Brett W. Todd – Page 3 – Clinton County Today

‘Throwing The Baby Out With The Bath Water,’ Mayor Ends HPC

Published on September 12, 2023September 13, 2023 by Brett W. Todd

A Christian Ridge Historic District marker sits atop street intersection signs in Frankfort, Indiana. Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets got what she wanted during the September City Council meeting held Monday evening - the elimination of the Historic Preservation Commission on a 5-2 vote. The enforcement of historic standards in the three historic districts now falls on the city building inspector. (Photo Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (September 12, 2023) – Mayor Judy Sheets got what she wanted during the September City Council meeting held Monday evening – the elimination of the Historic Preservation Commission on a 5-2 vote.

Councilman Clarence Warthan and Brandt Fuller voted against the ordinance to immediately dissolve the HPC and place the policing of historic standards onto the city building inspector – the city currently does not have a building inspector.

The mayor had previously said the HPC was “keeping us from getting work done and they only meet once a month”

During public comments prior to the vote, Reverend Philip Jordan addressed the council encouraging the members to vote in favor of ending the HPC.

Rev. Jordan, who has owned a home for 27-years and situated within a historic district, spoke of having the painting of his home halted by the HPC – describing the experience as feeling much like a “gross over-reach into our personal lives.”

Tommy Kleckner, director of Indiana Landmarks for the Western Region, explained the city’s ordinance that formed the HPC is based on Indiana state law and lacks essential updates the state has made. And, updating the city ordinance would allow the commission to have the proper tools to serve the community.

Kleckner equated the dissolving of the HPC without first addressing the underlying fixes amounts to “throwing the baby out with the bath water.”

Bud McQuade also addressed the council. McQuade, who served as the chair of the HPC and served as building inspector when Don Stock was mayor, took his allotted 3-minutes to speak to a one-page summary of suggested ideas to improve the efficiency of the commission – “more fluid, more receptive to the needs of the city and the citizen.”

Prior to the close of the council meeting, councilman Steve Beardsley asked the mayor to “appoint a taskforce to look at historic districts to honor what we said tonight which is we do not want a gap in this.” Beardsley suggested two names to the mayor upon request, Stock and McQuade.

After the meeting the mayor was asked the taskforce suggestion and what might a timeline look like to having this in place.

“I haven’t even really thought of a timetable, but counselor Beardsley asked me to put a committee together – so I am going to be working on that. It’s something I thought about anyway even before this because I had no idea what would happen tonight – I was just waiting to see what they said.”

The mayor was asked – you were really surprised? – “I really did not know. I hadn’t had any conversation with any of the counselors.” The mayor acknowledged that she did not speak to any members of the HPC prior to introducing the ordinance in August.

As the city is without a building inspector and the job posting has recently been removed from the city website, the mayor was asked of the status and if someone has been hired.

“We have not hired anyone,” the mayor said. When asked about applicants and interviewing, the mayor said, “We have interviewed some people. We just have not made a decision.”

When might a decision be made?

“I say probably in the next couple of weeks we will know something,” said the mayor.

110-year Sentence for NHK Killer

Published on September 7, 2023 by Brett W. Todd

FRANKFORT, Ind. (September 7, 2023) – Gary Ferrell, 28, will spend 110-years in state prison for the “brutal and heinous” murders of Promise Mays and Pamela Sledd in the parking lot of NHK Seating of America outside of Frankfort on August 18, 2021.

Clinton County Superior Court Judge Justin Hunter read the sentence aloud today after hearing final arguments from both Prosecutor Anthony Sommer and Stacy Uliana, defense attorney for Ferrell.

Judge Hunter, who had the discretion of sentencing between 45-years and 65-years per murder, handed-down the recommended guideline sentence of 55-years for each of the murders and ordered Ferrell to serve the sentences consecutively, one sentence immediately after the other. The Judge did note the Court rejects any characterization of the sentence as a “DeFacto LWOP sentence,” life without parole sentence.

Ferrell had previously faced the death penalty; however, the death penalty was removed upon Ferrell’s change of plea to guilty.

Judge Hunter wrote, “On motion of the State, the request of the State for imposition of the death penalty is withdrawn, which is appropriate in this case because of the evidence of the defendant’s intellectual disability.”

He further wrote in the sentencing order, “The Court further finds that it is appropriate that the sentences for Murder in this case be treated consecutively, and the Court would have rejected any plea agreement that did not call for consecutive sentencing for the two murders. To fail to treat the sentences consecutively would be a denial of justice to the victims and their families and only diminish the seriousness of defendant’s conduct.”

Ferrell received credit of 750 actual days served in jail from the date of the offense together with Class B credit time.

In coming to his decision, Judge Hunter noted both seven aggravating and seven mitigating factors – coming to the conclusion that each set factors “balance.”

The seven aggravating factors were noted as:
1. The Murders were brutal and heinous.
2. Defendant premeditated the Murder of Promise Mays, and Defendant was lying in wait for Promise Mays at a location where he could reasonably expect that she would not have any weapon, device or instrument to be able to protect herself.
3. The victims were both much physically weaker than the defendant himself.
4. The harm, injury, loss or damage suffered by the victims was significant and greater than the elements necessary to prove the commission of the offense. More specifically, both victims watched the other being shot, and defendant committed the murders while he was committing an offense of confinement with a deadly weapon.
5. Defendant deliberately chose to inflict his pain and harm upon his victims with a gun, during shift change at NHK, when he knew that many other workers at NHK would be in the immediate vicinity and thereby subject to the risk of harm from the use of a weapon.
6. Defendant acted out an entitlement to control and possess Promise Mays, whether in life or in death, even though she had demonstrated only kindness for the many people whom she encountered in her short and precious life.
7. With respect to the Murder he inflicted upon Pamela Sledd, Defendant shot Ms. Sledd after she had named her back and was retreating from the scene of the offense she had witnessed against her granddaughter. She was of no threat whatsoever to the defendant and his plan to murder and commit suicide.

And, the seven mitigating factors noted were:
1. Defendant led a law-abiding life for a substantial period before commission of the crime.
2. Defendant was cooperative with law enforcement, with the Court process, with his attorneys, and he accepted responsibility for his criminal conduct by confessing and entering a plea of guilty to both murders.
3. Defendant has made an expression of remo
4. Defendant suffers from an intellectual disability which profoundly affected his judgment and actions.
5. Defendant suffered from trauma in his childhood.
6. The defendant had an alcohol use disorder that contributed to his depression.
7. Prior to the murders, Defendant had an otherwise good character.

In coming to the decision that the “aggravating factors and the mitigating factors balance,” Judge Hunter wrote, “Although the Court assigns a substantial weight to mitigating factors recited above, the weight does not exceed the weight the Court gives to the aggravating factors; and the Court further finds that seriousness of the offenses-multiple murders committed at a workplace against helpless co-workers-carries an impact on not only the victims’ families but a community of many.”

Ferrell was remanded into the care of the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office for transport to the Indiana Department of Correction for service of the sentence.

Pursuant to the Pleas Agreement, Ferrell has waived his right to any appeal.

NHK Killer: “I understand that my acts caused an unimaginable amount of pain and torment”

Published on August 30, 2023 by Brett W. Todd

FRANKFORT, Ind. (August 30, 2023) – Towards the conclusion of nearly five-hours of testimony conducted in a Clinton County courtroom today, family members and friends of Promise Mays and Pamela Sledd heard directly from the killer that took the lives of those two on the afternoon of August 18, 2021, in a NHK parking lot near State Road 28 and Interstate 65.

Clinton County Superior Court Judge Justin Hunter asked if the defendant, Gary Ferrell II, would like to make a statement to the court.

Ferrell – who spent much of the proceedings looking downward and away, avoiding eye contact of those called to deliver impact statements – stood and began to apologize “for the acts of violence for which I am guilty of.”

Reading from a folded piece of paper, he continued, “I have taken the lives of two innocent human beings and inflicted unimaginable pain onto the victims family, friends and to my own family. For all of this, I am deeply sorry. I understand that my acts caused an unimaginable amount of pain and torment for those that knew them the best. If I could do it all over again, I would have gotten the help I need instead of letting my own pain get out of control. I am very sorry.”

Earlier in the hearing Clinton County Prosecutor Tony Sommer played two videos from NHK security cameras showing what Judge Hunter described as “brutal murders.”

The videos, one from a camera looking from the building towards the parking lot, the other from an outer parking lot area looking back towards the building, revealed scenes previously described in a 2021 probable cause affidavit.

Ferrell’s blue Focus was parked next to a black Chevrolet in which Mays was a passenger. Ferrell opened the trunk of his car then “exits his vehicle with a black object in his right hand that appears to be a semi-automatic firearm.” He then walked to the passenger door of the black Chevrolet, opened the door, “forcibly pulls” Mays by grabbing her arm, and “pulls her to the rear of the blue Ford.” Mays attempts to resist but is “over powered.”

Sledd exits the driver side of the black Chevrolet and has “an exchange of words” with Ferrell prior to him making a “pointing motion with the firearm towards the NHK building.” Sledd attempts to “move away from the scene” and “appears she is shot when Ferrell lowers the gun” at Sledd. She continues to “move away” from Ferrell and the video appears to show “that a second and third round are shot” at Sledd and she “collapses on the ground.”

Mays is now in a “crouched type position” behind the blue Focus. Ferrell has his gun pointed at Mays’ “head and is still trying to force Promise into the trunk of his vehicle.”

“Ferrell then appears to shoot Promise and then she falls to the ground behind the Ford Focus and lies motionless.” He then enters his vehicle leaving the trunk open and “after a few seconds the vehicle backs up and runs over Promise and comes to a rest after turning about 90 degrees. Promise’s body is drug about 7 feet and the car stops and then goes forward, leaving the parking lot.”

In addition to the security video, Prosecutor Sommer played the video of the interview Lt. Dan Roudebush of the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office conducted with Ferrell on the evening of the arrest.

Lt. Roudebush asked Ferrell why had he done what he done. Ferrell replied, “I couldn’t get her (Promise) out of my mind.” When asked to describe what led up to the killings that afternoon, Ferrell described drinking the night before and waking in the morning to drive to Lafayette to purchase ammunition, then return to his house to fill the empty beer bottles with gasoline, and going to get more gasoline.

Judge Hunter will deliver Ferrell’s sentence in open court during a September 7th, 2pm hearing at the Clinton County Courthouse.

Frankfort Juvenile Arrested For Having Handgun at Frankfort High School

Published on August 18, 2023 by Brett W. Todd

FRANKFORT, Ind. (August 18, 2023) – August 17, 2023, started off as a regular day at Frankfort High School (FHS), but it quickly turned into a terrifying ordeal when students discovered a fight taking place in one of the school bathrooms. Little did they know, this altercation would involve the presence of a firearm.

The details of the ordeal was shared during a joint Frankfort Police Department (FPD) and Community of Schools of Frankfort (CSF) press conference at FPD headquarters that afternoon.

At approximately 8:00 A.M., students bravely alerted a FPD officer serving as FHS School Resource Officer (SRO) of the incident. Students reported seeing one of the students involved potentially carrying a firearm, as an ammunition magazine fell out during the scuffle. Acting swiftly, the SRO and school staff took immediate custody of the students involved.

During a thorough search, a small caliber handgun was found on the premises – no ammunition was discovered in the school or on the school bus that the student had used to commute that day. As a precautionary measure, the school was placed on an immediate lockdown to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

The incident also prompted a temporary lock-out at the nearby Frankfort Middle School, as a safety precaution due to its close proximity to the high school. Multiple officers, detectives, and command staff promptly responded to the scene, working alongside school administration staff to coordinate investigative efforts and guarantee the safety of those involved.

The suspect, a seventeen-year-old male, was transported by FPD to FPD headquarters, where detectives continued their investigation. The suspect was then taken to a juvenile detention facility – with assistance from the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office – and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm on school property.

A search of the juvenile’s home did not yield any other firearms.

By 9:40 A.M., all school operations had returned to normal. FPD Chief Scott Shoemaker expressed his gratitude for the students who reported the incident, emphasizing the value of the twenty-three-year partnership between FPD and CSF, which has allowed for the presence of an officer within the high school.

“I am thankful that the student witnesses reported the incident to school officials and our SRO,” stated Chief Shoemaker. “In a partnership with the Community Schools of Frankfort, we have had an officer in our high school for twenty-three years now.”

CSF Superintendent Dr. Matt Rhoda echoed Chief Shoemaker’s sentiments, emphasizing the strong partnership between the school district and the police department. He also highlighted the importance of preparedness and coordination in responding to critical incidents such as these, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

“We have a great partnership with the Frankfort Police Department,” stated Dr. Rhoda. “We have prepared for incidents of these types of critical incidents. Today was an example of how we respond in coordination with the police department to keep everyone safe.”

As the case now moves forward, the Clinton County prosecutor will review the details and determine formal charges.

Joel Tatum Gets Second Chance As Frankfort Parks Department Superintendent

Published on August 2, 2023August 2, 2023 by Brett W. Todd

File photo: Tatum (left) is sworn-in as a member of the Community Schools of Frankfort School Board in this August 9, 2022, photo. Tatum was introduced as the new Frankfort Parks Department Superintendent via an August 1, 2023, City press release. (Photo by Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (August 2, 2023) – Joel Tatum gets a second chance as Frankfort Parks Department Superintendent. According to a City issued press release August 1, Tatum will take the helm beginning Monday, August 7, 2023.

Tatum had previously served in that role; however, was dismissed in 2017 after being accused of a “material breach” of “internal controls” by current Mayor Judy Sheets – then-Clerk-Treasurer – and her predecessor according to an October 2017 City press release. The statement included that Tatum was offered a different position with the Parks Department, but declined and was terminated.

“As Clerk-Treasurer, it was my responsibility to require all City employees to attend internal control standards training which was completed by December 31, 2016. Because of the ordinance in effect, we had guidelines to follow. Ultimately, we are examining this matter because Frankfort’s foundation is built on sound leadership standards,” then-Clerk-Treasurer Sheets said in the 2017 press release.

Details surrounding the outing of Tatum centered around allegations of his handling of money – from keeping money in “coffee cans” in the Parks Department office, to depositing “a portion of the accumulated cash collections from the vending machines” in a “bank account in his name only” to deposits “not made timely” to receipts “not dated as to when funds were collected” – as described by an audit performed by the Indiana State Board of Accounts (SBOA).

In addition to the handling of money, concern was raised of Tatum’s selling-and-buying of zoo animals. An item addressed by now-Mayor Sheets in a February 2018 WBAA article stating, “City Clerk-Treasurer Judy Sheets says Tatum also used animals from the TPC [sic] Park petting zoo as a kind of currency.”

“During the investigation, it was brought to our attention that animals had been taken to some sort of an animal auction,” Sheets says. “I just don’t even know for sure which one it was taken to – the superintendent at the time and another employee took those animals and sold some of the animals and then came back with some other animals.”

The SBOA “requested that Tatum close the bank account and remit the revenues generated from vending machine sales to the Clerk-Treasurer. A cashier’s check in the amount of $1,613.48 was remitted to the Clerk-Treasurer on November 27, 2017.”

No criminal charges were filed against Tatum.

According to the present-day press release, Mayor Sheets has confidence in Tatum’s abilities.

“I have a vision for our City parks, and I know Joel will be a great addition to our leadership team. I am confident in Joel’s abilities, and I know he will work to make all of our parks become a more significant asset in our community. I look forward to the future of our City parks,” stated Mayor Sheets.

Tatum is currently a member of the Community Schools of Frankfort School Board.

Planned Cradle-to-Career Tech Center Scaled Back

Published on May 10, 2023May 10, 2023 by Brett W. Todd

The planned Cradle-to-Career Tech Center planned to be built on land owned by the Community Schools of Frankfort will be scaled back due to funding. The Center is planned to be built on land where the current bus garage is located - the far left in image.

FRANKFORT, Ind. (May 10, 2023) – The planned Cradle-to-Career Tech Center to be located on land owned by the Community Schools of Frankfort (CSF) – where the current bus garage is located – will be scaled down from $22 million to $10 to $12 million according to CSF Superintendent Dr. Matt Rhoda in comments made after Tuesday’s CSF school board meeting.

“We determined we needed to scale the project down – pretty much in half – so we are going to scale down the $22 million, down to $10 to $12 million,” said Dr. Rhoda. “And, we are looking at trying to find funding to hire a fundraiser as well as a grant writer to really spearhead and brainstorm. We are not able, all of us have full time jobs – we are not able to get out and knock on doors and get decision makers from businesses and industry in front of our presentation with the frequency we thought we would be able to do.”

The decision was made after a meeting was held Monday with project stakeholders. Dr. Rhoda said some of those in attendance included Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets, County Council representative Carol Price as well as all four county school superintendents.

“We have been able to talk to NHK. We have talked to Frito Lay, but the people in charge of the money are in Plano, Texas. So we want to have someone who can spearhead this. Would be great to have someone who is both a grant writer and fundraiser. And, we will be looking to raise money to pay for that.”

Dr. Rhoda provided an update on fundraising activities.

“Between the City and County each donating $250,000 and IU Health – they are just about at a million, about $750,000. We have the READI grant, which need to have MOU’s from the schools and resolutions from the City and County by the end of June.”

The facility will be scaled back as well prioritizing the programs offered will need addressed.

“We will scale down the vocational side, scale down the early learning side – mainly not as many labs and pathways going in there. We really need to look at what do want to put in there first. And, what can the early learning side do to still satisfy help our community with childcare. The early learning side is really a small component – the vocational side is where the majority of the cost is going.”

IVY Tech remains key according to Dr. Rhoda.

“We won’t be able to do it without IVY Tech. IVY Tech is a main ingredient, both with what they can do for supporting our kids in pathways and dual enrollment classes as well as what they can do by coming-in in the evenings to train adults for our local industry.”

The building of a facility might be as much as 36-months out; however, Dr. Rhoda sees a 12-month goal for the project being hiring someone to lead fundraising and grant writing.

“Over the course of the next year we want to close to that target, but we have got to get someone to help us with that because more time needs to be spent on relationships with our industry and business leaders to be able get then to come-in and get excited about this and want to be able contribute to the project.”

A signing ceremony for all stakeholders will take place on June 7th at 6pm at the CSF administration building – this is being conducted to satisfy a condition of the READI grant.

Commissioners to Ask Indiana Supreme Court to Review E-Cig Case

Published on April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 by Brett W. Todd

The three members of the Clinton County Commissioners listen to Sheriff Rich Kelly provide an update on the assignment of two deputies to Clinton Central and Clinton Prairie schools as school resource officers in this April 3, 2023 photo. From left-to-right, commissioners Bert Weaver, Josh Uitts, and Jordan Brewer. (Photo: Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (April 19, 2023) – The Clinton County Commissioners have asked their attorney, Mark Crandley, to ask the Indiana Supreme Court to review the e-cigarettes ruling according to commissioners president Jordan Brewer in an interview after Tuesday’s commissioners meeting at the Frankfort / Clinton County Airport.

“Yes, so we are moving forward,” commented Brewer.

When asked when the decision was made Brewer stated, “Couple weeks ago – I don’t know – within the last two weeks I would say.”

Clinton County Today asked Brewer after the April 3rd meeting for an update on this matter and he replied, “We haven’t made any decisions. I had a call with our legal counsel (Mark Crandley) to understand the perspective. We’ll have to discuss and see if that is an option – I think we had 45-days from the time. So, I think we still have, maybe, two weeks left roughly.”

The request for the review comes after – as previously reported – a three-judge panel of the Indiana Court of Appeals unanimously ruled the trial court did not err when concluding the Clinton County Commissioners exceeded its authority when they amended the county smoking ordinance in an attempt to prohibit inmates from purchasing and using tobacco-free products within the jail.

A request for review by the Indiana Supreme Court, known as “requesting transfer” according to the Indiana Supreme Court website, does not automatically take place.

As of week ending April 14, 2023, 15 of 174 cases requesting transfer have been accepted – known as “granting transfer” – according to the Supreme Court Transfer Dispositions webpage.

A search of online court documents does not show a request for transfer at the time of publishing this article.

The Commissioners and County Council were scheduled to hold a joint executive session for “discussion referencing litigation that is either pending or has been threatened specifically in writing” April 18 at 11am at the Frankfort / Clinton County Airport.

Killer of Promise Mays and Pamela Sledd Will Not Face Death Penalty, Takes Plea Deal

Published on April 18, 2023April 18, 2023 by Brett W. Todd

Gary Cecil Ferrell II pled guilty Tuesday to murdering Promise Mays and Pamela Sledd in the parking lot of NHK Seating of America outside of Frankfort on August 18, 2021. (Photo: Facebook/Clinton County Prosecutor's Office)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (April 18, 2023) – Gary Cecil Ferrell II pled guilty Tuesday to murdering Promise Mays and Pamela Sledd in the parking lot of NHK Seating of America outside of Frankfort on August 18, 2021.

According to the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office, Ferrell II took a plea deal that removed the death penalty and the remaining charges and will now face consecutive sentences. The deal was reached after the defendant raised the defense of intellectual disability to the death penalty.

After the preliminary hearing on August 20, 2021, Clinton County Prosecutor Anthony Sommer described why the death penalty had been sought.

“Indiana law provides for the death penalty in the crime of murder under 18 statutorily identified circumstances,” stated Sommer. “The facts, in this case, provide that the crime was committed during the commission of the crime of confinement, that is one of the statutorily identified circumstances in which the death penalty is available.”

Sommer added Ferrell II’s use of a handgun qualified as confinement under the law in this case.

“Confinement has to do with either removing or restraining someone’s movement against their will,” continued Sommer. “And in this particular case, that was done with a deadly weapon – specifically a handgun.”

An all-day sentencing hearing is tentatively set to begin at 9:30am on August 30th in front of Clinton County Judge Hunter according to court documents.

City of Frankfort Neighborhood Center Renovation Project Complete

Published on April 14, 2023April 14, 2023 by Brett W. Todd

The Frankfort Parks Department announced the completion of its renovation of the Neighborhood Center, work began earlier 2023. (Photo: City of Frankfort)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (April 14, 2023) – The Frankfort Parks Department announced it has completed its renovation of the Neighborhood Center, work began earlier this year.

According to a city press release Kaytianne Gellenbeck, Frankfort Parks Events Coordinator, presented a plan to renovate the Frankfort Neighborhood Center to Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets at the end of 2022. The Board of Public Works, along with Mayor Sheets, approved the plans by encumbering what was left of the park’s budget from 2022. “I was excited to hear Kaytianne’s plans for the Neighborhood Center,” stated Mayor Sheets. “I had been in it a couple of times and noticed that the ceiling was in bad shape, and I don’t remember the last time the carpet had been replaced. I knew she worked hard on the color scheme and finding local contractors for any work the park employees couldn’t do.”

The Frankfort Parks Department was given ownership of the Neighborhood Center in 2018 and had slowly been working on sprucing up with new windows and paint. “Since we started taking reservations for Prairie Creek Park, I saw a decline and heard comments about the Neighborhood Center and realized we needed to do something,” commented Gellenbeck. “I want this event center to shine just as much as any venue in town.”

The Parks Department employees completed most of the work themselves with new paint on every inch of the walls, new smoke detectors, replaced hardware on the cabinets, replaced doors, added changing tables, and a few other jobs.

Local contractors, like Shannon Campbell with Campbell Electric, replaced all of the light fixtures throughout the venue and new outlets and light receptacles. Jason Passmore, with JP Handyman Services LLC, replaced the ceiling in the main room. Jason added a little touch, but it made a massive difference by painting the framework to match the new ceiling. Aaron’s Flooring replaced the old carpet and fixed areas where the surface had been damaged underneath. A new sign from Aidex Graphics is scheduled to be installed this spring to complete the project. “All of the contractors were great to work with,” added Parks Superintendent Jason Forsythe. “They provided us with helpful knowledge of what we should use and finished the projects promptly and professionally. We think the community will love the changes.”

To reserve the Frankfort Neighborhood Center, please call Kaytianne Gellenbeck at 765.659.3422 or by email at fpark@frankfort-in.gov.

2023 City of Frankfort Summer Events

Published on April 14, 2023April 14, 2023 by Brett W. Todd

The City of Frankfort announced a collection of free concerts and events for 2023. These events are designed for all ages and interests and provide entertainment every resident can enjoy.

FRANKFORT, Ind. (April 14, 2023) – The City of Frankfort announced Friday a collection of free concerts and events for 2023. These events are designed for all ages and interests and provide entertainment every resident can enjoy according to a press release issued by the city.

Community Development Director Kimberly Black stated, “This is always an exciting day when we can share the line-up of summer events with the community. The Parks Department has worked hard to provide various activities this season. Every year we evaluate how or where we can improve and what else we can do to bring more growth to our downtown district, and every year we see more and more patrons visit Prairie Creek Park. We are ready and excited to see families and friends gather together to make wonderful memories in Frankfort.”

Summer events will kick off on Thursday, May 11th, with the Frankfort Parks Department’s first Downtown TuneNight at Prairie Creek Park starting at 6:30pm. The Toy Factory will be performing on The Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage. Prairie Creek Park is located at 260 East Washington Street, Frankfort, IN, 46041.

“The Board of Works has been approving contracts for bands, musicians, and entertainment for a few months, and I am excited to see everything come together. Kaytianne has done a great job scouting for bands and providing a variety of talented entertainment for almost every genre, said Mayor Judy Sheets. “These events would not be made possible without the Redevelopment Commission and our event sponsors. Thank you to those who partner with us because, without their support, we couldn’t offer free events for visitors and our
community to enjoy.”

Summer Events include:

• 5/11/23 Downtown TuneNight – Toy Factory
• 5/20/23 Summer Concert – Big 80’s Band followed by XGeneration
• 5/20/23 Circle Park Bicycle Race @ Circle Park
• 6/08/23 Downtown TuneNight – Phil Pierle Trio
• 6/17/23 Summer Concert Presented by the Frankfort Fraternal Order of the Eagles
• 6/24/23 Summer Concert – Cody Ikerd & the Sidewinders
• 6/30/23 Movie in the Park – Sonic 2
• 7/04/23 July 4th Festival at TPA Park with Christine Kindred, 90 Proof, The Time Travelers
• 7/21/23 Movie in the Park – Wonder Park
• 8/4/23 Movie in the Park – Rumble
• 8/10/23 Downtown TuneNight – Stella Luna & The Satellites
• 8/12/23 Summer Concert – Hank Ruff followed by Jonny James
• 8/26/23 Summer Concert – Like Mother, Like Daughter followed byThe Bishops
• 9/14/23 Downtown TuneNight – Levi Riggs
• 9/22/23 Movie in the Park – Vivo
• 9/23/23 Summer Concert – Heartland followed by Roughouse
• 9/30/23 Summer Concert – Chase Wright
• 10/12/23 Downtown TuneNight – For Pete’s Sake

“We are thrilled about the performers we booked this year. We have booked a variety of local businesses and surrounding food trucks to attend. You won’t want to miss out on these events. Don’t forget to put Prairie Creek Park on your calendars! Bring a blanket and enjoy a movie or concert with us in the park,” stated Parks Events Coordinator, Kaytianne.

In addition to these events, the Frankfort Parks Department offers multiple season amenities, including the Prairie Creek Park Splash Pad, the TPA Park Aviary & Petting Zoo, and Sapphire Bay at TPA Park. They are scheduled to be open Memorial Day weekend. For more information regarding city parks and events, please check out the website, www.frankfort-in.gov, or the Frankfort Parks Department and City of Frankfort‘s Facebook pages. Sponsorships are available, and you can contact Kimberly Black at 765.659.6770 or kblack@frankfort-in.gov

NEWS – EVENTS – COMMUNITY – GIVEAWAYS

Brett W. Todd - page 3

‘Throwing The Baby Out With The Bath Water,’ Mayor Ends HPC

110-year Sentence for NHK Killer

NHK Killer: “I understand that my acts caused an unimaginable amount of pain and torment”

Frankfort Juvenile Arrested For Having Handgun at Frankfort High School

Joel Tatum Gets Second Chance As Frankfort Parks Department Superintendent

Planned Cradle-to-Career Tech Center Scaled Back

Commissioners to Ask Indiana Supreme Court to Review E-Cig Case

Killer of Promise Mays and Pamela Sledd Will Not Face Death Penalty, Takes Plea Deal

City of Frankfort Neighborhood Center Renovation Project Complete

2023 City of Frankfort Summer Events

Community Calendar

Brett W. Todd - page 3

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