ANNA CHRISTINA MARTIN
Anna Christina Martin, age 74, of Syracuse, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, September 22, 2021. Anna was born January 29, 1947.
Obituary for Kathleen “Kathy” Jeffries
KATHLEEN “KATHY” JEFFRIES
Kathleen “Kathy” Jeffries, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, September 22, 2021. A Cincinnati native, Kathy earned her cosmetology license and cut the hair of everyone in her family, including giving perms to many of the girls. A wonderful mom to Kerry and Angie, Kathy always put everyone else first and never complained about anything. She never wanted attention and certainly didn’t want her picture taken. Kathy had a humorous nature about her and always made people laugh even when she wasn’t trying. She loved to read and enjoyed putting puzzles together with her mom and siblings. She was a fanatic about politics and would watch it, talk about it and read it on a daily basis. Kathy also enjoyed going to the casino to play slot machines with Ron and Kerry. She went so often, grocery shopping became less of a need because of the great dinners they received at the casino. Kerry and Angie remember all the fun field trips their mom volunteered for at school, even field trips for other classes. The best Mamaw ever, Kathy loved to spoil her grandchildren.
Kathy will be greatly missed by her husband of more than 50 years, Ron; her son Kerry Jeffries of Logan and daughter Angie (Brian) Henkel of Aurora; grandchildren Morgan and Cameron Henkel; and siblings Albert Ibold of Hamilton, Robert (Linda) Ibold of Orlando, FL, Charlene Lainhart of Cincinnati, Michael (Vivian) Ibold of Logan, Linda Rohe of Lebanon, Donald Ibold of Hamilton, Mary Grace (Mike) Catron of Kentucky, Mark Ibold of Cincinnati, and Penny Wilson of Knoxville, Tennessee. Kathy is preceded in death by her parents Virginia and Charles Ibold and step-brother Sonny Ibold.
There will not be any formal service for Kathy, but everyone is welcome to offer online condolences and sign the guest book at www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com. Memorials for Kathy can be made to PAWS of Dearborn County and can be sent to Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home at 25615 State Rt. 1, Guilford, IN 47022.
Damaging mud coming off Million Dollar Hill following construction at the top of the hill
By John Estridge
James Cox is the third generation of his family living at the bottom of Million Dollar Hill off Indiana 101 just north of First Financial Bank.
The recent heavy rain has left a mass of mud in his yard. The mud went all the way across Ind. 101 to the St. Michael Cemetery gates.
And his grandmother and his dad, who lived there before him, and James never had trouble with mud prior to the recent construction on Million Dollar Hill. Now he is in fear the mud will damage his house as it has already damaged his property.
According to Cox, the developers have cut trees and excavated on the hill, apparently making the problems with the mud. It is eerily similar to the situation on Progress Street where the hill was denuded, and it caused the hill to slide, damaging the street.
Cox said the developers apparently filled in the natural drains — run offs — and the drainage has shifted. This has caused the water and mud to find new paths down the hill.
“It’s a man-made problem that needs to be fixed,” Cox said.
James called the Brookville Town Police, but the responding officers told him there was little they could do besides write a report.
Brookville Town Council members have been proactive with the new development on Million Dollar Hill. It seems to be part of BTC’s plan to annex the Reservoir Hill Road area. People within the area of the proposed annexation get one vote for every lot they own. The developers will be able to vote 40 times, if they create 40 lots, for the annexation.
BTC President Curtis Ward purchased nine empty lots adjacent to Pig in a Poke Golf Course on July 7, about one month before the town moved to purchase the golf course for $1 million.
https://www.remax.com/real-estate-agents/dennis-kolb-brookville-in/100081480
https://www.facebook.com/pourlillysisters
Obituary for Betty L. Traylor
BETTY L. TRAYLOR
Betty L. Traylor, 89, of Connersville, passed away late Tuesday evening, September 21, 2021, in Reid Hospice Care in Richmond where she had been a patient for the past week. She had been in failing health this past year.
She was born June 12, 1932, in Moscow, Rush County, one of four children of Albert Newton and Pearl (Barlow) Casey.
She was employed by Rex, Philco, Philco Ford, and Visteon since 1953 – she retired from Visteon in 1994. She was a member of Saint Gabriel Church in Connersville.
She is survived by a son, Rodney A. (Karen D.) Hignite of Lovettsville, Virginia; three grandchildren, Brandy N. Hignite of Jacksonville, North Carolina, Jamie R. Hignite of Swansboro, North Carolina, and Shannon M. Hignite of Garner, North Carolina; and three great-grandchildren, S. Tyler, Savannah, and Jarrad Hignite.
Besides her husband, William F. Traylor, parents, and siblings, she was preceded in death by a son, Mitchell L Hignite, and a granddaughter, Jennifer M. Hignite.
There will be no formal services. Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah.
www.bestfriends.org
5001 Angel Canyon Road
Kanab, UT 84741
435-644-2001
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
Apparently, it’s attack of the deer time, beware: FC property damage accidents from August 31 through September 19
Provided by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department
August 31
Dawn Lyle, Cupps Chapel Road, Metamora, at 6:51 a.m., was operating a vehicle northbound on Indiana 101 when a deer ran into the path of the vehicle, and Lyle’s vehicle was unable to miss the deer in a head-on collision. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Major Gregory Mehlbauer investigated the accident.
At 10:30 p.m., Donna Reichert, Little Cedar Road, Brookville, was operating a vehicle traveling northbound on Whitcomb Road when a pickup truck was in the middle of the road. She avoided being hit by the pickup truck and veered her vehicle off the road and into a ditch. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Tyler Ford investigated the accident.
Stephen Clark, Louisville, Kentucky, at 3:06 p.m., was operating a vehicle westbound on U.S. 52 when a tree fell onto the vehicle, striking it on the windshield. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Major Gregory Mehlbauer investigated the accident.
Patia Judd, Carthage, at 4 p.m., was operating a vehicle on Sanes Creek Road, when she looked from the road to her phone, causing her vehicle to go off the road and crashing. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Dakota Huntsman investigated the accident.
September 3
William Laymon, Oakhaven Drive, West Harrison, at 6 a.m., was operating a vehicle westbound on Oxford Pike when the vehicle was unable to avoid a deer that had run onto the road in front of him. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Jason Robinson investigated the accident.
Arielle Noah, Holland Road, Brookville, at 9:29 a.m., was northbound on Holland Road when her vehicle struck a deer that had run onto the road. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Adam Henson investigated the accident.
At 7:40 p.m., Glenn Barnes, Cookeville, Tennessee, was operating a vehicle on U.S. 52. He said in a straight section of the highway, he ran off the road, striking a sign, continuing through a fence and went into a field. The vehicle came to rest after striking another part of the fence. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Arin Bowers investigated the accident.
September 7
Cody Sorensen, U.S. 52, Laurel, at 4:03 a.m., was eastbound on U.S. 52, when the vehicle he was operating was in a right-hand curve, which it failed to negotiate. Sorensen overcorrected, causing the vehicle to travel off the right side of the road. It then continued east, striking a driveway embankment and culvert. This caused the vehicle to leave the ground and travel over the driveway. The vehicle came to rest facing south on the east side of the road. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Major Gregory Mehlbauer investigated the accident.
At 11:45 a.m., Robin Dunnington, Aurora, was operating a vehicle on Indiana 229, and the vehicle was stopped and waiting to make a right into a parking lot. David Cole, Greensburg, was operating a vehicle and failed to see Dunnington’s vehicle stop, causing Cole’s vehicle to rear-end Dunnington’s vehicle. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy John Roberts investigated the accident.
At 10:30 p.m., Emily Goldsmith, Big Woods Road, Metamora, was operating a vehicle eastbound on Duck Creek Road when Goldsmith’s vehicle struck a deer, which had run onto the road. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Adam Henson investigated the accident.
September 8
At 10:10 p.m., Molly Harris, U.S. 52, Cedar Grove, was operating a vehicle eastbound on School Road, when her vehicle struck a deer that had run onto the road. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Adam Henson investigated the accident.
September 13
Cole Huff, Harrison, Ohio, at 6:19 a.m., was operating a vehicle westbound on U.S. 52 approaching New Trenton. A deer ran onto the road and Huff’s vehicle was unable to avoid striking the deer. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Major Gregory Mehlbauer investigated the accident.
At 7:10 a.m, Ashley Nickolas, Shays Road, Brookville, was operating a vehicle westbound on Shays Road when she stated she swerved her vehicle to miss a deer that was on the road. She overcorrected the vehicle, causing it to go off the right side of the road, striking several trees. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Brad Lecher investigated the accident.
Ron Hendel, Hamilton, Ohio, at 5:30 p.m., was operating a vehicle on Oxford Pike. He said his foot went numb due to circulation issues, causing his foot to slip onto the accelerator. This caused the vehicle to go off the road and into a fence. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Dakota Huntsman investigated the accident.
At 3:12 p.m., Cole Bowling, Chapel Road, Laurel, was operating a vehicle westbound on Duck Creek Road and a vehicle operated by Dustin Hall, South Indiana 1, Connersville, was eastbound on Duck Creek Road. While in a curve, both vehicles struck each other. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Jason Lovins investigated the accident.
September 14
Benjamin Meier, East Fourth Street, Brookville, at 7:36 a.m., was operating a vehicle eastbound on U.S. 52, when Meier’s vehicle was unable to avoid striking a deer that had run out onto the road. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Jason Robinson investigated the accident.
At 7:54 a.m., Michael Frank, Causeway Road, Brookville, was operating a vehicle westbound on Causeway Road. A deer ran onto the road, striking Frank’s vehicle on the passenger windshield and door. This caused Frank to swerve and over correct. His vehicle rotated clockwise and traveled off the north side of the road, striking a ditch and rotating to the passenger side. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Major Gregory Mehlbauer investigated the accident.
September 15
Earl Sawyer, West 11th Street, Brookville, at 6:09 a.m., was operating a vehicle westbound on U.S. 52, when his vehicle struck a deer that had run onto the road. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Adam Henson investigated the accident.
September 16
At 8:30 p.m., Gabriella Weaver, St. Peters Road, Brookville, was operating a vehicle on Indiana 1 approaching its intersection with Highland Center Road, when a deer ran onto the road, and Weaver’s vehicle was unable to avoid it. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Tyler Ford investigated the accident.
September 19
At midnight, James Myer, Orchard Road, Brookville, was operating a vehicle westbound on Oxford Pike and was near the intersection with Cooley Road when a deer ran onto the road, and Myer’s vehicle was unable to avoid the deer. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Dakota Huntsman investigated the accident.
https://www.remax.com/real-estate-agents/dennis-kolb-brookville-in/100081480
Obituary for Lance Donald Ruoff
LANCE DONALD RUOFF
Lance Donald Ruoff, passed away on September 16, 2021, at the age of 26. He was born on April 21, 1995, to Douglas and Jeana (nee Hettersimer) Ruoff. Lance was active in 4-H for 10 years and won many titles showing his Prized Pigs. He enjoyed being outside. He especially liked being on the farm taking care of the animals, riding his Four Wheeler, frisbee golf, and fishing with family and friends. He had so many fun times going to Haspin Acres to ride with friends. Lance was a kind soul, had a big heart and one of the best smiles. He enjoyed helping out at Church on Fire’s Farmers Market ministry.
Lance will be missed by his family especially his parents: Douglas (Nikki Boothe) Ruoff and Jeana Ruoff; siblings: Lacy (Jake) McPeak and Dawson Milbourne; loving niece: Harper McPeak; cherished grandma: Linda Hettersimer; and beloved Aunts and Uncles: Karen (Mike) Pierson, Gloria Dunaway, Donnie (Bev) Hettersimer, Tommy (Becky) Stacy, Deana (Doug) Kraemer, and Wendy (Bill) Leubberst; Nikki’s daughter: Makenna Mays; many cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Jim Hettersimer, Donald and Mary Ruoff.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 23, 2021, from 3:30 until the time of the Celebration of Life at 6 p.m. at Church on Fire, 10544 Harrison Ave., Harrison, OH 45030. Doug Combs will be presiding.
In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to Church on Fire’s Farmers Market. A funeral home representative will be at the visitation and service to accept memorials, or you may mail them to Brater Winter Funeral Home, 201 S. Vine Street, Harrison, OH 45030. The family will be notified of the donation.
FC arrests from September 16 through September 20
Provided by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department
September 16
Richard D. Estridge Jr., 56, Church Street, Brookville, was arrested at 10:45 a.m., no location listed, by Brookville Police Department Officer R. Geiser on an Arrest Warrant.
September 17
Brian E. Burris, 41, McQueen Road, Laurel, was arrested at 8:30 a.m., along McQueen Road by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Major Gregory Mehlbauer for Nonsupport of a Dependent Child Violations.
Justin D. Eastman, 33, Indianapolis, was arrested at 10:30 p.m., at the Franklin County Security Center by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Adam Henson on two Arrest Warrants.
Trae D. Lakes, 31, South Street, Laurel, was arrested at 4 p.m., at Laurel by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Dusty Hill for Possession of a Handgun without a License.
Jamie S. Robinson, 42, Middle Street, Laurel, was arrested at 8:30 p.m., at Mid Street, Andersonville, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy K. Hartman on an Arrest Warrant.
September 19
David N. Bennett, 30, Indiana 101, Brookville, was arrested at 9:45 a.m., at the intersection of 7th and High streets by Brookville Police Department Officer B. Staat for Driving while Suspended with Prior Suspension within 10 Years.
Charles H. Lowe II, 54, Vanetta Road, Laurel, was arrested at 9:46 p.m., at U.S. 52 at Cracker Ridge by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy A. Bowers for Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated, Driving while Intoxicated with a Controlled Substance and Possession of Methamphetamine.
September 20
Christopher G. Hunter, 30, South Third Street, Cambridge City, was arrested at 2 p.m., at the Plainfield Correctional Institute by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy R. Gordon by order of the Court.
https://www.remax.com/real-estate-agents/dennis-kolb-brookville-in/100081480
Franklin County Commissioners do not want to work with Brookville Town Council on possible OCRA grant
By John Estridge
Franklin County Commissioners told Franklin County Economic Development President John Palmer they are interested in going after the HELP grant, but they do not want to partner with the Town of Brookville.
Palmer made the presentation at the Tuesday, September 21 Franklin County Commissioners meeting. And, from the first, Palmer suggested the county and town go together for this opportunity.
According to Palmer, the state will match up to $1 million in a grant that will help the county and town to spend its ARP (American Rescue Plan) money. That money came to the state and local governments earmarked for COVID-19 relief for tax money lost during the pandemic. Palmer said the county received roughly $4.4 million — $2.2 million this year and the same amount next year — in ARP money while the town has around $600,000 for a total of around $5 million.
HELP stands for Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program. The state wants the local governmental entities to earmark 30 percent of their respective ARP money for the HELP program. Palmer suggested the county put in $1 million and the town $500,000.
Palmer said the HELP is supposed to train the governmental entities on how to spend the ARP money. ARP is supposed to replace tax money lost during the pandemic and help to revitalize areas of the local economy such as tourism. Some suggestions Palmer talked about were concerning the tourism industry. As a way of revitalizing the tourism part of the county’s economy after the problems to tourism associated with the pandemic, the county could improve the county park or purchase land along the river to allow people to launch and recover kayaks and canoes without paying one of the local canoe liveries.
According to Palmer, he said a person has to be hired to take a 52-week program that would train the person to follow the grant and make the grant money in hand go farther by securing other grants, using the money to help the county and town. Also, the person could be instrumental in spending the ARP money correctly, according to ARP guidelines.
“It’s actually a good opportunity to get expertise here in the county that we don’t have here now,” Palmer said.
Palmer said the state does not want the governmental entities to rush into spending the grant money but to take up to two years to decide on spending opportunities.
According to Palmer, if the governmental entities spend the ARP money outside of the guidelines set up by the federal and state governments, then the local governmental entities would have to pay the money back.
The state will match $20,000 for the cost of the employee. Palmer suggested the county and town split their $20,000 evenly, $10,000 each. Palmer said the person could be a county employee or a contract employee. The latter would seem to be more palatable to commissioners because a contract employee does not receive county benefits. Franklin County Council would have to approve of the county hiring the person, according to Palmer.
Commissioner Tom Wilson asked what expertise and education the person for that position would need. Palmer said that is the tricky part because those elements are unknown.
Palmer said OCRA (Office of Community and Rural Affairs) said the county has a good chance in getting the HELP grant, but the chances would be enhanced by utilizing Brookville since Brookville has received OCRA grants in the past.
“That would enhance our chances of getting this grant,” Palmer said.
Commissioner Jerry Wendel was the first to ask about the county going on its own instead of in partnership with the town. Palmer again said it would be better to go with the town.
Apparently, Brookville Town Council President Curtis Ward was not completely for the partnership with the county, according to Palmer.
“I’ve already talked to Curtis, and they’re all for it,” Palmer said. “He had some other ideas, but I think the best thing is if we applied together.”
“That doesn’t mean we have to work together, that means we have to share…” Wendel said.
“Share the application,” Palmer responded. “They get their one third, and we get our one third.”
“They get to do what they want to do, and we get to do what we want to do?” Wendel asked.
Palmer answered in the affirmative with the town working on projects in the town and the county working on projects in the county.
Commission President Tom Linkel made the motion for Palmer to move forward with the application for the grant.
“I’ll go ahead and talk to the town,” Palmer said.
“I want to stand alone,” Wilson said. “I don’t want to be involved with any other, like the Town of Brookville or any other town.”
“You don’t want to do Brookville?” Palmer asked.
“I don’t think so,” Wilson answered.
Palmer again said cooperating with the town would make the application stronger.
“That’s my thought with everything that’s been happening,” Wilson said about going alone.
Linkel verbally agreed with Wilson.
Palmer again reminded commissioners Brookville has a track record of receiving grants. However, Palmer said the county could go on its own.
“But if you don’t want to go with Brookville, just say so, and we’ll go on our own,” Palmer said.
Wilson said he wanted to go alone, but the other two commissioners have voices also.
“I’m the same way,” Linkel said.
Linkel then changed his motion to say the county was going alone. Wendel said all in favor after Wilson seconded it.
Town council and the commissioners met earlier this summer in a joint executive session concerning the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) property at the intersection of Ninth and Mill streets in Brookville. INDOT moved from that spot to new facilities north of Brookville on Indiana 101. They offered the property to the county and town. When talking of the situation prior to and after the executive session, Ward often said the town had the right of first refusal on the property, thus controlling the factors around the sale and use of that property from INDOT.
The county wanted the salt structure on the property. Apparently the town wants the property as a parking lot or an empty lot. In the end, the town is going to pay the county $50,000 to tear down a maintenance building on the site, and the county gets to use the salt storage for 10 years.
Applications for the grant are due by October 1. Palmer said he would put in the time, and he will be assisted by Nick Lawrence of the Wheatley Group, the county’s economic adviser.
https://www.remax.com/real-estate-agents/dennis-kolb-brookville-in/100081480
Obituary for Margaret Denise Gibbs
MARGARET DENISE GIBBS
Margaret Denise Gibbs 59, of Connersville, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 20, 2021, she was born on May 12, 1962, to the late Ivan and Zella Ann (Cain) Bennett.
She was employed at Fayette Memorial Hospital for 15 years, as well as a faithful worker for Conway Auto Parts. Denise had a heart for teaching Sunday School and loved teaching the children at Full Gospel Trinity Church, as well as being a faithful member of Growing Branches for Christ. Some other things she greatly enjoyed doing were fishing and camping, but most of all, and the greatest importance to her was her relationship with Christ. She was a faithful servant of the Lord and loved spending time with her grandchildren as well as her nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Denise leaves behind her children, Jonathan W. Gibbs of Noblesville, Scott A. (Kyna) Gibbs of Connersville, Christopher J. (Mira) Gibbs of Connersville, a brother and sister in law, Rick (Gladys) Bennett of Connersville; sisters and brother in law Debbie (Ralph) Reibsomer of Connersville, Georane (Herman) Ahrns of Connersville, and Kathy Jennings of Connersville; her five grandchildren, Xavier Gibbs, Addison Gibbs, Bentley Gibbs, Leighanna Gibbs, Lillian Gibbs, and very special nieces and nephews; Talina (Bridget) Parrett, Clint (Brandy) Reece, Scott (Kelly) Caudell, John (Caressa)Flowers, Dena (Johnny) Dubois, Stephanie Martin, Ryan Pea, Josh Jennings, Jessica Jennings, Jaylan Phipps, Phoenix Caldwell, Isabella Phipps, Julia Parrett, Layla Parrett, and Devon Parrett.
Denise was preceded in death by her parents Ivan (Zella) Ann Cain Bennett; and her grandparents, Luther (Margaret) Cain, James (Rose) Bennett.
Visitation for Margaret will be held on Thursday September 23, 2021, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W. 8th St Connersville, Indiana 47331.
The Funeral Service will be held on Friday September 24, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Urban Winkler Funeral Home with Russell Cranfill officiating. Burial will follow in Dale Cemetery. To sign the online guestbook or to leave the family a personal message visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.
Obituary for Helen Marie Smith
HELEN MARIE SMITH
Helen Marie Smith, 89, a lifelong resident of Connersville, passed away Saturday, September 18, 2021, at Heritage House Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.
She was born on May 18, 1932, in Union County to Charlie R. and Gertrude Mae Cain Cox and was a graduate of Milton High School.
On November 11, 1950, Helen married Buryl Leon Smith in Milton. Mr. Smith passed away February 21, 2012.
Together, they owned and operated a family farm in Posey Township for many years.
Helen was a loving mother and homemaker, raising three sons whom she adored.
In her leisure, she enjoyed reading. Along with her family, she was a member of Cambridge City Christian Church.
Survivors include two sons, Larry Smith of Richmond and Daryl Smith of Connersville; three grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren; a sister, Alma McClurg of Kentucky; and a brother, Ward Cox of Cleveland, Ohio.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 61 years, Buryl Leon Smith; a son, David Smith, who passed away May 20, 2016; a grandson, Raymond Smith; five brothers, Wade Cox, Bob Cox, Ralph Cox, Donald Cox, and Keith Cox; and a sister, Betty Darrah.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, September 24, 2021, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home with Reverend Dan Barry officiating. Burial will be at Glen Haven Cemetery in Wayne County, Indiana. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Helen to the Bentonville Fire Department. Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.