News and sports in the Whitewater Valley – Page 165 – A blog about what is going on in the Whitewater Valley

$2.1 million Liberty water project: the who, what, where, when and why

By John Estridge

A public hearing was held at the beginning of the Liberty Town Council Monday, April 5, meeting concerning the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) grant application for a $700,000 grant to help pay for a $2.1 million water project in and around Liberty.

Mike Kleinpeter of Kleinpeter Consulting as well as Adam Sitka, engineer; and Annie Hayes, public relations of Wessler and Associates, talked about the nuts and bolts of the project such as where, when, why and what.

Kleinpeter is the grant writer for the town on the project. He said there will be a site visit in May with the final application due on June 25. On August 12, OCRA will make the grant awards.

Wessler’s employees said the project is planned to replace 520 linear feet of pipe on Hoffman Road. Currently, there is a two-inch galvanized steel pipe with a four-inch ductile iron pipe planned to be put in its place. Another 1,120 linear feet of four-inch asbestos cement pipe will be replaced with six-inch ductile iron pipe on Duffy Lane.

On Park Hill Drive, 1,350 feet of six-inch asbestos cement pipe will be replaced with six-inch ductile iron pipe. Another 220 feet of six-inch asbestos cement pipe will be replaced with six-inch ductile iron pipe on Avondale Court. On East Lane Street, 660 feet of two-inch galvanized steel pipe will be replaced with four-inch ductile iron pipe. Finally, 1,950 feet of four-inch cast iron pipe on Eaton Street will be replaced with six- and eight-inch ductile iron pipe.

It is the Eaton Street pipe, which will cost the most, and it is arguably the most needed part of the project. It will cost $656,000 alone. Since 1994, there have been 14 water main breaks on Eaton Street. And the Eaton Street pipe feeds the Union County/College Corner Joint School District schools in that area: Liberty Elementary, Union County Middle School, Union County High School and its gymnasium as well as the Red Brick or Administration Building.

It also serves residents in the area.

Hoffman Road water main is the most problematic of late with three breaks during the 2020 pandemic year alone and 10 since 1994. In all, there have been 29 water main breaks in the lines at Hoffman Road, Eaton Street and East Lane Street since 1994. Liberty Utilities and Street Manager Matt Reuss explained the problems with trying to fix some of the water mains.

He said five people respond to water main breaks, and he described their positions: two people are in the hole, one person operates the equipment and Reuss and another employee control valves.

At the Hoffman Road breaks in 2020, the five people were at the site for 3.5 to four hours each time. And the problem was one break would beget another.

“We would fix a break and as soon as we’d get ready to close the hole up, we would look and we would notice the pipe would burst on up the line again,” Reuss said. “We’d get water running again and as soon as we got the clamp on, it started again.”

He said that was also happening on Park Hill Drive.

“With that asbestos cement, as soon as we fix it, we put a new piece of pipe in, didn’t even get it shut down, and I got home and Melissa (Shepler, clerk/treasurer) called me right away and said someone called and said it broke again. We got it fixed in about 4.5 hours, but once we put pressure back to it, it blew again.”

Also, by increasing the pipes’ diameters, this will increase the water pressure going to customers.

For the project, the estimated construction costs will be $1,688,000 with non-construction costs at $412,000 for a total of $2.1 million.

Wessler’s schedule for the project includes: survey start, June 2021; design start, July 2021; complete design finished, October 2021; permits submitted, October 2021; permits received, November 2021; Advertise bids, November 2021; open bids, December 2021; OCRA deadline for obtaining bids, January 12, 2022; award contract, January 2022; begin construction, first quarter, 2022; and end construction, December 2022.

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Post-Easter let down syndrome

Theological column by Adrienne Greene

Dear Pastor,

So many Christians attend Easter services but then disappear. How do I fight my bitterness over it?

If I’m honest, I’d say every Pastor across the nation right now is nodding in agreement with you. We’ve just passed the high, holy, super bowl of Christian events: Easter Sunday. Next to Christmas, it’s the religious extravaganza when folks who identify as “Christian” suddenly appear in church to make sure they’ve got some tread on their highway to heaven. For many of us, this Easter also fell on the first Sunday of the month when mainline denominations also celebrate the sacrament of Communion (known as the Eucharist; the Lord’s Table; the Lord’s Supper, etc.) A double-whammy of God-centered goodness occurred…and it was truly wonderful for those who participated.

But then, the weeks go by and those passionate pew-sitters in their Sunday best are just as suddenly notin church. They popped in, shook a hand, had their moment and popped out. The church leaders who poured out their collective guts in the pulpit, proclaiming Christ and urging a few seeds of salvation to take root, now bow their heads in fatigue and mild defeat. Where’d all the people go? Those packed pews and the excitement of our risen Christ—what happened?

Bitterness, the old friend and companion of disappointment, resentment and exhaustion comes knocking. We ignore it. Life in the ministry, after all, is God’s battle, not ours. But then, as the weeks and months return to normal and the summer activities empty out our lively throng in lieu of little league, our hearts are heavy as we stare at empty seats and the resulting financial slump.

Don’t get me wrong, those who attend church, love the idea of it. They love the option of having Church available to them whenever they need it or want it. They’ll even gleefully support it financially once in a while just to keep Grandma’s pew waiting for them at their disposal. They smile when they fondly reminisce of their childhood Sunday Schools; the potluck dinners; the old-timers and traditions.

Yet the church-going public in America, for the first time ever, has dipped below 50 percent according to the TV News. The weekly priority of giving back to God our time, attention and money is now optional and considered a service we may choose to utilize for ourselves, in the same way our car needs a local mechanic. No longer do we serve the Church or the people in it. No longer does our local community reflect the education of Christ’s truth against the demonic political spirit, for example, raging across our country right now. No, the Church has become something we use when we need it. It’s no longer something we are.

Thankfully, this is not the whole story. God always has his remnant-group of loyal soldiers who stay the course, remain in the battle and obey the Bible’s command to “gather together and keep on doing it, as often as you can.” (Hebrews 10:25) This special group of authentic believers would meet in an open field if they had to, just to be certain God received his worship and his due. To these precious ones called “The Remnant,” Church is never an option it’s a way of life. It’s the glue that holds all things together for them. Their families, lifestyles, provisions, spending habits, attitudes and politics often reflect where their treasure is hidden.

My friend, as we struggle with bitterness in the post-Easter gloom, there is only one thing we must never forget: “There by the grace of God, go I.” Those folks who dismiss a weekly church service are missing out on a life inside God’s guardrails of safety and his wisdom. They’re gambling high stakes and forfeiting the knowledge which informs them of their future. Most importantly, they are missing him: the God who calls them by name and longs to meet with them in a family setting of humble saints. We must forgive and pray for their pitiful souls. They know not what they do. And one day they will desperately wish they’d spent more time with Jesus and his family.

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 Diane A. Motz

DIANE A MOTZ

Diane A. Motz, 56, a long time Clarksburg area resident, passed away April 6, 2021, in Indianapolis. She was born December 30, 1964, in Rushville, to Daniel and Norma Jean (Harvey) Edwards. Diane married Richard Motz on October 22, 1983, and he survives.
Diane was a member of the Clarksburg Christian Church.

She was quite a character and enjoyed playing pranks on everyone! She always looked forward to the Rush County Fair and enjoying a corn dog and an ear of corn. She made frequent trips to Stagg’s Dairy treats with her family and some of her favorite things were sunflowers, fireworks, cigarettes, hummingbirds, and singing Karaoke. Her favorite things in life were her grand babies and putting others before herself!
In addition to her husband; Richard, of Clarksburg, she will be missed by her children; Richard D. Motz II (Ashley Nicole) of Milroy, Robert Motz (Brooke Keister) of Clarksburg, Brayden Scott Motz of Clarksburg, Marlena Lin Bell (Aaron) of Milroy, Dorothy “DJ” Robbins (Randall) of Lake Santee, Harley and Madison Motz both of Clarksburg, a brother; Dan Edwards Jr. (Lisa) of Milroy, sisters; Jan Garrison of Milroy and Nan Hoban (Kenny Madden) of Gowdy, 14 grandchildren also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister; Ann Hornaday, a grandson; Skyler Joseph Seitz and brothers-in-law; Bill Garrison, Jay Hoban and Randy Hornaday and niece, Amy Hoban.
Services for Diane will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, April 12, 2021, in Moster Mortuary, Rushville, with Rev. Jerran Jackson presiding. Friends are welcome to visit the family from 11 a.m., until time of service on Monday. Entombment will be held in the East Hill Shrine Mausoleum.
Memorial contributions may be given towards the cost of services.

Liberty to receive $410,000 from American Rescue Plan Act but devil is in details of allowed expenditures

By John Estridge

Liberty can spend the $410,000 coming from President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) on infrastructure issues.

That funding allowance could include the proposed $2.1 million water project. However, tapping that funding source may put in jeopardy an Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) grant the town is trying to win. A public hearing concerning the grant application was held as the first order of business at the Monday, April 5, Liberty Town Council meeting.

LTC is planning to upgrade several water lines in and around Liberty. Part of the funding, $700,000, is planned to come from the proposed OCRA grant. (See upcoming related article).

Liberty native and former Union Circuit Court Judge Jim Williams attended his first LTC meeting as the town’s attorney. He took over for Walt Chidester, who recently retired.

LTC President Matt Barnhizer initiated the discussion by talking about the ARPA money coming to Liberty. He said $205,000 will come this year with the same amount coming again to the town in the next year.

Barnhizer explained there are going to be procedural steps for LTC to follow in preparation for the money such as creating a line in the town’s budget for the money and then coming up with a plan for what the town plans to do with the money.

Liberty Clerk/Treasurer Melissa Shepler explained if the town does not spend the money allotted to it, it has to pay the federal government back the amount of money not spent, so it is a large incentive to the town to figure out how to spend all of the allotted money.

Shepler made up a list of the ways the money can legally be spent by governmental entities, and she put the lists in the town council members’ packets she readies for each meeting.

According to the National Conference of State Legislators, these are the following allowed areas for ARPA funding for governmental entities:

Respond to the COVID-19 emergency and address its economic effects, including through aid to households, small businesses, nonprofits, and industries such as tourism and hospitality.
Provide premium pay to essential employees or grants to their employers. Premium pay couldn’t exceed $13 per hour or $25,000 per worker.
Provide government services affected by a revenue reduction resulting from COVID-19.
Make investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure.

After it was determined infrastructure projects are on the list of allowed expenditures, Barnhizer then stated it was his understanding the money could be spent to help pay for the project. Right now if the town receives the $700,000 grant, it will have to fund the remaining amount, $1.4 million from the Water Fund and General Fund, among other possible funds in the Liberty budget.

It is a concern if the town uses the ARPA money to help fund the project, OCRA would either not approve the grant application or modify it down to a lower figure. Earlier in the meeting Mike Kleinpeter of Kleinpeter Consulting, the town’s grant writer for the OCRA application, held the public hearing. He emphasized in the hearing it is a very competitive process.

Williams said, at this time, he is unsure if the town uses the ARPA money on the water project if it will put the grant money in jeopardy.

During the ARPA discussion, Kleinpeter said OCRA is supposed to release guidance on federal money and grant applications.

Williams said he has learned some governmental agencies in Indiana have stated they will not spend the money on anything that would result in recurring expenses such as new employees.

According to Williams and Shepler, another area the LTC may want to look at for the ARPA money is the third category: provide government services affected by a revenue reduction resulting from COVID-19. Shepler said governmental entities should see revenue shortfalls from tax funding sources such as Excise Tax, among other tax revenues used for local funding in the next couple of years, because of the reduced activity during the pandemic.

The money could be used to make up for those shortfalls. It is called revenue replacement.

Kleinpeter said the LTC should work with its accounting consultants, Baker and Tilly, to help in explaining the situation. He said that company can put it in black and white.

Williams said he will work on an ordinance the town will need for the ARPA money, and he will do more checking about what, if any, repercussions to the OCRA grant application could come from using ARPA money on the water project. Also, Williams cautioned that $410,000 seems like a lot of money, but it does not go as far as it once did.

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Old Guy Rant: The hardest political lesson

Political column by Larry Wiwi, a FC resident

I am a political junkie, it all started as I anxiously watched the results of the Nixon/Humphrey contest in 1968 and I have been hooked ever since, including taking about every political science and American history class that U.C offered during my college years. In all those years of study, all of the elections and thousands of editorial and political commentary I have waded through, the most important and hardest political lesson of my life was learned in just the last decade or so and that lesson is that the National leadership of the Democrat Party has truly become the enemy of the citizens of the United States. I know that sound crazy, rash, outrageous, divisive and whatever other descriptor that comes to mind, but hear me out.

Probably like you, I grew up believing that Republicans and Democrats had a shared goal of doing only what was best for the country and that they differed only on how best to achieve that goal and I think that was correct for most of my life. Somewhere in the last 10-15 years that changed and much of the top leadership is more than happy to do damage to the country and citizens. The evidence is frankly overwhelming and obvious if you are willing to take an honest look, though I have to confess I was not willing to take that honest look for many years because I simply could not believe that we had leadership who knowingly would do harm to Americans, but once you embrace the concept, so much of what we are seeing right now makes sense – here is the current evidence:

After just days in office Biden takes several actions including killing the XL pipeline which instantly destroyed thousands of jobs, causing a dramatic increase in the price of fuel which raises the price of everything Americans buy, severely impacting low income families.
Biden with the full support of high level Democrat leaders, opened the borders and invited the hoard of illegals now streaming across our borders and what is the result? 1) Our law enforcement and education systems are overwhelmed; 2) There will be huge, downward pressure on wages for Americans; 3) Crime will increase; 4) Our health is threatened as COVID infected illegals are shipped around the country – lockdowns and quarantines apparently apply only to American citizens
Democrat leaders continue to push the ridiculous “New Green Deal” which is supposed to save us from the fictional threat of manmade climate change but creates the very real threat of significantly raising energy prices which in addition to making everything more expensive to buy, it also makes it financially more attractive to manufacture overseas, killing American jobs.

For so many of you who vote Democrat because of family tradition or union affiliation or whatever, it is time to remove the rose colored glasses and take a hard look at what is really happening – chances are this party no longer represents you.

Larry Wiwi

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FCSD looking for distracted drivers on Thursday, April 8

Submitted by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Sgt. Adam Henson

With Distracted Driving Awareness Month underway, Franklin/Ripley Traffic Safety Partnership is joining law enforcement agencies across the state and nation for a one-day (24-hour) enforcement campaign called Connect 2 Disconnect. On April 8, officers will be conducting high-visibility patrols to remind motorists about the dangers and consequences of texting and distracted driving.

Connect 2 Disconnect is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

“Everyone knows it’s dangerous to text and drive, yet we still see people on their phones behind the wheel every day,” said Sgt. Adam Henson. “Taking your eyes off the road, even if it’s just for a couple of seconds, could end in disaster. If we all do our part, we can put a stop to distracted driving and prevent these senseless tragedies from occurring.”

Distracted driving is considered any activity that diverts attention away from the task of driving and includes everything from adjusting the stereo to grooming to eating and drinking. Although all forms are considered dangerous, as they increase the risk of crashing, texting continues to be the most pervasive.

On average, people that text and drive take their attention away from the road for five seconds. At 55 miles per hour, that’s the equivalent of driving the full length of a football field blindfolded.

To help curb distracted driving, in 2020, Indiana became the 22nd state in the nation to pass a hands-free device driving law, which prohibits motorists from holding a mobile device, except in emergencies, while their vehicles are moving. Anyone caught violating the law could face a Class C infraction with fines up to $500.

Since the law went into effect last July, more than 2,918 citations and 7,352 warnings have been issued statewide as of March 31, according to the criminal justice institute.

“We’re making progress, but we still have a long way to go,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director. “We need more people to understand that distracted driving kills and is something we can all live without. Sending or reading a text isn’t worth causing a crash or taking someone’s life.”

Distracted driving crashes are completely preventable. To save lives, the department wants to encourage motorists to put away their phones and to always pay attention to the road.

Drivers can activate their phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature or place it in their glove box, center console or back seat until they reach their destination. They can also designate a passenger to be their “designated texter” by allowing them to access their phone.

For more information on distracted driving, visit www.distraction.gov, or for more information about Indiana’s hands-free device driving law, visit HandsFreeIndiana.com.

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Deer sleeping? Only one property damage accident in FC over past week

Information provided by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department

There was only one property damage accident in Franklin County over the past week. Apparently, the deer were taking a long siesta.

April 3

Maxamillion Allen, Alnwick, Connecticut, was operating a vehicle westbound on Bath Road at 10:54 p.m., when he came around a curve to fast, causing the vehicle to leave the south side of the road and roll. It came to rest on its top. Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy Bryce Jenkins investigated the accident.

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FCHS grad is new director for Middle Level Programs at AMLE

A press release from AMLE

COLUMBUS, OH—The Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) is thrilled to announce that Katie (Estridge) Powell will join the association full-time as its Director for Middle Level Programs. Powell, currently a 6th grade ELA teacher at Southmont Junior High School in Crawfordsville, will officially assume the role on June 1, 2021.

“I could not be more excited for Katie to join our team,” said CEO Stephanie Simpson. “She brings a wealth of experience and, most importantly, a strong passion for middle level education. I am confident she will lead AMLE and our newly launched Successful Middle School Program to new heights.”

Powell graduated from Franklin County High School in 2001. She received a bachelor’s degree from Johnson Bible College in 2004 and an MA from Johnson in 2005.

Powell has served in a variety of roles in education, including as a special education teacher, Title 1 teacher, instructional coach, and classroom teacher. She also presents to schools and at conferences across the country and has been a featured speaker at past AMLE annual conferences. In 2019, Katie released her first book, Boredom Busters, which provides strategies to create engaging, memorable, and meaningful learning experiences for students.

“AMLE has been such a tremendous source of support, community, and professional development throughout my career,” Powell said. “It’s an honor to be joining AMLE in this new capacity. I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from some of the ‘greats’ in our field as I prepare to take on this role and extend that same support and encouragement to others through the exciting work AMLE is doing.”

About the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE)

The Association for Middle Level Education helps middle school educators reach every student, grow professionally, and create great schools. A non-profit membership organization, AMLE members include teachers, principals, counselors, professors, researchers, and others focused on the education of 10- to 15-year-olds. www.amle.org

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Obituary for Edgar W. Schebler

EDGAR W. SCHEBLER

Edgar W. Schebler, age 80 of Batesville, died Saturday, April 3, 2021, at University Hospital in Cincinnati. Born May 29, 1940, in Brookville, he is the son of Stella (Nee: Nobbe) and Willard Schebler. He married Joyce Fecher October 15, 1966, at St. Louis Church in Batesville. He retired from Hill-Rom in 2002, after 46 years as a furniture assembler and finisher.

Edgar’s interests were more about quality then quantity. He was an avid bowler and played Euchre any chance he got. In later years, when he could no longer bowl, he helped the team with scoring duties and paperwork. According to his family, Edgar’s true passion was gardening. He thoroughly enjoyed working in his vegetable and flower gardens. He also served as a Boy Scout leader for many years.

Edgar is survived by his wife Joyce; daughter Marty Owens; son Rob (Marta) Schebler, all of Batesville; sister Carolyn Heppner of Murrieta, California; brothers Wilbur Schebler of Batesville, Alvin Schebler of Green Valley, Arizona, Kevin Schebler of Osgood, Randy Schebler of Batesville and grandchildren Emily Schebler of Batesville, Wyatt (Ashley) Schebler of Southport, Benjamin Schebler and Clayton Owens, both of Batesville. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his brother Carl Schebler.

Visitation is Friday, April 9, from 10 – 11:30 a.m., at the funeral home. Funeral services follow at Noon at St. Louis Church with Rev. Stan Pondo officiating and burial in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family.

FC arrests from March 30 through April 5

Provided by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department

March 30

Nathine L. Dyer, 26, Big Cedar Road, Brookville, was arrested at 10:36 p.m., at his residence on Big Cedar Road, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Jason Robinson for Theft and Manufacturing and Dealing Methamphetamine.

Brian E. Lemmel, 25, Hamilton, Ohio, was arrested at 10:26 p.m., at a residence on Big Cedar Road, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Jason Robinson, for Theft.

March 31

Nicolas J. Pollitt, 29, Johnson Fork Road, West Harrison, was arrested at 1:40 a.m., along Indiana 121, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy D. Enzinger, for Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated, Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated Endangerment and Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated Prior Conviction.

April 1

James A. Precht, 29, Indiana 1, Brookville, was arrested at 1:26 p.m., along Blue Creek Road, by Brookville Police Department Officer Ryan Geiser, for Possession of Cocaine or Narcotic Drug.

April 2

Laura A. Marshall, 28, Summerville, Ohio, was arrested at 8:15 a.m., by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy S. Stirn, at the Franklin County Security Center on an Arrest Warrant.

April 3

Robert Brewer, 40, Lew Wallace drive, Brookville was arrested at 8:42 p.m., by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy K. Hartman at the Franklin County Security Center, for Unauthorized Entry of a Motor Vehicle and Theft from a Motor Vehicle.

April 4

Cassidy D. Miller, 30, Oxford Pike, Brookville, was arrested at 10:35 a.m., at his residence, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Jason Robinson, for Domestic Battery and Interfering in the Reporting of a Crime.

April 5

Ashley N. Hicks, 35, Peppertown Road, West Harrison, was arrested at 11 a.m., by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy R. Gordon at the Hamilton County Jail, on an Arrest Warrant.