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Brett W. Todd - page 6

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.

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.

Bartley Declares for City of Frankfort Clerk-Treasurer May Primary

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Bartley Declares for City of Frankfort Clerk-Treasurer May Primary

FRANKFORT, Ind. – January 4th marks the first day individuals may file to run for political office in the upcoming May Republican and Democratic Indiana primaries.

Carol Bartley was the first individual in Clinton County to declare her candidacy this morning in the Clinton County Clerks office at the Courthouse. Bartley, shown in the photo completing paperwork, will run as a Republican for Clerk-Treasurer for the City of Frankfort. She currently serves in the same position since being caucused into the position in March 2020 when then Clerk-Treasurer Judy Sheets became Mayor of Frankfort.

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

The May primary will be held Tuesday, May 2nd.

Former Mayor Chris McBarnes Responds to Harsh Statements made by City Councilman Michael Brite

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Former Mayor Chris McBarnes Responds to Harsh Statements made by City Councilman Michael Brite
Former Frankfort Mayor Chris McBarnes responded to harsh comments made by current city councilman Michael Brite prior to having lunch with friends in a downtown Frankfort, Indiana, pizza restaurant on Thursday, December 29, 2022. In the photo from left to right, Clinton County Coroner Ed Cripe, John Kirby, Frankfort City Councilman Brandt Fuller, former Mayor Chris McBarnes. (Photo by Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. – In an exclusive interview with Clinton County Today, the longest serving mayor in Frankfort history, Chris McBarnes, responded to harsh comments made by city councilman Michael Brite during a December 12 meeting after learning of McBarnes’ comments on Facebook regarding local government agencies and in support of local candidates in the May 2023 primary.

Brite made his public comments in reply to a comment made by Frankfort Municipal Utilities Service Board (USB) Chairman Kent Brewer during a presentation to the council where Brewer stated, “some remarks from the previous mayor that the utility service board was not transparent” was on a Facebook post.

Brite asked Brewer when the post was made and after receiving the reply of after a December 5 USB meeting Brite continued,

“I’m gonna make a point here, and I don’t care who I make mad. I’m getting tired of Chris McBarnes putting his two cents in. He left a month into his being voted in (for the third time). He knew he was leaving. He no longer has anything to do with this City, and I wish he’d stay out of it.”

Brite continued, “If he truly cared about the City of Frankfort, Indiana – he’d stay out of it. He’s guiding people coming into the next election. If these people can’t stand on their two feet, and gotta have him to do it for them – then they’ve got a problem.”

Brite turned to the area of the public gallery where the media sits and continues, “And you can print that. Chris Mc Barnes needs to stay out of politics and off of Facebook and anything dealing with the City of Frankfort. He’s no longer here. He’s no longer [here], his advice, as far as I’m concerned is – we don’t need it. Every time he turns around, he’s causing a problem for – here.”

“And where’s he at? I, I can’t even remember what state he’s in, [an unidentified council member comments Wyoming], stay in Wyoming. Leave your thoughts in Wyoming. Stay out of Frankfort.”

McBarnes, his wife, and their son live in Wyoming.

CCT received a tip late Wednesday night from an official high-up in city hall detailing the former mayor would be in Frankfort Thursday (December 29) having lunch while back in the area visiting with friends and family.

Outside the Washington Street entrance of the former Regions Bank building in downtown Frankfort, McBarnes was seen walking eastward in casual clothes with a baseball style cap on with the bill pulled downward. When CCT approached McBarnes, he pulled the cap further down, looking downward to avoid eye contact. Calling out by name caused McBarnes to pause and respond. CCT asked and received permission to ask about the Brite comment.

The following is the comment made by the thrice elected mayor of Frankfort.

“Well, it’s great to be back in Frankfort. I love this city – I’ll always love this city. It will always have a very special place in my heart. I gave eight years of my life to Frankfort, and it’ll always be my hometown.

“And to Councilman Brite’s comments, it, it was very disappointing. Very disheartening. Just more than anything – the tone he used. Tried reaching out to Councilman Brite multiple times via text and phone. Never returned my call. That, that was also incredibly disappointing to me, and I think told me everything that I needed to know.

“And I, I, I tried to stay out of politics in Frankfort, but it’s hard for me because like I said, I, I gave eight years of my life. I gave my, my blood and my sweat, everything I had to this community. I’ve maybe posted about politics in Frankfort three or four times over the past three years, but I’ll always be passionate about it.

“The opportunity that I have now in Wyoming I wasn’t aware of until well after the election in November [2019]. I first became aware of it in December of 2019. I had my first interview for the position in January of 2020. So for Councilman Brite to make the comment of – I knew that I was going to do this before the election, it’s just patently false.

“And again, if he would’ve taken the time to reach out to me and talk to me about that, I would’ve informed him about that.

“And the fact of the matter is I am the only three-term elected mayor in the history of this city, the longest serving mayor in the history of this city. And, I thank the people of Frankfort for that and I, and I thank God for that.

“And so, and then to Councilman Brite’s comments that candidates need to stand on their own two feet.

“I once remember an unknown candidate by the name of Mike Brite that my campaign knocked door-to-door the entire district and literally carried him over the finish line.

“So when he makes the comment that candidates should stand on their own two feet, I think that’s pretty ironic. And to be frank, a little hypocritical because Mr. Brite would not be in that seat if it wasn’t for the McBarnes campaign, but I, I wish him all the best.

“I wish Frankfort all the best. I love Frankfort. And, go John Kirby in this next election cycle. I think John will be a wonderful mayor for this city. I think he’ll carry it forward. He’ll be a champion for Frankfort, and I look forward to sitting down and having a bite with him today.”

The first day individuals can file to run in the May 2023 primary is January 4, 2023. The Republican and Democratic primary election day is May 2, 2023. Current Mayor Judy Sheets and Kirby have stated they intend to seek the office of Mayor in the Republican primary. Kirby served as Fire Chief in both the McBarnes and Sheets administrations.

A New 3-Story County Annex Building & Courthouse Renovation Could Cost As Much $46 Million over a 20-Year Finance Period

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A New 3-Story County Annex Building & Courthouse Renovation Could Cost As Much $46 Million over a 20-Year Finance Period

FRANKFORT, Ind. – A new Clinton County Government Annex Building was discussed during a special meeting of the Clinton County Commissioners and Clinton County Council Friday morning.

The meeting was held to discuss what to do with the county owned property at 2 E. Washington St., the former Regions building, as well as the renovation of the current Courthouse.

The commissioners and council are seeking to move all non-court related business to the Annex while keeping the Courthouse strictly for court business.

Members of the respective government bodies heard from representatives from Envoy, the company selected to oversee the work and Baker Tilly, the firm that handles the county’s financial planning.

The takeaway. Building a new Annex building is more economical over the long run and the Courthouse needs exterior renovation in addition to interior upgrades.

The price tag will depend on whether a two-story or three-story structure is built and the type of financing used to pay for the work at the Annex and Courthouse.

The Courthouse cost is projected at $9.8 million and members voiced positive comments for the third-story option but need more time to contemplate that decision with an estimated cost around $16.7 million. Depending on the financing option used, the combined two projects will cost between $27 million and $28 million. With a 20-year bond payback, the combined project, with interest, could run between $41 million and $46 million according to documents prepared by Baker Tilly and provided by Council President Alan Dunn.

The County plans to use $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and bond the remaining $22 million to $23 million.

“My personal feeling is that we wanna move forward with new construction on the Annex building on the site of the current Regions building and that we’ll want to do that as a three-story building that gives the county some room to grow over the next 30 years,” said Dunn after the meeting. “And that’s really what we’re looking at is, what our administrative building needs are gonna be over the next generation.”

Council member Jeff Chynoweth voiced a concern during the meeting with how fast a decision was wanting to be made on this combined project.

“Can we chew on this for a week or something,” commented Chynoweth when asked by Dunn of his thoughts. Dunn continued with asking for Chynoweth’s initial thoughts.

“I don’t do anything in 45-minutes and neither does anyone in this room. I know you guys have been privy to a lot of things. I know I heard about this problem in Rural King. So that kind of sets me off a little bit.”

Commissioners President Jordan Brewer also favors building a new Annex.

“I think the commissioners, you could tell by the input today, even though we didn’t take a vote, that there’s a leaning towards going the new, because honestly, it just makes the most economic sense,” stated Brewer after the meeting. “It makes the most operational sense, and it’s what will provide a facility that will have a 30 year life for this community.”

Brewer continued, “And I have been privy to a lot more information than even with Shared today, because I have weekly meetings on this project and so we have a lot more candid conversations. But you know, with the water infiltration, the mold remediation, the potential asbestos, as well as the integrity of the building, we have a lot of unknowns in doing a remodel versus new.”

Brewer stressed the operational efficiencies a new building will bring.

“Although [Envoy] didn’t put a dollar amount on it today in our internal conversations there’s gonna be a huge operational efficiency financial efficiency in the new building compared to remodeling this current one. We have a ton of wasted space in it. As I mentioned, the roof has issues of being even able to hold the heating and cooling system, and there could be some challenges with that.”

The new Annex project design has been shown to the Frankfort Historical Preservation Committee for exterior design according to Brewer.

“So we we went a little proactive and went to the Historical Preservation Committee just to kind of get a better understanding – because one of the concerns we had in our conversation was – are we even gonna be able to do a new build? There was no reason to have all these meetings and put all this effort and time into it if, if for some reason that we couldn’t even tear that down just based on, you know, things within the community.”

Both government bodies are scheduling to vote on the matter on Tuesday, December 13. The Council will vote first at its scheduled 9 a.m. meeting followed by a special meeting of the Commissioners at 10:30 a.m.. Both meetings will be held at the Courthouse.

City of Frankfort launches City App – Connect Frankfort IN

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City of Frankfort launches City App – Connect Frankfort IN

FRANKFORT, Ind. – The City of Frankfort has launched a smartphone app allowing residents to stay up-to-date with activities and better communicate with city departments.

The smartphone app – Connect Frankfort IN – is available for both iPhone and Android devices in the respective Apple Store and Google Play Store.

Frankfort Community Development Director, Kimberly Black, stated via a press release the app launched on November 14, “We constantly hear that our community doesn’t know what is going on. I have been looking for other alternatives because a lot of people aren’t on Facebook, or social media. I wanted a way to directly communicate with our residents about important information straight from City Hall.”

Adding, “in an age of digital and instant information, the City of Frankfort wanted to be one step ahead.”

Connect Frankfort IN is available to be downloaded from any smartphone including Apple iPhones and Android phones. Residents will need to scan the QR code or visit the Apple Store or Google Play Store. Residents will need to make an account with their email address and allow push notifications from the Connect Frankfort IN. If residents don’t allow push notifications, they won’t be notified until they open the App. Connect Frankfort IN is also linked to the City of Frankfort website where residents can find more information about topics. “Residents will be able to view the notification and then visit the website all from their phone. We wanted to make sure the App was user-friendly and that anyone would be to access it for free,” continued Black.

Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets added, “Kimberly and I had discussed ways to help bridge the communication gap from City Hall to our residents. Once I saw how Connect Frankfort IN worked from our end and from the community side, I knew it was something we needed. We want our community to be involved and engaged in local government. We want them to feel like they are connected. They will be able to know about road closures, community events, job openings, staff directory and more. The possibilities are really endless.”

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