Issue 657 May 5, 2016

Franklin County Observer

News and Events from Franklin County, Indiana

In This Issue

County Commissioners

Bovine TB Traced to Southeastern Indiana

Early Fall 2016 Deadline for 2017 Lilly Scholarship.

Franklin County Residents Want Tobacco−Free Parks

FCHS Students Attend Career Day.

Around the County

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County Commissioners - May 2, 2016

The commissioners finally purchased a wheel loader after more debate and name-calling from the audience.
US Highway 52 near New Trenton will close from July 11 to November 11 for bridge repairs.
Commissioner Linkel reassured employees that direct deposit of payroll is secure.

JOHN DEERE PURCHASED AFTER MORE DEBATE
& NAME CALLING FROM THE AUDIENCE

Commissioner Tom Linkel said, "I'm still holding to my guns. The John Deere is the best offer" for a wheel loader that he has talked about since March. He said that he had good experience with John Deere equipment and that the low bidder's JCB wheel loader did not meet all of his specifications.

Commissioner Eric Roberts countered that the JCB wheel loader was equal to the John Deere and saved the county $8,000. He preferred some of the JCB loader's features and gave an example of trying to pull a load with a Ford Mustang or a Ford Truck to make his point that the JCB was more powerful.

This ongoing controversy began in March. At that time, the commissioners opened sealed bids for a wheel loader. MH Equipment of Indianapolis had the low bid for a JCB loader. After reviewing the bids, Commissioner Linkel said that no manufacturer could meet all of the bid specifications. Commissioner Linkel was interested in a John Deere loader that Murphy Tractor Equipment offered for sale in an email directly to Commissioner Linkel. Commissioners' attorney John Worth advised that they could not consider an email bid that was not a sealed bid. Commissioner Linkel changed the specifications and rebid for a wheel loader.

Last week, the commissioners opened new bids. This week, Commissioner Linkel made a motion to purchase the John Deere. The commissioners continued debating the parking brake, locking differential, horsepower and torque. The JCB representative was in the audience and said his firm could provide another model of wheel loader that would meet Commissioner Linkel's specifications except for the brake.

Councilman Keith Hall and Commissioner Tom Wilson exchanged words after Council member Hall asked the

commissioners a question.

Commissioner Tom Wilson told Council member Hall, "We are not asking for your input."

Council member Hall replied that the commissioners were reversing what they said last week - that elected officials could comment on county business during the meeting. Council member Hall added, "Are you the dictator today."

Council member Wilson told him the wheel loader purchase was "not relevant to you."

Council member Hall came back with, "I'm a citizen. I'm a council member. Are you saying no one is allowed to speak? Let's be very clear."

Commissioner Wilson told Council member Hall to hold his comments until the end of the meeting. He asked how the wheel loader pertained to Council member Hall as an elected official.

Council member Hall said, "We are the fiscal department of this county. You are spending an extra $8,000 for a piece of equipment. Can you justify to the citizens of this county...the $8,000?"

Council member Hall continued that the commissioners wrote the bid to match the John Deere catalog specifications so that it was impossible for any other company to compete. Commissioner Linkel said that Caterpillar met the specs. The JCB representative disagreed, saying that Caterpillar does not have a torque converter in its transmission and could not have met the specification.

Commissioner Linkel talked about rebidding the wheel loader again, but Commissioner Roberts said two rounds of bidding were enough and they should "come to a conclusion."

At this point, Commissioner Linkel almost gave up and then Commissioner Wilson seconded his motion to buy the John Deere for $145,000. Commissioner Roberts was opposed.

US 52 NEAR NEW TRENTON CLOSING JULY 11

The state will close US Highway 52 near New Trenton from July 11 to November 11 to repair two culverts. There will be two closures at different times and locations.

In Dearborn County, they will replace a culvert located east of New Trenton near Wesling Road. This work will close US 52 for 60 days beginning July 11.

Next, the state will replace a culvert located west of New Trenton and 600 feet east of Elkhorn Road. That work will close US 52 for 30 days beginning in early October. All construction should be completed by November 11, 2016.

The official detour for trucks will use SR 1, SR 46 and US 52. Commissioner Roberts suggested that the county designate two unofficial detours for local traffic. He wants to route local traffic on Johnson Fork in Dearborn County and on St. Peters Road in Franklin County. Commissioner Roberts worried that trucks would attempt to go up narrow, winding New Trenton Road - "the worst hill in Whitewater Township."

The state wants the county have only one local detour, because the state will pay to repair damage caused by extra detour traffic. County Engineer Ted Cooley will ask the state about two local detours.

PAVEMENT STUDY CONTRACT FOR $41,800

The commissioners spent almost an hour interviewing and questioning Shawn Strange of First Group Engineering before voting to contract with his firm for a pavement study not to exceed $41,800. This amount will be reduced to exclude gravel roads that were in a prior proposal.

To qualify for 50-50 state grants for road repairs, the county must do an analysis of paved roads and have a plan for future maintenance. This analysis must be completed in time to apply the first round of state grants this summer. Grants of up to $1 million will be available in 2016 and 2017, according to Mr. Strange. He said that his firm could meet the grant deadline and complete the study within two months.

Initially, Commissioner Linkel was hesitant to consider a proposal from Mr. Strange, in case county council required bids from multiple vendors. County Engineer Cooley pointed out that the county already received quotes from two other companies for substantially more money. USI Consultants gave a price of $103,000 and American Structurepoint, $92,000. Commissioners' attorney John Worth advised that the commissioners were only required to get quotes for projects costing over $200,000.

Commissioner Linkel also asked how a company could do the work for a much lower cost than other firms. Mr. Cooley talked about Mr. Strange's references from nearby counties and cities. Mr. Strange explained how his firm holds down costs and promised to exceed the state requirements for the pavement study. After a discussion of road conditions and repair options, the commissioners decided to offer a contract to Mr. Strange. They will officially sign it next week.

Then the commissioners discussed how to pay Mr. Strange. They talked about using the bridge fund or money intended for local roads. From the audience, Council member Keith Hall commented that the Highway Department has sufficient money available in the category of inspections to cover this contract.

DIRECT DEPOSIT

In response to last week's questions about the security of the county's direct deposit of payroll, Commissioner Linkel read a prepared statement and handed out information. He explained the direct deposit system, talked about security measures in place and stated that direct deposit is in the best interest of the county and its employees. The county saves $3 for every direct deposit. Stopping direct deposit would be costly, time consuming and would not change the security for personal data already in the county's records, said Commissioner Linkel.

Next, Commissioner Linkel offered advice for preventing fraud and described consumer rights and protections. He said that consumers should regularly review account statements for any problem and contact their bank within 60 days.

Commissioner Linkel answered questions about specific safeguards in place. Both the county auditor and county treasurer must approve direct deposits. Information is kept in a locked file cabinet with limited access.

Recently, the commissioners locked the door to the county archives, because old records could contain personal data. Council member Keith Hall suggested the commissioners designate one employee with a key to the archive and require a log of anyone who accesses the archive.

Commissioner Roberts said the archive has historical records in burlap sacks from the 1800s. Commissioner Wilson suggested that anyone, who is interested in more information about the archive, should contact Lowell Beneker.

PUBLIC COMMENT - PUBLIC ACCESS TO RECORDS

Betty Lecher responded to Commissioner Wilson's letter to the editor in the Brookville Democrat and she talked about health insurance for commissioners, citizens' right to access public records and recordkeeping at the Highway Department. She quoted from the county handbook, which the commissioners changed to include elected officials in the county's health insurance coverage. She commented that the commissioners "showed no mercy to taxpayers" for the cost of providing their health insurance. Next, she explained that the Indiana Code allows for "broad and easy access to public records." She said the county is required to make "a reasonable effort" to satisfy her request for information. She questioned why the Highway Department does not track project costs by assigning special project numbers.

The commissioners did not reply.

EVENING MEETINGS

Council member Keith Hall asked why the commissioners no longer have evening meetings. Commissioner Roberts said that previous evening meetings drew a crowd for the first few meetings and then attendance dwindled. Also, it was "burdensome" for county officials and contractors to attend evening meetings. Council member Hall asked the commissioners to try evening meetings again. Commissioner Roberts was "not opposed." Commissioner Linkel preferred day meetings.

OTHER BUSINESS

The commissioners approved minutes and reviewed the county's Americans with Disabilities Act & Title VI Transition Plan. The plan will be adopted next week after a correction requested by Commissioner Robert.

The next meeting is Monday, May 9, at 10am.

Reported by

Sara Duffy

Bovine TB Traced to Southeastern Indiana

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) is investigating a case of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in a beef cattle herd in Southeastern Indiana. The TB-positive cattle were identified through routine inspection at a meat processing facility in Pennsylvania.

BOAH veterinarians are in the process of conducting a thorough investigation of the Indiana herd from which the animals were shipped. In follow up to the initial positive report, the infected herd will be depopulated. Six beef steers were condemned at slaughter last week after exhibiting signs of TB. The US Department of Agriculture laboratory in Ames, Iowa confirmed TB over the weekend.

BOAH staff is working closely with the herd owner to trace any movements of animals into and out of the herd. As information develops, BOAH will notify herd owners and others who may be impacted by the investigation.

Indiana has officially held a bovine tuberculosis-free status since 1984 with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Under federal guidelines, that status remains. BOAH has found individual cases of TB in a cattle herd and a cervid farm in this region of the state between 2008 and 2011.

BOAH is also coordinating efforts with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to determine if the disease is present in the wildlife population. Of 430 wild white-tailed deer examined, none were found infected.

More information about the disease and the investigation will be available on the BOAH website at: www.boah.in.gov.

Information from Indiana State Board of Animal Health

Submitted by Anna Morrow, Extension Service

Early Fall 2016 Deadline

for 2017 Lilly Scholarship

The 2017 Franklin County Lilly Endowment Community Scholar will be named early in December 2016. Previous scholarship recipients were identified in March of the year they graduated from high school. The change affects the program for all Indiana community foundations.

"The 2017 Scholar will receive our community's 34th Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship," said Community Foundation Executive Director Shelly Lunsford. "We are thrilled to provide this scholarship opportunity to Franklin County students."

The advanced timeline is the result of a "compelling recommendation" from community foundations who participated in a statewide evaluation of the program conducted by Lilly Endowment in 2015. During the evaluation process, a number of community foundations suggested that identifying Lilly Scholars earlier in the school year would give more time for them to decide which college or university to attend.

Franklin County Community Foundation is adjusting its timeline for choosing a local scholar. The Foundation will make Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship applications for 2017 graduates available early in August 2016. Completed applications will be due to the Community Foundation office sometime late in August. The dates will be announced publicly and to high school guidance offices when school resumes in the Fall.

Deadlines for all other donor-established scholarships administered through Franklin County Community Foundation will remain unchanged; those applications will be available in February 2017.

Submitted by

Shelly Lunsford, Executive Director

Franklin County Residents
Want Tobacco−Free Parks

Three out of four say they would be in favor in a recent poll.

Stayin' Alive, the Franklin County coalition promoting tobacco-free policies, is announcing results from a survey of local residents about their attitudes and use of tobacco. The survey was fueled by a grant from Interact for Health as part of a three-year initiative to plan and implement tobacco-free policies in the community.

Stayin' Alive collected opinions from 291 residents of Franklin County. Of those 291 respondents, 94.5% were Caucasian; 82.5% were non-tobacco users; and 17.5% were current tobacco users. Of those current tobacco users, 28% of the respondents have tried to quit unsuccessfully; 24% would like to try to quit; and 48% of those tobacco users had no interest in quitting the use of tobacco products. The top three tobacco products used were cigarettes, chewing tobacco and e-cigarettes/vapors. An overwhelming 74% of the respondents were in favor of tobacco free outdoor parks in Franklin County; and only 24% of the respondents replied people should be allowed to use tobacco products wherever they want.

"This shows our residents recognize the need to keep our children safe and healthy by reducing their exposure to harmful and toxic chemicals," said Melinda Brown of Stayin' Alive. "Whether tobacco products are used inside or in an outdoor setting, the damaging effects of tobacco remain."

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. More than 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused by smoking. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., causing over 480,000 deaths per year. Secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard for people of all ages, causing more than 42,000 deaths each year. Electronic cigarettes are a new tobacco product, and the potential health consequences and safety of these products are unknown. Smokeless tobacco products are a known cause of cancer, and are not a safe alternative to cigarettes. Smokeless tobacco contains 28 cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) or known causes of human cancer. Smokeless tobacco use has been linked to gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss as well as the formation of white or gray patches inside the mouth called leukoplakia that can lead to cancer.

If smoking continues at the current rate among U.S. youth, 5.6 million of today's Americans younger than 18 years of age are expected to die prematurely from a smoking-related illness. This represents about one in every 13 Americans aged 17 years or younger who are alive today.

"We encourage our community to help Stayin' Alive support our youth by keeping them safe, healthy and tobacco free when they are enjoying the great outdoors on playgrounds, continued Brown. "If you see an elected official, let them know you support Tobacco Free Environments in Franklin County!"

For more information, please visit www.stayinalive24.org or contact 765-647-7272.

Submitted by

Melinda Brown, Executive Director Stayin Alive, LLC

FCHS Students Attend Career Day

On April 22, 2016, Franklin County High School students had an opportunity to learn about a variety of career choices at the eleventh bi-annual Franklin County High School Career Day. Eighty-five presenters volunteered their time to come to FCHS to tell pertinent information about training and job opportunities in their field. Most of these career representatives work in Franklin County or are a FCHS graduate who wanted to return to help students with career choices. During the day, students attended four, thirty-minute sessions of their choice.

Submitted by

Nancy Hawkins, School Librarian

Around the County

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 - May 6

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

National Train Day - May 7

Ride The Statesman with Abraham Lincoln. Call (765) 825-2054 or visit www.whitewatervalleyrr.org for reservations.

Submitted by

William W Gray, WVRR Publicity Officer

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

Tri Kappa Art Show - thru May 12

The Brookville Associate Chapter of Tri Kappa will host their annual Art Exhibit through May 12 at the Brookville Public Library during library hours. The show will include artwork from the county elementary and middle schools. The public is invited to view the students' artwork and to vote for their favorite exhibit in Grades K-4 and in Grades 5-8. Winners from each of the two categories will be awarded "Best of Show" plaques and a certificate will be given to each participant.

Submitted by

Mary-Alice Helms

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
Towpath 10K May 2013

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

Throttle Time Guest Engineer - May 14

On Saturday, May 14, Throttle Time Guest Engineer Program will let you operate a historic diesel-electric locomotive on the Whitewater Valley Railroad main line as a guest engineer. Each guest engineer will participate in a brief operational training session before sitting at the throttle for 30 minutes of actual hands-on locomotive operations. Times available are 12:15pm, 1:25pm, & 2:35pm. The Throttle Time program costs $150, includes a one-year membership and more. For reservations, call (765) 825-2054 or visit www.whitewatervalleyrr.org .

Submitted by

William W Gray, WVRR Publicity Officer

2016 Franklin County Quilt Show
Quilt show 2014 Nationa Batik

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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