Issue 1271

Feb. 12, 2024

During the solar eclipse, the moon will block the sun for 3 minutes; the sky will be as dark as twilight; and stars will be visible. Sixty-two Indiana counties will be in the path of the total eclipse. Indiana is expected to be the second most popular spot for solar eclipse visitors after Texas. An estimated 50,000 people are expected to come to Franklin County, mostly from the Cincinnati, Ohio area. Visitors are expected to begin arriving on Friday, April 5, or Saturday, April 6, and leave immediately after the solar eclipse on Monday afternoon, April 8.

This is the only local solar eclipse of our lifetime. The next one in northern Indiana will be in 2099.

Impact

The state of Indiana predicts that solar eclipse visitors will be a “drain on resources” affecting gasoline supplies, restaurants and most importantly public safety.

Heavy demand for limited internet service may result in cell phones and computers not working for everything from credit card sales to calls for emergency services. If cell phone calls are not working, the advice is to try texting. Since October 2023, local first responders what been planning for using their 800-megahertz radio system, if cell service degrades during the solar eclipse.

Indiana conservation officers and law enforcement will have priority phone service through the Government Emergency Telecommunication Service (GETS) during the solar eclipse.

The county has been instructed to plan for an increased number of calls to 911, mental health emergencies, drug overdoses and possibly disorderly conduct by party goers. Extra doses of Narcan, the overdose reversing medication, have been procured.

Heavy traffic on the limited number of main roads could delay response times by EMS and other first responders. The heaviest traffic is expected at the four main viewing spots: Brookville town park, county fairgrounds, Metamora and Mounds State Recreation Area. At eclipse time, drivers may decide to just stop alongside a road or on a highway median. Long haul travel will also be affected. During the 2017 eclipse, travel time from Indiana to Tennessee increased from 5 hours to 17 hours. There is a possibility that school buses could be delayed on the Friday before and the Tuesday after the eclipse due to traffic.

Brookville Lake and state parks are expecting big crowds. They will close their gates when available viewing sites fill up.

Solar Eclipse “Chasers”

Big fans of solar eclipses often travel across the United States and around the world to catch a view of a solar eclipse. Local hotels and campsites have been sold out for months. Franklin County may have visitors who do not speak English and who do not know local laws. Wealthy people from out of town may buy a house to hold an eclipse party and then sell the house after the event. There have been no confirmed reports of Franklin County farmers renting their fields for solar viewing.

Keep Roads, Landing Zones and Water Open

Indiana Department of Transportation will delay road construction projects in Franklin County until after the solar eclipse. See related article in this issue.

Franklin County has 15 landing zones for a medical helicopter. They will be designated as no-fly-zones for drones.

Brookville Lake marinas will be open and boat ramps will be at “winter levels.” Indiana Department of Natural Resources will have their boats in the water to monitor boat traffic.

Weather Scramble

Emergency agencies are tasked with preparing for “what if” scenarios. What if there is bad weather locally - a flood or tornado on solar eclipse day? Visitors are predicted to try to quickly move to another area with better weather.

Staffed Up

All 911 staff will be working as well as the sheriff department and the Brookville town police. Margaret Mary Health and Reid Health will be ready for more emergency patients. The Brookville Volunteer Fire Department will have 12 to 15 people on duty. Franklin County Public Transportation will have 6 to 8 vans running.

A nurse or EMT and an emergency communications person will be stationed at each of the four largest event sites.

Food vendors are reminded to call the Health Department in advance at 765-647-4322 and to purchase their permit costing $20.

Families Should Plan Ahead

Residents and visitors are encouraged to sign up for local emergency alerts via NIXLE. It’s free. Go to https://www.everbridge.com/products/nixle/ and enter your zip code.

Families should plan for how they will communicate if cell phone calls do not work. “WhatsApp” was suggested as an alternative, because it relies on internet service instead of cell phone towers for connections. Families may have access to walkie-talkies or to a ham radio. Parents should talk about where to meet if family members are separated at a crowded event.

There is a long list of fun events being held in Franklin County to celebrate the solar eclipse – music festivals, bike ride, art show, reindeer encounter, train ride, wine tasting, pickleball party, scavenger hunt and more. Go to https://franklincountyin.com/events/eclipse-2024/

Public schools will be closed on April 8, but some are holding fundraisers and selling space in their parking lots for solar eclipse viewing.

Road Closures & Free Parking

Court Street in Brookville and one block of 5th Street will be closed for the “Mooned on Main Festival” on the courthouse lawn. Parking at meters in Brookville will be free all weekend.

County Employee Staffing

The county commissioners decided against closing county buildings for the solar eclipse. They empowered elected officials to determine how to staff their offices. “I’m working,” said Sheriff Pete Cates.

Eclipse Protective Eyeglasses

EMA Director Lindsey stressed that permanent eye damage can occur by looking at the sun during this event without special protective glasses. Franklin County tourism bought 10,000 eyeglasses for event goers. The Franklin County Community Foundation will provide 3,000 glasses to students and teachers. Franklin County Library District is offering 1,000 free glasses to residents. EMA purchased 250 glasses for public safety workers and county employees.

Backup Communication System

EMA Director Lindsey is currently getting assistance from Dan Oglesby to set up an EMA communication backup system in the government center that would use ham radios. These radios can operate in areas that are without internet or cell phone service.

For the latest solar eclipse information, go to Franklin County Tourism. For emergency information, go to NIXLE.

Reported by Sara Duffy

IDNR has solar eclipse glasses & T-shirts

for sale

It’s time to prepare for the April 8 solar eclipse, during which the moon will completely cover the sun over a significant portion of Indiana, causing darkness at mid-afternoon. Because viewing the sun at any phase of the eclipse without proper eye protection can cause permanent eye damage or even blindness, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is providing the opportunity to buy eclipse glasses. Click for prices and how to order.



Submitted by Indiana Department of Natural Resources



Make a Travel Plan

To Avoid Road Closures

New Franklin County Highway Superintendent Justin Ball and Emergency Management Agency Director Amy Lindsey have been monitoring state activity for road closures during the April 8 solar eclipse event. Traffic is expected to be heavy across Indiana. Franklin County is anticipated to attract 50,000 visitors to view the total eclipse. The good news is that the Indiana Department of Transportation will delay Franklin County road closures for repairs until after the solar eclipse.

As of Tuesday, April 9, Franklin County residents are advised to fasten their seat belts and make a travel plan to deal with road closures. The time frames from INDOT are subject to change depending on the weather.

INDOT map below with blue dots showing upcoming construction sites.

On or after April 9, 2024, US Highway 52 at a mile east of State Road 1 near Cedar Grove will be reduced to one lane with a traffic signal for a bridge deck overlay.

Also, on or after April 9, 2024, State Road 1 will close north of Brookville for three bridge/culvert projects. The closure is expected to last until October or November 2024 as state contractors repair or replace structures one at a time along this stretch of road. Work will start on the State Road 1 bridge that is 1 mile north of the intersection with State Road 101. The next project is a box culvert on State Road 1, south of Rhein Road. The last project is a box culvert on State Road 1 near Lucas Road, north of Blooming Grove.

Work on US Highway 52 between Holland Road and Sulina Farm in Brookville Township has been delayed for one or two years. The road will eventually have to be temporarily closed for replacement of a culvert.

Watch for more information as it becomes available.

Reported by Sara Duffy

Local Primary Races Set

Some local Franklin County political races for elected office are crowded; other races have only one person who is running unopposed. As the February 9 deadline to register for candidacy neared, County Clerk Neysa Raible said that they were very busy. On the morning of the last day, County Councilman Glenn Bischoff signed up to run again. He is one of three incumbents, and one of seven Republican men, running for three countywide seats on county council. There are no Democrat or women candidates running in the primary for county council.

The county council candidates are as follows:

Chester Ball

Glenn Bischoff

Derrike Kolb

Carroll Lanning

Thomas Linkel

Scott McDonough

Brian Patterson

New Face on Brookville Town Council

There will be at least one new face on Brookville’s town council. Council Member Curtis Ward from Ward 5 is not running for reelection. Vying for his seat are Republicans Dustin Dummel and Ethan Orschell, who are new to local politics.

Brookville Ward 1 will also be a contested race with Joe Studt running against incumbent John Estridge, who was appointed to this seat in February 2023.

In Brookville Ward 3 Rebecca Beesley is challenging incumbent Daniel Rottinghaus, who was appointed to this seat in September 2023.

Two Republican Candidates for Circuit Court Judge

In the summer of 2023, two Republican candidates announced their plans to run for circuit court judge. Incumbent Judge J. Steven Cox and challenger Alex Dudley campaigned at the county fair last summer and since then they knocked on doors and distributed their flyers.

Changing Offices

County Council President Jeff Koch is in the middle of a four-year term. He decided to run for an upcoming opening as District 3 county commissioner.

Current County Commissioner Tom Wilson, who has 28 years in office, is trying something new. He is running for county surveyor against incumbent Rob Seig, who is a licensed professional land surveyor.

Under Indiana Code, Mr. Wilson does not have to be a licensed surveyor to be elected as county surveyor. Nevertheless, an unlicensed person would have to complete surveyor training within two years of being elected. Until a new surveyor is trained, the county commissioners would hire a licensed civil engineer to perform any surveying work needed for the county. 

Also running for county surveyor is Democrat Howard Hughes.

Only Two Local Democrats Are Running For Office

Only two local people are running as Democrats:

Gina Gillman – Incumbent Brookville Town Clerk-Treasurer

Howard Hughes – County Surveyor

The deadline to register to vote in the primary election is April 8, 2024.

Reported by Sara Duffy

Who’s Complaining About Trash?

Twice in the last month, residents of the Yellow Bank Road and McGuire Ridge area have complained at public meetings about the county enforcing rules against junked cars, trash and scrapping. They objected to people who recently moved to the area filing complaints against the properties of people who had lived there for decades. They also mentioned people who drive around the area looking for problems and sign multiple complaints.

Complaints are a public record. After checking complaints, it was found that two elected officials signed at least one complaint. County Commissioner Tom Wilson signed two complaints in 2023. In a subsequent interview, he explained that he signed the complaints on behalf of residents who were reluctant to file a complaint for fear of retaliation from a neighbor.

County Council Member Brian Patterson, who lives in the Yellow Bank Road area, signed one complaint in 2023 for “trash” on a property a few miles away in Blooming Grove. The property is now cleaned up, according to the county.

Photo below of top part of complaint form signed by Mr. Patterson.

Further review found that one person, who lived in the area, signed eight complaints about properties on Yellow Bank Road or McGuire Ridge in March 2023. Also, that month, a different person signed two complaints about addresses on US Highway 52.

Reported by Sara Duffy

13,610 Volunteer Hours

Whitewater Valley Retired Teacher Association members have been and continue to volunteer in the Franklin County Community School Corporation during the 2023-24 school year. Various opportunities to work with students and teachers are available again this semester of the school year. Our members have volunteered 13,610 hours to our community and students during 2023 and look forward to more service in 2024. WVRTA is a local chapter of the Indiana Retired Teacher Association.

Submitted by Becky Lanning

"THIS CASE IS FAR FROM OVER”

In a phone call, Franklin County Prosecutor Chris Huerkamp had no further comment beyond the following press release about the Gregory Guilfoyle case.

Prosecutor's Statement Regarding Dismissal & Intention to Re-file Charges

State v. Guilfoyle, 24C01-2212-F1-879

February 7, 2024

“Franklin County Prosecutor Chris Huerkamp announced that although he has filed a Motion to Dismiss in the case of State v. Gregory C. Guilfoyle, Cause No. 24C01-2212-F1-879, he plans to re-file the charges and prosecute accordingly once newly-received evidence has been adequately reviewed.

Guilfoyle was facing numerous charges related to a series of incidents that occurred on December 22-23, 2022. He initially plead not guilty, and subsequently interposed the Defense of Insanity. Trial had been scheduled to commence on Monday, February 12, before Franklin Circuit Judge J. Steven Cox. Guilfoyle has been subject to pre-trial release since January 2023.

The State filed a detailed Motion to Continue the trial on January 27, 2024, citing the need for additional time to prepare based on the receipt of new evidence, and noted that the State had not previously sought to continue any trial dates. The Defense filed its own Motion to Continue on January 29, 2024, citing other grounds. Both have since been denied by the Court.

Click to continue reading.

Finally, Huerkamp noted that upon the anticipated re-filing, all formal charges will remain allegations, and Guilfoyle will still be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”

Respectfully submitted,

Chris Huerkamp

Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney

Click to read the State’s Motion to Continue.

Click to read the Defense's Motion to Continue.

Click to read the State’s Motion to Dismiss.



FC Soil & Water Conservation District

Annual Dinner Meeting - RSVP by Feb. 12

The Annual Meeting & Dinner will be February 21, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Franklin County High School cafeteria/auditorium, 1 Wildcat Lane, Brookville. Doors open at 5:30 pm, meal starts at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $15 which includes the meal and speaker/comedian. A chicken dinner will be served by The Brau Haus. In the event of severe weather, the snow date is February 26. Please RSVP by February 12. To make reservations or for more info, call (765) 647-2651, ext. 3 or email ashlee.Zins@in.nacdnet.net.

Submitted by Ashlee Zins

District Coordinator, Franklin County SWCD



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.

Everyone is invited to enjoy these pieces on display and vote for favorites at Brookville and Laurel Libraries from April 2 through April 5 at noon. Next , the art will also be on display at Rileybrook Arts Center from April 6-7 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and April 8 from 9 a.m. – noon. Awards will be announced on April 10. Any questions can be sent to Amanda Herbert at amanda.fclibraries@gmail.com.

Submitted by Makenna Mays,

FCPLD Communications Manager

Around The County

Fish Frys Start Feb. 16

Knights of Columbus Lenten Fish Fry starts on February 16 and continues through March 29, 4:30 to 7:00 pm. Stop in and eat baked or fried fish, green beans, cole slaw, baked potato, sweet potato, French fries, dessert.

Submitted by Carroll Lanning

Beat Cancer in 4 Quarters - Feb. 16

 The Beat Cancer in 4 Quarters basketball game will be Friday, February 16, 2024, at the Spartan Bowl in Connersville, IN. This game is between the Franklin County High School and Connersville High School Boys Basketball Teams. The JV game will start at 6 PM with the Varsity game to follow. With this game, we also do a competition to see what school can raise the most money. The winning school receives the traveling trophy. Last year Franklin County raised $14,800.49

Submitted by Tanya Wirtz, FCHS JAG Specialist

& Brandon Cowan

All You Can Eat Breakfast - Feb. 18

Open to the public on Sunday, February 18, 8:00 - Noon. Sausage, bacon, hashed browns, scrambled eggs, biscuits gravy, pancakes, coffee & juice. All you can eat! $11 age 11 and over. $5 age 10 and under. Bernard Hurst Post 77-American Legion, Fairfield Avenue, Brookville, IN. Support your local veterans.

Submitted by Mike Biltz

February Library Events

Tax Forms: As a courtesy during tax season, visit the libraries to print off tax forms at half-price ($0.05 per page).

Galentine’s Day: What is Galentine’s Day? Oh, it’s only the best day of the year! Bring your best gal to Brookville Library and celebrate friendship with us. Decorate sweetheart cookies, take silly pictures, play a game of ski ball, and win prizes! Feb. 13 at Brookville Library from 4-6 p.m.

Talk Like Animals: Join our friends from the DNR and learn about the different ways animals communicate with each other. Feb. 19 at Brookville Library at 5 p.m. and Feb. 22 at Laurel Library at 5 p.m.

Desert Painting: Paint a simple desert scene using acrylic paints and a touch of Sharpie. Space is limited. RSVP by calling the libraries. Feb. 19 at Brookville Library at 5 p.m. and Feb. 27 at Laurel Library at 5 p.m.

Leap Day Origami and Frog Race: Celebrate Leap Day by making your own origami frog. Then take your frog to the racing field to see if they’re the fastest frog around! Feb. 29 at Laurel Library at 5 p.m.

Submitted by Makenna Mays

FCPLD Communications Manager

High School Food Pantry - February 20

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

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



Plant a Tree for Arbor Day

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.

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