Issue 653                                                            April 22, 2016    
Franklin County Observer

News and Events from Franklin County, Indiana       

In This Issue
Lt. Governor Holcomb in Brookville
Learning at Ag Day 2016
Mt. Carmel Teachers Honored with Awards
Grilling for Dollars Kicks Off
NEW SongFarmers of Metamora
1st AGstravaganza
1st "Mutt Strut 2K Walk & Social"
Around the County
square observer logo
Observer Extras
    The links below will help to make the Observer even more useful to you and your family and friends 
  "Archive" gives you access to about one year of past issues of the Observer. You can catch up on something you missed or check on the details of a previous meeting.  
    "Forward" lets you email the current issue of the Observer to anyone you'd like to share it with. Just click on "forward" and enter the email address.


   Find us on Facebook

Join Our Mailing List    
    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.

 
  
Lt. Governor Holcomb Visits Brookville
    On Monday night, April 18, Indiana Lieutenant Governor Eric Holcomb visited Franklin County and was a keynote speaker at the Republican Lincoln-Reagan Day Dinner at the American Legion hall. Last month, Governor Mike Pence appointed Holcomb as Lt. Governor after the resignation of then Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann. She left to compete for the job of the next president of Ivy Tech Community College.
    Lt. Governor Holcomb described the various duties of the Indiana Lt. Governor and also talked about the many strengths and accomplishments of the state. He called Indiana the "Silicon Valley of Agriculture" because of the diversity and importance of agriculture to the state economy.
    Lt. Governor Holcomb encouraged everyone to celebrate the Indiana Bicentennial by attending special events throughout the state. He reported that the Bicentennial Torch will travel through Franklin County on Sunday, September 18, from noon to 2pm. The Franklin County Quilt Show and CanoeFest are just two of several local events that have been designated as Bicentennial Legacy Projects.
    Lt. Governor Holcomb ended with his stump speech. He and all of the other speakers said that they would support the 2016 Republican nominee for President - whoever he might be. 
    Presidential political signs were sold for $5 as a fundraiser and more Donald Trump signs were purchased than signs for John Kasich or Ted Cruz.

    Franklin County Republican Party Chairperson John Worth (right) recognized Cheryl Campbell (middle) and County Commissioner Tom Linkel (left) for their service.
 
Reported by
Sara Duffy
Learning at AG Day 2016
Boys in Eva Hoffman's third grade class from Brookville Elementary School stopped for a photo during Ag Day.
 
    Franklin County's third and fourth grade students learned about growing food, raising livestock, enjoying nature and staying safe while outdoors during the 2016 Ag Day.
    Each class was escorted by a high school FFA member to about 15 locations around the fairgrounds where the students learned specific lessons. 

One of those lessons was Carrie Meyer teaching students how bees make honey and showing beekeeper equipment.

 Philip Wendel answered questions about goats, sheep and alpacas. Susann Wendel explained chickens and eggs. 



Here is Inti, a white Alpaca, whose name means Sunlight in the ancient Inca language. 
     





    Bruce Suding (and Heather Moster not pictured) quizzed students about farming with horses and the many uses for beef cattle besides burgers, while the students shelled corn by hand. 

    Conservation Officer Travis Wooley displayed a bobcat hide as he talked about local wildlife to students. 

    Naturalist Shawn Conner of Hueston Woods Raptor Program showed a Red-tailed Hawk. 
    There were also safety demonstrations involving lawnmowers, water sports electricity, chemicals and grain bins.
    This interactive learning event was sponsored by Extension Educators, FFA, Farm Bureau, Homemaker/4-H Clubs, Soil & Water Conservation District, local businesses and law enforcement.
 
Reported by
Sara Duffy
Mt. Carmel Teachers Honored with Awards
 
    Mt. Carmel School is proud to announce that two teachers are being honored with educational awards.
    Mrs. Tammy Drudy is a recipient of the Learning & Leadership Grant from The National Educators Association (NEA) Foundation. These grants "fund participation in high-quality professional development experiences, such as summer institutes or action research." Mrs. Drudy will attend the Iditarod Summer Camp for Educators in Anchorage, Willow, and Wasilla, Alaska on June 18-27, 2016. She will be learning about the history of the Iditarod race during her second trip to Alaska.
 
Mrs. Drudy in 2010 at Jeff King's Husky Homestead, the "Winningest Musher" having won the Iditarod four times.
 
     Mrs. Drudy said, "My intended outcome of this experiential learning opportunity is to provide my students with a meaningful curriculum rich in science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM.  These Iditarod-based lessons will be the springboard for my students to view themselves as true world problem solvers, critical thinkers and resourceful citizens."
 
     Mrs. Beth A. Brown, Middle School Science/ Social Studies Educator was chosen to receive the Middle School Science Teacher of the Year 2016 Award from the Cincinnati Local Section of the American Chemical Society. The award will be given on April 27, 2016 at the Northern Kentucky University Student Center. Mrs. Brown will also be featured in an article in Cintacs, the newsletter of the local section.
 
Submitted by
Mt. Carmel School Principal Jim Dallio
Grilling for Dollars Kicks Off
IGA cookout
    Again this year, Joe Jester's Brookville IGA will be grilling to raise money for local not-for-profits, beginning with the Franklin County Humane Society on Friday, April 22, from 11am to 2pm and 4-H Shooters Club on Saturday, April 23. Hot dogs, cheeseburgers, ribeyes and pork chops will be available. Mr. Jester enjoys doing the grilling and has calculated that he serves a sandwich "hot off the grill" every 15 seconds.
     IGA cookouts raised $31,500 in 2015 and a total of $100,000 for the last four years. This cookout is the only fundraising event for many charities. Last year, the Nathan Lake Memorial Scholarship Fund collected $2,100, which enabled them to give $500 scholarships.
 
Reported by
Sara Duffy
NEW SongFarmers of Metamora
 
    Metamora Music partnered with Woodsongs to start SongFarmers of Metamora, which will sponsor both the Grist Mill Jam and the Acoustic Final Friday.
    Grist Mill Jams are slow jams led by Larry Wayt that are inclusive and welcoming to all levels of skill. Held on the first Sunday of the month from April through September, from 1 to 4pm, the jam meets on the porch of the Metamora Grist Mill on Main Street in downtown Metamora.
    Acoustic Final Friday (April 29) is an open stage held on the last Friday of the month from early spring through October at the Back Porch of Lane's End Barn on Lovers Lane near the Duck Creek Aqueduct. Sign up begins at 6:30pm and the music starts at 7pm.  Food is available from the Metamora Lion's Club.
     During inclement weather, both of these events will move to the MPA Opry Barn, 19189 Pennington Road, at the west end of Metamora where US 52 meets the Whitewater Canal and the Whitewater Valley Railroad.

Submitted by
Metamora Music
1st AGstravaganza

      Franklin County Agriculture Education and FFA will be hosting the 1st Annual AGstravaganza event on Friday, May 13, at the Franklin Count High School Ag Shop. The public is invited to attend from 4:00 - 6:00 PM.  Over 20 educational demonstrations and activities are planned by FCHS Ag Students/FFA members, Ag Organizations, and Ag Businesses to teach all ages about various aspects of Agriculture.  
 
Submitted by
Katie Schneider, Agriculture Teacher & FFA Advisor
1st "Mutt Strut 2K Walk & Social"

   The first annual "Mutt Strut 2k Walk & Social will be held on Saturday, May 21, at Franklin County Town Park, Brookville, Indiana. Check-in and on-site registration begins at 9:00am. Walk begins at 10am and Social will follow until 1pm. Dogs are encouraged and welcomed to participate in the 2K Walk and Social as long as they are leashed at all times, current on vaccines, and have EXCELLENT temperament with other dogs and children. Strollers are welcomed as well. This is a family-focused, pet-focused event.
     The goal of this event is to raise necessary funds for not-for-profit Bear & Friends to cover the cost of the animals' medical expenses, general needs, and overall care.
    All pre-registered participants will receive a T-shirt and a swag bag full of goodies for their pet. On-site registrants will receive the same, while supplies last. 

     Bear & Friends rescues homeless, abandoned, and at-risk dogs from shelters and overcrowded animal control facilities, giving them a new lease on life - a new lease on their own lives and on the lives of humans.  
     All animals are fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered, groomed, micro-chipped, DNA tested, photographed, trained, and cared for just like a member of the family.
    For more information, go to www.bearandfriends.net.
 
Submitted by Terri Parker & Michelle Roberts-Schneider, M.A.Ed, Bear & Friends Animal Society

Around the County 

Earth Day Celebration - April 23
  
    Come celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 23, with the Whitewater Canal TrailWe 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 LambWhitewater 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
 
After Prom Donations
    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 [email protected].
 
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
  apple-pie.jpg 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.

Low Cost Vaccination Clinic - April 30
    The Humane Society's Low Cost Vaccination Clinic for dogs and cats: April 30, 1pm - 3pm at the Fairgrounds in Brookville, IN 47012. All vaccines are $12, except $15 for canine Bordatella (kennel cough). Microchip $20. Flea/tick prevention based on weight of pet. Cash or credit card accepted. Dogs must be on leash. Cats must be in carriers. Call 765-647-1444. 
 
Submitted by
Teresa Miller

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

Lusitania: 101 Years Under the Waves - May 5 
    At 6:00pm, the Brookville library will host a program about the sinking of this British ocean liner by a German U-boat torpedo on May 7, 1915, which  changed the course of history. This event, with an overwhelming loss of civilian lives, helped spur America's involvement in the Great War. The passenger list even included a businessman from Seymour, Indiana. Please join us for this informative program.

Submitted by
Franklin County Public Library

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 [email protected] or 765-647-5121.
 
Submitted by
Veronica Voelker, Franklin County Treasurer 

AGstravaganza - May 13
    Franklin County Agriculture Education and FFA will be hosting the 1st Annual AGstravaganza event on Friday, May 13, at the Franklin Count High School Ag Shop. The public is invited to attend from 4:00 - 6:00 PM.  Over 20 educational demonstrations and activities are planned by FCHS Ag Students/FFA members, Ag Organizations, and Ag Businesses to teach all ages about various aspects of Agriculture.  
 
Submitted by
 Katie Schneider, Agriculture Teacher & FFA Advisor

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 [email protected] or 812-273-4531. Event websitewhitewatercanaltrail.com.
 
Submitted by
Shirley Lamb, Whitewater Canal Trail

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 
Dotti Roleson, Quilt Batts

Mt. Carmel School Yard Sale - May 21
    A.P.P.L.E.S will hold Yard Sale/Vendor Sale Fundraiser on Saturday, May 21, 9am-1pm at 6178 Johnson Ford Road, Cedar Grove, IN 47016. Booth rental costs vary $10 - $25. Rain or Shine. Will be held outside, weather permitting. Concessions available. Truck at 1:30 for any donations. Contact Chelsea Stenger at [email protected] to rent space. Make check payable to MCS APPLES to the school by May 13th.  Information and form is also available at: https://www.facebook.com/MCSYardVendorSale/
 
Submitted by
Tiffany Stenger, A.P.P.L.E.S

    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
Join Our Mailing List