Issue 671                                                                 July 7, 2016    
Franklin County Observer

News and Events from Franklin County, Indiana       

In This Issue
County Commissioners - July 5, 2016
Courthouse Lawn Closed to Public Events
One Road Open. One Road Closed
July 15 FSA Crop Reporting Deadline
General Hackleman Exhibit at Library.
SR 229 Roadwork in Batesville
Heartwood in the Heartland
Around the County
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County Commissioners - July 5, 2016
  • Commissioner Tom Wilson asked Auditor Steve Brack to resign.
  • A new study showed the worst roads are in the eastern part of the county. Commissioner Eric Roberts has a plan to fix the roads.
  • The commissioners voted for a new bridge on Wolf Creek.
COMMISSIONER ASKED AUDITOR TO RESIGN
    Commissioner Tom Wilson questioned Auditor Steve Brack about how his office is functioning after the chief deputy left a week ago.
    The questions started while the commissioners were reviewing claims for payment. Commissioner Wilson asked Auditor Brack about a $5,000 reserve account. Auditor Brack did not have an answer, because he had been on vacation. He indicated that he would research and reply by email. Commissioner Wilson asked, "How do you know if [the claims] are true and lawful, if you have not looked at them?"
    Next, Commissioner Tom Linkel said that Treasurer Veronica Voelker reported that some electronic transfers "have not been balanced last month." Auditor Brack replied, "We have been struggling with those. Been working on them. Got some of them finished. There are some more to do today." He will work with the treasurer when she returns to the office the next day to resolve the transfers.
     Commissioner Wilson continued his criticism. He said that Auditor Brack's office "cannot function" and "can't do its duty" with "only two girls" while Auditor Brack was on vacation last week. Commissioner Wilson said that Treasurer Voelker also reported other failures and that the auditor's staff refused help from the treasurer. Commissioner Wilson said, "I don't understand how the county can keep functioning with the turmoil we have."
    Commissioner Wilson demanded to know Auditor Brack's plan for correcting the transfers and providing reports to the commissioners. Commissioner Wilson said that there are complaints from the public that "we are not functioning the way we should be functioning.
    Auditor Brack explained his plans for hiring a new person and also for correcting transfers the next day. He said that his employee checked the claims before they were presented to the commissioners for payment and he would re-check claims with that employee. He said that LOW software company was sending a person to help update the computer system. He finished by apologizing for the "ineptness" and added, "rest assured it will be taken care of."
    Commissioner Wilson said that he expected Auditor Brack to resign, if all of the problems are not resolved by the next meeting on July 18.
 
WHERE'S THE MONEY FOR A NEW BRIDGE
    While Commissioners Linkel and Wilson were discussing the final design for a new Wolf Creek Bridge #139, Commissioner Roberts was still at square one regarding the length of the new bridge and the cost. Two weeks ago, he raised a similar question. Does the county have enough money for additional bridge projects? The county has already committed to the 20% match money required for two federal projects costing several million dollars.
    Commissioners Linkel and Wilson motioned and seconded the new bridge plan before Commissioner Roberts had a chance to make his point. He said that the other two commissioners were making plans as if the county would automatically receive a 50-50 grant from the state for the new Wolf Creek Road Bridge. Those grants will not be announced until late August.
    Commissioner Roberts said that the county would be applying for $1.6 million in 50-50 state grants and the county only has $800,000 available within one year. The county would have to pay all of the $1.6 million in bridge expenses and then wait to be reimbursed 50% by the state. Commissioner Linkel said the state would reimburse the county in 30 to 60 days. Commissioner Wilson noted that the county has more than one year to spend the grant money.
     There are also restrictions on how the county pays for its half of the bridge. County Engineer Ted Cooley reported that the county could only use money from certain sources: the local road & street fund, the cumulative bridge fund, or a motor vehicle highway fund.
    Both Commissioners Roberts and Linkel agreed that the county must follow the state restrictions precisely rather then risk losing a 50-50 state grant. It was agreed that Commissioner Linkel and Mr. Cooley would meet with County Councilman Daryl Kramer to discuss funding before the entire county council meets on July 12. Mr. Cooley will also provide a five-year plan for bridge repairs, as requested by Councilman Kramer.
     Commissioner Roberts finally voted in favor of the new Wolf Creek Bridge with the condition that the design did not change the road curvature and result in a cost overrun. Fixing a "skew" in the road was previously estimated to add an extra $24,000 to the cost.
 
WORST ROADS IN EASTERN PART OF COUNTY
    "It doesn't look good," said County Engineer Cooley as he talked about the results of the Pavement Study. The study predicts that the county will not have enough money to maintain the roads over the next five years.
    Commissioner Wilson looked at the study's map and pointed out "almost all the roads in red are in District 1." Red indicates the most serious deterioration. District 1 is the eastern part of the county under the supervision of Commissioner Roberts. Commissioner Wilson said that the pavement study recommends spending the most money on "red" roads.
    Commissioner Roberts has his own plan. He explained what happened in the past to District 1 roads. He said that there was "too much blade-ing" of the road surface without any final chip and seal work.
    Commissioner Roberts said, "The cost to bring [a red road] back is so great." He proposed to spend money on "yellow" roads so they do not deteriorate further. He will focus on fixing long, highly traveled "yellow" roads at a cost of $15,000 per mile now, rather than spending $30,000 to $40,000 to repair them later. He will fix the worst patches this year. He talked about "skim coating" roads now and then chip and sealing them one or two years later. He is also considering recycling some existing asphalt and then "double chip and seal" those roads.
    Mr. Cooley warned the commissioners that the state might not reimburse the county, if they do not follow the Pavement Study's recommendations regarding how much asphalt to use when making road repairs.  Commissioner Linkel said that the state would allow the county to decide how best to fix the roads.
    Shawn Strange of First Group Engineering will be invited to the July 18 commissioner meeting to discuss their Pavement Study.
    The commissioners have until July 29 to apply for 50-50 state grants for road repairs.
 
TWO-DOZEN ADA PROBLEMS
    At a recent meeting about federal highway projects, the state told Mr. Cooley that Franklin County must commit to fix two-dozen "deficiencies" of non-compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). The county was also faulted for not complying with Title VI anti-discrimination requirements. To qualify for federal funds, the county must abide by ADA and also Title VI.
    Mr. Cooley seemed reluctant to discuss specifics. He did mention a lack of handicapped-accessible curb ramps in Metamora and New Trenton. The county was also cited for lacking an anti-discrimination training program and missing required information on the county's website.
    Commissioner Linkel agreed with making minor repairs, but told Mr. Cooley to focus on the upcoming 50-50 state grants. Commissioner Wilson commented, "I don't want to hear about it ever...I think you should shred that crap."
    Later in the meeting, Commissioner Wilson announced that the county is providing an employee with lactation support in compliance "with ADA." Note: Support for breast-feeding mothers is a provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), not the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
 
OTHER BUSINESS
    The commissioners signed a three-year contract with Enhanced Telecommunications Corporation for phone and internet service at a savings of $6,100 per year. They awarded a contract to Communications Electronics for $8,436 for installing security equipment at the courthouse. They amended employee handbooks to correct the computation of overtime. They tabled action once again on ordinances for setting a minimum standard for losses and for controlling unkempt/unsafe buildings. They approved claims and payroll. The commissioners authorized Commissioner Roberts to either repair or replace the air conditioner for the 911 room.
 
The next meeting is Monday, July 18, at 10am.

Reported by
Sara Duffy
Courthouse Lawn Closed to Public Events
New Gazebo Dec 2011  Christmas Tree Lighting and Gazebo on Courthouse Lawn
 
    November Noel will have to find another location for Franklin County children to visit with Santa and his reindeer. In answer to a question, Commissioner Tom Wilson said, "Having a public forum like we did last year, allows anybody and everybody to put up a display." As a result, the county had little control over displays on the courthouse lawn last holiday season.
    Commissioner Wilson said that only the county will place displays on the courthouse lawn this Christmas and they will be limited to a mix of secular holiday items and the Nativity Scene. He has already asked the Brookville Town Board, if the county can continue to erect the town's Nativity Scene on the courthouse lawn.
    From the audience, Wayne Monroe said that the Brookville Town Board would not allow him to set up their Nativity Scene on the courthouse lawn as he did last year. Therefore, Mr. Monroe is considering asking for donations and purchasing a set of new figurines costing $6,500. He talked about donating the new figurines to the county and Commissioner Wilson agreed to accept them.
    Mr. Monroe is adamant that a Nativity Scene be placed on the courthouse lawn, as has been the tradition for 60 years. He wants to "stand our ground." He is worried that the next complaints would try to remove the Purple Heart Memorial at the government center or the monuments to police, fire and EMS on the courthouse lawn.
   From the audience, Tim George commented, "It was a mess last year" with so many displays on the courthouse lawn.
    Commissioner Tom Linkel asked attorney John Worth to provide specific direction so that the county does not get sued again for having a Nativity Scene on the courthouse lawn. 

Reported by
Sara Duffy
One Road Open. One Road Closed.
 
    County Engineer Ted Cooley had good news for the Franklin County commissioners. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) will keep SR 1 open when repairs are made to the bridge near the intersection with US Highway 52. INDOT originally proposed to close the bridge for 90 days to save time and money. The commissioners, local farmers and emergency personnel objected to the closure. The new plan is to install a traffic light to control one lane of traffic across the bridge during construction. The starting date for construction has been pushed back and will be sometime in 2017.
 
NEW TRENTON
    Starting Wednesday, July 13, US Highway 52 will close just east of New Trenton for culvert work located 300 feet east of Wesling Road in Dearborn County. The closure will last for 30 to 40 days according to Harry Maginity of INDOT.
   Then the construction zone will shift to the other side of New Trenton. INDOT will replace a culvert located west of New Trenton and 600 feet east of Elkhorn Road. This work will close US Highway 52 for another 60 days through late October.
      The official detour for trucks will use Interstate 74, SR 1 and SR 46. The unofficial detour for local traffic will be St. Peters Road.
 
Reported by
Sara Duffy
 July 15 FSA Crop Reporting Deadline

  
Franklin County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Lisa A. Hollars announced that producers who file accurate and timely reports for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage can prevent the potential loss of FSA program benefits. Please pay close attention to the acreage reporting dates below for 2016.
   "In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers are encouraged to visit the Franklin County FSA office to file an accurate crop certification report by the applicable deadline," said Hollars.
   The following acreage reporting dates are applicable for Franklin County:
    July 15, 2016: Cucumbers (Planted 5/10-6/15 in all counties), all other crops
    September 30, 2016: Value Loss and Controlled Environment Crop (i.e. Christmas Trees; container nursery)
    November 15: Perennial Forage (includes mixed grasses, alfalfa, legumes for haying or grazing)
   December 15: Fall Mint, Fall-Seeded Small Grains
   The following exceptions apply to the above acreage reporting dates:
  • If the crop has not been planted by the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after planting is completed.
  • If a producer acquires additional acreage after the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 30 calendars days after purchase or acquiring the lease. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the county office.
  • If a perennial forage crop is reported with the intended use of "cover only," "green manure," "left standing," or "seed" then the acreage must be reported by July 15th.
   According to Hollars, Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) policy holders should note that the acreage reporting date for NAP covered crops is the earlier of the dates listed above or 15 calendar days before grazing or harvesting of the crop begins.
   For questions regarding crop certification and crop loss reports, please contact the Franklin County FSA office at 765-647-2651.
 
Submitted by Lisa Hollars, Executive Director,
Franklin Cty FSA, [email protected] 
General Hackleman Exhibit at Library
 
    Check out the display cabinet at the Brookville Library for a special exhibit about Franklin County native General P. A. Hackleman.            Several months ago, the Franklin County Historical Society received a medallion from the Linn County Historical Museum in Brownsville, Oregon. This medallion was presented to Indiana veterans of the Civil War at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis in 1907. The medallion inspired a display of photos relating to General P. A. Hackleman.
 
Submitted by
Donald Dunaway
SR 229 Roadwork in Batesville
 
   The Indiana Department of Transportation plans to repair a one-mile section of State Road 229 pavement on the north side of Batesville - beginning in mid-September. The contract completion date is November 18.
   Dave O'Mara of North Vernon is the state's contractor for this $245,715 pavement restoration project. The work will be done during daytime hours.  INDOT officials say single lane closures will be required. S. R. 229 has a traffic count of 19,040 vehicles per day.
   Motorists can learn about highway work zones and other traffic alerts at indot.carsprogram.org, 1-800-261-ROAD (7623) or 511 from a mobile phone. For highway information, monitor social media sites: www.Facebook.com/INDOTSoutheast and Twitter @INDOTSoutheast.  Subscribe to receive text and email alerts at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/INDOT/subscriber/new.

Submitted by
Harry Maginity, INDOT
Heartwood in the Heartland
Walnut Council Meeting
 
   The Indiana Chapter of the Walnut Council is hosting a national meeting for woodland owners interested in growing walnut trees and other hardwoods on July 31-August 3 at the Lawrenceburg DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. Over 150 landowners are expected to attend.
     Field tours will be held Monday and Tuesday, August 1st and 2nd. Monday's tours will visit walnut plantations near Dillsboro. Tuesday's tour includes a tree farm in Harrison, Ohio and Miami-Whitewater Forest.
   Session topics will include managing walnut and mixed hardwood tree plantings, pruning, and insect and disease pests. There is plenty of opportunity to network with other tree growers during the four-day conference.
   The Walnut Council is an international science based association that encourages research, discussion, and application of knowledge about growing hardwood trees.
   Daily registration is $65 and advance reservations are required through July 27. For more information call (765) 583-3501 or go to www.walnutcouncil.org.

Submitted by
Anna Morrow, Ag & Natural Resources Extension Educator
 

Around The County
 
Franklin County Humane Society Yard Sale-July 9
    All proceeds to benefit the local Humane Society. Saturday July 9th from 9am to 4pm at Humane Society Building, 107 High Street, Brookville, IN.
 
Submitted by
Corey Crawford

Hope Over Heroin - July 12
   Hope Over Heroin is coming to Brookville Sept. 9/10 at the Brookville Town Park.  Be a part of the coalition to bring this community event to Brookville and see hope brought to those who are trapped in the cycle of addiction.  All churches, pastors, businesses, community leaders, and concerned citizens are invited.  Join us for the next volunteer meeting July 12 at 6 PM at Redemption Life Church.  Text HOPE to 882-02 to get free updates and info, or email [email protected].  

Submitted by
Justin Bradley
 
Learn About Open Door Law - July 14
    The Indiana Public Access Counselor will give a presentation about the Open Door Law on July 14 at 1:30pm at the Government Center. The meeting is open to the public and to elected officials serving on local boards.
 
Information provided by
John Worth
 
Cutest Pet Contest - Fair Week
Pet Parade 2011
    Send your photos NOW for the Cutest Pet Contest, to be held during the Franklin County fair July 18 - 22. Mail 3x5 photo to Franklin County Humane Society. PO Box # 272 Brookville, IN. 47012. Please send a self addressed, stamped envelope, if you want your photo returned. Votes are a penny a vote. Pet with highest total at the end of Friday night can chose either $50 cash or a free spay and neuter.
 
Submitted by
Corey Crawford 

Nathan Lake/IGA Cookout - July 15 & 16
 
   The Brookville IGA Cookout of Friday, July 15, and Saturday, July 16, will benefit Nathan Lake Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Franklin County Community Foundation.  Cookout will be held from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm each day.  The Scholarship recipient is a Franklin County High School student with 10 years of 4-H, active FFA member, or a Young Farmer pursuing further education.  The 2016 recipient of the scholarship is Zach Stirn.  Stop by for great burgers, rib eyes and more.
 
Submitted by 
Joyce Lake
 
Whitewater Valley Railroad - July 16  
 
    July 16 - Overland Limited Wild West Train. Jul 29 - Wild
West Train to Dinner. Aug 6 - The American Limited Civil War Train.
Tickets by calling (765) 825-2054 or at
Submitted by
William Gray, WVRR
 
Blooming Grove Firemen's Festival - July 29 & 30
    Volunteers will serve a pork chop dinner on Friday night and fried chicken on Saturday. Also kids' games, beer garden, large raffle, basket raffle. All are welcome. Blooming Grove is located on Route 1 just six miles north of Brookville, Indiana. Enjoy live music of The Wooden Spoke Band on Saturday night 8pm-12am. For more information or to volunteer, call 765-265-1007.
 
Submitted by
Brian Baxter
 
FSA County Committee Nominations - Aug. 1
    The Farm Service Agency's (FSA) 2016 County Committee Elections are underway.The nomination period began June 15, 2016 and runs through Aug. 1, 2016. You can nominate yourself or anyone of legal voting age who participates or cooperates in an FSA program.Nomination forms and other information can be found at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections.Forms must be postmarked by close of business Aug. 1, 2016. 
 
Submitted by
Lisa Hollars, Farm Service Agency
 
National Night Out/Free Event - August 2
 
    National Night Out is coming to the Blooming Grove Volunteer Fire Department on Tuesday, August 2, from
6:00 pm until 8:00 pm with a free cookout for all ages. We would like to have a great turnout of families and community organizations to show our support for the promotion of positive interaction with law enforcement.
 
Submitted by
Melinda K. Brown, BA, CPP, Executive Director Stay'in Alive
 
Chamber's Annual Golf Outing - Aug. 4
golf_event3.jpg  
    This event will take place Thursday, Aug. 4th, at Brook Hill Golf Club-12:30 pm Shotgun Start.  The cost is $60 per Brook Hill non-member and $45 per Brook Hill member. The Golf Classic is open to ALL men and women with teams consisting of four people each.  Golfers are responsible to organize and bring their own 4 person teams.  The entry fee includes golf, green fees, cart, meal, and 2 drink tickets-additional beverages available for purchase. DEADLINE: MONDAY, JULY 25.  Make Check Payable to: Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Mail to: Chamber Golf Committee, 1041 Main Street, Brookville, IN 47012.

Submitted by
Chamber of Commerce  
 
Relay For Life - August 6
Relay Flame of Hope 2013  
    Brookville Town Park, 3:00-10:00 PM. Committee Members are needed to help with planning. If you are interested, please contact Chelsey at 765-277-2104 or E-mail:  [email protected]. 

Submitted by
Chamber of Commerce 
 
Household Hazardous Waste - Aug. 6
    The final Household Hazardous Waste collection in 2016 for Franklin County will be held on August 6, 2016 from 8 am to 10 am at the Franklin County Transfer Station/Recycling & Reuse Center located at 13042 US Hwy 52 , Metamora, IN 47030 Phone 765-647-6710. Visit www.seird.org for information about HHW.
 
Submitted by
Sheila Walton, Southeastern Indiana Recycling District 
 
Register for Salsa Competition - August 6
    Do you make a mean salsa? Are you dying to get recognized for your homegrown tomatoes? The Food and Growers' Association (FGA) and Margaret Mary Health are sponsoring a salsa competition at this year's Batesville Bash on August 6th from 1-3pm, at the Village Green. No entry fee for competitors. Amateur division prizes are $50 for 1st place, $30 for 2nd, and $20 for 3rd. The winning chef will receive a plaque to hang in their restaurant. All winners will receive a one-year membership to the Food and Growers' Association. To register, please contact Kathy Cooley at 812.933.5267 or [email protected]  
  
Submitted by
Kristen Giesting
 
Class of 1961 55th Reunion - Aug. 20
    The 55th reunion of Brookville High School Class of 1961 will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at the K of C Hall, Main Street, Brookville. The cost will be $15 per person for the evening. Arrive at 5:30-6pm for meal and visiting. Other optional meeting times and places for Friday through Sunday are being planned. For any questions, please call Charles Volk 336-413-8270 or Ed Roberts 765-647-4504.
 
Submitted by
Dotti Roleson
 
Class of 1966 50th Reunion - Sept. 10
    Brookville High School Class of 1966 announced their 50th reunion. On Saturday, September 10, there will be tours of the former high school with special focus on the Memorabilia Room at the Government Center, 1010 Franklin Avenue. Dinner will follow at 6:30pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Main Street. On Sunday, September 11, classmates will meet at the Brookville Lake Overlook for a box lunch at 12noon. Cost of $30 covers all events. Invitations have already been mailed. If you have not received yours, please call Chuck Oglesby at 765-647-3623.
 
Submitted by
Chuck Oglesby
 
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