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Brett W. Todd - page 12

Brett W. Todd has 924 articles published.

Brett W. Todd is the managing editor of Clinton County Today. Clinton County Today is a community-focused website to provide individuals of Clinton County Indiana and surrounding areas with information impacting their lives. Clinton County Today is a service of Progressive Partners of Indiana, LLC where Brett W. Todd is its managing member.

East Chicago Man Convicted on 5 Counts of Felony Child Molestation

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East Chicago Man Convicted on 5 Counts of Felony Child Molestation

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. – An East Chicago man, Jason Allen Walden, 46, was found guilty on 5 Counts of Felony Child Molestation; 3 counts of Level 1 Felony Child Molestation and 2 counts of Level 4 Felony Child Molestation by fondling in Clinton County Circuit Court on Tuesday, August 2, 2022.

Walden was arrested in 2020 after a joint investigation with Clinton County Sheriff’s Office Detectives and the Lafayette Police Department. Senior Judge Laura Zeman ordered Walden into immediate custody following his 12 person jury conviction. He was transported to the Clinton County Jail, where he will be held without bond, pending sentencing on September 6, 2022.

“I am incredibly proud of our detectives who followed up on this case,” stated Clinton County Sheriff Rich Kelly. “Walden has two previous acquittals for similar charges in Marion County, within the last several years. The collaboration with Lafayette Police Department and the impeccable work by our investigations led to the conviction of this individual for his heinous crimes. It is our number one mission to protect our children and our community. Thank you to all of the officers who successfully closed this case.”

Frankfort Police Conduct Separate Traffic Stops, Result in Two Drug Arrests

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Frankfort Police Conduct Separate Traffic Stops, Result in Two Drug Arrests

FRANKFORT, Ind. – The Frankfort Police Department reported two separate traffic stops on Thursday, August 4, resulted in two individuals arrested for drugs. At approximately 6:55 PM, Officer Snell conducted a traffic stop at Delphi Ave and Kyger St. Sergeant Salaba and K9 Athena were requested to the scene. After a free-air exterior sniff, Officers located multiple pieces of evidence.

Arrested was, 54-year-old Patrick Brown of Colfax, IN. The Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office filed the following charges: Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 4 Felony), Legend Drug Deception (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a Controlled Substance (Level 6 Felony), and Possession of Paraphernalia and Marijuana (both misdemeanors).

Earlier, on the same evening, at approximately 6:11 PM, Officer Martinez conducted a traffic stop at Willow St and Hawthorne Ave. Sergeant Salaba and K9 Athena were requested to the scene. After a free-air exterior sniff, Officers located drug evidence.

Arrested was, 32-year-old Christopher Milbourn of Wheatfield, IN. The Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office filed the following charges: Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 5 Felony) and Driving While Suspended (misdemeanor).

I-65 Water Tower Completion Date at S.R. 28 Delayed 90-Days

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I-65 Water Tower Completion Date at S.R. 28 Delayed 90-Days
Maguire Iron, Inc. constructs a 500,000 gallon elevated water tank at the I-65 & S.R. 28 interchange. The company, headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has been given a 90-day extension to complete the build. Photo taken August 3, 2022. (Photo by Brett W. Todd)

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. – Citing a loss of welders and a later than scheduled project start date, the contractor responsible for the construction of a 500,000 gallon water tank at the State Road 28 and I-65 interchange, west of Good to Go, requested a three-month extension of the substantial completion date.

The Clinton County Board of Commissioners heard from Jon Query of HWC Engineering, the firm tasked to oversee the water tank construction, at its Tuesday meeting.

“The contractor, Maguire Iron, has requested an extension to December 31st of this year,” said Query while addressing the Commissioners. “They have agreed to pay for any additional inspection costs for any construction engineering costs due to the additional time.”

Commissioners President Jordan Brewer added a second condition was made of Maguire Iron – the tank must be painted before the weather turns cold. Brewer asked Query if he felt the project was progressing at a pace where the project tasks were able to meet deadlines.

“I’m a little worried about it, to be honest with you,” answered Query. “They had a four-man welding crew and they lost two of those crew members. They’re trying to bring in more welders to get that part done so they can raise the tank. They’re going to do some of the priming on the ground. With most of the final painting done when the tank is in the air.”

Commissioner Brewer said after the meeting the project has been behind schedule since the beginning.

“The water tower at 28 and 65 has been behind from the beginning,” said Brewer.

“Just being honest about it. And so the company, I think they’re a reputable, good company. But, like many in the current environment, they cite labor issues, getting equipment issues, all the things that are going on with everybody. However, there’s deadlines for a reason, and we have a timeframe that we need to meet to have it erected.”

“And so we’ve had to apply pressure, but in any negotiation, there’s some give and take. And so we allowed for an extension of time, but with some caveats in terms of the painting being done this fall before the cold weather, as well as they will encumber any expense outside the original completion date to the current new completion date. The original [substantial completion date] was September 27th and now it’s December 31st.

“So they, they had issues at their job before they came to Clinton County. They were backed up two or three months, which essentially backed them up two or three months in their arrival here.”

Maguire Iron, Inc. is headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Clinton County Commissioners Seek to Toughen Nepotism Ordinance

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Clinton County Commissioners Seek to Toughen Nepotism Ordinance

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. – The Board of Commissioners for Clinton County passed the first reading of revised changes to the county’s Nepotism ordinance on Tuesday after Judge Sean Persin of Tippecanoe County ruled on July 7th that the current ordinance did not prohibit Sheriff Rich Kelly from hiring his wife, Ashley Kelly, to serve as Jail Matron. The first reading of the amended Nepotism ordinance did not appear on the publicly posted Commissioners meeting agenda; however, the agenda does state the board may entertain other business not shown.

Commissioners President Jordan Brewer presented the changes stating, “as many of you know, about 15 months ago, we took the action of the injunctive relief with Tippecanoe [County] in regards to the commissary fund… Judge Persin had a ruling in regards to the Nepotism policy that he came out with about a month ago.”

“And our interpretation of that policy, he said was inaccurate because we viewed it, that it was restrictive enough on terms of who could be the Jail Matron.”

Commissioner Brewer noted Indiana statutes allow for more “restrictive” nepotism rules in two exceptions at the local level, Jail Matron and Deputy Coroner. The proposed revision, Ordinance 2022-08, will address both exceptions should the ordinance pass its final reading at the next commissioners meeting, August 22nd.

The proposed changes states, as read by Brewer, “the Sheriff’s spouse may not be employed as prison matron for the county and the spouse may not otherwise be in the county Sheriff’s direct line of supervision, item four, which is in regards to the Coroner position, says who’s successor in office of the Coroner is a relative of the individual may not be hired in the position of Deputy Coroner of the county and being the county Coroner’s direct line of supervision.”

Clinton County Sheriff Rich Kelly was not surprised by the actions taken by the Commissioners.

“I looked [and] didn’t see it on the agenda as advertised as a first reading, but this is an expectation from the county in regards to the decision that was made by Judge Persin in Tippecanoe County,” said Sheriff Kelly “It was fully expected that the Nepotism policy would be addressed and that they would change it.”

“So in, in lieu of everything that has transpired over the last 18 months, this was an expectation that this would take place and to remove somebody from the ability to provide for the community, provide for the employees, the employee spouses and programs that have done nothing but [be] positive for the county, as well as its residents in the community.

“And it is a shame that this is their answer to being productive at a office. So with that, you know, there will be a resulting negatives from this. And, the fact that, programs, grants, things like that will either be turned back to the state and to the federal government, as well as, the interruption of services to our community and to our inmates.”

Sheriff Kelly is waiting to receive a copy of the proposed changes to the Nepotism ordinance and how those changes impact all county government.

“The question stands – is this a policy, amendment to an ordinance that is going to affect all county agencies? And that will be the interesting question and how that is, put into the ordinance. So if that’s the way the ordinance is written, then the ordinance will, you know, affect, who’s employed at our Sheriff’s office, at the Coroner’s office, as well as, I would say, every other office in this community.”

Commissioner Brewer when asked after the meeting when he would anticipate the new ordinance would take effect replied, “I would expect it to be immediate, but that will be a conversation we’ll have to have at the next meeting as commissioners to figure out a timeframe that we plan to address it.”

New Lights Installed at Frankfort High School

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new stadium lights installed at Frankfort High School
Crew members were testing the newly installed lighting system at Frankfort High School Football, Track & Field Complex the evening of August 1, 2022. (Photos by Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. – A much needed lighting project is nearing completion at the Frankfort High School Football, Track & Field complex this week. Testing of the newly installed 4-pole lightening system took place Monday evening.

The lighting system, complete with the ability to program a light-show, replaces a 6-pole lighting system that stood since the complex opened in 1981.

Former CSF Superintendent Joel McKinney presented the idea of the upgrade at the May 10, 2022, school board meeting after learning of cost savings from the district wide paving project.

“The poles are questionable,” said McKinney after speaking with Dave Fouse, director of buildings, grounds and transportation for CSF. “If you’ve ever been to a football game where the lights flicker and go out, we have to sit the teams down and wait and come back out.”

“The wires that run up, those poles are, are shorting out the poles themselves or old. He said, they’re inconsistent. They lose power.”

The $335,000 project was awarded to Musco Lighting.

“Musco Lighting is part of a consortium. They put in our baseball lights. They did such a good job that after a year or two, they came back and replaced the bulbs free of charge.”

“In other words, Ed Niehaus and all are very pleased with Musco.”

Frankfort hosts the Clinton Central Bulldogs on August 19 under the new lights. Kick-off is set for 7 pm.

INDOT Announces Temporary Road Closures and Slow Downs of McKinley Avenue

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INDOT announces temporary road closures

FRANKFORT, Ind. – INDOT announced temporary road closures and slow downs of McKinley Avenue starting on or after Monday, August 1. This is to complete paving work and curb and gutter installation. Various side streets north of State Road 28, between the railroad tracks and Blinn Ave., will also be temporarily restricted as needed. Below is the expected timeline of the work to be done. McKinley Ave. will be closed most, if not all of the time, during the following timeline. All dates are subject to change.

* Open-grade HMA (Week of August 1)
* Concrete curb and gutter (Week of August 1)
* QC/QA HMA base including approaches (End of August 1 week)
* QC/QA HMA Intermediate including approaches (Week of August 7)
* State Road 28 at County Road 200 will be restricted on or after Monday, August 8 to allow for water line installations in Frankfort. Crews will install a crossover at C.R. 200 W. on S.R. 28 to allow the installation of water mains across the road in three locations. The restriction, between N. C.R. 300 W. and Prairie Ave., will last for at least one-week. The entire water line installation project is expected to last through the end of August.

The official detour for the north side of C.R. 200 W. follows C.R. 300 W. to C.R. 0 and back to C.R. 200 W. The official detour for the south side of C.R. 200 W. follows C.R. 200 W. to C.R. 350 W. north to S.R. 28 W.

2022 Hot Dog Festival Event Schedule

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2022 Hot Dog Festival Event Schedule

The following is the schedule for the Hot Dog Festival scheduled July 29, 30 and 31 in downtown Frankfort. Links will open to the specific event page where you can add to your calendar and share:

FRIDAY, JULY 29

10:00 am

RadioMom – live remote – join Randy & Scott for a fun filled hour

10:30 am

Senior Talent Show Check-in (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)

11:00 am

Opening Ceremony (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)

Official Hot Dog Festival Tent by Shoup’s Country Foods opens (Main St & Washington St)

Family Fun Zone Opens (S Columbia St)

DockDogs®– Registration & Practice – DockDogs® was born in 2000 to create a nationally recognized competitive sport based on rules and precedents in Track and Field competitions. Much of DockDogs® Big Air Dog competitions’ popularity comes from having national standards and objective measures that allow people to train competitively and have objective feedback on their progress. Also, our open competitions allow “anyone with a dog and toy” to participate in the sport and have a chance at national recognition

DockDogs® is an organization about having fun and celebrates every improvement with our competitors, staff, sponsors, and spectators. Even an inch improvement over a team’s previous jump is something to be happy about. We continue to work hard to keep the sport as simple and fun as possible, and to create a culture of camaraderie amongst the Novice through the experienced competitors. We want teams to participate at whatever level they and their dogs can compete, so we created divisions for each of the different disciplines, which in turn allows teams to be ranked and awarded fairly against other competing teams, based on their current performance abilities.

DockDogs® consists of 3 different sporting disciplines:

Big Air – the first sport of DockDogs® and the most popular, this is the Long Jump of canine aquatics.

Extreme Vertical – introduced in 2005 it is considered the High Jump of canine aquatics.

Speed Retrieve – launched in 2008 this is a timed sport involving the combination of run, jump, swim and retrieve. (W Washington St.)

11:30 am

Stage 1 Dance Academy – come out and support our local dance studio. These kids work really hard and do an amazing job! (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)

12:00 pm

Senior Talent Show – All participants in the Senior Citizen Talent Show must be 55 years of age or older. Entries will be accepted in the following categories: Vocal Solo, Vocal Group, Instrumental Solo / Group; Open Class / Free Choice (i.e. Dance, Story Telling, Poetry Recital, Comedy, Etc.). All acts shall be of quality nature. Any lewd or inappropriate acts will be immediately asked to leave the stage (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)

Frankfort’s Got Talent Contest – Bring your best talent and share it with the community. All contestants in the Frankfort’s Got Talent Contest must register in one of these age groups: Pre-K – Elementary; Middle – High School; Adult – 18 and up. All contestants must be registered no later than 11:30 am, Friday, July 29th. (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)

1:00 pm

DockDogs® Big Air Wave #1 – Big Air is a “long jump for dogs”. The dog, which may be placed anywhere on the 40′ dock, runs and jumps into the water after a throw toy (provided by the handler) is tossed. The distance is judged from the end of the dock to where the tail set of the dog breaks the water’s surface. (W Washington St)

3:00 pm

Ma Bell – one of a kind, singer, songwriter, and musician (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)

DockDogs® Big Air Wave #2 – Big Air is a “long jump for dogs”. The dog, which may be placed anywhere on the 40′ dock, runs and jumps into the water after a throw toy (provided by the handler) is tossed. The distance is judged from the end of the dock to where the tail set of the dog breaks the water’s surface. (W Washington St)

WILO/Shine 99 Remote – Join Cindy, Kevin and Mike from 3 to 5 pm

4:30 pm

Paul Green Rock Academy – The Paul Green Rock Academy (PGRA) is an advanced touring ensemble of young musicians between the ages of 10 and 18 who have been selected for their musical prowess, showmanship, love of performing, and ability to share the stage with professional musicians as they tour the world. This summer the students will be touring as the backing band for Jon Anderson, from the band Yes, and Gibby Haynes of Butthole Surfers. They play many genres of music from Abba to Zappa (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)

5:00 pm

DockDogs® Big Air Wave #3 – Big Air is a “long jump for dogs”. The dog, which may be placed anywhere on the 40′ dock, runs and jumps into the water after a throw toy is tossed. The distance is judged from the end of the dock to where the tail set of the dog breaks the water’s surface. (W Washington St)

Beer Garden Opens – 5 – 10 pm (Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)

6:30 pm

No Fences The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute – No Fences is the #1 tribute to country music icon Garth Brooks featuring Dusty Miller. Located in the heart of the midwest, No Fences faithfully replicates the sound, look and feel of a Garth Brooks concert. (The Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage at Prairie Creek Park)

7:00 pm

DockDogs® Extreme Vertical – Extreme Vertical is a “high jump” for dogs. The dog starts off at the 20’ mark on the dock & jumps up to grab a bumper toy extended out 8’ from the end of the dock over the water. The starting height for Extreme Vertical is 4’6” & goes up in 2” increments as competition progresses. (W Washington St)

K9 Demonstrations by Clinton County Sheriff’s Office & Frankfort Police Department – this is an opportunity for the K9 Officers to demonstrate what their K9 partners do every day to keep our community safe. (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)

8:00 pm

Molter Brothers – an acoustic duo playing a wide range of genres including 60’s & 70’s folk-rock, bluegrass, mellow classic rock and gospel (E Washington St)

8:30 pm

Terry Lee Ridley – Terry Lee and his Million Dollar Band are a high energy, first class show band built around the lightning fast piano pumpin’, Rockaboogie playing of London England’s Terry Lee Ridley. You will be left breathless as Terry and his group of world class musicians thunder through a large selection of hits from the 50’s and 60’s such as “Great Balls of Fire”, “Whole lotta Shakin’” and so much more! (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)

9:00 pm

Drew Baldridge – with a voice as rich as the mid-western soil he was raised on, Patoka, IL native, Drew Baldridge’s music reflects small town life while living large on the simple things. Drew’s music is the soundtrack to life, be it a rowdy Friday night or a peaceful Sunday morning. His songs and performances transport listeners to their favorite memories all while making new one. He has shared the stage with artists such as Alabama, Phil Vassar, Montgomery Gentry, and Justin Moore to name a few. (E Washington St)

SATURDAY, JULY 30

8:00 am

COACH Kids Breakfast – Come enjoy a delicious breakfast of biscuits & gravy, fresh fruit & a drink for $5 and support local youth mentoring. Additional to traditional community-based mentoring, CK facilitates school-based mentoring and the new, high school student self referring Friends for Life program. Every dollar donated goes to mentoring youth in Clinton County (Encompass Credit Union Event Center at Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)

COACH Kids Cornhole Registration – 8:00-8:45; 9:00 am bracket reveal.

5K Bun Run & Walk – What did the Mama Hot Dog say to the little frankfurter? Ketch-up! Get your buns movin’ as you relish the beauty of this amazing 5K on neighborhood streets in beautiful downtown Frankfort. Come early and enjoy a great warm-up. Day of registrations & packet pick-up at 7 am (E Washington St)

“The Underground Throwdown” Weightlifting Competition – brought to you by the Clinton County Family YMCA. Bench Press & Deadlift – best of 3 lifts will be recorded. 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners in each category. All proceeds will go towards new fitness equipment for the Y! (Prairie Creek Park – Garage – E Washington St)

9:00 am

Bowser Bash Car Show – Come one come all – Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and golf cars welcome. You know it is going to be a doggone good time with TNT Tunes is involved! Registration from 9-1 p.m. — award at 3 pm (W Washington St)

Frankfort Public Library Artists’ Market – Frankfort Public Library, 2nd Floor, Room 219, 9 am – 4 pm. An assortment of artists from paintings to homemade treats! (W Clinton St)

The Friend’s Annual Book Sale – Frankfort Public Library, 1st Floor, Circulation Area – 9 am – 5 pm (W Clinton St)

7th Annual Gem City Dog Fight RC Demolition Derby Inspections – Russell’s RC Derby Barn will host a Remote-Control Demolition Derby!! Top 3 will be awarded trophies. Inspection begins at 9-10:30am, event starts at 11am (W Washington St)

Clinton County Sheriff’s Office & Frankfort Police Department K9 Demonstrations come out and watch our K9 officers in action. Thank you all for what you do every day! (Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)

9:30 am

BMX Wonder Wheels Stunt Show – you can expect the biggest jaw dropping tricks imaginable. The non-stop action will keep your group riveted. The emcee will announce all the action while the stunt team executes thrilling feats to an energizing soundtrack. The ramp used is the larger 5’ x 8’ x 24’ box jump. This allows for bigger stunts and for multiple riders to be performing simultaneously (E Washington St.)

COACH Kids Cornhole Tournament – Bring your skills, make a difference and have a great time! Every dollar donated goes to youth mentoring in Clinton County. (Encompass Credit Union Event Center at Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)

“Over the Top Tours” Street Vault – Frankfort Hot Dog Festival and Richey’s Hometown. Live music, great food, and some high vaultage! (N Columbia St)

10:00 am

Doxie Derby Dachshund Race, & “Doxie Wanna Be” Race Registrations – please bring your copy of up-to-date vaccines. All dogs must be leashed or crated if not competing. All handlers are expected to clean up after their dogs (N Courthouse Lawn)

Got a Long Little Doggie sign-up – The Longest Wiener Dog * Shortest Wiener Dog * Best Dressed (costume) – come sign-up and let the judges decide. Competition begins at 11 am (N Courthouse Lawn)

DockDogs® – registration & practice – DockDogs® born in 2000 to create a nationally recognized competitive sport based on rules and precedents in Track and Field competitions. Much of DockDogs® Big Air Dog competitions’ popularity comes from having national standards and objective measures that allow people to train competitively and have objective feedback on their progress. Also, our open competitions allow “anyone with a dog and toy” to participate in the sport and have a chance at national recognition

DockDogs® is an organization about having fun and celebrates every improvement with our competitors, staff, sponsors, and spectators. Even an inch improvement over a team’s previous jump is something to be happy about. We continue to work hard to keep the sport as simple and fun as possible, and to create a culture of camaraderie amongst the Novice through the experienced competitors. We want teams to participate at whatever level they and their dogs can compete, so we created divisions for each of the different disciplines, which in turn allows teams to be ranked and awarded fairly against other competing teams, based on their current performance abilities. DockDogs® consists of 3 different sporting disciplines:

Big Air – the first sport of DockDogs® and the most popular, the Long Jump of canine aquatics.

Extreme Vertical – introduced in 2005 it is considered the High Jump of canine aquatics.

Speed Retrieve – launched in 2008 this is a timed sport involving the combination of run, jump, swim and retrieve. (W Washington St.)

WILO/Shine 99 Remote — join Cindy, Kevin and Mike from 10 am – noon.

10:15 am

Mike Hemmelgarn – Comedy, Juggler, Ventriloquist – He learned the art of ventriloquism like so many have, from a “Jimmy Nelson Instant Ventriloquism” record album. He first learned to juggle from a talented co-worker. He started with tennis balls, Finally, magic and balloon sculpting were incorporated to compliment one of the most unique acts in the business. Since graduating from Wright-State University in Dayton, OH, Mike has performed at thousands of Corporate Events, banquets, Schools, Libraries, Fairs & Festivals, and Theaters. He has been the opening act for Dennis DeYoung and Styx, has been a recurring “family friendly” performer at Funny bone comedy clubs, and has appeared as a special guest (6 times) on FOX news doing entertainment segments. (The Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage at Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)

11:00 am

7th Annual Gem City Dog Fight RC Demolition Derby (W Washington St)

Linda Smith Band – sultry blues, classic rock, and good ol’ country music. Linda surrounds herself with some of the industry’s most talented musicians that contribute in creating a powerhouse show that is sure to get you movin’ and groovin’ (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)

Silly Safaris Live Animal Show & Meet & Greet – Silly Safaris is the leading provider of live animal conservation education in Indiana and provides over 3,000 conservation inspiring live animal shows every year throughout the United States of America (The Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage at Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)

DockDogs® Big Air Wave #4 -Big Air is a “long jump for dogs”. The dog, which may be placed anywhere on the 40′dock, runs, and jumps into the water after a throw toy (provided by the handler) is tossed. The distance is judged from the end of the dock to where the tail set of the dog breaks the water’s surface. (W Washington St)

13th Annual Doxie Derby – Come one come all – dachshunds of all ages and sizes are welcome to participate. Nothing is more fun than watching cute doxies racing and trying to figure out where the finish line is. Classes: Puppy, Adult, Sr and “Doxie Wanna Be” (short or long dogs, such as Corgi, Basset, Dachshund mixes) will run after the Doxie Derby. (N Courthouse Lawn)

Got a Long Little Doggie Contest – join us for a fun contest to see who has the “Longest Wiener”; “Shortest Wiener” or the “Best Dressed Wiener” (costume) Dog. (N Courthouse lawn)

Hot Dog Food Tent & Family Fun Zone opens.

12:00 pm

BMX Wonder Wheels Stunt Show -you can expect the biggest jaw Dropping tricks imaginable. The non-stop action will keep your group riveted. The emcee will announce all the action while the stunt team executes thrilling feats to an energizing soundtrack. The ramp used is the larger 5’ x 8’ x 24’ box jump. This allows for bigger stunts and for multiple riders to be performing simultaneously (E Washington St.)

12:30 pm

Silly Safaris Live Animal Show & Meet & Greet – Silly Safaris is the leading provider of live animal conservation education in Indiana and provides over 3,000 conservation inspiring live animal shows every year throughout the United States of America (The Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage at Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)

1:00 pm

Prairie Grass Cloggers – have you ever wanted to learn the dance of clogging? This is your chance to learn more about it. (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)

DockDogs® Big Air Wave #5 – Big Air is a “long jump for dogs”. The dog, which may be placed anywhere on the 40′ dock, runs and jumps into the water after a throw toy (provided by the handler) is tossed. The distance is judged from the end of the dock to where the tail set of the dog breaks the water’s surface .(W Washington St)

Harry Potter Party – It’s that time of year again! Brush up on that magic, wrangle some dragons and compete in some wizarding games! It’s our annual Harry Potter Party. Frankfort Public Library 2nd floor in the Art Room 204, 1-3 pm for all ages! (E Clinton St)

1:30 pm

BMX Wonder Wheels Stunt Show -you can expect the biggest jaw dropping tricks imaginable. The non-stop action will keep your group riveted. The emcee will announce all the action while the stunt team executes thrilling feats to an energizing soundtrack. The ramp used is the larger 5’ x 8’ x 24’ box jump. This allows for bigger stunts and for multiple riders to be performing simultaneously (E Washington St)

1:45 pm

Mike Hemmelgarn – Comedy, Juggler, Ventriloquist – He learned the art of ventriloquism like so many have, from a “Jimmy Nelson Instant Ventriloquism” record album. He first learned to juggle from a talented co-worker. He started with tennis balls, and has evolved to bowling balls, knives, machetes, torches and other ridiculous things! Finally, magic and balloon sculpting were incorporated to compliment one of the most unique acts in the business. Mike has performed at thousands of Corporate Events, banquets, Schools, Libraries, Fairs & Festivals, and Theaters. He has been the opening act for Dennis DeYoung and Styx, has been a recurring “family friendly” performer at Funny bone comedy clubs, and has appeared as a special guest (6 times) on FOX news. (The Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage – E Washington St)

2:00 pm

Hoosier Storytellers – Skanta Theater, 2nd floor of Frankfort Public Library. Hot Dog Hall of Fame Board Members Don Rusk and Don Stock will join inductees Randall “Boe” Workman and Chad Buntin on the Skanta stage at the Frankfort Community Public Library as a part of the library’s Hoosier Storytellers series. Hosted by librarian Mike Clossin, the program will take a look at the origins of the Hall of Fame, find out about the lives of the two inductees, encourage the community to nominate deserving members and end after about an hour with a brief Q&A session. (Frankfort Public Library – W Clinton St)

2:30 pm

Silly Safaris Live Animal Show & Meet & Greet – Silly Safaris is the leading provider of live animal conservation education in Indiana and provides over 3,000 conservation inspiring live animal shows every year throughout the United States of America (The Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage at Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)

3:00 pm

DockDogs® Big Air Wave #6 -Big Air is a “long jump for dogs”. The dog, which may be placed anywhere on the 40′dock, runs and jumps into the water after a throw toy (provided by the handler) is tossed. The distance is judged from the end of the dock to where the tail set of the dog breaks the water’s surface. (W Washington St)

3:00 pm

Amonte King – Amonte is a pastor and recording artist from Marion, IN who has been all over the country preaching and singing at a very young age. (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)

3:30 pm

Karate Demonstrations – Frank Harness KARATE USA students will demonstrate the art of Shorei Goju Ryu, empty hand techniques and weapons. Kyoshi Harness is an 8th degree Blackbelt with over 45 years of experience in the Martial Arts. He opened his dojo (school) in March 1993 in Frankfort. Kyoshi says “We aren’t just training black belts but future leaders in our community. Making America stronger one black belt at a time”. (E Washington St)

4:00 pm

Silly Safaris Live Animal Show & Meet & Greet – Silly Safaris is the leading provider of live animal conservation education in Indiana and provides over 3,000 conservation inspiring live animal shows every year throughout the United States of America (The Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage at Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)

5:00 pm

Karate Demonstrations – Frank Harness KARATE USA students will demonstrate the art of Shorei Goju Ryu, empty hand techniques and weapons. Kyoshi Harness is an 8th degree Blackbelt with over 45 years of experience in the Martial Arts. He opened his dojo (school) in March 1993 in Frankfort. Kyoshi says “We aren’t just training black belts but future leaders in our community. Making America stronger one black belt at a time”. (E Washington St)

DockDogs® Speed Retrieve – Speed Retrieve is a “timed event”. At the far end of the pool a bumper toy is suspended 2” above the water with a starting indicator light above it. The dog is then placed at the 20’ white starting mark on the dock, when the light turns green the handler releases the dog, the time clock stops when the dog has pulled the toy from the Speed Retrieve bracket. (W Washington St)

Beer Garden Opens – 5-10 pm (Prairie Creek Park -E Washington St)

5:30 pm

Modern Day Cure – is a worship collective led by husband-and-wife team Aaron and Tamar Chipp. The band’s heart is to exalt Jesus, share His truth, and see people changed by His power. Their name is inspired by Hebrews 13:8, which states“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” This truth makes Him the modern day cure. They believe Jesus is the answer the world needs today. With more than a decade of experience as worship leaders and pastors, the Nashville-based band is known for its energetic and engaging worship and teaching that crosses cultural and denominational boundaries (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)

Hot Dog Eating Contest – Contestants will compete in the 4th Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest sponsored in part by NHK Seating. Grand prize is $500 to the contestant who eats the most hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. Will the winner have what it takes to become a challenger for world record holder Joey Chestnut. Chestnut holds the record for eating 63 hot dogs in 10 minutes in 2022. (E Washington St)

6:00 pm

Hot Dog Hall of Fame ceremony at Frankfort High School auditorium

Mike Hemmelgarn – Comedy, Juggler, Ventriloquist – He learned the art of ventriloquism like so many have, from a “Jimmy Nelson Instant Ventriloquism” record album. He first learned to juggle from a talented co-worker. He started with tennis balls, and has evolved to bowling balls, knives, machetes, torches and other ridiculous things! Finally, magic and balloon sculpting were incorporated to compliment one of the most unique acts in the business. Since graduating from Wright-State University in Dayton, OH, Mike has performed at thousands of Corporate Events, banquets, Schools, Libraries, Fairs & Festivals, and Theaters. He has been the opening act for Dennis DeYoung and Styx, has been a recurring “family friendly” performer at Funny bone comedy clubs, and has appeared as a special guest (6 times) on FOX news doing entertainment segments. (The Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage at Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)

6:30 pm

Mellencougar – Tribute to John Mellencamp – Mellencougar is made up of a group of musicians from the Illinois/Wisconsin scene. Our appreciation of the music of Heartland U.S.A. and specifically John Cougar Mellencamp helped to create our band and gain the respect of many venues, fans and musicians. Mellencougar has shared the stage with Eddie Money, Blake Shelton, the Spin Doctors, Styx, Night Ranger, Jamey Johnson and many other national acts. (The Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage at Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)

7:00 pm

DockDogs® – Big Air Finals (W Washington St)

8:00 pm

VOX5 Acapella – come and celebrate Frankfort’s very own celebrity – Patrick Day & Friends. (E Washington St)

8:30 pm

Sidewalk Prophets – Integrating worship with real life – that is one of the simple truths Sidewalk Prophets has learned to live by. The two friends had no idea what was in store for them when their paths crossed at Anderson University eight years ago, but one listen to their hugely anticipated major label debut, These Simple Truths, confirms the band’s undeniable talent. The fact that they have been on the road for 150+ dates per year for the past half-decade and show no signs of slowing down attests to their tenacious work ethic. But while there are tons of bands with talent and tenacity who never progress beyond the garage, Sidewalk Prophets insist it is the ever-present hand of the Lord that has lifted them to the next level of their career. (Veterans Park – Main St & Washington St)

8:45 pm

Frankfort Senior High School Band – Led by band director Jason Hutton (E Washington St)

9:00 pm

CRUSH Bon Jovi Experience – Crush the Ultimate Bon Jovi Experience based out of Indianapolis, Indiana formed in 2019 and is led by front man and lead singer Doug Shepard. Doug, who strongly resembles Jon Bon Jovi captures not only Jon’s look but also his energetic showmanship and dynamic vocal expression. (E Washington St)

11:00 pm

Fireworks! Thank you all so much and be safe going home – see you next year at the Frankfort Main Street Hot Dog Festival! Put it on your calendar – July 28, 29 & 30, 2023!

SUNDAY, JULY 31

10:00 am

Community Worship Service – One Christ, One Body. A non-denominational worship service featuring VOX5 Acapella. Sponsored by the Clinton County Ministerial Association and Frankfort Main Street, Inc. Join us for a UNIFIED worship experience to close the annual Frankfort Hot Dog Festival! Please bring your own chair. (The Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage at Prairie Creek Park – E Washington St)

New, Custom Stab Vests and Body Armor for Clinton County Jail Correctional Officers Arrive

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New Custom Stab Vests and Body Armor for Clinton County Jail Correction Officers Arrive
Correctional Offers shown wearing new custom stab vest and body armor along with body camera and taser with Sheriff Rich Kelly in the middle. From left to right are: Officer Horlacher, Officer Hernandez, Sheriff Kelly, Officer Whitaker and Officer Perkins.

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. – After a lengthy setback from supply chain issues, 26-sets of stab vests and body armor have finally arrived for Correctional Officers working in the Clinton County Jail located in Frankfort. These vests are custom fit to the individual and are issued as part of their duty uniform.

“We ordered this equipment in January and took delivery on the majority of our order this past week,” stated Clinton County Sheriff Rich Kelly.

“The number of violent assaults in prisons and jails have increased across the state over the last 2 years, such as Lieutenant Eugene Lasco who was stabbed to death by an inmate at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City, IN on February 21, 2021.”

“It is my duty and priority to provide the necessary equipment to all staff to ensure their safety while providing an essential service in our community. The outer carrier offers additional health benefits to reduce the stress on the hips and lower back while giving the Officers the opportunity to carry more equipment, such as tourniquets, in the event of an injury to staff or inmates.”

While nearly $12,200 from the commissary fund was spent to purchase the 26 vests, half of that cost will be reimbursed via a grant awarded by the United States Department of Justice secured by the work of Jail Matron Ashley Kelly.

Correctional officers have also received in previous months body cameras and tasers purchased with money collected from housing federal inmates.

“I am incredibly proud of our staff and Matron Kelly for taking the initiative to provide new equipment, while saving local tax dollars. The camera and taser purchases are great examples of bringing federal tax dollars back into our community,” added Sheriff Kelly.

An additional order will be placed in the coming months to equip newer hired jail staff.

Mayor Judy Sheets Announces Campaign for the 2023 Mayoral Primary Election

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Mayor Judy Sheets Announces Campaign for the 2023 Election

FRANKFORT, Ind. – Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets and the Committee to Elect Judy Sheets issued a press release today announcing Mayor Sheets, a Republican, will seek the office of mayor in the 2023 mayoral Republican primary.

Below is the press release.

Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets and the Committee to Elect Judy Sheets are proud to announce that Mayor Sheets is running for office in the 2023 mayoral election.

“I am proud of what this community and my team have accomplished since I took over as Mayor in 2020. We survived what has been a difficult few years for all and have come out stronger as a community. There are so many things to celebrate but so much work still to do. With that, I want to formally announce my candidacy for the Mayor of Frankfort in the 2023 election,” shared Mayor Sheets during a recent interview.

Since taking office in March 2020, Mayor Sheets has been a part of seeing many projects through from the prior administration, but also paving the way forward for many new projects within the city and county. Not only did her combined efforts result in the project for the construction of the new police station to finally begin, but she was also able to see a variety of growth in the following ways: the Aquatic Center at TPA Park, use of ARPA funding to support community initiatives, the restoration of the Youth Community Engagement Council, renovations and updated training for the Frankfort Fire Department, and more.

As she begins her campaign, she will be sharing a variety of information regarding her main focuses in the coming years: community engagement and quality of life, mental health for all ages, and supporting local businesses and city offices with ideal employment benefits and environments.

You can learn more about Mayor Sheets’ campaign on her Facebook page, Elect Judy Sheets, follow along on Instagram at @electjudysheets, or request a yard sign through this form here: ElectJudySheets.com/support.

If you wish to volunteer, donate, or join her committee to support her election, please contact Colleen Moore, Chairperson, at electjudysheets@gmail.com or send us a message on one of the social media accounts.

Hot Dog Festival State Road 28 Detour

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Hot Dog Festival State Road 28 Detour

Frankfort, Ind. – In preparation of the thousands of visitors to downtown Frankfort for the Hot Dog Festival on Friday, July 29 and Saturday, July 30th, the City of Frankfort has announced the following State Road 28 detour due to the large INDOT infrastructure project along State Road 28. The project started spring of 2021 and should complete in October of 2022 according to a press release issued by the city on Tuesday.

“INDOT has been great to work with,” stated Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets. “They understand the importance of the Hot Dog Festival and what it means for our downtown businesses and small businesses in Frankfort. Today, Street Superintendent, Jason Forsythe and I sat in a progress meeting with everyone involved with the State Road 28 Project.”

“A large portion of the meeting was focused on how to make this work with the festival quickly approaching. INDOT will be street sweeping to keep the dirt and dust to a minimal while the Hot Dog Festival is taking place and they have provided a digital sign to direct semi traffic coming into Frankfort from the east. I would like to thank Police Chief Scott Shoemaker and Jason Forsythe for all of their hard work by coming up with a plan to make sure semis would stay away from East Washington Street and the festival. As long as everyone follows the detour signs, our plans should work. I look forward to seeing everyone in downtown Frankfort this weekend.”

INDOT, Clinton County, and the City of Frankfort have agreed to start the detour on Thursday, July 28th and remain in effect until Sunday, July 31st.

The Hot Dog Festival Detour is as follows:

Turn North or right on Maish Road from Washington Avenue/ Michigantown Blacktop.
Go to 100 North and turn west or left. Go to State Road 75 and turn right or North to 300 North. Turn left or west on 300 North, cross over State Road 39 to 300 West. Turn Left or South on 300 West, and take it back to State Road 28

Hot Dog Festival State Road 28 Detour

Currently, the detour for semi traffic is Washington Avenue to East Washington Street back to Jackson Street (State Road 39) and will resume after the Hot Dog Festival.

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