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Brett W. Todd – Page 6 – Clinton County Today
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Brett W. Todd - page 6

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.

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.”

Sheriff: “Extortion” – Commissioners & Council Demand Sheriff Drop Pending Appellate Case to Receive Commissary Contract Approval

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FRANKFORT, Ind. – “This contract that was provided by Commissioner Brewer, yes, it does feel like extortion,” commented Clinton County Sheriff Rich Kelly. The Sheriff’s comment was made after Clinton County Today requested a copy of the presented 2023 Commissary Manager contract through a public records request and review of the document.

The contract was presented to Sheriff Kelly by Commissioners’ President Jordan Brewer on January 18 during its public meeting.

During the public meeting, Commissioner Brewer addressed a few of the items contained within the contract; however, he did not mention the specific provision regarding the action the Sheriff must take to receive approval.

The presented document states in line 19, “Approval. The parties agree and understand that this agreement shall have no force and be of no effect unless and until it is approved by the Clinton County Council and Commissioners. In order to obtain that approval, the Sheriff will dismiss his appeal pending in the Court of Appeals under Cause No. 22A-PL-02640.”

The Court of Appeals case referenced in line 19 is pending briefing according to online court entries; the Sheriff’s brief is due on or before February 26, 2023.

Commissioner Brewer was asked for comment regarding line 19 after a January 31 County Council meeting.

“I’d have to look at it,” stated Brewer. “I don’t have it in my memory at the moment.”

Asked if he has no recollection of that paragraph, he commented, “Not the specific language. So for me to comment, I would like to have it in front of me.”

When told of the Sheriff’s comment regarding the contract feeling like “extortion” and asked if he would disagree with the Sheriff’s assessment, he said, “I think I would disagree with that.”

County Council President Alan Dunn was asked about the contract and the Sheriff’s comment after its February 14 meeting.

“No more than I felt extorted when he was gonna cut all my funding from the inmate program,” replied Councilman Dunn.

The inmate program referenced by Dunn is the Federal Inmate Program that houses pre-sentenced federal inmates awaiting final sentencing and inmates sentenced to the Indiana Department of Correction (IDC).

Clinton County Today previously reported on the comments made by Sheriff Kelly during a County Council meeting held August 9, 2022, regarding the commissioners plan to change the county nepotism ordinance and how that might cause a change in programs offered by the Sheriff’s Office and Jail.

Commissioner Brewer presented the change in the nepotism ordinance and it passed first reading to later be tabled and never brought up again for final reading and adoption.

Federal inmates held in the Clinton County jail generate yearly revenue approaching $1.5 million plus an additional $500,000 received from the IDC. The Federal Inmate program was started by Sheriff Kelly and Jail Matron Ashley Kelly, his wife.

Dunn continued, “You know, I think it’s, it’s positioning. It’s trying to have a discussion that moves us in a positive direction. I hope that that’s the way we can take this. I didn’t intend it to be extortion. I intended it to be an effort to settle all of the issues on the table.”

Sheriff Kelly stated in our interview he is not prepared to sign the contract and wave his rights as sheriff or the agency’s rights to the Court of Appeals process.

“This is something that was put on an agenda, an [amended] agenda – the day before this meeting. I was unable to prepare or have my legal counsel take a look at it. And it is something that, you know, it’s, it’s frustrating. It’s something that you know, obviously I’m not going to, you know sign or agree to this contract.”

Ashley Kelly has served as commissary manager since January 1, 2019. For greater than the past 12 months, she has worked as commissary manager without pay or contract due to pending litigation between the County Council and Commissioners and Sheriff’s Office.

“The salary has been stopped due to all the litigation,” added Sheriff Kelly. “And it’s truly the County wants to benefit from work and services provided and yet not pay for that… the county benefits from the commissary fund; it purchases equipment in the kitchen that the county obviously wants us to do, it buys bedding, it buys training, it buys all kind of things that are needed at the sheriff’s office.”

Information Kiosk Offers Help to Clinton County Residents Facing Eviction

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A kiosk providing access to legal documents was recently installed at the Clinton County courthouse outside of the Clerk's office on the second floor. (Photo provided)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (February 10, 2023) – Clinton County residents facing eviction or housing instability now have a free legal resource at their fingertips with a newly installed kiosk. The kiosk with access to IndianaLegalHelp.org was installed in the second-floor hallway of the County Courthouse outside the Clerk’s Office.

“Navigating the legal system on your own can be difficult, but is an individual choice,” stated County Clerk Stephanie Harshbarger via a county press release. “The Indiana Legal Help kiosk is a wonderful resource for members of our community to access legal information and resources, including those who don’t have internet or the ability to print or scan documents at home.”

The Indiana Bar Foundation received a 13-million-dollar, two-year grant from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority to fund the development and deployment of 120 self-help kiosks. At least one will be placed in each of Indiana’s 92 counties. Each kiosk provides legal forms, instructional videos, referrals to free and low-cost legal services, and a statewide calendar of free legal advice clinics. The kiosks will begin offering other legal topics later this year.

Individuals needing legal help with an eviction or housing instability are encouraged to access resources offered at IndianaLegalHelp.org.

Delegation of Clinton County Elected Officials Discuss Legislative Agenda During AIC Legislative Conference

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A delegation of elected members of Clinton County government attended the Association of Indiana Counties’ (AIC) 2023 County Legislative Conference the week of February 6, 2023. Pictured from left to right: Commissioner President Jordan Brewer, District 41 State Representative Mark Genda​, County Council President Alan Dunn, Council Member Carol Price, and County Auditor Britt Ostler. (Photo provided)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (February 10, 2023) – A delegation of elected members of Clinton County government attended the Association of Indiana Counties’ (AIC) 2023 County Legislative Conference this week according to a media release sent out Friday; four representatives in total were in attendance.

County Council President Alan Dunn, Commissioner President Jordan Brewer, County Auditor Britt Ostler, and Council Member Carol Price met with legislators to express their concerns about local government issues at the event which was held at the Hilton Indianapolis Hotel and Suites. The AIC briefed county officials about legislation being discussed in the Indiana General Assembly that would have an impact on counties.

“This conference is one of the most important events of the year for me personally,” stated Dunn. “It gives county leaders a chance to not only learn about new legislation, but also give feedback on those matters that might affect Clinton County directly. Just as importantly, it gives us the chance to interact with our colleagues from other counties to get new ideas and perspectives on how to tackle important issues.”

Attendees heard from Gov. Eric Holcomb as well as several other state elected officials including Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, Auditor of State Tara Klutz, Treasurer of State Daniel Elliott, Attorney General Todd Rokita, and Secretary of State Diego Morales. AIC members also met with representatives from other state agencies.

“As a new council member, the opportunity to spend time with our state legislators and get detailed updates on bills that have the power to affect county funding was so valuable,” added new Clinton County Councilwoman Carol Price.

Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets Shares Thoughts Regarding Growth and Development for City of Frankfort

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Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets shares her thoughts on the planned development at I-65 & S.R. 28on Friday, February 10, 2023, via a press release. (Photo: City of Frankfort)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (February 10, 2023) – Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets issued a press release Friday sharing her thoughts on the recent announcement of the proposed development at I-65 & S.R. 28 – Banderas Point. Below is the media release.

Due to the recent news regarding the proposed “Banderas Point” development near the I-65 Interchange, I would like to thank Good Oil Company and their CEO, Don Good for their investment and partnership with Frankfort and Clinton County. This investment will bring new opportunities and high-quality development to our community. Good Oil has shown great commitment to the goals in the State Road 28 Overlay District that guard the gateway to the City of Frankfort both inside and outside the City Corporate limits. They have worked through many challenges and are bringing a proposal that is mindful of the Comprehensive Plan and will have unique amenities that we are very excited about.

I have had my team involved in the planning process to make sure that as this development takes shape, the transition is smooth, and the high standards for development in Frankfort’s gateway are maintained. Don Stock, Director of Planning & Housing Initiatives, attends zoning meetings and has reported back to me to resolve any issues that may arise in the future. A considerable challenge for this project is merging two different zoning districts. The new enterprise designed by Prince Alexander Architecture with Crystal Kent, the main project architect, will have its own Planned United Development (PUD) district which our current ordinance doesn’t support. PUD districts allow for creative combinations of uses, such as outdoor shopping malls, entertainment venues, recreational facilities, agri-tourism, parks, and more, in a single high-end custom district that allows for stronger design control and a consistent look and feel. My hope is that the Council will look at passing the 2023 Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) updating the cities aging 1967 zoning ordinance. The new UDO will allow Frankfort to use all the tools enacted by State Law for encouraging high-quality mixed use development. It’s modern, easy-to-navigate land use ordinances will also allow Frankfort to successfully partner in helping this project go off without hesitation before and after partial annexation of the site. Frankfort will benefit from annexation with the increased commercial tax revenue created by the structures once they are completed, and from the economic development effects of the entertainment venue that will draw visitors to spend money in our community. This proposed development will help place Frankfort on the map as a destination. Visitors will be excited to spend time in our community as well as add multiple new entertainment and recreational amenities that we, as residents, can enjoy close to home.

I am honored and privileged to be able to lead our community with updated ordinances and collaborate with developers and Clinton County to further position the City of Frankfort to attract investments while maintaining a high quality of life that will draw increasing interest in Clinton County and the City of Frankfort.

Clinton County Installs AEDs in Courthouse

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Clinton County has installed two AEDs in the County Courthouse. (Photo: Clinton County Government)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (February 8) – Clinton County has installed two AEDs in the County Courthouse according to a recent press release. AEDs, or automated external defibrillators, are easy-to-use medical devices that can deliver an electrical shock to someone in cardiac arrest to help re-establish an effective rhythm.

“Sudden cardiac arrest is among the leading causes of death in the United States,” Clinton County EMS Director Steven Deckard says. “Studies have shown that a rapid response is the most crucial element to survival. Each minute a defibrillation is delayed, decreases the odds of survival by approximately 10%.”

A dozen Clinton County employees have been trained on the AEDs which are located on the first floor next to the security desk and on the third floor inside the court offices. Deckard demonstrated how they’re used through a hands-on skills session.

“These AEDs are very user-friendly,” Deckard add. “They give the user step-by-step voice instructions on how to position the electrodes and when to administer a shock. I’m happy to report that we’ve never had an incident that required an AED but if we do, we are prepared.”

Roundabout Construction to Begin Spring 2023 at S.R. 28 & CR 800 W

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Construction will begin Spring 2023 on a project many hope could be an economic catalyst for Clinton County and the City of Frankfort. A new intersection at State Road 28 and County Road 800 W, just east of I-65, promises to roll out a welcome mat for new commercial development. (Photo: Clinton County Government)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (February 6) – According to a joint press release from the Clinton County Council and Commissioners released to the media today, construction will begin this Spring on a project many hope could be an economic catalyst for Clinton County and the City of Frankfort. A new intersection at State Road 28 and County Road 800 W, just east of I-65, promises to roll out a welcome mat for new commercial development.

“The interchange is one of the last undeveloped interchanges along I-65,” says Alan Dunn, president of the Clinton County Council. “It represents the single best opportunity for long-term economic development in the county. The return on investment could be astronomical as it has the potential to provide a larger tax base and new jobs.”

Construction on a roundabout at State Road 28 and County Road 800 W is set for this Spring. The project will also include a new leg of 800 W on the southside of State Road 28 to open it up for further expansion. The project is currently out for bids. Renderings are attached.

“Both roads will remain open, but there will be some lane closures on State Road 28,” says Chris Wheatley, Vice President of BF&S Civil Engineers. “We would expect the project to be substantially complete by Thanksgiving.”

Clinton County also spent $30 million to install water and sewer to the area in 2021.

“Being shovel ready for development opportunities is a critical part of attracting new business,” says Shan Sheridan, president of the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce. “Site selection decisions used to be made over several months, they are now made in a few short weeks. The lack of utilities in that area was the biggest impediment to developing it.”

The project has already drawn the attention of Good Oil Company who owns the BP fueling station on the southeast corner of the I-65 and State Road 28 intersection. Good Oil recently announced that it would invest $30 million in a 20,000 square foot event center, a 5,000-seat arena, and a 200-site RV campground. A second phase will include a distillery, retail village, and hotel. The project has been dubbed “Banderas Point.”

“We’re so grateful that Good Oil sees the economic potential in this area and is willing to make a hefty investment in our community,” says Jordan Brewer, president of the Clinton County Commissioners. “This project will definitely enhance our quality of place by creating an entertainment district that will include events like riding competitions, concerts, and festivals. We’re hopeful Good Oil’s investment in our community will spark economic interest from other businesses.”

An economic development plan created by the county in 2017 identified light industrial, retail, technology, research, and agribusiness as desired business sectors for growth in the area of the interchange.

“Our agricultural heritage is one of the core strengths of our community and has been a critical foundation of the economic success we have enjoyed,” Dunn adds. “We are excited that Banderas Point embraces this heritage and looks to build on it. We absolutely want to see continued growth in the County, but we want to ensure that growth is smart, well thought out, and complimentary of our community strengths. This project does that.”

The City of Frankfort will annex the area up to I-65 in 2024.

“Clinton County will only get one opportunity to define its gateway along Interstate 65,” adds Brewer. “This throws out the welcome mat and says, ‘We’re open for business.’ We can’t wait to introduce the state to our community.”

Judy Sheets Declares for Mayor of Frankfort in Upcoming May Republican Primary

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Judy Sheets Declares for Mayor of Frankfort in Upcoming May Republican Primary

FRANKFORT, Ind. – Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets filed to run for Mayor in the May 2023 Republican Primary this morning (Thursday) in the Clinton County Clerks Office at the Courthouse.

Mayor Sheets is the second current office holder in the City of Frankfort to sign official paperwork. Sheets joins current Clerk-Treasurer Carol Bartley for the May 2nd Republican primary election. Bartley filed January 4th for Clerk-Treasurer.

Sheets has served as Mayor since March 2020 after being caucused into office. She had previously started her fourth-term as Clerk-Treasurer when then-Mayor Chris McBarnes resigned.

Sheets was joined by Amy Perez, Krista Stillwell, and Beth Bolinger while completing the required paperwork.

Individuals interested in running in the Frankfort Municipal primary election have until noon on February 3rd to file in the Clinton County Clerks office.

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