Emotions run high at Dugger meeting

DUGGER, Ind. (WTHI) - Folks packed into the the tiny utility building in Dugger.
They were voicing their support for the town marshal, Dave Heaton.

Recently, at a board meeting the city council said that his job was in jeopardy. They didn't give a reason, other than "neglect of duty."

Monday night was the first public meeting since the previous one and the public wanted their voices heard.

However, the board turned away public comment about Heaton until a future meeting.

It was when the city clerk treasurer made some allegations that emotions picked up. Michelle James revealed that board president, Dwight Nielson tried to force her to fire the town utility clerk, Carolyn Settles.

James is the only one who can fire Settles, but she said she had no reason to do so. When asked why he wanted Settles fired, Nielson said that he didn't trust her. He said he believed Settles had originally revealed the board's intent to fire Heaton.

From there, the meeting devolved into disorder. At one point Heaton himself had to calm things down.

When things cleared, Heaton's lawyer said he would represent Settles as well.

"They [the board] continue to overstep their authority for whatever reason, but the statutes are very clear," attorney John Bodine told News 10.

Meanwhile, James said she's glad she got the matter out in the open.

"I typically am not the kind of person to stand up for myself at all, but I felt like I owed it to the town and to the other town council members if they weren't aware that they needed to know," James said.

The town board president defended his statements, saying he had only discussed Settles firing with James.

"I made comments on what I wanted. Nothing's been done, they either agree or not agree, " Nielson said.

The board says they will have an organized meeting regarding Heaton and allow public comment February 16.

Settles' and Heaton's lawyer said he plans on filing suit against the board.