A blog about what is going on in the Whitewater Valley
Provided by the Franklin County High School Athletics Department
This week in FCHS Athletics.
Tuesday – Boys Basketball @ South Dearborn 6 p.m. JV Tip
Thursday – Boys Basketball @ Richmond 6 p.m. JV Tip
Saturday – Dancz Catz Home Invitational All Day
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THOMAS R. DEHOFF
Thomas R DeHoff, 76, passed away after fighting a long, hard battle with cancer on February 19, 2021, at exactly midnight at his brother-in-law’s home in Homosassa, FL.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Thomas (Tom) was born on December 31, 1944, in Portland, Indiana, to Robert Franklin and Ethel Kathleen (Fetters) DeHoff – almost a New Years baby. He often joked how everyone in the world celebrated his birthday.
Raised in Brookville, Tom first met his wife Mary Martha (Williams) on the playground at Brookville Elementary. She was in the fourth grade; he was in the fifth. She was the cutest little thing he had ever seen. Little did he know, their paths would cross again years later, when Tom was headed to basic training. They married on August 7, 1965. They have been married for 55 strong years.
Tom served proudly in the US Navy from 1964 to 1968, as a Radioman on the Aircraft Carrier the USS Kittyhawk off the coast of Vietnam. Upon his return, he began a long career in telephony. He started at General Telephone in Fort Wayne, building up to successful sales positions with Nortel, Siemens, and Lucent Technologies. Although he traveled a lot late in his career, he could not wait to get home to his family.
A true man of God, Tom was a devoted family man and cherished his wife and their four children, Jamie DeHoff-Back (Batesville), Chera DeHoff (Castleberry, AL), Naomi DeHoff-Schuck (Sunman) and Robert DeHoff (Lori) (Greensburg). He was blessed with 17 amazing grandchildren and nine glorious great-grandchildren (with three more on the way) who adoringly refer to him as Papaw, Grandpa, Pappy, or just Pap. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend and touched the hearts of all he knew.
Tom was a jack of all trades. Always doing, never being able to sit still. In 1978, he built his own home in Twin Oaks, Indiana. Prior to retirement, he founded His Hands Extended Ministries with his wife. They both became ordained ministers. The ministry served as transitional housing, affordable daycare, weekly fellowship, and gave to several local charities and others in need. They performed several wedding ceremonies, often together. He also owned and ran his local sign business, Signs of the Times. He had a great love for gardening and planted gladiolus along the border of his gardens in honor of his late father.
Besides his wife and children, Thomas is survived by his Sister, Janice Dunaway (Don) of Brookville. He is preceded in death by his mother and father. His infectious smile will forever shine down on all of us from above.
NAOMI J. PRICKEL
Naomi J. Prickel, age 91 of Batesville, died Saturday, February 20, 2021. Born April 28, 1929, in Enochsburg, she was the daughter of Lawrence and Alice Fisher (Nee: Schomber). As part of a musical family, her nickname “Fid” was given because she was small enough to fit in the fiddle case. She married Omer Prickel on July 17, 1948, at St. John’s Church in Enochsburg.
Fid and Omer were life-long farmers in Hamburg. They worked together side-by-side. She always enjoyed animals, and we remember on the farm the dog was always named Tippy. We don’t know how many Tippys existed. Later in life, they moved to Batesville, but she still enjoyed taking rides out in the country and riding on the golf cart while Omer played golf. They would often be seen sitting on the porch swing. Fid loved children. She never cared how long Omer played cards as long as there were kids around for her to entertain.
Omer and Fid were deeply devoted to each other and through the years shared many great experiences together. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. During their years together, they loved to take vacations including many bus trips, a cruise and Myrtle Beach. They enjoyed baseball and often attended Cincinnati Reds games and were annual ticket holders for the Indianapolis 500 for decades.
Fid had an unwavering faith in God. She was known to pray the rosary frequently. In January 1996, when she had a massive stroke and was declared brain-dead, she woke up 10 days later praying the rosary aloud. Her faith led to her recovery, and we were blessed with another 25 years. with her. In later life, when her health was declining, she appreciated support from family and friends and often commented that although she was not able to physically help, she would pray for all of us, and we know she did!
Naomi (Fid) is survived by her sister, Shirley (Scoop) Giesting of Batesville as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Omer as well as her sister, Wanda Schwegman, her brother, Robert Fisher and two nieces, Jean Schwegman and Marlene Tacey.
Visitation is Wednesday, February 24, 2021, from 10 – 11 a.m. at St Louis Church in Batesville with mass immediately following at 11 a.m., with Rev. Stan Pondo officiating. The current Governor’s mandate requires all attendees wear a facemask and observe physical distancing. The mask must cover the individual’s nose and mouth at all times. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family requests memorials to the Margaret Mary Health Foundation Hospice or The Chateau Activity Fund.
DANNY ROSE
Danny Rose, 66, of Connersville, passed away on Saturday, February 20, 2021, at his home. He was born on January 12, 1955, in Connersville, to Lester and Martha Rose.
Danny was a graduate of Connersville High School. After high school, he attended Indiana University East, where he obtained a degree in business.
On August 12, 1988, Danny married the love of his life, Debbie Taylor, in Connersville. Throughout the years, they cherished the time spent with their children and grandchildren, family vacations, and the many miles they had hiked together.
Danny was an avid sports player. He loved a good game of tennis, baseball, basketball, and many other sports. He had won many awards for tennis, basketball, and baseball throughout his years of playing. He loved to teach his grandchildren to play all the sports he enjoyed. Danny also enjoyed riding his bicycle and jogging. Danny always enjoyed being around others.
Danny owned and operated his own business as a contractor and painter. He remodeled many homes in town and the surrounding areas. He had also worked for 18 years at Duke Realty in Indianapolis, where he did custom painting of businesses and factories. He was a perfectionist in interior and exterior painting. He was one that enjoyed working to the fullest, and always had a smile on his face while doing it.
Along with his parents and wife of 33 years, he will be greatly missed by his children, Kylie (Mike) Bennett and Jeremiah (Marissa) Mitchell; grandchildren, Baylie Spurlock, Maggie Mae Spurlock, Sophie Spurlock, Ron Spurlock, Alexus (Jordan) Beasley, Justus Parvis, Payton Pike, Alyssa Pike, Colton Mitchell, and Easton Mitchell; a sister, Debbie (Mike) Dye; a brother, Gale Rose; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Danny was preceded in death by a niece, Mindy Jo Frye, and his brother-in-law, Danny Russell.
Visitation for Danny will be held on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., at Park Road Christian Center, 120 W. 25th St., Connersville, Indiana 47331. The funeral service will begin at 2 p.m., at the church, with Reverend Phil Marcum officiating. Burial will follow in Dale Cemetery.
Urban Winkler Funeral Home is honored to be assisting with the arrangements.
REBECCA F. MULLINS
Rebecca F. Mullins, 78, of Connersville, passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at Reid Health in Richmond. She was born on March 29, 1942, in Richmond, and is the daughter of the late Virgil Hunter and Mary Billheimer Hunter. On January 7, 1961, she married William Mullins in Liberty. They were able to share 60 years together before he passed on August 28, 2020.
Rebecca was a member of Bethel Apostolic Church, where she had also cleaned for 38 years.
She is survived by five daughters, Louise Hollingsworth, of Somerset, KY, Jeannie (Greg) Bolser, of Brookville, Tammy (Charles) Hobbs, of Connersville, Linda (Mike) Robinson, of Frankfort, and Sheri (Marshall Hinchman) Ison, of Connersville; 12 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren.
Along with her parents and husband, Rebecca was preceded in death by a son, Billy Joe Mullins, a sister, Margaret Rowe, and two brothers, Virgil Hunter Jr. and Ralph Hunter.
Visitation for Rebecca will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2021, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, Connersville. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., on Friday, February 26, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Lick Creek Cemetery.
DEBRA KAY KEEN
Debra Kay Keen, 71, of Connersville, passed away Saturday, February 20, 2021, at Reid Health, Richmond.
One of eight children of William and Virginia Taylor Sams, Debra was born in Blooming Grove, on July 11, 1949. She graduated from Brookville High School with the class of 1967 and earned her associate degree in bookkeeping.
On September 6, 1984, Debra married Mark Keen in Covington, Kentucky. Mr. Keen survives.
Throughout her life, Debra was employed at Ford, Mousie’s Bar and Grill, and most recently was a supervisor at Issues and Answers.
In her leisure time, Debra enjoyed sewing, cooking, making candles and jewelry, and spending time with her family.
Besides her husband of 36 years, Mark Keen, survivors include five children, Hope Singleton, Chris Singleton, Kimberly Gilley, Jason Singleton, and Heather Ruby; two stepsons, Shawn Keen and Brad Geis; 16 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three brothers; two sisters; and several nieces and nephews.
Debra was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Joanne Groch and Sandy Miracle; eldest son, Charles E. Singleton; stepdaughter, Jennifer Keen; grandson, Devon Krepp; and a great-grandson, Linkoln Ryan Charles Harrison.
Private services will be held 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.
Provided by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department
February 18
Joseph Higginbotham, Willow Lane, Brookville, at 7:37 p.m., was operating a vehicle west on Cane Mill Road at an unsafe speed while negotiating a right-hand curve and ran off the road. His vehicle continued off the road, rolling on its side and striking a tree. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Kyle Hartman investigated the accident.
February 19
Paul Helmers, Wolf Creek Road, Brookville, at 9 p.m., was operating a vehicle westbound on Wolf Creek Road, and Daniel Marshall, Short Street, Brookville, was operating a vehicle eastbound on Wolf Creek Road. The two vehicles struck mirrors as they passed each other. Marshall turned around and followed Helmers’ vehicle to Brookville, and Helmers called 911. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Adam Henson investigated the accident.
February 20
Jeffrey Hall, Park Avenue, Connersville, at 9:15 p.m., was operating a vehicle southbound on Indiana 1 when the vehicle drove over a deer that had been previously struck by another vehicle and was lying on the road. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Adam Henson investigated the accident.
February 21
Matthew Heath, U.S. 52, Laurel, at 1:15 a.m., was operating a vehicle on an off-road trail at Haspin Acres. The vehicle became stuck on the off-road trail. The rear axle shifted and pointed down a steep embankment off the side of the trail. The vehicle then slid down the embankment until it rolled over onto the driver’s side. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Kyle Hartman investigated the accident.
Sharon Womack, Messerschmidt Road, Brookville, at 7:12 p.m., was operating a vehicle southbound on Indiana 101, when the vehicle struck a deer as it crossed the road. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Kyle Hartman investigated the accident.
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Provided by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department
February 17
Cody R. Marshall, West 6th Street, Brookville, was arrested at 8 p.m., by Brookville Police Department Officer R. Lackey, at Mill Street in Brookville, on an Arrest Warrant.
February 18
Cody A. Hibbard, 24, Hamilton, Ohio, was arrested at 8 p.m., by Brookville Police Department Officer R. Windle, at Brookville IGA, for Possession of Methamphetamine.
Taylor M. Mills, 25, Hamilton, Ohio, was arrested at 8 p.m., by Brookville Police Department Officer R. Windle, at Brookville IGA parking lot, for Possession of Methamphetamine.
February 19
Crystal M. Berry, 35, Cliff Street, Brookville, at 7:58 p.m., was arrested by Brookville Police Department Officer D. Forsee, at Sonja Avenue in Brookville, for Driving while Suspended with Prior Suspension within 10 Years.
William Brockman, 32, Hamilton, Ohio, was arrested at 9:30 p.m., by Brookville Police Department Officer D. Forsee, at Progress Street in Brookville, for Disorderly Conduct and Public Intoxication by Alcohol.
Joseph L. Davis, 24, Laurel Road, Laurel, was arrested at 8:36 p.m., at the intersection of U.S. 52 and Blue Creek Road, by Brookville Police Department Officer R. Lackey, for Driving while Suspended with Prior Suspension within 10 Years.
Joshua T. Trammell, 43, Pine Road, Brookville, was arrested at 2:02 p.m., at Owens Corning, by Brookville Police Department Officer Dakota Richards, for Resisting Law Enforcement, Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated and an Arrest Warrant.
February 20
James L. Peters, 42, Hamilton, Ohio, was arrested at 4:28 a.m., by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy B. Jenkins at Sleepy Hollow Road, for Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated.
February 21
Robert D. Brewer, 41, Lew Wallace Drive, Brookville, was arrested at 3:27 a.m., at 10th and Main streets in Brookville, by Brookville Police Department Officer D. Forsee for Operating a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated, Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Marijuana/Hash.
February 22
Justin D. Carnes, 26, Indianapolis, was arrested at 1:25 p.m. at the Franklin County Security Center, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy W. Hodge, on an Arrest Warrant.
By John Estridge
Union County Commissioners approved a $1.226 million contract with O’Mara Paving to pave 16 miles of county roads in 2021.
This will be made possible with a $989,000 Community Crossings Grant. With this grant, which is administered and distributed by the Indiana Department of Transportation, the county has to put up 25 percent of the project’s cost.
The roads to be paved this year include: Patterson Road from Old Brownsville Road to Clifton; Clifton Road from Brownsville Road to U.S. 27; Philomath Road from Jobe Road to Union County Line Road; Brownsville Road from North 2nd Street to Clifton Road; Swafford Road from Indiana 44 East to 200 North; and the entire length of Hoppes Road from Ind. 101 to its dead end.
There were two bids opened with Robertson Paving the second bid. It came in at $1.768 million, which led commissioner Tim Williams to wonder out loud if the two companies were bidding on the same job due to the difference of more than $500,000.
According to an INDOT publication, the Community Crossings Grant Program was put in place 2016. It was derived from part of the money the state realized with an increase in gas taxes implemented that year and subsequent years.
“Community Crossings Matching Grant Program provides funding to cities, towns, and counties across Indiana to make improvements to local roads and bridges,” according to the document.
“Community Crossings is a partnership between INDOT and Hoosier communities, both urban and rural, to invest in infrastructure projects that catalyze economic development, create jobs, and strengthen local transportation networks,” the document continued.
Commissioners also awarded the quote for changing the controls on the courthouse’s HVAC. Commissioners had contemplated completely replacing the system but when the price tag came in at $711,000, the commissioners decided on a stop-gap measure. Instead of a complete HVAC replacement, the commissioners decided to replace the controllers on the present HVAC system. This should last at least five years, commissioners have been told.
There were two companies offering quotes. Culy Mechanical Electrical LLC was awarded the job with a quote of $58,000. North Mechanical came in at $80,426. Culy was the company, which installed the system.
Commissioners also signed a maintenance agreement with Culy for $4,798.20.
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VERNON “JEFF” SMITH
Vernon “Jeff” Smith, 64, of Connersville, passed away Friday, February 19, 2021, at Reid Health in Richmond.
Jeff was born March 2, 1956, in Connersville, one of seven children of Vernon and Sallie Williams Smith and graduated from Connersville High School with the class of 1975.
He was a veteran of the Indiana National Guard where he served for four years.
For several years, Jeff was employed for Batesville Casket Company and for 15 years for KB Specialty Foods of Greensburg, retiring in August of 2019.
In his leisure, he enjoyed riding motorcycles with his friends, working on tractors, and working on the family farm. Most of all, however, he enjoyed sitting on his back deck and being outdoors.
Survivors include his son, Kodi Smith of Connersville; a grandson, Knox Smith of Connersville; his father, Vernon Smith of Connersville; three brothers, Steve Smith, Randy (Wilma) Smith, and Phil (Gwen) Smith, all of Connersville; three sisters, Hilda Grubbs of Laurel, Amanda (Tim) Revita of Monrovia, Indiana, and Rachel (John Lopez) Wilson of Sugarland, Texas; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jeff is preceded in death by his mother, Sallie Smith.
Friends may call from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 25, 2021, at the funeral home with Reverend Dustin Gay officiating. Burial will be in Columbia Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jeff to the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.