|
Sheriff Cates acknowledged being “spread thin.” Last year, he wanted to cut back, but the commissioners were very busy at that time with negotiating a new EMS contract.
Sheriff Cates used an analogy of the dispatch operation being “the gas” that gets the “the car” [first responders] from point A to point B. Sheriff Cates stated, “We need to have a full-time director advocating for dispatch.” Dispatchers are resigning and going to jobs in other counties for more money. Another concern is that the 911 equipment is at “end of life.” Finally, Sheriff Cates advised that the county needs to move forward with the new dispatch center.
| |
|
File photo from several years ago: Inside the 911 dispatch center.
In 2022, the commissioners hired consultant Barry Ritter to advise them about the 911 operation. They took his advice and purchased 1020 Franklin Avenue with the intention of moving the 911 dispatchers out of the jail into this building. The county paid $75,000 for the property. In June 2023, the estimated cost was $562,000 for renovating the building, upgrading equipment and moving the 911 operation there.
| |
|
Photo: 1020 Franklin Avenue currently houses the town of Brookville administrative offices. They plan to move to other property that the town owns.
At this commissioners’ meeting, Mr. Ritter presented a job description for a 911 director, which the commissioners voted to adopt.
The next issue was the salary for the 911 director job. Mr. Ritter gave the commissioners a comparison of 911 director salaries across the state. Sheriff Cates commented that $50,000 is “significantly lower” than the salary paid in neighboring counties. In August 2022, former Councilmember Joe Sizemore proposed a salary of $65,000 for a 911 director. However, Mr. Sizemore’s motion to county council died for lack of a second.
Both Commissioner Tom Wilson and Sheriff Cates will approach county council on March 19 about funding both a 911 director’s salary and $562,000 for the move of the 911 operation to 1020 Franklin Avenue.
Commissioner Wilson talked about needing a 911 director immediately. Sheriff Cates reassured him, “We have a supervisor at the sheriff department that I trust implicitly.”
Reported by Sara Duffy
| |
Two Long-time Sheriff Department Employees Retire | |
|
Photo: Deputy John Roberts and Clerk Debbie Combs
Franklin County Sheriff Peter Cates announced the retirement of two long-serving employees.
After 21 years of dedicated service, Deputy John Roberts retired in February. Deputy Roberts joined the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department after several years of service as a reserve officer with the town of Laurel. During his time with FCSD, Deputy Roberts’ roles included Chief Deputy, K-9 handler, and firearms instructor.
| |
|
Photo: Deputy John Roberts and Sheriff Cates.
Clerk Debbie Combs retired in January after 24 years of dedicated service. Debbie first joined FCSD as a part-time clerk, where she later moved into a full-time role. Among Debbie’s responsibilities were maintaining inmate records, sending and receiving court related documents, background checks, and banking related duties.
| |
|
Photo: Sheriff Cates and Debbie Combs.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department team would like to congratulate John and Debbie on their well-deserved retirement and wish them both success in the next chapter of their lives.
From Deputy Sheriff Jason Lovins
Franklin County Sheriff Department
| |
|
Get Ready for a Long Road Closure
County Commissioners
March 6, 2024
- State Road 1 will close for more than 7 months beginning April 9.
- Philip Wendel was appointed to the Area Planning Commission.
- A parcel was rezoned from residential to local business in Oldenburg.
Highway Detours
Franklin County Highway Superintendent Justin Ball reported that State Road 1 north of Brookville will be closed from April 9, 2024, through November 20, 2024, in two stages. The first closure will begin on April 9. It will start just north of the town of Brookville and extend to Reservoir Road. The unofficial detour for local traffic will be Reservoir Road.
When this first phase is completed, the crew will move north. The second closure will start north of Blooming Grove and extend to Laurel Road. The unofficial detour for local traffic only will be Fairfield Causeway, Bentley Road and Shays Road. The commissioners recognized the last two roads are narrow, but experience has shown that local residents will use these roads for a detour.
To be reimbursed by the state for any damage, the county must specify the unofficial detour in advance. Mr. Ball said that the county previously lost $50,000 in funding, when a popular local detour was not designed in advance. He said, “The unofficial detour is what we have seen in the past. Locals are going to go the direction they want to go and there is nothing we can do to stop them.”
The official detour for truck traffic will follow State Road 101 to State Road 44 to Connersville.
Philip Wendel Appointed to Area Planning Commission
Mike Kohlsdorf, Franklin County Extension Board Member, submitted a letter with three names for possible appointment to the Area Planning Commission (APC) as specified in the Indiana Code. They were Doug Cregar, Greg Kunkel and Philip Wendell. The commissioners selected Mr. Wendell for a one-year appointment to the APC. He replaces Patrick Bedel, whose term expired in December 2023. Purdue Extension Educator Veronica Bullock serves as an advisor on agricultural issues to the APC. However, she cannot vote, because she is not a county resident.
Rezone for Meyer
As requested by Ashley and Amanda Meyer and recommended by the APC, the commissioners rezoned 3022 Pearl Street in the town of Oldenburg from multi-family residential to local business. The Meyers intend to open a bistro and Christmas shop. The town board of Oldenburg already agreed to the rezone.
In other zoning business. The commissioners amended the county zoning code and removed the section detailing the complaint process. The complaint process will now be part of APC office procedures. The change will allow more flexibility in working with residents to resolve problems.
EMA Secures Another Grant
Emergency Management Agency Director Amy Lindsey advised the commissioners that she had secured another public safety grant from Duke Energy. This one is for $2,500. The commissioners agreed with spending the money on a portable battery, emergency kits and incident management equipment. No matching money from the county is required.
Health Department Update
County Health Officer Dr. David Welsh participated by Zoom from a meeting he was attending in Chicago. He received approval from the commissioners for four updated job descriptions that were already approved by the county health board. Changes were made as follows:
- Adding duties to the current public health nurse as school nurse liaison.
- Clarifying the roles of the grant administrator and the emergency preparedness coordinator
- Replacing the nurse administrator job with an administrator in 2025.
The Health Board is advertising to hire a second nurse, said Dr. Welsh.
Other Actions
The commissioners signed a two-year contract with a new law firm - Bascom and Kisor, LLC. Attorney Jefferson Kisor was in the audience. The attorneys will be paid $225 per hour and their paralegals, $100 per hour.
Acting as the Drainage Board, the commissioners approved a geotechnical plan for the O.E. Wehr Ditch under the railroad crossing in Bath Township.
The commissioners signed a certification that the county prosecutor’s office is in compliance with the victim assistance program for a federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) 2024-2026 Grant.
The commissioners signed paperwork verifying that the county’s underground storage tanks were inspected and new valves were installed by Ryan Patterson from Creek Run Environmental Engineering.
The commissioners tabled action on renewing a contract with Where Technology Happens (WTH). The company wants to purchase the county geographic system information (GIS) data for the company’s own use.
The next regular commissioners meeting will be March 20 at 10 am. Zoom access is available to watch from home or work. Go to the county website: https://www.franklincounty.in.gov.
Reported by Sara Duffy
| |
Two Arrested after Vehicle Pursuit | |
|
On Thursday, March 7th, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the Franklin County Communications Center received a 911 call, reporting that the occupants of a vehicle were involved in a domestic dispute. The caller reported that the vehicle was traveling westbound on U.S. 52, from the West Harrison area. Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputies located the vehicle on U.S. 52, east of Brookville.
Deputies attempted to initiate a vehicle stop to investigate the original domestic disturbance complaint. The driver, Jamie Lynn Benoit, age 34 of Cleves, Ohio, lead officers in a pursuit. Benoit stopped in the area of 5th Street and Short Street in Brookville, where Deputies took her into custody without further incident. The vehicle’s passenger, Matthew Joseph Hubbard, age 27 of Cincinnati, Ohio, was also arrested. A one-year-old child that was in the vehicle, was taken into the custody of the Department of Child Services. Deputies indicated that speeds did not exceed 40 m.p.h.
Click to continue reading.
From Deputy Sheriff Jason Lovins
Franklin County Sheriff Department
Editor’s Note: After this press release the Franklin County Prosecutor filed charges on March 8, 2024, against Benoit and Hubbard.
| |
Make Your Campsite Reservations Online | |
Franklin County Park is now online for campsite and shelter bookings for the 2024 year. There are two dates to remember for the Franklin County Tractor Show. Sites 1-124 will go online March 18th. All overflow sites will be accepted at the Park Office or by phone on March 25th (Not online). We are asking people to be patient with us, as this is a new product to the park. To reserve your sites, please go to CampSpot.
From Dennis Kolb
Franklin County Park Board Secretary
| |
|
The Franklin County High School drama department will present Shrek the Musical, April 5th-7th. Please consider purchasing a playbill ad to help support this production. Your ad will appear in every playbill. Have a family member or friend in the cast, crew, or pit? Congratulate them with an ad in the playbill!
Not interested in placing an ad but still looking for a way to support FCHS Theatre? Please consider becoming an FCHS Theatre Patron and have your name listed in the playbill. Go to Facebook for more information. Deadline is March 15. If you have any questions, please reach out to Adam Hofer at [email protected].
From Franklin County Community School Corporation
| |
|
Sheriff Department Report
January 2024
Franklin County Sheriff Peter Cates has released a report of activity for the month of January. Sheriff’s Deputies responded to 653 calls for service. Among the calls for service investigated were:
Property Damage Accidents - 62
Personal Injury Accidents - 15
Burglary/Theft- 19
Residential/Business Alarms- 11
Domestic Battery/Battery - 17
911 Hang Up/Accidental Dial - 59
Suspicious Persons/Vehicles- 49
Traffic Stops- 41
A total of 22 arrests were made by Sheriff’s Deputies. Click to read more.
From Deputy Sheriff Jason Lovins
Franklin County Sheriff Department
| |
|
Friends of the Library
Invites You to Join
The public is invited to join The Friends of the Library. We support activities at both Franklin County Public Library locations and have fun at the same time. We help with children’s activities such as Lego competitions, the Plein Art Painters weekend, author talks and much more. There is only one meeting a year and several benefits to being a Friend of the Library. Get first chance at books from the library sales when you volunteer for this event. Order new books at the library’s discounted price. Make new friends with people who enjoy books and their library. Dues are $5 for single membership and $10 for family membership per year. Fill out a membership form at the Brookville or Laurel Library. We welcome any inquiries by email to [email protected].
Submitted by Marty Mullin
| |
|
4-H Fair Logo Design Contest
Hey Fair Enthusiasts! Get ready for the 2024 4-H Fair Logo Design Contest! Hosted by the Purdue Extension Franklin County Office, we're on the lookout for the next iconic logo to grace plaques, t-shirts, and more at the Franklin County Fair!
Unleash your creativity and have a blast! You don't miss out on this incredible opportunity! Your design must be appropriate and inclusive for everyone. The DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS: Friday, April 12. Send your masterpiece to Sara Bowling at [email protected].
From Franklin County Extension Office
| |
|
Menu: 10-piece Chicken $15. 5-piece Chicken $8. 2 pieces of Fish (Pollock) $7. 3 pieces of Fish (Pollock) $10. One pint of Livers, Gizzards or Coleslaw $5. Potato Wedges $5.
Submitted by Mike Biltz
Friday Fish Fry - March 15
Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry continues on Fridays through March 29, 4:30 to 7:00 pm. Serving baked or fried fish, green beans, cole slaw, baked potato, sweet potato, French fries, dessert.
Submitted by Carroll Lanning
Fried Chicken Dinner – March 16
St. Peter’s Ladies Sodality will hold a Drive-Thru Fried Chicken Dinner on Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. 1207 East Road, St. Peter (Brookville) - School Building – Not gym. Cost $15 for half chicken, sides and dessert. For more information, please call 812-623-2878 or 812-576-3153. Please be aware St. Peter's Road is closed at Bulach Road/Lawrenceville. Official Detour is Trackville Road. We would love to see you there.
Submitted by Dolores Alexander, Sodality Secretary
| |
|
High School Food Pantry - March 19
Just a reminder, the food pantry is open in the cafeteria at Franklin County High School on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month from 4:00-5:30 PM.
From Franklin County Community School Corporation
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
Opry Barn Events
Acoustic Final Friday – March 29
Signup at 6pm. Music at 6:30pm.
Grist Mill Jam – April 7
First Sunday of month 1- 4pm starting in April.
Click to see the 2024 showbill.
Submitted by Metamora Performing Arts
| |
|
St. Michael's Annual Children's Clothing & Toy Sale
St. Michael's School in Brookville, Indiana will be hosting its Annual 'Blessed Growth' Children's Clothing & Toy Sale on April 6th from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm. Early shopping will begin at 7:00 a.m. for only $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. Don't miss this opportunity to save at this once-a-year sale! In addition, we are also offering a community donation event in partnership with Goodwill from 10 am to 1 pm.
Submitted by Traci Robinson
| |
|
Lunar Art Show
In celebration of the 2024 total eclipse, the Franklin County Public Library District is hosting a Lunar Art Show. Participants are asked to create a space-themed piece of art that centers around the Sun, Moon, and/or stars. Art pieces can be made of any medium, and all ages are welcome. Art will be divided into the following age categories: 0-5 years, 6-12 years, 13-17 years and 18 and older. Art pieces must be submitted to Brookville or Laurel Libraries between March 22-30. Any questions can be sent to Amanda Herbert at [email protected].
Submitted by Makenna Mays,
FCPLD Communications Manager
Benefit Yard Sale - April 24 - 27
Creekside Church will hold a benefit yard sale April 24-27, Wed-Fri (8 am-1 pm) and Saturday (8 -12) at 11001 Bossert Rd. Corner of Highland Center and Bossert Roads. Furniture, antiques, clothing, jewelry, books, household, toys, games, crafts, holiday decor. All proceeds benefit Grain of Rice Project.
Submitted by Judy Siebert
| |
Plant a Tree for Arbor Day - April 26
Arbor Day Tree Giveaway & Food Drive is April 26, 2024, starting at 9:00 a.m. at the office. Bring canned good items or a cash donation for 5 free trees to Franklin County SCWD, 10165 Oxford Pike, Brookville. Canned goods and cash will be donated to RedLife Food Pantry in Brookville.
Submitted by Ashlee Zins
District Coordinator, Franklin County SWCD
| |
|
The Franklin County Observer is a free news service. At the Observer, we focus our coverage on events and meetings in Franklin County.
Our volunteer staff writers are all Franklin County residents who are committed to factual, impartial news reporting.
*******************************************************************
To subscribe to the Observer, just click on the JOIN OUR MAILING LIST link at the top of this page. Enter your email address.
*******************************************************************
The Observer will also help spread the word about events sponsored by community groups and non-profit organizations. Just Send Us An Email with a brief announcement and we will try to publish it.
Copyright Notice:
Contact us by email to request permission to use
or to purchase a photo or article.
Copyright 2024
The Franklin County Observer
| | | | |
