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Indiana State Police Sgt. John Perrine tweeted: “She has been located and is okay! Thank you to all who helped”PREVIOUS

SHERIDAN, Ind. (WISH) — Indiana State Police say an 80-year-old Sheridan woman is missing.

A tweet from Sgt. John Perrine of the state police said Anetta Stone was last seen near State Road 38 and Oak Ridge Road, about 3-1/2 miles southeast of Sheridan in Hamilton County.

“Check your property, could be far from there,” Perrine’s tweet said.

Indiana Task Force 1 tweeted that its search dogs are assisting with the search for a missing elderly woman in Hamilton County.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The Indiana cold beer debate has caught the attention of Governor Eric Holcomb.

This month, a gas station started selling cold beer. This prompted a House and Senate committee to introduce amendments to stop it.

As lawmakers work on the loophole, Governor Holcomb spoke to 24-Hour News 8 at his residence Friday and said the gas station, and Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission did nothing wrong.

Ricker’s Gas Station was awarded a restaurant liquor license for its Columbus and Sheridan locations. The business has made to order food, and a cooler of cold beer for purchase behind the counter.

Right now, Indiana law prevents stores from selling cold beer. Ricker’s Gas Station owner, Jay Ricker said he did nothing wrong because he has a restaurant inside the gas station.

This week, a Senate committee passed an amendment that would change the definition of a restaurant license. A House committee is set to vote on an amendment Monday. It features several changes, including requiring a restaurant to make 90 percent of its profits from food and drinks.

Another idea, a summer conference to look into the alcohol issue further. 24-Hour News 8 asked Governor Holcomb what he prefers.

“The State of Indiana has followed the law, and if the general assembly seeks to tweak that law, it’s up to them on how they move forward.” Governor Holcomb said.

The Indiana Petroleum and Convenience Store Association said changing the law could impact other businesses, including theaters, salons, and bowling alleys.

The Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers disagrees. It believes Ricker’s is thumbing its nose at the general assembly, and a gas station shouldn’t be allowed to sell cold beer.

In the meantime, Ricker’s had planned put cold beer in more locations, but the owner said he’ll hold off on that if legislators conduct a summer study.

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SHERIDAN, Ind. (WISH) – A captain with the Sheridan Fire Department is due in court Tuesday, for allegedly destroying evidence for a family member.

37-year-old Travis Stern of Sheridan was arrested for obstruction of justice and official misconduct in the case.

He is accused of removing narcotics and paraphernalia from the vehicle belonging to a person that he is related to.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office said Stern responded to a crash involving 37-year-old Joshua Stoops, also of Sheridan, on Jan. 31. The crash occurred on State Road 38 at Six Points Road near Sheridan just before 5 p.m.

Stoops stated he thought he fell asleep. His vehicle left the roadway and hit a utility pole, according to a witness.

An informant came forward stating that Stern removed narcotic evidence from the vehicle.

SHERIDAN, Ind. (WISH) – After two years, Sheridan police have arrested the person they believe may responsible for a series of vandalism incidents throughout the town. Three of the incidents were connected to arson.

Police arrested 65-year-old Jerry Coy of Sheridan, after they found him with spray paint, matches, and gasoline.

They said while on routine patrol around 2:15 a.m. Tuesday, they observed the word “HEX” spray painted on a garage near the 400 block of South California Street. Police said the vandalism incidents they’ve come across in the past all contained the word “HEX” in spray paint.

Police said as they searched the area, they saw Coy with an illuminated flashlight in his hand and once he saw police he fled on food. Police then chased him on foot until they caught up with him. They said he began to physically resist arrest and struck an officer in the back of the head with a hammer wrapped in a plastic bag.  Police then tased Coy and later found him to be in possession of spray paint, matches, and gasoline at the time of the arrest.

The officer hit in the head with a hammer was transported to a nearby hospital by ambulance and released a short time later with only minor injuries.

Police Chief Bob Shock said the department has been hosting a series of public meetings to get help the word out about the crimes, as well as answer questions. He said when he arrived on scene Tuesday he immediately recognized Coy. “The minute I seen his face I was like ‘oh, I remember him,’ sitting in the front of the meetings and asking questions,” Chief Shock said. He said Coy asked about DNA evidence. “I felt like he was trying to feel us out, where we were at in terms or with things, our investigation.”

Some people who live near Coy talked to 24 Hour News 8 but asked we hide their identity. They described him as a quiet man who kept to himself but that they were nervous to hear he was out of jail. Chief Shock said Coy’s bond was set at $100,000 but that he put up the 10% to bond out.

24 Hour News 8 visited Coy’s listed address. A man who liked like Coy answered the door but didn’t identify himself. He asked for privacy then shut the door. Neighbors said Coy lived by himself.

Coy was arrested and transported to the Hamilton County Jail and is being held on a $100,000 bond.

He now faces charges that include:

SHERIDAN, Ind (WISH) – A Sheridan man is defending a controversial float that pokes fun of President Barack Obama, calling him African.

It was part of the Sheridan Independence Day parade. The float featured President Obama on a toilet, with the words, “lying-African,” underneath.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Sheridan resident Deborah Crist said. “That’s ridiculous. It’s mind boggling that somebody would do something like that.”

“I looked at it, and read it,” Sheridan resident Brian Dellinger said. “I kind of chuckled, and thought it was kind of a funny joke. I didn’t see anything really wrong with it.”

It was created by Donald Christy, 73 of Sheridan. “I believe in live and let live,” Christy said. “I guess, my intent was to satisfy myself. See laughs over here, and see people frown over here. See people cheering over here. It’s a diverse country.”

Christy said he created the float to show his political displeasure. “I didn’t put American on it. My bumper isn’t long enough,” Christy said. “I’m not politically correct, here. He’s an African, and he’s also told several lies to the people of it.”

This isn’t the first time Christy marched down Main Street. The Sheridan man said he’s created floats featuring the confederate flag, and he’s dressed in drag.

“If you want to call me silly, stupid, or whatever, that’s your problem,” Christy said. “That’s your prerogative. But I have a right, and a freedom to do what I do.”

But after what happened this year, some neighbors we spoke with hope the city makes changes.

“They should’ve checked it to make sure it was OK to be in the parade because that is something that is teaching our children the wrong views of life,” Crist said.

“Just make sure everything is in good taste,” Dellinger said. “That way nobody gets upset or takes things the wrong way.”

“You can tell those people who are worried about me getting in the parade, rest assured, I’m already working on next year’s float,” Christy said.

The Sheridan Town Council President released the following statement in response to the controversial float.

On behalf of the town of Sheridan, I am deeply appalled by the blatantly disrespectful and racist display that took place during the Lion’s Club Fourth of July parade in Sheridan yesterday. Such an act is not representative of the town of Sheridan, the town’s elected officials, or the residents of our community. Our town, community, and county have always striven to be open and inclusive to all regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

For decades, the Lions Club has coordinated this parade on behalf of the Sheridan merchants, who fund the parade. Historically, anyone has been allowed to participate in their parade as long as the safety of the public was not put at risk. Registration for the parade was not required, however, entrants had the option to register if they wanted to be considered for one of the many prizes that are part of the event. We have been told that the person who decided to promote his own political agenda by way of his display did not register.

As a community, we are profoundly saddened by the discomfort, anger and humiliation this individual has caused for so many. It is unfortunate that an event that has always provided so much joy for the community may have to be regulated in the future to require advance registration of participants. The town is willing to work with the Lions Club to ensure that one individual’s actions will not overshadow the true, inclusive nature of our community.

Most sincerely,

David W. Kinkead, Sheridan Town Council President

SHERIDAN, Ind. (WISH) – A growing church group is looking to transform a historic house of sin into a house of worship.

For nearly 100 years, the building at 501 South Main Street has occupied downtown Sheridan.

The former Casey’s Bar is in need of repair. Despite this, Joshua Kennedy sees potential.

Kennedy is the pastor of Issachar Church, a group of believers that’s grown from eight to more than 50. Even with the signs of sin all around, Kennedy picked this place to be his new place of worship.

“I was like, ‘OK, Lord, you’re going to have to be involved in this one because in my own strength and my own power it’s not possible,'” Kennedy said.

It won’t be easy. It’ll cost $80,000 to transform the building into a church and community center.

Kennedy said much of the money will go toward grinding the concrete floor to make it smooth.

Moving is nothing new for this group. Five years ago the church started in a storefront on Main Street in Sheridan, but they quickly grew out of the space. Recently, the group started to share space from another church, but Kennedy said he’d like to have his own.

“It is nice to have a place to call home,” Kennedy said. “Nobody likes to live in a hotel or a place that’s not theirs.”

Sheridan Historical Society officials say the building was constructed in the early 1900’s. Early records show it was used as a general store specializing in bicycles.

It later became a tavern. The structure’s rich history is why Kennedy sees so much value.

“There would be a lot of other buildings that would be easier to go to and take less work, but it doesn’t contribute to the downtown Sheridan as a whole, and that’s important,” Kennedy said.

Work won’t begin until this summer. Crews need warm temperatures to tackle the plastic roof.

The pastor hopes to have it transformed by this time next year. To learn more about the church, or the project, click here.

SHERIDAN, Ind. (WISH) – A Subway franchise will now pay to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by a terminated employee at a Sheridan store.

The operator of five Subway franchise restaurants in Indiana will pay $50,000 as part of a settlement reached on Tuesday.

According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s lawsuit, Subway terminated an employee at its Sheridan store after he told managers he was HIV-positive.

EEOC says that the firing is a discrimination and violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In addition, Subway is prohibited from future discrimination against employees or applicants with disabilities. Each location will also have to post a notice of non-discrimination, provided equal employment opportunity training to managers and supervisory employees and make periodic reports to EEOC.

The franchisee operates five locations in Lebanon, Sheridan, Cicero and Indianapolis.

NOBLESVILLE, Ind (WISH) – A lifesaving tool will soon be coming to Hamilton County.

Hamilton County Sheriff Mark Bowen showed 24-Hour News 8 the blue box Monday that could make a big difference. “It’s something that’s been on our radar for a while,” Hamilton County Sheriff Mark Bowen said.

Inside the box is the drug Narcan used to combat heroin. “Just like rest of the country, we’ve experienced our fair share of issues with opioid drugs, prescription drugs and now the heroin epidemic,” Bowen said.

Right now, some EMS personnel carry the spray. But if deputies arrive to a scene first, Bowen wants them to have Narcan in cruisers. It would also be available at the jail.

“It’s important for us to have the tools necessary to deal with these overdose issues and get the help to these people as quickly as possible,” Sheriff Bowen said.

The sheriff’s office will become the first law enforcement agency in the county to start using Narcan. But what about the other police departments?

24-Hour News 8 checked in every single one of them, and each department says it’s currently assessing using Narcan, including the Sheridan Police Department. “I didn’t think it was going to get that bad,” Sheridan Police Chief Bob Shock said. “But as times change, as things change unfortunately… like I said, if we can save one life, it’s worth it.”

Shock said funding is the problem. He’d like to have his officers equipped, but he’s waiting on money.

“A lot of times if our fire department is out, they have one or two medics on staff and they would have to bring medics from Westfield or Noblesville area to assist,” Shock said. “And if we can help them ahead of the game, I think we’re better off.”

Money was an issue for the sheriff’s office, too. But grants and other organizations helped them raise $6,000 to bring the life-saving measures.

“This is just the first step in making sure that we’re able to save their life and get them on track to hopefully a recovery and future success,” Bowen said.

The spray only has a shelf life of two years. To save money, the sheriff said he’s established an exchange program with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department as they get close to the two year mark.

UPDATE: Stern was found not guilty on August 31, 2016.

SHERIDAN, Ind. (WISH) — A captain with the Sheridan Fire Department has been arrested for allegedly destroying drug evidence for a family member.

37-year-old Travis Stern of Sheridan was arrested for obstruction of justice and official misconduct in the case.

He is accused of removing narcotics and paraphernalia from the vehicle belonging to a person that he is related to.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office said Stern responded to a crash involving 37-year-old Joshua Stoops, also of Sheridan, on Jan. 31. The crash occurred on State Road 38 at Six Points Road near Sheridan just before 5 p.m.

Stoops stated he thought he fell asleep. His vehicle left the roadway and hit a utility pole, according to a witness.

An informant came forward stating that Stern removed narcotic evidence from the vehicle.

Stern is currently being held in the Hamilton County Jail with a $5,000 bond.

SHERIDAN, Ind (WISH) – Officers are warning store owners throughout Hamilton County to be on the lookout for fake money.

It’s a crime that can leave an owner short, and it can impact shoppers who receive it as change. The problem began in Sheridan, and has spread to Cicero and Arcadia.

An investigation that has some off guard.

“In small town like this, it’s unheard of,” Tomarsha’s Deli owner Thomas Deshaon said. “It is shocking, especially for a small town because we don’t have stuff like this that comes through,” Sheridan Officer Kevin Garrison.

Officers say three stores were hit by fake bills this month. And at Subway, Dairy Queen, and Dollar General, each bill passed a counterfeit pen swipe.

“I’ve seen some pretty bad counterfeits, but these are good,” Garrison said.

Officers said someone bleached real money, and printed a one hundred dollar bill on the paper. While it looks real, officers say the same serial number is on each one.

Because it’s an older bill, you don’t see a water mark, or president’s head, that you might see with the newer currency. Officers said to tell if it’s fake, it might feel funny. If it does, refuse to take it, get a description of the person trying to use it and call police.

Officers did get a good description. They say cameras caught three men using the money.

So far they haven’t been able to figure out who they are.

“I do not believe they’re locals, they don’t look familiar,” Garrison said.

To help spread the word, officers went to stores to talk with owners, including Thomas Deshaon. The pizza shop owner didn’t receive the counterfeit money, but says this crime can have a big impact.

“You lose a $100 dollars on something like that, it can hurt you,” Deshaon said. Especially, he said, in a small town such as Sheridan, where that transaction can be the difference between a good and bad day.

In addition to the same serial number, each bill says it was from the year 1985. The serial number is, A05392930A.