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Brett W. Todd – Page 9 – Clinton County Today
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Brett W. Todd - page 9

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.

Former Kirklin Man Charged with 60 Counts of Numerous Crimes Against Children

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Former Kirklin Man Charged with 60 Counts of Numerous Crimes Against Children

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. – According to the Clinton County Sherriff’s Office, Coby Cox, 40, formerly of Kirklin, was officially charged by the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office with 60 counts of numerous crimes against children in Clinton County Circuit Court today.

They are as follows:

4 counts- 35-42-4-4(b)(5): Child Exploitation-Same as 8248 with aggravating factor found in 35-42-4-4(c)(1) a LEVEL 4 FELONY
2 counts- 35-42-4-4(b)(5): Child Exploitation a LEVEL 5 FELONY
43 counts- 35-42-4-4(d)(1): Possession of Child Pornography-aggravating factor found in I.C. 35-42-4-4(e)(1) a LEVEL 5 FELONY
11 counts- 35-42-4-4(d)(2): Possession of Child Pornography a LEVEL 6 FELONY

Cox was given a bond of $40,000 surety ($4,000 cash).

Meth Arrests Made Over Multiple Days by Frankfort Police

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Meth Arrests Made Over Multiple Days by Frankfort Police

FRANKFORT, Ind. – Over a span of three-days, the Frankfort Police Department reports a number of arrests for methamphetamine in three separate incidents.

The first arrest took place on September 20, 2022, at approximately 6:53 pm after Frankfort Police Department Sergeant Brett Dale observed a person wanted on Violation of Probation warrant while patrolling in the area of Barner and Main streets. Sgt. Dale approached 44-year-old, Porter Shelton of Frankfort, and took him into custody.

After being taken into custody, officers found over three grams of methamphetamine on Shelton. Shelton was transported to the Clinton County Jail without incident. Official charges were filed by the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office.

The second police activity resulted in a total of four arrests after serving a search warrant for narcotics activity for a garage at 1110 W McClurg St. on September 22, 2022, at approximately 12:22 am. FPD Sergeant Lance Pickrell and K9 Officer Andrew Snyder observed drug activity in the 1100 Block W McClurg St. Multiple individuals were on scene so assistance was requested of off-duty FPD officers as well as Clinton County Sheriff’s Office and Rossville Police Department. As a result of the warrant served the following individuals were arrested and charges requested to the Clinton County Prosecutor: Devin Cox, 32-year-old, of Frankfort – Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Syringe, Possession of Paraphernalia and Maintaining a Common Nuisance;  Jessie Birge, 36-year-old of Frankfort – Possession of Syringe, Possession of Paraphernalia and Visiting a Common Nuisance; Breanna Wessell, 27-year-old of Michigantown – Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana; and, Peter Williams, 24-year-old of Frankfort – Possession of Paraphernalia, Visiting a Common Nuisance.

The final meth related arrest came later on the same day at approximately 2:29 pm when Frankfort Police Department Captain Brady Sorrells was conducting school patrol when he observed a vehicle fail to use a turn signal and drive left of center in the area of Dolsen and Green streets. K9 Officer Beau Smith and K9 Bane were requested and responded to the scene. A free air exterior sniff was conducted with probable cause being established for a search of the vehicle.

The driver, 54-year-old, Robby Gillum of Frankfort, was subsequently arrested for Dealing Methamphetamine at 25 grams, Level 2 Felony, Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony and Possession of Syringe.

“Twenty-five grams of methamphetamine was stopped from being distributed in our city,” stated FPD Chief Scott Shoemaker on a Facebook post on the department’s page. “After the last few days of drug arrests, I’d be paranoid about who is next.”

Clinton County Water Will Not Flow Into Boone County, Wabash River Water Will Be Used – “Hundred Million Gallon A Day”

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Clinton County Water Will Not Flow Into Boone County, Wabash River Water Will Be Used - "Hundred Million Gallon A Day"
Kent Brewer, chairman of the Frankfort Utility Service Board (USB) provided an update on the aquifer study conducted in Clinton County, Indiana on water that could be used to fuel the growth in neighboring Boone County due to a planned 6,000 acre Limitless Exploration/Advanced Pace (LEAP) Innovation and Research District. Map depicts the LEAP zone as presented to the Lebanon City Council

FRANKFORT, Ind. – Officials from the State of Indiana have notified the Frankfort Utility Services that Clinton County water will not be directed to Boone County as part of the Lebanon area Limitless Exploration/Advanced Pace (LEAP) Innovation and Research District.

As previously reported, the State of Indiana was looking to source water for the designated 6,000 acre development.

Kent Brewer, chairman of the Frankfort Utility Service Board (USB) provided an update on the aquifer study at the conclusion of the USB meeting on Monday, September 19. The USB and Clinton County Commissioners are participants in a State Water Infrastructure Fund (SWIF) grant and the state is test drilling in a southwest portion of the county.

Brewer said, “about two weeks ago, we were notified that they’re not gonna be taken water from Clinton County.”

The State of Indiana provided the information during a brief, 10-minute zoom meeting with Brewer, Todd Corrie – general manager of Frankfort Utilities, and Alicia Albertson – attorney for the USB.

The State has one remaining test well and will share the data once the study is completed.

“The state notified Todd and Alicia, and I in a zoom meeting… they’re gonna give us that data, but they are going to get 10 million gallon a day from south of Lebanon, bring it up from the south and they’re going to tap the Wabash River and they’re gonna bring a hundred million gallon a day up through Tippecanoe County. They’re gonna hit US 52 and take it straight to Lebanon right down US 52.”

Brewer said the State did not provide any indication as to why the decision was made not to use water from Clinton County; however, he did provide some ideas as to why the State might have gone with different alternatives.

“No, they didn’t give a whole lot of indication. I believe they’d done like seven to eight wells out that way and I don’t believe they hit the depths that they wanted to hit – where they felt there would be the quantity of the water. The one they’re doing, I do know was like 335-feet [deep] and they hit a second aquifer there, but some of the other ones they didn’t hit the water that they really want.”

“So at that point, I think they decided, why invest in that right there and not get eight, 10 million gallon a day was what they originally had told us they were gonna get out of there.”

“Obviously we had no say. The Utilities, the County, none of us had a say. They just showed up, started land rental agreements, drilling.”

Painting of Elevated Water Tank at I-65 to Begin

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Painting of Elevated Water Tank at I-65 to Begin
Photo of the 500,000-gallon elevated water tank at I-65 & S.R. 28 is nearing the painting phase of the construction process. The contractor, Maquire Iron, had made assurances to have painting completed prior to weather turning cold. (Photo by Brett W. Todd / September 13, 2022)

FRANKFORT, Ind. – The 500,000-gallon elevated water tank located off of State Road 28 and Interstate 65 is approaching the painting phase of the project and should be completed prior to the winter season.

As previously reported, the contractor for the project, Maquire Iron, had asked the Clinton County commissioners for a project extension to December 31 of this year with the agreement the tower would be painted prior to weather turning cold. The County is funding the project build with Frankfort Utility Services providing day-to-day operation upon project completion.

At the conclusion of the Frankfort Utility Service Board (USB) meeting on Monday (September 19), Kent Brewer, chairman of the Frankfort USB was asked about the status of painting of the constructed tank and whether or not painting completion will meet the deadline.

“Yes, depending on the weather,” said Brewer. “If we continue to have weather like this, they say that it shouldn’t be a problem.”

Much of the prep-work was done while the tank was being constructed while still on the ground.

“From my understanding, the tank’s primed. It was sand blasted and primed while it was on the ground and then they done some x-ray machines and they had one little area that they had to address the welds and then they’d have to re-prime that.”

Once those areas are addressed, Brewer expects a protective tent to go up for the painting process.

“My speculation would be that they would be putting a tent up and over it, like we did ours out here on the west edge of Frankfort and get started on paint.”

In terms of when the tank would be filled and come online is still being discussed.

“I really don’t know how much more works left before it would be water ready.”

Frankfort Man in Critical but Stable Condition after Struck by Train

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Frankfort Man in Critical but Stable Condition after Struck by Train

FRANKFORT, Ind. – An 18-year-old male was struck by a train at the Rossville Ave crossing Monday, September 19 at approximately 5:24 pm according to a statement from the Frankfort Police Department.

Upon arrival, officers saw two witnesses had pulled 18-year-old Christian Lindenmayer of Frankfort from under the train and attempted to apply make-shift tourniquets. Officers applied two C-A-T tourniquets and provided care until Clinton County Emergency Medical Services (CCEMS) and Frankfort Fire Department (FFD) arrived. Lindenmayer was airlifted to an Indianapolis hospital.

The initial investigation revealed that Lindenmayer was walking northbound across the tracks while wearing headphones and a hooded sweatshirt; he did not hear or see the train. The train was traveling at a slow speed and was able to stop within two hundred feet.

“I am extremely proud of the response of FPD officers tonight,” stated Frankfort Police Chief Scott Shoemaker. “Officers quickly applied tourniquets to stop the bleeding. The quick actions from witnesses, officers and the medical care from CCEMS and FFD could prove vital as the night progresses.”

Lindenmayer is in surgery at the time of this release.

John Kirby Retires From Fire Department, “Excited For The Next Chapter of Life”

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John Kirby Retires From Fire Department, “Excited For The Next Chapter of Life”
Frankfort Fire Department firefighter John Kirby has retired from FFD after a 24-year career. (Photos provided by John Kirby)

FRANKFORT, Ind. – Firefighter John Kirby has retired from the Frankfort Fire Department. The Frankfort Board of Public Works and Safety accepted his retirement at its September 12th meeting. Kirby’s official retirement date of September 7th marked the end of 24-years of community service as a firefighter with 10 of those years served as Fire Chief under both Mayor Chris McBarnes and Mayor Judy Sheets. He began his firefighter career during Mayor Harold Woodruff’s administration.

“I am excited for the next chapter of life,” said Kirby when reached to discuss his retirement. “I will miss my fellow firefighters – we are a big family.”

When asked what he will miss most as a firefighter, Kirby replied, “I will miss serving the citizens of Frankfort as a firefighter.”

Retirement as a firefighter does not signal the end of community service. Kirby shared his involvement in youth basketball and program development.

“I was recently asked by the new Frankfort Hot Dog varsity basketball coach Dave McCullough to be the junior Hot Dog basketball coordinator,” explained Kirby. “I will also coach the 8th grade boys basketball teams alongside Brian Ewing.”

Kirby described the junior Hot Dog basketball program as a youth basketball development program.

In a press release issued by the city of Frankfort today (September 16), Mayor Sheets thanked Kirby for his service and dedication.

“Thank you John for your years of service and dedication to the residents and to the Fire Department. We (Frankfort) know you will miss the firefighter duties and serving the City of Frankfort, but we know you will enjoy spending this time with your family. I want to wish you the best in your future endeavors.”

Recently, Kirby announced his intention to run as a Republican for mayor of Frankfort in the May 2023 Republican primary.

$1.1 Million Automated Trash Collection Program Set To Begin October 31 in Frankfort

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$1.1 Million Automated Trash Collection Program Set To Begin October 31 in Frankfort
The City of Frankfort announced October 31st for the start of the automated trash collection service for residential customers at the September 12,th BOW meeting. Photo from Best Equipment Company of Indianapolis shows a Labrie automated collection vehicle. The city will purchase one used and 2 new Labrie units in addition to 5,616 96-gallon trash toters.

FRANKFORT, Ind. – Automated trash collection has a start date for residents of Frankfort – October 31. The Frankfort Board of Public Works and Safety gave approval Monday (September 12) for a $1.1 million program enhancement to the way trash is collected from residential customers.

“I think the thing that really caught me the most was when [Shane Langemeier of Best Equipment Company] had the videos here and showed us the safety factor, I always was concerned about that – I wouldn’t wanna be on the back of a garbage truck for sure,” commented Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets. “And then, when you brought that and showed it to us, it really made us realize how important the safety of our employees are.”

The 10-year lease-purchase financing from Huntington National Bank includes the purchase of two new 33-yard, right-handed helping hand extenders mounted on Freightliner M2 chassis trucks in addition to one used 2009 Labrie Automizer right-handed mounted extender. The City will also trade in three older trash trucks. A total of 5,616 96-gallon trash totters will be purchased with a city design etched onto the side plus a unique serial number will be etched on the front of the toter for residential identification.

The toters will be delivered to residential customers approximately one day before trash collection day beginning October 30. Where trash is collected will remain in the same location unless residents are notified by the street department of a change in collection area.

Frankfort Street Superintendent Jason Forsythe said, “They will be dropped off at the street as a convenience thing for the contractor, but unless you’ve talked to me or any of my staff, your pickup area will be the same. So if you’re in the alley and you haven’t been told that it’s going to the street, you’re gonna be picked up in the alleyway.”

Mayor Sheets broke down the lease-purchase as the first 5-years will be for all items – the toters, two new trucks and one used truck; the next two-years only the new trucks and toters; and the final three-years only the toters. The yearly lease payment amounts will decrease each year.

Attorney for the City Les Bergum described the lease-purchase model as a way to remain under the debt ceiling the city has as defined by state law.

“The lease will be a master lease that will be entered into shortly before the equipment arrives. And, there will be three lease schedules that align with the three different components for the lease-purchase and by state law each annual payment is subject to appropriation of the funds by the common council. And at the conclusion of the lease, on payment of a dollar – a symbolic dollar – the equipment will be titled to the city.”

Residents will not be charged for the toters as well as no additional service fees will be charged with the enhanced collection program. A previously planned three-year service rate increase of $2 per year will remain in effect with 2022 being the first, 2023 the second, and 2024 being the third.

Information regarding the automated trash collection service will be sent in upcoming utility bill statements.

Hispanic Heritage Festival State Road 28 Detour

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Hispanic Heritage Festival State Road 28 Detour

FRANKFORT, Ind. – The City of Frankfort has approved the road closure of Washington St. on Saturday, September 17 for the Hispanic Heritage Festival after consulting with INDOT. The detour will follow the same route as was used for the Frankfort Hot Dog Festival.

Washington St will be closed from the Washington St. bridge to Jackson St from noon to midnight on the 17th.

The detour is as follows:

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

 

 

Phase 1 of Mary Jane McMahon Dog Park Completed

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Phase 1 of Mary Jane McMahon Dog Park Completed

FRANKFORT, Ind. – The Mary Jane McMahon Dog Park reached a milestone Saturday (September 10) when the Frankfort Parks Department and the City of Frankfort held a public ceremony to celebrate the completion of phase 1 of the project at Dorner Park.

With fencing completed, the public can now use the dog park on an enter-at-your-own-risk until formal security measures are implemented.

The Mary Jane McMahon Dog Park is named after the first female mayor elected in Frankfort who served two-terms from January 1976 until December 1983. She passed away in July 2014.

The dog park features both a large dog area plus a small dog area. The fencing runs 300 feet long plus has double entry fencing to help ensure dogs do not get out when others are entering and exiting the dog park.

“This is something that I’ve heard for years that people wanted with a dog bark and I think it’s exciting; it’s finally happening,” said Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets after the event. “And as you can tell, there’s a lot of people in support of this – they just couldn’t wait for this to happen.”

Frankfort Parks Superintendent Bart Kraning said this day was long in coming.

“I feel like I’ve been working on this for – like years,” said Kraning. “I mean, because I really was just in the first couple months of my job, figuring out how we can pay for this. So this is very satisfying to see everyone here and they brought their dogs in. I’m happy about that.”

Mayor Sheets described the influence Mary Jane McMahon had on her on both a professional and personal level

“Mary Jane was a great mayor for our city – served for two terms – she was always someone that I looked up to,” reflected Mayor Sheets. “She was the first female mayor for the city of Frankfort. She loved this community. She loved the employees of this community. And, at the time I came into office, she was in the city building where I was so we talked pretty much on a daily basis – I learned a lot from her – how government was ran, what was important, how much she loved this community. She was a great person and I’m so excited that her family was here today to be able to enjoy this.”

“I’m telling you, she’s probably looking down on us today and saying yes, because she was always such a positive mayor, always such a strong person.”

Mayor Sheets thanks the support of the George Dorner family for the financial gift to make the park possible in addition to the support from the community.

“I love the support that we’re getting from the community on this and a special thanks to George Dorner and his family. This is fantastic. I mean, when they first came and wanted to do something at Dorner park and this is what we ended up doing, I’m like, wow, this is great. And it’s a great need. I think we’re probably one of the last communities to get a dog park.”

Kraning described the next phases to the park, the equipment, lighting, security and a pickle ball court at Dorner Park.

“We’ll have security lighting [during] phase two also including the form to the community so then they know what’s expected when they come to the dog park and then also getting the key fob system installed in place,” explained Kraning. We’ve ordered [the equipment], unfortunately we’ve had a shipping issue.

“The pickle ball courts [are] gonna start – the asphalt here will be ripped up and then basically in the spring they’ll have brand new pickleball courts here and security lighting, fencing, and new parking.”

In addition to all the equipment installed inside of the fenced dog park there will also be new drinking fountains and the remainder of the safety features installed.

The projected completion is Spring 2023.

Active Shooter Preparedness Training To Be Conducted In Former Regions Building

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Active Shooter Preparedness Training To Be Conducted In Old Regions Building
The Clinton County Commissioners approved the use of a county owned property located at 2 E. Washington St., in Frankfort, to conduct active shooter preparedness drills by members of the Frankfort Police Department and Clinton County Sheriff's Office SWAT team prior to construction of a planned county annex in the Fall of 2022. (Photo: Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. – The site of the former Regions building at 2 E. Washington St., in Frankfort, will be used by members of the Frankfort Police Department and Clinton County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team to conduct active shooter preparedness drills in the coming weeks.

The Clinton County Commissioners, the now property owner, approved the request to conduct the events during its Wednesday (September 7) meeting.

Commissioner Bert Weaver described the request as, “they would like to come inside and use it as an active shooter type situation.” The drills would be completed prior to the scheduled remodeling this coming Fall for the planned county annex expansion.

Commissioners President Jordan Brewer added, “I think it would be a great advantage for them to have a facility. I mean, that’s 39,000 square feet. So now they get to do some real life practice. And hopefully we never are in that situation in this community, but it’s best to be prepared if so.”

The commissioners gave the go-ahead to perform additional tactical drills that might include breaching of doors or walls given the upcoming construction and demolition.

“I don’t know a lot of rooms now, maybe if they have to push through a door or something, that’s all probably okay cause I think that the majority of that’s going to be torn out anyways.”

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