Provided by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department
September 7
Cody A. Sorensen, 25, U.S. 52, Laurel, at 5:15 p.m., along U.S. 52, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Major Gregory Mehlbauer for Driving While Intoxicated .08 percent and Driving while Intoxicated .15 percent.
September 10
Anthony Z. Tedesco, 36, Pine Grove, Batesville, was arrested at 12:30 p.m. at the Heritage Trails Correctional Facility by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy R. Gordon on an Arrest Warrant.
September 11
William J. Gabbard, 21, Iowa Avenue, Connersville, at 1:27 a.m., at Laurel, was arrested by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Dusty Hill for Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated.
Troy L. Hinds, 53, Westview Drive, Brookville, at 5:22 p.m., was arrested at the intersection of Webers Lane and High Street by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy D. Huntsman on an Arrest Warrant.
Terry L. Pursifull, 31, Laurel Road, Laurel, was arrested at 7:05 p.m., at Oldenburg by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Dusty Hill for Driving While Suspended with Prior Suspension within 10 Years.
September 12
Stephanie E. Baum Dickens, 47, Cincinnati, Ohio, at 2:50 a.m., at Maple Grove Road, Brookville, was arrested by Brookville Police Department Officer Ryan Windle for Residential Entry and Resisting Law Enforcement.
September 13
Gracie M. Robbins, 47, Westport, was arrested at 11:36 a.m., at the Decatur County Jail by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy A. Maxie on an Arrest Warrant.
Travis J. Schirmer, 29, Schuman Road, Brookville, was arrested at 9:30 a.m., at the Franklin County Security Center lobby, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy A. Maxie on an Arrest Warrant.
September 14
Andrew M. Welke, 47, Gobles Creek Road, Brookville, was arrested at 8:56 a.m., at the courthouse by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy A. Maxie on an Arrest Warrant.
I sometimes ask archangels like Raphael to guide me; he gives me knowledge and brings healing when I need it. Lately I’m having negative angelic encounters. What’s happening?
A:
A demonic presence has come through a spiritual door into your life, that’s what’s happening. While I’m sure most Christians have prayed to angels a time or two, the Bible specifically commands us not to do it. We are not to view the angelic hosts of heaven as approachable secretaries in God’s office who carry our requests to the boss. Jesus himself operates in that capacity according to Acts, chapter two. Angels are not equal to God in power since they were created by him…so we must not regard their majestic abilities as substitutes for the Lord’s intervention. Why would we seek the assistance of an angel when we are now able to run straight to the throne room of heaven, pass through the shed blood of Jesus Christ and make our appeals directly to God?
My friend, when you began seeking angelic attention instead of the Lord’s, you stepped over a sacred boundary. It is considered sinful to regard anything as a substitute for the Almighty. Unrepentant sin always opens doorways to hell—so unfortunately, you may have inadvertently invited a demonic entity into your world. I highly recommend you cease angelic solicitations and repent for what I’m sure was an innocent misunderstanding of how heaven works. Close that spiritual door immediately and cleanse your heart (and mind) from seeking angels instead of God.
Even the pillars of our faith…saints of old…have made mistakes concerning angels, by the way: “And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. But he said to me, ‘Do not do that. I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who heed the words of this book. Worship God.’” (Revelation 22:8, 9, NASB95) The Apostle John, the longest living Disciple whom Jesus loved, wrote that bit of scripture about himself. He recorded one of his missteps with an angelic host, I believe, as a warning and instruction to us.
It’s important to understand what angels do and who they are. You mentioned “Raphael.” Yes, it is true that he is listed as one of eight (or 12, depending on your doctrine) of the known Archangels identified as Seraphim in the Bible. They oversee subordinate ranks of angels, each with specific realms of territory, areas of expertise and unique duties. Scripture reveals to us that angels serve the Lord in three general areas: they bring messages (Luke 1:19); they assist us in spiritual battles (2 Kings 6:16, 17); and they strengthen us (Mark 1:13; 1 Kings 19:5, 6.) A critical point, however, is that we must not solicit our fellow servants of God in the place of praying to God. When we pray in Christ’s name, sometimes he responds himself, or by the Holy Spirit. Other times God sends an angel. The bottom line: our priority must be to seek the Lord first, in accordance with the Bible’s mandate in Matthew 6:33.
Pursuing angelic engagement is often rooted in New Age theology, which unfortunately stems from witchcraft. “Spirit guides” are the counterfeit entities of the Holy Spirit. We do not need angelic guides because Jesus already set that spiritual guidance in active operation. We need only to ask the Holy Spirit and he will readily assist. When we work-around God, we are dangerously close to the practices of sorcery. People who claim to receive wisdom or prophecy from anything other than the Holy Spirit are not hearing from the Lord. They are embracing doctrines of demons meant to steal, kill and destroy the lives of innocent people. (John 10:10)
I’m so glad you wrote to me. When it comes to spiritual things, I realize there is a lot to know and understand. God in his mercy uses moments like this to teach us his ways and save us from Satan’s relentless deception. Go with God, seek only him and pursue the Bible’s teachings. They are never wrong.
Do you have a question or comment for Pastor Adrienne? Send your inquiries to: info@adriennewgreene.com or write to P.O. Box 214, Harrison, OH 45030. For more information and resources, please visit www.askpastoradrienne.com or the “Ask Pastor Adrienne” YouTube channel for videos and insights.
Pastor Jeffrey Scott Garrison, 57, of London, Ohio, formerly of Connersville, went to the arms of the Savior, Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at Hospice Care of Columbus, Ohio following an extended illness.
Jeffrey was born in Connersville on September 28, 1963, one of four children of Raymond and Freda Spivey Garrison. He was a 1982 graduate of Temple Christian School and received his Bachelor of Science in Church Ministries from Baptist University of America in Decatur, Georgia in 1986.
On June 16, 1984, he married his high school sweetheart, Traci Elaine Reynolds, at Connersville Baptist Temple. Mrs. Garrison survives.
Together, Jeffrey and Traci entered ministry. He was a youth and associate pastor for a number of churches before surrendering to the mission field in 1998, where he and Traci were called to serve in the Dominican Republic. Together, they planted churches there for 17 years.
Due to medical issues, he returned to the United States and was currently the pastor of London Baptist Church in London, Ohio.
In his leisure, he enjoyed restoring his classic cars and spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Traci Garrison; two children, Joshua S. Garrison of Dayton, Ohio and Elisabeth H. (Jacob) Howard of Zanesville, Ohio; two granddaughters, Serenity Howard and Kaylie Howard; his father, Raymond Garrison of Connersville; two brothers, Kenny (Tina) Garrison of Connersville and Terry Garrison of Oxford, Ohio; his mother and father-in-law, Robert and Dianne Reynolds of Connersville, his brother-in-law, Bob (Pam) Reynolds of Connersville, his sister-in-law, Andrea (Bill) Miller of Indianapolis; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Freda Garrison, and a brother, Michael Garrison.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, September 20, 2021, at Connersville Baptist Temple with Dr. Randall Collins officiating. Burial will be in Dale Cemetery. Friends may call at the church from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Sunday, September 19, 2021.
Memorial contributions may be made to Missionary Alexis Givans through Baptist International Missions Incorporated.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
Ray C. Amrhein passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at the age of 88 in his Brookville home. He was born in Brookville on April 23, 1933, to Clarence and Anetia (Kuehn) Amrhein. Ray attended Saint Michael Catholic School and was a 1951 graduate of Brookville High School. He received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Education as well as a Specialist Degree in Educational Administration from Ball State University.
After college, he served in the Army from 1955 to 1957 and in the Army Reserves from 1957 to 1961. One notable army experience included being chosen to march in Dwight D. Eisenhower’s second inaugural parade as part of the unit from Indiana.
Following his military service, he began a career in education that spanned more than 35 years. From 1957-1992, he served in almost every role as a teacher and administrator: teacher, principal, superintendent, transportation director, and teacher contract negotiator. He was the first Superintendent of Franklin County Community School Corporation (1970-1983). During his years as an educator, he directed the building of an addition at Brookville Elementary School. He also directed and constructed schools at Mount Carmel and Laurel, and the Franklin County High School Athletic Field. Additionally, he served on the IHSAA Board of Control, was a charter member of the East Central Special Education Coop and served on the SOITA board which was a group that initiated technology in the classroom in its infancy stage.
Upon retirement, he joined the Brookville American Legion serving two years as Commander of the Legion and nine years as Commander of the Firing Squad. As a member of the firing squad, he participated in more than 400 military funerals for the veterans of our country. In 2013, he created the American Legion Scholarship Dinner, which to date, has awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships to Franklin County High School seniors.
Ray was a lifelong member of Saint Michael Parish and a 70-year member of the Knights of Columbus. He also served as a driver for Franklin County EMS for 10 years. He won the Brookville/Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award in 2009 for his role as Chairman of the Brookville Bicentennial Parade. Ray’s life of service to his country, state and community was formally recognized in August 2021 with the presentation of the Sagamore of the Wabash Award by State Senator Jeff Raatz on behalf of Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. The Sagamore Award is Indiana’s highest honor.
He is survived by Evelyn, his wife of 68 years; his children Dale (Anne) Amrhein, Lyle (Sharon) Amrhein of Batesville, Faye (Mike) Cossins of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Paul (Tracey) Amrhein of West Chester, Ohio; four grandchildren Allison (Tom) Morton, Joe Cossins, Marie Cossins, and Alexandra Amrhein; one great grandchild Charles Morton; and one sister Donna Back.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Ruth Kirschner, Norma Knecht, Rita Riehle, Dorothy Boyle, and Betty Glaub.
The family wishes to offer a special thank you to Mike Biltz for his unwavering devotion and friendship to Ray. We should all be so lucky to have such a friend. Thank you, too, to the doctors, nurses and staff at McCullough-Hyde Hospital in Oxford, Ohio; the James Cancer Center in Columbus, Ohio; and Hospice from Margaret Mary Health in Batesville, for their expertise and compassion; to good friends from American Legion Post 77; and to friends, family and neighbors for all their love and support of Ray and the family.
Visitation for family and friends is Tuesday, September 21, 2021, from 4 until 7 p.m. at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home, 929 Main Street, Brookville. *** The family requests that all attending wear a mask. Father Vincent Lampert will officiate a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church. The Brookville American Legion, Bernard Hurst Post #77 will pay a final tribute to Ray, honoring him will military graveside honors immediately following Mass at St. Michael Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be directed to the Brookville American Legion or its Firing Squad. To sign the online guestbook or to leave a personal memory please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to care for the family of Ray Amrhein.
Franklin County Sheriff’s Department press release
The Franklin/Ripley County Traffic Safety Partnership released the results from the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign that ran between August 18 and Labor Day. According to the department, officers made four arrests and issued 39 citations during the three-week enforcement period.
The focus of the campaign was to deter impaired driving and save lives. The effort was supported with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) funds distributed by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.
“There’s no excuse for driving impaired, but there are consequences,” said Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Adam Henson. “If you’re impaired by any substance, then don’t get behind the wheel. Even though the campaign is over, we’re always on the lookout for unsafe driving.”
More than 200 law enforcement agencies participated in the statewide crackdown. Across Indiana, officers conducted extra high-visibility patrols and sobriety checkpoints to curb drunk driving, which claims the lives of more than 10,000 people every year in the U.S.
That’s approximately one person every 52 minutes or 28 per day.
In Indiana, impaired driving has been on the rise. Of the 898 traffic fatalities that occurred last year, 151, or 17 percent, were alcohol related. That’s up from 130 in 2019, data from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute shows.
“Driving impaired is deadly,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI executive director. “All of those crashes and fatalities could’ve been avoided. We’ll continue to raise awareness about that fact and stress the importance of planning ahead.”
Although the mobilization is over, the department wants to remind residents that driving impaired – whether it’s from drugs or alcohol – is illegal and completely preventable. Consequences can include thousands of dollars in legal fees, increased insurance rates, loss of license, a criminal record and possible jail time.
To avoid those, plan a safe and sober ride home before going out. Even if only one drink is consumed, designate a sober driver or plan to use a rideshare service, public transportation or taxi. Motorists that encounter a drunk driver on the road are encouraged to call 911.
The Greensburg Police Department is investigating the disappearance of Ryan Turner, an 8-year-old white male, 4 feet 8 inches tall, 55 pounds, brown hair with brown eyes, last seen with his non-custodial mother Alicia Turner, a 34-year-old white female, 5 feet 11 inches tall, 276 pounds, brown hair with blue eyes. They were last seen in a gray 2017 Jeep Compass with a Indiana paper plate of P162542.
Ryan is missing from Greensburg, which is 52 miles south east of Indianapolis and was last seen on Wednesday, September 15, at 10 a.m. He is believed to be in danger.
If you have any information on Ryan Turner, contact the Greensburg Police Department at 812-222-4911 or 911.
Elmer Hammond, 77, of Liberty, passed away on Tuesday, September 14, 2021. He was born on June 6, 1944, in Liberty to William Hammond and Mary Bell Dunn.
On January 21, 1984, he married Edith Rhodes in Kerrville, Tennessee.
Elmer was a beloved husband, a great father, and a cherished grandpa. He enjoyed fishing and attending church. He loved playing music, building his guitars and “fixing” lawn mowers. (when he wasn’t cutting his fingers off.) He brought joy to everyone who was around him. One time he had agreed to play a game. Charlene had told him to draw three circles on a piece of paper. She then told him to close his eyes and picture himself skiing downhill, and he had to miss the poles he had drawn. As soon as he started Charlene hit him in the head and he fell backwards into the chair. He opened his eyes, got up, and looked at his paper and said “Well, I guess I did hit a pole!” He would take all the grandkids fishing and when we got bored, him and grandma would give us boards, nails, and a hammer to build crosses with. Or stopping in Abington on the way home from church to get a snack cake and walking back home to Brownsville. Even riding in a car with grandpa was a story. He never really got the hand of it, and the older he got the more fun it became. I’m sure with all of our memories he will be keeping us smiling and laughing for times to come.
He leaves behind, his loving wife of 41 years, Edith Hammond; his seven children, Becky (Aggie) Hammond, Craig (Debby) Hammond, Mark (Hilda) Earles, Kenny Earles, Charlene Sturgeon, Joyce (Mike) Louden, Betty Earles, his 20 grandchildren, Lacy, McKayla, Austin, Brandt (Misty) Earles, Jarod Earles, Danielle (Jon) Hayes, Kacy (Ej) Stelle. Kody Clark, Krystal (Jeremy) Matthews, Ky Clark, Megan (Patrick) McDonald, Ruthie Earles, Seth Earles, Merideth Earles, Samantha (Andy) Abner, Brittany (Cj) Bentley, Jessica (Sam) Johnson, Cheryl Moats Ricky Jo Moats and Patrick (Heather) Moats; his 27 great-grandchildren, with two on the way. Many nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Hammond and mother Mary Dunn and two grandchildren Shane Christian and Kandi Dillon.
Visitation for Elmer will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2021, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Urban Winkler Liberty Funeral Home, 310 N. Main St. Liberty, Indiana 47353. The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. with Pastor Tim Denny officiating. Burial will follow in Richland Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
To sign the online guestbook or to leave the family with a personal message visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.
Douglas V. Johnson, 75, of Connersville, passed away on Monday, September 13, 2021. He was born on March 13, 1946, in Patoka, to the late John E. Johnson and Audrey E. Jenkins Coleman.
Douglas served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War for six years.
On December 24, 1969, he married Thelma Oliver in Connersville. Together, they had three children. They lived in Tombstone, Arizona for more than 30 years before moving back home to Connersville.
During his time in Arizona, he was a Lieutenant Security Guard at a college. He was a security guard for various places and had also worked at Wal Mart in Richmond. Douglas was a Vigilante in Tombstone where he reenacted western films. He was a cowboy at heart.
You could often find him making model railroads and watching westerns. Douglas also enjoyed collecting figurine bears.
Along with his wife of 52 years, he is survived by his daughters, Shannon Johnson and Shilo Johnson; four grandchildren, Douglas Johnson, Dakota Johnson, Amanda (Bryant) Stevens and Kia Marcum; two great grandchildren, Serenity Stevens and Brayden Stevens; siblings, Lora McKim, Rhonda Coomer, Greta Coleman, Marcela Bell and Pamela McCowan; and many nieces and nephews.
Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Jeremiah Johnson; and siblings, Frank Spencer, Richard Coleman, Robert Coleman, Janet Taylor, Mable Jones, Joann Underhill and Ailene Agnew; a brother and sister-in-law, Woodrow (Betty Lou) Oliver, mother and father in law, Joe and Creamy Oliver and sister in law, Helen Rose Asbury.
Visitation for Douglas will be held on Monday, September 20, 2021, from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W. 8th St. Connersville, Indiana 47331. The funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Ronnie Russell officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Lick Creek Cemetery.
To sign the online guestbook or to leave the family a personal message visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.
Elizabeth Marie Miller, 62, of Connersville, passed away unexpectedly late Tuesday night, September 14, 2021, at Reid Health, Connersville.
She was born on August 17, 1959, in Connersville to Walter “Buck” and Deloris Clark Freeland. She was a 1977 graduate of Connersville High School.
Elizabeth was the manager of H&R Block for many years.
In her leisure, she enjoyed playing golf and cards. She also loved being outdoors, walking, and spending time at the pool and ocean. Above all, Elizabeth was a dedicated mother and grandmother, cherishing her time spent with family. A true treasure, she was adored by many.
Survivors include her companion, Barry Binder; three children, Ben (Brittany) Gossett of Connersville, Kris Gossett of Connersville, and Brittney (Matt) Howard of Westfield; five grandchildren, Otto Gossett, Orin Gossett, Ryker Gossett, Micah Howard, and Jace Howard; several step-grandchildren; three siblings, Bunny Peters of Connersville, Roberta (Kenny) Campbell of Burksville, Kentucky, and Barbara (Gary) Stout of Connersville; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Mike and Tom Freeland.
Friends may visit from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday, September 20, 2021 at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home, where the rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church with Reverend Dustin Boehm officiating. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.