News and sports in the Whitewater Valley

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By John Estridge

While the dirt, people were turning with new shovels, was not meant for planting, officials said roots run deep at the Heap Memorial Pool, which will be renamed the Heap Hofer Aquatic Center when it opens up in 2021.

Friday morning, July 10, officials and residents met at the pool site for an official groundbreaking ceremony.

“Most of the people who served on the committee had grass roots,” Beth Foster, head of the Heap Hofer Aquatic Center Committee, said. “In other words, we spent our childhood down here, and then, we spent our adulthood here with our children.”

The Heap Hofer Aquatic Center Committee has been in charge of an amazing fundraising effort, bringing in about $2.5 million.

And two of the members, Foster and Mike Froman, had parents who served on the original committee concerning the Heap Memorial Pool about 60 years ago.

Brookville Town Council President Mike Biltz, who also served on the aquatic committee, opened the day’s remarks talking about his ties to the pool.

He said he remembered taking swimming lessons there, even remembering who he sat by while taking instruction. Biltz later became a lifeguard at the pool, then assistant manager and manager as he worked his way through college.

After Heap Memorial Pool was constructed, Biltz said Brookville High School had a swim team.

“We traveled to different towns, Batesville, Greendale and places like that, and we had swimming meets,” Biltz said. “We were new, and they had pools a long time before we did so we weren’t very good. In all the years, we won only two or three meets, but we had a really good time.”

Biltz said swimming remains his favorite sport.

After the remarks, different groups walked into what had been the baby pool but is now a place of dirt and rocks as the demolition has already started.

Town council members along with some construction personnel took part in the first photo session. That was followed by the committee and then board members from Franklin County Community Foundation and Brookville Foundation, as each gave money to the project.

Shelly Lunsford, FCCF director, handled the money for the committee, which Foster said was an extremely appreciated effort on Lunsford’s part.

Opening day for the new aquatic center is set for 2021’s late spring/early summer.

The Town of Brookville is going to add another $1.2 million for the effort for a combined $3.7 million price tag. When finished, the aquatic center will feature a family slide, a big slide and three tipping buckets in the shallow water.

It will also have a walk-in entry to the pool to make it more accommodating.

The Heap Memorial Pool was forced to shut down at the beginning of the 2016 season due to a huge leak that was discovered the previous year. A consultant, hired by the town, said the money needed to fix the leak would just be a temporary fix due to the pool’s age. The consultant advised either to completely shut down the pool and not have a pool for the town and the county or plan to build a new one.

With that information, the committee sprang into action. The committee members did not go into the operation blindly. They hired a consultant, through grants obtained by the town, to see if it was practical to raise that much money in this county and then the consultant also gave them tips for fundraising efforts.

After that, the committee members worked tirelessly to get the needed money. Foster said it was not an easy journey, but committee members were always able to shoulder on and get over the small hills in their path.

Committee members are: Foster, Mike Froman, Beth Froman Brown, Biltz, Lunsford, Brian Harpring, Geannie Hensel and Yvonne Wells.

Town council members through this process have been: Biltz, Sam Schuck, Curtis Ward, Darrel Flaspohler, Eric Johnson and Catherine Pelsor.

Council members, as well as the town manager Tim Ripperger and clerk/treasurer Gina Gillmanm have been very helpful through this process, according to Biltz and Foster.

Biltz gave accolades to Harold and Edna Heap, whose beneficence made the Heap Memorial Pool possible.

“Without their foresight, none of this would have happened,” Biltz said. “They were huge donors to this pool as was the Town of Brookville. And it is with their help that this can carry on to another time.”

Then, Biltz said, while those present at the groundbreaking hold many fond memories of the Heap Memorial Pool, it is time to build something that generations can embrace and remember.

“I have very fond memories (of the pool),” Biltz said. “And today, we can start making memories for a new generation. And I hope that they enjoy it.”

By John Estridge

On Thursday, July 9, Shawn M. McClung was charged with the March 28, 1986 killing of Fayette County resident Denise Pflum.

He is being charged with Manslaughter, as a Class B Felony.

According to the Affidavit of Probable Cause, McClung previously told police he assisted Pflum in leaving the state in 1986, and she was still alive and living in another state. He also allegedly told police in the past, that he had communicated with her subsequent to 1986. However, in July 2020, police said McClung admitted to killing Pflum.

“This action taken by McClung has concealed the crime since its commission,” the Affidavit for Probable Cause reads.

In the Information, it states “On or about March 28, 1986, in Fayette County, State of Indiana, Shawn McClung did knowingly kill another human being, to-wit: Denise Pflum while acting under a sudden heat and did knowingly or intentionally conceal evidence and/or information, to wit: maintained that Denise Plum was alive and that he had communicated with her subsequent to 1986 …”

The charge is from Indiana Code 35-42-1-3(a) which states “A person who knowingly or intentionally kills another human being … The existence of sudden heat is a mitigating factor that reduces what otherwise would be murder under section 1(1) of this chapter to voluntary manslaughter.”

According to information on mycase.in.gov, McClung is being represented by Brookville attorney Jud McMillin. The case will be heard by former Franklin County resident, Hubert Branstetter, Fayette Circuit Court judge.

During an initial hearing held Thursday, July 9, bond was set at $500,000 surety or 10 percent to the clerk. McClung pleaded not guilty at the hearing. An Omnibus hearing will be held on Sept. 11. A jury trial has been set for Oct. 9.

If convicted of a Class B Felony, McClung could receive a sentence of six to 20 years in prison.

In the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department press release issued by Fayette County Sheriff Joey Laughlin and Fayette County Sheriff’s Department Detective Chad Blaes, it stated “No further comments will be made at this time, as the investigation is ongoing regarding the involvement of other parties.”

That seemed to be also a part of a statement reportedly put out by Plfum’s parents on the Facebook page Justice for Denise Pflum.

“With the announcement today that charges have been filed against Shawn McClung for the murder of our daughter, Denise Pflum, we want to make a brief statement for all of those that have followed her page. This is just a start, there will be more to follow, which we cannot comment on at this point.

We appreciate all of the love and support that you have shown us. We appreciate that Denise has become like family to all of you. Our daughter was a special person whom we will never forget, and we know that this community will not forget. We are so grateful for all of those who have followed her story, who have helped with the investigation, and who have shown support and love.

“At this time we ask that you respect our privacy, and allow us the time we need to mourn and grieve our beloved daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend. Denise was a wonderful young woman, her light is never gone. Her love will always remain with us, and with all of you. Thank you for all of your help. We love and appreciate every one of you.”

These are marriage licenses this year filed in the Franklin Circuit Court Clerk’s office beginning with Jan. 3 up to the present.

John Paul Mihevic, 50, and Kimberly Sue Daggy, 52.

Anne Faith Bishop, 61, and Kenneth Joseph Jones, 60.

Daniel Jacob Schuler, 44, and Jessica L. Noble, 36.

Jacob Louis Gutapfel, 25, and Kayla Dellas Skinner, 27.

Shawn Michael Gorth, 35, and Berecka Danielle Estridge, 30.

Andrew Julian Aquino, 29, and Ronnie Steven Houchin Jr., 37.

Felicia Marlene Bedel, 33, and Michael Leal, 33.

Kathryn Michele Scott, 39, and Kurtis Brian Peters, 30.

Todd A. Monroe, 28, and Kelley King, 45.

Keith Allen Hofer Jr., 45, and Rhonda Jo Hofer, 62.

Austin Davidson, 26, and Maranda Ruggles, 25.

Sarah Mackenzie Mullins, 22, and Zachary Logan Fox, 24.

Jacqueline Ann Greer, 53, and Richard Hinson, 43.

Hannah Rose Smith, 21, and Joshua Cogan, 27.

Megan Sue Gunter, 26, and Sean Michael Hazelwood, 27.

Denise Ann Saxon, 51, and Charlie E. Nichols, 48.

Todd Brabender, 57, and Kelly Ann Steidle, 53.

Katelyn Davis, 22, and Andrew Sauerland, 31.

Jaron Daniel Denney, 19, and Hannah Lee Hokey, 24.

Mary Ellen Rinklin, 63, and John Michael Milazzo, 64.

Amy Lynn Horner, 46, and Thomas Richard Viel, 51.

Samantha Ann Walke, 40, and Bryan Keith Stegman, 55.

Kayla Ann Flannery, 22, and John Jacob Daniel, 25.

Bobbie Jo Wilson, 39, and Scott L. Neumeister, 46.

Savannah Michelle Wright, 20, and Cody Eugene Elza, 26.

Dylan Alexander Chaney, 20, and Kali Nichole Snider, 21.

Shannon Rene’ Weber, 23, and Justin Robert Paul, 28.

Catherine Jean Davis, 30, Daniel John Ruehlman, 29.

Elijah James Huber, 23, and Rachel Gerstbauer, 21.

Justin Scott Seals, 45, and Tiffany Lynn Meyer, 36.

Jennifer Kersey, 37, and Amanda James, 30.

Christopher Lee Hammond, 36, and Jasmine Taylor Friend, 20.

Alfred Washington, 60, and Debra Sue Isaacs, 55.

Amanda Lynn Crawford, 23, and Gregory Philip Hoff, 24.

Melissa Ann Johnson, 52, and Thomas William Lutz, 44.

Michelle Lee Whitfield, 39, and Gary Alan Griffin, 57.

Gypsey Dawn Slusher, 22, and Brandon Tyler Newman, 25.

Jaycee P. Regis, 32, and Brittany Leona Mitchell, 34.

Kelley Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, 36, and Arash Golafshan, 31.

Charles Christopher Ruberg, 31, and Linda Ann Brozyna, 30.

Fayette County Sheriff’s Department press release

Shawn M. McClung was charged today with Voluntary Manslaughter, a Class B Felony resulting from the investigation into the death of Denise Pflum led by Fayette County Sheriff Joey Laughlin and Fayette County Sheriff’s Department Detective Chad Blaes. The information and probable cause alleges that McClung previously claimed that Pflum was still alive, but has recently admitted that he killed her in March of 1986. No further comments will be made at this time, as the investigation is ongoing regarding the involvement of other parties.

CANDIDATE FILING FOR SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE

Neysa R. Raible, Franklin Circuit Court clerk, advises that July 22, is the first day that an individual may file a petition of nomination and consent for a school board member. Friday, August 21, by NOON, is the deadline to file a petition for a school board office for the General Election.

If you have questions, please call the Clerk’s office at 765-647-5111 ext. 3.

The following School Board offices will be on the General Ballot:

FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION:

District 1- One Member

District 2- One Member

District 3- One Member

District 4- One Member

UNION COUNTY /COLLEGE CORNER JOINT SCHOOL DISTRICT:

Harrison Township, Union County School District (Bath Twp.)

Center Township, Union County School District (Bath Twp.)

Harmony Township, Union County School District (Bath Twp.)

(Candidates will file in Union County)

BATESVILLE COUMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION:

District 3- Two Members

(Candidates will file in Ripley County)

By John Estridge

Most of the 2020 ballot is ready to go.

There are a few holes like who is running for president, which might bring a little interest this year. And school board candidates’ sign up begins next Wednesday, July 15, and lasts until Friday, August 21.

Locally, the Franklin County Democratic Party added one candidate. Christina Chappelow Persson is running for county council at large. She is joined by the three Republicans who were the three top vote receivers in the Republican Primary. They are: incumbent Glen R. Bischoff, Carroll W. Lanning and Brian L. Patterson. Lanning was on council a few years ago.

Four other Republicans do not have an opponent. They include: Tom Wilson for county commissioner; Hollie R. Maxie for recorder; Jolene Beneker for treasurer; and Clay M. Kellerman for circuit court 2 judge. Wilson and Kellerman are incumbents. Maxie and Beneker have been first deputies in their respective offices.

Glenn E. Bailey, a Democrat, is the current surveyor. He was appointed by the Democratic caucus to take the place of the late Nathan Meyer after he passed away. Bailey will be opposed by Republican Robert G. Seig.

In Brookville’s election, there are races at almost every opportunity. Republican incumbent Curtis M. Ward is the only candidate who is unopposed. He is running for town councilman in Ward 5.

The other two open town council positions all have races without incumbents.

Republican Brooke N. Leffingwell is opposed by Democrat Gary “Gig” Marmouze for Ward 1. At Ward 3, Republican Charles “Chuck” Campbell is opposed by Democrat Darrel Flaspohler. Flaspohler is a former council member, but he moved out of his ward and had to resign from council.

At town clerk-treasurer, Democratic incumbent Gina Gillman is opposed by Republican Derrike Kolb. Kolb is currently the first deputy in the county’s auditor office.

The general election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Police officers in Franklin County had little time to enjoy the holiday as they made 18 arrests over the July 4 holiday weekend.

Among those arrests and more are:

July 1

Kelly J. Brewer, 43, Connersville, was arrested at 3:36 p.m., at the Franklin County Security Center by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department R. Gordon on an outstanding warrant.

July 2

James R. Blust, 49, Cincinnati, was arrested at 8:45 p.m., at the Mounds Recreational Area by Indiana Conservation Officer Corey Norrod for Disorderly conduct.

Richard D. Estridge Jr., 54, East 4^th Street, Brookville, was arrested at 10:39 a.m. at the Franklin County Security Center by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department’s T. Ford for an outstanding arrest warrant.

Billy J. Freeman, 49, Richmond, was arrested at 1:03 a.m., at the Mounds Recreation Area by Indiana Conservation Officer Corey Norrod for Battery against a public safety official, Public intoxication and Disorderly conduct.

Summer N. Jaynes, 37, Richmond, was arrested at 1:03 a.m., at the Mounds Recreation Area by Indiana Conservation Officer Corey Norrod for Disorderly conduct and Public intoxication.

Aaron O. Karns, 27, Eaton, Ohio, was arrested at 6:38 p.m. near Zimmer Tractor by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Bryce Jenkins for Possession of marijuana/hash, Disorderly conduct and Battery.

Travis A. Karns, 21, West Carrollton, Ohio, was arrested at 6:20 p.m. near Zimmer Tractor by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Bryce Jenkins for Disorderly conduct and Battery.

July 3

Jackson M. Barngrover, 22, Cincinnati, was arrested at 5:58 p.m., near Lakeside Shell by Brookville Police Department Officer Ryan Geiser for two counts of Operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Carley S. Boyer, 20, Sycamore Street, Laurel was arrested at 6:04 p.m., at an address on St. Mary’s Road by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Jeremy Noah for Disorderly conduct and Battery.

Leeann M. Little, 40, 9^th Street, Brookville, was arrested at 10:03 p.m., on 11^th Street in Brookville by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Jeremy Noah for Driving while suspended with a prior suspension within 10 years.

Shelly M. Meadows, 42, St. Mary’s Road, Brookville, was arrested at 6:04 p.m. at her residence by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Jeremy Noah for Disorderly conduct and Battery.

Christina D. Winner, 20, Maineville, Ohio, was arrested at 4:48 p.m., at Brookville by Brookville Police Department Officer Ryan Geiser for Minor possessing alcohol.

July 4

Ashley L. Conrad, 33, Franklin, Ohio, was arrested at 11:49 a.m. at Haynes Road by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Jeremy Noah and was charged with an Out-of-county warrant.

Dylan L. Gilreath, 25, Cincinnati, Ohio, was arrested at 11:28 a.m. on U.S. 52 by Brookville Police Department Ryan Geiser for Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated endangerment, Operating a vehicle while intoxicated and Possession of marijuana/hash.

Thomas E. Jones, 32, Middletown, Ohio, was arrested at 4:11 p.m. at the Mounds Recreation Area by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Jeremy Noah for Operating a motor vehicle while suspended resulting in injury.

Seth W. Killen, 20, Richmond, was arrested at 8:14 p.m., on Indiana 101 near Gillmans by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Kyle Hartman and was charged with Battery.

Alfredo Luna, 22, Indianapolis, was arrested at 10:09 p.m. at the Franklin County Security Center by Indiana Conservation Officer Cole Hollingsworth for three counts of Operating a motorboat while intoxicated.

Randall A. Prather, 25, Independence, Ky., was arrested at 11 a.m., on U.S. 52 by Brookville Police Department Officer Ryan Geiser for Possession of marijuana/hash.

Gage N. Ramer, 26, Osccola, Ind., was arrested at 12:17 a.m. at the Kroger in Batesville by BTS Brent Wessler for Auto theft/receiving and resisting law enforcement.

Matthew A. Williams, 57, River Road, Brookville, was arrested at 9:47 p.m. at his residence by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Kyle Hartman for Battery, Criminal recklessness and Mischief.

 July 5

Jacob R. Carroll, 22, Mason, Ohio, was arrested at 2:10 a.m., near 52 Pick Up by Brookville Police Department Officer Ryan Windle for Resisting law enforcement, Public intoxication, Possession of marijuana/hash and Disorderly conduct.

Danny S. Garrison, II, 28, Westview, Brookville, was arrested at 4:45 p.m. at an address on Westview, by BPD Officer Ryan Geiser for Criminal recklessness.

Brandy Metcalf, 42, Snail Creek Road, Brookville, was arrested at 6:15 p.m., at Margaret Mary Community Hospital by FCSD Deputy Adam Henson for Operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Tahli S. Tallman, 20, Cincinnati, Ohio, was arrested at 5:32 p.m., at 52 Pick Up by Brookville Police Department Officer Ryan Lackey for Minor possessing alcohol, Operating a vehicle while intoxicated and Operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangerment.

Andrew L. Von Handorf, 37, Florence, Ky., was arrested at 5:32 p.m., at Mounds Beach by Indiana Conservation Officer Lon Christopher for Public intoxication by drugs and Domestic battery.

By John Estridge

Franklin County Community School Corporation parents and guardians are going to have two options for their children in going back to school on Wednesday, Aug. 5.

Schools closed in March for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent nation-wide shutdown. Students were taught at home using e-learning.

FCCSC will offer traditional in-person school and online schooling at home.

In-person at school

One rule is the same as all the other years for public education: School will be in session five days a week.

The rest are different because of the pandemic.

*If a closure is ordered by the governor or the Franklin County Health Department, then all the students will go on the e-learning plan.

*Social distancing will be enforced when possible.

*There are increased opportunities for hand washing and hand sanitizing.

*Use of face coverings is highly recommended but not mandatory.

Online at home

It will also be five-days-a-week, and while it will be offered the entire school year, 2020-21, parents can opt to go the in-school route at the end of each nine-week grading period.

For online learning, students in K-5 will use Calvert Learning using school-issued Chromebooks and iPads. Students in K-2 will have iPads issued to them while 3-5 students will have Chromebooks.

According to the Calvert Learning website, “Calvert Learning helps educators and students succeed with K-8 virtual and blended learning that builds creative problem solving and other lifelong skills needed to thrive in a fast-changing world.”

There are both pro and con reviews for Calvert Learning on the web with some saying it is too inflexible while others said it was challenging for the students in a good way.

Information from the FCCSC said students using Calvert Learning will be taught by Indiana certified teachers and the courses are aligned with state academic standards in math, science, social studies and language arts. Students can also choose two electives from choices of health, PE and art.

FCCSC material said there will be resources available to assist parents.

Grades 6-12 will all use Chromebooks. They will be participating in Edmentum courses. On the Calvert Learning website, it states Calvert Learning has joined the Edmentum team.

According to the Edmentum website under mission and values: “Founded in innovation, we are committed to being educators’ most trusted partner in creating successful student outcomes everywhere learning occurs.”

FCCSC will work with families that need access to the internet.

What parents/guardians must assess prior to in-person school every day

Every family must complete a daily self screening of each child prior to sending the children to school. Staff members will also self assess before coming to school. Everyone must look for COVID-19-related symptoms. This is going by Centers for Disease Control guidelines.

*Fever of 100.4 or greater.

*Cough.

*Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

*Chills.

*Repeated shaking with chills.

*Muscle pain.

*Headache.

*Sore throat.

*New loss of taste and/or smell.

Bus transportation

Rules will be different on buses this school year.

*Masks are mandatory for the drivers and the riders.

*All seats are assigned seats for the entire trip. Siblings will be seated together.

*Loading and unloading of buses will be controlled to allow for the greatest separation that is possible.

*Parents/guardians my use only one or two addresses to create a Monday through Friday bus schedule used for the entire year.

*In the event a permanent change in the student’s bus schedule is needed, parents/guardians shall contact the transportation department.

*Daily changes to a child’s transportation schedule will no longer be allowed or permitted, with the exception of a rider or walker for that day.

*Guest riders will not be allowed to ride a different bus for sleepovers, play dates, birthday parties and other events.

*Students are encouraged to social distance at bus stops.

*Students, who have a temperature of 100.4 degrees, will not be transported at the end of the school day.

*Failure to comply with the modifications may result in the loss of school-bus privileges for the student.

*To the extent possible, buses will be thoroughly disinfected between routes.

Private transportation

Families have the option of driving their children to and from school by their personal vehicles. Also, carpools are allowed. Student drivers at the high school are still permitted. Drop off and pickup areas will be designated for loading and unloading students where they are able to do social distancing.

For in-person learning daily health and safety protocols

Masks are not going to be mandatory at school, but they will be “highly recommended” for staff and students, especially when social distancing is not possible.

*Students will be given multiple opportunities during the day for hand washing.

*Hand sanitizer dispensers will be available for all grades 6-12 classrooms.

*Sharing of school supplies and electronic devices will be limited.

*Drinking fountains are disabled. Bottle fillers will be made available to students.

*Staff will receive training on signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

*Visitors will not be permitted beyond the main office. The use of volunteers has been suspended.

Social distancing protocols

*Student desks and tables will be arranged for social distancing to the extent possible.

*Students will have assigned seats throughout the school day.

*In grades K-6, students will be grouped and remain with the same group, to allow distancing to the extent possible.

*Hallways and stairwells will be designated as “one way” when possible.

*The number of students in common areas at the same time will be monitored.

*Alternative spaces will be used for large classes such as band and choir.

Meals

Breakfast is grab-and-go with students eating in designated areas or classrooms with social distancing.

Lunch will be prepared on site with students eating in the cafeteria or areas with assigned seats and social distancing.

Recess protocols

*Playground equipment will be cleaned and sanitized daily.

*Shared equipment such as balls and jump ropes will be disinfected between use.

*Students will participate in recess with their class to maintain social distancing.

*Students will wash hands before and after recess.

What happens to a school if there is a confirmed case

*FCCSC will communicate with the Franklin County Health Department, which will give guidance on the appropriate course of action — which could include quarantine of an individual; quarantine of a building; or closure of the entire school corporation.

*Confidentiality will be maintained in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

*The duration of the quarantine or closure will depend upon guidance from the Franklin County Health Department.

Remote learning will be used for quarantine and closures

In the event, a student or a group of students is quarantined or FCCSC closes a school or all schools, the educational process will continue through the support of the classroom teacher(s) and use of remote learning.

*Every student in grades K-2 will have a school-issued iPad.

*Every student in grades 3-12 will have a school-issued Chromebook.

*CANVAS, a learning management system, will be used in grades 3-12.

*All school parking lots have internet access.

*FCCSC will work with families to secure internet access.

How student registration will be handled

Registration for the 2020-21 school year is now open on the FCCSC website at 2020-21 Registration. During the registration process, there will be three choices.

New student, in-person registration for kindergarteners and other students new to FCCSC.

Returning student, in-person registration. This is for students who completed the 2019-20 school year in one of the FCCSC schools and plan to return in-person for the 2020-21 school year.

Online/at-home registration is for new or returning students who choose to participate in an online/at home option for the 2020-21 school year.