted the first ever National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, September 25, 2010.  The purpose of this National Take Back Day was to provide a venue for persons who wanted to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs.  This effort was a huge success in removing potentially dangerous prescription drugs, particularly controlled substances, from our nation’s medicine cabinets.  There were approximately 3,000 state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the nation that participated in the event.  All told, the American Public turned in more than 121 tons of pills on this first National Take Back Day.

On Saturday, January 22, 2011, after an extensive investigation by the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, working in cooperation with the Milan Police Department, the agencies executed a Search Warrant issued by the Ripley Circuit Court on a Milan residence resulting in the seizure of controlled substances and marijuana, leading to the arrest of two Milan residents.  31 year old Johnny R. Hamlet of Milan was arrested for possession of a schedule II controlled substance, class D Felony & Possession of Marijuana over 30 grams, class D Felony.  24 year old Amy N. Mcnutt of Milan was arrested for possession of a schedule II controlled substance, class D Felony & Possession of Marijuana over 30 grams, class D Felony.  Both Hamlet & Mcnutt were transported to the Ripley County Jail where they were incarcerated, pending bond of $1050.00 & bond of $2050.00 for Mcnutt.

On Wednesday January 12, 2011 Ripley County Communications received a report of an accident with injuries involving a pick-up truck and a small utility tractor located on County Road 450 W, just north of 1025 S. in Ripley County. When Ripley County Deputy Steve Sullivan arrived on scene, he found 46 year-old Bradley L. Zimmerman,  Madison, laying in the roadway unconscious. Neighbors were attending to Zimmerman. The preliminary investigation showed Zimmerman was operating a small John Deere Utility Tractor, clearing his neighbors driveway of snow, when he pulled out onto the county road to push snow off the east side of the road. Zimmerman was struck in the right rear tire area of the tractor by a 1997 Ford pick-up being operated by 32 year-old Cesar S. Montero, Dillsboro. The impact ejected Zimmerman from the tractor onto the roadway where he received severe injuries. Zimmerman was transported to Kings Daughter Hospital for injuries he sustained in the accident. Montero told Officers he was northbound on county road 450 W., crested the hill at county road 1025 S, and could see a small Tractor in the roadway.  Montero said the tractor started backing up and due to the snow covered roadway, he was unable to avoid striking the tractor. Montero was not injured in the accident, but was cited for no driver’s license when required and no insurance.

 

News Prior to 2011

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