Battle over plant annexation stirs controversy in Reynolds

REYNOLDS, Ind. (AP) – Leaders in Reynolds have stirred controversy after annexing an iron pellet plant just outside of the small White County town.

The Journal and Courier reports the Magnetation plant opened in unincorporated part of White County last September, promising more than 100 jobs for nearby Reynolds. Seeing a potential tax stream, the Reynolds Town Board annexed the plant in January, which brought an expensive lawsuit from White County. Then, the plant filed for bankruptcy in May.

Asserting that greed is killing the plant, nearly 200 people have signed a petition calling on the town leaders to resign. Others are trying to line up challengers to unseat the board in November’s elections.