“Be Kind” Schedule of Events
Below is the schedule of events taking place daily throughout Frankfort.
City of Frankfort Launches “Be Kind” Campaign
City leaders have announced an initiative to promote kindness throughout the city of Frankfort. This campaign will run from Monday, June 15, through Friday, June 19, and will include events and participation by all city departments.
“Our city has been through a lot in the past few months, but we are still a strong and caring community. We feel it is important to shine a light on good news and remind everyone that we are in this together. I have heard many wonderful stories about businesses, residents, and groups who have gone above and beyond to help others during this challenging time. We want to continue that trend and show the tremendous good in our community”, said Mayor Judy Sheets.
The city will promote this initiative on social media through the week and share positive stories from the community. The online campaign will encourage residents to post positive and uplifting stories and acts of kindness.
“We want the community to join us in our Be Kind campaign and would love to share what residents and businesses are doing to promote kindness in the city of Frankfort”, said Community Development Director Annie Bacon.
“We know that the public health crisis, social restrictions, and economic downturn have taken a toll on everyone. As a city, we are going to spend next week focusing on doing positive things in our community and pulling together to show our support for the residents of this city,” Bacon said.
City employees will continue to practice social distancing and follow CDC guidelines throughout all the week’s activities. Some of the events planned for the week include:
• Frankfort Fire Department will have fire engines out in the neighborhoods next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evening. Firefighters will be engaging residents and distributing stickers to children.
• Frankfort Police Department will have officers out in the neighborhoods and will host a community engagement opportunity at the police station on Wednesday evening.
• The Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program is being promoted by the Building Services Department. Information will be provided for anyone who needs assistance or would like to sign up to be a volunteer for the program.
• The Parks Department will be promoting “Kindness Rocks” throughout the week and will have stations set up in various city parks so that children can paint a rock or exchange rocks with others.
• Frankfort Street Department will have a truck on display at TPA Park next Tuesday. Street Department employees will be out in neighborhoods on Thursday morning and Friday morning, distributing water bottles and freezer pops.
• Mayor Judy Sheets will host Frankfort Kindness Day at Old Stoney on Friday, June 19, from 2-4 PM.
Mayor Sheets wants residents to know, “This is really about making sure people are still connected and feel like they’re part of the community, and know that this community cares about them”.
Residents can participate in the City of Frankfort Be Kind Campaign by:
• Using Facebook
o Share your story using the hashtag #BeKindFrankfort and tag @city.of.frankfort. Encourage friends to post stories as well.
• Using Twitter
o Share your story using the hashtag #BeKindFrankfort and tag @CityIndiana.
• Using Instagram
o Share your story using the hashtag #BeKindFrankfort and tag @city.of.frankfort
• Email
o Share your story and photos by emailing info@frankfort-in.gov
Local churches and businesses are encouraged to join in this campaign and can contact Annie Bacon to have their plans shared on the city website and social media.
2020 Clinton County Primary Election Results
Primary election results are in for the 2020 Clinton County Indiana races.
Voter Turnout: 25.60%
Voters Casting A Ballot: 4,963
Registered Voters: 19,384
How Voters Voted
On Election Day: 2,928
Paper Absentee: 1,247
Walk-In Absentee: 788
Republican County Commissioner Dist 1
W – Mark Timmons 2075 (55.11%)
Steve Woods 1690 (44.89)
Republican Coroner
W – Ed Cripe 1977 (52.04%)
Josh Lee 1822 (47.96%)
Republican County Council At-Large
W – Mike Hensley 2585 (26.37%)
W – Jeff Chynoweth 2253 (22.98%)
W – Clark Beard 2086 (21.28%)
Lewis Wheeler 1712 (17.46%)
Frankie Crew 1168 (11.915)
W – Justin Harold Hunter Judge of the Clinton Superior Court 3516 (100%)
W – Elizabeth “Beth” J. Keeney Republican Clinton County Recorder 3564 (100%)
W – Carol Bartley Republican Clinton County Treasurer 3435 (100%)
W – Dan Sheets Republican Clinton County Surveyor 3484 (100%)
W – Joshua Uitts Republican Clinton County Commissioner, District 2 3329 (100%)
Clinton County Republican Convention Delegate, At Large (Top 9)
W – James E Moyer 2825 (10.25%)
W – Marilyn K Chittick 2721 (9.87%)
W – Joe H Root 2680 (9.72%)
W – Carl Chezem 2435 (8.84%)
W – Judy Parsons 2308 (8.37%)
W – Donna Chezem 2301 (8.35%)
W – Lewis Wheeler 2225 (8.07%)
W – Al Parsons 2177 (7.90%)
W – Harold L Vice 2013 (7.30%)
J. J. Tate 2010 (7.29%)
Suzanne Vice 1956 (7.10%)
Brent Stetler 1908 (6.92%)
Clinton County Democrat Convention Delegates, At Large (Top 7)
W – Elizabeth I. (Beth) Newhart 683 (21.15%)
W – Brenda Buckingham-Ehrmann 668 (20.69%)
W – Troy Clark 638 (19.76%)
W – John T. Meyer 621 (19.23%)
W – Matt Crawford 619 (19.17%)
Republican Precinct Committeeman
W – Barbara Richardson Walsh Precinct 01 – 73 (100%)
W – Clarence W Warthan Precinct 04 – 38 (58.46%)
Thomas “Reggie” Morgan Precinct 04 – 27 (41.54%)
W – Doug Montgomery Precinct 05 – 43 (100%)
W – Johnny R Large Precinct 11 – 32 (100%)
W – Sally R Myers Precinct 12 – 75 (65.22%)
Cory Boyles Precinct 12 – 40 (34.78%)
W – Greg Patchett Precinct 14 – 144 (100%)
W – Zachary J Light Precinct 15 – 108 (87.10%)
Derin Stidd Precinct 15 – 16 (12.90%)
W – James E Moyer Precinct 16 – 46 (52.27%)
Tammy Danner Precinct 16 – 42 (47.73%)
W – Kevin Copas Precinct 17 – 43 (61.43%)
Kialee Mitchell Precinct 17 – 27 (38.57%)
W – Dana M Myers Precinct 18 – 87 (100%)
W – Sam Payne Precinct 19 – 102 (100%)
W – Dan Sheets Precinct 20 – 143 (100%)
W – Sue (Milner) Thornton Precinct 21 – 102 (100%)
W – Ashley Kelly Precinct 22 – 94 (100%)
W – Michael Perry Precinct 23 – 81 (100%)
W – Tom Marshall Precinct 24 – 53 (100%)
W – Walt Minnick Precinct 25 – 88 (100%)
W – Gordon Phillips Precinct 26 – 103 (100%)
W – Lewis W Wheeler Precinct 27 – 121 (100%)
W – Harold L Vice Precinct 28 – 103 (100%)
W – Rick A Randolph Precinct 29 – 55 (100%)
W – Cynthia Bush Davis Precinct 30 – 208 (100%)
W – Joni K Sommer Precinct 31 – 89 (100%)
W – Janet Lloyd Precinct 33 – 63 (54.31%)
Jayson Young Precinct 33 – 53 (45.69%)
W – Michael Beard Precinct 35 – 150 (100%)
W – Christopher W Perry Precinct 36 – 43 (46.74%)
Brad Cline Precinct 36 – 30 (32.61%)
C. K. “Kandy” Storms Precinct 36 – 19 (20.65%)
W – Mark A Mitchell Precinct 37 – 108 (68.35%)
Sue Marcum Precinct 37 – 50 (31.65%)
W – Andy Davison Precinct 38 – 60 (67.42%)
Kareena Wells Precinct 38 – 29 (32.58%)
W – Louise Newhart Precinct 39 – 61 (44.85%)
Al Parsons Precinct 39 – 40 (29.41%)
Ben Pfeffer Precinct 39 – 35 (25.74%)
Republican President Of The United States
Donald J. Trump 3438 (90.76%)
Bill Weld 350 (9.24%)
Democrat President Of The United States
Joseph R. Biden 746 (75.74%)
Bernie Sanders 137 (13.91%)
Pete Buttigieg 39 (3.96%)
Elizabeth Warren 26 (2.64%)
Michael R. Bloomberg 14 (1.42%)
Amy Klobuchar 10 (1.02%)
Andrew Yang 9 (0.91%)
Tulsi Gabbard 3 (0.30%)
Tom Steyer 1 (0.10%)
Republican Governor
Eric Holcomb 3622 (100%)
Democrat Governor
Woodrow (Woody) Myers 833 (100%)
Republican United States Representative Dist 4
Jim Baird 3378 (100%)
Democrat United States Representative Dist 4
Joe Mackey 489 (55.89%)
Veronikka M Zol 207 (23.66%)
Benjamin Fredrick 142 (16.23%)
Howard Pollchik 37 (4.23%)
Republican State Senator District 07
Brian W. Buchanan 2474 (71.75%)
Ethan H. Brown 847 (24.56%)
Vernon Budde 127 (3.68%)
Democrat State Senator District 07
Tabitha N. Bartley 812 (100%)
Republican State Representative Dist 25
Donald J. Lehe 687 (100%)
Democrat State Representative Dist 25
Alex Sabol 133 (62.15%)
Maurice Oakel Fuller (37.85%)
Republican State Representative Dist 38
Heath R. Vannatter 2571 (100%)
Democrat State Representative Dist 38
Tom Hedde 615 (100%)
Greg Miller Sworn In As New Member Of Frankfort Board Of Works
Mayor Judy Sheets performed the swearing-in of Greg Miller to the Frankfort Board of Works today, Monday, June 1, 2020.
Miller replaces board member Mark Mitchell who submitted his resignation effective May 31, 2020, due to moving outside the city limits of Frankfort. Miller will also replace Mitchell on the Frankfort Redevelopment Authority board.
“According to state statute he [Mitchell] cannot continue to serve on the Board of Works,” said Mayor Sheets. “I knew at the time of appointing him, he and his wife were in the process of building a home outside the city, but I wanted to get his expertise and knowledge for the first three months I had in office.”
“I am excited. I think Greg Miller is going to do a great job for me,” continued Mayor Sheets.
Miller brings 36-years of city experience to the position. He currently is a Frankfort firefighter and director of the Clinton County EMS.
“I am looking forward to the challenges,” said Miller. “Frankfort is my hometown. I have worked my career here, I’ll die here.”
“I love the community and there is so much going on and it’s an opportunity to help payback.”
Miller said he is ready to help the citizens understand the decisions that are made and provide guidance to Mayor Sheets.
“The years of experience and the opportunities to have situations arise, we don’t always have a direct answer for them, but to work things out or to find a resolution for the public is something I have with working for the fire department.”
The next regular meeting of the Frankfort Board of Works is Monday, June 8, 2020, at 5 pm.
Clinton County and Local Communities Eligible For More Than $1.7 Million To Cover COVID-19 Related Expenses
Clinton County and local communities are eligible for more than $1.7 million to cover COVID-19-related expenses through the federal stimulus package, according to Indiana State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).
Clinton County is eligible for $1,046,311 in reimbursement funding. In addition, these communities are eligible to receive the following amounts:
Colfax $21,769;
Frankfort $513,617;
Kirklin $24,819;
Michigantown $14,697;
Mulberry $39,678; and
Rossville $52,591.
“It was critical for communities to act swiftly to fight this virus and protect the public, but these efforts drained many resources and took a toll on budgets,” VanNatter said. “Indiana directed federal stimulus dollars to help local governments bounce back by helping to cover some of their costs.”
Indiana allocated $300 million in federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economics Security Act to counties and communities for reimbursement of expenditures related to the pandemic. Lehe said the funding, allocated based on population, cannot be used to replace lost tax revenue.
“Communities across our state are having to bear many unexpected expenses to fight this pandemic,” Lehe said. “Our hope is this funding will provide some relief as local governments navigate this situation.”
VanNatter said the Indiana Finance Authority is in charge of implementing guidelines on how each county, city and town can use the funding, as well as compiling reimbursement requests through accepted documentation including invoices. Visit in.gov/ifa for more information.
State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) represents House District 25, which includes portions of Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Tippecanoe and White counties.
State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38, which includes portions of Carroll, Cass, Howard and Clinton counties.
Frankfort Lagoons To Reopen May 22nd
With Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb moving the beginning of Stage 3 to May 22nd from May 24th, the Frankfort Utility Service Board has announced the Frankfort Lagoons will reopen on May 22nd.
Frankfort Parks Department Developing Plans To Safely Reopen Park Facilities In Three-Stages
Frankfort Parks Department is developing plans to safely reopen park facilities. In accordance with Governor Holcomb’s Back on Track Indiana Plan, all city playgrounds, Skateboard Park, and basketball courts will reopen to the public on Sunday, May 24. Picnic shelters and public restrooms are scheduled to open on May 24 as well.
Parks Department Superintendent Bart Kraning confirmed that measures will be taken to clean playground equipment prior to May 24 but says, “Once the playground equipment has been cleaned and opened to the public we will rely on parents and guardians to plan an active role in cleaning equipment before use. We will have signs in place to remind the community that equipment should be used ‘at your own risk’.”
Other reopening plans announced by the parks department include:
• Neighborhood Center is currently open to reservations of 25 people or less. Starting May 24 this number will increase to 100 people or less. Reservations of 250 or less will be accepted starting June 14. Reservations can be made by calling (765) 659-3422.
• Park shelters will be available for rent beginning May 24 with a limit of 100 people or less. Reservations can be made by calling (765) 659-3422.
• The aviary and petting zoo will open on June 14.
Residents are reminded to observe the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines when visiting any park. Social distancing of at least 6 feet from anyone outside your household should be observed, protective face coverings should be worn, and frequent hand washing should be practiced. The city plan to reopen park facilities is subject to change based on the guidance of city leaders and the Clinton County Health Department.
Safety of Utilities Employees Cited As A Reason Why USB Continues To Keep Lagoons Closed
The five members of the Frankfort Utility Service Board issued a press release, Thursday, May 7, 2020, addressing the closure of the Frankfort Lagoons.
Below is the press release in its entirety.
The Frankfort Lagoons were created years ago as the answer to sewage treatment issues created by a local industry. Their purpose was to collect and hold water used by that industry to be disposed of without processing the water through the entire sanitary sewage treatment process. After the industry closed, the infrastructure conveying the water to the Lagoons was incorporated into the storm water drainage system for a section of the city. The storm water and water supplied by electric powered wells are the main water sources for the Lagoons today. The Lagoons continue to be maintained and operated as a part of the utility infrastructure in the City.
In the 1970’s, the Utility Service Board (USB) was created by the Frankfort City Council to oversee the Frankfort Water Works, Frankfort Light and Power, Wastewater Treatment Department, and Sewer Maintenance Department. More recently, the Fiber Optic Network was added to the Board’s responsibility.
There are five members on the Board. Three are appointed by the Mayor and two by the City Council. Per state statute, the Board is responsible for supervising the utilities to ensure that the operation of the utilities is in the best interest and to the benefit of the ratepayers. Policymaking regarding the operation of the utilities, its real estate, and its infrastructure is part of the supervisory powers granted the Board. Since the temporary closing of the Lagoons is a policy made by the Board and since the Lagoons fall under the umbrella of the utility infrastructure, the USB, not the Mayor, not the City Council, and not the Department of Natural Resources will provide the rationale for the decision and will continue to serve as the decision maker with regard to the Lagoons.
In the beginning, Governor’s Executive order declared, among many things, that people should stay at home, limited public gathering, and asked that certain types of places be closed to the public. With this order in mind, the USB felt it was in the best interest of the public and more importantly of its employees, that the Lagoons be closed. A significant factor in the closing was, and continues to be the fact that employees of the utilities are ultimately responsible for the care, maintenance, and trash removal for the Lagoons. The USB also is thankful for and mindful of the many volunteers who have routinely assisted in cleaning up the trash and hazardous items left in the area. Why would the USB want to put any of these employees’ or volunteers’ health in jeopardy? After considering the safety of the employees, the volunteers, and the public, the decision was made to close the Lagoons. Recently some of the Governor’s restrictions were amended to allow more activities, but there was also a provision for local authorities to utilize a slower process to reopen to the public. After considering the increase in the reported cases most recently in Clinton County, the USB decided to keep the Lagoons closed at this time, but to review the current data as it becomes available, and to reopen the Lagoons when employees, volunteers, and the public face minimal health risk. The health and safety of the employees, volunteers, and the public are matters of great importance to the USB. The USB appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation during this time of public health emergency. We will continue to analyze the situation as it arises and will make decisions as appropriate.
Frankfort Utility Service Board
Mike Kelley (Chairman)
Kent Brewer (Vice Chairman)
Joe Root
Mike Reeder
Rick Gunyon
Frankfort Utility Service Board Provides IDEM Guidance for Flushing Water Systems
During the Monday, May 4, 2020, USB Meeting, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management guidance to re-opening buildings that may have been temporarily shut down or used less frequently over the last several weeks due to COVID-19 pandemic was shared.
Here is the link to download the complete document in pdf format:
https://www.in.gov/idem/cleanwater/files/dw_guidance_flushing_systems.pdf
Below is the text of the document:
This document is designed to help public water systems prepare their systems for safe use once they reopen buildings that may have been temporarily closed or used less frequently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is imperative that operators adhere to the flushing instructions below to ensure their indoor plumbing is receiving fresh water and not stagnant water. The flushing instructions apply to:
• Community water systems such as municipal water supplies, subdivisions, or mobile home parks
• Non-transient non-community water systems such as schools, daycares or factories
• Transient water systems such as churches, restaurants/bars or campgrounds
Issues Caused by Stagnant Water
When water is not used over an extended period, it will become stagnant. Stagnant or standing water can cause conditions that increase the risk for growth and spread of Legionella and other harmful biofilmassociated bacteria. When water is stagnant, hot water temperatures can decrease to the Legionella growth range (77–108°F, 25–42°C). Stagnant water can also lead to low or undetectable levels of disinfectants such as chlorine and could also cause corrosion issues. It is critical to ensure water systems are safe to use after a prolonged shutdown to minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ and other diseases associated with stagnant water.
How to Remove Stagnant Water
Since stagnant water is a potential health risk and can impact water quality, it is necessary to systematically flush the plumbing. In general, flushing involves opening taps and other fixtures and letting water run to remove any stagnant water within plumbing and fixtures. To protect the health and safety of consumers, IDEM recommends that you carefully read and adhere to the following instructions, which provide a systematic approach for conducting a complete flush.
NOTE: Some buildings have water treatment systems and those treatment devices need to be cleaned, flushed, and maintained as part of the start-up process. After flushing, water filters need to be replaced. If there is a point-of-entry water treatment system such as a water softener or filter, please refer to the instruction manual for information on how to replace the filter.
Flushing Instructions
Please complete these steps in the order set out below. Finish each step completely before moving on to the next step. During the initial flushing, it is a good idea to wear protective respiratory equipment. Discoloration and a lingering odor may occur during flushing; these issues are expected and are not a health issue.
1. Flush ALL cold water taps for at least 5 minutes.
Begin the cold water flushing procedure. Open ALL cold-water fixtures and run them for at least 5 minutes. Shut the water off after 5 minutes. Flush each toilet at least one time. This step includes the water in your refrigerator water dispenser.
Flushing should begin at the water service entrance and proceed through the building to the end points of the plumbing system in the building(s). Depending on flow and pressure, you may need to increase the flushing time to ensure all stagnant water has been flushed.
2. Flush ALL hot water taps for 15 minutes.
Once the cold water lines have been flushed, begin the hot water flushing procedure. Open ALL hot water taps in your bathroom(s) including lavatory (sink) fixtures, hot water bath fixtures, and any other hot water fixtures such as kitchens, wet bars, etc. Run these hot water fixtures for at least 15 minutes. Shut the water off after 15 minutes. Depending on the size of the hot water tank, you may need to flush longer to ensure the water in the tank has drained and fresh water has refilled the tank. These steps should be effective at removing contaminants from the water heater. However, for information on draining and cleaning the water heater, please consult the manufacturer.
3. Flush ALL remaining appliances and faucets for 5 minutes.
Open any remaining fixtures such as hose bibs, external faucets, or fixtures not used for drinking for at least 5 minutes to finish the plumbing system flushing. Take additional steps to remove water from other appliances including:
• Ice Makers
• Dishwashers
• Washing Machines
• Humidifiers
• CPAP Machines
• Oral, Medical, or Health Care Devices
• Baby Formula
• Water Filters
• Water Softeners
• Filters (point of use and whole house)
Remove ice from the ice maker bin and discard 2 additional batches of ice. Run empty dishwasher and washing machine once on rinse cycle.
4. Perform periodic ongoing flushes.
Periodic flushing is important to maintain water quality. Full-building, periodic flushes proceed the same as the initial flush except water tanks do not need to be drained and hot water flushing times are the same as cold water flushing times.
If you have chlorinated water, it is a good idea to measure chlorine residual during periodic flushes.
For additional COVID-19 response information that is more detailed, please visit:
https://engineering.purdue.edu/PlumbingSafety/project
Other Resources
• Guidance for Building Water Systems (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/building-water-system.html
• Return to Service Guidance (American Water Works Association)
Frankfort Mayor Announces City Services Will Resume Gradually
Following the announcement of Governor Holcomb’s roadmap to reopen Indiana, and the Clinton County Commissioners decision to lift the Clinton County Travel Advisory, Mayor Judy Sheets announced that several city departments will begin plans to loosen COVID-19-related restrictions but says, “this does not mean people should act as though the danger of contracting COVID-19 has passed. Residents should continue practicing social distancing, wear masks, and frequently wash their hands in order to prevent an increase in cases.”
Mayor Sheets said having 17 new COVID-19 cases reported in Clinton County between May 2 and May 4 “is very concerning to us. We want to make sure that any action taken by the city to reduce restrictions is balanced with caution and awareness that increasing personal interactions between employees and the public could result in an increase in cases of Covid-19.”
Starting today, Frankfort Street Department will resume bulk item drop-off and collection. Recycling items, excluding glass, can also be dropped off at the Street Department.
Frankfort Fire Department will resume fire inspections this week by appointment only.
City playgrounds, Skate Park, and basketball courts are scheduled to reopen May 24.
The Police Department lobby will reopen on June 1.
Frankfort City Council and Board of Works have been holding their twice-monthly meetings virtually and live-streaming on YouTube. The May 11 meetings will still be held virtually.
While all city offices remain open for business, residents are asked to continue calling each department to schedule an appointment before visiting the offices in person. Phone numbers for each department can be found on the city website at https://www.frankfort-in.gov.