Issue 1188

November 7, 2022

Voters in the Town of Brookville will decide the following Public Question: “Shall the number of Town Council members for the Town of Brookville, Indiana, be increased from five (5) to seven (7)?”

For state level positions there are more choices including Democratic, Libertarian and Republican candidates as well as write-in candidates from the Green and Disability parties. However, Republican Lindsay Patterson is unopposed for state representative in District 55, which includes Franklin County.

Franklin County is currently represented by Congressman Greg Pence of Columbus, Indiana. The county is in the middle of a compact congressional district 6 in the central eastern part of the state. After redistricting and effective in 2023, Franklin County will be the most northern county in a newly shaped congressional district 9 that runs south along the Ohio River past New Albany to Corydon and west to Bloomington. Republican Congressman Trey Hollingsworth has represented district 9 since 2017. He decided not to run for re-election.

The newly formed 9th Congressional District has candidates from three parties plus a fourth write-in candidate running. The Democrat and Republican candidates visited Franklin County and were interviewed by our reporters. See article in this issue.

Indiana’s United States Senate race has caught the attention of national media. The ballot lists candidates from the Democrat, Libertarian and Republican parties. In addition, there are six write-in candidates. Edison Research, which supplies the news networks with election results, will be gathering vote totals from Franklin County and other Indiana Counties as well as doing exit polling in larger Indiana cities to try to predict the winner on election night.

To see who is on your ballot or to find your polling place, go to Indiana Voters.

For live reporting from the Franklin County Courthouse on election night about local races, follow the Franklin County Observer on Facebook.

Reported by Sara Duffy

Last Day to Early Vote

The last day for early voting at the Franklin County courthouse, 459 Main Street, Brookville, Indiana is Monday, November 7, 8:30 am to 12 noon.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, and Indiana polls are open 6 am to 6 pm. To find your polling place or to see who is on your ballot, go to www.indianavoters.com.

Information provided by County Clerk Neysa Raible

Meet US Senate Candidates

Not often do elected officials at the congressional level visit Franklin County after they are elected. If the public wants to meet these individuals in person, the best chance is when they are campaigning before election. The local political parties hosted meet and greet events that were open to the public. Franklin County Observer reporters interviewed the two major party candidates running for United States House of Representatives District 9.

Erin Houchin - Republican Candidate

On November 3, the Franklin County Indiana Republican Party opened their monthly meeting at the Brookville Library to the public and welcomed US Senate candidate Erin Houchin.

In an interview before the meeting, Erin Houchin said that the number one concern of Franklin County residents is inflation and the second biggest worry is the illegal drug fentanyl. To combat inflation, Ms. Houchin would reduce spending on discretionary programs, and even some mandatory programs, would restore energy independence and would encourage the manufacture of supply chain goods in the USA.

In a follow-up question, Ms. Houchin was asked whether the country could afford an 8.7% increase in social security payments in 2023. Ms. Houchin said that congress has “to take care of our senior citizens” and has to “make cuts that don’t hurt the social safety net.”

Ms. Houchin would secure the border to stop the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants. In a campaign flyer, she “committed to finishing construction of Trump’s wall.”

About public education, Ms. Houchin said this program is best handled at the state level. She supports “choice programs”, which in Indiana give parents tax-funded vouchers to pay for private schools. Ms. Houchin also said that parents should “have more say” in school curriculum. She stressed the importance of students learning to read and she mentioned a “phonetics-based multi-sensory program” that has helped her 13-year-old son who has dyslexia.

When asked if the 2020 election was stolen, Ms. Houchin said that the election was certified and she would not “re-litigate the past”. She added that governors and secretaries of state made “unconstitutional changes to election laws” during the pandemic. She stated that only state legislatures have authority over election laws. According to Ms. Houchin, even Indiana needs “more absentee ballot security”, because the voter does not prove their identity on an absentee ballot application, which “leaves some opportunity for fraud.” She wants the American people to have faith in the results of our elections.

On her first day in Congress, Ms. Houchin talked about firing IRS agents and later firing federal employees who establish agency regulations and who she called the “true swamp.”

Reported by Sara Duffy

Matt Fyfe - Democratic Candidate

On September 8, 2022 the Franklin County Indiana Democratic Party held a public event at Third Place in Brookville. US Senate candidate Matt Fyfe was interviewed and asked to comment on one topic. He chose education. Click to read his remarks that were previously published in the September 12, 2022 issue of the Franklin County Observer.

Editor’s Note: There was no debate between the US Senate candidates. Ms. Houchin said that no media outlet requested a debate. Mr. Fyfe said that Ms. Houchin declined to debate him.

Veterans Day 2022

 FREE Veterans Breakfast - Nov. 11

The Brookville VFW Post 2014 will host a free breakfast for all veterans and a guest on Veterans Day, Friday, November 11, at the Post from 8 am to Noon.

Submitted by David Pelsor

vfwpost2014@outlook.com

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FREE Veterans Breakfast - Nov. 13

 Serving Those Who Served. FREE for Veterans and their families. Serving scrambled eggs, sausage & bacon, pancakes, hashed brown potatoes, biscuits and gravy, juice & coffee, fruit cup. Brookville American Legion on Sunday, November 13, 8:00-12:00. Followed by the Veterans Day Program at 1:00 pm. Sponsored by the Sons of the American Legion and the Ladies Auxiliary.

Submitted by Mike Biltz

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Free admission to veterans, active-duty military, Nov. 11

All veterans and active-duty military personnel, and everyone in their vehicle, will be admitted free to DNR state parks, reservoir properties, state forest recreation areas, and off-road state recreation areas on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11. This includes admission to Falls of the Ohio State Park’s Interpretive Center. Click to read more.

Submitted by Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources

Franklin County Middle School Program Nov. 11

Details are on Facebook.

SMS Veterans Day - Coffee & Donut Drive-Thru

St. Michael School loves our veterans. St. Michael School will be providing a Coffee and Donut Drive-Thru on Friday, November 11, from 8:30-9:30 am. We will be set up outside of the Activity Center entrance (straight across from the rectory). All veterans are welcome. Thank you for your service, loyalty, and bravery!

$25,000 Donation to Batesville Intermediate School

The Batesville Community Education Foundation (BCEF) donated $25,000 to the Batesville Community School Corporation for the Batesville Intermediate School's new Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM) lab. This remodeled room will provide a creative space at the school in which all third through fifth graders can explore STEAM activities on a weekly basis. Click to read more.

BIS teachers in the science professional learning community gather to celebrate the BCEF grant award. From L to R: Teachers Julie Ryan, Megan Rader, and Shannon McBeath, BCEF executive director Anne Wilson, BIS principal Dana Cassidy, and teachers Charla Westerfeld, Kaitlyn Hazelwood, and Bethany Bolser.

Submitted by Anne Wilson, Executive Director

Prepare Now For Winter Weather

Now is the time—before bad weather hits—for Hoosiers to gather the tools and resources necessary to brave the cold this winter. Indiana notoriously has unpredictable weather and preparing now can help Hoosiers avoid dangerous situations, inconvenient delays and expensive repairs.

Now is the perfect time to get prepared according to Emergency Management Director Mary Moran. “Indiana is a beautiful state, but anyone who has lived here knows the weather can turn on a dime,” said Moran. “I urge everyone to stock their homes and cars with supplies to address a variety of dangerous weather conditions.” Click to continue reading.

Submitted by Indiana Department of Homeland Security

Christmas Concert - Dec. 2



The Isaacs’ concert is Friday, December 2, 7:00 pm at the Lew Wallace Auditorium of Franklin County High School. Tickets $20 are available at The Rileybrook Arts Center, 740 Main Street, Brookville, IN or by calling Elaine Dorrel at 513-532-6074.

Submitted by Franklin County Arts Council



Library Programs 

The Charcuterie Craze - Nov. 14



Wondering why meat and cheese boards became so popular again? Come to Laurel Public Library and learn why Pinterest and foodies are going crazy over charcuterie boards! Sample a variety of foods commonly assembled on food boards and maybe you'll decide you can charcuterie, too. Nov. 14 at Laurel Library 6-7 p.m. Limit of 14. RSVP to 765-698-2582.

Fall-iday Crafting Session - Nov. 19

Join us in creating everything from centerpieces to wall-hangings, wreaths, ornaments, boho/hippie gifts, essential oil gifts and so much more. All supplies are provided. Nov. 19 at Brookville Library from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at Laurel Library from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Submitted by Makenna Mays, Communications Manager

Around the County

Surviving the Holidays

When you are grieving a loved one’s death, the holiday season can be especially painful. Our Surviving the Holidays seminar helps participants. Join us at Holy Guardian Angel Activity Center in Cedar Grove, 406 US Hwy 52, Cedar Grove, IN 47016 on Nov. 8 at 9:00 am or at 6:45 pm. All are welcome. www.griefshare.org/holidays

Submitted by Kathy Bauman, 812-623-6348

Delts Craft Show - Nov. 12

The Delta Theta Tau Sorority is having their 10th annual craft show on Saturday, November 12, at the Brookville Elementary from 9 am to 3 pm. There will be lots and lots of vendors in the cafeteria, gym and hallways. There will be lots of food, fun, and prizes. Booths are still available by calling 765-647-6620.

Submitted by Linda Holman, Chairperson

Old Fashioned Turkey Supper - Nov. 12 

Brookville United Methodist Church, November 12. Cafeteria style: 5 pm to 7:30pm, Carry-out: 4:00pm to 7:00 pm. Adult & carry-outs-$15. Children (6-12 yrs) - $7. Ages 5 and under are free. Facilities are handicapped accessible. Advance tickets available by calling 647-5265 or from Southeastern Insurance, The Cutting Edge, Brookville Tire Mart & George's Pharmacy.

Submitted by Beth Caudill

FFA Annual Fruit Sale - Place Orders Now

Franklin County FFA annual fruit sale started on Monday, October 10th, and will run until November 18. Despite Hurricane Ian, the FFA is still able to offer citrus, apples, pears, and pineapples. Besides fruit, the group is also offering Christmas poinsettias, a variety of gourmet nuts, and Jack Link’s Beef Steaks. If you have any questions or would like to place an order please contact a Franklin County FFA member or FFA advisor Teri Hornberger at thornberger@fccsc.k12.in.us. 

Submitted by Teri Hornberger

Food Pantry - Nov. 15 & Dec. 6

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

Coats for Kids Fundraiser

Since COVID we have been purchasing new coats and the kids get so excited to get a brand new coat that we’ve decided to fundraise every year to get new coats. 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.

Submitted by Kelly Bulmer, Executive Director

United Way of Franklin County