2022 Rewind: Year in Review

With the new year right around the corner, it's time to take a look back at some of the most talked about moments of 2022.

Now that the year is coming to an end, it’s time to reflect on some of the events that received the most clicks in 2022.

Stories listed below are based on the magnitude, how long it remained in the headlines and the amount of views the story received. 

The stories are listed in no particular order. 

Winter Storm Takes Over Eagle Country 

Not many were out and about on February 3, 2022. Photo by Travis Thayer, Eagle Country 99.3.

Heavy snowfall made conditions tough in the tri-state area in early February. 

Surrounding areas got as little as two inches of snow, while other communities saw around five inches fall to the ground. Ice was also an issue on local roadways. 

The snowfall and ice caused snow emergencies and travel advisories to be put in place, and several businesses and schools to close their doors. 

As you can see in the photo above, Lawrenceburg was a "ghost town" on the afternoon of February 3. However, Double T and Robb held the nest down and continued to hit the air to keep the public posted on closures and road conditions. 

Milan American Legion Treasure Hunt

Taylor Waldman is presented a ceremonial check from Trustee Mike Hildebrand and Commander Walt Ruggles. Photo by Milan American Legion Post 0235.

The jackpot kept growing and so did the crowds. 

Some were just lucky to get a parking spot, while others were shuttled to the American Legion Post 0235 each Monday to see if they would be the big winner of the Treasure Hunt. 

Eventually, the lucky number was 19.

With only two numbers left on the board, the Treasure Hunt came to an end on June 20 when Ripley County Jail employee Taylor Waldman took home the jackpot.

The jackpot was $1,080,400, but Waldman took home a little less than a million dollars after taxes.

A new treasure hunt is underway at the Milan American Legion Post 0235. As of December 5, the jackpot stands at $77,408.

Aurora Family Aquatic Center Opens

Photo by Travis Thayer, Eagle Country 99.3.

A water slide, kids area, rock climbing wall, volleyball net and basketball hoop.

Those are just some of the features you will find at the Aurora Family Aquatic Center. The new pool officially opened on June 15 to a line of area residents excited to see the new digs.

It was a long time coming considering the former City Pool closed in 2020. COVID-19 concerns were cited as the reason for the closure, but the pool had long been riddled with problems and became economically unfeasible to operate.

The city took the opportunity in 2020 to look into how to upgrade the facility. After financing $2.5 million towards the new project, the city organized a “Fill the Pool” fundraiser to raise an additional $1 million.  

Aside from regular pool hours, rentals are available seven days a week from 6:00-8:00 PM. For more information on pool hours, rentals, and memberships, visit Aurora City Pool | Aurora Parks and Rec.

The opening season date for 2023 has not been announced at this time.

Cruisin' to a Cure for ALS Raises $43,000 for ALS Association

Another year, another successful Cruisin’ to a Cure for ALS car show.

On Sunday, event organizer Logan Lawrence presented a check for $43,000 to the ALS Association.

The event on May 1 included 803 registered vehicles with many more in attendance. Ted Wierzbicki, of Belmont, Ohio, won Best of Show with his 1955 Chevrolet 3100 pickup truck.

The farthest traveled vehicle came 302 miles for the show.

In total, 25 trophies, $1,000 cash, and 83 plaques were awarded.

Logan Lawrence released the following statement:

“Thank you to everyone attending. I hope you all will continue to come support the event and cause the first Sunday of May every year. Our 70+ volunteers did a terrific job making the event flow smooth and made it easy on me. The support and growth of this event makes me beyond words. Also, huge thank to the city of Lawrenceburg for all of the support they provide and allowing us to utilize the beautiful area of downtown Lawrenceburg. This event raised thousands of dollars for the ALS Association to find a cure while providing a very successful day for our local merchants.”

Motorcyclist Throws Punches at Motorists on U.S. 50 in Lawrenceburg

It was May 15 when a motorcyclist was caught on surveillance video throwing several punches at an occupant of a convertible.

The incident took place on U.S. 50 at Hollywood Boulevard in Lawrenceburg.

Shortly after the incident, the victim was involved in a car crash after losing consciousness behind the wheel.

The suspect, Larry Sawyer, 48, was arrested and charged with felony Battery Causing Serious Bodily Injury.

He since pleaded not guilty and is awaiting a jury trial in February 2023.

Former LMU Superintendent Facing Multiple Felony Charges

Multiple felony charges were filed in July against the former Superintendent of Lawrenceburg Municipal Utilities.

Olin Clawson is facing Theft, Official Misconduct, Forgery, Attempted Obstruction of Justice, and Corrupt Business Influence charges.

The charges stem from a federal investigation into irregularities with the finances of Lawrenceburg Municipal Utilities.

According to court documents, there were a number of purchases, misrepresentations, and reimbursements that allegedly took place between July 2018 and November 2019.

Clawson was relieved of his duties as LMU Superintendent in January 2020 amid allegations of unapproved spending.

He pleaded not guilty to 19 charges in August.

A jury trial is scheduled to take place April 3.  

Ripley County Teen Convicted of Double-Murder Gets 100 Year Sentence

Shutterstock photo.

Nicklas Kedrowitz was sentenced to 100 years behind bars in February.

Kedrowitz was 13 when he was charged with the murder of his 23-month-old sister Desiree McCartney and his 11-month-old brother Nathaniel Ritz.

He was found guilty of double murder by a Ripley County jury in August of 2021.

Following the verdict, Kedrowitz received 50 years behind bars for both counts of murder.

He is to serve the sentences consecutively upon the recommendation of Prosecutor Ric Hertel.

Sunman Police Department Temporarily Shut Down After Firing of Town Marshal

Brian Maynard (right) was sworn in as the new Sunman Town Marshal on Thursday. Photo by Sunman Town Council. 

The Sunman Police Department temporarily shut down in January following the firing of Town Marshal Jason Hoffman.

Details surrounding Hoffman’s termination were not released by Sunman Town Council due to employer/employee protections.

While the Sunman Police Department was shut down, Ripley County Sheriff’s deputies and Indiana State Police provided additional coverage in the area while council worked to hire a new town marshal.

Tom Grills would become the interim town marshal before the hiring of Brian Maynard.

Maynard has over 15 years of experience in law enforcement and serves and Chief of the Sunman Area Life Squad. He was recommended for the job by Grills.

Flooding Devastates Switzerland, Jefferson Counties

Photo by Jeff Craig Fire Department. 

An estimated nine inches of rainfall fell over Labor Day weekend in Switzerland and Jefferson counties.

The heavy rainfall caused flooding, which damaged many homes and roads, and claimed the life of a Jefferson County woman.

Despite the devastation, the community rallied to help cleanup and gather donations for families in need.

One of the more heartwarming instances was seeing the Switzerland County High School football team spend time deconstructing and reassembling a driveway bridge for a player’s grandparent.

Judge James Humphrey unveils the new stained-glass window outside of Dearborn Circuit Court and announces his retirement at the end of the current term. Photos by Travis Thayer, Eagle Country 99.3.

When Judge James Humphrey announced there would be unveiling ceremony for a new stained-glass window outside of Dearborn Circuit Court, very few knew that he would also be announcing his retirement. 

The longtime Circuit Court judge will retire at the end of his current term, which runs through December 31, 2022. 

Judge Humphrey has served as Circuit Judge since 1999. 

"It is a challenging position, an awesome responsibility, said Humphrey. "You realize this when you sit at that bench and look out at the history of this courtroom and the problems that you are called upon to solve every day. This is not just a job folks, it's a way of life." 

Humphrey's parting gift, along with his wife, Heidi, is the new stained-glass window reading "Circuit Court" that now hangs above the door to the courtroom. The new window was created by Cincinnati-based Hinnekamp Glass Crafters. 

Aaron Negangard was elected to serve as the next Circuit Court Judge. 

Water Rescue Made on Ohio River in Lawrenceburg

Eagle Country 99.3 photo. 

First responders were quick to act on a Friday afternoon in May when some boaters found themselves in trouble on the Ohio River. 

Lawrenceburg Police and Lawrenceburg Fire responded to the Ohio River at Riverwatch Restaurant on Friday afternoon just after 1:00 p.m. where a boat took on water after hitting a wave. 

The occupants of the boat, two adults, a child, and a dog, were safely brought to the dock at Riverwatch.

No injuries were reported.