Issue 1266

January 8, 2024

Improvement Plans For County Park

During the county commissioners final meeting of 2023, Cory Daly of USI Engineering presented a design concept for future improvements to the 215-acre Franklin County Park on Blue Creek Road. The goals were “to modernize the current fairgrounds and park properties, to increase their appeal and make them a focal point for year-round community activities including concerts, camping, sports, and outdoor recreation.”

The design includes the following:

• Plaza for entertainment events
• Amphitheater made of natural stone blocks
• Modernized recreational vehicle campsites
• Kayak and non-motorized public launch site
• Reconfiguration of ball fields to make space for four ball diamonds, batting cages and one playground.
• 40 - 50 parking spaces near the ball fields
• Red Barn renovations
• Food court and space for food trucks
• Hillside terrace above the dirt track for easy access and more capacity
• Renovations to park roadways
• Drainage work to control flooding of the upper and lower campgrounds

Mr. Daly suggested starting with campsite renovations that would generate more revenue.

Commissioner John Heis commented, “We all have visions for the county park…hope we can find the money.” Estimated prices for the improvements are as follows:

• $5 million Campground renovations
• $4.9 million Ball diamonds and parking
• $4.3 million Event venue and plaza
• $.3 million River access
• $14.5 million Total

The county park owns land along the river on Blue Creek Road that could provide public access for kayaks and other non-motorized watercraft. The access point is a short distance from Morgan’s Canoe Rental business.

USI was hired over a year ago when Tom Linkel was a county commissioner. Mr. Linkel is no longer a county commissioner, but he now serves as president of the Park Board of Directors. Federal grant money of $11,447 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was paid to USI Engineering for the proposal.

Reported by Sara Duffy

Drawings by USI Engineering from Park Presentation

4-H Building Underway

One major improvement to the county park is already underway. Photos show the iron frame going up for the new 4-H exhibit building. In October 2023, three old metal buildings were torn down and construction on the new structure began shortly thereafter. The $1.2 million in funding came from generous local donors. The county commissioners allocated $600,000 in federal grant money for new water and sewer systems at the county park.

4-H Fair Board Member Brian Baxter said, “The new Expo Hall will be approximately 84 feet deep by 160 feet long, with approximately 17-foot sides, and a 12-foot porch. This building will be constructed so it can be used year round. This building will also be used for other events: 4-H, school related, community activities, possibly wedding receptions.”

The beginning stages of the project are expected to be finished in time for the next 4-H fair in July 2024.

Reported by Sara Duffy

Photos by Jennifer Profitt

16 Holidays In 2024

The Franklin County Government Center will be closed and county employees will be paid for 16 holidays in 2024. Two days are for elections. Click to see the schedule.

Reported by Sara Duffy

County Commissioners Wrap Up Business For Year

December 20, 2024

• Shirley May was hired as the county’s new Veteran Service Officer.
• The commissioners appointed citizens to various boards.

The county commissioners met on December 20 to wrap up business for the year. They awarded contracts for 2024, but held off action on storm water control again. They made appointments to various boards, but delayed selections for the county health board.

New Veteran Service Officer

The commissioners hired Shirley May as the county’s new Veteran Service Officer. She was rated as “very qualified” by the selection committee. Ms. May will start in mid-January. She replaces Sam Wyatt, who retired.

2024 Appointments

The commissioners said there was “a poor response” to the ads they placed for citizens to volunteer to serve on various boards. The commissioners made the following appointments for 2024:

• Library Board - Vincent Cregar
• Franklin County Economic Development Commission - Greg Orschell and John Palmer
• Regional Economic Development Commission - Bill Schirmer
• Southeast Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (SEI READI) - Bill Schirmer
• Franklin County Economic Redevelopment Commission - Tim George, John Palmer and Bill Schirmer. The commissioners reappointed Sara Duffy to represent the Franklin County School Board.

The health board and some other positions will be filled in January 2024.

EagleView Aerial Images Of The County

The commissioners awarded a three-year contract to EagleView Pictometry to provide aerial five-sided views of buildings. The photos will be used by the county assessor to evaluate properties and will assist first responders with information about terrain. The cost of $35,550 per year will be paid from the new $1.6 million bond recently approved by county council. According to County Assessor Debbie Schoettelkotte, EagleView will perform flights over Franklin County in the spring of 2024. The exact date when the data will be available is unknown. This new service will supplement, but not replace, the mapping system currently available online from WTH Technology. Seventy-two Indiana counties already use EagleView’s aerial imagery and software.

Contracts

The commissioners opted to go ahead with only one bid for the Bessler Road culvert project, which was for $31,268 from OLCO, Inc., The commissioners wanted to get a contract signed and the money committed before the end of the year. They said that the price could jump to $37,000, if footers are necessary.

The commissioners awarded a $1 million contract to low bidder Dave O’Mara for paving to be done in 2024 on Duck Creek Road and Old State Road 1. Paul Rohe bid $1.3 million and OLCO, Inc., bid $2.3 million. An Indiana Community Crossing Grant provided the bulk of the paving money.

The commissioners said that they would continue their existing contract with USI Consultants for emergencies in 2024. They took no vote.

The commissioners opened bids for highway department equipment and materials from a dozen companies. They read very few prices aloud. After a review by Highway Department Supervisor Justin Ball, the commissioners accepted all bids and will use the companies that are available when the projects are scheduled in 2024.

• St. Regis - culvert pipes
• E&H Bridge - prefabricated steel bridges    
• Klump Trucking and Simmermeyer Trucking - trucking and equipment rental
• Ballenger Stone, New Point Stone, Harrison Sand & Gravel, IMI and Rush County Stone - stone & gravel
• Dave O’Mara, Paul Rohe, Terry Asphalt, Asphalt Materials and Hot Mix, Inc. – paving materials

Storm Water Regulations Delayed Again

Final action on a storm water ordinance was delayed again. The commissioners have been considering adopting regulations prepared by Purdue University and already in use in other counties. The commissioners directed attorney Grant Reeves to delete optional regulations designated “in green” and to rely on the state of Indiana to handle those items. A 170-page technical specifications section will need some revisions after the optional items are removed.

Mr. Reeves said that the Area Planning Commission will oversee storm water drainage and issue permits. However, the county commissioners, acting as the drainage board, will handle complaints about not getting a permit as well as complaints about enforcement.

Local Developer Wants Drainage Plan Waived

Commissioner Wilson invited real estate developer Brian Bauman to the podium to voice his complaints about the Area Planning Commission (APC) and to talk about the drainage plan for his project. He will build 40 self-storage units in four buildings on an undeveloped 3.6-acre parcel.

Since July 2023, Mr. Bauman has done excavating work and built a pond on the property. He has not submitted a drainage plan and does not have an improvement location permit. He is now asking the commissioner to waive the requirement to do a drainage plan for the project.

Commissioner Wilson also called Area Planning Commission (APC) Executive Director Kaitlin Sterwerf to come to the meeting room to answer Mr. Bauman. For nearly 30 minutes, Mr. Bauman and Ms. Sterwerf went back and forth about issues that occurred from July 2023 to the present. Click to read more.

Later in the meeting, Commissioner Wilson said that the commissioners would convene as the county’s drainage board and would decide about Mr. Bauman’s requests at their next meeting.   

The next regular commissioners meeting will be January 10 at 10 am. Zoom access is available to watch from home or work. Go to the county’s website at https://www.franklincounty.in.gov.

Reported by Sara Duffy

Tri Kappa Helps Students

Pictured (L-R) are Mary Beth Siebert, Brookville Tri Kappa Associate Chapter; Heidi Kelley, Franklin County HSE Instructor; Shelly Lunsford, Brookville Tri Kappa Chapter.

Brookville Tri Kappa and Tri Kappa Associate chapters each donated four $25 gas cards to Franklin County HSE (High School Equivalency) students to be used for travel to their testing sites. “The Indiana HSE (High School Equivalency) is an alternative program for earning a high school diploma. HSE diplomas can be earned after completing a test based on five subject areas (math, reading, writing, science and social studies),” according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

Submitted by Shelly Lunsford

VFW Post Taking Orders For Whole Hog Sausage

VFW Post # 2014 is now taking orders for whole hog sausage, bulk: regular, hot and extra hot, links, patties, liver sausage and goetta. Cost is $4.50 lb, pick up orders at the Post, 26 W. 8th Street, Brookville on Monday January 22 after 2:00 pm. call the VFW to place orders at 765 647-3443 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm daily.

Submitted by David Pelsor

Eclipse Viewing Aids

Only three months until the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024. Much of Indiana will be in the path of totality, meaning many Hoosiers could see the moon completely block the sun. View the eclipse safely with these reputable viewing aids: https://bit.ly/3Twafyu.

From Indiana Department of Health

Mario District Gaming at Laurel Library

When Monday, January 22, 4:30pm – 5:30pm

Where Laurel Public Library, 200 Clay St, Laurel, IN 47024

Description Join a night of fun with Mario. Fans of the games can sign up for our first ever Mario tournament! Attendees will win points depending on where they place. At the end, the person with the most points will be crowned the champion! In addition, the night will consist of various Mario games such as a Mario Kart Grand Prix, Mario Maker level challenge, and a Super Mario Party Showdown.

From Franklin County Library District

Enroll in 2024 Farm Programs

Don't wait. Schedule an appointment now to enroll in the 2024 programs. The Agriculture Risk (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs provide financial protections to farmers from substantial drops in crop prices or revenues. Changes maybe made through March 15. Call Franklin County FSA at 765-647-2651 Ext. 2

Submitted by Farm Service Agency



Is Grief Share For Me?



The new 13-week program begins January 8th at a new location - the Franklin County Senior Center. Click for all the details.

Submitted by Kathy Bauman



AROUND THE COUNTY

Brookville Chapter of Tri Kappa

Seeking Scholarship Applicants

The state organization of Tri Kappa will award a variety of scholarships to college students throughout Indiana in the spring. Tri Kappa has provided scholarship awards since 1914, recognizing students on the local, province, and state levels. They gave more than $1.5 million in 2023 to honor academic achievement.

Scholarship Chair Karen Bergin (Brookville Associate Chapter of Tri Kappa) is seeking applicants for the following:

• $1,000 Academic Scholarships
• $1,000 Key and Vocational Scholarships
• $1,000 Fine Arts Scholarship
• Twanette Nutter Fleming music Award

Click to read more about each scholarship. Students wishing to apply for any of these scholarships are encouraged to contact Karen Bergin at 765-309-5436 by Monday, January 8.

Submitted by Beth Siebert

Writer’s Life For Me: Calling all writers! Join us for a writer’s workshop featuring the Story Pirates Podcast. Write your own story during our challenge prompt, and have the opportunity to share with others during our author’s chair! Jan. 16 at Brookville Library at 5 p.m.



Basic Computer Tips and Tricks: Need job hunting and resume-building assistance? Or perhaps help navigating the internet or other basic computer skills? Sign up for one-on-one help! You must RSVP by calling the libraries. You will receive a call from the library before your appointment to verify and answer questions about your needs so we can better assist you. Please email amber@fclibraries.org if a different time slot is needed. Jan. 29 at Brookville Library from 12-5 p.m. and Jan. 30 at Laurel Library from 12-5 p.m.

Under the Snow: Join our friends from the DNR and learn all about the animals who rely on snow and leaf litter to keep warm in the snow. Jan. 30 at Brookville Library at 5 p.m. and Jan. 25 at Laurel Library at 5 p.m.

Submitted by Makenna Mays

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

Redlife Food Bank in Brookville 

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



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Our volunteer staff writers are all Franklin County residents who are committed to factual, impartial news reporting.

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