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Kramer Loses Seat in Close Council Race
There will be some new faces in local offices based upon who made it through the primary election.
The field of seven Republican candidates running for three at-large seats on Franklin County Council has been narrowed to three. Councilman Daryl Kramer lost his bid for reelection by finishing fourth in the primary with 1,843 votes - just 15 less than Council President Becky Oglesby with 1,858 votes. Councilman Kramer said that he plans to request a recount.
Glen Bischoff was the top Republican vote getter for county council with 2,579 votes followed by incumbent Dean McQueen in second place with 2,116 votes. The three Republicans will face off against three Democrats in the fall.
The slate for the fall election includes:
Chester Ball (D)
Lisa J. Baudendistel (D)
Glen Bischoff (R)
Dean McQueen (R)
Rebecca Oglesby (R)
Sean Vicente (D)
Constance Bischoff (72%) won the Republican primary for County Recorder over Lowell Beneker (28%). Ms. Bischoff will face Democrat Marlene Flaspohler, who was unopposed.
Long-time County Commissioner Tom Wilson (63%) easily defeated challenger Lyle Frost (37%) in the Republican primary. Wilson will compete against Democrat Nathan Roger Mullins in the general election.
Many local races were uncontested in the Democrat and Republican primaries.
PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCES
Voters in Franklin County overwhelming selected Donald Trump (64%) over Ted Cruz (24%) or John Kasich (10%) in the Republican primary. A handful of votes were cast for all of Republicans who had already dropped out of the race before the Indiana primary, such as Jeb Bush, Ben Carson and Marco Rubio.
On the Democrat ticket, Hillary Clinton (55%) led Bernie Sanders (45%).
VOTER TURNOUT
Overall, voters cast 6,769 votes with 5,498 Republican ballots and 1,271 Democrat ballots. Total voter turnout for Franklin County was 36%, much higher than for the 2012 presidential primary. Fairfield Precinct had the lowest percentage of voters at 26% and Oldenburg had the highest at 46%.
NO PROJECTOR EQUIPMENT
Precinct results were quickly reported, but totals were slower. Party officials received paper reports and added them up by hand. Final totals were ready by 8:45pm. County Clerk Karla Bauman explained why the precinct results and running totals were not projected on the wall as was done in past elections. Her office does not own the necessary equipment but must borrow it and that equipment must be compatible with several systems to function. She said that the GEMS system, which handles the votes, is now 10 years old.
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Exit Poll of Local Voters
 Kim Lake rides her John Deere to go vote in New Trenton.
The 2016 Indiana primary was very different than in previous years, because there were still contested presidential races. To track local interest, the Observer did exit polling on primary day at three locations in Franklin County: New Trenton, Brookville and Batesville. Sixty-three percent of the 73 voters who opted to speak to the reporter said that they voted for Donald Trump. Ted Cruz got 21%, John Kasich 8%, Hillary Clinton 5% and Bernie Sanders 3% of those interviewed.
About one-third of those interviewed voted only for president. Some said that they had a difficult time finding information about local candidates, while others were only interested in the presidential race.
Many of the 73 voters interviewed expressed their frustration or anger with the two political parties in America. They wanted a change and did not want the next President to be a politician. However, many of those same people also voted for incumbents for congress, county commissioner or county council.
Several people said they were undecided until they got inside the voting booth.
Others said they came out to vote against a particular presidential candidate and both parties were included. A few people, who voted a Republican ballot, said that they were unhappy with all of the remaining candidates and were voting for "the least worst candidate."
Voters were asked what they will do in the general election, if their preferred candidate is not the party nominee. Those who answered were evenly split between not knowing what they would do and voting for the party nominee. A few said they would stay home.
Important issues to local voters included being outspoken, a conservative agenda, illegal immigration and religion. A few people talked about compromise, experience, the attack on Benghazi, professionalism of candidates, getting money out of politics and support for veterans. No one mentioned jobs, the economy or the threat of ISIS.
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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
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. 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. Open every Friday 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
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
12th Man Car Wash - May 7 The Franklin County High School football players will be washing cars at Jim True Ford this Saturday (5-7-16) from 9am-1pm. Stop in and support the team with a free will donation and get your car washed.
Submitted by
Robin Lee, 12th Man Club President
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 Thursday, 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: www.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 765-647-6360Dotti 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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The Franklin County Observer
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