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Local Government & Agencies - page 16

New Lights Installed at Frankfort High School

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new stadium lights installed at Frankfort High School
Crew members were testing the newly installed lighting system at Frankfort High School Football, Track & Field Complex the evening of August 1, 2022. (Photos by Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. – A much needed lighting project is nearing completion at the Frankfort High School Football, Track & Field complex this week. Testing of the newly installed 4-pole lightening system took place Monday evening.

The lighting system, complete with the ability to program a light-show, replaces a 6-pole lighting system that stood since the complex opened in 1981.

Former CSF Superintendent Joel McKinney presented the idea of the upgrade at the May 10, 2022, school board meeting after learning of cost savings from the district wide paving project.

“The poles are questionable,” said McKinney after speaking with Dave Fouse, director of buildings, grounds and transportation for CSF. “If you’ve ever been to a football game where the lights flicker and go out, we have to sit the teams down and wait and come back out.”

“The wires that run up, those poles are, are shorting out the poles themselves or old. He said, they’re inconsistent. They lose power.”

The $335,000 project was awarded to Musco Lighting.

“Musco Lighting is part of a consortium. They put in our baseball lights. They did such a good job that after a year or two, they came back and replaced the bulbs free of charge.”

“In other words, Ed Niehaus and all are very pleased with Musco.”

Frankfort hosts the Clinton Central Bulldogs on August 19 under the new lights. Kick-off is set for 7 pm.

New, Custom Stab Vests and Body Armor for Clinton County Jail Correctional Officers Arrive

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New Custom Stab Vests and Body Armor for Clinton County Jail Correction Officers Arrive
Correctional Offers shown wearing new custom stab vest and body armor along with body camera and taser with Sheriff Rich Kelly in the middle. From left to right are: Officer Horlacher, Officer Hernandez, Sheriff Kelly, Officer Whitaker and Officer Perkins.

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. – After a lengthy setback from supply chain issues, 26-sets of stab vests and body armor have finally arrived for Correctional Officers working in the Clinton County Jail located in Frankfort. These vests are custom fit to the individual and are issued as part of their duty uniform.

“We ordered this equipment in January and took delivery on the majority of our order this past week,” stated Clinton County Sheriff Rich Kelly.

“The number of violent assaults in prisons and jails have increased across the state over the last 2 years, such as Lieutenant Eugene Lasco who was stabbed to death by an inmate at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City, IN on February 21, 2021.”

“It is my duty and priority to provide the necessary equipment to all staff to ensure their safety while providing an essential service in our community. The outer carrier offers additional health benefits to reduce the stress on the hips and lower back while giving the Officers the opportunity to carry more equipment, such as tourniquets, in the event of an injury to staff or inmates.”

While nearly $12,200 from the commissary fund was spent to purchase the 26 vests, half of that cost will be reimbursed via a grant awarded by the United States Department of Justice secured by the work of Jail Matron Ashley Kelly.

Correctional officers have also received in previous months body cameras and tasers purchased with money collected from housing federal inmates.

“I am incredibly proud of our staff and Matron Kelly for taking the initiative to provide new equipment, while saving local tax dollars. The camera and taser purchases are great examples of bringing federal tax dollars back into our community,” added Sheriff Kelly.

An additional order will be placed in the coming months to equip newer hired jail staff.

Hot Dog Festival State Road 28 Detour

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Hot Dog Festival State Road 28 Detour

Frankfort, Ind. – In preparation of the thousands of visitors to downtown Frankfort for the Hot Dog Festival on Friday, July 29 and Saturday, July 30th, the City of Frankfort has announced the following State Road 28 detour due to the large INDOT infrastructure project along State Road 28. The project started spring of 2021 and should complete in October of 2022 according to a press release issued by the city on Tuesday.

“INDOT has been great to work with,” stated Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets. “They understand the importance of the Hot Dog Festival and what it means for our downtown businesses and small businesses in Frankfort. Today, Street Superintendent, Jason Forsythe and I sat in a progress meeting with everyone involved with the State Road 28 Project.”

“A large portion of the meeting was focused on how to make this work with the festival quickly approaching. INDOT will be street sweeping to keep the dirt and dust to a minimal while the Hot Dog Festival is taking place and they have provided a digital sign to direct semi traffic coming into Frankfort from the east. I would like to thank Police Chief Scott Shoemaker and Jason Forsythe for all of their hard work by coming up with a plan to make sure semis would stay away from East Washington Street and the festival. As long as everyone follows the detour signs, our plans should work. I look forward to seeing everyone in downtown Frankfort this weekend.”

INDOT, Clinton County, and the City of Frankfort have agreed to start the detour on Thursday, July 28th and remain in effect until Sunday, July 31st.

The Hot Dog Festival Detour is as follows:

Turn North or right on Maish Road from Washington Avenue/ Michigantown Blacktop.
Go to 100 North and turn west or left. Go to State Road 75 and turn right or North to 300 North. Turn left or west on 300 North, cross over State Road 39 to 300 West. Turn Left or South on 300 West, and take it back to State Road 28

Hot Dog Festival State Road 28 Detour

Currently, the detour for semi traffic is Washington Avenue to East Washington Street back to Jackson Street (State Road 39) and will resume after the Hot Dog Festival.

Frankfort BOW Approves Final Design of New Police Station

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Frankfort BOW approved final design of a new police station on June 7. This is the rendering of the building by KJG Architecture. (Image: KJG Architecture/City of Frankfort)

FRANKFORT, Ind. – The Frankfort Board of Works approved the final design and specifications of a planned, new $8.5 million police station at a special meeting held Tuesday, June 7.

The police station will be built on State Road 28 West just east of Brock Grain Systems.

Police Chief Scott Shoemaker described the design change as cost savings that impacted the training room which altered the outside appearance along with the roof line.

Shoemaker described the training room design change “substantial” and described the space as being redesigned “from the lecture type tiered system to a multi-purpose use now. We have taken the tiers out of the seating and the room can be utilized for classroom style training, official tactics style training, and also our virtual reality [training].”

A groundbreaking ceremony will be held on June 27.

City of Frankfort Granted $311,916.44 from Community Crossing Matching Grant, 10 Additional Paving Projects for 2022

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FRANKFORT, Ind. – City officials received exciting news on Tuesday, April 19, 2022. Governor Holcomb and INDOT awarded Frankfort $311,916.44 from the Community Crossing Matching Grant.

Mayor Sheets, Board of Public Works, City Council, and Street Superintendent Jason Forsythe approved the total of $623,832.88 for an additional 10 paving projects for 2022.

The following paving projects will include the following:
* East Washington from Jackson Street to Fudge Avenue
* West Morrison Street from Mytle Avenue to Rossville Avenue
* Ann Street from Clay to dead end
* East Wabash from Clay to Williams Road
* Rossville Avenue from Morrison to the railroad tracks
* East Street from Washington Avenue to Walnut
* Vanburen from East Ohio Street to Walnut
* Oneil from Washington Avenue to dead end
* Avery from Main Street to Delphi Avenue
* Hemlock Drive from South Clay Street to Alhambra Avenue

“This is very exciting for the City of Frankfort to receive the first round of the Community Crossing Grant for 2022. With these additional fund, we will have paved over $1.5 million in 2022, says Mayor Judith Sheets. “We could not have done this without Jason Forsythe, Street Superintendent. His hard work has strategically paved miles of roadways that we wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise.”

City officials, including Mayor Sheets and Superintendent Forsythe are working on the planning process and request bids or proposals that will be available later this summer.

The Community Crossing Matching Grant Program provides funding to cities, towns, and counties across Indiana to make improvements to local roads and bridges. This program is a partnership between the Indiana Department of Transportation and Indiana communities to invest in infrastructure projects that advance economic development, job creation, and local transportation.

City of Frankfort Releases Summer Concert Series Event

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FRANKFORT, Ind. – The City of Frankfort is announcing a collection of free concerts and events for 2022. These events are designed for all ages, interests and provide entertainment every resident can enjoy.

Community Development & Outreach Director Kimberly Black says, “We are excited to announce this year’s entertainment schedule. We worked hard to provide entertainment for all ages and to make sure the community enjoys the bands that perform. We looked at the timeline and dates from last year and have made a few adjustments to the 2022 line-up. We had great attendance last year and I hope more are encouraged to take advantage of such a great amenity in Frankfort.”

Summer events will kick off on Friday, May 13th with an 80’s night at Prairie Creek Park. The Big 80’s Band will start at 6:30pm followed by Jambox on The Farmers Bank Performance Center Stage. Prairie Creek Park is located at 260 East Washington Street.

“I am excited that our event season is almost here. It was great to see everyone at our parks and around downtown last summer. We have some great bands lined-up and a few names that you should recognize, says Mayor Sheets. “I want to thank the Redevelopment Commission and our event sponsors, because without their support every year, we wouldn’t be able to offer free entertainment to the community and surrounding area. Thank you.”

Summer Events at Prairie Creek Park include:
* 5/13/2022 – 80’s Night: The Big 80’s Band, Jambox
* 5/21/2022 – Dewayne Spaw, Indy Annies
* 6/11/2022 – Cody Ikerd, Cook & Belle
* 6/18/2022 – Jason Wells, Echoes of Pompeii
* 8/13/2022 – Christine Kindred, Isaac Rudd
* 8/20/2022 – Motown Sounds of Touch
* 9/19/2022 – Frankfort Hispanic Heritage Festival
* 10/01/2022 – Frankfort Jazz Day: Clinton County High School Student Competition

In addition to these events, the City of Frankfort offers Open Mic Nights on the last Thursday of the month from March to October.

More information regarding events can be found on the City website,  or by following The City of Frankfort or Prairie Creek Park Facebook page.

Paving Begins Monday, March 21st

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The City of Frankfort will begin over $900,000 in paving work beginning Monday, March 21st. (Photo from Frankfort Street Department)

FRANKFORT, Ind. – The City of Frankfort has announced Street Superintendent, Jason Forsythe, was given the green light by Reith Riley, the paving contractor, to start milling and paving Monday, March 21, 2022. Milling will begin on Freeman Street.

“If the weather holds out we should have it completed in 7 to 10 days,” said Forsythe. “I am ready to get these 23 projects started. I urge the community to be mindful and patient of the construction zones and to please drive slow in the road construction zones.” Please be aware if you have on-street parking. Cars will be towed if they aren’t moved when milling and paving work is being done.

Mayor Sheets, Board of Public Works members, and Street Superintendent Jason Forsythe approved the total of $912,716.72 in December of 2021 for these street projects:

* Monon Street from Washington to Clinton Street
* Williams Road from Wabash Street to Forest Drive
* Freeman Street from Jackson Street to 5th Street
* 4th Street from Freeman to Short 4th Street
* 4th Street from Walnut to Armstrong
* Outer Drive from Crescent to Clinton Street
* Hawthorne Avenue from Barner to Kyger
* Rowe Street from Rossville Avenue to Paris Street
* Morrison Street from Pratt to Myrtle
* Sims Street from Washington to East McClurg
* East McClurg Street from Sims to Clay Street
* East Paris Street from Jackson Street to Clay Street
* Vermont Street (off Williams Street, runs in front of Indiana Packers)
* Harrison Street from Walnut to South Street
* Jefferson Street from Main to Railroad
* Harrison Street from Kyger to Green Street
* McKinley Avenue from Walnut to Frankfort Truck and Car
* Short Myrtle from McKinley to Walnut
* Boomer Street from McKinley to Walnut
* Calloway Avenue from McKinley to Walnut
* Eastwood Drive from Harvard to Dead End South of Harvard
* Indiana Street from 3rd Street to 2nd Street
* Aughe Street from Washington to Clinton Street

This list does not reflect the order in which work will be completed. For updated information visit the City of Frankfort or Frankfort Street Department Facebook pages.

Clinton County Sheriff Rich Kelly and Jail Matron Ashley Kelly each Enter Pleas of Not Guilty

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Clinton County Sheriff Rich Kelly (R) leaving the Courthouse with wife Jail Matron Ashley Kelly after each entered not guilty pleas on four criminal charges.

FRANKFORT, Ind. – Clinton County Sheriff Rich Kelly and Jail Matron Ashley Kelly each entered pleas of not guilty today on each of the four individual criminal charges, filed March 4th, during an approximately eight minute long initial hearing in front of Senior Judge Peggy Lohorn in Clinton County Circuit Court.

Judge Lohorn set May 12, 2022, as a pre-trial date with June 14, 2022, as the tentative trial date.

The Kellys each face 1 count each of the following:

  1. as public servants knowingly or intentionally had a pecuniary interest in or derived a profit from a contract connected with their governmental entity served by the public servant;
  2. engaged in a violation of the criminal Conflict of Interest statute;
  3. engaged in a violation of the Criminal Conversion statute (IC 35-43-4-3 (a) by Richard L. Kelly receiving commissary funds through his ownership in Leonne LLC; and
  4. signed under penalties of perjury statements related to their relationship with each other, in violation of the criminal offense of Perjury

TPA Park Aquatic Center Groundbreaking Set

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Architect rendering of the TPA Park Aquatic Center. Image from City of Frankfort website.

FRANKFORT, Ind. – The City of Frankfort has announced April 1st at 2 p.m. as the ground breaking for the $10 Million Aquatic Center. The event will take place at 1 Adrian Marks Drive.

The Aquatic Center completion is set to coincide with the opening of the 2023 pool season.

Sheriff Kelly and Matron Kelly facing Criminal Charges

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FRANKFORT, Ind. – A special prosecutor assigned to Clinton County filed criminal charges against Clinton County Sheriff Rich Kelly and his wife Ashley, who is both the Jail Matron and Commissary Manager on Friday, March 4.

This action comes a little over one-year after [Clinton County Prosecutor Tony Sommer] contacted the Indiana State Police regarding “allegations of criminal activity by two sworn police officers” according to the probable cause affidavit affirmed by ISP Sgt. Joseph White. The Kellys each face three counts of official misconduct and one count of criminal conflict of interest.

“Given the timeline of events, this is nothing more than a political farse,” stated Sheriff Kelly via a press release. “The items being contested are still in civil litigation in Tippecanoe County Court and are the same contained in the SBOA findings from last year and our subsequent response.

“My wife and I look forward to continuing our efforts to increase public safety with the hiring of new deputies and jail staff, made possible by the nearly $1,500,000 federal inmate project that we brought into the community in 2020. We plan on announcing our medical savings to the county of over $388,000 for 2021 in the next week. We also look forward to expanding our jail programs to a Jail Chemical Addiction Program (JCAP) that will incorporate more services to the recovery of inmates. We will continue our successful programs, saving taxpayers money, reducing recidivism and providing state of the art technology, equipment and training to all members of our agency.”

The three-member Board of Commissioners (Jordan Brewer, Josh Uitts, and Bert Weaver) released a statement via Commissioner Josh Uitts’ Facebook page.

“This is a sad and unfortunate day for Clinton County. Nobody wants to wake up and face a day knowing that criminal charges have been filed against an elected official in the highest role of law enforcement within the community. We take these charges very seriously and are very concerned about the integrity of Clinton County.

“We also understand the criminal justice system and that individuals are innocent until proven guilty; however, these allegations are extremely serious and very disturbing for individuals that are still in their elected office and appointed position. We hope and pray that Clinton County will become stronger and more resilient from this dark day in our county’s history.”

Online court information does not show if the Kellys have been arrested or any future court dates. In Indiana, only coroners have the official capacity to arrest a sheriff.

Civil litigation in Tippecanoe County Court is set to be heard on March 31, 2022.

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