City Audit Expands Following Review of Bridge Accident Records

Purchasing Department Files Under Examination

By Jessica Ziggler

City officials confirmed Monday that an internal audit of the Noble County Purchasing Department has expanded following the review of records connected to last fall’s fatal bridge accident on Belle Isle.

The accident, which involved a county-owned dump truck transporting sand to Goodwin Park ahead of storm preparations, resulted in one fatality and left the Belle Isle swing bridge closed for several hours as engineers assessed structural safety. At the time, authorities cited mechanical failure as a contributing factor, though no formal cause was publicly released.

According to documents obtained by The Noble County Recorder, maintenance logs and procurement records associated with county heavy equipment were flagged during the accident review, prompting a broader examination of purchasing practices. The audit is now focusing on equipment acquisition, refurbishment contracts, and maintenance compliance over the past several years.

Records overseen by the office of the late Deputy Purchasing Director Preston Spruill are among those currently under review. Spruill, who managed multiple large-scale equipment contracts during his tenure, was found deceased earlier this year under circumstances authorities have described as suspicious.

While officials maintain that Spruill’s death is not believed to be connected to the current audit, multiple sources confirmed that records originating from his office have drawn particular scrutiny during the review process.

City representatives emphasized that the audit remains administrative in nature.

“At this time, there is no indication of criminal wrongdoing,” a spokesperson said. “The review is part of standard due diligence following a fatal infrastructure incident.”

No timeline has been provided for the completion of the audit. Officials stated that findings will be released “as appropriate.”

Recorder Archive

Related coverage on file

Authorities Discover Body of Former Purchasing Director

March 3, 2024

Fatal Bridge Accident Closes Belle Isle Crossing Ahead of Storm

August 8, 2023

City Confirms Internal Review of Equipment Maintenance Records

January 18, 2024

Deputy Purchasing Director Missing under Suspicious Circumstances

November 30, 2022

Officials have stated these incidents are not believed to be connected.

Vox Populi

The People Speak

Just Asking: Are ATVs the New Patrol Standard?

I was driving past the sheriff’s office last week when I slowed down—not for traffic, but curiosity.

JT Minton’s delivery truck was unloading a passel of ATVs—which made me wonder if I’d missed a memo.

Did Noble County find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Or maybe someone made a very generous donation of recreational vehicles to law enforcement.

Cuz if my tax dollars paid for this I have to ask: just what does the sheriff’s office need with that many ATVs?

Unless we’re planning on chasing runaway golf carts through the marsh, it seems like a lot of equipment for everyday business.

I’m sure there’s a sensible explanation. There usually is.

Still, when expensive toys arrive all at once—delivered, no less—folks are bound to notice.

Just wondering out loud.

— Vox Populi