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Candidate for Lt. Governor in Brookville
Democrat candidate for Lt. Governor Christina Hall and Tom Vohland, Franklin County Democrat party chairperson.
Franklin County Park was the scene of the local Democratic party rally and picnic on Saturday. Despite the soggy weather, the picnic was well-attended by county chairs and vice-chairs from the 19 counties of the 6th District plus local office-seekers. Although John Gregg, the Democratic candidate for governor, could not attend, his running mate Christina Hale visited and spoke. Ms. Hale is a current state representative for district #87, which encompasses suburban areas north of Indianapolis.
Ms. Hale said that she and Mr. Gregg had to make some adjustments recently when the man they were seeking to defeat, Mike Pence, suddenly quit the governor's race to run as Donald Trump's vice-president. However, she said, she and Gregg remained committed to working on solving problems in the state rather than on what she called "manufactured issues" such as RFRA. She said that when she and John Gregg campaigned , "The things we talk about are human issues, and we offer not Democratic or Republican ideas but good ideas."
One problem she mentioned was the epidemic of opioid addiction in Indiana. She said that last year, 10% of the babies born in Wayne County, in the county seat of Richmond, were born opioid-addicted. She and Gregg have a plan to address the problem.
Another critical issue she mentioned was the warehousing of low-income elderly and disabled people. She said that after a string of child deaths, the caseload for children's services in Indiana had been capped at 12 families per caseworker. However, caseworkers in adult protective services routinely shoulder a caseload of over 300 clients per worker, and many people are never monitored or even visited. According to Hale, she and Gregg have plans to immediately address the problem if elected.
She referred her audience to her campaign's website for more information on plans for infrastructure improvement without raising taxes, economic development, and education. She named Gregg's opponent, Eric Holcomb, and hers, Susan Crouch of Newcastle. According to what she has learned from internal Democratic polls, she said that at present, she and Gregg lead the Republican team by 7%.
The Democratic candidate for Indiana Attorney General, Judge Lorenzo Arredondo, also spoke. He is a retired judge from Lake County's circuit court. He spoke of his Democratic roots and connection with unions and appreciation of collective bargaining. He described the Attorney General as "the people's lawyer." He said that in this role, he would strive to protect Indiana consumers from fraud and from unscrupulous debt collectors. He would also create an identity theft helpline. He wants to institute unannounced checks on nursing homes to see that requirements are being met. He is also in favor of sunshine laws that "hold Indiana officials of either party accountable."
After a meal, local congressional candidate for the 6th district Barry Welsh spoke to the crowd. He was followed by Mimi Pruit, the Democratic mayor of Greensburg, who is running to unseat Representative Cindy Ziemke. Also in attendance were Marlene Flaspohler, who is running for FC Recorder, Stacy Loos-Johnson, running for county treasurer, Roger Mullins, running for county commissioner, Lisa Baudendistel, running for county council at large, Sean Vicente, also running for council, Chester Ball, another candidate for council, and Gina Gillman, who is running for Brookville Treasurer.
Reported by Monica Yane |
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Film Crew Coming to Metamora
Commissioners Meeting, August 15, 2016
THE CAMERAS ARE ROLLING
A documentary by Eldon Pitts will be filming in Metamora for two days beginning on August 21st. The commissioners approved having a small portion of the road near the firehouse closed during the production at the request of Mr. Pitts. Per the commissioners, he has already contacted all the affected shop owners and it would not interfere with the fire departments ability to make any runs.
BRIDGE REPAIRS
The county engineer, Ted Cooley, opened the only received bid for the work on Bridge #139 over Wolf Creek. The bid and the required check for the bond were from Copperhead Excavation for $62,125, which was in line with the estimate of $62,017. The commissioners had hoped for more than one bid. Mr. Cooley mentioned that twenty emailed requests were sent and the request for bids was advertised in the paper twice over a six-week period. He had received an inquiry from an Ohio company, but no bid came from them. Another contractor said he needs much earlier notification of these jobs, so he can schedule appropriately for the busy summer period.
The commissioners did not approve the bid even though Indiana Code allows them to accept it in cases of only one bidder. They decided to hold it "under advisement" until their August 29th meeting because County Council has yet to approve the estimated amount for the bridge repair.
Bridge #31 over North Hamburg Road is the top priority in the county needing repairs to the deck and super structure according to last April's bridge inspector's report, Mr. Cooley told the commissioners. It was not however, in the five-year plan for bridge repairs that the commissioners compiled with County Council. He said "It is in a straight section that goes down a steep hill on both sides" and he suggests a concrete structure twenty feet wide similar to the Columbus Avenue Bridge #117.
He mentioned two ideas for financing these repairs. In early 2017, there will be a Call for Projects that will provide 50/50 monies. Since this is the top priority bridge on the list, it would make a good candidate for these funds. The other option would be to get it registered for a Federal Highway Grant, with repairs beginning July 2021, but he warned, "This bridge might not last til then". Further repair ideas were discussed among the commissioners and the engineer with no clear idea of how to pay for them. Commissioner Linkel said to "be prepared for the worst".
ELKHORN ESTATES ROAD MAINTENANCE
In West Harrison, near Seeley Road and Snow Hill Road is a 35-unit development called Elkhorn Estates. The development has been in existence for over ten years. There are currently 21 unsold lots on Deer Run and Whitetail Drive. The commissioners were commenting about the ongoing deteriorating road issues such as defective cracking due to poor drainage. "When are they going to get the message that we are not taking over the road?" asked Commissioner Wilson.
Commissioner Roberts remembered that Elkhorn Estates tried several times "to get that road to hold in a year" and it failed two or three times. He said, "It's no where close to being accepted" as a county road. They all agreed that the county has no intention of maintaining the roads in the development. Mr. Cooley said he would contact the developer.
HANDBOOK AND HIRING PRACTICES QUESTIONED
Betty Lecher asked Commissioner Wilson why he approved giving new Highway employees the benefit of earning 1 sick day after 52 days of work, when the Personnel Policies Handbook states that county employees that work 40 hours a week, earn 56 hours of sick leave after one year of work? Mr. Wilson said "That is the way that the Auditor's office and the commissioners have always done it." Commissioner Linkel said that the handbook will be corrected. She asked, "Why not follow the Handbook?" Commissioner Wilson said, "It's up to the commissioners". Mrs. Lecher said to Commissioner Wilson, "Your attitude that no one has a right to question your choices, it really bothers me."
Commissioner Linkel discussed with the other commissioners the situation of a newly hired mechanic for the Highway Department. The employee needs flexibility in the start and finish times, that differs from the handbook guidelines. Linkel said, "He is a good employee and I'd hate to lose him" if his request cannot be accommodated. After consulting the handbook they realized that employee's hours are subject to change per the commissioners, so the change in work times can be implemented.
CHRISTMAS IN AUGUST?
Original Nativity Scene on the courthouse lawn in 2015.
Wayne Monroe received the commissioner's written approval to proceed with his fund raising efforts to collect $6,500 for a new 12-piece Nativity Scene set for the courthouse lawn. His goal is to put it up in time for November Noel. Commissioner Wilson said he would contribute the first $100. The Town of Brookville owns the original set that has been in the center of controversy and Mr. Monroe said the "Town Board does not want to release the Nativity scene." He plans to buy the new set and give it to the county to display annually.
Commissioner Wilson encouraged him to collect money, but said that there are certain steps as well as rules and regulations that need to be followed for placing displays on government property. He was waiting for further information from the Thomas More Society on how to proceed. According to the Thomas More Society website, they are "a not-for-profit, national public interest law firm dedicated to restoring respect in law for life, family, and religious liberty."
Mr. Monroe is working with local banks to set up accounts and putting contribution jars in local establishments.
Reported by
Hermine Niesz Rieveschl
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APC Checks Property Cleanups
The August Area Planning Commission meeting lasted a mere fifteen minutes. After approving the minutes of the July meeting, the APC heard updates from Executive Director Cindy Orschell and attorney Tammy Davis about two properties that the APC wants cleaned up.
Ms. Davis has been communicating with Donald Harding and his attorney John Watson about Mr. Harding's property on Stipps Hill Road. In September of 2015, a complaint was filed about an illegal camper and other rubbish that has accumulated on the property. Mr. Harding has agreed to clean up the property, but has not started to do so. The APC agreed to allow Mr. Harding two more months to get the property into compliance. If he has not done so by the October meeting, Ms. Davis will request a trial date. APC member Robert Braun pointed out that because the zoning code no longer allows the $500 fine to be cumulative, "We can't lean on him too hard."
Ms. Orschell reported that cleanup on the Barricklow property on Snow Hill Road is almost complete. IDEM will make one more site visit and will forward the results to Ms. Orschell. She said the only thing left is a pile of utility poles. Mr. Barricklow has removed 31 dumpsters of trash since the APC first began working with him over five years ago.
Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting
EXISTING BUILDING VIOLATES SETBACK REQUIREMENT
When Len Marino had his acreage on Franklin Road surveyed three years ago, he realized that his neighbor Steve Fuchs had built a 12 x 40 foot lean-to on his barn that infringed on the 15-foot setback required by the zoning code. Two months ago, Mr. Marino filed a complaint with the APC office. Ms. Orschell then notified Mr. Fuchs that he is in violation of the code.
Mr. Fuchs applied for a variance to allow less than the required setback. He conceded that he had built the lean-to without a permit, claiming that he didn't understand that it was required. He said that he had obtained a permit for an addition to his house, and was under the impression that the permit covered anything that he built within the next year. He pleaded that he "didn't understand; I'm not a builder." He added that, although the lean-to is only five feet from the property line, "I don't think I'm hurting anyone," because Mr. Marino's land is cropland, without a residence on it.
Mr. Marino countered with the assertion that Mr. Fuchs knew exactly what he was doing. Mr. Marino said that after the property was surveyed, he drove seven-foot steel posts along the boundary, which were subsequently removed, presumably, he said, by Mr. Fuchs. Within a month of the survey, Mr. Fuchs built the addition to the barn. It was unclear why Mr. Marino waited three years to file his complaint.
Neighbor Brian Kruthaupt spoke in defense of Mr. Fuchs. He maintained that Mr. Fuchs wouldn't do anything to hurt a neighbor. He wondered why nothing had been said for three years, and speculated that the Marino property, currently farmland, would be developed into a subdivision, and that "none of us will be happy about that."
After hearing from all parties, the BZA voted unanimously to deny the variance. Ms. Orschell advised Mr. Fuchs that he would have to either remove the lean-to or negotiate with Mr. Marino to buy a 10-foot strip of land to satisfy the setback requirement. Mr. Marino asked how much time Mr. Fuchs would have to come into compliance and was told, "within a reasonable period of time." BZA chairperson Paula Keller advised him to keep in touch with Ms. Orschell.
TWO HOMES ON ONE PARCEL
Jesse Metcalf applied for a variance to allow two residences on one parcel on Metcalf Road in Salt Creek Township. He explained that he and his wife want to build a house on the property, but his uncle already has a mobile home there. His uncle's previous home on the same parcel burned several years ago, and he moved a trailer onto the property at that time. Mr. Metcalf said that his uncle, in his sixties, is in poor health, and will live in the trailer "as long as he lives."
After confirming that the parcel has two approved septic sites, the BZA approved the variance with the stipulation that the trailer will be removed within six months after "the occupant no longer lives there." Mr. Metcalf pointed out that he will incur a considerable expense to move the trailer, but the BZA was unsympathetic. The stipulation is meant to avoid a situation in which the trailer becomes a permanent residence or rental property.
The APC and BZA next meet on September 14 at 7PM.
Reported by
Ruthie Mannix
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Back to School Time
The Franklin County Sheriff's Department would like to remind everyone that it is back to school time. Watch for frequent school bus stops in the mornings and afternoons. Drivers who fail to stop for school bus stop arms could face fines up to $10,000.
Submitted by Officer Jason Lovins |
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Sheriff Department July Report
Franklin County Sheriff Ken Murphy has released the July monthly report of activity. Sheriff's Deputies responded to 747 calls for service. Among the calls of service investigated were:
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Property Damage Accidents
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30
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Personal Injury Accidents
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9
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Burglary/Theft
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29
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Residential/Business Alarms
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33
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Domestic Battery/Battery
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17
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911 Hang Up/Accidental Dial
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120
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Suspicious Persons/Vehicles
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68
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Traffic Stops
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107
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A total of 73 arrests were made by Sheriff's Deputies on the following charges:
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Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated
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9
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Public Intoxication
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1
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Battery/Domestic Battery
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3
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Possession of Marijuana/Paraphernalia
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7
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Possession of a Legend Drug
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1
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Possession of a Controlled Substance
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5
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Theft/Receiving Stolen Property
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1
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Disorderly Conduct
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2
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Intimidation
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1
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Leaving the Scene of an Accident
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1
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False Informing
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1
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Operating a Vehicle While Never Licensed
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3
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Driving While Suspended
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1
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Invasion of Privacy
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1
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Warrants
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36
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This is a 112% increase over the 32 arrests for the same time period in 2016.
There was an average of 45 prisoners housed in the Security Center throughout the month of July. The maximum capacity of the Security Center is 75 inmates. Deputies drove a total of 19,997 miles. The Transport Officer drove an additional 4,063 miles, totaling 24,060 miles. The Transport Officer conducted 22 prisoner transports to and from the Department of Corrections facilities throughout the States of Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. Additionally, Deputies conducted three prisoner transports to various medical facilities for conditions that could not be treated by Jail Doctors. One piece of real estate was sold at Sheriff's auction. There were 83 civil process papers served.
Franklin County Sheriff's K-9 Lito had a total of four deployments. The four deployments consisted of conducting open air "sniffs" during three traffic stops, as well as one "area search."
For real time weather related emergencies and crime information sign up for free text messaging at www.nixle.com. Citizens may provide information concerning illegal drug activity or any other crime by calling the Drug Tip Hotline at 765-647-0755. Callers can remain anonymous and all information is confidential. Like us on Facebook at Franklin County Sheriff's Department.
Reported by
Officer Jason Lovins
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Whitewater Valley Railroad
Sep 3 & 4 (Sat & Sun) - Metamora Music Festival Flyer
Sep 5 (Mon) - Labor Day Special Valley Flyer
Submitted by
Whitewater Valley Railroad
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
Woman's Day of Health - Aug. 19
Laurel Library is hosting a Woman's Day of Health on Friday, August 19 between 9 AM and 1 PM.
Submitted by
Marty Mullin
Free Shakespeare in the Park - Aug. 19
Please join the Franklin County Arts Council and Main Street, Inc. this Friday for a FREE performance at 7pm of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. The play will performed at THIRD PLACE on Main Street in Brookville and is funded through a generous donation from Mick and Jenny Wilz. Submitted by Patti Wilhelm
Wild Wild West Weekend - Aug. 19 & 20 
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
Pregnancy Help Center in Brookville is offering a class on pregnancy and labor on August 25 at 6:30pm. 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
Klemme's Corner Fish Fry - August 28
Trinity Lutheran Church (Klemme's Corner) will hold their annual fish fry Sunday, August 28th from 11:30am to 1:30pm. Free-will offering with proceeds benefiting Vacation Bible School. Trinity is located at 4025 Highland Center Road, Brookville.
Submitted by
Pastor Ladona Webb
College Fair September 8 The Franklin County College Success Coalition will host the Second Annual Franklin County College Fair on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at the Brookville American Legion located at 1290 Fairfield Avenue in Brookville. The Fair will take place from 6:30 to 8:00 PM and is free and open to the public. Last year, 36 colleges and universities were present with information to hand out to attendees at the event. This year, the Coalition plans to have even more colleges and universities in attendance. For more information on the College Fair, contact the Franklin County Community Foundation at 765.647.6810 or fcfoundation@yahoo.com.
Submitted by Shelly Lunsford
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
Sponsor "Seale The Deal" - Sept. 17
The 4th Annual "Seale The Deal" Memorial is being held September 17th 2016. All proceeds benefit the Clay Seale Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund administered by the FCCF. Additional volleyball teams and sponsors are needed. Please contact Joel or Debbie Seale 765 265-3735.
Submitted by
Joel Seale
BHS Class of '81 Reunion - Oct. 1
Place - Third Place, 714 Main Street, Brookville
Time: 6:00 - 6:30 PM Cocktail hour. 6:30 - 8:30 Buffet dinner served. 8:00 - 12:00 Dancing with DJ Dick Lang. Cost: $16 per person/$32 per couple. Included - Hall rental plus buffet including wood fire pizza, salad, water, soft drinks. Cash bar. To attend, send check to Stephanie Kunkel, 2013 Chappelow Ridge Rd, West Harrison, IN, 47060.
Submitted by
Shelly Lunsford
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