The rioting, destruction, “cancellation” and defund police movement running rampant in many of our cities right now is more than anything the obvious proof of the failure of education. These ignorant youths for the most part have no idea they are destroying the most successful representative republic in human history and promoting Marxism which killed about 100MM people in the last century – what educated, rational person would do that?
I have had countless encounters with my fellow conservatives bemoaning the fact that their offspring are spouting liberal ideology and they are genuinely surprised when I tell them my now adult children are fiercely conservative. These fellow conservatives tell me their kids are liberals because of the schools and colleges and I tell them it is not the school’s fault, it is their fault. As you can imagine, this has not helped to build a lot of friendships, but here is the hard truth: educating the next generation is not the job of the schools and colleges, it is the job of the parents. The schools are merely the most commonly used tools to get the task complete and if the tool is not completely effective or perhaps even defective, then you replace it or supplant as needed to get your child the proper education.
The rebuke I usually receive is “we did not want to indoctrinate our children, we wanted them to form their own views.” That approach sounds noble but in reality, it simply gives the liberals in the schools free reign for one-way indoctrination. My response is – did you hand your kids a knife or a power tool and tell them to figure it out or did you teach them how to safely use those tools? Political ideas are among the dangerous items out there and our children need to be taught how to critically think through the political stuff that comes their way.
This is not empty talk – I had to teach some Algebra, writing skills and a whole lot of history and government and swore an oath I would go after any teacher pushing their personal politics in class which I am happy and I think lucky to report never happened.
Much of public education suffers from too much liberal thought and influence and that is my fault along with millions of other conservatives who chose to not pursue careers in education, but you can stop the onslaught simply by taking responsibility for your children’s education and ensuring they are exposed to the truth.
While other communities in America are protesting police and throwing rocks, bottles and worse at them, Union County honored its police officers and other first responders after the annual 4th of July parade Saturday evening at the annual Liberty Festival. Those are the photos with the police officers in the middle of Union Street surrounded by happy residents.
The Liberty Festival is the first area festival to open after the virus shutdown. The festival began on Friday, July 3 and continued through Sunday, July 5. The annual 4th of July parade occurred on the 4th of July and was enjoyed by those in the parade and those watching the parade. These are some of the parade entrants.
Indiana Department of Natural Resources press release
Starting today, hunters can apply online for state park deer management draw hunts at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt. The online method is the only way to apply.
Applicants must possess any valid license to take a deer in Indiana at the time of the application, not including apprentice licenses. Applicants must be Indiana residents (or possess a valid lifetime license to take deer in Indiana) and be 18 years of age by the date of the first hunt. Once an application has been submitted online, information cannot be changed. Applications must be completed by the application deadline.
Primary applicants can apply by themselves or with up to two secondary applicants (aka “buddies”). There is no preference in the draw based on whether the application includes buddies. If you have buddies listed on your application, you must supply their information on your application in order for them to participate. This includes each buddy’s hunting license number and date of birth. Buddies must meet all age, residency, and licensing requirements of state parks deer management hunts. Each applicant may appear on only one application per hunt period. Applications close Aug. 17.
Hunters will be selected through a random computerized drawing. A link to view drawing results will be posted at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt after Aug. 31.
Firearm hunts include any firearm legal to take deer on public land in Indiana. Archery hunts include any archery equipment legal to take deer in Indiana, including crossbows.
Properties participating include Brown County, Chain O’Lakes, Charlestown, Fort Harrison (archery only), Harmonie, Lincoln, McCormick’s Creek, Ouabache, Pokagon, Potato Creek, Prophetstown, Shades, Spring Mill, Turkey Run, Versailles, and Whitewater Memorial state parks, and Trine State Recreation Area (archery only).
Early hunts are Nov. 16-17, and late hunts are Nov. 30-Dec. 1.
This is the Creekside Church on Highland Center Road. Dave O’Mara Paving Inc., recently completed the paving project on Highland Center Road. This is looking north. This was paid through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program. In the program, the state pays for 75 percent of the project’s cost with the county paying 25 percent. This may be one of the last projects of this type in Franklin County because commissioners said county council members no longer support the Community Crossings Matching Grant Fund Program. This is from the Creekside Church looking south on Highland Center Road. Dave O’Mara Paving Inc., recently completed a paving project on Highland Center Road. It was paid by the Community Crossings Match Grant Program with the state paying for 75 percent of the project’s cost and the county paying 25 percent. This might be one of the final Community Crossings Matching Grant projects in the county because commissioners said county council no longer supports the program.
By John Estridge
Franklin County Commissioners approved a contract to resurface two county roads, and talked about the need to secure funds to get more Community Crossings Matching Grant money in the future.
However, everything may be for naught as the state is putting a hiatus on the very popular program due to reduced revenue streams from the pandemic shutdown. Franklin County Auditor Karla Bauman recently received a letter from the Indiana Association of County Commissioners.
It was signed by Stephanie Yager, executive director. It stated:
“…state and local revenue streams are well below forecasts resulting from steps taken to slow the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the state will hold on issuing a second call for Community Crossings grants in July 2020, but INDOT and the State Budget Agency will continue to monitor the financial outlook and re-evaluate options in September following updated revenue forecasts.”
However, it said the grants awarded in January will be honored and funded.
“Communities awarded funding during the 2020-1 call for projects, held in January, can be assured that they will receive the state matching funds as awarded. Many of those communities are moving forward with those awarded projects now and will receive their state funds early in the new fiscal year, which begins in July 2020.”
There was already problems locally with the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program even with the awarding of the bid for the next paving project.
Paul H. Rohe and Company won the bid to pave Huntersville Road and Riley Pike. Its bid of $945,300.48 was lower than O’Mara’s bid of $987,697.36. The bids were opened at the beginning of the commissioners’ meeting with county highway engineer Larry Smith taking the bid documents to a place in the back of the meeting room in order to study them. Later in the meeting, after analyzing the bids, Smith made his recommendation to the commissioners who unanimously approved the bid.
Smith said this will be a 2020-21 pay. The state pays for 75 percent of the project with the county putting up the other 25 percent. It was slated for the July 7 process before that was put on hold by the state.
If it is approved by the state, this may be the final Community Crossings Grant for the county, according to commission vice president Tom Linkel, whose responsibilities include the county highway department. It may be the final grant because Linkel said this is a program that is not supported by county council members. County council controls the county’s budgeting process.
“I can’t get much support out of council for budgeting in the future for the Community Crossings Grant,” Linkel said near the end of the meeting. “I think it’s too important not to take that grant money. Anybody can drive up and see the project we just completed on Highland Center (Road). I think everyone would see how important it is. So, I’m hoping, with Larry’s (Smith, county highway engineer) help, and you guys, we can work it out and find some money so we can support our match fund and continue that program.”
O’Mara recently finished paving Highland Center Road. It has a very smooth surface.
Linkel said with the unfavorable economics right now, many counties, cities and towns will drop out of the grant program, making it more likely the entities that do apply will see their grant applications approved.
“If we can find the money, there’s going to be a lot of counties that’s not able to,” Linkel said. “So, if we can find it, our percentage of getting the grant is going to be very good in getting the grant funds. We’ll work it out.”
Commission president Tom Wilson agreed with Linkel.
“I talked to Larry (Smith, highway engineer) about this and even if we do chip and seal, we would need $500,000,” Wilson said. “Seventy-five, 25 (percent grant) is good no matter how you look at it. I think we should continue.”
“Maybe we can move some money around, I don’t know,” Linkel said.
Linkel said he put all of that in an email to several people associated with the county government and the highway department. He said maybe the county could utilize bond money for the matching money.
“I’m just thinking out loud,” Linkel said.
See related article about what the Community Crossings Matching Grant is and how it is funded.
In other business, commissioners:
*Heard from Amy Lindsey, Franklin County Emergency Management Agency director. She gave a COVID-19 update.
She said there are 124 positive cases in the county, and there have been eight deaths. She said 851 people have been tested, and the positive rate of those tested is around 14 percent. There have been slight increases in positive cases in the 60 and over and the 40-49 categories. There has been a decrease in the seven-day-average number of cases. An increase of testing has been done since late May.
She said for people to keep going with social distancing and when they can’t, to wear a mask.
*Heard from Mary Rodenhuis, the county Purdue extension agent.
She said Indiana law is changing this year. Per her position as county extension agent, she is a member of the county’s Area Plan Commission. She said the law change will mean she will no longer be a voting member of that commission. She can still attend the meetings and partake in the discussions but cannot vote.
Commissioners can appoint someone, with farming knowledge, a county resident and property owner, to replace her. She will be able to vote until October of this year, she said.
Commissioners took the matter under advisement.
Community Crossings Matching Grant Program explained
By John Estridge
Community Crossings Matching Grant Program was established by the Indiana Legislature in 2016.
It matches up to $1 million for county, cities and towns infrastructure programs, which includes bridges and roads. In 2017, the legislature increased the state’s gas tax by 10 cents per gallon, and it is adjusted for inflation. While raising the gas tax, the legislature also increased the special fuels tax and motor carrier surcharge tax. Also, it created a $15 annual infrastructure improvement fee on all vehicles registered in Indiana and a $150-per-year fee on all electrical vehicles.
It was estimated to raise $386 million per year with the bulk, about $300 million, going to fund state highway projects with the remaining $86 million going to the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program for counties, towns and cities.
Prior to the gas tax increase, the gas tax was at 18 cents per gallon and was last adjusted in 2003. Counties with populations less than 50,000 and cities and towns with populations less than 10,000 receive a 75/25 grant. That is where the two counties, Franklin and Union, as well as all the incorporated towns in the two counties, exist in population.
Counties, as well as incorporated communities, receive the money, spend it on project costs and then repay any unused funds after the project is completed. The entities must have the matching money on hand before receiving the grant money. And there is the rub. Many communities and counties are concerned about the falling revenue streams due to the pandemic shutdown. Thus, they are concerned about not being able to have enough cash on hand to put up the matching funds.
The gas tax is a flat tax, meaning it stays at the same level no matter how much the price of gasoline fluctuates. The tax amount is the same whether the gas is 50 cents per gallon or $5 per gallon. What does affect the amount of money brought in is consumption. Very little gasoline was consumed within the state during the shutdown.
On June 18, Jason Semler, a CPA with Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors, talked to the Union County Council members concerning the impact of the pandemic shutdown to local government budgets. He said the full impact will hit in the 2022 budgets. That is because the 2021 budget is based on 2019 income taxes. The economic impact will be felt on 2020 taxes, which will negatively affect the 2022 government entity budgets. He said the company he works for is telling governmental entities to expect the same revenue hits that occurred after the 2008 Recession.
He was talking about funds for the counties’ general funds. The county highway departments depend on gas tax money among other vehicle-related taxes, and those will be affected much more quickly as is shown in the letter Franklin County Auditor Karla Bauman recently received from the executive director of the Indiana Association of County Commissioners. It said the state was holding onto the project applications, which were supposed to be received by the state by July 7.
However, the state will take another look at the projects submitted by July 7 in September, the letter stated.
The delay in awarding grants is due to a reduction of funds from gas tax and other vehicle-related revenue streams during the shutdown.
Locally, the hiatus may last longer. At the June 30 Franklin County Commissioners’ meeting, commission vice president Tom Linkel said he is concerned the Franklin County Council will no longer put up the matching funds to get the grant. He said it is too important of a program to allow it to go away. He said commissioners must find a way to get the funds to cover the county’s matching money.
Sources:
The Indiana Lawyer Jan. 4, 2017 article
The Indiana State Republicans website dated Friday, August 10, 2018.
Aydyn and Carsyn Patterson with their dad, Brian Patterson, joined the Saturday, July 4 rally for police, first responders, military personnel and Veterans. It was held on and near the Franklin County Courthouse lawn. The Patterson family is standing at the intersection of Fourth and Main Street. This is looking north.
By John Estridge
About 100 people showed up on a hot, humid Independence Day on the Franklin County Courthouse lawn under a relentless sun to give honor to police, first responders, Veterans and military personnel.
Starting at noon people waved flags, held handmade signs and shouted. Many of those going by honked their horns or waved flags back at those lining the Main Street sidewalk.
It was a rally not to protest anything but to give honor, according to organizer Tom Carrow.
“I didn’t want to come out here and maybe start trouble with anyone,” Carrow said. “I just wanted to tell our police (first responders), active military and Veterans that they’re appreciated. There may be others who say you’re not, but we say you are. We’re here and we’re behind you and beside you.
“This isn’t as much of a negative reaction to things that are going on as a positive reinforcement to those who deserve it,” he continued. “That was my intent.”
Carrow said the police officers around the country are probably down emotionally over the events of the past month or so in America.
“I suspect that at least some are really feeling down,” Carrow said. “(They are) feeling like they’ve been taken advantage of, taken for granted. I don’t want that.”
Two weeks ago Carrow had the idea for a rally to honor police and others as the country has been wracked by protests against what some believe is systemic racism among the police and America itself. After he came up with the idea, he broadcast his intentions via Facebook. His pronouncements were shared on that venue as well as people telling others of the planned rally via word of mouth.
“The notion of getting together with other folks of like minds came to me two weeks ago,” Carrow said during the rally. “I thought ‘OK 4th of July weekend is coming, and people would be available on a long weekend.’ So, if they want to, they could come out and join.”
Several times during the interview, Carrow emphasized the rally was not against anyone else but to show appreciation for those already mentioned. He said he understands the rallies against the police were set off by incidents, which were wrong, but those incidents do not represent the vast majority of police officers. And those working as police officers, first responders and in the military are often not appreciated and often are taken for granted, he said.
He said no one wants to be taken for granted. While the rally was not against anything, Carrow said it is very wrong to defund the police, as the police protect society.
Robert Blair, a Vietnam War Veteran and one of those at the rally, said he also was not there to be against anything but to be there for police.
“I’m standing up for police,” Blair said. “I’m not protesting against anything.”
Carrow said there are a vast number of Americans who have been upset by the rioting, actions and the language used against police officers and others by those protesting against the police.
“I knew this (rally) would grow,” Carrow said. “Because I believe there is a tremendous built-up frustration with what’s going on. And all I had to do was say it out loud, and others would say ‘yes, that’s me, too.’ And I think we see that.”
According to Carrow, much of the main stream media are showing just one side of the way America is currently.
“I just saw the coverage as being very tilted to that side,” Carrow said. “And I just wanted to let those, who needed to hear it, to hear positive things as well.”
Children carried flags, handmade signs and played with dogs who were frolicking among those at the rally. Families gathered together during the rally.
Commissioner Tom Wilson, county council member Joe Sizemore and Brian Patterson, who is one of three Republicans running in the fall for county council at-large positions, were at the rally as well as school board member Terry Bryant.
Carrow said those people did not want to give speeches during the rally.
“Our friends in blue, brown and camo know that we’re behind them,” Carrow said. “We don’t need speeches to tell them that.”
Carrow led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Brookville Police Chief Terry Mitchum arrived about an hour after the rally started. He said he had been on call early Independence Day morning and had been out again later Saturday morning. Fourth of July weekend is one of the biggest weekends in the area for first responder calls as tens of thousands of people crowd into the Whitewater Valley recreational areas for the holiday. Thus, there is a need for police, EMS, fire and more.
One passing Franklin County Sheriff’s Department cruiser beeped its siren in recognition as it passed by on Main Street.
On June 17, seven or eight people showed up for a silent Black Lives Matter protest on Main Street by the courthouse.
Carrow said he was not surprised by Saturday’s crowd.
“There are a lot of patriots in this country,” Carrow said. “And a lot of times they feel like they don’t have a voice. It was an opportunity for them to show they agree with those principles, some of our founding principles, really.”
A Connersville resident died Wednesday, July 1, of injuries he received in a motorcycle accident that occurred on Friday, June 26.
According to a Franklin County Sheriff’s Department press release, Otis T. Sizemore, 46, was operating a 2011 Harley northbound on Ott Road at around 9:43 p.m., when his motorcycle traveled off the east side of the road, causing him to lose control of the Harley. The motorcycle went on its side, ejecting Sizemore from the vehicle.
He was not wearing a helmet.
Ott Road intersects with Laurel Road near Laurel.
Laurel Volunteer Fire Department set up a landing zone at the Laurel School. He was flown by medical helicopter to University of Cincinnati Hospital where he succumbed from his injuries on July 1.
FCSD deputies were assisted at the scene by the fire department, Laurel EMS-3 and Responder 24.
Property damage accident reports courtesy of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department.
June 22
A vehicle operated by Raymond Blanco, West Pearl Street, Batesville, was heading south on Sawmill Road at 1:50 a.m., when the vehicle came to a slight curve and left the road. The vehicle struck a tree, coming to a stop. It was investigated by FCSD Deputy Arin Bowers.
At 3:30 p.m., a vehicle operated by Billy Conn, U.S. 52, Metamora, was westbound on U.S. 52 when Conn said he lost control of the vehicle on wet pavement. It ran off the right side or north side of the road. FCSD Deputy Brad Lecher investigated.
June 23
Jeffery McNeal, South 50 West, Albion, In., was operating a vehicle northbound on Indiana 1 at 3:45 p.m. The vehicle was struck on the windshield by an object. FCSD Deputy Tyler Ford investigated the accident.
June 24
At 4:38 p.m., Steven Kelly, North 5th Street, Richmond, was traveling westbound in a vehicle on U.S. 52 when, for an unknown reason, the vehicle ran off the north side of the highway, struck a utility pole and came to rest on top of a creek. FCSD Deputy Andrew Voelker investigated the accident.
Krista Marshall, South Washington Street, Laurel, was operating a vehicle north on Ind. 121, at 6:39 p.m., when she ran off the highway. Marshall then over corrected, causing the vehicle to go off the west side of the highway, striking a fence. FCSD Deputy Bryce Jenkins investigated the accident.
June 25
At 1:49 p.m., Samantha Richardson, West Butler Street, Brookville, was operating a vehicle southbound on St. Mary’s Road when the vehicle failed to negotiate a curve. This caused the vehicle to rotate clockwise. FCSD Chief Deputy Major Greg Mehlbauer investigated the accident.
June 27
At 1:37 a.m., Bobbie Byrd, Liberty Avenue, Richmond, was operating a vehicle northbound on Ind. 101. There were three deer on the northbound lane of the highway near the top of Bonwell Hill. Byrd was unable to stop his vehicle before it struck all three deer. FCSD Deputy Kyle Hartman investigated the accident.
Franklin County Commissioners pledged to fix the courthouse’s bell tower no matter what.
It is leaning somewhat precariously. Not an estimate based on fact, but the figure $250,000 was used in the recent past to describe what it might cost to repair it.
County engineer Larry Smith inspected the bell tower, but he suggested having someone else do it as he was not sure what was causing the bell tower to lean.
“I went up there and took pictures,” Smith said. “It’s really tough to see what’s going on.”
He said there are four anchors that come down into the wooden superstructure of the dome. He said there is about an inch gap beneath the washers. Smith said it made him think that something up there had shrunk or rotted.
Smith also has not been able to find a structural engineer to come look at the situation. That needs to be done so the county can receive an estimate on what it will cost to fix the situation.
At the recent county council meeting, councilperson Rebecca Oglesby asked some questions about the situation. She asked if the county would be better off by removing the bell tower, if the county wants to repair it, how much it will cost and if the bell tower is dangerous to the public, until it can either be removed or repaired.
Commission Vice President Tom Linkel addressed those questions at the commissioners meeting with both Linkel and Commission President Tom Wilson adamantly stating the bell tower will be fixed.
“Will you repair it?” Linkel asked. “I fully intend to repair the bell tower. I think it’s too historical for the county not to repair it.”
“I agree totally,” Wilson said.
“We’ve all thrown some numbers out, but it’s nothing official,” Linkel said. “We’re guesstimating is all we’re doing. Until we get somebody, an engineer who can tell us … we can’t even put out a bid yet, because we don’t know how to bid it.
“Her next question was could it fall down?” Linkel continued. “I guess anything could happen, yes.”
Wilson said a tornado or a bad windstorm could hit and blow it off.
According to Linkel, there are some minor roof repairs that need to be done also.
“Nothing major as far as I know,” Linkel said, and Wilson agreed.
But again, there is not enough information at hand for estimates to be made and bids put out for all of the work.
Smith then said there appears to be some rot at the base of the dome, but it does not seem to be structural in nature. However, he said the dome itself is not leaning. It is the cupola on top that is leaning, he said.
Franklin County Courthouse’s bell tower is leaning. This is on the south side of the courthouse, looking north. Commissioners recently pledged to fix the tower no matter the cost because of the historical nature of the courthouse.
