Issue 1157

June 7, 2022

Ms. Chavis noted that supply chain problems could cause a delay. She confirmed that the school corporation makes no payments to Sun FundED until the solar field is operating. Under the contract, Sun FundED will maintain the solar equipment. The school will be responsible for mowing the grass.

The solar field will be built on four acres of school owned farmland on Smith Road that adjoins the campus on Wildcat Lane in Brookville. It will power only the middle school and the high school.

In other action, the school board approved hiring three people. Daniel Clark was approved as Head of Maintenance. He replaces Dennis Brown who retired. Rebecca Dalrymple was hired as a media specialist assistant and LaDonna Raab as a third grade teacher at Laurel Elementary School.

Reported by Sara Duffy

Franklin County 4-H Association Makes Big Plans

Photos provided of Franklin County 4-H Association members standing in front of the old buildings and of a drawing of the new building.

Last week, Brian Baxter, Franklin County 4-H Association board member and grandstand event chairperson, announced plans to tear down the three metal exhibition buildings at the county fairgrounds and replace them with one big community center/exhibition hall. The 84-foot x 160-foot building would be complaint with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), have generator power, and be available for an emergency shelter in case of a disaster. The building will be used to host 4-H gatherings as well as social, community or educational events.

The 4-H Association held a media event at the fairgrounds to kick off their fundraising campaign. Donations can be made at FCN Bank or by check to Franklin County 4-H Association, Inc. PO Box 284, Brookville, IN 47012. Donations also accepted by Paypal and Venmo.

Reported by Sara Duffy

Who Will Make The Decisions About

Low Water Crossings To Fix?

County Commissioners May 31, 2022

• Commissioner Tom Linkel is worried that “council would start picking the [low water crossing repair] jobs”.
• A $246,000 grant will pay for more security cameras in schools plus data security systems in county buildings.
• Franklin County and Oldenburg will cooperate on repairing a historic bridge at a cost of $2.3 million.

WHO WILL MAKES THE DECISIONS ABOUT

LOW WATER CROSSINGS TO FIX?

Last month, county council asked the county commissioners to list all of the low water crossings in priority order for future replacement. Commissioner Tom Linkel said that he is worried that council would override the commissioners’ decisions and “council would start picking the jobs”. Commissioner Linkel stated that such action would tie the hands of the commissioners in case of an emergency. He wants council to approve money for replacing low water crossings and the commissioners will select them.

Photo of Pipe Creek at low water. A person died after their vehicle was washed away at this crossing. A low water crossing (LWC) uses a slab of concrete or a metal pipe to carry traffic over a waterway. At most times, the LWC is dry. During heavy rains, the LWC can flood and be impassable to traffic.

Commissioner Linkel indicated that 11 bridges are on the “hit list” for replacement as identified by the bridge inspectors. There are also 33 county bridges, which are posted with weight limits of 16 tons. The highest priority bridges for replacement are ones on the bridge inspection “hit list” with weight limits of 16 tons, according to Commissioner Linkel.

If county council begins selecting low water crossings for replacement, this would be a major change. Traditionally, county council controls how much is spent on bridge repairs in the yearly budget. The amount of money is based upon requests from the commissioners and available funds. The commissioners select the bridges or low water crossings to be repaired and they oversee the process. When the commissioners need more money than is in the budget, they have to seek approval from county council.

EMA DIRECTOR PUTS MORE SECURITY CAMERAS IN FIVE SCHOOLS

When Emergency Management Agency Director Amy Lindsay addresses the commissioners, it is usually with good news about another federal or state grant that she has secured for the county. Since she was hired in early 2020, she obtained approximately $600,000 in grants for new equipment or repairs.

At this meeting, the commissioners gave permission to proceed with purchases to be paid by a $246,000 reimbursable grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The county has to spend the money first and then will be repaid by FEMA.

First, Ms. Lindsey will purchase additional security cameras for all five Franklin County Community Schools at a cost of $102,000. The schools already have some security cameras. Now they will have more. The county will own and maintain the cameras; school personnel will monitor them.

Second, Ms. Lindsey will buy new computer equipment for better cyber security in three county buildings at a cost of $101,098. Midwest Data will install “nimble storage” units as extra backup to the current computer systems. 

In process, Ms. Lindsey has a new grant application for $107,000 and a request for $40,000 to reimburse COVID-19 expenses.

The grant process is competitive and federal funding is not guaranteed. Last year, Ms. Lindsay tried to secure $2.7 million in FEMA grant funding for replacing Sanes Creek Bridge, where six people died in March 2020 when the bridge approach collapsed. The grant was not approved.

HISTORIC OLDENBURG BRIDGE TO BE REBUILT

Photos by Monica Yane

Franklin County and the Town of Oldenburg are cooperating on a federally funded road and bridge project. The county will oversee repairs to the historic concrete bridge #163 and the town will be in charge of the nearby roadwork on Water Street. Because the 32-foot long bridge qualifies as an historic structure, it could not be replaced. Instead, it will be repaired for better water flow and safer traffic at a cost of $2.3 million. The federal government will reimburse 80% of the cost. Oldenburg will pay $55,800 and the county will pay approximately $400,000.

On May 3, the town and the county held a lengthy meeting via Zoom to work out the details about roles, responsibilities and funding for the project. At this meeting, the county signed the final inter-local agreement with Oldenburg. Design work will start this year, but construction will not start until 2027.

SPENDING FEDERAL ARPA MONEY

John Palmer, Franklin County Economic Development Commissioner President, has received many requests for some of the $4.4 million in federal grant money that the county received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Commissioner Linkel serves on a committee that reviews all requests.

At this meeting, the commissioners made the first payment to an organization outside of county government. A check for $7,500 will be sent to Metamora Volunteer Fire Department for new radios. The commissioners have committed to share the cost of a new ambulance with the non-profit Franklin County EMS.

Mr. Palmer reminded the commissioners that they had also earmarked up to $750,000 of ARPA money for a natural gas line extension by Sycamore Gas to the industrial area on State Road 101 north of Brookville. He said that the amount was being reduced to $500,000. Some of the cost will likely be paid by a state grant through the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) program.

“WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS”

Commissioner Linkel reported that the roofing contractor found more damage to the government center roof. The roof was “spongy” and there was water pooling underneath another section of flat roof. The problem was caused by storm damage and by a leak from a rooftop HVAC unit. “When it rains, it pours,” commented Mr. Palmer. The commissioners had already contracted to replace the shingled roof and part of the flat roof with a new metal roof at the cost of $469,350. No price was given for the additional work.

The roof over the commissioners’ second floor meeting room has been patched and interior repairs to the collapsed ceiling are underway.

SIGN VANDALISM

Commissioner Linkel told Sheriff Pete Cates about a safety issue caused by vandals removing or damaging stop signs. Sheriff Cates will send deputies to patrol in specific areas. He said that the vandal could be held responsible for an accident caused by a damaged or missing stop sign.

JAMES BOYLES DITCH

County Auditor Karla Bauman said that Franklin County still owes $6,300 to Union County for expenses incurred by the jointly owned James Boyles Ditch. For the past two years, no one billed landowners for the costs to maintain the ditch. The commissioners’ attorney will send a letter to affected landowners about payment.

The next commissioners’ meeting will be June 14 at 10:00 am.

Reported by Sara Duffy

1^st Responder Rodeo & Concert Night

The public is invited to support their first responders at a rodeo and concert night plus fireworks show on June 11 at 7 pm at the Franklin County fair grounds. The gates open and the music starts at 3 pm. Music and fireworks provided by Matt Gibson. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 4 - 12. 3-J Ranch & Rodeo will have events including Bareback, Saddle Bronc, Bull Riding, Steer Wrestling, Tie Down Roping, Team Roping, Cowgirl's Breakaway Roping and Cowgirl's Barrel Racing.

The money raised from this event will benefit the local emergency responders in our area. The Franklin County 4-H Association will be helping with parking and gate entry. Food vendors  will be providing amazing food. Click for more information.

Submitted by Brian Baxter

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

There will be a NO COST Youth Mental Health First Aid training held on June 21, 2022 at the Franklin County Public Library! Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18. This training is for adults supporting youth, and is open to anyone and everyone over the age of 18. 

This training is made possible by the Eric J. Biehl Memorial Endowment through the Franklin County Community Foundation.

Click to see a flyer with more information. Space is limited, and priority will be given to those living or working in Franklin County, so register for your spot now! Here is the registration link. The deadline to register is June 17th. 

Submitted on behalf of the Stayin' Alive Coalition

by Melinda K. Brown, Executive Director

Meet Elizabeth Simmermeyer

Elizabeth Simmermeyer is the new 4-H Youth Development Educator for Franklin County. She grew up in Franklin County and was a ten-year member of the Highland Hoosiers 4-H Club. She will be working with youth in the community through programs that focus on healthy living, civic engagement, science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) and agriculture. Click to continue reading about Ms. Simmermeyer.

Submitted by Veronica Bullock

Extension Educator, Agriculture & Natural Resources

Purdue Extension-Franklin County Extension Director

104th Annual Memorial Day Parade In Photos

Brookville American Legion Firing Squad at Old Brookville Cemetery

Brookville VFW

Brookville American Legion Auxiliary

Squadron 77 Sons of American Legion

American Flag flies over Main Street.

Auxiliary Poppy Queen Faryn Robenstine

Franklin County High School Band

Ceremony on 6th Street Bridge to commemorate soldiers lost at sea.

Photos by Sara Duffy



Kick-off Summer Reading Program June 17

Readers of all ages are invited to explore the depths of the ocean this year as Franklin County Public Library District presents “Oceans of Possibilities” as this year’s Summer Reading Program theme.

FCPLD will kick-off its Summer Reading Program on June 17 with a carnival at both Brookville and Laurel Libraries from 3-5 p.m.

The Summer Reading Program is a six-week reading program open to all ages, and participants do not need to be residents of Franklin County or have a library card to participate. The program runs from June 17 until July 30 at 3 p.m.

Submitted by Makenna Mays,

Communications Manager

Franklin County Public Library District

4-H Fair Grandstand Events

The 4-H Association published the grandstand events for this year’s county fair, as follows:

July 9 - Demolition Derby

July 10 - Tractor & Truck Pull

July 12 - Lawn Mower Racing

July 13 - Moto Cross

July 15 & 16 - Flat Drag Race

For more event information, go to Facebook. Click to read more about sponsoring a grandstand event at the 4-H fair.

Submitted by Brian Baxter

Around the County

Dementia Friends/Caregiver

-June 8

The Brookville Senior Center in conjunction with Lifestream Services will be hosting a Dementia Friends initiative on June 8th at 10:30 a.m. at the Brookville Senior Center. The program aims to increase education and awareness of dementia, reduce the stigma associated with the disease, and ultimately create community environments that are welcoming and conducive for those living with dementia. Becoming a Dementia Friend will help you to better communicate with people living with dementia and their caregivers when you encounter them in your community. For more information, please call 765-647-3509.

Submitted by Missy Ratz, Executive Director

Franklin Co. Public Transportation

Food Pantry Summer Dates

Franklin County High School Food Pantry Summer Dates

Wednesday, June 15th 11:30-12:30

Wednesday, July 6th  11:30-12:30

Monday, July 25th 11:30-12:30

Tuesday, August 2nd    4-5 pm

Tuesday, August 16th   4-5:30pm

Come to Door A16 for pick-up.

Submitted by Tanya Wirtz, FCHS JAG Specialist

Springfield Township School Alumni Dinner - June 11

The Springfield Township School Alumni Association is having their dinner and meeting on June 11, 2022 at 6:30 PM at the Springfield Community Church (corner of Springfield Road and Brookville-Oxford Pike ). This invitation, as always, is extended to all Springfield graduates, teachers, friends and anyone who attended Springfield Township School. The cost will be $18.50 per person. Anyone interested in attending can contact Ivan Bruns. Phone 765-580-0391 

Submitted by Ivan Bruns

Annual Fairfield Reunion - June 12

Former and current residents of Old Fairfield, New Fairfield, Fairfield and Harmony Townships are invited to the annual town reunion at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 12, at the Treaty Line Museum meeting hall in Dunlapsville. Bring a covered dish and your memories, questions and smiles. The meeting is open to anyone who is curious about the old town, its history and its people. 

Dunlapsville is a mile west of Roseburg off S.R. 101. You can get there from Connersville on Alquina Road or south off S.R. 44 on S. County Road East to Alquina Road, then east.

Submitted by John C. Updike, Brookville H.S. Class of 1964.

Pitch-in Picnic & Program at Seminary - June 20

The Franklin County Historical Society invites the public to join them on Monday, June 20, at the Seminary, 5th and Mill Streets in Brookville. Bring a covered dish, a lawn chair and we will eat outside. Drinks and tables provided. Dinner starts at 6:00 pm. Program: "History of 4-H" will be presented by Joann Koch.

Submitted by Martha Shea, Franklin County Historical Society

Franklin County 4-H Fair Princess Program

 All Mini 4-H girls enrolled in Franklin County Mini 4-H who have just completed 1st and 2nd grade are invited to participate in the 9th Annual Franklin County 4-H Fair Princess Program. If interested in participating, please attend the meeting on Friday, June 17, from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. at the Franklin County 4-H Fairgrounds in the Block Building. Click to see the flyer. Any questions can be directed to the program chairman, Molly Belmonte – (765)-265-6375 or [email protected]. Follow “Franklin County 4-H Fair Princess Program” on Facebook for up-to-date news and announcements.

Submitted by Molly Belmonte

CanoeFest - Canoe Racing - June 25, 2022

“The RACES must go on ... even with the tail water from the spill way shut down for maintenance on the Dam. Therefore, we are moving the races to the West Fork of the Whitewater River. Though the races might look different, they will still be just as much fun!

The RECREATION RACE will launch northwest of the town of Brookville at Eagle Beach and participants will proceed down the Whitewater River to Morgan's Canoe & Livery (3 miles).

The BIATHLON AND CHAMPIONSHIP RACES will launch from Morgan's Canoe & Livery and end at Cedar Grove. Online registration closes June 23, 2022.

All donations received will be distributed to local 501(c)(3) charities in Franklin County!” For more information, go to http://brookvillecanoefest.com.

Information from CanoeFest website

Prior year photo by Terry Duffy



COVID-19 Tests

Available at EMS in Brookville

Franklin County EMS will continue to offer COVID-19 testing through June, 30 2022. The hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 4-9pm and the first Saturday of the month 9am - 4pm. The test site is located in the alley behind the EMS building at the corner of 7th and Mill Streets, Brookville, Indiana 47012. Phone 765-647-0234. Go online to make an appointment for a COVID-19 test. Frankin County EMS does not distribute results. For assistance with results, call 877-826-0011- option 2.

Click to find other testing locations in Indiana.

Reported by Sara Duffy

COVID-19 Shots Available

The Franklin County Health Department is giving shots in the Franklin County Government Center located at 1010 Franklin Ave., Room 210, Brookville, IN. COVID-19 shots are Tuesday & Thursdays 1:00 -3:50 pm. APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. A mask is required for ages 8 and up. Please practice social distancing. Please call the Health Department at 765-647-4322 for more information. *CLOSED HOLIDAYS.

Submitted by FC Health Department

Free Rides to Vaccine Clinic

Franklin County Public Transportation is offering free transportation to anyone in Franklin County who would like to get to one of the COVID-19 vaccination clinics that are being offered by the Health Department, CVS, etc.). Passengers would just need to call in advance at 765-647-3509 to schedule their ride. This will be ongoing as long as the vaccinations are being offered.

Submitted by Missy Ratz

Director, Franklin County Public Transportation