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RTV6 is Working for You and getting results

Highlighting stories that impacted the community
Posted at 6:00 AM, Nov 22, 2018
and last updated 2019-02-07 14:10:47-05

Working For You is not a slogan. At RTV6, our focus is you. Every day, we're working to be your voice and get you the results that no one else will.

The stories have been meaningful and impactful. RTV6 has held people accountable and worked to get answers. Our stories have also inspired others in our community to get involved and take action to help their neighbors.

Instead of just telling you, we're showing you how we're Working For You. Below you'll find recent examples of the results we obtain for people like you every day. 


Indy man's home saved after 7 months of worry

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It was an anxious seven months for Kenneth Warden, whose home of 54 years faced the prospect of washing into an Indianapolis creek.

RTV6 first brought you the Warden's story in April after heavy rains eroded the creek bank causing Warden to worry he would lose his home. The city's Department of Public Works told him it was his responsibility to rebuild the bank. After making several trips along the creek and bringing rocks in an effort to slow the erosion, Warden reached out to RTV6 for help.

After RTV6 brought blockages along the creek to the attention of the city, the city issued notices to property owners. Some of the blockages were fixed, but Warden's house wasn't yet saved.

Indianapolis City-County Councilor Jared Evans got involved to work with the local community and have volunteers come out to remove some of the blockage.

Warden got estimates for what it would cost to get a fix — around $100,000.

John Schmitz, the founder of the Mars Hill Arts Center, saw one of the RTV6 stories and hosted a fundraiser organized by Allen Bridewell to fund a project to fix the embankment.

Earlier this month, seven trucks with nearly 150 tons of stone were brought in to strengthen the embankment and save Warden's house. 

READ | Indy man's home saved after 7 months of worry


Indywoman caught on video attacking neighbors to sellhome; HOA lists numerous complaints

</p><p>In August, members of a neighborhood on Indianapolis' northwest side reached out after a woman was caught on camera attacking neighbors with a yard sign and threatening their lives.

Neighbors had filed reports with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, at the time police said the incident was under investigation. Frustrated, the neighbors reached out to RTV6 for help.

After airing stories, and a viral video of the woman making threats, Vicki New was arrested and charged with battery and criminal trespassing.

New said in a phone interview with RTV6 she wasn't sorry for what happened and claimed the video "must have been doctored" if it showed her hitting her neighbor.

New's home went on the market back in September, to the relief of her neighbors.

READ | Indy woman caught on video attacking neighbors is sellinghome; HOA lists numerous complaints


Indiana veteran receivesoutpouringof support after facing collection agency over kids' lunch money

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It was September when RTV6 first brought you the story of George White, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Saudia Arabia to support soldiers in Operation Desert Storm.

After suffering multiple heart attacks and strokes, he depends on a monthly Veterans Affairs check and food stamps to make ends meet. With his financial situation, his children have always qualified for free lunches at school, but a collection agency was seeking $562 on behalf of Shelbyville Central Schools. The debt stemmed from unpaid school lunches for White's three children, who attend schools in the district.

White told RTV6 he wanted to pay the bill, but "I don't have the money."

After White's story aired, an anonymous donor paid off the entire debt.

READ | Indiana veteran receivesoutpouringof support after facing collection agency over kids' lunch money


Governor Holcomb signs anti-bullying law prompted by Call 6 Investigation into misreported numbers

</p><p>It was a widespread problem — despite a state law mandating that schools report incidents of bullying many schools were not accurately reporting their numbers.

A Call 6 Investigates report found that in at least one case a school misreported bullying numbers by more than 500 percent in a single year. The investigation also revealed that nearly 60 percent of schools reported zero bullying incidents.

As a direct result of the RTV6 reports, House Enrolled Act 1356 was passed by the Indiana General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb.

"You shining a light on it, we said 'Let's really get this done," Rep. Greg Porter, D-Indianapolis, said. "I think it means a lot to the students who have been bullied over the year and the parents who have to live with that every day."

READ | Governor Holcomb signs anti-bullying law prompted by Call 6 Investigation into misreported numbers


911 emergency locators on Indy trails don't work

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The system is designed to get help to those who need it in an emergency. 

A part of Indianapolis' Master Greenways plan included placing new markers along city trails. Those markers included a 4-digit code so when someone calls 911 they're connected to the exact coordinates of the sign.

A Call 6 Investigates report, however, found during a test with an Indianapolis Metro Police officer nearby that the dispatcher had no idea what the codes were. Dispatchers told RTV6 they'd never seen the signs before.

After the report aired, Indy Parks made sure the signs were in the 911 system. RTV6 went to the county's 911 center and watched as dispatchers entered markers to check. All the markers showed the correct location.

READ | 911 emergency locators on Indy trails don't work


Woman claims dog was injured atpetdaycare

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In October, RTV6 brought you the story of Tonya Holtgrave and her dog, Titan.

Holtgrave had taken Titan to Barkefellers, a doggy daycare on the city's west side, who 90 minutes later called to say Titan appeared to be injured and needed to be taken to a veterinary hospital immediately.

Medical records showed Titan fractured tibia in both legs. Holtgrave said the bill for an expensive surgery Titan needs would be $6,000 on top of more than $1,000 she had already paid for Titan's care.

The manager at the doggy daycare told Holtgrave the facility would help pay for the medical bills once they have their own veterinarian review the records and get proof the injury happened at Barkefellers.

After the RTV6 report, the owner of Barkefellers said they will pay for all of Titan's medical expenses that Holtgrave has paid so far, along with future expenses, including therapy.

READ | Woman claims dog was injured atpetdaycare


Foreclosure postponed for Shelby County animal rescue

</p><p>Canine Castaways, founded by Shelly Christie and her husband, Roger, has been saving dogs that would otherwise be put down for the past three years.

In August, Christie said the Shelby County animal rescue may be forced to close if they couldn't raise enough money to pay for the property they occupy after Roger's death. Christie reached out to RTV6 for help.

Christie's name is on the deed to the property but she was never listed on the mortgage. Since Roger's death, she's had a difficult time trying to get her name on the mortgage, despite providing the needed documentation.

RTV6 reached out to Wells Fargo who agreed to extend a sheriff's sale on the property while they worked to find another resolution.

READ | Foreclosure postponed for Shelby County animal rescue


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