Issue 1178

Sept. 17, 2022

Pictured below: Taking off is a black 10-pound Matrice 200. It is battery powered and flew to a height of 274 feet by using four helicopter type rotors. The drone is registered with the Federal Aviation Administration and is not a toy.

Photo: Drone photo of progress made on the government center's new red metal roof.

The operator of these drones must be licensed for commercial use and acquire a Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) license. Purdue Extension offers the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Technology Program to help those interested in becoming a commercial UAV remote pilot prepare for the licensing exam and learn useful UAV applications. 

Ms. Bullock has completed Purdue’s drone training and she is permitted to practice under the watchful eye of a licensed operator while studying to take the Part 107 exam. In the photo below, she brings in a white Phantom 4 drone for a landing after a flight at a height of 57 feet above the Lew Wallace Park community garden project at the government center. The 4-pound white drone is on loan from Blackford County.

Mr. Gabbard explained how drones help Extension Service agricultural employees “take their skills to a new level. It’s taking knowledge you already have and giving you access that you did not have.” One example of the benefit of using a drone is that it provides a better perspective of corn crop health that is not possible from the roadside at ground level. The drone operator can see pockets of stalk rot, tag the coordinates and walk to the exact location to inspect further.

Mr. Gabbard said that Purdue Extension Service in Jennings and Blackford Counties own “huge drones” that can spray crops when heavy equipment would get stuck in the mud. The largest commercial-size drones cost $20,000 - $30,000, but they are cheaper then $300,000 - $400,000 for a “spray rig.” A large drone can spray 100 acres in one day, said Mr. Gabbard.

Drone photo of the community garden at the government center.

Click to learn more about drone training offered by Purdue. To contact the Franklin County Extension office for more information, call 765-647-3511.

Reported by Sara Duffy

Drone photos provided

Franklin County Mutual Insurance Building Sold At Auction

The winning bid after 15 minutes was $180,000. The winning bidder was local businessman George Gillman. He commented that the auction was “fun”. He has some ideas for the future of the building, but has not made a decision. He said that the building would serve in same manner as an extension of George’s Pharmacy.

Photo: Auctioneer Dave White, Suzy and George Gillman and Fair Board members and 4-H supporters stand across the street from the insurance building on Main Street. There was a lot of interest in the auction and about 50 - 100 people watched the action.

Proceeds from the sale will be donated to help pay for a new 4-H Exhibition Building at the county fairgrounds. The Fair Board is also selling bricks to raise money. Bricks can be purchased at FCN Bank, from Fair Board members or online.

Reported by Bynum Henson

Educator of the Month Eva Hoffman

Eva Hoffman, special education teacher at Mt. Carmel Elementary has been selected as September’s “Educator of the Month.” Click to read more.

Submitted by Franklin County Community School Corporation



Support Staff of the Month Annette Taylor

Annette Taylor, paraprofessional at Laurel Elementary, has been selected as September’s “Support Staff of the Month.” She has worked at the Franklin County Community School Corporation for 16 years. Click to read more.

Submitted by Franklin County Community School Corporation

New Booster Vaccine Shots

The Franklin County Indiana Health Department has the new bivalent booster vaccine shots. Call 765-647-4322 for an appointment. They are open by appointment only until 7:00 pm on Thursdays and on Saturday, October 22, 9 am to 12 noon. Appointments are required, because the building is locked after weekday hours. Access will be given to those with health department appointments.

Reported by Sara Duffy

Online Scheduling Not Yet Available in Indiana

The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) announced that it has added locations that are offering the new bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccines, which protect against the two most common strains of the virus, to its map at www.ourshot.in.gov. Appointments are not yet available online but can be made by contacting a pharmacy or healthcare provider, or by calling 211 (866-211-9966) for assistance.

Click to read more about bivalent boosters.

From Indiana Department of Health

Teacher Contract Negotiations Start

September 15

On September 12, 2022 Franklin County School Superintendent Tammy Chavis held a required public hearing in advance of the opening of teacher contract negotiations on September 15. With no public comment, it was only a five-minute meeting, but the slide presentation was packed with information. Ms. Chavis explained that Indiana statute limits teachers to only bargaining for wages, salaries and fringe benefits, which includes health insurance. There was a long list of topics that are not negotiable by state law. However, Ms. Chavis said that she meets regularly with union representatives for discussions about a range of issues.

Representing the teachers at the hearing were Teachers Association President Kelley Middendorf and lead negotiator Eric Ebrens. He has served on negotiation teams for several years at more than one school corporation. Mr. Ebrens said, “There is not a lot to comment on until we know the ADM [Average Daily Membership] and the insurance [proposal].” State funding for the schools is based upon the ADM, which is the number of students enrolled on September 16, 2022. Neither side gave a hint about what they hope to achieve.

Click to read more about the negotiation timeline, school funding, etc. Will teachers receive a pay raise? Read The Observer for information when it is announced.

Reported by Sara Duffy

United Way of Franklin County (UWFC) is excited to be kicking off our annual Coats for Kids drive. This year UWFC will collect monetary donations. The proceeds of this campaign will help us purchase new coats for all students in need! Please give through the Facebook fundraiser, or mail a donation to PO Box 105 Brookville IN, 47012 with Coats for Kids specified in the memo.

Fund Raiser at Dairy Cottage

Grab some delicious food at the Dairy Cottage, 1116 Main Street, Brookville IN and help support United Way too. All day September 23, a portion of the profit will be donated back to United Way. Get a treat and treat United Way too!

Submitted by Kelly Bulmer, Executive Director

United Way of Franklin County

Speaker: Dr. John Johnson, Batesville Medical Specialties

The focus of this presentation is to educate and inform family, friends, and veterans about the signs and symptoms of Veteran Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and what to do about it, to include what local resources are available. The whole community is invited to attend. Event sponsored by Brookville VFW Post 2014. For additional information contact Bridget Hayes at bridget.c.hayes1@gmail.com or call (314) 917-2060   

Submitted by Bridget Hayes

Massey Harris & Ferguson

Tractors Featured

Mark your calendar. The 27th Franklin County Antique Machinery Show will return to the county fairgrounds on September 22 - 25, 2022. Featuring tractors, equipment, demonstrations and tractor/horse pulls. For a flea market spot, call 765-265-6245. $5 gate fee. For more information, go to https://fcamc.org.

Submitted by FCAMC

Whitewater Canal Trail 

Great Outdoor Weekend September 25

Photo: Historic Grist Mill in Metamora, Indiana

Walk or bike the Whitewater Canal Trail. The WCT volunteers have been busy improving the trail this summer and have some fun things to show you. Join us on September 25 from 10 am - 4 pm at the historic Grist Mill in “downtown “ Metamora. Guided walks to historic canal features and the scenic Whitewater River valley will be at 10:30 am and 1 pm or you can walk or bike on your own. This 11-mile trail is a “must see” if you haven’t walked it yet. You can also get some really fresh corn meal at the mill.

Submitted by Shirley Lamb

The Batesville Kiwanis AppleFest event, now in its 32nd year, is a premier family event with games, entertainment, an apple pageant, arts & crafts, delicious food to sample, and lots of participating vendors. The community event is held at Liberty Park, 716 S. Park Ave., Batesville, Indiana on Saturday, September 24 from 11 am – 6 pm and Sunday, September 25 from 11 am – 4 pm. For more details, please follow us on Facebook. Proceeds from the Kiwanis AppleFest are channeled back into our community through our programs and sponsorships. For further information, contact Jay Reichmuth at (812)-934-3201.

Submitted by Tricia Miller

Community Development Director, City of Batesville

Public Test Of Electronic Voting System

Notice is hereby given that the public test of the automatic tabulating equipment and the electronic voting system unit (DRE’s) to be used for the Franklin County General Election on November 8, 2022 will be conducted at the Franklin County Courthouse, 459 Main Street, Brookville, Indiana on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. The public test is open to representatives for political parties, candidates, the news media and the public. Indiana Election Code 3-11-13-22 and 3-11-14.5-2

Submitted by Franklin County Election Staff

Around the County

September Bluegrass Night - Sept. 17

Ma Crow & Company will be joining us in Indiana's Canal Town for the September edition of Bluegrass Night, performing bluegrass, traditional and old-timey music. Food available. Doors open at 6 PM. Show begins at 6:30. Make your reservations on line at https://www.metamorampa.org

Submitted by Metamora Performing Arts

Franklin County Historical Society Dinner Program

The public is invited to the fall meeting on Monday, September 19, 2022 at Holy Guardian Angel School Building, Cedar Grove, IN.

6 pm dinner reservations required by Sept. 14 to

  Brown 765-647-5528

  Bischoff 765-647-3220

  Shea 765-647-5182

7 pm Program by Brown/Bischoff Families on the History of Cedar Grove, Indiana.

Submitted by Martha Shea

Fall Fish Sale - Order by Sept. 23

The Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District holds its Fall Fish Sale. Visit our Facebook page to download an order form. The last day to order is Sept. 23 and pickup is Oct. 6 at 10 A.M at the SWCD office. Call (812) 212-0579 or email scott@kreuzmanconsulting.com .

Submitted by Scott Kreuzman, FC SWCD Board Member

VFW Hog Roast Dinner Saturday, September 24

The VFW will have a whole hog pulled pork dinner/sandwich at the Post on Saturday Sep 24 from 3 to 7 pm. Come visit with the local veterans. The event is open to the public.

VFW Sunday Breakfast September 25

The VFW will serve breakfast Sunday Sep 25 from 8 am to 12 pm at the Post. The event is open to the public.

Submitted by Dave Pelsor

Food Pantry - Sept. 20

Franklin County High School Food Pantry: 4-5:30pm

Come to Door A16 for pick-up. Click to see the future dates.

Submitted by Tanya Wirtz, FCHS JAG Specialist

Creekside Church Chicken Dinner - Oct. 2

The public is invited to Creekside Church drive thru chicken dinner on October 2, 11am to 3pm. Includes 4 piece chicken, mashed potatoes w/gravy, green beans, coleslaw and pie for desert. Credit cards accepted. Online basket raffle. From Brookville IGA take Blue Creek Rd. (1Mi) to 1st stop sign. Bear left onto Highland Center Rd. Follow Highland Center Rd. (4Mi) to 11001 Bossert Rd, Brookville, IN 47012.

Submitted by Alan Stenger

Mt. Carmel School Fall Craft Show

Sunday October 16th 12:00 - 6:00

This event will run in conjunction with the Mt. Carmel School Trunk or Treat. Spaces are $25 each. If you have questions, or for more information, please call Savannah Hofer (765) 580 - 2634 or email: mcs.apples@gmail.com. APPLES is a non-profit organization. All proceeds from this event will benefit Mt. Carmel School. Here is a link for online vendor registration

https://forms.gle/2Jaarg9QBWnYXZuf8

Submitted by Savannah Hofer

Plein Air Painters - Oct. 21 - 23

Plein Air Painters will be in Franklin County on October 21 & 22 and their art show will be at the library on the 23rd.

Submitted by Marty Mullin  

Doors open at 9:00 am with light refreshments. The whole community is invited to attend a POW/MIA Observance Ceremony at the Brookville American Legion on September 17, 2022 at 9:30 am. We will begin with a Table Ceremony and end with reading the names of 223 personnel from Indiana who are listed as either Missing in Action or Prisoner of War from the Korean and Vietnam Wars. This year's guest speaker is Retired Brigadier General Brian Copes. Location: American Legion Post 77 1290 Fairfield Ave Brookville, IN 47012 Phone: (765) 647-4613 Email: americanlegion77IN@gmail.com

Submitted by Bridget Hayes