Frankfort Police Chief Troy Bacon issued the following statement Wednesday on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

On this Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, I would like to express my genuine heartfelt appreciation for the men and women of the Frankfort Police Department. Each day these brave officers put on their uniforms, pin on their badges, lace up their boots and selflessly report to work knowing the potential dangers they could face. They do this to ensure that the citizens and visitors of Frankfort receive the best possible protection and service. Today, I encourage everyone to join with me in saying THANK YOU to the officers of the Frankfort Police Department. They truly deserve it.

Sincerely,
Troy Bacon
Chief of Police

The post Bacon Issues Statement on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

The post Responsible Harvest of Clinton County Gives Wind Update first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

As things currently stand, legislators won’t have much wiggle room in the next state budget – with most of the money earmarked to adequately fund increased Department of Child Services and K-12 education demands. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce hopes that such a tight squeeze may make a cigarette tax hike more appealing to legislative leaders and the Governor.

“We will certainly be making the case for it. There is nothing else the state could do to infuse the revenue stream that would have the impact of increasing the cigarette tax by $2 per pack,” declares Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar.

“While we agree with what Gov. Holcomb has said in past years that funds collected should go to related health care programs – to cover smoking cessation and Medicaid costs – we also believe any additional money could go to where the state has the greatest needs.”

Efforts to decrease the smoking rate of Hoosiers – through the per pack tax increase and raising the smoking age to 21 – are on the Indiana Chamber’s list of legislative priorities for 2019.

“Smoking is costing employers and the state more than $6 billion annually in lost productivity and health care. Research has shown that significantly increasing what a pack of cigarettes costs and upping the legal age to smoke do yield positive results,” Brinegar notes.

In recent public remarks, Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma has emphasized that the age component might find increased support this time.

Brinegar explains why mindsets have changed. “Large tobacco companies are now coming out in favor of raising the age to 21. More localities and states are doing it, and notably, the military is also on board.”

A mitigating factor, he says, is the collective realization of the negative impact vaping is having on teens.

“They are getting hooked on nicotine, which is prompting a hard look at age requirements for these e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes.”

The Indiana Chamber also continues to advocate that the state Legislature take the next steps in skilling up the workforce, as employers continue to cite finding qualified workers among their biggest challenges (see results of the organization’s annual workforce survey at www.indianachamber.com/education).

“After several years of concentrated efforts, it’s time the state evaluates the existing programs,” Brinegar begins. “We have to pinpoint what will most help retrain workers for the current job market and how best to get the word out. There’s no magic answer, but we must achieve better results.”

In the upcoming session, the Indiana Chamber likewise will be pushing for the state to pass a bias crimes law.

“It’s not only the right thing to do, it is important to helping our employers recruit and retain talented employees. Indiana is a welcoming place and we must enact every policy possible to convey that message to those outside our state,” Brinegar offers.
The Indiana Chamber will be endorsing “as broadly defined a law as possible, yet recognizing that the overriding goal is for a bill to pass and Indiana to take itself off the very short list of states (five) that do not have one.”
Meanwhile, the Indiana Chamber will be going on the defensive regarding medical marijuana; the group is opposed to that in addition to recreational use.

In addition to the “real effects and impairment marijuana has on job performance,” Mike Ripley, Indiana Chamber vice president of health care and employment law, stresses that the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the valid use of marijuana – a sticking point for Indiana Chamber members.

“Its consistent effectiveness and safety have not been proven yet through clinical trials, which we support taking place. Separately, the Chamber currently backs the use of isolated components of marijuana, cannabinoids or similar extracts for solely medicinal purposes if approved by the FDA for specific illnesses and diseases.”

Other 2019 top priorities for the Indiana Chamber include increased broadband access to rural communities, moving up the effective date for making the state superintendent an appointed position and significant planning for and investing in Indiana’s water infrastructure. A full list of the Indiana Chamber’s key initiatives is available at www.indianachamber.com/priorities.

The post Cigarette Tax Hike Would Infuse State Budget Revenue Stream first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

New Year, New Me!

The new year is here, and it’s a great time for fresh starts. If you’re a tobacco user, the best thing you can do this year is to make a quit plan. Smoking is still the number one cause of preventable death in Indiana. Making the decision to quit in 2019 can dramatically reduce your risk for life threatening diseases and even make all of your holiday meals taste better.

Quit plans:

• Combine quit smoking strategies to keep you focused, confident, and motivated to quit
• Help identify challenges you will face as you quit and ways to overcome them
• Can improve your chances of quitting smoking for good

A trained quit coach at 1-800-Quit-Now can help with a quit plan.

SmokeFree.gov includes the following steps for having a successful quit plan:

• Pick a quit date
• Let loved ones know you are quitting
• Remove reminders of smoking
• Identify your reasons to quit smoking
• Identify your smoking triggers
• Develop coping strategies
• Have places you can turn to for immediate help
• Set up rewards for Quit Milestones

Free, confidential help is available at 1-800-Quit-Now or QuitNowIndiana.com.

Make 2019 your best year yet by making the decision to quit.

The post Indiana Quitline Releases Information for New Year first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

An Open Letter to the Clinton County Community

From:  Humane Society of Clinton County Board of Directors

The Humane Society of Clinton County Board of Directors has remained silent too long. We have chosen to take the high road, thinking that was the best way to deal with the transition from one staff to another.  We have steadfastly worked at making the shelter a much cleaner and healthier atmosphere for all the animals, personnel and the community members who visit us and our 4 legged friends.

However, the continued attacks from a small group of people have left us little choice but to respond and let the community as a whole know the facts regarding the shelter.  The stories and comments that have been circulating through social media are pure fabrications.  A group of individuals, angered over the dismissal of the director, have chosen to spread rumors through social media.  Their untrue accusations have prompted the County Commissioners to have an independent auditor to look over the financial records of the Humane Society.  We have no problem with this.  We are more than willing to comply and to present it to the Commissioners in an open meeting.  We are confident that nothing irregular will be found.  It’s just that this is causing our nonprofit to spend valuable and unnecessary time and financial resources.

When we entered the shelter after the previous employees left, we found the building and grounds in poor condition. Our main activities the first three weeks were:

• Cleaning every kennel gutter. All were packed to the top with feces, small dishes, leashes and pieces of toys.  A drain specialist was called in to clean them all.
• Disposing of 8000 pounds of dog and cat food that was molding in the feed pod
• Updating our database: The Shelter Manager program had some animals listed, but very few. Those that were listed had no real information other than the animal’s name, a picture and when they entered the shelter. Pertinent health care, vaccinations and protocol were not documented.
• Fixed the incinerator that was not functioning due to having plastic bags, bottles and a decomposed dog in it
• Disposing of bags of expired medicines which had been prescribed by Purdue and our local veterinarians for dogs following spay/neuter and which had never been administered.
• Disposing of flea and heartworm medication that had never been given and was allowed to expire.
• Depositing uncashed checks from 2017 and also cash that was laying in plain sight of anyone who happened by

We have worked steadily to improve the health and welfare of all the animals. In order to do this our board contracted with a licensed shelter veterinarian to evaluate all the animals’ health and to institute disinfecting procedures.  At least 50 cats were suffering from upper respiratory infections.  A veterinary technician was hired by the interim director to handle all medicating of animals and continues to care for the health of all animals. He also hired staff to train as kennel technicians.

On the first day of the shelter’s new management, It was discovered there was a dog infected with the parvovirus.  The dog had not been taken to the veterinarian even though some of the volunteers had asked several days prior.  Sadly, no parvovirus protocol was in place.  If it had been, we would have been aware we had a problem.  As a result, a beautiful dog died overnight.  We immediately started protocol.  Since very few records were found, local veterinarians volunteered their services to vaccinate all dogs in the shelter.  We were very fortunate that we only lost 3 more dogs; one senior and 2 pups to the parvovirus.

We are now moving forward!

• Every animal that leaves our shelter is spayed or neutered.
• All are completely vaccinated, including rabies, if they are old enough.
• All animals are evaluated, weighed and vaccinated within 24 hours of entering the shelter.
• Animal Control is operating daily. We do not chase stray animals, but if a call comes into the shelter or dispatch, animal control responds.
• We are NOT euthanizing animals at the shelter at all. We are as close to a no-kill shelter as we can be.  If an animal is so badly injured or sick and suffering, they are taken to a local veterinarian and together a decision is made as to whether this animal is better off getting medical help or being euthanized by a veterinarian.
• We do not, contrary to some rumors, refuse admittance to the shelter of any animals. If we are at capacity, we discuss surrenders on a case-by-case basis and may initiate a waiting list and reach out to our foster homes.
• We do not refuse “pit bulls” and haven’t in the past 10+ years. Many of the animals we currently house are bullies. In fact, most of the dogs we walked in the Christmas parade were bullies.
• We have finished the roof over the outside west runs and tarps have been installed. This has been an ongoing project for a year and we have parceled the construction of the project as actual money became available. The Margaret Farrell estate has given us the finances to finish the project.
• New high efficiency furnaces will be being installed later in the winter. The current ones have been there since the building was first opened and need to be replaced to help curb heating costs.
• The Board has been requesting a prioritized list of essential needs for quite some time and these are the projects that our interim director and the board determined needed to be prioritized after taking over the management of the shelter.
• We have $64,000 in a Certificate of Deposit. This is what is left from a large bequest made to the shelter several years ago. The board has resisted using those funds for things we have been able to manage through grants and donations.  We have two aging vehicles that will need to be replaced someday. Rather than going to the county commissioners, we would draw on those funds, if necessary.

We are gratified to report our animal adoptions are at an all-time record pace; a testimony to the refined operation of the shelter and it’s professional, caring staff.

Please feel free to come and visit.  Staff and the board members will be happy to give you a tour any afternoon. We continue our mission:  Saving  Animals – Serving Community.

Respectfully,

The Board of Directors

The Humane Society of Clinton County

The post Humane Society Issues Open Letter to Community first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS OF ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION

Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of Center Township, Clinton County, Indiana, that the proper fiscal body will consider the following additional appropriation in excess of the budget for the current year at the location of the County Commissioners Meeting Room, on the 26th day of October, 2018 at 6:00pm.

Fund Name: 0840.2 Poor Relief (Direct Assistance)                          AMOUNT

Major Budget Classification:

Healthcare                                                                                                          $________

Other Direct Poor Relief                                                                               $10,000

Center Township Shelter                                                                             $________

Capital Outlays                                                                            $________

TOTAL for Poor Relief Fund                                                                    $10,000

Taxpayers appearing at the meeting shall have a right to be heard. The additional appropriation(s) as finally made will be referred to the Department of Local Government Finance (Department). The Department will make a written determination as to the sufficiency of funds to support the appropriation(s) within fifteen (15) days of receipt of a Certified Copy of the action taken.

Dated 10/16/2018                                                            Kevin W. Evans

(Fiscal Officer)

The post Center Township to Consider Additional Appropriation first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

To the editor:

Much has been in the news lately about attempts by the Trump Administration and many of the Congressional Republicans to blow apart the Affordable Care Act through litigation and administrative action. Those measures are being taken because efforts to do so in Congress failed when Americans rose up to oppose them.

I guess President Trump wasn’t paying attention to the fact that Americans oppose the idea of having their health care taken away from them. As someone who once also said he didn’t understand the impact of allowing insurers to use pre-existing medical conditions to escape covering sick people, I want to give him the benefit of the doubt.

But the repeated efforts, along with his repeated threat to blow up the ACA, I’ve concluded that he won’t wise up as it seems so many in Congress may be doing.

I wised up in 2002 when I was chairing the Indiana House of Representatives Insurance and Small Business Committee. At the request of the insurance industry, I introduced a bill that would have allowed them to opt out of up to three pre-existing conditions. The Industry claimed consumers wanted these policies because it would reduce the cost of monthly health insurance for those willing to gamble they wouldn’t need comprehensive coverage. However, after I learned how much harm this proposal would cause Hoosiers, I let the bill die.

Five years later, I learned a much harder lesson when my stepdaughter was diagnosed with leukemia. Between the time of her diagnosis and her death 15 months later, her medical bills exceeded $5 million. Had our insurer been able to cap its pay-out, we would have been bankrupted – and the chances of saving her life would have been greatly reduced when providers realized payment options for treatment may no longer exist. Trump’s repeal proposal would allow the return of these caps. Do you or someone you know have cancer or some other terrible condition or disease? Health officials say for every five Hoosiers, two will develop cancer – that’s 2.4 million of us. We’re also one of the unhealthiest states in the country, so affordable health insurance should be a concern to all of us.

Had Shay survived her cancer, she would have a pre-existing condition. And if Trump has his way, her insurer could drop her. Other insurers could turn her away.

Virtually everyone I know has a pre-existing medical condition -2.7 million Hoosier have at least one. (Think diabetes, asthma, heart disease.) The ACA protects us from having our insurer drop or deny us coverage based on those conditions. Last week, after failing to get Congress to kill the ACA, the president directed the Department of Justice to help fight to blow it up in the courts. Our own state Attorney General is part of that lawsuit, and like Trump, he’s on the side of the insurers, not us.

I’ve been encouraged by comments from some congressional leaders – Joe Donnelly, by the way, is the only Hoosier congressional representative fighting this battle from our side of the line – who say they never meant to let pre-existing condition protection end and that “everyone in the Senate” wants to preserve them. I’d like to say that, like me, they’ve learned their lesson.

I don’t much care if they’ve seen the light or they’re just afraid voters will oust them if they continue these inhumane tactics when it comes to health care. I want them to protect our rights, not blow them up. I’m calling on our Congressional delegation to stand against this effort to take away affordable health care and calling on AG Curtis to step away from the lawsuit that would eliminate pre-existing condition protection. I hope you join me.

Dave Crooks served in the Indiana House of Representatives, representing the 63rd District from 1996 to 2008. He was also the 2012 Democratic Nominee for Congress in Indiana’s 8th District. Dave is President and General Manager of DLC Media, Inc. which owns nine radio stations in Indiana and Illinois.

The post Letter Urges Congress to Stop Trump From Taking Away Our Health Care first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

Greetings Residents of Clinton County:

I appreciate the opportunity to share this letter with all of you!

I want to take a moment and give thanks to Mark Mitchell, Matthew Myers and Jerrad Blacker for their continued dedication and service to our community. Each of us put our hopes and dreams into this election, and I understand how difficult this may be for them, their families andtheir supporters. You all should be very, very proud!

I am thankful, honored and humbled for the privilege to be the Republican Sheriff Nominee. You don’t know how much this means to my family and me. I have to thank my wife, Ashley for her grace, patience and understanding during this journey. I also need to thank our kids, Hannah, Emily, Alyssa, Isabella, Tanner, Maverick and Emmitt for their love and support.

I have so many supporters and volunteers who worked so hard on our behalf! I could not possibly name them all! I salute all of you who walked parades, knocked on doors, proudly displayed a yard sign, donated items for an auction, donated monetarily, hosted an event, addressed postcards, stamped envelopes and so much more!

I must also thank my Campaign Manager, Barb Irwin. We had no idea what we were getting into and you kept us organized and on track! Thank you to my Treasurer, Joe Catron, for taking on the responsibility of our finances and for sharing your wealth of knowledge on how to run a successful campaign. I think we all learned a little something from each other and Ashley and I are proud to call you both friends!

To the citizens of our great county- I pledge to faithfully serve as a visible, hands-on Sheriff, always leading from the front, with the highest level of professionalism and integrity. I am optimistic we can make big, positive changes in Clinton County! Together, we will address the opioid problem in our community. Together, we will make Clinton County safer. This will be a team effort! Ronald Reagan once said, “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help
someone.” We will open the conversation with church leaders, health officials, law enforcement professionals and other vital community liaisons to bring about much needed change and opportunity. This will be the foundation of my “Cooperation without Compromise.”

During this campaign, I spoke with countless people, Republican and Democrat, and they all shared similar concerns. Our issues are not subject to a single party. These issues impact every neighborhood in every corner of our community.

The Sheriff’s Office is not only an honor, but a purpose and a privilege. It is a charge to keep, and I promise I will give it my all!

Thank You and God Bless!

Rich Kelly

The post Kelly Authors Thank You Letter to Clinton County Residents first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

During this Teacher Appreciation Week, we celebrate school librarians. Many people do not realize that school librarians are licensed teachers who attain additional certification for school librarian. Unfortunately, many Indiana school districts have cut the number of certified school librarians, further risking our children’s digital and information literacy and achievement in college, career and life.

The modern school library is not only a hub for print and e-books, but also is a bustling center for interactive learning projects in the arts, STEM and computer coding. We encourage you to support your school library and certified school librarian. Celebrate this very special teacher who is critical to school and student success.

Presidents of the Indiana Library Federation
Edra Waterman, President and public library director
Susie Highley, Vice President and retired school librarian
David Peter, PhD, Past President and retired dean of a university library

The post Letter to the Editor Received on Teacher Appreciation Week first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

By Suzanne Crouch

Indiana Lieutenant Governor

Every time my travels across Indiana steer me towards the northwest region of our great state, I make a point to stop at Fair Oaks Farms. Whether I am grabbing a scoop of their famous ice cream, or taking part in their interactive exhibits, I am always blown away by this tourist attraction Indiana has to offer.

Tourism is an important aspect of Indiana’s economy as well as the entire nation, and as a part of National Travel and Tourism Week, the Indiana Office of Tourism Development has planned Visit Indiana Week to celebrate and promote tourism across the state. More than 200 attractions and properties will be offering special discounts and deals to encourage visitors, both Hoosiers and those from out of state, to get out and explore Indiana.

Sunday, May 6th kicks off the week with State Park Sunday and in partnership with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, all Indiana State Parks, State Forest Recreation Areas and State Off Road Vehicle Riding Areas will offer free admission. We are fortunate to have a great selection of outdoor trails, parks and activities, and now that the weather is starting to warm up, Sunday is the perfect day to get outside.

Indiana has a range of museums that exhibit antique automobiles, the life of Hoosier Poet James Whitcomb Riley, railroads and many more interesting subjects. Museum Monday on May 7th, 29 museums are offering discounts on admission and we can all stand to learn something new about our state and the rich history we have.

You’d be hard-pressed to travel in Indiana and not find a brewery, winery or distillery offering exclusive brews, wines and liquors. On Tastings Tuesday, visitors have the chance to experience various samples through discounted flights, tours and tastings.

Did you know in the town of Paoli there is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to have an elephant encounter? As a part of Wild Wednesday on May 9th, they are one of the zoos, sanctuaries and farms offering a discounted rate for their experience. It’s not every day you can say you spent time with an elephant, especially living in Indiana!

We have 200 years of history to discover in Indiana, and Throwback Thursday allows the chance to expand your knowledge of the state. Thirty five locations will be offering discounts, including Conner Prairie in Fishers and the Amish Acres Historic Farm and Heritage Resort in Nappanee.

Here in the Hoosier state, we have more than amazing pork tenderloins to offer. Just down south, Dewig Brothers Packing Company, Inc. has their famous Bierstub Bratwurst that is a best seller around the tristate area and the United States. Through Foodie Friday, they are one of the locations offering a deal on their products. Visit a location in person and tempt your taste buds in honor of Visit Indiana Week.

To round up the week, visitors and Hoosiers alike are encouraged to go on a hike, explore Indiana’s underground caves or take part in some high-speed adventures as a part of Sports and Outdoor Saturday. There are 21 spots offering discounts on their outdoor adventures, so if you want to explore the caverns in Corydon, or go duckpin bowling in Indianapolis, there’s something for everyone.

Tourism makes a significant contribution to our quality of life and fiscal well-being, and Indiana hit record numbers in 2016 with 79 million visitors spending $12.2 billion supporting 242,000 full-time jobs. Living here, we know there are countless attractions, restaurants, farms and experiences to be had. Now there are more than 200 reasons to explore during Visit Indiana Week. I’ll be visiting some of these places during the week, and you can follow along with me and others participating at #VisitIndianaWeek.

The Lieutenant Governor constitutionally serves as the President of the Indiana Senate, serves as the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, chairs the Indiana Counter Terrorism and Security Council and oversees five state agencies.

The post Crouch: More Than 200 Reasons to Explore Indiana first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

By Connie Lawson

Seventeen months later, Americans are still talking about the 2016 election. Discussion continues in regards to foreign interference, and perhaps most significantly, cybersecurity and election infrastructure. While there is cause for vigilance, I want to assure all Hoosiers that Indiana has taken great precautions to safeguard our election systems.

Cybersecurity is one of the most critical issues facing government officials. On average, I personally spend at least an hour a day on this topic, and often much more. We take great care to prepare election administrators for each cycle, and in partnership with other government agencies, we are developing new answers to security concerns and election policy. At the federal level, the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), a bipartisan organization comprised of Secretaries of State from around the country, has worked to develop best practices and to get states the information they need from the federal government.

I currently serve as President of NASS, and I sit on the NASS cybersecurity task force. Our organization has been working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to get Secretaries of State security clearances, so secretaries and their staff can access information held by the federal government. This access represents a huge step forward for election administrators, as we are now able to merge state government resources with the resources and information of DHS, the FBI, and other federal agencies. The timing is important given the increasing number of cyber threats from around the globe and hackers’ interest in compromising election systems processes.

It is critical to understand that no piece of Indiana’s voting equipment is online. Machines and tabulators are not connected to the internet, nor are they connected to each other. We have a mechanism known as the Voting System Technical Oversight Program hosted by Ball State University that tests all of the election equipment used in Indiana for an added layer of safety and security. We also do public tests in all counties prior to an election.

In addition to physical security, information is a powerful defense. A great tool has been the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), which allows us access to 24/7 security information, threat notifications, and security advisories put out by various actors. We also communicate with our own information center and our vendors to put policies and procedures in place to protect our systems.

The Indiana General Assembly has supported and passed legislation designed to enhance security efforts. Senate Enrolled Act 327, passed this spring, requires counties to report security and election issues directly to the Secretary of State, which allows my office to share potential issues with other counties and states in an efficient manner. It also limits the sale of voting machines used in Indiana for official election purposes, preventing hackers from accessing the machines.

County election officials who own voting machines in Indiana vigilantly protect access to the machines. When the machines are not in use for an election, they are under lock and key. During voting hours, poll workers watch voters to ensure tampering with machines does not occur. A voter only has two minutes to cast their ballot. No one is given unlimited access to the machines.

Indeed, elections are largely administered by the county election office, which serves as the first line of defense against threats. In order to prevent unauthorized access to election databases, we are currently working on a multifactor authentication protocol which uses a token validation method. This method requires users to insert a USB token into their computer and enter a token ID, used to validate user access into the Statewide Voter Registration System (SVRS) after the user correctly enters their user name and password. This validation will only be operational during preset and normal business hours, and a separate authorization will need to take place for after-hours access.

The way Indiana runs elections may eventually change as a result of cybersecurity concerns. Some are even going so far as to call for a return to paper ballots. I am skeptical that is the answer, and believe there are options for us to continue moving elections forward using technology. When I was a county clerk counting ballots on election night, paper ballots didn’t always reconcile. Electronic tabulations do a much better job of tracking each vote and ensuring the number of voters who cast a ballot matches the number of votes cast.

My team, my fellow Secretaries of State, and the country’s best county clerks will continue to work with cybersecurity experts, DHS, MS-ISAC, and academics to develop the best practices to protect the sanctity of our elections. We are committed to demonstrating that proper precautions are in place to secure the vote. Effective security demands thorough preparation, and thorough preparation only occurs when all parties involved are united in their communication, vigilance, and vision. I am proud to say that, together with your local election staff, we are committed to this mission and will ensure that every Hoosier voter can cast a secure ballot on Election Day.

Lawson is the Indiana Secretary of State.

The post Secretary of State Wants to Make Sure Your Vote is Protected first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

By Michael Dora, USDA Rural Development Indiana State Director

In 2016, Ohio corn and soybean farmer Roger Winemiller lost two of his three children to drugs.  Roger is not alone.  Last year, over 64,000 Americans died from a drug overdose.  At almost 174 people each day, this is more than the number of Americans who died in a car accident or a gun-related homicide.  Each person who died was someone’s mother or father, son or daughter, brother or sister.  Many of these mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters were also part of rural America.

Today, in the midst of this nationwide epidemic, small towns and rural places from Oregon to Maine have been particularly impacted by opioid misuse.  Opioids are highly effective painkillers with legitimate medical uses.   However, with their efficacy, opioids are also highly addictive and have become a frequent gateway to substance abuse, with users often transitioning from prescription medications to illicit and deadly drugs such as heroin.

Last fall, two leading farm organizations released a survey which found that nearly 50 percent of rural Americans have been directly impacted by opioid abuse.  With these numbers, the opioid crisis is threatening the quality of life and economic opportunity in many rural communities.  This epidemic is impacting worker productivity, increasing health care demands, and putting substantial stress on limited emergency response, law enforcement, and social service resources.  Further, this issue is also making economic development even more difficult for small towns that are already operating on slim budgets and struggling to attract new business.

An effective solution to this crisis will take leadership, collaboration, and creativity from a broad range of partners at the Federal, state and local level.  In rural America, a solution will also mean all hands-on deck– from the business sector to churches, 4-H clubs, and the local school system.  This Saturday, each of us can take a simple but important step forward to protect our family, our friends, and our community by participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

From high school sports injuries to a routine dental procedure or recurring back pain, many of us have left over prescription drugs.  Last fall, the biannual Take Back Day collected over 900,000 pounds of unused pills.  Sitting in medicine cabinets, these pills aren’t simply taking up space.  These pills can kill.  Research shows that nearly half of all people who are misusing opioids got that pill from friends or family– not from a dealer on the street.

On Saturday April 28^th, we can protect our family, our friends, and our community by getting rid of those unused prescriptions at a Take Back Day collection site.  Visit takebackday.dea.gov for more information about the dangers of unused prescription drugs and to locate a safe collection site near you.  With this small action, each of us can take an important step forward in guarding our loved ones and the towns we love and call home from the tragic path of addiction.

The post Everyone Urged to Take Part in Drug Take Back Day Event first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

Clinton County needs strong leadership to further develop ongoing resources and programs to
assist the citizens of our community. As Sheriff, I will cooperate with church leaders, health
officials, law enforcement personnel and other liaisons in the community. This means we will
work together to educate, incarcerate and rehabilitate individuals until we have a handle on this
opioid issue! We will work diligently to educate our youth of the harmful effects of drug and
alcohol abuse with programs within our schools and those of other outside groups and
organizations.
I plan to expand on Chief Bacon’s Drug Task Force and bring in other vital agencies to assist in
tracking down the origin of these narcotics. I want to hit drug dealers in their pockets by seizing
assets they have gained while they destroyed families in our community. We will send a clear
and precise message that their actions will not be tolerated, nor welcomed, in Clinton County.
We will exert our attention to follow up and investigate each overdose as a crime. As we arrest
these individuals, we must also remember these people are our community. We need to come
up with a workable solution to rehabilitate and return them to society as healthier and productive
citizens. We will welcome church officials back in the jail to help aid in programs such as
Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous and Adult Learning Education for the individuals
who need help on being accountable and responsible with their addictions. The Trustees Office
will be vital in establishing resources for these individuals as they are released from the terms of
their sentencing.
It will take a village of Law Enforcement, the Prosecutor’s Office, Judges, Church Clergy,
Trustees, etc to clean up our community. A solution will not come overnight. I would empower
all community members to utilize the anonymous tip line as a tool to report drug crime in their
neighborhoods. It is pertinent that the community take an active role alongside Law
Enforcement to combat this problem that effects every area in our county. I want this Drug Task
Force to be highly skilled and trained to follow up on every tip. No tip is too small!
I will cooperate, but I will not compromise! I will not compromise the integrity of the office or the
goals that will push the next generation into a better tomorrow. All members of the Sheriff’s
Office will be held to the highest of standards with integrity, professionalism and accountability.
We will be transparent in all that we do to continuously build positive relationships with our
citizens. I have had great opportunities to work all across the State of Indiana. I have seen
what works and what makes a successful agency. Together, we will make a cleaner and safer
Clinton County for our kids and grandkids. I am investing in the future because I care about
their future! I need your vote on May 8th!
Respectfully,
Rich Kelly

The post Editorial From Rich Kelly first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

In keeping with the Frankfort Municipal Utilities’ ongoing commitment to communications and transparency, I want to address the Utility Service Board’s review of General Manager Todd Corrie’s job performance and subsequent pay raise.

But first, I want to provide the community a snapshot of the Frankfort Municipal Utilities’ overall mission. FMU is a $40,000,000 per year entity with the USB’s mission to provide our rate payers with the highest level of utility and customer service.  This service includes providing feedback on decisions made, responsibly maintaining and improving our existing infrastructure, partnering and investing wisely to create future opportunities for residential, commercial and industrial growth.

During the past six years, we have provided a strong utility infrastructure that served an important role in helping to attract new corporate citizens to our community. Those new companies have created jobs that became careers for our hard-working residents. Our responsibility and duty are to provide a utility infrastructure that creates a pro-business environment in which job opportunities and private investments are not only possible, but welcome.

Making critical decisions regarding utility rates is another one of our responsibilities. Difficult choices must be made if our community is to grow in the future. We agree with the McBarnes administration’s philosophy of positioning Frankfort for growth through private investment. More private investment means a higher rate of assessed valuation for our community which drives down the tax rate.

Quite simply, if we do not invest in our existing infrastructure, Frankfort will not stay open for business. That possibility is unacceptable. Remarkably, during the past 20 years we have only required one electric rate adjustment. Additionally, our wastewater rates are significantly lower than surrounding communities. For example, Frankfort’s current sewer rate is $31.72 per month for 5,000 gallons of discharge while Lebanon’s rate is $54.35 per month for 5,000 gallons of discharge. Lafayette is $42.50 per month for 5,000 gallons of discharge and West Lafayette is $40.32 per month for 5,000 gallons of discharge.

Our utilities’ strong infrastructure condition and reasonable rate structure doesn’t happen by accident. These results and success take vision, leadership and commitment. In March of 2017, the USB hired Todd Corrie to serve as the FMU’s general manager. For the past 12 months, Todd has performed at an incredibly high and effective level while streamlining our operations, bringing consistency and working with our staff to achieve a high level of performance in all our departments. Through attrition and efficiency measures, Todd has saved our rate payers $566,947.68 or 9.03 percent of our budget since assuming his post.

The conditions of Todd’s contract with us were that if his performance proved satisfactory, he would be given a 10 percent raise at the completion of his first year of employment. Given the numerous ways in which Todd has not only met, but exceeded our expectations in saving rate payers’ money, streamlining and improving operations, working to bring our utilities into the 21^st Century and utilizing his leadership and dedication to FMU to operate it as a successful business, the USB honored our commitment to give him the outlined pay increase.

Investments – in infrastructure, services, programs and our personnel – are required if Frankfort is to grow. On behalf of the USB, we are dedicated to doing our part to ensure Frankfort always continues to move forward and remains open for business.

Sincerely,

​Mike Kelley, Chairman USB

The post USB Chairman Releases Letter on State of Frankfort Utilities first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

My family has been in Clinton County since 1830. Plotting out 80 acres in what is now commonly known as Boyleston. I live in the home my Great great grandfather owned and was moved to this exact site in 1897 when, my Great grandfather and his new bride first took up housekeeping.
The home was an original log home that was moved from Frankfort by horses to the site it is in now. My grandfather, and my mother were born here. I raised my son here.

My family has been ingrained in this County since it’s inception. I graduated from Frankfort High School 1972.

I moved back to Clinton County in 1995 because, I missed my home and I wanted to raise my son here.

I said all that to say, I have an embedded interest in what happens in Frankfort and Clinton County.

I am tired of politicians working so hard to make a legacy for themselves or are in office to serve their own and “the powers that be’s” needs.

I am totally against Wind Farming in Clinton County. Money, “promised” is not money in the bank. I was on the Panel in 2012 that, along with the Commissioners, stopped Wind Farming completely.

I was also part of the group effort to stop Commissioner Mike Beard from paving his own road at the Counties Cost.

I do not feel, the City OR the County wins when, municipal employees are allowed to sit on County Boards whether elected or appointed. The State legislature stopped Municipal employees from sitting on municipal boards. Now, we need legislation to stop the aforementioned, municipal employees sitting on County Boards.

I am opposed to family “legacy” appointed and elected positions. In City AND County Government today, there are many “family members” representing both entities of local government.

I want the City and County to work together to build a “Professional” drug, alcohol rehabilitation center.

One more “park” for children to find used syringes and condoms is NOT what this drug, alcohol infested County needs.
I realize, if elected, I will only be one voice however, as the song goes, “It only takes a “spark” to get a fire burning”.

Please consider me for Commissioner as, many constituents in Clinton County are ready for change.

The post Letter To The Editor first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

This is the most important election in our lifetime.

That phrase is often deployed by candidates near an election, and it’s become a cliché for those who follow political campaigns. It’s easy to mock it as hyperbole, yet there is a lot of truth in that statement. In many ways, every election is the most important in our lifetime, because free and fair elections are the lifeblood of our form of government. The strength of the republic draws on citizen input, and there is no petition, protest, or opinion that carries more weight than the ballot box.

In the 2016 presidential election, 58% of registered voters cast a ballot. Midterm elections see a decrease from that – in 2014, 30% of registered voters cast a ballot in the fall. And primaries can see even fewer voters engaged: 13% of Indiana voters participated in the 2014 primary election, where general election candidates were selected.

Thankfully, the solution is an easy one. Indiana offers online voter registration through IndianaVoters.com, a comprehensive website where Hoosiers can not only register to vote, but can check their polling place, look at a mock ballot, and see early voting options for their county. This year, my office created the option of texting to register – a smartphone user can text the word ‘Indiana’ to 2VOTE (28683), and they will receive instructions on how to register from their phone. These tools make it quick and easy to register to vote and can save citizens a trip to the county clerk’s office.

Once registered, voters can also vote early the month leading up to Election Day. Early voting begins April 10, and voters can visit their county clerk’s office to cast a ballot, or request an absentee ballot if they cannot vote in-person on Election Day.

These initiatives make voting easier, but some Hoosiers still choose to stay home on Election Day, believing their vote doesn’t count. That couldn’t be further from the truth. One of my favorite stories from Indiana history illustrates this point.

While in the fields on Election Day in 1836, Henry Shoemaker remembered he had to go vote to fulfill a promise he made to Madison Marsh, a candidate for state representative. Just as the polls were closing, Henry cast his ballot for Mr. Marsh.

Marsh won by one vote, and after a lengthy recount it was determined that Shoemaker’s ballot was that tiebreaking vote. At that time, U.S. Senators were selected by the state General Assembly rather than the popular vote. When the votes were tallied for Indiana’s next U.S. senator, Edward Hannegan won by a single vote – and that vote had been cast by State Representative Madison Marsh.

Just a few years later, now in Washington, D.C., Congress debated the option of military conflict with Mexico. Senator Edward Hannegan of Indiana cast the deciding vote to engage in that military conflict. In the years that followed, the states of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, California and parts of Colorado were added as U.S. territories. The most dramatic expansion of our borders since the Louisiana Purchase started when one Hoosier farmhand cast his ballot at his local polling place.

Now admittedly, this is a dramatic illustration, but we ought to take it seriously. Every election cycle we hear Americans give their excuse for not going to the polls: inconvenience, lack of competition, apathy brought on by negative campaigning, and so on. But then I think back to when I saw Iraqi citizens lined up for hours to cast ballots and dip their finger in purple ink.

I encourage all Hoosiers to exercise their constitutional right and engage in civic life by voting this year. Take advantage of the options available to you, and do your part to hold our government accountable. After all, it is a government of, for, and by the people, and things don’t work properly unless we are informed and engaged.

The 2018 Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, May 8^th, 2018. Polls are open from 6:00am to 6:00pm. Registration for the primary closes on April 9^th, 2018. All registrations must be received and processed by the county clerk’s office before that time. Voters can check their registration status, register to vote, view early voting options, and look up their polling place by visiting IndianaVoters.com.

Sincerely,

Connie Lawson

Indiana Secretary of State

The post Secretary of State: Exercise Your Right to Vote first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

By Tami Silverman

The scene from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida is one we have seen far too often: terrified students fleeing a school, parents frantically searching for their children, law enforcement swarming a campus. While our immediate concern is for those directly involved in these tragedies, instinctively we also wonder if our own children are safe. Safety is the top school-related concern of parents, above academic performance, student services, facilities or educator quality. Parents must have an accurate understanding of the safety plans in place in our schools. We also must work to ensure that students, and their families, feel that their schools are safe.

School administrators are keenly aware of the need to protect students, with the range of threats including not only active shooters but also weather and natural disasters, noncustodial parent abductions, and everyday issues like bullying and fighting. Although mass school shootings understandably garner intense media coverage, all threats to school safety are cause for concern. Research shows that any instance of crime or violence at school not only affects the students directly involved but can also negatively impact bystanders, the larger school environment and the community.

The good news is that Indiana is leading the nation in school security and safety planning. Indiana is one of only two states with a school safety specialist law, and is the only state in which the program is fully implemented. Every public school corporation in Indiana is required to have a certified school safety specialist, and 88% of districts have two or more specialists.

David Woodward has worked at the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) for over 20 years and is architect of the state’s School Safety Academy. Started in 1999, the Academy’s five-day basic training covers national and state best practices on topics such as cyberbullying, digital threats, active shooters, safe and effective drills, student suicide and school entrance security.  Each district specialist must also complete two additional days of training annually and are tasked with starting the multi-step process of updating and implementing their district’s safety plan. As Woodward notes, “The threats to our schools are always changing, so our response always needs to be updated.”

Although our state is proactive in addressing the safety needs of schools, challenges remain. Fear at school can contribute to an unhealthy school climate and lead to negative student behavior. Students who feel unsafe at school are more likely to miss days of class, and students who witness school violence are more likely to experience health problems, social and emotional difficulties, and poor academic performance. According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, 78.1 percent of Indiana parents say they “definitely agree” that their child is safe at school. This is compared to the Healthy People 2020 initiative’s goal that 95 percent of parents will consider their children to be safe at school. We all have a role to play in creating and sustaining a climate of safety through our schools.

At the leadership and policy level, more can be done to increase both the actual and perceived levels of safety. In late February, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jennifer McCormick called on the General Assembly and our Congressional Delegation to pass additional school safety policies. Her two main requests were increased resources for mental and behavioral wellbeing, and ensuring that our private and charter schools all have the same requirements to keep our schools and students safe. Late in the legislative session, Governor Holcomb requested a $5 million increase in the state’s school safety grant fund, but the bill died in the final minutes of this year’s session. The May special session will be a time to finalize additional school safety actions and funding.

At the community level, effective communication is critical. Although schools understandably cannot publish their specific safety plans, they can and should talk with parents and community members about the steps they are taking to ensure students are safe. Experts suggest directly calling your school principal with safety concerns, noting that many people erroneously first call local law enforcement.  Student voice is also important in shaping and maintaining a safe school environment. Ask your school how they are supporting student engagement in their safety planning. Finally, do not underestimate the impact these national traumas have on our students’ sense of safety.

The horrific mass shooting in Florida has once again heightened our concerns for school safety. Indiana has proactively taken steps to ensure our schools have updated safety plans in place and yet even the best plans are not guarantees. All Hoosier parents and families should have a clear understanding of what is going on at the state and local levels, especially inside their individual schools. Students are understandably and admirably stepping up to not only regain their sense of safety but also to call for increased action. But as community leaders, parents and citizens, it is our shared responsibility to provide safe learning environments for all of our educators, administrators and, most importantly, our students.

(Tami Silverman is the president and CEO of the Indiana Youth Institute. She may be reached at iyi@iyi.org or on Twitter at @Tami_IYI)

The post School Safety is a Shared Hoosier Responsibility first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

There are real threats to all digital technologies, including those used to run elections. Election officials across the country are working day and night to identify, mitigate, and deter these threats. Our efforts seek to improve the overall security of election systems to ensure your votes remain safe and the process reflects your will.

In 2016, the intelligence community determined state voter registration systems were the target of cyber scanning activities by the Russian government. We have evidence that in one case those efforts resulted in the successful theft of voter data from an online system.

However, election security is not something that began in 2016. Election officials have always viewed the security of our elections process as an essential component of our work. What is new is the poten­tial for better information and resources from the intelligence community and federal agencies.

Notably, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has said repeatedly that the types of sys­tems Russian actors targeted were NOT involved in vote tallying. Vote tallying systems have a lower cyber-risk profile than the other connected systems we rely upon to bring voters information and ser­vices.

Intelligence agencies agree these activities will intensify in scope and sophistication and could involve different actors and tactics.  Election officials are acutely aware that the systems we manage are tar­gets for bad actors, foreign and domestic, just like many high-profile companies and other government agencies. A strong defense requires a coordinated response from all levels of government, the private sector, and you, the voters. Any attempt to disrupt and delegitimize elections is an affront to democra­cy and is not acceptable to anyone in the elections community.

Since DHS designated elections as critical infrastructure in January 2017, local, state, and federal offi­cials have worked tirelessly – and collaboratively – to respond. In every state, we are working hard to increase our defenses, build new detection techniques and plan for and practice recovery from possi­ble incidents. We have also engaged private sector partners, non-profits and universities to help pro­tect our systems.

In October 2017, a Government Coordinating Council was formed to ensure federal information and resources reach state and local election officials. The Council convened again on February 15, 2018 in Washington D.C. and we, its Executive Committee members, represent our colleagues in the elections community. The Council marks the first of its kind collaboration between federal, state and local offi­cials to secure elections. We are formalizing information sharing protocols to ensure timely and action­able threat information reaches all election officials so they can respond to threats as they emerge.

Our Council has guided the delivery of direct resources from DHS to support state and local election officials including onsite risk and vulnerability assessments, as well as a variety of other services and trainings to support election officials. While Council members and state election officials were in D.C., we participated in classified briefings given by FBI, DHS, and officials from the Office of the Director for National Intelligence. This was an important first step.

These efforts require a “whole of government approach” on investment. Upgrading technology and in­vesting in staff with cyber expertise at the state and local level will carry a significant price tag and must be a continuous effort. This is a race with no finish line. Failing to invest will leave us less secure than we need to be, and increase the probability that aspects of the election process will face service disruptions that threaten electoral confidence. While not every federal or state bill professing to support elections security will be appropriate, and election officials are likely to disagree on plenty of policy par­ticulars, we hope you will support the eventual investment.

For the last 18 months voters have been confronted with some true and troubling information, and your natural concerns have been intensified by the misreported information about election security.  The re­ality is that these stressful moments are not over, but voters don’t have to sit idly by and worry. Make your voices heard and your actions speak. You can help by continuing to participate in our democracy: vote, be poll workers and attend pre-election testing or post-election audits.  We run elections at the state and local level because this democracy is yours, and it requires your participation.

On behalf of our election colleagues around the country, we assure you that our eyes are wide open about potential threats and we are working every day on your behalf to make our elections secure.

The legitimacy of our leaders lies in the essential American belief that elections reflect the will of the people.  We are committed to our roll as enablers and defenders of that trust.

-Hon. Connie Lawson, Indiana Secretary of State, NASS President

-Mr. Judd Choate, Director of Elections, Colorado, NASED Immediate Past President

-Mr. Noah Praetz, Director of Elections, Cook County, Illinois, Election Center Representative

-Hon. Thomas Hicks, Chairman, U.S. Election Assistance Commission

-Hon. Robert Kolasky, Deputy Under Secretary (acting) for National Protection and Programs Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

 The Election Infrastructure Subsector Government Coordinating Council (EIS-GCC) is the first group of its kind to help important stakeholders share vital information regarding the elections process. The EIS-GCC includes members from the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), the Na­tional Association of State Election Directors, the Election Center and the International As­sociation of Government Officials.

The post Secretary of State Pens Open Letter to American Voters first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.