The Franklin County Observer is a free email news service. At the Observer, we focus our coverage on events and meetings in Franklin County.
Our volunteer staff writers are all Franklin County residents who are committed to factual, impartial news reporting. To subscribe to the Observer, just click on this link and enter your email address.
|
The Observer will also help spread the word about events sponsored by community groups and non-profit organizations. You can email The Observer a brief announcement and we will try to publish it on a timely basis. You can help us spread the word too! Just click the "Forward email" button at the bottom and send this message to the people you think should be reading the Observer.
|
|
|
|
|
2016 Lilly Scholar Elizabeth Simmermeyer
One student from Franklin County has been named recipient of a full-tuition, four-year scholarship as the Franklin County Community Foundation 2016 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar.
Elizabeth Simmermeyer will receive full tuition to the Indiana college of her choice and a $900 yearly stipend for required books and equipment. Semi-finalists Cole McCreary, a Franklin County High School student who is the son of Steve and Jenny McCreary; and Cara Moore, a Franklin County High School student who is the daughter of Chris and Cindy Moore, will receive $500 scholarships from the FCCF operational fund.
Elizabeth Marie Simmermeyer of Brookville is the daughter of Doug and Cheryl Simmermeyer. An FCHS student, Elizabeth is a ten-year member of 4-H, including being a six year Junior Leader. She has been a member of FFA during her four years in high school and has held the offices of President, Vice-President and Reporter. Inducted into the National Honor Society as a Junior, she is also a member of the Academic Team. She is a four-year member of the Cross Country team and has participated in Track as well. She is also a member of the Bleacher Bums.
"Since my first trip to Purdue in seventh grade, I fell in love with not only the campus, but the atmosphere as well. I am so honored after several years of anticipation to finally be able to say that it will be my home in a year. I plan to study Animal Science in order to increase my knowledge about my passion: working with animals." She added, "With my education from Purdue, I plan to do so much more than use it to just get a job. I want to learn about animal systems, behavior and production, and feeding the world's growing population."
The three semi-finalists were selected from 31 applications submitted from accredited high school seniors who live in Franklin County. The scholarship selection committee members are not Franklin County Community Foundation Board of Directors or staff. The finalists' names were submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana, Inc. (ICI) for selection of the recipient.
The Franklin County Community Foundation is proud of every high school graduate in Franklin County. Choosing a student to represent our community is a difficult process for the Lilly Scholarship Selection Committee. The FCCF Scholarship committee will be meeting soon to select the recipients of more than 50 additional scholarships the Foundation awards - scholarships that are created and funded by Franklin County citizens.
Submitted by Shelly Lunsford, Executive Director |
|
Ivy Tech Richmond's New Associate Accelerated Program (ASAP)
April 29 Priority Deadline
Ivy Tech Community College Richmond Region's new one year associate degree program, the Associate Accelerated Program (known as ASAP) offers the Associate of Liberal Arts degree with classes starting June 6, 2016.
The priority deadline for applications for this one-year program is April 29. ASAP serves students graduating from high school who are academically prepared to enter college. A cohort-based program, the Associate Accelerated Program, follows a schedule designed to cover coursework at an accelerated pace. Program students are scheduled together in small classes with state-of-the-art lab space. They focus primarily on their studies and agree not to work or limit work to weekends only.
This degree is an excellent foundation for entering the workforce, as well as transfer to a variety of baccalaureate programs across the State. With the ASAP program, a student will complete their associate degree in one year instead of the traditional two year track. This should enable the majority of ASAP graduates to directly enter the workforce or be placed at the junior level when admitted to four-year colleges and universities, such as Indiana University, Purdue University and Ball State University.
Submitted by
Nancy L. Green, Ed.D., Assistant Director
|
|
RedLife Food Bank Opens April 7
Redemption Life Church will be opening a Food Bank beginning Thursday April 7th from 4-7pm and will continue to be open on Thursdays from 4-7pm at 1112 Main Street, Brookville, Indiana 47012. The RedLife Food Bank will be available to all members of the community desiring assistance with food staples on a first come, first-serve basis.
Submitted by Justin Bradley
|
|
We've Moved
The Chamber/Tourism's new address is 18 West 10th Street, Brookville, IN 47012. Phone numbers are still the same. We are right behind Davis's Car lot and are very excited about our new office. Looking forward to a great and busy 2016.
Submitted by Kim Vonder Meulen, Franklin County Chamber of Commerce & Mikel Davis - Beck, Franklin County Convention, Recreation & Visitor Commission
|
|
Property Tax Bills Mailed
The Franklin County tax bills were mailed on March 24, 2016. Statements are mailed one time with a "Spring A" coupon and "Fall B" coupon. You will receive your statement in the mail towards the end of March.
Office Hours - 8:30 a.m. to Noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Payments can be mailed, dropped at our office, or dropped in the steel drop box at the north entrance (parking lot door). Tax deadline for 2016 real/personal taxes - 2015 pay 2016 property taxes are due May 10, 2016 and November 10, 2016.
Submitted by Veronica Voelker, Franklin County Treasurer 765-647-5121 |
|
Campaign Finance Forms Deadline
Friday, April 15, 2016 by NOON, is the deadline for a candidate's committee with a candidate on the 2016 Primary Election ballot and all regular party committees to file a pre-primary campaign finance report with the Franklin County Clerk's Office.
If you have any questions, please call the Clerk's office at 765-647-5111 ext. 3.
Submitted by
Franklin County Clerk
|
|
Mt. Carmel School Character Education
MCS HEROS Back Row: Maci Lake, Grace Noble, Harley Clark, Andy Payne, Chloe Lake. Front Row: Ava Newton, Cameron Greer, Skylar Schatzman, Kylie Broshear.
Students have completed their seventh focus of Character Education at Mt. Carmel. The character traits include: Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Integrity, Commitment, Optimism, and Perseverance. Our theme of the year is HERO: Here Everyone Respects Others and this has inspired many of our students as they are working hard to demonstrate "Hero" traits.
The focus of the month was Commitment. In the main hallway, the following pledge was displayed for students to see: PLEDGE: I WILL: 1. Set the right goals 2. Get moving 3. Face challenges 4. Not be discouraged by failure 5. Keep trying.
The staff at Mt. Carmel set aside time this month to discuss the meaning of commitment and work on activities as a class to understand the significance of the trait. Students first had to understand and make a connection to the meaning of the word commitment, which is defined as a pledge or a promise; engagement or involvement. In turn, students learned that through commitment, they work toward a common goal, whether independently or in a group. As a result, this illustrates a trait, which is required in a great leader.
On Friday, March 11, all Mt. Carmel students and staff met in the gym to see which winners were selected. All the students that received a HERO ticket were acknowledged and all HEROES were photographed. The February HERO bucket winners were applauded, received their Mt. Carmel HERO shirt, and their pictures are now displayed in the Hallway of Character. Congratulations to all of our February Commitment winners!
Submitted by
Principal Jim Dallio
|
|
Around the County
Last Day To Register To Vote - April 4 The last day to register to vote or to transfer your registration is Monday, April 4, 2016 by 4:00 pm in the Franklin County Clerk's Office. You may also register to vote online at www.indianavoters.com and can also check your polling location and what precinct you are registered to vote at on this website. Submitted by
Franklin County Clerk's Office
SEIRD Student Scholarship - April 4
The Southeastern Indiana Recycling District (SEIRD) announces the 2015 - 2016 "Students Making an Environmental Difference Scholarship" for graduating high school seniors. Pending adequate submissions, one award winner from each county will be selected from the entries received from: Franklin, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley, Scott, and Switzerland County high schools, for a total of $7,000. Downloadable applications are due April 4 at 3pm and are available on the seird.org website.
Submitted by
Gary Marlin, Public Outreach Coordinator
Book Fair - April 4 - 8 Brookville Middle School & Brookville Elementary School will host the annual Buy One/Get One Free Book Fair, April 4th-8th. Located in each school's media centers and open to the public during school hours. Get double the books for your money! See Mrs. Beth Wade, Mrs. Joyce Lake, or Mrs. Kit Flaspohler for questions or volunteering opportunities. Submitted by
Beth Wade, teacher/librarian
Eating Healthy For Baby & You - April 7
Pregnant? Thinking of becoming pregnant? Breast-feeding? This class will cover nutrition requirements for mom and baby during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. April 7 at 6:30pm. Everyone welcome. All classes are free. Free babysitting. Pregnancy Help Center -Brookville.
Submitted by Lyn Weidner
Dog Obedience Classes Start - April 7
Franklin County Humane Society is hosting dog obedience training classes on Thursdays between 6:30-7:30pm at 107 High St. in Brookville. Registration is April 7 at 6:30pm. Donation is $85 for 8 weeks of training. Discounts for students, seniors and returning trainers. Bring proof of rabies shots or tags. This is a public service to help dog owners enjoy their pets more through communication and training. For any questions, call 765-265-4588 or leave message at 765-647-1444.
Submitted by Ruth Hughes, Whitley VanAusdale & the Franklin Co. Humane Society
The Mousetrap - April 7-8-9
The FCHS Drama Department presents The Mousetrap written by the famous mystery writer Agatha Christie on Thursday, April 7th, Friday, April 8th, and Saturday, April 9th with all three shows starting at 7PM in the Lew Wallace Auditorium at Franklin County High School. Tickets will be available starting 45 minutes before the show. The cost for tickets is $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for K-12 students.
Submitted by
Adam Hofer, FCHS Drama Director
Franklin County Kindergarten-Preschool
Registration - April 7 & 8
Kindergarten classes in the Franklin County Community School Corporation are available for all children who will be five years old by August 1, 2016. Franklin County's kindergarten classes offer children experiences that will help them begin their school career "on the right foot". A preschool for 4 and 5 year olds is also offered at Laurel School. If you have questions, school administrators suggest that parents contact the school, which their child will attend.
Thursday, April 7 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday, April 8 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Submitted by Franklin County Community School Corporation
Henny Penny Free Performance - Apr. 9
The Franklin County Arts Council and Tri Kappa Sorority will present a FREE play for all children on Saturday, April 9 at 11:00 a.m. at the Brookville K of C Hall. "Henny Penny - The Story of Chicken Little" will be performed by the talented professionals of the Cincinnati Children's Theatre. Bring all children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends. (The Imagination Library of Franklin County will be drawing names for free books after the performance.)
Submitted by
Patti Wilhelm
Library Book Sale - April 11 - 16 The Friends of the Library will hold a Book Sale the week of April 11 -16. Laurel Library: Monday April 11 all day, Tuesday April 12 all day, Wednesday April 13 until 4:00. Brookville Library: Thursday April 14 all day, Friday April 15 all day, Saturday April 16 until noon. Come fill a box, a bag, or buy individually. Submitted by Marty Mullin
STAYIN' ALIVE SCHOLARSHIP - April 15
Stayin' Alive is accepting scholarship applications from a high school graduating senior, who is a Franklin County resident. Scholarships are based on financial need, academic achievement and the student's written essay on the impact that substance abuse has had on his/her life, either a positive or negative experience. Substance abuse can include alcohol and/or other drug issues. For more information or to receive an application, visit http://www.stayinalive24.org or call 765-647-SASA (7272). Applications are due no later than 12:00 p.m. on April 15, 2016
Submitted by
Melinda Brown, Executive Director
Scholarship Dinner - April 16
 You're invited to the Scholarship Dinner and Fund Raiser on Saturday, April 16 from 4:00-8:00pm. Sponsored by American Legion Post 77, SAL and Women's Auxiliary. All proceeds to be used for 5 scholarships to class of 2016 graduating seniors. The menu will include: five piece chicken dinner or two pork chop dinner. Presale tickets $10 for adults and $7 for children under 10. $1 more at the door. Carryouts are available. Basket raffle, 50-50 drawings & special raffle of a handmade quilt by Lorry Kirschner. Entertainment by Mike Brashear & Co.
Submitted by
Mike Biltz
New Trenton's History Comes Alive -
April 18
The public is invited to the Franklin County Historical Society's spring program on April 18, 2016 at Smyrna Baptist Church, 4947 US Hwy 52, New Trenton, IN. Dinner provided by the church at 6pm. Reservations required by April 15 to 765-647-7365. The HISTORY OF NEW TRENTON will be presented at 7pm by Julie Schlesselman.
Submitted by
Martha Shea
Spring Fish Sale - Order by April 18 Deadline for ordering is Monday, April 18, by 4:00pm. Order forms available at the Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District office. Payment due with order. Bluegill, Hybrid Bluegill, Red ear, Channel Catfish, Albino Catfish, minnows, etc. Fish purchased from Indiana Fish Hatchery. Sale date Wednesday, April 27, at 10:00am. Submitted by Chris Fox,
Fairfield Masonic Lodge 16th Annual Pork Chop Dinner - April 23
Fairfield Masonic Lodge # 98 would like to invite everyone to our annual spring pork chop dinner on April 23, 2016. Dinner will served from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The dinner will include smoked pork chop fresh off our grill, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, corn, desert and drink. Please come out to beautiful northern Franklin County and have a nice dinner with your friends in Fairfield Indiana.
Submitted by Brent Neukam
|
We hope you enjoyed this issue of the Franklin County Observer. We strive to provide you with accurate reporting of the news that is important to the Franklin County community. So send us your comments, and send us information about the news and events that you would like us to cover.
Also, check out the links below:
- You can go to the "Archive" to see past issues
- The "Forward email" link helps spread the word about the Observer
- The "Join Our Mailing List!" link sends the Observer directly to you.
The Franklin County Observer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
