Tuesday, March 19, 2019

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Reader says thanks for 90th b-day surprise

Tuesday, March 12, 2019 8:00 PM

Dear Editor,
Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone helping me celebrate my 90th birthday surprise celebration. It was great and I really appreciate all the effort for it.
The BBQ, finger food, cheeseballs and pasta salad, plus a large cake, were all very tasty.
Also, thanks for all the nice cards, plus surprises inside.
Thanks to my children and families for the party.

0 comment(s)
Coalition says Indiana should be on Central Time

Tuesday, March 5, 2019 9:49 PM

On March 4, the European Union voted to abolish the twice-yearly clock change – i.e. no more daylight saving time. Similar discussions are occurring in Utah, Michigan, Florida, New England, etc. - but not in Indiana where, once again, our leaders have disallowed the discussion of our time zone situation. They simply ignored SB 542 until the time for talk ran out. This means that students will continue to travel at risk in morning darkness. Because of our incompatible sunlight schedule, teens will continue to struggle scholastically and their ranking of 2nd highest suicide attempt rate in the US will continue. Hoosiers will continue to be among the most tired and obese in the US. Evening events in summer will continue to be diminished because of lack of darkness – July 4th fireworks, outdoor concerts, evening dining out, star gazing, youth and family camping, etc. And while electronic technology has negated advantages for Indiana’s businesses of being on the same time as New York, the 3-hour time difference with California will continue to be a communication and travel handicap for Hoosier businesses and its citizens.

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Reader thinks commissioners dropped ball

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 4:00 AM

Dear Editor,
The commissioners by Indiana code 3-13-10-6.5 were to determine which incumbent members of the Wayne Township Advisory Board would hold office until a special election could be held. The incumbents were Randy Perigo, Wayne Nevitt and Mel Vance.
At the January 28th commissioners meeting, Commissioner Frey motioned for Perigo and Nevitt to be on the above board, Commissioner Bane seconded. There was no discussion nor was public comment offered (possible oversight?). The motion passed 3-0.
I later asked a commissioner what was their criteria on selecting the two members for the Wayne township board. He basically stated that there were no criteria. That all three were willing to serve and they chose two of the three until a special election could be held.
I asked the county clerk if and when that special election would be held. The clerk basically stated that no special election would be held and the two members chosen by the commissioners would hold office until the next election cycle (2022).

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Reader says wind details need to come out

Wednesday, February 20, 2019 7:02 PM

Dear Editor,
Our Commissioners are currently reviewing and negotiating three critical agreements submitted by APEX / Roaming Bison. The Economic Development Agreement will discuss project cost, requested tax abatement and what they propose are the presumed economic benefits that inure to the County and its residents. The Decommissioning plan will discuss the circumstances that will prompt the decommissioning, the cost of decommissioning, and what surety will be posted to protect the County. The Road Use plan will discuss which roads are to be used, what improvements will be required, maintenance during construction, interconnection of service and county roads and hopefully surety to protect the County. All of the documents are significant for a project that will impact and legally bind our County for 30 years or more.
Perhaps I missed it as the Commissioners aren’t transparent and don’t share information on this critical project, but I don’t believe Apex / Roaming Bison have yet provided their conceptual plans and specifications to the County Commissioners. Project specifics such as turbine height and locations, transmission infrastructure, construction schedule, traffic plans, etc. would seem to be critical information to not only understand the impacts to the County but are integral to the three agreements under consideration.

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Local woman pens letter to Gov. Holcomb

Friday, February 15, 2019 4:00 AM

Dear Governor Holcomb,
Greetings on this Valentine’s Day when I know you are busy working on many, many issues that a governor must. I thank you so much for being a measured, thoughtful man who lets us citizens know the pathway of his thinking. That keeps communication lines open and spirits positive in this era of difficult and strained national life. Thank you for that and for hearing and reading my letter.
I write specifically to let you know my dismay and strong feeling of dispiritedness over your decision to take the Hoosier State train service out of your budget. I can only imagine the competition for funds among INDOT projects, though I do know that here in Indiana we have been especially stubborn about privileging cars, trucking, and airline service to the point of ignoring what is one of our state’s greatest assets.
The main issue has been that we as a state have not been visionary about how rails can and should be funded and expanded for greatest positioning for economic benefit. As you well know, the mayors here in Western Indiana, in West Lafayette, in Lafayette, in Dyer, in Rensselaer, and in Crawfordsville have been excellent voices for the value of public transportation (and they put their money where their mouths are to help the state provide this service). Because they house a major university and many colleges, they are well aware of how trains can invigorate our state’s economy IF they are seen as vital modes of transport in the 21st century. Our young citizens, who like to work online as they commute, have been most vocal about this.

0 comment(s)
Reader: Citizens should see wind plans

Tuesday, February 12, 2019 4:00 AM

Dear Editor
There's been much press from the Commissioners on the collaboration between the citizens and elected officials to arrive at a Comprehensive Plan. Certainly, there is much to be gained when elected officials actively seek the opinions of their constituents on matters that affect the County.
Probably the most significant issue, one that will have greater impact than a Comprehensive Plan and the one that will change the County for generations, is that of industrial wind turbines. It follows then, that this issue deserves the same or a greater scrutiny, review and citizen collaboration than the Comprehensive Plan.
Apex / Roaming Bison has resubmitted their Economic Development Agreement, Decommissioning Agreement and Road Use Agreement to the Commissioners for review and approval.

5 comment(s)
Reader questions ownership of wind leases

Monday, February 11, 2019 4:00 AM

Dear Editor,
What country owns the wind lease you are signing?
In 2017, Indiana Farm Bureau expressed concern that almost 30,000,000 acres of U.S farmland is owned or leased with a significant portion being used for industrial wind turbine (IWT) leases.
Investors come from China, France, Italy, Portugal, Venezuela, Germany, Greece, Saudia Arabia, Netherlands, and Spain. In January 15, 2019, Akuo (has signed leases for industrial wind turbines in Montgomery County) sold 2 of its 3 US based wind farms to an Arab company.
When foreign countries buy or hold long term land leases for IWT for 20, 30 and 40 years. We are never going to get that farm land back. The will maintain control over it indefinitely.

0 comment(s)
Reader questions real value of wind farms

Friday, February 8, 2019 4:00 AM

Dear Editor,
Family farms started decades, even centuries ago, operating through many generations. These farms still exist today because so much care went into the land and environment in order to have the productive farms we have today.
Farmers live where they work, eat what they produce, value clean air, water and land for themselves, their families and communities.
Farmers have always worked on ways to improve production and protect and improve soil health in order to pass on future farmer’s productive land. Farmland is critical infrastructure like roads and bridges. “Without farms, there is not only no food, but there is no future. We need farmland to feed us and sustain our community, but also to help restore our planet” (America Farmland trust, Indiana News 2018).
How are current land owners protecting the land for future generations? They aren’t. It is being sliced and diced by gravel roads, underground cables, 300-700ft or larger industrial wind turbines installed across the once productive farm ground. No thought given to the drainage ditches and flattened drain tiles in fields. Now excess water lowers production and contaminate water sheds and creeks.

0 comment(s)
Reader says hate crime bills are unconstitutional

Tuesday, February 5, 2019 9:26 PM

Dear Editor,
Would you support a “Bias/Hate Crimes” Bill if you knew it was unconstitutional?
Supporters claim the moral high ground, saying Indiana is one of 5 states without “bias/hate crimes” legislation. They say bias/hate toward members of several “protected classes” should be an aggravating factor when sentencing.
A “Bias/Hate Crimes” Bill that lists “protected classes” is unconstitutional.
Such legislation would violate the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution by denying a person equal protection of the laws. It treats thoughts, beliefs, and actions more harshly for some than for others.
“Protected class” legislation violates the Indiana Constitution by granting privileges and immunities to some but not all citizens, while undermining the presumption of innocence. It also restricts the right to speak, write or print freely on any subject.

1 comment(s)
Thanks for generosity

Thursday, January 31, 2019 4:00 AM

Dear Editor,
I am writing to thank Crawfordsville residents for sharing the true meaning of Christmas with children in need this past holiday season.
Because of the generosity of donors in Crawfordsville and across the United States, Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, collected more than 8.8 million shoeboxes in 2018. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2018, the ministry is now sending more than 10.6 million shoebox gifts to children suffering from poverty, natural disasters, war, disease and famine.
These simple gifts bring smiles to the faces of children around the world. Packed with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items, these gifts bring joy and are a tangible expression of God’s love. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 157 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 160 countries and territories.

0 comment(s)
Thank you MoCo

Tuesday, January 29, 2019 9:33 PM

Dear Editor,
Volunteers For Mental Health of Montgomery County would like to thank our community/county for their generous supporting during our annual Christmas Gift Drive. We would not be able to meet the need without your help.
Our 2018 Gift Drive kicked off in November with our annual gospel concert which was held at New Ross Christian Church. We would like to thank the church for hosting the well attended concert. A special thank you to Glenna Florence, Tony Shuman, Don Baker, Chris Walters, and Ivan Brown for sharing their musical talents.
Following the concert, barrels and boxes were placed in locations around the county for gifts to help us provide Christmas for more than 200 people this year. Thank to those locations who had barrels and boxes: Teachers Credit Union, both locations of Hoosier Heartland State Bank, Big R, Walgreens, both CVS locations, New Ross Christian Church, and others. We accept donations of clothing and toiletries as well as cash to help purchase other items requested.

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Reader agrees with Timmons

Tuesday, January 29, 2019 9:32 PM

Dear Editor,
Good two cents. Might even be worth four cents today. Too many forces (and if you look deep enough, you’ll find they’re directly or indirectly political) are trying to make newspapers weak and irrelevant.
Keep hammering away. I am.

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Reader discusses Montgomery County’s Comprehensive Plan

Saturday, January 26, 2019 4:00 AM

Dear Editor,
Just before the past election I knocked on many rural doors in 10 townships and a few doors in the remaining townships in Montgomery County. Most townships were in the southern part of the country. My reason, to talk person to person about the coming election. Many times or most of the time the subject of zoning came up. Everyone, yes everyone, in the ten townships I talked with was against zoning with the exception of one person who had just moved here and was for zoning and five undecided. I am against zoning but it’s about the majority that count or should be. In talking with county residents it’s no wonder I am firm about zoning.
Zoning is not spoken now. New term, limited land use restrictions, also Commissioner John Frey is trying to sell the Comprehensive Plan. It’s my opinion both will need zoning. Regardless of how many are against zoning or the Comprehensive Plan, our commissioners are determined to have their way. The plan has been set to be approved. When the plan returns it will go to the planning committee to be voted on, if yes, then sent to county commissioner to be voted on where a yes vote will determine the future of Montgomery County. If the commissioners are in favor of the plan they had better hope their crystal ball for the future and the consulting firm’s crystal bar is very clear. Commissioners have really big ideas for our county. One of the big ideas is a thoroughfare north of Crawfordsville. It is to be located at County Road 650 N. They have already applied for a grant but have been turned down. Either very sure of themselves or wanting to hurry. They also recently asked our County Council for one hundred thousand dollars, a blanket amount, not explaining in detail. The council turned them down. Thank goodness we have trustworthy, sensible men on the County Council.
Being turned down may have been good news for the commissioners. In my opinion and others, County Road 650 N is the worst road in the county for a thoroughfare. I am just guessing the consulting firm choose it because of location only. For many, many years, ago, 650 N has been as the slough road or swamp road. Also many years ago, a new owner of the land in that area decided to burn off the grass on what is now the south side of the road. Owning the farm, but not living there, lit a match and set the grass on fire and left. When he returned the grass had burned off but the land was still burning. I was told that the land burned for a long, long time. Long enough to lower the ground level. Why did the land or ground burn, its peat ground (coal). I worked on the farm as a kid. When I drove onto the field the tractor wheels would sink a few inches in the ashes. Peat soil had better not be under County road 650 N or it might be hard to find a solid base for a thoroughfare. No matter, a good engineer can build a road about any place given enough money to operate. This would be only the beginning of cost. If the thoroughfare is to go straight to US 231 there would be land to purchase. Big plans-big changes.

0 comment(s)
No Need to ‘Warm Up’ Modern Vehicles in Cold Weather

Monday, January 21, 2019 4:00 AM

Dear Editor,
It is that time of the year when many motorists wonder if they need to let their vehicle “warm up” or idle before driving. In fact, today’s modern cars are ready to drive in cold temperatures without excessive idling. Unless you are trying to defrost the windshield or warm the interior of your car, idling longer than 30 seconds is unnecessary, even on the coldest days.

0 comment(s)
The Crawfordsville Human Rights Commission: Two Years On

Friday, January 18, 2019 7:03 PM

By Ethan Hollander
Two years ago, Mayor Todd Barton convened the Crawfordsville Human Rights Commission, a group of citizens tasked with promoting a spirit of goodwill and equality among the city’s inhabitants. As we reach this milestone, I’m writing this open letter to update the community on our activities and to issue an appeal for your support and input.
It’s been a busy two years indeed.
The Commission’s first task was to review the city ordinances, which govern issues not already covered by state or federal law. The goal was to identify places where they needed to be updated or failed to match contemporary conceptions of human rights. After thorough review, we noted that the city’s list of protected classes made no mention of sexual orientation or gender identity. We recommended amending the city ordinances to address the omission, and the Common Council quickly and unanimously adopted our recommendation.
This important step put Crawfordsville ahead of many communities like it in terms of its commitment to protecting human rights. In addition to simply being the right thing to do, we hope that this step will promote a positive image of our community and, in turn, make Crawfordsville an even more attractive location for economic development and investment.

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