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Brett W. Todd - page 9

Brett W. Todd has 923 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.

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.”

Decision to Move Forward with Revised County Nepotism Ordinance Remains “Day-By-Day”

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Decision to Move Forward with Revised County Nepotism Ordinance Remains "Day-By-Day"

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. – The Clinton County Commissioners did not address a revision to the county’s nepotism policy at its Wednesday (September 7) meeting after voting to table a final reading at the previous August 22nd meeting. The proposed revision would prohibit the sheriff from hiring his wife as jail matron as well as forbid the coroner from serving as deputy coroner should the successor in office of the Coroner be a relative of the individual.

Commissioners President Jordan Brewer said, “it’s on the table, which now I think technically it’s, it’s off the table since we didn’t address it at this meeting,” when asked about the status of the proposed revision.

Brewer did say the revision most likely will have to be reintroduced again should such action be taken.

“So, it could always be brought back up if the legal advice I’ve received is correct – through another first reading, but for the time being it’s sitting there.”

When asked about the policy change occurring this year, Brewer said, “I don’t know that I can answer that question because – there’s not really – it’s day-by-day, I guess”

The next Commissioners meeting will be held October 4th. The September 19th meeting has been canceled due to the annual conference of the Association of Indiana Counties being held at that time with the commissioners planning to attend.

Clinton County Sheriff’s Office Announces Addition to Crash Reconstructionist Team

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Clinton County Sheriff's Office Announces Addition to Crash Reconstructionist Team
Deputy Michael Greene recently completed six grueling weeks of Crash Reconstruction School to certify as an Advanced Crash Reconstructionist with the Clinton County Sheriff's Office. (Photo provided Clinton County Sheriff's Office)

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. – The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office recently recognized Deputy Michael Greene for successfully completing six grueling weeks of Crash Reconstruction School to certify as an Advanced Crash Reconstructionist.

Deputy Greene joins the agency’s two other Crash Reconstructionists, Sergeant Thomas Pelling and Deputy Nick Light. The training was at no cost to the agency thanks to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

“Having Crash Reconstructionists in our agency provides us the ability to conduct conclusive Crash Reconstructions,” stated Clinton County Sheriff Rich Kelly. “This provides a plethora of information to Law Enforcement, insurance carriers and families of victims. It is our obligation to provide the best resources and service to our community. I am very proud of these three officers who have taken the time to master their craft. Congratulations to Deputy Greene for his successful completion of this training!”

Frankfort Man Dies Due to Vehicle Tire Failure

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Frankfort Man Dies Due to Vehicle Tire Failure

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. – A Frankfort man died in a single car accident Saturday afternoon, September 3rd, after the right rear tire of the vehicle he was driving failed causing the car to cross the center line of southbound Prairie Avenue and strike a utility pole according to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office.

The driver, Casey Bybee-McGill, 32, of Frankfort, was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was the sole occupant of the Red 1998 Ford Taurus.

Toxicology results are pending with the Clinton County Coroner’s Office.

INDOT Announces New Timeline for S.R. 28 Project Completion

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INDOT Announces New Timeline for S.R. 28 Project Completion
The Indiana Department of Transpiration (INDOT) announced on August 29, 2022, the State Road 28 project reopening was being delayed to at after mid-November due to industry-wide supply chain and labor shortage issues. Photo shown at intersection of Williams St and S.R. 28 on August 28. 2022. (Photo: Brett W. Todd)

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announced updates to the State Road 28 resurfacing and reconstruction project in Frankfort via a press release on Monday, August 29. INDOT cites the revision is necessary due to industry-wide supply chain and labor shortage issues. The new timeline for reopening is after mid-November of 2022, weather permitting. Crews are working diligently to be as efficient, safe and timely as possible. INDOT appreciates the continued cooperation and patience of residents and the traveling public.

After the road reopens, crews will still be working on cosmetic improvements, like lane striping and landscaping. That will be done under temporary restrictions and/or flagging operations. The project is expected to be completely finished in December of 2022.

This project was awarded to E & B Paving LLC for $17.9 million and will resurface or reconstruct portions of S.R. 28 from C.R. 200 W. east to Jackson Street, the addition of a right turn lane from westbound S.R. 28 to northbound Jackson Street, and then continue with the reconstruction of S.R. 28 from Jackson Street eastward to Hoke Ave. The project also includes the addition of dedicated left turn lanes on S.R. 28 at Clay Street, the reconstruction of the storm water system, reconstruction of sidewalks to be ADA compliant on the south side of S.R. 28 from West St. to Hoke Ave., and a shared use path on the north side of S.R. 28 for the total length of the project. The completion date for this project is late November of this year.

Clinton County to Receive Money form Opioid Lawsuit Settlement

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Clinton County to Receive Money form Opioid Lawsuit Settlement
The communities of Clinton County and the county itself will receive payments over 18-years totaling over $1.2 million as part of a nationwide $26 billion settlement with pharmaceutical companies. (Image: Wikimedia)

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. – Clinton County and its towns and communities are set to receive over $1.2 million as part of a $26 billion national settlement with Johnson & Johnson, AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson. Indiana’s share of the settlement is approximately $507 million and all cities, towns, and counties in the state are participating in the settlement.

Clinton County Commissioners President Jordan Brewer provided an overview of how this money can be used and the time period of the payout.

“We’ll (Clinton County government) receive close to $750,000 over 18-years in this settlement money,” said Brewer. “So it’s roughly $208,000 that is for unrestricted; that we have a lot more freedom to use. Then there’s $440,000 that is for restricted use that they’ve identified and it’s a 15-page PDF so I don’t know all of them, but it’s very tailored to the specific crisis in addressing it.”

“So ’22 we’ll receive our largest payment and then it starts to fall a bell curve where it starts out low, it kind of peaks in the middle and then it trails off towards the last four or five years. So it’s not an equal distribution, consistent across the whole timeframe.”

Brewer looks to working with all the communities of Clinton County in putting

“We’ll work with, hopefully, the other towns that received money, the City of Frankfort, and then some of our local partners that work in that field every day and come up with a plan of how we can address that in this community.”

The State of Indiana anticipates that the 2022 payments will be transferred in the fall of 2022.

Clinton County breakdown of national opioid settlement
The above chart shows the distribution of total money that will come to local Clinton County governments over the next 18-years according to information provided by the State of Indiana Attorney General.

Click here to view an Excel spreadsheet of the Indiana distribution totals for all participants – including Clinton County.

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