Antoinette “Toni” Heil, of Sunman, was born on March 12, 1942, in Cincinnati, a daughter to Frank and Wanda Grazanke Marks. She married Richard Heil on August 18, 1962, in White Oak and together they raised four children. Antoinette was a homemaker, and she also worked at McPhersons for some time. She was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church and was also a member of the Sunman Life Squad for 20 years. In her spare time, Antionette enjoyed playing cards, caring for farm animals, and she especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends. On Monday, March 8, 2021, at the age of 78, Antoinette passed away peacefully at home.
Those surviving who will cherish Antoinette’s memory include her husband of more than 58 years, Richard Heil of Sunman; four sons, Gregory Heil of Hamilton, Ohio, Gary (Lisa) Heil of Batesville, Gerald Heil of Guilford, and Geoffrey Heil of Cincinnati; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. Antionette was preceded in death by both of her parents as well as one brother, Gerald Marks.
A private visitation will be held for the family. The public is invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial which will be held at 1 p.m., on Thursday, March 11, 2021, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 6461 E St. Nicholas Drive, Sunman, IN 47041. Burial will be held immediately after in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions can be directed to Sunman Life Squad, 403 Meridian Street, Sunman, IN 47041.
Due to COVID-19 precautions, all attending must follow Governor Holcomb’s mandates: You must wear a face mask; you must social distance; and if you are not feeling well, or if you have a compromised immune system, you are encouraged to stay home.
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 care for the family of Antoinette Heil.
Provided by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department
February 24
Michael Frank, Fairfield Causeway Road, Brookville, was operating a vehicle north on Mudd Road at 7:43 p.m., when the vehicle struck a deer on the road. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Arin Bowers investigated the accident.
February 25
Mark Meyer, North Elm Street, Batesville, at 6:59 p.m., was operating a vehicle west on Stipps Hill Road, when his vehicle ran off the north side of the road, traveled through a ditch and struck a utility pole head on. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Arin Bowers investigated the accident.
March 1
Christopher Polewski, Big Cedar Road, Brookville, at 11 p.m., was operating a vehicle northbound on Big Cedar Road, when he ran off the right side of the road, striking a fence and trees and then flipped on its side before coming to a rest. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy John Roberts investigated the accident.
March 4
Dennis Brown, Fairfield Avenue, Brookville, at 4 p.m., was eastbound on U.S. 52, following a vehicle operated by Summer Atkins, Indiana 1, Brookville, when Atkins slowed down to turn left onto Holland Road. Brown said he did not see Atkins’ turn signal, causing Brown’s vehicle to hit the Atkins’ vehicle in the rear. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Brad Lecher investigated the accident.
Donald Smith, West Santee Drive, Greensburg, at 5:45 p.m., was westbound on Indiana 46, when he looked down. When he looked back up, he was across the center line, striking a vehicle operated by Alexander Sefton, Indiana 3, Greensburg. After striking the Sefton vehicle, Smith’s vehicle came to rest off the road. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Brad Lecher investigated the accident.
Provided by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department
March 2
Charles E. Harvey, 57, Cincinnati, was arrested at 12:20 p.m., at the Franklin County Security Center, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Major Gregory Mehlbauer, on an Arrest Warrant.
Joshua B. Isaacs, 37, Western Avenue, Connersville, was arrested at 8:02 p.m., at the intersection of Main and Third streets in Brookville, by Brookville Police Department Officer R. Lackey, for an Out of County Warrant.
Brandon A. Peters, 40, North Dearborn Road, Guilford, was arrested at the Ripley County Jail, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy S. Stirn, on an Arrest Warrant.
March 3
Gary M. Adams, 55, Hamilton, Ohio, was arrested at 7:14 p.m., along Indiana 101 by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Adam Henson, for Possession of Marijuana/Hash Oil/Hashish/Salvia and Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated.
March 5
Janet A. Covington, 67, Muncie, was arrested at 8:09 p.m., at the intersection of Indiana 1 and Village Creek Drive, by Brookville Police Department Officer R. Lackey, for Assisting a Criminal.
William I. Covington, 34, Muncie, was arrested at 8:09 p.m., at the intersection of Indiana 1 and Village Creek Drive, by Brookville Police Department Officer R. Lackey, for Resisting Law Enforcement, Possession Marijuana/Hashish and Possession of Paraphernalia.
March 6
Tyler J. Riggle, 27, West Progress Street, Brookville, was arrested at 8:05 a.m., along Court Street, Brookville, by Brookville Police Department Officer Jeffery J. Staat, for Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe or Needle.
March 7
Timothy J. Wilson, 62, Weatherman, Texas, was arrested at 9:45 p.m., in Fayette County, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy K. Hartman, on an Arrest Warrant.
March 8
Gabriel C. Nunier, 18, Vermont Avenue, Connersville, was arrested at 12:24 a.m., at Main Street, Brookville, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy K. Hartman, for Operating a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated and Operating a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated Endangerment.
Joseph ‘Joe’ Powell, age 89 of Batesville, passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2021, at Margaret Mary Health in Batesville. The son of Sidney and Sally (Murphy) Powell was born on March 14, 1931, in Garrard County, Kentucky. He married Doris Steinfort-Hill on November 23, 1972, at Adams Church.
The Adams Lutheran Church member worked for Batesville Casket Company for 45 years until he retired. It seemed like everybody knew Joe and he never knew a stranger. He always had a smile to share. He thoroughly enjoyed singing with the Powell Family Singers through the years. Many times, he and his wife would just sing together for certain occasions. Joe was recognized for his musicianship when he was inducted into the Southeastern Indiana Musicians Hall of Fame.
He is survived by his children, Terry (Rosemary) Powell of Bright, Kim (Victoria) Powell of Batesville, Robin (Gary) Schornick of Batesville and Amy (David) Ruggles of Lexington, KY; step-son, Jim (Stephanie) Hill of Sunman; nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren; along with his brothers, Carter Powell of Morris, James Powell of Sunman, Sidney Powell Jr. of Batesville, Ernie Powell of Morris, Elmer Powell of Osgood and Helen Yorn of Batesville.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Doris on September 5, 2015, and siblings, Shelton Powell, Margaret Perry and Violet Reynolds.
Visitation will be Thursday from 5-8 p.m., at Meyers Funeral Home. Funeral services are at 11 a.m., on Friday, March 12, 2021, with visitation from 10:30-11 a.m., prior to funeral, all at Adams Lutheran Church, Batesville. Rev. Tamera Keen officiating. Burial will follow in the Adams Church Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the Am. Parkinson’s Disease Assoc. or Adams Lutheran Church by bringing to services or mailing to: Meyers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 202, Batesville, IN 47006.
In accordance with the Indiana COVID-19 precautions, all attending are required to wear a mask and follow proper social distancing protocol. If you are not feeling well, or if you have compromised immune system, you are encouraged to stay home.
You are welcome to leave a message here on Joe’s obituary page for the family in the online guestbook.
Patricia C. Woolf passed away peacefully on the morning of November 18, 2020 at the age of 75. The daughter of Harry and Norma (Fritsch) Abplanalp, was born in Batesville, Indiana on April 8, 1945.
She was a loving mother and wife, a devoted friend and a kind soul. Anyone who knew her, knew that her generosity was boundless. Patricia was an avid bird watcher, boater, craft maker, gardener and keeper of many pets over the years. There wasn’t an animal in need that she would turn away. She also loved being with her family, especially at the holidays. Each Christmas she would craft an ornament for every member of the family. These little “specials” are family treasures.
She will be dearly missed by her son, Chris and daughter-in-law, Pamela (Volk) of Chicago; brother Ron Abplanalp and his wife, Bertie (Stein); sister-in-law, Pam Abplanalp (the late David) and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Woolf of 51 years, her sister, Marjorie White and brother, David Abplanalp.
Memorial Mass will be Friday, March 19, 2021 at 1 p.m., at St. Louis Catholic Church in Batesville. Burial following at St. Louis Church Cemetery. After services, all are invited to the Knights of Columbus Hall in Batesville for a gathering of friends and family.
In accordance with the Indiana COVID-19 precautions, all attending are required to wear a mask and follow proper social distancing protocol. If you are not feeling well, or if you have compromised immune system, you are encouraged to stay home.
Memorials may be made to a local animal shelter or the Humane Society in memory of Patricia.
You are welcomed to leave a message here on Patricia’s obituary page for the family in the online guestbook.
Hattie Sanders, of Brookville, was born on October 10, 1923, in Slemp, KY, a daughter to William and Susan Melton Ratliff. Hattie was married to the late George Sanders. She was a member of Scipio United Baptist Church. Hattie was a homemaker and loved to cook, tend to a large garden, plant beautiful flowers, and she especially loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. On Sunday, March 7, 2021, at the age of 97, Hattie passed away peacefully at Brookville Healthcare.
Those surviving who will cherish Hattie’s memory include four children; Betty (Wayne) Clevenger of Oxford, OH, Billy Ray Sanders of Bath, Sarah (Ron) Combs of Oneida, KY, and Jack (Carol) Sanders of Hamilton, OH; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Nancy Kunkel of Richmond; as well as several nieces and nephews. Hattie was preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband George Sanders; seven sisters; seven brothers; one daughter-in-law, Sharon Sanders.
Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home in Brookville from 11 a.m., until the time of service at 1 p.m. Burial will follow immediately after in Springfield Cemetery.
Due to COVID-19 precautions, all attending must follow Governor Holcomb’s mandates: You must wear a face mask; you must social distance; funeral home attendance is limited to 50 people at any one time; and if you are not feeling well, or if you have a compromised immune system, you are encouraged to stay home.
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 care for the family of Hattie Sanders.
Mary L. Thielbar, age 75, of Brookville, died unexpectedly Saturday, March 6, 2021, at her residence in Brookville.
Born September 20, 1945, in Connersville, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Roscoe and Louise C. (Ryan) Hawkins. In August 1993, she was united in marriage to Duane H. Thielbar, and he survives.
Mary was retired, having worked at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Brookville Lake for over 37 years.
In her leisure time she enjoyed cooking for her family and gardening.
Besides her husband, Duane, survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Troy (Jeri) Hawkins of Brookville; three grandchildren, Jessica Travis, David Robertson, and Kemberly Robertson; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Jeannie (Mike) Wilson of Brookville, a brother, Wayne Hawkins of Harrison, Ohio.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Junavonne Roberts, Helen Cummins and Sandra Dixon, six brothers, Samuel Hawkins Jr., James Hawkins, Raymond Hawkins, Richard Hawkins, Robert Hawkins, and Danny L. Hawkins.
Private Services will be held by the family.
Memorial contributions may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the Thielbar family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com .
At the current time, there are no solar energy farms in Union County either in operation or proposed.
Two women who attended the Union County Commissioners’ meeting Friday, March 5, want to keep it that way and are concerned about two possible solar farms at the county’s borders.
Tina Jackson and Traci Robinson talked about the solar energy industry in general and proposed farms just across the state line in Preble County Ohio and just south of Union County in the Bath area of Franklin County.
While Bath is in Franklin County, the children in that area attend the Union County/College Corner Joint School District and the West College Corner Volunteer Fire Department provides fire coverage for both areas, the women said.
Robinson started off her talk with mention of House Bill 1381. It passed the House on mostly Republican support as the Republicans control the House. Locally, Randy Lyness (R-Lawrenceburg) and Randy Frey (R-Greensburg) voted against the bill. It is now before the Republican-controlled Senate. However, State Senator Jeff Raatz (R-Centerville) has publicly stated he is against the bill as it is now written.
Those against the bill say it will take all local control away from approving or disapproving solar farms. It will be up to the state with counties having no input.
It was suggested those against relinquishing local control should contact not only one’s own legislators, but legislators across the state, to express the opposition to this bill. Union County Commissioner Tim Williams said many legislators from more urban areas of Indiana do not understand the groundswell against solar energy farms in the rural areas.
Robinson said those who sponsored the bill receive a large amount of money from the utility companies, which caused Williams to express the need for term limits. He said if the legislators knew they had a limited amount of time in office, money piled into their respective re-election funds would not have the impact it has in today’s times.
Jackson talked about the Preble County situation. She said she and her husband, Kevin Jackson, live on Greenwood Church Road, with their property less than one mile from Preble County and the state line. There is a substation at the east end of Greenwood Church Road, which will be utilized by the proposed solar farm, she said.
The proposed solar farm is under the direction of Angelina. According to the Ohio Siting Board report, it is proposed to be an 80 megawatt project in Dixon and Israel townships. She said the parent company is based out of the U.S. and is in Canada. Energy produced from the project will not remain local. It will be transported to other areas.
According to Jackson, the proposed solar farm will cover about 800 acres in that area. Many Ohio-based farmers have already signed lucrative 40-year leases for their respective acreages. While the company has contacted governmental officials and first responders in Preble County, the West College Corner Volunteer Fire Department and the Union County Commissioners have not been contacted. She said electrical and chemical fires are dangerous with the fire department needing special equipment and training.
Construction will mean heavy trucks on the county’s roads. She said the preferred state route is out of the way for trucks, and she predicted those, which utilize Interstate 70 and state highways through Eaton, Ohio to Preble County will be circumvented. That is out of the way for many contractors, and she predicted they would utilize Union County’s back roads instead. She and Williams pointed out another piece of legislation House Bill 1190 also passed the House on partisan lines and could increase weight limits on state and county roads to 120,000 pounds. It is HB 1190 and is now before the Senate.
While the Preble County Commissioners support the project, the project has been delayed due to a groundswell of opposition against it by the area’s residents, she said. The completion date was set for the end of 2020. That means there is still time to fight against the project. She said the hope is the company over the proposed project may decide the project is not worth it due to the delays and increased costs.
Robinson discussed the Franklin County situation. Many farmers in the Bath Township area have been contacted about leasing the prime farmland in that area for solar farms. Union County Council President Richard Blank, who was attending the commissioner meeting, said the solar companies want prime farmland because it is usually flat and devoid of trees.
Because of a lack of data about the possible long-term negative repercussions of solar farms on the environment, Robinson likened the proposed solar projects to Fernald.
According to the im.doe.gov website, the Fernald site produced high-purity uranium metal products for the nation’s weapons production program. It is located 17 miles northwest of Cincinnati. She said, like Fernald, which started in 1951 and was not fully decommissioned until 1991, the safety of the area because of proposed solar projects is not known.
In Franklin County, the Area Plan Commission and Franklin County Commissioners are attempting to put new zoning regulations in place to address the situation. However, Union County Area Plan Director Jeff Mathews expressed caution at such endeavors. He talked about Concentrated Animal Feed Operations (CAFOs) in Union County. The first proposed CAFO was very controversial in the county. In response, the county put in one of the state’s most restrictive CAFO zoning measures into the county’s zoning code. Since that time, two more CAFOs have been approved in the county because the respective CAFOs have met the zoning requirements.
With solar, now each application for a solar farm would have to go before the county’s Board of Zoning Appeals as a special use variance. There would be public hearings with the variance having to meet five items to pass. With that way, the public has input into each application. With the change in the zoning code, if the proposal meets the zoning code’s criteria, the public is not involved.
Both women said what may be the worst part of this situation is these projects are very divisive to a community. They pointed to other solar and wind projects in Randolph and Rush counties as examples.
Anita Sue Weston, 54, of Connersville, passed away on Friday, March 5, 2021, at her home.
Visitation for Anita will be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, Connersville. The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, with Pastor Freddie Helton officiating. Burial will follow in Everton Cemetery.
Political Column by Larry Wiwi, Franklin County resident
The Democrat party has done a remarkable job of convincing half or more of US voters that they are the party of civil rights and the “little guy,” especially those on the lower end of the earnings spectrum, so remarkable in fact that Josef Goebbels would be proud.
Putting the propaganda aside, lets look at how Democrats have helped the “little guy” in just the past four months:
First despite pleading from then President Trump, Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats deliberately stalled the latest COVID relief bill for months to ensure no help would happen during his administration, especially just before the election since that might have helped President Trump win re-election. The Democrats did not care a wit about American citizen’s suffering and small businesses closing, since the only thing that mattered was winning elections and keeping power.
Second, Commander-in-Thief Biden wasted no time signing a flurry of executive orders including cancelling the XL pipeline which had two dramatic effects: 1) It instantly killed thousands of good paying American jobs and severely impacted thousands the others by eliminating the economic activity the spending from those jobs would have created; 2) It drove crude oil prices up dramatically which we are all feeling now in the form of higher fuel prices which directly most impacts low income families and increases the cost of nearly all goods for all of us. Biden did this to appease the climate change zealots and to make / keep Americans poor, since poor Americans are more likely to need government help and be subject to government control which essentially is socialism.
Finally, the Commander-in-Thief wasted no time in opening our borders for more illegals which will increase crime and make Americans less safe and put downward pressure on wages, which again has disproportionate impact on low earners. It will take only a short while before the wage gains made under President Trump will be reversed by these actions.
Our complicit media of course points out none of these negatives, preferring to continue to over-play the events of January 6 while turning a blind eye to rioting by left wing groups in several American cities.
