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Council Frustrated with Commissioners
FATE OF MILLION DOLLAR MATCH UNKNOWN
At Tuesday night's county council meeting, council president Becky Oglesby reported on the status of the grant application for funding of road and bridge projects. The state of Indiana is offering a 50-50 match for projects totaling up to one million dollars. Ms. Oglesby reported that she had sent the required letter of support to the state in time for the July 29 deadline. However, she was uncertain if the commissioners had filed all the required paperwork for the grant. Councilman Daryl Kramer worried that the application had not been filed, noting, "As of Monday, they were still discussing which projects they want to do."
Councilman Keith Hall said that at the last commissioners' meeting, Commissioner Wilson took exception to the choice of roads marked out as top priority in the recently completed pavement study (the PASER), which is required to qualify for the grant. Mr. Hall mentioned a statement from Mr. Wilson taken from the Observer: "In my district, I know which roads need repair." No one on council was sure that the commissioners had met the deadline for the application by sending in the required paperwork, but Ms. Oglesby noted that council had themselves acted responsibly, saying, "We provided the money, and that's all we can do."
COUNCIL TABLES REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR WOLF CREEK BRIDGE REPAIR
Council members had questions about a request from the commissioners for additional funds totaling $140,000 for the repair of the Wolf Creek Bridge. Councilman Hall complained that there was no "bidding record" accompanying the request. In addition, council wanted a more detailed description of the costs, and lamented the absence of any of the commissioners at the meeting. Mr. Hall noted that Commissioner Linkel's father had recently passed away and that he could certainly understand the commissioner's absence. Council decided to table the request until the next council meeting on August 23.
Council also objected to a request for a transfer of funds for the landscaping of Lew Wallace Park next to the government building. Their complaint was that the work had already been completed before the request was made. Mr. Hall said that acting before the funds are secured is not an example of "good governance." In addition, council had questions about which fund was being tapped to pay for the project. Ms. Oglesby said that she would write the commissioners a letter regarding council's objections.
BUDGET WORKSHOP BEGINS AUGUST 9TH
Each year, council meets over several days to review the 2017 needs of county government and bring costs into alignment with county revenue. This year, the workshop will begin at 9:00am on August 9. To help with budgeting, President Oglesby has requested an inventory of equipment from the commissioners and the sheriff, including the make, year and condition of county vehicles.
Mr. Kramer asked that an evening session be held so as to facilitate public input. He added that the local fire departments had also requested an evening meeting, to explain their requests for budget increases from public safety tax revenue. Council voted to hold an evening session on Thursday, August 11, at 7:00 pm in the Government Center.
The next regular council meeting will be on Aug. 23 at 7:00 pm.
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Relay For Life This Saturday
Come to Brookville Town Park on Saturday, August 6, 3pm to 10pm to enjoy the activities and to support Franklin County's Relay for Life. There will be a special lap for public safety members at 5 pm. This includes EMS, Fire, Police, Sheriff, etc. Be sure to wear apparel supporting your department
Ten teams of 37 participants have already raised $7,086 in pre-Relay events. Please join a team or make a donation. Saving lives from cancer starts one team, one participant, one dollar at a time. To make an on-line donation to any Relay team, go to http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=72603&pg=entry Bring a canned good for the luminaria bags and the canned goods will be donated to Works of Mercy.
Relay Schedule
3 pm Opening and Registration
3 pm to 8 pm Silent Auction
3:30 pm Survivor / Caregiver Lap & Birthday Party (Shilling Center)
3:30 to 6 pm Music - The Monsters and the Critics
4 pm Community Chicken Dinner (Shelter House)
5 pm Corn Hole Tournament
5 pm Public Safety Lap
6 pm Zumba with Lorna Jones
6 to 7 pm Music - Nick Winters
6:45 pm Anytime Fitness Boot Camp (all skill levels)
8:30 pm Lighting of the Luminarias
9:15 pm Luminaria Ceremony (slideshow with music)
10 pm Closing Ceremony (Final lap together)
Submitted by
Dawn Gindling
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Franklin County High School
Monday, August 1, 11:30am to 8:00pm
Tuesday, August 2, 7:30am to 4:00pm
Wednesday, August 3, 7:30am to 4:00pm
Thursday, August 4, 11:30am to 8:00pm
Laurel School - Mt. Carmel School
Brookville Elementary - Brookville Middle School
Monday, August 1, 8:00am to 3:00pm
Tuesday, August 2, 8:00am to 6:00pm
Wednesday, August 3, 8:00am to 3:00pm
Submitted by
Franklin County Community School Corporation
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Parent Information Night
Franklin County High School
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. We would love if you would attend. There will be many different information sessions. Some of the sessions that are going to be offered are:
- 21st Century Scholars
- Academic Support at FCHS
- Applying to College
- Athletic Information
- Chromebooks for Parents
- Dress Code and Attendance Policies
- Dual Credit = FREE college
- FCHS Food Pantry
- FCHS- Get Involved!
- Financial Aid Applications
- Graduation Info
- How the MCATZ Can Help Your Freshman
- How to earn credits and a Diploma
- ISTEP/ ECA testing
- JAG & its benefits
- Keeping Your Student Athlete Healthy
- Nurse Bischoff- Kinda Like a Doctor
- PLATO- Earn Credits On-Line
- PowerSchool
- ACT/ SAT/ PSAT test info
- Special Education at FCHS
- Transitioning to FCHS
- Work permits and legislation
- Whitewater Technical Career Center
- Wildcat Rhythm
More sessions may become available and are subject to change. There will be childcare and refreshments available.
Submitted by
Kim Lang, Geannie Hensel and Sara Shaver
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Get Your Nominations In!
Nominations for the Franklin County Community Foundation's Alfred C. Brown Humanitarian Award will close soon. The deadline for nominations is 4:00 PM on Wednesday, August 3. Nomination forms are available at www.franklincountyindiana.com. Individuals or couples may now be nominated for the Humanitarian award. Citizens residing outside of Franklin County may be nominated; however, the selection is based on efforts and accomplishments within Franklin County. We will keep nominations in the selection pool for three years to allow you to make different nominations each year.
The nomination form asks for the following information:
- Name and address of the nominee(s).
- Information about the person submitting the nomination.
- A list of activities, service, and memberships of the nominee(s). Number of years involved and offices held (if known).
- A brief description of how these activities significantly enhance the quality of life in Franklin County.
Nominations will be confidential. Award recipient will be notified prior to the Al Brown Humanitarian Award Dinner on October 29. For more information, call (765) 647-6810 or e-mail fcfoundation@yahoo.com. Submitted by
Shelly Lunsford, Executive Director
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Dairy Producers Can Enroll Today
to Protect Milk Production Margins
Enrollment for dairy producers for 2017 coverage in the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy) began July 1 and ends on September 30, 2016. The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides financial assistance to participating dairy producers when the margin - the difference between the price of milk and feed costs - falls below the coverage level selected by the producer.
The Margin Protection Program gives participating dairy producers the flexibility to select coverage levels best suited for their operation. The online resource, available at www.fsa.usda.gov/mpptool, allows dairy farmers to quickly and easily combine unique operation data and other key variables to calculate their coverage needs based on price projections.
Also July 1, 2016, FSA began accepting applications for inter-generational transfers, allowing program participants who added an adult child, grandchild or spouse to the operation during calendar year 2014 or 2015, or between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2016, to increase production history by the new cows bought into the operation by the new family members. For inter-generational transfers occurring on or after July 1, 2016, notification to FSA must be made within 60 days of purchasing the additional cows.
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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
Stayin' Alive and Franklin County Law Enforcement Agencies invite you to participate in the 33rd Annual National Night Out on Tuesday, August 2. The free cookout begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Blooming Grove Volunteer Fire Department. National Night Out is the annual event for which citizens, community groups, and law enforcement agencies join forces against crime. For more information, please call 765-647-7272 or visit www.stayinalive24.org.
Submitted by
Melinda K. Brown, BA, CPP, Executive Director Stayin' Alive
Free Monarch Butterfly Program - Aug. 3 Date: Wed. August 3, 6:30 pm - 8:00pm What: A fun-filled evening celebrating one of our prettiest pollinators: the Monarch Butterfly. The numbers of monarch butterflies are dropping dramatically. The good news is there are things each of us can do to reverse this trend! `The evening will include a PowerPoint presentation and a short hike through some milkweed meadows to see all stages of the monarchs life cycle. Submitted by Chris Fox, SWCD District Coordinator/Treasurer Baby Shower - Aug. 4 The Pregnancy Help Center in Brookville would like to invite all expecting women due between September 2016 and February 2017 to our BABY SHOWER on Thursday, August 4 at 7 pm. Fun for all. Gifts, games, and food. Submitted by Lyn Weidner Summer Band Performs - Aug. 5  See your Franklin County Summer Band in their final performance before the State Fair. On Friday August 5, there will be a community performance at the band's practice field in the grassy area across from Franklin County High School's main entrance. Third Place will be selling wood-fired pizzas starting at 5 pm. The band will take the field at 6 pm. Bring a lawn chair, eat some pizza and see the band perform their show PULSE~Nothing happens until something moves! If you would like to donate cookies, bags of chips, snacks, fruit, or anything else prepackaged, please drop off at the band room. Thank you for your support! Submitted by
Brookville Needs Your Input - Aug. 6
The Town of Brookville would like your input on walking within our Town. HWC Engineering will be hosting a walkability workshop on Saturday, August 6 from 9 am to 12 noon at the Brookville public Library, 919 Main Street. Input is appreciated from residents and business owners on the general ability to walk around the town, current obstacles to walking, areas of concern, and future opportunities. Some time will also be spent physically walking around portions of the community.
Submitted by
Todd Thackery
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
Salsa Competition, Tasting & Dancing - August 6  Do you make a mean salsa? Are you dying to get recognized for your Homegrown Tomatoes? Then enter your Salsa and win cash prizes. It's not too late to register. Contact Kathy Cooley for the competition at 812.933.5267 or email kathy.cooley@mmhealth.org. Judging of the competitors will be done by the public. Taste all the salsas for just $1 from 1:30 to 2:30. During the Salsa Competition, come watch and learn to Salsa Dance with professional Salsa Dancers from Latin Expressions Dance Company. Free lessons 1pm - 3pm.
The Batesville Bash runs from 8:00am to 11:00pm with events all day beginning with the Farmers Market, demonstrations, corn eating contest, salsa making contest, salsa dancing, Kid's Zone games, The Fastest Kid in Town contest, local music, beer garden, food, to finally, two major regional bands to end the day. Come to Batesville Bash!
Submitted by
Deanna Hookway
BMV Discount Day at State Fair - Aug. 11
Once again the Bureau of Motor Vehicles offers Hoosiers half-priced admission on Thursday, August 11. You, your friends and family can be admitted to the fair for $6 each. All you have to do is visit myBMV.com, print the myBMV.com Discount Day coupon and present it at the fair.
Submitted by
Kent Abernathy, Commissioner, Indiana BMV
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
Wild Wild West Weekend Coming Up 
Main Street Brookville, Inc. is sponsoring three events in August for Wild Wild West! All three are free and we are encouraging everyone to dress in western wear! The first 30 kids to arrive will receive a free cowboy hat!
Friday, August 19 7 pm to 10 pm
Heather Roush Band performs at the Brookville Tire Mart Lot, located at 653 Main Street
Friday, August 19 7 pm to 9 pm
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company's performance of "A Midsummer's Night Dream"
Third Place, 734 Main St
Saturday, August 20 7 pm to 10 pm
Brent James and The Vintage Youth Band playing at
Third Place, 734 Main St
Submitted by
Barbara Vonderheide
Drewersburg Volunteer Fire Department Smoked Pork Chop Supper - Aug. 20 DVFD will be having a Smoked Pork Chop Supper on Saturday, August 20th from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Station #2 in Mt. Carmel. Dinner includes green beans, scalloped potatoes, slaw, applesauce, dessert, and drink. Submitted by Todd Frondorf
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 K of C Hall in 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
St. Michael's Catholic Church Fall Fest
Saturday, September 10, 2016, 4-10 PM. Smoked Pork Chop Dinner Served 4-8 PM. Live music by "Crossroads Country Band" 7-10 PM
Sunday, September 11, 2016, 11 AM - 7 PM. Family Style Chicken Dinners Served 11 AM - 3 PM. Live music by "My Brothers Keeper" 1PM - 3 PM. Beer Garden, Monte Carlo, Instant Bingo, Country Market, Raffles, Yard Sale, Silent Auction, Children's Games. For more information, call 765-647-5462.
Submitted by
Laurie Mayleben
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The Franklin County Observer
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