Doug Brown
Verified
As seen in:
Signal Akron,
LinkedIn,
AWWA Opflow,
The Guardian,
The Independent (UK),
Wiley Online Library,
Los Angeles Times,
Entrepreneur,
The Indiegogo Review,
New Straits Times,
ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union)
and
Covers:
ncaa, public records, college sports, investigative reporting
reporter in akron, ohio. i used to be a reporter in Portland and Cleveland. dougbrown8@gmail.
Articles by Doug Brown
Unarmed man who survived barrage of gunfire by Akron police officer files federal lawsuit
One year after an Akron police officer shot him multiple times, including in the chest, outside of an Ellet bar, Corey Phillips filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Akron and the police officer who shot him. Officer Caleb Bodjanac fired his Glock 45 at least 15 times after responding to 911 calls Nov. 11, 2025, that Phillips was armed and belligerently threatening patrons inside Karam’s Lounge and in the parking lot of the business plaza after he was kicked out of the bar.
Ramaswamy, Husted lose to Acton, Brown in every Akron voter precinct Nov. 3
The nationwide blue wave in the 2026 election also hit Akron. In a city disproportionately full of Democratic voters, Governor-elect Amy Acton and Senator-elect Sherrod Brown flipped the handful of previously red neighborhoods from 2024 for a clean sweep of all 120 Akron precincts. Even their worst-performing districts still voted for them at a higher rate than across the state as a whole. That includes the voting district in Akron that voted the most strongly Republican on Nov. 3.
Here’s what comes next after the passage of Akron housing Issues 11 and 12
Akron resident Coty Frazier didn’t vote in Tuesday’s election, but he’s thrilled that voters approved a pair of housing issues that could make it easier for him to move out of a halfway house and find his own home. Fatima Rida, who lives in Bath, couldn’t vote on Issues 11 and 12. But as a landlord who owns dozens of homes in Akron, Rida was upset by their passage.
Old Fort info at Historical meeting, Nov. 9
Keen ‘Kip’ Lytle History of the five forts that were in the area from 1722 to 1819 will be shared at the fall gathering of the Wells County Historical Society on Monday, Nov. 9, 6:30 p.m. at the Museum’s Annex, located behind the museum at 420 W. Market St. in Bluffton. Program presenter will be…
You are being redirected...
Today I think of three people who have impacted my life by example. There are many more of you out there, but for today I choose to share these three happenings. I'm walking in the quiet countryside and meet up with a friend I have not seen for some time.
Norwell Internship Spotlight award: Stella Butcher
Senior Stella Butcher has been selected to receive the Norwell High School Internship Spotlight award. Her internship is at Ossian Health and Rehabilitation Center with Carol Augustine. Stella is the daughter of Ginger and Brian Butcher. Stella’s internship as a Certified Nursing Assistant in the dementia unit of a long-term care facility has given her… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content. View Membership Levels
Akron voters approve Issue 13, enhance police oversight power
Four years after Akron voters amended the city charter to create a civilian police oversight system, nearly 58 percent of them again used their ballots to strengthen how it operates and to give it increased authority to potentially influence Akron Police Department operations. “People really did put in a lot of work,” Freedom BLOC Political Director Ciara Vinzant said into a microphone at the group’s joyful election night party at The Posh Venue.
IN THE WELLS CIRCUIT COURT PROBATE DIVISION
STATE OF INDIANA COUNTY OF WELLS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JUDITH CARROLL STEPHENSON, DECEASED David A. Felts, Esq. Felts Law, P.C. 116 East Berry Street, Suite 500 Fort Wayne, IN 468002 (260) 428-2248 Attorneys for Estate 34346-02 ) ) ) IN THE WELLS CIRCUIT COURT PROBATE DIVISION Notice is hereby given that Terry Stephenson was on the 29th day of December, 2025 appointed as Personal Representative of the estate of Judith Carroll Stephenson, deceased, who died on the 12th day of June 2025.
Meet the ‘Hairspray’ cast
Gathering on Bluffton’s Main Street walking bridge during a recent rehearsal were members of the cast the Creative Art Theater production of the musical “Hairspray.” There are five chances to catch them in action on the Auditorium Stage, 428 S. Oak St., Bluffton, on Nov. 6, 7, 12, 13 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 7… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content. View Membership Levels
What’s happening at the Wells County Public Library: 11-03-2026
The Wells County Public Library takes its mission to “provide the community with access, knowledge and growth” very seriously and offers a variety of events each week for kids, teens, and adults. Registration is preferred at most events. To signup, go to www.wellscolibrary.org, click on the Library Event Calendar, navigate to the date of the… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content. View Membership Levels
Y collecting coats, hats, scarves and gloves
The YMCA in Bluffton will be collecting new or gently uses coats, hats, scarves and gloves for children and adults in need throughout the month of November. A collection box in the Y’s lobby area will be the collection site. The project is a joint effort of the Y’s with the Volunteer Center. Prefer to…
Fall events at Wells Council on Aging
The following events will be hosted at Wells County Council on Aging, 225 Water St. in Bluffton. Balance Class This Matter of Balance Class, presented by the Purdue Extension office, will be held on Nov. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24 from 1 to 3 p.m. each date. Must RSVP to 824-6412. Medicare Enroll…
Julia fills in this week and shares her hunting story
Editor’s Note: The column has a special guest writer this week, Gloria’s 15-year-old daughter, Julia. The column does describe hunting, so if that makes you squeamish or you object you might want to take a pass on this week’s. The Yoders use every morsel of meat when they harvest a deer, they don’t hunt… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content. View Membership Levels
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten: Reagan McCormick
Several children recently completed the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program at the Wells County Public Library by reading and listening to 1,000 books with the help of family members.Reagan McCormick (holding her prize book “Animals: Finding Mates”) is pictured with her parents, Ashley and Travis.The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is sponsored by the United Way of Wells County, the Wells County Foundation, and the… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.
Civil War history shared by Greg Hiday at Snippets program
Greg Hiday showing one of the rifles to the Snippets program attenders, explaining it could shoot mini cannon balls as the soldiers lined up shoulder to shoulder in long lines to fire them. Photo by Barbara Barbieri) By BARBARA BARBIERI At the last of the fall Bluffton Park’s Department sponsored “Snippets” program, hosted at the… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content. View Membership Levels
Norwell Internship Spotlight award: Cade Thornton
Senior Cade Thornton has been selected to receive the Norwell High School Internship Spotlight award. His internship experience is at Edward Jones in Fort Wayne with Michael Caley. Cade is the son of Eric and Kelley Thornton. Cade’s internship has allowed him to observe the overall financial advising environment, including how financial advisors communicate with… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content. View Membership Levels
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten: Lochlan Bennett
Several children recently completed the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program at the Wells County Public Library by reading and listening to 1,000 books with the help of family members.Lochlan Bennett (holding his prize book “Sloth Sleeps Over”) is pictured with his parents, Kasey and Ryan, and his brother, Brogan.The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is sponsored by the United Way of Wells County, the Wells… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.
Events at the Creative Arts Council of Wells County: 10-27-2026
428 S. Oak St. in Bluffton www.wellscocreativearts.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/wellscocreativearts Instagram:@creativeartscouncil Creative Arts Council Office Hours Monday-Thursday: 10 to 5 p.m.; Friday: By Appointment only; Saturday-Sunday: Closed To make an appointment, call (260-824-522) or email (creativeartscouncil@gmail.com). OPEN AUDITION Nov. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. Musicians are welcome to audition to take part in our… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.
Akron blocks out-of-state searches from its Flock surveillance network
Out-of-state local law enforcement agencies no longer have direct access to the database of Akron driver information captured by the nearly 150 automatic license plate-reading Flock Safety cameras mounted throughout the city. For now. The surprise restriction on how Akron’s cameras are used was announced Monday in a brief statement to Akron City Council’s Public Safety Committee by Chief of Public Safety Craig Morgan.
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Today’s news:‘Bloom where you’re planted’: Wildflower Coffee Co. serves lattes, baked goods and love; BHS students to help paint new downtown mural; ‘A lot happening’ in Wells County, economic development director says; City Halloween events listed; SW announces honor roll students; Tigers, Knights win in sectional … If you are having difficulty with the e-edition… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content. View Membership Levels
Recommendation to pause Akron’s Flock surveillance cameras delayed by police oversight board
Despite some members’ deep concerns that Akron appears to have few guardrails in place against misuse of its extensive Flock Safety camera network, the Citizens’ Police Oversight Board tabled a recommendation to the mayor’s office and Akron City Council to place the controversial technology on hold.
You are being redirected...
The Lancaster Township Board will be having a meeting on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Lancaster Township Office located at 122 Lamar Street, Suite 118A, Bluffton Indiana.
Entertainment Guide 10-23-2026
News Banner Home E-Edition Entertainment Guide 10-23-2026 … Membership Required You must be a member to access this content. View Membership Levels
Judge grants protections to man confronted over ‘86 Todd Rokita’ post
By CASEY SMITH Indiana Capital Chronicle A federal judge ordered preliminary protections Tuesday for a Bloomington man who was confronted at his home by an investigator for Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita over an “86 Todd Rokita” Facebook comment. U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker found Lee Lawmaster likely to succeed on his claim that… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content. View Membership Levels
Wells Court Docket 10-22-2026
Reports or receipts and expenditures of a political committee for the pre-election filing period have been filed with the Wells County Clerk’s Office by: • Colin Andrews for Prosecutor. For the period April 11 to Oct. 9, 2026, the committee showed no cash on hand, contributions or expenditures. The committee ended the reporting period with… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content. View Membership Levels
NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION
A public auction will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Premier U Storage, 120 Premier Ave., Bluffton, IN. Units #306, #132, & #347 will be sold to the highest bidder for cash. Valid photo ID required. Payment by cash only. For more details, call (260) 204-0776 nb 10/22-11/4
NOTICE OF HEARING FOR AREA PLAN COMMISSION 10/16/2026
Notice is hereby given that the AREA PLAN COMMISSION will hold a Public Hearing in Conference Room 105 in the Wells Carnegie Government Annex, 223 W. Washington St., in the City of Bluffton, IN at 7:00 o’clock P.M. on the 5th day of November, 2026, for the purpose of reviewing and hearing comments on the petition(s) listed below. 1. Request of Sloane Flats LLC, 11112 Creekwood Ct., Fort Wayne, IN 46814 for the purpose of a PUD.
Police Notebook 10-22-2026
INCIDENTS City: Tuesday, 9:11 a.m., First Reformed Church, 301 West Cherry Street. Vandalism report. Tuesday, 12:01 p.m., Granary Court. Fraud report; resolved before fraud occurred. Tuesday, 1:17 p.m., 700 block of Clark Avenue. Fraud report. Tuesday, 4:43 p.m., Westgate Road near West Lancaster Street. Fraud report. Tuesday, 10:35 p.m., Walmart, 2100 North Main St. Two… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content. View Membership Levels
First Bank of Berne contributes to Wells County Women in Leadership EmpowerHER Conference
At the check presentation were, from left, Heather Baker and Leah Agler of First Bank of Berne, Women in Leadership board members Alyssa Brown, Julie Thompson, Hattie Wondercheck, Erin Prible, and Beth Singleton and Gina Hon of First Bank of Berne. (Photo provided) First Bank of Berne recently made a donation to Wells County Women… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content. View Membership Levels
Gloria shares her communion, feet washing experience
Blessings don’t all come the same way; some come as soothing as the smell of fall, and some come as the cup of suffering. Lately I have been reminded of the wonder of sadness. It’s certainly not a wonder when standing alone, but coupled with surrender, it becomes a deeply precious thing that cannot be…
It’s book sale week!
Friends of the Wells County Public Library are inviting you to their Used Book Sale being staged this week at the main library during regular library hours. Fill a bag with books on Friday for $5 or wait until Saturday and fill one for $2. Members of the set up crew pictured here. (Photo provided)…
NOTICE OF PROPOSED ACCEPTANCE OF OFFER FOR PURCHASE OF TOWN-OWNED REAL ESTATE AND PUBLIC HEARING
The Town of Markle, Indiana (“Town”), acting by and through its Town Council (“Council”), has received an offer from Andrew Scott Douglas to purchase the following Town-owned real estate: 197 E. Morse St. Markle, IN The amount of the offer proposed to be accepted is $125,000. The offer will be considered at a special meeting of the Town Council to be held on Monday, November 2, 2026.
Knight boys repeat as sectional champs, others in Wells County advance
The Norwell boys’ cross country team went back-to-back, winning the sectional championship Saturday at Taylor University. Above, the team holds their new trophy and ribbons. (Photos by Ryan Walker) By RYAN WALKER UPLAND — Yet again, every school in Wells County showed up big during the cross country sectional. Bluffton head coach Emme Johnson (left)… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content. View Membership Levels
NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE TO THE OWNER OF THE WITHIN DESCRIBE REAL ESTATE AND ALL NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE TO THE OWNER OF THE INTERESTED PARTIES
By virtue of certified copy of a foreclosure decree and ORDER FOR SALE directed to me from the Clerk of the Superior Court of Wells County, Indiana in Cause No. 90D01-2603-MF-000012 wherein BLUFFTON ROOFING CO., was Plaintiff and TRACY VELASQUEZ was Defendant, requiring me to collect the sum as provided for in said Decree with interest, attorney fees and costs, I will offer for sale at public auction to the highest bidder on this day: December 9, 2026 at this time: 1:00 p.m. or as soon...
NOTICE | News Banner
Vehicles for Sale by the City of Bluffton: 2006 Dodge Dakota Club Cab. Bids are due by 4:30 pm on November 3rd, 2026. Additional information and bid forms can be obtained at the Clerk Treasurer’s office, 128 East Market Street, Bluffton IN 46714 8a-4:30p or at our website: www.blufftonindiana.net. nb 10/20, 10/27
NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE TO THE OWNER OF THE WITHIN DESCRIBE REAL ESTATE AND ALL NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE TO THE OWNER OF THE INTERESTED PARTIES
By virtue of certified copy of a foreclosure decree and ORDER FOR SALE directed to me from the Clerk of the Superior Court of Wells County, Indiana in Cause No. 90D01-2603-MF-000012 wherein BLUFFTON ROOFING CO., was Plaintiff and TRACY VELASQUEZ was Defendant, requiring me to collect the sum as provided for in said Decree with interest, attorney fees and costs, I will offer for sale at public auction to the highest bidder on this day: December 9, 2026 at this time: 1:00 p.m. or as soon...
Akron defends use of Flock surveillance cameras accessed millions of times by outside law enforcement
Akron’s widespread use of Flock surveillance cameras and the city’s participation in the company’s vast vehicle-tracking network was defended Monday by Mayor Shammas Malik’s chief of public safety. “We want to operate from a place of facts, not fear,” Craig Morgan told Akron City Council’s Public Safety Committee on Monday. Akron’s network of nearly 150 Flock Safety surveillance cameras logs every car that drives by into a database instantly accessible to thousands of law enforcement agencies.
You are being redirected...
On Saturday, Oct. 31, from 1 to 4 p.m. "Sip, Savor & Explore" will offer the opportunity to visit five historic downtown buildings in Bluffton to discover the growth opportunities and see what is being accomplished downtown. Cost is $30, which includes the tour and fall-themed food and drink.
What’s happening at the Wells County Public Library 10/20/2026
The Wells County Public Library takes its mission to “provide the community with access, knowledge and growth” very seriously and offers a variety of events each week for kids, teens, and adults. Registration is preferred at most events. To signup, go to www.wellscolibrary.org, click on the Library Event Calendar, navigate to the date of the… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content. View Membership Levels
Hats On! at the museum
Members of the Wells County Historical Society often change exhibits at the museum and one that has appeared recently is a display of women’s hats. Brings to mind when Bluffton had Pauline’s Hat Shop and women wore them to special occasions and always to church. The museum will be open on Wednesdays and Sundays from… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content. View Membership Levels
Liberty Center Community Church fish and chicken dinner
Dan’s Fish and Chicken Fry will be at the Liberty Center Community Church on Thursday, Oct. 22. Meals will be served from 4 to 7 p.m. featuring all-you-can-eat fish and chicken. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Prices are Adults $15, children ages 6-12 are $12 and children 5 and under are free. Both…
Akron’s Flock cameras used thousands of times for non-local immigration enforcement
Akron officials in City Council chambers Feb. 9 condemned the tactics of U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement in the wake of the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. They railed against bills moving through Ohio’s Statehouse, saying forced collaboration with the agency was an affront to Akron’s autonomy, a waste of city resources and a danger to the city’s immigrants.
DES. NO. 2300940
LEGAL NOTICE PLANNED IMPROVEMENT The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has developed preliminary plans for a proposed State Road (SR) 1 Small Structure Replacement with Bridge, SR 1 over Unnamed Tributary (UNT) to Eightmile Creek (CV 001-90-133.62), 2.45 miles north of US 224, in Wells County, Indiana. Proposed work includes replacing existing reinforced concrete box (RCB) CV 001-90-133.62, with a new bridge, Str. No. 001-90-10856. The proposed structure (Str.
TO THE OWNERS OF THE WITHIN DESCRIBED REAL ESTATE AND ALL INTERESTED PARTIES
NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE By virtue of a certified copy of a decree to me directed from the Clerk of Superior Court of Wells County, Indiana, in Cause No. 90D01-2505-MF-000009 wherein Freedom Mortgage Corporation was Plaintiff, and Stephanie S.
LEGAL NOTICE | News Banner
STATE OF INDIANA COUNTY OF WELLS IN THE WELLS CIRCUIT COURT CAUSE NO. 90C01-2609-MI-000025 IN RE: THE NAME CHANGE OF JORDAN D. SIMPSON-BARKLEY, Minor Child JOSHUA W. BARKLEY and HEATHER R. BARKLEY, Petitioners NOTICE OF HEARING Notice is hereby given that Petitioners Joshua W. Barkley and Heather R. Barkley filed a Verified Petition for Change of Name of Minor on September 14, 2026, to change the name of Minor Child from Jordan Dyment Simpson-Barkley to Jordan Simpson Barkley.
Retail sales up 0.8%, big chunk of spending went to gasoline bills
NEW YORK (AP) — Shoppers showed their willingness to spend in September even after a better-than-expected splurge in August. But a big chunk of their purchases last month went toward paying the bills at the gas pump, according to the Commerce Department’s latest snapshot on retail sales released Thursday. Retail sales increased 0.8% last month,… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content. View Membership Levels
3 children and a teacher killed in Bend, Oregon, elementary school shooting, police say
By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER, ERIC TUCKER and GENE JOHNSON Associated Press A 16-year-old opened fire at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, killing three children and a teacher before he was shot by a person at the scene who pursued him into the school, authorities said. Authorities found the suspect dead inside the… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content. View Membership Levels
You are being redirected...
By NIKI KELLY Indiana Capital Chronicle Lincoln Party secretary of state candidate Greg Ballard filed suit Thursday to force the Indiana Election Commission to rule on four pending campaign finance complaints against his opponents before the Nov. 3 election. Two complaints are against Republican Max Engling and two are against Democrat Beau Bayh.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Doug
Contact Doug, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack