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Frankfort Fire Department Welcomes First Bilingual Firefighter

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The Frankfort Fire Department has officially welcomed Raphael Eduardo "Eddie" Morales as its newest firefighter, marking a significant milestone as the department's first known bilingual firefighter. His hiring was ratified by the Board of Public Works and Safety during its July 28,2025 meeting. (photo/Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (July 30, 2025) – The Frankfort Fire Department has officially welcomed Raphael Eduardo “Eddie” Morales as its newest firefighter, marking a significant milestone as the department’s first known bilingual firefighter. His hiring was ratified by the Board of Public Works and Safety during its Monday meeting.

Fire Chief Matt Stidham presented Morales to the board, expressing great pride in his addition to the department, noting his unique ability to speak two languages. The board formally ratified Morales’s hiring date as July 21, 2025. The motion to approve was seconded and unanimously passed by roll call vote, with Mayor Sheets, Greg Miller, and Jim Skinner all voting “I”.

Morales brings a strong local connection and educational background to his new role. He is a graduate of Frankfort High School and has completed his EMT basic course, as well as his Firefighter One and Two certifications. Chief Stidham shared a personal anecdote, revealing that Morales was one of the children involved in the “Big Brother, Big Sister” program at the fire department many years ago, where firefighters like Josh Uitts participated. Morales began his in-class training immediately upon hire, attending rope and confined space tactical classes in Lafayette.

Frankfort Breaks Ground on Fire Station 4, City’s First New Station in 57 Years

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The City of Frankfort marked a monumental moment for its public safety today with a ceremonial groundbreaking for Fire Station 4, the first new fire station constructed in the city in 57 years. The last similar event was the opening of the fire headquarters in 1968, while Stations 2 and 3, built in 1927 and 1939 respectively, remain operational. 9photo/Brett W. Todd)

FRANKFORT, Ind. (July 24, 2025) – The City of Frankfort marked a monumental moment for its public safety today with a ceremonial groundbreaking for Fire Station 4, the first new fire station constructed in the city in 57 years. The last similar event was the opening of the fire headquarters in 1968, while Stations 2 and 3, built in 1927 and 1939 respectively, remain operational.

The ceremonial groundbreaking took place at the location of Fire Station 4, located at County Road 600 West an State Road 28, and will cost the taxpayers no more than $10,350,000 in part to “Build, Operate, Transfer (BOT) delivery method.” The project is expected to take 13 months to complete, from ground breaking to ribbon cutting.

Fire Chief Matt Stidham welcomed attendees, emphasizing that the new station is crucial for the “development of the 28 corridor” and the expansion of the city’s fire protection. He credited the collaborative efforts of the firefighters, Mayor Sheets, the Board of Works, and the City Council for bringing the project to fruition.

Mayor Judy Sheets reiterated that Fire Station 4 will be an “additional station” designed to enhance the department’s ability to “serve our community to the best of our ability.” She thanked the Frankfort Fire Department, specifically naming Chief Stidham, Deputy Chiefs Josh Uitts, and Jamie Michaels, for their “due diligence” and perseverance through the project’s challenges. The Mayor underscored the importance of providing firefighters with “good facility, good training… good equipment,” and urged continued support for all public safety employees.

Rich Taylor, Vice President of Business Development at Envoy Companies, a project partner, commended the city’s innovative approach using the BOT delivery method. Taylor explained that this method ensures the project will be delivered at a “lower cost and at a cost certainty,” thereby protecting taxpayers from cost overruns. Envoy also announced a $10,000 contribution towards the purchase of a Safe Haven Baby Box for the new station, aligning with the company’s commitment to incorporate these boxes into new fire stations they build. Taylor further highlighted that the station fulfills a promise made by the administration to provide additional public safety support for NHK, a key corporate citizen in Frankfort.

Indiana State Fire Marshal Steven Jones spoke about the long-term impact of the new facility, stating that “the people will benefit a hundred years from now by the work that goes on today.” Jones stressed the profound impact of firefighters beyond saving lives, including preventing family stress and protecting economic development. He also reflected on the department’s history, noting that in 1890, firefighters were alerted to runs by a school bell donated to the department.

The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial groundbreaking, where Mayor Sheets, members of the City Council, and representatives from the Board of Works participated in turning the initial dirt.

Commissioner Brewer Learned of Proposed Data Center “at the end of May”

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Clinton County Commissioner President Jordan Brewer answers questions regarding a proposed data center in Kirklin, Indiana, Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Kirklin Community Center during a "Coffee with the Commish." (photo/Brett W. Todd)

KIRKLIN, Ind. – A proposed data center was a topic of discussion at the Kirklin Community Center Tuesday evening during a “Coffee with the Commish” hosted by Clinton County Commissioner President Jordan Brewer.

Brewer first learned about the data center project at the end of May during a Partners in Progress (PIP) meeting, a key group for economic development in Clinton County comprising both county and city elected officials. While most economic development proposals typically take two to three years to develop, this data center project was an exception, moving very rapidly.

Initially, developers indicated their desire to locate the data center within the city of Frankfort, not the county. Brewer “pushed back” against this idea, stating he would “never support annexation.” His opposition stems from a past annexation that took place along the I-65 and State Road 28 corridor, where the county developed infrastructure only for the city to annex the area, leading to a near-doubling of taxes (approximately 2.65% city rate), which Brewer believes “hurt the development in that area.”

Following that initial meeting, Brewer reported having no further direct communication with the developer. He later learned, via screenshots, that the developer was proceeding with a city planning commission meeting for 700 acres, a development that caused the situation to “blow up.” Furthermore, no county official was invited to the developer’s social event, and the county has largely been “on the exterior of any conversations lately.”

Brewer described to attendees that a data center “just houses a lot of computers that are going to service all these AI systems” and involves “a lot of processors.” He noted that the county is dealing with a real estate company that procures sites, not the actual “end user” like Google, Meta, Apple, or Amazon. The developer had initially stated they “weren’t coming here if they didn’t have a thousand acres.”

Specific details regarding water usage for cooling and electricity were not discussed in the initial meeting, commented Brewer. Concerns about aquifer studies and water reuse were raised by a participant, which Brewer acknowledged as unknowns, expecting utilities to conduct such studies. He also mentioned unverified reports that modern data centers are “more efficient than they’ve ever been,” using less water and more air cooling.

The financial impact of the project remains uncertain due to recent state legislature changes, particularly Senate Bill 1 (SB1), which is reforming how property tax and county revenue function. The county is “in flux” and does not “even know the rules to the game going into the future” regarding economic development, as revenue appears to be shifting more towards income tax than property tax.

While the project is expected to provide assessed value, Brewer is unsure about the accuracy of job creation claims, as the initial presentation was “high level” and lacked such details.

Brewer also noted that data centers are a “pretty contentious” topic in other areas. Adding, this specific project was “rejected in Greenfield, Indiana,” and he heard of another contentious one in Morgan County. Personally, Brewer believes it would be “better as a city project” due to its geography, as the first 115 acres are already within the city and it physically touches the city.

Financially, the county would be in “basically the same position regardless if it’s a county project or a city project” because the county collects assessed value revenue through a TIF district on the difference between current and new assessed value, irrespective of jurisdiction.

Current Project Status and Location:
* The proposed site is described as “a little northwest of Frito Lay”.
* The developer, Logix Reality, LLC, has since pulled their zoning permit for an upcoming meeting on Wednesday.
* Brewer believes the developer is attempting to “start over the process” by bringing the project through county zoning via the Area Planning Commission.
* The proposed location is north of Conagra, encompassing 700 to 800 acres.
* An additional 115 acres to the east of Conagra have already been rezoned and are currently within the city of Frankfort.
* According to Brewer, the reported financial value of the development changes “daily,” ranging from a billion to four billion to ten billion dollars, with no clarification provided since the original meeting.

Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets: ‘I’m doing my due diligence. I’m doing my research.’

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Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets confirmed the proposed data center project remains in its preliminary stages, with the city actively conducting "due diligence" to assess its potential impact on the community. Sheets emphasized that despite public speculation, no official agreements or paperwork for annexation have been presented to the City Council.

FRANKFORT, Ind. (July 22, 2025) – Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets confirmed the proposed data center project remains in its preliminary stages, with the city actively conducting “due diligence” to assess its potential impact on the community. Sheets emphasized that despite public speculation, no official agreements or paperwork for annexation have been presented to the City Council.

Mayor Sheets provided the update after Monday’s Utility Service Board meeting.

The Mayor highlighted that the city’s focus is on understanding the financial implications of the project, including how Indiana’s Senate Bill 1 (SB1) will affect the budget in the coming years, and clarifying the impact of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) area on land requesting voluntary annexation into the city. While finances are a significant consideration, Sheets noted that “it’s not all about the finances,” as the city is also evaluating other potential effects on Frankfort and Clinton County.

A specific parcel of land, already within Frankfort city limits and adjacent to Conagra, is a key component of the proposed development. The developer has successfully obtained a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) to permit a data center on this land. This specific portion alone is touted as a $1.7 billion investment. Furthermore, the utility service board has issued a “will serve” letter for this site. Despite this, Mayor Sheets stated she doesn’t know if the developer would “even move forward” with just this parcel if the larger annexation request fails.

Sheets also made it clear that there has been “no talk of any abatements, any incentives” from the developer. She noted that the city conveyed “pretty well told to them from the beginning we’re not interested in that type of a thing”. This stance is influenced by a previous “long abatement” granted to Conagra.

Key points regarding the project’s current status:
* The city does not yet know the identity of the end user for the data center, whether it be a major tech company like Meta, Alphabet, Oracle, or Amazon.
* The land for the broader project has not yet annexed or heard before the city plan commission.
* A required fiscal plan as part of annexation has not been submitted to the council.
* Mayor Sheets expressed frustration with public perception that decisions have already been made, stating, “we have no official agreements, no official paperwork has come before the Council for annexation”.

The Mayor anticipates a clearer understanding of the project’s future direction “after city plan commission” hearing Wednesday, July 23 at 5:30 pm.

You can read the interview below. The interview was edited for clarity.

Clinton County Today: Can you give a brief overview of where the proposed data center project stands?

Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets: I’m doing my due diligence. I’m doing my research. I’m trying to figure out the financial impact on your city. And you know other things that this might make happen or not happen for a city.

So I think it’s important that people just realize that we are always looking out for the best of our community. Sometimes it comes a little more quickly than we expected and so I have a lot of work I’m trying to work on to make sure – like I said – we’re doing our due diligence. We want to make sure that we’re making the right decision.

CCT: The city council recently had a work session with Reedy Financial. What type of impact might this project have on the city’s budget?

Mayor: I think what we’re looking at right now, and the reason why we have Reedy at the work session was so that we can realize how SB1 is going to affect us not only next year, but the years thereafter.

And you know, we never know things could change, who knows, but I think that that’s what we’re looking at right now.

Also, part of that is a TIF area for the county. So I want some clarification on that. What effect will that have on the city as well? So there’s a lot of things to look at, you know, and it’s not all about the finances. It’s all sort of the other things that could affect our city or our county depending on what happens with the annexation.

CCT: One part of the proposed data center is land that is currently within the city limit and is next to Conagra. The developer went in front of the BZA and asked for a variance so a data center could be placed on that land and received the variance. Could a data center be built on the land even if the request for the 700 acres received a negative recommendation from the city plan commission or the land fails to be annexed in by the city council? There’s still some options?

Mayor: Yeah, I guess there is. I mean, because they did get the variance. So right now that land is in the city. So, you know, it depends. Would they even move forward with it. I don’t know if they could move on into the next phase. I don’t know.

CCT: The developer stated that portion alone would be a $1.7 billion investment to the city, seems rather
significant, already inside the city, and it’s received its variance to put a data center there. The utility service board has given their “will serve” letter to it.

Mayor: I want to clarify something. There has been no, no talk of any abatements, any incentives. Nothing like that. They’ve never even asked that. I mean, but I think it was pretty well told to them from the beginning we’re not interested in that type of a thing, you know, right now, because as we know, Conagra, got a long abatement, a nice abatement. And so I think we’ve let them know right off – this is not gonna be the same situation here.

CCT: I would imagine it’s difficult to even say yes to an abatement when you don’t know who the end user will be whether it’s Meta, Alphabet, Oracle or Amazon. It’s hard to say who you’re going to work with.

Mayor: At this point we don’t even know and also it’s my understanding that that land has not been transferred over. I wish people would realize, they all have their opinion that we’ve already decided that we know it, but, we have no official agreements, no official paperwork has come before the Council for annexation.

They have to have a fiscal plan. None of this has come to the council at all. I mean, it’s in so much of a preliminary state right now, but everybody has all this stuff – ‘how we’re all lighting our pockets or how we know this or that’ – and we don’t.

After city plan, I think we’ll have a better idea depending on what they do.

Frankfort Utilities Approves Non-binding Power Agreement for Potential Data Center

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A screen capture of a Frankfort Utility Service Board meeting conducted on May 19, 2025 where the members gave its approval to a non-binding "will serve" letter for a prospective large data center, signaling the municipal utility's capability and willingness to provide up to 300 megawatts of electrical capacity to the site.

FRANKFORT, Ind. (July 19, 2025) – The Frankfort Utility Service Board (USB) has given its approval to a non-binding “will serve” letter for a prospective large data center, signaling the municipal utility’s capability and willingness to provide up to 300 megawatts of electrical capacity to the site. The vote took place during a May 19, 2025 meeting with Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets in attendance.

Todd Corrie, General Manager of Frankfort Municipal Utilities, made the request on behalf of the developer, Logistix. The “will serve” letter is essential for the developer to demonstrate to investors that they are “shovel ready,” a necessary requirement to move forward with their process.

However, the utility’s commitment to serve is contingent upon several conditions, ensuring the agreement remains non-binding if these are not met, according to the USB and City of Frankfort attorney Alicia Albertson:
* The execution of all agreements between the developer and Frankfort Municipal Utilities.
* The developer’s donation of land for a substation and the execution of a land contribution agreement.
* The construction of a power line for service use.
* The customer’s payment of all associated costs and fees.
* Successful implementation of a new rate class for a user of this size, which may require approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC).
* Appropriate power provision by the Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA), as the local utility cannot supply the customer if IMPA cannot supply them.

Albertson further explained, the “will serve” letter remains valid for a period of three years from its signing date. If ground is not broken within this timeframe, the letter becomes invalid. The utility will not be obligated for equipment purchases or construction until all contingencies are met and ground is broken within the specified three-year period.

The request for a “will-serve” letter came after the Frankfort Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) unanimously approved a special exception to permit a data processing center in the industrial zone and granted a developmental standard variance due to the proposed impervious surface ratio exceeding 50% during a special meeting of the BZA on April 23, 2025.

During a June 2, 2025 USB meeting Corrie, while providing an update to board members said while looking back at those in attendance, “Mayor, you were in a couple of meetings? It sounds like a pretty big deal to where they are even looking at more property than what they have secured right now.”

According to an article by Inside INdiana Business published July 17, 2025 with Doug Swain, president of Logistix, contained the following passage, “over a year ago, Logistix bought 100 acres … the area is directly north of the Frito Lay plant and northeast of the Conagra facility along the railroad tracks.”

A review of online records available from Beacon, does not show a property transaction recorded involving Logistix.

Corrie also shared with board members during the June 2 meeting, “… [Logistix] electrical engineering firm is now in contact with our electrical engineering firm for the substation design… I’m orchestrating all these people talking to each other and staying up-to-date…”

Corrie clarified to board members the substation north of Conagra, on the other side of the rail tracks, is a JTS substation and the power that would supply a yet to be constructed substation for the proposed data center would be a JTS line.

On July 23, 2025, the Frankfort city plan commission will hear a petition from Logix Realty, LLC for nearly 715 acres to change from zoning A1 (county) to General Business (city). Currently the land sits in the county and would have to first be annexed into the city for any change in zoning to take place.

The city plan commission meets at 5:30 in Old Stoney.

Frankfort Data Center Project Faces Complex Approval Process

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Members of the Frankfort City Council recived an update on a proposed $10 billion data center campus in Frankfort during its Monday meeting detailing the navigating a multi-step approval process, with key meetings scheduled for the coming weeks.

FRANKFORT, Ind. (July 15, 2025) — Members of the Frankfort City Council received an update on a proposed $10 billion data center campus in Frankfort during its Monday meeting detailing the navigation would require a multi-step approval process, with key meetings scheduled for the coming weeks.

The project described by developers, Logistix, as an “ideal site for a data center campus,” aims to add to Indiana’s growing technology corridor, including the Indiana LEAP District and Purdue University.

The ambitious development is planned for approximately 833 acres in total consisting of 718 acres of greenfield land north of the railroad tracks, alongside an additional 115 acres already within city limits south of the tracks. The project is slated to house seven individual data center buildings, representing over 7,000,000 square feet of property development and draw over 300 megawatts of electricity with an undetermined amount of water.

Once completed, it is projected to create up to 350 permanent jobs and over 1,000 temporary construction jobs. The developer states one to four tenants could occupy the campus when completed.

The site adjacent to Frito Lay, situated east of Conagra, west of North County Road 300 West, and bounded to the north by W County Road 100 North and to south by West County Road 0 N/S, boasts existing infrastructure with readily available power, water, and fiber.

A nearby Duke Energy substation “has over 230 megawatts of power that is not being utilized,” according to Todd Corrie, general manager of Frankfort Municipal Utilities. He added the new data center’s substation will be fed from the transmission system of the existing substation.

Background

The project first appeared on the Logistix website on April 18, 2025, according to an Internet Archive Wayback Machine query and is prior to a special hearing of the Frankfort Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) on April 23, 2025.

The BZA meeting specifically addressed the 115 acres south of the railroad tracks, which are already zoned I-1, Light Industrial and within the city limit. The BZA unanimously approved a special exception to permit a data processing center in the industrial zone and granted a developmental standard variance due to the proposed impervious surface ratio exceeding 50%. It was also noted that future approval from the Airport Authority Board might be necessary depending on final designs involving water retention ponds or building heights, as the project lies within the airport overlay district.

Upcoming Hurdles: Annexation and Rezoning

The process for the remaining, larger acreage involves voluntary annexation and rezoning, which requires a series of public hearings and council actions. According to Alicia Albertson, City of Frankfort attorney, the following is the path that the development will be required to take.

* Fiscal Plan Pending: Developers have requested voluntary annexation and a rezone in connection with it, but a fiscal plan must be prepared and received before the annexation petition can be presented to the City Council.

* City Plan Commission Public Hearing (July 23, 2025): The City Plan Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing to consider the rezoning of the land. This hearing is a standard amendment to the unified development ordinance and allows for public input, either in person or via written statement. Notification has been sent to required landowners and advertised in the newspaper. The Commission will provide a favorable, negative, or neutral recommendation to the City Council.

* City Council Meeting (August 11, 2025): This crucial meeting is expected to see the first reading of the annexation ordinance, along with the petition for annexation, the fiscal plan, and a resolution to approve the fiscal plan. The council will also receive the City Plan Commission’s recommendation on rezoning, having 90 days to act on it. Council members are encouraged to hold off on rezoning approval until after the annexation ordinance passes, as land outside city limits cannot be rezoned. The developer is expected to be present to answer questions.

* City Council Public Hearing (Sept. 10 or 11, 2025): If the fiscal plan and annexation ordinance receive first reading approval, a public hearing on the annexation must occur within 30 days, likely at a special meeting.

* City Council Final Vote (Sept. 25, 2025 Earliest): The City Council can adopt the annexation ordinance on its second reading no sooner than 14 days after the public hearing. If the annexation is approved, the rezoning ordinance could then be approved at the same meeting.

Outstanding Concerns and Negotiations

Despite the project’s potential, significant concerns remain that require negotiation with the developer. These were raised by council members on Monday night:

* Infrastructure Costs: Questions have been raised regarding whether the developer will pay for all their own infrastructure and for repairs to any roads damaged by heavy construction equipment.
* Environmental and Health Concerns: Issues such as potential contaminated groundwater and the project’s substantial daily water needs have also been brought up.

Groundbreaking for Frankfort Fire Department Station 4 Announced

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FRANKFORT, Ind. (July 15, 2025) – The City of Frankfort Fire Department is set to host a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Fire Station 4, a significant project aimed at enhancing public safety and emergency response capabilities for the Frankfort community. The event is scheduled for Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 10:30 AM, and will take place at the south corner of State Road 28 W & 600 W. The announcement was made at the City’s Board on Public Monday evening.

This new facility represents a “significant investment in the safety and well-being of Frankfort residents,” providing a “state-of-the-art station for our dedicated firefighters” and promising improved response times to emergencies in the western part of the city.

Mayor Judy Sheets expressed her strong support for the initiative, stating, “This new fire station is a testament to our commitment to public safety and our ongoing efforts to provide the best possible resources for our first responders”. She added that Fire Station 4 will not only “serve the immediate needs of our growing community” but also “stand as a symbol of our dedication to a safer Frankfort for generations to come”.

Fire Chief Matt Stidham echoed the Mayor’s enthusiasm, highlighting the operational advantages of the new station. “We are incredibly excited about the groundbreaking for Fire Station 4,” Stidham said. He emphasized that the facility “will significantly improve our ability to respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies, ultimately saving lives and protecting property”. Chief Stidham also noted it will provide firefighters with a “modern and functional space that supports their critical work and dedication to serving our community”.

The groundbreaking ceremony is open to the entire community. Residents are invited to join City officials and Fire Department personnel for refreshments as they celebrate this important milestone for Frankfort.

The Frankfort Fire Department provides professional and compassionate emergency services to the citizens of Frankfort, Indiana. With a core commitment to protecting life, property, and the environment, the department continually strives for excellence in fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue operations, and fire prevention.

Frankfort Protest Escalates, Leads to Arrests and Charges

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FRANKFORT, Ind. (June 20, 2025) – An ongoing one-person protest in front of Frankfort’s city building escalated into a physical altercation on Thursday evening, June 19, leading to the arrests and subsequent charges for two individuals.

The Frankfort Police Department and Clinton County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a fight at 301 E Clinton Street, also known as Old Stoney, which had been the site of a small, one-person protest since 4 p.m.. Earlier that evening, at 7:01 p.m., authorities had responded to the location for the protester’s usage of fireworks, issuing a warning after the individual stated they would not do it again. Shortly thereafter, at 7:23 p.m., Clinton County Central Dispatch began receiving reports that the protester was yelling at people driving by on Walnut Street. A shift change of corrections officers and dispatchers at the jail also reported fireworks.

At approximately 7:38 p.m., an officer observed 28-year-old Tyler Niccum of Frankfort throw objects at the protester, 26-year-old Cody Bishop of Indianapolis. Niccum then sat down at a picnic table on the property. Bishop subsequently walked to Niccum, and a fight or struggle occurred over a sign Bishop was holding. During this confrontation, Bishop pointed a firearm at Niccum, who then retreated. Officers intervened and separated both parties while conducting an investigation.

Investigators learned that prior to the observed altercation, Niccum had approached Bishop to examine Bishop’s sign, which reportedly had Niccum’s name on it. While Bishop was at his truck, he walked towards Niccum in close proximity and pushed the sign towards him. Niccum responded by swatting the sign away, at which point Bishop hit Niccum with the sign. Niccum then went back to his car, which was parked on the west side of Prairie Creek, and called the police. However, Niccum did not wait for law enforcement and re-engaged with Bishop.

Both Niccum and Bishop were arrested following the incident. Bishop resisted arrest, causing minor injuries to two Frankfort Police Officers, though no medical attention was necessary.

Charges were filed by the Clinton County Prosecutor on June 20, 2025:

• Tyler Niccum faces one count of Disorderly Conduct: engaging in fighting or tumultuous conduct (35-45-1-3(a)(1)/MB).

• Cody Bishop faces multiple charges, including:
◦ Two counts of Resisting Law Enforcement: Defendant causes bodily injury (35-44.1-3-1(a)(1)/F6).
◦ Unlawful Use of Body Armor: defendant uses body armor while committing a felony (35-47-5-13(b)/F6).
◦Disorderly Conduct: engaging in fighting or tumultuous conduct (35-45-1-3(a)(1)/MB).

Frankfort Police Chief Scott Shoemaker commented on the incident, stating, “Individuals who want to exercise their first and second amendments are freely able to do so in our society”. However, he emphasized, “What they will not do is incite violence and disrupt normal day-to-day activities for our city residents and visitors”. The Frankfort Police Department strongly encourages citizens to not engage with protestors.

Frankfort Main Street Earns 20th Consecutive National Accreditation

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FRANKFORT, Ind. (May 18, 2025) – Frankfort Main Street has received prestigious accreditation from both Indiana Main Street and Main Street America for the 20th consecutive year, the organization announced Friday. This milestone places Frankfort Main Street among a limited number of communities in Indiana to achieve such sustained recognition for downtown revitalization and preservation efforts.

The accreditation signifies a rigorous evaluation of the organization’s structure, program impact, and adherence to the principles of the Main Street Approach™. This approach is described as a framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization.

For two decades, Frankfort Main Street has worked to cultivate a vibrant downtown district. Their initiatives have focused on economic development, community engagement, historic preservation, and design enhancement. The organization aims to create a vibrant and sustainable downtown that serves as the community’s economic, social, and cultural core.

Kim Stevens, Frankfort Main Street executive Director, stated, “This remarkable milestone speaks volumes about the dedication and hard work of our board members, volunteers, and the entire Frankfort community”. Stevens added that continuous accreditation for two decades is a “testament to our long-term vision and the tangible impact we’ve made in preserving our heritage while fostering economic growth”.

Mayor Judy Sheets also commented on the achievement, expressing pride in Frankfort Main Street’s commitment to downtown revitalization and support for local small businesses. Mayor Sheets highlighted the 20 consecutive years of accreditation as a “significant achievement” that reflects consistent dedication to the Main Street Approach, calling their efforts “a model for other communities across Indiana”.

Maintaining accreditation ensures Frankfort Main Street will continue to access valuable resources, training, and networking opportunities from state and national Main Street organizations. This support is expected to aid their mission to foster a dynamic and sustainable downtown for the community.

The sustained recognition underscores the effectiveness of Frankfort Main Street’s efforts in strengthening the local economy, preserving historic assets, enhancing the downtown experience, and building community partnerships.

Frankfort Main Street is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing and preserving downtown Frankfort. They invite the community to celebrate this achievement and participate in upcoming events and initiatives, aiming to build upon their legacy of success.

Bicyclist Seriously Injured in Frankfort Crash

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FRANKFORT, Ind. (May 18, 2025) – A ten-year-old male bicyclist was seriously injured in a crash Friday morning in Frankfort and was airlifted to an Indianapolis hospital, authorities said.

The crash occurred at approximately 10:22 a.m. in the area of McKinley Avenue and Short Myrtle Avenue. According to a press release from the Frankfort Police Department, a vehicle traveling west on McKinley Avenue struck the bicyclist who was proceeding south out of an alley. The driver was unable to stop in time.

The bicyclist suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis. His condition is listed as critical.

Standard alcohol and drug tests were administered to the driver due to the seriousness of the injuries sustained by the bicyclist.

The investigation into the crash remains active. Authorities stated that more information can be requested once the investigation concludes.

Responding agencies at the scene included Clinton County EMS, Frankfort Fire Department, and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Frankfort Police Department.

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