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In 2022, EMS reported approximately 1,630 ambulance runs. Not every run resulted in a trip to a hospital.
NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
EMS volunteers give up their days, nights and weekends to staff ambulances and to provide emergency care to Franklin County residents. They also spend their time in required training.
There are two major training sessions already on the summer calendar. The first will focus on cardiac care. The next will be a simulation using two mannequins. One mannequin will provide practice for a normal birth. The second will simulate major trauma - the loss of a leg.
Ashley O’Neal is a full time EMT and the countywide training officer for EMS. Twenty years ago, she started volunteering and taking classes to increase her knowledge and her certifications. She will lead the upcoming cardiac training. Matt Montique is the assistant instructor. EMS is subdivided into squads and each squad also has a training officer.
HEALTH FAIR
EMS will open its facility at 7th and Mill Streets on April 29 from 10 am to 2 pm for a community health fair. Cheryl Rader, Chief of EMS 1, said that the garage bays and entire facility will be packed with vendors offering health services. Safe disposal of prescription drugs will also be available.
RODEO FUNDRAISER
Board Member Amy Lindsey gave the details about the second annual rodeo fundraiser to support tri-state first responders on June 9 and 10. Friday night will feature four musical acts including Colt Ford, beer garden and fireworks show accompanied by music, but no animals. On Saturday, the horse rodeo will start at 5:00 pm and be followed by the bull rodeo. For ticket sales, go to Country Krazy Concert.
2024 SOLAR ECLIPSE
EMS and the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency are already planning for an influx of visitors for the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse. Franklin County will be a prime viewing area for a total eclipse.
FINANCES
Board Member Bill Schirmer reported that yearly expenses of $923,000 exceeded revenue of $784,000. The group was “short” by $139,000. Franklin County contributed $300,000 in tax money to EMS in 2022, which was less than the money requested by EMS. The county commissioners also pledged $100,000 in 2022 toward the cost of a new ambulance. For 2023, EMS requested an increase from the county to $500,000, but the commissioners held firm to the current contract amount of $300,000.
Two new ambulances are on order, but the precise delivery dates are unknown. Mr. Schirmer is hopeful that one might arrive in May and the other in December 2023. Then the vehicles will have to be prepped, equipped and painted, said Board Member Bob Braun. Mr. Schirmer said that it will take 90 days before the new ambulances are “certified” and are ready to roll.
“A HEAD’S UP” FOR PAID AMBULANCE SERVICE
Looking ahead to 2024, Mr. Schirmer has already given “a heads up” to county council and the county commissioners about a hefty cost increase to transition to full time paid ambulance service from EMS. The EMS board will hold a special meeting in the near future to outline their proposal to the commissioners for a 2024 contract. Mr. Schirmer said that EMS will have a price for operating each ambulance, will propose locations for stationing ambulances in the county and will discuss the various levels of employee expertise such as advanced life support (ALS) or paramedic.
According to information from EMS, they are a non-profit volunteer ambulance service that provides “high quality pre-hospital care to nearly 24,000 residents and tourists.” They operate 24/7 and cover Franklin County’s 393 square miles. They have been dispatched for auto accidents, train derailments, helicopter crashes and sick people needing help to the hospital. EMS volunteers operate five ambulances and two rescue trucks. Volunteers must pass a background check and a drug test as well as being certified at various levels.
The EMS board meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 608 7th Street in Brookville. Anyone interested in volunteering with EMS can apply at their building.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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Critical Repairs Underway
County Commissioners April 5, 2023
- Critical repairs were authorized for two small structures that carry traffic over creeks: one on Pipe Creek Road and the other on Shay Road.
- County Councilmember Brian Patterson wants county council to allocate an additional $500,000 for bridge repairs.
CRITICAL REPAIRS
The commissioners declared an emergency, because of a problem with a small steel structure over water on Pipe Creek Road north of Haytown Road. County Engineer Larry Smith said that a steel plate was installed to stabilize a failed beam. This structure is the only access to a few occupied homes and 200 acres of farmland on a dead end section of the road. The commissioners also reduced the structure’s weight limit to 6 tons. Therefore school buses will not be allowed to cross.
Commissioner John Heis motioned and the other commissioners agreed to order a replacement steel bridge from E&H Bridge. A temporary pipe will be installed soon to keep the road open until the bridge is built. The county’s cumulative bridge fund will pay for repairs.
Mr. Smith also alerted the commissioners to another problem. A low water crossing (LWC) on Shay Road had a “void” underneath the LWC approach. Mr. Smith hired a contractor to pump concrete to repair the void. He said that funds are available to cover the estimated $8,000 cost.
Finally, Mr. Smith asked the commissioners for money to make more bridge repairs. From the audience, County Councilmember Brian Patterson offered to push for an additional allocation of $500,000 for bridge repairs. He asked Mr. Smith to provide him with prices for repairing two or three small structures that are high priorities and on which the highway department can make the repairs.
FRANKLIN COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Franklin County Public Transportation Director Missy Ratz reported that County Administrator Faye Hay and Secretary Crystal McQueen recently completed an inspection of FCPT records, rode one of the buses and evaluated the bus driver as part of a state requirement that county officials become more proactive in their oversight of public transportation agencies.
Ms. Ratz also explained why FCPT returned $158,000 of federal transportation grant money through the state of Indiana. This amount was not used, because expenses for 2022 were fully paid by the federal American Rescue Plan Act and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Ms. Ratz has no delivery date for a new vehicle ordered over three years ago.
EQUIPMENT STILL STUCK
Mr. Smith told the commissioners that the county lowboy equipment is still stuck in the highway department property. Last year, the Brookville Redevelopment Commission hired a contractor to add new sidewalks in this area and the sidewalk is too high at the entrance to the highway garage. Mr. Smith blamed an “engineering screw up”. He said that the town of Brookville and its contractors have taken no action to fix the Fairfield Avenue entrance to the highway garage.
Brookville Town Board President Bridget Hayes was present and said that the problem could be handled outside of this meeting. She would have more information next week. She quoted Todd Thackery of the Brookville Redevelopment Commission that the town could not simply grind down the high spot. The sidewalk has now been removed and a new one will be poured soon.
OTHER APPROVALS
The commissioners renewed the annual contract with Creek Run Tank Management for monitoring the highway department’s underground storage tanks. The price increased from $300 to $350 per month.
The commissioners appointed Metamora resident Trent Gentry to the Metamora Regional Sewer District board of directors.
The commissioners approved claims of $194,273, payroll of $210,892 as well as utilities and insurance expenses totaling $276,595 .
The next commissioner meeting will be April 12 at 10:00 am. Remote viewing is available via Zoom.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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Camping Out For A Camping Spot | |
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County Councilmember Brian Patterson told the Franklin County commissioners that the county is losing revenue, because the county park does not offer online reservations for campsites.
He talked about his recent interaction with 10 people while eating at Dairy Cottage. He said that the people had lined up hours in advance of the park office opening for the season so that they could reserve a campsite for the Antique Machinery Show in September 2023. He said that eight of the 10 people missed work while waiting in line. Some slept in their cars overnight to be sure to get a campsite. He added that the people applauded when he asked them about changing the system and taking online reservations.
To make a reservation now, people go in person to pay the fee or call on the phone. Councilmember Patterson said people do not want to travel to the Franklin County park without a guaranteed campsite when they arrive. About the current system, Commissioner Tom Wilson said, “It’s been that way for years.”
Councilmember Patterson suggested that the park hire someone part time to handle online reservations. He said, “I want it to be better.”
An online reservation system for campsites has been a controversial issue. As recently as August 2022, Park Manager Ted Hensley told county council that he would resign if the county forced him to use a computer and to accept campsite reservations via a website and credit cards. Last summer Mr. Hensley said, “We have no issue” with reservations. He said that campers prefer the current method of calling on the phone or coming in person to make a reservation, because some people don't have computers. Last summer, county council discussed the pros and cons of a new reservation system, but they took no action.
Commissioner Gerald Wendel proposed having someone at the park to keep the gates open for longer hours, because residents want more access. Commissioner John Heis also heard complaints that the gates were not going to be open for practices before the baseball season. Action was taken and the gates were open.
UPGRADES MADE AND MORE ON THE WAY
The Franklin County park made major electrical upgrades to campsites over the winter. It has a total of 184 campsites; 70 sites now have 50-amp electrical service and 32 have 30-amp service. The park received a grant from Reid Health, which partially paid for new playground equipment that should be installed this summer in the open area near the park office. The existing wooden playground will be moved to replace the oldest playground on the top of the hill.
PRICES
Commissioner Wilson commented that the price of $25 per night for a campsite with electric is “too cheap.” The other prices are $20 for a site with water only and $15 for a primitive site. A park employee said that the park board has been talking about the current prices, but no decision has been made about an increase. The employee said that it is hard to compete with campgrounds that have their own pool or lake.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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New Handicapped Parking and Easier Entry | |
The jackhammers were noisy as they torn into the old concrete walkway on the Franklin Avenue side of the Franklin County Government Center. The walkway is a remnant from when the building was Brookville School. The concrete walk has to be partially removed to make way for handicapped parking and a better entryway at the Government Center for individuals with disabilities. | |
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From the current parking lot to the closest door there are several outside steps and then more steps inside the building. The parking lot is a long walk from the handicapped accessible entrance. This is now changing.
New handicapped accessible parking will be on the Franklin Avenue side of the building and very close to the door where the building’s elevator is located. New bollards will protect the front of the building from cars. There will be better lighting, new handrails, landscaping and a retaining wall, because of the steep slope in front.
The current handicapped entrance will remain open during construction. It will have to close for one day or maybe only a few hours later in the project. County Administrator Faye Hay suggested that residents, who use the handicapped entrance, call the county before they leave home to check if the door is open. She said that county officials will make every effort to assist residents, which may be as simple as coming out to a resident’s car in the parking lot.
In April of last year, the commissioners approved the design for the parking and new entrance for which DLZ Engineering was paid $10,200. In January 2023, the commissioners awarded the construction contract for $359,000 to Amburger Concrete of Oldenburg, Indiana. The funding comes from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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Preparing For Disasters
About 25 people gathered last week for the kickoff of a five-month process to develop an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) for Franklin County. Before the session got underway, there was a slide show of damage caused by recent disasters in Indiana in Guilford, Sullivan, Vincennes and elsewhere. The photos made the point that disasters can strike anywhere and anytime. It is best to be prepared.
Indiana Code IC 10-14-3 requires counties to have a current EOP. The code also spells out who is in charge in certain situations. During this meeting, the group learned that the county commissioners have the authority to issue an evacuation order and the sheriff department is in charge of search and rescue operations. Franklin County does not have a local Red Cross chapter and is overseen by the Red Cross Southeast Regional Office in Bloomington, Indiana. Red Cross assists with setting up emergency shelters in a disaster and helping families displaced by a fire.
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Photos: Tami Mann (left) and Amy Lindsey (right) | |
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Leading the session were Franklin County Emergency Management Director Amy Lindsey and Lead Planner Tami Mann from Tetra Tech. Ms. Lindsey has been working in the field of emergency preparedness since 2002. She is currently leading three other preparedness planning projects; they are for cyber security, school safety and hazardous materials. Ms. Lindsey secured grant funds to pay for assistance from Tetra Tech. Ms. Mann started her career in emergency management in Jay County, Indiana and later traveled the globe during her 31 years in disaster planning.
It was clear from the start of the meeting that many organizations will be needed to produce an EPO that works for the entire county and for a variety of possible disasters. Franklin County’s EMA department has one employee - Ms. Lindsey. She will coordinate the EOP, but the ultimate usefulness of the EOP depends on getting information from many stakeholders. Present at the kickoff meeting were elected officials, first responders, utility companies, the county’s informational technology consultant and leaders of Franklin County Community School Corporation.
The participants were asked to commit to spending 10 - 12 hours over the next 5 months in developing the EOP. The next in-person sessions will be May 10 and May 23. Ms. Lindsey started and ended the meeting by saying to the those present, “We need your input.”
Reported by Sara Duffy
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Local Workshops Address Youth Trauma | |
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A nationally recognized speaker on youth trauma will provide free workshops during April. Registration is required through Safe Passage’s social media or email at prevention@safepassageinc.org. The schedule is as follows:
4/24: Dealing with Trauma and Grief, Thriving Not Just Surviving workshop, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Batesville Memorial Public Library. No registration is required.
4/25: Professional Development Session, 1 to 3 p.m. at Ripley County Courthouse Annex Building
4/25: Parent and Caregivers Session, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Versailles, exact location TBD
*4/26: Professional Development Session, 11 to 1 p.m., location TBD
Click to read more.
Submitted by Mary Mattingly
Safe Passage, Community Outreach Director
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Earth Day Event On The Trail - April 22 | |
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The Whitewater Canal Trail, Central Indiana West Fork Whitetail Unlimited and Trout Unlimited, will be hosting the annual Earth Day event on April 22, 2023 from 9 am to 12 noon at the Yellow Bank Trailhead located at 15040 US Highway 52.
All organizations, clubs, groups, families and individuals are welcome to join us. It is easy as getting a team, picking a spot and picking up trash. Trash bags and gloves will be provided if needed. There will be free trash drop off at the Franklin County Transfer station on Saturday. NO TIRES ALLOWED
Then when you are finished, the “Smokin Butts” food truck will have food for purchase in the parking area.
Also the Boundless Ways of Grace Church in Metamora will be sprucing up their church on Saturday. Meet them at 9 am at 19049 Wynn St. They will have water, coffee, and snacks available.
Please join us to clean up the community.
Submitted by Shirley Lamb, Whitewater Canal Trail
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Brookville Elementary School Library Benefit Night at Brookville Skyline - April 10.
5:00 - 9:00 pm. Proceeds from this event will help fund the upcoming author/illustrator visit with Will Hillenbrand in October 2023.
Submitted by Laura Frondorf, School Librarian
Fairy Garden Demonstration - April 15 10am
Space is limited. RSVP by April 10 by email to bowling8@purrdue.edu or call Purdue Extension Service 765-647-3511.
Submitted by Sara Bowling
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Kindergarten Roundup - April 13 & 14
April 13 12 pm - 7 pm
April 14 8 am - 3 pm
Contact your child’s Franklin County Community School to schedule an appointment. Click for more details.
Submitted by Franklin County Community Schools
RedLife Food Bank in Brookville - April 13, 15 & 27
Open every second and fourth Thursday from 4 pm - 6 pm and the third Saturday from 10 am - 12 noon. Please bring your own containers.
Submitted by Judy Drake
Mt. Carmel School Library Basket Bonanza - April 14
Friday, April 14. 5:30-7:30 pm. Mt. Carmel School Gymnasium and Cafeteria. Skyline Coneys will be available for purchase in the Cafe from Brookville Skyline. The Basket Bonanza will be set in the gymnasium. Tickets can be purchased during the Basket Bonanza ($10 for 15 tickets or $5 for 5 tickets). Bring a friend and join us at MCS for a night of fun! Drawings will begin at 7:15 pm (do not need to be present to win). All proceeds benefit Mt. Carmel School Library to fund author/illustrator Will Hillenbrand's visit to MCS in October 2023.
Submitted by Laura Frondorf, School Librarian
Fried Chicken Drive Thru - April 14
Do you want the convenience of picking up a delicious fried chicken or smoked pork chop dinner after a busy week at work? Brookville American Legion is serving dinner on Friday, April 14, from 4:00-7:00 PM. 10 piece chicken $14. 5 piece chicken $8. Two chops $10 One chop $6. Potato Wedges $4. Pint of Cole Slaw, Gizzards or Livers $4. Drive through, carry out or dine in the air-conditioned social room. Your choice.
Submitted by Mike Biltz
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Steel Magnolias -
April 13 & 14
Duck Creek Players present Steel Magnolias at the Opry Barn in Metamora on April 13 & 14. Doors open at 6:30pm. Show starts promptly at 7pm. For tickets, go to Duck Creek Players.
Submitted by Shirley Lamb
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Franklin County High School - Brookville, Indiana
Sound of Music Spring Musical - April 14 7 pm, April 15 7 pm and April 16 2:30 pm. Tickets at the door one hour before show.
'Blessed Growth' Children's Clothing & Toy Sale - April 15
St. Michael's School in Brookville, IN will be hosting its Annual 'Blessed Growth' Children's Clothing & Toy Sale on April 15th from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Early shopping will begin at 7:00 a.m. for a fee of $3 per person. Come shop over 4,000 sq. feet of gently used children's clothing, shoes, toys, and baby essentials. Sizes infant to juniors. Over 50 sellers. Don't miss this opportunity to save at this once a year sale.
Submitted by Traci Robinson
Quarter Auction - April 15 2 pm
FC CAN is having their first fundraiser since the pandemic started. We want to continue to help Franklin County residents navigate their cancer journey. We want to be a resource to those battling the dreaded diagnosis. Our basket raffle and vendors set up will be at Brookville Fraternal Order of Eagles, 770 Main Street. Donations accepted at the door. If you are interested in donating a basket, a raffle item or being a vendor, please contact Kirshell Lovins at 765-265-8734. Please follow our FC CAN Facebook page for a list of our events.
Submitted by Kirshell Lovins, Secretary/Treasurer
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Bluegrass Night - April 15
Banister Bluegrass Band at the Opry Barn, 19189 Pennington Road, Metamora, IN. Doors at 6:30 pm and show begins at 7 pm. Food available from Blue Bistro. Make your table reservations online at www.metamorampa.org
Mandolin Gathering - April 29 - A Day of Workshops.
Special Show - May 13 - Kerry Patrick Clark with opener Benj Luckhaupt of My Brother's Keeper.
Submitted by Metamora Performing Arts, 765-265-0813
Franklin County Historical Society
Spring Dinner Meeting & Program - April 17
The public is invited to The Hermitage, 650 E 8th Brookville, on Monday, April 17, 2023.
6 pm Dinner ($10) Call for reservations 765-657-5182
7 pm Program by historic preservation committee. Membership $10 per year. Donations accepted.
Submitted by Martha Shea
Food Pantry - April 18
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
Franklin County Middle School Fund Raiser
April 20 5-8 pm at Dairy Cottage
Partial proceeds from sales will benefit students going to Washington D.C. in March 2024.
Submitted by Chad Gutzwiller
7th Grade and 8th Social Studies Teacher
Southeast Indiana Health Center Mobile Unit Schedule
Our main office is open in Batesville every Tuesday evening. No appointment needed. Just drop in. Call 812-932-4515 with any questions. We provide No-Cost, primary care services to residents of Franklin / Ripley County, Indiana.
April 20 5-730pm Laurel Library.
April 27 5-730pm Milan High school.
April 20 We are offering free eye exams and vision screening. Call for an appointment. Follow us on Facebook.
From Southeast Indiana Health Center
Legion Scholarship Deadline - April 24
The Brookville American Legion Post #77, the Ladies Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion will again be offering scholarships. All Franklin County High School seniors from the Class of 2023 are eligible to apply. Applications are available from Ms. Shaver at the FCHS Guidance Office and online via 2023 Scholarships.
Food Boxes for Senior Citizens - April 26
Franklin County senior citizens can get a free box of food at the Senior Center on the 4th Wednesday of the month. The next pickup day is April 26 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Food is provided by Gleaners Food Pantry.
Submitted by Missy Ratz
"Quiltmakers Fabric Fling" - April 26
The Batesville Quiltmakers are sponsoring a huge fundraiser sale at the K of C Hall, 624 Delaware Rd, Batesville IN 47006 on April 26, 2023 10:30 am - 5:30 pm. Lunch available. The Batesville Quiltmakers are a non-profit group that sews for several organizations: Hospice, Safe Passage, Margaret Mary Hospital, etc.
Submitted by Amy Buckley
Benefit Yard Sale - April 26 - 29
Creekside Church will hold a benefit yard sale April 26-29, Wed-Sat (8 am-1 pm) at 11001 Bossert Rd. Furniture, antiques, clothing, jewelry, books, household, toys, games, crafts, holiday decor. All proceeds benefit Grain of Rice Project.
Submitted by Judy Siebert
WVRTA Offers Scholarship - Deadline April 30
The Whitewater Valley Retired Teachers Association is offering a $500 scholarship for the 2023-2024 school year. The application must be received or postmarked by April 30, 2023. In addition there is a $2000 scholarship available in each of the Indiana State Retired Teachers Association‘s ten districts for students. For more information or an application for either scholarship, contact bwalter004@yahoo.com.
Submitted by Barb Walter
Franklin County Quilt Show - May 19 & 20
The challenge theme is "Panel Play". Mark your calendar for May 19 and 20 at the Old Brookville High School Gym, 1010 Franklin Avenue, Brookville, Indiana. Event is sponsored by Franklin County Extension Homemakers and Quilt Batts Quilt Guild. For more information, go to Facebook.
Submitted by Dottie Roleson
Photo below from a past show.
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