Observer Extras
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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.
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Metamora Tradition Continues
Veterans came to reconnect and to honor their compatriots who served their country and never returned. Some walked a little slower. Some came in wheelchairs, on crutches or on electric scooters. They wore hats or vests that identified their branch of military service. Veterans, their families and friends came to the Metamora Memorial Service to continue 150 years of tradition.
Rob Allen of the Metamora Masonic Lodge and Brownie Scout Troop 3270 led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag to start the Memorial Service on Sunday, May 29. It was a day for prayers, poems, songs and reverent silence as peonies were placed in the canal and floated away. The flowers were a way to honor servicemen and women, whose gravesites are unknown or are too far away to visit and decorate with a bouquet.
Mr. Allen read a poem by Joanna Fuchs and then reminded everyone about the veterans buried in Metamora's historic cemetery. Next, Reverend Wayne Ison read from scripture and asked the audience to hold our fallen heroes in high esteem.
Ed Baker, guest speaker and Navy veteran, talked about the hardships faced by those in the military and recounted the heroic accomplishments of America's military over the centuries. Mr. Baker volunteers with the Franklin County Cemetery Commission and he gave a brief history of special military cemeteries. The original white marble slab grave markers have changed over the years and now they are metal plaques attached to simple stones.
Jim Wilkerson read the poem that he wrote titled This Flag is an Island as many flags rippled in the breeze near the podium and along the canal.
Also participating in the program were Reverend Rob Edwards, Sandra Baker and Marty Bowling. Reverend Ron McCulloch gave the closing prayer. The program concluded with a rifle salute and the playing of "Taps" by the Fayette County Veteran Honor Guard.
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The Lives of Veterans Remembered
On Monday, May 30, flags and onlookers lined the streets of Brookville for the Memorial Day Parade, which started at Old St. Michael Cemetery and ended at Maple Grove Cemetery.
Veteran Charlie Sprague of Brookville American Legion's Bernard Hurst Post #77 read the opening prayer at Maple Grove Cemetery.
Reverend Curtis Bond gave the invocation in which he gave thanks for America's many freedoms and reminded everyone that "freedom isn't free." Next, the Western Union Quarter sang "Fallen Soldier."
The featured speaker was Veteran Mark McLane, Army radioman who served in Vietnam starting in 1969. Mr. McLane is retired from teaching English at Brookville High School and Franklin County High School. He has volunteered for many years in the community, currently teaches at IvyTech Community College and is a published author. Mr. McLane has been recognized with military honors and with numerous educational awards throughout his career. Mr. McLane touched many hearts with a very poetic speech about the everyday lives of military veterans. He talked about the families that soldiers left behind to serve their country. He described the grief and sadness of services over flag-draped, sometimes empty, coffins. He spoke about veterans being forever memorialized in art, literature and monuments such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The ceremony concluded with the "Star Spangled Banner", the placing of a wreath and bouquet at the Maple Grove Cemetery Veteran's Monument and a prayer for peace by Rev. Bond. |
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Looking For Royal Blood
Brookville Canoefest is looking for nominations for King and Queen of the Bicentennial Legacy event which will be held June 24th and 25th in the Brookville Town Park. If you know of a special someone who deserves to wear the crown, please submit the following information by June 10.
- Name and phone number of nominee
- Age of nominee
- Reason you are nominating this person
- 4x6 picture of the nominee
Rules: Must be a Franklin County Resident
70 years young and up by June 24, 2016.
Able to attend the Brookville Canoefest Bicentennial Celebration on June 24 and 25
Contestants will be announced Friday at Canoefest. Winner will be nominated by the amount of pennies collected around town and the weekend of Canoefest. Winners will be announced Saturday, June 25th at 3:00 pm. Proceeds will be split with the Franklin County Senior Citizens Center.
Nomination Forms can be downloaded from brookvillecanoefest.com or picked up from Keys to the Past Antique Store, 656 Main Street, Brookville, IN 47012. Completed forms are due June 10 at FCN Bank, Keys to the Past Antiques or mail to P.O. Box 12 Brookville IN 47012, or email to brookvillecanoefest@yahoo.com.
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FCHS Agriculture Senior Earns Three Awards Elizabeth Simmermeyer (center) with Mr. and Mrs. Hofer, the sponsors of the Bradley T. Hofer Award
An FCHS Agriculture Senior recently earned three awards - with each award requiring very specific qualifications. Elizabeth Simmermeyer, daughter of Doug and Cheryl Simmermeyer, received the Bradley T. Hofer Award, DeKalb Award, and the Ag Achievement Award this year.
The Bradley T. Hofer award is sponsored by the Jim and Faye Hofer Family. The award is given each year in memory of Bradley Hofer, and is awarded to a Senior FFA member who has earned the highest scores in both Soils and Livestock Evaluation Career Development Events.
The DeKalb Award, sponsored by Monsanto, is awarded each year to a Senior FFA member who has shown the most FFA Chapter leadership and has earned the highest GPA.
The Agriculture Achievement Award is sponsored by Harold Spurlock of Franklin County Farm Bureau Insurance. The $250 award is presented to a Senior Agriculture Education student who has taken the most Agriculture Education courses and has earned the highest GPA in those courses.
Elizabeth plans to attend Purdue University in the fall and major in Animal Sciences.
Submitted by
Katie Schneider, Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor
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Whitewater Valley REMC Grant to 4-H
 R -L: Whitewater Valley Community Trust Board Member Kevin Smith presents check to Michael T. Schwab, board member.
Franklin County 4-H Association received funds from Whitewater Valley REMC Community Trust, Inc. to replace the electric service in the vendor area at the fairgrounds. The Whitewater Valley REMC Community Trust, Inc. trustees meet quarterly on the fourth Monday of January, April, July, and October to review applications for grants. Applications and information regarding the program can be found at www.wwvremc.com under Member Services Section and Operation RoundUp.
Submitted by
Jennifer Kolb
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Franklin County Competes in Unified
Track & Field State Championship
The third annual IHSAA Unified Track and Field Championship will take place Saturday, June 4 at Robert C. Haugh Track and Field Complex, Indiana University. This inclusive initiative pairs athletes with and without disabilities to compete in the 2016 sanctioned state championship.
This year, more than 70 teams participated in Unified Track with the top two teams from each of the six Sectionals advancing to the State Finals. The Franklin County High School Unified Team will compete in the State Championship. The opening ceremony is at 12:45 p.m. followed by field events at 1 p.m. and track beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Based on the philosophy of Unified SportsŪ there are no individual awards for Unified Track and Field. The only awards given are team awards earned by the contributions of all team members.
You can follow Champions Together and Unified SportsŪ on Twitter (@ChampsTogether), Facebook and Instagram (@ChampionsTogether).
Submitted by
Patricia J. Pickett
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Sheriff Monthly Activity Report
Franklin County Sheriff Ken Murphy released the April report of activity. Sheriff's Deputies responded to 770 calls for service. Among the calls of service investigated were:
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Property Damage Accidents
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38
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Personal Injury Accidents
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12
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Burglary/Theft
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30
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Residential/Business Alarms
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25
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Domestic Battery/Battery
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6
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911 Hang Up/Accidental Dial
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56
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Suspicious Persons/Vehicles
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56
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Traffic Stops
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230
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A total of 44 arrests were made by Sheriff's Deputies on the following charges:
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Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated
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3
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Battery/Domestic Battery
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1
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Possession of a Controlled Substance
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3
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Possession of Marijuana
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4
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Theft/Receiving Stolen Property
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2
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Burglary
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1
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Minor Consumption/Possession of Alcohol
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5
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Leaving the Scene of an Accident
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1
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Driving While Suspended
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2
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Sales of a Controlled Substance
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2
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Warrants
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20
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There was an average of 44 prisoners housed in the Security Center throughout the month of April. The maximum capacity of the Security Center is 75 inmates. Deputies drove a total of 20,528 miles. The Transport Officer drove an additional 3,908 miles for a total of 24,436 miles. The Transport Officer conducted 15 prisoner transports to and from the Department of Corrections facilities throughout the States of Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. Additionally, Deputies conducted one prisoner transport to another medical facility for conditions that could not be treated by the jail doctor. Two pieces of real estate were sold at Sheriff's auction. There were 116 civil process papers served. F.C.S.D. K-9 Lito had a total of five deployments, including assisting in a search for a missing person.
Citizens wishing to report illegal drug activity and/or other crimes may do so by calling 765-647-0755. Callers can remain anonymous. Citizens may also email the Franklin County Drug Task Force at taskforce@yahoo.com. For real time weather related emergencies and crime information sign up for free text messaging at www.nixle.com. Like us on Facebook at Franklin County Sheriff's Department.
Submitted by
Officer Jason Lovins
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Around the County
Indiana Legacy Dinner Dance
Tickets On Sale Now
Indiana Legacy Dinner Dance will celebrate Indiana's Bicentennial on June 18 at St. Michael Activity Center. Doors open at 5pm. Cash Bar. Dinner 6-7pm. Music by Western Union and Blue Stone Ivory Band until 10pm. Tickets for $20 will be available through June 15 from banks and merchants throughout Brookville.
Submitted by Barbara Vonderheide
For Main Street Brookville
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
Metamora Grist Mill Jam - June 5
These are now SongFarmer events and everyone is encouraged to join in on the first Sunday of the month, from 1 to 4pm.
Submitted by
Metamora Music
Safety and First Aid Class - June 9
The First Years: Safety and First Aid class presented by the Pregnancy Help Center. Thursday, June 9 at 6:30 pm. Learn hands only CPR, Heimlich maneuver, when to call the doctor, when to call 9-1-1, baby proofing your home, what is a concussion and what to do, and much, much more! Learn how to earn a $50 gift card or car seat.
Submitted by Pregnancy Help Center
Lyn Weidner, RN, Client Education Director
4-H Fair Cookout - June 10
Please join the Franklin County 4-H Association and Brookville IGA for their cookout on June 10 from 11:00am - 2:00pm. Stop by IGA and enjoy a delicious hotdog, hamburger, ribeye or pork chop for lunch while supporting the 4-H program and the Franklin County 4-H Fair.
Submitted by
Angie Riffle
Hee Haw Tribute - June 10 & 11
The spring version of the popular Hee Haw Tribute will be presented on June 10 & 11 at the MPA Opry Barn, 19189 Pennington Road, Metamora IN.
Submitted by
Metamora Music
New Trenton Chicken Fry-off - June 11
1st Annual New Trenton Volunteer Fire Department Chicken Fry-Off on June 11. An $100 prize and a traveling trophy will be awarded to the 1st place winner. Registration at noon. $25 entry fee for each team. Contest starts at 1:00pm. Dinners will be served to the public 4-8pm. Adults $10. Children under ten years $5.
Submitted by
Keith Maucher
Architectural Salvage, Dumpster-Diving & Historic Preservation - June 15
Meet author and community activist Kurt Meyer. Saving history while it was being bulldozed around him inspired his 2014 novel, Noblesville. He has also gathered architectural salvage and discarded historic house parts from across Indiana and has totally stripped houses just prior to their demolition. His novel, The Salvage Man was inspired in part by these experiences. Learn about this Hoosier's salvaging skills and practical knowledge in writing. A book sale and signing will follow the program at the Brookville Library, June 15, 6:30pm, 919 Main St. Brookville, IN. 765-647-4031
Submitted by Julie Schlesselman
Local History & Genealogy Dept. Manager
River Sweep Clean-Up - June 17 The 1st Whitewater River Sweep Clean-up will be held on Friday, June 17, from 6pm to 8pm at 28483 Barber Road, West Harrison, IN (off Hwy 46 near US 52 intersection). Stay for a FREE cookout. Volunteers will receive a 2016 River Sweep T-shirt, water, trash bags and gloves. For more information or to register, see Upcoming Events at www.dearborncountywatersheds.org or contact Heather Wirth at: 812-926-2406 ext. 107. Registration forms are also available at the Franklin County SWCD: 10165 Oxford Pike Brookville. RSVP by June 15th. Submitted by Chris Fox, SWCD Joe Codiano Memorial Golf Tournament - June 18 Saturday, June 18. 12:30 registration - 1:30 shotgun. Four person scramble - bring your own team. Hole Sponsor: $50 donation. Please join us for smoked pork chop dinner at approximately 6:00pm. Reservations requested. Tickets $10. All proceeds donated to the "Joe Codiano Memorial Scholarship. Brook Hill Golf Club 647-4522. Submitted by Barb Cooper
Indiana Legacy Dinner Dance - June 18
Indiana Legacy Dinner Dance will celebrate Indiana's Bicentennial on June 18 at St. Michael Activity Center. Doors open at 5pm. Cash Bar. Dinner 6-7pm. Music by Western Union and Blue Stone Ivory Band until 10pm. Tickets for $20 will be available through June 15 from banks and merchants throughout Brookville.
Submitted by Barbara Vonderheide
For Main Street Brookville
Canoefest 2016 - June 24 & 25  Canoefest begins Friday at 5:00pm with the Princess contest, followed by music from Main Sail, Justin Stone and Kid Quill. Saturday are the canoe races and festival begins at 5:00pm with music from My Brothers Keepers and Everyone from Nowhere. Famous fireworks at about 10:09! See brookvillecanoefest.com for list of all events.
Submitted by
Tara Keys
Eagle Fire Co. Festival - June 24-25
Eagle Fire Co., Fri. 4pm to midnight. Smoked pork chop dinner, lunch stand, games for all ages. Music by Renegades 8pm to midnight. Saturday parade begins at 1pm. Cruise In Car Show 4 p.m. to ? Fried chicken and roast beef dinners 2pm - 8pm, lunch stand. Music by Inner Soul 8pm to midnight. Contact: (812) 934-5856.
Submitted by
Willie Ronnebaum
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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.
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The Franklin County Observer
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