William M. “Pinky” Fisher died June 26, 2021, in Arizona. His wishes were to be cremated. You are invited to join the family for a graveside service 2 p.m. Friday, October 15, at St. Louis Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the Prell- Bland American Legion Post #271 and the Ripley Co. V.F.W. Post #3183. Following services at the cemetery, a celebration of life will be held at Izzy’s.
William Michael Fisher; just Bill to his friends, or, to some of his more chronologically enhanced friends, Pinky (due to his fiery red hair growing up), passed away on Saturday, June 26, in Tucson, Arizona. Bill was 85 years young, born and raised in Batesville, where he spent all but the last few months of his life.
Bill attended St. Louis Catholic School and Batesville High School, graduating in 1953. After high school, Bill served in the United States Army, from which he earned his Honorable Discharge in 1963.
He went to work for Hill-Rom Industries, where he was introduced to Rosemary Zimmerman, who would be the love of his life. The two were married in September of 1958, becoming the parents of three children, and stayed together for the next 60 years, until Rosemary’s own passing in 2019. Bill started in the mailroom at Hill-Rom, working his way up to the role of salesman. He became a regional sales manager, and eventually the national sales manager. He retired in 2000 as a national vice president after spending 44 years with the company.
Besides his work, Bill was involved in many activities and organizations throughout his lifetime in and around Batesville. This included the Batesville Jaycees, the Knights of Columbus, and the Batesville Kiwanis Club. Although many people had no idea, Bill was also a contributing columnist for the Batesville Herald from 1996 through 2009. He always dreamed of being a writer and blessed the citizens of Batesville with his words on a weekly column under his pen name, Harlan Roberts, titled “People, Places and Things.”
Bill was also called into service as a golf coach at St. Louis Catholic School when the team was formed for 7th and 8th grade students. An avid golfer himself, he thoroughly enjoyed helping the kids with their game and getting them to the various matches in which they competed. In the mid-2000s, Bill became the head golf coach for the Oldenburg Academy Lady Twisters. During his final coaching season, the Lady Twisters advanced all the way to the Regional Finals. As much as Bill loved to play golf, I truly think the happiest days he ever spent on the golf course were when he was walking with the girls and watching them compete. But that wasn’t the only help he provided the girls of Oldenburg Academy. As one of his former students put it: “Instead of saying, ‘All I need to know I learned in kindergarten,’ I say, ‘All I need to know I learned on the golf course with Mr. Fisher.’”
But all of his many activities had to be worked around his lawn mowing, yard work and flower tending, of course. No one worked harder than Bill Fisher to maintain a manicured yard, complete with numerous varieties of flowers, vegetables, and trees.
But even his time in the yard took a backseat to his children and grandchildren. Whether it be in the stands, the auditorium, or on the coaching staff, Bill was there for every kid’s game, play, and school function. His three children grew up happy, successful, and incredibly loved.
Survivors include his daughters Sandra Greenwell of Tucson, Arizona, Amy Jennings of Ft. Wayne, son Timothy Fisher of Morrow, Ohio and sister Greta Solgere of Greensburg.
He is preceded in death by his wife, parents and brother Tom Fisher.
Rodney Clyde Brandes, age 87, cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died peacefully at his home in Batesville, on October 10,2021. Rodney was the son of Alma and Ralph Brandes Sr. of Milan. Rodney graduated from Milan High School Class of 1953 and attended Indiana University.
Rodney loved people, traveling with friends, golfing, fishing, and hunting. He was particularly fond of his hunting dogs, which he called and encouraged with a hearty “tally ho.” He was often the life of the party, appearing regularly as an officially dressed Santa Claus at the Hillcrest Country Club. Rodney was a magician on the golf course, winning the club championship in 1971 and numerous team golf tournaments. Rodney was inducted into the Ripley County Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010. He was also a dedicated member of the local Masonic Lodge.
Rodney worked for Hill-Rom Industries for more than 40 years. His first job was in the plating department of Batesville Casket, and one of his first conversations in the Hillenbrand “office” was with the company’s founder William Hillenbrand. He then moved from an office assistant into national sales and closing his career as a regional salesman until his retirement. In 2000, Rodney organized and curated the Hill-Rom Museum to document and preserve the fascinating history of the hospital-bed industry.
Rodney married Roberta “Bobbie” Brandes in August 1955. They were married for 66 years until her death in May 2021. They were a great team who worked hard and loved having family, friends and colleagues into their home for decades. Together, they generously supported a wide range of Batesville’s educational , sports and arts activities
In addition to his beloved wife, Bobbie, Rodney was preceded in death by his brothers Ralph Brandes, Jr., Richard (Dick) Brandes, sister Juanita Taffe. He is survived by his sister, Geraldine Doane and brother Ronald Brandes, and sister-in-law Mary Lee Brandes, of Milan; his sons Rand Brandes (Beth) of Hickory, NC and Tim Brandes (Stephanie) of Batesville, and Stephanie’s children Sarah, Matt (Taylor and Lacey)and Nick Poppe; grandson Blake Brandes, his wife Valerie Brender and great-granddaughter Ashby of Berkeley, California, and several nieces and nephews.
His family wishes to thank Rodney’s faithful friends and exceptional caregivers: Kathy Amburgey, Gabrielle Dodd, Pam Hunter, Lillie Baldrick, Sheri Fuller, Barb Bridgewater, Irma Schoettelkotte, Angela Roberts. The family could not have asked for a kinder and more compassionate professional team than this.
A celebration of Rodney’s life will be held at Weigel’s Funeral Home at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 12, followed by burial in the Batesville United Methodist Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 9-11 a.m. prior to the funeral with a prayer service at 9 a.m. conducted by the Batesville Masonic Lodge #668.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Margaret Mary Health Foundation Hospice or the Bobbie Brandes Legacy Fund, PO Box 121 Batesville, Indiana 47006 .
Jennifer L. Biltz, age 42, of Brookville, died unexpectedly Friday, October 8, 2021, at McCullough Hyde Memorial Hospital in Oxford, Ohio.
Born May 23, 1979, in Oxford, Ohio she was the daughter of Patric and Velda (Schwegman) Clark. She was a graduate of Franklin County High School and Marion College.
On June 15, 2002, she was united in marriage to Joel Biltz, and he survives.
Jenny was a Physical Education Teacher for the Franklin County Community School Corporation, where she had taught for 20 years. She was also active as a Coach and Assistant Coach of various Basketball, Soccer and Baseball teams. She was also involved with Girls on the Run for several years, and was an active runner and athlete herself.
In her leisure time she enjoyed spending time with her family; shopping at TJ Maxx, and walking her dogs Jax and Riley.
Besides Joel, her husband of nearly 20 years, survivors include her two children, Bailey Biltz and Bentley Biltz, both at home; her parents, Pat and Velda Clark of Brookville; a sister, Jill (Michael) Lanning, and their son Andrew Lanning, of Florence, Kentucky; a brother, Jeff Clark of Brookville, as well as her fur babies, Jax and Riley and Baylor the Bunny.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Orville and Marjorie Schwegman and Quentin and Lois Clark, as well as an uncle, Michael Clark.
Family and friends may visit from 12 Noon until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, in the Gymnasium of the Brookville Elementary School, 10160 Oxford Pike, Brookville.
Deacon Steve Tsuelff will officiate the Funeral Services at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at the Brookville Elementary School Gymnasium. Private burial will take place at Old Franklin Cemetery in Brookville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to a college fund that’s being established for Bailey and Bentley. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the Biltz family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.
Arthur (Pete) W. Taylor 70, of Connersville, passed away on October 7,2021. He was born on October 12, 1950, to the late Lloyd H. Taylor, and Mary L. Thornberry. He later married the love of his life Caren (Morris) Taylor on May 7, 1993, in Connersville.
Arthur served in the U.S. Navy, was a Christian, and he loved spending time with his grandbabies, family, friends, riding his Harley, hunting, and fishing.
Along with his loving wife, Arthur is survived by his children; Shannon Taylor, Tonya Taylor, Starla Taylor, and Charles (Chucky) Taylor, his Siblings; Michael Taylor, and Nilah Taylor, Grandchildren; Kennedi Dawn Aubuchon, and Landon Taylor, and a great-grandchild; Drayden Michael Alexander Purcell; and a niece, Susan Taylor and a nephew, David Taylor.
Along with his parents Arthur was preceded in death by his sister-in-law Janice Taylor.
A celebration of life for Arthur will be held at the convenience of the family.
Urban Winkler Funeral home is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.
Alfred L. Alvey, 90, of Laurel, passed away Monday morning, October 11, 2021, at his residence. He had been in failing health for several months.
He was born November 21, 1930, in Fairfield, one of five children of Donald and Blanche Younts Alvey and was a lifelong resident of Franklin County.
He was a proud Korean War Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. On September 29, 1951, he and the former Olive May ‘Tootie’ Quinlan were united in marriage, and she preceded him in death on July 17, 2016.
He was a member of the Buena Vista Christian church for more than 70 years, and the Bernard Hurst Post #77 of the American Legion, Brookville.
He was retired having worked for many years at the former Frye Roofing in Brookville and later Design & Manufacturing in Connersville where he served as a Stationary Boiler Engineer. He was also active in politics in Franklin County for many years having served as a Franklin County Commissioner and Councilman. He also served on board of the Franklin County Community School Corporation, and was Salt Creek Township Trustee for many years.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Rhonda Alvey of Laurel; a granddaughter, Angela (Bobby) Shaffer of Centerville, and a great-granddaughter Hailee Shaffer; a brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Brenda Alvey of Laurel.
In addition to his parents and wife, Olive “Tootie” Alvey, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Debra Alvey, who died November 20, 2020; a sister, Betty Klein; two brothers, Marvin G. Alvey and Larry D. Alvey.
Family and friends may visit from 9 till 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Ave., Brookville.
Pastor John Johnson of the Buena Vista Christian Church will officiate the Funeral Services at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home. Burial with full military graveside services by the Bernard Hurst Post #77 of the American Legion will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Brookville.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Buena Vista Christian Church. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to once again serve the Alvey family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com .
A petition against the proposed Brookville Town Council’s 2022 budget was presented to the Division of Local Government Finance (DLGF) recently.
The petition will also be handed out at Tuesday night’s Brookville Town Council meeting where council is expected to approve the proposed budget and also the attorneys for the proposed $2.2 million bond issue to buy the golf course for $1 million and the Zimmer building for $600,000 will be present. Also, the attorneys for the proposed annexation of the subdivisions in and around Reservoir Road Hill are also supposed to attend the meeting.
At the 2022 budget hearing held at the Schilling Center on Tuesday, September 28, Brookville resident Dusty Robinson asked Brookville Town Council members to put the proposed budget on hold as it was his understanding there is an Indiana State Police investigation into possible Conflict of Interest regarding Brookville Town Council President Curtis Ward and council member Charles Campbell regarding the purchase of the Brook Hill Golf Club by the town.
BTC members refused to put the budget adoption on hold. After direct questioning, Brookville Clerk-Treasurer Gina Gillman said this is a unique situation, and she did not know protocol for such a situation. However, the money is there in case the bond issue is approved, and the first payment is necessary, she said.
Ward purchased nine empty lots adjacent to the golf course barely a month before Ward accelerated the golf course purchasing project. Ward negotiated the deal with the Brook Hill Golf Club Preservation LLC, which owned the golf course prior to the town’s taxpayers purchasing it. Ward also signed the Resolution to Purchase and the Purchase Agreement itself as the only signature from council.
Campbell also owns an empty lot adjacent to the golf course. He also voted for the purchase.
At the August 10 meeting, Ward said the purchase was being accelerated because the LLC members wanted their money out of the situation, as they were not seeing a return on their investment. In later meetings, he said LLC members wanted to hold onto the golf course, but he negotiated the town buying the golf course instead.
Also, Ward, as a private citizen, wrote a READI Grant application for more than $4 million as partial funding to run infrastructure to the Reservoir Hill area after the town annexes the area. In the grant application, Ward said he plans on building 96 condos on the nine lots. Ward stated in the grant application, he is the Brookville Town Council President.
The READI Grant is federal money distributed by the state.
Part of the 2022 BTC budget is money for the first payment on the 22-year $2.2 million bond issue that is supposed to pay for the purchases of the golf course and the Zimmer Building and upgrades to both facilities.
In the petition, the signers identify the Indiana Code they believe Ward and Campbell violated: IC 35-44.1-1-4.
This is summarized later in the petition:
“A public servant who knowingly or intentionally; (1) has a pecuniary interest in; (2) or derives a profit from, a contract or purchase connected with an action by the government entity served by the public servant, commits conflict of interest, a Level 6 Felony. [IC35-44.1-1-4(c)],” the petition reads.
“EXCEPTIONS LISTED IN THIS STATUTE DO NOT APPLY TO COUNCILMAN/PRESIDENT CURTIS WARD AND/OR COUNCILMAN CHARLES CAMPBELL,” the petition continues.
Bold type and all caps are that way in the petition. Separate violations of the code would each be considered a felony, the petition writers have stated.
The petition starts with the alleged agreement between the town and the LLC three years ago when the LLC purchased the golf course from then-owner Sparky Renaker. Ward has always publicly stated the town promised to purchase the golf course from the LLC for $1 million three years after the LLC purchase.
“In 2018, the Town Board of Brookville discussed the issue of purchasing the Brook Hill Golf Club, located at 11175 Fairway Lane, Brookville, Indiana 47012. This property is located outside the town of Brookville. While there have been numerous discussions and debates concerning this purchase, no written agreement/contract was ever negotiated or approved by the Brookville Town Board. There has also been a lack of transparency on the part of the Brookville Town Board (past and present) in providing information requested by the citizens of Brookville and in answering basic questions concerning this issue.”
It then talks about Ward’s purchase of the nine lots on July 7, and the lot Campbell owns. A GIS mapping overview was included in the petition sent to the DLGF.
Petitioners then talked about the August 10 BTC meeting where Ward told his fellow council members the town needed to move to purchase the golf course immediately, and Ward started the process for BTC Attorney Tammy Davis to write up a proposed purchase agreement and for Ward to act as the negotiator for the town in the purchase agreement negotiations.
“Following the purchase of real estate by President Ward, the purchase of the golf course was revisited, with a sense of urgency, by the Brookville Town Board,” the petition reads. “On August 10, 2021 during a regularly scheduled meeting of the Brookville Town Board, the topic of purchasing the Brook Hill Golf Club was raised by President Curtis Ward. During the conversation, President Ward stated that he “would like Council to consider a motion giving Town Attorney Tammy Davis authority to draft a purchase agreement to present to the LLC (Brook Hill Golf Club Preservation LLC, current owners of the property), and authority to prepare a resolution to purchase property should the purchase agreement be accepted.
“As the meeting continued, President Curtis Ward and Councilman Charles Campbell both disclosed (verbally) that they owned property that is contiguous with the Brook Hill Golf Club,” the petition continues. “Rather than recusing themselves following their verbal disclosure of conflict, both councilmen continued to participate in the business of purchasing Brook Hill Golf Club. In fact, President Ward became more directly involved in the negotiations with the Brook Hill Golf Club LLC. After some discussion, Council Member Eric Johnson made the motion to allow Attorney Tammy Davis and Council President Ward authority to negotiate and prepare the terms of an Offer to Purchase and preauthorize Attorney Davis to prepare a resolution to purchase should the parties reach an acceptable agreement. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Brooke Leffingwell. All were in favor with Charles Campbell opposing. Presumably, based upon the meeting minutes, President Ward voted for this motion. See copy of meeting minutes attached.”
Again, the bold type is also bold in the petition.
Next, the petition talks about the August 24 meeting where several Brookville citizens spoke against the golf course purchase. Following the negative comments, Ward read the Resolution to submit the Offer to Purchase, including the town’s Offer to Purchase, which was then signed by Ward.
“On August 24, 2021 at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Brookville Town Board, numerous citizens appeared in opposition to the purchase of the Brook Hill Golf Club by the Brookville Town Board,” the petition reads. “Following the public comments, President Curtis Ward read into record the Offer to Purchase. A motion was made to accept the Offer to Purchase and it passed unanimously with President Ward voting in favor. President Ward then signed and dated the Offer to Purchase on behalf of the Brookville Town Board. In light of President Ward’s conflict of interest in this matter, the validity/legality of this Offer To Purchase comes into question.”
Items in bold are also in bold in the petition.
Finally, at the September 14 meeting, council approved Resolution 2021-6, which started the mechanism to purchase the golf course and the Zimmer Building.
“On September 14, 2021, the Brookville Town Board held another regularly scheduled meeting,” the petition reads. “During the meeting the Town Board presented and considered Resolution No. 2021-6. This resolution set forth the mechanism and terms required to purchase the Brook Hill Golf Club and a second piece of commercial real estate within the town of Brookville. This resolution was approved and signed by all members of the Town Council including President Curtis Ward and Councilman Charles Campbell.
“In spite of his acknowledgement that he has a conflict of interest, Council President Curtis Ward remained at the forefront (promoting and negotiating) of the purchase of the Brook Hill Golf Club,” the petition continues. “Councilman Charles Campbell participated and voted in favor of this purchase while also having acknowledged a conflict of interest on his part.”
Bold type is also bold in the petition.
The last two paragraphs of the petition is a summary of why the 2022 BTC budget should be paused, according to the petitioners. And it also states the matter is under investigation by the ISP.
“It is the contention of those citizens/taxpayers in opposition to this budget that the requested funding and related tax levy will serve to fund the efforts of Council President Curtis Ward and CouncilmanCampbell violating the aforementioned statute in the commission of a Level 6 Felony (s),” the petition reads.
“It should also be noted that this transaction is under investigation by The Indiana State Police with the possibility that criminal charges will be filed against involved individuals,” the petition continued.
Each of the final two paragraphs is also in bold in the petition.
Petitioners believe the BTC will have to answer in writing to the DLGF the facts brought out in the petition to the DLGF.
The DLGF is a state agency, which approves or does not approve local governmental entity budgets. Petitioners also said a copy of the petition has been sent to the State Board of Accounts asking that agency for an investigation of its own regarding the situation.
Often, as a result of an SBA investigation, it will send its findings to the local prosecutor for possible criminal action.
Tuesday’s meeting will be held at 7 p.m., at the Schilling Center and is open to the public.
Channel 12 out of Cincinnati is reporting the person killed Sunday morning Oct. 10, in Ripley County in an officer-involved shooting is Joshua Ebinger, 37.
Indiana State Police Sgt. Stephen Wheeles, public information officer, said the incident started as a domestic dispute between Ebinger and a female who had a protective order against him. Both an ISP Trooper and a Ripley County Sheriff’s Department Deputy opened fire at Ebinger after he pointed a gun at them, the television channel is reporting.
Ebinger died at the scene.
ISP is investigating the situation.
The shooting happened off County Road 200 North, which is south of Sunman.
According to a report on Channel 5 news out of Cincinnati, the Indiana State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting near Sunman that resulted in a death.
It occurred Sunday morning, Oct. 10, on County Road 900 North, which is south of Sunman in Ripley County.
Sgt. Stephen Wheeles, ISP public information officer, told Channel 5 no officers were injured.
The family of the person killed has been notified, according to Channel 5.
David M. Himes, age 66, of Brookville, died Friday, October 1, 2021 at Margaret Mary Health in Batesville.
Born April 4, 1955, in Connersville, he was the son of the late Chester and Opal Irene (Tussey) Himes.
David attended Emmanuel Baptist Church in Brookville. In his leisure time, he enjoyed fishing and hunting mushrooms.
Survivors include three children, Melissa Rowe of Connersville, David Himes of Rushville, and Shawn Gibbs of New Castle; two sisters, Donna Foster of Brookville, and Barbara Milbourn of Dearborn Heights, Michigan; a brother, George Himes of Brookville; several nieces and nephews, as well as his beloved canine companion Prince.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Betty Barber, Linda Hokey and Doris Burch; a brother, Kenny Himes.
Pastor Kevin Waltz of Emmanuel Baptist Church will officiate the Memorial Services on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, 4 p.m. at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.
Family and friends may visit from 3 p.m. until the time of the service at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home
Memorial contributions may be directed to Emmanuel Baptist Church. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to once again serve the Himes family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.
William Bernard Reese, age 67, of Metamora, died Friday, October 8, 2021, at Reid Health in Richmond, following a lengthy illness.
Born May 22, 1954, in Batesville, he was the son of the late Verlie Earl and Mildred (Nobbe) Reese. On July 24, 1976, he was united in marriage to the former Wanda Pence, and she survives.
He was retired from the former Ford/Visteon in Connersville, where he had worked for more than 30 years. He was a member of the National Rifle Association; and was a strong Republican. In his leisure time, he enjoyed collecting coins, reading, playing video games, and following the Indianapolis Colts. He was a very generous person and was always willing to help anyone in need.
Besides Wanda, his loving wife of more than 45 years, survivors include three children, Joni (Bryan) Johnson of Brookville, William C. Reese and Gary A. Reese both of Metamora; six grandchildren; a brother, Gary L. (Penny) Reese of Metamora, and a sister, Lois (Joe) Calihan of Connersville.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Earl Verlie Reese and Steve Charles Reese, and a granddaughter, Katelyn Johnson.
Family and friends may visit from 10 till 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 14, 2021, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.
Pastor Kevin Waltz will officiate the Funeral Services on Thursday, October 14, 2021, 11 a.m., at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville. Burial will follow in Sims Cemetery in Brookville.
The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to once again serve the Reese family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.
