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Brett W. Todd – Page 3 – Clinton County Today
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Brett W. Todd - page 3

Brett W. Todd has 928 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.

County Commissioners Forced to Find New Insurance Coverage

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County Commissioners Forced to Find New Insurance Coverage
Archive photo of the Clinton County Indiana Courthouse located in Frankfort, Indiana. The Clinton County Commissioners selected a new insurance carrier for properties and assets. Great American was selected during a special meeting Thursday, February 1, 2024. (Photo Brett W. Todd/September 2023)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (Feb. 2, 2024) – The Clinton County Commissioners were presented with only two insurance companies willing to insure county properties and assets during a special meeting of the commissioners held Thursday at the Clinton County Courthouse.

The force to find new coverage was the result of being served with a 60-day non-renewal notice from Tokio Marine, the county insurer for the past three years. The county received the letter on November 27, 2023, stating Tokio Marine was withdrawing from the market place.

Todd Jackson with McGowan Insurance Group, the county insurance broker, made the presentation and commented only two companies presented offers – Trident and Great American. He recommended the commissioners select Great American with a 15 percent premium increase over 2023, while Trident was 22.7 percent.

Jackson shared only “ten to twelve” companies work to insure public entities with the “least desirable being counties due to landfills, county homes, and jails.”

The new coverage comes with an additional “$9 million in property value that needed to be done to maintain replacement cost on everything” according to Jackson.

The coverage went into effect Thursday – running February 1, 2024 through January 31, 2025.

The 2024 premium at the time of signing on February 1st was quoted at $636,457 which will fluctuate with additional assets purchased or new employees due to workers compensation coverage.

The premium includes the Great American coverage as well as carriers for workers compensation, cyber security, and liability coverage for the county home – the county home property is covered in the Great American policy.

Jackson explained the “real rate” increase to be closer to “ten to eleven” percent.

“I would say the property bump, exposure we added probably accounts for three-and-a-half to four percent of that and pull the payroll rate back and we are at ten to eleven percent,” Jackson said.

The county had budgeted an insurance premium cost increase during its August 2023 budget sessions.

Commissioner Jordan Brewer shared his thoughts on the increase and what might be a “silver lining” in all of this.

“We list the prior premiums and it looks like a large jump, but that prior doesn’t include what an increase would have been if Tokio Marine would have stayed,” Brewer said. “The silver lining is – I don’t know if this is a good thing or a bad thing – we budgeted enough so we don’t have to go back and ask for more from council.”

Frankfort School Board Approves Middle School Renovation Bids, Construction To Begin April 2024

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Construction bids for the renovation of the Frankfort Middle School came in $1.76 million under budget. work will begin April 2024. (Photo: Brett W. Todd, design rendering October 2023)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (January 10, 2024) – Construction bids for the renovation of the Frankfort Middle School came in $1.76 million under budget.

Community Schools of Frankfort Superintendent Dr. Matt Rhoda called the news a “blessing.”

The ‘blessing’ now allows CSF to approve the bids for the originally planned-for renovations as well as approval of select alternate project bids.

At the top of the alternate list – a new walkway allowing access to second floor space and construction of three new classrooms in this open space.

“To come in, in this market, with increasing construction costs – it’s nothing more than a blessing to come in $1.76 million under budget,” Dr. Rhoda said. “That’s a testament to our architect and to Tecton.”

“A lot of times when people bid on projects if there is guess work in it for the people bidding, they tend to pad [their bids]. What Tecton has done is taken a lot of that guessing game out so that we can get hard numbers and people are not padding their numbers.”

Dr. Rhoda shared how the savings will be used and the costs of those alternates.

“We knew if we had money available that we would go down that list. The big one is getting that walkway that is up in the wrestling area. By getting that walkway in – it’s about $200,000 to put a walkway in with a roof over it – that will give access to three additional classrooms upstairs. Those classrooms come in around $1.3 million.

“By being $1.76 million under budget we’re able to get those two things in and allow us to move our art classrooms and business classroom up and allow [the architects] flexibility of putting in another classroom or a place to expand.”

The art and business classrooms were initially designed to be on the first floor.

Prior to an April 2024 renovation start, CSF will need to receive the construction documents for school board signatures as well as prepare for the issuance of the finance bond.

The $25 million renovation will allow for secure entry into the building, expanded cafeteria space, the addition of a new performance arts wing – allowing for choir, band and orchestra to have its dedicated space plus a public auditorium, the expanding of existing classroom space to name a few of the overall items.

As previously reported, the renovation of FMS will not cause an increase to tax payers as the bond used for the construction of Suncrest will be paid for in 2024. Dr. Rhoda provided an explanation in a November 2022 interview why the retired debt would negatively impact CSF in the future should a current project not be available. “Our tax rate goes down, which means that if we want to do any big projects in the future, we would have to go the referendum route to raise that tax rate again in order to be able to generate those funds. And so we want to stay tax neutral so that we are able to continue to use debt drop off to be able to fund future projects without going to the public to ask for a tax increase.”

In addition to Tecton, CSF worked with KJG Architecture Inc and Fanning Howey to bring this multi-year project to the construction phase.

The planned construction is to begin April 2024 and have 14 classrooms renovated by August 2024 to mitigate the moving around for students during the school year with a Summer 2026 completion date and final punch list complete by December 2026.

Clinton County Sheriff’s Office Motorcycle Patrol Presence Leads to Arrest of Crawfordsville Man on Multiple Outstanding Warrants

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Michael Walker, 35, of Crawfordsville was arrested on outstanding warrants for FTA Possession of a Synthetic Narcotic (Montgomery County), Dealing Methamphetamine (Howard County) and Carrying a Handgun without a License (Howard County) on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at approximately 3:30p.m. in Clinton County Indiana after a brief foot pursuit. (Photo: Clinton County Sheriff's Office)

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. (January 8, 2024) – According to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), Michael Walker, 35, of Crawfordsville was arrested on outstanding warrants for FTA Possession of a Synthetic Narcotic (Montgomery County), Dealing Methamphetamine (Howard County) and Carrying a Handgun without a License (Howard County) on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at approximately 3:30p.m.

CCSO Sergeant Tom Farlow and Sergeant Thomas Pelling were returning to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office on their Harley Davidson patrol motorcycles following the completion of a funeral escort, when they observed a suspicious vehicle in the area of County Roads 500N and 300E. The vehicle, a Black 1995 Dodge Dakota pickup truck pulled into a residence familiar to both sergeants. After notifying the homeowner, they learned the vehicle did not belong at the property. Deputy Nick Light and Deputy Nevin Creasy were also returning from the same funeral escort in their fully marked Tahoes and arrived on scene to assist.

Upon pulling into the residence, Sergeant Pelling observed a male subject fleeing the vehicle on foot. At this time, Sergeant Joey Mitchell (K9 Rip), Deputy Nevin Creasy, Detective Mark Pinkard and Detective Jon Greiner responded, along with Frankfort Police Department Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Operator Officer Brett Waggoner.

Officer Waggoner deployed his UAV and quickly located the suspect. During the investigation, deputies determined the truck had been reported stolen out of Montgomery County.

Deputies have requested additional charges of Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Syringe and Possession of Marijuana; formal charges are pending review by the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office.

Former Clinton County Sheriff, Frankfort Police Chief Paul Underwood Dies

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Former Clinton County Sheriff, Frankfort Police Chief Paul Underwood died January 5, 2024, at the age of 92. (Photo: Clinton County Sheriff's Office)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (January 8, 2024) – Former Clinton County Sheriff and Frankfort Police Chief Paul Underwood died January 5th at the age of 92.

Underwood joined the Frankfort Police Department in 1960 and served as chief from 1980 to 1984. Upon retirement from FPD in 1986, he was elected sheriff two-times serving from 1987 through 1994.

Prior to a career in law enforcement, Underwood served in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953, making the rank of Corporal.

Visitation will be from 12 Noon-3 p.m. Friday, January 12, 2024, at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort. Funeral service will begin at 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Bunnell Cemetery.

Clinton County Election Results

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CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. (November 8, 2023) – Clinton County voters saw little in regards to contested elections in the 2023 November general election held November 7th.

Below are the results for the contested races in Clinton County:

Frankfort City Council
Clarence Warthan defeated David Riggs in the race for District 1

Rossville
Brooke Meeks defeated Gwin Hanna in the race for Clerk-Treasurer
Stanley Cox, Sally McGill and Benjamin Kellogg were elected to the Town Council

Mulberry
Paula Bennett defeated Jeannie Fife in the race for Clerk-Treasurer
Dave Jones, Randy Ravenscraft, Lewis Wheeler, Lindsey Foster and Joey Mitchell all were elected to the Town Council

Electrical Issue Caused Press Box Fire at FHS

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The remains of the Frankfort High School football field press box after a fire on Halloween evening 2023. The fire has been ruled accidental due to an electrical issue. (Photo by Brett W. Todd, November 1, 2023)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (November 8, 2023) – A fire that began after 9 p.m. on Halloween evening in the Frankfort High School football field press box has been ruled to be have been accidental, caused by an electrical issue according to a joint statement from the Community Schools of Frankfort (CSF) and the Frankfort Fire Department (FFD).

The annoucement comes after a thorough investigation by the FFD and NEFCO Insurance Investigators.

According to the press release, CSF “will now move forward with plans to demolish the damaged press box and construct a new facility in its place.”

Bud McQuade Named Frankfort Building Inspector, Former HPC Chair

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Bud McQuade was named Frankfort, Indiana building inspector during a September 25, 2023, meeting of the city's Board of Works meeting. McQuade begins October 2nd. (Photo CSF)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (September 25, 2023) – Mayor Judy Sheets has named James (Bud) McQuade as the city building inspector upon approval of the Board of Works (BOW) during Monday’s meeting.

McQuade had served as the chair of the Historic Preservation Commission until Mayor Sheets dissolved the HPC at the September 11 city council meeting – all enforcement of city historic standards and city building ordinances will now be enforced by McQuade.

Currently working for Structure Point as a construction project manager, McQuade will officially take on the city job October 2nd – he previously served as building inspector when Don Stock was mayor.

McQuade is excited to get started and sees his role as building inspector to help safeguard residents.

“I am excited about it,” McQuade said after the BOW meeting. “I have been a former city building inspector – I still feel I want to be part of the city’s growth, the vision going forward. This is a new, old chapter for me.

“My main concern is going out to make sure things are being built appropriately – to help safeguard the residents, the owners that they are being taken care of adequately.”

When asked how the enforcement of the city’s historic standards, he described a change in how it is approached.

“It’s not a thing of the past, but of the evolving future,” McQuade elaborated. “So, whether or not we’re going to be changing things – we’re just going to be changing how we approach and go from there.”

Mayor Sheets spoke of McQuade’s experience and knowledge of the city building and historic district codes.

“I’m excited to have Bud on our team – I believe he brings a lot to the table; he comes with a lot of experience,” Mayor Sheets shared after the meeting.

“I think it is going to be very beneficial to the city, because he is very much aware. He worked with those standards all those times while he was on the HPC. So, I think he brings a lot of expertise in that way as well. He genuinely cares about the historic districts and knows the importance of them.”

McQuade becomes the second Community Schools of Frankfort School Board member to also work as a city department head – Joel Tatum is the other and is the city parks superintendent.

Exterior Renovation of Courthouse To Begin September 25th

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The Clinton County Courthouse will undergo a years long restoration beginning September 25, 2023. The public will begin to see scaffolding erected around the site next week. (File Photo Brett W. Todd, September 4, 2022)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (September 18, 2023) – Exterior renovation of the Clinton County Courthouse will begin next Monday, September 25th, according to commissioner Jordan Brewer.

Commissioner Brewer provided the update during this morning’s meeting stating the public will begin seeing scaffolding going-up next week.

The exterior project is the first of a $9,442,080 restoration project of the Courthouse with phase two being interior work. Interior work will not begin until completion of the Annex building at the corner of Washington St and Main St. The cost of construction of the Annex is pegged not to exceed $17,750,000.

Annex construction should begin soon with preliminary work on site taking place now.

Indiana Chamber Names Vanessa Green Sinders New President and CEO, First Female to Lead Organization

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Vanessa Green Sinders, a former Fortune 100 executive and experienced policy strategist, has been selected as the incoming president and CEO of Indiana Chamber. (Photo provided)

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (September 14, 2023) – The Indiana Chamber of Commerce, the state’s largest business advocacy organization, is embarking on an exciting new chapter. Vanessa Green Sinders, a former Fortune 100 executive and experienced policy strategist, has been selected as the incoming president and CEO according to a press release issued today.

She will succeed Kevin Brinegar, who will retire in early January 2024. This significant milestone marks the Indiana Chamber’s first female president. Sinders was chosen from a highly qualified pool of candidates, hailing from various sectors including business, politics, and trade associations.

Sinders’ unique ability to lead, innovate, and advocate for diverse stakeholders set her apart from the competition. With a proven track record in corporate America, government, and a national trade group, she brings a wealth of experience to the Indiana Chamber. Her collaborative leadership style, coupled with a talent for elevating organizations and improving member outcomes, make her the ideal candidate for this role.

“What really set Vanessa apart is her demonstrated ability to lead, innovate and advocate across a wide spectrum of stakeholders. She’s done that in corporate America, government and with a national trade group. That’s so important because of the varied aspects and programs at the Indiana Chamber,” states Paul Perkins, search committee member and chair of the Indiana Chamber Board of Directors, which approved the hire earlier today.

“At every place she’s led, Vanessa has earned a reputation as a strong, collaborative leader able to take organizations to new heights, improve member outcomes and develop top internal talent.”

Sinders also boasts an impressive 20-year career in policy work in Washington D.C. Prior to her move to Indiana last year, she served as senior vice president for government affairs at Charter Communications/Spectrum. In this role, she directed strategic policy and political engagement with Congress and the White House, while overseeing internal and external government affairs teams. Additionally, Sinders held senior positions at the American Hotel & Lodging Association and played influential roles on Capitol Hill.

Excited about her new role, Sinders expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Indiana Chamber. She aims to build on the organization’s successful track record and contribute to the state’s reputation as an ideal place to live, work, and do business. Through collaboration and engagement with stakeholders across Indiana, Sinders plans to identify and advance new opportunities that maximize the Chamber’s impact.

“I am honored by the opportunity to lead the Indiana Chamber and build on the organization’s strong record of success that has helped position our state as a place where people want to live, work and do business,” Sinders says. “As a believer in the power of collaboration and working together, I look forward to engaging with stakeholders across the Hoosier state to identify and advance new opportunities that maximize the Chamber’s impact.”

Those who have worked closely with Sinders describe her as a likable, genuine, and energetic leader who excels at building strong teams and finding innovative solutions. As she assumes her role as president and CEO, there is confidence that Sinders will further enhance the Chamber’s already high-performing organization.

“Vanessa is the kind of person people immediately like when they meet her,” John Thompson, the search committee chair and past Indiana Chamber Board chairman said. Adding, “She goes out of her way to make those genuine connections. She’s a real team-builder and finds innovative solutions that benefit all.

“I’m confident as the Chamber staff, members and partners get to know her that they will see such a positive, energetic and strong leader – one that is able to deliver significant results and make what is already a high-performing organization even greater.”

Sinders resides in Indianapolis with her husband and two sons – she founded Green Sinders Consulting upon moving to Indiana. She holds a bachelor’s degree in government with a minor in economics from Dartmouth College.

Sinders will begin her tenure at the Indiana Chamber as president and CEO-elect on October 16 and will assume the full role on January 5, following Brinegar’s retirement.

The Indiana Chamber consists of eight legal entities including a political action committee, foundation, two for-profit subsidiaries and several 501(c)(3)s, including the Wellness Council of Indiana and Institute for Workforce Excellence.

City Councilman Michael Brite Resigns from City Council and Redevelopment Commission

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Michael Brite, Frankfort city councilman for the 3rd district, has announced in a public Facebook post dated September 12, 2023, he has resigned his position effective immediately. In the file photo, Brite is listening to a presentation during a December 12, 2022 city council meeting. (Photo Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (September 14, 2023) – City councilman Michael Brite (District 3) has resigned from the city council according to a public Facebook post made on his personal profile. The resignation is effective immediately – he and his wife, Kathy, are moving to Florida.

The resignation comes just one day after he announced prior to the conclusion of the September 11th city council meeting he was resigning immediately from the Frankfort Redevelopment Commission – the council approved councilman Eric Woods to fill Brite’s seat on the RDC.

Brite, who was serving his first term on the council after a 2019 election win, had won the May 2023 Republican primary in an uncontested race – a caucus will be held within 30-days after official papers are filed with the county clerks office.

Below is Brite’s full statement:

“As most of you know Kathy and I are moving to Florida. I have informed Mayor sheets this evening that I am resigning from the City Council effective immediately. Before any of the conspiracy theorists get any ideas it’s not because of our Mayor. I would like to take this time to thank the Council and the Mayor. I have enjoyed working with you all. I know that all these Council members and The Mayor are doing a great job in moving our city forward. We are not always going to make everyone happy but one thing I have learned is the ones that are happy stay quiet but the 5 or 6 unhappy people that have never made it to a meeting in my 4 years, they are the ones that make the most noise and unfortunately make you wonder if the job is worth it. Being told that you’re on the take, ,your part of the good old boys and bla, bla, bla. I guess there will always be those types of people. I just wish they would run and win so they could then be accused of the same thing. Oh well enough of that. I love Frankfort and always will. I think there are great things ahead for this city. Thank you Mayor for hanging in there and thank you City council. By the way you 5 or 6 haters, keep up the good work and try to at least come to one meeting in the next 4 years.”

 

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