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Huntington Indiana Citizen News - HICN, Warren, IN (2026)

10/21/2026

𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗟 𝗙𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗦 𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧: 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗠𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗜𝗣𝗧𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

Well, it looks like 426 W. Tipton Street has run out of second chances.

During Monday's Huntington Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, officials voted to move forward with demolishing the troubled property after a potential buyer backed out of the deal.

HICN previously reported that the city had approved a demolition contract for $12,865 but temporarily put the brakes on demolition when Home For You LLC, a Fort Wayne company, expressed interest in purchasing and rehabilitating the property.

That deal is now off the table.

According to Building Commissioner reports presented at the October 19 meeting, the company was only able to get one contractor to evaluate the property. After reviewing the extensive structural problems, water damage, required repairs, existing liens, and potential fines, the company decided the investment wasn't worth pursuing.

The building commissioner reported speaking with company representative Sarah Cooper on October 14, when she confirmed they would not be moving forward with the purchase.

With no buyer and no further communication from the current property owner, officials voted to proceed with the previously awarded demolition contract.

The board also affirmed a $5,000 fine that had previously been postponed.

𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗬 𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡.

The previously approved demolition contract was $12,865. Add the $5,000 fine, and that's $17,865 in demolition costs and penalties associated with the property. However, the fine is not an additional demolition expense, and the final amount the city will recover remains unknown.

The city gave the property another opportunity to avoid demolition. Unfortunately, the numbers and the condition of the building apparently didn't work for the prospective buyer.

Now the questions are simple: When will demolition begin, how much will taxpayers ultimately pay, and how much of that money can the city recover from the property owner?

HICN will continue following the process.

Reporting based on the October 19, 2026, Huntington Board of Public Works and Safety meeting. Information was obtained from meeting audio and transcription. Transcription errors are possible, and corrections are welcomed.

10/20/2026

🚨 BREAKING: LARGE FIRE IN HUNTINGTON — PUBLIC ASKED TO STAY CLEAR

Emergency crews are battling a large fire at the former Schacht’s Rubber property in Huntington, also known to some as the former Jack’s building.

Authorities have moved bystanders back an additional block from the scene.

Residents are urged to avoid the area entirely and give firefighters and emergency personnel room to work.

Please do not attempt to get closer for pictures or videos. Keep surrounding streets clear for emergency vehicles.

HICN will provide updates as more information becomes available.

10/20/2026

𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝟮𝟭 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦, 𝟭𝟱 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗡

HUNTINGTON — Tiffany Marie Black, 38, was sentenced Monday, October 19, in Huntington Circuit Court after a jury found her guilty of three felony s*x offenses involving her stepson.

Judge Davin Smith imposed a combined 21-year sentence, with 15 years executed in the Indiana Department of Correction and six years suspended to probation. The sentences on all three counts will run consecutively.

Black was convicted September 17 following a three-day jury trial on one Level 4 felony count of s*xual misconduct with a minor, one Level 5 felony count of s*xual misconduct with a minor, and one Level 5 felony count of child seduction.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗝𝗨𝗗𝗚𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗗

According to the written sentencing order, Judge Smith cited the lasting harm to the victim, the ongoing nature of the offenses, and the presence of other minor children in the home when the offenses occurred.

The court acknowledged Black had no prior criminal history but determined the aggravating circumstances outweighed that factor.

During sentencing, the court heard arguments from both sides. Black's mother submitted a character letter, while the victim's father addressed the court concerning the impact on his family.

Black's defense requested a substantially more lenient sentence, including suspended time. Prosecutors argued for incarceration, citing the seriousness of the offenses and their impact on the victim.

𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦

Following sentencing, Black requested appointed counsel for an appeal. Judge Smith appointed attorney Justin R. Wall for appellate purposes. Her previous attorneys, George Lidy and Steven Davis, withdrew their appearances.

The appointment does not necessarily mean a formal appeal has been filed.

Black must also comply with s*x offender probation conditions and a no-contact order protecting the victim. The order remains in effect throughout her executed sentence and probation unless later dismissed by the court.

Black received credit for 33 days previously spent in custody.

The case is now listed as decided in Indiana's public court records.

Case: State of Indiana v. Tiffany Marie Black
Case Number: 35C01-2502-F4-000038

HICN reporting is based on the October 19 sentencing hearing, courtroom notes, and the court's written sentencing order.

10/20/2026

📢 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗟𝗘 𝗘𝗬𝗘𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗔𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗬 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗔 𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗨𝗟𝗘𝗦

MARKLE, IN — More housing could be coming to Markle, while Huntington County officials are preparing new rules for data centers. Both topics came up during the October 14 Markle Plan Commission meeting.

🏘️ 𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛-𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚

The commission gave a favorable recommendation to rezoning 3.41 acres along Morse Street (State Road 116) from R-4 residential medium-density to R-8 residential high-density.

The change would allow future apartment development near the Forest Cove subdivision. Officials indicated apartments could be developed as early as late 2027, although detailed plans would still need to come back for review.

The discussion also included possible townhomes or duplexes intended for residents 55 and older in a nearby portion of the subdivision.

Markle Town Council President Matthew Dawson spoke in favor of expanding housing options, pointing to the town's difficulty attracting younger residents between the ages of 18 and 40.

Dawson argued that many younger working families cannot afford homes costing $300,000 to $500,000 and that additional housing options could help attract residents, support local schools and strengthen the town's tax base.

However, residents expressed concerns about traffic, neighborhood safety, drainage and property values. The proposed apartments would add more vehicles to an area where residents already questioned the lack of a second entrance.

The commission recommended the zoning change to the Markle Town Council, which must still consider the proposal.

No final apartment count, rental prices or construction contract was established during the meeting.

🏗️ 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗔 𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗨𝗟𝗘𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚

In another development, Huntington County planning staff announced that revised language regulating data centers was expected to be available shortly.

The proposed rules are being prepared for inclusion in the county's updated Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), which governs zoning and land development.

Officials announced plans for a public discussion on November 12, 2026, at the high school, where residents and commission members would have an opportunity to review the proposed data center regulations.

No formal vote was planned for that November discussion.

The county is targeting December for a public hearing on the broader UDO update, which would include the data center provisions.

The actual language of the proposed regulations was not presented during the meeting, leaving questions about what restrictions, requirements and protections would be included.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛: Markle's housing expansion is moving forward through the approval process, while Huntington County prepares to address another growing development issue: data centers.

Both could shape future land use, infrastructure needs and development across the county.

HICN DISCLAIMER: This report is based on the October 14, 2026, Markle Plan Commission meeting agenda and an automated audio transcript. Some portions may contain transcription errors. HICN welcomes factual corrections and clarification from local officials.

10/20/2026

HICN PUBLIC NOTICE ALERT | OCTOBER 19, 2026
𝗠𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧 𝗘𝗧𝗡𝗔 𝗪𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗠𝗜𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗘𝗗

On October 16, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management issued a final wastewater discharge permit renewal for Mount Etna's treatment plant at 6500 S. 500 W.

The facility has a design capacity of 41,200 gallons per day and discharges treated wastewater into the Salamonie River.

This is a permit renewal, not an announced expansion. Indiana Government

Deadline: Administrative review petitions are generally due November 2, 2026, accounting for the weekend. Confirm individual filing requirements with IDEM.

HICN angle: With Mount Etna's proposed TIF development already raising questions about sewer infrastructure, how much unused treatment capacity does the town actually have? Would additional development require expensive upgrades, and who would pay?

Source: Official IDEM Notice, Permit IN0058963

10/20/2026

𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘 $𝟯𝟱𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥

Huntington County Commissioners approved $350,000 in Local Income Tax (LIT) economic development funding Monday morning, October 19, to support programs and equipment at the Huntington County Community Learning Center.

The funding will be divided over two years, with $175,000 allocated for 2026 and another $175,000 for 2027.

Commissioners highlighted the Learning Center's role in preparing students for careers that do not require a traditional four-year college degree.

The facility offers career and technical education programs including precision machining, welding, automotive technology, construction, healthcare, firefighting and criminal justice.

During the discussion, commissioners pointed to local employers hiring graduates directly from these programs, including machinists earning starting wages reportedly reaching $35 per hour.

Commissioners also discussed the growing demand for skilled workers as new businesses and industries prepare to expand in Huntington County.

One commissioner emphasized that the funding should go directly toward Learning Center programming and equipment rather than simply helping cover the school corporation's regular operating expenses.

The approved motion also called for the school corporation to provide reports showing how the money is spent, what progress is being made and how students are benefiting.

𝗪𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗛𝗘 $𝟯𝟱𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗚𝗢?

While commissioners identified equipment purchases and expanded educational opportunities as priorities, the public discussion did not establish a detailed breakdown of which programs will receive funding or what specific equipment will be purchased.

Those details matter when public money is involved.

The Learning Center has received public and private financial support over the years, including contributions toward previous expansions.

The question now is how this additional $350,000 investment will translate into more training opportunities, industry certifications and students entering the local workforce.

HICN will continue following the funding and the progress reports commissioners requested.

Reporting based on the October 19, 2026, Huntington County Commissioners meeting. Information was gathered from the meeting audio transcript, which may contain transcription errors. Corrections and clarifications are welcome.

10/19/2026

𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗭𝗜 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗧: 𝗝𝗨𝗗𝗚𝗘 𝗦𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗦 𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝗢𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡

HUNTINGTON — Lance Exavier Turczi was back before Judge Davin Smith Monday morning after losing his residential work release eligibility just 17 days into the program.

HICN originally began following Turczi's cases after observing his unusual courtroom behavior, including putting his feet on courtroom chair backs and repeatedly engaging with bailiffs during proceedings.

Turczi was previously convicted of felony burglary, theft and criminal mischief. Judge Smith allowed him to serve his executed sentence through Community Corrections rather than immediately sending him to the Indiana Department of Correction.

That opportunity ended October 10.

During Monday's hearing, the court was told Turczi had made statements that left Community Corrections staff uncomfortable. It was also explained that Turczi was dealing with the loss of a close friend and depression. The court heard that his family was attempting to arrange additional mental health assistance through Bowen.

The prosecution had nothing further to add.

When Judge Smith asked whether Turczi could return to Community Corrections, a representative requested a private discussion at the bench. Smith then called the prosecutor and defense attorney forward for another private conversation.

Rather than immediately sending Turczi to state prison, Smith expressed concern that doing so without addressing the underlying issues could result in Turczi returning to the community with the same problems, or worse.

Judge Smith continued the matter for another week, giving the attorneys and court time to explore a solution.

The next hearing is scheduled for October 26 at 8:30 a.m.

For now, no final decision on Turczi's placement was announced during the hearing.

Case: 35C01-2606-F5-000141

HICN attended the hearing in person. This report is based on courtroom observations and statements made during the proceedings.

10/19/2026

𝗛𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗢𝗡 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗬 𝗣𝗨𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗦 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗧 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛-𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦

Huntington County Commissioners heard strong opposition Monday morning, October 19, to proposed Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) transmission lines that could cut through farmland and residential properties across the county.

During public comments, a concerned resident told commissioners that proposed transmission projects 40, 44 and 45 could affect local farms and neighboring properties.

The resident warned that large steel transmission structures could interfere with farming operations, damage agricultural drainage systems, compact productive soil and permanently change the rural landscape.

Commissioners were urged to formally oppose the proposed routes through Huntington County.

Commissioners acknowledged receiving numerous calls and emails from concerned property owners.

The discussion quickly turned to property rights and the possibility of eminent domain, which can allow qualifying utilities to obtain property rights for infrastructure projects even when landowners object.

Commissioners recognized the need for electrical infrastructure but questioned whether utility companies should choose routes through productive farmland when existing transportation or utility corridors might provide alternatives.

One suggestion was to consider routing the lines alongside Interstate 69 rather than cutting through previously undisturbed farmland, even if doing so would increase construction costs.

Commissioners indicated they intended to send a formal letter to I&M expressing their concerns and requesting greater consideration of affected property owners.

Another question raised during the meeting was whether Huntington County residents would actually benefit from the electricity carried by the proposed transmission lines.

The resident also reported circulating a petition and gathering signatures from property owners opposing the proposed routes.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗬 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗬 𝗗𝗢?

While commissioners can formally object, advocate for alternative routes and represent residents' concerns, a county letter does not automatically stop a utility transmission project.

The larger questions now are whether I&M will reconsider its proposed routes, what opportunities affected property owners have to challenge them, and whether existing corridors can be used to reduce the impact on local farms.

For families who have worked the same land for generations, this is about more than where power lines will be built. It is about protecting property they own and depend on.

HICN will continue following the proposed transmission projects and the county's response.

Reporting based on public comments and commissioner discussion during the October 19, 2026, Huntington County Commissioners meeting. The meeting transcript was generated from audio and may contain transcription errors. Proposed routes and project details remain subject to confirmation.

10/19/2026

🚨 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗦 𝗧𝗜𝗙 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡

MARKLE, IN — More of Markle could soon fall under tax increment financing (TIF) districts following action taken at Wednesday's October 14 Markle Plan Commission meeting.

Commissioners gave a favorable recommendation to a proposal from the Markle Redevelopment Commission involving three major changes:

🔹 Industrial Park Expansion: Expanding the existing industrial park economic development area westward. During the meeting, an official indicated the expanded area would encompass all of Markle.

🔹 Commercial TIF Changes: Creating a residential allocation area within the existing commercial TIF.

🔹 Residential TIF Expansion: Expanding the town's existing residential housing allocation area to support future development.

𝗦𝗢 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗗𝗢𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗔𝗫𝗣𝗔𝗬𝗘𝗥𝗦?

TIF allows a redevelopment commission to capture certain future increases in property tax revenue within designated areas and use that money for eligible development projects. Rather than all of that additional revenue flowing through the normal taxing process, some can be directed toward infrastructure and redevelopment.

TIF does not automatically increase anyone's property tax rate, but it can change where future tax dollars go.

The commission's discussion was brief, lasting approximately three minutes. Members voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the Markle Town Council.

However, the meeting discussion did not establish exactly which properties would be affected, how much future tax revenue could be captured, or which specific projects would benefit.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗜𝗚 𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: If Markle is expanding its TIF areas to cover more of the community, how much future property tax growth could be redirected, and what will taxpayers receive in return?

The proposal has received the Plan Commission's support, but that recommendation is not the same as final approval of the TIF changes.

HICN DISCLAIMER: This report is based on the October 14, 2026, Markle Plan Commission meeting agenda and an automated audio transcript. Some portions may contain transcription errors. HICN welcomes factual corrections and additional documentation from town officials.

10/19/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗡

WARREN — A new event center could be coming to southern Huntington County.

According to a public notice published October 14, Tina and Roger Irick are requesting a zoning variance to establish an event center on agricultural property along County Road 500 East, just south of State Road 124.

The proposal has not been approved. Details about the facility's size, guest capacity and potential impact on nearby properties have not yet been confirmed.

📅 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚

Tuesday, October 27, at 5:30 p.m. in Room 207 of the Huntington County Courthouse.

Residents can attend, submit written objections at least 24 hours before the hearing, or watch the livestream.

The application is available for review at the County Department of Community Development, Room 204.

Huntington Indiana Citizen News - HICN

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