Issue 658                                                            May 12, 2016    
Franklin County Observer

News and Events from Franklin County, Indiana       

In This Issue
County Commissioners --- May 9, 2016
No Recount of Council Race
2016 Franklin County Quilt Show.
2016 Click It or Ticket Campaign
USDA Loans for Portable Farm Storage & Handling Equipment
Mt. Carmel School Character Education
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.

 
  
County Commissioners - May 9, 2016
  • "We don't have extra money lying around" to improve an abandoned portion of Kentucky Lane, said Commissioner Eric Roberts.
COUNTY ASKED TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO
KENTUCKY LANE ACREAGE
   County Surveyor Joe Gillespie presented the commissioners with information regarding a request from Barbara Jeffries, who owns 49 acres on Kentucky Lane in Whitewater Township. Mr. Gillespie read a letter from Ms. Jeffries, who was unable to attend the commissioner meeting. She requested that the county improve the road to her property, because she cannot access property she inherited from her father, Edward Mischell, in 2006. She is requesting help now, because a family member wants to build on the property. Her letter asserted that the route she would use to reach her land is eroded, overgrown and has debris.
     Mr. Gillespie told the commissioners that the county currently maintains Kentucky Lane from its beginning at Carolina Trace to properties owned by Getz and by Radtke. A Highway Department foreman confirmed that the county has not maintained Kentucky Lane beyond Radtke's driveway for 30 years. This stopping point is several hundred feet short of the Jeffries property.
   Kristen Nicholson, daughter of Barbara Jeffries, was in the audience and she said that her grandfather used to access his land by going through Mark Radtke's land. She said that they lost the Radtke access and now it is tough to reach the property even by off-road vehicle on the abandoned roadway.
   Commissioner Tom Wilson said that the county would not spend money to restore an abandoned county road to current standards. Commissioner Eric Roberts estimated the cost at $20,000 to $30,000 and added, "We don't have extra money lying around" for the county to clear ditches, remove trees and haul gravel. Commissioner Roberts said that the commissioners would consider maintaining an extended section of Kentucky Lane, if the landowner improved the abandoned road to the county standard of "double chip and seal." He explained that standard and why gravel alone would not work.
   Ms. Nicholson said that her mother will do whatever is necessary to gain access to the property so that they can build homes and enjoy their land. If they could not afford to build a road themselves, then they may be forced to sell the property.
   Currently, there are no houses on the Jeffries property, only the foundation of a house that burnt down long ago, according to Ms. Nicholson. She lives nearby on Carolina Trace.
   The 45-acre Jeffries property is situated on the Franklin County line. South of this property is Grand Oak Golf Club in Dearborn County.
   Barbara Jeffries also owns another 15 acres with frontage on the section of Kentucky Lane that is maintained by the county, according to Franklin County assessor records.
 
PAVEMENT STUDY CONTRACT FOR $41,800
   The commissioners signed a $41,800 contract with First Group Engineering to provide a field analysis of paved roads and provide a plan for future maintenance. The contract amount was not reduced, when gravel roads were excluded, because there are new state requirements that will offset any potential savings. The county must complete this analysis to qualify for 50-50 state grants for road repairs. Grants of up to $1 million will be available in 2016 and 2017.
   Next, the commissioners and County Engineer Ted Cooley talked about options for the future. Mr. Cooley said areas like Carmel, Indiana have a Plan A to improve all roads to the highest rating of "8". Some counties have a Plan B that they will maintain their roads so that they do not deteriorate. Many counties operate with a Plan C whereby they decide which roads to maintain and which roads to revert to gravel only.
     Commissioner Roberts gave his opinion that Franklin County cannot afford to continue maintaining dead-end roads to the current county standards. He wants to concentrate on roads with the highest traffic counts in his Highway District in the eastern part of the county. Commissioner Wilson said that is his plan too.
   Mr. Cooley said that First Group Engineering promised to finish the pavement study in time for the county to apply for state grants.
 
UNKEMPT/UNSAFE ORDINANCE STILL NEEDED
   Earlier this year, the poor condition of a small shed across the canal from the Grist Mill in Metamora caught the attention of the commissioners. At that time, Commissioner Wilson said that a new ordinance was needed, because the current ordinance on unsafe buildings made it very difficult to get anything done. The commissioners need additional authority to deal with health hazards. 
   At this meeting, Commissioner Wilson said, "We need to get it in place." However, Commissioners' Attorney John Worth indicated that the proposed unsafe building ordinance must be updated, because the Indiana Code citations were obsolete. The text for the ordinance was obtained from another county.
 
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) PLAN SIGNED
   The commissioners approved the county's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan and Title VI Implementation Plan. Mr. Cooley said that these documents are required to apply for Federal Highway funds. He added that the plan does not require a "money commitment" for making improvements. Public Health Coordinator Andrew Neuman is the county's ADA coordinator and he handles request for services such as for a translator. Mr. Cooley handles ADA issues regarding county facilities.
 
PUBLIC COMMENT
    After the commissioners voted to adjourn, Tim George congratulated voters for being able to "see through the nonsense" and giving his friend, Commissioner Wilson, a decisive win in the Republican primary. He blamed the "resident complainers" and also county council for being critical of Commissioner Wilson "at times."
 
OTHER BUSINESS
   The commissioners approved minutes and payroll. Commissioner Tom Linkel was absent due to a funeral.
 
   The next meeting is Monday, May 23, at 10am.

Reported by
Sara Duffy
No Recount of Council Race 
 
     Councilmember Daryl Kramer finished fourth in the Republican primary, just 15 votes behind Council President Becky Oglesby. As the result, Councilmember Kramer will lose his council seat as of January 2017.
   On election night, Councilmember Kramer talked about requesting a recount. Subsequently, he said, "After consulting with close friends and supporters it became obvious to me that it would be virtually impossible to find the 16 votes needed to win. Therefore in the best interest of the county I decided that no recount was the best option."
   "As for me, I do not know what the future holds. For the time I'm going to concentrate on the farm. That and I've got 7 more months on council and another budget cycle to go through."

Reported by
Sara Duffy
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. Quilt Show 2014 -yoyo
Bed turning shows a yo-yo design quilt.
 
  Bed turnings of unique quilts with expert commentary are a favorite event. They will be held at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m and 2 p.m. on Saturday.  There will be an going demonstration of the making of a quilt on both days. Visitors may stop and sew.
    Quilts, Vendors, Food. 
Miniature Quilt Challenge. Admission $5. The deadline to register quilts for exhibition was May 11. For information, all Quilt Batts of Franklin County at 765-647-6360 or visit http://www.quiltbatts.org.

Submitted by
Dotti Roleson, Quilt Batts
2016 Click It or Ticket Campaign

     The Franklin-Ripley County Traffic Safety Partnership will participate in the national and statewide 2016 Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization occurring May 6-30, 2016. They will join more than 250 state and local law enforcement agencies, and thousands more across the country, to conduct high-visibility patrols encouraging drivers and passengers to buckle up.
   "Whether driving or riding, staying safe on the road begins with wearing your seatbelt," said Lieutenant Doug Wolfer. "Our participation in this campaign is a great way to increase that conversation with the public, while driving home this message with enforcement. We will be out in full patrols and if we see you unbelted, we will pull you over."
   In 2015, there were 818 fatalities on Indiana roadways. Of those fatalities, 33 percent were unrestrained.
     On May 23 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. officers across the Eastern half of the United States will drive home the zero tolerance message, that no matter what state you're in, driving or riding unbuckled will result in a ticket.
   For more information regarding the Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization campaign, please visit:  http://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa/ciot/index.html.

Submitted by
Lt. Doug Wolfer, Batesville Police
USDA Loans for Portable Farm Storage  
and Handling Equipment

     Portable equipment can help producers, including small-scale and local farmers, get products to market quickly.
   U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide a new financing option to help farmers purchase portable storage and handling equipment. The loans, which now include a smaller microloan option with lower down payments, are designed to help producers, including new, small and mid-sized producers, grow their businesses and markets.
   The program also offers a new "microloan" option, which allows applicants seeking less than $50,000 to qualify for a reduced down payment of five percent and no requirement to provide three years of production history. Farms and ranches of all sizes are eligible. The microloan option is expected to be of particular benefit to smaller farms and ranches, and specialty crop producers who may not have access to commercial storage or on-farm storage after harvest. These producers can invest in equipment like conveyers, scales or refrigeration units and trucks that can store commodities before delivering them to markets. Producers do not need to demonstrate the lack of commercial credit availability to apply.
     Earlier this year, FSA significantly expanded the list of commodities eligible for Farm Storage Facility Loan. Microloans can also be used to finance wash and pack equipment used post-harvest, before a commodity is placed in cold storage.
   To learn more about Farm Storage Facility Loans, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/pricesupport or contact a local FSA county office.
 
Submitted by Lisa A. Hollars, Exec. Director, Franklin Cty FSA, [email protected], 765-647-2651 ext. 110 
Mt. Carmel School Character Education
MCS HEROS - Back Row: Caroline Volk, Devyn Kerr, Cameron Kraus, Josie Rolfes, Cody Sellers. Front Row: Amanda Cook, Tavia Pennington, El-Leigh Shoemaker, Gabby Durbec

   Students have completed their eighth focus of Character Education at Mt. Carmel. The character traits include: Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Integrity, Commitment, Optimism, and Perseverance. Our theme of the year is HERO: Here Everyone Respects Others and this has inspired many of our students as they are working hard to demonstrate "Hero" traits.
   The focus of the month was Optimism. In the main hallway, the following pledge was displayed for students to see: PLEDGE: I WILL: 1. Be an energy giver 2. Smile 3. Encourage others 4. Treat every job as important 5. Not be discouraged by failure.
   The staff at Mt. Carmel set aside time this month to discuss the meaning of optimism and worked on activities as a class to understand the significance of the trait. Students first had to understand and make a connection to the meaning of the word optimism which is defined as a feeling or belief that good things will happen in the future. Students learned that in order to be optimistic, they must have a positive and cheerful attitude, look at challenges as opportunities for learning, have hope for the future, and believe all things will turn out well.
   Students were acknowledged for showing optimism, but many earned tickets by exhibiting any of the character traits. Each time a student was caught exhibiting one of the character traits, a note was sent home to their parents, they were given a ticket to be displayed in the hallway, and a ticket to be placed in a Character Education bucket.
     On Friday, April 8, all Mt. Carmel students and staff met in the gym to see which winners were selected for the month of March. All students that received a HERO ticket were acknowledged and all HEROES were photographed. The March HERO bucket winners were applauded, received their Mt. Carmel HERO shirt, and their pictures are now displayed in the Hallway of Character.
     We are extremely proud of our students as they are all working hard to become HEROES as they continue to exhibit character traits at Mt. Carmel School. Keep up the great work, Vikings!
 
Submitted by
Principal Jim Dallio
Around the County
 
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 at 12noon 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
 
Brookville Farmer's Market - May 13
    The Market is next to the Grooming Girl's Pet Salon on the south end of Main Street. We always welcome new quality vendors with free set-up.  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
 
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 [email protected] 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

A Moment in Time: Franklin Cty as Seen Through the Eye of the Camera, Part 6 - May 18
   Join us for this popular PowerPoint program of rare and intriguing historic photographs of people, places and things in Franklin County. Wednesday May 18, 2016 at 6:30 pm at Brookville Library,919 Main St.
 
Submitted by
Julie Schlesselman, Local History & Genealogy Dept. Mgr. 

Garden Club Plant Sale - May 20
   The Brookville Garden Club will be having their annual plant sale on Friday, May 2,0 at 6:00 pm. The sale will be held at a new location this year. We are having it in conjunction with the Quilt Show. Plants will be available at the parking lot of the Government Center on Franklin Avenue. We will have perennials, bulbs, seeds, and houseplants. Most plants are priced $5.00 or less. 
 
Submitted by
Debbie Schaefer
 
Support Our Military Personnel- May 21
     Klemmes Corner United Church of Christ hosts Wings and Fries dinner. Freewill Offering.Saturday, May 21, 4-8pm. All funds will be used for Hospitality Boxes for US Army Special Forces on deployment as well as support to our local Veterans office to support PTSD support for our local veterans. Please join us for this wonderful event and send some love to our Military personnel.
 
Submitted by
Rose Mary Stirn
 
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 [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
 
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
 
Wild West Train - May 21
   May 21 will be the first Overland Limited Wild West Train (Every third Saturday May - October excluding June). Non-profit Whitewater Valley Railroad operates historic trains 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
 
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

Canal Guided Walking Tour - June 4  
    The Whitewater Canal Trail has rescheduled the Whitewater Canal Guided Walking History Tour to Saturday June 4th. Please meet at the parking area across from the aqueduct in Metamora. We will begin at 10:30 am and conclude at 12:30pm.This tour will include history of the locks and the construction of the Whitewater Canal. Afterwards enjoy "Strawberry Days" in Metamora.
     
Submitted by
Shirley Lamb, Whitewater Canal Trail 
    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