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Is 7th & 8th Grade Consolidation Coming?
Heidi Reuss Assistant Principal at BMS
There was a full house at the May 9 school board meeting. In addition to their routine business and the celebration of student and educator successes, the board heard parents' concerns about the possibility of consolidation several grades of students from Laurel and Mt. Carmel Schools into Brookville Middle School.
PARENTS 'UNSETTLED AND FRUSTRATED'
Cindy Wurzelbacher addresses the school board.
During the public comment part of the meeting, Cindy Wurzelbacher spoke on behalf of concerned parents. She stated a numbers of concerns about problems that could result from a consolidation process and took the board to task for the lack of collaboration with parents.
As the meeting progressed, it was apparent from comments made by Dr. Howell, several school board members and the parents that the possibility of consolidating the seventh and eighth grades has been talked about for a number of weeks - in the school administration and among parents. But there has been no public discussion with the parents and the subject had not been previously addressed during a school board meeting.
Ms. Wurzelbacher said that parents are concerned about loss of connection to the community, larger class sizes, long bus rides, participation in extra-curricular activities and more - but they are also "unsettled and frustrated by a lack of information." She quoted a number of the school corporations' core values and challenged the administration to follow them. She wanted to know if there really will be "communication and collaboration across all stakeholders" on this issue.
Board member Francis Brumback said that a number of people in the Laurel area told him they want to know what's going on. He said that he had talked about this with Dr. Howell and, based on what he knows now, "If there was a vote today, I'd vote no."
Dr. Howell briefly explained the reasons for considering the consolidation. She said that a continuing decline in enrollment has caused a significant loss in overall funding for the schools. There is not enough money to provide all of the various program in all the schools and this "has created an inequity in the opportunities provided to our 7th and 8th grade students." Not all the schools have honors societies and some specialized offerings, such as the Wildcat Academy, are only available in Brookville.
Dr. Howell said that she is gathering information about the possible impacts of the consolidation and, "We're going to meet with you [the parents] when we have real information."
Mr. Brumback said, "We need to include the community in these discussions in order to achieve a satisfactory result."
Ms. Wurzelbacher said, "We have no voice." She asked why the administration couldn't tell the parents that "we're facing challenges, and this [consolidating the grades] is what we're looking at... how can you as parents of our students help us come together on this problem?" She continued to press for specific information about the possible consolidation and when parents would be brought into the process. She told by board members and Dr. Howell that parental involvement is important, that information is still being gathered and that there will be public meetings at a later date, "when we have real information."
CELEBRATIONS
Superintendent Dr. Debbie Howell & Teacher Hollie Noah
Each month, there is good news at the school board meeting as a student activity is celebrated and Educator of the Month is recognized. For May, the Educator of the Month is Brookville Middle School teacher Hollie Noah. Dr. Howell noted that Ms. Noah is a 13-year teacher in Franklin County schools. She teaches mostly seventh-grade English and also teaches in the Wildcat Prep Academy program. Dr. Howell praised Ms. Noah for her work with students beyond the classroom, especially for supporting the activities of the Student Council. [See article in this issue.]
L-R: Project Lead the Way Teacher Derek Herbert and students Madisyn Kerr, Autumn Henson, Ashley Mauntel, Bailey Flavin, Trent Meyer
The board also recognized the success of a group of students at Brookville Middle School. Their teacher, Derek Herbert introduced some of the students, who participate in the middle school's "Project Lead the Way," a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) focused class. The students work on problem solving using a formal six-step process where they define a problem and follow the process to implement a solution. The students described things they learned ranging from computer design to measurement methods and told how they applied those to a playground re-design project.
PERSONNEL, FINANCES, ETC.
The school board is responsible for a broad range of financial and personnel matters. This month they had to review and approve requests to advertise for bread and milk prices, teachers' maternity leave, soccer coaches, textbook fees, handbook updates, student field trips and more.
Notable this month was the appointment of Heidi Reuss in the newly created position of Assistant Principal of the Brookville Middle School. She is currently a second grade teacher at Brookville Elementary School. Saying that Ms. Reuss "gets the big picture" and is tech savvy, Dr. Howell predicted that she "will be a great asset to the middle school."
The next regular meeting of the school will be June 13 at 7PM.
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APC Gives OK to Zoning Amendments
Continues Discussion of Pool Regulations
The Area Planning Commission had only one item on its agenda for the May 11 meeting and the Board of Zoning Appeals did not meet because it had no agenda items. The APC managed to approve most its business in a single vote but hopes that it would be a short meeting disappeared in the face of discussions of backyard swimming pool regulations that took the better part of an hour.
The APC's agenda item was to deal with a list of proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance. The amendments, including some swimming pool regulations, had been presented and discussed at previous meetings and then were advertised in the local newspaper. What remained was to hold a public hearing on the proposed amendments and then send a recommendation from the APC to the county commissioners. There were only two media representatives in the audience and there were no comments from the public so the hearing was closed.
APC member Ed Derickson offered several new revisions to the swimming pool regulations at this meeting. These were revisions to those previously discussed and advertised. He noted that most of the pools in the county were not in compliance with the current regulations, especially fencing requirements. APC members had a lengthy discussion covering the differences between in-ground and above-ground pools, which pools can be considered to be inflatable, how high the fence around a pool should be and more. They decided to set aside the proposed changes for the time being and revisit the subject later.
Then, a motion was passed unanimously to give a favorable recommendation to all the other proposed amendments. Most of these corrected editing oversights from the original ordinance but there is also a new conditional use for building a firehouse.
Board member Bob Braun noted that several cell-tower approvals had been granted in past months but the towers are still not under construction. He asked if there is a time limit on the construction process. The answer is that they must begin construction within one year, and complete construction within three years or they can be required to get a new permit.
Mr. Braun also asked about the progress in getting several acres of junk on the Barricklow property cleaned up. (The APC has been trying for years to resolve this problem and, in recent months, dumpster loads of material has been hauled away.) APC director Cindy Orschell and attorney Tammy Davis both said that they had not checked on the situation recently and promised to do so.
APC member Deborah Neanover, from the Town of Mt. Carmel, said that there is a problem in the town with impounded vehicles being parked too close to roadways. She said that the town marshal has spoken to the operators, to no avail. Joe Gillespie explained that the impound lot is a long-standing, legal operation but the cars should not be stored on the right of way of town streets or state roads. It was suggested that the town have its attorney pursue this matter.
At this point board member Curtis Ward suggested that the APC try to agree on the swimming pool regulations during this meeting rather than delaying another month. The board discussed it for a while and agreed on several key points such as having required fences be a minimum of four feet (instead of five) and requiring that ladders be removed from unattended pools. Mr. Ward agreed to draft the language in time for the amendment to be advertised for the June 8 APC meeting.
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Hollie Noah "Educator of the Month"
During the week of May 1st, schools across the country recognized teachers for their hard work and dedication during National Teacher Appreciation WeeK. To "top off" this week of recognition and appreciation, Brookville Middle School English teacher, Mrs. Hollie Noah, received the news that she had been selected as Franklin County's Educator of the Month.
After graduating from Mount St. Joseph, Mrs. Noah was hired by the Franklin County Community School Corporation to teach 7th grade English at Brookville Middle School. Thirteen years later, Mrs. Noah now works with students in grades 5 through 8 at the middle school. She also serves as one of the co-teachers of the Wildcat Prep Academy.
In addition to her teaching duties at Brookville Middle School, Mrs. Noah is co-sponsor of the Student Council. Mrs. Noah and her counterpart, Mrs. Melissa Simpkins, ensure that members of the Brookville Middle School Student Council are actively engaged in providing opportunities for all students at BMS, such as Red Ribbon Week, Spirit Week, and Spring Dance. Mrs. Noah also serves as volleyball coach at Brookville Middle School.
When not working at school, Mrs. Noah enjoys spending time with her family. The family is active in 4-H and sports. She enjoys travelling, hiking, riding quads and motorcycles, and playing volleyball.
When asked about the best part of her job, Mrs. Noah responded that she loves watching her students get excited about books and/or learning. "I enjoy seeing them grow over time and am always happy to see them years later accomplishing the goals they created back when they were in middle school."
The purpose of the "Educator of the Month" program is to recognize outstanding Franklin County educators who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, leadership in the school, dedication to the students, and involvement in the community. Nomination forms for "Educator of the Month" can be found on the school corporation website at www.fccsc.k12.in.us. Submitted by
Franklin County Community School Corporation
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Steam Engine History Staying Alive
Colton Martin & 1912 Gaar Scott steam engine
On Friday, May 13th at sunrise you could see smoke coming from Franklin County High School. That smoke was from the stack of a 1912 double-cylinder, 18-horsepower Gaar Scott steam engine, as Sam Ertel and Colton Martin fired the engine. It was part of FFA's First Annual AGstravaganza that was attended by students from kindergarten through high school.
In 1912 this steam engine rolled off the line ready for work. As a farmer, a steam engine was the tractor in the late 1800's and throughout the 1900's. As the farms got bigger so did the steam engines, but farmers were looking for a faster way to do the work so the tractor was made. Tractors could work more land faster and easier than a steam engine, so the steam engine was replaced. Many of the old steam folk got together and started bringing their engines to meets, so this started the steam show.
The Gaar Scott & Co made steam engines in Richmond, Indiana. In 1935, Nole Ertel bought the steam engine that was displayed this past Friday. Nole restored the engine and used it to thrash wheat on his farm until the 1950's. Nole told his descendants that during hard times the steam engine provided jobs and fed the whole community. Nole had been around steam all his life and he loved every minute of it.
Sam Ertel of Sunman, Indiana owns his grandfather's Gaar Scott steam engine now. Sam restored the engine in 2010 and uses it in educational demonstrations of threshing and sawmilling. Sam is a Navy veteran and Franklin County FFA thanks him for his service.
With this year being Indiana's 200th anniversary, we are proud to have a lovely piece of Indiana history on display. Gaar Scott was not the only steam engine made in Indiana. Robinson & Co, Reeves & Co and Advance Rumely & Co were also made in Indiana.
The FFA Program would like to give special thanks to Wilhelm Lumber for the use of their truck and trailer, Indiana State police detective Vance Patton for driving, Sam Ertel for the use of his steam engine, The Countryman Ironworks, and Kim Besecker for the use of his sawmill.
Submitted by Colton T. Martin
Photo by Sara Duffy
Editor's note: Colton Martin is a Franklin County High School Student, 1st year FFA Member & Licensed Steam Engineer. Read the next issue of The Observer for more photos and coverage of AGstravaganza.
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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. 
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
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Around the County
A Moment in Time: Franklin Cty as Seen Through 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. Self-Esteem Class - May 19 Pregnancy Help Center presents "Who do you see in the mirror? (your self-esteem)" class on Thursday, May 19 beginning at 6:30 pm at the Pregnancy Help Center. Free gift. Free class and free babysitting. Learn how to earn $50 gift certificate or a new car seat. Earn baby bucks to purchase diapers and baby wipes. If transportation is needed, please call 765-647-2029. Submitted by Lyn Weidner, Client Education Director Clyde the Camel Comes to Brookville Farmer's Market - May 20  Clyde the Camel of Vogt Farm near Batesville, will be gracing the scene at our own Brookville Farmer's Market this Friday, May 20th. Clyde is very tame and children are welcome. The Market is offering locally grown garden plants and flowers, fresh local produce, fresh rhubarb, fresh brown cage-free eggs, various pies and other baked goods. Tomatoes will also be offered along with a variety of other produce as it becomes available. More vendors are always welcome. Call 513-532-6074 or 513-479-3133 for more information.
Submitted by
Elaine Dorrel
Garden Club Plant Sale - May 20  The Brookville Garden Club will be having their annual plant sale on Friday, May 20, 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
Garden Tour - May 21  Mainstreet Brookville is offering a Garden Tour on Saturday, May 21, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Self-tour of private gardens in and around Brookville. Tickets for $5 are available from 9 am to 11 am the day of the event at Main Street Park, located next to Franklin County Community Foundation Building at 527 Main Street, Brookville. Proceeds will benefit beautification projects.
Submitted by
Barbara Vonderheide
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 to our local Veterans office to provide 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 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
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 Stayin' Alive Open House Please join Stayin' Alive at their Open House on Thursday, May 26, from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm followed by Master Trooper Chip Ayers' presentation on methamphetamine. Hear the latest in trends, culture, and options for communities to combat methamphetamine use. Brookville Public Library, 919 Main Street, Brookville, IN 47012. Support Stayin' Alive by visiting www.stayinalive24.org and clicking on Donate Now. Submitted by Melinda K. Brown, BA, CPP, Executive Director
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 12:30 pm.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
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