The Political Spotlight - Episodes Tagged with “John Sproles”

#764 | Wednesday, November 04, 2026 | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Wed, 04 Nov 2026 21:00:00 -0500

In this 764th episode of The Political Spotlight, Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey dives straight into what he calls the first MAJOR BLUNDER by newly elected Republican Henry County Sheriff-Elect Jim Nicholson (and it only took 20 minutes after winning for it to happen).

Nicholson hasn't even been Sheriff-Elect for 24 hours, yet Bilbrey has already caught Nicholson and his team in their first big lie.

As usual, the lie isn't even the worst part.

The worst part is that "Team Nicholson" is trying to cover it up by gaslighting Bilbrey and others—which WILL NOT work.

Bilbrey is putting his foot down before this behavior becomes the new sheriff's norm in Henry County.

Is it already too early—or too late—for Bilbrey to say, "He misses Sproles?"

Bilbrey brings the heat, laying out exactly what happened, why he believes Nicholson's team got caught, and why he isn't letting this one slide.

As Bilbrey has said for some time, Henry County politics can sometimes seem almost hopeless.

From there, the spotlight turns back to Muncie.

Bilbrey reviews the City of Muncie Board of Works meeting held earlier Wednesday, November 4, 2026, then revisits the Muncie City Council meeting from Monday, November 2, 2026, and finally returns to the Delaware-Muncie Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals meeting from Thursday, October 29, 2026, as several major local-government stories continue to develop.

There is a LOT to cover—but it has to be done!

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VIDEO version of Ep 764: https://youtube.com/live/ihgjFZcBkfM

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'The Political Spotlight'
LIVE Sunday - Thursday @ 9 p.m. (ET)
Hosted by: Kristopher H. Bilbrey
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#761 | Sunday, November 01, 2026 | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 21:00:00 -0500

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey kicks off the 761st episode of The Political Spotlight, welcoming Jim Nicholson, the Republican candidate for Henry County Sheriff, to the show.

Nicholson currently serves as a Captain with the New Castle Police Department, where he has served for 36 years, including 8 as Chief.

This is Nicholson's second run for Sheriff; he ran four years ago and lost the primary to the current lame-duck Sheriff John M. Sproles.

Bilbrey and Nicholson discuss the campaign, Nicholson's views on Henry County's current state, and his plans for the county if elected.

Connect with Nicholson on social media at the following links:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587574460100 . . .

After the interview, Bilbrey again shares that he feels underwhelmed by nearly everyone running for office in the 2026 midterm general election, which is just two days away.

Bilbrey is ready to put this election behind him and look ahead to the 2027 municipal elections, which he believes could have a much greater impact on local politics and government across East Central Indiana.

Bilbrey then looks ahead to the Muncie City Council meeting scheduled for tomorrow, Monday, November 2, 2026. He reviews the agenda and notes that it appears to be a relatively quiet meeting.

Lastly, Bilbrey shares a few quick thoughts on the Delaware-Muncie Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals, which met last Thursday, October 29, 2026.

At that meeting, the McKinley Neighborhood and Mayor Dan Ridenour's administration once again found themselves on opposite sides of this important issue. Bilbrey believes this was merely the opening round of a much larger fight in the months ahead.

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VIDEO version of Ep 761: https://youtube.com/live/QJTKWZ99lqw

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Special Guest: Jim Nicholson.

#758 | Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 21:00:00 -0400

In this 758th episode of The Political Spotlight, Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey examines the latest developments in Henry County after a special prosecutor filed criminal charges on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, against former Henry County Sheriff's Sergeant Ryan Burns.

Burns faces the following charges:

— Theft, a Class A misdemeanor. . .

— Fraud, a Level 6 felony. . .

— Official Misconduct, a Level 6 felony. . .

— Ghost Employment, a Level 6 felony. . .

Henry County Sheriff John Sproles later issued a statement announcing Burns's arrest and resignation from the Henry County Sheriff's Department.

Bilbrey breaks down these developments, shares his thoughts on what may come next, and turns his attention to another major unanswered question:

What happens to Sgt. Bobby Lackey, the other HCSD sergeant on paid leave for the past 5-plus months?

From there, Bilbrey works through other political and governmental odds and ends.

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VIDEO version of Ep 758: https://youtube.com/live/6b15mCg1HGY

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#751 | Friday, October 15, 2026 | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey attended the Henry County Sheriff candidates' forum in New Castle, Indiana, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, where Republican Jim Nicholson and Democrat David Bockover faced off and fielded questions from moderator Jeremiah Morrell of Boss Hogs of Liberty and the audience.

Bilbrey shares his impressions of the forum—the questions asked and those left unasked, the candidates' responses, and what stood out as Henry County voters sought to learn more about the two men vying to take over the Sheriff's Department after Lame-Duck John Sproles' disastrous four years at the helm.

Bilbrey then turns to Muncie and to an issue involving Republican City Councilor Ro Selvey and Delaware County Republican Party Chairman Tim Overton—a story Bilbrey has been teasing since the Monday, October 5, 2026, Muncie City Council meeting.

Bilbrey finally lays out what happened, why he finds the situation troubling, and how it has deteriorated over the past several days.

Listeners won't want to miss this!

To wrap up, Bilbrey reflects on another wild week of politics and government across East Central Indiana and beyond, then looks ahead to what comes next.

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VIDEO version of Ep 751: https://youtube.com/live/PGa7sIiNN_Y

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#748 | Sunday, October 11, 2026 | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Sun, 11 Oct 2026 21:00:00 -0400

In this 748th episode of The Political Spotlight, Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey dives into the latest political drama unfolding in Delaware and Herny Counties.

DELAWARE COUNTY:

At the center of the latest mess in Delaware County is the Delaware County Republican Party Chairman Tim Overton, who, in Bilbrey's view, can't seem to make the right call. One wrong turn after another is creating controversy, confusion, and political fallout, not only for Tim but also for those around him.

HENRY COUNTY:

From there, Bilbrey heads to Henry County, where it appears a #SprolesWatch is officially in effect.

Lame-duck Sheriff John Sproles appears to have a newer, previously county-owned vehicle for sale in his parents' yard. While everything may ultimately prove to be above board, many questions remain about how the vehicle ended up there, how the sale came about, and why Sproles keeps putting himself in situations that at least create the appearance of impropriety.

Staying in Henry County, Bilbrey examines the still-unresolved issue involving two Henry County Sheriff's Department deputies on paid leave for more than five months.

How long will taxpayers continue to foot the bill for their "staycation"? When will the situation finally be resolved? And why is the Henry County Prosecutor's Office dragging its feet?

Lastly, regarding Henry County, Bilbrey has a couple of concerns about the Henry County Merit Commission.

WRAP-UP:

To close out the show, Bilbrey shares his vision for the upcoming Political Candidate Series on The Political Spotlight and outlines what viewers can expect from the program in the week ahead.

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VIDEO version of Ep 748: https://youtube.com/live/AI5SNGNPkzw

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#747 | Thursday, October 08, 2026 | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey jumps on the Boss Hogs of Liberty feed for our first real look at the two candidates for Henry County Sheriff: Republican Jim Nicholson and Democrat David Bockover.

Let's see how this goes!

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VIDEO version of Ep 747: https://youtube.com/live/RyfL2Eqntv0

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#699 | Tired of the Attitude! | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey is tired of the attitude in government! This isn't new; it's been this way for a while. He talks about it periodically. This is just his "report on the situation" from July 2026!

City of Muncie...
Delaware County...
City of Anderson...
Madison County...
City of New Castle...
Henry County...
City of Indianapolis...
Marion County...
City of Portland...
Jay County...
City of Winchester...
Randolph County... and beyond!

Every time he talks about it, he hopes, "This is the time when change will occur..."

Alas, here we are! Bilbrey is talking about it again!

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VIDEO version of Ep 699: https://youtube.com/live/u78xisyJkrw

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🚨🚨🚨
'The Political Spotlight'
LIVE Sunday - Thursday @ 9 p.m. (ET)
Hosted by: Kristopher H. Bilbrey & Brandon Rudd
Produced by: Kate Thornburg
https://www.youtube.com/@ThePoliticalSpotlight
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Email: tpsprogram@gmail.com
© 2026 Mud Creek Studio.
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#648 | Maricel Driscoll (D) Candidate for Delaware Co Circuit Court Judge! | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 21:00:00 -0400

Join Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey as he welcomes Maricel Driscoll, a Democratic candidate for Judge of Delaware County Circuit Court 5, to the show.

Driscoll has served as a Deputy Prosecutor in Delaware County, Indiana, since 2016. From 2013 to 2016, she was a Deputy Attorney General with the Indiana Attorney General’s Office. She earned her J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2012 and graduated from Ball State University in 2005.

Licensed to practice law since 2012, Driscoll has experience in both civil and criminal law.

Bilbrey and Driscoll discuss the campaign, Driscoll's views on Delaware County's judicial system, and her plans for the Court if elected.

Connect with Driscoll on social media via the following links:

https://www.facebook.com/Driscollforjudge . . .

After the interview, Bilbrey took some time to discuss the recent interview on the MOST PROFESSIONAL political show 'The Boss Hogs of Liberty' with most of the Republican candidates running for Henry County Sheriff. As it goes, Henry County Sheriff John Sproles was allowed to run the show, and he made a fool of himself! But that's how they like it over there!

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VIDEO version of Ep 648: https://youtube.com/live/Qo0lzRX-JEM

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Special Guest: Maricel Driscoll.

#546 | Records, Updates, Scandals, & Shake-Ups! (Local & State)! | The Political Spotlight

Kristopher H. Bilbrey, Kate Thornburg, & Brandon Rudd (The Political Spotlight) — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 21:00:00 -0400

After taking a week off due to a funeral, Host Kristopher H. Bilbrey and the rest of 'The Political Spotlight' crew are back! There are many topics to cover—so grab your favorite snack and drink, sit back, and let's get started!

First, Bilbrey highlights several "records" that the City of Muncie finally released. The documents relate to Dustin Clark, Flatland Resources, and the Ridenour Administration's efforts to build the new Fire Station 5.

Next, Bilbrey moves on to the recent #SprolesWatch! Bilbrey shares the latest information he's gathered from multiple sources. This is a sensitive subject, and it will be handled carefully.

Staying on the topic of Henry County Law Enforcement for a moment, Bilbrey shares his thoughts on a video currently circulating about the Middletown and Knightstown Police Departments. There is a lot to consider with this topic, and it should be looked at with an understanding of what Indiana law says about many of the issues discussed in the video. Bilbrey explains it all in this episode.

Then, Bilbrey discusses the recent arrest of Jonathan Peternel, the adult son of Nathan Peternel, a mentor and close friend of Indiana's Lt. Governor, Micah Beckwith. Similar to the topic of Sheriff John Sproles, this could have been an issue that wasn't political. However, due to actions taken by those involved, it has become a matter of concern.

Finally, Bilbrey explores the possibility that Indiana Governor Mike Braun will call a "special session" of the Indiana General Assembly on Monday, October 27, 2025, solely to redistrict Indiana's Congressional Districts—something most Hoosiers neither want nor understand. Bilbrey covers it all here.

This is definitely a show you DO NOT want to miss!

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VIDEO version of Ep 546: https://youtube.com/live/LCTKSdVFoz4

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