BEDFORD – As February 2024 came to a close, Bedford experienced a mix of significant events, from academic achievements to legal proceedings and community honors. Here’s a summary of the notable stories that shaped the month:
WBIW Spelling Bee Champion Crowned
The 50th Annual WBIW Spelling Bee saw St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School’s Ethan Nguyen emerge victorious. Nguyen clinched the championship by correctly spelling “spatula.” The competition was fierce, with Will Parsley of Dollens Elementary securing second place by spelling “vacuum” correctly, while Jace Holt of Lincoln Elementary took third place.
Nguyen’s prizes included:
- $100 cash prize provided by Bedford Federal Savings Bank
- A Papa John’s Pizza Party for his entire homeroom class
- A Certificate of Participation
WWII Veteran Receives Prestigious Award
On February 24, Senator Eric Koch presented Sergeant James Lee Hutchinson, a WWII veteran and author, with the Circle of Corydon Award during a toast hosted by the Rotary Club. This honor is reserved for individuals who have made remarkable contributions to Indiana and exemplified outstanding citizenship.
Notably, Hutchinson had previously received the Sagamore of the Wabash and was recognized through a joint legislative resolution. This makes him the only person in state history to be honored on all three levels.
Murder Suspect Apprehended After Standoff
On February 24, Lawrence County murder suspect Casey Brown was captured following a tense standoff at a gas station on Main Street in Paoli. The incident, which began around 1:00 p.m., ended when Brown suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was airlifted to the University of Louisville Hospital for treatment.
Brown faces charges in connection with the shooting death of 21-year-old Kobe Stancombe of Bedford.
Child Neglect Case Verdict
On February 2, a Lawrence County Superior Court I jury found 33-year-old Cheyenne Hill guilty of child neglect causing death, a Level 1 felony. They deliberated for almost two hours. The charges were related to the death of her 20-month-old daughter, Elliaunna (Elli) M. Plummer, in November 2022.
The case stemmed from a tragic incident where Elli suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.
Despite efforts to save her, Elli was pronounced dead on November 26, 2022. A post-mortem examination concluded that the manner of death was homicide by blunt force trauma to the head.
