Do you notice anything different?

A Column by John Estridge

One of the worst questions someone I love dearly can ask me is: “Do you notice anything different?”

I read a bunch and have read a bunch since I learned to read “Run Spot run.” Learning phonics is all I needed, and I was off.

Some of the books I have read are about how the world’s secret agencies can turn a normal person into a super killer. They teach them to pay attention to their surroundings so they can tell if one electron is out of place in their abode – to tell them someone is there hiding or someone has been there to spy and/or set booby traps.

They teach them to look for everyday devices and items — like a post-it-note — one can turn into a deadly weapon.

There is a large amount of doubt they could teach me anything because in many ways of my life I am hopeless, but especially in this fashion. I do not pay attention. I do not notice things.

My dad would often ask me “What the (put curse word here) are you doing?”

One time when I tried truthfulness, it did not end well. We were in the garden, and I was holding tomato stakes for him to pound into the freshly turned earth. He used the backside of the axe’s useful side.

It was a beautiful spring day, and I had been watching the fluffy, white clouds pass overhead against the deep blue skies. And I was making shapes out of the clouds. I was having a really good time, especially considering I was standing there holding tomato stakes at the beginning row of a really big garden.

I should have told him I was concentrating on finding a deadly weapon within the dirt. After the ass whipping came ridicule, which never really stopped. Anytime he was angry with me, which was about 112 percent of the time, he would bring up the “making shapes out of clouds” afternoon.

Throughout my life, it is usually females because I think most males are like me or they just really don’t care what is different in a room, have asked that terrible question “Do you notice anything different?”

It might have been the causation for the bad ends to several relationships. It may yet be the causation to a bad end in this relationship.

If one would list all of my faults or all of the things I do wrong, one would need infinity to finish it. But this has always been a point of very deeply felt contention concerning the person asking the question.

When a female loved one tells me they are leaving for a hair appointment, I try not to do anything in the interim before they get home other than to sit and chant: “Tell them their hair looks nice when they get home.” Over and over I can do that and then when they get home, it is often like forgetting lines in a play when one has stage fright and all one can do is stand there with one’s mouth open feigning the ubiquitous “deer in the headlights look.” I know there is a correct answer. I know there is something different, but I am like Biden working without cue cards.

Just now I ran errands. It was my day off so getting dressed and venturing outside the house is really an accomplishment for me. This also gets on loved ones’ nerves.

Most, well almost everyone else I know, needs to be doing something to stay busy. They get bored doing nothing. I do not get bored. I love doing nothing. I read things. I play solitaire on the computer. I write. I watch sports. Sometimes, I just sit and remember things or think about things. I am a very boring person, but I really enjoy all of those things. I have a good time, but doing that, which is usually nothing, really gets on people’s nerves.

Thus, I knew I should get groceries and I should take out the trash. And I probably should have done much more than that. However, as I was putting away the groceries, I was asked: “Do you notice anything different.”

When I hear that question, I stop breathing. Hopelessly, I pan my eyes around the room I am in and it is like I am seeing it for the first time, which is very near the truth. Have we always had a white ceiling? Has that overhead light always been there? I’m pretty sure the cabinets were there when I left. Is there something new on the counters? Are they new counters? That is one of the four toasters we got for our wedding, correct? I don’t verbalize anything, but it is all flying through the vacuum inside my head.

And I know any answer I give will be wrong and ridiculed but answering with the truth: “I do not know,” brings back memories and usually a déjà vu reaction of the aftermath of the cloud-watching day.

To this day I have never been drawn and quartered, but I think I would like to try that over being in that situation where there is no right answer for me.

And today was no different.

Somewhere in that other realm, my dad was probably out in the garden laughing, maybe.

Is your stationery stationary?

A Column by Donna Jobe Cronk

Yesterday turned out to be a day for miscellaneous activities. I’m prepping hard with great anticipation of 18 different author-related venues scheduled in the coming weeks, mostly, with a few strays reaching into the summer months.

Maybe you can join me at the Union County Public Library at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 2. I’ll be giving a talk, doing a book signing for my new memoir, and the library is springing for refreshments. Would love to see you there.

Make no mistake: I love author events! It’s the best part of the whole writing process. I’m always surprised by sister writers who say they don’t care for that part of the journey. We’re all different, but for me, whenever someone calls and asks, “Would you happen to be available on …” I’m doing a happy dance and reaching for my (paper) calendar.

I’ve been writing programs for specific gigs like crazy, but yesterday, I declared a spontaneous Miscellaneous Day and I didn’t work on a one. I needed a little break. It started with cleaning out the fridge. And I mean, IT NEEDED IT. If I need inspiration, at the moment, I just open the fridge and stare. I should take a picture. It lasts longer, right?

But then, I decided to dig into two bags of cards, letters and emails I saved from the first two books. I read each one. I regret that I didn’t respond to each one at the time. What was I thinking? I look at those lovely notes and cards and feel such gratitude.

Some of the letters were most unexpected. They came from people beyond my state, and my personal knowledge, routine, or even occasional contact. Somehow they found my books and told me they enjoyed them. One, from an attorney in Florida. One from Peru, Indiana. From other towns and states they arrived, blessings all.

Not folks I see on Facebook, or with whom I correspond regularly. Stand alones, you might say.

So, I decided to do some micromarketing. I dug into the stationery drawer and wrote those folks who reached out from afar notes, included my biz card and let them know I have a new book.

Cards and letters are old-fashioned for some, for others, they are still important tools of communication. I try to send thank yous to those who host me for gigs.

I remember the first email I ever received. Do you? It was from Holiday World! It was to me at work, a news release. I saw the reply button, hit it, and responded as though I had a clue what I was doing. Off it went into the ether…hey, it worked!

And I knew.

I’m gonna love this.

Man, I’m gonna love this!

I did. And I do.

Of course now emails are common and can even be nuisances from advertisers. It’s the card or letter with the handwritten address on the front that snags our instant attention.

I’m curious among those who read this: Do you still use snail mail? If you are an author, do you think it’s an overlooked tool, or do you “micromarket” in this way?

I’m wondering if you have a stationery drawer. The photo is mine. And don’t freak out! I’m not usually that neat. Just as my fridge isn’t generally as clean as it is now, I tidied the drawer before photographing it for this essay.

Some observations:

1. I try to keep some “all-occasion” cards on hand.

2. I find that the older we get, the more sympathy and get-well cards we need to send. I am trying to get better about keeping up but I fall very short.

3. I’m not a “birthday person” by nature. I don’t send any, except to our godson. Our boys get them hand delivered. One year I skipped it for Ben, and he was disappointed.

4. I keep a good supply of thank you notes.

5. Yes, lots of general envelopes. We still mail lots of bills.

6. The red envelopes? I NOW use those for bills. I bought them probably 20 years ago dirt cheap at a garage sale. I thought they would be PERFECT for sending Christmas newsletters back when I sent Christmas newsletters. I can’t destroy them. It’s my parents’ Depression mentality, and also, they taught me not to be wasteful. They were green before there was green. In a society and household and with a personal closet containing so much STUFF, I’m using them up.

What’s in your stationery drawer? Do you have one? And lastly, is your stationery active or stationary?

I’m going to the post office to mail my notes, some bills, and to pick up some pretty stamps. Yeah, I’m old-fashioned. Or if I want to sound current, I’m a micromarketer.

Either way, that’s OK.

Retired newspaper journalist and Union County native Donna Cronk is author of three books. Her latest is a memoir inspired by cleaning out her attic during the early months of covid. It’s called “There’s a Clydesdale in the Attic: Reflections on Keeping and Letting Go.” It’s available on Amazon and from the author. Connect with her at newsgirl.1958@gmail.com.

EDITORIAL An exercise in futility EDITORIAL

An Editorial by John Estridge

When I turned 18 on Jan. 28, 1975, my dad gave me a choice: Leave and live or stay and not live.

I chose the former

That took me to live with my sister Karen and my brother-in-law Tom in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It was one of the best educations I have ever experienced.

During my time there, I worked two part-time jobs and finished my high school. Later, I found out I did not need to finish high school as I had enough credits to graduate from Union County High School at mid-term.

However, I did not know that fact so I went to Spottsylvania County High School where everyone, including the teachers, thought I was a narcotics undercover officer. The principal, who lived beside Tom and Karen, was very happy there had just been one murder there during the 74-75 school year. Thus, it was a very rough school that was integrated but still was segregated if you know what I am saying. My friends tended to be people of color, which did not go over well with the vast majority of the white students there. Even some of the black students did not like me because of that.

This is off topic, but we had a senior trip to Washington D.C. where we went from the high school to nearby Washington in buses. I got on with my new friends who happened to be black. I was the only white person on the bus and even my friends told me it was not cool to be on that bus. None of the buses moved while I was on that bus. So, I rode on one of the white buses and tried not to get stabbed for being a NARC when I was not a NARC.

Luckily, I only attended the high school during the mornings because my English teacher told me on one of my first days, he heard guys talking about jumping me in the restroom. Thus, I never saw the inside of one of the restrooms at that high school.

There was some squirming in the seats, and I stopped along some of the backroads on my way back home.

My part-time jobs were at Hardees and a Shell service station/car wash with the emphasis on car wash.

Those two jobs were 180 degrees apart. At Hardees, the assistant manager in charge of the group I worked with was the head of a ring of car stereo thieves who were my co-workers. I tried to explain to them I was not a snitch but preferred to spend my off-time exploring that part of Virginia and reading and not taking a short cut to prison.

They did not believe me and treated me poorly for as long as I could stand working there and receiving my paltry paycheck. The Shell station was managed by a very pleasant alcoholic. As long as we stayed busy, he could care less. During rainy days, he regaled us with very interesting tales of his Navy years complete with X-rated thematic stories he was probably making up as he was telling them.

At that Shell station when the times were slow, another male teenager from Fredericksburg and I would take wire brushes to rusty 55-gallon drums. I cannot remember my co-worker’s name, but he had a scholarship to the University of Virginia and planned a career in finance.

He would call our duties “an exercise in futility.” I liked it when he would call it that and complain about it the entire time. He had a great sense of humor and a very good vocabulary for cussing. It really made that exercise in futility tolerable.

And all of that is to tell you – my friends, my relatives, those who enjoy my writings and those who hate everything about me — this is an exercise in futility.

Many people say: “this country is going to hell in a handbasket.” People, the handbasket has reached its destination and is now empty. We are no longer in transit. We have reached that hell and have really been here awhile.

And to my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, I am terribly sorry.

My father taught me one good thing: to not trust the federal government.

An aside here: During the 70s, I was a longhair, good-for-nothing hippie. However, hippies at that time – as a whole, we were considered liberal – were very anti-government. Like dad, even though he was not a hippie, we did not trust the federal government.

But mostly at that time the liberals did not trust government and the conservatives did. My dad was the exception. I do believe he liked the government more than hippies, but that is neither here nor there.

Now, the liberals want more government and the conservatives do not trust the government.

I started my adulthood with that bias about the federal government. When I got into journalism, I added state government to the federal government in the category of distrust. I vote Republican more than Democrat, but those fake Republicans that inhabit the statehouse including the governor’s office are not in the least out for us and could care less about us.

A supermajority for either party is never a good thing and invites corruption and waste. The one state representative I have ever trusted and thought a lot of quit after his second term. He was a relatively young man and a rising star in the state’s Republican Party. I was with the Connersville News Examiner at the time he quit. I interviewed him, and he told me an on-the-record answer and an off-the-record answer. I always honored off-the-record comments.

His on-the-record comment was the proverbial “I’m going to spend more time with my family.” The off-the-record was – and I am paraphrasing – “…to go on, I would have to sell my soul to the Republican Party leaders and state politics and nothing is worth that.”

That left the local politicos.

There were always problems with local elected leaders but much, at least at the beginning of my tenure here during the late 1980s, was ignorance of the Open Door Law — which the law once had meaning but like everything else is meaningless because it has been circumvented to those in power.

There were times a commissioner or two tried to run the county like a fiefdom, but those things did not last long. There were also a trio of county council members who had a run of a few years who thought they were the smartest people in the world and the rest of us should just shut up and stay out of their way. Two quit and one was voted out of office. They predicted bankruptcy and worse for the county, and it has seemingly, financially speaking, done very well in their absence.

But now we have people in office who care about themselves and about those who wield power in this town and in this county. It may be one or two elected officials have jobs outside of their elected office in the county where they are afraid to rock the proverbial boat as their bosses are among the power-wielding class. It may be they have been in power so long they have merely lost their way, their moral compass. Once a person starts down that slippery slope of circumventing what is right, the slope turns almost vertical, and it is a short distance to reach the bottom. Once one makes the wrong decision to help a bud or a rich person, then that decision to turn that way is easier every time.

Coverups at the county level are as numerous as Buckeyes on Brookville Lake on July 4 Weekend. How anything for the good of the taxpayers ever comes out of the Government Center in the Old Brookville High School is really a miracle. But you do not hear any of that because everything that occurs is covered up by those in power. And I do not mean just some of the county commissioners, but those behind the curtain who wield power both in the town and the county and many of those who are elected in both venues.

There are those in power in the entirety of the county who are just in power for themselves. An example is Brookville Town Council with the exception of two females, who I believe are still trying to do the correct thing.

But, unfortunately, county government is now as bad as town government.

Yesterday, I tried to count the elected officials in this county who I think are really trying their best to serve the public. I did not use all the fingers on one hand and surely not the thumb.

I do not want to get deeply into particular incidents to illustrate my point but one is economic development in the county. At one time in the not-too-distant past, the person in charge of economic development was at the end of strings held by the ruling class, the rich people in the town and county.

The person in charge now is the same. The person at that not-too-distant past had the backing of two commissioners in power at that time. Both were one-and-done commissioners. This time the economic development director has the backing of two long-term commissioners.

The things that are happening with economic development in the county right now are supposed to benefit all of us. That is like believing the Russian invasion of the Ukraine was a good thing and the Russians were really threatened by a small neighbor.

What is going on now will help the .01 percent of 1 percent of those at the top of the economical chain here in the county and will not help anyone else in the least.

 Let’s look at one example. It is actually two but they are tied together: making taxpayers purchase a very possibly failing golf course and the subsequent annexation of the area on Snob Knob, which is adjacent to and around said golf course.

This is supposed to be good for all of us. With the purchase and the subsequent annexation, it will fill the schools with students because of all the people around the globe who will flock to Franklin County because of condos and new houses. We were told that in the meetings none of the public attended.

However, we now hear two of the county schools are closing and every student in the county will be attending Brookville schools because the students and families continue to flee the county and the county school system.

I am not degrading the teachers or the administration. There are so many reasons what is happening is happening it could fill a textbook, but we were told if we shut up and let those in power who know everything – as we know nothing – get their way, all would be good in the town and county. Some of the school board members are very much in bed with those behind the golf course and annexation and those comments about how the developments will fill the schools. They are really trying to have it both ways at the moment.

The golf course, the annexation, the condos, the new houses will not help us or fill the schools. A few people will get wealthier, and you and me will be none the better. Actually, the vast majority of us will be worse off as taxes and fees will skyrocket.

They would not be closing schools if anyone in power anywhere in this town and county believed any of what they have been saying. And if you believe they are not seriously considering closing schools, go back to my Ukraine example.

The county officials may say they have nothing to do with that. They are in bed with the town officials regarding grants and being silent when they should have spoken out for what is right and what is good.

So, should we vote everyone out. That is the knee-jerk reaction, and it may help in the short-run. However, it has been my experience the cycle just begins anew and soon there are new swimmers in the swamp or the cesspool or whatever one wants to call it.

Some say I have these feelings because I am depressed. My personal life has never been better. My Long Suffering Wife Ruth and I have our health – for the most part. Our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have good health – for the most part. Ruth and I are not wealthy but thank God we do not have to sprint to the bank every week to beat our outstanding checks.

But it is our town, our county, our state, our country, the whole shebang that is rotten to the core.

Can anything be done? I really do not know. I do not see unicorns and beautiful sunrises in our future. Is it the End of Times? Maybe. I have heard that my entire life. It seems to be endemic in the religion I grew up with.

Or is this just a really bad time in the cycle of governments. We have always had corruption, but it seems to move like the phases of the moon, waning and waxing. Right now it is definitely waxing. It may stay full for as long as it remains.

So, I do not know.

But I do know:

This was an exercise in futility.

Obituary for Rita L. Ripberger

RITA L. RIPBERGER

Rita L. Ripberger, age 81, of Liberty, passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at The Springs in Richmond. Born on August 31, 1940, in Hamilton, Ohio, she is the daughter of the late Loren and Bernice Dare.

In June of 1965, she married James Ripberger in Liberty. They shared more than 48 years of marriage together until James passed away in 2013.  

Rita was the owner of Radio Shack in Liberty and retired from Snyder Company (formerly square D) after many years of service. She was a member of the Delta Theta Tau Sorority.  he was also a 4-H Leader and Cub Scout Den Mother. Rita enjoyed playing bingo, Yahtzee, and Scrabble with her friends.

Survivors include sons, Loren (Tess) Haynes Greenfield, Steve (Alison) Haynes Fresno, CA and Scott (Mary) Haynes from Fishers; stepsons, Herb and Wayne Ripberger of Richmond; sister, Ruth Ann Frost (Dale Howard) of Greensfork; brother, Fred (Nancy) Dare of Colorado Springs, CO; brother-in-law, Donald (Darlene) Ripberger of Paragon; sisters-in-law, Pat Boughner, Phyllis Glaub, Carolyn Hall, Joyce (Richard) Houseworth, Margie Ripberger, Janice Ripberger, and Marilyn (Johnny) Anderson; 11 Grandchildren; 17 Great Grandchildren; and numerous loved nieces and nephews. 

Along with her husband, she is preceded in death by parents, Loren and Bernice Dare; daughters-in-law, Kay Ripberger and Susan Haynes; brothers, Charlie and Robert Dare; sisters-in-law, Charmaign Dare, Nancy Dare, and Wilma Haselby; brothers-in-law, Charles, Robert; David Ripberger, Louis Glaub, Francis Boughner; Larry Hall; and granddaughter Kara Haynes.

Funeral service will be conducted at Urban Winkler Liberty Funeral Home, 310 N Main, Liberty, on Saturday March 26, 2022, at 1 pm. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home from 11 am to 1 pm. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery in Connersville.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Southview Courts Recreation Fund.Those may be made at the funeral home.

Obituary for George Anthony Voegele

GEORGE ANTHONY VOEGELE

George Anthony Voegele, age 84 of Batesville, died Monday, March 21, 2022, at St. Andrew’s Health Campus. He was born January 11, 1938, in Batesville and married Louella Scheele June 30, 1962, at St. Anthony’s Church in Morris. He worked at both Cummins in Columbus as a parts engineer manager as well as part time at the Batesville Post Office for 38 years before retiring. George was a member of the Knights of St. John Batesville Commandry, Batesville Knights of Columbus Council 1461 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1130. In addition, George was in the United States Army Reserves, and was honorably discharged.

George was hard-working always making sure his family never went without, had the biggest sense of humor and always made you laugh, he was strong and determined and when he loved, he loved big! George always welcomed the opportunity to share time with friends at the riverboat and never turned down a chance on hitting a winning scratch off ticket. George was a sweet tooth, and the grandkids always knew where to find his stash of candy, especially his favorite lemon drops. When he took the time to relax, George enjoyed sitting in the sun and enjoying the hot weather. One thing for sure is he loved his grandkids and great grandkids. He was always so proud of them and would cheer them on every step of the way. He battled Parkinson’s and dementia for several years. He had his good days and bad.

He is survived by his wife Lou; daughter Lori (Mike) Giltz of Batesville; sons Scott (Emily) Voegele of North Canton, Ohio, Jeff (Carletta) Voegele, Doug (Mandi) Voegele, both of Noblesville; brother Jerel Voegele of Morris; 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his mother Florence Voegele.

Visitation is Thursday, March 24, from 4 – 7 p.m. at Weigel Funeral Home. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Friday, March 25, at St. Louis Church with Rev. Stan Pondo officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military rites conducted by the Ripley Co. V.F.W. Post #3183 and the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271.

FC arrests from March 1 to March 20

Provided by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department

March 1

Cody A. Hibbard, 25, Cincinnati, Ohio, was arrested at 12:10 p.m. at Franklin County Security Center by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy R. Gordon on a Warrant.

March 2

Robert D. Hall, 36, North Winters Way, Carthage, was arrested at 3:05 p.m. at the Ripley County Jail by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy R. Gordon by order of the Court.

March 3

Wilson J. Bowles, 22, East Main Street, Milroy, was arrested at 12:17 a.m., on Laurel Road by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Maxie on an Out-of-County Warrant.

Kelly M. McDaniel Noe, 40, Weiss Road, Richmond, was arrested at 5:07 p.m. at Progress Street by Brookville Police Department Officer Sam Williams for Possession of Methamphetamine and Driving while Suspended Prior Suspension within 10 Years.

Nathaniel K. Thomas, 34, Harmony Road, Bath, was arrested at 1:45 p.m., at Bath Road, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Adam Henson for Driving while Suspended prior Suspension within 10 Years.

March 5

Kara D. Foster, 30, Holland Road, Brookville, was arrested at 3:40 a.m. at Holland Road by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy D. Foresee for an Out-of-County Warrant.

Kristopher C. Harvey, 26, Madison, was arrested at 4:30 a.m., in Franklin County by Franklin Cunty Sheriff’s Department Deputy Maxie for Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated and Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated Endangering.

William G. McCoy, 33, Hamilton, Ohio was arrested at 9:45 p.m. at the intersection of Causeway Road and Indiana 1 by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy D. Huntsman for Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated and Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated Endangerment.

March 6

Raymond E. Conaway, 49, Ohio Avenue, Connersville, was arrested at 3:24 p.m. in Franklin County by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Dusty Hill for Habitual Traffic Violator.

March 7

Jonathan C. Bingham, 36, East High Street, Lawrenceburg, was arrested at 3 p.m. at the Ripley County Jail by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy R. Gordon by Order of the Court.

March 8

Jessica M. Carpenter, 33, Davison Road, Oldenburg, was arrested at 5:28 p.m. at Laurel by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Dusty Hill for Possession of Marijuana/Hash Oil/Hashish/Salvia.

Kyle A. Gabbard, 27, Stacy Road, Metamora, was arrested at 12:55 p.m. at the Best Western in Batesville by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy R. Gordon for Resisting Law Enforcement.

March 9

Michael J. Allen, 27, Buena Vista Road, Laurel, was arrested at 1:25 p.m. at the Franklin County Security Center by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy R. Gordon by order of the Court.

Kathy Sanders, 39, County Line Road, Batesville, was arrested at 9:33 p.m. at the KFC in Batesville by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy D. Enzinger for Domestic Battery Adult Knowing Presence of Child Less than 16 Years Old (See or Hear).

Rondall L. Petrey, 50, Brookville, was arrested at 3:12 p.m. at Brookville, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Dusty Hill for Possession of Methamphetamine and Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated.

March 10

Dakota J. Gray, 25, Bushy Road, Metamora, was arrested at 1:50 a.m. on Stacy Road, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Maxie for Failure to Appear.

Kenneth I. Peters, 18, Ostheimer Avenue, Connersville, was arrested at 11:05 a.m. at the Franklin County Courthouse by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy R. Gordon for Possession of Marijuana/Hash Oil/Hashish/Salvia.

March 11

James M. Bulmer, 48, Trace Branch Road, Metamora, was arrested at noon at the Decatur County Jail by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy R. Gordon on a Warrant.

Kenneth R. Kelly, 33, Test Road, Richmond, was arrested at 2:30 p.m. at the Wayne County Jail by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy R. Gordon for Driving While Intoxicated two counts and Driving while Intoxicated with Controlled Substance.

March 12

Samantha L. Conn, 33, South Meridian Street, Sunman, was arrested at 2:25 p.m. at IGA for Possession of Cocaine or Narcotic Drug by Brookville Police Department Officer R. Geiser.

Gage W. Gehrig, 19, Snow Hill Road, West Harrison, was arrested at 9:13 p.m. at Brookville by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Dusty Hill for Possession of Marijuana/Hash Oil/Hashish/Salvia.

Nicholas E. Vail, 19, Chapel Road, Laurel was arrested at 5:45 p.m. at Laurel by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Dusty Hill for Possession of Marijuana/Hash.

March 13

Timothy B. Estridge, 47, East 4th Street, Brookville, was arrested at 1:05 a.m. at the Franklin County Security Center by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Dusty Hill for Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated Prior Conviction.

March 16

James W. Smith, 53, Wolf Creek Road, Brookville, was arrested at 9:12 p.m. at Pipe Creek Road, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy K. Hartman for Public Intoxication by Alcohol.

March 17

Hunter L. Mayfield, 21, Big Cedar Road, Cedar Grove, was arrested at 8:20 a.m. at his residence on Big Cedar Road, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy T. Ford for Burglary, Theft, Resisting Law Enforcement, Possession of Marijuana/Hash Oil/Hashish/Salvia, Possession of Paraphernalia, Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe or Needle, Criminal Mischief Pecuniary Loss of at Least $750 but Less than $50,000, Obstruction of Justice and Maintained a Common Nuisance – Controlled Substances.

Jalen A. Thomas, 22, West 11th Street, Connersville, was arrested at 8:20 a.m. at the Mayfield residence on Big Cedar Road by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy T. Ford for Burglary, Theft, Resisting Law Enforcement, Possession of Marijuana/Hash, Possession of Paraphernalia, Possession of Hypodermic Syringe or Needle, Criminal Mischief Pecuniary Loss of at Least $750 but less than $50,000, Obstruction of Justice and Vising a Common Nuisance – Controlled Substance/Drug Paraphernalia.

March 19

John N. Reister, 49, South West G. Street, Richmond, was arrested at 3:12 p.m. in Franklin County by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy T. Shutters on an Arrest Warrant.

March 20

Tyler K. Vestal, 20, Edgerton, Laurel, was arrested at 5:11 p.m. in Laurel by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Dusty Hill for Possession of Marijuana/Hash Oil/Hashish/Salvia.

Obituary for William “Bill” Johnson

WILLIAM “BILL” JOHNSON

William “Bill” Johnson, age 60 of Connersville, passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at Reid Healthcare Connersville. Born on May 24, 1961, in Connersville, he is one of four children of the Donna Walker Johnson and the late Robert. 

William loved to fish, mushroom and deer hunt, and looking for ginseng.  He was an avid outdoors man. He had worked for more than eight years at Emerson-Copeland Corporation in Rushville before his health did not allow him to work.

He is survived by his daughter, Bobbie Johnson; son, William Johnson, Jr.; sisters, Roberta Shearer, Sandra Allen; and a grandson, Braxton.

In addition to his father, he is preceded by a brother, Robert Vernon Johnson; and a sister. Patricia Anderson.

Friends and family may gather at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th Street, Connersville on Wednesday March23, 2022, from 11 am to 1 pm.  Funeral services will follow at 1 pm with Albert Rose, Jr., officiating.  Burial will be at Dale Cemetery.

Obituary for Tamara Jones

TAMARA JONES

Tamara Jones, age 48, of Connersville, passed away at Majestic Care of Connersville on March 20, 2022. Tamara was born in Richmond, on June 1, 1973, one of three children of Kurt Jones and Pamela Revalee Lakes.

Before her health would not permit her to, she had worked at Achieva.

She loved her baby dolls, eating ice and being outdoors. Tamara is a former resident of McSherr, Inc. in Centerville.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her sister, Kristle Jones; brother, Jesse Jones; and her paternal grandmother, Virginia Sacre.

She is preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Jack Jones; and maternal grandparents, Robert and Ernestine Revalee.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Urban Winkler Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with Tamara’s with the arrangements

Obituary for Jimmy Doulen

JIMMY DOULEN

Jimmy Doulen, 72, of Connersville, passed away Saturday, March 19, 2022, at Reid Health, Richmond.

He was born May 4, 1949, in Kentucky, one of five children of Oliver and Lucille Hazlet Doulen and came to Connersville as a child with his family.

A veteran, he served in the United States Marine Corps.

For a number of years, he was employed at Philco-Ford and then became employed at D&M (WCI).

On January 26, 1968, Jimmy married Sandra Kay Griffin. Mrs. Doulen passed away January 30, 2017.

Along with his family, he attended the First Nazarene Church of Connersville. In his leisure, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and working on his motorcycles and cars.

Survivors include two sons, Billy (Dana) Doulen and Rocky Doulen, both of Connersville; two grandchildren, Darien Doulen and Daniel Doulen, both of Connersville; three sisters, Linda Laughlin and Beth (Larry) Miller, both of Connersville, and Kimberly (Brian) Grubbs of Centerville; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides his wife of 49 years, Sandra Kay Doulen, he is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Danny Doulen.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home where friends may visit from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Pastor Merle Seeley will officiate. Military honors will be conducted at the funeral home by the Fayette County Veterans Council. Burial will be at Dale Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.

Obituary for William Todd

WILLIAM TODD

William Todd, 77, died March 19, 2022, at Majestic Health in Connersville, Indiana.

The third of five children of Wendell and Geraldine Harris Todd, he was born October 31, 1944, in Connersville. He was a 1962 graduate of Connersville High School.

Bill was employed at various industries in Connersville including D&M and also at Carpenter Body in Richmond. He later worked at Rogers Engineering in Connersville and, following retirement, was employed part-time at Rogers Engineering in Cambridge City and Milk and Bread in Connersville.

Bill was a member of the Indiana National Guard.

He married the former Juanita Sue “Susie” Neal on December 23, 1967, in Connersville. She died January 9, 2022.

A local historian, Bill enjoyed collecting Connersville memorabilia and attending auctions to add to his extensive collection of items from early local businesses and industries, along with milk house products from all over Indiana.

He served as a precinct committeeman for the Fayette County Democrat Party and was involved in many candidates’ campaigns at the local and state levels. He also belonged to the Fayette County Democrat Men’s Club and participated in numerous fund-raising activities for the group. He especially enjoyed working the polls on Election Day.

He was an avid NASCAR fan and particularly enjoyed attending races in Talladega.

Bill is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Katie Combs Todd of Connersville. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Tanner (Lexi) Todd of Richmond, Gabrielle (fiancé Alex Ripperger) Todd of Southport, Evan Todd of Metamora, and Sophia Todd of Connersville; a step-granddaughter, Santana Rose, and a step-great-granddaughter, Nyla Rose, both of Connersville. In addition, he is survived by his brother Darrell Todd of Florida, and sisters Jenny Todd Vanover and Trudy (Steve) Todd Caldwell, both of Connersville, along with several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, and cousins.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita Sue “Susie” Todd, his parents, and a sister, Judy Todd Garrison.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home where friends may visit from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Pastor Jeff Meadows will officiate. Military honors will be conducted by the Fayette County Veterans Council. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.