Richard “Dick” D. Cregar, age 84, passed away on Sunday January 9, 2022, at Caroleton Health Care Center in Connersville. Dick was born on June 18, 1937, in Connersville, the only son of the late Carrol W. and Mary L. Scripture Cregar.
In April 1959, he joined the US Navy, serving on the USS Haynsworth. He was honorably discharged in April 1962.
He attended Full Gospel Revelation Church and was a member of the American Legion and Warren Masonic Lodge #15 F.&AM.
He retired as a tool and die maker from Ford in 1995 after 23.5 years of service. Prior to Ford he had work at Avco for 5.5 years in Richmond and at Natco. He was an avid swimmer and loved old cars.
Family and friends may gather on Wednesday January 12, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th Street, Connersville. Services will follow at 12 noon with Pastor Kay Isaacs officiating. Burial will be at Dale Cemetery with Military services provided by the Fayette County Veterans Council.
Juanita Sue “Susie” Neal Todd, 73, of Connersville, passed away Sunday afternoon, January 9, 2022 at Reid Health, Richmond.
The youngest of five children of Melvin Alfred and Aretta B. Hughes Neal, Susie was born in Connersville on January 23, 1948.
A 1966 graduate of Connersville High School, Susie enjoyed a variety of careers. After employment in the offices at Philco-Ford, she worked at Connersville Care Center on Iowa Avenue. During this time, she earned her certification from Lockyear College to become a nursing home administrator and continued her work at the Care Center as an administrator for 10 years. She then became the bookkeeper at Fayette County Senior Center and was instrumental in setting up the county’s first transportation program for senior citizens. She later worked for Area 9 and helped establish the Meals on Wheels program in Fayette County. She then returned to Ford/Visteon for almost 10 years and later was an assistant manager at Curves until its closure.
On December 23, 1967, Susie married William Todd in Connersville. Mr. Todd survives.
Active in the Fayette County Democrat Party, Susie served as president of the Fayette County Women’s Democrat Club and was a precinct vice-committeewoman. She chaired many fund-raising projects including the popular apple dumpling sales each fall. She also assisted in several candidates’ campaigns and enjoyed working at the polls on election days.
Susie was also a longtime member of Lambda Chi Omega Sorority, Iota Chapter, and chaired their Easter egg fundraising committee. For many years she was also chair of Connersville’s Toss for Toys program, which raised money at Christmas to buy gifts for underprivileged youngsters.
She was actively involved in planning her high school class reunions and Brown County class birthday celebrations. Generous with her time and talent to help make each event a success, she was a dedicated member of the reunion committee for decades.
Susie was a member of New Life Ministries. She had a strong faith in God and found solace throughout her life in knowing He would be her guide.
Susie was always ready to drive patients to doctor appointments, make dinner for grieving families, collect clothing or furniture for those down on their luck, or do whatever else was needed for family, friends, and strangers alike. She was always vivacious and had a positive attitude about everything. While facing her serious health issues, she often remarked that there were so many people who had problems much worse than hers.
She enjoyed traveling through the beautiful hills of Kentucky to visit her nieces, and she also loved spending time on Florida beaches. There was nothing, however, that gave her greater joy than supporting her son and then her grandchildren in their numerous activities.
Susie is survived by her husband, William Todd; son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Katie Combs Todd of Connersville. She is also leaving behind her beloved grandchildren, Tanner (Lexi) Todd of Richmond, Gabrielle Todd (fiancé, Alex) of Southport, Evan Todd of Metamora, and Sophia Todd of Connersville; a step-granddaughter, Santana Rose of Connersville; a step-great-granddaughter, Nyla Rose of Connersville. In addition, she is survived by several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, and many cousins.
Besides her parents, Susie was preceded in death by her brothers, Gerald Neal and Kenneth Neal; and sisters, Roberta Kay Neal Caldwell and Gernice Neal Sargent.
Family and friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Pastor Jeff Meadows will officiate. Burial will follow in Dale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette County Cancer Society, and online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
By John Estridge with information taken from several media sources
A man with Liberty and Laurel ties has been arrested in Hamilton County, Tennessee and charged with three counts of child rape, two counts of aggravated kidnapping and other related charges.
Also, authorities say Ryan Andrew Meyung, 30, may have more victims spread across 10 states including Indiana.
Meyung had a Liberty address and was the manager of motocross racing at Haspin Acres near Laurel.
According to an article in the Cincinnati Enquirer dated Jan. 11 and written by Cameron Knight, Meyung was staying with a family in Hamilton County, Tennessee, and sleeping on their couch. The family had a 12-year-old son living in the same house.
Apparently Meyung is alleged to have purchased gifts for the 12-year-old including an iPhone and a vape.
It was the vape, which initiated everything as the 12-year-old’s father confronted the 12-year-old about the vape after the father found it.
While the boy was being disciplined, the boy began to cry and then told his dad what had been occurring, this allegedly included sexual contact.
“He broke down, hit the floor and was crying like I’ve never seen him cry before and that’s when he said everything,” the father told WRCB Channel 3 in Chattanooga.
The father immediately called the police.
Meyung and the family have been friends for a couple of years, according to the article.
According to an article on WTVC Channel 9 news out of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Meyung ran a business called Live Your Dreams MX.
“…which involved him in traveling around the United States and other countries building motocross tracks,” Hamilton County District Attorney General Neal Pinkston was quoted in the Channel 9 news article. “His work also involved teaching and mentoring children on how to motocross. This business was based in Indiana.”
Pinkston also said Meyung has past and present connections with several youth-oriented organizations and youth ministries. These connections required Meyung to travel across the United States.
After the initial charges had been publicized, Tennessee police took an affidavit concerning another alleged illegal incident involving children, a Channel 9 article stated.
Two siblings aged 10 and 11 said on Dec. 10 they were visiting their father’s workspace when they walked through a parking lot to Meyung’s white bus to “talk about dirt bike stuff.”
After talking about bikes inside the bus for a short time, the siblings saw Meyung walk to the front of the bus and engage the lock system, locking the doors.
At that point, the children said Meyung attacked them and sexually violated one of the children. The children were able to unlock the doors and escaped with Meyung allegedly yelling after them “don’t tell your dad.”
Locally, Haspin Acres put a statement on its Facebook page. “The future of motocross racing at Haspin Acres is now uncertain. As many of you know, our MX Race Manager, Ryan Meyung, has been arrested in Tennessee and is awaiting his day in court. All plans for motocross racing at Haspin Acres next season are indefinitely suspended. Any further decisions about the future of motocross racing at Haspin Acres will be posted on our Facebook page and website.”
A twin brother and girlfriend have also been charged in relation to this case.
Authorities at the Silverdale Detention Center said they overheard Meyung make a phone call and tell his girlfriend to go into his Apple account and erase his profile.
According to one of the articles, Meyung’s twin brother, Bryan Meyung, and girlfriend, Marisa Davis, were charged with felony tampering with or fabricating evidence by conspiring with Ryan Meyung to delete digital information from Ryan’s personal cell phone and Facebook profile.
Police believe there are more victims across the country including the states of: Indiana, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.
Anyone with information related to Meyung’s arrest or anyone who suspects that a child might be one of his victims is being encouraged to call the Homeland Security Investigations tip line at 866-347-2423 or go to www.ice.gov/tipline.
Meyung remains in the Silverdale Jail in Chattanooga awaiting hearings in the case.
Franklin County Sheriff’s Department press release
On Saturday, January 8, at 7:11 p.m., Franklin County Sheriff’s Department deputies were called to investigate a two-vehicle, head-on collision in the 12,000 block of Indiana 121.
Deputies determined that Brandi N. Bryant of Connersville, was operating a 2000 Kia Sportage southbound on Ind. 121. Bryant lost control of her vehicle on an ice-covered bridge, causing the Kia to cross into the northbound lane of travel, colliding head-on with a northbound 2020 Volkswagen Passat. Christina A. Persson, also of Connersville, was operating the northbound Volkswagen. Persson told deputies that she saw the oncoming vehicle and attempted to stop, but was unable to avoid the collision.
Bryant, 39, was transported by Franklin County EMS 3, to Reid Hospital in Connersville for treatment of minor injuries. Persson, 52, as well as a passenger in her vehicle, were transported by Franklin County EMS 2, to Decatur County Hospital in Greensburg, where they were also treated for minor injuries.
Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Laurel and Metamora Volunteer Fire Departments, as well as Franklin County EMS 2 and EMS 3.
Raymond “Pete” Lowe Jr., age 64 of Laurel, passed away to be with our Father in Heaven on Saturday, January 8, 2022.
Born March 21, 1957, in Huntington, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Raymond Lowe Sr. and Lula Mae Lewis Lowe.
On February 5, 2015, he and the former Maranda “Mandy” Shoemaker were united in marriage, and she survives.
He was a member of the Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio and since being in this area, would attend with his wife occasionally at the Laurel Church of Christ.
He was a US Army Veteran of the Vietnam Conflict.
He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting and walking in the woods. He enjoyed cooking, and most of all cherished time spent with his family and friends. He loved his pets.
Pete was the sweetest, most loving kindhearted man that spread his cheer and kindness wherever he went.
Besides Maranda, his loving wife of seven years, survivors include a stepson, Phillip Willsey of Laurel; a sister, Carolyn Lowe Craycraft Yazell of Paris, Kentucky; his in-laws, Randy and Melissa Shoemaker of Laurel, as well as many nieces and nephews he loved dearly.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepmother, Hazel Lowe, three infant brothers, a sister, Judy Lowe Crump Curtis, and several step-siblings.
Family and Friends may visit from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.
Larry Pitman will officiate the Funeral Services at 2 p.m., Thursday, January 13, 2022, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Mission 22, which assists in suicide prevention for Veterans. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home are honored to serve the Lowe family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.
Provided by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department
December 22, 2021
Paul Ruf, Bentley Road, Connersville, at 4:35 a.m., was eastbound on Duck Creek Road. Ruf’s vehicle was negotiating a curve when a deer came out of the tree line into the road. Ruf’s vehicle was unable to miss the deer. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Tyler Ford investigated the accident.
December 23, 2021
Harry Brunstetter, Larchmont Avenue, Warren, Ohio, at 6:30 a.m., was operating a tractor trailer with nine motor vehicles attached and was traveling westbound on Interstate 74. One of the tires on Brunstetter’s semi was smoking. Brunstetter pulled the rig off the interstate where it caught fire. All nine cargo vehicles and the trailer were burned. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Tyler Ford investigated the accident.
Blake Krieger, Railfence Road, Oldenburg, at 9 p.m., was operating a vehicle northbound on Harvey Branch Road when Krieger swerved his vehicle in an attempt to miss a deer. However, Krueger’s vehicle became lodged in the ditch along the side of the road. The vehicle traveled down the ditch line of the road until it struck a tree. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Tyler Ford investigated the accident.
December 26, 2021
Danny Sparks, West 24th Street, Richmond, at 4:09 p.m., was operating a vehicle northbound on Indiana 101. A deer crossed the road, and Sparks’ vehicle was unable to miss the deer. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Kyle Hartman investigated the accident.
December 28, 2021
John Jarrett, Romine Road, Anderson, at 8:17 p.m., was refueling a vehicle at Pump No. 6 at the Shell Gas Station off Indiana 101 just north of Brookville. After refueling the vehicle, Jarrett attempted to pull his vehicle out of the pump station, but did not turn his vehicle enough to account for the concrete bollard at the end of the pump island, The dual rear passenger side wheels drove up onto the concrete piece, heading it downward to the ground. No damage was done to the vehicle. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Dakota Huntsman investigated the accident.
Anthony Moore, Stipps Hill Road, Laurel, at 10:30 p.m., was operating a vehicle westbound on Blue Creek Road with the road conditions being very wet. Moore’s vehicle attempted to negotiate a 90-degree turn on the road and lost traction. Moore’s vehicle then left the road and hit a tree. Franklin County’s Sheriff’s Department Deputy Tyler Ford investigated the accident.
December 30, 2021
Myranda Schwarm, Pea Ridge Road, Bath, at 7:50 p.m., was operating a vehicle on Indiana 101 south of Pea Ridge Road when a deer walked onto the road. Schwarm’s vehicle was unable to miss the deer. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Dakota Huntsman investigated the accident.
Vanna Chan, Aspen Valley Drive, Liberty Township, Ohio, at 10:20 p.m., was operating a vehicle northbound on Indiana 1, approaching the T-junction of Ind. 1 and U.S. 52. Chan attempted to slow her vehicle before arriving at the intersection. However, the vehicle began to skid due to the heavy rain. Chan’s vehicle traveled through the intersection and fence before coming to rest after it struck a tree. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Tyler Ford investigated the accident.
December 31, 2021
Gordon Ramsey, Ramsey Road, Brookville, at 11:05 a.m., was operating a vehicle northbound on Highland Center Road when the vehicle ran off the right side of the road, causing it to strike several trees. The vehicle ended up on its side. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Bradley Lecher investigated the accident.
Carroll Lee ‘Red’ Studt, age 86, of Laurel, died unexpectedly Saturday, January 8, 2022, at his residence in Laurel.
Born December 13, 1935, in Connersville, he was the only child of the late Edward L. and Gladys (Britton) Studt. On July 2, 1955, he and the former Mildred Nolty were united in marriage, and she survives.
Carroll was retired, having worked for more than 41 years for Ford/Visteon in Connersville, in addition to farming in Franklin County for most of his life.
He was a member of the Brookville Church of Christ. In his leisure time, he enjoyed gardening, working on his farm, hunting mushrooms, as well as being with his family.
Besides Mildred, his loving wife of more than 66 years, survivors include two children, Pam (Darren) Miller of Blooming Grove, and Steven (Laura) Studt of Blooming Grove; 12 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Nita Geis who died March 1, 2019, as well as a son, Michael Lee Studt who died Jan. 18, 2021.
Family and Friends may visit from 10 a.m. until 12 Noon on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.
Kevin Noah will officiate the Funeral Services at 12 Noon, Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home in Brookville.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Franklin County Humane Society. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to once again serve the Studt family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.
Cleamont Moore, age 85, of Laurel, died Friday, January 7, 2022, at Heritage House Nursing & Rehab in Connersville.
Born October 6, 1936, in Jackson County, Kentucky he was the only child of the late Roy and Callie (Deaton) Moore. On June 23, 1957, he and the former Gayle Rusterholz were united in marriage, and she survives.
Cleamont was retired, having worked for many years at Roots Blower in Connersville, in addition to farming in Franklin County for much of his life.
He was a member of the Metamora Church of Christ. In his leisure time, he enjoyed the outdoors, tinkering on his farm equipment and tractors. He was a member of the Franklin County Antique Machinery Club.
Besides Gayle, his loving wife of more than 64 years, survivors include three children, Eric (Marsha) Moore of Connersville, Alan (Lou Ann) Moore of Connersville, and Sue (Steve) Fuller of Liberty; three grandchildren, Courtney Hill, Chelsea Mundy, Joe Rowe; three great-grandchildren, Brooke Hill, Brody Rowe and Wilder Rowe, with another great-grandson on the way in April 2022.
Family & Friends may visit from 10 a.m. until 12 Noon on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.
Pastor Bob McIntyre of the Metamora Church of Christ will officiate the Funeral Services at 12:00 Noon, Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Brookville.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Metamora Church of Christ or the Franklin County Antique Machinery Club. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the Moore family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.
* Democrat and Republican State Delegates, at large (3 elected), (Primary Election Only)
* School Board Members ( Elected in the General Election, filing dates begin in July 27, 2022)
Those interested in running for an office for a major political party (Democrat or Republican) can begin to file as a candidate for office starting Wednesday, January 5. To make sure your name appears on the May Primary Ballot, file your completed candidate paperwork and finance committee report according to the office you are seeking. For local offices you can file your candidacy forms, economic interest forms, finance committee forms and campaign finance reports with the Union County Clerk’s Office. The deadline to file is February 4, Noon. If you are interested in filing as an Independent or minor party candidate, you must first collect a certain number of signatures from registered voters in your election district, then you can continue on as a candidate. If you have any questions, feel free to call the Clerk’s Office at 765-458-6121.
Robert Clayton Caldwell was born August 5, 1924, to Harry F. and Anna Caldwell in Fayette County, and grew up on the family farm in Wayne County. He married Mary Frances Orr of Liberty, in March of 1949 and after a brief time in Milton, they moved to Liberty where they lived until his passing at 97 years on January 4, 2022.
Robert graduated from Milton High School in 1942, then attended Purdue where he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho as was his father in 1916 and his son in 1975. In July 1944, he served as First Lieutenant during WWII until September 1946 when he returned to the Wayne County farm. 1950 brought Robert and Mary Frances to the Orr Dairy farm north of Liberty, known as Greenmeadow Farms, Inc. where they raised their two children, Cathy and Tom. He continued to operate the farm until he became Farm Representative for Union County National Bank in 1969. Upon retirement, Robert was Vice President of UCNB and then served as one of its directors for many years.
An active member of the community, particularly the agricultural community, Robert served as director for the Union County Cooperative, Indiana Farm Bureau District 8, Pork Producers and CF Industries. His community service included trustee of Harrison Township, Welfare Board, 4-H Association, and Brookville Lake Regional Waste District. Robert was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite.
In 1978, Robert experienced a “once-in-a-lifetime” trip to the People’s Republic of China introducing him to farming methods in China. Upon his return, he was quoted in the Palladium-Item, “Since 80 percent of the people work on the farms there is little mechanization, with most work done by hand labor. Men and women are dressed alike and work shoulder to shoulder. All corn is harvested by hand and stalks cut by hand and run through an old ensilage cutter, belt-powered by a tractor. The stalks are put in a dirt trench and covered for future dairy feed.” The three-week trip highlighted agriculture and agri-business differences between China and the USA at that time and was intended to promote future mutual understanding.
During retirement, the Caldwells continued their involvement with the Union County/Liberty community by establishing the Robert and Mary F. Caldwell Family Fund at the Union County Foundation. In 1997, they were named life members as they established a perpetual fund to help serve the needs of the community.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Frances; his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Lois and Donald Brater and a grandson, Jonathan Thomas Caldwell. He is survived by his daughter Cathy Caldwell of Summerville, SC; son Tom (Melanie) of Liberty; grandsons Casey (Ann) of San Diego, CA and Patrick (Lauren) of Lafayette, and great grandson Jack Thomas Caldwell of San Diego, CA and nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life memorial commemorating both Robert’s and Mary Frances’ life as well as a private graveside service will be held at a future date. Donations can be made to the Union County Foundation in the name of the Caldwell Family Fund or the Masonic Lodge #58 in Liberty.
Urban Winkler Funeral Home is honored in assisting the family and the arrangements for Robert.
