Issue 674                                                                 July 21, 2016    
Franklin County Observer

News and Events from Franklin County, Indiana       

In This Issue
County Commissioners - July 18, 2016
Vote Centers for Franklin County
The Future of Voting in Indiana
Franklin County Democrats Send Local Delegate to Convention
Do's and Don'ts of the Open Door Law
Candidate Filing for School Board Office
Around the County
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County Commissioners - July 18, 2016
  • Commissioner Eric Roberts complained about giving holiday pay to an employee who quit three weeks before. He also raised other payroll issues.
  • Commissioners questioned results of the pavement study of county roads.
FORMER WORKER STILL ON THE PAYROLL
& RECEIVING HOLIDAY PAY
    The commissioners routinely review payroll reports before they approve paying county employees. During this week's review, Commissioner Eric Roberts saw multiple problems. First, he questioned why a new employee was being paid for the July 4th holiday, when the county's policy is that an employee must be employed for 90 days before being paid for holidays. Auditor Steve Brack confirmed this is the rule.
    Second, Commissioner Roberts questioned why an employee who quit in mid-June was being paid for the July 4th holiday. He pointed out that as long as the former employee remained on the payroll, the employee was a liability to the county and could file a workmen's compensation claim.
    Commissioner Tom Linkel initially replied, "They deserve the holiday." Commissioner Tom Wilson said, "Some people get paid out and some don't." He stated that no one would be hired until the former employee had collected their unused vacation pay. He said, "That money is gone. The time catches up." He added the employee has "got to be paid."
    Commissioner Linkel agreed that if a former employee is still getting paid, they deserve the holiday.
     Commissioner Roberts complained, "So they can soak us for another month of insurance and another holiday. Now we paid their July insurance- $2,000 more down the drain."
    Auditor Brack explained the office procedure to pay an employee for their unused vacation time in a lump sum.
    County Administrator Carol Westerman explained that employees pay their portion of the health insurance in advance. Payments in May would cover health insurance in June. What was not explained was how the county's portion of the health care insurance is handled.
    Third, Commissioner Roberts complained that the employee's exit form was not filled out nor sent to the auditor or the county administrator, so that they would know the employee was no longer employed.
    Fourth, Commissioner Roberts debated with Commissioner Linkel about what was meant by "separation date." Was it the last day the employee worked or when they got their final paycheck? Commissioner Roberts wants to pay an employee on "their last day right then." Commissioner Linkel agreed, but said they would have to pass an official county policy to that effect.
    Fifth, Commissioner Roberts proposed that employees must sign an exit form when they quit and that simple act could save money for the county on unemployment claims.
 Commissioner Wilson agreed to consider a policy change, as long as a new employee was not hired until after the former employee received their last paycheck.
   Lastly, Commissioner Roberts alerted the auditor that a part time jailer had been hired as a full time employee and to compute overtime as appropriate.
 
PAVEMENT STUDY QUESTIONED
     In May, the commissioners hired Shawn Strange of First Group Engineering to do a pavement study (PASER) of county roads and they have repeatedly been asking for his final report. That report is required so that the county can qualify for grant money from the state for road repairs.
     At this meeting, County Engineer Ted Cooley gave the commissioners a summary of the 150-page final report and they immediately criticized the results. Commissioner Roberts pointed out an error regarding Blue Creek Bridge near US 52. The map in the report was so small that it was only possible to clearly see the color-coded status of roads. The eastern part of the county has the largest number of deteriorated roads, which are colored red.
     Commissioner Wilson questioned how Mr. Strange determined the road ratings. Roads received a number score to indicate whether they are in good or poor condition. The average rating for all Franklin County roads is 5.36 on a scale from zero to 10, with 10 being the best rating.
   Commissioner Wilson also disagreed with which roads were designated as major connector roads. Mentioned as major connector roads were St. Mary's, St. Peters, Blue Creek, Fairfield Causeway, Vanetta, Buena Vista and Hamburg Road. These are the roads most likely to receive grant money for repairs, since they have higher traffic counts. Commissioner Wilson said Vanetta was not a major road.
   Commissioner Wilson said that he disagreed with the pavement study for his part of the county stating, "In my district, I know which roads need repairs." He wanted 
to apply for grant funding, based on his own observation rather than the pavement study. "I know which ones I will make an application for."
    Mr. Cooley agreed to apply for funding for the roads that Commissioner Wilson wanted in his district.
   Commissioner Roberts cautioned, "No. We have to go by an honest PASER rating... we need to adjust our [repair] list to his [PASER] list." He added that if the other commissioners wanted to repave a road that is already rated in good condition, they should rethink their plans.
   Mr. Cooley said that the county's application for grant money has to match with the pavement study, if the county is going to be successful in getting any grant money.
   Commissioner Roberts talked about his plans for repairing Drewersburg Road and Liberty Pike. He said that Liberty Pike has narrowed by two feet on each side of the road, because the asphalt crumbled at the edges.
   Mr. Strange will be asked to attend the next commissioner meeting to explain his pavement study report.
 
NORTH END OF STREETCAR ROAD CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
   The commissioners voted unanimously to "vacate", or close as a public way, the north end of Streetcar Road. Attorney Tammy Davis presented the request on behalf of property owner Michael Rose. His reason for the closure was "safety." He owns all of the property surrounding Streetcar Road at the point of the closure. Ms. Davis published notice of the request to vacate and reported there was no opposition from nearby residents. Mr. Rose answered the commissioners' questions about where the school bus and county snowplow currently turn around on Streetcar Road. No one spoke against the closure.
 
FINAL WORK ON BATESVILLE AREA RESOURCE CENTER
   The commissioners voted to support the Batesville Area Resource Center (BARC) in its application for $100,000 in federal grants. BARC Vice-President Dr. Jere Schoettmer addressed the commissioners about plans to finish the center. BARC already houses a free health care center. The next steps include opening a food pantry and adding other services that provide "one-stop assistance" to those in need. Dr. Schoettmer reassured the commissioners that she was not asking them for money. The final work will be paid exclusively by donations and grants. BARC is located on Huntersville Road behind the Batesville Intermediate School. Donations can be sent to BARC, PO Box 55, Batesville, IN 47006.
 
MINIMUM AMOUNT FOR INVESTIGATION/PROSECUTION
   Although a new Indiana law required the commissioners to take action before July 1 to set a minimum amount for investigation and possible prosecution of a loss, they did so on July 18. The State Board of Accounts recommended $500 as the amount. After several weeks of discussion, the commissioners established $100 as the amount for which an employee will be held accountable for any missing money. The Indiana code also requires that county employees receive training about internal controls to prevent loss.
 
PUBLIC COMMENT
     John Estridge questioned Commissioner Wilson about not asking Auditor Steve Brack to resign, as Commissioner Wilson threatened to do unless problems were resolved in the auditor's office by this meeting. Commissioner Wilson said that Treasurer Veronica Voelker reported improvements in electronic fund transfers and bank accounts. Commissioner Wilson said that Auditor Brack has hired a new employee and is "caught up."
 
OTHER BUSINESS
    The commissioners approved minutes, claims and payroll. They awarded a contract to Zimmer Tractor for $23,495 for a new side-mount mower for the Highway Department in Commissioner Wilson's district. They delayed action again on a new ordinance on unkempt/unsafe buildings while their attorney updates the language to comply with recent legislation.
 
The next meeting is Monday, August 1, at 10am.
 
Reported by
Sara Duffy
Vote Centers for Franklin County

   "Franklin County is in the exciting process of transforming into a vote center county," says a letter from County Clerk Karla Bauman to the Franklin County Commissioners. Commissioner Tom Wilson read the letter aloud at the July 18 commissioner meeting.
   Commissioner Roberts volunteered to serve on a committee along with political party chairmen, the election board, poll workers, voters, and a county councilmember, who will plan the transition process.
   In a previous interview, Clerk Bauman said that the commissioners, county council and the election board would have to agree to make the change from voting at precinct to voting at centralized vote centers. The earliest this change would occur is the primary election in 2018.
   In her letter, Clerk Bauman said, "We feel that this innovative new voting system will not only be easier but also more convenient for Franklin County voters."
     Attached to the letter was a 2010 study of the three test vote centers in Indiana, prepared by the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University. The study concluded:
  • "Vote centers do not, by themselves, increase voter turnout." Placing vote centers at shopping malls and groceries, and allowing voters to vote before Election Day, did result in people voting in advance.
  • Vote centers saved money.
  • 80% of voters at the test sites preferred vote centers. Those who were dissatisfied had long wait times.
Reported by
Sara Duffy
REPRINT: The Future of Voting in Indiana
 
   "A vote center is a polling place where any eligible voter in the county may go to vote," according to the Indiana Election Division website.
   In 2007, three Indiana counties began testing vote centers as a new way for saving money and for offering voters more options on Election Day. In 2011, the legislature allowed all counties to move to vote centers. Since then, 30 out of 92 Indiana counties filed plans with the state to make the change.
   Franklin County Clerk Karla Bauman's office oversees local elections. She recently provided information about her proposal for vote centers in Franklin County.
   Currently, voters go to one of 23 precincts to cast a ballot on Election Day. With vote centers, a voter can cast a ballot at any vote center in the county. Clerk Bauman envisioned five vote centers with one in the center of the county and one in each of the four corners of the county. The only location Clerk Bauman mentioned was the county fairgrounds, because it is centrally located and has ample parking.
   To make this change, there must first be support from the county commissioners, county council and the election board. When Clerk Bauman previously approached the commissioners about vote centers, one commissioner was not in favor of the idea. He commented that vote centers could decrease voter turnout. Clerk Bauman offered her viewpoint that vote centers should increase turnout, because voters are not limited to voting at the precinct near their home.
   Second, county council would have to appropriate about $50,000 to $60,000 for new equipment. Clerk Bauman plans to ask for this additional money in the 2017 budget. Her office would begin in 2017 to be ready for vote centers in 2018.
   New electronic voting machines would be necessary, because the county currently has only 24. Each vote center would need about 15 electronic voting machines for a total of 75.
   Vote centers require "secure internet" to operate. Election records have to be instantly available, because voters can go to any vote center and their data has to be accessible. Instantaneous access and updating of an "electronic poll book" would also prevent a person from voting at more than one location.
   A special high-speed printer would also have to be purchased for each vote center for "ballot on demand." Rather than printing stacks of paper ballots in advance of Election Day for each precinct, a voter's unique ballot would be printed at the vote center on Election Day. The voter's driver license would be scanned into the system, which would automatically print the proper ballot. The printer would require programming for all of the various races within the county.
   According to Clerk Bauman, there are several benefits to changing to vote centers, including cutting back on staffing, saving money in the future, and improving locations.
   Clerk Bauman talked about how hard it is to find poll workers, who are willing and able to work 14 hours or longer on Election Day. She estimated that using vote centers would cut in half the number of election workers.
   Vote centers would save money currently spent on renting 24 polling places and on printing stacks of ballots in advance.
   Currently, there are challenges in securing good locations for voting. The Butler Township location has no phone service. Another location has to be cleaned before it is opened to the public.
   If county council approves money in the 2017 budget, Clerk Bauman can begin the transition. The earliest that the county could move to vote centers is 2018. "This is where elections are going," predicted Clerk Bauman.
   Fayette County switched to vote centers for the 2011 election and then changed back to precinct voting in 2012. Fayette County Clerk Melinda Sudhoff explained that they found the paperwork from vote centers was "not conducive" to doing the recount of the 2011 mayoral election. On the other hand, Clerk Sudhoff said that voters liked being able to vote for an entire week before Election Day at the vote centers. She added that Fayette County may return to vote centers at some time in the future after her term of office ends in 2018.
   To learn more about vote centers, visit  http://www.in.gov/sos/elections/3574.htm.
 
Reported by
Sara Duffy
Franklin County Democrats 
Send Local Delegate to Convention
 
    Christina Persson, a Franklin County resident, will be attending the 2016 Democratic convention next week as a Bernie Sanders delegate. Ms. Persson said that up until last year, she had not been greatly involved in Democratic politics, but won her delegate position as a result of her efforts for Bernie Sanders. Mr. Sanders won the Indiana Democratic primary in May and will have 44 pledged delegates from the state voting for him on the first ballot at the national convention next week. Ms. Persson will be one of them.
   Her reasons for supporting Mr. Sanders are varied. She dates her enthusiasm to the first time she heard him speak, and thought, "Someone else thinks the way I do!"  Bernie's support for universal health care was especially important for her. She thinks that it is wrong to make a profit from human illness. She contrasts the American system of accessing health care through an expensive, complicated insurance industry to what she experienced while living in Sweden for a year. There, she said, if she felt unwell, she could go any facility and be treated quickly and well for free. She said that she had been disappointed in Obamacare and hoped that the Democratic party will embrace full universal coverage, including coverage for mental health, in the near future.
    Bernie's contention that US public colleges should be free for all students also struck a chord with her. Again, she cited her personal experience in Sweden, where universities are tuition-free. She presently works as an English as a Second Language teacher at the Whitewater Career Center in Connersville. She appreciates her education but says her student loans, with a rate of 6.8%, are "killing me financially." She notes that Obama has suggested free tuition at community colleges and hopes that Democratic policy on education will extend to four-year schools too.
    The other issues raised by Mr. Sanders and supported by Ms. Persson are the $15 an hour minimum wage and a pro-active policy to combat climate change. She said that she thinks people are mistaken when they say that getting government out of our lives would be best. In her opinion, government's function is to protect our rights as citizens, including the right to a living wage, health care and education.
    When asked what she will do if Hillary Clinton is nominated on the first ballot, which seems likely, Ms. Persson said that she would spend the rest of her time at the convention working toward improving the platform. She said that she had already been in contact with Clinton delegates via phone calls and emails in an effort to shift the party platform to the left. She wants to work with other Sanders delegates to hold Candidate Clinton to the party platform positions during the campaign. She says that 45% of the national Democratic primary electorate voted for Bernie Sanders and thus, his views should be represented.
    According to Ms. Persson, the volatility of this year's political campaigns shows that people are crying out for a change. She said she wants to vote "not for things as they are." After the convention, she plans to stay active in local Democratic politics.
 
Reported by
Monica Yane
Do's and Don'ts of the Open Door Law
 
   For ninety minutes on July 14, the audience listened to and asked questions of Indiana Public Access Counselor Luke Britt about the Open Door Law (ODL) and the Access to Public Records Act. Franklin County commissioners' attorney John Worth had invited Mr. Britt to speak to elected officials and the public.
   Several issues arose in previous months leading up to Mr. Worth making the invitation to Mr. Britt. In January, Mr. Britt ruled that the Franklin County commissioners violated the Open Door Law based upon a complaint that was filed by Mildred I. Simmermeyer. In late April, the commissioners tightened their rules about public comments during meetings. In May, there was some confusion when a county council special session was announced as an "administrative session" instead of as a "meeting". In June, John Estridge questioned two commissioners about a possible violation of the Open Door Law.
   The purpose of the Open Door Law is to fully inform the public about the operation of the government, said Mr. Britt. He quoted part of the preamble of the ODL: "The government is the servant of the people, not the master."
   Mr. Britt provided both general information for the public and detailed instructions for the elected officials present. He said that the ODL applies "whenever of a majority of a governing body gathers to discuss public business." Mr. Britt explained the rules for public meetings and the exceptions for private executive sessions. The public agency must notify the public 48 hours in advance of a meeting by posting a notice at the location of the meeting.
   According to the ODL, the public can only observe. "The public has no right to speak at a public meeting," said Mr. Britt. Many public officials do allow for public comment and he called that practice "a good idea." He also said that government bodies could limit the number of speakers and the time allotted. He recommended changing the venue if the space can't accommodate a large crowd in some manner, including watching the meeting via video monitors in another room.
   The public has a right to hear what is said during the meeting. Mr. Britt called it "good governance, good customer service" to accommodate those who are hard of hearing by using amplification. Failure to do so, could lead to a civil rights lawsuit.
   In answer to a question from Mrs. Simmermeyer, Mr. Britt explained that his office can give written advice, but they have "no teeth" to punish a violation of the ODL. He admitted that his office "depends on the media to enforce the law." Betty Lecher called the action of his office against violators to be "a slap on the hand."
   Mr. Britt said that a citizen could file a civil law suit against a public official for a violation of the ODL.
 
MEETING CONDUCT
   Whispering between two county council members during a meeting "looks really bad," said Mr. Britt in answer to a question. But, it is not a violation of ODL, because it does not involve a majority of the council. Mr. Britt said that even though an action does not violate the letter of the law, it could violate the spirit of the law.
   Texting, or chatting online, about county business by elected officials during a public meeting violates the ODL. The officials are there to conduct business in public view.
   Public officials cannot vote by referring to an agenda number and not explain what the agenda item is. Public policy changes must be discussed or explained before a vote is taken. The same advice applies to the dollar amounts of contracts. Mr. Britt said the public has a right to know, because "it's their money."
 
ACCESS TO PUBLIC RECORDS ACT
   Mr. Britt explained that anything generated or maintained by government agencies is a public record. That includes emails of public officials. He warned, "Don't put anything in writing that you don't want to be on the front page of the newspaper."
   Public officials may use a private email account, if they do not have a government email account or in other situations. Mr. Britt recommended getting an email account on the government server. He advised public officials not to use private email to avoid the ODL. He noted that the public may request to see emails from an elected official's private account related to government business.
   Most public records must be provided to the citizen upon request. Some are confidential and cannot be disclosed, such as medical records. There is also a gray area of discretionary records that a public agency can choose whether or not to release. He gave the example of law enforcement choosing to publish information to help an investigation.
   "Deliberative records" do not have to be released and he gave the example of the governor discussing a controversial issue with his staff, before a decision is made. He indicated that public officials are able to discuss issues with their staff. It is at the government's discretion to decide whether to release the deliberative information.
   Mr. Britt told the public officials present to maintain public records "in a manner free from destruction and alteration" and to follow the state rules for how long to keep them. That also applies to public business on a private email account.
   Mrs. Simmermeyer asked Mr. Britt's opinion about an exchange of gravel for fill dirt that she claimed was not included in the county records. Mr. Britt said that an in-kind exchange should be recorded and transparent to the public. He added, "There is no reason to hide that type of thing unless there is something untoward about it."
     For more information or to read published opinions of the Public Access Counselor, visit http://www.in.gov/pac.

Reported by
Sara Duffy
CANDIDATE FILING FOR 
SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE

    Karla J. Bauman, Franklin Circuit Court Clerk, advises that July 27, 2016 is the first day that an individual may file a petition of nomination and consent for a school board member.
    Friday, August 26, 2016, by NOON, is the deadline to file a petition for a school board office for the General Election.
If you have questions, please call the Clerk's office at 765-647-5111 ext. 3. The following School Board offices will be on the General Ballot:

FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION:
District 1- One Member
District 2- One Member
District 3- One Member
District 4- One Member

UNION COUNTY/COLLEGE CORNER JOINT SCHOOL DISTRICT:
Harrison Township, Union County School District 
(Bath Twp.)
Center Township, Union County School District (Bath Twp.)
Harmony Township, Union County School District 
(Bath Twp.)
(Candidates will file in Union County)

BATESVILLE COUMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION:
District 3- Two Members
(Candidates will file in Ripley County)

Submitted by
Franklin County Clerk
Around The County
 
Bluegrass Night - July 23
   See Mike Wheeler & Friends at the Metamora Opry Barn on Saturday, July 23. Doors open at 6; show begins at 6:30. $8 at the door. Food available for purchase on site. Bluegrass/ Americana music with a mix of traditional and original material. Metamora Opry Barn is located at 19189 Pennington Road, where US 52 meets the Whitewater Canal and the Whitewater Valley Railroad just west of Metamora, Indiana's Canal Town.
 
Submitted by
Metamora Music

Chamber's Golf Outing - July 25 Deadline
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 

Go Ivy Day - July 28
 
   Ivy Tech Community College Richmond's Go Ivy Day at the Franklin County Brookville Library will be July 28 10am-3pm. Information about applying for admission and financial aid, using high school dual credits, and enrolling in classes. For additional information, contact Stephanie at 765-966-2656, ext. 1245 or [email protected].
 
Submitted by
Stephanie Hill Alexander, MA Ed

Farmers' Market - July 29
 
    Clyde the camel will be returning to the Brookville farmers' market on Friday July 29. Clyde appeared earlier in the season and was such a hit it was decided to bring him back. Clyde is very tame and lovable. We invited everyone to come join the fun and have agree hot dog and drink.
    The market is open from 3:30 to 7pm every Friday at the south end of Brookville at the pet grooming parking lot. The market has fresh vegetables, brown eggs, baked goods, flowers jellies and crafts, among other items. 
 
Submitted by
Darlene Kohlsdorf
 
Blooming Grove Volunteer 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
 
Want to do lunch? - July 29    
   Let the Brookville Middle School librarians serve you delicious grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and rib eyes on Friday, July 29th, from 11-2, at the Brookville IGA. Proceeds support BMS Media Center programs, such as author visits and ice cream parties to celebrate reading accomplishments. Come and be a part of this fun cookout, while helping to fund essential reading programs for Brookville's students.

Submitted by
Beth Wade

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
 
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
 
FCHS Parent Information Night - Aug. 11
   There will be a Parent Information Night held at Franklin County High School on Thursday, August 11, from 6:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m. featuring two dozen different topics. Childcare and refreshments will be available. Watch for more information about this event. If you have any questions, please contact Kim Lang at [email protected], Geannie Hensel at [email protected], or Sara Shaver at [email protected] or 765-647-4101 x1218.
 
Submitted by
Sara Shaver

Shakespeare in the Park - Aug. 19
   The Franklin County Arts Council is bringing the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company's "Shakespeare in the Park Series" to Franklin County on Friday, August 19 for a performance of the comedy, "A Midsummer Night's Dream."  The show will take place at 7:00 p.m. at THIRD PLACE in Brookville and is FREE to the public, thanks to a generous donation by Mick and Jenny Wilz. The event is in conjunction with Main Street, Inc.'s "Main Street Night" and is to be held under the stars, rain or shine. Those attending are asked to bring their own chairs, and craft oven-fired pizza and beverages will be available for purchase beginning at 5:00, prior to the show.
 
Submitted by
Patti Wilhelm
 
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 Farmhouse in Metamora. 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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