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Brett W. Todd - page 5

Brett W. Todd has 925 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.

Fire at Kirklin Gas Station Pumps Leaves One Dead

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First responders seen Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at a one-vehicle fire at a gas station pumps in Kirklin, Indiana, that left the driver dead according to the Clinton County Sheriff's Office. (Photo: Brett W. Todd)

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. (March 29, 2023) – According to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, Deputies with the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a vehicle fire at a gas station in Kirklin located at 415 S Main Street at approximately 7:18pm on Tuesday, March 28.

A preliminary investigation indicated that a Black 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe was parked at the gas pumps, facing northbound and for an unknown reason, the vehicle abruptly accelerated into a gas pump, where it continued until igniting a fire.

The driver was identified as Terry Kinkead, 50, of Sheridan. Kinkead was pronounced dead at the scene by the Clinton County Coroner’s Office. Kinkead was the sole occupant of the vehicle. Family has been notified.

This crash remains under investigation.

Sapphire Bay 2023 Season Pricing Announced

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The Frankfort Board of Works approved pricing for the 2023 season for Sapphire Bay at TPA park on Monday, March 27, 2023. (Image and photo: Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (March 27, 2023) – The Board of Works (BoW) for the City of Frankfort approved fees for Sapphire Bay at TPA Park for 2023 at its Monday meeting.

Day pass: 2-years old and under are free, $7 per day for all others

Season pass (unlimited usage) per person over 2-years old, $75

Family season pass: $250 for family of up to 5 household members, $25 per member over 5 members

Morning water walking (1-hour prior to opening): $3 per day Monday through Friday

Cabana rental (9 available): $50 half-day day, $75 full-day

Kimberly Black, community development and outreach director for the city, announced NHK donated $50,000 towards the construction of Sapphire Bay. Black also received approval from the BoW of the logo for Sapphire Bay.

Sapphire Bay is scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend and operate daily through August 5 – then weekends only to August 31st.
Hours of operation:
Monday through Friday 11:30am to 7pm
Saturday 11am to 7pm
Sunday 12pm to 6pm
Water Walking Monday through Friday 10:15am to 11:15am

Weekends only beginning August 6 through August 31st:
Saturday 11am to 7pm
Sunday 12pm to 7pm

Season passes will be available for purchase beginning May 1st at the Frankfort Parks Department office from 8am to 3pm Monday through Friday. Once Sapphire Bay opens, season passes can be purchased at the entrance.

State to Pump Water Through Clinton County To Boone County

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Image from Project LEAP dual water main project document attached to an email dated Monday, March 20, 2023 3:20 PM from Shaiza Sajjad, Staff Engineer with American Structurepoint, Inc. The email from American Structurepoint, Inc., states it has been tasked to perform utility coordination for 277,600 feet (52.6 miles) long dual water mains design project starting at the Wabash River near the intersection of W 200 S and S 500 W, and terminating at the intersection of State Road 32 and 500 W. The water mains pass through Tippecanoe, Clinton and Boone counties.

FRANKFORT, Ind. (March 21, 2023) – The State of Indiana has given Frankfort Municipal Utilities (FMU) 21-days to respond to requests for information on a 52.6 mile long dual water mains design project for Project LEAP starting at the Wabash River near the intersection of W 200 S and S 500 W in Tippecanoe County and terminating at the intersection of State Road 32 and 500 W in Boone County; the water mains will pass through Clinton County on both sides of U.S. 52 according to project maps reviewed.

The request for information came via email to FMU from American Structurepoint, Inc. – tasked to perform utility coordination – according to FMU Utility Service Board chairman Kent Brewer during Monday’s USB meeting, March 20th.

“We received an email that was forwarded around 3:30 to 3:45 [Monday] from American Structurepoint,” stated chairman Brewer during the meeting. “We, as a utility, … only have some electric crossing 52. I don’t believe we have any underground stuff – we don’t have water out that far, we definitely don’t have sewer out that far. As far as an effect on our utilities, we don’t see that.”

Brewer stated the Clinton County government was not made aware of this.

“I forwarded that email to my son (Jordan Brewer, president of the Clinton County commissioners) and was totally shocked. He claimed they – the County – has not received anything. I forwarded it to Dan Sheets (county surveyor) as well.”

The specific items requested according to the email shared by chairman Brewer with Clinton County Today include: map(s) of the size, material, and location of the facilities within the limits of the proposed project and copies of any as-builts or easement documents. The email does not contain information as to when the project would begin.

Project LEAP is an economic development zone consisting of over 10,000 acres in Boone County to the west and north of Lebanon. Eli Lilly has started construction on a $2.1 Billion project in the area. The dual water mains are vital to provide the necessary water to the planned development area.

This is a zoom-in view of the Clinton County portion of the Project LEAP dual water main project moving water from Tippecanoe County to Boone County. Original image from Shaiza Sajjad, Staff Engineer with American Structurepoint, Inc. email attachment. Email dated Monday, March 20, 2023 3:20 PM.

Clinton County Commissioners Lose Legal Appeal to Sheriff Kelly

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The three members of the Board of Commissioners for Clinton County Indiana discuss a topic during a meeting in this file photo. From left-to-right, Commissioners Bert Weaver, Josh Uitts, Jordan Brewer. (Photo: Brett W. Todd)

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (March 18, 2023) – A three-judge panel of the Indiana Court of Appeals unanimously ruled the trial court did not err when concluding the Clinton County Commissioners exceeded its authority when they amended the county smoking ordinance in an attempt to prohibit inmates from purchasing and using tobacco-free products within the jail.

The appellate ruling issued March 9th came after oral arguments in Indianapolis on January 10th regarding whether or not Special Judge Samuel Swaim erred in his October 8, 2021, ruling in favor of Clinton County Sheriff Kelly’s suit when Judge Swaim said in part, “that the Board cannot regulate by ordinance the conduct of inmates housed in the Clinton County Jail and cannot restrict the right of the Sheriff to sell or of inmates in the Clinton County Jail to purchase and use e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches that do not contain tobacco products within the confines of the Clinton County Jail.”

On appeal, the Commissioners contended Judge Swaim erred when he ruled in the Sheriff’s favor because, pursuant to the Indiana Home Rule Act, the Sheriff had only the powers expressly granted by statute. Based on their interpretation of the Home Rule Act and cases cited, the Commissioners asserted the relevant statutes do not grant the Sheriff unlimited discretion regarding what is sold to inmates at the Clinton County Jail.

Sheriff Kelly contended the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission regulated the Sheriff’s sale of the e-cigarettes and Indiana law expressly entrusts the Sheriff with the care of the jail and the prisoners therein – known as the “take care” provision.

The Court of Appeals ruled that while the Commissioners “had authority under the Home Rule Act to enact the revised county smoking ordinance as a general ordinance governing the use of e-cigarettes in county buildings, Indiana Code section 36-2-13-5(a)(7) – (the “take care” provision) – expressly gives the Sheriff’s Office the power to “take care” of prisoners and the revised ordinance does not apply to the activity of prisoners in the county jail.”

No public statement as of publishing on whether the Commissioners will appeal this ruling to the Indiana Supreme Court.

Emma Pillion Celebrated by City with Gateway Signs

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Emma Pillion Celebrated by City with Gateway Signs (Photo: Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (March 16) – The City of Frankfort has placed signs at the gateways entering the city to mark the historic achievement of Frankfort High School senior Emma Pillion.

Pillion became the first state Indiana High School girls wrestling champion in the 113 pound class on January 13th.

Signs can be seen at the S.R. 28 East and West plus S.R. 39 North and South.

Her sign joins that of Colton Crum, 2018 Indiana High School Pole Vault champion.

CORE Community Center Addresses Local Food Insecurity

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CORE Community Center Addresses Local Food Insecurity with launch of a food Backpack Program. (Photo by Rusty Watson on Unsplash)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (March 16) – CORE Community Center has announced through a media release it has become a Backpack Program location for Clinton County after a recent conversation with Food Finders to address local food insecurity, the program will begin in July 2023.

Funding for this program comes from a recent grant approval for $70,000 from the Indiana Department of Health.

CORE is able to fill up to 51 backpacks each week beginning July 2023 providing meals to families throughout the community. In addition to the Backpack Program, CORE is exploring an east-side Mobile Food Bank as well as other long-term partnership opportunities.

“We couldn’t be more excited to continue to address evolving community needs. When we had to separate from the Summer Food Program, we were saddened to see that part of our services go. This is a much more manageable program for us to execute, and we know of many volunteers who look forward to making this possible,” shared Stephanie Cooper, Executive Director of CORE.

CORE Community Center is located at 950 S. Maish Rd., Frankfort.

Tornado Warning Alert Test Scheduled

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Clinton County Central Dispatch will participate is a statewide tornado siren test on Tuesday, March 14 at approximately 10am as part of Severe Weather Preparedness week, March 12-18.

FRANKFORT, Ind. – The week of March 12 – 18, 2023 is Sever Weather Preparedness Week in the state of Indiana according to a media release issued by Renee Crick, Director of Clinton County Central Dispatch (CCCD).

The release states on Tuesday, March 14 at approximately 10:15am, the National Weather Service will issue a test tornado warning alert, which will be shared through most notification systems. Clinton County will participate in the statewide test by conducting a full activation of the tornado weather sirens in Clinton County.

Now is a good time to talk with your family about what to do in the event of severe weather. A Tornado Watch means conditions are possible; it does not mean a tornado will occur. A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado is imminent. When a Tornado Warning is issued, seek safe shelter immediately.

Remember that tornado sirens do not provide coverage for all areas. The tornado sirens are meant to be heard outside and cannot be relied on if you are indoors. Having a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio is highly recommended. Many people silence their phones at night, but the weather radio will sound when a warning is issued.

Crick reminds the community CCCD offers a free service, Nixle, that sends out mass notifications regarding events happening in Clinton County such as severe weather, road closures due to construction or accidents. The Nixle notifications can be received via your smartphone by downloading the free app, Everbridge.

Deadline for Registering to Vote In Upcoming Primary is April 3

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FRANKFORT, Ind. (March 2, 2023) – Clinton County Clerk Stephanie Harshbarger is reminding those who aren’t already registered to vote in the Primary Election on Tuesday, May 2nd, that they have a month left to do so.

“If you’re not sure whether or not you’re currently registered, you can always check online,” Harshbarger says. “You’ll find everything you need to know at http://www.indianavoters.in.gov.”​

In addition to checking your registration status, the website also allows voters to find their voting location, to apply to vote by mail, and to register to vote. The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, April 3rd. In addition to registering online, you can also register by mail or in person at the Clinton County Clerk’s Office on the second floor of the County Courthouse.

If you are currently registered to vote in Clinton County and have moved or changed your name, please visit the County Clerk’s office at 265 Courthouse Square in Frankfort to fill out the voter registration form.

CORE Community Center Receives $70,000 Indiana Department of Health Grant

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FRANKFORT, Ind. (March 2, 2023) – CORE Community Center announced via a press release on Wednesday they were the recent recipient of a $70,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Health.

The Health Innovation Partnerships and Programs division was created within the Indiana Department of Health to oversee the Health Issues and Challenges (HIC) Grant Program by funding entities within the State of Indiana to implement programs focused on addressing health issues and challenges within the state. Grantees are expected to develop and implement services focused on improving health outcomes related to one or more of the following priority areas: Chronic disease (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and cancer), Tobacco use, Food insecurity/obesity, Elevated blood lead level reduction, and Disease prevention programs (community health workers/patient navigators and community paramedicine).

When CORE received the document outlining the opportunity, Executive Director Stephanie Cooper immediately knew this would be an ideal fit to help fund additional programming related to wellness and nutrition education and programs, as well as food insecurity needs, through CORE Community Center.

“While our initial ask included additional programming, we are so excited and proud to be the recipient of these funds to continue to bolster our program offerings and support our ongoing growth efforts,” Cooper shared in a recent conversation.

In coordination with Vice President of the Board, Krista Stillwell, Stephanie formulated a plan to provide additional support through an expanded personal training program with nutritional consultation, expanding community garden operations, and utilizing additional funds toward continued improvement of fitness equipment and amenities.

CORE has continued to place a strong emphasis on grants and expanding operations to meet the needs of our evolving community. This is the second grant allocation of this calendar year; however, CORE received multiple grants last year that have contributed to the continued success of program expansion.

State of Indiana Calls Clinton County & Frankfort Opioid Settlement Plan a “Model Communities Should Replicate”

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Members of Clinton County’s Opioid Settlement Funding Committee present their plan to members of the Indiana Commission to Combat Substance Use Disorder at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis on February 3, 2023. Photo provided by Clinton County Government. Pictured (left to right): Commissioner Jordan Brewer, Councilman Alan Dunn, Lorra Archibald, Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets

FRANKFORT, Ind. (February 28, 2023) – The State of Indiana invited members of Clinton County’s Opioid Settlement Funding Committee to present their plan to the Indiana Commission to Combat Substance Use Disorder in Indianapolis on February 3, 2023. State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box said she was “absolutely blown away” with their plan.

Indiana will receive $507 million as a part of the $26 billion national settlement with Cardinal Health, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen – the nation’s three major pharmaceutical distributors – and Johnson & Johnson, which manufactured and marketed opioids. Clinton County will receive a total of $697,445.39 in annual allocations through 2038. The City of Frankfort will receive a total of $386,386.84. Both received their first installments in December according to a media release from Clinton County government.

“Clinton County and the City of Frankfort have worked hand-in-hand on our settlement plan, pooling our allocations and sharing our resources to more effectively touch the lives of those affected by substance use disorder,” says Lorra Archibald, committee chair and Executive Director of Healthy Communities of Clinton County. “It made no sense to work in silos and risk duplicating efforts.”

Restricted funds must be spent on evidence-based prevention, treatment, recovery, harm reduction, behavioral health workforce, enforcement, jail treatment, recovery residences, and other services. Clinton County’s committee has earmarked dollars to be spent on such things as crisis intervention training, support for new and expectant mothers with substance use disorders, peer recovery coach programs, installation of Naloxone boxes, and vape detectors in schools.

“We started by conducting a community needs assessment,” Archibald explains. “We were looking for gaps in service and barriers to getting that service to at-risk and underserved populations. We think we have a solid and sustainable plan that will help our recovery community well into the future.”

Unrestricted funds can be used in any capacity. Clinton County and the City of Frankfort have agreed to put 100-percent of the unrestricted funds toward the treatment of substance use disorders and mental health conditions.

“We wanted every penny of this settlement to go back into our community to help those in recovery,” says Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets. “So, we unanimously agreed to use all the unrestricted funds to support two recovery homes – the One80 Recovery Resources, Inc. and the WeCare Recovery Home.”

Clinton County’s commitment to investing 100-percent of its abatement dollars to recovery and the collaborative way in which they did it caught the eye of the State of Indiana. Douglas Huntsinger, Executive Director for the Next Level Drug Prevention, Treatment and Enforcement Division, invited Archibald, Sheets, Clinton County Commissioner President Jordan Brewer, and Clinton County Council President Alan Dunn to speak to state leaders.

Huntsinger introduced the Clinton Count members in part by saying, “the holistic approach to developing the plan and both the using the county and the city dollars cooperatively to fill those gaps and this is a model that many communities across our state could and should replicate.”

Others at the meeting, including State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box, offered high praise and resoundingly positive feedback. “I am absolutely blown away. This (plan) is incredible and this is exactly what public health is. What you guys have put together it’s exactly what the Governor’s Public Health commission has pushed so hard for – to be able to give more funding to our counties and to our local communities so that they can do exactly what you guys are doing.”

Healthy Communities of Clinton County is a member of the Drug-Free Communities Coalition which makes it eligible to receive matching grants from the Centers for Disease Control.

“We will try to take this money and leverage it further,” Dunn says. “Our Drug-Free Community status means the recovery homes awarded with unrestricted dollars will have the opportunity to double those gifts through matching grants.”

Clinton County’s Opioid Settlement Funding Committee included Archibald, Sheets, Deputy Chief Cesar Munoz with the Frankfort Police Department, Clinton County EMS Director Steven Deckard, Clinton County Sheriff’s Department Jail Matron Ashley Kelley, Community Corrections Director Brett Barton, Clinton County Health Department Administrator Rodney Wann, County Commissioner Jordan Brewer, Chief Probation Officer Nancy Ward, Adult Probation Officer Matthew Risk, and Macy Simmons from INWell. A County ordinance has been established to keep the committee together through 2038.

“I couldn’t be any prouder of this committee,” Brewer says. “It is proof when we organize our resources together that we can make a real difference in our community.”

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