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Laurel School "Buzzing"
With Accomplishments
The April 11 school board meeting was fairly routine with the board members taking care of the many financial, personnel and student activities they are responsible for overseeing. This meeting also featured two celebrations of accomplishments at Laurel School.
After approving the minutes, paying the monthly bills and hearing the reports on the status of the schools' finances, the board moved on to the high point of the evening, the celebrations.
CELEBRATIONS
 L-R: Dr. Howell presents Alta Profitt with a special pin as Educator of the Month.
Superintendent Dr. Debbie Howell presented Alta Profitt as April's Educator of the Month. Ms. Profitt, who currently serves as the Parent Coordinator at Laurel School, has had a long career in education. In her 54 years in education she has taught in public and parochial schools, and operated the Tot Spot pre-school. She has "retired" several times and promised, "This is the last time." Dr. Howell said she is pleased to give this award to Ms. Profitt both as a school administrator and as a parent, that Ms. Profitt played "a significant role in my children's lives," as she did in the lives of so many children over the years. Ms. Profitt said that she is grateful to have had the opportunity "to work with so many wonderful parents at Laurel school." When asked later what she plans to do now that she is finally retired, she said that she is "going back to school." She said she didn't get as much college education as she would have liked and now plans to go back and audit some courses like philosophy and theology. (See article in this issue about Ms. Profitt.) Back Row L-R: Principal Lisa Baudendistel, Drew Dixon, Addison Ballenger, Makaylee Woods, Chad Cox, Kristian Prows. Front Row L-R: Drew Grant, Braidyn DeHaven, Kinsey Murray. Next, Laurel School Principal Lisa Baudendistel introduced a group of students from the school's new journalism program, "The Buzz." Using a grant from the Indiana Retired Teachers Association and some other funding sources, the school got equipment for the students to report events at the school. The students explained what they do at "The Buzz" and what the experience has meant to them. The students said that they manage their entire project - selecting stories, developing interview questions, operating video camera, making and editing the videos, and anchoring the "newscast" when the stories are presented. The students all said they enjoy working on "the Buzz," and listed benefits ranging from improving their social skills to acquiring new technical abilities. Ms. Baudendistel said, "It's amazing how much the students have accomplished." She said that she had a program like this in previous school and that the Laurel students have exceeded her expectations. Looking at the students, she told them "You have an awesome program ... and I am very proud of you." ENROLLMENT, CHINESE CLASS, TECHNOLOGY, ETC. Dr. Howell and Assistant Superintendent Tammy Chavis provided the board with updates on a variety of items. Dr. Howell reported that the current kindergarten registration for 2016-2017 is 127. Although she expects a few more, the incoming class will be smaller than this year's Kindergarten class of 155. After allowing for this year's graduating class, she projected that next year's total enrollment will be 2435, a drop of 42 from this year's enrollment. Once again the school board discussed the fact that the state of Indiana does not monitor or track home schoolers. So it is unknown, if FCCSC is losing students to home schooling. The various capital projects at the schools are all coming together according to Dr. Howell. The renovations at Brookville Elementary are "98 percent complete." The improvements to the athletic facilities are on schedule, but it will be a tight timeline to get the work on the new bleachers completed between graduation and the beginning of the football season. Consultants have been hired to make recommendation for modernizing the light and sound systems in the Lew Wallace Auditorium at the high school. Paving, painting and carpet replacement will be done over the summer break. Dr. Howell said that use of Chromebook computers will be expanded next year. All students in grades seven through twelve will then have a 'personal' computer. Other students will have increased access to computers in school, but they will not take the computers home. Dr. Howell said the expanded service is due in part to the fact that the price of the Chromebooks has decreased from $400 to $168 in the last few years. Ms. Chavis asked the board to approve adding Advanced Concert Band to the summer school offerings, and presented the board with recommendations for textbook fees in grades 7-12. The board approved both. The Board also agreed to enter into an agreement with the Chinese Education Connection to provide a Chinese teacher for Brookville Middle School and Franklin County High School. Dr. Howell said that twenty students at the high school had already signed up to take the course if the board approved it. PERSONNEL AND FIELD TRIPS As usual, there was a list of personnel matters for the board to address. This month, they ranged from four maternity leave requests to changes in cafeteria workers to a number of coaching appointments. The board also approved summer field trips for girls' varsity basketball, and boys' varsity football and basketball. The school board will have a special meeting on April 26 at 6pm to consider a contract for athletic complex improvements. The next regular meeting is May 9 at 7pm.
Reported by Terry Duffy |
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APC Looks to Update Zoning Code,
BZA Approves Brau Haus Variance
At the April meeting, the Area Planning Commission (APC) considered 24 amendments to the Citizens' Input Committee (CIC) zoning code. While a few were matters of substance, the majority of them were described as "cosmetic changes." The APC dismissed a complaint against the owner of the Oak Forest Store. The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) approved a variance for the Brau Haus in Oldenburg.
FIREHOUSES
Several months ago, Daryl Kramer noticed that the Code did not include a provision for a firehouse. He presented a draft that would allow a firehouse in any zone for the storage and dispatch of fire and emergency vehicles. The conditional use would require a Class 2 permit. Lot sizes and setbacks would vary depending on the zone. The APC voted to accept the draft with no changes.
CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS
APC Chairman Rick McMillin then presented a list of Code changes that will be advertised for the same public hearing and incorporated into the Code all at once. The APC considered each change, and most were accepted unanimously with very little discussion. Some corrected typos such as "contacts" corrected to "contracts," and water "trains" to water "mains." Others changed incorrect references to provisions that no longer exist. In some cases, obsolete terms were eliminated; for example "special exceptions" are now called 'variances."
CHANGES TO THE ZONE MAP
Mr. McMillin proposed that an unauthorized change to the zone map should be considered a violation that presents "Immediate Public Danger" which results in a larger fine, and if applicable, immediate discharge of the offender. The change was approved unanimously.
HOUSEHOLD PETS
One item that did meet with some opposition was Mr. McMillin's suggestion the APC should "get out of the household pet business." He proposed that the Code reference to the "Nuisance Law" should be replaced with a reference to Ordinance 2004-10, the Small Animal Control Ordinance. This ordinance puts the responsibility for enforcement in the hands of the small animal control officer, the commissioners, and the sheriff.
APC member Joe Gillespie pointed out the APC has often been able to solve an animal problem rather than escalate it. He said it was important for citizens to be able to "vent," and that the APC is more approachable than the sheriff or the dogcatcher.
The APC voted four to three to adopt the change. Mr. McMillin commented that the commissioners "may shoot it down anyway."
SITE PLAN OR DEVELOPMENT PLAN?
There was also some discussion about site plans and development plans. A site plan is required for many permits, and is a useful tool for enforcement. However, there is no definition of a site plan in the Code. Mr. McMillin noted that "site plan" and development plan" seemed to be interchangeable in the Code. Mr. Gillespie pointed out that the two plans are different. A site plan reflects existing conditions. A development plan shows how the site will be developed. He said that the previous Code had a good site plan definition that could be incorporated into the current Code. He will do some research on it, and bring a description of a site plan to the next meeting.
SWIMMING POOLS
APC member Ed Derickson advocated a change to the code that would exempt some above ground pools from the requirement that the pool be fenced. He proposed that an above ground pool with sidewalls at least four feet high, with a removable ladder, should not have to be fenced. He also believes that above ground pools shouldn't require a permit. Members pushed back hard on the permit requirement, despite the fact that many above ground pools are installed without one.
Mr. Derickson was not prepared with draft language for the amended provision. He was advised to bring a draft to the next meeting for the consideration of the board.
PUBLIC HEARING
The proposed Code changes will be advertised, and a public hearing will be held. The APC will then send recommendations for changes to the commissioners. A detailed list of the proposed changes will be posted on the APC website at
COMPLAINT ABOUT OAK FOREST STORE
Patty Martin appeared before the APC after receiving notice that a complaint had been filed alleging that she was in violation of the Code by operating a business in an agricultural zone. Ms. Martin recently purchased the Oak Forest Store from Jim and Patty Watkins with the understanding that it is a commercial property, and she is operating an antique store/general store.
Ms. Martin demanded the name of the person who filed the complaint, and felt sure it had to do with the tenant she recently evicted - who is Planning Commission Executive Director Cindy Orschell's brother. APC attorney Tammy Davis advised her that the complainant's name is not generally released unless the matter is litigated. Ms. Orschell offered to go down to the office to get the document, but Mr. McMillin said that wouldn't be necessary.
The APC quickly dismissed the complaint, noting that the property has been a store for as long as anybody could remember, and is grandfathered in. In addition, it is assessed and taxed as a commercial property.
VIOLATION ON STIPPS HILL ROAD
Ms. Davis updated the APC on her efforts to serve notice on the owner of a property on Stipps Hill Road close to the Decatur County line. She has sent letters to the owner of record, Mr. Hardy, that the property is not in compliance with the Code, but the letters have been returned. The APC advised her to ask the sheriff to post the notice on the camper that is on the property.
BZA MEETING
There was only one item on the agenda for the BZA. Richard Meyer applied for a variance for less than required setback for the Brau Haus property in Oldenburg. He plans to add an outdoor dining deck to the back of the building overlooking the creek.
Judy Volz, a neighbor, was concerned about the survey because it appeared that the corner stake was on her property. After a close look at the map and the site plan, she was reassured and had no further concerns. There were no other objections and the variance was passed unanimously.
Reported by Ruthie Mannix |
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Alta Profitt, Educator of the Month
For the month of April, Mrs. Alta Profitt, Parent Coordinator at Laurel School, has been selected as "Educator of the Month". According to Franklin County Superintendent, Dr. Debbie Howell, it is a great privilege to publicly honor and recognize someone who has dedicated 54 years to education. Mrs. Profitt's career in education began in the Cincinnati Public Schools. In 1976, she opened Tot Spot Nursery School in Brookville. For the next 25 years, Mrs. Profitt and Tot Spot Nursery School was a staple on Main Street. She and her staff helped countless Franklin County "kiddos" build a solid foundation for learning, instilled a passion for books, and cultivated curiosity and sense of adventure.
In the spring of 2000, Mrs. Profitt retired from Tot Spot. Not too long after her "retirement" Mrs. Profitt was hired by the Franklin County Community School Corporation as a preschool teacher at Laurel Elementary. In 2012, Mrs. Profitt, once again, tried her hand at retirement. It didn't take too long for the school to hire her back, this time as a Parent Coordinator at Laurel School.
In addition to her dedication to the school corporation, Mrs. Profitt is also very active in the community. She is a member of the Brookville Woman's Club, Twin Forks Chapter of DAR, Tri Kappa Associate Chapter, Friends of the Library, Imagination Library, and the Second Monday Book Club. In 2000, she was recognized by the Chamber of Commerce as "Retiree of the Year".
Mrs. Profitt was nominated for this recognition by a parent at Laurel School. According to the parent, "Alta has a way of making everyone feel welcome, needed, and appreciated in our school." During her time at Laurel School she has worked "very hard to build home/school communication and relationships."
Superintendent Howell has first hand knowledge of, and appreciation for, the life-long impact Mrs. Profitt has had on her former students. Both of Howell's children attended Tot Spot Nursery School and as young adults, still reminisce about Mrs. Profitt and their "Tot Spot" days.
The purpose of the "Educator of the Month" program is to recognize outstanding Franklin County educators who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, leadership in the school, dedication to the students, and involvement in the community. Parents and students are encouraged to nominate outstanding educators for this monthly recognition. Nomination forms for "Educator of the Month" can be found on the school corporation website at www.fccsc.k12.in.us.
Franklin County Community School Corporation
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Attention Quilters
The Indiana Bicentennial Barn Quilt will be on display at the Franklin County Public Library in Brookville, Indiana from May 7 through May 14. Be sure to look for block with White's Barn pieced by Joann Koch to represent Franklin County.
2016 Franklin County Quilt Show May 20, 2016 from 10am to 7pm and May 21, 2016 from 10am to 5pm at the Old Brookville High School Gym, 1010 Franklin Avenue. Quilts, Vendors, Food. Miniature Quilt Challenge. Admission $5. Applications to submit a quilt are on Quilt Batts of Franklin County Indiana or call 765-647-6360
Submitted by Indiana Landmarks
& Dotti Roleson, Quilt Batts |
 Sheriff Department Report for March
Franklin County Sheriff Ken Murphy has released the March report of activity. Sheriff's Deputies responded to 754 calls for service, which is a 15% increase over the 638 calls for service in 2015. Among the calls of service investigated were: |
Property Damage Accidents
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33
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Personal Injury Accidents
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8
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Burglary/Theft
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17
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Residential/Business Alarms
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24
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Domestic Battery/Battery
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17
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911 Hang Up/Accidental Dial
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51
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Suspicious Persons/Vehicles
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45
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Traffic Stops
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195
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Building Checks
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9
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A total of 42 arrests were made by Sheriff's Deputies on the following charges: |
Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated
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6
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Theft
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4
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Battery/Domestic Battery
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7
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Possession of a Controlled Substance
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3
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Possession of Marijuana
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3
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Residential Entry
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1
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Disorderly Conduct
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1
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Invasion of Privacy
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1
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Leaving the Scene of an Accident
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1
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Minor Consumption/Possession of Alcohol
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2
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Warrants
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13
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There was an average of 39 prisoners housed in the Security Center throughout the month of March. The maximum capacity of the Security Center is 75 inmates. Deputies drove a total of 18,830 miles. The Transport Officer drove an additional 2,412 miles, for a total of 21,242 miles. The Transport Officer conducted 16 prisoner transports to and from the Department of Corrections facilities throughout the States of Indiana and Ohio. Additionally, Deputies conducted one prisoner transport to a medical facility for conditions that could not be treated by the jail doctor. One piece of real estate was sold at Sheriff's auction. There were 104 civil process papers served. Franklin County Sheriff's Department K-9 Lito conducted "sniffs" during 15 traffic stops, seven of which were requested by other agencies. Of the 15, K-9 Lito indicated the presence of narcotics on six of the traffic stops, which led to three arrests for various drug related charges. K-9 Lito aided in the search of a missing/endangered person. Citizens wishing to report illegal drug activity and/or other crimes may do so by calling 765-647-0755. Callers can remain anonymous. Citizens may also email the Franklin County Drug Task Force at taskforce@yahoo.com. For real time, weather-related emergencies and crime information sign up for free text messaging at www.nixle.com. Like us on Facebook at Franklin County Sheriff's Department. Officer Jason Lovins |
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Around the County
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 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,
The Underground Railroad - April 20
The UGRR was neither underground nor a railroad. The UGRR refers to the network of individuals and communities that helped fugitive slaves. Because aiding an escaping slave was illegal, the activity was usually carried out in secret. The Indiana Freedom Trails is working to confirm and document sites that can be definitively linked to the UGRR. Jeannie R. Regan-Dinius, Director of Special Initiatives, will discuss Indiana's role in the events-our region's involvement-as well as talk about documenting stories and local lore. Wednesday April 20 at 6:30pm at the Brookville Library, 919 Main St.
Submitted by
Julie Schlesselman, Local History & Genealogy Dept. Mgr
Into the Woods, Jr. Comes to MCS
Your favorite fairy tales will come to life as Mt. Carmel Drama Club's presents Into the Woods Jr. on Thursday, April 21 and Friday, April 22, at 6:30 PM at Mt. Carmel School. Into the Woods, Jr. is a Broadway Jr. adaptation of the Stephen Sondheim / James Lapine original production. It brings together the stories of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and Beanstalk, and Rapunzel in a performance the entire family will enjoy. Tickets are available from cast and crew or at the door. Adult $7 and student $5. (Doors to the gym open at 6 PM).
Submitted by
Toni Miles
Earth Day Celebration - April 23
Come celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 23, with the Whitewater Canal Trail. We will be having the Grand Opening of the Billy Jean Jobe Town Trail. Meet at the bottom of the 7th Street hill in Brookville 10 am. Be the first to walk this lovely town trail.The Virginia Bluebells are in bloom. Refreshments provided.
Submitted by
Shirley Lamb, Whitewater Canal Trail
Fairfield Masonic Lodge 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
FCHS Student Council is looking for help with this year's after prom which will take place at the high school on April 30. Any monetary or prize donations may be sent to 1 Wildcat Lane, Brookville, IN 47022 or dropped off in the office between the hours of 7:30am to 4pm. Questions please call 765-647-4101 and leave a message.
Submitted by Stephanie Hoffman & Cindy Andrews Student Council Sponsors
History of Indy Motor Speedway - April 25
A special presentation will be made at the Brookville Library by author and Indianapolis Motor Speedway Historian, Donald Davidson on Monday, April 25th at noon. Mr. Davidson will be on hand for an hour to talk about his new book, Autocourse Official History of the Indianapolis 500: Second Edition, and answer questions about the speedway. Refreshments will be served. Mark your calendars now to stop in and meet Mr. Davidson.
Submitted by
Melody Gault
Live United Scholarship - April 28
The United Way of Franklin County announces the 2016 Live United Scholarship - designed to recognize individuals that have demonstrated a commitment to serving Franklin County by making a positive impact through community service. Applications must be postmarked no later than April 28, 2016 or presented in person at the office of the United Way of Franklin County, 527 Main St. Brookville, IN. Contact Kelly Bulmer for additional information 765-647-2789 or kelly@uwfcin.org.
Submitted by
Kelly Bulmer, Executive Director
FREE Child Development Class - April 28
The Pregnancy Help Center - Brookville is presenting a class on Thursday, April 28 at 6:30 pm on THE FIRST YEARS: CHILD DEVELOPMENT. All that attend will receive a free gift. Attend five classes and receive a $50 gift certificate or a car seat. Class is free. Free babysitting. If transportation is an issue, please call 765-647-2029.
Submitted by
Lyn Weidner, Client Education Director
State Line Club Plant Sale - April 29 & 30
19th Annual Plant Sale Friday, April 29 from 4-7 PM & Saturday & April 30 from 8-11 AM at the Bath Store in Bath, Indiana. Geraniums, petunias, many annuals and perennials, beautiful baskets and much more! Great gifts for Mother's Day. Proceeds help benefit community horticulture.
Submitted by Linda Rosenberger
Vice President, State Line Country Garden Club
Plant a Tree for Arbor Day - April 29
Franklin County SWCD will be holding the 5th annual Arbor Day tree give away & food drive on Friday, April 29, beginning at 9am. Over 700 seedlings will be available on a 1st come basis at our office. Limit of 5 trees per person. Tree species include: red pine, scarlet oak, white oak, shagbark hickory, tulip tree, black gum, river birch, flowering dogwood and redbud. Please bring canned food items in exchange for the trees. Food will be donated to the Works of Mercy Center & SIEOC food pantry in Brookville.
Submitted by Chris Fox
District Coordinator, FC Soil & Water Conservation District
Wine Tasting & Pie Auction - April 30
 Saturday, April 30. Doors open 6:30 pm at Third Place, 734 Main Street. Tasting of wines from local wineries and homemade wines starts at 7:00 pm. Pie auction 8:30 pm. Legacy Lane Vineyard, At the Barn Winery and J&J Winery will have their best. Submit two bottles of your own crafted wine with $2 submittal fee prior to the event at Keys to the Past Antiques. Wine judging. Proceeds from the pie auction will be used for Brookville's Celebration of the Indiana Bicentennial Dinner Dance on June 18. Music provided by local Sam Shuck. Advance ticket sales at The Cutting Edge, Rosenbergers Market, Keys to the Past Antiques, and Main Source Bank. $15 per person or $25 per couple.
Submitted by Barbara Vonderheide, Main Street Brookville Inc.
The Circus is Coming to Town - May 1
On Sunday, May 1st, the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus will be coming to the Franklin County Fairgrounds for two 90-minute shows. Free Morning Tour and Tent Raising at 9:30am on May 1st. (Time may vary.) Tickets on sale at FCN Bank, Main Source Bank, or the Chamber Office at new location, 18 West 10th Street, Brookville, IN. Open Mon. - Fri. from 9:00am - 3:00pm. See cmcirus.com or go to facebook.com/Culpepper-Merriweather-Circus.
Submitted by Chamber of Commerce, 765-647-3177
Property Tax Bills Due May 10
The Franklin County tax bills were mailed with a "Spring A" coupon and "Fall B" coupon on March 24. Office Hours - 8:30am to Noon and 1:00pm to 4:00pm 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 deadlines are May 10, 2016 and November 10, 2016. If you no longer escrow or do not receive your bill by April 15th, please contact the Treasurer's Office at treasurer@franklincounty.in.gov or 765-647-5121.
Submitted by
Veronica Voelker, Franklin County Treasurer
Towpath 5K/10K Fun Run Walk - May 14
Experience the rich history and breathtaking beauty of the Whitewater Valley during this 5K and 10K event in Metamora, Indiana on May 14 at 8 a.m. All ages are invited to pre-register or sign up the day of the event. Cost $25. Online registration add $2.50. Includes a t-shirt if received by April 25. In conjunction with the Whitewater Canal State Historic Site and Whitewater Canal, Inc. For details, contact Anne Fairchild at afairchild@indianamuseum.org or 812-273-4531. Event website: whitewatercanaltrail.com.
Submitted by
Shirley Lamb, Whitewater Canal Trail
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The Franklin County Observer
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