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Frankfort

Data Center Receives ‘Favorable’ Recommendation From APC, County Commissioners to Make Final Decision

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The Clinton County Area Plan Commission (APC) voted Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to send a favorable recommendation to the County Commissioners to rezone approximately 714.55 acres of land in Washington and Union Townships from agricultural to light industrial. The project, spearheaded by Logix Realty LLC with DataOne as the intended user, is envisioned as a three-part "campus" featuring a high-tech data center, a pre-cast concrete manufacturing plant, and a symbiotic hydroponic "gigafarm".

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. (January 7, 2026) — Local planning officials on Tuesday moved forward with a massive rezoning request that could pave the way for a multi-billion dollar data center campus, despite concerns from residents about the potential impact on the county’s rural character and natural resources.

The Clinton County Area Plan Commission (APC) voted to send a favorable recommendation to the County Commissioners to rezone approximately 714.55 acres of land in Washington and Union Townships from agricultural to light industrial. The project, spearheaded by Logix Realty LLC with DataOne as the intended user, is envisioned as a three-part “campus” featuring a high-tech data center, a pre-cast concrete manufacturing plant, and a symbiotic hydroponic “gigafarm”.

Proponents of the development estimate the initial investment at $10 billion to $12 billion, with the potential to reach $50 billion over time. Supporters who spoke during the marathon public hearing argued the project would provide a transformative tax base to fund local schools and first responders.

However, the proposal faced stiff opposition from neighbors worried about the scale of the expansion. Residents raised concerns regarding aquifer depletion, noise pollution, and the loss of farmland.

To address these quality-of-life issues, the developer conceptually agreed to 14 legally binding commitments. These include a 65-decibel sound limit at the property line, a requirement for closed-loop recirculating water systems to prevent groundwater waste, and a decommissioning plan backed by financial security to ensure abandoned buildings are removed at the developer’s expense.

“Staff would strongly caution against any favorable recommendation without a full set of clear commitments,” said Liz Stitzel, the APC’s executive director, noting that the safeguards were essential given the “unprecedented” size of the site.

The site is located north of Frankfort’s city limits, adjacent to an existing railroad and industrial park. While approximately 0.5% of the county’s total farmland would be converted to industrial use, officials noted the location is consistent with long-term land-use plans that discourage residential growth near the nearby county landfill.

“Sooner or later, it is likely some sort of industrial or commercial development is the best use for this land,” the staff report noted, citing the area’s proximity to land already zoned for infrastructure.

The final decision now rests with the Clinton County Commissioners who have 90-days to vote on the favorable recommendation. The next scheduled meeting of the Commissioners is set for January 20 at the Clinton County Annex.

Clinton County Commissioners Table Data Center Vote, Split Over Last-Minute Data Center Site Visit

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Amid intense local opposition and a rapidly approaching legislative deadline, Clinton County commissioners are undertaking urgent efforts at due diligence concerning a massive proposed data center project, including a planned trip to an operational site in New Jersey. The controversy centers on the proposed rezoning of agricultural land for a project being developed by DataOne and Logistix partner Doug Swain. (photo/Brett W. Todd)

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. (November 5, 2025) — Amid intense local opposition and a rapidly approaching legislative deadline, Clinton County commissioners are undertaking urgent efforts at due diligence concerning a massive proposed data center project, including a planned trip to an operational site in New Jersey. The controversy centers on the proposed rezoning of agricultural land for a project being developed by DataOne and Logistix partner Doug Swain.

The urgency stems from the fact that the commission has a 90-day period to act on the rezoning recommendation; if no decision is reached by approximately November 18th, the request dies. The time constraints have fueled commissioner disagreement over the feasibility of adequate research.

The New Jersey site visit, scheduled for today, Wednesday, following the Tuesday commissioner meeting, targets a DataOne development located in Vineland, New Jersey. Scott Wolf, an Indiana businessman associated with Logistix, presented DataOne as the company intending to come to Clinton County. The purpose of the trip is to allow officials to meet the real people on the other end of the transaction and gain first-hand information on infrastructure and community impact.

“We’re going to take a number of people out to do due diligence [Wednesday],” Wolf stated. The delegation plans to speak with officials in Vineland regarding power rates, water consumption, and noise, and to “actually meet the real people on the other end who are to do the development.”

The flight manifest of the trip, obtained by Clinton County Today, reflects a broad cross section of Clinton County and City of Frankfort elected officials, appointed officials as well as employees along with community members. The manifest identifies the following individuals as scheduled to make the trip: Kevin Myers, Bert Weaver, Alan Dunn, Carol Price, Todd Corrie, Dan Sheets, Liz Stitzel, Mary King, Tammy Sander, Russ Kaspar, Kimberly Black, Jeff Chynoweth, Steve Beardsley, Clarence Warthan, Robert Joe Stevens, Eric Woods, Joe Palmer, John Virtue, and Shan Sheridan.

Two commissioners identified in the manifest voiced support for participating in the trip, emphasizing the need for comprehensive research before making a final determination.

Commissioner Bert Weaver confirmed his intent to travel, stating he felt obsessed with the issue and was still gathering information. “I am going on the trip to New Jersey tomorrow because I want to find out this stuff,” he said. He noted that while the project was handled poorly initially, he is “not prepared to make a decision today.”

Another commissioner, Commissioner Kevin Myers, who had previously been wary of the project, explained that communication with the New Jersey location had altered his perspective. “We have an opportunity to visit a like plant that’s going there. We have an opportunity to visit with the mayor. We have an opportunity to meet with the commissioners of that location. We have an opportunity to see and listen to the people They’re there,” he commented, stressing the importance of doing their due diligence before a vote.

However, Commissioner Jordan Brewer, who has been highly critical of the developer’s handling of the process, strongly disagreed with the value of a rushed, last-minute trip.

“I’m not doing that for the record,” Brewer said regarding the trip. He argued that attempting to complete the necessary research in the time remaining is futile, given the project’s scope. Brewer cited new estimates suggesting the project could be worth as much as $50 billion—three times the size of the nearby LEAP project—making a decision by November 18th virtually impossible.

“How can you then do enough due diligence from now until November 18th for a size and scope of a project this large? It’s just not possible,” Brewer asserted. He believes that undertaking due diligence under current circumstances “provide no benefit.”

The board ultimately voted 2-1 to table the resolution, with Brewer being the ‘no’ vote, continuing to take no action on the rezoning request and allowing the remaining days of the 90-day period for research to elapse. If they fail to act by the deadline, the rezoning request will automatically expire.

Editor’s note: Dan Sheets provided a statement that he “did not attend the meeting in New Jersey today.”

Will The Digital Frontier Come to Frankfort? A Call for ‘Suspension of Disbelief’

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Doug Swain, president of Logistix, who at a recent public gathering held at Willow Creek Barn on September 15th, shared his vision on the rezoning of 154 acres north of ConAgra for a massive data center development. His pitch isn't just about servers and fiber optics; it's about a headline-grabbing future: "Cure for cancer developed in Frankfort, Indiana data facility." While he admits this won't happen next year, he puts forward that as AI evolves into quantum computing, these facilities are "widely expected to generate cures for some widely known diseases, medical advances, advanced technology." It sounds like science fiction, but Swain insists it's "not really beyond the realm of possibility." (photo/Brett W. Todd)

Frankfort, Ind. (September 29, 2025) – The air in Clinton County, usually thick with the scent of agriculture and the rhythm of rural life, is now buzzing with a different kind of current: the promise of a digital revolution. Doug Swain, a seasoned developer with a vision as expansive as the Indiana cornfields, stands at the forefront, pitching a future where Frankfort isn’t just a dot on the map, but a nexus of quantum computing and artificial intelligence. But like any bold venture, this one comes with a chorus of questions, concerns, and a healthy dose of skepticism from a community wary of trading their peace for progress.

Swain, president of Logistix, who at a recent public gathering held at Willow Creek Barn on September 15th, shared his vision on the rezoning of 154 acres north of ConAgra for a massive data center development. His pitch isn’t just about servers and fiber optics; it’s about a headline-grabbing future: “Cure for cancer developed in Frankfort, Indiana data facility.” While he admits this won’t happen next year, he puts forward that as AI evolves into quantum computing, these facilities are “widely expected to generate cures for some widely known diseases, medical advances, advanced technology.” It sounds like science fiction, but Swain insists it’s “not really beyond the realm of possibility.”

The Hum of Progress: A Vision of Prosperity

What exactly are data centers? Swain describes them as being “most like industrial warehouses” but housed with “a lot of processing units, GPUs, CPUs” that process vast amounts of data. They are the silent powerhouses behind everything from your daily ChatGPT query to cloud services like Google, Apple, and Facebook. The companies involved are “hyperscalers” like Amazon (AWS), Meta (Facebook), Google, and Microsoft, or “collocation” facilities serving multiple enterprise users. These are not small players; companies like Digital Realty boast market caps of $56 billion.

The economic promise, according to Swain, is substantial. An economic impact analysis, based on similar projects, projects nearly $1.5 billion invested to build 1.4 million square feet. Over a quarter-century, this could generate $265 million in gross property taxes and $6.3 million in new local income taxes. The project is slated to create 170 direct full-time positions within the data center, with an average wage of $85,000, almost 40% higher than Indiana’s average. Beyond that, over 300 indirect jobs and a thousand-plus construction jobs are anticipated.

“This is a new industry sector to Indiana that’s already advanced elsewhere in the country, and we have a chance now to change our game,” quoted a director of economic development from Morgan County, Indiana, describing a similar project. Swain points to examples in Hamilton and New Albany, Ohio, where mayors and economic directors lauded “significant” economic impact, “real growth not just in jobs but in the tax base.”

Furthermore, the proposed site lies within a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) district, meaning the generated property tax revenue could be funneled by the county’s redevelopment commission into infrastructure that supports housing development, a critical need exacerbated by property tax reductions from Senate Bill One. This, Swain believes, would encourage data center employees, who require 24/7 proximity to their work, to live locally.

Beyond the raw numbers, these companies are presented as committed community partners. Google, for instance, has given over $14 million in philanthropic grants in Ohio, focusing on STEM education and workforce development. AWS and Microsoft have similar programs, aiming to train local talent for high-paying tech jobs that are “expected to be there for a long long time.”

“We think it’s a game changer for the community,” Swain concludes, envisioning “quality development,” “high paying jobs,” and a “clean industry” that will lead to “other housing, retail, other opportunities” while maintaining Frankfort’s charm.

Shadows of Uncertainty: The Community’s Unanswered Questions
But the vision of a gleaming digital future casts long shadows of concern for Frankfort’s residents. At a public meeting, the mood was tense, with one resident openly declaring, “You sound like a used car salesman. I’m not buying your car.” The skepticism is palpable, rooted in fears about resources, health, and the unknown.

The Power Problem: A central concern revolves around energy. While Swain assures that the project will be powered by a dedicated transmission line and a 15-year-plus power agreement, with no costs anticipated to be borne by the community for utilities. Residents recall comments from Indiana’s governor about power grid strain and the possibility of nuclear reactors. Swain swiftly dismisses the nuclear option as “extremely expensive” and “not practical,” citing heavy regulation and logistical challenges. He clarifies that the grid is heavily regulated by MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator) to prevent strain and that utility companies are actively seeking clean energy solutions like natural gas and fuel cells to supplement the grid. Rick Gunyon, a Frankfort Utility Service Board member, corroborates this, stating, “We have more than enough electrical energy available for this data center and then some well into the future.” The location even offers redundancy with two different electric companies, Frankfort Municipal Power and Tipmont, and the option for natural gas generators as backup.

The Water Worry: “We hear a lot about the water,” Swain concedes, acknowledging widespread concerns. Residents are troubled by reports of data centers consuming “a million gallons or 2 million gallons a day.” Swain argues that these figures are based on older designs. The current “trend in data centers is to move away from these water intensive towers towards more sustainable closed loop system that recirculates and reuses the water,” with a goal of “near zero” water utilization. He cites examples like Vantage and Aligned data centers that use “highly efficient closed loops water systems” or “waterless cooling technologies.” However, residents question if these advanced systems will definitively be implemented in Frankfort and what happens during hot summer days. There’s also anxiety about potential aquifer depletion, especially for those outside city water limits who rely on private wells. Swain states they are working with the city and county to ensure comfort with water usage, and the utility company will monitor and ensure capacity isn’t harmed.

The Noise Nuisance: Another significant concern is constant noise. Residents report that similar facilities in other towns cause “non-stop” noise, leading to health issues like “anxiety and thousands of people” and even physical illness. Swain’s proposal suggests a 65 dB noise level, which he equates to “street traffic when you’re standing on a corner.” Mitigation efforts include increased setbacks, landscaping, and mounting around residences.

Jobs and Tax Breaks: The promise of 170 direct jobs is met with skepticism, with one resident claiming centers house only “12 to 50” people. Swain clarifies that 170 is for a fully operational facility of this specific type, not smaller enterprise data centers. The idea of “thousand plus construction jobs” is also questioned, given the common practice of bringing in out-of-state specialized contractors. Swain counters that while general contractors might be from out of town, they employ local staff and subcontractors for various trades, and workers will spend money in the local economy.

The mention of tax incentives further fuels resident frustration. While the state offers a “data center sales tax exemption” for 25-50 years on equipment, local property tax abatements are also on the table. Residents question how the community will benefit if these centers receive substantial tax breaks, essentially “stealing from us anyway” regarding state sales tax. Swain explains that local property tax abatements (typically 10 years, 50% reduction) are a local decision and part of a competitive landscape to attract investment. He reiterates the TIF district’s role in local infrastructure development as a primary benefit.

Transparency and Health: The “chicken and egg” problem of requiring zoning approval before revealing a specific buyer deeply frustrates residents, who want to “know before they make the vote.” Concerns about potential health issues, including cancer among workers and nearby residents, were also voiced, though Swain said he had “not seen any information” on such concerns with data centers.

A Community at a Crossroads

Rick Gunyon, the utility board member and long-time resident, offers a historical perspective, reminding the community of past anxieties about new technologies like McDonald’s or the railroad. “We’ve had this conversation before. The subjects have changed over the years and it’s very natural for everyone to have different points of view of this,” he says, encouraging “suspension of disbelief” and seeing the project as an opportunity.

Doug Swain and his team are attempting to navigate a complex landscape, balancing the allure of a high-tech, high-revenue future with the deep-seated concerns of a community clinging to its character. The meetings are ongoing, the questions are plentiful, and the answers are, for many, still insufficient. Frankfort, like many communities across the country, stands at a crossroads, weighing the tangible risks against the tantalizing promise of the digital frontier. Whether it’s a cure for cancer or simply a new economic engine, the decision will shape the community’s identity for decades to come.

Next Up

The Clinton County Commissioners will have the final say on the rezoning request. By Indiana law, the commissioners were presented with the Area Plan Commission’s “neutral” recommendation at its September 16th meeting and have 90-days to make a decision. Commissioners president Jordan Brewer stated that the topic will come up at either the first or second meeting in October. His remarks came while speaking to community member at Paul Phillippe Resource Center on September 10th.

The commissioners are next scheduled to meet on October 7th at 9am in the Courthouse.

Clinton County Jail is ICE Detention Facility

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The Clinton County Jail is an ICE Detention Facility; that fact came to light during the Tuesday county council budget hearing. Though the specifics of the agreements and the exact number of detainees remain largely unknown to local county leaders, Clinton County is reportedly one of four counties in Indiana that house ICE detainees, according to an article published by The Indianapolis Star on August 25. The other three are Clay, Clark and Marion County. However, both Brewer and Dunn each expressed difficulty accessing detailed breakdowns, noting that they only see the amount deposited into the federal inmate fund and not the specific number of individuals or the compensation agreement. (photo/Brett W. Todd)

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. (September 24, 2025) – The Clinton County Jail is an ICE Detention Facility; that fact came to light during the Tuesday county council budget hearing.

“What is the cost of having ICE detainees in our jail right now intermixing with local inmates,” asked Commissioners’ president Jordan Brewer to members of the county council. Afterwards, in the hallway outside the meeting room, Brewer stated he was only sharing “what I have been told.”

Clinton County president Alan Dunn stated that a report from a single month, possibly April or May, showed an additional $85,000 generated from fees associated with housing ICE detainees when asked during a beak in the budget hearing. According to Dunn, this money represents a supplemental additional fee received when a federal inmate is also an ICE detainee.

The revenue increase coincided with a new contract amount for federal inmates that started around February 1st of this year, raising the per-inmate rate to approximately $90. The previous contract rate was $68. After the initial jump from the rate increase, a “secondary jump” was observed in May related to a portion of those inmates being ICE detainees according to Dunn.

Though the specifics of the agreements and the exact number of detainees remain largely unknown to local county leaders, Clinton County is reportedly one of four counties in Indiana that house ICE detainees, according to an article published by The Indianapolis Star on August 25. The other three are Clay, Clark and Marion County. However, both Brewer and Dunn each expressed difficulty accessing detailed breakdowns, noting that they only see the amount deposited into the federal inmate fund and not the specific number of individuals or the compensation agreement.

Sheriff Defends Partnership, Warns of Program Instability
The Sheriff’s office confirmed its participation in the ICE program. Clinton County Sheriff Richard Kelly stated his agency will “continue to partner with our federal agencies to continue to do a fantastic job of detention and humanely get these folks transported to where they need to be transported.” The Sheriff emphasized that the office will not “pick and choose what we enforce” and is following what the President of the United States has asked, positioning the county as part of a working law enforcement program.

Sheriff Kelly took issue with Brewer, stating that comments made could place the facility and employees “in danger of protesters.” Kelly continued: “He is putting our community at risk. He’s putting our facility and employees at risk. And he gladly accepts the money for pet projects and everything else under the sun that we pay for.”

The federal inmate revenue has brought “well over a million dollars” into the facility and is currently viewed as an “absolute necessity” for budgets, funding deputy and corrections positions, and covering upkeep on the 30-year-old facility added Kelly.

However, the Sheriff cautioned that the program introduces financial volatility. The program “can end by my choice, by the federal government’s choice,” potentially disappearing in just 30 days. This instability complicates planning for facility upgrades or replacement, especially since the funding for a new facility is often tied to the federal inmate program.

Facility Strain and Controversy
Concerns were raised about the physical impact of the increased population. Brewer noted that having 225 people in the facility wears it down quicker than 150 people.

The Indianapolis Star noted that Clay County conducted an analysis and added approximately 285 beds to its existing facility. Through seven months of this year, ICE had sent more than 3,000 detainees thru the Clay County jail at $85 per day for each immigration detainee.

Frankfort BOW Approves Measures: K9 Athena Retirement, Halloween Hours, and Unsafe Property Action

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The Frankfort Board of Works (BOW) approved a range of measures, including setting annual trick-or-treat hours, greenlighting legal action against an unsafe property, and securing a $4,600 refund, during its recent meeting Monday evening.

FRANKFORT, Ind. (September 22, 2025) – The Frankfort Board of Works (BOW) approved a range of measures, including setting annual trick-or-treat hours, greenlighting legal action against an unsafe property, and securing a $4,600 refund, during its recent meeting Monday evening.

Halloween trick-or-treat hours for October 31, 2025, will take place between 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m..

Police Chief Scott Shoemaker asked for board approved for the customary transfer of ownership for retiring K9 Athena to her handler, Lieutenant Chris Salaba. K9 Athena, who was purchased from a police department in Virginia, has served for about eight years, with the last five years spent alongside Lt. Salaba. The ownership transfer agreement between the Frankfort Police Department and Lt. Salaba will be effective October 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., coinciding with a planned retirement party.

In city infrastructure and legal matters, the board took action on two key issues.

The city secured approval to proceed with filing documentation in circuit court concerning a long-standing issue with an unsafe property. The action authorizes the city to seek court approval to take the house down if the property owner does not comply. The documentation, prepared by the city attorney Alicia Albertson and supported by engineering inspections, proves the house is unsafe and needs to be torn down. If the city takes the property down, it will file a lien on the property.

Following an issue with splash pad winterization, the board approved a release of claim with the insurance company representing the winterization company, allowing the city to recover $4,600. The funds will be returned to the city’s general fund. Approval of the release constitutes a final and full settlement, precluding the city from requesting additional funds for that particular winterization issue.

The board also approved Resolution 25-08, which adopts an updated Title VI implementation plan for the city. This resolution is essential to maintain the city’s eligibility for continued federal funding.

The Parks Department received approval to proceed with the rehoming of several animals on its list; three donkeys, three large birds, several smaller birds along with foxes.

Additionally, the board approved a proposal to add nine new parallel parking stalls on Clinton Street. These stalls will be placed in front of the IvyTech building, the music store, and a couple on the bridge, adding capacity where previous areas were designated yellow (no parking). Officials confirmed the plan does not interfere with existing ADA-compliant parking spaces.

In minor administrative action, the board granted a $20 permit fee waiver for St. Mary’s Catholic Church for a fence permit.

The board received updates from various departments.

The Fire Department’s tanker vehicle is back in service. Engine 3 is expected to be delivered in January. Fire officials noted concern that the last two existing trucks are “literally on their last leg” and will require future discussion on replacement options.

City officials discussed the disposal of old electric vehicle (EV) chargers that were recently replaced. The chargers were valued by the company that sold the new units at $200 to $300. Since they fall under the $1,000 threshold, the city has several options, including private sale, auction, or deeming them valueless and disposing of them. Staff will reach out to previously interested parties to gauge serious intent to purchase the chargers before proceeding.

Officials noted that the current concession stands contract is expected to expire around the end of October. Staff plans to bring a proposal regarding the renewal or adjustment of the contract for events, potentially including the soup kitchen, at the next meeting.

Progress was noted on the County Annex Building regarding ADA compliance, with sidewalk cutting underway. Paving for Washington Street is tentatively scheduled to begin the following week, provided curb and gutter work is completed.

Frankfort Schools Welcomes New Assistant Director of Exceptional Needs, Confront Deficit, Enrollment Decline

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Daniel Coogan (L) was introduced and approved as the new Assistant Director of Exceptional Needs. Assistant Superintendents Eric Farley and Scott Weltz look on as Coogan addresses the board and public after the school board unanimously approved his hiring Tuesday, September 16, 2025. (photo/Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (September 17, 2025) – The Community Schools of Frankfort (CSF) School Board met Tuesday, for a public hearing to address its proposed 2026 budget and teacher salaries, signaling a pivotal moment for the district amidst anticipated enrollment declines and financial adjustments.

Scott Weltz, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations for the Community Schools of Frankfort, presented an overview of the 2026 budget, noting that comprehensive documents including the capital projects plan and bus replacement plan resolutions are available on the district’s website.

Budget Highlights and Financial Challenges

The district’s 2026 budget projects a $1 million deficit across all four funds, primarily in the education and operations funds, necessitating the use of cash balances. This comes as the district grapples with a significant estimated property tax cap loss (circuit breaker) of $1.8 million in 2026, an increase from $1.4 million in 2025, which includes a new supplemental homestead reduction.

Key financial considerations include:

Enrollment: The projected enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is 2,851 students, an 86-student drop from the previous year. The actual count as of the presentation date was 2,812, a decrease of 126 students from the state’s prior count. The official count will take place October 1st. This decline directly impacts the education fund’s revenue, which relies on state funding of $7,643.49 per student.

Tax Rates: Initially, the district anticipated an increase in tax rates for the operations, debt service, and referendum funds due to an expected decrease in net assessed value (AV). However, certified net assessed value has actually increased, allowing the district to project a lower tax rate for 2026, dropping to around 96 cents, compared to the initially advertised $1.34. This adjustment is intended to benefit taxpayers and potentially alleviate some tax cap loss.

Expenditure Shifts: Roughly $500,000 in textbook rental costs, previously managed through a separate fund, have been moved to the education fund. Additionally, some site improvements and vehicle purchases are being moved to the 2025 General Obligation (GO) bond to relieve pressure on the operations fund.

Operational Costs: Health insurance premiums are projected to rise by 3%, and natural gas utilities in the operations fund are expected to increase by 12%.

Capital Projects and Bus Replacement
The 2026 Capital Projects Plan is budgeted at $170,000, down from $175,000 in 2025. This includes $70,000 for site maintenance, such as replacing high-traffic carpet areas ($50,000) and painting common areas and lockers. An additional $100,000 is allocated for emergencies within the operations fund. The Bus Replacement Plan outlines replacing two buses annually, increasing to three in 2029 due to activity buses. The estimated replacement cost factors in a 5% annual increase for inflation.

Academic and Facility Progress

The board also received updates from CSF Superintendent Dr. Matt Rhoda on various school initiatives and projects:

Academic Excellence: To ensure academic excellence, CSF is implementing Exact Path, a standards-based diagnostic tool, to help teachers track student progress and improve ILEARN scores. Monthly PLC meetings are scheduled for principals to review student data and lead academic improvement.

Safe Environment: Project Excel supports 39 high school students who struggle with school, with 10 passing all classes and others passing multiple subjects. This program, along with an alternative school and the Frankfort Pro Academy, aims to create a supportive environment.

Reading Champions: The Reading Champions program, celebrating its tenth year, brings volunteers from Farmers Bank and the Rotary Club of Clinton County to read with third graders. Last year, every Suncrest student in the program passed the IREAD on the first round.

Middle School Project: The middle school renovation continues with major completion on track for December 2026. Dr. Rhoda shared that wall demolition was completed in the new sixth-grade classroom area, concrete infill where risers were, and masonry work underway. Demolition is also complete in the former administrative area for new classrooms. On the second floor, metal studs are in place for new classrooms where the wrestling room was located.

Administrative Approvals and Policy Changes

Daniel Coogan was introduced and approved as the new Assistant Director of Exceptional Needs. Coogan, a graduate of the University of Indianapolis and Indiana University, brings five years of experience as a director of exceptional needs. Most recently, he served for five years as a director of exceptional needs at Paramount High School in Indianapolis. Coogan comes highly recommended with his former principal stating he is a “phenomenal person who demonstrates strong understanding of special education law.” Coogan lives in Fishers with his wife, Hannah, a dean at Franklin Central High School.

Policy 2304, a duplicate vacation policy, was retired, and policy 2113, the primary vacation day policy, was revised to clarify that employees will not receive compensation for accrued time upon resignation, termination, or retirement. The board also approved one non-resident transfer, bringing the total to 76 for the school year.

Other approvals included a $1,000 donation from First Evangelical Presbyterian Church to Frankfort High School’s DECA backpack buddies program, and new evaluation rubrics for school psychologists, custodial staff, and three directors. Operational guidelines for school bus accidents, including non-transported patient procedures and authorization for school officials to sign off on students going home with parents, were also approved.

Finally, the board approved the purchase of a new John Deere riding lawn mower for Frankfort High School for $11,933, and a $799,000 chiller replacement for Suncrest, to be installed in spring 2026 using bond money, replacing a refurbished unit nearing the end of its three-year warranty.

Frankfort Utilities Board: Unique Aquifer Discovery

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Frankfort Utilities Board: Unique Aquifer Discovery
A significant development emerged from an aquifer study, which is expected to be finalized by September. Engineers conducting pump tests discovered a rare hydrological phenomenon where the community sits on two completely independent aquifers, separated by approximately 150 feet of clay.

FRANKFORT, Ind. (September 15, 2025) – The Frankfort Utility Service Board voted to uphold its 4 p.m. meeting schedule, prioritizing staff convenience, while also hearing about a “very unique” aquifer study revealing independent water sources. The board addressed a range of operational and administrative matters, including water utility updates, and ongoing infrastructure projects.

The decision to retain the 4 p.m. meeting time came after an inquiry raised concerns about public accessibility due to work schedules. Board members acknowledged the feedback but emphasized the efficiency gained by allowing employees to attend directly from work, avoiding a return trip for a later meeting. They also highlighted that meetings are live-streamed and archived online, and that written statements or special evening meetings could accommodate public input. A motion to continue with the 4 p.m. schedule passed, framed as aligning with “the voice of the business.”

Unique Aquifer Discovery Boosts Water Outlook

A significant development emerged from an aquifer study, which is expected to be finalized by September. Engineers conducting pump tests discovered a rare hydrological phenomenon where the community sits on two completely independent aquifers, separated by approximately 150 feet of clay. “When they pump from the top, the bottom one levels rise. When they pump from the bottom aquifer, you would think that the top aquifer would lower, but it actually increases in recovers,” Todd Corrie, general manager of FMU explained. This “very, very good news” indicates robust and independent water resources. The water plant currently operates at around 46% of its 9 million gallons per day capacity, with a “firm capacity” of 7.2 million gallons per day, allowing “a lot of headroom” for future needs.

Water Works Reports and Public Safety Warning

The Water Works department reported consistent operations, with a monthly average of 3,672,350 gallons for August, and a high day of 4.27 million gallons, comparable to figures from the past three years. Efforts to upgrade infrastructure include the replacement of 133 residential meters in just over two weeks and ongoing work to address difficult-to-shut-off old iron lines.

A public safety alert was issued regarding an individual in a van on the southwest side of town, reportedly going door-to-door telling residents their water was unsafe and offering to perform checks. The board clarified that this is not a waterworks or utility-identified individual and advised residents not to allow them on their property.

Infrastructure and Operational Updates

Preparations are underway for the annual truck testing scheduled for Monday, which will assess the dielectric strength of booms and “hot sticks” used in electrical work. Ongoing projects include full change-outs on the east side of the county and the replacement of portal cutouts prone to cracking.

The board addressed a question about utility poles being used to hold stop signs at some intersections, noting this practice often occurs where space is limited for standalone stop sign poles.

On the administrative side, the utility sent out 9,986 bills in August, welcomed 52 new customers, and issued 1,777 disconnect notices. A quote is being sought for cloud-based video recording to provide backup beyond the current 10-day limit, which is insufficient for addressing long-standing customer complaints. The implementation of an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system for payments is anticipated by the end of the month, offering customers more direct payment options.

Commissioners Will Not Decide on Data Center at next Commissioners Meeting

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Clinton County Commissioner Jordan Brewer speaking to a group at the Paul Phillippe Resource Center Wednesday morning September 10, 2025, informed those in attendance that he intends to vote "no" on the proposed data center project. (photo/Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (September 10, 2025) — Clinton County Commissioner Jordan Brewer speaking to a group at the Paul Phillippe Resource Center Wednesday morning informed those in attendance that the Clinton County Commissioners will not be voting on the data center September 16.

He said the reason not to vote is due to his not being in attendance and the desire that all three Commissioners need to be present. Liz Stitzel, area plan director for the county, will attend the September 16th meeting to present the “no” or “neutral” recommendation of the area plan commission to the commissioners. Indiana law requires the recommendation to be presented and the commissioners then have 90 days to vote on the measure.

Brewer further stated that the topic will come up at either the first or second meeting in October. His personal feelings are Doug Swain, the developer of the data center project, “cannot be trusted” and will be voting “no” when the topic does come up.

The data center project, initially presented to the city-county PIP (Partners in Progress) board in a brief 20-30 minute “speed dating” style of meeting in May, involves the rezoning of 115 acres by the city. Brewer highlighted that the developer proceeded with city planning meetings in July without informing county commissioners, leading to a breakdown of trust. He recounted telling the developer in a July 25th meeting that the developer had “effed this whole thing up” by making commissioners appear dishonest to the public.

A key concern for Brewer is the unknown “end user” of the data center. He stated the county’s consistent stance against rezoning without knowing who they are dealing with, as changes become “limited” once rezoning occurs. He gave a hypothetical example of a developer proposing one-story buildings, only for an end-user to demand 50-story structures, which would be difficult to stop once zoning is approved.

The developer of the data center is hosting a public meeting on Monday, September 15, 6 pm, at Willow Creek Barn located at 1575 Kirklin Brick Rd., Frankfort.

Several other matters were discussed at the public gathering.

Senior Services Funding: The Paul Phillippe Senior Center received $5,900 from the county this year, part of $100,000 allocated by the County Council for various community requests that typically exceed $150,000. Overall funding for the Senior Center primarily comes from United Way, totaling $19,000 annually.

A committee at the Senior Center prepared a report which highlighted that other counties provide significantly more, with some supporting senior services with hundreds of thousands of dollars. The county’s funding originates from landfill tipping fees, which provide roughly $1 million per year, though the portion allocated to commissioners has remained stagnant since 2017-2018. A renegotiated contract will introduce CPI (consumer price index) increases every other year starting in 2026.

Annex Building Construction: The county’s new annex building is slated for an October move-in, though the timeline was not met due to “craftsmanship” issues and what Brewer described as a lack of “pride in our ability to do things well anymore.” Many “little things” required fixing by subcontractors, not structural issues. The project manager for the annex will not oversee the courthouse renovation due to a perceived failure in holding subcontractors accountable; however, Envoy will continue on and serve as general contractor for the courthouse renovation. Brewer mentioned significant time was spent on minute details like interior signage to meet ADA and braille requirements.

Hydroponics Lettuce Development: A proposed hydroponics lettuce development south of NHK on I-65 has been in discussion for one and a half to two years. While it has a broader vision for an “ag tech park” designated by the Indiana Department of Agriculture, it has not yet secured a commitment letter and has not asked for abatements. Brewer noted that the project is largely automated, leading to few jobs.

Its funding, tied to an insurance company in China, has reportedly been held up due to US-China relations. The project is expected to use 300,000 gallons of water per day, which would help circulate water in an empty water tower in the area. Frankfort Utilities has kept the tower empty due to having to dump water from the tower due to lack of water usage in the area.

Kellys, Sommer Legal Battle Moves Forward After Appeals Court Reinstatement

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A long-running public dispute between Clinton County Sheriff Richard Kelly (right in photo) and County Prosecutor Anthony Sommer is progressing in court, with the parties recently ordered to establish case management deadlines following an appeals court decision to reverse an earlier dismissal. The Boone County Circuit Court has directed both sides to submit an Agreed Case Management Order within 30 days of August 26, 2025, after a scheduled telephonic pre-trial conference was not attended by either party. (photo/Facebook)

FRANKFORT, Ind. – A long-running public dispute between Clinton County Sheriff Richard Kelly and County Prosecutor Anthony Sommer is progressing in court, with the parties recently ordered to establish case management deadlines following an appeals court decision to reverse an earlier dismissal. The Boone County Circuit Court has directed both sides to submit an Agreed Case Management Order within 30 days of August 26, 2025, after a scheduled telephonic pre-trial conference was not attended by either party.

Case Background:

The legal battle stems from a deterioration of the relationship between Sheriff Kelly and Prosecutor Sommer, which began shortly after Kelly took office in January 2019. Initially friendly, their relationship soured over disputes regarding law enforcement authority in Clinton County. Prosecutor Sommer later campaigned against Sheriff Kelly in the 2022 election and contributed to his opponent.

A key point of contention arose when Sheriff Kelly appointed his wife, Ashley Kelly, as both Jail Matron and Jail Commissary Manager. Under this arrangement, Mrs. Kelly received $1,500 per week for each role, totaling $3,000 weekly. Sommer raised concerns about this arrangement and requested an investigation by the Indiana State Board of Accounts (SBOA) into the jail commissary setup and operation.

In October 2021, local journalist Brett Todd published an article on RadioMom-fm regarding the SBOA investigation, quoting County Commissioner Josh Uitts, who stated that Mrs. Kelly was paid $1,500 per week to manage the commissary, an amount he considered inappropriate. “So we don’t feel that is appropriate amount of money for that type of work. You do the math – that is $1,500 a week for 52 weeks. That’s more money than any county employee makes. This is a contractor – an appointed person by the sheriff, so we don’t feel it’s appropriate.”

Todd’s article, however, also noted that six other Clinton County employees earned in excess of $1,500 per week in 2020.

Prosecutor Sommer, believing the reported salary information for Mrs. Kelly was incomplete because it did not include her matron salary from the county, contacted the journalist to “correct the record and provide additional information in order to keep things balanced.” During an October 8, 2021 meeting, Sommer clarified that Mrs. Kelly’s total compensation was $3,000 per week, accounting for both roles. Sommer provided Todd with a “Commissary Transaction Summary for the first half of 2021,” which he stated was a Council document prepared from numbers reported by the Sheriff’s Office. The Kellys claim this document was “fake” and appeared to show “transfers and disappearances of millions of dollars.” Sommer denies the report was fake or showed such disappearances, acknowledging only one error (an extra digit) he was unaware of at the time.

Sommer also informed Todd that he did not want to be recorded or quoted in any story and that he was not providing information or comment on the ongoing audit and criminal investigation because they were confidential and ongoing. He further stated that if criminal wrongdoing were found, the Clinton County Prosecutor’s office would refer the case to a Special Prosecutor, and it would not be him weighing in on the matter.

The Lawsuit and Appeal:

Richard and Ashley Kelly subsequently filed a lawsuit against Anthony Sommer, alleging defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. They claimed Sommer engaged in a political scheme, coordinated with Attorney Thomas Little, to defame them by sharing a fabricated report. Sommer denies these allegations, denying any coordination with Attorney Little and stating he was not attempting to control the media narrative. He also asserts that all statements he made were accurate, honest, and truthful.

Sommer moved to dismiss the complaint, asserting common law prosecutorial immunity and immunity under the Indiana Tort Claims Act (ITCA). The trial court granted the dismissal, finding Sommer’s actions were protected by common law immunity.

However, on March 5, 2025, the Indiana Court of Appeals reversed the trial court’s dismissal. The appellate court determined that the application of immunity hinged on disputed factual questions about the nature and scope of Sommer’s conduct as it related to his prosecutorial function, which remain unresolved. The court noted that, viewing the pleaded facts in the light most favorable to the Kellys, Sommer used his official position to share allegedly fabricated documents about an investigation his office was not handling, while disclaiming official involvement and requesting an off-the-record meeting. Such actions, the court found, “appear more aligned with personal interests than any legitimate prosecutorial duty.” The court also concluded that whether Sommer’s conduct fell within the scope of his employment for ITCA immunity purposes remains a question of fact for a jury.

Current Status:

Following the Court of Appeals’ certification of its opinion on May 2, 2025, Sommer filed a motion on June 4, 2025, to set a deadline for his answer to the complaint, which the court granted, setting the deadline for July 3, 2025. Sommer filed his comprehensive answer, affirmative defenses, and demand for a jury trial on that date, denying the plaintiffs’ allegations of defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress and asserting various defenses, including prosecutorial immunity.

On August 11, 2025, Sommer’s counsel filed a motion to set an initial telephonic pretrial conference to establish case management deadlines. While a conference was scheduled for August 26, 2025, neither party participated. Consequently, the Boone County Circuit Court issued an order on August 26, 2025, directing the parties to submit an Agreed Case Management Order within 30 days. This order requires the parties to address the jury trial timeframe and anticipated length, discovery cut-off dates, witness and exhibit list exchange, motions in limine, proposed jury instructions, written stipulations, and whether mediation is requested.

The case is now proceeding towards the establishment of a trial schedule and discovery, with the factual disputes surrounding Sommer’s conduct to be further explored.

Note: The journalist mentioned in the article is the author of this article.

Banderas Point Development Stalls: Funding Woes

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Developers behind the Banderas Point project, Good Oil Company, at Interstate 65 and State Road 28 are currently facing a significant financial setback according to Commissioners President Jordan Brewer, leading to a halt in activity at the site. The project reportedly lacks the necessary financial backing to proceed. (image/provided)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (August 27, 2025) — Developers behind the Banderas Point project, Good Oil Company, at Interstate 65 and State Road 28 are currently facing a financial setback according to Commissioners President Jordan Brewer, leading to a halt in activity at the site. The project reportedly lacks the necessary financial backing to proceed.

According to Brewer, speaking to a group in Kirklin in July, there has been “not much activity” at the project site near I-65 and State Road 28. When questioned about the project’s status and the potential for new restaurants in the area, Brewer indicated that the developers “do not have the financial backing to move forward at the moment.” He clarified that while he was unsure if the project was “canceled,” the developers “just don’t have money right now to do anything more.”

Brewer recounted an instance where a Hilton-brand hotel was interested in locating at I-65 and State Road 28. The developer of the hotel was seeking to purchase a parcel of real estate from the developer of Banderas Point and required a 10.5% return on investment. The county was asked if it would contribute financially every year to meet that. The county declined. Brewer stated, the county “didn’t feel like that was a great return for Clinton County to give them money every single year just for a hotel” for the developer to make their desired profit margin. Consequently, “there’s no hotel” at that location.

Adding to their current challenges, the developers are still required to complete an incomplete retention pond at the site. Brewer noted that the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is expected to compel them to finish this task.

The area at I-65 and State Road 28 has seen significant infrastructure investment, including a $3 million water tower and $35 million for sewer and water, primarily funded by the county, plus a multi-million dollar roundabout east of the I-65 interchange.

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