Articles by Vic Ryckaert
Ohio man attempts to escape arrest by driving vehicle off tow truck
Rensselaer, IN – An Ohio man’s attempt to evade law enforcement took a wild turn on Friday. According to Indiana State Police, Trooper Carlson responded to the crash involving a 2008 Toyota Camry near the 206-mile marker on I-65, just north of the Rensselaer/Remington exit. Upon arrival at the scene, Trooper Carlson discovered that the driver was providing a false identity. Further investigation revealed that the driver was wanted on a probation violation related to past violent crimes.
ISP: 11-year-old taken from Iowa by non-custodial parent found in Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS — An 11-year-old child who was taken by a non-custodial parent was located safely in Indianapolis Monday. According to Indiana State Police, the department was contacted around 2 a.m. by a detective from Iowa City Police Department about a child abduction. They believed the suspect was a non-custodial parent and she was taking the 11-year-old to the East Coast and likely traveling through Indiana.
Food truck serves mac, cheese and job skills for disabled adults
INDIANAPOLIS — Tabori Furlow smiled wide as he greeted guests at the Cheese and Thank You food truck Tuesday. “Can I take your order?” Furlow asked a costumer in one of several dozen orders the truck dished out lunch from a spot near Ohio and Pennsylvania streets in Downtown Indianapolis. This truck serves up more than bowls of macaroni and cheese, it is giving jobs to disabled adults who typically have a hard time finding work.
Purdue University is leading a battle against an invasive pest destroying Indiana mint farms
STARK COUNTY — The cool and crisp smell of mint is heavy in the air here at this Northern Indiana farm. Farmer Larry Wappel grows peppermint on 120 acres in San Pierre, Ind., a rural community about 55 miles north of Lafayette. This farm is where WRTV accompanied Purdue University entomologist Elizabeth Long as she searched for an invasive insect that's killing these fields.
Comedian Matt Rife cancels Bloomington show after scheduled start time
BLOOMINGTON — Comedian Matt Rife canceled his sold out shows at the Indiana University Auditorium due to an "last-minute medical emergency." The announcement came after the first show was scheduled to begin on Wednesday. "INDIANA: I'm so (expletive) sorry to have had to reschedule our shows again tonight. I had a very last minute medical emergency and I don’t have a choice," Rife said in a Wednesday night Facebook post.
Game designers fine-tune their creations at play-testing event in Noblesville
INDIANAPOLIS — The idea for the family-friendly game "Dicey Ventures" came to Alex Gorski in a dream. "I was staying overnight at my friend's house and we were playing games with her kids all weekend and I had a dream and then the next day we stayed up for 36 hours designing this game," said Gorski, an office assistant who lives Plainfield.
Lilly announoces plans to more than double size of factory in Boone County LEAP district
INDIANAPOLIS — Eli Lilly and Co. announced Friday plans to more than double the size of the drug-making facility it is building in Boone County. Lilly CEO David Ricks said the additional $5.3 billion investment will help Lilly keep up with demand for its blockbuster weight-loss and diabetes drugs. "We like to think about the potential for expansion when we set things up to begin with...
IndyGo adjusting routes, adding buses and reducing wait times for many riders
INDIANAPOLIS — IndyGo is launching service improvements and route adjustments that officials say will reduce wait times for many riders. On June 9th, the city’s public transportation system is revamping more than a dozen bus routes in a plan designed to shorten commutes and boost connectivity.
Bargersville says Tesla police cars save $80k a year in fuel costs
BARGERSVILLE — The town of Bargersville, located just south of Indianapolis in Johnson County, is a leader in the electric vehicle revolution. But officials here say swapping out gas-guzzling police cruisers for all-electric Teslas is more about saving green than going green. "It's all about the money," Police Chief Todd Bertram said. "We started the program, because I needed two officers." The town bought its first Tesla police car in 2019 and has since added a dozen more.
Exploring the magic and science behind Shelby County's Electric Bridge
SHELBY COUNTY — There really are some magical places in the world, if you know where to look. And one of these places is the Electric Bridge, which can be found on a remote stretch of road in farm country northeast of Shelbyville. When you stand on the Electric Bridge, you hear the low crackling hum emanating from the nearby power lines. And when you hold a fluorescent bulb in your hand, it lights up.
'Best day in May': Linear bocce rules in alleys on Indianapolis north-side
INDIANAPOLIS — Linear bocce is a fast-growing sport but you've probably never heard of it. The game is a spin on bocce ball and recently held its 10th annual North American Championship in alleys in the Meridian-Kessler neighborhood on Indianapolis's north side. "Instead of dully going back and forth, back and forth like shuffle board, you go only fourth," said Will Higgins, founder and commissioner of the American Association of Linear Bocce.
Irish driver sporting a Fighting Irish helmet in INDY NXT races
INDIANAPOLIS — James Roe is an up-and-coming INDY NXT driver from a town in Ireland about 20 minutes outside of Dublin. This weekend, this Irish driver will be all Fighting Irish when he races in a golden helmet inspired by the University of Notre Dame's football team. "I'm super happy to run the Notre Dame team's helmet here," Roe said. "We have a massive opportunity here to merge fan bases together...
Lawsuit: Man claims he was sexually assaulted by Henry County Community Corrections official
HENRY COUNTY — A man is suing Henry County and claiming a Community Corrections officer assigned to monitor his home detention coerced him into performing sex acts and got him hooked on methamphetamines. In federal a lawsuit filed electronically on Sunday, Samuel Shipley claims he was sexually assaulted in January 2018 by Jason Eric Bertram, who at the time was deputy director of Henry County Community Corrections.
The force is strong at the Indy Lightsaber Academy
INDIANAPOLIS — Once a week, in the galaxy not-so far away, about a dozen Jedis-in-training gather at Garfield Park to knock each other around with lightsabers. These padawans are part of the Indy Lightsaber Academy, a fitness club that teaches ancient sword fighting techniques adapted for the colorful laser blades from the Star Wars movies. "We teach an alternate form of what is called historical European martial arts," said Michael Tucker, the Academy's Jedi master.
Prevention is key to preventing Lyme disease, advocates say
INDIANAPOLIS — Paul Barta was looking forward to graduating high school and going to college when he says his body just crashed. "For those five to six years, I was either completely incapacitated at home or I was going through therapy," Barta, 31, said. "I was completely removed from life." Barta says he had contracted Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness that causes complex symptoms in different parts of the body.
Training future forensic scientists at UIndy's crime scene house
INDIANAPOLIS — Scenes of blood and violence are common in this little house on the south side of Indianapolis. But this isn't a crime scene, it's a class room. Welcome to the University of Indianapolis’s Criminal Justice Education Lab, "It’s a very unique opportunity that the students at the University of Indianapolis have here," Adjunct Professor Doug Boxler said.
Grandmother charged with neglect in 5-year-old Kinsleigh Welty's death
INDIANAPOLIS — Prosecutors filed felony neglect charges against the grandmother of Kinsleigh Welty, a 5-year-old who officials say died of starvation and dehydration at a southwest side home. Tammy Halsey faces five counts of neglect and one count of failing to report child neglect or abuse, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said in a news release Thursday. "These charges are a direct result of law enforcement’s commitment to justice for Kinsleigh," Mears said.
ISP seeking help identifying man linked to I-465 shooting
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana State Police are asking the public to help inveatigators identify a man they say is linked to a shooting on I-465 on the east side on Valentine's Day. State Police on Friday released pictures of the man they say was connected to a shooting about 12:15 a.m. Feb. 14 on I-465 near Pendleton Pike. They are urging anyone who can identify the man or has other information to call the Indiana State Police at 317-899-8577 or Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317.262.8477 (TIPS).
Man linked to crash that led to deputy's death charged in prior drunken driving incident
HENDRICKS COUNTY — Police arrested a man they believe was involved in a crash that downed the power lines that killed a Hendricks County deputy nearly two weeks ago, Plainfield police said Friday. The 20-year-old man was arrested Thursday in Marion County and taken to the Hendricks County Jail on charges stemming from a March 3 arrest for drunken driving, Plainfield Police Department Deputy Chief Joe Aldridge said.
'Fun slamming people': Inside WCWO independent wrestling in Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS — There’s the serious kind of wrestling you see in high school and the Olympics; then there's the wrestling you see on TV, the over-the-top kind that mixes athleticism and soap opera. That’s the kind of wrestling that brings dozens of fans to the Outlaw Arena on Friday nights. “Audience participation, that's why everybody comes," said wrestler Jordan James.
IU research team aims save the lives of migrating birds
INDIANAPOLIS — Spring is here and millions of birds are returning to Central Indiana after spending the winter in warmer climates. But these warblers, sparrows and other birds face many threats to their survival, one of the deadliest is made by man. Each year in cities in Indiana and everywhere, experts say hundreds of millions of migrating birds fly into buildings and die. "Something happens, the birds startle.
Evicting geese with dogs, umbrellas and laser pointers; Kathy Petrere is the 'Geese Wrangler'
INDIANAPOLIS — Canada geese are big, pretty birds when seen from far away, but when they get close to people they cause big problems. "Well they poop every step they take," said Shirely Perry, president of the Windham Lakes Homeowner's Association."They make a big mess and they do attack peoiple, especially when they are nesting." So Perry's neighborhood turned to Kathy Petrere and her dogs. Petrere runs Geese Wranglers, a business that specializes in removing and managing Canada geese.
Meals on Wheels launching first of its kind program to feed folks in recovery
INDIANAPOLIS — Nathan Otolski loved his job at Meals on Wheels. "The best part of working here at Meals On Wheels," he said in a 2021 promotional video, "is walking through the doors every day and knowing that I'm doing something positive." Otolski devoted much of his life to doing something positive. He was quick to help friends, family, anyone in need. Years ago, Otolski shared an idea with his close friend and coworker, David Carpenter.
Pacers telethon, bringing the Colts to town and surviving a blizzard: David Frick helped shape Indy
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Pacers telethon, bringing the Colts to town and surviving a blizzard: David Frick helped shape Indy
INDIANAPOLIS — David Frick served as the man behind former Indianapolis Mayor William Hudnut, who brought the Colts to town 40 years ago. Frick, an Indiana University graduate with a law degree from Harvard University, was Hudnut's deputy mayor from 1976-1982, and continued as a close adviser until Hudnut left office in 1992. Frick provided the guiding force and legal framework for Hudnut's biggest ideas and moments, setting up major events that shaped Indianapolis into the city it is today.
'Where's Amiah?': Judge sentences baby Amiah's mother's ex-boyfriend to 10 years in prison
INDIANAPOLIS — The last person to see baby Amiah Robertson alive in 2019 was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison for neglect. Robert "Robbie" Lyons, the former boyfriend of Amiah's mother, was caring for the girl on March 9, 2019, when eight-month-old Amiah was last seen at a home in the 200 block of South Holmes Avenue. "The one question we all want the answer to is: Where’s Amiah?" Marion County Deputy Prosecutor Linda Majors said in court.
No judgement, just tail wagging: Cute dogs encourage reading at area libraries
INDIANAPOLIS — One-in-five third graders failed their ISTEP reading test last year, according to the Indiana Department of Education. But some parents, librarians and educators think that cute dogs might hold the key to reversing that trend. "She's just a good listener," said Allison Lewis, who with her 10-year-old golden retriever mix, Roxie, volunteered at the Glendale Branch Library's "Paws to Read" program Tuesday night. "They're the perfect buddy for learning to read.
Here's how to get up-close with flamingos at the Indianapolis Zoo
INDIANAPOLIS — Once a day when the weather is nice, the Indianapolis Zoo frees its flamingos to let them visit up-close with guests. It's called the "Flamingo Mingle." “They're very social, they really like to touch everything including people,” said Chelsea Wilbur, an ambassador animal keeper at the zoo. “They’ll mess in your hair, play with your jackets.” The zoo is home to 34 flamingos. Guests who arrive before 9:45 a.m., can get so close that the flamingos nibble on their clothing.
State police investigating shooting involving Connersville PD, Fayette County deputies
CONNERSVILLE — Indiana State Police detectives are investigating a shooting involving a Fayette County Sheriff that occurred late Wednesday night in Connersville. According to ISP, they were contacted by the Fayette County Sheriff's Office to investigate the officer-involved shooting which occurred around 10 p.m. on April 3. Connersville police and Fayette County deputies were called to the 200 block of S. Gabbard Road for a domestic disturbance.
1 dead in east-side shooting, IMPD says
INDIANAPOLIS — A person was killed Wednesday morning in a shooting on the east side, police said. Officers found the victim in the 800 block of North Lasalle Street about 6:30 a.m., Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Officer Samone Buirris said. The victim had apparent gunshot wounds and died at the scene, Burris said. Details were not immediately available. Burris did not say whether the victim was a man or woman. Homicide detectives are investigating.
Horizon House's new apartments aim to reduce homelessness
INDIANAPOLIS — There’s a new apartment building going up just east of Downtown that many see as part of the solution to homelessness in the city. “I just can't imagine getting back on your feet without somewhere stable to call home -- a door that closes with a lock on it,” said Thomas Fisher, a peer support specialist at Horizon House.
Heart Rock Recovery Center helping mothers break cycle of addiction
INDIANAPOLIS — There's a special place on the north side that's just for mothers who are fighting to overcome addiction. This is the Heart Rock Recovery Center, a six-month housing program for women and their small children that is affiliated with Overdose Lifeline. "Addiction has always been part of my story. I grew up in a family with addicts," said Amber Grider, Heart Rock's child advocate specialist.
Here's what Sullivan County is teaching state officials about tornado response
"It’s coming up on the one-year anniversary and I'll be quite honest with you. Last Thursday night, I was suffering a little PTSD," said Lamb, the former mayor of Sullivan. Lamb was in the office a year ago when a tornado killed three people and damaged more than 240 homes and businesses in his rural community. "People's lives were literally ripped up and flung away," he said.
40 years later, the Colts move to Indianapolis lifted the city and the team
INDIANAPOLIS — As night fell on the city of Baltimore 40 years ago, a fleet of Mayflower trucks loaded up everything the Colts owned and moved the NFL team to Indianapolis. "I really didn't think we would move because it was so late in the year, we had the draft coming up. We had minicamp right after that. We had just finalized an agreement with Westminster, Maryland, for a training camp," said Pete Ward, the Colts chief operating officer.
Kinsey Institute continues sex research after state lawmakers block taxpayer funding
BLOOMOINGTON — Indiana University's Kinsey Institute has been researching human sexuality for 77 years. Whiile there have been critics over the decades, the Kinsey Institute has avoided serious setbacks while it continued to produce ground breaking research on sex and relationships. But that changed last year, when a state lawmaker introduced an amendment to the budget bill that blocked any tax money from funding the Kinsey Institute.
Health department hands out eclipse glasses at drive-through event
INDIANAPOLIS — The Marion County Public Health Department gave away a hundred eclipse glasses in about an hour Tuesday at their drive-through event on the northwest-side. And they'll be hosting two more give-aways before Monday's eclipse. Alfredia Parrish was among the dozens of people who picked up glasses during the drive-through at Lafayette Square Mall on Tuesday. Parrish said she's excited and ready to see the total solar eclipse.
"Ponder the mystery of existence": 6 questions with actor, space traveler William Shatner
PLANET EARTH — Decades after playing the iconic role of Capt. James T. Kirk in the Star Trek television shows and movies, William Shatner got to actually travel to space aboard the Blue Origins rocket in 2021. Now the actor-turned-space-traveler will boldly go to Bloomington on total-eclipse day, April 8, to take part in Indiana University's Hoosier Cosmic Celebration at Memorial Stadium.
More children overdosing on fentanyl: A concerning trend in Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS — A new casualty is emerging in the drug crisis that is ravaging our community. A growing number of young children are accidentally overdosing on opioids. "We're seeing quite a bit of this right now," said Dr. Greg Faris, the assistant medical director for Indianapolis EMS. "Medics are going into homes and finding kids overdosed or are in respiratory distress from overdose.
Hoagies & Hops celebrating National Cheesesteak Day by giving back
INDIANAPOLIS — A north side restaurant with Philadelphia roots is celebrating National Cheesesteak Day on Sunday by donating 15% percent of its sales to the MLK Center. "I feel that giving back to the community, being a part of the neighborhood is huge for us, it's huge for any business," said Kristina Mazza, owner of Hoagies & Hops, located at 4155 Boulevard Place. Mazza is a Pennsylvania native who opened her sandwich shop here in 2015.
'A dream come true': Johnson County residents, visitors revel in totality
FRANKLIN — Tens of thousands of visitors came to Johnson County to view the total eclipse on Monday. Among them was the Rivera family from Covington, Ky., who made the trek to Franklin. "We've just been kind of hanging out just around town, loving everything," April Rivera said. Rivera, her husband Jorge Rivera, and their children, Ean, 16, Salvador, 11, and Alex, 18, spent Sunday night in a area hotel and were in downtown Franklin early Monday morning.
Here's what Sullivan County is teaching state officials about tornado response
SULLIVAN COUNTY — Pictures and video of the tornado that ripped through Delaware and Randolph counties last week brought the heavy feelings back for Clint Lamb. "It’s coming up on the one-year anniversary and I'll be quite honest with you. Last Thursday night, I was suffering a little PTSD," said Lamb, the former mayor of Sullivan. Lamb was in the office a year ago when a tornado killed three people and damaged more than 240 homes and businesses in his rural community.
Johnson County library's Project Prom giving dresses, suits to teens in need
JOHNSON COUNTY — The Johnson County Public library is giving high school students a way to say yes to the dress or suit — for free. Project Prom 2024 kicks off this weekend and provides gently used dresses, suits and accessories to any high school student in need, no matter where they live. "We've had people tell us they were drove an hour just to get to our event," said Josephine Whitaker, a programming assistant at the Johnson County Public Library's White River Branch.
These dogs are soldiers in Indiana's war against the invasive spotted lanternfly
HUNTINGTON — Kallie Bontrager leans in close to Que, an 11-year-old Australian shepherd. "Go bugs," she says issuing the command that sends Que and his powerful nose to find the eggs of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect that is infesting parts of northern Indiana and threatens the rest of the Hoosier state. “Right now we're really working on trying to get Huntington under control,” Bontrager said.
6 questions with NASA astronaut Drew Feustel, who will be at IMS for the total eclipse
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6 questions with NASA astronaut Drew Feustel, who will be at IMS for the total eclipse
INDIANAPOLIS — As a child, Andrew Feustel never really dreamed of becoming an astronaut. But somehow he knew, deep in his heart, that he would one day travel to outer space. "When I was growing up," Feustel said, "I just somehow believed that I would have an opportunity eventually to work in the Human Spaceflight program." He put in the work, investing years into making himself a NASA candidate.
Doctor tells us how to protect your eyes when viewing the eclipse
INDIANAPOLIS — Next month’s total solar eclipse will be a once in a lifetime experience, but a local eye doctor is urging Hoosiers to protect their eyes when they look to the skies. Ascention St. Vincent ophthalmologist Dr. Elizabeth L. Groves-Egan said starting at the sun causes permanent damage to the macula, the part of the retina that is responsible for central vision. "It can cause solar retinopathy," Groves-Egan said.
'Everyone struggles': Heading off evictions in Lawrence Township court
INDIANAPOLIS — Jaimie Ripberger and Karley Markland say they were $32 short on their rent and now they are being evicted. “We're not the only people that struggle, everyone hits struggles in their life,” Ripberger said. “It's hard nowadays with, you know, financials and responsibilities and stuff like that.
New crime lab to feature gun range, vehicle bays and windows
INDIANAPOLIS — After decades of toiling away in windowless offices at the old jail, the scientists and technicians in Marion County’s crime lab are ready to move. “We've needed a new facility for many, many years,” said Richard Amberger, director of the Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency, the crime lab’s official name. “I came here in 2007 and they needed a new facility when I came here.” That long-awaited move will finally happen later this year.
Report finds no evidence of bias in Greenwood Police Department
GREENWOOD — An independent study found no evidence of racial bias in the Greenwood police Department's arrests and traffic stops, the department announced Friday. The city hired North Carolina-based Dolan Consulting Group to evaluate police traffic stop and arrest data last year after five Greenwood officers were caught trading obscene messages and racial slurs on city equipment.
'Electric horses': Marion County deputies patrol the CJC on scooters
INDIANAPOLIS — Parked just past the metal detectors inside the Community Justice Center sits a line of electric scooters. These aren't toys. These are police vehicles, fully equipped with lights and sirens. "They're pretty agile. They're fast," Marion County Sheriff's Office Deputy Chief Kelvis Wiliams said. "We have a new big facility here, with wide hallways. We have a big parking lot and our deputies can use these to patrol." They are called Trikke Professional Mobility vehicles.
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