State is going to allow Shoup Historical Marker to remain in Laurel

By John Estridge The Shoup historical marker will stay and remain unchanged at the Conwell Cemetery in Laurel. With statues falling across the country faster than April rain, there was talk from Indianapolis of rewording or even removing the Shoup Historical Marker. According to an article on WIBC.com, in June, Indianapolis Democratic Mayor Joe Hogsett, …

I don’t have any knowledge about viruses but here’s my opinion on masks

By John Estridge For disclaimer purposes let me get this out front: I struggled in high school chemistry to get a C+. When I took the introductory chemistry course in college, I got an A. The difference was where I was sitting. In high school, I sat by my friends who remained as clueless as …

After 89 years absence, the Metamora Cemetery Association is reorganized

By John Estridge Back in the day, when there was a need, a community rallied together and did what was necessary to fix the problem. That was the explanation Steve Cox gave to Metamora residents Saturday, June 27, when talking about why the Metamora Masonic Lodge 156 took over operation of the Metamora Cemetery in …

Franklin County Court News from Franklin Circuit Court I and Franklin Circuit Court 2

Compiled by John Estridge Possession of a syringe Samantha Conn pleaded guilty as a Level 6 Felony, and was sentenced to 18 months in the Franklin County Security Center (FCSC) with nine months suspended to probation. She was fined $250 and $185 costs. She was ordered to pay a $200 Countermeasure Fee. She was placed …

Nebraska-based firm announces plans to acquire ETC

From globenewswire.com Blair, Nebraska, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Great Plains Communications (GPC), a growing Midwestern telecommunications provider with an expanding, privately-owned 11,500+-mile fiber network touching 11 states, has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Enhanced Telecommunications Corporation (ETC), an innovative Southeastern Indiana-based provider. “ETC is a well-run company with an impressive history and …

County resident told by Feds and state agencies to stop maintaining road to his house

By John Estridge Sometimes it is confusing what the various governmental entities do. Apparently, even U.S. senators get confused. County resident Richard Bishop addressed the Franklin County Council members Tuesday night, June 23, even though they can do nothing about his problem. Bishop was there because he said he was dutifully following the instructions from …

COVID-19 one of the reasons FC sheriff needs more money

By John Estridge COVID-19 has negatively affected many different aspects of life in 2020. Franklin County Sheriff Peter Cates told Franklin County Council members about how it has negatively affected his budget, and why he now needs an additional appropriation into his budget. Council tabled Cates’ additional appropriation request at the May meeting so he …