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Council Takes Commissioners to Task over Lack of Bidding
At Tuesday night's meeting, council approved expenditures for new road projects and new highway equipment. They also heard about the need for a costly Asset Inventory Study required by the state and the federal government for any new road project. In addition, the new Economic Development Director reported on his progress. The recurring theme of the evening was council's ongoing desire for the commissioners to institute more detailed and transparent bidding procedures.
FEDERAL COST-SHARING FOR LOCAL ROAD PROJECTS
County Engineer Ted Cooley described the two projects that Franklin County has presented to the federal government for 80/20 cost-sharing. He said that the deadline to apply for such projects is May 16 and that he needed a signed commitment from council to accompany the application. The first project, which would take place in 2020, is a rehabilitation of St. Mary's Road from Brookville to Levee Road. The county's share of the project would be $260,000. The second project is for the rehabilitation of five bridges on Blue Creek Road, to begin in 2021. Mr. Cooley said that Blue Creek Rd. is the third most heavily travelled road in the county. A smaller add-on project is for the installation of guard rails along roadside drop-offs. The county would only be responsible for a 10% match in this instance. In order to qualify for federal assistance, the county must maintain an inventory of all county roads and bridges and a maintenance improvement plan. Council voted to sign a letter of commitment for the projects.
COUNCIL BALKS AT COST OF ASSET INVENTORY STUDY
Luke Kahren of American Structure Point then spoke to council about the services offered by his company, which he described as the "state's largest architectural firm." Mr. Kahren said they could provide an inventory of roads and bridges for the county along with a plan for maintenance and improvement. He added that such a study is a requirement for receiving any sort of matching money from the state or federal government for highway projects. He estimated that the bill for Franklin County would be $93,000.
No council member disputed the need for an asset inventory but councilman Keith Hall immediately began to question Commissioners Roberts and Linkel and Mr. Cooley about the choice of American Structure Point. Mr. Hall said that last week, Fayette County had signed a similar contract with a firm for only $29,112. He wondered if the commissioners had solicited bids before agreeing to go with American Structure Point. Mr. Cooley answered that the commissioners had received quotes, but not bids. Neither he nor the commissioners believed that a formal opening of sealed bids was called for by state law. Mr. Roberts said, "It's a professional service, not a piece of equipment. The price is not always up front." No vote was taken on hiring American Structure Point.
COUNCIL DIFFERS WITH COMMISSIONERS ON BIDS
FOR TRACTOR AND LOADER
Commissioner Linkel once again asked council to approve the purchase of a mowing tractor for the highway department and a loader for the transfer station. Apparently, through discussions between Mr. Linkel, Mr. Hall and Council President Becky Oglesby, an agreement has been reached on the purchase that will obviate the need for a loan and clear away any debts from previous purchases. Council voted to approve the purchase, but not without some complaints on the bidding procedure. Councilman Leffingwell told the two commissioners, "You asked for and received sealed bids and then threw them out because you wanted a bid from someone else." Councilman Daryl Kramer added, "I think the bidding process needs a lot of work." From the audience, Bill Schirmer protested, asking council, "Why don't we just submit the bids to you? Why do we have these three guys [the commissioners]?
WHERE WILL WINDFALL TAX MONEY BE SPENT?
Franklin County will soon be receiving $803,000 in tax revenue that has been withheld over the years by the state. Commissioner Roberts discussed using the money to fund local road projects, chiefly because state-approved projects receive a 50/50 match. Using the revenue for such projects in effect doubles the amount of money available to the county. Council agreed with the logic of the request but was reluctant to turn over the entire amount to the highway department. Instead, they voted to relinquish control of only 75% of the amount and keep 25% in their Rainy Day Fund for later use.
REPORT FROM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Bill Schirmer, representing the EDC, introduced Nick Lawrence from the Weakly Group. Mr. Lawrence has been hired to act as the EDC Director for two or three days each week. Mr. Lawrence reported that he has been meeting with businesses, looking at the county's assets, and putting together an action plan. He has been issuing a monthly report of his activities. He said he has several projects in line but could not discuss them at this point.
EMS AND PUBLIC SAFETY TAX REVENUE
Councilman Kramer said that the county's EMS, in order to receive some of the revenue from the new public safety tax, needed to send a letter to council requesting it. [When the public safety tax was passed, council's plan was to fund law enforcement and EMS with the revenue, thus shifting more revenue into the county's general fund.] The deadline for the letter is July 1st. Mr. Schirmer, who is on the EMS Board, was asked if he could facilitate the letter. Mr. Schirmer didn't answer the question but asked if the EMS would now be providing additional services. He stated that since a public safety tax had been passed, "I want to see more safety." Mr. Leffingwell agreed that he would also like to see more safety also.
REQUEST FOR ANDERSONVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER TURNED DOWN
Councilman Joe Sizemore said that he had been asked by the Posey Township trustee for council's help in paying for repairs to the Andersonville Community Center. He noted that in the past, council had always included money for the center in their yearly budget but that the amount had been eliminated in last year's cost-cutting. Councilman Hall said that since council had voted not to fund the 16 to 1 grant that would have helped the elderly poor rehab their homes, council should be consistent and deny this request also. It was noted that the Posey Township trustee had over $7,000 available in trustee funds. The motion to pay for repairs died for lack of a second.
COUNCIL APPROVES REQUEST FOR A SECOND MECHANIC AT THE HIGHWAY GARAGE
Commissioner Linkel again requested permission to advertise for a second mechanic at the highway department. He asked for money enough to attract a certified mechanic in the hopes of enabling the county to do more in-house repair of equipment. He said that the need for a second mechanic was also a safety issue in that no one should be working around heavy machinery alone in the shop. Council agreed.
MORE QUESTIONS ON THE STOCKPILE ROAD BRIDGE
At the end of the evening, Millie Simmermeyer and Betty Lecher asked from the audience for a detailed accounting of costs for the Stockpile Road Bridge project. Councilman Hall seconded their request, lamenting that not all projects, including the Stockpile bridge, were given an account number, making it very difficult to find detailed cost accounting. Commissioner Linkel promised, "You will have Stockpile's figures tomorrow."
The next council meeting will be held on May 24 at 7:00pm.
Reported by
Monica Yane
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Tuesday is Election Day; Polls Open 6 - 6
The polls in Indiana will be open from 6am to 6pm on Tuesday, May 3. Remember to take your driver's license or state issued photo ID. All of the candidates for county offices are listed at the county clerk's website:
Congressional, state, county and local races are on the ballot. To see the candidates on your ballot, go to the Indiana state website: indianavoters.in.gov/PublicSite/
From the Indiana Statewide Voter Registration System:
"Under Indiana Law, if the voter wishes to cast a ballot in a primary election, the voter must request a ballot for either Democrat party candidates or Republican party candidates. Only the names of the Democrat candidates will appear on the Democrat party ballot. Only the names of the Republican candidates will appear on the Republican party ballot. In some cases the name of the office for which no candidate filed will not appear on the candidate list."
Reported by
Sara Duffy
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Final Performances Lively
Thursday, April 28, was an emotional night inside the Lew Wallace Auditorium of Franklin County High School (FCHS). It was the final performance for seniors in the band and the final concert for Music Teacher Bynum Henson, who is retiring.
The Jazz Lab Band opened the concert, followed by the Concert Band. The music was upbeat and lively.
During the awards ceremony, each senior received a flower and walked across the stage escorted by family members.
Katrina Murray received the John Philips Sousa Award as the top student in her high school band. Katrina has received gold medals in many competitions for her musical talent. She is following in the footsteps of her older sister, Candice, who previously won the Sousa Award at FCHS.
It was mentioned that both Music Teacher Bynum Henson and Choir Director Camden Ritchie were also honored with the Sousa Award when they were in high school.
Bynum Henson conducts his final concert at FCHS.
Music Director Jon Johnson gave a brief tribute to Mr. Henson's 45 years of teaching music during which he worked at every Franklin County school. Mr. Johnson spoke about Mr. Henson's many talents, his passion for music and his dedication to his students. Mr. Johnson noted that Mr. Henson wanted the concert to "focus on the students" not on his retirement. Mr. Henson also did not want a plaque or other gift. Instead, the Music Boosters started a scholarship in Bynum Henson's name. The public is welcome to contribute to the fund with the Franklin County Community Foundation.
The program ended with the band playing Jungle Dance and Mr. Henson conducting in his typically exuberant style. After a standing ovation, Mr. Henson and the band gave an encore and received another standing ovation.
The FCHS Choir will perform its spring concert on Thursday, May 5, at 7pm at the high school.
Reported by Sara Duffy |
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Your Brookville Farmer's Market is Back
 The Market is returning again this year opening on May 6th with renewed vigor! We are back at the ideal location of 2 years ago, next to the Grooming Girl's Pet Salon on the South end of Main Street across St Rd. 52 from where we were last year. The first week we will be offering rhubarb, asparagus, tomatoes, garden plants, fresh brown eggs, homemade pies and breads, locally made wines and various other treats. We always welcome new quality vendors with free set-up. Some new things this year are our connection with 4-H, FFA, and Purdue Extension's Food Link. FFA and 4-H members are encouraged to bring in their own products to sell as well as give demonstrations and market assistance to earn points towards their club projects. Purdue Extension's Food Link is a program where the Farmer's Market has fruit and vegetable cards with QR Codes on them that can be scanned with any smart phone. When scanned, information pops up on each fruit or vegetable including how to select and prep, nutrition info, recipes, seasonal availability, and good food pairings to go with it. Check out this valuable resource atwww.purdue.edu/FoodLink. This opening week we will have free hotdogs and drinks. We will also soon have activities for the kids, music, and maybe even visits from some strange and exciting animals! The Market will be open every Friday from now through October from 3:30-7:00 or until our produce runs out. Any questions may be directed to Darlene at 513-479-3133 or Elaine at 513-532-6074
Submitted by
Elaine Dorrel
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FFA Teams Compete in Horses & Livestock
L to R: Grant Suding, Shelby Kolb, Angela Doherty, Randi Newton
The Franklin County FFA Horse and Pony team competed in the Area 7 Horse and Pony Career Development Event on April 7th in Jay County. The team placed 4th overall and will be competing at the State Competition in Hendricks County in May. Team members include Grant Suding, Shelby Kolb, Randi Newton, and Angela Doherty. The team is coached by Jordan Suding.
L to R: Randi Newton, Kayla Galyen, Jenna Orschell, Isaac Selm, Andrew Herrmann, Spencer Meier, Abrey Losekamp
The Franklin County FFA Livestock Judging Teams competed at the Area 7 Livestock Career Development Event on April 22nd at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. Team 1 members included Andrew Herrmann, Isaac Selm, and Jenna Orschell, placing 8th out of 38 teams. Team 2 members included Abrem Losekamp, Kayla Galyen, Randi Newton, and Spencer Meier, placing 17th out of 38 teams. Highest chapter scorers were Abrem Losekamp 19th, Jenna Orschell 21st, and Isaac Selm 28th out of 122 contestants. A special thank you goes to Mrs. Marilyn Roberts for coaching this year's Livestock Teams.
Submitted by Katie Schneider |
Choir Performs & Records in Nashville 
During the month of April the Franklin County High School Choirs took a trip to Nashville as well as participated in an ISSMA contest. While in Nashville, students made a recording at the historic RCA Studio B (using Elvis' favorite piano), performed at the Grand Ole Opry, visited the Country Music Hall of Fame and participated in a Music Festival. At the Grand Ole Opry listeners were treated to solos by Gillian Back (singing Gravity made famous by Sarah Bareilles), Hannah Smith (singing I Told You So in the style of Carrie Underwood), and Drew Selm (singing I'm Gonna Miss Her made famous by Brad Paisley).
At the Worldstrides Heritage Nashville Music Festival, soloist Ivie Vest received the Maestro Award for Outstanding Vocal Solo for her performance in Ain't Gonna Let Nobody, by Rollo Dilworth.
At ISSMA Organizational Contest the FCHS Mixed Choir received a gold rating for the music sight-singing category and a silver rating for their adjudicated performance. The Ladies Choir from FCHS also received a gold rating for the music sight-singing category and a silver rating for their adjudicated performance. Congratulations to senior vocalist Kelley Kuntz for her phenomenal solo with the Mixed Choir at ISSMA Festival. Selections from all of the choral activities for the month of April can be heard at their spring concert on May 5th, 2016 in Lew Wallace Auditorium of Franklin County High School at 7pm. Please join us for a night of celebration.
Submitted by Camden Ritchie, Choir Director |
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Having Fun at the Circus in Brookville
The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce brought the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus to Brookville on May 1. Large crowds filled the Big Top for two shows and marveled at animal acts, unicyclists, high wire acrobats, clowns, trapeze artists and more.
Photos by
Sara Duffy
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USDA Recognizes Indiana Farmers
As we celebrate Earth Day, let's take a moment to commemorate the contributions of Indiana farmers to providing the food, fiber and fuel security of the United States.
Agriculture has come a long way over the past 150 years when President Abraham Lincoln first created the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In those days, 90% of Americans lived in the countryside. Now just 16% of us live in rural areas, with less than 1% as farmers, and one-tenth of that growing 80% of the food, fiber and feed that we consume and export. Yet we still grow plenty for our country, with enough left over to sell overseas.
Lincoln said that the best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time. Similarly, each day, the work of an individual farmer combines into the achievements of generations and the strength of this nation. That spirit of cooperation finds its roots in the ethics of our immigrant ancestors, the earliest pioneers whose teamwork was the very essence of survival in the vast stretches of the American landscape.
Agriculture still depends on cooperation and consensus. At USDA, we work with thousands of farmers and rural communities every day, knowing that there is no limit to the economic potential of rural America.
Over the past seven years, USDA has invested more than $26.6 billion in Indiana, including $6.5 billion in programs that provide farmers with access to credit, a strong farm safety net, and promote new markets for farm products, and carry out record soil and water conservation efforts.
In 2016, we will continue to build on that investment to support our producers who serve as the engine of our rural economy and who provide a safe, affordable and nutritious food supply for Hoosier families.
So this is USDA's promise to you - you can count on us to work each day to engineer the strongest agriculture policies possible for your generation, policies rooted in common sense principles commonplace in rural America, so that when your grandchildren celebrate Earth Day years from now, they'll look back and remember that their strong rural economy began with you.
Submitted by
Donna J. Ferguson, Indiana Farm Service Agency
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Sheriff Warns of Phone Scam
The Franklin County Sheriff's Department would like to notify citizens of a potential scam. Citizens are reporting to have received telephone calls from someone claiming to be with "Windows Company". The callers are telling citizens that their computers are reporting errors and the callers need access to fix the errors. Once they have access to your computers, they request credit card or bank account information to remove any viruses from the computer. Citizens are receiving calls from both male and female callers. Citizens can report any suspicious telephone calls to the Franklin County Sheriff's Department at 765-647-4138.
Submitted by
Officer Jason Lovins
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Around the County
Train Rides Return
The non-profit Whitewater Valley Railroad opens its 43 season of historic train operations in Connersville and Metamora Indiana. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Whitewater Valley Railroad at 765-825-2054 or by visiting www.whitewatervalleyrr.org.
Submitted by
William W Gray, Publicity Officer
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
Indiana Bicentennial Barn Quilt - May 7-14
Coming to Franklin County is the Indiana Bicentennial Barn Quilt for a special showing at the Brookville Library from May 7-14. Joanne Koch provided the barn block representing Franklin county. She used the Barn at White's Sale Barn as her inspiration.
Come out and see this wonderful example of our heritage. Many different types of mediums were used but it all came together beautifully in a very colorful quilt.
Submitted by Joyce Gesell
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
Rummage/Bake Sale - May 11
There will be a rummage and bake sale on May 11 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Brookville. Sponsored by the Guardian Angels Preservation Organization.
Submitted by
Linda Sintz
Women's Day of Health - May 12
Celebrate Women's Day of Health at the Brookville Public Library on Tuesday, May 12th from 9 am to 1 pm. The keynote speaker is Jen Balka, RN with Fayette Regional Pain Management Center, speaking on "Pain Management for the Mature Woman." Enjoy free lunch, dessert, door prizes, goodie bags. Free tests and screenings: Blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, bone density, hand massages and salon demos. Mammograms by appointment.
Submitted by
Brookville Library 765- 647-4031
Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony - May 13
The Franklin County High School Senior Athletic Awards and Hall of Fame Banquet will be held on Friday, May 13. The dinner will be served at 6:00 pm for the athletes, Hall of Fame Inductees, and their immediate family in the cafeteria. At 7pm, the public is invited to attend the ceremony to the auditorium. The following former athletes and coach are being inducted into the Hall of Fame: Whitney Gillman, Marisa Mears (Wilhelm), BJ Scott, Todd Sacksteder, and coach George Smith.
Submitted by
Franklin County High School
FCHS Horticulture Plant Sale - May 13
When: Friday, May 13th, 4pm-6pm. Where: Franklin County High School Ag Shop (at the back of the school). Tomatoes, peppers, marigolds, houseplants and more.
Submitted by
Katie Schneider, Ag Teacher & FFA Advisor
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 afairchild@indianamuseum.org or 812-273-4531. Event website: whitewatercanaltrail.com.
Submitted by
Shirley Lamb, Whitewater Canal Trail
Hike 10K in Metamora - May 14
Whitewater Valley Walkers has their first 10K hike of 2016 on May 14 in Metamora. Will walk the Whitewater Canal Trail along the railroad tracks from the Grist Mill in Metamora to the Twin Locks (near Shack Road), and back to the Metamora start point. The event will begin at 9am. Registration closes at 1pm. Meet at the Indiana State Grist Mill Museum in the center of Metamora, Indiana at 19073 S. Main Street. The public is invited to participate. Membership in Whitewater Valley Walkers is through membership in the Whitewater Canal Trail not-for-profit, or the specific Whitewater Valley Walkers fee of $10 per person.
Submitted by
Dennis Fritz, 812 584 2687
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 its 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 cstenger@fccsc.k12.in.us 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
1st "Mutt Strut 2K Walk & Social"- May 21
Bear & Friends Animal Society, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that rescues at-risk dogs from shelters and abusive or neglectful situations, and then trains them to become therapy animals for various populations with different needs. The inaugural event is scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 2016, at the Brookville Town Park from 10:00am to 1:00pm. You may register for the event at www.bearandfriends.net, Events page (register online, or download a registration form and mail it in). Participants receive a Mutt Strut T-shirt and swag bag with cool items not found elsewhere. Following the 2K Walk, businesses and organizations will be available with freebies, advice, demonstrations, pet information, adoptable animals, or pet items for sale.
Submitted by Michelle Roberts-Schneider, M.A.Ed,
Bear & Friends Animal Society
16th Annual Family Fun Day - May 30
Stayin' Alive's 16th Annual Family Fun Day will be held on Memorial Day, May 30, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Brookville Town Park. Stayin' Alive strives to provide a safe and healthy community throughout Franklin County. Booth participants will be providing free crafts, activities and games. There will be fun, food and prizes for all ages. If your agency or organization would like to host a booth or if you would like more information on Family Fun Day, please contact Stayin' Alive at 765-647-7272 or visit www.stayinalive24.org.
Submitted by Melinda Brown
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