Liberty to become Hollywood

By John Estridge

Liberty will be renamed Hollywood, at least for a day, and officials might not mind if it becomes Hoosierwood in the future.

The movie “Bones and All” will film a couple of scenes in Union County with one being in Liberty on Union Street in front of the Liberty Restaurant Wednesday, July 14. Also, scenes will be shot at an undisclosed Union County residence.

A nearby out-of-county location is the old Abington store.

At least one of the Liberty scenes will involve the female lead walking across Union Street from south to north in front of the Liberty Restaurant.

Union County commissioners discussed the unusual opportunity for the county at their meeting Friday morning, July 9.

According to Deadline.com “Bones and All” is “a drama that stars Taylor Russell and Timothée Chalamet as star-crossed young lovers surviving on the margins of society, who meet and join together for a 1,000-mile odyssey that takes them through the back roads, hidden passages and trap doors of Ronald Reagan’s America. Despite their best efforts, all roads lead back to their terrifying pasts and to a final stand that will determine whether their love can survive their otherness.”

Again, according to Deadline.com, the movie is being filmed in the Tri-State area. A bridge was closed in Cincinnati last week so scenes could be filmed there. According to Cincinnati media, movie crew members’ vehicles were broken into and items stolen while filming in Cincinnati in June. Those with the film asked Cincinnati City Council members and then received an additional $50,000 for security purposes.

County officials hope nothing like that happens in Union County. Instead, they hope this is the first of many movies to use Liberty as a backdrop due to positive outcomes.

“Once you get on the movie radar, they are going to enter it into a movie database: Union County courthouse, two old cannons, downtown looks like the 60s, local contact person was very friendly, local government officials were very responsive,” commissioner Tim Williams said. “You get a grade, basically. So when someone types in there ‘I’m looking for a courthouse” and you’re on a scale so it’s really important we’re nice to these people.”

Commissioner Howard Curry explained they want Liberty’s downtown to be Minnesota in the 1980s and not Indiana in 2021. To that end there will be temporary cosmetic changes. Before the film crew members leave, they will return everything to the way it was before they came, commissioners said. The Indiana state flag is coming down and a Minnesota flag is going up in its place. Also, he said they are going to take the lights off the gazebo.

Melissa Spillers, who attended the commissioners’ meeting, is a business owner and was the Bicentennial chairperson, said the film crew is going to remove vinyl siding off some of the downtown buildings, paint the buildings, then clean the vinyl siding and replace it before they leave.

“Everything will come off the walls in the Liberty Restaurant,” Curry said.

Union County Foundation is allowing the film company to park their vehicles on its downtown property.

“I understand there’s a lot of them (vehicles),” Williams said.

According to Curry, the film company rented the American Legion’s upstairs and is going have catered meals served there for crewmembers. Commissioners said the Indiana State Police will provide security for the filming. The town and county will each receive $1,000 for any costs associated with the filming.

While those in charge of the movie will want the shooting to go well, commissioners said the town and county should also be hopeful the area gives a positive impression.

“I’m excited that we put on a good show,” Williams said.

Spillers said this is something that can promote tourism to Union County. She went to a town, which was the setting for a portion of the movie “Superman,” and she visited it.

“Tourists came there just because of the movie,” Spillers said.

Recently, during the television show “Home Town,” it was discussed part of the movie “Big Fish” was filmed in Wetumpka, Alabama. And people visit that town to see different backdrops to that movie.

Williams said the people there with the film crews and because of the film crews will probably increase sales for local merchants.

Apparently, the male lead has a following, Williams said. And the fact he is in Liberty, could draw its own crowd.

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Obituary for Melanie Ann Barrett

MELANIE ANN BARRETT

Melanie Ann Barrett, 61, of Connersville, passed away Friday morning, July 9, 2021, at her home following an extended illness.

One of four children of Harold and Billie Rowe Stang, Melanie was born in Fayette County, on March 13, 1960.

Besides her husband, Donald May, survivors include a daughter, Billie Mise; a son, Jeremiah Johnson; nine grandchildren, Rainette, Carl, Carly, Drake, Crystal, Dorian, Justice, Chelsea, and Braxton; six great-grandchildren, Dastan, Bentley, Makinnly, Breighton, Emma, Presleigh, and one on the way; a brother, C. Dean Stang; and a sister, C. Jean Wentz.

Melanie was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Elizabeth Stang and Iota Glenn McCreary.

In honor of Melanie’s wishes no services have been planned. Burial will be conducted in Lick Creek Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.

Obituary for Evelyn Y. Sunderhaus

EVELYN Y. SUNDERHAUS

Evelyn Y. Sunderhaus, of Brookville, was born on September 14, 1935, in Mullberry, Ohio, a daughter to Robert and Etta Voots Shofstall. She was married to the late Ervan Sunderhaus who preceded her in death in October of 1990. Evelyn was a member of St. Mary’s of the Rock Catholic Church. In her free time, she enjoyed playing cards, watching TV, gardening, and most of all, she loved spending time with her family. On Thursday, July 8, 2021, at the age of 85, Evelyn passed away peacefully at Shawneespring Healthcare Center in Harrison, Ohio.

Those surviving who will cherish Evelyn’s memory include her children, Vicki (Charles) Lintz of Brookville, Debbie Hilbert (Dave Dehner) of Brookville, and Ervan Sunderhaus Jr. of Brookville; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert Shofstall; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Ervan; both parents; and several siblings.

Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, from 5 until 8 p.m. at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home, Brookville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be officiated by Father Carl Langerderfer on Wednesday, July 14, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s of the Rock Catholic Church, 17440 St. Mary’s Road, Batesville, IN 47006. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions can be directed to the St. Mary’s of the Rock Preservation Fund.

To sign the online guestbook or to leave personal memories, please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Evelyn Sunderhaus

Chip and seal scheduled next week on Ind. 48 in Ripley and Dearborn counties

INDOT press release

Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance crews plan to begin chip seal operations as early as Monday, July 12, on Indiana 48 in Ripley and Dearborn counties. Work will take place from Ind. 101 to approximately two miles west of U.S. 50 in Lawrenceburg. 

Chip seal operations typically last around three to four days per location depending upon weather. Work is completed under lane closures with flagging to prevent damage to both vehicles and the roadway. During operations, existing pavement is coated with liquid asphalt, which seals cracks and provides waterproof protection. This extends the service life of the roadway and lowers maintenance costs. Once the seal coat is complete, loose aggregate is applied and swept from the road. After a curing period, crews will return and fog seal the new driving surface, typically within a week.

Chip seal is a cost-effective pavement preservation technique that is utilized across the state of Indiana, saving an estimated $6 to $14 in taxpayer expenditures for every $1 invested in extending the life of a roadway.

Motorists should slow down, watch for stopped traffic and drive distraction-free in and near all work zones. All work is weather dependent and schedules are subject to change.

Searching Whitewater River for Connersville man

Indiana Conservation Officer Press Release

Indiana Conservation Officers are searching for a missing man in the vicinity of Mahan Park, commonly referred to as “Three-Mile Bridge,” near Highway 121 in Connersville.

After receiving notification from Fayette County Dispatch at approximately 5:45 p.m., Thursday, July 8, Conservation Officers arrived on scene and discovered a vehicle and several articles belonging to Robert L. Austin, 26, of Connersville.

Conservation Officers, with the assistance from other agencies, are currently searching the Whitewater River with boats and sonar, as well as utilizing an ISP helicopter and drones.

Laurel Volunteer Fire Department personnel joined in the search looking from the Ott Road area toward Laurel. Everton Volunteer Fire Department members were north of the Laurel Fire Department on the river.  

The search will conclude this evening at dark and resume tomorrow morning.

If you have any information of Robert L. Austin’s whereabouts, you are urged to call the Indiana Conservation Officer Dispatch Center at (812)837-9536 or Fayette County Dispatch at (765) 825-2111.

Agencies assisting in the search are Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, Everton Fire Department, Laurel Fire Department, Fayette EMS, Bentonville Fire Department and Richmond Fire Department.

Obituary for Mona D. Burns

MONA D. BURNS

Mona D. Burns, of Milan, was born on August 4, 1953, a daughter to Everett and Christine Fields. She spent her last 20 years of her career at Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg. Mona loved working in her flower garden and visiting with her family. She also very much enjoyed being with her Legion Auxiliary friends and working with them at the Milan American Legion Post #235. Mona was a very devoted person to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; she loved spending time with them and all her family. She was a strong believer in Jesus Christ, and she will be missed dearly by her family and many, many friends. On Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at the age of 67, Mona passed away peacefully with her loving husband, Roy Burns Jr., her kids, and grandchildren by her side at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Edgewood, KY.

Those surviving who will cherish Mona’s memory include her husband of more than 28 years, Roy Burns Jr. of Milan; six children, Shelly (Jim) Clark of Pittsburg, Josh (Katie) Hammond of Aurora, Heather Nance of Vevay, Lauri (Mark) Sturwold of St. Leon, Tom Burns of Sunman, and Doug Burns of Moores Hill; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters; one brother; four sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Mona was preceded in death by both parents as well as one sister, Pam Craft.

Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, July 11, 2021, from 3 until 6 p.m. at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home, 107 Vine Street, Sunman, IN 47041. Pastor Tom Holt will officiate the funeral service at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 12, at the funeral home. Burial will follow immediately after in St. Paul Cemetery.

To sign the online guestbook or to leaver personal memories, please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mona Burns.

One person killed in two-vehicle wreck on US 52 near rock house

Franklin County Sheriff’s Department press release

On Wednesday, July 7, at 1:28 p.m., Deputies with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, responded to the area of U.S. 52, east of Yellow Bank Road, to the report of a motor vehicle accident with injuries.

Upon arrival, Deputies found a red, 2001 Chevrolet Silverado laying in the eastbound lane of U.S. 52, on its driver’s side. Deputies also found a 2014 Kia Soul off the south side of the roadway, completely engulfed in flames.

Responding fire departments were able to extinguish the flames on the Kia, where deputies discovered the driver’s body. The driver of the Kia was pronounced dead at the scene by the Franklin County Coroner’s Office. The driver of the Silverado was transported by Franklin County EMS-2, to Margaret Mary Hospital in Batesville, for treatment of injuries sustained in the accident.

Deputies’ preliminary investigation determined that the Chevrolet Silverado, pulling a small utility trailer, was eastbound on U.S. 52. The driver of the Silverado failed to negotiate a right-hand curve in the road, causing the vehicle to go left of center, colliding head-on with the westbound Kia Soul. Upon collision, the Silverado rolled over, coming to rest on its driver’s side, while the trailer became dislodged from the pick-up truck. The Kia Soul went off the south side of the road, where it caught fire.

The names of those involved are being withheld at this time, pending notification of the decedent’s next of kin. Deputies continue to investigate and toxicology tests are pending. U.S. 52 east of Yellow Bank Road was closed for nearly six hours while deputies investigated.

 Deputies were assisted at the scene by, Indiana Conservation Officers, Brookville and Metamora Volunteer Fire departments, Franklin County EMS-2, Responder 24, the Franklin County Coroner’s Office, and an accident reconstruction team from the Indiana State Police.

Obituary for Jennifer Lynn Curry

JENNIFER LYNN CURRY

Jennifer Lynn Curry, 44, of Liberty, died Saturday, July 3, 2021, as the result of a motorcycle accident.

Jennifer was born to Terry Wulf and Juanita Bergman on April 21, 1977, in Galesburg, Illinois. She graduated high school from Stark County, Illinois and furthered her education by receiving an Associate’s degree in Business Management from IvyTech Community College. Jennifer was self-employed, shipping and delivering meals to senior citizens. She enjoyed floating on the river, mushroom hunting, and playing board games with her children, especially Yahtzee. Jennifer collected snowman and wiener dogs, displaying them all year round. Above all, she adored spending time with her wonderful children.

In addition to her parents, Jennifer is survived by her children: Ethan Curry and his girlfriend Erika of Toledo, Jonathan Curry, Olivia Curry both of Wabash; brothers: Terry Jr. Wulf, Michael Wulf and Christy; sisters: Amy Vallero, Heather Wulf, Randi Ingram; several nieces and nephews; three canine companions.

A funeral service will be conducted at 4 p.m., on Monday, July 12, 2021, at Showalter Blackwell Long, Fosdick Chapel, Liberty. Friends may visit the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home to offset the cost of funeral expenses.

Obituary for Clarence A. Kolb

CLARENCE A. KOLB

Clarence A. Kolb, age 80, of Brookville, died Tuesday, July 6, 2021, following a brief illness. 

Born September 1, 1940, in Brookville, he was the son of the late George and Mary (Baudendistel) Kolb. Born on his mother’s birthday, he in turn later had a daughter, Diana King, who shared the same birthday and the three would celebrate together.

He was a self-employed logger and timber buyer for many years. He helped clear the land underneath what is now Brookville Lake. He cut the timber that presently is the flooring in the White House in Washington, D.C. In his leisure time, he enjoyed racing Corvettes at Edgewater in his younger days. Roller skating and riding motorcycles with his daughters, summer picnics, and camping. 

Survivors include three daughters, Diana King of Bright, Linda (John) Quattrone of Monroe, Ohio and Lisa (Jeff) Goins of Hamilton, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Adrien King; Keri and Cassidy Stenger; Lissa, Lindsay, Lyric, Ian Goins; one great-granddaughter, Amirah Blue; two sisters, Clara Jordan of Indianapolis, and Liz (Alvin) Stenger of Brookville; a brother Ed (Virginia) Kolb of Brookville, several nieces and nephews; as well as his former wife Nancy Kolb Herald. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, John Kolb, Bill Kolb, and Charlie Kolb. 

Family and friends may visit from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Ave., Brookville. Rev. Vincent Lampert will officiate the Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, July 10, 2021, 12 Noon at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 145 East St. Michael’s Blvd., Brookville. Burial will then follow in St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Brookville. Memorial contributions may be directed to a Scholarship Fund to be established in his name. 

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

FC Court News (Criminal)

Provided by Franklin Circuit Court Clerk’s Office

Theft

Kristina R. Wilson pleaded guilty as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 18 months in the Franklin County Security Center (FCSC) with 12 months suspended to probation to be served consecutive to all pending cases. She was given jail-time credit from July 7, 2020 to July 14, 2020. She was fined $250 and $185 costs. She was placed on probation for 12 months and was ordered to pay the Probation Users’ Fee (PUF) of $100 plus a $30 monthly fee. She was ordered to pay a $100 Administrative Fee and she was ordered to stay off the property of the victim. She also pleaded guilty to Possession of Methamphetamine, as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 18 months in the FCSC with 12 months suspended to probation to be served concurrent to the sentence imposed in Count I. As an additional condition of probation, if deemed necessary, the defendant shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility approved by probation within seven days of release from incarceration and comply with all recommendations. She pleaded guilty to Possession of a Syringe as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 18 months in the FCSC with 12 months suspended to be served concurrent to the sentences imposed in Counts I and II.

Battery

Ronald N. Renfro pleaded guilty as a class A misdemeanor and was sentenced to 180 days in the FCSC with 168 days suspended to probation. He was given credit for six actual days of jail-time credit. He was fined $1 and $185 costs. He was placed on probation for 168 days and was ordered to pay the PUF of $50 plus a $20 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay the Administrative Fee of $50. He pleaded guilty to Criminal Mischief, as a class A misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 180 days in the FCSC with 168 days suspended to probation to be served concurrent to the sentence imposed in Count I.

Charles H. Lowe II pleaded guilty as a class A misdemeanor and was sentenced to 365 days in the FCSC with 315 days suspended to probation. He was given jail-time credit from July 14, 2020 to August 7, 2020. He was fined $1 and $185 costs. He was ordered to pay the PUF of $50 plus a $20 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $50 Administrative Fee and to have no contact with the victim.

Maintaining a Common Nuisance

Roger Metcalf pleaded guilty as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 14 months in the FCSC with 13 months suspended to probation. Fines and fees are to be determined by Court. He was placed on probation for 13 months. As an additional condition of probation, if deemed necessary, the defendant shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility approved by probation within seven days of release from incarceration and comply with all recommendations. He was ordered to enroll and successfully complete Rural Works. He also pleaded guilty to Possession of Marijuana, as a class B misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 180 days in the FCSC with 150 days suspended to probation to be served concurrent to the sentence imposed in Count I. He pleaded guilty to Operating a Vehicle with Controlled Substance in the Body, as a class C misdemeanor and was sentenced to 60 days in the FCSC with 30 days suspended to probation to be served concurrent to the sentences imposed in Counts I and II. His Operator’s License was suspended for 60 days effective at sentencing, June 7.

Driving while Suspended

Zachery D. O’Neill pleaded guilty as a class A misdemeanor and was sentenced to 136 days in the FCSC. He was given good-time credit from June 13, 2020 to June 29, 2020 and April 26, 2021 through June 10, 2021 for a total of 63 actual days credit. He was fined $1 and $185.50 costs. His Operator’s License was suspended for one year effective at the day of sentencing June 14.

Cory W. Peters pleaded guilty as a class A misdemeanor and was sentenced to 365 days in the FCSC with all time suspended to probation. He was fined $1 and $185.50 costs. He was placed on probation for 365 days and was ordered to pay the PUF of $50 plus a $20 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $50 Administrative Fee. His Operator’s License was suspended for 365 days effective at sentencing June 14.  

Possession of Methamphetamine

Stacie J. Perry pleaded guilty as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 18 months in the FCSC with 17 months suspended to probation. She was given jail-time credit for one day. She was fined $1 and $185 costs. She was placed on probation for 17 months and was ordered to pay the PUF of $100 plus a $30 monthly fee. She was ordered to pay a $100 Administrative Fee. As an additional condition of probation, if deemed necessary, the defendant shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility approved by probation within seven days of release from incarceration and comply with all recommendations. She was ordered to testify to the truth in all companion cases. She pleaded guilty to Unlawful Possession of a Legend Drug, as a Level 6 Felony, and sentenced to 18 months in the FCSC with 17 months suspended to be served concurrent to the sentence imposed in Count I. She pleaded guilty to Possession of Marijuana, as a class B misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 180 days in the FCSC with 150 days suspended to be served concurrent to the sentences imposed in Counts I and II. She pleaded guilty to Possession of Paraphernalia, as a class C misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 60 days in the FCSC with 30 days suspended to be served concurrent to the sentences imposed in Counts I, II and III. The Brookville Police Department or any agency having possession of the defendant’s cell phone to return said item to the Defendant.

Domestic Battery

Brendon A. Millsaps pleaded guilty as a class A misdemeanor and was sentenced to 12 months in the FCSC with all time suspended to probation. He was fined $1 and $185 costs. He was placed on probation for 12 months and was ordered to pay the PUF of $50 plus a $20 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $50 Administrative Fee. As a condition of probation he shall successfully complete a course in Anger Management approved by probation. He is prohibited from possessing firearms by operation of law.

Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated Endangering

Theresa A. Schaefer pleaded guilty as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 24 months in the FCSC with all time suspended to probation. She was fined $250 and $185.50 costs. She was placed on probation for 24 months and was ordered to pay the PUF of $100 plus a $30 monthly fee. She was ordered to pay a $100 Administrative Fee. As an additional condition of probation, if deemed necessary, the defendant shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility approved by probation within seven days of release from incarceration and comply with all recommendations. Her Operator’s License was suspended for 30 months retroactive to the finding of Probable Cause on December 2, 2019. The state will stipulate this was not a chemical test refusal. State is not opposed to defendant receiving specialized driving privileges for work and medical purposes to be monitored by an ignition interlock device to be monitored by probation. She is ordered to serve six months in-home detention to be monitored by the State of Ohio. She shall serve 90 days of actual in-home detention due to good-time credit. State is not opposed to the judgment of conviction being entered as a class A misdemeanor. She pleaded guilty to Resisting Law Enforcement, as a class A misdemeanor and was sentenced to 365 days in the FCSC with 185 days suspended to probation to be served concurrent to the sentence imposed in Count I. As an additional condition of probation, she was ordered to successfully complete a course in anger management.

Victoria C. Farrell pleaded guilty as a class A misdemeanor and was sentenced to 365 days in the FCSC with 245 days suspended to probation. She was given credit for 60 days actually served plus good-time credit for time spent in In-Patient Treatment from July 30, 2020 to September 29, 2020. She was fined $1 and $185.50 costs. She was placed on probation for 245 days and was ordered to pay the PUF of $50 plus a $20 monthly fee. She was ordered to pay a $50 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. Her Operator’s License was suspended for one year retroactive to notice of suspension from the BMV on September 24, 2020. As an additional condition of probation, if deemed necessary, the defendant shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility approved by probation within seven days of release from incarceration and comply with all recommendations.

Battery Against a Public Safety Officer

Zackhery O’Neill pleaded guilty as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 28 months and 15 days in prison to be served consecutive to a sentence imposed in a misdemeanor conviction. He was fined $1 and $185 costs. He pleaded guilty to Resisting Law Enforcement, as a class A misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 12 months in the FCSC to be served concurrent to the sentence imposed in Count I. He received jail-time credit from May 4 until present. The defendant is eligible to serve the executed portion of his sentence in prison for the reason that the defendant has two prior unrelated felony convictions and the person’s earliest possible release date is more than 365 days after sentencing.

Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated

Mary A. Salatin pleaded guilty as a class A misdemeanor and was sentenced to 365 days in the FCSC with all time suspended to probation. She was fined $250 and $185.50 costs. She was placed on probation for 365 days and was ordered to pay the PUF of $50 plus a $20 monthly fee. She was ordered to pay a $50 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. Her Operator’s License was suspended for one year retroactive to the finding of Probable Cause on October 15, 2020. Specialized driving privileges entered on December 29, 2020 shall remain in effect. She also pleaded guilty to Illegal Possession of Alcohol as a class C misdemeanor and was sentenced to 60 days in the FCSC with all time suspended to be served concurrent to the sentence imposed in Count I.