BEDFORD – August 2025 was a month of significant changes and somber news, with a local leader stepping down, a new head of state parks being named, and an alarming case of neglect resulting in a child’s death.
A Civic Leader’s New Role
In a major local development, Bedford City Councilman at Large Dan Bortner resigned from his position to become the new CEO of the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council and the Bedford Chamber of Commerce.
Bortner, who was in his second term, cited a potential conflict of interest as the reason for his resignation. He stated that while state law did not prohibit him from holding both roles, he felt it would be inappropriate to be in an elected office that influences funding for the organization he now leads.
A New Director for State Parks
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced a new leader for its state parks system. Brandt Baughman, a longtime veteran of the park system, was named the new director of Indiana State Parks.
Baughman’s career began as a lifeguard at Spring Mill State Park and has included key roles at Ouabache State Park, Indiana Dunes State Park, and as Deputy Director of Operations. His decades of experience will guide the division’s mission to conserve park resources and provide visitors with engaging experiences.
A Tragic Death and Arrests
The month ended with a tragic and disturbing case. A mother and grandmother were arrested and charged with neglect following the death of a 3-year-old girl. According to authorities, Keera L. Braun, the child’s mother, and Millissa D. Hicks, the grandmother, were living in “deplorable conditions” filled with animal feces, spoiled food, and an insect infestation.
David Butche, of Bloomington, is facing two felony charges for neglect of a dependent. According to court documents, he is the girl’s maternal uncle.
The child died from a brain injury due to a prolonged lack of oxygen, with a doctor stating that the delay in seeking medical attention contributed to the severity of her condition. The 11-year-old brother of the deceased girl told police that he found his sister unresponsive and that his mother and grandmother attempted CPR before putting her back to bed.
The girl’s name has not been shared.
According to court documents, Braun told detectives that she had been up all night with the girl because her breathing “was off.” Braun allegedly told detectives that she gave the girl approximately 20mg of melatonin sometime between midnight and 1 a.m. Braun allegedly said she typically gave the girl 10mg of melatonin each night.
Court documents state that the girl was playing with Butche when, around 1:30 a.m., she began acting “weird” and her eyes appeared “droopy.”
Official documents say Braun, Hicks, and Butche admitted to smoking “spice” the night of Thursday, August 7, while the girl and her sibling were in the home.
All three have been charged with felony neglect of a dependent resulting in death. Their jury trials are scheduled for February 9, 2026, in Monroe Circuit Court 3.
