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This public meeting was the fourth try to appoint someone. No applicant received the required four votes to be selected until this day. The first motion was to select Matthew Siedling, but the vote was evenly split 3-3. The second motion was to select Ms. Brennan. This time the vote split 4-2 with Kevin Kaiser, Brandy Wilson, Francis Brumback and Kati Holman in favor. Beth Foster and Rick Gill were opposed. Afterward, board members congratulated Ms. Brennan.
The open seat occurred when board member Grant Reeves resigned on May 5, because he moved out of the school district.
In other business, the school board voted to hire high school coaches for the fall sports season. The vote was unanimous after being tabled at an earlier meeting. Click to see the list.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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105th Memorial Day Commemoration & Parade May 29
American Legion Post 77 will be hosting the 105th Memorial Day Commemoration & Parade on Monday May 29th. It will kick off at 9 a.m. on John Street at St. Michael's Cemetery, stop at the Old Brookville Cemetery, second stop will be on the corner of Franklin Avenue & John Street, at the Purple Heart Memorial, up 10th Street to Main Street, on to St. Mary's Road and the final destination will be at Maple Grove Cemetery where there will be a brief ceremony. This event is to honor those that have given the ultimate sacrifice. The parade has many participants this year and we are encouraging the community to show their support.
Submitted by Faith A. Jones
Adjutant, Post 77, Memorial Day Parade Chairman
[email protected].
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Metamora Memorial Day Celebration
May 28, 2023
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Honor our past and present soldiers along the canal by the car bridge at 2 pm. This event has been happening every year since the Civil War. There will be speeches, song and flowers provided so you can throw them in the canal in remembrance of all who gave their life for us.
Photos from prior years by The Observer
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“History You Can Touch”
Quilt Show 2023
Photo: Viewing the Quilt Show
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Spectacular quilts filled the old Brookville High School gym for the annual two-day quilt show on May 19 and 20. Included with the quilts was the story about how each was made and by whom. The antique quilts gave a unique glimpse back to an earlier time. Quilts Batts Quilt Guild Member and Franklin County Extension Homemaker Joann Koch described the quilts as “history you can touch”. Of course, everyone wears white cotton gloves to actually touch the quilts to prevent damage to the fabrics.
In the past, cloth was a precious item and every scrap was used and reused. Some quilts were entirely made from feed sack material. “In the 1920s, companies were producing bags printed in colorful patterns and a paper label often had sewing instructions or patterns on the back,” according to information in the quilt show program.
Photo: L-R Debbie Gossett and Kendra Brimhall held up a "Double Wedding Ring” quilt during the bed turning of 14 antique quilts. Diane Singer explained its intricate pattern. The exhibitor was Susan VanMeter of Brookville, Indiana. Click to read more about this quilt.
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This quilt show was also a reminder of the early history of the Franklin County Quilt Batts. There was a special tribute and a display of quilts made by three of the founding club members: Betty Jo Hall, Marie Kerr and Mary Taylor. Click on their names to read more about each member.
Some of the antique quilts on display were priceless and also uninsurable due to their exceptional quality. To make a quilt in 2023 requires yards and yards of materials that cost about $300. To have the multiple quilt layers machine stitched together costs another $200. Finally, there is no way to estimate the cost of hours of labor spent planning, cutting, folding, piecing, sewing and ironing the quilt top.
Joann Koch organized the first Franklin County quilt show in 2008 as part of the county’s bicentennial celebration. She said that quilt making is part of the rural heritage of this area where “people made do” with the items available. That first show featured 150 quilts from many clubs and was held at the Train Depot in Metamora. In 2009, the show moved to its current location in Brookville and was sponsored by both Franklin County Extension Homemakers and Quilts Batts Quilt Guild with help from local businesses and the Franklin County School Corporation.
Proceeds from the quilt show’s $5 admission fee will be used for buying materials to make quilts for charities. The 40+ Quilt Batts members meet on the third Thursday of each month at 6 pm at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Brookville. They sew and donate quilts to winners of the county fair baby show and to EMS, nursing homes, cancer patients and area hospitals. “After a disaster or trauma, there is a natural comfort from being wrapped in a quilt,” said a Quilt Batts member. The Quilt Batts hold other fundraising projects and give money to New Mercies, Paper Pantry, Safe Passage Shelter, Imagination Library and Franklin County Cancer Assistance NOW.
The Extension Homemakers uses proceeds from the quilt show for a college scholarship for a student majoring in a human and health sciences degree.
The next Quilt Show is already scheduled for May 17 and 18, 2024. The challenge category is “a traditional Amish quilt.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.quiltbatts.org.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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2023 Quilt Show Challenge Competition Winners | |
Photo: The “Panel Play” Challenge Competition rules specified any quilted item, except clothing, using a full panel was eligible. The winning quilter was Shana Cutter of Dillsboro, Indiana with her quilt titled “Farmer’s Prayer.” | |
Photo: Second place went to Dotti Roleson with her quilt called “Noel.” | |
Photo: Third place went to Dotti Roleson with her quilt called "Mary's Prayer." Photo provided. | |
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Photo: Honorable Mention was awarded to Brenda Hebel.
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Photo: Special Recognition went to Kendra Brimhall.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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New Mountain Bike Trail
Photo: Terry Mays taking a test ride to evaluate difficulty of dip in the trail.
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Multi-use trails, used for both mountain-biking and hiking, have come to Brookville Lake. On Saturday morning, a group of volunteers, DNR staff and trail users gathered to cut the ribbon and officially open 12.4 miles of trail on the east side of Brookville Lake.
Over the past two years, volunteers with the Brookville Lake Trail Group (BLTG), along with DNR staff and the Mountain Bike Indiana (MBI), have put in more than 800 hours of work to clear brush, remove downed trees and improve creek crossings. The multi-use trail covers the following sections of trail: Bonwell, Eagle, Woodland and Garr Hill and has access points from various parking locations. There is new signage at the access points with information about the route, difficulty level, etc. The remaining portions of the Adena Trace trail, including the entire west side of the lake, are still for hikers only.
At the dedication, DNR Property Manager Steven DeLorenzo said that the new trail is a valuable asset for visitors to Brookville Lake. But just as important, the new partnership that was created to design, develop and maintain this trail created a closer connection between that community and DNR. He gave plaques to five volunteers, acknowledging their key roles in getting this project completed (see photo).
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Left to right: Brian “Snook” Nobbe, DNR Property manager Steven DeLorenzo, Stacey Mays, Terry Mays, Steven Surette (MBI) and Bill Deaton.
Unfortunately, an inch of rain had fallen overnight so trail conditions were not suitable for bike riding. Riding bikes on a muddy trail creates ruts and puddles. Trail groups use a red/yellow/green status level to advise riders about trail conditions—Saturday morning was red. The current trail status is indicated at the top of the BLTG Facebook page.
Reported by Terry Duffy
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Cell Tower Regulations Proposed
County Commissioners May 17, 2023
- Two proposed updates to the zoning code are on hold.
- The county auditor prepares for an inventory of county-owned assets.
Two Zoning Changes Proposed For A Technical Review Committee & For Cell Tower Regulations
The commissioners tabled action on two changes to the zoning code until their next meeting to allow them more time to consider the following items: a technical advisory committee (TAC) and cell phone tower regulations. The Area Planning Commission (APC) has been talking about the need for these changes for years and been discussing the final wording for months.
APC Director Kaitlin Sterwerf presented new proposed regulations for cell phone towers. Franklin County has currently has no rules, except that a public hearing is required. Previously, the APC said that the new regulations are meant to protect residents who would be living near new cell towers.
Commissioner Tom Wilson said that the request to add cell tower zoning rules “makes sense.”
Next, APC Board Member Daryl Kramer told the commissioners that a TAC would speed up the approval process for large or complicated developments for both the applicant and the APC board. The TAC would provide expert assistance to the APC board. He estimated that the county engineer would seldom be needed. Mr. Kramer noted that all TAC recommendations would be advisory; the APC would make the final ruling. TAC meetings would be open to the public.
At times in the past, some residents with a zoning request would appear at the public hearing without submitting a development plan in advance or they would be missing other required documents. The hearing would have to be rescheduled for a month later, which would impact the applicant, the board and those in attendance.
To avoid this situation, TAC would review the request and advise the applicant of any issues in advance of the public hearing.
Commissioner Gerald Wendel voiced his concern that the applicant would be present during the TAC review and would have a chance to speak. The wording said that TAC “may invite comment from the applicant.” Mr. Kramer reassured the commissioners that the applicant would be requested to participate.
INVENTORY OF COUNTY OWNED ASSETS
The commissioners approved an updated policy to record, value and depreciate county-owned capital assets such as land, building, vehicles and equipment. County Auditor Karla Bauman requested the policy change in advance of an upcoming physical inventory of capital assets by the Indiana State Board of Accounts. She explained that the county had never implemented such a policy until 2017, when she became auditor. At that time, county-owned land was valued at only $48,000. Today, the true land value is over $800,000. Auditor Bauman previously used Reedy Financial Group to assist her office with depreciation. Now they will use software from Data Pit Stop, Inc. of Muncie, Indiana.
APPOINTMENT
The commissioners appointed Jennifer Black as their representative to the Franklin County Convention, Recreation and Visitors Bureau FCCRVB. She replaces Beverly Spurlin, who became the new executive director of FCCRVB. Ms. Spurlin replaced Mikel Beck who resigned, because she is moving.
CONTRACTS & APPROVALS
The commissioners approved claims of $794,037, payroll of $212,297 and utilities/insurance of $448,499.
Commissioner Wilson said that the commissioners must now review every payment made with federal grant money from the American Rescue Plan Act. They approved $45,400 for a new time and attendance system from LOW Systems, $995 for ARPA report preparation by Reedy Financial Group and $31,209 for a highway garage addition to store equipment under roof.
County Engineer Larry Smith will open bids on May 31 for emergency repairs to replace a small structure on Pipe Creek Road north of Haytown Road. The estimated cost is $50,000 - $60,000. The commissioners will ask county council for additional money in June. The commissioners already purchased a new steel deck bridge from E&H Bridge for this site.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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Pool Opens May 27
Heap/Hofer Town Aquatic Center in Brookville opens Saturday, May 27, noon to 7 pm daily. Family passes available. Admission $8. Age 2 and under free. Prior year photo.
Reported by Sara Duffy
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Farmer’s Market Starts May 26
Starting May 26, the original Brookville Farmer's Market will be open on Fridays at 3:30 pm and go until 6:30 pm or until we run out. We will be at our same location at the south end of Main Street in front of the Brookville Waterworks and across from Grooming Girls Pet Salon. Hope to see you there!
Submitted by Elaine Dorrel
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All books are free at Rummage Sale. Great Selection.
From Friends of Franklin County Indiana Animal Shelter
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Acoustic Final Friday - May 26 at the Opry Barn. Sign up
begins at 6, music begins at 6:30. Food available from the Lion's Club.
Submitted by Metamora Performing Arts
Southeast Indiana Health Center - Free Clinic
We provide No-Cost, primary care services to residents of Franklin or Ripley County, Indiana on Tuesdays at our permanent location in Batesville and on Thursdays in our mobile clinic. No appointment needed. Call 812-932-4515 for times and locations.
1st Thursday of the month Brookville
2nd Thursday Versailles
3rd Thursday Laurel
4th Thursday Milan
Submitted by Bev Metze
The Shack – A Summer Class on Loss, Trauma & Pain - May 28 Please join Rockdale Community Church of West Harrison, Indiana for the launch of a free, summer course called “The Shack: Help and Hope for Your Journey through Loss, Trauma, and Pain.” Based on the Hollywood movie of the same name, the five-week class will begin on Sunday, May 28th from 9:45 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. and continue through Sundays in the month of June. Click to read more.
Submitted by Adrienne Greene
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Soccer Sign-ups
Attention parents! It's time to register your player(s) for the Fall Soccer season! We are opening up registration early this year so we have more time to organize teams and assign coaches. Registration is open and will close on July 22. League play starts on August 19. Go to www.fcjsl.com. Use your parent account from last year. If you are new, create a new account. Questions: Contact Ken Schuster ([email protected] or Kathy O'Bryan
([email protected]).
Attention all Soccer Players - ages 7 - 18!
Gather a team of players together and register for a day of Soccer Fun at the Laketown 3 v 3 Tournament.
When: July 22, 2023 Where: FCHS Soccer Fields
Cost: $30 a player $120 per team
Register: www.fcjsl.com Registration is open until June 24, 2023. Questions: Contact Brian Meyers ([email protected])
Submitted by Kathy O'Bryan
2023 Garden Tour - June 3
Sponsored by The Brookville Garden Club on Saturday, June 3, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Presale Tickets $12 at Eclipz Salon. Day of Tour $15 at Brookville United Methodist Church parking lot. For info call, Rhonda 317-586-0484, Debbie 513-404-7507, or Beth 765-265-9284. Proceeds help benefit community horticulture.
Submitted by Beth Riedman
Free Disposal Days - Franklin County residents only
June 2 & 3 -- 1 screened electronic item per residence can be disposed of free of charge.
July 7 & 8 -- 1 refrigerant bearing item per residence can be disposed of free of charge.
Where: Franklin County Landfill, 9076 Landfill Road, (Located off of U.S. Highway 52, West of Brookville), Metamora, IN 47030
513.239.0310
Batesville Recycle Center, 616 John Street, Batesville, IN 47006
812.801.9099
From https://www.seird.org/recycle-centers
FCHS Food Pantry Summer Schedule - June 6
Come to Franklin County High School door A16 and a box will be brought to your car. 11:30 am -12:30 pm. June 6 & 13, July 11 & 18.
Submitted by Tanya Wirtz
Redlife Food Bank in Brookville - June 8
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
Blood Drive - June 9
Bath State Bank has teamed with Hoxworth to host a community blood drive at the Bank’s West College Corner location on Friday, June 9th — 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Each donor at our blood drive will receive a free mini-physical. Those who register before the blood drive will receive a free Reds replica jersey! If interested in donating blood, please call Cheryl at the Bank (765-732-3022) or set your appointment time at The Hoxworth website, or simply walk-in. Donating blood is a gift straight from your heart. We truly thank those unsung heroes who save lives by donating blood.
Submitted by Ann Haas, Bath State Bank
Springfield School Alumni Dinner - June 10
Springfield School Alumni will be having their annual dinner meeting on Saturday, June 10, 6:00 P.M. at the Springfield Community Church. The invitation is extended to any Springfield student, teacher and their guest. For more information, contact Sharon (Lohrey) Wooley at 765-561-1457.
Submitted by Sharon Wooley
Old Fairfield Reunion - June 11
Residents of Old Fairfield are invited to the annual town reunion at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 11. Meet at the auditorium on the grounds of the Treaty Line Museum in Dunlapsville. A covered dish is requested but not required. Bring photos, newspaper clippings, memories or smiles. Everyone is welcome to share a unique history of the Whitewater Valley in the years before Brookville Lake was created.
Submitted by John Updike
"Home Run for Health"
Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 24, as Mary Margaret Health and the Southeastern Indiana YMCA host a community-wide health fair in Batesville. This FREE event is called "Home Run for Health" and will feature demonstrations, fitness classes, seminars, interactive booths, health screenings, giveaways and more! Stay tuned to learn more.
From Mary Margaret Health
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The two-day 300-mile ride starts in Batesville, Indiana on June 10 to remember Sgt. Chad Keith of Batesville for his sacrifice 20 years ago. Click to see the flyer for more details or go to Facebook.
Submitted by Michael Buettner
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