A blog about what is going on in the Whitewater Valley
Franklin County Clerk’s Office press release
Monday, April 18, 2022, by NOON, is the deadline for a candidate’s committee with a candidate on the 2022 Primary Election to file a pre-election campaign finance report with the Franklin County Clerk’s Office.
If you have any questions, please call the Clerk’s Office at 765-647-5111 ext. 3.
Indiana State Police press release
Tuesday, April 5, the Indiana State Police began investigating a three-vehicle crash that occurred on US 52 in southeast Franklin County that claimed the life of a 20-year-old woman.
The initial investigation by the Indiana State Police-Versailles Crash Reconstruction Team indicated that at approximately 11 am, a 2006 Ford F-150, driven by Dennis Poland, age 30, was traveling eastbound on US 52 near St. Peter’s Road. The vehicle crossed the centerline into the path of a westbound 2022 Dodge Ram, driven by Kari Hogeback, age 30, Laurel. After the vehicles made contact, Poland’s vehicle slid sideways into the path of a westbound 2013 Volvo semi, driven by Joseph Barkley, age 60, Frankfort, Kentucky. Barkley’s vehicle collided with the passenger side of Poland’s vehicle.
As a result of the collision, a passenger in Poland’s vehicle, Makenzie Howell, age 20, sustained fatal injuries. She was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Franklin County Coroner’s Office. Poland and Hogeback were both transported from the scene for treatment of injuries. Barkley was uninjured in the crash.
The investigation determined that speed was likely a factor in the crash. It is unknown if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash.
A portion of US 52 between Cedar Grove and New Trenton was closed for several hours while the ISP investigated the accident.
The investigation is ongoing.
The Indiana State Police was assisted at the scene by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, Franklin County Fire and EMS, and the Franklin County Coroner’s Office.
Column by Donna Jobe Cronk
I remember the day.
I may have been 10, and went with the neighboring Chapman kids and their mom to Liberty. I suppose their mother was grocery shopping at Woodruff’s, close to the Union County Public Library, and we were killing time while we waited.
We walked through the lower-level library doors. I had never been there before. The Chapman girls had library cards, and said I should get one. So I did –my first library card!
It was a defining moment, although I can’t tell you what or if I checked anything out that day.
Who could imagine that more than half a century later, I’d be in that room we entered through those side doors, standing at a lectern, giving a talk about the day I got the library card—and about my third book? Yet there I stood Saturday, with some family, some friends from those days, and some community folks listening.
Library Director Julie Jolliff wasn’t even born when my library card was issued. I think I surprised her by having it.
That’s a pack rat for you—and for that I make no apologies.
I told some stories from my new memoir, There’s a Clydesdale in the Attic: Reflections on Keeping and Letting Go, that relate to growing up in Union County at Rural Route 1, Brownsville. There was talk after the signing of some other venues I might speak at locally.
My personal “drop the mic” moment came when an audience member, Janice, told a story about my grandma! The story even related to some artifacts I displayed that day. When you get to be in your sixties and come across someone who remembers your grandma, who was born in the 1890s? Priceless.
If only for a couple hours that day, I felt as though I had never left home; had remained a part of this community. Such a good feeling.
Julie filled me in on the many ways the library serves the community. I follow the UCPL page on Facebook and via other local media, and the ways they serve all the population from toddlers to the most senior community members is evident. It is a vibrant, active place.
It’s not “just” a library. Not that any library is—as a library introduces us to a world at our fingertips—through books written over millennia as well as the most current bestsellers, periodicals, and other forms of modern media. Yet those are only a small part of what modern libraries do in and for their communities.
I could never have imagined today being able to read a checked-out library “book” via my telephone. Yet that is what I routinely do before drifting off to sleep at night.
Libraries provide programming for young and old, offer services such as meals and daycares, gathering spaces, serve as clearinghouses for family and local history, provide answers to questions and how-to information. Libraries are, in fact, the community centers for activities, conversation, and daily life.
I am inspired and delighted by Julie’s enthusiasm for her job, and by her love for the community that I too love. I thank her, as well as Cindy Morgan, for inviting me into their world, just as the Chapman girls invited me with them into the library so many years ago.
Through the years, and in particular, during the last nine on my author journey, I’ve been in many libraries, large and small, in a variety of towns and settings from A to Z—Attica to Zionsville. Each library and its personnel and patrons come with a distinct vibe and personality. I love how they are not all the same, but rather, quite the opposite of the same!
It is a blessing to see that the first library I ever entered remains in good hands.
I think the good people of Ukraine are showing us that it is good to love your homeland, good to feel a link with a place and a people. Good to value your roots. How could it not be?
I’ve always felt those things deeply about my little slice of the sweet land of Union County, Indiana. A little farm community? You betcha.
It’s the permanent address of my heart.
Union County native Donna Cronk is retired from a career as a newspaper journalist. Her new book is There’s a Clydesdale in the Attic: Reflections on Keeping and Letting Go. Book clubs are a great fit for this book. She loves attending the end discussion if a club wishes. Reach out a newsgirl.1958@gmail.com for information.
Indiana State Police press release
Friday morning, April 1, the Indiana State Police began investigating a two-vehicle crash on US 421 north of Madison that claimed the life of a Franklin County man.
The initial investigation by Trooper David Owsley and other troopers with the Indiana State Police-Versailles Crash Reconstruction Team indicated that shortly before 7 am, a black 2010 Kia Forte, being driven by Charles Hunter, age 23, Laurel, traveling southbound on US 421 near the Jefferson Proving Grounds Entrance in northern Jefferson County. For an unknown reason, Hunter’s vehicle crossed the centerline into the path of a northbound gray 2017 Toyota Tundra, being driven by Antonio Lopez, age 64, Vancouver, Washington.
The vehicles collided nearly head on in the roadway. As a result of the collision, Hunter sustained fatal injuries. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. Lopez sustained minor injuries and was transported to King’s Daughters’ Hospital in Madison, for treatment.
Speed and alcohol are not believed to be factors in the collision although toxicology results are pending at this time.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Charles Hunter’s family has been notified.
The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, King’s Daughters’ EMS, Madison Township Fire Department, Rykers Ridge Fire Department, and Stanley’s Wrecker Service.
Press release
Please join the Johnson Fork Parish of West Harrison, Indiana for a community-wide Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 9 at 11 A.M. at the Rockdale Church on Johnson Fork Road. Children, ages 2 to 11 will hunt candy-filled Easter eggs in age-appropriate sections of the scenic, church-acreage just outside of Harrison, Ohio.
Registration of the children begins at 10:30 A.M. with free photos, spring flowers and live Easter animals to pet and enjoy during the event.
In case of rain: the egg hunt will occur at the same time and place on the following Saturday, April 16.
Theological Column by Adrienne Greene
Thank you for asking a question that many people have wondered about. Most of us have had that strange experience as well: we hear our name spoken out loud, but cannot pinpoint the source or owner of the voice. It may be a bit frightening, especially when it happens at night. Why does it happen? We must first look in the Bible, our most reliable reference book. We find one reason plainly explained in the Old Testament:
“Meanwhile little Samuel was helping the Lord by assisting Eli. Messages from the Lord were very rare in those days, but one night after Eli had gone to bed (he was almost blind with age by now), and Samuel was sleeping in the Temple near the Ark, the Lord called out, “Samuel! Samuel!”
“Yes?” Samuel replied. “What is it?” He jumped up and ran to Eli. “Here I am. What do you want?” he asked.
“I didn’t call you,” Eli said. “Go on back to bed.” So he did. Then the Lord called again, “Samuel!” And again Samuel jumped up and ran to Eli.
“Yes?” he asked. “What do you need?”
“No, I didn’t call you, my son,” Eli said. “Go on back to bed.”
(Samuel had never had a message from Jehovah before.) So now the Lord called the third time, and once more Samuel jumped up and ran to Eli.
“Yes?” he asked. “What do you need?”
Then Eli realized it was the Lord who had spoken to the child. So he said to Samuel, “Go and lie down again, and if he calls again, say, ‘Yes, Lord, I’m listening.’” So Samuel went back to bed. And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!”
And Samuel replied, “Yes, I’m listening,”(1 Samuel 3:1-10, TLB.)
In this tender segment of Scripture regarding the great prophet Samuel, we find him in training as a young child. His mother has dedicated him to the temple to become a priest. (God was also training him to serve as one of Israel’s chief prophetic voices inside the Kingdoms of Saul and David.) Late one night, Samuel hears his name in the dark. He runs to the most obvious source; his mentor, Eli the priest. Back and forth the child runs, waking his elder three times before the truth is revealed: God himself is speaking Samuel’s name.
This scenario is the most common reason we may hear our names called out in the atmosphere—God is requesting our attention. Most often the Lord has a message; a prophecy about our destiny or even a warning about our future. We may remember Moses and the burning bush, which is another stellar example. In both cases, Samuel and Moses, God spoke out of heaven to two individuals about their destiny in the world. In both cases, the destinies of these men would make history.
Yet God speaks to regular people, too. As a pastor, I notice that when we talk to God a lot, he more readily speaks to us in kind. Please understand, I am not saying God plays favorites or engages in a tit-for-tat relationship with people. No, God is not impressed with brown-nosers or patronizing hypocrites. He is impressed with people who genuinely cannot get through a day without communicating with their Lord. Those who humbly walk with him through life, living daily in search of God’s thoughts and opinions are the ones who have tuned their ears to hear. And they do.
Other voices in the atmosphere around us are capable of speaking as well. An argument could be made that our choice of environment determines what kinds of voices are speaking. Do we insist on the propagandized, background noise of the television all day? Do we listen to sexualized or violent music hour by hour? Demons dwell in permanent darkness and are attracted to places where they feel comfortable. Once there, they readily take liberties to engage the people who’ve drawn them. Countless biblical passages record their attempts at conversation with Jesus, so we know they speak. (Jesus silenced them, cast them out and would not engage.)
When you hear your name in the night, I would suggest you answer this, “Jesus, I am listening.” If demons are speaking to you, they will flee from the name of the Lord. If God (or an angel) has a message, you have asked to receive it.
Do you have a question or comment? Please send your inquiries to: info@adriennewgreene.com or write to P.O. Box 214, Harrison, OH 45030. For more information, bookings and resources, please visit www.askpastoradrienne.com or the “Ask Pastor Adrienne” YouTube channel for videos and insights.
FCHS Drama Department press release
The FCHS drama department is proud to present Little Shop of Horrors for the 2022 spring musical! Come follow Seymour, a meek assistant at Mushnik’s Florist Shop, as he discovers a strange new species of plant life he names after his crush, Audrey. Seymour uncovers the secrets of Audrey II and finds out his new plant may not be so harmless after all. Little Shop of Horrors will be performed Friday, April 8th and Saturday, April 9th at 7pm, with a matinee on Sunday, April 10th at 2:30pm in the Lew Wallace Auditorium at Franklin County High School. Tickets will be available at the door 1 hour prior to show time. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.
The show is under the direction of Mr. Adam Hofer, Mr. Robert Williams, and Ms. Candice Murray with special thanks to accompanist Mrs. Karla Ariens and choreographer Mrs. Danielle Osborne. Little Shop of Horrors was originally produced at the Orpheum Theatre, New York City by the WPA Theatre, David Geffen, Cameron Mackintosh and the Shubert Organization with music by Alan Menken. The show is performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). More information about the show can be found on the FCHS Drama Department Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FCDramaDept
Cast Members Include:
Derek Brimhall, Olivia McIntosh, Jake Bulmer, Lily Buerkle, Ryan Johnson, Lauren Seibert, Felicity Bohman, Olivia Clark, Karly Bergin, Brynn Vanoven, Kiley Robinson, Josie Hahn, Emily Brimhall, Alexa Gray, Jacoba Hensley, Makayla Bradley, David Sizemore, Bethany Noah, Maggie Riffle, Joe Riffle, Luke Rosemeyer, Kelly Glardon, Jaymi Hensley, Toni Williams, Sydney Roberts, Tasha Baker, Kaylee Vestal, Nikki Scott, Esther George, Chloe Clark, Faith Marshall, Makinzee Bradley, Mayla Hensley, Austin Robinson, and Madison Terry
Cast and Crew of Little Shop of Horrors
Front Row (LtoR): Maggie Riffle, Makayla Bradley, Josie Hahn, Jacoba Hensley, Karly Bergin, Lauren Seibert, Olivia Clark, Felicity Bohman, Emily Brimhall, Brynn Vanoven, Alexa Gray
Middle Row (LtoR): Joe Riffle, Lily Buerkle, Ryan Johnson, Jake Bulmer, Derek Brimhall, Olivia McIntosh, Bethany Noah, Kiley Robinson, Nikki Scott, Kaylee Vestal, Tasha Baker
Back Row (LtoR): Madison Terry, Sydney Roberts, Austin Robinson, Luke Rosemeyer, Chloe Clark, Mayla Hensley, Faith Marshall, Makinzee Bradley, Kelly Glardon, Jaymi Hensley
Not Pictured: David Sizemore, Esther George, Toni Williams
GARY E. HOBBS
Gary E. Hobbs, 69, of Connersville passed away Monday, March 28, 2022, at Reid Health, Richmond.
The son of Walter and June Pierce Hobbs, Gary was born in Rushville, Indiana on April 25, 1952, and graduated from Rushville Consolidated High School with the class of 1971.
On July 8, 1989, he married the former Benita Lanell Williamson in Connersville. Mrs. Hobbs survives.
For more than 30 years, he was employed at Ford/Visteon in Connersville.
In his leisure, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with family.
Besides his wife of more than 32 years, Benita Hobbs, Gary is survived by seven children, John Taylor, Jr., Tonya (Daniel) Honaker, Bill (Sandy) Dawson, Kelly (Peggy) Dawson, and Stacy Hobbs all of Connersville, Jessica (Joe) Derusha of Tennessee, and Gary Allan (Shellie) Hobbs of Rushville; 20 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; two granddaughters, Tylissa Isaacs and Johnnie Taylor; a grandson, Antwan Leslie; and a brother, Terry Hobbs.
Friends may visit from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Monday, April 4, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at the funeral home with Reverend Jerry Rader officiating. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
CLOVIS FAYNE CAUDILL
Clovis Fayne Caudill, 85, of Connersville, went home to be with the Lord Monday, March 28, 2022, at St. Francis Hospital, Indianapolis.
She was born March 17, 1937, in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, one of two children of Reverend Robert Dixon and Rosa Adams Dixon.
On September 22, 1953, she married Ralph Raleigh Caudill, a native of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, and they came to Connersville for residence in 1955. Mr. Caudill survives.
Together, they worked in restaurants in the community, and for close to 10 years, they owned and operated “Snowman.” Later, she worked at Weldon’s Restaurant.
Clovis was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church. Along with her family, she traveled and sang for 39 years with the Gospel group “Mel-tones”.
In her leisure, she enjoyed her home and spending time with her family.
Survivors include her husband of 68 years, Ralph Caudill; two daughters, Teresa (Bill) Sams and Karen Earlywine; six grandchildren, Elisa (Mike) Weston of Lewisburg, Ohio, April (Kim) McFarland of Guilford, Aaron Hunter of Connersville, Tara (Tim) Williams of Wills Point, Texas, Shannon (Justin) Ball of Brookville, and Jeremy Sams of Brookville; 13 great-grandchildren, Jacob Pennington, Gavin Pennington, Brooke Burnett, Devin McFarland, Braeden Hunter, Kiera Hunter, Myia Hunter, Sierra Scott-Williams, Tristan Williams, Tristan Nevals, Kyley Miller, Zach Weston, and Braden Weston; four great-great grandchildren; and a brother, Weldon (Shelby) Dixon of Connersville. She is also blessed with a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Ralph Robert “Robbie” Caudill who passed away on October 10, 1979; and a granddaughter, Brigitte Earlywine who passed away May 9, 2014.
A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, April 1, 2022, at Calvary Baptist Church where friends may visit from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Pastor John Reynolds will officiate. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery. Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
PEARL (MOORE) BOGGS
Pearl (Moore) Boggs, 92, of Connersville, went home to be with the Lord at 11:10 a.m. Saturday, March 26, 2022, at home where she had been ill since February 2022.
Pearl was born at home on April 4, 1929, in Jackson County, Kentucky. She was the daughter of Will and Chloe (Wilson) Moore.
She married the love of her life, Leonard Boggs, on February 22, 1947, and they came to Connersville for residence that same year. Leonard preceded her in death on December 8, 2010, after 63 years of marriage.
Pearl has two sons, Ken (Cheryl) Boggs of Tampa, Florida and Dan (Katina) Boggs of Huntington; four grandchildren, Jenni (Kevin) Layman and Jayme (John) Bluffstone of Tampa, Florida, Angela (Russ) Conrad of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Danielle (Eric) Thompson of Arcadia; 10 great grandchildren, T.J. and Emma Layman, Jacob and Kaylee Bluffstone, Sophie and Bennett Conrad, Quinn, Kolton, Stone, and Michael Thompson; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Pearl has one surviving sister, Jean Bell of Oxford, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her other siblings, Lena Strong (Connersville), Lizzie Lewis (Ohio), Robert Moore, an infant brother, and her parents.
In addition to her sons and family, another great joy was her love of planting and growing a vegetable garden and flower garden. Everyone who visited her home of 60-plus years was in awe of her stunning backyard filled with beautiful flowers and various vegetables. Pearl was known to share with friends, family, and strangers, vegetables from her garden as well as gardening advice. She offered starts of her flowers and shared many of her flowers with others. Bringing the beauty inside, her home was also filled with delightful flowers all year long. A generous lady, Pearl was known to always provide a helping hand or a sweet treat with her neighbors, and she enjoyed making everyone laugh with her quick wit.
The family would like to thank her many friends who constantly in the past few years checked on Pearl either by stopping by or calling, including those who brought her groceries, newspapers, meals, etc. and also her mail lady who stopped by to say “hi” every day. We appreciate each and every one of you very much.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 1, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home where friends may visit from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. Reverend Tim Billups will officiate. Burial will be in Dale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Pearl to the Fayette County Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.