Observer Extras
The links below will help to make the Observer even more useful to you and your family and friends "Archive" gives you access to about one year of past issues of the Observer. You can catch up on something you missed or check on the details of a previous meeting. "Forward" lets you email the current issue of the Observer to anyone you'd like to share it with. Just click on "forward" and enter the email address.
|
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.
|
The Observer will also help spread the word about events sponsored by community groups and non-profit organizations. You can email The Observer a brief announcement and we will try to publish it on a timely basis. You can help us spread the word too! Just click the "Forward email" button at the bottom and send this message to the people you think should be reading the Observer.
|
|
|
|
|
Public Safety Income Tax for Public Safety?
In the first full day of the 2017 budget meetings on August 9, Franklin County Council discussed Sheriff Ken Murphy's requests for a pay raise for the department, additional deputies, and four more patrol cars. The county had previously adopted a new Public Safety Income Tax that will provide more revenue. Sheriff Murphy suggested that part of the revenue should be spent on improving public safety. In support of the sheriff's request, several deputies attended the budget meeting. Sheriff Murphy made the point that the county is losing officers to surrounding areas that pay more. That includes the Brookville Police Department. The sheriff also mentioned that some senior officers are planning to retire.
Commissioner Tom Wilson requested permission to hire three additional truck drivers, which would increase the number from 11 to 14. He also asked for funds to rent additional trucks for the Highway Department. He reported that a Highway Department secretary would retire in March of 2017.
In discussing future funding for the Cemetery Commission, council suggested that the commission ask township trustees for money to maintain the cemeteries. It was noted Whitewater Township Trustee Roy Hall is already providing money for that township's cemeteries.
No votes were taken about any of the requests. Council also heard from other county departments and the budget meetings will continue this week.
Submitted by Mildred I. Simmermeyer |
|
2016 Relay for Life in Pictures
Survivors' Walk
Walking the track.
 Six-year-old cancer survivor Quintin Richardson.
Franklin County Class of 2018 - one of the Relay Teams.
Submitted by Kathy O'Bryan |
|
Celebrating Indiana Homesteads
 In honor of Indiana's rich agricultural heritage, the Hoosier Homestead Award Program recognizes families that have made significant contributions to Indiana agriculture.The program was instituted in 1976 and recognizes the impact these family farms have made to the economic, cultural and social advancements of Indiana. In the past 30 years, more than 5,000 farms have received the honor.
To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres or produce more than $1,000 of agricultural products per year. The award distinctions recognized are Centennial, Sesquicentennial and Bicentennial - for 100, 150 and 200 years respectively.
Recently, several farms in Senate District 42 were recognized by this program:
- The Amberger Farm in Franklin County received a Centennial Award.
- The Bruns Farm in Ripley County received a Sesquicentennial Award.
- The Creighton Porter Farm in Fayette County received a Bicentennial Award.
- The Jeff and Jill Koch Farm in Franklin County received a Sesquicentennial Award.
- The Leising Farm in Franklin County received a Sesquicentennial Award.
- The Meyer Farm in Franklin County received a Centennial Award.
- The Meek Farm in Rush County received a Centennial Award.
There are two Hoosier Homestead ceremonies each year. One is at the Statehouse in March and the other is during the State Fair in August. The deadline to apply for the March ceremony is Dec. 1 and the deadline to apply for the August ceremony is May 1. I encourage anyone whose family farm qualifies for a Hoosier Homestead Award to fill out the application, which can be found at www.in.gov/isda/2337.htm. I have always been proud of my farming heritage, and was pleased to see that my family farm was recognized this year. Indiana farmers have a lot to be proud of, and I look forward to this award program continuing to honor the importance of hard work, dedication and patience demonstrated by farming families and communities across the state.
Submitted by
State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg)
|
|
SR 1 Closed at Greendale for 60 Days
The Indiana Department of Transportation closed State Road 1 Monday morning (AUGUST 8) between Nowlin Road and Ridge Road at Greendale for up to 60 days. Its contractor will replace a drainage structure for a tributary of Tanners Creek-0.69 miles north of U.S. 50. A signed detour routes motorists around the closure via U.S. Highway 50, Interstate 74 and S.R. 46.
Submitted by
Indiana Department of Transportation
|
Batesville Police Announces Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign
The Franklin/Ripley County Traffic Safety Partnership (TSP) announced today its participation in the national and statewide 2016 Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement mobilization occurring August 12 through September 5, 2016. Officers will join more than 250 state and local law enforcement agencies, and thousands more across the country, to conduct high-visibility patrols encouraging drivers against drinking and driving.
"Ensuring drivers and their passengers are safe on the road is one of our key priorities," Lieutenant Doug Wolfer. "This campaign allows us the opportunity to remind everyone behind the wheel that driving intoxicated is against the law. We will be out in full patrol and chances are if you drive impaired, we will pull you over."
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is an annual enforcement effort supported by federal funding allocated to our TSP from the Traffic Safety division of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI). More than 11 officers will work overtime to conduct sobriety patrols and checkpoints around the clock. According to ICJI, in 2015, there were 4,828 alcohol-impaired collisions in Indiana, resulting in 92 fatalities. This is a 26.5 percent decrease in the number of alcohol-impaired collisions, and a 9 percent decrease in resulting fatalities, from 2014.
"While this decrease in alcohol-impaired collisions and fatalities means we're on the right track, there's still room for improvement" said ICJI Director Dave Murtaugh. "In an effort to ensure our roads are safe at every turn, we will continue increase Indiana's education and enforcement on impaired driving."
Indiana law enforcement agencies have been actively involved in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign for over 20 years.
Submitted by Lt. Doug Wolfer
|
|
Eastern Native Grass Symposium
You are invited to attend the 10th Eastern Native Grass Symposium (ENGS). This year the ENGS will place special emphasis on the role that native grasses, legumes, and forbs play on working and natural landscapes. Sessions will feature topics related to improving soil health with warm season grasses, ecosystem restorations, forages and grazing, controlling invasive species, utilizing pollinators on working lands and landscaping, land reclamation with native plants, management of vegetation for wildlife, oak savannas and other relevant issues for native grasses in the eastern United States.
The program includes a choice between three tours on Wednesday morning: grazing and wildlife on reclaimed mine ground; managing native forages for wildlife; and a combination tour including an Angel Mounds restoration project, pollinators, warm season grasses, and green roofs.
The symposium is August 29 - 31 at the Tropicana in Evansville. It is the first time in Symposium history that this event is being held in Indiana and the committee would love to see a high attendance from Indiana landowners and producers. Go to the following website to register: www.easternnativegrasssymposium.eventbrite.com. For complete agenda information go to Eastern Native Grass Symposium on Facebook.
Submitted by
Chris Fox, Franklin Cty Soil & Water Conservation District
|
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. We would love if you would attend. There will be many different information sessions. There will be childcare and refreshments available. If you have any questions, please contact Kim Lang at klang@fccsc.k12.in.us, Geannie Hensel at ghensel@fccsc.k12.in.us, or Sara Shaver at sshaver@fccsc.k12.in.us or 765-647-4101 x1218. We hope that you will be able to attend this event!Submitted by
Kim Lang, Geannie Hensel and Sara Shaver
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
American Legion Golf Outing - Aug. 13
American Legion Post 77 Brookville In. Golf outing August 13 at Brook Hill Golf Club. Registration 7:30 AM. Shotgun Start 8:00 AM. 4 person team best ball format. Sign-up sheets at Brook Hill, American Legion and VFW or call 765-647 4522 to register. Entry Fees: Brook Hill members $35 non members $50. Chicken dinner served afterwards at American Legion Post 77,1290 Fairfield Ave. Brookville IN. Prizes for: closest to center fairway on hole #1. Closest to hole #3. Longest drive on hole #13. Door prizes, 50+50 drawing. All proceeds go to support American Legion Post 77, so come out and have some fun. American Legion Post 77 thanks you for your support!
Submitted by
Dan Bridgeford
Whitewater Valley Railroad - Aug. 13
Aug 13 (Sat) - The Statesman with Mr. Abraham Lincoln
Aug 15 (Sat) - Overland Limited Wild West Train
Sep 3 & 4 (Sat & Sun) - Metamora Music Festival Flyer
Sep 5 (Mon) - Labor Day Special Valley Flyer
Submitted by
Whitewater Valley Railroad
"Bob Kumli" Memorial Car Show - Aug. 14
Hosted by: The Brookville Area Lion's Club at Brookville Town Park. Car show registration from 9 AM to 12 PM - $15. Proceeds go to help with Lion's Community Projects. Top 50 Trophies & 5 Special Awards For: Best of Show, People's Choice, President's Choice, Best 1980 and Older, Best 1981 and Newer. For car show information contact: Donna Kumli 765-647-2868 or Tom Rowe 765-647-4402.
Submitted by
Chamber of Commerce
Parenting Classes - Aug. 18 at 6:30
Pregnancy Help Center in Brookville is offering Parenting: The Early Years Classes with teaching from Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott as seen on Oprah and Focus on the Family. Bring a friend! Are you the parent you desire to be? How does your child perceive you? Your child aspires to be like you - Is that a good thing? Who you are matters more than what you do. We will look at these questions and much more. Receive a free gift by attending. Earn $50 or a car seat by attending 5 classes. Earn baby bucks. Everyone welcome. All Classes are free. Free babysitting. If transportation is a problem, please call 765-647-2029.
Submitted by
Lyn Weidner, RN, Client Education Director
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
Brookville Parking Workshop - Aug. 24 We need your input! The Town of Brookville would like your input on parking within our Town. HWC Engineering will be hosting a parking workshop on Wednesday, August 24 from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Brookville public library, 919 Main Street. Input is appreciated from residents and business owners on the current condition of parking in the downtown and on potential policies and physical improvements to address any parking concerns. Submitted by Todd Thackery
I'm Pregnant, Now What? - Aug. 25 at 6:30.
Pregnancy Help Center in Brookville is offering a class on pregnancy and labor. This class will cover the body changes during and after pregnancy, what happens when labor begins, nutrition and things to do and not do during pregnancy. Bring a friend! Receive a free gift by attending. Earn $50 or a car seat by attending 5 classes. Earn baby bucks. Everyone welcome. All Classes are free. Free babysitting. If transportation is a problem, please call 765-647-2029.
Submitted by
Lyn Weidner, RN, Client Education Director
Picnic with the Girl Scouts - Aug. 27
The Franklin County Girl Scouts will be hosting a picnic in the park on Saturday, August 27th, from 10 AM to 2 PM. The picnic will be in the Popper Shelter at the Brookville Town Park. This is a great opportunity for girls and their families to learn more about Girl Scouts. For more information contact Amy Rotert: Phone- 513.277.1507 Email- GSTroop1948@gmail.com.
Submitted by
Melanie Maxwell
Dancz Catz Color Splash Run - Aug. 27
Brookville Town Park 9:00 a.m. Saturday, August 27. Cost: $30. The Dancz Catz 5K run/walk is a non-timed event. The objective is to have fun and raise money for the team. T-shirts are guaranteed to all pre-registered participants, leftover shirt will be available the day of the race on a first come first serve basis. Start and finish at the shelter across from Brookville Pool.
Submitted by
Laura Blessing
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
|
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.
Also, check out the links below:
- You can go to the "Archive" to see past issues
- The "Forward email" link helps spread the word about the Observer
- The "Join Our Mailing List!" link sends the Observer directly to you.
The Franklin County Observer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
