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Local Round Up - page 36

Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s Retail Store Sales Floors Will Be Closed To Shoppers

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Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana’s Retail Store sales floors will be closed to shoppers, effective Friday, March 20, and until further notice.

We will continue to accept donations during limited hours of 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday-Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Sunday.

This situation is unlike anything our community has ever faced. Our first concern is the well-being of our employees, many of whom came to work for Goodwill because of an employment barrier that made finding a job elsewhere difficult, if not impossible.

The inability to operate our Retail sales floors has a significant impact on our entire organization. Over the next week, we are building a plan on how we can best move forward in the best interests of our employees and all those whom we serve. We are working with affected employees to help them access information on their health and wellness benefits, while proactively working to reduce or remove barriers to any additional services they may need.

We urge Hoosiers to continue donating their unwanted items in the coming weeks. Goodwill associates will unload items from cars, without our donors having to exit their vehicles. Donors are also welcome to park and bring items to the donation door, while maintaining sufficient distance from Goodwill employees and each other.

Thank you for your support for Goodwill. Together, we will continue to achieve our mission of helping to change lives every day by empowering people to increase their independence and reach their potential. We will continue to post updates at goodwillindy.org.

Eric Schlegel
Vice President
Retail, Facilities and Risk Management
Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana

All Indiana Schools Closed Until May 1st

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At a press conference, this afternoon from the Indiana Statehouse, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb announced the closure of all schools until May 1.

As May 1 approaches, they may reevaluate at that time to determine if schools will need to remain closed for the remainder of the school year.

We are monitoring the press conference and will bring updates as they become available.

The Farmers Bank Temporarily Suspends Lobby Access In Response To COVID-19

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For the protection of our customers, staff, their families, as well as the citizens of the communities we serve, The Farmers Bank is temporarily suspending lobby access except by appointment only at all Farmers Bank locations effective Thursday, March 19th at 12:00 pm until further notice.

“We have been closely monitoring the status of the current COVID-19 situation and in these uncertain times, our concern at The Farmers Bank is for the well-being of our customers, employees, their families, and the communities we serve. We would like to remind all our customers that while this social issue is sweeping the nation, this is not a financial crisis and your funds will remain available to you.” said Karen F. Gregerson, President and Chief Executive Officer.

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been reported in Indiana, while we have no news at this time of confirmed cases in Clinton County, we have been notified of confirmed cases reported in Boone and Hamilton Counties. For these reasons and to do our part in limiting the spread of COVID-19, the following steps are being taken, effective Thursday, March 19th at 12:00 pm.

• The Farmers Bank will temporarily suspend lobby access at all branch locations beginning Thursday, March 19th at 12:00 pm until further notice.

• Drive-up facilities will remain open during normal drive-up business hours.
o For your convenience, some branches will have extended hours. Check our website https://www.thefarmersbank.com for the most current information regarding the locations and business hours at your local Farmers Bank branch.

• All business change orders will be available by appointment only. Call your local branch or 765-654-8731 to place an order and schedule your pick-up.

• Cash advances can be completed at the ATM.

• All bank services are currently still available: You may contact a customer service representative or a loan officer at your local branch or by calling 765-654-8731 to answer any questions or schedule all necessary appointments.
o Safe Deposit Box Entry
o Account Openings
o Loan Closings

If you choose to take care of some or all of your banking business online, The Farmers Bank offers a full suite of electronic banking products. You’ll find our online banking system and mobile banking app fast, convenient, and easy to use. Pay your bills, check your balances, deposit checks, view your transaction history, transfer money between accounts, and locate our ATMs all from the comfort and safety of your home.

Karen F. Gregerson also stated, “We recognize that this is a challenging time for all and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. However, we feel a deep sense of responsibility to protect the overall safety of our customers and their families, our employees and their families and the communities we serve while allowing us to continue to provide the quality community banking service you have come to expect – and deserve. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we continue to monitor and work through these unique circumstances.”

We understand the importance of having access to your funds during these uncertain times and want to ensure you have additional access to your funds during this time by extending drive-up hours at some locations, refunding foreign ATM charges, and increasing daily limits on debit cards and mobile banking deposits.

The Farmers Bank’s management team will continue to closely monitor the situation and evaluate any further actions needed. We will continue to share updates at www.thefarmersbank.com and on our social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. For additional information about the current status of COVID-19 in Indiana, please visit https://www.in.gov/coronavirus or contact your local health department.

If you have a special circumstance or need additional assistance, please contact us on Monday – Friday from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm or Saturday from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at 765-654-8731.

County Commissioners Keep Solar Farm Overlay Decision Tabled

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With the restrictions communicated to the public regarding public gatherings do to the coronavirus, the Clinton County Commissioners were faced with a decision regarding the solar farm overlay at its Tuesday, March 17, 2020, meeting. Bring it up for a vote, or leave it tabled.

“We know it is a hot topic and folks are very interested in that,” said County Commissioner Josh Uitts. “So, we made the decision to take that off of the agenda because we didn’t folks coming in here being unnecessarily exposed to anything or take any kind of risk. And, at the same time, we didn’t want to make a decision of that magnitude when folks can’t be here. It’s just not the right way to do things and we are going to make sure that folks, one way or another, have the ability to attend a meeting – whether that is here physically; hopefully, in the near future or virtually.”

The solar overlay, also known by its legal document as Lupac #02-20-358 Ordinance 2020-04, could become effective even if the Commissioners do not vote.

Liz Stitzel of the Area Plan Commission informed the Commissioners at the March 3, 2020, meeting that under state law they have 90-days to either vote to approve or deny the Lupac or the Lupac becomes effective the way it is recommended by the Area Plan Commission without action.

The Commissioners asked County Attorney Tom Little to look into whether Indiana law would allow for virtual meetings. A finding will be communicated once research has been concluded.

City of Frankfort Departments Implement Changes to Address COVID-19 Concerns

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The following update from the City of Frankfort is in regard to the changes being implemented by the various City departments.

Below is the press release issued on Monday, March 16, 2020, at 4:25 p.m.

City of Frankfort departments remain open as Mayor Sheets, and City Department Heads continue to work with Clinton County Health Department to keep city operations running smoothly, plan for contingencies, and keep residents informed.

Scheduled meetings, including Board of Zoning Appeals, Board of Works, and City Council, will continue to occur as planned. Sheets recommends only essential personnel, officeholders, and media should attend these meetings. Anyone who does not have business to conduct at city meetings is encouraged to refrain from attending.

Mayor Sheets adds, “We want to respond to this evolving situation with caution while maintaining all city functions necessary for the public health and safety; this includes police, fire, emergency medical, and utilities.”

“Each of our departments has a plan in place to provide a safe working environment for city employees and to reduce the risk to our residents by limiting non-essential interactions.”

The City of Frankfort will be suspending the following services through the end of March:
• Frankfort Fire Department will postpone regular, annual fire inspections until April. Please contact the Frankfort Fire Department at (765) 654-4329 with any questions.
• Frankfort Street Department will suspend bulk-item collection and drop-off until April. Please contact the Street Department at (765) 659-2912 with any questions.
• Frankfort Parks Department has closed all public restrooms until April. If you have any questions regarding park operations, please call (765) 659-3422
• Frankfort Building Services Department will suspend interior home inspections until April. Please contact Building Services at (765) 654-5278 with any questions.

The City of Frankfort will continue to monitor the situation while providing employees and the public with information, updates, and changes as they become available.

Carol Bartley Sworn In As Frankfort City Clerk-Treasurer

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Carol Bartley was sworn in as the new Frankfort City Clerk-Treasurer Monday, March 16, 2020, at 9 a.m.

Bartley was administered the oath in the Clinton County Clerk’s Office by Jessica Nelson, 1st Deputy Clerk.

Bartley had served the previous five-and-a-half years as County Treasurer. She resigned that position on Friday, March 13, 2020.

Bartley was caucused in as City Clerk-Treasurer on March 12, 2020, after a vacancy was created when former Clerk-Treasurer Judy Sheets became Mayor of Frankfort.

A caucus date will be set to fill the vacancy of County Treasurer.

Community Schools Of Frankfort Offering Grab & Go Meals During School Closure

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The Community Schools of Frankfort will provide grab go meals while our schools are closed for health precautions.

Students can receive these meals through a drive-through pick up service (walk-ups and bicycles welcome too) at the following locations and times.

• Suncrest Elementary – Back parking lot from State Road 421
• Blue Ridge /Green Meadows – Back parking lot
• FMS/FHS – Back of High School by Door 11

Available during all e-learning days.

• 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Monday, March 16th through Friday, March 20th
Monday, March 30th through Friday, April 3rd.

• Meals will not be available during Spring Break, Monday, March 23 through Friday, March 27th

All Clinton County Schools Will Close, Abundance of Caution Due to Coronavirus

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Clinton County Today has learned all Clinton County school systems have taken the step of closing school out of an abundance of caution due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) until April 6th.

There are no reported cases of Coronavirus in Clinton County at this time.

We will update this post as more information is learned.

Carol Bartley New City Clerk-Treasurer

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Sixteen members of the Republican Caucus met in the City Council Chamber to decide the new City Clerk-Treasurer on Thursday, March 12, 2020.

On the 1st ballot, Carol Bartley was caucused in as City Clerk-Treasurer.

Bartley starts on Monday, March 16 after her swearing-in that morning.

Bartley has served as County Treasurer for the past five and half years and will resign from that position effective end-of-day, Friday, March 13.

New Parks Superintendent Halts Breeding & Selling Of Animals At Zoo, States It Is Against His Values

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Parks Superintendent Bart Kraning announced to the members of the City of Frankfort Board of Works on Monday, March 9, 2020, he had stopped the breeding and selling of animals at the City zoo effective immediately.

“This past week I’ve just been learning and listening a lot,” said Parks Superintendent Kraning. “One of the things we are going to do is we’re going to halt the breeding of animals at our zoo. So, we are not going to breed and sell anymore. When animals have babies, of course, we are going to welcome them to the zoo and they will be a welcomed addition.”

“But, we won’t be in the business of trading animals for other animals. So, that is something effective immediately.”

After the close of the Board of Works meeting, Parks Superintendent Kraning spoke with Clinton County Today about his first week on the job, what led up to his decision to halt the breeding and selling of animals, and what interaction has he had with Parks Consultant Travis Sheets.

CCT: What led you to make the decision to stop the breeding for sell program?

Kraning: They ordered a few sets of animals last year in pairs that were purposefully mates, which is fine. I am not against that at all.

But, I heard that someone had traded animals last year, a baby particularly, for another exotic animal which doesn’t line up with my values.

And, to be honest, we do not have the capabilities there to be always keeping babies. When babies arrive, great you know. We will take care of them. To purposefully have animals just together locked up to hope that one of them gets pregnant, I don’t really support.

I don’t think there was major evidence of that. But, just what I saw I said I’ve already decided that we are not going to do that even if it wasn’t necessarily the case.

CCT: So some of these animals had been breed to be exchanged for some other?

Kraning: I don’t think they were breed to do that. I just think they were purchased for that reason. I don’t think any of them have went through the process.

CCT: To go through the breeding process?

Kraning: Right.

I just think maybe that was just the direction they were heading, which is not the direction I want to be going in.

CCT: Do you see any issues with the sustainability of the zoo without having a breeding program?

No. Because right now I think we are at capacity for what our zoo can handle. So my main focus is going to be – so when we do have babies make sure they have the proper enclosures, we have toys, we have things for them to do. My main focus is going to be that.

If we do have babies, great. We can keep them. But, as of right now if we were to say we get there tomorrow and four babies are new, we are going to be tough to house them.

So, I just want to make sure before we encourage having more animals then we need to really get a handle on our enclosures, on our toys, on the things these animals need to do. They are healthier that way. They enjoy life better.

I don’t think there was anything particular – I don’t think they had purchased animals and were like stay in this cage forever until.

Because our zookeeper, she would have put the stop to that.

I just wanted to get in front of it just in case that was (the case).

CCT: Does this go for the aviary aspect of it as well? We wouldn’t see any breeding going on in the aviary as well?

Kraning: Unless it happens naturally. We’re not ever taking a step to make sure they are not having babies. I would even go so far as saying if we can get animals that can breed and we don’t have the means to take care of the babies, then we would get them spayed or neutered because it is healthier for them. Gives them a better temperament a lot of the times and I don’t want any unnecessary deaths at the zoo. Which happens when you are having babies.

CCT: Have you talked to Travis since you started last Monday (March 2, 2020)?

Kraning: I have talked to him about a few different things. He has given me a little bit of just background on what was going on in the parks. Ways they were, processes they were doing and that’s pretty much it.

I think I have talked to him 3 times.

CCT: And was any of the decisions about breeding, did you talk to him about that?

Kraning: There wasn’t any reason to because to be quiet honest I’m the Superintendent now. I didn’t have any reason to bring that up with him. Partially because I think maybe I didn’t want to know what they were doing because I don’t see any evidence of it. So, I am glad that I don’t. I am happy right now saying I am the Parks Superintendent and this is how we are going to move forward.

CCT: Has there been any conversation with you in regards to the role of the Parks Consultant and the Parks Superintendent?

Kraning: No. There has not been.

CCT: In terms of expectations. Did previous Mayor McBarnes say to you, Travis is here, he is going to be available for fill in the blank?

Kraning: The only thing I know about is what I have talked to Travis personally about.

And that so far that he will be here on the 20th and he is going to help us with Prairie Creek with all of the planting and things like that. That’s all.

CCT: He flies in on the 20th of March?

Kraning: I think he flies in that day and then the next couple weeks I believe he will be there. So, we are going to have all hands on deck trying to get Prairie Creek ready to go.

CCT: The grand reveal or grand opening is May 16th?

Kraning: Mmm-hmm. I don’t see a problem with that timeline at all. I think things are moving along great.

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