Can my deceased fiancee hear me?

Theological column by Adrienne Greene

Q:

Dear Pastor,

My fiancé died suddenly three weeks ago. I’m suffering and I talk to her all the time. Can she hear me?

A:

I’m so sorry for your loss. There is nothing quite like the suffering that comes when we lose the one we love. God draws near to the brokenhearted, my friend (Psalm 34:18.) He is with you as you face life with someone now missing. God knows and he cares about what you’re going through. Jesus said this: “Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, CEB.)

The agony of grief is different for every person. But it is also the same for every person in one aspect: it’s a roller-coaster. You are experiencing days of emotional ups and downs—turmoil; confusion; sadness; thankfulness; peace; even anger and rage. Yet as you walk out your journey, inviting The Comforter (Holy Spirit) to travel with you; his compassion will be as tangible as his presence. Healing will come to you in time.

Jesus was a man well acquainted with grief and pain (Isaiah 53:3.) As God, he now intercedes in your behalf and has hidden blessings yet for you to find (Colossians 2:3.) Life is not over. And you have been left to carry on because God has a glorious plan for your life; a destiny to complete (Jeremiah 29:11-13.) A famous worship leader once proclaimed to God, “If I’m not dead…you’re not done.” The dead have completed their mission and their race. We, who are left behind, are not done.

            If your loved one had an active relationship with Jesus Christ, she is now with him in heaven—fully healed, fully herself and enjoying an indescribable atmosphere of peace, joy and glory. Likewise, if you are a believer in Christ, you will see her again and be able to embrace her…full of life…for all eternity. But can heaven and earth hear what goes on? “What about right now,” you ask. “Can the dead in Christ hear us when we talk to them?” Yes, it’s possible.

The Apostle Paul comforted people in his care who were grieving. In his book of Hebrews, chapter twelve, he preached a sermon designed to comfort them in their suffering. (In those days, Christians were regularly killed for their faith, and many of them had lost loved ones or were facing death themselves.) He encouraged them to find strength and keep fighting the good fight of faith. And he shared some divine knowledge about the afterlife: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1, 2, NIV.)

The great cloud of witnesses are those Christ-followers who have already died and now surround us; we who are yet alive. The inference there is that they cheer us on; know us, think of us and love us. Their lives paved the way for the Christian faith to continue on the earth. While they are presently in another realm, they are near to us in spirit; gathered around us like a cloud. While your question, like so many I receive, cannot directly be answered because the Bible does not tell us, it would seem to me that this special group of witnesses…of which your fiancé is now a member…would surely be able to hear us.

I bless you as you recover from this difficult season in your life. Jesus is with you. He is waiting for your full focus and willing to carry your grief. He knows how to heal as you reach out to him for your comfort and relief. He alone knows the entrance to the pathway forward. I’m confident you’ll find it.

Do you have a question or comment for Pastor Adrienne? Send your inquiries to: info@adriennewgreene.com or write to P.O. Box 214, Harrison, OH 45030. For more information and resources, please visit www.askpastoradrienne.com or the “Ask Pastor Adrienne” YouTube channel for sermons and insights.

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Obituary for John E. Pitcher

JOHN E. PITCHER

John E. Pitcher, 82, of Connersville, passed away Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at Ambassador Healthcare, Centerville where he had been a patient for the past nine months.

One of six children of Forrest and Dorothy Hall Pitcher, John was born in Connersville on June 24, 1939, and attended Harrisburg High School.

On February 15, 1958, John married the former Emma Mae Cornner in Park Place Church of God, Connersville. Mrs. Pitcher survives.

John was employed as a supervisor at Paul Casket Company in Cambridge City from where he retired after 21 years of service.

A family man, John was a long-time peewee basketball coach for several leagues. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and bowling.

Besides his wife of 63 years, Emma Pitcher, survivors include three children, Theresa (Kenny) Fischer of Connersville, Becky (Scott) Hood of Connersville, John Jr. (Diane) Pitcher of Florence, Oregon; eight grandchildren, Bobby McNeely, Thomas McNeely (fiancée, Chandra), Eric McNeely, Kyle (Megan) Fischer, Anthony (Alisha) Hood, Amber Hood, Michael (Courtney) Pitcher, and Aaron Pitcher; great-grandchildren, T.J. McNeely, Jensen McNeely, Bryson McNeely, Austin McNeely, Preston McNeely, Carter Sherwood-Dickens, Carmen Hood, Carson Hood, Chandler Baker, Jordan Pitcher, Presley Pitcher, Cannon Pitcher; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

John was preceded in death by his parents; five siblings, Donald Pitcher, Juanita Judd, Forrest Dale Pitcher, and infant twin sisters.

Family and friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. on Monday, August 23, 2021, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Stan Howard will officiate. Burial will follow in Dale Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.

Obituary for Mary Dell Riddle

MARY DELL RIDDLE

Mary Dell Riddle, age 90, of Cincinnati, Ohio, died Thursday, August 19, 2021, at Eastgatesprings of Cincinnati.

Born September 13, 1930, in Franklin County, she was one of seven children born to the late Howard and Anna (Snapp) Jolliff. She was united in marriage in 1967 to Ron Riddle, and he survives.

Mary was retired, having worked for many years at Container Corporation, and had also been a Tax Preparer for several years. In her leisure time, she enjoyed tennis, and had volunteered at the Western Southern Open held in Cincinnati.

Besides Ron, her husband of 54 years, survivors include three children, Steve (Sandra) Hertel, Sandy Hertel and Sue Scholl all of Cincinnati, Ohio; four grandchildren, Michael Hertel, Nicole Hertel, Michael Scholl, Jacob Scholl; nine great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Emma Jean Boone and Betty Joan Wilson; and four brothers, Tony Jolliff, Floyd Jolliff, William E. Jolliff, and Ronald D. Jolliff Sr..

Family and friends may visit from 10 till 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.

Rev. Wayne Ison will officiate the Funeral Services on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, 11a.m.; at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home in Brookville. Burial will then follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Brookville.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Rita’s School for the Deaf.

The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mary Riddle, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com .

Obituary for Barbara Jean Willig (Complete)

BARBARA JEAN WILLIG

Barbara Jean Willig, age 87, of Brookville, died Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at her residence in Brookville.

Born December 29, 1933, in Cincinnati, Ohio she was the daughter of the late Charles and Imogene (Brickel) Willig. She moved to Franklin County with her parents as a young girl, and remained a lifelong resident of Franklin County.

She worked for several years at the former Elsie Dreyer Nursing Home in Brookville. She was a member of the Valley Christian Church in Brookville. In her leisure time, she enjoyed flowers and vegetable gardening, and the beauty in simplistic country life. 

Her sister, Carolyn writes, “Barbara loved the Lord from an early age, even writing scripture on the walls of our bedroom; and listening to ‘The greatest story ever told’ on the radio.  She loved animals, the latest pet she had was a cat named Thomas.    

Survivors include a sister, Carolyn Hunt of El Cajon, California; her neighbors and caretakers, Sharon and William Grubbs and their son Edward Grubbs of Brookville.

“I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.”  Psalm 73:23-24 

Matthew Elkins will officiate the graveside services at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 21, 2021, at Gibson Cemetery, 24001 State Line Road, Lawrenceburg, Indiana. 

The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to once again serve the Willig family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.

FC man accused of four felonies in the vehicular death of Jenni Fasbinder has Initial Hearing

By John Estridge

A Franklin County man charged with four felonies and a Habitual Criminal addition to the charges in the vehicular death of Jenni Fasbinder had his initial hearing in Franklin Circuit Court Wednesday, August 18.

Josh Trammell, 43, is charged with Causing Death when Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance, as a Level 4 Felony; Causing Death when Operating a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated, as a Level 4 Felony; Reckless Homicide Defendant Recklessly Kills Another Human Being, as a Level 5 Felony; and Possession of a Syringe, as a Level 6 Felony.

Trammell is accused of being under the influence of methamphetamine and amphetamines while operating a Silverado pickup, pulling a trailer. His vehicle crossed the centerline, striking Fasbinder’s Kia head-on, according to the Affidavit for Probable Cause.

The Silverado overturned, landing on the driver’s side while the trailer became unhitched. The Kia went off the road and burst into flames. Fasbinder was declared dead at the scene.

According to the Affidavit, the crash took place on July 7 and was near the Yellow Bank Road intersection with U.S. 52 west of Brookville.

At the initial hearing, Franklin Circuit Court Judge J. Steven Cox entered a not guilty plea for Trammell. A Rushville attorney, Paul Barada Jr., was appointed by Cox to be Trammell’s public defender. An Omnibus date was set for September 23, while the pre-trial conference was set for 1 p.m., October 21.

According to Justia US Law, “the purpose of the omnibus date is to establish a point in time from which various deadlines under this article are established. The court shall direct the clerk to notify the defendant and all counsel of record of the omnibus date.”

The same website also defines a pre-trial hearing and what the goal of the pre-trial hearing is.

The purpose of the pretrial hearing is to:

  • consolidate hearings on pretrial motions and other requests to the maximum extent practicable;
  • rule on the motions and requests and ascertain whether the case will be disposed of by guilty plea, jury trial, or bench trial; and
  • make any other orders appropriate under the circumstances to expedite the proceedings.
    (b) At the time of the pretrial hearing as provided under this section, or at any other time after the filing of the indictment or information and before the commencement of trial, the court, upon motion of any party or upon its own motion, may order conferences to consider any matters that will promote a fair and expeditious trial. The purpose of such a conference shall be to consider any matters related to the disposition of the proceedings, including the simplification of the issues to be tried and the possibility of obtaining admissions of fact and of documents which will avoid unnecessary proof.

(c) At the conclusion of the conference the court shall prepare and file a memorandum of the matters agreed upon. Any admission made by the defendant or his attorney at the conference may not be used against the defendant unless the admission is reduced to writing and signed by the defendant and his attorney.

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County health board to hold emergency meeting amidst chaos

By John Estridge

The Franklin County Health Board is going to hold an emergency meeting at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 24, in the Commissioners Room at the Government Center.

The county health department is in apparent disarray.

One county health officer resigned after he stated he did not believe children and teens should receive the COVID vaccination, according to media reports. A second health officer, Dr. Dave Jetmore, resigned less than four hours after being appointed to that position Tuesday, August 17, by the Franklin County Commissioners.

In the commissioners’ meeting where he was appointed, Jetmore had asked for complete control of the health department, including the hiring and firing. Also discussed at that commissioners meeting was the idea of hiring an administrator to run the health department. Jetmore said someone has to be in charge. County council was meeting before the commissioners meeting and after the commissioners meeting in the annual budget hearings for the next calendar year. The desire for an administrator publicly surfaced recently.

While grants pay for nurses’ salaries, the county would seemingly have to pay for an administrator and that person’s benefits.

At the August 17 meeting, commissioners were noncommittal about hiring an administrator and also on allowing Jetmore carte blanche.

According to a Cincinnati Enquirer article written by Dan Horn and published on Wednesday, August 18, Jetmore was quoted as saying he attempted to use his authority to fire a part-time employee who told him COVID-19 was a bioweapon created by the Chinese to reduce population.

Apparently, commissioners did not allow him to fire the employee.

Without a health officer, the health department cannot administer vaccines and issue birth or death certificates. Commissioners said they are trying to find a replacement for Jetmore.

At the August 17 meeting, one health board member resigned at the meeting’s start and a second, who was in the audience, was also asked to resign by the commissioners. They were immediately replaced by two RNs. A third current board member was mentioned by the commissioners as wanting her to also resign. She was not at the commissioners meeting.

The situation is further exacerbated by the fact the department is down to one nurse. And the current nurse is having to work overtime without compensation as she is a salaried employee.

According to Megan Wade-Taxter, media relations coordinator, Office of Public Affairs for the Indiana State Department of Health, in situations like this, the ISDH, can take over a local health department.

“As Indiana Code 16-19-3-12 states, the State Department of Health may ‘enforce the orders and rules of the state department within the territorial jurisdiction of the local health authorities’ if a local health department does not have a health officer,” she said.

She said the state health department is in communication with the local health department.

The emergency meeting is about the reorganization of the local health department. The public is invited.

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BTC to hold executive session to discuss property purchases 24 hours before public meeting concerning same purchases

By John Estridge

Brookville Town Council will hold an executive session about purchasing a property or properties at 7 p.m., Monday, August 23.

Council meets 24 hours later in a public session.

There could be several properties the council members could be talking about in the executive session: the Zimmer property off High Street — $600,000; Brook Hill Golf Club — $1 million; and/or the former State Highway maintenance building and salt dome area at Ninth and Mill streets — $50,000.

Brookville residents were told the Zimmer property was going to be used for a new town hall. Now it is going to be used as a new police station and something for the street department. Apparently, the seller and/or town council members want to act immediately on the purchase.

They are going to fund the Zimmer property much like the new municipal pool was funded, which the town has just started paying off. However, the $600,000 does not include the necessary remodeling and construction that will be needed or any work needed on the empty Main Street storefront the moving of the police force will necessitate.

The golf course is owned by an LLC, which purchased it for $1.1 million. BTC President Curtis Ward said the LLC investors have demanded the town purchase the golf course from them for $1 million immediately. Ward said none of the council members have looked at any of the financials for the golf course, and they do not know how much money it will take to operate the golf course every year.

During the public meeting, a resident attending the meeting claimed the sprinkler system is not working at the golf course, but Ward insisted he was told by the LLC, it is working. A drone photo published on the Brookville paper’s front page this week shows huge patches of brown grass on the part of the golf course that can be seen. In fact, there is more brown than green shown in the photo.

Ward said he had been promised by the LLC members the clubhouse will be finished by the LLC even though the purchase is happening immediately before the clubhouse construction is completed. It was damaged by fire some time ago. He did not explain how that will be funded.

Ward said at the last public meeting, the LLC investors want out because they have had their money tied up for two years without any return on their investments. The LLC had also demanded the town agree in the purchase agreement, the town would keep the property a golf course for 25 years and that the LLC has the right of first refusal if the town ever wants to sell the property.

BTC Attorney Tammy Davis explained to council members it would not be advantageous to the town council members and the town’s taxpayers to sign an agreement limiting one’s options for 25 years on the property they are purchasing. Also, it would be illegal to give a private entity right of first refusal when a government entity tries to sell a property. Indiana Code strictly governs the selling regulations.

Council will float a bond to purchase the golf course. They have not discussed how council will pay whatever the operating costs are for the years in the future or the immediate infrastructure costs that are needed.

With the Indiana Department of Transportation property, the state is going to give Franklin County $135,000 to demolish the maintenance building on the site, $500,000 additionally now and $2.5 million next July. The latter amount is in exchange for the county taking over a two-mile section of Old Indiana 1 near Cedar Grove.

The town is going to pay the county an extra $50,000 to help in the maintenance building demolition.

Franklin County gets an existing salt storage facility for 10 years.

Executive sessions are closed to the public. In an executive session, council members cannot make motions or vote on motions. All of that has to be done in an open meeting.

When the Indiana Public Access Counselor levied a scathing report on recent BTC activity, it stated the council members should discuss a major decision, such as spending a couple million tax dollars, in an open meeting prior to voting. This is to show taxpayers the thought process, which fueled the decisions.

BTC’s public meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 24, at the Schilling Center.

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BTC to give county $50,000 for part of INDOT Brookville facility

By John Estridge

Brookville Town Council is going to pay the county $50,000 to knock down the former Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance building at the intersection of Ninth and Mill streets in Brookville.

INDOT has moved its operation to Indiana 101 north of its intersection with Golden Road.

BTC President Curtis Ward said there was a prior agreement with INDOT that the Town of Brookville has the first opportunity at the salt dome, which is at the former INDOT location. However, the state has been in negotiations with Franklin County over use of the salt dome in exchange for money going from the state to the county, and the county taking over a section of Old Indiana 1 across the river from Cedar Grove.

Because Brookville has the first opportunity at the property, the town and county had to enter into a cooperation agreement concerning the property, Ward said. Both the BTC and Franklin County Commissioners met in a joint executive session on Friday, July 30.

According to Ward, the county is going to pay the state $135,000 for the property and then the state is going to give that amount of money as a credit to the county for demolition of the maintenance building. The property will transfer to the county after that transaction.

Then, the county has six months to demolish the buildings, other than the salt dome, on the property. Ward said the county has to return the lot, other than the salt dome, to “sod-ready or seed-ready ground.”

Once that is accomplished and after six months, the property transfers to the town in exchange for the town paying the county $50,000.

 According to Ward, the vacant lot, including the salt dome, would then transfer to the town.

“We allow the county to use the salt dome for up to 10 years or until the building falls into a state of disrepair or it is no longer useable for that,” Ward said.

However, once the town owns the property, the town can give the county a six-month notice to vacate the property. If that occurs, the town would be responsible for tearing down the salt dome. If the county stops using it – abandons it – then, the county is responsible for the demolition. After 10 years, the county will be responsible for demolishing the salt dome.

Prior to the agreement with BTC, the commissioners and INDOT agreed to giving some of this for that.

The county will receive $635,000 in cash from INDOT. Of that amount, $135,000 goes to the demolition of the maintenance building.

Roughly one year from now the state will give the county $2.5 million and also pledges to fix the slides on Old Ind. 1 with a 10-year guarantee. In exchange, the county will take over about two miles of Old. Ind. 1, which includes three bridges.

This part of Old Ind. 1 stretches from Indiana 1 east to Graf Road. It has not been well maintained by the state since the Ind. 1 construction and opening at Southgate Hill and the subsequent closing and demolition of the old iron bridge over the Whitewater River at Cedar Grove.

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Obituary for James Virgil Glenn

JAMES VIRGIL GLENN

James Virgil Glenn, 87, of Connersville, passed away Tuesday morning, August 17, 2021, at Reid Health of Richmond where he had been a patient for several weeks.

One of eight children of Edgar and Nora Dixon Glenn, Virgil was born September 27, 1933, in McKee, Kentucky.

On February 7, 1959, Virgil married the former Carol Hokey in Laurel. Mrs. Glenn passed away on May 9, 2011.

For more than 28 years, Virgil was employed at Visteon in Connersville.

Virgil was a member of Laurel Pentecostal Church. In his leisure time, he enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, spending time at Brookville Reservoir, raising beagles and coon hunting.

Survivors include three children, Teressa (Donnie) Vail of Laurel, William Bulmer of Connersville, and John (Dawn) Bulmer of Mishawaka; 10 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Connie Troutman of Connersville; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides his wife of 62 years, Carol Glenn, Virgil was preceded in death by his parents; six infant children; and six siblings, Vernon Glenn, Donald Glenn, Lester Glenn, Bobby Glenn, Judy Banks and Marie Harding.

Family and friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 21, 2021, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Pastor Tom Marshall will officiate. Burial will follow in Laurel North Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.