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Thirty-nine Join Academic Hall of Fame
On May 11, Franklin County High School (FCHS) inducted 39 seniors into the Academic Hall of Fame for achieving a grade point average of 3.6 or higher after the 7th semester. The seniors and their families were honored with a banquet in the school cafeteria.
Principal Keith Isaacs and Assistant Principal Dustin Riley presented each senior with a medal. At graduation, the seniors will proudly wear them along with other medals representing additional scholastic and extracurricular achievements.
Principal Keith Isaacs congratulates Aiden O'Connor. Assistant Principal Dustin Riley is in the background.
Katrina Murray receives her medal.
That evening, the annual Scholarship Award Ceremony was held in the auditorium. Seniors had submitted applications or written essays to qualify for the scholarships. They did not know what they might receive until that night.
Thirty-five local organizations, businesses and individuals presented scholarships to the seniors. Several issued multiple awards. For 60 years the Brookville Foundation has been providing scholarships and, this year, board members Art Hildenbrand and Kim Simonson handed out nine scholarships.
The Franklin County Community Foundation oversees 53 scholarships funds, which Executive Director Shelly Lunsford and others presented to the seniors. Elizabeth Simmermeyer received a full tuition Lilly scholarship to the Indiana college of her choice and a $900 yearly stipend for required books and equipment. Lilly semi-finalists were Cole McCreary and Cara Moore. Cole McCreary received a $104,000 scholarship from Rose Hulman Institute of Technology. Cara Moore received awards of $44,500 from Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis.
In addition to local scholarships, the senior class was awarded over $550,000 in scholarships directly from colleges and universities.
Mrs. Sara Shaver, FCHS College and Career Readiness Coordinator, served as master of ceremonies. She thanked the various groups, who provided scholarships, as well as the community for its support.
The Class of 2016 will graduate on Sunday afternoon, June 5, at 2pm at Franklin County High School. The ceremony will either be outside at the football stadium or inside the Lew Wallace auditorium, depending on the weather.
Reported by
Sara Duffy
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Senior Athletes Celebrated
On May 13, Franklin County High School (FCHS) celebrated another successful year during the Senior Athletic Awards and Hall of Fame Banquet. Sixty-one seniors and their immediate families attended the banquet in the school cafeteria. The award ceremony was held in the auditorium to accommodate a larger crowd of friends and relatives. Each senior athlete walked across the stage to receive their award, while a multi-media program showed their photographs. The 61 seniors achieved a total of 230 varsity letters in 19 sports offered at the high school.
L-R: Track Coach Joe Davidson, Amelia Robben, Coach Jackie Beneker and Coach Garret Rauch.
Senior athlete Amelia Robben was honored for attaining ten varsity letters: track (4), Dance Catz (3), volleyball (2), basketball (1). In a press release, Track Coach Joe Davidson said, "Amelia is like our 'Swiss army knife.' She has all the tools to succeed at many events. She has been a crucial part of this team and her leadership has helped shape this program. Amelia Robben will continue her Track and Field career at Marian University."
The program continued with five people being inducted into the FCHS Hall of Fame. Whitney Gillman was recognized for her impressive high school years playing three sports and her leadership on the field. Ms. Gillman is currently a guidance counselor at the high school.
BJ Scott was also honored for his success in three sports in high school as well as playing football for two years at University of Notre Dame.
Marisa Wilhelm Mears was celebrated for her high school record in three sports, followed by notable achievements in golf at Ohio State University.
Fast-pitch softball coach George Smith was lauded for his win record of 115-45 as well as conference, sectional and regional titles.
Todd Sacksteder was inducted into the Hall of Fame for a long list of sporting accomplishments and especially for being the 1991 Indiana State Champion in Wrestling. Mr. Sacksteder is currently the Athletic Director for Franklin County Community Schools.
Reported by
Sara Duffy
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Alternatives to Opiates for Pain Management
L-R: Library Director Melody Gault welcomed featured speaker Jen Balka.
Registered nurse Jen Balka was the featured speaker for the Brookville Library Women's Day of Health on May 12. Ms. Balka spoke about "Pain Management for the Mature Woman." She explained how the Fayette Regional Pain Management Center in Connersville uses a "balanced care" approach for treating chronic pain while avoiding addiction to opiates. She described a program of less medication and more coordinated care consisting of fitness, diet, acupuncture, physical therapy, yoga, injections of steriods, and nerve blocks. They also use radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to deaden nerve endings causing pain.
Ms. Balka quoted statistics that 25% of all women will experience chronic pain at some point and that more people suffer from chronic pain than from cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
The Laurel Library will hold its Women's Day of Health on August 19 from 9am to 1pm. Those attending will receive lunch, dessert, door prizes and goodie bags as well as free tests and screenings.
Reported by Sara Duffy |
Confusion Over County Council Meeting
The May 17 meeting of county council caused some confusion regarding how the meeting was announced to the public. In an interview after the meeting, Council President Becky Oglesby said that she asked for a meeting of council members to receive information about correcting overtime pay for workers in the 911 operation. The meeting was set for May 17 at 10am. County Auditor Steve Brack called it an "administrative session", instead of a "meeting", in the email sent to the media and that led to some confusion.
Council President Oglesby said that, during the May 17 meeting, consultant Addie Rooker advised council that computing overtime pay for 911 workers was complicated by longevity pay and holiday pay. Some other counties have experienced the same difficulty. The amount of unpaid overtime totals approximately $2,200 for all affected workers. County council will take action on correcting the overtime pay at their regular monthly meeting on May 24.
Reported by
Sara Duffy
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First AGstravaganza is a Success!
Franklin County High School Agriculture Education and FFA students hosted the First Annual AGstravaganza outreach event on Friday, May 13th at Franklin County High School for Franklin County Community School Corporation students during the school day, and the public from 4-6 PM.  Agriculture Education students prepared presentations and planned the event for their final project in their Agriculture Education courses. Ag Ed students were responsible for: planning to differentiate instruction for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12, budgeting supplies and materials, event planning and logistics, securing resources and volunteers, advertising and communications, and will be reviewing the event to plan and improve for next year.
A wide variety of educational topics were presented, ranging from individual livestock species to farm machinery, crops to animal physiology. All of the activities were interactive and hands-on so students could gain an active learning experience. Over 750 students from grades K-12 participated in the event throughout the day!
FFA member Shelby Kolb & swine display (Photos by Sara Duffy).
Franklin County FFA parents and supporters were also a huge part of the day's success. The Agriculture Education and FFA students plan to continue this event each spring, and hope to include even more educational opportunities in future events.
Submitted by Katie Schneider, Agriculture Teacher & FFA Advisor |
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HOLA from Cuba!
Karen Negangard and Patti Wilhelm in Cuba.
Two retired Franklin County Community School Corporation teachers recently served as people-to-people goodwill ambassadors on a trip to Cuba to learn about their arts, culture, history, and educational system. During their stay, Patti Wilhelm and Karen Negangard visited several Cuban Volunteer Community Projects, such as after-school and Saturday programs in the arts for children, which exist in order to teach creativity and innovation in re-using and recycling all available materials for the betterment of their individual neighborhoods. A barbershop community project was also started to encourage youth to learn the skill of barbering, free to all youth. Several other community projects encouraging involvement in the arts were visited, including the homes of Lorenzo Lopez and Jose Rodriguez Fuster. Architectural renovation of historical homes in Havana is currently underway, and Patti and Karen were able to meet with and tour Havana buildings and gardens with an architect who is spearheading the renovation work. A visit to a cigar factory and tobacco farm, as well as an elementary school were experienced. Antique American cars were in abundance in Havana and rural areas, providing a glimpse of what transportation used to look like. Talented Cuban musicians performed in many of the venues visited. A literary outing was planned to the estate of Ernest Hemingway, who lived outside of Havana for twenty years. It was here that he wrote "The Old Man and the Sea", which was based on a Cuban fisherman who lived in the area. His boat, El Plinar, is still on display on the grounds. Goodwill ambassadors are asked to bring gifts for children, and Patti and Karen were able to pass out crayons, balls, toy cars, dolls, pencils, markers, sticker books, tissues, and other gifts to children in parks and on the streets. Interaction with the citizens of Cuba was a key part of the trip. When not meeting the people, there were many opportunities to experience the cuisine of Cuba, take Salsa lessons, instructions for making mojitos, visiting the beautiful churches, and taking in the unique experience that is Cuba. Submitted by Patti Wilhelm and Karen Negangard |
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Around the County
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
Franklin County Quilt Show- May 20 & 21
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 turnings 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. Admission $5. For information, call 765-647-6360 or visit http://www.quiltbatts.org.
Submitted by
Dotti Roleson, Quilt Batts
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 Hope Over Heroin Launch Meeting-May 24 Hope Over Heroin is coming to Brookville, IN September 9 and 10. A launch meeting to begin organizing volunteers and planning the event will take place Tuesday May 24th at 6:00pm at Redemption Life Church, located at 1112 Main St Brookville (the Old CVS Building). This meeting is for anyone interested in getting involved and making a difference: church leaders, community leaders, government officials, concerned citizens, parents, teachers, educators, coaches, business persons, ANYONE. Let's join hands as a community and turn the tide against addiction in Franklin County! Submitted by Justin Bradley Stayin' Alive Open House - May 26 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
Music Boosters' IGA Cookout: May 27-28
Please join the Franklin County High School Music Boosters and Brookville IGA for their cookout on May 27th and May 28th from 11:00am - 2:00pm. Come have a great lunch while supporting the high school band, choir, and color guard. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Submitted by Beth Beccaccio
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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The Franklin County Observer
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