Derek Wheeler
Editor
Derek founded The Blackford Ledger to cover the local government business that too often goes unreported in Blackford County. He spent his career in marketing and public relations, holding leadership and strategy roles before turning that experience toward accountability journalism. He holds a bachelor’s degree and an MBA. Derek lives in Blackford County with his wife and their four children. His reporting starts from a simple standard: lead with the documents, show the facts, and let readers draw their own conclusions.
Articles by Derek Wheeler
- Montpelier police department looking to hire with a focus on serving the community
- Public records requests surge across Blackford County, adding hours to stretched offices
- At least three Blackford County landowners have signed data center contracts, APC member says
- Do the board of zoning appeals's choices reflect on those who put them there
- Blackford County voters just sent a message to every official still in office
- Smith wins commissioner seat, Armstrong unseats Jones in Blackford County election
- Former youth coach Kyle Pitts runs on accountability and student pathways
- Five complaints ask election board to review recent school board meeting remarks
- School Board candidate Kerra Armstrong runs on accountability and wanting to help parents
- Career educator Melinda Huber runs as an independent for open District 1 school board seat
- Hartford City Seeks $750,000 Local Match to Land Sigma Phi Gamma Park Grant
- The Lake Trout hearing was more than the vote. It was downright odd at times.
- Meet the candidates for Blackford County Commissioner, District 2
- Independent Dennis Layman runs for commissioner on asking questions and answering to taxpayers
- For Shane Smith, the commissioner race is about building up Blackford County
- After seven months without meeting, Blackford County's plan commission moved to halt new energy and data center applications
- Leeward showing a pattern of disregard for Blackford County approvals
- Blackford County BZA took a vote without public notice. State law might have required it.
- Land owners say Lake Trout's solar permits are void. Getting appeal hearing taking nearly as long as getting the permits.
- Blackford County looking into paying $19,780 for a data center ordinance; APC hasn't met in months
- Residents brought Leeward complaints to the Commissioners this week. Most were told to see their attorney.
- Key wind project document missing from Blackford County's records
- Hartford City stepmother pleads guilty in abuse of 7-year-old
- Public Commenter Challenges Wind Energy Agreement — Says Exhibit G Contradicts County Ordinance
- County Launches Chip and Seal Program — Montpelier Streets Resurfaced for First Time in 8 Years
- EMA Director Reports Siren Failure During Tornado, $7,500 Grant Spending in Blackford County
- County Annex Leak Repaired, ADA Ramp Project Moving Forward
- Indiana Tax Overhaul Sparks Wave of School Funding Referenda Statewide
- Indiana's Gas Tax Holiday Ends August 6
- In Blackford County, We're Quick To Act, Slower To Regulate