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Ed Cripe Retires from FFD after 29 Years

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The Frankfort Board of Public Works and Safety officially acknowledged the retirement of Frankfurt Fire Department employee Ed Cripe during its meeting on Monday evening. Cripe, an engineer at Station 2, concluded 29 years of service with the department. (photo/Frankfort Fire Department)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (August 27, 2025) – The Frankfort Board of Public Works and Safety officially acknowledged the retirement of Frankfort Fire Department employee Ed Cripe during its meeting on Monday evening. Cripe, an engineer at Station 2, concluded 29 years of service with the department.

Chief Stidham presented the request for approval of Cripe’s retirement, noting that he had submitted his retirement on August 2nd. While he had taken a few weeks of vacation, his effective last day was August 24th, with his official retirement date being August 25th, 2025.

A motion was made to accept Cripe’s official retirement. Mayor Judy Sheets also personally thanked him for his “29 years of service and his dedication to our community,” extending best wishes for his future endeavors.

Frankfort’s 9/11 Memorial Walk to Honor Fallen Firefighters

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The Frankfort Board of Public Works and Safety has approved plans for a "9/11 Memorial Walk" to be organized by the local firefighters' union on September 11th. The event aims to honor the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. (photo/Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (August 27, 2025) — The Frankfort Board of Public Works and Safety has approved plans for a “9/11 Memorial Walk” to be organized by the local firefighters’ union on September 11th. The event aims to honor the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

The memorial walk, proposed by the Frankfort Local 705 Union, will cover a 3.43-mile route, a distance chosen to symbolize the 343 firefighters who perished. Organizers emphasized that the walk will stay exclusively on sidewalks and will not impact any roadways, adhering to all normal pedestrian requirements. Board members expressed strong support for the initiative, with member Jim Skinner remarking, “It’s a great idea” and Mayor Judy Sheets stating, “I love it. I think it’s great.”

The event is open to the public, with first responders and veterans particularly encouraged to participate. Those interested in joining the memorial walk can contact the Frankfort Local 705 Union for more information. Flyers and social media will also be utilized to spread details about the event. The Board’s approval was unanimous following a roll call vote Monday evening.

Frankfort Welcomes Newest Police Hire

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The Frankfort Police Department officially welcomed a new officer, Kelli Sells (center in photo), to its ranks, with her hiring approved by the Board of Public Works and Safety and an effective start date of September 1, 2025. Sells, badge number 334, was sworn into her position by Mayor Judy Sheets during the Monday evening meeting. 9phot/Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (August 27, 2025) — The Frankfort Police Department officially welcomed a new officer, Kelli Sells, to its ranks, with her hiring approved by the Board of Public Works and Safety and an effective start date of September 1, 2025. Sells, badge number 334, was sworn into her position by Mayor Judy Sheets during the Monday evening meeting.

Chief Scott Shoemaker introduced Sells to the board and the community, highlighting her extensive experience. She is a lateral transfer who has been a police officer since 2015, serving in both patrol and detective divisions. Sells chose the Frankfort Police Department to continue her career in law enforcement after deciding to move from northern Indiana.

Chief Shoemaker expressed gratitude for her choice, noting that Sells comes highly recommended by her former department colleagues and background investigators. She was described as a “great asset” for the department, with her former colleagues reportedly “very sad to have lost her.”

Frankfort Fire Department’s Excellence Leads to Significant Insurance Savings for Homeowners

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The Frankfort Fire Department has achieved a category 4 protection class rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), an evaluation that directly influences insurance costs. (photo/Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (August 26, 2025) — Homeowners within the Frankfort Fire Department’s coverage area are experiencing significant savings on their insurance premiums, a direct result of the department’s superior performance. The Frankfort Fire Department has achieved a category 4 protection class rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), an evaluation that directly influences insurance costs.

The ISO protection class rating system ranges from 1 (most protected) to 10 (unprotected). This favorable rating reflects the department’s outstanding response times, advanced firefighting equipment, and rigorous training programs.

Conservatively estimated, citizens in the department’s fire coverage territory are saving $2,900,000 annually in insurance premiums due to this ISO protection class rating. The department highlights this annual saving as an extraordinary return on investment when measured against its operating budget, offering both financial relief and enhanced peace of mind.

“Our dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure the safety of our community,” said Frankfort Fire Department Chief Matt Stidham. “We’re proud that our efforts not only protect lives and property but also help reduce costs for our residents”.

Looking ahead, the Frankfort Fire Department is requesting staffing increases for budget years 2026 and 2027 from the Frankfort City Council. This request is crucial for safely staffing a new station that the City of Frankfort decided to construct. Chief Stidham emphasized that adequate staffing is essential for both community and firefighter safety, and for residents to continue benefiting from reduced insurance premiums.

He warned that if the department cannot safely and adequately staff the new station, its ISO rating will “most assuredly be reduced,” which would likely lead to an increase in insurance rates. According to Stidham, these increased insurance costs would “far exceed the increase we are asking for in our annual budget”.

Homeowners are encouraged to contact their insurance providers to understand how these ratings specifically impact their premiums.

Commissioner Weaver: ‘We Don’t Know When We’re Moving’ to the Annex

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Clinton County Commissioners are grappling with significant delays and a host of unresolved issues concerning the county's new annex building. Located at the intersection of Washington St and Main St in downtown Frankfort, Indiana. the nearly $18 million building was to take 13 months to complete, ground breaking took place in August 2023.

CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. (August 12, 2025) – Clinton County Commissioners are grappling with significant delays and a host of unresolved issues concerning the county’s new annex building, according to comments made during today’s Clinton County Council meeting.

Commissioner Bert Weaver took to the microphone during the commissioners report portion and delivered the news, “we don’t know when we’re moving.” He offered a personal prediction that the move is “a month away yet.” Weaver had previously offered the same prediction in the months of June and July.

Earlier this year, the Clinton County Commissioners hired an independent “owner’s representative” to oversee the completion of the new county annex and the upcoming courthouse renovation project.

The Peterson Company acts as the as an intermediary between the Commissioners and Envoy, providing “day-to-day oversight” to ensure that the buildings are completed to the required specifications.

“We have a standard and expectation that we want that building to be built to. And at this point, every aspect of it has not been met,” explained Commissioners president Jordan Brewer after hiring Peterson, emphasizing the need for expert eyes to “make sure every eye is dotted [and] t is crossed.”

Brewer shared there is no additional costs to taxpayers when hiring Peterson as the commissioners will use the interest generated from the bonds for the project to pay for consulting services. Peterson offered three personnel at hourly rates of $145 (Project Manager), $195 (Director of Operations), and $215 (Vice President).

“We just need someone there to be our eyes and ears because we’re not able to do that on a daily basis and it’s outside our skill set,” said Brewer. Adding, that such oversight “probably hindsight should have happened sooner, but it is where we’re at now.”

Commissioner Weaver shared with the Council a few of the items that are being addressed in the nearly $18 million annex.

“We’re still working with the city because of some issues with the entrance and the sidewalk and the road,” Weaver stated, noting that the county’s ideas do not align with the city’s proposals. Among the points of contention are the city’s suggestions for a handrail at the entrance, which the county is “opposed big time against,” and a flower pot placed across the front, which the county also disfavors. A suggestion to paint the sidewalk orange was dismissed as “pretty tacky.”

Inside the new facility, “a lot of TLC” (tender loving care) is required due to an “enormous” punch list of corrections. Issues include:
• Drywall pop-outs.
• Leaking windows.
• Water running from the second floor to the first, which damaged both levels. This damage occurred because drywall and painting were completed before windows were installed, allowing heavy rain and wind to cause dampness and water intrusion.

Originally Envoy said construction would take 13 months from ground breaking to ribbon cutting. Ground breaking took place August 9, 2023.

Elected officials and department heads have communicated their desire that a move not take place during County budget sessions, September 9 and 10.

Mayor’s Budget: ‘Doable’ or ‘Unsustainable’?

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Frankfort, Indiana Mayor Judy Sheets said Monday night that she has a "doable budget" for the city in 2026. Council member Eric Woods called her spending plan "unsustainable" after 2027, with the cash reserve potentially dropping to 12% by 2027 and becoming negative by 2028.

FRANKFORT, Ind. (August 12, 2025) – Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets said Monday night that she has a “doable budget” for the city in 2026. Council member Eric Woods called her spending plan “unsustainable” after 2027, with the cash reserve potentially dropping to 12% by 2027 and becoming negative by 2028.

The mayor’s comments were made during a work session with members of the city council and came after two days of budget hearings a week ago.

The proposed budget on Monday night differs from the one that was heard last week and incorporates significant changes aimed at reallocating funds and addressing critical needs. Key adjustments include:

• 2% salary increase for employees, up form 1%.
• Four new firefighters, up from two.
• Capital expenditures moved from the general fund to the Cumulative Capital Development (CCD) fund.
• Utility costs shifted: Electric, water, and sewage expenses moved to the Riverboat fund.
• Insurance adjustments: A projected health insurance increase was reduced from 5% to 3%, aligning with a 2.6% projection for next year. Life insurance budgeting was adjusted downward due to historical overbudgeting, while dental, vision, and hearing budget lines were increased after years of underbudgeting.
• Fire pension changes due to the increase in firefighters.
• Zoo operations discontinued: The park’s zoo operations, including zookeepers and related petting zoo funds, were removed from the budget, with a donation fund of over $10,000 available for future petting zoo needs.
• Police vehicle funding sought: The mayor plans to ask the Redevelopment Commission (RDC) to purchase three police vehicles at $159,000, noting that the RDC can fund public safety needs.
• Other shifts to CCD: Police vehicle equipment, body cameras, fire radios, and a fire vehicle were moved to the CCD fund.
• Trail initiative halted: Funding for the trail initiative was reduced from $25,000 to zero, as it has not been utilized in the past two years.

A primary focus of the budget is public safety, particularly the fire department.

Fire Chief Matt Stidham emphasized that the addition of four firefighters is crucial for adequate coverage, especially with a new fire station planned. He highlighted that the department frequently operates below National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for staffing. For instance, NFPA suggests 16 personnel for a single-family dwelling fire and 29 for an apartment fire, but the department typically responds with only 10 or 11 individuals. This understaffing often leads to significant overtime costs and can hinder critical operations, such as deploying the ladder truck, which is essential for ISO ratings. The chief also raised concerns about the department’s aging equipment, including a 2014 engine and a 2006 ladder truck for which parts will soon be unavailable.

The new fire station build was “forced” on the council and “wished we would have delayed it a year” according to Woods during the August 5 budget hearing.

According to The “AGREEMENT FOR FIRE SERVICE INCLUDING PETITION FOR ANNEXATION AND PRE-ANNEXATION PAYMENTS,” dated February 11, 2021, and signed by Mayor Sheets and NHK, specifies that the City of Frankfort will build a fire station west of County Road 450 West, in the vicinity of the interchange of Interstate 65 and State Road 28 and “will provide that construction will commence within two years of the effective date of the annexation.” NHK is currently paying $84,121 for fire service and will likely be annexed into the city in 2026.

The new station being built is located at County Road 600 west and State Road 28 is scheduled to open in the Fall of 2026 at a cost not to exceed $10,350,000.

Chief Stidham argued that the department’s manpower issues “is not all about [Senate] Bill one” when answering council member Steve Beardsley during the August 5 budget hearing. “[It] wasn’t here four years ago when we started talking about it. Wasn’t here three years ago, wasn’t here two years ago.” Chief Stidham stated that he first began addressing the need for firefighters since at least December 3rd of 2021, which is when he took over as chief.

Despite the mayor’s comfort with a cash reserve of 23.12% across all funds and 21% in the city general fund projected for the end of 2026, concerns linger among council member Woods about long-term financial sustainability. Projections from the financial firm Reedy Financial indicate that the current path is “unsustainable” after 2027, with the cash reserve potentially dropping to 12% by 2027 and becoming negative by 2028. Woods asked Mayor Sheets if the sanitation fund was included in the cash reserves and whether or not it should be removed due to the fund can only be spent of specific items. The mayor will talk with Reedy if the fund was included.

A significant contributor to this uncertainty is Senate Bill 1 (SB1), which is expected to alter the local income tax (LIT) structure in 2027. Under SB1, fire and EMS services could fall under a county-controlled levy, potentially up to 4%, with distributions based on population, square mileage, and call volume. City officials expressed concern that they would have “no input” on this county-level decision, leading to “gray areas” regarding how these funds would meet local fire and EMS needs. Additionally, there are projections of a 1.2% levy once the Public Safety Income (PSI) tax is removed in 2028 due to SB1.

To mitigate these challenges, city officials are exploring alternative revenue strategies. Besides seeking RDC funding for police vehicles and other public safety-related projects, discussions included ensuring that new industrial park developments do not abate the fire rate and developing a master plan for the industrial park to maximize future tax revenue, including half of the 10% Conagra revenue starting in 2026.

The budget process is on a tight schedule. The proposed budget must be advertised by August 29. The first reading is slated for September 8, with a second reading and public hearing in October 13. A special finance committee meeting is expected next week to further discuss revenue options and sustainability before the advertising deadline. The city council will hold its optional second meeting of the month on August 25. The city will ask the RDC to hold a special meeting ahead their regular meeting set for August 28.

Frankfort Utility Board Dispels Water Misinformation, Eyes Significant New User South of NHK at I-65

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An illustration of a proposed hydroponics development in Clinton County, Indiana. (Illustration/LoopNet "Park 65")

FRANKFORT, Ind. (August 4, 2025) — The Frankfort Utility Service Board is advancing discussions for a new, sizable industrial development slated for an area south of NHK, near I-65 and State Road 28, while also actively working to counter what board members describe as “misrepresented facts” circulating on social media regarding the city’s water capacity and aquifer health.

Discussions regarding the new, potential developer have been ongoing for approximately 18 months to two years according to Todd Corrie, general manager of Frankfort Municipal Utilities. Corrie added the project is anticipated to be a “good electric user” and a “good water user,” though it will have “very little wastewater user” requirements. The utility is currently awaiting further information to determine the size of the necessary substation, which the developer will be responsible for installing.

A source familiar with the project confirmed the proposed land is the titled “Park 65” on LoopNet and would be developed for a single user. The LoopNet “property facts” reveal a total of 9 separate buildings in various sizes totaling 4.3 million square feet on 400 acres of land situated between County Road 800 west and I-65 on the west and east respectively with NHK to the north and County Road 300 South to the south. The listing first appeared on LoopNet on January 12, 2024.

The source added the property would be developed for a hydroponics grower of lettuce. The United States Department of Agriculture defines hydroponics as “the technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil, and can include an aggregate substrate, or growing media.”

Final determination on the proposed project has yet to be made and would first have to receive approvals from the various county boards.

Concerns about water usage and utility capacity, particularly in relation to potential data center developments, have gained traction on social media according to board members. In response, the board has committed to an “engineering-based response based on the facts” rather than an emotional one. They plan to conduct a “due diligence evaluation” by assessing developers’ projected utility needs (water, electric, wastewater treatment) against existing capacities. The ultimate goal is to publish a “case study or update” for the public, detailing Frankfort’s utility situation and the projected usage by new developments.

Corrie shared current water usage data with the board. The water plant’s rated capacity is 9 million gallons per day, with a firm capacity of 7.2 million gallons per day to account for equipment failures. Over the last 18 months, the average pumping rate has been 3.78 million gallons per day, with the highest monthly average recorded in August 2024 at 3.908 million gallons. The three highest single-day pumping rates in the same period were 4.585 million gallons on September 26, 2024, 4.4 million on July 2, 2024, and 4.3 million on July 24, 2024. Corrie added the current usage operates at just over half of the firm capacity. The five largest existing customers collectively average just over 2 million gallons per day.

Regarding the aquifers, an aquifer study conducted last year confirmed that a “significant amount of untouched water available” exists beneath the city. Board members clarified that aquifers are “continually replenished” and do not contain a finite amount of water. The area benefits from two aquifers, one approximately 160 feet deep and another around 300 feet deep. This abundance supports the board’s belief that there is “plenty of water available” for future industrial, commercial, and residential development. The water is also noted for its “very high quality” and is inexpensive, with only Tipton, Indiana, having lower rates. Corrie shared FMU water rates are among the lowest 1-2 percentile statewide for water rates.

The board reiterated that aspects like light pollution, noise pollution, and groundwater contamination fall outside their purview and are governed by county ordinances, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), and the federal EPA. The board intends to provide the promised due diligence evaluation and case study/update in a structured manner, acknowledging that it will take time to compile.

Prairie Creek Park Splash Pad Damaged by Filter Blast; Officials Warn Against Bringing Animals

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The splash pad at Prairie Creek Park has experienced recent operational issues, including a significant incident where a filter "blew up" on a worker, prompting officials to remind the public that bringing animals, such as chickens, to the park's water feature is prohibited. (photo/Frankfort Parks & Recreation)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (July 30, 2025) — The splash pad at Prairie Creek Park has experienced recent operational issues, including a significant incident where a filter “blew up” on a worker, prompting officials to remind the public that bringing animals, such as chickens, to the park’s water feature is prohibited.

The incident occurred about a week prior to the Monday meeting of the Board of Works, when a worker was tending to one of the splash pad’s filters. The filter exploded, causing substantial damage by going through two sets of pipes, and busting a hole in the roof. While the worker was not severely injured, authorities noted she “could have been hurt pretty bad”.

Officials stated that the need for frequent filter changes and maintenance is due to “everything people bring to that splash pad.” During the inspection following the filter incident, feathers were found in the filter, indicating that “different animals” have been brought to the splash pad, which is “not allowed.”

This activity poses multiple problems: it leads to the splash pad being “closed down” and creates a “hazard for our workers” who are responsible for changing the filters.

Following the explosion, staff worked diligently to get the splash pad back online. The incident occurred around 10:00 AM, and they continued working until approximately 5:30 PM that evening to restore functionality.

Authorities have communicated these challenges to the public to explain “why the splash pad might be down” at times, stating it’s “beyond our control” when equipment “breaks.” Efforts are being made to maintain the splash pad, with filters cleaned at least once a week to remove debris, as the system is primarily composed of PVC. Officials reiterated the plea to the public: “No animals, no chickens, anything like that.” Individuals observed bringing animals to the splash pad have been told not to return with them.

Frankfort’s Third Street Park Undergoing Major Renovation

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Frankfort's Third Street Park is set to receive significant upgrades, including new playground equipment and a revamped northern section, as discussed during the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting on July 28, 2025. (photo/Frankfort Parks & Recreation)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (July 30, 2025) – Frankfort’s Third Street Park is set to receive significant upgrades, including new playground equipment and a revamped northern section, as discussed during the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting on Monday. City officials conveyed excitement for the project, noting that new equipment is expected to arrive within two weeks.

The old swing sets and playground equipment at the park have been removed due to their dilapidated condition, described as “very bad shape,” “cracked up,” and posing a risk to park-goers. The new playground will be installed in the same location and will feature a new type of rubber mulch surrounding it.

Major changes are also planned for the park’s north side. The north restrooms, which have not been in use for years and have sustained considerable damage, including axe-inflicted holes and interior vandalism, are slated for demolition. The adjacent sandbox, deemed “a mess,” will also be removed. The area where these structures currently stand will be leveled and reconfigured to create a “just lawn area,” potentially with picnic tables. Officials are currently evaluating the need for new restroom facilities on that side, given the absence of other nearby options.

Funding for the new playground equipment, which cost approximately $64,000, came in part from American Rescue Plan money. Officials noted the high current cost of playground equipment, indicating that the acquired set was one of the smallest the department could afford, with a desired, larger set having an estimated cost of $120,000. The $64,000 price was a sale price, reduced from an initial estimate of around $70,000, and includes installation.

The overall sentiment regarding the park’s renovation is positive, with city representatives stating they are “excited” and that “things are moving in the right direction.”

Frankfort Fire Department Promotes Jeff Moore to Lieutenant

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The Frankfort Fire Department has promoted Jeff Moore to the rank of lieutenant, a decision ratified by the Board of Public Works and Safety during its meeting on July 28, 2025. Chief Matt Stidham announced Moore's selection, highlighting his extensive experience and leadership within the department. (photo/Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (July 30, 2025) – The Frankfort Fire Department has promoted Jeff Moore to the rank of lieutenant, a decision ratified by the Board of Public Works and Safety during its meeting on Monday. Chief Matt Stidham announced Moore’s selection, highlighting his extensive experience and leadership within the department.

Chief Stidham stated that Moore’s promotion fills a role previously held by Greg Miller and emphasized the department’s commitment to a thorough selection process that evaluates individuals’ qualities, skills, and backgrounds. “One of the things that really stood out to us,” Chief Stidham noted, was Jeff Moore.

Moore’s tenure with the Frankfort Fire Department began on June 19, 2012. Since then, he has completed all necessary officer training. Chief Stidham commended Moore, stating he “really stepped up and showed a lot of leadership throughout the department.” He added that he hears “a lot of good things about him from his officers.”

The promotion was officially approved by a unanimous roll call vote.

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